Importance

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Abstract

A poultry scalding apparatus includes an elongated first tank section having opposed side walls, end walls and a bottom wall, and defining a poultry travel path extending generally in the longitudinal direction of the first tank section. Water is delivered via troughs to the first tank section from both sides of the poultry travel path at a generally constant height along at least a portion of the length of the first tank section, and a conveyor is provided for conveying poultry along the poultry travel path in a head-down orientation while preferably moving the poultry vertically relative to the water delivery troughs as the poultry travels along the portion of the length of the first tank section in which the water delivery troughs are disposed. The poultry is moved between a first elevation at which the poultry is supported at least partially above the height at which water is delivered to the first tank section and a second elevation at which the poultry is supported substantially completely beneath the height at which water is delivered to the first tank section such that the head and neck of the poultry is exposed to the water for a longer period of time then the remainder of the poultry. At no time during the movement of the poultry through the first tank section does the head of the poultry become submerged beneath the waterline of the first tank section. A second tank section may be provided adjoining the first tank section and defining a continuance of the travel path. The second tank section includes a water level sufficient to permit the poultry to be substantially submerged during continued conveyance along the travel path such that scalding of the poultry may be performed.

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First Claim