Abstract: Two de-fleshing stations are interconnected by a transfer bridge. The first de-fleshing station feeds through its outlet chute, the rear end of the transfer bridge, while the second de-fleshing station feeds through its outlet chute, the rear end of the carry-away conveyor. The transfer bridge is provided with a pair of aligned endless conveyors which are selectively operable so that the hides can be selectively delivered from the first station to the second station, the carry-out conveyor or to an operator for manual handling.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous thermal treatment of flexible sheet material includes a heated cylinder which is rotatably mounted in a frame. The presser cylinder is arranged in parallel spaced relation to the heated cylinder so as to permit passage of sheet material therebetween. The lever member is pivotably carried by the frame and a beam member which extends generally parallel to the presser cylinder is pivotably mounted on the lever member. A drive cylinder is rotatably carried by the frame on the side of the presser cylinder which is remote from the heated cylinder, the drive cylinder extending parallel to the presser cylinder. The presser cylinder is freely supported on the drive cylinder and is rotatable thereby. Elements are carried by the lever member and by the beam member which are cooperable for regulation of the spacing between the presser and heated cylinders.

Abstract: The method of treating sheet material such as leather and the like to make it supple in which the sheet material is subjected simultaneously to hot moisture and a cooling medium under pressure, alternatively from the grain side and from the flesh side in a continuous method. This is performed between two endless conveyor belts which are wetted by water, each of which is independently guided and saturated with water on the outer side and which are guided together on the inner side that is, they are guided alternatively from above and from below round a portion of the circumference of a plurality of rollers. Moistening, cooling and heating units are arranged on the outside of the rollers.