Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster. The invention includes a housing. Within the housing, a first set of trays and a second set of trays are mounted. The first trays and second trays are disposed such that they are generally vertically spaced from one another and in a generally parallel disposition with respect to each other. Means for mixing vapors are provided, and they are positioned in a vapor mixing zone which is intermediate the first set of trays and second set of trays.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer-toaster (DT) unit is used for removing traces of a hydrocarbon solvent from a mass of vegetable particles of oil. A conventional DT unit has within a housing, a set of solvent removal trays and a main ejector transporting solvent vapor and steam from below the tray set to between a pair of the trays in the set. The improved DT unit has a further scavenger tray between an inlet of the main ejector and the housing floor. A scavenger ejector transports solvent vapor from between the scavenger tray and the housing floor before it exits from the unit, to the space between the tray set and the scavenger tray.

Abstract: An agricultural product treatment system. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a truncated conical section which has a small diameter at one end in fluid communication with a conduit array conveying particulate matter from the DT. An open large diameter end of the structure is axially coextensive and coaxial with an expanded diameter conduit portion.

Abstract: A bearing assembly can be used in liquid service applications where the bearing assembly is intermittently or continuously exposed to liquid, such as below the liquid level of a solid-liquid extractor. In some examples, the bearing assembly includes an annular sleeve and an annular bearing. The annular sleeve is designed to be installed over the end of a rotatable shaft and positioned inside of a housing through which the rotatable shaft at least partially protrudes. The annular sleeve has an outer surface and length parallel to the rotational axis of the rotatable shaft. The outer surface of the annular sleeve may taper radially inwardly along at least a portion of the length of the sleeve. As a result, the bearing assembly and rotatable shaft positioned therein may pivot within housing about the taper of the annular sleeve.

Abstract: An extractor which provides significant features over structures known in the prior art. The present improved structure employs nozzles which eject a jet of fluid upwardly into a granular or flake product being conveyed on a transfer conveyor.

Abstract: A gearbox comprises a gearbox housing containing a gear train whose shafts are supported by the housing. The housing is fastened to a mounting plate at exactly three attachment points. This three point attachment reduces distortion of the housing that may cause misalignment of individual meshing gears in the gear train, leading to premature failure of those gears transmitting high torque.

Abstract: An agricultural product treatment system. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a truncated conical section which has a small diameter at one end in fluid communication with a conduit array conveying particulate matter from the DT. An open large diameter end of the structure is axially coextensive and coaxial with an expanded diameter conduit portion.

Abstract: An extractor can be used to extract solvent-soluble molecules, such as aqueous or organic-soluble molecules, from solid material feedstock for downstream processing and recovery. In one configuration, the extractor is a percolation extractor having one or more extraction chambers each containing a screen supporting the solid materials as it is conveyed through the chamber, a fluid supply system delivering extraction fluid disposed above the solid material, and a fluid recovery system disposed below the solid materials for receiving the extraction fluid and solvent-soluble molecules contained therein. The extractor further includes a screen washing system disposed under the screen and supported against movement. The screen washing system includes a washing fluid intake and a plurality of outlet nozzles directed upward towards the screen. The screen washing system can keep the screen from plugging during operation, improving the extraction efficiency of the extractor.

Abstract: An agricultural product treatment system. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a truncated conical section which has a small diameter at one end in fluid communication with a conduit array conveying particulate matter from the DT. An open large diameter end of the structure is axially coextensive and coaxial with an expanded diameter conduit portion.

Abstract: A gearbox comprises a gearbox housing containing a gear train whose shafts are supported by the housing. The housing is fastened to a mounting plate at exactly three mounting points. A number of features cooperate with this three mounting point structure to reduce distortion of the housing that may cause misalignment of individual meshing gears in the gear train, leading to premature failure of those gears transmitting high torque.

Abstract: An extractor which provides significant features over structures known in the prior art. The present improved structure employs nozzles which eject a jet of fluid upwardly into a granular or flake product being conveyed on a transfer conveyor.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer toaster. The invention includes a housing. Within the housing, a first set of trays and a second set of trays are mounted. The first trays and second trays are disposed such that they are generally vertically spaced from one another and in a generally parallel disposition with respect to each other. Means for mixing vapors are provided, and they are positioned in a vapor mixing zone which is intermediate the first set of trays and second set of trays.

Abstract: An agricultural product treatment system. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a truncated conical section which has a small diameter at one end in fluid communication with a conduit array conveying particulate matter from the DT. An open large diameter end of the structure is axially coextensive and coaxial with an expanded diameter conduit portion.

Abstract: In one version of this invention, a gear box has mounting means such as a pair of facing walls for mounting the bearings for the axles carrying the gears. Each mounting means supports its bearing with a different stiffness to compensate for different loads imposed by gears that are closer to one of the bearings supporting the axle than the other. The different stiffness of each bearing mounting equalizes load-induced shifts of the position of the bearings holding the axle. Such a mounting equalizes such shifts, allowing the axles to remain substantially parallel and the gears in alignment. Aligned gears better maintain line contact between individual gear teeth, thereby reducing wear and breakage of the teeth.

Abstract: In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a boring bar, a slot, a channel, a centering pin, and an adjustment system. The slot may extend substantially perpendicular to an axis extending through the boring bar. The slot may be configured to receive a cutting unit. The channel may be located within the boring bar extending substantially along the axis. The centering pin may be moveably located within the channel and configured to selectively engage a centering feature in the cutting unit. The adjustment system may be configured to position the centering pin relative to the channel in a plurality of axes.

Abstract: A desolventizing process equipment. It employs a cold solvent washing station inserted in line with hot miscella washing stations. The equipment thereby affords temperature control of a miscella and material processed by the equipment.

Abstract: A gearbox comprises a gearbox housing containing a gear train whose shafts are supported by the housing. The housing is fastened to a mounting plate at exactly three attachment points. This three point attachment reduces distortion of the housing that may cause misalignment of individual meshing gears in the gear train, leading to premature failure of those gears transmitting high torque.

Abstract: An improved desolventizer-toaster (DT) unit is used for removing traces of a hydrocarbon solvent from a mass of vegetable particles of oil. A conventional DT unit has within a housing, a set of solvent removal trays and a main ejector transporting solvent vapor and steam from below the tray set to between a pair of the trays in the set. The improved DT unit has a further scavenger tray between an inlet of the main ejector and the housing floor. A scavenger ejector transports solvent vapor from between the scavenger tray and the housing floor before it exits from the unit, to the space between the tray set and the scavenger tray.

Abstract: An improved pontoon boat reduces outboard motor noise and vibration for passengers. A plurality of beams extends between port and starboard pontoons respectively to form a beam matrix to maintain the spacing of the pontoons, to support a deck sheet serving as a floor for the boat, and to support a motor bracket. The beam matrix includes at least a first and preferably a second motor beam, both attached between the port and starboard pontoons. A motor bracket for supporting the outboard motor is attached to and contacts the first and second motor beams only. A motor bracket support may attach the motor bracket to the first and second motor beams. The motor beams, the motor bracket, and bracket support contact only the pontoons, and thus isolate the outboard motor from the deck sheet, the remainder of the beam matrix, and the pontoons.

Abstract: A desolventizer/toaster (DT). The DT in accordance with the present invention is provided with a generally circularly cylindrical body formed with respect to a generally vertically extending axis. A plurality of substantially planar panels, generally perpendicular to the axis with respect to which the body is formed define a plurality of axially aligned chambers. Means, proximate a wall defining the generally circularly cylindrical body, are provided to afford ingress and egress into one or more of the chambers.