Abstract: A method and system for receiving, processing, and stunning poultry in a poultry processing facility includes an receiving system for receiving and unloading live poultry from a transport vehicle, a controlled atmosphere stunning system, a stunned poultry hanging station for receiving and transferring stunned poultry to another facility for further processing, such as slaughtering the stunned poultry. Shuttle conveyors and cage pushers coordinate to unload cages of live poultry from the transport vehicle and begin conveying the cages toward the stunning system. Accumulators, cage de-stackers, cage stackers, cage washers, tilted conveyors, and other features may be included with the system.

Abstract: A switching device for guiding and switching of load currents includes: a movable switching component having a first movable contact and a second movable contact; a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact; a supporting device for supporting the switching component; and a magnetic actuator. The first movable contact is in contact with the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is in contact with the second fixed contact in a switched-on state of the switching component. The first movable contact is electrically separated from the first fixed contact and the second movable contact is electrically separated from the second fixed contact in a switched-off state of the switching component. The switching component is arranged such that the switching component moves between the switched-on state and the switched-off state by at least a rotational movement of the switching component and a translational movement of the supporting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical stunning method that is delivered to the head of a slaughter animal. A direct and/or alternating current electric pulse or an electric pulse sequence including two or more direct and/or alternating current pulses is used in the method. Also disclosed is a slaughter method using the stunning method and a design for a device that can be used in the stunning method.

Abstract: A light pipe for a vehicle lamp assembly includes a first pipe portion and a second pipe portion. The first pipe portion has a first section that extends between a first end and a second end. A portion of the first section at least partially defines an intersection area. The first pipe portion defines a first optical path extending in a lengthwise direction of the first pipe portion. The second pipe portion has a second section that extends through the intersection area. The second pipe portion defines a second optical path. The second optical path intersects with and extends through the first optical path of the first pipe portion such that the first section and the second section define an angle greater than zero degrees and less than 180 degrees therebetween. The first pipe portion and the second pipe portion a unitarily formed as a single monolithic element.

Abstract: A poultry stunning apparatus and method, the apparatus including an electrical control module configured to apply a DC current to the poultry at a voltage sufficient to stun the poultry and to apply AC current to the stunned poultry at a voltage and for a period of time sufficient to immobilize and relax the muscles of the stunned poultry, while at the same time avoiding or minimizing damage to the poultry tissue. In the method, DC voltage/current is applied for initial stunning, followed by an AC voltage/current to immobilize poultry and to further relax the muscles of the stunned poultry, such that the poultry does not exhibit involuntary motions, while at the same time avoiding or minimizing damage to the poultry tissue.

Abstract: An assembly according to the invention includes two pairs of relays, such as SSR semiconductor relays. The relays of each pair operate with the opposite direct current potentials. Direct current with the voltage of 220 V to 400 V as well as control lines are connected to the clamps of the controlled relays. The operation of the relays is controlled by means of a controller, such as a PLC programmable controller. The relays are connected to the first electrode clamp, and the other relays to the second electrode clamp. The assembly operates in such a way that the PLC controller activates the relays from the line, which simultaneously activate the flow of the direct current with the voltage of 220 V to 400 V and mutually opposite polarity. As a result of this, a difference of potentials appears on the electrode clamps.

Abstract: A method of slaughtering fish comprising the steps of providing an elongated passage, passing fish entrained within a flow of water through said passage, and generating linear electric field in the water along at least a first region of said passage, thereby inducing electro-anaesthesia or stunning of the fish passing through said first region of the passage, and applying a further electric field in the water in a subsequent region of the passage, downstream of said first region, to kill the fish such that the fish exit a downstream end of said passage in a dead state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for stunning poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) stunning the poultry via the suspended and positioned poultry head, and to obtainable debleeded poultry.

Abstract: An installation and method for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, includes the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head via a V-shaped positioning element; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for halal killing poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) killing the poultry near the suspended and positioned poultry head, optionally the poultry may be prestunned.

Abstract: A method of stunning an animal for slaughter is provided. The method includes directing a first portion of electromagnetic radiation in a first side of the animals head and directing a second portion of the electromagnetic radiation in a second side of the animals head such that the first portion and second portion of the electromagnetic radiation achieve constructive interfere at a focal point within the animal's head.

Abstract: Described are animal stunning apparatus and methods for inducing rapid unconsciousness and insensibility. The apparatus includes a stunning station in which a live subject animal is located in a confined position and an applicator contacts an application point on the live subject animal's head immediately overlying a frontal portion of the animal's brain and couples microwave radiation to the head. A microwave generator generates microwave energy of a suitable power level and frequency, and a waveguide directs the microwave radiation to the applicator. A switch discontinues the application of microwave radiation effecting heating of the frontal portion of the brain after a period of time sufficient to have raised the temperature of the frontal portion of the brain of the subject animal to thereby induce the unconsciousness and insensibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and installation for stunning poultry, such as chicken, turkey, duck and quail, comprising the steps of: i) suspending the poultry with the poultry head down; ii) positioning the suspended poultry head; and iii) stunning the poultry via the suspended and positioned poultry head, and to obtainable debleeded poultry.

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: A multi-channel poultry stunner with current sharing feature comprises at least two electrodes connected to at least one poultry and a current sharing circuit connected to the electrodes and a stunning voltage. The current sharing circuit generates at least four sets of dither voltages applied onto the poultry via the electrodes. The poultry is stunned by a stunning current generated on the poultry by the dither voltages and the stunning voltage. The advantages of small size and light weight can be accomplished, and very good conversion efficiency can be achieved. Moreover, a stunning current with current sharing feature can be produced to enhance poultry carcass quality.

Abstract: A method for processing poultry, includes supplying live poultry, stunning the live poultry in a stunning device, placing the stunned poultry into product carriers advanced along a conveyor, killing the poultry and removing the feathers from the dead poultry in a plucking device. Downstream of the plucking device, the poultry is exposed to an electrical stimulation, an electrical voltage being applied across the carcass of the poultry. A method for controlling process parameters, especially the time and duration of execution of working steps in a process of mechanized working of slaughtered poultry, includes evaluating the tenderness of a specified meat portion prior to a due processing step and, after this evaluation, setting the important process parameters for the particular processing step to an optimal value.

Abstract: A system and method for stunning live poultry is presented. In one aspect, the system presented has a poultry stunner defining a partially enclosed passageway and at least one first conduit in fluid communication with the fluid source, configured to direct a first stream of fluid into at least a portion of the at least partially enclosed passageway. In one aspect, the system also can have at least one second conduit in fluid communication with the fluid source, configured to direct a second stream of fluid into at least a portion of the at least partially enclosed passageway. In one aspect, the system comprises an electrical power source coupled to at least one of the first conduit(s) and/or at least one of the second conduit(s). Thus, an electric circuit is formed between the first and second streams of fluid via any of the live poultry that come into contact with the first and second streams of fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for loosening the feathers of a fowl prior to killing and processing, by exposing the fowl to a radio frequency source producing a frequency from between approximately 5 GHz and approximately 40 GHz, with an average power density from between approximately 10 mW per square centimeter and approximately 100 mW per square centimeter, for a predetermined period of time. The invention also relates to a method for killing bacteria on the fowl prior to killing and processing.

Abstract: A multi-channel poultry stunner with current sharing feature comprises at least two electrodes connected to at least one poultry and a current sharing circuit connected to the electrodes and a stunning voltage. The current sharing circuit generates at least four sets of dither voltages applied onto the poultry via the electrodes. The poultry is stunned by a stunning current generated on the poultry by the dither voltages and the stunning voltage. The advantages of small size and light weight can be accomplished, and very good conversion efficiency can be achieved. Moreover, a stunning current with current sharing feature can be produced to enhance poultry carcass quality.

Abstract: A method for processing poultry, includes supplying live poultry, stunning the live poultry in a stunning device, placing the stunned poultry into product carriers advanced along a conveyor, killing the poultry and removing the feathers from the dead poultry in a plucking device. Downstream of the plucking device, the poultry is exposed to an electrical stimulation, an electrical voltage being applied across the carcass of the poultry. A method for controlling process parameters, especially the time and duration of execution of working steps in a process of mechanized working of slaughtered poultry, includes evaluating the tenderness of a specified meat portion prior to a due processing step and, after this evaluation, setting the important process parameters for the particular processing step to an optimal value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a fillet of generally uniform thickness. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a fish fillet having a loin portion and a belly portion, cutting the loin portion to provide a butterflied portion that remains attached to the loin portion, lifting the attached butterflied portion, and manipulating the attached butterflied portion over to the belly portion to provide a fillet having a generally uniform thickness across the fillet. In another embodiment, a fish fillet includes a generally uniform thickness across the fillet.

Abstract: An apparatus for stunning poultry is provided, comprising a power source. A first device connected to a first pole of the power source for engaging the poultry and a probe connected to a second pole of the power source and configured for at least partially entering the vent of the poultry. The probe can have an enlarged head that is cone-shaped.

Abstract: A method is described for processing poultry, comprising the steps of supplying live poultry, stunning the live poultry in a stunning device, placing the stunned poultry into product carriers advanced along a conveyor, killing the poultry and removing the feathers from the dead poultry in a plucking device. Downstream of the plucking device, the poultry is exposed to an electrical stimulation, an electrical voltage (V1) being applied across the carcass of the poultry. A method is further described for controlling process parameters, especially the time and duration of execution of working steps in a process of mechanized working of slaughtered poultry, the tenderness of a specified meat portion being evaluated prior to a due processing step and, after this evaluation, the important process parameters for the particular processing step being set to an optimal value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rendering fowl insensate prior to killing and processing by exposing the fowl to a radio frequency source producing a frequency from between approximately 5 gigahertz and approximately 40 gigahertz and with an average power density from between approximately 10 milliwatts per square centimeter and approximately 100 milliwatts per square centimeter for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rendering fowl insensate prior to killing and processing, by exposing the fowl to a radio frequency source producing a frequency from between approximately 5 GHz and approximately 40 GHz, with an average power density from between approximately 10 mW per square centimeter and approximately 100 mW per square centimeter, for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having either its dielectric or its plates made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.

Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having its dielectric made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile either carries contact wires or is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.

Abstract: An electrical stunning device (10) to stun and immobilize an animal includes a first contact tip (15) and a second contact tip (23) to contact the animal. The first contact tip (15) is operatively connected to a first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) is operatively connected to a second voltage wire (46). The second contact tip (23) is pivotable to activate a proximity switch (43), which closes the circuit and allows voltage to be applied to the first contact tip (15) via the first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) via the second voltage wire (46) to stun the animal.

Abstract: A neuromuscular disrupter gun and associated projectile. The projectile contains a capacitor, having either its dielectric or its plates made from liquid. The gun charges the projectile prior to discharge from the gun of the projectile. The projectile holds the charge in flight and discharges on impact. To provide appropriate contact points, the projectile either carries contact wires or is designed to open and emit the liquid upon impact.

Abstract: An electrical stunning device (10) to stun and immobilize an animal includes a first contact tip (15) and a second contact tip (23) to contact the animal. The first contact tip (15) is operatively connected to a first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) is operatively connected to a second voltage wire (46). The second contact tip (23) is pivotable to activate a proximity switch (43), which closes the circuit and allows voltage to be applied to the first contact tip (15) via the first voltage wire (47) and the second contact tip (23) via the second voltage wire (46) to stun the animal.

Abstract: A control system for applying an electrical charge in stunning an animal. The system includes an electrical charge control section directly controlling electrical charge transmitted to stun paddles for stunning an animal and a microprocessor controller linked to the electrical charge control section. The microprocessor controller generates instructions for controlling the waveform applied by the electrical charge control section by permitting adjustment of the stun current, stun frequency and stun time. The system further includes a user interface through which an operator may control the microprocessor controller and the electrical charge control section.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrical stunning and killing poultry comprises a conveyor (31) and means for applying electrical voltage across the heads of the birds (3; 37; 42). In one embodiment, means are also provided for applying a voltage between the bird's head and rear by means of a further electrode (4). In this case, a two stage stun and kill process is used, with the bird being stunned by a voltage applied to it across its head and then killed by a voltage applied between its head and rear, causing fibrillation of the heart. The apparatus may also include means (5; 34) for restraining the bird's heads and/or facilitating contact of the bird's heads with the electrodes. The electrodes themselves may take a number of forms, including dry resilient foam covered by a conductive wire mesh, or a number of parallel sprung pins, or a rail along which the bird's heads slide, or a conductive endless belt. A pair of manual stunning tongs (61) is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrical stunning and killing poultry comprises a conveyor (31) and means for applying electrical voltage across the heads of the birds (3; 37; 42). In one embodiment, means are also provided for applying a voltage between the bird's head and rear by means of a further electrode (4). In this case, a two stage stun and kill process is used, with the bird being stunned by a voltage applied to it across its head and then killed by a voltage applied between its head and rear, causing fibrillation of the heart. The apparatus may also include means (5; 34) for restraining the bird's heads and/or facilitating contact of the bird's heads with the electrodes. The electrodes themselves may take a number of forms, including dry resilient foam covered by a conductive wire mesh, or a number of parallel sprung pins, or a rail along which the bird's heads slide, or a conductive endless belt. A pair of manual stunning tongs (61) is also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing animal carcasses are described. The method for processing the animal carcass includes electrically stimulating a target region of the animal carcass. By focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscle portion of an animal carcass, the middle muscle portion of the animal carcass can be tenderized without substantially interfering with the cooling rate of the muscles provided in the anterior and posterior portions. The apparatus includes an electrical stimulation frame that includes a plurality of electrical stimulation probes, an upper ground, and a lower ground, which are constructed and arranged for focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscles of an animal carcass.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing animal carcasses are described. The method for processing the animal carcass includes electrically stimulating a target region of the animal carcass. By focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscle portion of an animal carcass, the middle muscle portion of the animal carcass can be tenderized without substantially interfering with the cooling rate of the muscles provided in the anterior and posterior portions. The apparatus includes an electrical stimulation frame that includes a plurality of electrical stimulation probes, an upper ground, and a lower ground, which are constructed and arranged for focusing or concentrating electrical stimulation on the middle muscles of an animal carcass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a saline solution containing elongated trough which is mounted at the end portions of four non-electrically conducting posts. The trough has an ingress funnel arrangement designed to restrict the thrashing of to-be-electrically stunned birds and an elongated grid having a portion immersed in the solution and a downstream portion out of the solution. The four posts extend upwardly and terminate in threaded portions. A frame carriage is provided which has four corners and at the four corners are suitably mounted driven gears with internal bores and threads adapted to engagingly rotate about the threaded portions of the posts. The carriage is suitably affixed to a conventional I-beam to which is movingly mounted a conventional endless cable and spaced shackle system for conveying upside down birds.

Abstract: The invention is a current controller for use in, for example, automatic animal stunning equipment.A problem in the past has been that animal stunning equipment has not always stunned animals sufficiently humanely prior to slaughter. For example, when a short circuit has occurred and an animal is not sufficiently stunned, the animal has suffered trauma prior to slaughter. Regulations are now being introduced so as to minimise such trauma.The invention solves this problem by providing an improved Wilson mirror constant current generator which can operate in high voltage circuits, with good dynamic response, thereby ensuring the preferred current is always applied to correctly stun an animal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for bleeding a live fowl upon processing the fowl after severing a carotid artery of the fowl. According to the method, electric pulses are applied across the fowl promptly after the carotid artery of the fowl is severed. Preferably, the electric pulses are applied for 3 to 10 seconds upon an elapsed time of 1 to 10 seconds after the carotid artery of the fowl is severed.

Abstract: An electronic animal stunning system is disclosed, wherein animals can be continuously stunned while being moved through a stunning passageway, and wherein the current for the stunning process utilizes a series of electrodes for sequentially contacting the animal to be stunned and providing the stunning current. In particular, a series of pivotally mounted overhead electrode paddles are provided, wherein each paddle in the series of paddles pivots when contacted by the animal's head and slides across the face of the animal's head thereby setting up an electric current through the animal's head. The present invention is particularly useful for the slaughtering of hogs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically electrically stimulating poultry carcasses in poultry processing plants in order to tenderize the poultry meat are disclosed. Carcasses suspended by shackles from a moving processing line are transported between two preferably curved electrical conductive bars, which are positioned to apply the electrical stimulation across the breast of the suspended carcass. The carcasses may otherwise be dragged through a charged saline or water solution, or across a charged metal mesh or grill. The carcasses are subjected to electrical stimulation for by the application of an intermediate level voltage for the period of stimulation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically electrically stimulating poultry carcasses in poultry processing plants in order to tenderize the poultry meat are disclosed. Carcasses suspended by shackles from a moving processing line are transported between two preferably curved electrical conductive bars, which are positioned to apply the electrical stimulation across the breast of the suspended carcass. The carcasses may otherwise be dragged through a charged saline or water solution, or across a charged metal mesh or grill. The carcasses are subjected to almost constant electrical stimulation for 8 to 13 seconds by the application of an intermediate level, 100 percent duty cycle, AC voltage for the period of stimulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the immobilization of live hard shell aquatic crustaceans "hard shell crabs" prior to or during processing. The apparatus includes a nonconductive container containing an electrolyte solution, the quantity of said electrolyte solution being sufficient to submerge a number of live hard shell crabs to be processed; positive and negative electrodes positioned in spaced relationship within the container and being at least substantially covered by the electrolyte solution, each of said electrodes comprising a pair of parallel metal rods projecting vertically from the bottom of the container; and an electric switch means contained in a connector box, said switch means being electrically connected intermediate the electrodes and an electrical power source for allowing an operator to activate the apparatus, whereby the electrical energy supplied to the electrodes is transferred via the electrolyte solution to the submersed crabs for their immobilization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for stunning an animal for slaughter, for instance a pig, which device includes: transporting means for transporting an animal for slaughter through the device; at least two head electrodes for placing against the head of the animal; at least one body electrode for placing against the head of the animal; a first electrical component connected to the head electrodes for carrying through the brain of the animal a first current pulse; and second electrical component connected to the body electrode for carrying through the body of the animal a second current pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically electrically stimulating poultry carcasses in poultry processing plants in order to tenderize the poultry meat are disclosed. Carcasses suspended by shackles from a moving processing line are transported between two electrical conductive bars, which are positioned to apply the electrical stimulation across the breast of the suspended carcass. The carcasses are subjected to almost constant electrical stimulation for 8 to 13 seconds by the application of an intermediate level, 100% duty cycle, AC voltage for the period of stimulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in stunning fowl prior to slaughter has a mechanism for passing a predetermined electrical current through a series of items of varying electrical resistance, the mechanism including a continuous shackle train (10) having shackles (11) evenly spaced along its length, a water bath (15), electrical circuitry (21) having a connection to the bath (15) and means (12,16,17) for connecting the circuitry to the shackles (11) such that any object bridging a shackle (11) and the water bath (15) completes an individual electrical circuit, the circuitry being adapted (20) to maintain the predetermined current in all the circuits.

Abstract: A method of stunning an animal for slaughter includes the steps of providing the animal for slaughter; conveying the animal using conveying means; while conveying, causing a first current pulse having a maximum duration of 10 seconds to flow through the head and/or neck region of the animal to stun the animal; and, while conveying, causing a second current pulse to flow through the body of the animal to cause a cardiac arrest. The first and second current pulses may be applied successively or may be overlapping or partly overlapping.

Abstract: An apparatus for stunning poultry has a conveyor moving along a predetermined path, for suspending the poultry and a compartmentalized basin defining individual compartments for a conducting liquid. The basin is positioned below a portion of the conveyor. A circuit impresses a voltage across the conveyor and each of the individual compartments. The voltages are a function of the position of each of the compartments relative to the conveyor. The voltages are variable so as to produce a current regulated signal flowing between the conveyor and each of the individual compartments when the poultry is in contact with the conducting liquid in any of the individual compartments.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the humane slaughter and efficient processing of ratites, for example, ostrich and emu, which are generally large, heavy, and hostile animals. The method envisions transporting ratites from station to station in succession within a facility via a rail system in order to process them on a mass scale. Initially, each ratite is rendered unconscious by an electrical discharge. The ratites are then hung in an inverted position on the rail system. The ratites are killed by lacerating the arteries in the neck and also the windpipe. The head of each ratite is removed and useful parts are extracted. Next, the ratites are de-feathered and skinned. The viscera of each ratite is removed. The gizzard, heart, and liver are extracted for further processing. Finally, the edible meat products are removed from each ratite and are processed for human use.

Abstract: A method of stunning an animal for slaughter includes the steps of providing the animal for slaughter; conveying the animal using conveying means; while conveying, causing a first current pulse having a maximum duration of 10 seconds to flow through the head and/or neck region of the animal to stun the animal; and, while conveying, causing a second current pulse to flow through the body of the animal to cause a cardiac arrest. The first and second current pulses may be applied successively or may be overlapping or partly overlapping.