Abstract: A sprocket for an endless conveyor is disclosed having a plurality of fluid outlet passages arranged radially between the center of the sprocket and its outer circumferential surface. The outlet passages are positioned along the length of the sprocket in a helical path and are in fluid communication with an annular fluid conduit extending lengthwise along the center of the sprocket. A fluid inlet connected to the conduit supplies fluid under pressure to the conduit, the fluid spraying radially outwardly through the outlet passages to impinge on the inside surface of the endless conveyor and remove any accumulated debris. Nozzles are positioned within the outlet passages to control the fluid spray.

Abstract: A sprocket for an endless conveyor is disclosed having a plurality of fluid outlet passages arranged radially between the center of the sprocket and its outer circumferential surface. The outlet passages are positioned along the length of the sprocket in a helical path and are in fluid communication with an annular fluid conduit extending lengthwise along the center of the sprocket. A fluid inlet connected to the conduit supplies fluid under pressure to the conduit, the fluid spraying radially outwardly through the outlet passages to impinge on the inside surface of the endless conveyor and remove any accumulated debris. Nozzles are positioned within the outlet passages to control the fluid spray.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for removing the hide from animal carcasses. The structure includes a slotted pulling pin that is attached to a loosened skin flap of the animal's hide. The pulling pin is mounted to a platform assembly. The platform assembly may be tilted thereby setting the height of the pulling pin with respect to the floor of a processing plant. The tilting or rocking of the platform is accomplished with height adjustment mechanism that are extendable and retractable. To facilitate attachment of the hide to the pulling pin, said hide is first manually detached from the upper hind end of the animal carcass which is hanging head end down. After attachment of the hide to the pulling pin, the pin is rotated by a hydraulic motor thereby pulling the hide from the animal carcass. The motor is positioned on the platform so that it is angled away from the pulling pin and is a distance from the animal carcass at all times during the pulling process.

Abstract: A frame forms a container having four vertical sides and a flat bottom plate. A hydraulically raised and lowered gate forms one of the sides. Wet hides are stacked on a pallet commonly used with a forklift. The gate is raised, and the loaded pallet placed on the bottom plate. The gate is lowered, and fillers are extended through side openings in the pallet into voids between the pallet top and bottom. A platen above the hides is hydraulically pressed downward within the container to compress the hides. A selected pressure on the hides is maintained for a desired compression period. The fillers within the voids limit deflections of the pallet top during compression of the hides, and consequently prevent damage to the pallet. The fillers are withdrawn, the gate raised, and the loaded pallet removed. The compressed, dry, cohesive hide bundles have a flat top and flat, vertical sides and are more efficiently packed for shipping.

Abstract: A sprocket for an endless conveyor is disclosed having a plurality of fluid outlet passages arranged radially between the center of the sprocket and its outer circumferential surface. The outlet passages are positioned along the length of the sprocket in a helical path and are in fluid communication with an annular fluid conduit extending lengthwise along the center of the sprocket. A fluid inlet connected to the conduit supplies fluid under pressure to the conduit, the fluid spraying radially outwardly through the outlet passages to impinge on the inside surface of the endless conveyor and remove any accumulated debris. Nozzles are positioned within the outlet passages to control the fluid spray.