NZ536487A - Animal drying apparatus with planar flow of compressed air to entire side of animal passing through apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Air knives 19 direct compressed air to an animal (not shown) passing on conveyor 13. This is stated to have the effect of drying an entire side of the animal (typically a sheep prior to slaughter).

Description

Patents Form # 5 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z.

FEB 2006 RECEIVED NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION AFTER COGNATED PROVISIONALS # : 536487/542254 DATED : 10 November 2004/7 September 2005 TITLE : Animal Drying Apparatus and Method We, KLENZION LIMITED Address: 25 Puriri Street, Taupo, New Zealand Nationality: A New Zealand company do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 20003 lNZ_Cap_20060208_1022_PBA.doc FEE CODE 1050 FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an animal drying apparatus and method, and in particular, but not exclusively to an animal drying apparatus and method for use in preparing animals prior to meat processing.

BACKGROUND It is common to wash animals, particularly sheep, prior to slaughtering them in a meat processing plant. It is important to present a clean animal to the meat processing plant to minimise the possibility of the transfer of harmful bacteria from the exterior of the animal onto the meat of the animal. This transfer is most likely to occur during hide removal when 10 the initial cuts are made through the hide of the animal.

When an animal is washed, it is advantageous to have the animal dried prior to the slaughtering process. Water on a wet animal can drain across the surface of the animal when it is suspended from a conveyor chain. This draining process can transfer dirt and bacteria from one part of an animal to another, or onto the meat through a knife cut in the skin. Tt is 15 common to suspend an animal from its back legs immediately after it is slaughtered, and if the animal is wet, water can drain and transfer dirt and bacteria from the anal region across the belly and to the brisket and neck where the initial knife cuts are made for hide removal.

For this reason, animals are often left for a period of time after washing, to partially or fully dry or at least to drain a little. However, these dwell periods can introduce a number of 20 problems. To be effective the dwell period often needs to be for many hours or perhaps overnight. This additional time can require large amounts of storage space and additional stock handling, adding cost to the slaughtering process. Wet animals can become uncomfortably cold, or can die from exposure during prolonged drying periods, especially during cold weather. In addition to this, there is a high likelihood of the animals becoming 25 re-contaminated during the dwell periods. Animals in yards will often defecate on one another, and the warm moist skin of a damp animal can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, allowing microbiological populations to multiply greatly. It is considered by some that many washed animals are more highly contaminated after a long dwell period than before they were washed. 200031NZ-C APSpec 0206/PA INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z.

FEB 2006 RECEIVED Animals can also lose body weight during long dwell periods, causing a reduction in the meat yield and a corresponding reduction of profits for the meat industry.

OBJECT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an animal drying apparatus and 5 method which will at least go some way towards overcoming the above mentioned problems, or at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in an animal drying apparatus adapted to allow the passage of animals there through, comprising; at least one nozzle arrangement adapted to convert a flow of pressurised air into a substantially planar flow of air, wherein the arrangement and support of the nozzle arrangement is such that in use the substantially planar airflow is caused to pass across at least part of the exterior of each animal passing through the apparatus.

Preferably the nozzle arrangement includes an elongate nozzle, for example a nozzle commonly referred to as an "air-knife". An air knife is a simple device that can be used to create a high velocity substantially planar airflow.

Preferably the apparatus includes at least two nozzle arrangements which are adapted to direct an airflow towards different surfaces of the animal.

Optionally the at least two nozzle arrangements are spaced apart in the direction of travel of the animals.

Preferably the apparatus includes at least two nozzle arrangements, each being adapted to direct a substantially planar airflow at opposing sides of an animal.

Preferably the apparatus further includes air nozzles adapted and configured to direct an 25 airflow in a substantially upwards direction towards the belly of an animal. 200031NZ-C APSpec 0206/PA Preferably the apparatus includes means to convey an animal past the, or each, nozzle arrangement.

Preferably the apparatus includes means to control the speed at which an animal passes the, or each, nozzle arrangement.

Preferably the apparatus includes a conveyor belt or moving floor arrangement.

Optionally the apparatus includes at least one restrainer-conveyor system. The use of such a system has the advantage that the speed of movement of an animal through the apparatus could be controlled.

Optionally the, or each, nozzle arrangement is caused to move relative to each animal 10 passing through the apparatus.

In a second aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of preparing an animal for presentation to a slaughtering process comprising; washing the animal, and at least partially drying the animal by causing at least one substantially planar flow of 15 air to pass over at least part of the exterior of the animal.

Preferably the at least partial drying of the animal is carried out using an apparatus substantially as specified herein.

The invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or 20 all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are incorporated herein as if they were individually set forth.

DESCRIPTION Two embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with 25 reference to the accompanying drawings in which, 200031NZ-CAPSpec 0206/PA FIGIJRE 1 is a perspective view of a first example of an animal drying apparatus, and FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a second example of an animal drying apparatus. FIRTST EXAMPLE With reference to Figure 1, a first example of an animal drying apparatus (10) is shown comprising a series of nozzle arrangements, which in this case includes four air knives (11). The air knives (11) are situated about a moving floor conveyor system (13). Each of the air knives (11) are connected to a manifold (15) which is supplied with pressurised air (17).

It can be seen that two air knives (11) are situated on each side of the conveyor (13) and that 10 their locations are staggered along the length of the conveyor (13) with respect to the air knives (11) on the opposite side of the conveyor (13). Each air knife (11) is aligned substantially vertically and with its outlet nozzle (19) facing the conveyor (13). The staggered locations can be helpful in reducing the possibility of opposing airflows meeting and cancelling each other out, for example, if they were directly opposite one another the 15 airflow could be weaker about the belly and the backbone of each animal. However a staggered arrangement of the air knives (11) is not essential.

If the apparatus (10) is to be used for sheep, the air knives (11) should be approximately 500 to 900 millimetres high, and ideally about 600 to 700 millimetres high. Preferably the air knives (11) are situated so that they can direct an airflow onto the lower parts of the legs of 20 an animal as it is often important during the carcass dressing process to have the legs at least partially dry. This is because when the hide of the animal is removed, the hide is often left on at least the lower part of the forelegs. Water on the lower parts of the forelegs, or hocks, can be a source of contamination until the hocks are removed.

The use of air knives is particularly advantageous because air knives can produce a high 25 velocity substantially planar airflow. As an animal passes this intense airflow from an air knife, water can be dislodged from an entire side of the animal. After the animal has passed a number of these air knives, encountering airflows from both sides, a significant amount of water will be dislodged from its exterior. And all of this can take place in a short length of time. 20003 INZ-CAPSpec 0206/PA Whilst the apparatus (10) is shown with four air knives (11) it is envisaged that the apparatus could have any number of air knives (11), but ideally between two and ten air-knives to achieve a satisfactory level of drying. It is envisaged that an apparatus having at least four air knives (11) would be suitable for use with sheep as sheep can be particularly difficult to 5 dry especially if they have long wool. The conveyor (13) shown in this example is approximately 6 to 10 metres in length. Ideally the apparatus is capable of at least partially drying approximately 6 to 10 sheep per minute.

Optionally the moving floor conveyor system (13) can include moving barriers which are adapted to prevent animals rushing through the apparatus (10) or stopping or turning back. It 10 is best if each animal passes through the apparatus (10) at approximately the same speed to ensure that each animal is adequately dried. As an alternative, the moving floor conveyor shown could be replaced with a restrainer-conveyor system. A restrainer-conveyor has the advantage that it can easily control the speed at which an animal passes through the apparatus (10). Such an apparatus is described with reference to figure 2 below.

The apparatus (10) shown also includes a central duct (21) which has a series of holes or nozzles (20) along its length. The central duct (21) is positioned to apply jets of air to the underside of an animal as it passes through the apparatus (10). At least some of the holes or nozzles (20) are arranged to provide an airflow which is substantially vertical, or within about 50 degrees of vertical. This additional, and generally upward, airflow can help to 20 dislodge the water that drains down and accumulates on the under side of the animal after washing. The central bar (21) is also connected to the manifold (15). If the apparatus (10) is to be used for sheep the top of the central duct (21) should be approximately 80 to 150 millimetres (mm), or ideally about 115 (mm), above the top of the moving floor conveyor system (13).

Animals that have experienced the intense airflow on both sides, and underneath, can be dry enough to be presented immediately for slaughter, in many cases eliminating the need to hold the animals for an extended dwell period to drain or to dry. This can also reduce or eliminate the need for additional handling. Both of which can reduce the possibility of an animal becoming re-contaminated after washing. 20003 INZ-CAPSpec 0206/PA Guide rails (23) can be provided to guide the animals along the length of the apparatus (10). While only a single rail is shown on each side of the apparatus, any guide system or number of rails and rail configurations can be used to suit the animals that use the apparatus (10). It can be seen that the rails (23) are waisted (24) adjacent to the outlet nozzles (19) so that the 5 rails (23) cause minimal interruption of the airflow from the air knives (11). Alternatively the rails (23) can be shaped or configured to include gaps adjacent to each outlet nozzle (19).

SECOND EXAMPLE With reference to Figure 2 a second example of an animal drying apparatus (50) is shown comprising a series of four air knives (51). The four air knives (51) are arranged as two 10 opposing pairs, each pair being arranged such that the outlet nozzle (52) of each air knife (51) substantially faces the other air knife (51) of the pair. One pair of air knives (51) is situated adjacent to the outlet end of a first restrainer conveyor (53), and the second pair of air knives (51) is situated adjacent to the outlet end of a second restrainer conveyor (55).

In this example the air knives (51) are aligned at an angle to the vertical, away from the 15 centreline of the apparatus, that is the same as, or close to, the angle of the opposed faces of the restrainer conveyors.

The apparatus also includes a central duct (57) which is positioned and configured to blow air onto the bellies and inside legs of an animal. The central duct (57) is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the apparatus and is provided with a number of holes (58) and is able to 20 direct some jets of air directly upwards, and some jets of air to each side at an acute angle from the vertical.

The apparatus (50) shown is configured to initially receive animals into the first restrainer conveyor (53), and then the animals are passed to the second restrainer conveyor (55) and then on through the rest of the apparatus (50). The restrainer conveyors, (53) and (55), carry 25 the animals up to, and past, each pair of air knives (51) and help to ensure that the animals pass the air knives at a relatively constant speed.

After the animal has passed the restrainer conveyors, (53) and (55), the animal is guided to walk over the central duct (57) which blows air onto the belly and the inside of the legs of the animal. The central duct (57) is positioned between two walking tracks (59). While the 20003 INZ-CAPSpec 0206/PA animal is walking the areas of skin and around the tops of the legs can be exposed to allow improved drying. If the apparatus (50) is to be used for sheep the top of the central duct (57) should be approximately 80 to 150 millimetres (mm), or ideally about 115 (mm), above the walking tracks (59).

Suitable railings or sides (61) can be provided to guide an animal along the length of the central duct (57).

In this example the central duct (57) is situated downstream of the restrainer conveyors, (53) and (55), and this is because the legs of the animals are usually pushed together while the animal is held by the restrainer conveyors. While the animals legs are held together and are 10 not moving it would be more difficult to dry the underside of the animals. The pattern of jets on the central duct (57) is configured to ensure that a useful portion of the underside of each animal is at least partially dried as the animal passes over and along the central duct (57).

While the central duct (57) and the walking tracks (58) in this example are shown positioned downstream of the restrainer conveyors, (53) and (55), the central duct (57), or additional 15 central ducts, and associated walking tracks, could be positioned between successive restrainer conveyors or before any restrainer conveyors.

While an air supply system or an air supply manifold is not shown in figure 2, clearly any suitable air supply system can be used which will supply a sufficient airflow to the air knives (51) and the central duct (57).

GENERAL COMMENTS RELATING TO BOTH THE FIRST AND THE SECOND EXAMPLES Preferably the air knives are situated in such a way that the animals pass close to the outlet nozzles of the air knives to ensure that a high velocity airflow impinges on the wool/hair and skin of the animal. Ideally the animal passes within 50 to 150 millimetres (mm) of the outlet 25 nozzles.

Preferably the air supply to either apparatus (10) or (50) is sufficient to provide an air velocity within the range of 40 to 200 metres per second where the air leaves the outlet nozzles of each air knife. A compressor, blower, fan or similar device, driven by a 5 to 15 20003 INZ-CAPSpec 0206/PA kilowatt motor is considered necessary to supply the required pressure and airflow to achieve this air velocity when the apparatus includes four to six air knives of approximately 600 millimetres in length.

VARIATIONS While each apparatus (10) and (50) described above includes a conveyor system of some sort it should be appreciated that a conveyor system is not absolutely necessary. The apparatus could simply comprise a race having air nozzles and/or air-knives situated in a similar configuration to that used on the apparatus (10) or (50) as shown. However, a conveyor 10 system can be useful in ensuring that animals pass through the apparatus at a desired speed.

The apparatus (10) and (50) described above show air knives that are configured to blow in a substantially horizontal direction, however it is envisaged that the air knives, or additional air knives could be configured to blow from above or below the animals that pass through the apparatus, or from any angle relative to the animals. Additionally, the central duct is 15 optional and could be replaced with one or more additional air knives.

While air knives (11) are used in these examples, it is envisaged that other nozzle arrangements that are adapted to produce a substantially planar airflow could be used in their place, for example an elongate tube having a relatively high number of individual nozzles closely spaced along its length.

Optionally, either apparatus (10) or (50) could be provided with an air extraction system, for example in the form of a hood over or about the apparatus, through which any displaced water can be extracted. The air extraction system can also include a separator, for example a cyclonic separator, to separate water, wool/hair and other solids from the air about the apparatus. The use of such an air extraction system can have the advantage that it can reduce 25 the possibility of cross contamination between animals passing through the apparatus and the contamination of animals in the surrounding area. An air extraction system can also help to reduce discomfort to, and contamination of, stock handlers who may need to work near the apparatus and who could otherwise be exposed to a mist of water from the apparatus. 20003INZ-CAPSpec 0206/PA Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

ADVANTAGES Such an apparatus can be used to significantly speed up the process of preparing an animal for presentation to the slaughtering process after it has been washed. If the intensity of the planar airflow is sufficient a significant proportion of the water on the exterior of an animal can be removed within a matter of seconds.

Due to the high speed of the operation the net cooling effect on the animal is minimised thereby reducing discomfort to the animal due to the cooling effect of the washing and drying process. Additional storage space may no longer be required to allow animals to drain and to partially dry. The possibility of cross-contamination between washed animals, and microbiological population re-growth on the washed animals can also be significantly 15 reduced.

Such an apparatus can allow animals to be processed from arrival at a meat processing plant, through a washing and drying process, and to be presented for slaughter, within as little as 45 minutes.

DEFINITIONS Throughout this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. 200031NZ-C APSpec 0206/PA

Claims (12)

1. An animal drying apparatus adapted to allow the passage of animals there through, comprising; at least one nozzle arrangement adapted to convert a flow of pressurised air into a substantially planar flow of air, wherein the or each nozzle arrangement is supported in a fixed manner such that in use the substantially planar airflow can pass across an entire side of the exterior of each animal passing through the apparatus.

2. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the nozzle arrangement includes an elongate nozzle.

3. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the apparatus includes at least two nozzle arrangements which are adapted to direct an airflow towards different surfaces of the animal.

4. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least two nozzle arrangements are spaced apart in the direction of travel of the animals.

5. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes at least two nozzle arrangements, each being adapted to direct a substantially planar airflow at opposing sides of an animal.

6. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus further includes air nozzles adapted and configured to direct an airflow in a substantially upwards direction towards the belly of an animal.

7. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes means to convey an animal past the, or each, nozzle arrangement.

8. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes means to control the speed at which an animal passes the, or each, nozzle arrangement.

9. An animal drying apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the apparatus includes at least one restrainer-conveyor system. 14 MAR 2007 200031NZ-RvsdClms_Mai07 doc/P A -12-

10. A method of preparing an animal for presentation to a slaughtering process comprising; washing the animal, and at least partially drying the animal by causing at least one substantially planar flow of air to pass over at least part of the exterior of the animal using an animal drying apparatus substantially as claimed herein. 5

11. An animal drying apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

12. A method of preparing an animal for presentation to a slaughtering process substantially as described herein. 10 PIPERS Attorneys for: Klenzion Limited "intellectual property office of n.z. 2 5 SEP 2006 RECEIVED! 200031NZ-RvsdClms_Sep06.doc/PA