A New or Improved Instrument for Use in Slaughtering Cattle.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 1st Mar., 1894
Complete Specification Left, 29th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 29th Dec., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Instrument for Use in Slaughtering Cattle.
I, PATRICK JOHN GEOGHEGAN, of 103 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin, Ireland,
Victualler, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a new or improved instrument for use in slaughtering
cattle, and has for its object the accomplishment of such work in a more certain,
expeditious, and humane manner than hitherto, so far as I am aware.
In the slaughtering of cattle, the usual method at present in vogue, consists in
the striking of the animal in a certain vulnerable part in the region of the forehead,
with the well-known pole-axe.
According to this practice should the operator miss his aim considerable
inconvenience and danger may be caused owing to the restiveness of the animal,
and the consequent swelling of the hide or skin.
Again should the operator strike too heavy, the instrument being buried in the
skull may be wrenched from his grasp by the struggling of the animal, and injury
done by the flying handle to the neighbouring attendants.
On humane grounds also the present practice is objectionable on account of the
reasons stated.
Now my invention is designed to obviate these defects, and to render the work of
slaughtering more humane, and to this end I mount a device at the end of a suitable
handle consisting of a hollow plunger, one end of which is provided with a flanged
head, and the other end may be of any suitable section desired. This plunger slides
spirally in a suitable elongated socket which is hung in the forked end of the handle
by universal movable joints, whereby the handle can be readily held at any
convenient angle to the plunger.
A spiral spring keeps the plunger raised in the socket, and allows it to shoot
forward when struck by a blow.
In using the instrument as thus described, the point or free end of the plunger is
placed on the vulnerable part, when the flanged head of plunger is struck with
an ordinary mallet whereupon the point or free end penetrates the forehead of the
animal in an unerring manner, thus accomplishing speedily and effectually the work
of destruction.
Dated the 28th day of February 1894.
A New or Improved Instrument for Use in Slaughtering Cattle.
I, PATRICK JOHN GEOGHEGAN, of 103 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin, Ireland,
Victualler, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention relates to a new or improved instrument for use in slaughtering

page_text: cattle, and has for its object the accomplishment of such work in a more certain,
expeditious, and humane manner than hitherto so far as I am aware.
In the slaughtering of cattle the usual method at present in use consists in the
striking of the animal in a certain vulnerable part in the region of the forehead with
the well-known pole-axe.
According to this practice should the operator fail to strike the proper spot,
either through incompetence, accident, or owing to the restiveness of the animal,
unnecessary pain is naturally caused by the wound not proving vital. It may also
happen that the axe (being sometimes buried to an unnecessary extent in the skull)
may be wrenched from the operator's grasp by the struggling animal, and sent
flying through the slaughter-house to the consequent danger of the attendants.
Therefore on humane as well as on commercial grounds the present practice is
objectionable on account of its uncertainty.
Now my invention is designed to obviate these defects, and especially to render
the work of slaughtering more humane, and to this end I mount a device at the
end of a suitable handle consisting of a hollow plunger sliding in a suitable
elongated socket which is hung in the forked end of the handle by movable
joints whereby the handle can be readily held at any convenient angle to the
plunger.
A spiral spring keeps the plunger raised in the socket, and allows it to shoot
forward when struck on its anvil end as presently described.
In order that my said invention may be more readily understood, and carried into
practice, I attach the accompanying sheet of drawings in which
Fig. 1, is a general view (half actual size) of the complete apparatus; and
Figs. 2 and 3, plan and section (about full size) of same.
A, A', is the hollow metal plunger, A¹ being the end intended to be placed on
the vulnerable part of the animal to be slaughtered, and is tapered to a sharp edge,
while the other end is provided with a dome-shaped cap b. for the stroke of a heavy
mallet when being used. c, is the socket in which the plunger slides, and which is
provided longitudinally with two spiral or vertical grooves in which engage
trunions d, formed on the plunger, and whereby if found necessary a rotatory as
well as longitudinal motion may be imparted to the plunger as it shoots forward
through the socket, the object of this suggested rotatory motion being to further
increase the penetrating power of the plunger.
e, is a ring or band which carries the socket, and which is provided with
trunions e', whereby it is hung in the fork f. h, is the spiral spring which retains
the plunger in the socket, and allows it to shoot forward when struck on the dome-
shaped head.
k, is a wooden handle which may be of any convenient length and diameter
according to requirements.
An aperture is provided in the dome-shaped head for the purpose, if necessary,
of running a rod into the brain to effectually, and expeditiously destroy life. This
aperture is also useful for facilitating the cleaning of the plunger.
In the act of using the apparatus, the penetrating end A', is placed on the
vulnerable part of the animal, when the dome-shaped head is struck a sharp, but
comparatively light, blow with a suitable mallet, whereupon the plunger penetrates
the part with unerring accuracy, thus accomplishing speedily, effectually, and
humanely the extinction of life.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tiou, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I desire to have it
understood that what I claim is :-
First. In the slaughtering of cattle, the use and application of an apparatus
consisting of a plunger A, A¹, in combination with a socket c, spirally or
longitudinally grooved, and enclosed in a ring or band e, which latter swings in a
fork, all arranged and operating in the manner substantially as described.
Second. In the slaughtering of cattle, the use and application of a plunger A A¹

page_text: surrounded by a spiral spring h, acting in combination with the other parts, claimed
in Claim one, all arranged and operating in the manner substantially as herein
specified and set forth.
Dated the 28th day of November 1894.
J. K. FAHIE & SON,
9, Westland Row, Dublin, Agents for Applicant.