Abstract: A conveyor for shock-sensitive products includes a conveyor member with at least one intermediate storage region adapted to receive a predetermined number of the products placed thereon when the conveyor is a static condition for temporary intermediate storage. A force measuring member determines the weight force of the products in the intermediate storage region. A control member, adapted to increase and decrease the rate of feed of the shock-sensitive products in the conveyor member, processes the weight force detected by the force measuring member as an input parameter, and increases or reduces the rate of feed of the products toward and away from the intermediate storage region as a function of the weight force.

Abstract: The cage comprises a metal support framework and plastic panels that define trays for containing live-poultry. Horizontal floor panels of the trays are domed and slitted to prevent pooling of water. Vertical fence panels are formed as open lattice boxes, combining good containment with good ventilation. Openable doors for the trays have a double-detent camming action, whereby the doors snap to open or snap to closed, whichever is closer. The cage is lifted on/off a truck with a fork lift.

Abstract: An egg harvester (100) has a shuttle (101) where a top run (32) of a conveyor (30) defines horizontal slots (40, 90) to receive eggs from a mat (10) on which eggs are laid. Damaged eggs and litter are separated on a transfer conveyor (60), and the sound eggs are transferred to an egg belt by a transverse conveyor (68). Fresh litter can be laid on the mat (10) as the shuttle (101) advances under the birds (50) in the nests (51).

Abstract: An improved nesting pad for use in poultry houses with bays for egg laying poultry utilizing an extension portion to extend over an associated egg gathering conveyor to maintain the vertical relation between the pad and the conveyor such that the conveyor is below the pad, thereby assuring that eggs and debris will pass from the nesting pad onto the conveyor rather than under the conveyor. The pad and extension may be unitary or may be formed separately and cooperatively inserted into the bays.

Abstract: An egg laying assembly wherein eggs are laid onto an endless belt, and a roller at one end of the belt effects a reversal in direction of the belt, and a brush is positioned against the belt where it passes under the roller, wherein debris is loosened from the belt and vacuumed from it. The output of the vacuum system has an output into an enclosure which houses egg laying.

Abstract: An egg harvester has hingedly connecting nesting boxes resting on an elongate belt fixed at each end and along which a shuttle is pulled by a drive cable. The belt and a second conveyor define two slots which pass under the nesting boxes. The eggs and litter fall through slot and the eggs are removed from the litter by an egg separator and are transferred to an egg conveyor for transport to one end of the shed. Soiled litter and any manure is removed from the litter by a litter cleaner and fresh litter, supplied by a hopper on the shuttle is spaced across the belt which is brought back under the nesting boxes through the slot. The harvester enables collection of the eggs while hens remain in the nesting boxes as the shuttle passes underneath.