US3777752A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Chick processing and handling device
Assignee: Goodwin R International Ltd
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Filing: 1972-04-03
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Granted: 1973-12-11
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Expires: 1992-04-03
Abstract
Abstract An improved apparatus for processing baby chicks so that they may receive necessary preliminary treatment before packaging in such manner as to reduce the amount of handling to improve the efficiency of operation and to minimize injury to the chicks. The apparatus comprises an annular conveyor and a belt conveyor connected by a chute means. As the chicks pass along conveyors, they are debeaked and vaccinated.
Inventors
- 👤 R Goodwin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 08:30
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61D; A61D1/00; A61D1/02; A61D1/025; A01; A01K; A01K45/00; A61D1/005; A61D3/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
218 words
A chick handling and processing device comprising a rotary conveyor having an annular trough-shaped member at its circumference; means for moving said rotary conveyor in one direction along a horizontal circular path; said annular trough-shaped member being designed to carry chicks along said circular path; a plurality of first positions along said circular path for processing chicks placed in said annular trough-shaped member; means located at each of said first position for performing a first operation on each of said chicks; a downwardly extending chute means within the bounds of the circular path aforesaid said chute means having an outlet opening at its apex and accessible to all of said first positions, onto which chute means the chicks which have been removed from said annular trough-shaped member and operated on at one of said first positions are placed; a traveling belt conveyor, having a receiving end and a discharge end, and with its receiving end underlying said outlet opening, said conveyor receiving chicks as they move by gravity off of said chute means; a second position along the path of said belt conveyor; means for performing a second operation on each of said chicks as the chick is carried past said second position; and collection means for said chicks at the discharge end of said traveling belt conveyor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
218 words
A chick handling and processing device comprising a rotary conveyor having an annular trough-shaped member at its circumference; means for moving said rotary conveyor in one direction along a horizontal circular path; said annular trough-shaped member being designed to carry chicks along said circular path; a plurality of first positions along said circular path for processing chicks placed in said annular trough-shaped member; means located at each of said first position for performing a first operation on each of said chicks; a downwardly extending chute means within the bounds of the circular path aforesaid said chute means having an outlet opening at its apex and accessible to all of said first positions, onto which chute means the chicks which have been removed from said annular trough-shaped member and operated on at one of said first positions are placed; a traveling belt conveyor, having a receiving end and a discharge end, and with its receiving end underlying said outlet opening, said conveyor receiving chicks as they move by gravity off of said chute means; a second position along the path of said belt conveyor; means for performing a second operation on each of said chicks as the chick is carried past said second position; and collection means for said chicks at the discharge end of said traveling belt conveyor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
A chick handling and processing device as described in claim 1, wherein the first operation means located at said first position is a debeaker for removing a portion of the beaks of said chicks so that they are less able to injure one another.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A chick handling and processing device as described in claim 2, wherein the second operation means located at said second position is a vaccinating means for vaccinating each of said chicks against such diseases as Newcastle and/or Bronchitis diseases.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
84 words
A chick handling and processing device as described in claim 3, wherein the vaccinating means comprises an enclosure into which the chicks pass due to the movement of said belt conveyor, said enclosure being provided with top and side walls and entry and exit curtains for the belt conveyor to maintain a sealed atmosphere within the enclosure, and with means for spraying an atomized vaccine into said atmosphere so that each chick is wholly exposed to said atomized vaccine and receives the benefits thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A chick handling and processing device as described in claim 1, wherein said downwardly extending chute means is in the form of a disc downwardly sloping toward an exit opening in the center of the disc, and wherein said annular trough-shaped member surrounds the periphery of said disc.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
A chick handling and processing device as described in claim 5, wherein the means located at said first positions comprises a plurality of debeaker units, spaced about said disc, for removing portions of the beaks of said chicks.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |