Abstract: A system and method for automatically suspending poultry from a carrier of a carrier conveyor. A vision guided robot can pick up poultry from a feedline and suspend the poultry from the carrier. An imaging device can be connected to a decision-making tool to process images from the poultry on the feedline, wherein the decision-making tool is arranged to detect a head of the poultry and to control the vision guided robot to pick up the poultry from the feedline by engaging the poultry at or below the head, and to subsequently suspend the poultry with its head up from the carrier of the carrier conveyor.

Abstract: Systems, devices, methods and computer program products for extendable conveyors are provided. A system includes an extendable conveyor and a separation module. The extendable conveyor is operable to convey items from an upstream side of the extendable conveyor to a downstream side of the extendable conveyor. Further, it is configured to increase the distance from the upstream side to the downstream side. The separation module is operable for conveying items towards the extendable conveyor and configured to decelerate the conveying of the items on the separation module.

Abstract: In accordance with example embodiments, a system may include a supply unit, a first transfer unit, a second transfer unit, and a gas chamber. In example embodiments, the supply unit may include a plurality of compartments and each compartment may have a moving device configured to move contents of the compartment from a first end of the compartment to a second end of the compartment. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may include a second moving device. In example embodiments, the second transfer unit may include a third moving device. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may be configured to receive contents from each compartment of the supply unit and move the contents to the second transfer unit, and the third moving device may be configured to move the contents to the gas chamber.

Abstract: When stunning animals e.g. by CO2-stunning aversive reactions may be seen among the animals as a reaction to the high concentration of CO2. To avoid the aversive reactions animals can be pre-stunned before being final-stunned and perhaps killed or slaughtered when stunned. Pre-stunning of animals may be performed with a combination of gas for pre-stunning comprising at least air and/or O2 together with CO2 e.g. in a concentration below 40%, at least air and/or O2 together with N2O, or at least air and/or O2 together with N2O and CO2, where CO2 may bi in a concentration below 40%. For larger animals such as pigs pre-stunning is performed for less than 60 seconds. A stunning system may comprise means for pre-stunning of animals before performing a final-stunning and may include gas storage for re-use of the pre-stunning gas.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically loosening or removing shoulder blades from shoulders of animal carcasses includes a holding means operably connected to transport means, and is provided for securing a shoulder selected from the shoulders at the leg portion and transporting the shoulder in a transport direction. A separator means is provided including an elongated separation section arranged to abut the shoulder blade as the shoulder blade is transported past the elongated separation section. The elongated separation section is positioned at an angle relative to the transport direction of the shoulder such that an increasing pulling force is obtained onto the shoulder blade until the shoulder blade is either loosened or separated from the shoulder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, designed and configured for stunning live poultry animals which are intended for slaughter and are located in containers, by means of a gas mixture comprising a stunning gas, which apparatus comprises a stunning chamber having at least two stunning zones, an introduction station, arranged on the inlet side of the stunning chamber, for the or each container containing live poultry animals and a discharge station, arranged on the outlet side of the stunning chamber, for the or each container containing stunned poultry animals, at least one transport conveyor for transporting the or each container in the transport direction T through the stunning zones from the introduction station to the discharge station, as well as means for delivering the gas mixture into the stunning zones of the stunning chamber, which apparatus is characterized in that the means for delivering the gas mixture comprises at least one injection pipe which is designed and configured to be movable relativ

Abstract: A device for controlling the anesthetization of an animal to be slaughtered. The device includes a stimulation unit via which a stimulation stimulus is given to the animal. The device includes an image capturing unit that has an image capturing range. The image capturing unit is constructed as a 3D-camera. One part of a surface of the animal is optically detected in the image capturing range and range pixels are collected in the area of the surface. The range pixels are provided and transmitted as pixel data. An evaluation unit is connected to the image capturing unit and collects the pixel data provided by the image capturing unit. The evaluation unit determines an active movement of the animal from the detected pixel data and provides and transmits the control result in the event of a determined movement of the animal.

Abstract: A cattle leg latch that is mounted to a cattle restraining chute and that allows the cattle's leg to be safely secured to allow for inspection and hoof trimming. The leg latch consists of a based plate mounted to the bottom edge of the chute, with a handle pivotably mounted on the base plate and a latch hook pivotably mounted on the base plate, with the handle attached to the latch hook by means of a linkage that allows the latch hook to be moved when the handle is moved, and allows the latch hook to be closed around the animal's leg to secure the animal's legs while the animal is restrained in the chute.

Abstract: A conveyor for positioning a meat product to be cut having a track attached to a frame, a chain slidably mounted on the track, a plurality of flights connected to the chain and a guide bar connected to the frame wherein the conveyor advances product forward at a loading end, maintains the product in a stable position through a transport section, and releases the product at a discharge end such that the product drops off the guide bar.

Abstract: In accordance with example embodiment, a system may include a supply unit, a first transfer unit, a second transfer unit, and a gas chamber. In example embodiments, the supply unit may include a plurality of compartments and each compartment may have a moving device configured to move contents of the compartment from a first end of the compartment to a second end of the compartment. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may include a second moving device. In example embodiments, the second transfer unit may include a third moving device. In example embodiments the first transfer unit may be configured to receive contents from each compartment of the supply unit and move the contents to the second transfer unit, and the third moving device may be configured to move the contents to the gas chamber.

Abstract: A mobile meat processing system and method of use is provided. The mobile system of abattoir contemplates various features and methods for producing various meat and meat products, enables the processing of meat at locations that are desirably close to the source, and further includes features for ensuring safety and cleanliness of the operations to be performed. Water purification and filtration systems are provided for both inlet and waste water, such that the system is adapted to function in connection with a wide variety of water sources.

Abstract: A plant for handling live poultry in a slaughterhouse, wherein the poultry is sent to the slaughterhouse inside transport units that include two piles set side by side of drawer type cages arranged on top of one another carried by supporting frames in such a way that they can be slid in and slid out. The plant includes an input station for input of the transport units where all the drawer-type cages of both of the piles are simultaneously extracted from each supporting frame.

Abstract: A slaughtering installation for processing poultry is adapted to be used in combination with a conveying assembly for conveying poultry which is suspended from their legs in a transport direction. The slaughtering installation comprising a killing device with poultry positioning device for positioning the neck region of the poultry suspended from the conveying assembly, the killing device further comprising cutting device for cutting into the neck and thereby opening at least one blood vessel in the neck region of the poultry. The positioning device comprises a back neck guide along which the back side of the neck of the poultry is guided, and a breast neck guide along which the breast side of the neck of the poultry is guided.

Abstract: Method and processing line for stunning and/or killing of poultry, comprising a plurality of treatment stations to execute the stunning and/or killing of poultry contained in containers or crates, a feed-line for supplying the poultry in containers or crates to the plurality of treatment stations, and an exit line to transport the stunned and/or killed poultry contained in the containers or crates away from the treatment stations, wherein a shuttle unit is provided that is movable on the one part to and from the plurality of treatment stations and on the other part to and from the feedline and the exit line.

Abstract: A mobile meat processing system and method of use is provided. The mobile system of abattoir contemplates various features and methods for producing various meat and meat products, enables the processing of meat at locations that are desirably close to the source, and further includes features for ensuring safety and cleanliness of the operations to be performed. Water purification and filtration systems are provided for both inlet and waste water, such that the system is adapted to function in connection with a wide variety of water sources.

Abstract: A slaughtering installation for processing poultry is adapted to be used in combination with a conveying assembly for conveying poultry which is suspended from their legs in a transport direction. The slaughtering installation comprising a killing device with poultry positioning device for positioning the neck region of the poultry suspended from the conveying assembly, the killing device further comprising cutting device for cutting into the neck and thereby opening at least one blood vessel in the neck region of the poultry. The positioning device comprises a back neck guide along which the back side of the neck of the poultry is guided, and a breast neck guide along which the breast side of the neck of the poultry is guided.

Abstract: Method and processing line for stunning and/or killing of poultry, comprising a plurality of treatment stations to execute the stunning and/or killing of poultry contained in containers or crates, a feed-line for supplying the poultry in containers or crates to the plurality of treatment stations, and an exit line to transport the stunned and/or killed poultry contained in the containers or crates away from the treatment stations, wherein a shuttle unit is provided that is movable on the one part to and from the plurality of treatment stations and on the other part to and from the feedline and the exit line.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for unloading birds from a compartment for holding birds, wherein a first conveyor belt is provided above the birds and a second conveyor belt is provided underneath the birds, for moving the birds toward the exit of the compartment. The present invention further relates to a conveyor assembly for unloading birds from a compartment for holding birds, the device includes a first conveyor belt which is configured to be provided above the birds and a second conveyor belt which is configured to be provided underneath the birds, for moving the birds toward the exit of the compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for unloading birds from a compartment for holding birds, wherein a first conveyor belt is provided above the birds and a second conveyor belt is provided underneath the birds, for moving the birds toward the exit of the compartment. The present invention further relates to a conveyor assembly for unloading birds from a compartment for holding birds, the device includes a first conveyor belt which is configured to be provided above the birds and a second conveyor belt which is configured to be provided underneath the birds, for moving the birds toward the exit of the compartment.

Abstract: In poultry slaughterhouses, birds arrive in batches. Birds are delivered in holders (2), are unloaded and are connected to carriers (14). The birds are then introduced into the slaughterhouse and slaughtered, after which further processing take place. The supply is variable over the course of time. However, the slaughtering is a continuous process. The present invention evens out the supply variability, so that a uniform stream of birds which is well matched to the continuous process in the slaughterhouse is obtained. A conveyor device (8, 9) having a controllable speed is positioned between the point at which the birds are unloaded from the holders and the point at which the birds are connected to a carrier. The speed of this conveyor device is controlled in such a manner that the number of birds which leaves the conveyor device is substantially uniform. It is also possible to control the speed of unloading.

Abstract: This document relates to live bird shackle transfer. In one embodiment, a live bird transfer system includes a perch conveyor, configured to transport a live bird on a perch mechanism from a distal end to a proximal end of the perch conveyor, and a shackle line, including a pallet assembly including a trolley supporting a pallet and a star-wheel mechanism configured to position the trolley such that the pallet is aligned with the proximal end of the perch conveyor during transfer of the live bird from the perch mechanism to the pallet. In another embodiment, a live bird transfer system includes a perch conveyor configured to transport a live bird from a distal end to a proximal end of the perch conveyor; a body-grasper at the proximal end of the perch conveyor; and virtual exit lighting positioned at the proximal end of the perch conveyor and above the body-grasper.

Abstract: An apparatus for stunning poultry is provided, comprising a power source, a first electrode connected to a first pole of the power source for engaging the head of the poultry and a second electrode connected to the opposite pole of the power source for externally engaging a groin area, except any part of a vent, of the poultry.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for naturally recycling poultry carcasses for use as a nutritional supplement, the apparatus generally consists of four modules: an enzymatic digest medium mixing assembly that self adjusts for pH; a mobile grinding assembly mounted on a truck trailer; a digesting and emulsifying assembly which includes a heated tank and separator; and a drying system. Carcasses are loaded into the grinder, and the ground carcasses are pumped into a storage tank with the enzymatic digest medium to produce a protein soluble mixture. The particle size of this mixture is then further reduced, and transported to a centralized and stationary processing plant for digesting and emulsifying. The remaining emulsified proteins are then dried. The resulting pellet-like pieces are uniformly sized for packaging.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring live objects, such as chickens, to a shackle line are presented. The system and method include introducing a plurality of live objects to a singulator. The singulator isolates the individual live objects and places them in a pallet on a conveyor. The system may detect and remove cadavers from amongst the live objects. The conveyor leads the live objects to a grasper. The grasper positions the legs of the live objects so that a shackler can secure the legs of the live objects with a shackle. The live objects and the shackle are then inverted and passed on to a shackle line. The shackle line may be a kill line buffer or a kill line.

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 processing of a first slaughter product to form a second slaughter product comprises: providing one or more processing stations, a parameter of a processing to be carried out in the processing stations being adjustable; collecting and storing data indicating the availability of the processing stations; collecting and storing data which indicate the availability of the first and/or second slaughter product; collecting and storing properties of the first and/or second slaughter product; storing relationships between the parameter of the processing and the properties of the first and/or second slaughter product. The processing of the first slaughter product to form the second slaughter product is controlled by adjusting the parameter of the processing on the basis of said data, properties and/or relationships, such that an additional added value is obtained during the processing of the first slaughter product to form the second slaughter product.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for processing worms uses spaced top and bottom surfaces of a rotor set a sufficient distance apart so that worm bodies to be processed touch both surfaces. A splitter is located mid-way between the surfaces and the worm bodies are forced by centrifugal force and by a flow of water in which the bodies are entrained to encounter and to be split by the splitter blade. The top and bottom surfaces are set a sufficient distance apart so that the worm bodies are partially flattened when passing therebetween. The splitter is located so as to be operative to split the central digestive tract of the worm body. An inlet is located in the top surface through which the worm bodies are introduced into the space between the top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring live objects, such as chickens, to a shackle line are presented. The system and method include introducing a plurality of live objects to a singulator. The singulator isolates the individual live objects and places them in a pallet on a conveyor. The system may detect and remove cadavers from amongst the live objects. The conveyor leads the live objects to a grasper. The grasper positions the legs of the live objects so that a shackler can secure the legs of the live objects with a shackle. The live objects and the shackle are then inverted and passed on to a shackle line. The shackle line may be a kill line buffer or a kill line.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring live objects, such as chickens, to a shackle line are presented. The system and method include introducing a plurality of live objects to a singulator. The singulator isolates the individual live objects and places them in a pallet on a conveyor. The system may detect and remove cadavers from amongst the live objects. The conveyor leads the live objects to a grasper. The grasper positions the legs of the live objects so that a shackler can secure the legs of the live objects with a shackle. The live objects and the shackle are then inverted and passed on to a shackle line. The shackle line may be a kill line buffer or a kill line.

Abstract: A series of multi-compartmented, multi-tier poultry cages are staged for loading by a poultry loader that moves transversely to the direction of a plurality of side-by-side poultry receiving and batching bins each having parallel conveyor belts longitudinally arranged for individual discharge of batches of poultry onto a conveyor belt of the poultry loader arranged for alignment with both individual bin conveyor belts, and individual front opening poultry cage compartments frontally presented by the cage stager. The stager removes a filled cage, relocates it to another position where it frontally faces in the same direction in which as an empty cage it was placed on the stager, for removal by a fork lift, while in the meantime another cage is placed on the stager and moved into position for filling, in a continuing process, until all poultry are loaded.

Abstract: This invention is a system and involved components for staging a series of multi-compartmented, multi-tier poultry cages for loading by a poultry loader that moves transversely to the direction of a plurality of side-by-side poultry receiving and batching bins each containing a floor that is a conveyor belt. The bin conveyor belts are parallel with each other and are longitudinally arranged for individual discharge of batches of poultry onto a conveyor belt of the poultry loader. The loader in turn is longitudinally arranged for individual alignment with both the bin conveyor belts and individual front opening compartments of an empty poultry cage frontally presented to the loader by a cage stager. The loader receives a batch of poultry from a bin and discharges the batch as a group at high loading speed into individual compartments, repeating the process for each bin and each compartment on a tier.

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 and device for collecting poultry and transporting the poultry to a slaughterhouse, in which the birds are at least partially made unconscious prior to their arrival at the slaughterhouse. Prior to or during their collection, the birds can be conveyed through a tunnel containing a stunning gas. A goods vehicle for carrying crates or containers with poultry to a slaughterhouse can be provided with means for introducing a stunning gas into the crates or containers.

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: A turntable means regulates the flow of animals, for example, ratites (includes ostrich and emu) through a slaughtering facility. The turntable means has a circular turntable rotating about an axis within a circular perimeter wall. The perimeter wall has a first opening leading to a holding area and a second opening leading to a stunning area. The turntable has a plurality of upstanding walls extending radially from the axis and forming confinement sectors for receiving the animals. The turntable means moves the animals from the first area to the second area by moving the animals about the axis while on the turntable via the confinement sectors from the first opening to the second opening. The rotation of the turntable is controlled in order to regulate the flow of the animals from the first area to the second area.

Abstract: In the invention poultry to be suspended with its legs from a suspension conveyor is first oriented in parallel with a certain direction, such as the conveying direction of the suspension conveyor, next spaced at a certain mutual distance, thereafter oriented in the same direction with its belly and finally, in this position, engaged by its legs and lifted by the suspension conveyor. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a conveyor supporting and supplying the poultry, means for orienting the poultry in parallel with the conveying direction of the conveyor and means for orienting the poultry with its belly in the conveying direction.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for orienting birds, which are applied by a belt conveyor, with their heads in the direction of conveyance. The apparatus comprises two positioning means located alongside each other and rotating around a vertical axis defining therebetween a passage for the birds to be oriented. At the passage, the one positioning means has a circumferential velocity directed in the direction of conveyance of the conveyor and the other positioning means has a circumferential velocity directed opposite to the direction of conveyance. Further, auxiliary means are provided for supplying the birds to the positioning means facing with their head or facing with their tail in the direction of conveyance.

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: A conveyor for supporting live fowl to be inoculated, iseminated, debeaked, or to have another operation performed on them. The conveyor includes a base, a pair of spindles mounted to the base, one at each of opposite ends, and a generally horizontally-disposed moving conveyor surface supported by the base. The conveyor surface is defined by an endless web encircling the spindles and is intended to receive thereon fowl which are to have an operation performed on them. The conveyor also includes apparatus for holding each bird in a defined position on the conveyor surface, including a pair of elongated, generally-parallel members spaced upward from the conveyor surface to define a slot therebetween. The elongated members are disposed such that the vertical distance between them can be varied.

Abstract: When birds are placed upright on the interior surface of an open-ended, non-vertical rotating drum, the birds turn, regardless of their initial orientation, so as to face "uphill" in the drum. The birds leaving the drum are all found to have the same orientation, and thus can be more easily hung on shackles.An apparatus for performing the method comprises a frame, bearings connected to the frame, an open-ended drum supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis by the bearings, means for rotating the drum about its axis, means for depositing a series of birds on the interior surface of the drum, at a first end of the drum as it rotates, and means for receiving birds exiting from a second end of the drum. The drum preferably declines from the first end toward the second at a depression angle of about 15.degree..

Abstract: Animals such as pigs which are to be slaughtered at slaughterhouses are unloaded from the transport truck and driven into pens and stalled in these for some time, until they are driven out of the pens and over to a stunning apparatus. The pigs of a supplied lot to the slaughterhouse, or part of the supplied lot, are treated as a separate unit during one or more of the above-mentioned stages of treatment, which means that pigs of a unit are to be constantly kept separated from pigs belonging to other units. Each unit may comprise e.g. 15 pigs. The treatment of the animals in units reduces their aggressions, and their well-being is increased, which will result in a lower incidence of rind damages, blood splashings and deviant meat quality of the carcasses. A system for stalling of the pigs includes a number of oblong pens (1), which are placed next to each other. Each of the pens has an entrance gate (6), an exit gate (8) and a driving gate (10) which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the pen.