Abstract: A spray drying mechanism for agglomerating food powders in which a standard spray dryer having a drying chamber is used. Spray nozzles extend into the drying chamber and are supplied with an agglomerating medium which the spray nozzles spray into the drying chamber. Powdered food supplying mechanism is provided for directing the powdered food against the agglomerating medium being sprayed from the spray nozzle into the drying chamber in order to agglomerate the powdered food. The agglomerating medium is sprayed in the drying chamber in a cone-shape configuration and the powdered food is directed against the cone-shaped configuration of the agglomerating medium.

Abstract: A tower spray dryer for spray drying a product having a vertically oriented drying chamber. A spray nozzle is provided above the drying chamber which sprays a product into said drying chamber. A heater is provided for supplying hot air to a plenum tube above the drying chamber. The hot air is passed into the drying chamber to enable the product and hot air to be thoroughly mixed together. Cool air is also introduced into the drying chamber at low velocity. The exposure time of the product to the hot air is short and the hot air is introduced to the drying chamber at high velocity.

Abstract: A spray drying mechanism for agglomerating food powders in which a standard spray dryer having a drying chamber is used. Spray nozzles extend into the drying chamber and are supplied with an agglomerating medium which the spray nozzles spray into the drying chamber. Powdered food supplying mechanism is provided for directing the powdered food against the agglomerating medium being sprayed from the spray nozzle into the drying chamber in order to agglomerate the powdered food. The agglomerating medium is sprayed in the drying chamber in a cone-shape configuration and the powdered food is directed against the cone-shaped configuration of the agglomerating medium.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the air flow in a spray dryer having a plurality of air tubes for conducting air into the spray dryer. Each air tube has inner and outer edges. Movable control mechanisms are mounted each air tube which are movable beyond the outer edges of the said air tube.

Abstract: A screw conveyor mechanism mounted within the trough assembly. One end of said screw conveyor is removably mounted on the trough assembly. A drive shaft is provided for rotating the screw conveyor with the drive shaft being removably connected to the outer end of the screw conveyor. The drive shaft has a drive plate and the screw conveyor has a shaft plate, both of which are provided with an interengaging removable coupling. The removable coupling is a tongue-and-groove arrangement with the tongue on one plate and the groove on the other plate. A seal in the form of an O-ring is provided between the two plates.

Abstract: An improved spray dryer is disclosed for drying heat sensitive food products under sanitary conditions with a maximum product recovery for a minimal dryer size. The dryer has an air flow system for moving air through a drying chamber at generally atmospheric pressure with a controlled laminar air flow. The product being dried is sprayed into the drying chamber by an air distributor plate with a relatively rapid air flow through and immediately surrounding the product spray and with a surrounding air flow of lower velocity. The dried droplets or powder are removed by a powder collector including a drag system.

Abstract: A bag assembly is described for the filter bag collectors used in spray dryers or similar equipment which permits a quick change to fresh filler bags. The bag assembly includes a cage-like support for each of the individual filter bags which is inserted within the bags and which includes a bag attachment and sealing ring at its outer end. A pin-type connecting device employing a simple lifting and turning movement permits the bag assemblies to be quickly removed and remounted.

Abstract: A method and means are described for transferring rows of articles having one alignment on a first support to a second support where the rows have a differing alignment. Preferred method and means are described for transferring straight rows of articles, such as eggs, from a row conveyor to a processing machine having a turret or other curved article supporting arrangement. The transfer means includes slidable mountings for the article supports on the turret and a cooperating camming means which temporarily moves the supports into a straight line when they are adjacent to the row conveyor for receiving the straight row of articles.

Abstract: A process for preparing dried egg white having improved flow and water solubility characteristics includes spray coating dried egg white particles with an aqueous 40%-80% solution of sucrose to form a substantially complete and uniform coating comprising from 15% to 35% of the total weight of the coated particles, sifting and drying the coated particles to less than 6% by weight moisture content.

Abstract: An improved bearing is described for supporting shafts, for example, the shafts used for screw conveyors in sanitary food processing apparatus. The hanger bearings may be installed and removed and the supported shafts may be removed from the bearings without uncoupling the shafts or removing the driven elements from the shafts. For this reason, the bearings are particularly useful with unitary welded assemblies such as sanitary screw conveyors. The bearing is of sanitary design and incorporates a split, non-binding, low friction bearing element.

Abstract: Improved method and means are disclosed for transferring eggs from transportation trays to a row conveyor which feeds the eggs to washers or breakers or other devices. A single operator transfers loaded trays of eggs from stacks of trays to a transfer position. At the transfer position, the operator may inspect the trays and remove undergrade eggs and replace them with acceptable eggs. An egg transfer means then carries the eggs to an egg row conveyor. During the transfer, the egg spacing is adjusted if necessary from the tray spacing to the conveyor spacing. After the egg transfer, the transfer means returns to the pick-up point and proceeds through another cycle. Alternatively the transfer means may be set to await a signal from the operator before proceeding with another transfer cycle.