Abstract: A striker assembly includes a striker having a main body, a head, and teeth formed in the main body. A “U”-shaped channel is formed in a top wall of the head to accommodate a movable first elongate metal bar and in a bottom wall of the head to accommodate a stationary second elongate metal bar. An undercut is formed in open communication with the channel that accommodates the second elongate metal bar. A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart circular discs is positioned in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. Each disc has slots formed in it to accommodate opposite ends of the first and second elongate metal bars. The slot that accommodates the first elongate metal bar enables it to be displaced circumferentially and radially so that a striker can be replaced and it is moved back into its operative position after the striker has been replaced.

Abstract: The invention entails a defeathering cylinder having a plurality of fingers extending radially from its curved surface. The cylinder is mounted on a shaft positioned along the axis of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotatably mounted to an enclosure having a top, a bottom, a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, and sides connecting the front wall to the back wall. The front wall of the enclosure contains a cylinder opening. The back wall contains a plurality of apertures sized to substantially inhibit the passage of feathers. A power source such as an electric motor is functionally connected to the shaft on which the cylinder is mounted. Operation of the motor causes the shaft and the cylinder to revolve within the cylinder opening. The revolution of the fingers extending from the cylinder causes air to flow into the cylinder opening and out the apertures. When a bird is placed in contact with the revolving fingers, the feathers will be removed and drawn into the enclosure and toward the back wall.

Abstract: The invention entails a defeathering cylinder having a plurality of fingers extending radially from its curved surface. The cylinder is mounted on a shaft positioned along the axis of the cylinder. The cylinder is rotatably mounted to an enclosure having a top, a bottom, a front wall, a back wall opposite the front wall, and sides connecting the front wall to the back wall. The front wall of the enclosure contains a cylinder opening. The back wall contains a plurality of apertures sized to substantially inhibit the passage of feathers. A power source such as an electric motor is functionally connected to the shaft on which the cylinder is mounted. Operation of the motor causes the shaft and the cylinder to revolve within the cylinder opening. The revolution of the fingers extending from the cylinder causes air to flow into the cylinder opening and out the apertures. When a bird is placed in contact with the revolving fingers, the feathers will be removed and drawn into the enclosure and toward the back wall.

Abstract: A poultry picker comprises four independently movable banks of rotary picker heads. Each bank is supported at its ends by brackets, which are independently, vertically movable on respective uprights. Each bank can be moved toward or away from its upright by one adjustment mechanism, and another mechanism is provided for tilting the bank about its longitudinal axis. In addition, the uprights are pivotally mounted on a common base, and can be tilted outward from their normal vertical position, to provide access to the picker heads for cleaning.