Vacuum-assisted poultry loader

Abstract

An improved loader is described, The loader includes a frame, a pair of horns adjustably connected to the frame, each horn comprising an upper shoulder, a lower shoulder, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an air duct between the upper shoulder and the lower shoulder, a pair of air hoses connecting each air duct to a first controller, the first controller being connected to a pressurized air supply, and a pair of vacuum hoses connecting each air duct to a second controller, the second controller being connected to a vacuum supply.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A loader comprising:
 a frame having an upper surface;   a pair of horns adjustably connected to the upper surface, each horn comprising an upper shoulder, a lower shoulder, and an air duct between the upper shoulder and the lower shoulder;   a pair of air hoses connecting each air duct to a first controller, the first controller being connected to a pressurized air supply; and   a pair of vacuum hoses connecting each air duct to a second controller, the second controller being connected to a vacuum supply.   
     
     
         2 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a lower frame and an upper frame, the upper frame articulating with respect to the lower frame, and the upper surface is on the upper frame. 
     
     
         3 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein the first controller and the second controller are in electronic communication with one another. 
     
     
         4 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein the first controller and the second controller comprise a single controller. 
     
     
         5 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein the first controller and the second controller comprise manually-operated valves. 
     
     
         6 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second controller are configured to perform only one of connecting the pressurized air supply to the duct or connecting the vacuum supply to the duct during a time period. 
     
     
         7 . The loader of  claim 1 , further comprising a ram mounted to the frame. 
     
     
         8 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein the pair of horns comprise a funnel horn. 
     
     
         9 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein each horn has an inner surface and at least a portion of the inner surface comprises dimples. 
     
     
         10 . The loader of  claim 1 , wherein each horn has an inner surface and at least a portion of the inner surface is coated with a slippery synthetic substance. 
     
     
         11 . The loader of  claim 10 , wherein the substance comprises a thermoplastic polymer. 
     
     
         12 . The loader of  claim 11 , Wherein the thermoplastic polymer comprises polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     
     
         13 . An automated loading system comprising a rotating table comprising four stations spaced apart on the periphery of the table, the four stations comprising:
 a first loading station comprising the loader of  claim 1 ;   a second inspection station;   a third clipping station comprising a clipper; and   a fourth unloading station.   
     
     
         14 . The automated loading system of  claim 13 , further comprising a ram at the first loading station. 
     
     
         15 . A method of packaging material in a hag, comprising the steps of:
 releasing pressurized air into the bag;   placing the material into the bag;   pulling a vacuum on the bag;   closing and sealing the bag.