Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for cooling the under-car channel of a tunnel kiln while minimizing migration of air between the above-car and under-car channels involves controlling or equalizing the mass flow of cooling air directed through the under-car channel and in particular through individual undercarriage cooling zones which can match individual heating zones of the tunnel kiln.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing fuel consumption in conveyor ovens by creating a barrier to the infiltration of heated air from a heating section of the oven into a cooling section of the oven thereby reducing the loss of heated air and reducing consumption of fuel otherwise required to maintain the selected oven temperature. The barrier is formed by directing a stream of pressurized air into a transition section between the heating and cooling sections of the oven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging food or feed product from a cooler. Food or feed product may be introduced in a cooler formed of a large bin. The product is cooled by drawing a low volume of air having a high static pressure drop through the product. Trough-shaped gates are positionable beneath discharge openings in a lower portion of the bin to inhibit discharge of product. Product is intermittently discharged from the openings by selectively moving the gates at least partially away from the openings to permit product to flow through the openings. In preferred embodiments, a driver moves the gates intermittently in first and second directions by causing the gates to swing about a pivotal mounting point.

Abstract: A device for conditioning feed materials such as flours, soy products, and the like has an elongated receptacle forming side-by-side intercommunicated cylindrical chambers of substantially equal diameter. Each chamber has a rotatable shaft extending longitudinally therethrough. Each shaft has a plurality of beaters extending radially from the shaft. A motor and gear assembly coupled to the shafts co-rotate the shafts. Upon co-rotation of the shafts, the beaters intermesh for mixing materials that have been introduced through an inlet of the preconditioner. In one embodiment, the beaters are oriented on the shafts such that selected beaters on one shaft sweeping feed materials in one direction (e.g., upwardly) advance the material substantially into selected beaters, located on the other shaft, sweeping feed materials in substantially the opposite direction (e.g., downwardly). This beater relationship provides a high degree of product shear and interference and product retention within the preconditioner.