Kristin E Hansen

US Patent:

61353744, Oct 24, 2000

Filed:

Oct 8, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/415386

Inventors:

Kristin G. Hansen - Portland OR
Jeffrey A. Murray - Portland OR

Assignee:

Mursen Environmental, Inc. - Portland OR

International Classification:

B02C 1842

US Classification:

241 46013

Abstract:

Apparatus and improvements thereto are disclosed for processing food by-products. The apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a frame; an upstream and a first downstream pair of opposed rollers mounted for rotation within the frame, at least one of the rollers being rotated by a rotary drive mechanism. The apparatus further includes opposed upper and lower conveyors advanced between the upstream and first downstream pairs of opposed rollers as the rollers rotate, with the lower conveyor providing along opposite edges thereof for liquid run-off. The apparatus further includes an input region adjacent the upstream pair of rollers for introducing food by-products onto the lower conveyor. The first downstream pair of opposed rollers form between the upper and lower conveyors a gap of a first defined height. The upstream pair of opposed rollers form between the upper and lower conveyors a gap of a second defined height, wherein the first defined height is substantially less than second defined height.