The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 15, 2002
Filed:
May. 25, 2001
Paul Simon Berry, Bedford, GB;
Ambur Balakrishnan Mohan Raj, Bristol, GB;
Michael O'Callaghan, Weston-Super-Mare, GB;
Lindsay John Wilkins, Langford, GB;
David Bernard Tinker, Ampthill, GB;
BTG International Limited, London, GB;
Abstract
Apparatus for electrical stunning and killing poultry comprises a conveyor ( ) and means for applying electrical voltage across the heads of the birds ( ). In one embodiment, means are also provided for applying a voltage between the bird's head and rear by means of a further electrode ( ). 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 ( ) 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 ( ) is also described.