Abstract: A device for metering products in paste form is provided including a metering chamber having at one of its ends a common filling and discharge opening. A metering plunger is reciprocally mounted within the metering chamber. The product is supplied in paste form into the metering chamber. A distributing cylinder is provided generally perpendicular to the metering chamber and has three lateral openings; namely: a first opening, a second opening facing the first opening, and a third opening axially offset relative to the first two openings. The distributing cylinder also includes a slide valve having a lateral channel and an axial channel.

Abstract: A load transfer device for palletized loads including a superstructure supporting a movable assembly having a plurality of teeth, and a lifting assembly associated with the teeth to provide for rapid load transfer. The transfer device includes a sighting mechanism to control the alignment of the superstructure, lateral jacks to correct the alignment of the superstructure, and a central pivot which authorizes a transverse displacement of the superstructure and/or rotation in its plane.

Abstract: A method for rapidly sterilizing animal protein to give a product for use as a foodstuff is disclosed wherein animal protein is ground to bring it into a state of a viscous slurry of particles of animal protein having a mean particle size from about 0.1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, the slurry is hydrolyzed, and the hydrolyzed slurry is sterilized by heating in a thin layer at a temperature from about 120.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. for a time between about 3 seconds and about 15 minutes.