Drum unloading apparatus and method

Abstract From the Canadian patent

For supplying high viscosity coating material in liquid form to a coating machine from drums of solid material the opposite ends, or heads of, each drum are removed and the drums are successively inserted between a vertically, upstanding heated, stationary lower mandrel, and a vertically, downwardly movable upper platen of a press. As the upper platen presses the open ended drum down the heated lower platen liquifies the coating to pass therethrough to a holding tank. The lower platen or heat exchanger includes, a tapered, truncated conical sharp edged outer area, radial fins and a central conical inner area for contacting the material.