Abstract: A combined spray and rotary drying apparatus includes a spray dryer having a housing defining a spray drying chamber, an annular inlet and an outlet. A burner and atomizer sprayer are provided in the spray drying chamber. The outlet of the spray drying chamber feeds into a rotary drying drum. A raw material feed chute is also provided for feeding raw material of relatively low moisture content directly to the rotary dryer. Methods of drying a raw material and of processing raw animal parts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined spray and rotary drying apparatus includes a spray dryer having a housing defining a spray drying chamber, an annular inlet and an outlet. A burner and atomizer sprayer are provided in the spray drying chamber. The outlet of the spray drying chamber feeds into a rotary drying drum. A raw material feed chute is also provided for feeding raw material of relatively low moisture content directly to the rotary dryer. Methods of drying a raw material and of processing raw animal parts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined compactor and material mover is provided. The compactor and material mover apparatus includes a housing defining a compression zone, a mechanism for dumping waste material into the compression zone, and a mechanism for compacting the waste material in the compression zone and moving the compacted waste material into a refuse storage unit. The apparatus further includes a mechanism, in the form of a cam and cam follower, for operatively connecting the dumping and compacting mechanisms to coordinate operation thereof.

Abstract: A substantially vertical drum skinning apparatus includes an improved knife, a cushioned drive and an overriding brake, all for improving a skinning operation. The knife is pivoted near the drum and is spring biased toward the drum to an adjustable stop, so that the knife is relatively rigid in line with the primary skinning force applied thereto. It is free to move slightly through a defined area and against a yieldable bias force for facilitating the clean removal of the skin. The drum is driven through a skin clamp, and a flexible cushioned drive coupling for transmitting force to the drum drive shaft and facilitating clamp engagement, and smooth removal of the skin is included. An improved overriding brake holds the drum positively until the skin is tightly clamped and is easily removable for changing worn brake plates.