Abstract: A process and device for disloding hard food particles from perforations of a food separation chamber utilizes a closed pressure vessel in which the separation chamber is mounted, the particles lodged in the perforations being subjected while the separation chamber is in the vessel to a predetermined pressure and temperature until the particles are gelatinized. The vessel is then rapidly depressurized for suctioning out the gelatinized material from the perforations and for cleaning and sterilizing the separation chamber.

Abstract: A press for separating meat from bones includes an annular pressure chamber defined by an inner slotted separation chamber surrounded by an outer slotted separation chamber for reducing pressure within the chamber by increasing the total open area in the slotted chambers through which the meat can flow, to improve upon the texture of the meat recovered, to reduce its calcium content, and to avoid the total destruction of the bone. Pressure reduction is effected by reducing the volume of the product being depressed in the annular chamber, the elongated slots of the separation chambers present shearing edges for shearing away the meat from the bone as the separation chambers are counter-rotated. A back pressure control valve automatically opens in response to annular chamber pressure acting as a flow restrictor for controlling the pressure.

Abstract: A rotary de-icer for separating ice particles from comestible products covered with such particles, comprises a perforate drum mounted on an upstanding frame for rotation about a central axis of the drum, the drum having a cylindrical side wall comprising an assembly of elements parallel to the central axis and extending between opposing ends of the drum. The elements are mutually spaced apart to define uniform gaps through which separated ice particles fall by gravity upon being tumbled during drum rotation causing the ice-covered products to impact against the drum side wall elements which have continuous arcuate surfaces facing inwardly of the drum presenting a plurality of curved surfaces.