Abstract: A kernel removing apparatus and method for removing corn kernels from a cob of corn or similar food item. The kernel removing apparatus comprises a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes a sidewall forming an enclosed interior volume, a base, a motor, a gearbox, and a power source. The second housing includes a driveshaft and a cutting assembly that are operably connected to the gearbox and the motor of the first housing. When the motor is actuated, the gearbox rotates the driveshaft and the cutting assembly, wherein the cutting assembly removes corn kernels from a cob of corn, while the core of the cob is received within the tubular member of the cutting assembly. The kernel removing apparatus further includes a slidably securable conduit member having an input port that receives the cob of corn and an output port that dispenses the kernels.

Abstract: A food product molding machine of the type utilizing a hydraulically driven feed ram to move food product into the cavities of a reciprocating mold plate includes a ram speed control system operated with a pump supplemented by variable flow control from an accumulator. The system also includes a feed ram pressure release feature at the end of each mold plate fill cycle to reduce component wear and improve product quality.

Abstract: A feed hopper for a bulk food proportioning machine includes a pair of horizontally disposed counterrotating feed screws in the bottom of the hopper which provide a uniform and continuous gentle flow of product to the hopper outlet which is positioned to feed directly downwardly into the fill inlet of the proportioning machine.

Abstract: A food patty molding machine of the type utilizing a linearly reciprocable mold plate utilizes a direct rotary actuator drive which provides virtually direct linear transfer of the drive force to the ends of the linear drive shafts which support the mold plate. This results in the virtual elimination of high wear lateral loads. An encoder is directly linked to the rotary actuator drive shaft to provide accurate mold plate position signals which are utilized to control the operation of completely independently driven knock-out devices and to control operation of the feed ram during the feed stroke. Servo valve control of the hydraulic power unit which drives the rotary actuator and the feed ram cylinders also responds to suitably processed encoder signals to provide a wide range of speed and position control.

Abstract: A food patty molding machine of the type utilizing a linearly reciprocable mold plate utilizes a direct rotary actuator drive which provides virtually direct linear transfer of the drive force to the ends of the linear drive shafts which support the mold plate. This results in the virtual elimination of high wear lateral loads. An encoder is directly linked to the rotary actuator drive shaft to provide accurate mold plate position signals which are utilized to control the operation of completely independently driven knock-out devices and to control operation of the feed ram during the feed stroke. Servo valve control of the hydraulic power unit which drives the rotary actuator and the feed ram cylinders also responds to suitably processed encoder signals to provide a wide range of speed and position control.

Abstract: A food patty molding machine of the type utilizing a linearly reciprocable mold plate utilizes a direct rotary actuator drive which provides virtually direct linear transfer of the drive force to the ends of the linear drive shafts which support the mold plate. This results in the virtual elimination of high wear lateral loads. An encoder is directly linked to the rotary actuator drive shaft to provide accurate mold plate position signals which are utilized to control the operation of completely independently driven knock-out devices and to control operation of the feed ram during the feed stroke. Servo valve control of the hydraulic power unit which drives the rotary actuator and the feed ram cylinders also responds to suitably processed encoder signals to provide a wide range of speed and position control.