Importance

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Abstract

An egg escalator (23) of the present invention transfers eggs from one level (L1) to another level (L2) and it comprises a first conveyor (25) having an upper reach (27) inclined at an angle and extending between the one level (L1) to the other level (L2). Eggs (E) rest on the upper reach of the first conveyor as they are conveyed from the one level to the other level. A second belt (29) is spaced generally above the upper reach of the first belt, and the second belt has a lower reach (31) spaced from the upper reach (27) of the first belt disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the upper reach of the first belt. The second belt has a multiplicity of elongate, flexible fingers (33) extending perpendicularly therefrom. The fingers are spaced at substantially equal intervals from one another along the second belt for accommodating an egg (E) between adjacent fingers. The lower reach of the second belt is spaced relative to the upper reach of the first belt such that the ends of the fingers belt are in close proximity to the upper reach of the first belt on which the eggs are supported. The upper reach of the first belt and the lower reach of the second belt are driven in the same direction at substantially the same surface speed such that the upper reach moves the eggs from the one level to the other level, the fingers on the second belt inhibit the eggs from rolling down the upper reach of the first belt.

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First Claim