CA2670245A1 - Alignment mechanism for food separator - Google Patents

Alignment mechanism for food separator Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2670245A1
CA2670245A1 CA2670245A CA2670245A CA2670245A1 CA 2670245 A1 CA2670245 A1 CA 2670245A1 CA 2670245 A CA2670245 A CA 2670245A CA 2670245 A CA2670245 A CA 2670245A CA 2670245 A1 CA2670245 A1 CA 2670245A1
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
aligning
longitudinal member
compression belt
aligning mechanism
mechanism according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA2670245A
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French (fr)
Inventor
James Haythornthwaite
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HAYTHORNTHWAITE JAMES ALAN
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA2670245A priority Critical patent/CA2670245A1/en
Publication of CA2670245A1 publication Critical patent/CA2670245A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A22BUTCHERING; MEAT TREATMENT; PROCESSING POULTRY OR FISH
    • A22CPROCESSING MEAT, POULTRY, OR FISH
    • A22C17/00Other devices for processing meat or bones
    • A22C17/04Bone cleaning devices

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Formation And Processing Of Food Products (AREA)
  • Meat, Egg Or Seafood Products (AREA)

Abstract

Method and apparatus for use in a soft separator including a compression belt and a hollow drum having a plurality of perforations, the compression belt applies pressure onto the hollow drum thereby results in a compression zone. The aligning mechanism comprises a longitudinal member located upstream of the compression zone of the soft separator, and above the compression belt, the longitudinal member is oriented at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to a moving direction of the compression belt; and aligning means for aligning solid components in mixed food components on the compression belt, the aligning means being coupled to the longitudinal member.

Description

ALIGNMENT MECHANISM FOR FOOD SEPARATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[ooo1] The present invention relates to method and apparatus for separating soft and solid components of food, more specifically, the present invention relates to a mechanism that pre-aligns solid materials for further processing in production.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[00021 In the food processing industry it is common to use a so-called soft separator which separates soft and solid components of food, for example, bones from meat.
Such food separator has been described for example in US Patent 4,899,890.

[0003] Referring to Figure 1, the soft separator 100 generally has a machine frame 102 supporting a hollow drum 104 driven to rotate and having a perforated outer surface 106, an endless compression belt 108 which is adapted to apply pressure onto the hollow drum 104 from outside on being wrapped around a portion of the circumference of the hollow drum 104.

[0004] The function of these machines is such that the material to be compressed is placed between the compression belt 108 and the perforated outer surface 106 of the hollow drum 104 and is thereby subjected to a quasi-hydraulic pressure. This pressure causes the more readily flowable soft components of the material mixture to flow through the perforations of the hollow drum 104, while the remaining components are left on the outer drum surface and are stripped away from there. A stripping blade 110, which may be positioned with its cutting edge directed against the direction of rotation of the hollow drum 104 and pressed against the outer drum surface may be used. Conventional means, for example but not limited to, a stationary auger (not shown), may be provided for removing material from interior 112.

[0005] With a soft separator, a variety of materials may be subjected to a separating process which involves the division of components of varying flowability. The process is continuous and generally high yielding. One common applied separation is the separation of bone from meat. The meat bones 114 are randomly positioned and fed to the hollow drum 104 via a shut or conveying belt before being carried to the perforated out surface 106 with the compression belt 108. The bones 114 may be placed on the compression belt 108 by hand at different heights and angles. The speed of the compression belt 108 may exceed operator efficiency, and thereby not allowing the bones to be placed in an efficient manner and therefore are randomly positioned. This presentation has several disadvantages. For example, randomly orientated bones between the perforated out surface 106 and the compression belt 108 causes different pressures between the compression belt 108 and the hollow drum 104. Another disadvantage of randomly orientated bones is the different contact areas between the bone and the drum, resulting in a reduction of separation efficiency.
Randomly orientated bones also cause guiding problems due to different pressures on the carrier belt sides and non-uniform wear of the belt.

[0006] Greater belt tension has to be applied to overcome frictional resistance created by the random bone presentation. This also reduces belt life and puts unnecessary loading on the belt supporting rolls plus drive load.

[0007] Further disadvantages of randomly orientated bones include more easily slitting or cutting of the belt due to uneven bone pressure. The slits or cuts further create a cleaning problem as small scraps of bone or flesh are hard to eliminate from the belt, thereby failing to satisfy the hygiene requirement.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to a method to orient the bones in a substantially single direction during the soft separation process of food. There is further a need to have an alignment mechanism for aligning solid component of the mixture of food components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an aligning mechanism for use in a soft separator including a compression belt and a hollow drum with perforations. The compression belt applies pressure onto the hollow drum thereby results in a compression zone. The aligning mechanism comprises a longitudinal member located upstream of the compression zone of the soft separator, and above the compression belt, the longitudinal member is oriented at an angle to a moving direction of the compression belt, and aligning means for aligning solid components in mixed food components on the compression belt, the aligning means is coupled to the longitudinal member.

[0010 Preferably, the aligning mechanism further comprises moving means for moving the longitudinal member.

[0011] Preferably, the longitudinal member is a an alignment shaft.

[0012] Preferably, the longitudinal member is perpendicular or angled to the moving direction of the compression belt.

[0013] Preferably, the aligning means comprises a plurality of fingers.
[0014] Preferably, the solid components are bones.

[0015] Preferably, the moving means is an air motor.
[0016] Preferably, the moving means is an electric motor.

[0017] Preferably, the longitudinal member oscillates in a direction parallel to a surface of the compression belt.

[0018] Preferably, the longitudinal member rotates about a longitudinal axis.
[0019] Preferably, the plurality of the fingers is flexible.

[0020] Preferably, the plurality of the fingers is rigid.

[0021] Preferably, the aligning mechanism further comprises a hopper for providing the mixed food components.

[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of aligning solid component of a mixed food component, comprising the steps of:
providing a compression belt and a hollow drum having a plurality of perforations;
applying pressure to the compression belt and the hollow drum to form a compression zone;
aligning solid components in mixed food components upstream from the compression zone, on the compression belt.

[0023] This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

Figure 1 depicts an existing soft food separator with random oriented solid food component;

Figure 2 shows a soft food separator with aligned solid food component;
Figure 3 illustrates one embodiment of the aligning mechanism; and Figures 4 (a) and (b) depict another embodiment of the aligning mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to some specific embodiments of the invention including the best modes contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention.
Examples of these specific embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
While the invention is described in conjunction with these specific embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0026] In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a,"
"an," and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0027] Referring to Figure 2, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an aligning mechanism is provided for aligning the solid component 202 of the food to be processed, before the food is to be compressed between the perforated out surface 106 and the compression belt 108. In general, the aligning mechanism is provided upstream from the compression zone, where compression belt 108 applies pressure onto the hollow drum 104. The aligned solid component, for example but not limited to, bones, provide more uniform pressures and comparable contact areas between the compression belt 108 and the hollow drum 104, thereby increasing separation efficiency.

[0028] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the aligning mechanism 300 which is generally located upstream from the compression zone, where compression belt 108 applies pressure onto the hollow drum 104. The aligning mechanism 300 includes a longitudinal member 302, for example an alignment shaft, which generally is mounted above the compression belt 108 and at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to the moving direction of the compression belt 108. Aligning means, for example, a plurality of fingers 304 is provided on the longitudinal member 302. The longitudinal member 302 may be stationary. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the longitudinal member 302 is driven by a moving means 306, for example but not limited to an electrical motor, an air motor, an oscillating pump or hydraulic cylinder to oscillate in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member 302. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the longitudinal member 302 is driven by a motor 306, for example but not limited to an electrical motor, or an air motor to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member 302.

[0029] The fingers 304 on the longitudinal member 302 may be made of rigid material, for example but not limited to stainless steel or hard plastic. The fingers 304 may also be made of flexible material, for example but not limited to soft plastic, rubber, urethane, or spring. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the lengths, size and positioning of the fingers 304 depend on the size of the solid food component, for example, bones.

[0030] Figure 4 (a) shows another embodiment of the aligning mechanism 400. In this embodiment, food components include the solid food components 402 are fed through a hopper 402. A longitudinal member 406, for example but not limited to an alignment shaft, is provided in the hopper 404, the longitudinal member 406 may traverse the hopper. The longitudinal member 406 may be at an angle, preferably perpendicular, to the moving direction of the compression belt 108. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the longitudinal member 406 is driven by a moving means 408, for example but not limited to an electrical motor, an air motor, an oscillating pump or hydraulic cylinder to oscillate in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal member 406. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the longitudinal member 406 is driven by a motor 408, for example but not limited to an electrical motor, or an air motor to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member 406.

[0031] Figure 4 (b) shows an example of the longitudinal member 406 with disc-shaped members 410 at predefined distance along the longitudinal axis. It should be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the lengths and size of the disc-shaped members 410 and the space therebetween depend on the size of the solid food component, for example, bones.

[0032] The present invention has been described with regard to one or more embodiments.
However, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claim.

08914246CA g

Claims (14)

What is claimed is:
1. An aligning mechanism for use in a soft separator including a compression belt and a hollow drum having a plurality of perforations, the compression belt applying pressure onto the hollow drum and resulting in a compression zone, the aligning mechanism comprising:

a longitudinal member located upstream of the compression zone of the soft separator, and above the compression belt, the longitudinal member oriented at an angle to a moving direction of the compression belt; and aligning means for aligning solid components in mixed food components on the compression belt, the aligning means being coupled to the longitudinal member.
2. The aligning mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising moving means for moving the longitudinal member.
3. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal member is an alignment shaft.
4. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal member is perpendicular to the moving direction of the compression belt.
5. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the aligning means comprises a plurality of fingers.
6. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the solid components are bones.
7. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the moving means is an air motor.
8. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the moving means is an electric motor.
9. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal member oscillates in a direction parallel to a surface of the compression belt.
10. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the longitudinal member rotates about a longitudinal axis.
11. The aligning mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of the fingers is flexible.
12. The aligning mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of the fingers is rigid.
13. The aligning mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising a hopper for providing the mixed food components.
14. A method of aligning solid component of a mixed food component, comprising the steps of:

providing a compression belt and a hollow drum having a plurality of perforations;
applying pressure to the compression belt and the hollow drum to form a compression zone;

aligning solid components in mixed food components upstream from the compression zone, on the compression belt.
CA2670245A 2009-06-25 2009-06-25 Alignment mechanism for food separator Abandoned CA2670245A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2670245A CA2670245A1 (en) 2009-06-25 2009-06-25 Alignment mechanism for food separator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2670245A CA2670245A1 (en) 2009-06-25 2009-06-25 Alignment mechanism for food separator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2670245A1 true CA2670245A1 (en) 2010-12-25

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103749637A (en) * 2013-12-31 2014-04-30 北京航天东方科技发展有限公司 Deboner with steel band combined belt conveying mechanism
FR3060946A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-06-29 Ynsect METHOD OF TREATING INSECTS COMPRISING THE SEPARATION OF CUTICLES FROM THE MOLLE PART OF INSECTS USING A BAND SEPARATOR
FR3060947A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-06-29 Ynsect METHOD OF TREATING INSECTS COMPRISING THE SEPARATION OF CUTICLES FROM THE MOLLE PART OF INSECTS THEN SEPARATING THE MOLLE PART INTO THREE FRACTIONS
WO2018122353A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-05 Ynsect Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects using a belt separator
WO2018122352A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-05 Ynsect Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects, and the soft part is then separated into three fractions
EP3747270A1 (en) 2019-06-05 2020-12-09 Yann Didelot Method for preparing crab meat
RU2775236C2 (en) * 2016-12-28 2022-06-28 Инсект Method for processing insects, including separation of cuticle from soft part of insects, using belt separator

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103749637A (en) * 2013-12-31 2014-04-30 北京航天东方科技发展有限公司 Deboner with steel band combined belt conveying mechanism
WO2018122475A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-05 Ynsect Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects using a belt separator
FR3060947A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-06-29 Ynsect METHOD OF TREATING INSECTS COMPRISING THE SEPARATION OF CUTICLES FROM THE MOLLE PART OF INSECTS THEN SEPARATING THE MOLLE PART INTO THREE FRACTIONS
WO2018122353A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-05 Ynsect Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects using a belt separator
WO2018122476A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-05 Ynsect Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects, and the soft part is then separated into three fractions
WO2018122352A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-05 Ynsect Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects, and the soft part is then separated into three fractions
FR3060946A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-06-29 Ynsect METHOD OF TREATING INSECTS COMPRISING THE SEPARATION OF CUTICLES FROM THE MOLLE PART OF INSECTS USING A BAND SEPARATOR
CN110099572A (en) * 2016-12-28 2019-08-06 昆虫公司 Method including the processing insect for using belt separator to separate the cuticula of insect with soft section
CN110099573A (en) * 2016-12-28 2019-08-06 昆虫公司 Then soft section is divided into the method for being used to handle insect of three parts including separating the cuticula of insect with soft section
RU2775236C2 (en) * 2016-12-28 2022-06-28 Инсект Method for processing insects, including separation of cuticle from soft part of insects, using belt separator
US11998029B2 (en) 2016-12-28 2024-06-04 Ynsect Method for treating insects, in which the cuticles are separated from the soft part of the insects, and the soft part is then separated into three fractions
EP3747270A1 (en) 2019-06-05 2020-12-09 Yann Didelot Method for preparing crab meat
FR3096873A1 (en) 2019-06-05 2020-12-11 Yann DIDELOT Process for preparing crab meat

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Effective date: 20140625