Apparatus for stunning poultry

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.

1 . An apparatus for stunning poultry, comprising a power source, a first device connected to a first pole of the power source for engaging the poultry and a second device connected to a second pole of the power source for engaging another body part of the poultry, the second device comprising a probe configured for at least partially entering the vent of the poultry.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the probe comprises an elongate rod of which the forward end is provided with an enlarged head.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the enlarged head is cone-shaped, with the tip of the cone facing forward.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the tip of the cone is rounded.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the cone has a rearward facing surface which is rounded.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least the part of the probe meant for entering the vent of the poultry has a highly polished surface.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  and meant for cooperation with a suspension conveyor for conveying the poultry while suspended from their legs, the apparatus further comprising a rotating carousel-like device which carries at regular intervals along its circumference a number of probes, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a relative upward and downward movement between the probes and the poultry when the suspension conveyor conveys the poultry around part of the circumference of the carousel-like device.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the probes are movable upwards and downwards along respective guides through the cooperation between a stationary curve and movable follower attached to the probes.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the poultry is movable upwards and downwards through an appropriate shape of the suspension conveyor.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first device comprises an electrically conductive liquid in which the head of the poultry is to be submerged, and wherein the liquid is contained in a number of successive containers, such that during operation of the apparatus each separate container will receive only one poultry head.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 10  and meant for cooperation with a suspension conveyor for conveying the poultry while suspended from their legs, the apparatus further comprising a rotating carousel-like device which carries at regular intervals along its circumference a number of liquid containers, wherein the apparatus is configured to provide a relative upward and downward movement between the containers and the poultry when the suspension conveyor conveys the poultry around part of the circumference of the carousel-like device.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the liquid containers are movable upwards and downwards along respective guides through the cooperation between a stationary curve and movable follower attached to the containers.  
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein the poultry is movable upwards and downwards through an appropriate shape of the suspension conveyor.