Patent ID: 7192178

Claim:
An extrusion auger comprising one or more auger segments that are removable from an auger shaft in a forward direction along an axis of the auger shaft, wherein the removal is facilitated by a pulling tool, the auger segment comprising: an auger hub defining a bore adapted to engage the auger shaft and an outer surface opposite the bore, wherein the auger hub defines a forward end and an opposed rearward end; at least a portion of a flight joined to the outer surface of the auger hub; and at least one recess defined by the auger hub between the forward and rearward ends thereof and extending radially from the bore toward the outer surface, the at least one recess having an engaging surface facing in a generally axial direction away from the forward end of the auger hub and a side surface disposed generally perpendicularly to the engaging surface, the engaging surface being adapted to be engaged by the pulling tool, and the side surface being adapted to be engaged by the pulling tool to prevent movement thereof around the auger hub, whereby an axial force exerted on the pulling tool outwardly of the auger hub from the forward end pulls the auger segment along the axis of the auger shaft to facilitate removal of the auger segment from the auger shaft.