Abstract: A roller is provided with replaceable shells formed of panels. The roller includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction. A center flange and two end flanges are mounted on the shaft and extend radially outward from the shaft at axially spaced locations. Between each end flange and one side of the center flange, a replaceable shell is provided. Preferably, multiple additional center flanges and replaceable shells are mounted on the shaft between the end flanges. An internal pin system is employed to ensure no screws are visible while holding the shell panels in place.

Abstract: A feed roller is formed with a generally cylindrical outer surface having raised portions arranged in a pattern that extends circumferentially around the surface. The raised portions are formed in distinct shapes. Preferably the distinct shapes are chevron shapes that retain dough between successive chevron shapes. The roller preferably has an annular ridge which prevents dough from escaping axially off the edge of the roller. In use, dough is feed between the feed roller and a mold roller. Some of the dough is retained on the outer cylindrical surface of the feed roller to provide a smooth surface for inserting the rest of the dough in mold cavities located in the mold roller.

Abstract: A food production apparatus includes a conveyor belt and a wire scraper. The conveyor belt supports and transports a food product. The wire scraper includes a wire and a motor. The wire is located above and extends across the conveyor belt to temporarily separate the food product from the conveyor belt. Operation of the motor causes the wire to continuously cycle back and forth between 1) movement in a first direction above and across the conveyor belt and 2) movement in a second opposite direction above and across the conveyor belt.