Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for recognizing and segregating chicks by sex according to their feathers pattern. The system and method are based on the instinctive reaction of chicks to spread their wings in order to maintain stability in response to instantaneous disorientation, for example, due to a sudden change in spatial movement. The present invention further features a weighing system and a system for detecting external body defects of chicks for assessing chicks' health.

Abstract: A method of closing boxes in which the open-ended boxes and covers are sequentially fed to a box-closing station with the top of each cover overlying the open end of the box. Fitting-leaves are interposed between the outer face of the open end of the box, and the inner face of the peripheral side wall of the cover, while relative movement is effected between the cover and the box towards each other, such as to fit the cover over the open end of the box. The apparatus includes a lift which raises the box into fitted engagement with the cover supported on the fitting-leaves at the box-closing station.

Abstract: Agricultural apparatus to be driven by a tractor comprises a main frame attachable to the rear end of the tractor, a pair of ground-engaging wheels carried on the opposite ends of the main frame, a pair of rotary-driven agricultural units mounted on opposite sides of the main frame along a common axis, and a third rotary-driven agricultural unit mounted on the main frame centrally between the pair of units and rearwardly of their common axis. The three rotary-driven agricultural units such as rotary tillers, are each independently mounted to the main frame by a separate 3-point connection, permitting each to be float upwardly or downwardly with respect to the ground.

Abstract: Apparatus for weighing continuously moving articles, and particularly useful for grading produce, comprises a plurality of parallel lines of trays for receiving the articles to be weighed, a weighing device at a weighing station in each line, and drive means for moving the trays in each line one-at-a-time longitudinally across the weighing device in its line. Each weighing device comprises two pairs of rails; one pair at each of its two opposite ends; and each tray comprises two rods extending transversely across the tray, one rod at each of its two opposite ends, engageable with the two weighing device rails, the arrangement being such that each tray is supported by its two rods engaging the two pairs of weighing device rails for a substantial portion of the movement of the tray across the weighing device in its respective line.