Patent ID: 6769976
Filing Date: 2004-08-03
Classification: A22B

Abstract:
An animal or fish stunning device comprising:a pneumatically-powered piston assembly comprising a piston retractably extendable from an open ended cylinder included in said assembly, wherein said piston assembly comprises a pneumatic gun with a sleeve as said cylinder; a support for said piston assembly including a base member, wherein said piston assembly is positioned with respect to said base member to define a space between said base member and said cylinder open end for receiving a head of an animal or fish, and wherein said piston can extend partially into said space; and a trigger for activating extension of said piston when said trigger is contacted by the head of said animal or fish when positioned in said space, wherein said trigger comprises: a contact plate adjustably linked to a pivot frame having a first pushrod extending therefrom for contacting an activating button of said gun; and a second, pneumatically operated, pushrod that disengages said first pushrod from said button immediately after activation of said button; wherein said pivot frame is biased to a pre-firing position and said first pushrod is biased towards said button to prevent refiring of said piston while said head of said animal or fish is in contact with said trigger.