Abstract: Processing of certain foodstuffs in a high speed food processing apparatus is facilitated through the use of a flexible, non-ductile food basket, the shape of which is restored by the bowl when the basket is inserted into the bowl.

Abstract: The lid support member for the lid of a high speed food processing apparatus supports a mixing baffle blade through the center of the lid. The mixing baffle blade and its rotatable support are counterbalanced to help prevent the mixing baffle blade from freely rotating when its axis of rotation is not vertical.

Abstract: The lid support member for the lid of a high speed food processing apparatus supports a mixing baffle blade through the center of the lid. The mixing baffle blade assembly carries a lid scraper which rotates with the mixing baffle blade in contact with the inner surface of the lid to remove foodstuffs from the inner surface of the lid. Friction from the lid scraper helps present the mixing baffle blade from freely rotating when its axis of rotation is not vertical.

Abstract: A patty machine for forming successive patties of a predetermined size from a quantity of a bulk product, such as ground meat. The machine includes a charging chamber in which the product is pressure-fed into a patty mold cavity by means of intermeshing, positive displacement, self-wiping compressor screws. The product is delivered from a feed hopper to the entrance of the charging chamber by means of intermeshing, self-wiping conveyor screws which operate on a demand basis to convey the product to the compressor screws only as needed to thereby avoid unnecessary working or kneading of the product. Shafts for driving and supporting the conveyor and compressor screws extend throughout the length of the machine and each carries one conveyor and one compressor screw. The compressor screws are keyed positively to their respective shafts while only one conveyor screw need be so keyed, the unkeyed conveyor screw or screws being driven through intermeshing relationship with the keyed conveyor screw.