NOVELTY - Method removes coconut meat from whole coconuts and dries it to form copra by a cleaner and more automated method while simultaneously processing the husks and coconut shells.    USE - Copra produced by this process is used as the raw material in the production of coconut oil, which is used in the production of soap, margarine and detergents. The byproduct from this processing, a cake described as coconut-stearin, is used as an animal feed. The shells are carbonized and may then be used as a fuel and the husks may either be used as a fuel in the process or further treated to give coir fiber, which can be formed into e.g. mats ropes and brooms.    ADVANTAGE - The method avoids contamination of coconut meat during any of the processes. Drying the meat to form copra increases the weight which can be packed into a container, reducing transport costs to the secondary processing plant, and increases storage time. The automation of the process reduces labor input and provides greater control of production. The shells and husks are not wasted as in prior art processes.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - Processing coconuts comprises:    (a) removing the coconut meat from opened coconuts; and    (b) drying the coconut meat to form copra.    The coconuts are fed serially onto a conveyor and portioned to expose the meat, which is removed from the portions as a shell. The meat shells are then dried to form copra.    An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a coconut processing apparatus, comprising:    (i) a conveyor (12) which delivers coconuts serially to a divider;    (ii) a coconut divider (18) which sections whole or halved coconuts into portions;    (iii) a meat remover which removes the coconut meat from the coconut portions;    (iv) a delivery conveyor (26) to transfer the portions of coconut meat to a dryer; and    (v) a dryer (41) for the conversion of coconut meat into copra.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a processing apparatus for coconuts.    10 = Storage bin;    11 = Conveyor;    18 = Divider or cutter;    49, 50 = Water jets;    40 = Mill;    41 = Dryer;    26 = Conveyor to mill and dryer.