Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously processing cheese curd forms the cheese curd into a series of ribbons on a conveyor belt used to separate the whey from the cheese curd and then uses a series of plowshares, augers and other deflection means to displace or rotate the ribbons onto bare segments of the conveyor belt to enhance the draining of the whey from the cheese curd.

Abstract: A hygienic shaft seal for a food processing vat is comprised of an annular seal adapted to be inserted into an aperture in a wall of the vat having a shaft extending therethrough for surrounding the shaft and preventing contamination of the food product contents of the vat, yet still allowing for contaminants to be easily flushed from the seal. The seal is secured such that the seal is stationary with respect to the rotation of the shaft and includes an outer lip means for abutably engaging a portion of the shaft disposed in the aperture and an inner lip means for abutably engaging an annular flange on the rotatable shaft adjacent to the interior side of the wall. The seal, the inner lip means and the outer lip means define an annular channel around the shaft.