Abstract: A bulk material processor includes a tray assembly with a panel subassembly having an upper panel section and a lower panel section. The upper panel section is adapted to receive bulk material and pass it to the lower panel section for discharge. A heater panel is mounted over the tray assembly for radiantly heating the bulk material passing thereunder. A vibrator is coupled to the tray assembly for vibrating the bulk material whereby it advances along the tray assembly. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the vibrator and for controlling the output of the heater panel. A method of bulk material processing includes cascading the bulk material from an upper panel section to a lower panel section by vibration and subjecting it to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A bulk material processor includes a tray assembly with a panel subassembly having an upper panel section and a lower panel section. The upper panel section is adapted to receive bulk material and pass it to the lower panel section for discharge. A heater panel is mounted over the tray assembly for radiantly heating the bulk material passing thereunder. A vibrator is coupled to the tray assembly for vibrating the bulk material whereby it advances along the tray assembly. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the vibrator and for controlling the output of the heater panel. A method of bulk material processing includes cascading the bulk material from an upper panel section to a lower panel section by vibration and subjecting it to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A comestible processing system includes equipment of components for receiving, soaking, draining and tempering food or feed material. Furthermore, infrared material processors are provided for energizing the material with energy in the infrared range. The retention vessel is provided for receiving the heated, energized material for retaining the same in a temperature-elevated condition. A cooler receives the heated material, cools it and flashes off steam therefrom. A processing method includes the steps performed on the material by the above components, and includes additional, optional steps of flaking, grinding and mixing/formulating the material in preparation for packaging same.

Abstract: A bulk material processor includes a tray assembly with a panel subassembly having an upper panel section and a lower panel section. The upper panel section is adapted to receive bulk material and pass it to the lower panel section for discharge. A heater panel is mounted over the tray assembly for radiantly heating the bulk material passing thereunder. A vibrator is coupled to the tray assembly for vibrating the bulk material whereby it advances along the tray assembly. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the vibrator and for controlling the output of the heater panel. A method of bulk material processing includes cascading the bulk material from an upper panel section to a lower panel section by vibration and subjecting it to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A vessel for thermally processing bulk material includes a housing system with a cabinet forming an interior. A conveying system is provided for conveying the bulk material through the housing cabinet interior. The cabinet includes composite panels with heating elements located therein. The housing input may include a flow control assembly with a hinged flap depending from a vertical panel.

Abstract: A bulk material processor includes a barrel assembly with first and second ends, the first end having an inlet and an outlet. A rotor assembly is rotatably mounted within the barrel assembly and includes a screw auger positioned within a generally cylindrical body. Vanes extend longitudinally along the rotor body and project outwardly therefrom. A feeder assembly delivers bulk material to the barrel assembly inlet for augering through the rotor assembly. Upon exiting the rotor assembly, the material is swept around the inside of the barrel assembly for intermittent exposure to infrared radiation from a heater assembly mounted on top of the barrel assembly.