Abstract: The machine comprises, inside a frame, a tray, a driving cylinder, a stripping plate, and a comb. According to the invention, the frame supports a geared motor unit permanently coupled to a driving pinion which is accessible at least by its upper front part for engagement with a driven pinion secured to the cylinder and which is mounted idle on one of the two side-plates rigidly braced to constitute the frame, each side-plate defining, on the one hand, a groove with a blind end for mounting the comb and, on the other hand, a U-shaped housing, open at the top and on the side, to receive a bearing provided on an end trunnion of the cylinder, the stripping plate having, opposite the housings of the two side-plates, two projecting stop pins which, when instant fastening means secure said plate to the frame, ensure positioning of the plate, locking of the cylinder bearings, meshing of the driven pinion with the driving pinion and engagement of the teeth of the comb in the grooves of the cylinder.

Abstract: A plastics comb comprising a center wall and cell walls with normal height at both sides of the center wall is made-up of seveal parts. An injection-moulded center wall and injection moulded cell walls, which are produced separately are connected with each other. The diameter of the cell chamber at the bottom of the cell is larger than that of the cell opening. For breeding queens corresponding combs are provided with a center wall and with cell walls at one side thereof, which are removable from the center wall. The individual cells have cell bottoms, which are entirely or partly exchangeable, for example, as a locking element separate from the cell bottom.