Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method for stunning an animal, such as a chicken or other domesticated fowl, prior to performing one or more other processing operations on the animal, wherein the length of a path that the animal travels during exposure to the stunning force is variable. Varying the length of the path allows for compensating for variations in the speed with which the animal is moved along the path. By varying the length of the path in proportion to the variation in the speed, the time during which the animal is exposed to the stunning force can be maintained substantially constant, thereby avoiding the undesirable effects of over- and underexposure.

Abstract: A device (10) for retaining and associating an animal with a transport system during transport to and through one or more processing operations along a processing line. The device (10) includes a pivot mechanism (12) for reliably controlling the orientation of the animal during upward and downward travel on the transport system. More specifically, the device includes a lower portion (14) for retaining the animal, and an upper portion (16) for coupling with the transport system. The lower portion (14) is pivotably coupled with the upper portion (16) and movable between a rearward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially straight orientation relative to each other, and a forward position in which the lower portion (14) and the upper portion (16) are in a substantially angled orientation relative to each other in the forward direction.

Abstract: A picker apparatus for defeathering or plucking of poultry and other avian in a food processing facility includes a universal mount picker assembly including a belt drive system for driving a plurality of rotatable picker members with a drive motor disposed centrally in relation to the picker members, and a quick release positioning adjustment for the operating components of a picker apparatus. A belt retainer operates to maintain driving engagement between a belt and drive pulley.

Abstract: A picker apparatus for defeathering or plucking of poultry and other avian in a food processing facility includes a universal mount picker assembly including a belt drive system for driving a plurality of rotatable picker members with a drive motor disposed centrally in relation to the picker members, and a quick release positioning adjustment for the operating components of a picker apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for weighing a product along a product determination and separation line are provided. A conveyor assembly is positioned on a load cell to determine a combined weight of the conveyor assembly and the product that is being transported by the conveyor assembly. The frame of the conveyor assembly includes several pivot connections. A first pivot connection allows the moving surface of the conveyor assembly to be rotated from an operating position to a position in which the underside of the conveyor assembly can be easily cleaned. A second pivot connection is located between two portions of a support for a conveyor belt. The second pivot allows for easy application and release of tension on the conveyor belt for assembly and disassembly.