Arrangement for manipulating eggs

Abstract

An arrangement for removing eggs from laying houses disposed at different levels includes a plurality of branch conveyors each of which is arranged at a respective level and extends by the corresponding laying houses. The branch conveyors function to collect the eggs from the laying houses and to convey the eggs to a main conveyor which transports the eggs to a common discharging location. The main conveyor comprises an endless chain driven in an endless path, and a plurality of egg carriers mounted on the chain. Each egg carrier includes a supporting arm which is pivotally connected to the chain at one end and carries a frame-like element at its other end. The chain has a vertical run which extends by the branch conveyors so as to permit the transfer of eggs from the branch conveyors to the main conveyor. The supporting arms are perpendicular to the planes of the respective frame-like elements and normally extend vertically so that the frame-like elements normally have a horizontal orientation. The eggs from the branch conveyors are deposited on the frame-like elements which serve as cradles for the eggs. In order to discharge the eggs from the frame-like elements, the supporting arms are caused to contact a slide plate which effects pivoting of the supporting arms and frame-like elements through an angle of approximately 90.degree.. This allows the eggs to roll out of the frame-like elements.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.