The invention relates to a device for introducing at least a portion of a guide element into a body space of an animal, in particular a skull, for the formation of a connection between the body space and the surroundings.

For slaughtering animals, it is of great impoastance that the animal in question is stunned, such that painan'6t stress are prevented significantly and that further movements, in particular involuntary, reflexive motStents of the animal before and during the slaughter are prevented.

Thus, the quality of the meat of the animal is kept at a high level, no needless violence is caused to the animal and, moreover, the surroundings of the animal, in particular humans and other animals, are protected, which is of importance in particular in the case of relatively large animals.

It is known to stun animals prior to the slaughter, by means of a slaughtering mask, which involves shooting a solid pin having a relatively blunt, mushroom-shaped end forcefully against the skull of the animal in question by means of an explosive charge or by means of a spring mechanism, causing the animal to be stunned due to the impact against the skull.

Next, for instance the carotid artery and/or other arteries of the animal can be cut through, to kill the animal by bleeding.

Further, it is known to shoot a pin having a relatively sharp end into the animal's skull and into the animal's brains with a comparable slaughtering mask. Thus, the animal is stunned due to the impact in the skull, at least in the brains.

These known methods of stunning entail the risk that the animal is not, or at least not sufficiently, stunned, for instance because the impact of the pin has insufficient force for stunning the animal completely, or because the impact direction is wrong. Even in the latter method, it may occur that the animal does not become stunned. As a consequence, the animal produces less blood, becomes stressed, which causes the quality of the meat to decrease, and will moreover suffer pain. Also, by a stunning thus effected, the animal is not or at least insufficiently prevented from continuing to make (in) voluntary movements, for instance kicking or swinging movements. The use of spring action for moving the pin has the additional drawback of the pin being accelerated insufficiently, so that the force of the impact of the pin will be insufficient, as a consequence of which the device will recoil, so that the impact force of the pin is reduced even further and, moreover, the positioning of the device is adversely affected.

The object of the invention is to provide a device of the type set forth in the preamble of the main claim, in which the drawbacks mentioned are avoided, while the advantages thereof are retained. To that end, a device

according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

By providing a device according to the invention with means for moving the body with the at least one needle-shaped element through gas pressure, a relatively high acceleration can be obtained by relatively simple means. The needle-shaped element can be forced with relatively great force through the wall of the body space, for instance through the calvarium, in an unequivocally determined position, such that the duct connects the body space with the surroundings. When such device is used for stunning an animal, with the at least one duct forming a connection between the inner space of the skull in which the brains are situated, a gas such as air can then for instance be forced into the body space via the duct.

This gas provides a pressure build-up such that a complete, lasting stunning is effected, while, moreover, (in) voluntary movements of parts of the body can be prevented.

In itself, the insertion of the at least one needle- shaped element need no result in a direct stunning or the death of the animal. This depends on, for instance, the force of impact, the shape and the dimensions of the needle-shaped elements. This is advantageous, because via the connection obtained, electrodes can for instance be inserted into the body space, for instance for performing an EEG measurement.

Moreover, via the guide element, connecting elements and the like can for instance be inserted or removed.

A device according to the invention can be of relatively simple and light design, is relatively inexpensive to purchase and use, and is practically applicable in many situations. Moreover, during use, such device has no recoil, or at least a negligible one, so that the device can readily be positioned and kept in position. Further, such device has the advantage that animals do not become stressed thereby.

In further elaboration, a device according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 3.

Through the use of at least two needle-shaped elements, each needle-shaped element comprising at least one duct, the advantage achieved is that at different positions in the body space, a duct opens, enabling the body space to be approached at different positions. Moreover, the use of several ducts may be advantageous in that an even better access to the body space can be guaranteed.

In further elaboration, a device according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 4.

In such embodiment, which is in particular suitable for introducing gas under pressure into the relevant body space, in particular into the cranial space, the advantage achieved is that via the at least one duct with the axial outflow direction, gas can for instance be directly passed to the spinal marrow for preventing the involuntary and reflexive movements of the animal, while via the other

outflow openings, gas can be introduced and distributed into the body space.

In an advantageous embodiment, a device according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 6.

By designing the at least one needle-shaped element so as to be slightly conical, such that it tapers in the direction of the free end, the advantage achieved is that the introduction thereof is even further simplified, while the needle-shaped element can moreover also be removed from the relevant wall of the body space again in a relatively simple manner.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a device according to the invention is further characterized by the feature of claim 8.

By pressurizing the at least one duct with a gas prior to or at least during the penetration of the wall by at least the front end of the relevant duct, this duct is prevented even more effectively from becoming clogged, for instance with material of the wall or of the filling of the body space.

In a preferred embodiment, a device according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 10.

Designing the pressure means substantially as a portion of a commercially available tacker offers the advantage that such pressure means is readily available. By

accommodating at least the guide means, the body and the needles in a mask part that can be coupled to pressure means, the use of a device according to the invention is simplified even further, while exchange of different mask parts for different animals is further simplified.

The invention further relates to a mask part suitable and intended for use with a device according to the invention.

The invention moreover relates to a method for introducing at least a portion of a guide element into a body space of an animal, characterized by the features of claim 12.

In a preferred embodiment, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 14.

The advantage achieved by introducing a fluid, in particular a gas, into a cranial space under a pressure greater than 1 bar, in particular a pressure of between 2 and 8 bar, is that stunning is effected in a proper manner. For most animals, a pressure of between 2 and 6 bar, more in particular 3 bar, will preferably be used for achieving suitable results.

A further advantageous embodiment of a method according to the invention is characterized by the method of claim 15.

The use of a gas pressure of at least 4 bar, in particular of between 4 and 15 bar, offers the advantage that a suitable acceleration of the body with the at least one

needle-shaped element is obtained, so that it will pass the wall of the body space in a suitable manner. For most animals, a suitable result will be realized when a gas pressure of between 6 and 10 bar is used, in particular of about 8 bar.

Further advantageous embodiments of a device and method according to the invention are given in the further subclaims.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a device and method according to the invention will hereinafter be specified, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings: Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of a device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side elevation of a body having needle- shaped elements for use in a device according to Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 3a is a front view of a body having needle-shaped elements according to Fig. 3; Fig. 4 shows a body and needle-shaped elements in vertical section taken on the line IV-IV in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a section of a needle-shaped element taken on the line V-V in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view of a mask for use with a device according to Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 7 is a front view of a pressure regulating and control device, in open condition, for use with a device according to Figs. 1 and 2; Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a device according to Fig. 1 during use upon an ostrich; and Fig. 9 is a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention.

In this specification, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a device 1 according to the invention, comprising a pressure means 2 in the form of the air-side portion of a commercially available tacker, known per se, a mask part 4, coupled to the pressure means 2, and a number of connecting hoses 6,8,10, which will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow.

A tacker suitable for use in the present patent application is for instance known from US 3 106 138; US 3 814 475; EP 0 336 021; EP 0 028 589 and EP 0 052 368. With respect to the pressure means known therefrom, these publications are considered to be incorporated into this specification by reference. Such a pressure means 2, known as tacker, comprises a plunger rod 12, movable in axial direction by means of an air cylinder, not shown, in the pressure means. By means of an air hose 14, the tacker 2 is connectable to a pressure source for air, for instance a compressor. By means of a trigger mechanism 16, said air cylinder is operable, whereby the plunger rod 12 is movable

from a retracted position at least into the extended position shown. Preferably, the plunger rod with cylinder is reciprocable between the two positions, in the direction P.

For operating the cylinder, air of a pressure of, for instance, 8 bar is used, while the plunger rod 12 together with the body 18 to be further described and the needle- shaped elements 20,22 can obtain a speed of, for instance, between 50-100 m/s.

Secured on the front side 24 of the tacker 2 is a guide means 26, a section of which is shown in Fig. 6. The guide means comprises two opposite flanks 28, wherebetween a guide path 30 is defined in which the body 18, the needle- shaped elements 20,22 and the plunger rod 12 can extend and move, as will be further explained hereinbelow. The inner sides of the flanks 28 are preferably smoothly finished, for instance with a layer of plastic 32, to keep the friction between said inner sides 32 and the body 18 particularly low.

By means of, for instance, bolt connections 34, the guide means 26 can be secured on the front side 24 of the pressure means 2, so that it is exchangeable for another, comparable guide means 26, for instance suitable for application to other species of animals.

The body 18 has a substantially rectangular cross section, as shown in Fig. 3A, while flat sides 34 are provided which, during use, abut against the inner side 32 of the flanks 28, such that guidance thereof is possible while rotation of the body 18 is readily prevented. If required,

guide means may further be provided on the top and bottom sides of the body 28 to prevent the body from moving between the flanks 28 in the guide path 30 other than in forward/rearward direction P. The body 18 has its rear side provided with a bore 36 having internal screw thread, which can be crewed onto external screw thread on the free end of the plunger rod 12. This coupling enables moving the body 18 in the guide path 30 forwards/rearwards in the direction P, by means of the plunger rod 12 and the piston means described hereinabove.

At the front side of the body 18, opposite the bore 36, two needle-shaped elements 20,22 are mounted by means of screwed connections 38 and 40 respectively. The first needle- shaped element 20, the lower one in Fig. 4, has an axial bore 42 which extends as first duct between the two ends of the first needle-shaped element 20. Hence, this axial bore 42 has an outflow opening 44 having a substantially axial outflow direction Tl adjacent the anterior end 46. This anterior end 46 is relatively sharp, while the needle-shaped element 20 has a substantially conical outer surface, slightly tapering in the direction of the end 46. The opposite end 48 is provided with external screw thread which can be screwed into internal screw thread at the end of a first flow-through duct 50 in the body 18, which will be described in more detail hereinbelow. The second needle-shaped element 22 has an axial bore 52 as second duct, extending from a first end 54 adjacent the body to a number of radial openings 56 that are

located at a distance from the second end 58 of the second needle-shaped element 22. In the embodiment shown, three evenly distributed radial openings 56 are provided, having an outflow direction T2. The purpose hereof will be further discussed hereinbelow. The first end 54 is provided with external screw thread capable of mating with internal screw thread in a second flow-through duct 60 in the body 18. The screw connections 38,40 enable the needle-shaped elements 20,22 to be detached and replaced by other needle-shaped elements, caps or the like. The second end 58 of the second needle-shaped elements 22 is of sharp design. The second needle-shaped element 22 is also slightly conical, tapering in the direction of the second end 58.

The first flow-through duct 50 is on one side connected to the duct 42 in the first needle-shaped element 20 and on the other side to a first air line 6, and encloses a right angle between the first air line 6 and the duct 42.

Similarly, the second flow-through duct 60 forms a connection between the duct 52 of the second needle-shaped element 22 and a second air line 8, while also enclosing a right angle.

The two air lines 6,8 lie substantially in the same plane as the needle-shaped elements 20,22 and extend in a plane parallel to the inner sides 32 of the flanks 28, in downward direction viewed in Fig. 1. Hence, upon movement of the body 18, the connections of the air lines 6,8 will move along forwards/rearwards with the body 18 through the slot 27 formed between the flanks 28. By connecting lines 6A, 8A, the

opposite ends of the air lines 6,8 are connected in a coupling block 62 which is detachably connected to a handgrip 64 of the pressure means 2. The connecting lines 6A, 8A are coupled to a control unit 66 as shown in Fig. 6, which will be further described hereinbelow.

A device according to the invention can be employed as follows.

Two needle-shaped elements 20,22 are screwed into the body 18, the needle-shaped elements 20,22 being selected depending on the desired purpose. In the exemplary embodiments shown, needle-shaped elements have been opted for that are suitable for stunning for instance ostriches. This will be explained in more detail hereinbelow. Via the bore 36, the body 18 is connected to the plunger rod 12 and is received between the flanks 28. The first air line 6 and the second air line 8 are connected to the first flow-through duct 50 and the second flow-through duct 52 respectively, and are connected via the coupling block 62 to the first connecting line 6A and the second connecting line 8A respectively. The connecting lines 6A, 8A are coupled to the control device 66. Moreover, the third air line 10 is coupled to the control device 66. The air hose 14 is connected to the pressure source. With the needle-shaped elements 20,22, the body 18 is moved into a retracted position by means of the pressure cylinder and the plunger rod 12. Next, the front end 68 of the mask part 4 is held in a suitable manner against the back of the head of an ostrich to be stunned, as shown

schematically in Fig. 8. For that purpose, the front end 68 of the mask part 4, at least of the guide means 26, is provided with a bevel 70, to enable an unequivocal positioning on a desired spot on the calvarium of the ostrich. Next, the trigger 16 is moved, causing the plunger rod 12 to be moved forwards at great speed and force by the pressure cylinder, i. e. in the direction of the front end 68, such that the needle-shaped elements 20,22 are forced at least partially through the calvarium of the ostrich, such that at least the outflow openings 44 and 56 are located in a suitable position in the body space 72, as shown in Fig. 8.

This involves the radial outflow openings 56 of the second needle-shaped element 22 being located in the cerebrum a, and the axial outflow opening of the first needle-shaped element 20 being located in, or at least adjacent, the medulla oblongata b, such that the outflow direction Tl is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of said medulla oblongata b. Due to the suitable acceleration and impact force of the needle-shaped elements and the specific design thereof, the occurrence of a recoil during the penetration of the needle-shaped elements is prevented. Thus, positioning can be effected very properly.

When the plunger rod 12, at least the pressure cylinder, is advanced, pressure is built up in the third air line 10, whereby a first pressure switch is operated in the control device 66. Via electromechanical control means 76, this first pressure switch operates a second and third

pressure switch 78,80, whereby air is introduced into the connecting lines 6A, 8A under a pressure of, for instance, 3 bar. Thus, air will be introduced, under pressure, into the body space 72 via the ducts 42,52 and the outflow openings 44,56 respectively, so that stunning of the animal is ensured. Moreover, the axial outflow direction T1 of the first needle-shaped element 20 has the advantage that the spinal marrow is anesthetized as well, so that involuntary movements of the animal are further prevented. By the electromechanical control means 76, the pressure in the lines 6,8 is maintained for, for instance, 1.5 seconds, to achieve the desired result in a suitable time.

After the animal has been stunned, the plunger rod 12 is retracted, preferably by means of the pressure cylinder, such that the needle-shaped elements are pulled from the animal's calvarium and returned into a position for subsequent use.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment as shown in Fig. 9, the third air line 10 has been removed. Here, the trigger mechanism 16 incorporates an electric switch 82 whereby the electromechanical control means 76 can be operated, optionally wirelessly. In this embodiment, the operation of the trigger mechanism 16 involves air under pressure being directly passed into the lines 6,8, to create in the ducts 42,52 an excess pressure relative to the surroundings, sufficiently high to prevent accumulation of material in particular in the radial outflow opening 44 of

the first needle-shaped element 20. This could for instance be caused by material of the wall of the body space to be penetrated entering the relevant duct. This is readily prevented through the use of excess pressure.

The radial outflow openings 56 have the advantage of involving an even distribution of the air in the cerebrum a.

Thus, an effective, complete stunning is realized in an even better manner.

A device according to the present invention can also be used for inserting objects, for instance an electrode, into a body space, for instance covered by bone or skin. For this purpose, it is preferred that the second needle-shaped element be replaced by a shut-off device 96, so that only the first needle-shaped element can form an open connection. An article to be inserted, such as an electrode 98, is subsequently placed into or onto the outflow opening 44 of the first needle-shaped element 20 and inserted into the relevant body space by the relevant needle-shaped element.

Next, through air pressure in the duct 42, it can be detached from the needle-shaped element, such that the object stays behind in the body space while the needle-shaped element 20 can be retracted.

In the embodiments shown, the device 1 comprises a safety device 84 in the form of a pin 86 which extends along the guide means and which is partially accommodated in a bearing 88 mounted on the guide means 26. In a neutral position, the front end 90 of the pin 86 extends slightly

ahead of the front end 86 of the mask part 4, while the opposite end 92 is coupled to the trigger mechanism 16, in such a manner that in this position shown, the trigger mechanism 16 is blocked in a manner known per se. During use, the front end 68 of the mask part 4 is pressed against a wall to be penetrated, such that the front end 90 of the pin 86 is pushed away rearwards. Accordingly, the second end 92 is moved against the action of the spring 94 for releasing the trigger mechanism 16 : This means that the trigger mechanism 16 can only be operated when the front end 68 of the mask part 4 is held against the relevant wall, which prevents the needle-shaped elements 20,22 from possibly moving out of the mask part 4 at an unintended moment. This increases the safety of the device considerably.

The invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments described with reference to the Figures. Many variations thereof are possible within the framework of the invention as embodied in the appended claims.

For instance, the pressure means 2 may be of different design, for instance in the form of a different type of gas pressure-controlled tacker or a like device, or as a pressure means especially designed therefor. Further, the body, the needle-shaped elements and the guide means may be designed differently, depending on the desired use of the device. For instance, the body may be provided with only one needle- shaped element or with several needle-shaped elements, while different ducts may be intercoupled. Also, the air connecting

lines 6,8 may be coupled to the ducts in other manners, for instance along the top thereof or from aside. It will in each case be possible to select the desired pressures to be used depending on the intended purpose of the use. These options will be directly appreciated by anyone skilled in the art. Of course, a method or device according to the invention may also be applied to other animal species. Moreover, several ducts may be incorporated into a needle-shaped element, while, moreover, one duct may be provided with (an) axial as well as (a) radial outflows opening (s), or with outflow openings having a different outflow direction, for instance tangential or combined.

These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.