Abstract: A feed section of a de-boning apparatus connected with an output section. The feed section comprises a cylinder forming a loading section and a packing section. The portion forming the loading cylinder section has a larger radius than the cylinder portion forming the packing section. A tapered face interconnects the cylinder portion forming the packing section. An auger having a helical flight of a constant radius passes through the cylinder forming a void along its length between the cylinder portion having a larger radius and the helical flight. The void allows product fed into the feed section to completely surround the auger and fill the helical void within the loading section with reduced pressure against the product.

Abstract: An improved motor coupling and bearing housing are disclosed for a meat deboning machine and the like wherein the motor coupling includes an axially fixed coupling between a drive motor shaft and an auger which accommodates axial movement during thermal expansion to reduce bearing and other parts failure, and allow the drive motor to operate at its magnetic center. A thrust bearing operates between the coupling and is pre-loaded by a biasing force exerted between the coupling and the drive motor shaft which also loads the coupling as it floats over the drive motor shaft. A twist lock connection is made between the coupling and the auger which allows for quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining a good drive connection. An idler housing in conjunction with the motor coupling accommodates thermal expansion of the auger clearance in the motor coupling accommodates small amounts of angular misalignment without placing large forces on the bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a meat deboning machine are disclosed of the type which includes a drive motor with a motor shaft, an auger for conveying meat and bone material product, and a motor coupling for coupling the auger to the drive motor shaft. A housing surrounds the auger which includes a feed can having an inlet into which the product is fed to an entry end of the auger, and a sieve screen through which the meat passes radially to separate from the bone material. The auger includes two sections consisting of a feed auger and a compression auger which have a continuous taper and flights when coupled together as a single auger. The flights have an increased depth, to receive more product with reduced cavitation and pressure. The inlet of the feed can feeds only a single entry flight of the auger so that product does not back up into the feed opening. The root of the auger has a taper of about 9.degree.

Abstract: A meat deboning sieve (A) is disclosed which includes a plurality of sieve plates (10, 10') stacked together in a sieve assembly (15). Radial grooves (B) in the sieve plates are machined along a radial center line of the assembly to define radially aligned slots (D,D') in sieve (A) when stacked and compressed together in a unitized construction. A bonding agent (62) bonds mating surfaces (64) together to eliminate any voids and accumulation of bacteria. A hardness coating (48) reduces friction reducing the temperature of the meat product and energy consumed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a meat deboning machine are disclosed of the type which includes a drive motor with a motor shaft, an auger for conveying meat and bone material product, and a motor coupling for coupling the auger to the drive motor shaft. A housing surrounds the auger which includes a feed can having an inlet into which the product is fed to an entry end of the auger, and a sieve screen through which the meat passes radially to separate from the bone material. The auger includes two sections consisting of a feed auger and a compression auger which have a continuous taper and flights when coupled together as a single auger. The flights have an increased depth, to receive more product with reduced cavitation and pressure. The inlet of the feed can feeds only a single entry flight of the auger so that product does not back up into the feed opening. The root of the auger has a taper of about 9.degree.