Abstract: A compost windrow turning machine disintegrates an existing windrow of compost material, conveys the disintegrated material rearwardly, aerates the rearwardly conveyed material with a positive displacement of air into the rearwardly conveyed compost material, and re-forms a new windrow of remixed and aerated compost material rearwardly of the machine in line with the original windrow. The disintegration of the original compost windrow is accomplished with a rotor having segmented teeth arranged in a spiral to shred the original compost material and convey the disintegrated material to a central chain and slat conveyor positioned behind the rotor. A positive displacement of air is injected into the compost material on the central conveyor by a pair of laterally disposed fans mounting in conduits angled inwardly toward the central conveyor. The discharge of material off the central conveyor is passed through a set of windrow-forming shields to create a new windrow.

Abstract: A poultry processing machine is provided which automatically vents and opens the poultry, eviscerates the poultry, displays the poultry for inspection, and either provides a normal or radical clean out procedure to the poultry. When the poultry is being physically processed, it is maintained in a generally stationary position with respect to the surface supporting the poultry processor to provide for uniform positioning of the poultry on the conveyor. Further, the poultry is positioned in a generally horizontal position during the venting and opening, eviscerating and cleaning procedures, to facilitate removing the unwanted materials from the poultry without increasing the risk of contamination. The eviscerating station uses an eviscerating tool which includes an opening sized to receive the viscera package therethrough during the eviscerating process to prevent damage to the viscera package.

Abstract: A poultry processing machine is provided which automatically vents and opens the poultry, eviscerates the poultry, displays the poultry for inspection, and either provides a normal or radical clean out procedure to the poultry. When the poultry is being physically processed, it is maintained in a generally stationary position with respect to the surface supporting the poultry processor to provide for uniform positioning of the poultry on the conveyor. Further, the poultry is positioned in a generally horizontal position during the venting and opening, eviscerating and cleaning procedures, to facilitate removing the unwanted materials from the poultry without increasing the risk of contamination. The eviscerating station uses an eviscerating tool which includes an opening sized to receive the viscera package therethrough during the eviscerating process to prevent damage to the viscera package.