Screw set for continuous mixer wit pyramidal mixing elements

Abstract

A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio. Preferably, the product lines (204,206) are each equipped with a combined preblender and pumping device (202).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.