Abstract: A food processing system having a wastewater screen apparatus includes a recirculation system having a self-cleaning filter for receiving fluid from the wastewater screen apparatus. The filter is operable in a first mode wherein the filter screens particulate matter from the fluid and the filter is operable in a second mode wherein the filter is purged of the screened matter. A pump pumps cleaned fluid from the filter to the wastewater screen apparatus, wherein a substantially continuous supply of cleaned fluid is delivered to the pump. A first fluid flow path fluidly connects the wastewater screen apparatus, the filter, and the pump. A control valve is operable to direct fluid along the first fluid flow path when the filter is in the first mode and the control valve is operable to direct fluid and screened matter along a second fluid flow path when the filter is in the second mode.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining a heat compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an inlet for introducing a non-liquid heat transfer medium to the heat compartment, and a drum rotatably mounted within the inner compartment and having an auger therein. The auger advances food product within the tank from the inlet end toward the outlet end and through the non-liquid heat transfer medium. The apparatus includes a recirculation mechanism configured and adapted to create a uniform temperature pattern within the heat compartment and to transfer non-liquid heat transfer medium from the outlet end of the heat compartment to the inlet end of the heat compartment.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank having an inlet end and a discharge end and at least one baffle divides the tank into a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein a temperature of the first compartment is greater than a temperature of the second compartment. A first drum is rotatably mounted within the first compartment of the tank such that a heat transfer medium contained in the first compartment of the tank will enter the first drum and a second drum is rotatably mounted within the second compartment of the tank such that a cool transfer medium contained in the second compartment of the tank will enter the second drum. A food product transfer device transfers food product from the first drum to the second drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for peeling or cleaning food product that includes a plurality of rollers each coupled to a drive box, preferably a gear box, by a vibration dampening coupling that preferably is disposed exteriorly of one end of the roller and part of the frame of the machine that supports the roller. A drive that preferably is an electric motor is attached to the drive box such that a plurality of rollers is driven thereby. Such an arrangement enables rollers to be driven at speeds of 600 RPM and preferably 750 RPM or faster, which decreases processing time and increases capacity and throughput. In a method of operation, each roller is driven at a speed of 750 RPM or greater to peel or clean food product before being discharged from the machine. In one preferred method, the rollers are driven at speeds between 900 and 1200 RPM.