Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for a cartridge-type animal stunner comprising an elongated stunner housing having a muzzle and a breech with a cartridge chamber for receiving an explosive charge. A captive penetrating-type stunning rod capable of being propelled forward is received in the bore. The stunning rod has an opening throughout the entire length thereof. Upon placement of the housing forward end against an animal and activation of a trigger, a firing pin moves to impact a cartridge in the cartridge chamber, causing explosion of the cartridge. The stunning rod is propelled forward to penetrate the animal head to a brain. Simultaneously, a portion of combustion products from explosion of the cartridge travel into the stunning rod opening at a rearward end, along the length of the rod, and out of the stunning rod forward end into the animal brain to cause rapid lethal damage thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to containers which can be stacked one on top of another whilst still permitting easy access to the contents of any container within the stack without the need for de-stacking. The contents of the containers remain secured within the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhalation toxicity testing chamber device for nanoparticles having a plurality of concentrations. The present invention provides an inhalation toxicity testing chamber device for nanoparticles having a plurality of concentrations, which: can supply nanoparticles having different concentrations to particle exposure modules by stacking a plurality of particle exposure modules inside a single chamber housing and by allowing each particle exposure module so as to form an independent space from each other; can perform inhalation toxicity testing of nanoparticles having a plurality of concentrations through a single chamber housing by being capable of exposing the test animals put into each particle exposure module to nanoparticles having different concentrations; can easily perform inhalation toxicity tests of nanoparticles in a small scale laboratory etc.

Abstract: Fish slaughter device includes fish positioning device with fish head abutment, against which the fish head abuts temporary stop position by controllable fish slaughter tool. Fish head abutment element is a trigger releasable by a trigger sensor of a controllable trigger controllable to move the fish head abutment into different trigger positions. device includes a first control actuator with a first actuator, a coupling device, connecting the fish head abutment to the first actuator for adjusting movement into the trigger positions, and an additional second control actuator with a second actuator controllably placeable in at least two fixed trigger adjustment positions. The two actuators are coupled so an adjusting movement of the first actuator is stopped by a coupling impact against the second actuator in a fixed trigger adjustment positions, which brings about an associated trigger position of the fish head abutment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for anaesthetizing animals before slaughter, by the anesthetic action of gases or gas mixtures, operated in “batch” mode, in which the live animals, preferably put together in one or more cages, are placed in a lock chamber for treatment where the animals are brought into contact with anesthetic gas, following a cycle comprising several steps characterized by different contents of anesthetic gas, characterized in that at least one of the steps is carried out using gas recovered from the lock chamber and stored in at least one capacity (2, No. 1, No. 2 etc.) for temporary storage having a variable volume.

Abstract: A pneumatic stunner for stunning an animal has a piston slideable within an inner chamber, and a stunning rod driven by the piston forward and rearward towards and away from the front end of the housing. A fire pressure chamber has an annular configuration disposed adjacent the rearward or central end of the inner chamber. A return pressure chamber has an annular configuration disposed adjacent the forward or central end of the inner chamber. A valve system alternately controls flow of the pressurized fluid from the fire pressure chamber to the rearward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod forward to stun an animal, and from the return pressure chamber to the forward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod rearward and retract the stunning rod. The handle includes a cushioned mount adjustable in direction.

Abstract: An animal stunner for use in livestock/slaughterhouse operations has a piston slideable within an inner chamber, and a fire pressure chamber with an annular configuration disposed adjacent the rearward or central end of the inner chamber. A stunning rod is driven forward by the piston to stun the animal and rearward to retract the rod. A valve system alternately controls flow of the pressurized fluid from the fire pressure chamber to the rearward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod. A catch system holds and releases the stunning rod. A compressed fluid supply is used to retract the stunning rod between operation cycles. Handles employing triggers are used by the operator to hold the stunner and to activate the valve system, and cushion mount systems are attached between the handles and stunner housing to absorb shock while operating the stunner.

Abstract: A pneumatic stunner for stunning an animal has a piston slideable within an inner chamber, and a stunning rod driven by the piston forward and rearward towards and away from the front end of the housing. The stunning rod has an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, with the forward end of the body having a two-radius configuration that is sized for striking an animal's head, and is adaptable for attaching a hardened tip. A valve system alternately controls flow of the pressurized fluid from a fire pressure chamber to the rearward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod forward to stun an animal, and from a return pressure chamber to the forward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod rearward and retract the stunning rod. The handle includes a cushioned mount adjustable in direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic stunner for stunning an animal has a piston slideable within an inner chamber, and a stunning rod driven by the piston forward and rearward towards and away from the front end of the housing. A fire pressure chamber has an annular configuration disposed adjacent the rearward or central end of the inner chamber. A return pressure chamber has an annular configuration disposed adjacent the forward or central end of the inner chamber. A valve system alternately controls flow of the pressurized fluid from the fire pressure chamber to the rearward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod forward to stun an animal, and from the return pressure chamber to the forward end of the inner chamber to move the piston and drive the stunning rod rearward and retract the stunning rod. The handle includes a cushioned mount adjustable in direction.

Abstract: A catch engagable with a catch pivot ring for capturing and releasing a stunning rod moveable along a longitudinal axis in a pneumatic animal stunner for stunning an animal. The catch comprises a plurality of arcuate sections substantially forming a cylinder, each arcuate section having a forward end and a rearward end. The catch includes an inner wall toward the longitudinal axis and an outer wall away from the longitudinal axis. The catch includes a flange at the rearward end of the arcuate section extending outwardly directly from the outer wall and away from the longitudinal axis and a lip at the forward end of the arcuate section extending inwardly from the inner wall and toward the longitudinal axis. Each of the arcuate section flanges is engagable with an inner lip of the catch pivot ring allowing the arcuate sections to pivot about the catch pivot ring inner lip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stunning animals intended to be slaughtered wherein the animals are introduced into and displaced from above downwardly in a closed environment (1) containing a stunning gas mixed with air at an increasing concentration with a top to bottom vertical gradient from a preset initial value to a final higher value. The stunning gas concentration is detected in the upper area (2) of the environment (1) and in case the detected concentration is higher than the preset initial value, the external air is automatically supplied to the upper area at a pressure slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure until the preset initial value is restored.

Abstract: An apparatus for slaughtering fishes, killing the fish by taking it from the operculum and positioning in a stunning position and cutting the gills only, without causing any visible damage to the exterior, comprising transverse positioning to receive the fish, holding by the sides and keeping it in the center thereof and positioned in an initial working position; longitudinal positioning, allowing the longitudinal displacement of the fish and stopping its movement when it is in the initial working position; gripping positioning to take the fish from the initial working position, holding it from the operculum and placing it in a stunning position, also allowing the opening of the operculum to expose the gills in a cutting position; stunning positioning to stun the fish in the stunning position; cutting positioning to cut in the gills of stunned fish; and releasing positioning to release of the slaughtered fish.

Abstract: A Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System for producing high quality consumer seafood products at a significantly reduced cost. The Vertically Integrated Aquaculture System includes at least one aquaculture grow-out module for containing an aquaculture species, a feed handling system for distributing feed to the aquaculture species located in the aquaculture grow-out module(s), an aquaculture species moving system for routing the aquaculture species at least out of the aquaculture grow-out module(s), and a processing system for processing the aquaculture species after harvesting from the aquaculture grow-out module(s).

Abstract: A method for stunning poultry in a slaughterhouse by means of supplying a stunning gas into a closed chamber wherein the poultry is advanced through a plurality of successive ambients between an inlet, wherein the stunning gas concentration is at a minimum, and an outlet, at which the stunning gas concentration is at a maximum. The stunning gas concentration increases progressively from each ambient to the successive ambient, initially with a minimum increase rate and thereafter with a higher increase rate up to the maximum concentration.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing fish are provided which enable cutting of the fish and removal of the viscera without damage to either the viscera or the remaining fish product. The systems may include a gutting device to severe a gullet of the fish from the fish body and to gather and remove the viscera without significant damage to the viscera or the remaining fish product. Extractors for severing the connection between the gullet and the fish with one or more underlying cutting members are also provided to assist in removal of the viscera.

Abstract: An installation and method for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, includes the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head via a V-shaped positioning element; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: A method for stunning poultry in a slaughterhouse by means of supplying a stunning gas into a closed chamber wherein the poultry is advanced through a plurality of successive ambients between an inlet, wherein the stunning gas concentration is at a minimum, and an outlet, at which the stunning gas concentration is at a maximum. The stunning gas concentration increases progressively from each ambient to the successive ambient, initially with a minimum increase rate and thereafter with a higher increase rate up to the maximum concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for handling poultry, such as chicken, turkey, geese, duck and quail, comprising the steps of (i) taking the poultry; (ii) placing the poultry in a confinement such that the poultry legs extend from the confinement; and (iii) coupling the poultry legs to handling means, and to an installation for handling poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising means for taking the poultry and placing the poultry in a confinement such that the poultry legs extend from the confinement; and means for coupling the poultry legs to handling means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for reducing microbial levels on a hide of an animal utilizing means for contacting the hide of an animal with an alkaline solution having a pH of between about 8 and about 13 after stunning the animal, a second means for contacting the hide with a second solution that includes one of water, organic acid or hydrogen peroxide and a means for reusing at least a portion of the alkaline solution or the water/organic acid/hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing slaughtered poultry that is conveyed in a slaughter line of a slaughter house is provided in order to determine at the start of the slaughter line whether the poultry was alive or dead on arrival at the slaughter house. The method and apparatus can include the detection of a temperature of the slaughtered poultry when the poultry is suspended by the legs in the slaughter line after stunning the poultry. The temperature of at least a breast of the slaughtered poultry is detected. The temperature of other regions of the slaughtered poultry may also be detected and may be compared. Further action may be taken based on the temperature information obtained.

Abstract: Animals such as poultry are stunned while still caged and on a vehicle or stationary platform prior to processing the animal by isolating the atmosphere surrounding the animal, adjusting the composition of the isolated atmosphere by introducing a gaseous mixture that brings the animal to the desired state, and evacuating or exhausting the gaseous mixture.

Abstract: Animals such as poultry are stunned while still caged and on a vehicle or stationary platform prior to processing the animal by isolating the atmosphere surrounding the animal, adjusting the composition of the isolated atmosphere by introducing a gaseous mixture that brings the animal to the desired state, and evacuating or exhausting the gaseous mixture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing slaughtered poultry that is conveyed in a slaughter line of a slaughter house is provided in order to determine at the start of the slaughter line whether the poultry was alive or dead on arrival at the slaughter house. The method and apparatus can include the detection of a temperature of the slaughtered poultry when the poultry is suspended by the legs in the slaughter line after stunning the poultry. The temperature of at least a breast of the slaughtered poultry is detected. The temperature of other regions of the slaughtered poultry may also be detected and may be compared. Further action may be taken based on the temperature information obtained.

Abstract: Animal processing devices and methods for processing animals with such devices are described. An animal processing device comprises a housing having a power source for driving a bolt for impacting a predetermined portion of the head of an animal, a trigger for activating the bolt, and a nosepiece. The nosepiece comprises a first portion that is non-moveably positioned relative to the housing. The first portion comprises an opening positioned along the driving direction so the end of the holt can move through the opening, and a contacting surface at an end of the first portion. The contacting surface may include a cutout region having a shape related to the shape of the predetermined portion of the head of the animal to be processed and can accommodate the predetermined portion of the head of the animal to be processed.

Abstract: System and method for controlled atmosphere stunning of chickens or turkeys in a batch mode is provided. The disclosed method includes the steps of: loading one or more batches of chickens or turkeys in a stunning chamber and sealably enclosing the stunning chamber to isolate the atmosphere therein. Carbon dioxide is then introduced to the isolated atmosphere in a series of three, four, five or more phases to humanely stun and eventually kill the poultry. The carbon dioxide containing atmosphere is subsequently forcibly exhausted from the stunning chamber and the ranks of cages or modules containing the stunned poultry are advanced to a subsequent processing station such as a tipper or dumping station.

Abstract: System and method for controlled atmosphere stunning of chickens in a batch mode is provided. The disclosed method includes the steps of: loading one or more batches of chickens in a stunning chamber and sealably enclosing the stunning chamber to isolate the atmosphere therein. Carbon dioxide is then introduced to the isolated atmosphere in a series of three, four or five phases to humanely stun the chickens. The carbon dioxide containing atmosphere is subsequently forcibly exhausted from the stunning chamber and the ranks of cages or modules containing the stunned chickens are advanced to the tipper or dumping station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for stunning poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) stunning the poultry via the suspended and positioned poultry head, and to obtainable debleeded poultry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for stunning and separating poultry during the stunning process. The apparatus includes a multi-zone trough having a plurality of basins and a separator adapted to separate shackled poultry hung from a conveyor system into a respective one of the plurality of basins. Each of the plurality of basins is separated by a divider. Once separated, the divider maintains the poultry in a separated condition during a stunning process.

Abstract: A device for processing fish, the device comprising: an open channel through which a fish can pass; a fish processing means associated with the channel; a vertical guide plate pivotally mounted on each side of the channel, having a firing position and a retracted position; a mechanism for moving the fish processing means from a (“firing position”) to a position which allows passage of the fish through the channel after processing (“retracted position”); a mechanism for pivoting each guide plate between the firing and retracted positions (“guide plate pivot mechanism”); a trigger that when contacted by the head of the fish activates the fish processing means; and a mechanism for resetting the device after the processing of a fish, wherein the resetting mechanism is in communication with the trigger and wherein actuation of the mechanism by the trigger facilitates: activation of the fish processing means; movement of the fish processing means and guide plates from their respective firing positions to their resp

Abstract: A system providing for on-site reclamation and re-use of reclaimed antimicrobial solution includes a dispenser, at least one receptacle, piping, and at least one pump. The dispenser sprays antimicrobial solution toward moving raw food products. Unspent antimicrobial solution that did not contact the moving raw food products and rebound antimicrobial solution that did contact the raw food products combine to form a reclaimed antimicrobial solution. The reclaimed antimicrobial solution is collected in the receptacle and is pumped through the piping to a location for reuse.

Abstract: Animals such as poultry are stunned while still caged and on the vehicle that carries them to a processing plant, by exposing the animal to an atmosphere of gradually lessening oxygen content.

Abstract: A plant for the stunning and/or slaughter of animals for slaughter includes a hermetically sealable chamber with an entrance aperture for the introduction of live animals and an exit aperture for removal of stunned or slaughtered animals, closure devices to hermetically seal these apertures, and an extraction means to remove air from the chamber in order to stun or kill the animals.

Abstract: A device for processing fish, the device comprising: an open channel through which a fish can pass; a fish processing means associated with the channel; a vertical guide plate pivotally mounted on each side of the channel, having a firing position and a retracted position; a mechanism for moving the fish processing means from a (“firing position”) to a position which allows passage of the fish through the channel after processing (“retracted position”); a mechanism for pivoting each guide plate between the firing and retracted positions (“guide plate pivot mechanism”); a trigger that when contacted by the head of the fish activates the fish processing means; and a mechanism for resetting the device after the processing of a fish, wherein the resetting mechanism is in communication with the trigger and wherein actuation of the mechanism by the trigger facilitates: activation of the fish processing means; movement of the fish processing means and guide plates from their respective firing positions to their resp

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for humanely stunning and slaughtering poultry, and more particularly to a method for stunning and slaughtering poultry using a low atmospheric pressure system. In particular, the birds are placed into a sealed chamber and the pressure in the chamber is reduced at a continuous rate to a target decompression pressure and maintained at the decompression pressure for a period of time until a state of death is obtained. The low atmospheric pressure slaughter is more humane than traditional slaughter techniques and results in excellent meat quality.

Abstract: A table for distributing fish which has a fish stunning apparatus is provided. The table includes a reservoir for holding a fish and water, an inlet for introducing fish into the reservoir and a stationary weir on a side of the reservoir. A water flow device adds water to the reservoir in order to allow fish to pass over the weir. The water flow device is oriented relative to the weir to introduce water in a direction away from the weir in order to generate a water current within the reservoir into which the fish will swim aligning themselves head first toward the weir. A slide is provided downstream of the weir to distribute fish after they pass over the weir and direct the fish into a stunning apparatus.

Abstract: A fish processing system comprising a first fish guide having an entrance for receiving the fish. A striker coupled at one end of the first fish guide, the striker having a first holder that holds and releases the fish and is configured to apply a blow to the fish. A channel coupled at another end to the striker, the channel having an internal passage that rotates the fish substantially about a longitudinal axis of the channel. A bleeder coupled at an opposite end of the channel, the bleeder having a second holder that holds and releases the fish and is configured to sever a throat blood vessel and/or a gill arch of the fish, and a second fish guide coupled to the bleeder, the second fish guide includes an exit for delivering the processed fish.

Abstract: A fish processing system comprising a first fish guide having an entrance for receiving the fish. A striker coupled at one end of the first fish guide, the striker having a first holder that holds and releases the fish and is configured to apply a blow to the fish. A channel coupled at another end to the striker, the channel having an internal passage that rotates the fish substantially about a longitudinal axis of the channel. A bleeder coupled at an opposite end of the channel, the bleeder having a second holder that holds and releases the fish and is configured to sever a throat blood vessel and/or a gill arch of the fish, and a second fish guide coupled to the bleeder, the second fish guide includes an exit for delivering the processed fish.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a method for humanely stunning and slaughtering poultry, and more particularly to a method for stunning and slaughtering poultry using a low atmospheric pressure system. In particular, the birds are placed into a sealed chamber and the pressure in the chamber is reduced at a continuous rate to a target decompression pressure and maintained at the decompression pressure for a period of time until a state of death is obtained. The low atmospheric pressure slaughter is more humane than traditional slaughter techniques and results in excellent meat quality.

Abstract: A system and method for handling poultry comprising a harvesting system, a loading system, a transport system, an unloading and storing system, a stunning system, and a singulate and hanging system. The system and method performs the steps of harvesting live poultry into stackable transport trays, stacking and loading the trays on a transport, unloading and temporarily storing the poultry for subsequent stunning and hanging. The stackable transport trays are well vented and easier for handling poultry.

Abstract: An apparatus for stunning of slaughter animals has a driving corridor (1) with a driving gate system, which comprises a driving gate (10), conveyance devices (10a) for mechanical conveyance of the driving gate in the corridor, and control means (11) to control the gate (10) in relation to the walls (12) of the driving corridor. A stunning box (2) is placed in continuation of the driving corridor (1) and it has fixation devices (13) for an animal in the box.

Abstract: Stunning device (1) for small animals or fish of 2 kg to 7 kg weight comprises pneumatically powered piston assembly (2) which includes an extendible piston. Support (3) for piston assembly (2) includes base member (4) and multi-component trigger (22, 23, 24, 26). Piston assembly (2) is positioned to define a space between base member (4) and head plate (21) for receiving the head (27) of the animal. When the piston is activated by head (27) contacting plate (22), it extends and strikes head (27) just behind and/or between the eyes with sufficient force to kill the animal with a shock to the brain, but without affecting the external appearance of the animal or fish. The piston extends only once and then retracts, and trigger (22, 23, 24, 26) is reset by removing head (27) from device (1).

Abstract: An electrical stunning device (10) to stun and immobilize an animal includes a first contact tip (15) and a second contact tip (23) to contact the animal. The first contact tip (15) is operatively connected to a first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) is operatively connected to a second voltage wire (46). The second contact tip (23) is pivotable to activate a proximity switch (43), which closes the circuit and allows voltage to be applied to the first contact tip (15) via the first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) via the second voltage wire (46) to stun the animal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing and maintaining a gas mixture in one or more phases, in which the phases are generated in zones of, for example, a stunning tunnel or a stunning shaft. The gas mixture includes carbon dioxide gas and oxygen gas, and the concentration of air is maintained at a level equivalent to a concentration level in air. Carbon dioxide is added based on the measured level of carbon dioxide in each zone.

Abstract: A method is described comprising stunning a ruminant at a packing plant, and thereafter measuring tissue characteristics of the ruminant using a tissue imaging and analysis device prior to processing the ruminant to a carcass. Working embodiments of the method have used an ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis device, although other analyses also can be performed. The ultrasound analysis can be performed by one operator, or plural operators. For example, if the device is an ultrasound tissue analysis device, the step of conveying may first comprise conveying the ruminant to a position adjacent a first operator. The first operator applies an ultrasound image enhancing fluid to the ruminant's hide, and a second operator places the ultrasound tissue analysis device adjacent the enhancing fluid and performs ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis on the ruminant.

Abstract: Fish, such as salmon, are caused to move along a predetermined path until the leading part of the fish hits a lever to initiate a cycle of operations comprising: a) holding the fish by releasable holding means, b) stunning the fish, c) killing the fish in such manner as to effect exsanguination thereof, and d) releasing the killed fish.

Abstract: Providing a method of injection into meat in which brine for curing or seasoning liquid is uniformly dispersed in a green meat efficiently and continuously without deteriorating a meat property; curing and seasoning can be accomplished without using a tumbling machine, a massage machine or the like for a long time; and the brine for curing and the seasoning liquid can be uniformly dispersed even if there is a difference of injection resistance in meat property. This can be achieved by using a pickle injector which is provided with a high-pressure liquid generator constituted of a plunger pump or the like, a coherent stream injection nozzle for injecting the brine for curing and a pressure control mechanism which can raise an injection pressure gradually from zero or a low pressure while injecting the liquid substance when the brine for curing is injected from the nozzle to the green meat.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for unloading poultry as disclosed. A chute (35) is placed proximate the door of a coop. The door is opened and the poultry are urged out of the coop onto the chute (35). The poultry then slide down the chute (35) onto a conveyor (11), (15) which ultimately transfers the poultry to a gas stun vessel (25). The poultry are then transferred to a shackle line where they are shackled, without a full lift, and then proceed to an electrical stun (72) and killer (73). The gas stun vessel (25) includes a static mixer (53) for effectively mixing the CO.sub.2 and air before delivery to the gas stun vessel (25).

Abstract: A carousel arrangement for the automatic reloading of captive bolt stunners. The carousel includes stations for cartridge removal, bolt resetting and cartridge insertion. Further stations may incorporate safety checks or cooling devices.

Abstract: A hydraulic stunner apparatus for use in slaughtering animals includes a housing that defines a cylinder within which a rear seat is disposed. An elongated stunner element is received in and closes off the front end of the cylinder. The stunner element is movable between a cocked position in which the first end of the element is sealed against the seat, and a fired position in which the first end of the element is unseated and the stunner element is extended relative to the cylinder. Hydraulic fluid under pressure is directed into the cylinder to pressurize the cylinder, and an actuator is provided for unseating the stunner element from the cocked position to initiate movement of the element to the fired position. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a compressible biasing assembly for maintaining the hydraulic pressure within the cylinder upon separation of the stunner element from the seat and movement of the stunner element toward the extended position.