Method and apparatus for handling fowl

{
  "publication_number": "US3704688A",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A",
  "title": "Method and apparatus for handling fowl",
  "abstract": "Newly hatched baby chicks are sexed and simultaneously transferred from a hatchery tray at a first station to either the male or the female channel of a conveyor which transfers them to counting and debeaking devices located at a second station. The baby chicks are picked up at the second station, debeaked and simultaneously counted, e.g., by touching a counter with the hand as the chicks are being debeaked. They are then placed in boxes.",
  "claims": [
    "1. An apparatus by which operators conduct the functions of debeaking, counting and sexing chickens, said apparatus comprising a supporting framework, a transfer conveyor means having inlet and outlet end and two segregated channels mounted on and extending from one end of the framework to the other for transferring selected male chicks in one channel and selected female chicks in the other channel from one end of the apparatus to the other between a first work station defined at the inlet end and a second work station defined at the outlet end, debeaking means located at one of the stations, counting means located at one of the stations, said counting means and debeaking means being mounted on the supporting framework adjacent to the transfer means and in sufficiently close proximity with the transfer means whereby the chicks thereon are within reach of an operator to perform said functions.",
    "2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the transfer means extending between the first station and the second station comprises an endless belt conveyor having a means for removing foreign material therefrom in operative association therewith whereby the material dropped on the belt will be continuously removed;",
    "3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the means for removing foreign material comprises a washing box including an enclosure and a means for applying a washing liquid to the surface of the belt.",
    "4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein means are provided for thereafter removing excess liquid from the belt.",
    "5. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein at least one counter and debeaker is provided in the second station, said counters include counter sensing elements operatively positioned with relation to the debeakers such that the sensing elements and the counters are operated when the debeakers are used.",
    "6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the transfer means comprises an endless belt entrained over laterally extending longitudinally spaced rolls, a drive motor is connected to advance the belt between the first station and the second station and a partition is provided above the belt defining male and female channels for maintaining the males and females separate from one another, and where at least one counter and debeaker is provided in the second station, said counters including counteR sensing elements operatively positioned with relation to the debeakers such that the sensing elements and the counters are operated when the debeakers are used."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "A01K 45/00",
    "A61D 1/005"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "PILLSBURY CO"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1970-07-27",
  "publication_date": "1972-12-05",
  "grant_date": "1972-12-05",
  "priority_date": "1970-07-27",
  "application_number": "US-3704688D-A",
  "family_id": "22015557",
  "citations": [
    "US1382856A",
    "US1884101A",
    "US2840041A",
    "US3109413A",
    "US3295524A",
    "US3570487A"
  ]
}