Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for processing insect larvae in an ethical manner and without imposing unnecessary stress on them. The method involves anaesthetising the insects by cooling and then cutting them, thereby destroying the nervous system of the insects. Thus, an energy-saving method of processing insects with minimal stress is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involving a euthanasia process are provided. The euthanasia process is carried out in a chamber including electric stunning to induce insensibility and reduced atmospheric pressure to induce hypoxia. The described method and apparatus provide a more humane system for euthanizing animals and reducing any negative impacts for people carrying out the process.

Abstract: A gas stunning apparatus and system includes a first environment and a second environment. An animal is passed through the first environment until the carbon dioxide concentration within the first environment is about 40%, rendering the animal unconscious. The animal is then passed through the second environment until the carbon dioxide concentration within the second environment is about 100%, rendering the animal irrevocably unconscious.

Abstract: A portable system for stunning an animal is provided that includes a hood into which the animal's head is inserted and then is filled with a gas, such as carbon dioxide. The hood includes a gasket or covering with a slit on one end, which allows the hood to be placed over the head of the animal by a user while containing much of the carbon dioxide gas. The hood includes a handle and may have a trigger or other mechanism to control the flow of carbon dioxide gas, which is contained in a tank strapped to a user and connected to the hood via a hose or tubing. In this way, the system allows animals to be humanely stunned or euthanized individually with carbon dioxide gas using a portable system that is carried and controlled by an individual user.

Abstract: A method and system for stunning poultry with carbon dioxide gas includes initially establishing an initial elevated CO2 concentration in an initial stun chamber, and then lowering a cage for live poultry downwardly through an open top of the initial stun chamber. The cage is held there for an initial time period, after which the cage is moved into an intermediate stun chamber, where an intermediate elevated CO2 concentration is established. The cage is held in the intermediate stun chamber for an intermediate period of time, after which it is moved into a final stun chamber, where a final elevated CO2 concentration is established. The cage is held in the final stun chamber for a final period of time, and the cage is then raised upwardly through an open top of the final stun chamber and out into an ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stunning device (1) for poultry, having an elongated stunning space (2) with a poultry feed opening and a poultry discharge opening which elongated stunning space is subdivided in at least two connecting compartments, a controlled anaesthetic gas feed connecting to the elongated stunning space, and a conveyer (9) leading through the elongated stunning space providing a transportation path for the poultry, wherein at least one side of the elongate stunning space is connecting to a transition compartment. The invention also provides a method of operating such a stunning device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring gas stunning of birds, where groups of birds are conveyed into and out of a stunning zone (1), and where the concentration of the stunning gas in the stunning zone is measured and adjusted for optimal stunning. The gas concentration is measured at a plurality of measuring positions in the stunning zone and a visual inspection of the birds is performed at two or more of the measuring positions using a visual inspection unit (76), such as a camera, which is moved into the stunning zone together with the group of birds. The groups of birds are advantageously kept in crates (3). The visual inspection unit may be part of a monitoring unit (71) further including a gas sensor (75), said monitoring unit being used for simultaneous measuring of the concentration of the stunning gas and inspection the birds at two or more monitoring positions.

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: 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: A device for producing blown films, including an extrusion device generating a tubular film and a flattening device, associated with the tubular film, having two flattening elements, arranged on diametrically opposite zones of the tubular film and adjustable in relation to each other at an acute angle, for transforming a cross-section of the tubular film, which is first circular, then oval, to a double-layer film web. This invention has lateral guide elements for the areas of the tubular film that are not affected by the flattening elements and are arranged between the flattening elements and are associated with the tubular film and the lateral guide elements have an adjustable contour.

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 present disclosure generally relates to a method for humanely stunning and slaughtering poultry, and more particularly to a method for decreasing the spastic wing activity of poultry during slaughter. 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. The low atmospheric pressure slaughter is more humane than traditional slaughter techniques and results in less spastic wing activity.

Abstract: A system for safely and humanely anesthetizing and/or euthanizing animals is provided. The system provides both manual and automated operation and may be scaled up to accommodate a large number of animals during a single procedure. The system includes a chamber 20 for receiving an animal to be anesthetized or euthanized and a supply of gas is provided for the chamber, and a fluid controller (65, 165, 265, 365) controls the flow of gas to the chamber. In one embodiment, a valve (75) controls the flow of exhaust air to the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of slaughtering a non-human animal, which method comprises administering an anesthetic amount of carbon monoxide to said animal and subsequently killing the anaesthetized animal.

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: 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: A system for stunning poultry located in cages in which the system utilizing an automated control system and a series of stunning apparatuses for progressively increasing exposure of the poultry to a subduing gas. The system is adjustable to allow for varying concentrations of the subduing gas, as well as adjusting the time for which the poultry is exposed to the subduing gas. In addition, the conveyor system includes methods for maintaining the poultry in a calm state prior to dispatch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the sanitary slaughter of animals. The invention is especially suitable for the sanitary slaughter of poultry such as chickens, ducks and the like, in case of a break out of a contagious disease. The invention is characterized in that at least one body part selected from the nose and the mouth of the animal is covered with a foam prepared from a liquid and a gas, wherein the liquid contains a surfactant, and the gas used for making the foam comprises a gas component having the property to kill and/or narcotize the animal. A suitable gas component is for example carbon dioxide. The invention also relates to a bag (2) suitable for performing the procedure.

Abstract: A system for stunning poultry located in cages in which the system utilizing an automated control system and a series of stunning apparatuses for progressively increasing exposure of the poultry to a subduing gas. The system is adjustable to allow for varying concentrations of the subduing gas, as well as adjusting the time for which the poultry is exposed to the subduing gas. In addition, the conveyor system includes methods for maintaining the poultry in a calm state prior to dispatch.

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: A system for stunning poultry located in cages in which the system utilizing an automated control system and a series of stunning apparatuses for progressively increasing exposure of the poultry to a subduing gas. The system is adjustable to allow for varying concentrations of the subduing gas, as well as adjusting the time for which the poultry is exposed to the subduing gas. In addition, the conveyor system includes methods for maintaining the poultry in a calm state prior to dispatch.

Abstract: A method for gas stunning of poultry for slaughter is in which the poultry arrives at the poultry slaughterhouse, for example, in transport crates, where the poultry is subjected to gas after the poultry have been taken out of the transport crates, and where the poultry are conveyed by conveyors (18, 20, 24, 32) successively through a stunning chamber (8). The influence of the stunning gas for stunning of the poultry is adjusted in the stunning chamber by reducing or increasing by adjusting an effective length of at least one conveyor in the stunning chamber (8).

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: In stunning of slaughter animals by means of a box stunning apparatus with stunning atmosphere, boxes (1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) are conveyed around after one another to various stop positions by means of a transport system (11, 12). Animals to be stunned are driven forwards in a driveway (2) and into an entrance area (3). The animals in the entrance area are separated from other animals after a group of animals has passed into the area. The group is driven into an empty box (1) that is brought to a halt in the first stop position at the entrance area. The box is then conveyed into the stunning atmosphere. After the animals have been in the atmosphere the box is conveyed out of the atmosphere and is brought to a stop at an emptying area (13) to empty the box of stunning animals.

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: A method for gas stunning of poultry for slaughter is in which the poultry arrives at the poultry slaughterhouse, for example, in transport crates, where the poultry is subjected to gas after the poultry have been taken out of the transport crates, and where the poultry are conveyed by conveyors (18, 20, 24, 32) successively through a stunning chamber (8). The influence of the stunning gas for stunning of the poultry is adjusted in the stunning chamber by reducing or increasing by adjusting an effective length of at least one conveyor in the stunning chamber (8).

Abstract: A method and a system (2) for gas stunning of animals for slaughter is described, where the animals arrive at the slaughterhouse in transport crates (6), where gas stunning of the animals is effected while they are still in transport crates (6), and where the transport crates with the animals, a number of conveyors (12, 14, 18, 20), are conveyed successively through a stunning chamber (8), where the action of the gas for stunning of the animals is adjusted by shortening or prolonging the conveying time and/or the conveying route of the said transport crates (6) through the stunning chamber (8). It is possible to optimize stunning while at the same time considering all the parameters. If the stunning condition of the animals is not optimum, it is easy to prolong or shorten the conveying time and/or the conveying route through the stunning chamber.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of slaughter of poultry is provided that includes conveying the poultry in cages to at least one gassing chamber to sedate and render the poultry unconscious without killing them.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of slaughter of poultry is provided that includes conveying the poultry in cages to at least one gassing chamber to sedate and render the poultry unconscious without killing them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for at least stunning an animal for slaughter, comprising two processing steps of: a) reducing the consciousness of the animal for slaughter. using a gas, and b) administering to the animal for slaughter with reduced consciousness at least one electrical pulse in order to influence the heart function of the animal for slaughter. The invention also relates to an apparatus for at least stunning an animal for slaughter, comprising: a gas stunning space with means for gas feed, and electrical stunning means.

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 and apparatus for the treatment, such as anaesthetization or killing, of poultry by using gas. The gas comprises oxygen and carbon dioxide, among other components. During the treatment, the oxygen concentration is kept constant at a normal level (18-22 vol. %). This is important as it allows the poultry to breathe normally while the natural body functions can be maintained in their normal state until anaesthetization takes place. The concentration of carbon dioxide is increased either continuously or discontinuously. Accordingly, it is possible to anaesthetize poultry before slaughter in a way which produces low levels of stress and discomfort in the poultry while, at the same time, the quality of the meat is better than with the use of traditional methods. In the apparatus, the poultry are exposed to the gas in a chamber (1). The apparatus may include a belt conveyor (5) and can be separated into three treatment zones (2, 3 and 4).

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 method for anaesthetizing animals for slaughter is provided using gas by transporting the animals for anaesthetizing through a gas-filled anaesthetizing space. The gas is introduced into the anaesthetizing space by a gas feed and gas is drawn out of the anaesthetizing space at a distance from the gas feed by a gas discharge. An apparatus for anaesthetizing livestock for slaughter using gas is provided with an anaesthetizing space having a supply opening and a discharge opening for gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for anesthetizing animals for slaughter has a gas chamber with an inlet at one end and an outlet at another end, and an inclined inlet ramp extending to the inlet of the chamber and a declined outlet chute for receiving anesthetized animals from the outlet of the chamber. The inlet ramp is sized to force the animals to proceed to the inlet in single file. A continuous belly conveyor extends through the gas chamber from the inlet, through an anesthetizing gas zone, and through the outlet for supporting the animals on their bellies and transporting them through the gas chamber in single file at a rate sufficiently slow to ensure each animal is rendered unconscious by the time it reaches the outlet. The conveyor has a pickup portion extending from the inlet of the chamber into the inlet ramp for receiving individual animals and supporting them on their bellies for introduction into the chamber.

Abstract: Poultry packed in a crate suitable for the transport of live poultry are passed into a chamber having an oxygen depleted atmosphere and held in the atmosphere for a sufficient period of time for the poultry first to lose consciousness and then to die as a result of the lack of oxygen in the atmosphere. The atmosphere typically comprises nitrogen or argon containing less than 1% by volume of oxygen. It is found that the birds so slaughtered exhibit less bone damage than poultry slaughtered by a conventional method including the step of electrically stunning the birds prior to slaughter.

Abstract: Method and device for stunning poultry (8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), which poultry are taken into a first chamber (23) by means of a conveyer (2, 6), which chamber contains a first straining gas or gas mixture which is mixed with oxygen, and are subsequently taken into a a second chamber (33) which is essentially separated from the first chamber as regards gas and which contains a second stunning gas or gas mixture for increasing the stunning achieved in the first chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for gas stunning of poultry in open top drawers (22) comprises a tank (10) holding a heavier than air stunning gas such as a mixture argon and carbon dioxide. A lowering conveyor (24) receives the poultry-containing drawers (22), lowers them into the tank and delivers them to the infeed end of a series of conveyors (28) which transport the drawers (22) through the tank to the base of a lifting conveyor (32) which lifts the drawers and delivers them to the infeed end of a conveyor (34) which transports the dead poultry away for slaughtering. The conveyors (24, 28) are provided with covers (26, 30) to prevent the poultry escaping from the drawers. The drawers (22) are moulded with apertured sides and bases to allow penetration of the gas into the drawers so that the poultry is exposed to the gas for a time sufficient to kill the poultry, or at least render the poultry anoxic.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for treatment of poultry prior to slaughter of the poultry. In the method, poultry are exposed to a first atmosphere having a carbon dioxide concentration sufficient to induce relaxation of the poultry for a period of time sufficient to effect the relaxation. The relaxed poultry are then immediately exposed to a second atmosphere having a carbon dioxide concentration sufficient to render the poultry unconscious. The poultry are subjected to the second atmosphere for a period of time sufficient to effect the unconsciousness, but not sufficient to kill the poultry by being exposed to the second carbon dioxide atmosphere. The poultry are then slaughtered prior to the poultry regaining consciousness.

Abstract: Stunning of animals to be slaughtered at slaughterhouses takes place by exposing the animals for a sufficiently long period of time to an anaesthetic atmosphere, such as an atmosphere of carbon dioxide. A number of animals is first driven into a transport box (2b) which has been placed in a filling area at the slaughterhouse. Then a filled box is transported to a waiting area for boxes (2c), and from this waiting area a box is taken when needed and led through a stunning area (3) filled with the anaesthetic atmosphere, such as an oblong pit with room for 2-15 boxes (2d), which are led in one after another. The boxes (2f) with stunned animals are emptied of animals to be slaughtered, which are chained, whereas the empty boxes (2a) are returned to the filling area for renewed use. The removal of a box (2c) from the waiting area and the supply to the stunning area (3) are controlled by the current slaughtering speed and the number of boxes (2d) in the stunning area.

Abstract: Prior to slaughter, poultry are caused to undergo anoxic convulsions by exposure to an atmosphere for a sufficient period of time to lose consciousness. The poultry are then slaughtered. After slaughter, the poultry are chilled and then deboned or portioned. It is found that deboning or portioning can be performed within four hours of slaughter, instead of the conventional period of twelve hours or more, without adversely affecting the quality of the resultant meat. This result is attributed to the anoxic convulsions causing glycolysis in the pectoral and other muscles of the birds.

Abstract: Animals for slaughter are effectively stunned by injecting or a liquid or gaseous medium in the vicinity of the neurocranium within fractions of a second. Injection takes place under high pressure and for a short time. Undesired metabolic reactions are suppressed. Injection takes place by means of one or more injection nozzles (2). The injection medium preferably contains additives with a disinfecting, cooling or thixotropic, viscous characteristic.