Patent ID: 6470827
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
In a hatchery egg production facility in which a plurality of housings defining laying nests disposed in a serial array and adapted to accommodate a laying hen during the laying process, which housings include a base with upstanding sidewalls about the perimeter thereof, and a cover interconnecting and being supported by at least some of the side walls;a nest pad, said nest pad having a shape in dimensional conformance with said base of said housing, and reposing thereon; said nest pad being constructed of a soft pliable material to thereby optimize protection for eggs and comfort for the laying hen; an opening in one of the walls of each of said nests; a conveyor system, including an endless belt disposed in immediate proximity to said nests and facing said opening; said conveyer system including a belt for receiving eggs from said nests, and transporting eggs away from said nests, a portion of said nest pad extending through the opening adjacent the conveyor system, in overlapping relation with said belt so as to guide eggs safely from said nests to said conveyor belt, said portion of said nest pad extending through said opening comprising a tongue, said tongue having a relatively smooth surface and is tapered inwardly toward said belt.