Method and apparatus for unloading poultry
AssigneeHormel Foods Corporation
InventorsJames P. Freeland, Scott R. Christensen, Randy R. Alsleben, Vernon G. Klasen
Life of this patent
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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).
Claims4
A gas stunning apparatus for rendering poultry unconscious, comprising:
- a) a stun vessel, the stun vessel being substantially gas tight except for an entrance and an exit;
- b) a conveyor running through the stun vessel for transporting the poultry through the stun vessel;
- c) a source of CO.sub.2 ;
- d) a line for providing a flow of CO.sub.2 from the source to the stun vessel;
- e) a blower connected to the line for combining air and CO.sub.2 for delivery to the stun vessel;
- and
- f) a return line operatively connected to the stun vessel and the blower, wherein the CO.sub.2 is recycled.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.