Emulsification system

Abstract

An emulsification system is provided. The system includes a shaft that supports a plurality of cutting assemblies and plates in an alternating sequence, wherein the cutting assemblies rotate relative to the immediately adjacent plates. The plurality of cutting plates each have an identification system on a circumferential edge thereof to record the diameter of emulsification holes.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 325764, filed March 31, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 342848, filed May 17, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to an emulsification system for emulsifying or grinding food into small pieces or a slurry under pressure applied by a pump. The system typically features a vacuum back pressure and multiple rotating cutting components that cut food particles into increasingly smaller sizes as the food is pulled across a plate. Emulsification systems require periodic disassembly for cleaning, and components of the system need to be replaced periodically or as needed (e.g., the cutting elements) or processed (i.e., the emulsification plate). The disclosed apparatus aims to reduce the need to process certain components within the emulsification system, thereby simplifying maintenance practices for the supply chain and users of the emulsification system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first representative embodiment of this disclosure is provided. This embodiment includes an emulsification system. The emulsification system includes: a housing for fixedly supporting one or more emulsification plates and rotatably supporting one or more blades rotating relative to the respective one or more emulsification plates; wherein each of the one or more emulsification plates includes: a plate defining opposing first and second surface surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the plate; a central hole extending through the plate, the central hole being adapted to receive a shaft passing through it; a plurality of emulsification holes radially outwardly disposed from the central hole, each of the plurality of emulsification holes being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsification hole is formed with a uniform diameter; an edge having a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches, the... One or more first notches are configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing to secure the emulsion plate within the housing; the edge also includes one or both of a first set of second notches and a second set of second notches, wherein each second notch is smaller than one or more first notches, wherein the first set of notches is disposed on a first side of the first notch in one or more first notches, and the second set of notches is disposed on an opposite second side of the first notch in one or more first notches, and wherein the notch amount within the first set of second notches corresponds to a first digit of the uniform diameter of the plurality of emulsion pores, and the notch amount of the second set of second notches corresponds to a second digit of the uniform diameter of the plurality of emulsion pores.

[0005] A second embodiment of this disclosure is provided. The second embodiment includes an emulsifying plate. The emulsifying plate includes: a plate defining opposing surface surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the plate; a central hole extending through the plate, the central hole being adapted to receive a shaft passing through it; a plurality of emulsifying holes disposed radially outward from the central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying holes configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsifying hole is formed with a uniform diameter; an edge having a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within a housing of the closure plate; the edge also includes one or both of a first set of second notches and a second set of second notches, wherein each second notch is smaller than the one or more first notches, wherein the first set of notches is disposed on a first side of the first notch in the one or more first notches, and the second set of notches is disposed on an opposing second side of the first notch in the one or more first notches, and wherein the notch amount within the first set of second notches corresponds to a first digit of the uniform diameter, and the notch amount within the second set of second notches corresponds to a second digit of the uniform diameter.

[0006] Another representative embodiment of this disclosure is provided. This embodiment includes an emulsifying plate system. The system includes: a first plate having opposing face surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the plate; and a central hole extending through the plate, the central hole being adapted to receive a shaft passing through it. A plurality of emulsifying holes are arranged radially outward from the central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying holes being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each of the emulsifying holes is formed with a uniform diameter; the edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches, the one or more first notches being configured to engage one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing of the closure plate. The edge also includes one or both of a first set of second notches and a second set of second notches, wherein each second notch is smaller than the one or more first notches. The first set of notches is disposed on a first side of the first notch of the one or more first notches, and the second set of notches is disposed on an opposing second side of the first notch of the one or more first notches. The notch amount within the first set of second notches corresponds to a first digit of the uniform diameter, and the notch amount of the second set of second notches corresponds to a second digit of the uniform diameter. The second plate has opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the second plate, a central hole for receiving a shaft passing through it, and a plurality of emulsion holes, wherein the plate and the second plate are aligned such that the second surface of the plate contacts the first surface of the second plate, and the plurality of emulsion holes of the plate are coaxial with the plurality of emulsion holes of the second plate, wherein the plate and the second plate have substantially the same diameter.

[0007] The advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments, which have been illustrated and described by way of illustration. As will be appreciated, the disclosed subject matter can have other and different embodiments, and its details can be modified in various respects. Therefore, the drawings and description are to be considered illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the emulsification device.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the distal end of the emulsification device, depicting the first emulsification plate.

[0010] Figure 3 It can be used Figure 1 A front view of the first emulsifying plate in the emulsification device.

[0011] Figure 3A yes Figure 3 Side view of the first emulsion plate.

[0012] Figure 3B yes Figure 3 Detailed view of A.

[0013] Figure 4 It can be used Figure 1 A front view of the first emulsifying plate in the emulsification device.

[0014] Figure 4A yes Figure 4 Side view of the first emulsion plate.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The detailed view of B depicts one notch from the first group of second notches and two notches from the second group of second notches to indicate that the emulsion hole size (emulsion hole not shown) in the plate is 1.2 mm in diameter.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A further zoomed-in view of the view.

[0017] Figure 6A yes Figure 5 A further enlarged modified view of the view, with a different arrangement of the second set of notches, depicts five notches from the first set of second notches and two notches from the second set of second notches to indicate that the emulsion hole size in the plate (the emulsion hole is now shown) is 5.2 mm in diameter.

[0018] Figure 7 It is similar to Figure 1An exploded view of the emulsification system of the device, which includes multiple emulsification plate assemblies instead of a single emulsification plate.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of the emulsion board assembly of the system.

[0020] Figure 8A yes Figure 8 An exploded view of the emulsion board assembly.

[0021] Figure 8B yes Figure 8 Detailed exploded view of the emulsion board assembly.

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A detailed perspective view of the front of a portion of the post-emulsification panel.

[0023] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Detailed rear perspective view of the emulsion panel assembly.

[0024] Figure 10A yes Figure 8 Rear detailed view of the emulsion panel assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Turn now Figure 1-6A An emulsifying or grinding apparatus 10 is provided. The emulsifying apparatus 10 is configured to receive a relatively large stream of food, such as meat, and emulsify or grind the food to a smaller consistency for further processing, packaging, or consumption by a consumer in that state. In some embodiments, the apparatus 10 is used to prepare a food emulsion for human consumption, wherein bones are typically removed prior to the grinding or emulsifying process, while in other embodiments, the apparatus 10 is used to prepare a food emulsion for pet food, wherein a certain percentage or size of final bone material is permitted in a marketable food unit. The emulsion prepared by this apparatus can be used in marketable foods such as hot dogs, sausages, pet food, etc. Emulsions can also be prepared for use in animal feed or other purposes, but not for commercial sale to end consumers. In other embodiments, the emulsion can be used for materials not intended for use as human or animal food. While this subject matter description generally relates to food use—which will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful reading and understanding of this specification—the apparatus 10 can be used for purposes other than food—and the material to be provided, to be ground or emulsified by the apparatus 10, will substitute for the use of “food” as described herein.

[0026] Emulsifying devices typically include multiple stationary plates that are alternately positioned with rotating blades. In emulsifying devices with multiple plates, the plates are typically arranged such that the first plate has the largest orifice size, followed by plates with decreasing orifice sizes, each plate causing a smaller portion of the food to pass through it. In some embodiments, a vacuum is created at the discharge point of the impeller, at the discharge point of the emulsifying system, which increases the pressure difference across the multiple plates and blades to force the food through the multiple orifices in each plate, and the rotation of the blades on the surfaces (in some embodiments, only on the front surface of each plate, and in other embodiments, also on the rear surface of each plate) cuts the food flowing through the orifices as the blades pass through each orifice. In other embodiments, a pump may be positioned in front of the last plate to push the food through the set of plates and blades. In other embodiments, the machine may be aligned such that the food is pushed through the plates and blades by gravity.

[0027] As the blade slides across the front surface of the plate, and in some embodiments across the rear surface, the plate surface may become worn or discontinuous, especially at the edges of the holes in the plate. Therefore, the emulsification system must be disassembled periodically for cleaning, and when the system is disassembled, the front of the plate is frequently machined to restore a smooth surface finish and remove any burrs or protruding metal. Typically, users of emulsification machines have equipment to process the emulsified plates internally, but other users must rely on suppliers or emulsified plate manufacturers to process the plate to restore it to usable condition.

[0028] In some embodiments, when the surface of the emulsion board is ground to a very smooth finish and coated before use, the service life of the board between processing requirements is significantly increased. For example, in some embodiments, a very smooth surface finish is provided through the board manufacturing process. For example, the boards may be ground such that their surface finish does not exceed 6 Ra. Surface coatings may also be provided on the boards to increase their abrasion resistance life and minimize the frequency at which the boards need to be processed smooth enough for use. In some embodiments, the surface of the board may be coated with chromium nitride to contribute to the board's abrasion resistance. In some embodiments, the thickness of the chromium nitride coating may be between about 2 micrometers and about 5 micrometers. In some embodiments, the board is polished after being coated with chromium nitride to achieve a surface finish not exceeding 6 Ra.

[0029] Turn now Figure 1 , 2 7. An emulsifying or grinding device 10 is provided. Device 10 may include a housing 100 that supports and encloses components of the emulsifying system, including rotatable blades (120, 320, 520, 720) and plates 20, 20', 20" and plate assemblies (e.g., combinations of elements 20 and 220) in some embodiments.

[0030] In some embodiments, particularly in those where the apparatus is a zero-tension system, a plurality of plates 20 and blades 120 are arranged alternately such that the blades cross the front and rear surfaces of each plate (potentially excluding cuts across the rear surface of the last plate in the assembly). As discussed in detail below, the plates 20 are supported on both sides by radial arm surfaces 122 of each blade 120. The radial arms 122 support the plates 20 in both directions against forces applied to the surfaces of the plates 20 (due to the forces of the pump or vacuum and the forces of food being pressed against the front and possibly rear surfaces of each plate 20). As described below, the width of the plates 20 is substantially thinner than that of conventional plates (about 0.07 inches, or in the range of about 0.05 inches to about 0.1 inches, including all values ​​in that range—compared to conventional emulsifying plates which are typically about 0.375 inches in diameter—for embodiments where emulsifying plates with diameters of about 5 inches, about 7 inches, or about 9 inches are typically implemented in conventional emulsifying machines). Although the emulsifying plate 20 is much thinner than a conventional emulsifying plate, it has been determined that the plate 20 can withstand the expected forces / pressures applied to its surface during normal operation (with a sufficient safety factor for industry) without requiring a rigid backing plate in contact with the plate surface to provide additional strength for one or more plates 20 arranged in the plate and knife array. In some embodiments, at least the rearmost plate 20 may include a plate assembly (including plate 20 and backing plate A20, as described below) to resist forces applied to the surface of the plate due to the pressure of food passing through it.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will understand upon a thorough reading of this specification that using an emulsifying plate 20 that is significantly narrower than a conventional emulsifying plate offers several advantages. Some of these advantages are: (i) the emulsifying holes 52 are shorter (parallel to the width of the plate), which reduces resistance to food flow through the holes 52, and (ii) also reduces the particle size in the direction of food flow through the holes 52, as the blade 120 spanning the front and rear surfaces will tend to cut the food flowing through the holes 52. Another advantage (iii) is that because of the reduced particle size in the flow direction (which is a function of the width of the plate 20), the diameter of the holes 52 on each plate 20 can typically be increased (compared to plates with conventional thicknesses), and each plate 20 still achieves the same particle reduction as conventional plates, which further reduces resistance to food flow through the emulsifying plate 20. Due to this reduction in resistance to food flow through the plate 20, less pressure or vacuum can typically be used to induce food flow through the plate and blade assembly, (iv) which reduces the temperature change as food flows through the plate 20 and blade compared to the typical temperature increase of assemblies using conventional plate widths.

[0032] The housing 100 can rotatably support a shaft 140 disposed within the housing 100. The shaft 140 supports a plurality of blades, which are arranged alternately with a plurality of plates 20. (In some embodiments, the elements may be arranged (away from the distal end 140a of the shaft 140 and towards the outlet of the housing)—blade, plate, blade, plate, etc., and in some embodiments ending with a blade. In other embodiments, two cutting assemblies and plates may be arranged in the same order; in other embodiments, three blades may be provided with two plates disposed between the three blades.)

[0033] As discussed in further detail below, the blade (e.g., 120) rotates (in direction Q) with the rotation of the shaft 140, while the plates 20 are fixed relative to the housing. The housing 100 may be connected to a vacuum or other suction source at the housing outlet 8, which pulls the food through the holes 52 in the multiple plates 20, and there is a rotating blade (e.g., 120) that cuts the food into increasingly smaller sizes.

[0034] Alternatively, the product can be pumped through the housing and plates, as well as the rotating blades, where a higher inlet pressure forces the food through. Multiple blades (120) and plates are mounted on a shaft 140 and held in place by a collar 106 that rotates with the shaft 140, and a nut 104 can be provided to hold the collar 106 in place. In some embodiments, the shaft 140 may include a spline 142 disposed near the distal end 140a of the shaft. The spline 142 may include multiple teeth that engage with a similar feature 123a formed in a central bore 123 of the blades 120 to transmit torque from the shaft 140 to the blades 120. The plate 20 includes a central bore 24 larger than the spline 142, thus allowing the shaft 140 to rotate freely within the central bore 24. The central bore 24 of the plate 20 has a diameter Z. The plate 20 has an outer diameter (along its edge 23) Y.

[0035] In some embodiments, the blade 120 includes a central hub and a plurality of blades extending radially from the central member. The blades are either very close to or in contact with the adjacent surface of the plate 20 located next to the blade. As described above, a prime mover (vacuum, positive pressure, or gravity—possibly a combination of vacuum or positive pressure) is applied to press food against the surface of the plate and into the emulsion holes 52 within the plate. As the blade 120 rotates, the blades move across the holes 52 (on the front side 21 of the plate 20), which cuts the food that has entered the holes from the remaining food, resulting in small pieces of food (similar in diameter to the emulsion holes 52). In some embodiments, the blades also cut food pieces exiting the emulsion holes 52 from the rear side 22 of the plate 20.

[0036] Board 20 Figure 3-6AThe best illustration is shown below. First, it should be noted that in many emulsification systems, multiple plates 20 are arranged in series, initially with plates having relatively large emulsification orifices 52, followed by plates successively having smaller emulsification orifices 52 to provide smaller slices as the food flows through the housing 100. The specification and drawings disclose multiple plates, with labeling including a series of increasing apostrophes (') for the other plates. Plates within the housing will be constructed in substantially the same manner, using one or more apostrophes (') to indicate other plates in the device 10. The plates 20 may be circular. In other embodiments, the plates may be other shapes, such as elliptical.

[0037] In some embodiments, each successive plate 20 is an identical component, i.e., having the same number of holes 52, the same hole spacing and pattern, and the same hole diameter. In other embodiments, the first plate 20 may have holes of a first diameter, spacing, etc., while successive plates 20 (the plates that food will reach after passing through the holes in the first plate) may have holes of smaller diameters, larger spacing between adjacent holes, and different hole patterns, all of which are exemplary. The plate 20 may include a first surface 21 facing the housing inlet (or the distal end 140a of the shaft 140) and an opposing second surface 22 facing the housing outlet 8.

[0038] In some embodiments, each plate 20 may have a plurality of holes 52, each hole 52 having the same diameter (uniform diameter), while in other embodiments, the plate 20 may have a plurality of emulsion holes with different diameters, such as an increasing diameter as the emulsion holes extend radially outward from the central hole 24 of the plate.

[0039] In some embodiments, the emulsifying holes 52 are arranged radially outward from the central hole 24 in a geometric pattern that may include a consistent spacing with adjacent holes—or a consistent spacing in all directions, or in other embodiments, a consistent spacing along a row of adjacent holes, and another consistent spacing between adjacent emulsifying holes 52 arranged in different rows.

[0040] For example, refer to Figure 3 and 3B An embodiment of an emulsifying plate 20 is provided. The plate includes a plurality of emulsifying holes disposed in a plurality of parallel rows, such as row 1001. In some embodiments, the plurality of emulsifying holes 52 may have a uniform spacing, such that the plurality of holes are also arranged in one or two additional parallel rows extending in different directions. Figure 3 In 1003 and 1005).

[0041] refer to Figure 3BAdjacent holes 52 within the same row can be spaced at a consistent interval (here, R is used by default—the distance between hole centers), and adjacent holes in different rows are also spaced at a consistent interval R. In this embodiment, adjacent emulsified holes 52 disposed in adjacent rows can be spaced at different consistent intervals (S) in the radial direction, i.e., in direction 1010 perpendicular to the center of each of parallel rows 1001 and 1002. In this embodiment, the center of adjacent holes in two different rows (e.g., 1001 and 1002) is located at a distance Q measured in the direction parallel to rows 1001 and 1002, and in this embodiment, distance Q is equal to half of distance R. In a preferred embodiment, distance R can be 1.0 mm plus the uniform diameter of each emulsified hole 52, and distance S can be 0.5 mm plus the uniform diameter of each emulsified hole 52. These distances can be maintained for plates 20 with different hole sizes and can be modified based on desired operational performance and design constraints, as described below. Those skilled in the art, upon thorough reading and understanding of this specification, will be able to provide plate designs with a plurality of holes 52 at desired spacing without excessive experimentation, and considering the dual objectives of providing a large number of emulsifying holes for food passage and constructing plate 20, only conventional optimization is required, and plate 20 can withstand possible stresses applied to plate 20 during use with a sufficient safety factor. In some embodiments, particularly for plates with relatively small outer diameters (e.g., 5.0 inches), the plurality of holes 52 may be aligned in a circular manner around the plate, such as a plurality of holes 52 being aligned together with a first radius, and another plurality of holes being aligned together with various larger radii. In some embodiments, the placement of the holes may be staggered, such that holes aligned along a single radius but not along a single radial line, which allows adjacent plurality of holes 52 to be positioned at a radial distance smaller than the diameter of the hole 52 in the hole.

[0042] In some embodiments, reference Figure 4All the plurality of emulsified holes 52 within the plate 20 may be disposed outside a first circle 26 with a diameter (ZZ) just larger than the central hole 24 of the emulsified plate 20, and inside a second circle 27 located inside the outer edge 23 of the plate 20. In some embodiments, the diameter of the first circle 26 may be approximately 0.3 inches larger than the diameter of the second hole, and the diameter (YY) of the second circle 27 may be approximately 0.5 inches smaller than the diameter of the plate 20. The distance between the second circle 27 and the diameter of the plate should be significantly greater than the penetration depth of the first notches 32, 33 (discussed here—specifically the circle tangentially contacting the maximum penetration depth of the first notches), such that there is sufficient material between the first notches 32, 33 and the adjacent emulsified holes 52 of the first notches. This minimum spacing (and therefore the diameter difference between the plate diameter and the second circle 27) will be understood by those skilled in the art, and through a thorough reading and understanding of this specification, will be apparent that it is a function of the strength properties of the material used for the plate and the geometry of the plate 20 (especially its width). This difference is also a function of the radius of the blade 120 and the dimensional differences of the plate 20, if any.

[0043] As discussed herein, the emulsifying device 10 can be used with multiple plates 20 having orifices 52 of decreasing diameter (in some embodiments, the plates have orifices of uniform diameter) such that as food passes through the device 10, food pieces are cut into progressively smaller pieces (to emulsify the food passing through). In some embodiments, plates with orifices 52 of uniform diameter can be obtained, and the end user will select the desired plate (with different uniform orifice sizes) to properly emulsify the food. The plates can be selected from (for example, unless specifically specified, this is not limiting): 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.4 mm, 3.2 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.8 mm, 5.6 mm, 6.3 mm, 7.2 mm, 8.0 mm, and 9.9 mm. Other emulsifying orifice sizes can be provided. It will be understood that the number of emulsifying orifices 52 provided on the plate 20 is a function of the orifice size, and the spacing between adjacent orifices is a function of material strength, plate size, and orifice (uniform or non-uniform) diameter.

[0044] In some embodiments, plate 20 may be keyed to housing 100, for example, by a plurality of first notches 32, 33, which are arranged at intervals along the outer circumferential edge 23, and these first notches correspond to corresponding protrusions 92 in housing 100. Figure 7The protrusions 92 are keyed together to rotatably secure the plate 20 relative to the housing 100, but allow the plate 20 to move longitudinally along the housing 100 for adjustment purposes and to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the device 10. In some embodiments, the first notches may be spaced apart by a radial distance T, which is 45 degrees in some embodiments. The radial distance is somewhat arbitrary and may be different, as long as the housing 100 is keyed to the protrusions at the same radial distance as the first notches 32, 33. Alternatively, the plate 20 may include one or more protrusions keyed into a notch within the housing 20. In other embodiments, the plate 20 may include protrusions extending radially from a circumferential edge, and the housing may include a corresponding first notch. In other embodiments, the plate and the housing may each have one (or more) protrusions and one (or more) notches positioned for engagement between corresponding protrusions and notches.

[0045] In some embodiments, the plate 20 (20', 20”, etc.) may be configured to have a very thin and uniform width, i.e., a very thin and uniform outer circumferential edge 23. In some embodiments, the plate 20 is manufactured to have a width (X) of approximately 0.070 inches and has parallel front and rear surfaces 21 and 22. The width of this plate 20 is much thinner than that of any similar (conventional) size emulsifying plate currently used in the industry for emulsifying foods such as hot dogs, sausages, or pet food. Typical conventional emulsifying plates for standard diameter plates (typically 5, 7, and 9-inch diameters) are typically about 0.025 inches and 0.31 inches, respectively (for 5-inch and 7-inch diameter plates). A 9-inch wide plate with holes of 1.00 mm or less is 0.312 inches thick, while a 9-inch plate with holes greater than 1.00 mm is 0.375 inches thick. It is understood that the thickness of the plate is determined by the pressure within the system, with average pressures reaching 100 psi and peak pressures reaching 200 psi.

[0046] Emulsion boards 20, which are significantly thinner than conventional boards, are considered a beneficial development in the field of emulsion systems and are expected to achieve great commercial success. As mentioned above, users of emulsion systems typically lack the necessary funds, facilities, or interest to process worn emulsion boards to restore their surfaces to a smooth finish for continued use. These users often need to maintain a large stock of emulsion boards (i.e., multiple sets of emulsion boards with different emulsion hole diameters) so that they can keep their machines operational while other sets are sent to suppliers or manufacturers for processing to restore the proper surface finish. For users in some countries, no qualified supplier can process worn boards to specifications that allow for safe continued use, so these customers often ship the boards to manufacturers for reprocessing. This shipping incurs time delays (shipping plus the manufacturer's processing queue) and transportation costs, and in some cases, import / export duties need to be paid for international shipping (which may need to be paid multiple times during the lifespan of the emulsion board).

[0047] Using emulsion boards 20 with very thin widths (e.g., in the range of approximately 0.050 inches to approximately 0.1 inches, including all widths within this range, specifically approximately 0.060 inches, approximately 0.070 inches, approximately 0.080 inches, and approximately 0.090 inches) is advantageous because the emulsion boards are manufactured with a minimized width (and therefore a minimized volume of material) to reduce manufacturing costs and thus lower the manufacturer's selling price, maintaining an appropriate margin in costs so that the emulsion boards can be discarded (recyclable) once their surface finish is worn away without requiring reprocessing. While users will need to purchase new emulsion boards 20 more frequently than they currently need to purchase conventional emulsion boards, the cost of purchasing and receiving the boards (including shipping costs, and for users in different countries from the manufacturer, the elimination of multiple import / export taxes payable during the board's lifespan) is likely less than the total cost of boards that require reprocessing once or multiple times during their lifespan. Furthermore, user inventory control is likely to be more predictable compared to conventional boards that require periodic reprocessing.

[0048] In embodiments where plate 20 has a very thin width (e.g., between 0.050 and 0.10 inches), the circumferential edge 23 of plate 20 may include first and second sets of second notches 42, 43, which in Figure 5 , 6As best illustrated in 6A. First and second sets of second notches 42, 43 are provided to establish visual identification of the diameter of the emulsion orifice 52 within the emulsion plate 20, which in some embodiments is tactile identification, and in some embodiments is a uniform diameter. For example, when the emulsion plate 20 is constructed narrow (i.e., less than the width of a conventional emulsion plate with a perimeter of 5, 7, or 9 inches—for example, between about 0.050 inches and about 0.1 inches), it is difficult or impossible to include printed markings of the emulsion orifice diameter on the outer circumferential edge 23 of the emulsion plate, where the emulsion orifice diameter is typically provided on conventional emulsion plates. It is possible, but generally undesirable, to provide the diameter of the emulsion orifice on one of the surfaces 21, 22 of the emulsion plate, and this is undesirable because printing (if screen printing, etc.) will typically wear down quickly during use due to the blade 122 scraping against the surfaces 21 / 22 of the emulsion plate 20. Similarly, it is undesirable to emboss or otherwise mechanically alter the surface of a plate with a uniform diameter, as this may accelerate the wear of the plate.

[0049] Therefore, it has been found that it is convenient for manufacturers and users to identify the diameter (uniform diameter) of the emulsion pores 52 based on the identifiable number of the second notches grouped into the first group 42 and the second group 43. (Refer to...) Figure 6 A first embodiment is provided, which includes one gap within a first set of gaps 42 and two gaps within a second set of gaps 43. The number of gaps in the first set of second gaps 42 ( Figure 6 The number of notches in the second group of the second notch 43 is an integer equal to the diameter (in this embodiment, it is in mm), i.e., 1 mm. Figure 6 The second notch (42, 43) is equal to the first (tenths) decimal place of the diameter (in this embodiment, in mm), which is 0.2 mm. Therefore, the second notch (42, 43) indicates that the uniform diameter of the hole on plate 20 is 1.2 mm. Figure 6AIn the second embodiment, there are five notches in the first group of second notches 42 and two notches in the second group of second notches 43—this indicates that the uniform diameter of the holes on the plate is 5.2 mm. Other numbers of first and second groups of second notches 42, 43 can be provided to represent uniform diameters between 0.1 and 9.9 mm (or dimensions in other units as needed). In this embodiment, for example, if the uniform diameter is an integer (the tenths place is zero), then there will be no notches in the second group of notches 43. Similarly, if the diameter is less than an integer (e.g., less than 1.0 mm), then there will be no notches in the first group of second notches 42. In this embodiment, there is no second notch between the two first notches 32, 33. In other embodiments, additional groups of second notches can be provided to allow numbers to be represented by more than two digits, or in other embodiments, emulsion holes 52 of possibly different sizes can be represented within the same emulsion plate 20. Those skilled in the art, upon thorough reading and understanding of this specification, will realize that one or more sets of second notches can be provided on the circumferential edge 23 of the plate to identify other aspects of the plate construction—such as the material of the plate or the surface finish of the plate—and the number of notches within one or more sets of second notches is specified based on illustrations provided by the manufacturer, etc.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second sets of second notches 42 and 43 are located on opposite sides of the first notch 43, which is used to key the emulsion plate 20 to the housing. Placing sets 42 and 43 on opposite sides of the first notch 33 provides an easily noticeable separation between the second notches, helping the user quickly understand the diameter of the uniform hole 52.

[0051] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of second notches may be the same size, or in other embodiments, the size of the notches within the first group of second notches 42 may differ from the size of the notches within the second group of second notches 43, such that, except for or in lieu of the positions of the first and second groups 42, 43 relative to the first notch 33, the user can visually and / or tactilely distinguish the first and second groups 42, 43. In some embodiments, the second notches 42, 43 may be semicircles (or portions of circles smaller than half a circle, but with a constant radius along the notch) formed along their outer edges, with a radius in the range of about 0.01 to 0.1 inches, preferably 0.02 inches, 0.05 inches, or 0.075 inches. In other embodiments, the notches may be shapes other than semicircles, such as arcs, V-shapes, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the first notch may be 0.125 inches, and the second notch may be significantly smaller than the first notch, making it impossible to mechanically bond the plate 20 to the housing using the second notches.

[0052] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 and 6AAs shown, the second gap within the same group is positioned at a specific radial distance V from the adjacent second gap within the group, and in some embodiments consistent with it, such as 2.5 degrees from the adjacent gap within the same group. Alternatively, the gaps within the first group 42 may be spaced at inconsistent intervals, and / or the gaps within the second group 43 may be spaced at inconsistent intervals. The final second gap may be positioned with a different (larger in some embodiments) radial distance W from the adjacent first gaps 32, 33, which may be 10 degrees in some embodiments. See also Figure 6 and 6A It is understood that the radial spacing (T) between the first gaps 32 and 33 should be greater than the combined radial spacing V of the largest possible second gaps in the group (total 9-22.5 degrees) (plus the combined radial length of each second gap) plus the spacing between the last second gap and the adjacent first gap (e.g. 10 degrees), so that the first gaps should be spaced at a minimum of about 45 degrees (10 degrees + 10 degrees + 22.5 degrees + the combined radial length of all second gaps - estimated total about 2 degrees).

[0053] In some embodiments, in addition to visual and / or tactile recognition based on the notch itself, the second notches 42, 43 may be sprayed, screen-printed, or otherwise colored to identify uniform hole sizes at the time of sale.

[0054] Although the plate 20 described herein is described as being configured for single use (no need to process the surface after a certain period of use, or as required), it is conceivable that other plates—such as plates with a service life spanning one or more conventional widths of processed surfaces, and in some embodiments recoated to prevent wear (as described elsewhere herein)—may be provided with first and second sets of second notches configured to visually or tactilely represent the uniform diameter of the emulsion pores 52 of the plate.

[0055] At least in part, improvements to the manufacturing process, such as obtaining a very hard surface by coating the emulsion plate with a chromium nitride coating (e.g., a powder coating, such as a coating having a thickness of about 2-5 micrometers on all surfaces of the emulsion plate 20), can achieve the emulsion plate 20 as disclosed herein and have the features disclosed herein. Alternatively or additionally, it has been found that a manufacturing process of grinding the plate to a finish not exceeding 6 Ra provides a very smooth surface (including at the intersection of the emulsion holes 52 and the side surfaces 21, 22) to prevent the formation of scratches or burrs during use. Alternatively, the plate can be ground to the desired finish. Through testing, it has been found that emulsion plates 20 within the width range discussed above and having a specific width of 0.070 inches plus or minus 0.010 inches have sufficient strength for the emulsification process in embodiments where the plate 20 is cut with a knife on both sides. These plates have minimized material mass to optimize the use of the plate 20 as a disposal item for the final emulsification or grinding user.

[0056] A method for manufacturing the plate 20 described herein is provided. The method includes the step of providing a blank suitable for machining into the plate 20. The blank is then machined into a disc having a flat front and side surface and a cylindrical edge. First notches 32, 33 are machined into the edge 23 of the blank. A plurality of emulsion holes 52 are machined (drilled, laser-cut, etc.) into one of the faces 21, 22 of the blank to form through holes, the emulsion holes 52 establishing a desired uniform diameter for the plate 20. Based on the established uniform diameter, a first set of second notches 42 are machined into the edge 23 of the blank and located between two first notches 32, 33, such that the number of the first set of second notches 42 is equal to the total number of uniform diameters of the emulsion holes 52 (e.g., for an emulsion hole with a uniform diameter of 3.2 mm, three first set of second notches are provided). Based on the established uniform diameter, a second set of second notches 43 are machined into the edge 23 of the blank and located on opposite sides of the first notches 33 from the first set of second notches 42. The number of second notches 43 in the second group is equal to one-tenth of the uniform diameter (e.g., for a uniform diameter emulsion hole of 3.2 mm, two second notches in the second group are provided).

[0057] The front surface 21 and the rear surface 22 can then be ground to a smooth surface finish, such as a smoothness specification not exceeding 6 Ra. Other surface finishes can be achieved depending on the intended use of the blank.

[0058] The plate 20 can then be coated to increase its strength and wear resistance. In some embodiments, the plate is coated with chromium nitride (either by powder coating or by PVD—physical vapor deposition) on all surfaces to establish a chromium nitride thickness of 2-5 micrometers. After grinding and coating, the plate 20 is polished to 6 Ra or better to improve wear life. Chromium nitride is inert, corrosion-resistant, and approved by at least some regulatory agencies for use in food contact materials.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second set of notches may be printed or sprayed so that they are visually perceptible due to the spraying / printing as well as the notches themselves.

[0060] Now go to Figure 7-10A Another embodiment of the emulsification system is provided. The system includes a housing 100 that supports and encloses components of the emulsification system, including one or more rotatable blades (120, 320, 520, etc.) and one or more plate assemblies, each plate assembly including emulsification plates 20, 20', 20" and a second back plate A20, A20'. The emulsification plates 20, 20'(etc.) are constructed in the same manner as the emulsification plates described above, and when assembled, the rear surface 22 contacts the front surface A21 of the corresponding back plate A20.

[0061] It can be observed that the plate assembly described below is an improvement on conventional emulsified plates, which require periodic surface finishing (e.g., by grinding or polishing) to maintain a suitable surface for emulsification (i.e., removing burrs, sharpening hole edges, etc.). Understandably, each finishing of a conventional plate results in a reduction in plate width (and therefore, a reduction in plate strength). Emulsified plates need to be designed with sufficient strength for even the thinnest possible plate during their service life. A crucial design parameter for plate strength is the spacing between adjacent holes within the plate—providing sufficient plate material between adjacent holes to ensure the plate can withstand the maximum pressure exerted on the plate surface during operation with a sufficient safety factor. Through a thorough study of systems using one or more plate assemblies, those skilled in the art will understand that plates 20 and A20 used in the system will not thin during the service life of plate 20 because the plates are designed for single use; they are used until the front surface 21 and rear surface 23 of the plate are worn, and then replaced rather than machined. The back plate A20 does not cause significant wear during use. Therefore, since the combined width of the plate assemblies (20, A20) does not decrease with use, the width of the assembly never decreases. Thus, those skilled in the art, upon thorough reading and understanding of this specification, will understand that in the plate assemblies of the embodiments discussed below, the plurality of holes 52, A52 can be placed closer together, resulting in a reduction in width over the life of the plate, compared to conventional plates that require periodic grinding. Because plates 20, A20 can have a plurality of holes 52, A52 formed closer together, each plate assembly can have more holes, which either increases the food flow rate through the system (at a constant pressure differential) or allows the system to operate at a lower pressure differential at the same flow rate—or will be understood as a combination of these advantages. Furthermore, allowing the emulsification system to operate at a lower pressure differential can further reduce design constraints on the plates (lower possible maximum pressure in the system), which can allow the plates to be designed with even closer hole 52, A52 spacing. Additionally, or furthermore, the amount of spring pressure required to maintain the system can be reduced. Once understood by those skilled in the art, this benefit discussed herein will allow designers to optimize hole spacing for the maximum pressure required within the system using only conventional optimization (based on the known material properties of the plate and its finishing process).

[0062] The plate assembly 20, A20 disclosed herein is provided, and it can replace the conventional emulsification plate in existing emulsification systems without requiring any modification to the system.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a view of the plate assembly, in which plate 20 is aligned with contact back plate A20. In some embodiments, a clamping ring B20 may be provided that contacts the front side 21 of plate 20 and includes a cylindrical portion B21 extending within the central holes 29, A29 of plate 20 and back plate A20. Figure 8AThis is an exploded view of the plate assembly. In some embodiments, the holes 29, A29 of plates 20, A20 may be threaded, and the clamping ring B20 may be correspondingly threaded to secure plates 20, A20 and the clamping ring together. The threads of the clamping ring B20 and plates 20, A20 may be reverse threads—in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of shaft 140. In some embodiments, only the inner hole A29 of the back plate A20 is threaded, and the thinner plate 20 is unthreaded, the diameter of the inner hole 29 such that a threaded cylindrical portion B21 extends through the central hole 29 of the thinner plate.

[0064] The back panel A20 may have the same outer diameter as the corresponding panel 20 and may be configured to have a wider width than the panel 20. Alternatively, the back panel A20 may have a slightly smaller or slightly larger outer diameter, for example, a difference of a few thousandths of an inch.

[0065] The back panel A20 includes two or more first notches A33, which, during assembly, align with corresponding notches 33 on the plate 20. As described above, the notches A33 (33) are keyed to protrusions 92 on the housing 100 to secure the plates 20 and A20 relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the plates 20 and A20 have the same number of notches spaced at the same circumferential position around the outer edges 23 and A23 to maintain alignment of the plates 20 and A23, as discussed further below. In some embodiments, the plate 20 may have additional protrusions 32 ( Figure 8 The protrusion 32 is configured to provide a visually perceptible separation between the first and second sets of second notches 42, 42, as described above. In these embodiments, the back panel A20 may not include the part corresponding to the separation notch 32. Figure 8 In other embodiments, the back plate A20 may include a corresponding notch, and these notches may interact with the protrusions 92 in the housing. An additional protrusion 32 may be provided on the plate 20 such that both sides of the plate 20 can be used as forward-facing sides 21, allowing the plate 20 to flip over when one surface 20 wears, so that the previously forward-facing side 21 now contacts the forward-facing side A21 of the back plate. Once flipped, the additional notch 32 is positioned at the same location as the notch A33 of the back plate A20 (in the two locations of the plate 20, the middle notch in the plate 20 corresponds to one of the two notches A33 of the back plate A20).

[0066] As described above, the back panel A20 may be formed from the same material, surface finish, and coating as the panel 20.

[0067] The backplate A20 includes a plurality of emulsion holes A52, and specifically, the backplate A20 may include the same number of holes 52 that are aligned in the same manner as the plurality of holes 52 on the plate. Figure 8-8BThe same number and alignment of holes 52 and 52A on plates 20 and A20 are depicted, and line 4000 depicts the centers of holes 52 and A52 aligned together.

[0068] In some embodiments, the hole A52 in the back panel A20 may have the same diameter as the hole 52 in the plate 20—this is based on the fact that the number of notches provided in the first and second sets of notches 42, 43 as described above is visually perceptible.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 and 10A As shown, the hole A52 in the back plate A20 has a larger diameter than the hole 52 in the plate 52. This configuration allows the smaller hole 52 in the plate 20 to set the size of the food piece extending through the hole 52, but the larger width in the back plate A20 minimizes the resistance to the flow of the cut food piece through the plate assembly, which minimizes the pressure (or vacuum) required to be applied to the food to cause the desired amount of food to flow through the plate assembly. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes A52 in the back plate A20 may have a diameter 33% larger than the diameter of the plurality of holes 52 in the plate, while in other embodiments, the hole A52 may be 20%, 30%, or, in other embodiments, an increase in the range of 10% to 40%, including all values ​​in that range (and the endpoints of that range).

[0070] In some embodiments, the hole A52 in the back panel A20 may include a constant diameter extending through the width of the hole A52. In other embodiments, the hole A52 may include portions with varying diameters and portions with constant diameters. In other embodiments, the plurality of holes A52 may include portions having two different diameters. In each of these embodiments, the diameter of the plurality of holes A52 is at least equal to and generally greater than the diameter of the plurality of holes 52 in the plate 20, as described above.

[0071] like Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the plurality of holes A52 in the backplate A20 may include a varying diameter A52A along a portion of the depth of the hole A52. For example... Figure 9As shown, the hole 52 extending from the first surface A21 of plate A20 may include a diameter that decreases along its depth for a portion of the hole A52, while the remaining depth of the hole A52 is constant. This design—having a larger diameter portion of the hole A52 at the intersection between the back surface 22 of plate 20 and the front surface A21 of back plate A20—may be advantageous in allowing food particles moving through the holes 52 in plate 20 into the corresponding aligned holes A52 in back plate A20 even when the corresponding holes 52, A52 are not perfectly aligned with each other. This minimizes flow resistance, which could be significant without the larger portion A52A of the corresponding hole to receive and guide the particles into the hole A52. The diameter-changing portion A52A may be a chamfered portion of the hole. In other embodiments, the portion of hole A52 extending to the back surface A22 may alternatively or additionally have a diameter that increases toward the back surface A22.

[0072] Through testing, it has been found that plates 20, A20 are designed to have holes A52 that are larger in the back plate A20 than the holes 52 in plate 20. This allows small bones within the food to pass through the holes A52 and be subsequently chopped up by the rotating blade 120 along with the food, and the bones do not clog the holes 52, A52 as frequently as observed in conventional plates including holes of the same diameter as those in the plate assembly disclosed herein. It has been found that, using the plate assembly disclosed herein, the system does not require a bone removal system, or does not require it as often as in systems including conventional plates with the same hole size, or it is not required at all. Similarly, the larger holes A52 in the back plate A20 allow frozen food to be pushed through the system under lower pressure than in conventional systems.

[0073] Plate assemblies 20 and A20 can be further aligned with one or more mechanical alignment features that interact between the two plates. For example, as Figure 8-9 As shown, the backplate A20 may include one or more bolts A77 extending forward from the front face A21, and the plate 20 may include corresponding positioning holes 78 that receive bolts when the rear face 22 of the plate 20 contacts the front face A21 of the backplate A20. Testing has determined that the pressure applied to the plate 20 during system operation, as well as the spring pressure within the system, is sufficient to maintain contact between the plate 20 and the backplate A20; the bolts A77 are provided solely to maintain alignment of the holes A52 and A52 with each other.

[0074] In some embodiments, system 10 may include one or more springs 402 positioned about shaft 140 and located between different groups of plates 20 / A20 and blade 120. Figure 7As shown, spring 402 can be located between blades 320 and 420, which interact with corresponding plates 20 / A20 and 20' / A20'. Spring 402 maintains compression within the system to ensure that the blades interact with the adjacent plates, thereby allowing the cutting edge 122 to cut food into or out of the emulsification holes 52 / A52 in the emulsification plate. Spring 402 also allows for some "play" in the system and maintains contact / space between the blade cutting edge 122 and the surfaces of plates 20 / A20.

[0075] In some embodiments, system 10 may include two or more emulsion plate assemblies, which may be configured in a system that uses only emulsion plate assemblies (and not individual emulsion plates). In other embodiments, one or more emulsion plate assemblies are used on shaft 140, which also includes one or more individual emulsion plates.

[0076] The term "about" is specifically defined herein as including a reference value and a range of ±5% of that reference value. The term "substantially the same" is satisfied when the end face widths of the holes are all within the above range. In embodiments where the hole 52 in the plate is not circular, the dimensions listed above refer to the principal dimensions of the hole (e.g., the width of a rectangular or square hole, or the median cross-sectional distance of a curved but not circular hole or a hole of arbitrary shape).

[0077] While preferred embodiments have been described, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and modifications can be made without departing from this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims, and all means, whether literal or equivalent, within the meaning of the claims are intended to be included therein.

[0078] Referring to the following representative paragraphs will best help in understanding the applicant's expected statement:

[0079] Representative paragraph 1: An emulsification system comprising:

[0080] A housing for fixedly supporting one or more emulsion plates and rotatably supporting one or more blades that rotate relative to the respective one or more emulsion plates;

[0081] Each of one or more emulsion plates includes:

[0082] A plate, which defines opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending around the circumference of the plate;

[0083] A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it;

[0084] A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsifying pore is formed with a uniform diameter;

[0085] The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing to secure the emulsion plate within the housing;

[0086] The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps.

[0087] Wherein, the first set of gaps is set on the first side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and the second set of gaps is set on the opposite second side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and

[0088] Wherein, the amount of the gap in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter of the multiple emulsion pores, and the amount of the gap in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter of the multiple emulsion pores.

[0089] Representative paragraph 2: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 1, wherein the uniform diameter includes an integer and a first decimal, wherein the amount of gaps in the first set of gaps corresponds to the integer of the uniform diameter, and wherein the amount of gaps in the second set of gaps corresponds to the first decimal of the uniform diameter.

[0090] Representative paragraph 3: An emulsification system of either representative paragraph 1 or 2, wherein each gap in the second gap of the first group has a spacing consistent with the spacing between adjacent gaps in the second gap of the first group.

[0091] Representative paragraph 4: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 3, wherein each gap in the second gap of the second group has a spacing consistent with the spacing between adjacent gaps in the second gap of the second group.

[0092] Representative paragraph 5: Emulsion system of any one of representative paragraphs 2-4, wherein there is no gap in the second gap of the second group when the uniform diameter is only an integer.

[0093] Representative paragraph 6: An emulsion system of any one of representative paragraphs 1-5, wherein the uniform diameter is in mm, wherein the number of gaps in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the number of mm of the uniform diameter, and the number of gaps in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter, which is a tenth of the uniform diameter in mm.

[0094] Representative paragraph 7: An emulsification system of any one of representative paragraphs 1-6, wherein the first and second surfaces of the emulsification plate are coated with chromium nitride powder.

[0095] Representative paragraph 8: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 7, wherein the two opposing surfaces of the emulsification plate are ground or polished to a roughness of up to 6 micrometers (6Ra).

[0096] Representative paragraph 9: An emulsification system of any one of representative paragraphs 1-8, wherein the emulsification plate has a width of about 0.070 inches along its edge, and wherein the emulsification plate has an outer diameter of one of about 5 inches, about 7 inches, or about 9 inches along its edge.

[0097] Representative paragraph 10: An emulsification system of any one of representative paragraphs 1-9, wherein the radii of the notches within the second set of notches are each in the range of about 0.010 to about 0.050 inches.

[0098] Representative paragraph 11: An emulsion plate comprising:

[0099] A plate, which defines opposing surfaces and edges extending around the circumference of the plate;

[0100] A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it;

[0101] A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsifying pore is formed with a uniform diameter;

[0102] The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing of the enclosing plate;

[0103] The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps.

[0104] Wherein, the first set of gaps is set on the first side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and the second set of gaps is set on the opposite second side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and

[0105] Among them, the gap amount in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter, and the gap amount in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter.

[0106] Representative paragraph 12: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 11, wherein the uniform diameter includes an integer and a first decimal, wherein the amount of the gap in the first set of gaps corresponds to the integer of the uniform diameter, and wherein the amount of the gap in the second set of gaps corresponds to the first decimal of the uniform diameter.

[0107] Representative paragraph 13: The emulsion plate of any one of the representative paragraphs 11-12, wherein each gap in the second gap of the first group has the same spacing as the adjacent gap in the second gap of the first group.

[0108] Representative paragraph 14: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 13, wherein each gap in the second gap of the second group has the same spacing as the adjacent gap in the second gap of the second group.

[0109] Representative paragraph 15: Emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-14, wherein, in the case that the uniform diameter is only an integer, there is no gap in the second gap of the second group.

[0110] Representative paragraph 16: The emulsion plate of any one of the representative paragraphs 11-15, wherein the uniform diameter is in mm, wherein the number of notches in the second notch of the first group corresponds to the number of mm of the uniform diameter, and the number of notches in the second notch of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter, which is a tenth of the uniform diameter in mm.

[0111] Representative paragraph 17: An emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-16, wherein the plate has a width of about 0.070 inches along its edge.

[0112] Representative paragraph 18: Emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-17, wherein the uniform diameter is in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 9.9 mm.

[0113] Representative paragraph 19: An emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-18, wherein multiple emulsion holes are arranged in a geometric pattern.

[0114] Representative paragraph 20: An emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-19, wherein a plurality of emulsion holes are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows along the surface, wherein the plurality of parallel rows are aligned perpendicular to a line extending through the center of the central hole and one of the first notches.

[0115] Representative paragraph 21: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 20, wherein a plurality of emulsion holes are each arranged in the space between an inner radial boundary and a circular outer radial boundary on the surface, wherein the radius of the outer radial boundary is smaller than the radius of the circle tangentially contacting the maximum penetration depth of each of one or more first notches.

[0116] Representative paragraph 22: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 20, wherein the centers of the emulsion holes in adjacent parallel rows are offset from each other, such that the centers of the emulsion holes in the first parallel row are aligned at points located on the outer or inner side of the first parallel row between adjacent emulsion holes in the second parallel row.

[0117] Representative paragraph 23: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 22, wherein the centers of adjacent emulsion holes in each parallel row are spaced apart by a distance equal to the diameter of each hole plus 1.0 mm in the direction along the row, and wherein the centers of the nearest emulsion holes in adjacent parallel rows are spaced apart by a distance equal to the diameter of each emulsion hole plus 0.5 mm in the direction perpendicular to the row.

[0118] Representative paragraph 24: An emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-23, wherein both opposite surfaces of the plate are coated with chromium nitride, which can be achieved by a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process.

[0119] Representative paragraph 25: An emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-24, wherein the two opposing surfaces of the plate are polished to a roughness of up to 6 micrometers (6 Ra), and are ground, milled, or polished.

[0120] Representative paragraph 25: An emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 14-28, wherein the plate has an outer diameter of one of about 5 inches, about 7 inches, or about 9 inches along its edge.

[0121] Representative paragraph 26: an emulsion plate of any one of representative paragraphs 11-25, wherein the radii of the notches within the second set of notches are each in the range of 0.01 to about 0.05 inches.

[0122] Representative paragraph 27: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 1-26 further includes a second plate having opposing first and second surface surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the second plate, a central hole for receiving a shaft passing through therethrough, and a plurality of emulsification holes, wherein the plate and the second plate are aligned such that the second surface of the plate contacts the first surface of the second plate, and the plurality of emulsification holes of the plate are coaxial with the plurality of emulsification holes of the second plate, wherein the plate and the second plate have substantially the same diameter.

[0123] Representative paragraph 28: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 27, wherein the diameter of the plurality of emulsification pores of the plate is smaller than the diameter of the plurality of emulsification pores of the second plate.

[0124] Representative paragraph 29: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 27-28, wherein the second plate includes a plurality of plugs extending from the first surface, and the plate includes a plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of plugs.

[0125] Representative paragraph 30: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 28-29, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification pores of the second plate has a varying diameter over at least a portion of its depth, wherein a first diameter at the first surface is greater than a second diameter at the second surface.

[0126] Representative paragraph 31: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 28-30, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification holes of the second plate has a chamfered portion extending from the first surface.

[0127] Representative paragraph 32: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 28-31, wherein the diameter of the plurality of emulsification pores in the second plate is approximately 33% larger than the diameter of the plurality of pores in the first plate.

[0128] Representative paragraph 33: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 27-32 also includes at least one spring configured in conjunction with one or more emulsification plates and one or more blades.

[0129] Representative paragraph 34: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 27-33 further includes a retaining ring having a first portion abutting against a first surface of the plate and a cylindrical portion extending through a central hole in the plate and the second plate.

[0130] Representative paragraph 35: An emulsion board system comprising:

[0131] The first board includes:

[0132] Opposite surfaces and edges extending around the circumference of the plate;

[0133] A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it;

[0134] A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each of the emulsifying pores is formed with a uniform diameter;

[0135] The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing of the enclosing plate;

[0136] The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps.

[0137] The first set of gaps is disposed on the first side of one or more first gaps, and the second set of gaps is disposed on the opposite second side of one or more first gaps.

[0138] Among them, the gap amount in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter, and the gap amount in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter;

[0139] The second plate has opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the second plate, a central hole for receiving a shaft passing through it, and a plurality of emulsion holes, wherein the plate and the second plate are aligned such that the second surface of the plate contacts the first surface of the second plate, and the plurality of emulsion holes of the plate are coaxial with the plurality of emulsion holes of the second plate, wherein the plate and the second plate have substantially the same diameter.

[0140] Representative paragraph 36: The emulsion plate system of representative paragraph 35, wherein the diameter of a plurality of emulsion holes in the plate is smaller than the diameter of a plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate.

[0141] Representative paragraph 37: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 35-36, wherein the second plate includes a plurality of plugs extending from the first surface, and the plate includes a plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of plugs.

[0142] Representative paragraph 38: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 36-37, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification pores of the second plate has a varying diameter over at least a portion of its depth, wherein a first diameter at the first surface is greater than a second diameter at the second surface.

[0143] Representative paragraph 39: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 38, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification holes of the second plate has a chamfered portion extending from the first surface.

[0144] Representative paragraph 40: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 35-39, wherein the diameter of multiple emulsification pores in the second plate is approximately 33% larger than the diameter of multiple pores in the first plate.

[0145] Representative paragraph 41: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 35-40 further includes at least one spring configured in conjunction with one or more emulsification plates and one or more blades.

[0146] Representative paragraph 42: The emulsification system of representative paragraphs 35-41 further includes a retaining ring having a first portion abutting against a first surface of the plate and a cylindrical portion extending through a central hole in the plate and the second plate.

[0147] Representative paragraph 43: An emulsification system comprising:

[0148] A housing for fixedly supporting one or more emulsion plates and rotatably supporting one or more blades that rotate relative to the respective one or more emulsion plates;

[0149] Each of one or more emulsion plates includes:

[0150] A plate, which defines opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending around the circumference of the plate;

[0151] A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it;

[0152] A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsifying pore is formed with a uniform diameter;

[0153] The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing to secure the emulsion plate within the housing;

[0154] The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps.

[0155] Wherein, the first set of gaps is set on the first side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and the second set of gaps is set on the opposite second side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and

[0156] Wherein, the amount of the gap in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter of the multiple emulsion pores, and the amount of the gap in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter of the multiple emulsion pores.

[0157] Representative paragraph 44: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43, wherein the uniform diameter includes an integer and a first decimal, wherein the amount of gaps in the first set of gaps corresponds to the integer of the uniform diameter, and wherein the amount of gaps in the second set of gaps corresponds to the first decimal of the uniform diameter.

[0158] Representative paragraph 45: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43, wherein each gap in the first group of second gaps has a spacing consistent with the spacing between adjacent gaps in the first group of second gaps.

[0159] Representative paragraph 46: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43, wherein each gap in the second gap of the second group has a spacing consistent with the spacing between adjacent gaps in the second gap of the second group.

[0160] Representative paragraph 47: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 44, wherein, in the case that the uniform diameter is only an integer, there is no gap in the second gap of the second group.

[0161] Representative paragraph 48: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43, wherein the uniform diameter is in mm, wherein the number of gaps in the first group of second gaps corresponds to the number of mm of the uniform diameter, and the number of gaps in the second group of second gaps corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter, which is the tenth digit of the uniform diameter in mm.

[0162] Representative paragraph 49: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43, wherein the first and second surfaces of the emulsification plate are coated with chromium nitride.

[0163] Representative paragraph 50: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 49, wherein the two opposing surfaces of the emulsification plate are polished to a roughness of up to 6 micrometers (6 Ra).

[0164] Representative paragraph 51: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43, wherein the emulsification plate has a width of about 0.070 inches along its edge, and wherein the emulsification plate has an outer diameter of one of about 5 inches, about 7 inches, or about 9 inches along its edge.

[0165] Representative paragraph 52: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43, wherein the radii of the gaps within the second set of gaps are each in the range of about 0.010 to about 0.050 inches.

[0166] Representative paragraph 53: An emulsion plate comprising:

[0167] A plate, which defines opposing surfaces and edges extending around the circumference of the plate;

[0168] A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it;

[0169] A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsifying pore is formed with a uniform diameter;

[0170] The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing of the enclosing plate;

[0171] The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps.

[0172] Wherein, the first set of gaps is set on the first side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and the second set of gaps is set on the opposite second side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and

[0173] Among them, the gap amount in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter, and the gap amount in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter.

[0174] Representative paragraph 54: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 53, wherein the uniform diameter includes an integer and a first decimal, wherein the amount of the gap in the first set of gaps corresponds to the integer of the uniform diameter, and wherein the amount of the gap in the second set of gaps corresponds to the first decimal of the uniform diameter.

[0175] Representative paragraph 55: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 53, wherein each gap in the second gap of the first group has the same spacing as the adjacent gap in the second gap of the first group.

[0176] Representative paragraph 56: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 55, wherein each gap in the second gap of the second group has a spacing consistent with the adjacent gap in the second gap of the second group.

[0177] Representative paragraph 57: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 54, wherein, in the case that the uniform diameter is only an integer, there is no gap in the second gap of the second group.

[0178] Representative paragraph 58: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 53, wherein the uniform diameter is in mm, wherein the number of gaps in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the number of mm of the uniform diameter, and the number of gaps in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter, which is the tenth digit of the uniform diameter in mm.

[0179] Representative paragraph 59: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 53, wherein the plate has a width of about 0.070 inches along its edge.

[0180] Representative paragraph 60: Emulsion plate of representative paragraph 59, wherein the uniform diameter is in the range of about 1.0 mm to about 9.9 mm.

[0181] Representative paragraph 61: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 60, wherein multiple emulsion holes are arranged in a geometric pattern.

[0182] Representative paragraph 62: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 60, wherein a plurality of emulsion holes are arranged in a plurality of parallel rows along the surface, wherein the plurality of parallel rows are aligned perpendicular to a line extending through the center of the central hole and one of the first notches.

[0183] Representative paragraph 63: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 62, wherein a plurality of emulsion holes are each arranged in the space between an inner radial boundary and a circular outer radial boundary on the surface, wherein the radius of the outer radial boundary is smaller than the radius of the circle tangentially contacting the maximum penetration depth of each of one or more first notches.

[0184] Representative paragraph 64: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 62, wherein the centers of the emulsion holes in adjacent parallel rows are offset from each other, such that the centers of the emulsion holes in the first parallel row are aligned at points located on the outer or inner side of the first parallel row between adjacent emulsion holes in the second parallel row.

[0185] Representative paragraph 65: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 64, wherein the centers of adjacent emulsion holes in each parallel row are spaced apart by a distance equal to the diameter of each hole plus 1.0 mm in the direction along the row, and wherein the centers of the nearest emulsion holes in adjacent parallel rows are spaced apart by a distance equal to the diameter of each emulsion hole plus 0.5 mm in the direction perpendicular to the row.

[0186] Representative paragraph 66: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 59, wherein the two opposing surfaces of the plate are coated with chromium nitride powder.

[0187] Representative paragraph 67: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 66, wherein the two opposing surfaces of the plate are ground to a roughness of up to 6 micrometers (6Ra).

[0188] Representative paragraph 68: The emulsion plate of representative paragraph 59, wherein the plate has an outer diameter of one of about 5 inches, about 7 inches or about 9 inches along its edge.

[0189] Representative paragraph 69: Emulsion plate of representative paragraph 53, wherein the radii of the notches within the second set of notches are each in the range of 0.01 to about 0.05 inches.

[0190] Representative paragraph 70: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 43 further includes a second plate having opposing first and second surface surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the second plate, a central hole for receiving a shaft passing through therethrough, and a plurality of emulsification holes, wherein the plate and the second plate are aligned such that the second surface of the plate contacts the first surface of the second plate, and the plurality of emulsification holes of the plate are coaxial with the plurality of emulsification holes of the second plate, wherein the plate and the second plate have substantially the same diameter.

[0191] Representative paragraph 71: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 70, wherein the diameter of the plurality of emulsification pores of the plate is smaller than the diameter of the plurality of emulsification pores of the second plate.

[0192] Representative paragraph 72: An emulsification system of representative paragraph 71, wherein the second plate includes a plurality of plugs extending from the first surface, and the plate includes a plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of plugs.

[0193] Representative paragraph 73: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 72, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification pores of the second plate has a varying diameter over at least a portion of its depth, wherein a first diameter at the first surface is greater than a second diameter at the second surface.

[0194] Representative paragraph 74: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 73, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification holes of the second plate has a chamfered portion extending from the first surface.

[0195] Representative paragraph 75: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 72, wherein the diameter of a plurality of emulsification pores in the second plate is approximately 33% larger than the diameter of a plurality of pores in the first plate.

[0196] Representative paragraph 76: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 71 further includes at least one spring disposed in conjunction with one or more emulsification plates and one or more blades.

[0197] Representative paragraph 77: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 72 further includes a retaining ring having a first portion abutting against a first surface of the plate and a cylindrical portion extending through a central hole in the plate and the second plate.

[0198] Representative paragraph 78: An emulsion board system comprising:

[0199] The first board includes:

[0200] Opposite surfaces and edges extending around the circumference of the plate;

[0201] A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it;

[0202] A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each of the emulsifying pores is formed with a uniform diameter;

[0203] The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing of the enclosing plate;

[0204] The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps.

[0205] The first set of gaps is disposed on the first side of one or more first gaps, and the second set of gaps is disposed on the opposite second side of one or more first gaps.

[0206] Among them, the gap amount in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter, and the gap amount in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter;

[0207] The second plate has opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the second plate, a central hole for receiving a shaft passing through it, and a plurality of emulsion holes, wherein the plate and the second plate are aligned such that the second surface of the plate contacts the first surface of the second plate, and the plurality of emulsion holes of the plate are coaxial with the plurality of emulsion holes of the second plate, wherein the plate and the second plate have substantially the same diameter.

[0208] Representative paragraph 79: The emulsion plate system of representative paragraph 78, wherein the diameter of a plurality of emulsion holes in the plate is smaller than the diameter of a plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate.

[0209] Representative paragraph 80: An emulsification system of representative paragraph 78, wherein a second plate includes a plurality of plugs extending from a first surface, and the plate includes a plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of plugs.

[0210] Representative paragraph 81: An emulsification system of representative paragraph 79, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification pores of the second plate has a varying diameter over at least a portion of its depth, wherein a first diameter at the first surface is greater than a second diameter at the second surface.

[0211] Representative paragraph 82: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 81, wherein each of the plurality of emulsification holes of the second plate has a chamfered portion extending from the first surface.

[0212] Representative paragraph 83: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 79, wherein the diameter of a plurality of emulsification pores in the second plate is approximately 33% larger than the diameter of a plurality of pores in the first plate.

[0213] Representative paragraph 84: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 78 further includes at least one spring configured in conjunction with one or more emulsification plates and one or more blades.

[0214] Representative paragraph 85: The emulsification system of representative paragraph 79 further includes a retaining ring having a first portion abutting against a first surface of the plate and a cylindrical portion extending through a central hole in the plate and the second plate.

Claims

1. An emulsification system, comprising: A housing for fixedly supporting one or more emulsion plates and rotatably supporting one or more blades that rotate relative to the respective one or more emulsion plates; Each of one or more emulsion plates includes: A plate, which defines opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending around the circumference of the plate; A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it; A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsifying pore is formed with a uniform diameter; The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing to secure the emulsion plate within the housing; The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps. Wherein, the first group of second gaps is disposed on the first side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and the second group of second gaps is disposed on the opposite second side of the first gap in one or more first gaps. Wherein, the amount of the gap in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter of the multiple emulsion pores, and the amount of the gap in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter of the multiple emulsion pores.

2. The emulsification system according to claim 1, wherein, The uniform diameter includes an integer and a first decimal place, wherein the amount of the gap in the first group of second gaps corresponds to the integer of the uniform diameter, and wherein the amount of the gap in the second group of second gaps corresponds to the first decimal place of the uniform diameter.

3. The emulsification system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each gap in the second gap of the first group has the same spacing as the adjacent gap in the second gap of the first group.

4. The emulsification system according to claim 3, wherein, The spacing between each gap in the second group of the second gap is the same as the spacing between the adjacent gaps in the second group of the second gap.

5. The emulsification system according to claim 2, wherein, When the uniform diameter is only an integer, there is no gap in the second gap of the second group.

6. The emulsification system according to claim 1, wherein, The uniform diameter is in mm, wherein the number of gaps in the first group of second gaps corresponds to the number of mm in the uniform diameter, and the number of gaps in the second group of second gaps corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter, which is a tenth of the uniform diameter in mm.

7. The emulsification system according to claim 1, wherein, The first and second surfaces of the emulsion plate are coated with chromium nitride powder.

8. The emulsification system according to claim 7, wherein, The two opposing surfaces of the emulsion plate are ground or polished to a roughness of up to 6 micrometers.

9. The emulsification system according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the emulsion plate along its edge is about 0.070 inches, and the outer diameter of the emulsion plate along its edge is one of about 5 inches, about 7 inches, or about 9 inches.

10. The emulsification system according to claim 1, wherein, The radii of the notches within the second group of the second notches are each in the range of 0.010 to 0.050 inches.

11. An emulsion board, comprising: A plate, which defines opposing surfaces and edges extending around the circumference of the plate; A central hole extends through the plate and is adapted to accommodate a shaft passing through it; A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each emulsifying pore is formed with a uniform diameter; The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing of the enclosing plate; The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps. Wherein, the first group of second gaps is disposed on the first side of the first gap in one or more first gaps, and the second group of second gaps is disposed on the opposite second side of the first gap in one or more first gaps. Among them, the gap amount in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter, and the gap amount in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter.

12. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The uniform diameter includes an integer and a first decimal place, wherein the amount of the gap in the first group of second gaps corresponds to the integer of the uniform diameter, and wherein the amount of the gap in the second group of second gaps corresponds to the first decimal place of the uniform diameter.

13. The emulsion board according to any one of claims 11-12, wherein, Each gap in the second gap of the first group has the same spacing as the adjacent gap in the second gap of the first group.

14. The emulsion board according to claim 13, wherein, The spacing between each gap in the second group of the second gap is the same as the spacing between the adjacent gaps in the second group of the second gap.

15. The emulsion board according to claim 12, wherein, When the uniform diameter is only an integer, there is no gap in the second gap of the second group.

16. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The uniform diameter is in mm, wherein the number of gaps in the first group of second gaps corresponds to the number of mm in the uniform diameter, and the number of gaps in the second group of second gaps corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter, which is a tenth of the uniform diameter in mm.

17. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The width of the plate along the edge is approximately 0.070 inches.

18. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The uniform diameter is in the range of 1.0 mm to 9.9 mm.

19. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of emulsion pores are arranged in a geometric pattern.

20. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of emulsified holes are arranged in multiple parallel rows along the surface, wherein the multiple parallel rows are aligned perpendicular to a line extending through the center of the central hole and one of the first notches.

21. The emulsion board according to claim 20, wherein, The plurality of emulsified holes are each arranged in the space between an inner radial boundary and a circular outer radial boundary on the surface, wherein the radius of the circular outer radial boundary is smaller than the radius of the circle that is tangentially in contact with the maximum penetration depth of each of the one or more first notches.

22. The emulsion board according to claim 20, wherein, The centers of the emulsion holes in adjacent parallel rows are offset from each other, so that the centers of the emulsion holes in the first parallel row are aligned at points located on the outer or inner side of the first parallel row between adjacent emulsion holes in the second parallel row.

23. The emulsion board according to claim 22, wherein, The centers of adjacent emulsion holes in each parallel row are spaced apart by a distance equal to the diameter of each hole plus 1.0 mm in the direction along the row, and the centers of the nearest emulsion holes in adjacent parallel rows are spaced apart by a distance equal to the diameter of each emulsion hole plus 0.5 mm in the direction perpendicular to the row.

24. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, Both opposing surfaces of the plate are coated with chromium nitride, which can be achieved through a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process.

25. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The two opposing surfaces of the plate are polished to a roughness of up to 6 micrometers, and are ground, spun, or polished.

26. The emulsion board according to claim 14, wherein, The plate has an outer diameter of approximately 5 inches, approximately 7 inches, or approximately 9 inches along its edge.

27. The emulsion board according to claim 11, wherein, The radii of the notches within the second group of the second notches are each in the range of 0.01 to 0.05 inches.

28. The emulsification system of claim 1, further comprising a second plate having opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the second plate, a central hole for receiving a shaft passing through therethrough, and a plurality of emulsification holes, wherein the plate and the second plate are aligned such that a second surface of the plate contacts a first surface of the second plate, and the plurality of emulsification holes of the plate are coaxial with the plurality of emulsification holes of the second plate, wherein the plate and the second plate have substantially the same diameter.

29. The emulsification system according to claim 28, wherein, The diameter of the plurality of emulsification holes in the plate is smaller than the diameter of the plurality of emulsification holes in the second plate.

30. The emulsification system according to claim 28, wherein, The second plate includes a plurality of bolts extending from a first surface of the second plate, and the plate includes a plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of bolts.

31. The emulsification system according to claim 29, wherein, Each of the plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate has a varying diameter over at least a portion of its depth, wherein a first diameter at the first surface of the second plate is greater than a second diameter at the second surface of the second plate.

32. The emulsification system according to claim 29, wherein, Each of the plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate has a chamfered portion extending from the first surface of the second plate.

33. The emulsification system according to claim 29, wherein, The diameter of the plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate is approximately 33% larger than the diameter of the plurality of emulsion holes in the plate.

34. The emulsification system of claim 28, further comprising at least one spring disposed in conjunction with the one or more emulsification plates and the one or more blades.

35. The emulsification system of claim 28 further includes a retaining ring having a first portion abutting against a first surface of the plate and a cylindrical portion extending through a central hole in the plate and the second plate.

36. An emulsion board system, comprising: The first board includes: Opposite surfaces and edges extending around the circumference of the first plate; A central hole extends through the first plate, and the central hole is adapted to receive a shaft passing through it; A plurality of emulsifying pores are arranged radially outward from a central hole, each of the plurality of emulsifying pores being configured to allow food to pass through therethrough, wherein each of the emulsifying pores is formed with a uniform diameter; The edge has a uniform width over the entire circumference of the first plate, wherein the edge includes one or more first notches configured to engage with one or more corresponding protrusions within the housing that closes the first plate; The edge also includes one or both of the first set of second gaps and the second set of second gaps, wherein each second gap is smaller than one or more first gaps. The first set of second gaps is disposed on the first side of one or more first gaps, and the second set of second gaps is disposed on the opposite second side of one or more first gaps. Among them, the gap amount in the second gap of the first group corresponds to the first digit of the uniform diameter, and the gap amount in the second gap of the second group corresponds to the second digit of the uniform diameter; The second plate has opposing first and second surfaces and an edge extending circumferentially around the second plate, a central hole for receiving a shaft passing through it, and a plurality of emulsion holes, wherein the first plate and the second plate are aligned such that the second surface of the first plate contacts the first surface of the second plate, and the plurality of emulsion holes of the first plate are coaxial with the plurality of emulsion holes of the second plate, wherein the first plate and the second plate have substantially the same diameter.

37. The emulsion board system according to claim 36, wherein, The diameter of the plurality of emulsion holes in the first plate is smaller than the diameter of the plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate.

38. The emulsion board system according to claim 36 or 37, wherein, The second plate includes a plurality of bolts extending from the first surface of the second plate, and the first plate includes a plurality of holes configured to receive the plurality of bolts.

39. The emulsion board system according to claim 37, wherein, Each of the plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate has a varying diameter over at least a portion of its depth, wherein a first diameter at the first surface of the second plate is greater than a second diameter at the second surface of the second plate.

40. The emulsion board system according to claim 39, wherein, Each of the plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate has a chamfered portion extending from the first surface.

41. The emulsion board system according to claim 36, wherein, The diameter of the plurality of emulsion holes in the second plate is approximately 33% larger than the diameter of the plurality of emulsion holes in the first plate.

42. The emulsion plate system of claim 36, further comprising at least one spring disposed in conjunction with the one or more emulsion plates and the one or more blades.

43. The emulsion plate system of claim 36 further includes a retaining ring having a first portion abutting against a first surface of the first plate and a cylindrical portion extending through a central hole in the first and second plates.

Images