Abstract: A processing chamber effective for workers to perform therein a selected task upon an edible product. The processing chamber comprises a floor, walls, and a ceiling joined together to be impermeable to water. The processing chamber further comprises a washing system which, when activated at regular intervals in the absence of the workers, directs a pressurized fluid toward at least one object within the processing chamber. The pressurized fluid washes away debris and sanitizes the at least one object. Upon sanitizing, the workers re-enter the chamber to perform the selected task upon the edible product.

Abstract: A livestock processing facility comprising a waste area, a processing area, a storage area and a packaging area. The processing area comprises at least two processing portions wherein each processing portion is positioned such that the processing area at least partially circumscribes the waste area. Waste from any processing portion of the processing area is directly fed through conduits without passing through any other area of the facility. A processing portion of the processing area includes a self-cleaning system to wash and sanitize the processing portion at regular intervals. The storage area includes separate modular coolers wherein the temperature of each cooler can be controlled independent of any other. Each area of the processing facility is positioned and designed to control the flow of air away from the storage and packaging areas toward the waste area.

Abstract: By increasing the mass and reducing the surface friction of the piston driving a penetrating bolt in an animal stunning gun and providing that bolt with a conically-shaped recess at its tip, maximum penetrating force with minimum gun complexity is achieved. The control valve releases the piston driving fluid, e.g. compressed air, very rapidly for the maximum surge effect on the piston driving the bolt. Further simplification of the gun without the sacrifice of any performance is achieved by utilizing magnetic or mechanical retention means for the bolt prior to the firing of the gun.