GB364667A - Improvements in knock-down or stunning pens for the humane slaughter of animals - Google Patents

Abstract

364,667. Holding appliances for animals. MACLEOD, J. T., 88, Cadogan Street, and THOMSON, J., 13, Kerona Avenue, Scotstoun, both in Glasgow. Oct. 6, 1930, No. 29804. [Class 81 (ii).] Relates to stunning or slaughtering pens for animals, of the kind in which the floor is adapted to tilt laterally about either side and is connected to the side walls, which latter slide upwards, when the floor tilts, to provide an aperture through which the carcass is discharged. According to the invention, the floor A of the pen is of steel chequered plating and is supported by shafts B the ends of which operate in slots G in bearing plates H. The shafts pass through boxes C secured to the lower side of the floor and are pressed outwards by springs D. Either one of the shafts may be actuated to tilt the floor by an associated lever I which is keyed to a horizontal shaft K, the latter being journalled in a bracket L which is secured to a vertical channel member M. The lever actuates a spring-controlled connecting-rod P the lower end of which contacts with one arm T of a pivoted lever. Another arm W of this lever is connected to a striking block Y a finger Y<1> of which is adapted, upon the operation of the lever I, to press the shaft B inwards against the action of the springs D. This inward movement brings the ends of the shaft adjacent the substantially vertical part of the slot G and the floor tilts under the weight of the animal. The floor is connected by wire cords p to the verticallyslidable side walls of the pen, the lower parts of which are hinged to swing outwards, the cords passing over pulleys attached to top longitudinal channels of the pen. The main vertical members of the pen consists of inner and outer steel channels and are braced by longitudinal and lateral plates and channel members.