Microwave poultry processing device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for loosening the feathers of a fowl prior to killing and processing, by exposing the fowl to a radio frequency source producing a frequency from between approximately 5 GHz and approximately 40 GHz, with an average power density from between approximately 10 mW per square centimeter and approximately 100 mW per square centimeter, for a predetermined period of time. The invention also relates to a method for killing bacteria on the fowl prior to killing and processing.

1 . A microwave poultry processing device for sterilizing a fowl comprising:
 a radio frequency source generating a radio frequency field;   wherein, the fowl is placed in proximity to the radio frequency field for a predetermined period of time for killing bacteria present on the fowl.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising at least one field guiding structure connected to the radio frequency source to limit the spatial range of the radio frequency field. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the radio frequency field has a frequency between approximately 5 GHz and approximately 40 GHz. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the radio frequency field has an average power density between approximately 10 mW per square centimeter and approximately 100 mW per square centimeter. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the bacteria present within the flesh of the fowl are killed. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the predetermined period of time is between 3 and 30 seconds. 
   
   
       7 . A method for sterilizing a fowl comprising the steps of:
 generating a radio frequency field; and   exposing a body of the fowl to the radio frequency field by placing the body adjacent the radio frequency field for a predetermined period of time.   
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the predetermined period of time is between approximately 2 seconds and approximately 30 seconds. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the radio frequency field has a frequency between 5 GHz and approximately 40 GHz. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the radio frequency field has an average power density from between approximately 10 mW per square centimeter and approximately 100 mW per square centimeter 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising directing the radio frequency along at least one field guiding structure. 
   
   
       12 . A method for depiliating a fowl comprising the steps of:
 generating a radio frequency field;   exposing the fowl to the radio frequency field to loosen the feathers; and   removing the loosened feathers from the fowl.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising placing the body of the fowl adjacent to at least one field guiding structure for a predetermined period of time. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the predetermined period of time is at least 2 seconds. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the predetermined period of time is between approximately 2 and approximately 30 seconds. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the radio frequency field has a frequency between approximately 5 GHz and approximately 40 GHz. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the radio frequency field has an average power density between approximately 10 mW per square centimeter and approximately 100 mW per square centimeter. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising directing the radio frequency along at least one field guiding structure. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the step of removing the feathers is achieved by a process selected from the group consisting of: pulling, plucking, blowing, or suctioning. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the radio frequency field has an average power density sufficient to degrade a protein strand securing a feather quill within a follicle. 
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the duration of exposure to the radio frequency field is sufficient to degrade a protein strand securing a feather quill within a follicle.