US3716892A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for processing poultry
Assignee: FOODCRAFT EQUIPMENT COMPANY Inc
•
Filing: 1970-10-19
•
Granted: 1973-02-20
•
Expires: 1990-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A poultry processing apparatus and method wherein the poultry are continuously conveyed through an elongated enclosure. The environmental air within at least portions of the enclosure is kept at predetermined temperature and humidity conditions so as to effect scalding of the fowl within the enclosure without immersing them in a liquid bath. Means are provided within the enclosure for spraying the fowl with a liquid scalding solution and picking the feathers therefrom. The feathers are carried away by a liquid-filled trough in the bottom of the enclosure.
Inventors
- 👤 W Miles
- 👤 E Crane
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 20:50
CPC Classifications
A; A22; A22C; A22C21/00; A22C21/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for treating birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; conveyor means running through said enclosure for conveying birds to be treated therethrough along a predetermined path; picking means within said enclosure adjacent said path for contacting said birds as they are conveyed thereby and wiping the feathers therefrom; and means for controlling the environmental air within at least portions of said enclosure within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions to effect scalding of the birds, said controlling means including means for sensing when said environmental air is tending to depart from said conditions and means for introducing air which is within said predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions into said enclosure to correct such tendency toward departure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for treating birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; conveyor means running through said enclosure for conveying birds to be treated therethrough along a predetermined path; picking means within said enclosure adjacent said path for contacting said birds as they are conveyed thereby and wiping the feathers therefrom; and means for controlling the environmental air within at least portions of said enclosure within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions to effect scalding of the birds, said controlling means including means for sensing when said environmental air is tending to depart from said conditions and means for introducing air which is within said predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions into said enclosure to correct such tendency toward departure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for treating birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; conveyor means running through said enclosure for conveying birds to be treated therethrough along a predetermined path; picking means within said enclosure adjacent said path for contacting said birds as they are conveyed thereby and wiping the feathers therefrom; and means for controlling the environmental air within at least portions of said enclosure within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions to effect scalding of the birds, said controlling means including means for sensing when said environmental air is tending to depart from said conditions and means for introducing air which is within said predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions into said enclosure to correct such tendency toward departure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
Apparatus for treating birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; conveyor means running through said enclosure for conveying birds to be treated therethrough along a predetermined path; picking means within said enclosure adjacent said path for contacting said birds as they are conveyed thereby and wiping the feathers therefrom; and means for controlling the environmental air within at least portions of said enclosure within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions to effect scalding of the birds, said controlling means including means for sensing when said environmental air is tending to depart from said conditions and means for introducing air which is within said predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions into said enclosure to correct such tendency toward departure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises spraying means within said enclosure adjacent said path for spraying said birds with a liquid scalding solution as they are conveyed thereby.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the temperature of said liquid scalding medium equals approximately the temperature maintained within said enclosure by said controlling means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the temperature of said liquid scalding medium is in the range of 120* Fahrenheit to 160* Fahrenheit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein the humidity within said enclosure is maintained by said controlling means at 90 percent to 100 percent relative.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 5 which includes at least two of said picking means longitudinally spaced from each other within said enclosure, at least certain of said portions of said enclosure being positioned between said two picking means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said spraying means comprises a manifold mounted within said enclosure having a series of nozzles mounted thereon such that the scalding solution issuing therefrom will impinge upon the birds as they are conveyed thereby, and means for moving said manifold in an oscillating manner such that the solution issuing from said nozzles will sweep back and forth over the bodies of said birds.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 7 wherein said spraying means includes means for pressurizing said scalding solution to a pressure in excess of 75 p.s.i. in said manifold.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said picking means are spaced from said spraying means within said enclosure such that birds will be subjected to said environmental air within said enclosure for a period of time prior to being contacted by said picking means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said spraying means is near the bird entry extremity of said enclosure, said picking means being spaced therefrom toward said bird exit extremity.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein the temperature of said liquid scalding medium equals approximately the temperature maintained within said enclosure by said controlling means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 whereiN the temperature of said liquid scalding medium is in the range of 120* Fahrenheit to 160* Fahrenheit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the temperature of said liquid scalding medium is in the range of 126* Fahrenheit to 135* Fahrenheit.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 11 wherein the temperature of said liquid scalding medium is in the range of 135* Fahrenheit to 150* Fahrenheit.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 10 wherein said introducing means comprises circulation means for withdrawing air from and reintroducing it into said enclosure, and conditioning means for heating the air so withdrawn while it is without said enclosure prior to reintroduction thereinto.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein said enclosure includes a series of door-like covers swingably mounted along the sides thereof, said picking means and spraying means being mounted within said covers whereby they can be swung to an open accessible position for cleaning and service.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises sealing means at at least one extremity of said enclosure in said path for sealing the interior of said enclosure from the outside atmosphere.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said enclosure includes at least one door-like cover swingably mounted along the side thereof, said picking means being mounted within said cover whereby it can be swung to an open, accessible position for cleaning and service.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said enclosure includes a series of door-like sections swingably mounted along the sides thereof, said sections being swingable from a closed to an open position to permit access to the interior of said enclosure for cleaning and servicing.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least portions of said enclosure comprise a double-walled structure, an air space being provided between the walls for insulation purposes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 20 which further comprises means for periodically replacing the air within said space with heated air.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises trough means positioned within and extending generally for the length of said enclosure; means for circulating fluid through said trough means to carry away the feathers wiped from said birds by said picking means; and means for removing the feathers from said fluid.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 22 which further comprises means for heating said fluid.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said controlling means includes means for preventing temperature increases above the approximate desired level.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said introducing means comprises circulation means for withdrawing air from and reintroducing it into said enclosure, and conditioning means for conditioning the air so withdrawn while it is without said enclosure prior to reintroduction thereinto.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 25 wherein said conditioning means comprises means for heating and increasing the humidity of said withdrawn air.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 26 wherein said conditioning means comprises a live steam injection device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein said outlets are spaced along the length of said enclosure.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 28 wherein said outlets are positioned so as to direct the conditioned air into said enclosure as varying angles with respect to the path of bird travel therethrough.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 27 wherein said conditioning means comprises means for heating and increasing the humidity of said withdrawn air.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 25 wherein said circulation means includes an intake for withdrawing air from said enclosure and a plurality of outlets cOmmunicating with the interior of said enclosure.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 25 wherein said circulation means includes an elongated air duct extending generally parallel to said elongated enclosure.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
87 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises: an elongated second enclosure positioned within and spaced from said first enclosure, said second enclosure having air egress openings therein and having bird entry and exit extremities; and means for withdrawing air from the space between said first and second enclosures, heating and humidifying said air and reintroducing said air into the interior of said second enclosure, said air circulating in said second enclosure and thereafter escaping into the space between said first and second enclosures.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus for scalding birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; means for controlling the environmental air within said enclosure within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions, said means including circulation means for withdrawing air from and reintroducing it into said enclosure and conditioning means for treating the air so withdrawn by heating and humidifying it without said enclosure prior to reintroduction thereinto.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
70 words
Apparatus for scalding birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; means for controlling the environmental air within said enclosure within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions, said means including circulation means for withdrawing air from and reintroducing it into said enclosure and conditioning means for treating the air so withdrawn by heating and humidifying it without said enclosure prior to reintroduction thereinto.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 34 which further comprises means for determining the temperature within said enclosure and activating or deactivating said conditioning means accordingly.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 35 which further comprises picking means in said enclosure for picking birds conveyed therethrough and spraying means in said enclosure for spraying birds; conveyed therethrough.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for treating birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; conveyor means running through said enclosure for conveying birds to be treated therethrough along a predetermined path; at least two longitudinally spaced picking means within said enclosure adjacent said path for contacting said birds as they are conveyed thereby and wiping the feathers therefrom; and scalding means in said enclosure between said picking means such that the birds are partially picked by one of said picking means, thereafter scalded and then picked by the other of said picking means as they are conveyed through said enclosure, said scalding means including means for controlling the environmental air between said two picking means within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
126 words
Apparatus for treating birds comprising: a generally closed elongated enclosure having bird entry and exit extremities; conveyor means running through said enclosure for conveying birds to be treated therethrough along a predetermined path; at least two longitudinally spaced picking means within said enclosure adjacent said path for contacting said birds as they are conveyed thereby and wiping the feathers therefrom; and scalding means in said enclosure between said picking means such that the birds are partially picked by one of said picking means, thereafter scalded and then picked by the other of said picking means as they are conveyed through said enclosure, said scalding means including means for controlling the environmental air between said two picking means within a predetermined range of temperature and humidity conditions.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 37 which further includes means for sensing when said environmental air is tending to depart from said conditions and means for introducing properly conditioned air into said enclosure to correct such tendency towards departure.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 37 which further comprises spraying means within said enclosure adjacent said path for spraying said birds with a liquid scalding solution as they are conveyed thereby, said spraying means being positioned such that said birds are sprayed prior to being contacted by said one picking means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
93 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 39 wherein said scalding means comprises: an elongated interior enclosure positioned within and spaced from said generally closed enclosure, said interior enclosure having air egress openings therein and having bird entry and exit extremities; and means for withdrawing air from the space between said closed enclosure and interior enclosures, heating and humidifying said air and reintroducing said air into the interior of said interior enclosure, said air circulating in said interior enclosure and thereafter escaping into the space between said closed enclosure and said interior enclosure.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 40 wherein said withdrawing means withdraws said air in the vicinity of said one picking means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as set forth in claIm 39 which further comprises trough means positioned within and extending generally for the length of said enclosure; and means for circulating fluid through said trough means to carry away the feathers wiped from said birds by said picking means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 39 wherein said spraying means comprises a manifold mounted within said enclosure having a series of nozzles mounted thereon such that the scalding solution issuing therefrom will impinge upon the birds as they are conveyed thereby, and means for moving said manifold in an oscillating manner such that the solution issuing from said nozzles will sweep back and forth over the bodies of said birds.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 43 wherein said spraying means includes means for pressurizing said scalding solution to a pressure in excess of 75 p.s.i. in said manifold.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said controlling means comprises circulation means for withdrawing air from and reintroducing it into said enclosure, and conditioning means for conditioning the air so withdrawn while it is without said enclosure prior to reintroduction thereinto.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 45 wherein said conditioning means comprises means for heating and increasing the humidity of said withdrawn air.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
90 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said scalding means comprises: an elongated interior enclosure positioned within and spaced from said generally closed enclosure, said interior enclosure having air egress openings therein and having bird entry and exit extremities; and means for withdrawing air from the space between said closed and interior enclosures, heating and humidifying said air and reintroducing said air into the interior of said interior enclosure, said air circulating in said interior enclosure and thereafter escaping into the space between said closed and interior enclosures.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said enclosure includes at least one door-like cover swingably mounted along the side thereof, at least one of said picking means being mounted within said cover whereby it can be swung to an open, accessible position for cleaning and service.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 37 wherein said enclosure includes a series of door-like sections swingably mounted along the sides thereof, said sections being swingable from a closed to an open position to permit access to the interior of said enclosure for cleaning and servicing.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as set forth in claim 50 which further comprises picking means within said first enclosure on opposite ends of said second enclosure.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-20 | 1976-08-21 | 1977-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-20 | 1980-08-21 | 1981-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-20 | 1984-08-21 | 1985-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |