Egg belt cleaning apparatus, system and method

Abstract

A hatching egg belt cleaning apparatus (10) comprises a housing (12) and a cleaning arrangement (14). The housing (12) is configured for location over a portion of a hatching egg belt (102) of an automated egg collection system (100). The cleaning apparatus (10) is configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the egg belt (102) so as to clean, e.g. remove matter, bacteria and / or biofilm, from the egg belt (102).

Description

[0001] EGG BELT CLEANING APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD

[0002] FIELD

[0003] This relates to an egg belt cleaning apparatus, system and method for use in the poultry industry.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The poultry industry involves the farming of birds (predominantly chicken) for the production of meat (“broiler”), eggs, laying hens (“pullet”) and breeding stock (“breeder”) which are necessary to generate the commercial broiler (meat) or layer stock that generates eggs for human consumption.

[0006] With a current world population of 7.6 billion estimated to reach 11.2 billion in 2100, there is increased demand for meat around the World. Due to its nutritional value, combined with a reduced production cycle length compared with pigs and cattle, this makes chicken more affordable, meaning the broiler sector for example has seen rapid growth in the 20thand early 21stcenturies.

[0007] The broiler sector, for example, typically includes not only the production of the broilers themselves but also parent (“multiplier”) stock and grandparent, great grandparent and pure breed (collectively known “primary breeding”) stock.

[0008] It should be recognised that, given the scale of production involved, even minor changes in production can have a significant impact on overall productivity from a given farm.

[0009] One factor thought to contribute to reduced production is the bacterial load present on and within the eggs. Contaminated eggs incubated in the hatchery can cause potential issues, including suppressing hatchability and negatively impacting on subsequent chick quality. In extreme cases, bacterial load can be associated with higher day old chick mortality and can affect other aspects of biological performance.

[0010] 55757477-1Bacterial load in poultry production is conventionally treated using antibiotics administered via their drinking systems or animal feed. The use of antibiotics, however, not only involves significant costs for farmers and the industry as a whole, their widespread use has also led to concerns regarding overuse and risk of antibiotic resistance both within the poultry themselves but also within the human food chain.

[0011] 55757477-1SUMMARY

[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the use of dry steam to clean a hatching egg belt of an automated egg collection system used in the poultry industry, in particular but not exclusively automated egg collections systems comprising automated nest box systems; and to an associated hatching egg belt cleaning apparatus, automated egg collection system; and method.

[0013] A first aspect relates to the use of dry steam to clean a hatching egg belt of an automated egg collection system used in the poultry industry.

[0014] According to a second aspect, there is provided a hatching egg belt cleaning apparatus, comprising:

[0015] a housing configured for location over a portion of a hatching egg belt of an automated egg collection system; and

[0016] a cleaning arrangement,

[0017] wherein the cleaning arrangement is configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the hatching egg belt so as to clean the hatching egg belt.

[0018] In use, the hatching egg belt comprises or takes the form of a conveyor belt configured and / or operable to convey the eggs from an upstream location at or near the point of collection, e.g. as eggs roll off a collection mat of an automated nest box system, to a downstream location, e.g. a collection table of the automated egg collection system. The cleaning apparatus is disposed over a portion of the hatching egg belt, e.g. on or near a collection table of the automated egg collection system, and is configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto the egg belt so as to clean, e.g. remove matter, bacteria and / or biofilm, from the egg belt. As will be described further below, the apparatus may be further configured and / or operable to remove debris and any water vapour resulting from the cleaning operation, e.g. using a vacuum arrangement.

[0019] The cleaning apparatus provides a number of significant benefits over conventional systems and / or methodologies.

[0020] 55757477-1For example, by removal of matter, bacteria and / or the build-up of biofilm, the cleaning apparatus provides simple, effective, environmentally friendly and time, labour and energy efficient cleaning of the hatching egg belt.

[0021] The cleaning apparatus may obviate or reduce the need for labour intensive manual cleaning operations.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus may obviate or reduce the need for chemicals and their associated wear and tear on the hatching egg belt, as well as their associated costs and challenges in terms of their safe delivery, storage and disposal.

[0023] In addition to being highly effective in cleaning matter from the hatching egg belt, the cleaning apparatus - by virtue of the cleaning arrangement being configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the hatching egg belt- is also capable of destroying viruses and / or bacteria, and so reducing the bacterial load present on and within the eggs. This in turn provides significant benefits in terms of reducing mortality and enhancing key aspects of biological performance.

[0024] Moreover, the cleaning apparatus may in turn obviate or at least significantly reduce the need to use antibiotics to treat bacterial load. This in turn provides significant benefits in terms of reduced costs for farmers and the industry as a whole, and may mitigate concerns regarding overuse and risk of antibiotic resistance in the animal and / or human food chain.

[0025] The cleaning apparatus is considered to be particularly beneficial in relation to automated nest box systems, in which eggs are laid on a mat before rolling onto the egg belt.

[0026] The hatching egg belt may take a number of different forms. In particular embodiments, the egg belt may be made from a polymeric material, such as polypropylene, and comprise apertures, typically circular holes, for receiving and conveying the eggs from the upstream location to the downstream location.

[0027] As described above, the cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning arrangement configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the egg belt.

[0028] 55757477-1The cleaning apparatus may comprise, may be coupled to or may be operatively associated with a steam generator arrangement.

[0029] The steam generator arrangement may be configured and / or operable to supply the steam to the cleaning arrangement of the cleaning apparatus.

[0030] In particular embodiments, the steam generator arrangement may comprise or take the form of a mobile steam generator unit.

[0031] The steam generator arrangement is configured and / or operable to generate dry steam, that is water vapour having no or substantially no (e.g. <5%) entrained liquid water droplets.

[0032] Beneficially, the provision of a cleaning apparatus which utilises dry steam facilitates the efficient destruction of bacteria, and so contributes to the reduction of the bacterial load present on or within the eggs. Moreover, the provision of a cleaning apparatus which utilises dry steam leaves the surfaces of the equipment and / or the eggs being conveyed dry and so reduces the likelihood of corrosion of equipment and / or is beneficial from a food safety standpoint.

[0033] As described above, the cleaning apparatus comprises a housing configured for location over a portion of the egg belt.

[0034] The housing may be configured for location over the egg belt at or near the downstream location, e.g. collection table.

[0035] Beneficially, the downstream location may be located in a working area separated from the upstream location (in which the poultry occupy), permitting the installation and / or operation of the cleaning apparatus as required and without disturbing the poultry.

[0036] The housing may straddle the width of the egg belt.

[0037] 55757477-1In particular embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may be configured so that, when the housing is located over the portion of the egg belt, the cleaning arrangement is disposed and / or oriented to direct the dry steam downwards onto and / or through the egg belt, that is the housing is located above the egg belt.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus may be configured so that, when the housing is located over the portion of the egg belt to be cleaned, the cleaning arrangement is disposed and / or oriented to direct the dry steam upwards onto and / or through the egg belt, that is the housing is located below the egg belt.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus may be configured so that, when the housing is located over the portion of the egg belt to be cleaned, the cleaning arrangement is disposed and / or oriented to direct the dry steam laterally onto and / or through the egg belt, that is the housing is located to the side of the egg belt.

[0040] The apparatus may comprise a coupling arrangement for coupling the cleaning apparatus, more particularly the housing, relative to the egg belt.

[0041] The coupling arrangement may take any suitable form.

[0042] In particular embodiments, the coupling arrangement may comprise or take the form of a mechanical coupling arrangement, e.g. having one or more mechanical fasteners, such as bolts, screws, pins or the like.

[0043] However, it will be understood that the coupling arrangement may take any suitable form and may alternatively or additionally comprise an adhesive coupling arrangement, a magnetic coupling arrangement or other suitable coupling arrangement.

[0044] In particular embodiments, the cleaning apparatus may be configured for coupling to the collection table. The cleaning apparatus may be configured for coupling to the collection table using the coupling arrangement. For example, the collection table may comprise, or may be adapted to comprise, one or more bores for receiving the one or more fasteners of the coupling arrangement. The bores may be threaded or otherwise configured e.g.

[0045] 55757477-1dimensioned and / or shaped, to receive the fasteners of the coupling arrangement. Alternatively, one or more of the bores may receive an insert, e.g. a nutsert or the like, configured (e.g. dimensioned and / or shaped) to receive the fasteners of the coupling arrangement.

[0046] While in particular embodiments the collection table may comprise, or may be adapted to comprise, one or more bores for receiving the one or more fasteners of the coupling arrangement, the collection table may alternatively or additionally comprise, or may be adapted to comprise, one or more fasteners and the cleaning apparatus may comprise one or more bores for receiving said one or more fasteners of the collection table. For example, the collection table may comprise, or may be adapted to comprise, one or more bolts for coupling to and / or passing through bores in the cleaning apparatus. The collection table may further comprise one or more fasteners, e.g. nuts, wingnuts or the like, for engaging the bolts and thereby securing the cleaning apparatus to the collection table.

[0047] The cleaning apparatus may comprise a base member.

[0048] The base member may comprise or take the form of a base plate.

[0049] The housing may be configured for coupling to the base member.

[0050] In particular embodiments, the base member may be interposed between the housing and the collection table.

[0051] The base member may be configured for location on an opposite side of the egg belt to the housing. For example, in particular embodiments the housing may be located above the egg belt and the base member may be located below the egg belt. In embodiments where the housing is located below the egg belt the base member may be located above the egg belt.

[0052] The base member may comprise one or more bores for receiving the one or more fasteners of the coupling arrangement therethrough.

[0053] 55757477-1Alternatively, the housing may be configured, e.g. dimensioned and / or shaped, to be disposed above, below or to the side of the egg belt without being coupled to the egg belt. For example, the housing may comprise or may be coupled to one or more upstand for supporting the housing above below or to the side of the egg belt or may be suspended from a ceiling or other surface such as a gantry above the egg belt.

[0054] The apparatus may comprise a clamp arrangement.

[0055] The clamp arrangement may be configured and / or operable to secure the housing to the base member and / or the collection table.

[0056] The housing may be cuboidal or generally cuboidal in shape. However, it will be understood that the housing may comprise or take any suitable form.

[0057] In particular embodiments, the housing may define an enclosure over the portion of the egg belt to be cleaned.

[0058] As described above, the cleaning apparatus comprises a cleaning arrangement configured and / or operable to direct steam onto and / or through the egg belt.

[0059] The cleaning apparatus may comprise an inlet arrangement.

[0060] In use, the inlet arrangement may be coupled to and / or receive steam from the steam generator arrangement.

[0061] The inlet arrangement may be coupled to the steam generator arrangement.

[0062] The inlet arrangement may be coupled to the steam generator arrangement via one or more fluid conduit, e.g. hose.

[0063] The inlet arrangement may comprise one or more inlets, e.g. intake ports. In particular embodiments, the inlet arrangement may comprise a single inlet.

[0064] 55757477-1The cleaning arrangement may comprise an outlet arrangement.

[0065] In use, the outlet arrangement may receive steam from the inlet arrangement and direct the steam onto the egg belt.

[0066] The outlet arrangement may comprise one or more outlets.

[0067] The outlet arrangement may comprise a single outlet or a plurality of the outlets.

[0068] The outlet, or in embodiments comprising a plurality of outlets, at least one of the outlets may take the form of an exhaust port.

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the outlet, or in embodiments comprising a plurality of outlets at least one of the outlets, may be elongate. For example, the respective outlet or outlets may comprise or take the form of a slot.

[0070] The cleaning apparatus, in particular the housing, may comprise a fluid communication arrangement.

[0071] The fluid communication arrangement may be configured and / or operable to direct the steam through the housing from the inlet arrangement to the outlet arrangement.

[0072] The fluid communication arrangement may comprise or take the form of a chamber, channel or passageway connecting the inlet arrangement to the outlet arrangement.

[0073] The cleaning arrangement may form part of the housing or alternatively may be provided as a separate arrangement.

[0074] Beneficially, the provision of a cleaning arrangement which is separate from the housing facilitates the cleaning arrangement to be removed for cleaning, repair, and / or replacement and / or may permit a range of cleaning arrangements with different configurations, e.g. different outlet arrangements, to be utilised with a single housing.

[0075] 55757477-1The apparatus may comprise, may be coupled to, or operatively associated with a vacuum arrangement.

[0076] The vacuum arrangement may be configured and / or operable to generate suction within the apparatus, so as to draw dislodged material from the apparatus.

[0077] The apparatus may comprise, may be coupled to, or operatively associated with a control system.

[0078] The control system, or part of the control system, may form part of the apparatus.

[0079] The control system, or part of the control system, may be coupled to or operatively associated with the apparatus. For example, the control system may be located at one or more remote location. The remote location may comprise or take the form of a control room. Alternatively or additionally, the remote location may comprise or take the form of a mobile device such as tablet, mobile phone or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the remote location may comprise or take the form of a data store, such as an online data store.

[0080] The control system may comprise a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial computer.

[0081] According to a third aspect, there is provided an automated egg collection system, comprising:

[0082] the cleaning apparatus according to the second aspect; and

[0083] one or more hatching egg belt.

[0084] The egg collection system may comprise, may be coupled to or operatively associated with one or more automated nest box systems.

[0085] The automated nest box systems may comprise one or more automated nest boxes.

[0086] The automated nest box system may comprise a collection mat.

[0087] 55757477-1In use, and as described above, eggs are laid on the collection mat before rolling onto the hatching egg belt.

[0088] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for cleaning a hatching egg belt using the cleaning apparatus of the second aspect.

[0089] The invention is defined by the appended claims. However, for the purposes of the present disclosure it will be understood that any of the features defined above or described below may be utilised in isolation or in combination. For example, features described above in relation to one of the above aspects or below in relation to the detailed description below may be utilised in any other aspect, or together form a new aspect.

[0090] 55757477-1BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0091] These and other aspects will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

[0092] Figure 1 shows a hatching egg belt cleaning apparatusaccording to the present disclosure;

[0093] Figure 2 shows another view of the hatching egg belt cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 1;

[0094] Figure 3 shows a photograph of a steam generator arrangement and vacuum arrangement of the cleaning apparatus;

[0095] Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing part of a coupling arrangement of the cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 1 ;

[0096] Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of part of the collection table configured to receive the coupling arrangement;

[0097] Figure 6 shows a base member of the apparatus, prior to installation;

[0098] Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic view of the inlet arrangement and outlet arrangement of the cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 1;

[0099] Figure 8 shows a downstream portion of an automated egg collection system; and Figure 9 shows an upstream portion of the automated egg collection system comprising an automated nest box system.

[0100] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] Referring first to Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings, there is shown a hatching egg belt cleaning apparatus, generally denoted 10, for use in cleaning a hatching egg belt 102 of an automated egg collection system (100, Figure 8).

[0102] As shown, the cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a housing, generally denoted 12, and a cleaning arrangement, generally denoted 14. The housing 12 is configured for location over a portion of the hatching egg belt 102 on or near a collection table 104 of the automated egg collection system 100. The cleaning arrangement 14 is configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the egg belt 102 so as to clean the egg belt 102, e.g. by removing matter, bacteria and / or biofilm from the egg belt 102. As will be described further below, the apparatus 10 is further configured and / or operable to collect debris and any water vapour resulting from the cleaning operation.

[0103] 55757477-1The cleaning apparatus 10 provides a number of significant benefits over conventional systems and / or methodologies.

[0104] For example, by removing matter, bacteria and / or biofilm, the cleaning apparatus 10 provides simple, effective, environmentally friendly and time, labour and energy efficient cleaning of the egg belt 102.

[0105] The cleaning apparatus 10 obviates or reduces the need for labour intensive manual cleaning operations.

[0106] Alternatively or additionally, the cleaning apparatus 10 obviates or reduce the need for chemicals and their associated wear and tear on the egg belt 102, their associated costs and their associated challenges in terms of their safe delivery, storage and disposal.

[0107] In addition to being highly effective in cleaning matter from the egg belt 100, the cleaning apparatus 10 - by virtue of the cleaning arrangement 14 being configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the egg belt 102 - is also capable of destroying viruses and / or bacteria, and so reducing the bacterial load present on and within the eggs. This in turn provides significant benefits in terms of reducing mortality and enhancing key aspects of biological performance.

[0108] Moreover, the cleaning apparatus 10 in turn obviates or at least significantly reduces the need to use antibiotics to treat bacterial load. This in turn provides significant benefits in terms of reduced costs for farmers and the industry as a whole, and may mitigate concerns regarding overuse and risk of antibiotic resistance in the animal and / or human food chain.

[0109] The cleaning apparatus 10 is considered to be particularly beneficial in relation to automated egg collection systems 100 comprising an automated nest box system (106, Figure 9) in which eggs are laid on a collection mat (108, Figure 9) before rolling onto the hatching egg belt 102.

[0110] 55757477-1The hatching egg belt 102 itself may take a number of different forms. For example, the hatching egg belt 102 shown in Figure 1 comprises or takes the form of a conveyor belt configured and / or operable to convey the eggs (not shown) from an upstream location at or near the point of collection, e.g. as the eggs roll off the collection mat 108, to a downstream location, e.g. at or near the collection table 104. The egg belt 102 is made from a polymeric material, polypropylene in the case of the illustrated egg belt 102, and comprises apertures 110, circular holes in the case of the illustrated egg belt 102, for receiving and conveying the eggs from the upstream location to the downstream location.

[0111] As described above, the cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a cleaning arrangement 14 configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the egg belt 100.

[0112] As shown in Figure 3, the cleaning apparatus 10 is coupled to and operatively associated with a steam generator arrangement 16. The steam generator arrangement 16 is configured and / or operable to supply the steam to the cleaning arrangement 14 of the cleaning apparatus 10. In the illustrated cleaning apparatus 10, the steam generator arrangement 16 takes the form of a mobile steam generator unit.

[0113] The steam generator arrangement 16 is configured and / or operable to generate dry / saturated steam, that is water vapour having no or substantially no (<5%) entrained liquid water droplets.

[0114] Beneficially, the provision of a cleaning apparatus 10 which utilises dry steam facilitates the efficient destruction of bacteria, and so contributes to the reduction of the bacterial load present on and within the eggs. Moreover, the provision of a cleaning apparatus 10 which utilises dry steam leaves the surfaces of the equipment and / or the eggs being conveyed dry and so reduces the likelihood of corrosion of equipment and / or is beneficial from a food safety standpoint.

[0115] As described above, the cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12. The housing 12 is configured for location over the egg belt 102 at the downstream location, e.g. at or near the collection table 104.

[0116] 55757477-1The housing 10 is configured so that, when located over the portion of the egg belt 102, the cleaning arrangement 14 is oriented to direct the steam downwards onto and / or through the egg belt 102.

[0117] However, it will be understood that the cleaning apparatus 10 may alternatively or additionally direct the steam upwards and / or laterally onto the egg belt 102.

[0118] The apparatus 10 comprises a coupling arrangement, generally denoted 18, for securing the cleaning apparatus 10, more particularly the housing 12, relative to the egg belt 102.

[0119] The coupling arrangement 18 may take any suitable form. In the illustrated apparatus 10, the coupling arrangement 18 comprises a mechanical coupling arrangement having one or more mechanical fasteners 20. In the illustrated cleaning apparatus 10, the fasteners 20 take the form of bolts, but may alternatively or additionally comprise screws, pins or the like. However, it will be understood that the coupling arrangement 18 may take any suitable form and may alternatively or additionally comprise an adhesive coupling arrangement, a magnetic coupling arrangement or other suitable coupling arrangement.

[0120] In the illustrated cleaning apparatus 10, the cleaning apparatus 10 is configured for coupling to the collection table 104 using the coupling arrangement 18. As shown in Figure 5, the collection table 104 comprises one or more nutserts 22 configured (e.g. dimensioned and / or shaped) to receive the fasteners 20 of the coupling arrangement 18.

[0121] As shown in Figures, 1, 2, & 4, and referring also to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings, the cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a base member 24 which in the illustrated cleaning apparatus 10 takes the form of base plate. As shown in Figures 1, 2 & 4, when installed, the base member 24 is located on the opposite side of the egg belt 102 to the housing 12 and so in the illustrated cleaning apparatus 10 the base member 24 is located below the egg belt 102. As shown in Figure 6, which shows the base member 24 prior to installation, the base member 24 comprises bores 26. The bores 26 permit the fasteners 20 to pass therethrough and into the nutserts 22, and thus facilitate coupling of the cleaning apparatus 10 to the collection table 104.

[0122] 55757477-1As shown most clearly in Figures 4 and 6, the cleaning apparatus 10 further comprises a clamp arrangement, generally denoted 28.

[0123] The clamp arrangement 28 is configured and / or operable to secure the housing 12 to the base member 24 and / or the collection table 104.

[0124] As described above, the cleaning apparatus 10 comprises a cleaning arrangement 14 configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the egg belt 102.

[0125] As will be described further below, the cleaning apparatus 10 comprises an inlet arrangement, generally denoted 30, and an outlet arrangement, generally denoted 32.

[0126] In use, the inlet arrangement 30 is coupled to and / or configured to receive steam from the steam generator arrangement 16 and direct the steam towards the outlet arrangement 32. The outlet arrangement 32 receives the steam from the inlet arrangement 30 and directs the steam onto and / or through the egg belt 102.

[0127] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the inlet arrangement 30 is coupled to the steam generator arrangement 16 via a fluid conduit 34, e.g. hose.

[0128] The inlet arrangement 30 comprises one or more inlets 36, e.g. intake ports. In the illustrated cleaning apparatus 10, the inlet arrangement 30 comprises a single inlet 36.

[0129] The outlet arrangement 32 comprises one or more outlets 38, e.g. exhaust ports (shown most clearly in Figure 7). In the illustrated cleaning apparatus 10, the outlet arrangement 32 comprises a plurality of the outlets 36.

[0130] The cleaning arrangement 14 further comprises a fluid communication arrangement, generally denoted 40, configured and / or operable to direct the steam from the inlet arrangement 30 to the outlet arrangement 32. The fluid communication arrangement 38 comprises or takes the form of a channel or passageway connecting the inlet arrangement 30 to the outlet arrangement 32.

[0131] 55757477-1The cleaning arrangement 14 further comprises one or more outlet (“material outlet”), generally denoted 42, for egress of the material dislodged by the cleaning operation.

[0132] The cleaning apparatus 10 may comprise, may be coupled to, or operatively associated with a vacuum arrangement, generally denoted (44, Figure 3), configured and / or operable to generate suction within the apparatus 10, so as to draw dislodged material from the apparatus 10.

[0133] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the vacuum arrangement 44 is coupled to the steam generator arrangement 16 via a fluid conduit 46, e.g. hose.

[0134] The apparatus 10 may comprise, may be coupled to, or operatively associated with a control system. The control system, or part of the control system, may form part of the apparatus 10. The control system, or part of the control system, may be coupled to or operatively associated with the apparatus 10. For example, the control system may be located at one or more remote location. The remote location may comprise or take the form of a control room. Alternatively or additionally, the remote location may comprise or take the form of a mobile device such as tablet, mobile phone or the like. Alternatively or additionally, the remote location may comprise or take the form of a data store, such as an online data store. The control system may comprise a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or industrial computer.

[0135] As described above, and referring now also to Figures 8 & 9 of the accompanying drawings, the cleaning apparatus 10 is considered to be particularly beneficial in relation to automated egg collection systems 100 comprising an automated nest box system 106.

[0136] Figure 8 shows a downstream portion of the egg collection system 100, comprising the distal portion of the egg belt 102 and collection table 104.

[0137] Figure 9 shows an upstream portion of the egg collection system 100, comprising automatic nest box system 106 in which eggs are laid on collection mat 108 before rolling onto the egg belt 102.

[0138] 55757477-1It will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

[0139] 55757477-1

Claims

CLAIMS1. Use of dry steam to clean a hatching egg belt of an automated egg collection system used in the poultry industry.2 A hatching egg belt cleaning apparatus, comprising:a housing configured for location over a portion of a hatching egg belt of an automated egg collection system; anda cleaning arrangement,wherein the cleaning arrangement is configured and / or operable to direct dry steam onto and / or through the hatching egg belt, so as to clean the hatching egg belt.3 The cleaning apparatus of claim 2, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises, is coupled to or operatively associated with a steam generator arrangement configured and / or operable to supply the steam to the cleaning arrangement of the cleaning apparatus.4 The cleaning apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the cleaning apparatus is configured so that, when the housing is located over the portion of the egg belt, the cleaning arrangement is disposed and / or oriented to direct the steam downwards onto and / or through the egg belt.5 The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the cleaning apparatus is configured so that, when the housing is located over the portion of the egg belt, the cleaning arrangement is disposed and / or oriented to direct the dry steam upwards and / or laterally onto and / or through the egg belt.6 The cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a coupling arrangement for securing the cleaning apparatus relative to the egg belt.7 The cleaning apparatus of claim 6, wherein the coupling arrangement is configured and / or operable to secure the cleaning apparatus to a collection table of the automated egg collection system.55757477-18. The cleaning apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a base member.

9. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, wherein the base member comprises or takes the form of a base plate.

10. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the housing is configured for coupling to the base member.

11. The cleaning apparatus of claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the base member is configured for location on an opposite side of the egg belt to the housing.

12. The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 11, comprising an inlet arrangement.

13. The cleaning apparatus of claim 12, when dependent on claim 3, wherein the inlet arrangement is coupled to the steam generator arrangement.

14. The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein the cleaning arrangement comprises an outlet arrangement configured to direct the steam onto and / or through the egg belt.

15. The cleaning apparatus of claim 14, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the cleaning arrangement comprises a fluid communication arrangement configured and / or operable to direct the steam through the housing from the inlet arrangement to the outlet arrangement.

16. The cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the apparatus comprises, is coupled to, or operatively associated with a vacuum arrangement.

17. The egg conveyor cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the apparatus comprises, is coupled to, or operatively associated with a control system.55757477-118. An automated egg collection system, comprising:the cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 17; andone or more hatching egg belt.

19. The automated egg collection system of claim 18, wherein the egg collection system comprises, is coupled to or is operatively associated with one or more automated nest box systems.

20. A method for cleaning a hatching egg belt of an automated egg collection system using the cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 17.55757477-1

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