Abstract: This invention provides for a pyramidal free-standing upright support for a taxidermy mount. The support body is formed by a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped substantially planar body panels and a flat top panel detachably securable together. The top panel is provided with a central opening, which receives an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly, in turn, holds the taxidermy mount above the top panel when in use. The body panels and the top panels can be transported flat and assembled on site.

Abstract: This invention provides for a pyramidal free-standing upright support for a taxidermy mount. The support body is formed by a plurality of trapezoidal-shaped substantially planar body panels and a flat top panel detachably securable together. The top panel is provided with a central opening, which receives an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly, in turn, holds the taxidermy mount above the top panel when in use. The body panels and the top panels can be transported flat and assembled on site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating materials is described. The apparatus is a furnace that includes multiple gravity-feed trays and a heat transfer fluid that heats material by the heat evolved during phase change. The apparatus also includes moving paddles that urge the material through each tray. The method provides for the torrefying of the material using a phase-change heat-transfer fluid by providing the material sequentially to at least two trays, where the at least two trays are substantially horizontal and disposed at different vertical heights; condensing the vapor phase at a temperature; and providing heat from the condensing the vapor phase to the material, where the temperature is sufficient to torrefy the material.