Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a device and system for controlled mixing of textured material along a linear path by means variable ohmic controls. The device comprising the following components: a dual auger unit wherein two linear augers are held within a single linear casing, each said linear augers having an increased diameter pitch along its length, perforations along the length of said single linear casing, electro-conductive plates attachable to each said perforation. The preferred embodiment of this invention is intended to be used for mixing pasta filata cheese curds to form a singular cheese mass with consistent texture. The device may also be used to mix other types of fluid textured material including food and non-food substances.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite pasta filata cheese without loss of material or excess debris. Said method is achievable by avoiding use of liquid to control the temperature of the cheese. This is referred to as a dry method of manufacturing pasta filata cheese. The dry method of manufacturing in this case utilizing ohmic heating mechanisms and counter-rotating dual compression belt system to maintain a dry heating and cooling environment. Foreign food particles may be added to the cheese at various stages of manufacturing before it is molded and cooled to set to form a homogenous composite pasta filata cheese mixture.

Abstract: An inventive solution directed to the production and lamination of pasta filata type cheese ribbons, such as mozzarella, provolone and blends thereof by concurrently and continuously pulling, stretching, cooling, and molding cheese through a series of channels, preferably elongated in nature, having enclosed cavities of particular negative dimension for molding purposes. The cheese is cooled by indirect heat transfer through thermal conductive walls of the elongated channels. The cheese is allowed to set as it is formed within the cooling and molding channels. As the cheese is pulled through and out of the distal end of the elongated channels, the series of released cheese ribbons are combined and pulled through a second series of compression channels by which multiple ribbons are compressed together to form larger laminated strips ready for immediate packaging, storage or further processing.

Abstract: An invention directed to the production of processed or cooked cheese by concurrently and continuously portioning, pulling to stretch, molding and cooling to set said cheese through a series of interconnected tunnels casted within two overlaying rotating belts. The overlaying belts having a series of grooves with negative dimension of a desired cross sectional shape for molding purposes. The two belts overlay each other such that the grooves combine to form a continuing tunnel along the length of the two belt assembly. Cheese is pulled into and through each tunnel wherein a given amount of pressure and cooling affect is applied. Released cheese ribbons of molded shape are ready for immediate packaging and storage.

Abstract: An invention directed to the production of processed or cooked cheese by concurrently and continuously portioning, pulling to stretch, molding and cooling to set said cheese through a series of interconnected tunnels casted within two overlaying rotating belts. The overlaying belts having a series of grooves with negative dimension of a desired cross sectional shape for molding purposes. The two belts overlay each other such that the grooves combine to form a continuing tunnel along the length of the two belt assembly. Cheese is pulled into and through each tunnel wherein a given amount of pressure and cooling affect is applied. Released cheese ribbons of molded shape are ready for immediate packaging and storage.

Abstract: An apron forming apparatus and method for bending and joining the ends of a pair of apron half segments includes a series of four apron support surfaces lying in a common plane. A clamping arrangement is mounted on each of the apron support surfaces for selectively clamping an apron half segment. A bending arrangement is secured to each of the apron support surfaces for selectively bending an apron half segment. Each of the apron half segments is disposed between a clamping arrangement and a bending arrangement on a pair of apron support surfaces such that the apron half segments lie substantially parallel to each other. Each of the bending arrangements is movable into engagement with an apron half segment to bend the apron half segment such that the ends of one bent apron half segment are placed in overlapping relationship with the ends of the other bent apron half segment.

Abstract: A marine drive having a drive sleeve and a drive sleeve adapter between the propeller shaft and the propeller hub where the drive sleeve absorbs the shock of the propeller striking an object by torsionally twisting a forward end of the drive sleeve which is keyed to the propeller hub and where the adapter is keyed to the propeller shaft and the drive sleeve is keyed to the adapter. The combination provides both high load capability and shock protection.

Abstract: In a marine drive (10), a drive sleeve (50) between the propeller shaft (22) and the propeller hub (34) absorbs shock after the propeller (12) strikes an object by torsionally twisting between a forward end keyed to the propeller hub and a rearward end keyed to the propeller shaft. The drive sleeve is composed of a plastic material providing torsional twisting angular rotation at a first spring rate less than 100 lb. ft. per degree from 0.degree. to 5.degree. rotation, a second higher spring rate beyond 5.degree. rotation, and supporting over 1,000 lb. ft. torque before failure.

Abstract: A shock absorbing drive sleeve (50) is provided by a molded plastic member directly mounting the propeller hub (14) to the propeller shaft (22). The sleeve has a rearward inner diameter portion (52) engaging the propeller shaft in splined relation, and a forward inner diameter portion (56) spaced radially outwardly of and disengaged from the propeller shaft. The drive sleeve has a rearward outer diameter portion (58), and a forward outer diameter portion (60) engaging the propeller hub. The drive sleeve and the propeller hub are tapered relative to each other such that a forward outer diameter portion (60) of the drive sleeve snugly engages the propeller hub, and a rearward outer diameter portion (58) is spaced slightly radially inwardly of the hub by a small gap (62) and may partially rotate relative to the propeller hub in response to rotation of the propeller shaft drivingly engaging the rearward inner diameter portion.