The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 12, 2002
Filed:
Apr. 20, 2001
John S. Taylor, Blairsville, GA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A method and apparatus is disclosed for transporting a large number of live poultry from one location to another. Using a tray, the birds are loaded and transported to the new location where the tray is lifted upward and/or laterally into a position for unloading which is convenient relative to the features present at the new location. When the apparatus reaches the new location, a gate on the leading edge of the tray is opened and the birds are forcibly moved across the floor of the tray through the open gate and into the desired location. Movement of the birds is caused in one disclosed embodiment by equipping the tray with a slippery floor and tilting the tray toward the open gate. In one alternative disclosed embodiment, movement of the birds is caused by equipping the floor of the tray with a conveyor belt and a rake to gently push the birds toward the open gate. In this manner, the time and rigor of the manual labor required to accomplish the task of relocating the birds is reduced, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the relocation task. This method and apparatus also reduce the physical stress on the birds caused by repeated manual handling, thereby improving overall bird health and reducing the delay in the onset of egg laying caused by the relocation task. In our disclosed embodiment, the portable apparatus is powered by motive means, equipped with a steering mechanism, and designed to fit between the rows of a standard commercial poultry house. According to the disclosed embodiment, the tray is manipulated using hydraulic cylinders.