Fur processing apparatus with adjustable scraper unit

Abstract

 A fur processing apparatus for, e.g., mink fur, with a scrape units arranged to remove fat and flesh of a leather side (i.e. flesh side) of a fur when placed on a mandrel which is then projected forward in its length direction. Operating parameters of the scraping process may be set. In particular, a "hard" operating mode may be provided for thorough scraping of a neck region of the fur at high pressure and low speed.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of processing of fur, such as mink fur, and more specifically the invention provides a skinning or fleshing apparatus for scraping fat and flesh of a leather side (i.e. flesh side) of a fur.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Processing of fur, e.g. mink fur, often includes a process of removing fat and flesh residues from the back side of the fur by means of a skinning or fleshing apparatus with rotating scraper rollers that remove the fat and flesh during contact with the back side of the fur under pressure.

[0003] An example of a fleshing apparatus is disclosed in EP 2 093 299 B1 by Pamutec. This apparatus has an elongated mandrel on which the fur is mounted with its fur side facing inwards. Several rotating scraper rollers and brushes inside the apparatus serve to removefat and flesh and thus clean the fur while the mandrel is projected through the rotating scraper rollers which are pressed against the fur on the mandrel.

[0004] However, fat and flesh may not always be completely removed in such apparatus, and thus the fur can suffer from spots due to fat residues penetrating the pores of the skin from the flesh side to the fur side during the subsequent drying process. Thus, to improve the quality of the fur, it is important to remove as much fat as possible in the scraping process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Following the above description, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a fur processing device which can scrape the flesh side of the fur effectively free from fat and flesh residues, so as to improve the resulting fur quality.

[0006] In a first aspect, the invention provides a fur processing apparatus comprising

• a mandrel arranged for supporting a fur in a fixed position relative to the mandrel with a fur side of the fur facing inwardly towards a surface of the mandrel (M), and a flesh side of the fur facing outwardly;
• a first scraper unit comprising at least one scraper roller with a plurality of scraper blades, the at least one scraper roller being arranged to rotate and for being pressed into contact with the flesh side of the fur on the mandrel while the at least one scraper roller rotates;
• a drive for providing a relative linear motion between the mandrel and the first scraper unit in an axial direction of the mandrel and for providing a scraping pressure between the first scraper unit and fur supported by the mandrel;
• means for adjusting a value setting of at least one operating parameter of the drive.

[0007] The at least one operating parameter may in particular include a speed of said relative motion between the mandrel and the first scraper unit and/or the scraping pressure between the first scraper unit and flesh side of the fur on the mandrel and/or a length of the scraping operation and/or a length of the fur. As used herein, the term "drive" should be understood broadly to encompass not only a drive for rotating the scraper unit, but any structure supporting the mandrel and/or the scraper unit, including but not limited to drive elements, such as motors, for causing movement of parts, and/or structures, such as one or more cylinders for maintaining a scraping pressure between the mandrel and the scraping unit.

[0008] The present inventors have found that the operating parameters of the drive providing the motion and the scraping pressure between scraper unit(s) and the flesh side of the fur is decisive for the achieved result, i.e. of the quality of the scraped fur. In general, an increased scraping pressure is needed at increased speed. The most thorough scraping is achieved by applying a high pressure and a low speed. The combination of low speed and high pressure may in particular be applied at a neck region of the fur.

[0009] In embodiments, in which the at least one operating parameter includes the scraping pressure, the means for adjusting may advantageously be configured to allow the scraping pressure to be set at a value, which is higher than a pre-defined nominal value of the scraping pressure. Accordingly, a thorough scraping of tough fur, i.e. at the neck region of the fur, is conveniently achievable.

[0010] The means for adjusting the value setting of the at least one operating parameter of the drive may include any conceivable electronic, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic system for controlling e.g. the travelling speed of the mandrel and/or the scraping pressure. For example, the pressure exerted by the scraper unit upon the fur on the mandrel may be adjustable by a hydraulic cylinder or a mechanical structure providing a controlled biasing force of the scraping unit, notably the scraper roller, upon the fur on the mandrel. The position or setting of the hydraulic cylinder or the mechanical structure may be manually set or adjustable through an electronic user interface operatively connected to a control system, which controls the scraping pressure.

[0011] In general, a control system, such as an electronic control system, may be provided for controlling the setting of the at least one operating parameter value. A user interface may be provided for receiving a user input setting of the at least one operating parameter.

[0012] The scraping process may be conducted in zones along the length of the mandrel. The apparatus may accordingly be configured to control the at least one operating parameter at different values at respective zones along the length of the mandrel, and operating parameters may be set in respect of each of said zones. The control system may for example be configured to vary the scraping pressure exerted by a single scraper unit, and/or it may be configured to cause different pressures to exerted by respective scraper units. In preferred operating modes of the apparatus, the highest pressure is exerted in the neck region of the fur, and lower pressures are exerted at the remainder of the fur.

[0013] The means for adjusting may also allow the selection of the length of the fur. In one embodiment, a user may be provided with a selection among a definite number of predefined standard lengths.

[0014] In preferred embodiments of the invention, the means for adjusting are configured to set the at least one operating parameter before the first scraper unit is being pressed into contact with the flesh side of the fur supported by the mandrel. However, the means for adjusting may alternatively be configured to set the operating parameter value while the apparatus is operating, i.e. while the scraper unit is in contact with the flesh side of the fur, and while the mandrel moves relative to the scraper unit.

[0015] The means for adjusting may be configured to allow a user to select among a plurality of predefined options providing respective values for said at least one operating parameter, i.e. through a mechanical setting of a biasing force of the scraper roller towards the mandrel or through an electronic user interface. For example, the user may be allowed to select between various operating modes, in respect of each of which a number of operating parameters are set. The selection of operating modes may be provided in respect of each of the zone. For example the choice between a "hard" and a "soft" operating mode may be given to the user via the user interface in respect of each of the zones, e.g. a neck zone, a middle body zone and a distal body zone.

[0016] The operating parameters may be set for each operating mode by entering a percentage of a nominal pressure, speed or length. The control system may be pre-programmed to suggest certain operating parameter values in respect of various operating modes. For example, in the "hard" operating mode, the scraping pressure may be pre-set at nominal scraping pressure plus 15%, and the speed of relative linear motion between the mandrel and the scraper unit may be pre-set at a nominal speed minus 10%. In one embodiment of the invention, such percentages may modifiable by the user, for example through a user interface.

[0017] It has been found by the present inventors that about 10% of mink furs deviate from the remaining 90% of mink furs by being relatively large and/or by including a relatively tough layer of sinews and fat on their flesh side, notably in their neck region. Such furs would not be scraped satisfactorily in a conventional apparatus operating in accordance with standard settings, as the furs tend to become stiff after drying, and in worst cases, fat and sinews even remain on the fur after scraping. However by allowing an operator of the apparatus to set an appropriate combination of operating parameters for the scraping process, such as increased pressure and reduced speed in the neck region, the scraping results have improved. A "soft" operating mode may be selected in respect of non-difficult furs and/or for non-difficult regions of all furs to increase the capacity of the apparatus and to reduce the risk of damage caused to the fur by the scraper units.

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the apparatus according to the present invention include a plurality of scraper units, including thus a second scraper unit (SU2) comprising a plurality of scraper rollers (S1_2, S2_2, S3_2), wherein the second scraper unit (SU2) is arranged after the first scraper unit (SU1), seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel (M).

[0019] In general, the apparatus according to the invention is advantageous for fleshing or scraping of fur, such as mink fur, since the problem of fat and flesh residues is reduced compared to prior art apparatuses. This provides furs of higher quality.

[0020] Still, the apparatus can perform the complete scraping process automatically without the need for any manual operation involved other than placing the fur on the mandrel when it is in its initial position.

[0021] Preferred embodiments comprise a material dispenser arranged to apply an amount of particles, such as sawdust, to the fur between the first scraper unit and the second scraper unit, seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel. Further, the apparatus may comprise a set of scraper plates, such as made of rubber or a polymeric material or metal, arranged to scrape the fur, wherein the set of scraper plates are arranged between the first scraper unit and the material dispenser, seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel.

[0022] The apparatus may comprise a second material dispenser arranged to apply an amount of particles, such as sawdust, to the fur after the second scraper unit, seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel.

[0023] In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a mandrel support serving to support the mandrel in a horizontal direction to decrease a bending of the mandrel upon engagement of the at least one scraper roller of the first scraper unit. The mandrel support may be in the form of a wheel or roller mounted below the mandrel and in contact with the mandrel so as to support its downward bending during engagement with the scraper rollers. Hereby, a higher pressure can be applied to the scraper rollers, thus providing a more efficient scraping, especially of the head and neck part of the fur. The mandrel support may comprises a roller arranged to support the mandrel, wherein the mandrel support is arranged between the base of the mandrel and the first scraper unit. E.g. the roller may be positioned around midway between the base of the mandrel and the first scraper unit, however a good effect can be obtained also with the mandrel support in other positions along the mandrel. The roller may be mounted on an air or pneumatic cylinder, hereby allowing the roller to be disengaged. The mandrel support may have a fixed position in a length direction of the mandrel, however in other embodiments the mandrel support may be mounted to be movable in a length direction of the mandrel, such as the mandrel support being mounted on a sliding arrangement which is fixed to a frame of the apparatus. Especially, the mandrel support may be movable together with movement of the mandrel, e.g. the mandrel support may be mounted so as to synchronously follow the forward and backward movement of the mandrel.

[0024] In preferred embodiments, the first scraper unit comprises a set of horizontal scraper rollers, and a set of vertical scraper rollers. The apparatus preferably further comprises a second scraper unit comprising a set of horizontal scraper rollers, and a set of vertical scraper rollers. Especially, the scraper rollers of the second scraper unit are of the same type as the scraper rollers of the first scraper unit, however the scraper rollers of the second scraper unit may be of a different type than the scraper rollers of the first scraper unit, such as scraper rollers with a different diameter, a different material, a different number of teeth, and/or different size of the teeth. Such difference in type of scraper roller between the first and second scraper unit may provide an improved scraping quality, since it is possible to select a type of scraper roller for the first scraper unit which is suited to remove large amount of fat and flesh, whereas the type of scraper roller for the second scraper unit may be specially designed to remove minor pieces of fat and flesh.

[0025] In one embodiment, the horizontal scraper rollers of the second scraper unit are positioned before the vertical scraper rollers of the second scraper unit, seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel. Hereby, it is possible to reduce the length of the machine by such as 15 cm, due to the tail part of a mink fur placed only on the horizontal part of the mandrel, is then being scraped with a shorter stroke of the mandrel. This means a higher efficiency of the machine.

[0026] Preferably, the mandrel has a rectangular cross section, at least on its front part, where the mandrel is arranged for the fur to be placed. However, it is to be understood that the invention may also be used with mandrels of other cross sections, such as triangular, or pentagonal or the like. Preferably, the scraper units have scraper rollers angularly arranged to match the cross section of the mandrel, so as to scrape all sides of the fur when placed on the mandrel.

[0027] In a specific embodiment, the mandrel has a rectangular cross section, and a scraping arrangement comprises a sequence of: a first scraper unit with four rotating scraper rollers, followed by a set of scraping plates, such as four scraping plates, followed by a first sawdust dispenser, followed by a second scraper unit with four rotating scraper rollers, and followed by a second sawdust dispenser. After the second sawdust dispenser, the apparatus preferably has a fur removing arrangement for pulling off the fur from the mandrel, before the mandrel returns to its initial position for processing a new fur.

[0028] The apparatus may comprise a clamping arrangement arranged to clamp a head or nose part of fur to the mandrel, preferably to the frontal tip of the mandrel, during scraping. Such arrangement is advantageous, since it allow a firm fit of the fur to the mandrel, thus allowing a high scraping pressure to be used. Especially, it is preferred that the clamping arrangement is capable of firmly clamping furs where a head part is at least partly damaged. Preferably, the clamping arrangement is automatically engaged upon activating the fur processing. It is to be understood that different types of clamping shapes can be used, depending on the type of fur.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the first and second scraper units are housed within one common casing. E.g. a sawdust suction system may be included inside the casing so as to ensure that only a minimum amount of sawdust dispensed inside the casing is spread to the environment. However, in other embodiments, the second scraper unit comprising two or four scraper rollers may be provided as an add-on kit for mounting outside a casing. Possibly, such kit further includes a sawdust dispenser to apply sawdust or other material to the fur after the second scraper unit.

[0030] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method for scraping a fur, comprising

• mounting the fur on a mandrel (M) a fur side of the fur facing inwardly towards a surface of the mandrel and a flesh side of the fur facing outwardly;
• providing a first scraper unit comprising at least one scraper roller with a plurality of scraper blades, the at least one scraper roller being arranged to rotate and for being pressed into contact with the flesh side of the fur on the mandrel while the at least one scraper roller rotates and while the a relative linear motion occurs between the mandrel and the at least one scraper roller;
• selecting at least one operating parameter value for the relative linear motion between the mandrel and the at least one scraper roller;

and subsequently:

• causing the mandrel to move relative to the at least one scraper roller in accordance with said at least one selected operating parameter value, so as to scrape the flesh side of the fur.

[0031] It is understood that the same advantages as described for the first aspect apply as well for the second aspects, and the same principal embodiments from the first aspect apply as well for the second aspect. The first and second aspects may each be combined with any of the other aspects. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail in the following with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and is not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

Fig. 1 shows a side view of a partly open skinning machine embodiment with two units each having four rotating scraper rollers,

Fig. 2 shows a side view of another skinning machine embodiment comprising a set of scraping plates and two sawdust dispensers as well as a mandrel support to help reduce bending of the mandrel during scraping,

Fig. 3 shows a side view of yet another embodiment, similar to the one of Fig. 2 except that the order of the scraper rollers of the second scraper unit is reversed, such that the horizontal scraper rollers are placed before the vertical scraper rollers, and

Fig. 4 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a skinning machine;

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a user interface for an apparatus according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a first skinning machine embodiment. The machine has an elongated mandrel M with a rectangular cross section is arranged for receiving a mink fur with the head end arranged at the tip of the mandrel M, i.e. to the right on Fig. 1. The mandrel M is shown in its initial position where it is prepared for a fur to be mounted. During operation, the mandrel M is driven along its longitudinal axis, i.e. in the direction indicated by the bold arrow, so as to process the fur by a scraper arrangement with rotating scraper rollers arranged to remove remaining fat and flesh pieces on the leather side (i.e. flesh side) of the fur.

[0034] The scraper arrangement has two scraper units with scraper rollers with an intermediate sawdust dispenser SD arranged to sawdust onto the fur. The first unit of scraper rollers by which the fur is processed when the mandrel M is driven forwards, has four scraper rollers, of which only three are visible, namely two horizontal scraper rollers S1_1, S2_1 which are placed on opposite sides of the mandrel M during operation, and two vertical scraper rollers of which only the nearest one S3_1 is visible. The not visible vertical scraper roller is placed behind S3_1, and during operation the two vertical scraper rollers S3_1 are placed on opposite sides of the mandrel M. The fours scraper rollers S1_1, S2_1, S3_1 are thus placed to cover all sides of the fur when placed on the rectangular mandrel M. Fat and flesh removed by the scraper rollers S1_1, S2_1, S3_1 is pumped away by a motor driven pump FP. After processing by the first scraper unit, the fur is provided with sawdust from the sawdust dispenser SD, and subsequently, when the mandrel M is driven further forward, the fur is processed by a second scraper unit to remove the last pieces of fat and flesh as well as the sawdust which serves to absorb fat. Three out of the four scraper rollers of the second scraper unit are visible S1_2, S2_2, S3_2. An immobilzed fat scraper SF is provided downstream of scraper rollers S 1_1 and S 2_1.

[0035] All 8 scraper rollers are driven by respective electric motors.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows another skinning machine embodiment. It has the same type of mandrel M as described for the embodiment of Fig. 1. Further, the two embodiments are also similar with respect to the first scraper unit SU1 with two horizontal and two vertical scraper rollers, and the second scraper unit SU2 also with two horizontal and two vertical scraper rollers.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment which is similar to the one shown in Fig. 2, except for the order of the scraper rollers of the second scraper unit SU2. I Figs. 1 and 2, the horizontal scraper rollers S2_2, S3_2 of the second scraper unit SU2 are positioned after the vertical scraper rollers S1_2 of the second scraper unit SU2, seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel M. In Fig. 3, the horizontal scraper rollers S2_2, S3_2 of the second scraper unit SU2 are positioned before the vertical scraper rollers S1_2 of the second scraper unit SU2, seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel. Hereby, the length of the machine can be reduced for processing the same size of fur, and the efficiency of the machine can also be increased.

[0038] However, this embodiment has a set of two or four scraping plates SP of rubber or a polymeric material or metal, which scrape the fur, when the mandrel M is projected forwards so that the fur passes the scraping plates SP. The scraping plates SP are placed between the first and second scraper units SU1, SU2.

[0039] A first sawdust dispenser SD is arranged to apply sawdust to the fur after the scraping plates SP, but before the skin enters the second scraper unit SU2.

[0040] Further, a second sawdust dispenser SD2 is arranged to apply sawdust to the skin after having passed the second scraper unit SU2.

[0041] A further feature is seen on the embodiment of Fig. 2, namely a mandrel support MS serving to reduce horizontal bending of the mandrel M upon engagement with the scraper rollers of the first scraper unit SU1. Hereby, it is possible to provide a more efficient scraping of the head part of the skin, since it is possible to use a higher scraping pressure on the scraper rollers of the first scraper unit SU1. In Fig. 2 the mandrel support MS is shown in the form of a wheel or roller supporting the mandrel M placed below the mandrel M so as to support it in a horizontal direction. The wheel or roller is mounted on an air or pneumatic cylinder to provide a mandrel support which can be removed or disengaged by activating the cylinder, and the opposite end of the air or pneumatic cylinder is mounted on the non-moving frame of the machine. However, it is to be understood that the mandrel support MS may alternatively be mounted movably in a length direction, e.g. so as to follow the forward movement of the mandrel M.

[0042] It is to be understood that the apparatus may comprise a fur removing arrangement arranged to remove the fur from the mandrel after sawdust has been applied thereto by the second sawdust dispenser SD2. Subsequently, the mandrel is moved backwards in its length direction to its initial position, ready for a new fur to be mounted and processed.

[0043] The apparatus may include a control system arranged to control, either manually or automatically according to a control algorithm, a pressure to be applied to the scraper rollers during scraping. Especially, the control system may be arranged to apply different scraping pressures to different zones of the fur, such as individual pressures for two, three or more different zones of the fur.

[0044] The mandrel may include a heating arrangement arranged to heat the mandrel and thus also heat the fur during processing. The apparatus may further include a washing arrangement arranged to wash the mandrel during its return to its initial position.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows an example of a further embodiment of skinning machine. As in the embodiment of Fig. 1, an elongated mandrel M with a rectangular cross section is arranged for receiving a mink fur with its head end arranged at the tip of the mandrel M, i.e. to the right on Fig. 4. The machine operates in a similar manner as the machine of Fig. 1.

[0046] The scraper arrangement has two scraper units with scraper rollers with an intermediate sawdust dispenser SD arranged to sawdust onto the fur. The first unit of scraper rollers by which the fur is processed when the mandrel M is driven forwards, has four scraper rollers, of which only three are visible, namely two horizontal scraper rollers S1_1, S2_1 which are placed on opposite sides of the mandrel M during operation, and two vertical scraper rollers of which only the nearest one S3_1 is visible. The not visible vertical scraper roller is placed behind S3_1, and during operation the two vertical scraper rollers S3_1 are placed on opposite sides of the mandrel M. The fours scraper rollers S1_1, S2_1, S3_1 are thus placed to cover all sides of the fur when placed on the rectangular mandrel M. Fat and flesh removed by the scraper rollers S1_1, S2_1, S3_1 is pumped away by a motor driven pump. After processing by the first scraper unit, the fur is provided with sawdust from the sawdust dispenser SD, and subsequently, when the mandrel M is driven further forward, the fur is processed by a second scraper unit to remove the last pieces of fat and flesh as well as the sawdust which serves to absorb fat. Three out of the four scraper rollers of the second scraper unit are visible S2_2, S3_2, and S4_2.

[0047] In the embodiments of Figs. 1 and 4 alike, a second sawdust dispenser may be provided downstream of the last set of scraper units S 2_2, S 3_2 and S 4_2 in order to achieve a further drying effect upon the fur.

[0048] In summary, embodiments of the invention provide a fur processing apparatus, such as for processing mink fur, with two scraper units each with a plurality of rotating scraper rollers arranged to remove fat and flesh of a leather side (i.e. flesh side) of a fur when placed on a mandrel which is then projected forward in its length direction. The two scraper units are preferably laterally separated such that an intermediate sawdust dispenser can apply sawdust to the fur after the scraping by the first scraper unit. Further, a set of scraping plates may be arranged between the first scraper unit and the sawdust dispensing. A second sawdust dispenser may be arranged to apply sawdust to the fur after scraping by the second scraping unit. In one embodiment, a mandrel support is provided to support the mandrel in order to reduce its bending upon engagement of the first scraper unit, thereby allowing a higher pressure to be applied to the scraper rollers.

[0049] The mandrel M preferably has a closed, planar outer surface in order to avoid fat and flesh entering cavities or depressions therein. The mandrel may be built as a hollow or structure, e.g. from plates, and internal heating, such as heating by water may be provided. The mandrel may be suspended at one end only and yet to be able carry its own weight.

[0050] Generally, the mandrel M may be driven at constant speed or it may be constantly increasing as it moves along the scraper unit(s). It has been found that the removal of flesh and fat from the neck region of mink fur is more troublesome that the removal of flesh and fat from the remaining body part of mink fur. Accordingly, the mandrel may be driven at a variable speed, so that the neck region of the mink fur is conveyed past the scraper rollers at a lower speed than the body part of the mink fur. In one example, the aparatus is operable such that the speed of the mandrel is increased steadiy throughout the mandrel's movement. For example, the speed may be varied from about 1.5 to about 6 m/s, or such as from between 2 and 4.5 m/s. The speed variation may be selected by an operator of the apparatus through an appropriate user interface.

[0051] The scraper rollers may advantageously be suspended in such a way that they are firmly pressed against the mandrel and hence against the fur to be scraped. In embodiment of the present invention, the pressure by which the scraper rollers are pressed against the mandrel is variable in such a way that a first, high pressure is exerted in the neck region of the fur, i.e. at the foremost front part of the conical section of the mandrel. A slightly lower pressure may be provided at the rearward conical section of the front part of the mandrel, i.e. in the region of the forelegs of the fur. A third even lower pressure may be provided at the back part of the fur, i.e. at the main section of the mandrel.

[0052] The pressure, by which the scraper rollers are pressed against the mandrel and hence the fur is preferably controlled by suitable means, such as electric actuators or pneumatic cylinders providing a controlled biasing force of the scraper rollers towards the mandrel. In the case of pneumatic cylinders, control signals may preferably be provided as pressure signals provided from a control unit through air conduits to the pneumatic cylinders. The control unit continuously regulates the biasing pressure in response to a pressure or force measurement obtained from an appropriate sensing device. Whereas, in the prior art, the control units have been provided at a distance of some meters from the pneumatic cylinders, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the control unit is provided closer to the pneumatic cylinder, most prefrably at a distance of at most 2 meters therefrom in order to reduce the control reaction delay when the control signals travel through the air conduits. It has surprisingly been found that such reduction of the distance between the pneumatic cylinders and the control unit and hence of the length of the air conduits for pressure control signals improves scraping quality. In the prior art, uneven scraping results have been observed, notably at the neck region of mink fur. A firm belief has existed in the art that such unevenness was due to uneven surface structures of the mandrel. However, the present inventors have found that the reduction of the control signal delay significantly improves the evenness of the scraping results. In other words, the reduction of the length of air conduits for pressure control signals and hence inaccurate biasing pressure control has surprisingly been found to constitute a major cause of unven scraping results.

[0053] In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit is placed directly at the pneumatic cylinders with air conduits for pressure control signals having a length of at most 20 cm or even with the pneumatic cylinders being attached directly to the control unit with no air conduits there between.

[0054] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a user interface for an apparatus according to the present invention. The user interface is provided as a touch-screen monitor. The screen shown in Fig. 5 is shown to an operator of the apparatus, once the operator, on a previous screen image, has selected a particular zone of the mandrel of the fur, e.g. the neck zone. The operator is given the option of selecting a "Hard" or a "Soft" operating mode, and in respect of each operating mode, a pressure, speed or length may be set. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the settings are as follows relative to nominal settings for pressure, speed and length:

• Hard: pressure +15%, speed -10%, length: +10%
• Soft: pressure: -20%, speed: 0% (i.e. nominal), length: 0% (i.e. nominal).

[0055] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

Claims

1. A fur processing apparatus comprising

- a mandrel (M) arranged for supporting a fur in a fixed position relative to the mandrel (M), with a fur side of the fur facing inwardly towards a surface of the mandrel (M), and a flesh side of the fur facing outwardly;

- a first scraper unit (SU1) comprising at least one scraper roller (S1_2) with a plurality of scraper blades, the at least one scraper roller (S1_2) being arranged to rotate and for being pressed into contact with the flesh side of the fur on the mandrel (M) while the at least one scraper roller (S1_2) rotates;

- a drive for providing a relative linear motion between the mandrel and the first scraper unit in an axial direction of the mandrel and for providing a scraping pressure between the first scraper unit and fur supported by the mandrel (M);

- means for adjusting a value setting of at least one operating parameter of the drive.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one operating parameter is selected from:

(a) a speed of said relative motion between the mandrel and the first scraper unit,

(b) the scraping pressure between the first scraper unit and flesh side of the fur on the mandrel (M),

(c) a length of the scraping operation or a length of the fur.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the at least one operating parameter includes said scraping pressure, and wherein the means for adjusting are configured to allow the scraping pressure to be set at a value, which is higher than a pre-defined nominal value of the scraping pressure.

4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-3, wherein said means for adjusting are configured to adjust the at least one operating parameter at different values at respective zones along the length of the mandrel.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 1-4, wherein said means for adjusting are configured to receive a user selection among a plurality of predefined options providing respective values for said at least one operating parameter.

6. Apparatus according to claims 4 and 5, wherein a plurality of predefined options providing respective values for said at least one operating parameter are provided in respect of each one of said zones.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for adjusting are configured to allow a user selection among a plurality of predefined options providing respective values for said at least one operating parameter.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the user may be allowed to select between various operating modes, in respect of each of which a number of operating parameters are pre-set.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second scraper unit (SU2) comprising a plurality of scraper rollers (S1_2, S2_2, S3_2), wherein the second scraper unit (SU2) is arranged after the first scraper unit (SU1), seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel (M).

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, comprising a material dispenser (SD) arranged to apply an amount of particles, such as sawdust, to the flesh side of the fur between the first scraper unit and the second scraper unit, seen in a direction of forward movement of the mandrel (M).

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a mandrel support (MS), such as a roller, serving to support the mandrel (M) in a horizontal direction to decrease a bending of the mandrel (M) upon engagement of the at least one scraper roller (S1_2).

12. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the mandrel support (MS) comprises a roller arranged to support the mandrel (M), wherein the roller is arranged between the base of the mandrel (M) and the first scraper unit (SU1).

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the mandrel support (MS) is mounted to be movable in a length direction of the mandrel (M), such as movable together with movement of the mandrel (M).

14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first scraper unit (SU1) and/or the second scraper unit (SU2) comprises a set of horizontal scraper rollers (S1_1, S2_1, S2_2, S3_2), and a set of vertical scraper rollers (S3_1, S1_2).

15. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a front part of the mandrel (M) configured for contact with the fur side of the fur has a rectangular cross section.

16. Method for scraping a fur, comprising

- mounting the fur on a mandrel (M) a fur side of the fur facing inwardly towards a surface of the mandrel and a flesh side of the fur facing outwardly;

- providing a first scraper unit comprising at least one scraper roller with a plurality of scraper blades, the at least one scraper roller being arranged to rotate and for being pressed into contact with the flesh side of the fur on the mandrel while the at least one scraper roller rotates and while the a relative linear motion occurs between the mandrel and the at least one scraper roller;

- selecting at least one operating parameter value for the relative linear motion between the mandrel and the at least one scraper roller;

and subsequently:

- causing the mandrel to move relative to the at least one scraper roller in accordance with said at least one selected operating parameter value, so as to scrape the flesh side of the fur.

Drawing