Patent ID: 6622950
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: A22C

Abstract:
A material processing machine for separating relatively soft material from relatively hard material, comprising:a separating chamber defining a flow passage extending between an upstream end and a downstream end; a fluted auger located within the separating chamber, wherein the auger rotates in a direction of auger rotation for advancing material from the upstream end of separating chamber toward the downstream end; and a pressurization arrangement for maintaining pressure on the material as the material passes through the separating chamber; wherein the separating chamber defines wall structure between the upstream and downstream ends which includes a series of perforations through which the soft material passes as the material is advanced through the separating chamber by the auger, wherein the perforations extend outwardly through the wall structure of the separating chamber and are configured to define a low pressure flow path through which soft material passes from the separating chamber flow passage to the exterior of the separating chamber, wherein the perforations are in the form of slots, wherein each slot extends generally in an upstream-to-downstream direction and defines an upstream end and a downstream end, wherein each slot is oriented at a positive angle of inclination relative to the direction of auger rotation between the upstream and downstream ends of the slot, wherein each slot further defines a radial slot axis, and wherein the radial slot axis is oriented at a reverse angle of inclination relative to the direction of flow of material through the separating chamber and at a reverse angle relative to the direction of auger rotation, wherein each slot includes divergent outwardly tapered slot wall structure that defines an increasing slot opening area in an inward-outward direction in the wall structure of the separating chamber.