Abstract: An improved silo unloader having an ensilage cover of air impermeable thermally insulating material for limiting air contact with the surface of the ensilage. The ensilage cover rests on the surface of the ensilage and rotates with the lower part of the silo unloader. The ensilage cover is preferably constructed of upper and lower layers of air-impermeable material with an insulating material layer between. The lower layer is preferably coated with a material which is resistant to adherence of frozen material.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided comprising a hopper for storing raw or precooked foodstuffs; metering means constructed and arranged to meter by weight a predetermined quantity of foodstuffs received from the hopper, a vibratory conveyor operable to promote the movement of foodstuffs from the hopper to the metering means by gravity; a cooking medium; and a cooking container displaceable between a first position in which the container receives foodstuffs from the metering means, a second position in which the foodstuffs in the cooking container are placed in the cooking medium and a third position in which the foodstuffs may be dispensed.