NL1023820C1 - Device for controlling fluctuations in stream of poultry in slaughter line comprises controller to control number of birds transferred from unloading station to conveying station to connecting station in a uniform stream - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for converting fluctuating stream of living poultry into a uniform stream in a slaughter line comprises a controller to control number of birds transferred from an unloading station to a conveying station to a connecting station. The controller is linked to unloading, conveyer, tilting devices and buffer storage member. The device comprises several sensors in various stations to measure parameters relating to unloading, conveying and connecting such that the measured values are fed to the controller for adjusting the speed of the stream of poultry.

Description

Brief indication: Converting a varying stream of poultry into an even stream of poultry

The present invention relates to a method for converting a time-fluctuating live poultry stream into a time-substantially constant live poultry stream in a slaughter line, comprising a discharge station, a transport station and a fastening station, the poultry in at least one container is supplied to the unloading station, wherein the poultry in the unloading station is unloaded from the at least one holder and is transferred to the transport station, and wherein the transport station comprises at least one transport member, whereby the flow of poultry is generated, which in the transport station is transported, and is transferred to the mounting station, where the poultry is connected to carriers.

The invention also relates to a device for performing the method.

The term "live poultry" refers to poultry that is of normal consciousness, but it also refers to poultry that has been subjected to an anesthesia common in a slaughterhouse prior to, during or after release. 20 different anesthesia depths are possible, the anesthesia being reversible or irreversible.

The term holder refers to all holders and packages that are suitable for transporting larger numbers of poultry. These can be containers, crates, trays or baskets, or any other suitable container.

The term unloading station indicates a location of a slaughterhouse where the live poultry that is supplied from outside is unloaded from containers. The release from the containers can take place manually as well as mechanically. In a manual process, a person with his arms and hands will, for example, slide the poultry out of a holder or a part thereof. In a mechanical process, a member, for example with the aid of a movable arm, or a tilting mechanism for tilting the holder, will release the poultry from the holder or a part thereof.

35 The term confirmation station indicates a location, 1023820 ·

- 2 - I

where the poultry is connected to a carrier. It is in the I

The practice of poultry slaughterhouses is customary that I

poultry takes place while the birds are hung on their legs I

on a hook. In this way all body parts of the bird are good I

5 can be reached and the bird can take a predetermined position. I

However, other ways of connecting a bird to a carrier are I

also possible. I

It is common practice in poultry slaughterhouses

birds are supplied in containers. These holders are placed in an I

10 unloading station from the poultry slaughterhouse unloaded, leaving a stream

poultry arises. A known drawback from practice is that the I

poultry flow that occurs during unloading strongly over time I

fluctuates. The number of birds released per unit of time is I

not constant, but fluctuates between a minimum value and an I

15 maximum value, which can be relatively far apart. This I

phenomenon has strong disadvantages. In the following the causes are I

and the disadvantages of the creation of a fluctuating stream of poultry I

discussed. I

The holders usually have several I stacked on top of each other

20 compartments, with several birds present in each compartment I

to be. Each container can comprise one or more stacks of compartments, I

wherein for example a configuration of two stacks of three each, I

four or seven compartments is applied in practice. I

When unloading a container with two stacks I

25 compartments is a manual process, in practice two are I

persons (or unloaders), where each person has a stack for I

takes into account. I

In practice it happens that in this way two containers are unloaded simultaneously. Then the situation arises, that there are four

30 people are required for unloading the holders. I

In practice, a container is released from top to bottom.

To be able to do this, the holder becomes prior to unloading

moved down to a lower position so that the upper I

compartment at a suitable working height for the looser. This I

35 then takes the poultry out of the compartment. Then the I

holder moved up a compartment height so that the I

next compartment at working height before the release. Then the

release the poultry from this compartment. Thus continuing I

all compartments emptied. Of course, a holder can also be from below I

40 upwards or into another compartment order. I too

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- 3 - the unloading of different (groups of) compartments can take place at different unloading stations.

After emptying a container is complete, each empty container is replaced by a full container.

Both during the upward movement of a holder and during the exchange of a holder, periods occur in which no poultry can be released from the holder. In addition, when emptying a compartment, the speed of unloading (the number of birds leaving the container per unit of time) is considerably higher at the start than at the end. This is due to the fact that the looser can very easily release the first bird because it is close to his body. The more birds are released from a compartment, the farther the birds are from the release and the deeper the release must reach into the container or a compartment thereof in order to be able to release a bird.

When a tilting device is used, the unloading has a similar, variable course. At the moment that the holder starts to tilt, a few birds come out of the holder or one or more compartments thereof per unit of time, if the entire holder is not opened. As the holder tilts further, more birds come out of the holder per unit of time. The number of birds that come out of the holder per unit of time then decreases, because the holder becomes empty.

In the same way as with a manual unloading process, with a tilting device when changing a container, the speed of unloading will be zero.

When a bird is released, it is usually checked whether the bird is alive. This can be done manually by the looser. The checking can also be done by means of an infrared sensor, which measures the temperature of the bird. It is possible that the bird is dead on arrival. This is indicated in the field by the term "Dead On Arrival" (DOA). It is important that birds that are dead on arrival are removed and not processed. This removal can be done by the looser, but also mechanically.

35 When one or more birds are removed, the supply of birds will temporarily be lower as a result.

The release of the birds from the holders is a non-continuous process for the various reasons described above, with periods in which birds are released one after the other, and periods in which no birds are released, such as when changing a container.

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I - 4 - I

I For the following reasons, it is desirable to control the fluctuating I

I convert poultry flow into a substantially uniform flow I

I poultry. The poultry is put in an I at a certain point

I processing process in the slaughterhouse prior to connecting with I

A carrier is usually led to an anesthetic station in order to

I get numbed. This anesthetic may, for example, be prior to I

I release the poultry from the holder, where I

I must satisfy the condition that the birds be unconscious I

I are in connection with the carriers and for a certain time I

10 after that. Usually, however, the birds are trapped in the route between the I

I unloading station and the mounting station are stunned, preferably correct I

I upstream from the mounting station. I

The mounting station generally comprises a conveyor, I

I to which carriers, such as hooks, are attached at regular intervals. I

The conveyor moves regularly and with regular I

In time intervals, an empty carrier passes by, with which a bird

I can be connected. It is preferable to add an I to each carrier

I bird to connect, and do not leave carriers unused. The birds I

I are then further led into the slaughterhouse. I

I 20 In a next step, the birds are moved to an I

I feeding station, where the neck of the poultry becomes I

I broached. After this the birds bleed out. After bleeding, I

I led the birds further into the slaughterhouse, to be further processed I

I become. I

The attachment station and the anesthetic station are checked at I

I prefer continuous operation. This facilitates business operations and I

I improves efficiency. I

I When now the non-continuous stream of poultry from the I

I unloading station using the at least one conveyor without I

If I were to be delivered more to the confirmation station, I

I periods are when few birds arrive at the I

I confirmation station, and periods in which many birds arrive the I

I confirmation station. I

A problem with such installations is therefore that with the I

I 35 connect with the carriers shortages or surpluses in the supply of I

I the poultry can arise. The cause of these deficits or I

I surpluses lie in the fluctuating unloading process. The fluctuations I

I on offer plants from the unloading station to the I

I confirmation station. I

I 40 In the case of a shortage of birds, the I

I 1023820 · I

A situation may arise in which no bird can be connected to an empty carrier moving therein. This means that an empty carrier enters the slaughterhouse, with the disadvantageous situation that subsequently, in all successive installations in the slaughterhouse, no useful processing can be carried out on a bird or a part thereof for this carrier.

This has the disadvantage of inefficiency and a higher cost of the end product. Furthermore, this can lead to problems when installations are not suitable for handling an empty carrier. On the other hand, if more birds are delivered to the mounting station during a certain time than empty carriers become available at the same time, not all delivered birds can be connected to a carrier. This results in birds having to wait at the mounting station until an empty carrier 15 is available.

A disadvantage of this is that during the time that a bird is waiting, a previously performed anesthetic can be worked out, so that the bird recovers.

Connecting a bird to the carrier is a manual process, which requires physical effort. A bird that recovers can move, making it difficult to connect with the wearer and increase the effort required. However, an increase in effort is undesirable, because it can make the work too hard.

Moreover, working out the anesthetic too early for ethical reasons is undesirable, because the subsequent cutting of the neck then occurs with an anesthetized bird.

In addition, a bird can die while waiting. Because the bird then dies too early in the process, the quality of the product may decrease.

Another problem of fluctuations in a stream of birds coming from the discharge station is the fluctuating loading of an anesthetic station to be passed by the birds.

There is no substantial possibility of stabilizing the supply in the stunning station 35, because a fixed residence time in the stunning station is prescribed for each bird. A longer residence time can lead to the death of the bird, while a shorter residence time can lead to an incomplete anesthetic or an anesthetic that is too short. That means that fluctuations in the supply to 40 the anesthetic station are passed on substantially unchanged to 1023820.

- 6 - I

the confirmation station. It is therefore undesirable to use the I

to burden an anesthetic station with a fluctuating supply if the I

output from the anesthetic station directly connected to the

confirmation station, since fluctuations in the supply at the I

An anesthetic station will also lead to fluctuations in the supply of I

the confirmation station. I

For these and other reasons, it is desirable to have the fluctuating I

convert live poultry into a substantially even I

poultry stream. I

According to the invention, one or more of the above and I

other problems solved by a method for converting I

a stream of live poultry fluctuating in time in a time I

substantially even flow of live poultry in a slaughter line, I

comprising a discharge station, a transport station and an I

Fixing station, the poultry in at least one holder I

is supplied at the unloading station, with the poultry in the I

unloading station from the at least one container and I

transferred to the transport station, and wherein the I

transport station comprises at least one transport member, wherein the I

A stream of poultry is created which is fed into the transport station

transported, and is transferred to the mounting station, I

where the poultry is connected to carriers, which method I

characterized in that the number of birds per unit of time I

by the unloading station at the transport station or by the I

25 transport station is transferred to the mounting station, I

is adapted to reduce fluctuations in the current I

poultry. I

This method offers the advantage that the fluctuations in the I

poultry flow can be reduced and that at the confirmation station I

30 a substantially even stream of poultry is transferred, I

with which the I described above associated with the fluctuations

problems are reduced or overcome. I

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the I

poultry flow through the at least one conveyor with an I

35 transport speed transported to the mounting station, I

wherein the conveying speed of the at least one conveying member I

is adapted to reduce fluctuations in the current I

poultry. I

With this method, the point in time at which a bird that passes through I

40 the transport member is transported, the transport member I

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- 7 - be controlled. When the speed of the transport means is lowered, the moment at which a bird leaves the transport means is postponed. When the speed is increased, the point in time at which a bird leaves the transport member is brought forward.

By thus varying the speed of the transport member in a suitable manner, the flow of birds leaving the transport member can be made (more) uniformly in an advantageous manner.

The invention further comprises a method, wherein said flow of poultry is successively transported by a number of separate transport means connected in series, and wherein the transport speed of each of the transport means is adjusted to reduce fluctuations in the flow of poultry. This embodiment offers the advantage that with any transport device connected in series, the fluctuations in the flow of poultry can be further reduced. The transport speed of the transport members is here the speed at which the poultry is transported, and is a quantity of distance per unit of time. The fluctuations will be able to decrease in the flow direction with any transport device connected in series. The transport speed of each of the transport members can be adjusted depending on the transport speed of the other transport members. However, it is also possible to adjust the transport speed of each of the transport members independently of that of the other transport members.

In another aspect, the transport station comprises a number of transport members for a number of flows of poultry, wherein the poultry is discharged from a number of holders, wherein each flow of poultry is transported by at least one associated transport member with a transport speed, and wherein the transport speed of each of the transport members is adjusted, for reducing fluctuations in the poultry flow.

According to this aspect of the invention, a number of transport members are arranged in parallel. This embodiment offers the advantage that control can be carried out simultaneously in several places, so that fluctuations in the flow of poultry can be greatly reduced or eliminated.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said streams are merged prior to arrival at the mounting station.

In this way a stream of poultry is formed which is without doubt suitable for being presented to the mounting station.

10238201

I - 8 - I

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention

I a number of birds per unit of time are released from a container,

I whereby said number of birds per unit of time is adjusted for I

I reducing fluctuations in the flow of poultry. The number of I

I 5 birds that are released per unit of time from a container is hereby I

I controlled for fluctuations in the poultry flow already at the release I

I reduce. I

I The number I becomes the number of birds per unit of time

I meant birds that pass a certain point per unit of time. This I

For example, I 10 may be the outlet of the container, but it may also be an I

I point at another location, such as the mounting station. I

I As indicated above, it is also possible to extract from I

I release several birds at the same time. In addition, the I

I speed with which the birds get out of the different holders

I 15 released independently or depending on the speed at which the I

I birds are released from the other holders and are controlled. This I

I method of control makes a very effective reduction of the I

I Fluctuations in the poultry flow possible. I

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention

I 20 becomes the poultry prior to arrival at the I

I confirmation station stunned. With this embodiment, I

I advantageously achieved that the poultry on arrival at the I

I attachment station is stunned so that it is easy and I

I can be attached to carriers in a labor-friendly manner. I

The attachment of poultry to carriers is usually one

I manual process, which requires considerable effort

I supplied by the person attaching the poultry to the carrier. I

I When a bird is not stunned, it can move or swell. I

I when hanging. This increases the effort for the person taking the I

I 30 work, which is undesirable. It is therefore advantageous to I

I have the bird stunned when attached to the carrier. I

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, I

Downstream of the unloading station and upstream of I

I poultry buffered in at least 1 relative to a mounting station

At least a first buffer. I

By placing a buffer between the discharge station and the I

I mounting station creates a further possibility of fluctuations I

I to dampen the poultry stream in the buffer. On an affordable I

In a manner, a number of birds that are left per unit of time from said at least one first buffer can be adapted for it

1023820 · I

- 9 - reducing fluctuations in the flow of poultry. The number of birds leaving the at least one buffer can be controllable in such a way that this number per unit of time can be kept relatively constant, or can be kept at least substantially equal to the number required per unit of time at the mounting station.

In another aspect of the invention, at least one bird arriving at the mounting station is buffered in a second buffer to be connected to a carrier when a carrier becomes available.

It is possible that too many birds arrive at the mounting station for a certain time to be connected to a carrier. In that case it is advantageous to buffer birds that cannot be connected to a carrier for a certain time, so that, when carriers are available again, these birds can still be connected to a carrier. The waiting time that occurs for these birds should not become too long if the birds are stunned, in order to prevent the anesthesia from being worked out by the time the bird is connected to a carrier.

In a particularly advantageous method according to the invention, at least one parameter is measured from a group of parameters, which comprises: a total weight of the number of birds in the holder, a weight of at least one individual bird in the holder, a number of birds that is present in the holder, a number of birds that is released from the holder per unit of time, a temperature of a bird, a total weight of the number of birds on the transport member, a weight of at least one individual bird on the at least one transport member , a length of time between leaving a bird from the unloading station and arriving at its mounting station, a transport speed of the at least one transporting member, a waiting time of a bird at the mounting station, a number of birds delivered per unit of time to the mounting station , a number of birds that are delivered during a certain time to the confirmation station without there being a ee n carrier is available, a number of carriers that leaves the confirmation station per unit of time, a number of carriers that leaves the confirmation station per unit of time without a bird being connected to it, a number of birds present at the confirmation station to be connected to a carrier 40 become a number of carriers that per unit of time the 1023820 «

I - 10 - I

I confirmation station is approaching, a number of birds present on the I

I transporting device, a number of birds that have a predefined I

I passes a specific point in the slaughter line, where at least one I

I measurement value arises, and where the at least one measurement value becomes I

I 5 used to adjust the number of birds per I

I time unit by the unloading station at the transport station or by the I

I transport station is transferred to the confirmation station. I

I By measuring said parameters at various places in I

I the system and using the measured values for controlling I

I 10 the system, a number of possibilities arise for fluctuations in the I

I to further reduce poultry flow. Use can be made of this I

I made of feedback (Eng .: feedback) and forward link

I (Eng .: feed forward). Use can also be made of I

I controllers known from measuring and control technology, such as, for example, I

I 15 PID controllers, vague logic (Eng .: fuzzy logic) and neural networks.

I The measurements can also be taken before the birds reach the I

I arrive at a poultry slaughterhouse. A large number of combinations is on this I

I as possible as possible, without deviating from the inventive idea. I

Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is I

Formed by a method in which downstream of I

I the unloading station and upstream of the I

I confirmation station the poultry is buffered in at least one I

I first buffer, and wherein at least one parameter is measured from I

I a group of parameters that includes: a number of birds that are buffered I

I becomes 25, and a change in the number of birds that is buffered, I

I whereby at least one measurement value arises, and wherein the at least I

One measurement value is used to adjust the number of I

I birds that per unit time through the unloading station at the

I transport station or by the transport station on the I

I 30 confirmation station is being transferred. I

I The number of birds present in the buffer or an I

I offers a change in the number of birds present in the buffer

I a reliable control option for controlling the I

I system. Fluctuations in the flow of poultry can be done with the help of

Measurements on the buffer can be effectively reduced. I

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, I

I at least one of the stated measurement values used for adaptation I

I of the transport speed of the at least one transport member. I

I By adjusting the transport speed of the I

If the transport device is based on the measured value from the measurements, the I

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The number of birds delivered by the transport member can be made substantially uniform.

In another advantageous aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned parameters is measured, wherein the at least one measurement value is used for adjusting the number of birds that are released from the at least one holder per unit of time.

In this way it is, for example, possible to measure a number of birds that are transferred per unit of time from the transport station to the confirmation station, and to use the measured value from this measurement to control the release. If too many birds are transferred to the confirmation station, the number of birds released per unit of time can be reduced, and if too few birds are transferred to the confirmation station, the number of birds released per unit of time can be increased. Fluctuations can be reduced in this way. A person skilled in the art will see that many other combinations of measurement and control are possible, without departing from the rationale and scope of this invention.

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the said measured values is used for adjusting the number of birds released from the at least one first buffer per unit of time.

In this way the buffer can be actively used to reduce the fluctuations in the stream of poultry.

In a particularly advantageous aspect of the invention, two or more of the said measured values are compared with each other, the result of the comparison being used to adjust the number of birds per unit time by the unloading station at the transport station or by the transport station at the confirmation station is transferred.

It is possible here, for example, for the same parameter (s) to be measured several times and for the different measured values to be compared with each other. However, it is also possible to measure different parameters and to compare the values from these measurements. A better controlled system control is hereby made possible.

In another aspect of the invention, a measured value of the number of birds that passes a certain point in the slaughter line per unit of time is compared with a measured value of the number of 40 birds or carriers that per unit of time the mounting station 1023820 *

I - 12 - I

I leave. I

I In this way the control of the system can be set in this way

I, that the supply of birds is always equal to the discharge of I

I birds or carriers from the confirmation station. I

In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, I

I the number of birds that arrive at the I per time unit

I confirmation station compared to the number of birds per I

I time unit leaves the confirmation station. I

I By comparing these two parameters I can be compared

Prevent large shortages or surpluses of birds in the I

I confirmation station. I

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is an I

I method, wherein the number of birds per unit of time is determined by a specific I

I point in the slaughter line upstream of the I

I fastening station passes is compared to a number of carriers I

I that per point a certain point in the confirmation station I

I passes. By comparing these two parameters, a good I

I gained insight into a possible shortage or surplus I

I van, birds at the confirmation station. I

In another aspect of the invention, a predetermined I is

I time period between the time of execution of an I

I measurement and the time of use of a measurement value from that measurement. I

I In this way, certain I can be taken into account

I delay times that occur during, for example, the transport of I

I poultry over a certain distance. I

In another advantageous aspect of the invention, at least I

I a stated measurement value compared to a predetermined I

I limit value thereof, for adjusting the number of birds per I

I time unit by the unloading station at the transport station or by the I

The transport station is transferred to the mounting station. I

I In this way it is possible to use I

I limit values or target values, and measured values therewith

I compare. By using the result of the comparison with I

I the control, a result corresponding to I can be obtained

I 35 the limit value or target value. I

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention

I becomes the poultry manually, by at least one looser with an I

I release speed from the at least one container. I

I By manually releasing the birds I

The release speed can easily be adjusted to a desired value

I 1023820 · I

- 13 - adjusted. When the release agent receives information for the speed at which the poultry must be released and when this information is visually transmitted to him, the release agent can fully focus on the release of the poultry, while at the same time the release speed 5 remains adaptable.

In another embodiment of the invention, the poultry is mechanically released from the at least one holder. This can be done, for example, by a mechanical releasing device that pushes the poultry out of the at least one holder. It can also take place, for example, by moving a release device in the holder, wherein the birds come to stand on the release device, and wherein the release device transports the birds from the at least one holder. This implementation makes a large degree of controllability of the unloading process possible.

In another aspect of the invention, a releasing device is advantageously brought into a holder, the releasing device moving the poultry out of the holder. A person skilled in the art will readily realize that it is possible, for example, to introduce a conveyor belt into the holder near the legs of the poultry, the upper side of the conveyor belt being moved in a direction out of the holder. The birds will end up on the conveyor belt and be transported from the holder. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the unloading device is introduced into the holder above the poultry to be unloaded, the underside of the conveyor belt being moved in a direction out of the holder. In this way the birds are forced out of the holder, and the birds can be prevented from sticking their heads in the top of the holder, or brace themselves in the holder to prevent it from leaving. A person skilled in the art will recognize that it is also possible to use this method of release independently outside the context of the present invention.

In another embodiment, a movable screen is advantageously arranged at the unloading station, a number of compartments of a container comprising several compartments being opened, and wherein the screen holds the poultry in one or more opened compartments. In this advantageous manner it is achieved that all compartments of the container can be opened in one go, without the birds being able to leave these compartments uncontrollably.

40 In another advantageous embodiment of the present 1023820 ·

- 14 - I

invention in the unloading station in a number of fastening lines I

birds attached to carriers. A fastening street is an I

place where empty carriers and birds are supplied, and where the I

birds can be connected to these empty carriers. By more I

To apply 5 fastening lines in the fastening station it can be I

number of birds that can be connected to a carrier per unit of time I

be higher than in the case where only one I

confirmation line is applied. I

In another aspect of the invention, the bird becomes I

10 transport thereof by orientation means which are arranged I

near the at least one transport member, positioned such that I

the sternum of the bird in a predetermined orientation is I

positioned relative to a transport direction. I

In this way it is achieved that at the mounting station the I

15 birds have substantially the same predetermined orientation, I

so that for example the legs of the birds are easily accessible for I

the persons who attach the birds to the carriers. This reduces I

the required labor effort to connect the birds with I

the carriers. When the orientation of the bird's sternum in I

20 is substantially perpendicular to the transport direction, the legs of I

the bird straight to the person attaching the bird to the carrier, I

have turned. This orientation minimizes on an advantageous I

the effort required to connect the birds to the I

carriers. I

The invention also relates to a device for the I

converting a stream of live poultry that fluctuates over time into I

a stream of live poultry that is substantially uniform over time

a slaughter line, the device comprising at least the following stations I

comprises: a discharge station for releasing the poultry from at least I

30 at least one holder, a mounting station for connecting it

poultry with carriers, a transport station for transporting I

of the poultry as a stream of poultry from the unloading station to I

the mounting station, wherein the transport station comprises at least one I

transporting device, which device is characterized in that I

35 comprising at least one control device which is arranged I

for adjusting the number of birds per unit of time of the I

unloading station at the transport station or from the transport station at I

the acknowledgment station is transferred, for reducing I

fluctuations in the flow of poultry. I

40 With this device, a fluctuating stream of poultry that I

1023820 · I

Is supplied at a poultry slaughterhouse, be converted into a substantially uniform flow of poultry, so that the flow of poultry can be introduced further into the slaughter line in a suitable manner.

In an advantageous embodiment, the poultry in the unloading station are released from the at least one holder by at least one unloading device.

The advantage of using a release device is that a high degree of operational reliability is achieved when the poultry is released, thereby avoiding human intervention.

In another advantageous embodiment, the control device is coupled to the at least one releasing device for adapting a number of birds that is released from the at least one holder per unit of time. In this way the release of birds from the holders can be controlled in an advantageous manner, in order to reduce fluctuations in the flow of poultry.

In an advantageous embodiment, a number of unloading devices are arranged in parallel in the device. This increases the unloading capacity and the flexibility of the unloading process.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the at least one transport member is adapted to transport the poultry at a transport speed, the control device being coupled to the at least one transport member and adapted to adjust the transport speed of the at least one transport member, for reducing fluctuations in the flow of poultry. By controlling the transport speed of the transport member, the moment at which a bird is delivered by the transport member can be adjusted, so that on the downstream side of the transport member the fluctuations in the flow of poultry are reduced.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device, the transport station comprises a number of transport members arranged in parallel. When these parallel arranged transport members can be controlled independently or depending on each other, the transport process becomes well controllable and variations in the flow of poultry can be effectively reduced.

A particularly advantageous embodiment offers a device in which a number of transport members transport the poultry from the unloading station to a collecting transport member, and wherein the collecting transport member transports the poultry at a speed to the mounting station. The collective transport member collects 1023820 ·

- 16 - I

the individual flows of poultry, and transfers them to an I

mounting station in a suitable way so that it

mounting station can easily handle the flow of poultry. I

It offers a special advantage when the I

The control device is adapted to adjust the number I

birds that per unit of time of the at least one transport member I

is transferred to the collection conveyor for the I

reducing fluctuations in the flow of poultry. In this way I

it is achieved that the flow of poultry on the collecting transport member I

10 is substantially uniform. I

When the transport station has a number connected in series I

transport means, it can transfer upstream

transporting means located on a downstream I

transporting means are controlled such that the fluctuations in the I

15 reduce poultry flow. I

An advantageous embodiment offers a device, wherein I

downstream of the unloading station and upstream of H

at least a first H relative to the mounting station

buffer member is arranged for buffering poultry. An I

The buffer member can temporarily peak or fall in the supply of I

poultry, and thus the fluctuations in the flow of poultry I

Reduce. I

When the control device is coupled to the at least I

one buffer member, for adapting a number of birds per 1

Time unit from the at least one first buffer member is I

left, the poultry stream can be downstream of the at least one I

buffer can be made more evenly and effectively. I

In another embodiment of the device, H

downstream of the mounting station an H

30 anesthetic station. With this it can be achieved that the birds I

upon arrival at the confirmation station and during a certain I

time afterwards are stunned so that connecting the birds to the I

carriers in the mounting station is relatively easy.

It offers a further advantage when in the H

35, a second buffer member is placed in front of the H

temporary buffering of birds that have been delivered to the I

mounting station, and for which no carrier is available. On this H

can be achieved in an advantageous manner that when H

more birds at the H

40 mounting stations are delivered than that carriers are available I

1023820 · I

These birds can be buffered and, at a time when carriers become available again, the second buffer member can be released to be connected to the carriers.

In another preferred embodiment, the unloading station comprises at least one sensor, which measures at least one parameter relating to the unloading, which parameter is preferably selected from a group of parameters, which comprises: a number of birds released from the holder per unit of time becomes, a weight of a total number of birds in the holder, a weight of at least one individual bird in the holder, a number of birds present in the holder, and a temperature of a bird, at which at least one measured value arises, and wherein the at least one measured value is applied to the control device, for adjusting the number of birds that are transferred per unit time from the unloading station to the transport station, or from the transport station to the mounting station, to reduce fluctuations in the poultry flow.

By measuring parameters and using these parameters in the control, fluctuations in the flow of poultry can be recorded and reduced by means of the control device 20.

In a further advantageous embodiment the invention relates to a device, wherein the transport station comprises at least one sensor, which is adapted to measure at least one parameter which relates to the transport, which parameter is preferably selected from a group of parameters , which comprises: a number of birds that passes a certain point on the conveyor per unit of time, a weight of the total number of birds on the at least one conveyor, a weight of at least one individual bird on the at least one conveyor, a period of time between leaving a bird from the unloading station and arriving at the fastening station, a transport speed of a stream of poultry, and a number of birds present on the transport member, whereby at least one measurement value arises, and wherein the at least one measurement value is supplied to the control device for adjusting the number of birds per unit of time d is transferred from the unloading station to the transport station, or from the transport station to the mounting station, to reduce fluctuations in the poultry flow.

By registering and adding one or more parameters related to the transport process to the 10238201

I - 18 - I

control device allows better and more effective control of the I

I entire system can be obtained, which leads to a substantially I

I steady stream of poultry. I

Another embodiment of the invention relates to I

On a device, wherein the mounting station has at least one I

sensor, which is adapted to measure at least one parameter I

I which relates to connecting the birds to the carrier, I

I which at least one parameter is preferably selected from a group I

I parameters, which include: a waiting time of a bird at the I

I 10 confirmation station, a number of waiting birds at the I

confirmation station, a number of birds per unit of time I

I is delivered to the confirmation station, a number of carriers that I

I leaves the confirmation station per time unit, a number of dfagers I

that leaves the confirmation station per unit time without there being I

I is associated with a bird, a number of birds per unit of time

I is delivered to the mounting station without a carrier I

available, a number of birds present at the I

I mounting station to be connected to a carrier, and an I

number of carriers approaching the confirmation station per unit of time, I

Wherein at least one measurement value is obtained, and wherein the at least I

A measured value is supplied to the control device for the I

adjusting the number of birds per unit of time of the I

I unloading station at the transport station, or from the transport station at I

I the transfer station is transferred, for reducing I

I fluctuations in the flow of poultry. I

I By measuring one or more parameters that relate to I

I can connect a good I to connecting the birds to the carrier

I controlled control of the entire system can be achieved, and I

I Fluctuations in the poultry flow can be effectively reduced. I

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, I

I said at least one sensor coupled to the I

I control device, the control device being coupled I

With the at least one unloading device, and wherein said measured values I

I are applied to the control device for controlling I

The at least one unloading device. I

I When said measured values are supplied to the I

I control device, it can be achieved that the release of the birds I

I is used in an effective way to control fluctuations in the current I

I reduce poultry. I

In another aspect, the invention relates to an I

T0238201 I

Device, wherein said at least one sensor is coupled to the control device, and wherein the control device is coupled to the at least one first buffer member, and wherein said measured values are supplied to the control device for controlling the at least one first buffer member.

With this embodiment, the buffer member can be controlled such that the number of birds released from the first buffer member is determined by the measurement values determined in the measurements made by the at least one sensor. In this way the fluctuations in the poultry current on the downstream side of the buffer member will be smaller than on the upstream side thereof.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one conveyor is a conveyor. A conveyor belt is a very suitable transport medium for poultry, because birds can be on the conveyor belt and can be transported without having to be connected to it.

In a preferred embodiment the unloading station comprises a tilting device for tilting the at least one holder, wherein the poultry leaves the holder under the influence of gravity. By using gravity for the release, the release of the birds from the holder is achieved in a simple and reliable manner. When the control device is adapted to control the tilting of the tilting device, possible fluctuations in the flow of poultry during release can be reduced by controlling the degree of tilting of the container.

When the at least one releasing device comprises an arm which is movable in the at least one holder, the releasing process can be carried out automatically without the holder having to be moved for releasing. This limits potential stress on the birds during release. The unloading device can also be arranged in this embodiment to be controlled by the control device.

In another aspect, said at least one sensor is preferably selected from a group comprising: a pivotable body, a measuring instrument for measuring a weight, a measuring instrument for measuring infrared radiation, and an optical measuring instrument.

With such a sensor, a stream of poultry can be measured in a reliable manner in terms of the number per unit of time.

40 In a further preferred embodiment it extends at least one * 1023820

- 20 - I

conveyor extends over a certain distance, and wherein the I

at least one conveyor means an upstream and an I

downstream side, and wherein the at least one sensor is I

arranged on the downstream side of the at least one I

5 transport member. When a sensor is installed on the I

downstream side of the at least one conveyor, an I

poultry flow should be measured shortly before passing through the I

organ organ is delivered. This promotes good control of I

the system. I

Advantageously, the arm comprises a first conveyor belt. With an I

conveyor belt can put birds on a very efficient and reliable I

be unloaded from the container.

Particularly favorable results are obtained when the "I

unloading device comprises a second conveyor belt, which is in a position I

15 can be brought above the poultry to be released, and wherein I

said second conveyor belt is adapted to poultry from the I

to move the holder. In this way there is no need for a conveyor belt below the I

birds, and it can also be prevented that the I

birds stuck with their heads in an upper side of the holder, I

20 or between a bottom side and top side of the holder I

brace yourself. I

A special embodiment is that in which the conveyor belt I

of the release device comprises protrusions for advancing the poultry

to move. The protrusions protrude from the conveyor belt to I

25 below, and release the birds from the holder by moving them in the direction of I

opening the holder. In this way the birds I

be efficiently unloaded from the container, without a conveyor belt under I

having to move the birds. I

When the protrusions are flaps, the birds become special I

30 easily unloaded. I

In another aspect of the invention, the I

mounting station a number of mounting lines. An I

confirmation street is a place where empty carriers and birds I

are fed, and wherein the birds are connected to the empty carriers I

35. In this way a higher capacity of the I

confirmation station. I

In a further advantageous aspect, a conveyor I follows

partly two different routes, with a first route I

runs along a confirmation street and a second route does not, and I

40 wherein the conveyor is adapted to support carriers according to a predetermined I

1023820É I

- 21 - certain choice to have the first or the second route follow.

With this device it can be achieved that in case birds are quite large, such as for instance turkeys, a part of the carriers is diverted, so that not all carriers pass by at the fastening street, but only a part thereof. When the carriers follow the first or the second route alternately, the mutual distance of the carriers at the fastening street is twice as large as in a normal situation. This offers space for attaching larger birds to the carriers. For example, turkeys can be attached to carriers with a mutual distance that is more adapted to smaller animals, such as chickens. A person skilled in the art will note that the use of several fixing lines can also be applied independently.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing, which shows some embodiments which are given only by way of non-limiting examples. Herein: figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a part of a slaughterhouse; Figures 2a and 2b show a view of a discharge station; Figure 3a is a graph in which the flow of poultry in time during the release of a container is illustrated; Figure 3b is a graph illustrating the poultry flow over time after stabilization thereof; Figure 3c shows a schematic representation of a parameter-processing system; figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a detail of a device according to the invention, wherein conveyor members are connected in series; Fig. 4a is a schematic top view of a detail of one. Device according to the invention, wherein conveyor members are connected in series; figure 5a shows a schematic top view of a device according to the invention, in which conveyor members are connected in parallel, and end up on a collection conveyor member; Figure 5b shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of the device of figure 5a; figure 6 shows a schematic top view of a mounting station with a buffering conveyor; figure 6a shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of the mounting station; 1023820 ·

I - 22 - I

Figure 7a shows diagrammatically in cross-section the operation of an I

I unloading station; I

Figure 7b shows another unloading station in perspective; I

Figure 7c shows another unloading station in perspective; I

Figure 7d shows yet another unloading station in perspective; I

Figure 7e shows a unloading station in perspective again; I

Figure 7f shows another unloading station in perspective; I

Figure 7g shows another unloading station in perspective; I

Figure 7h shows another unloading station in perspective; I

Figure 7i shows again another unloading station in perspective; I

figure 7j shows another unloading station in perspective, figure 8aa an I

I schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; I

Figure 8ab is a schematic diagram of an embodiment * of I

I control the device; I

Figure 8ba is a schematic top view of a part of I

a slaughter line; I

Figure 8bb is a schematic diagram of another I

embodiment of the control of the device; I

Figure 8ca a schematic top view of a part of I

I 20 a slaughter line; I

Fig. 8cb shows a schematic diagram of the control of the I

design; I

Figure 8da is a schematic top view of a part of I

I a slaughter line; I

Figure 8db a schematic diagram of an embodiment of I

I control the device; I

Figure 8a is a schematic top view of a portion of an I

slaughter line; I

Figure 8eb is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of I

The control of the device; I

Figure 8fa shows a schematic top view of a part of I

a slaughter line; I

Figure 8fb shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of I

I control the device; I

Figure 8ga is a schematic top view of a part of I

a slaughter line; I

Figure 8gb a schematic diagram of an embodiment of I

I control the device; I

figure 8ha is a schematic top view of a part of I

I 40 a slaughter line; I

I 1023820 · I

Figure 8hb a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; figure 9aa is a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; Figure 9ab shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; figure 9ba is a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; figure 9bb shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; figure 9ca is a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; figure 9cb shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; Figure 9da is a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; Fig. 9db shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; figure 10a shows a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; Figure 10b is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; figure 11a is a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; Figure 11b shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; figure 12a is a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; figure 12b shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device; figure 13a is a schematic top view of a part of a slaughter line; and Figure 13b is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the control of the device.

35 Identical reference numbers refer to identical parts, or parts with an equal or comparable function. Arrows without reference numbers indicate movement directions of parts.

Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a part of a slaughterhouse. Shown is a whole 1 of a discharge station 10, a transport station 11, an anesthetic station 16 and a 1023820 *

I - 24 - I

I mounting station 17. Birds arrive in holders 2 at the I

I unloading station 10. Each holder 2 comprises a first stack 3 of compartments I

21-27 (see Figure 2a for this) and a second stack 4 I

I compartments. Two holders 2 are prepared at the same time. They become I

5 is first moved such that the compartments are straight in front of a work table I

I 6. Two emptying devices 5 are provided for emptying each container 2

I, with each discharge device 5 requiring the compartments of one of the I

stacks 3, 4 empty. I

The release devices 5 remove the birds from the holder 2 and move I

10 the birds over a work table 6 to a conveyor belt 8. In Figure 1 I

I shows a configuration of four conveyor belts 8. The speeds I

I of the conveyor belts 8 can be controlled separately. This I

I conveyor belts 8 transport the birds 29 to an I

I collection conveyor 9. The collection conveyor 9 transports the I

I 15 birds to an anesthetic station 16. In the anesthetic station I

the birds numb. The birds then arrive at the I

I mounting station 17. The birds are taken by conveyor belt 15 along I

I transported people 12, who connect the birds with carriers 14. I

The carriers 14 are attached to a conveyor 13. The conveyor I

13 moves at a speed, and brings an I during a time unit

Number of empty carriers 14 at the mounting station 17. When an I

If the bird 29 is connected to a carrier 14, the bird 29 is replaced by the I

I carrier 14 was further transported into the slaughterhouse. I

The anesthetic station 16 can also be placed upstream, I

Such as, for example, upstream with respect to the unloading station 10, I

I as long as the condition that the birds 29 are met during the I

I connect to a carrier 14 and for a certain time thereafter I

I have been stunned. I

In another embodiment, between the I

A collection conveyor belt 9 and the stunning station 16 an I

I buffer conveyor (not shown) are present. The speed of this I

I can be controlled. I

Figures 2a and 2b show how a container 2 is unloaded, I

I with the top compartment 21 being unloaded first. The I

The operation is performed by the person 5, with birds 29 over I

I move the work table 6 onto a conveyor belt 8. The birds 29 I

with a sliding movement with the arm of the person 5 from I

I released the compartment 21. The person 5 who takes the birds 29 from the I

I sub-fund will initially not have to go far to I

I 40 to reach a bird 29. With subsequent birds 29 the I

The person 5 has to put his arm into the compartment 21 over a certain distance. At the last bird 29 of a compartment 21, the person 5 will have to bring a substantial part of his body into the compartment 21, in order to be able to reach the birds 29 which are usually located on the most distant side of the compartment 21. This means for the person 5 that, as the compartment 21 becomes emptier, he must make more effort to reach a bird 29. This means that the speed at which the birds 29 are released from the compartment 21 will decrease as the compartment 21 becomes emptier. When the compartment 21 is empty, the holder 2 is moved upwards, so that a new, full compartment 22 comes to lie at the level of the work table 6 and can subsequently be released.

In figure 3a the release speed VL in time t is shown for releasing a container 2, which release speed VL is expressed in birds per unit of time. At the start 31 of the release of a compartment 21 - 27, the release speed VL is high. The release speed VL then decreases as the compartment 21 becomes emptier. When the last bird 29 is released, the speed is at least 20 (reference numeral 32). When the holder 2 is raised to place a new compartment 21 in front of the work table 6, the release speed VL is zero (reference numeral 33). After a new compartment 21 has been placed in front of the work table 6, the release speed VL is initially again at its maximum. When all the compartments 21 of the container 2 are empty, it is time to exchange the container 2 for a full one. This is indicated in Fig. 3 by reference numeral 34: during a certain time, which is longer than the exchange time of a compartment, the discharge speed VL is then again zero.

With the aid of a parameter-processing system 35, which will be discussed below with reference to Fig. 3c, a substantially uniform flow of birds (reference numeral 36) according to Fig. 3b is made of the time-fluctuating flow of birds according to Fig. 3a.

Returning to Figure 2, the person 5 who releases the birds 29 from the compartments 21 - 27 will slide the birds 29 over a work table 6 in the direction of, and onto, a conveyor belt 8. The birds 29 are then further transported by the conveyor belt 8. A mechanical counter 7 hangs above the conveyor belt 8 to count the birds 40. The mechanical counter 7 can, for example, be executed 1023820 ·

I - 26 - I

I are in the form of a pivotable valve 7 coupled to an I

I electronic sensor (not shown). When a bird 29 the valve 7 I

I passes, the valve 7 will turn over a certain angle. The sensor I

I detects this and counts the bird 29. Through thus the passage of an I

Detect and record bird 29 along the counter 7, and also I

I to record the time of the passage, and at the same time the I

I to register the speed of the conveyor belt is the location of the I

I bird on the band constantly known. Thus the speed of the I

I conveyor belt 8 can be controlled in such a way, taking into account the I

Instead of the counter 7 relative to the conveyor belt 8, that the I

I bird 29 on a variable later to be chosen within certain limits I

I leave the conveyor belt 8 at the time. This applies to every bird 29 that I

I passes the counter 7, so that fluctuations in the number of birds 29 that I

I leaves the conveyor belt 8 per unit time, I

I 15 reduced. I

When the bird 29 has passed the valve 7, the valve 7 pivots

I back to its starting position, so that the valve 7 is ready to I

I to count another bird 29. I

In Figure 3c is a parameter processing system 35 with I

I inputs W, X, Y and Z and outputs V, U1, U2, ... U "schematically I

I shown. In the parameter processing system 35, using I

I of one or more signals applied to the inputs W, X, Y and Z an I

I or more signals at one or more of the outputs V, ϋχ, ü2 / ... Un I

I, to even out a stream of poultry. I

One or more signals are applied to the input W

I concerning parameters determined before a holder at an I

I unloading station arrives. These can be parameters that originate I

I from the supplier of the birds, such as a number of birds in the I

I holder or the weight per bird. In addition, manual I

A count is made or a weighting is performed before I

I the container arrives at the unloading station. I

I One or more signals are applied to input X. I

Concerning parameters relating to the unloading and which

I are measured during a unloading process. This can for example be the number I

I 35 are birds that come out of the compartment per unit of time, but also I

I, for example, the position of a mechanical release device in an I

I compartment, when this unloading device is present. I

I One or more signals are applied to input Y

I concerning parameters relating to the transport of I

I 40 the poultry from an unloading station to a mounting station. An I

I 1023820 · I

Such a parameter can be measured, and can be the number of birds present on a conveyor belt, or the speed of the conveyor itself, or the weight of the birds on the conveyor.

Another parameter that can be measured and that relates to transporting is the position of a conveyor belt.

For example, a pulse counter can be used for this. This is an electromechanical member that is coupled to a roller that guides and supports a conveyor belt. The pulse counter measures a rotation of this roller by counting pulses that are generated during the rotation of the roller 10 in a suitable manner known per se. A plurality of pulse counters, for example six, can also be placed on a roll, distributed over the circumference of the roll. In this way the position of the roll can be accurately determined. When the position in time is measured a number of times, the displacement and the distance traveled of a conveyor belt can also be determined.

One or more signals are applied to input Z concerning parameters relating to the connection of the birds to a carrier in the mounting station. Such a parameter can be measured, and can for instance be the number of birds arriving at the confirmation station, or the number of carriers leaving the confirmation station without a bird, or the average waiting time of a bird at the confirmation station. If the mounting station comprises a buffer, it is also possible, for example, to measure a number of birds present in the buffer.

The different parameters that are measured and mentioned above can also be measured simultaneously in different places. In this way the difference between the measured values can be used to control. Similarly, the difference between two measured values at the same location but at different times can be used to control.

The outgoing signals can be divided into two groups: those on the output V on the one hand and those on the outputs Ui to Un on the other.

The output V outputs one or more signals for setting the speed of unloading in a discharge station. In a manual unloading process, for example, the unloading device can be controlled with the aid of instructions to release faster or slower. In a mechanical release process, for example, the location and / or speed of a movable arm can be controlled. When a tilting device is used, the time of tilting and the tilting angle can be * 10238201

- 28 - I

of the tilting device can be controlled, so that the speed at which the I

to control birds from the holder. The outputs Ui to Un I

emit one or more signals for setting the speeds of I

one or more transport members. If there is more than one I

5 conveyors, the speeds can be adjusted individually and separately

be set. These speeds can also be measured again I

(the relevant measurement signals being applied to input Y) I

and are used for the parameters defined by the parameter processing system

control to be established. I

Figure 4 shows two conveyor belts 41, 42 which are connected in series to I

connect each other. The birds 29 first arrive on the conveyor belt 41 I

rightly, and are then transferred to the conveyor belt 42. The I

birds 29 on the conveyor belt 41 have mutually varying I

distances. I

These mutual distances are measured as follows. At one point I

a sensor 43 is on the upstream side of conveyor belt 41

placed. This sensor 43 measures a passage of a bird 29. The I

time of the passage is recorded. Then measure the I

sensor 43 a passage from a following bird 29. The time of this I

20 is also registered. The speed of the conveyor belt 41 can be I

be measured with a pulse counter 44 coupled to one of the I

rollers 45 which support and guide the conveyor belt 41. At least I

one of the rollers 45 is driven, the speed of the I

conveyor is controllable. Due to the speed of the conveyor belt I

25 41 to be multiplied by the time difference between the two passages I

the distance between the two birds is known. I

The mutual distances between the birds become evenly I

made by the speed of the conveyor belt 41 based on the I

calculated distances. I

30 When the distance between the birds 29 is greater than an I

desired distance, at the moment the first bird is delivered I

at the conveyor belt 42, the conveyor belt 41 can be accelerated. The I

second bird 42 will then be delivered faster to conveyor belt I

42. As a result, the distance between the two birds 29 on conveyor belt I

42 are smaller than on conveyor belt 41. I

On the other hand, when the distance between the birds 29 is smaller I

than the desired distance, the conveyor belt 41 will be delayed to I

the moment that the first bird 29 is delivered to conveyor belt 41. I

In this way the mutual distances of the birds on the I

40 conveyor belt 42 approaches the desired distance. I

1023820 · I

- 29 -

The arrangement according to Figure 4 can be used as a collection conveyor in combination with a buffer conveyor. Here, conveyor belt 41 is the collection conveyor and conveyor belt 42 is the buffer conveyor.

The arrangement from Figure 4 can, however, also be used with the conveyor belts 8 from Figure 1. In that case, each conveyor belt 8 is designed in two parts 41, 42. The first conveyor belt 41 is controlled as described above, to make the mutual distances of the birds on the second conveyor belt 42 uniform.

Figure 4a shows a possibility to control both the speed of conveyor belt 41 and the speed of conveyor belt 42. The conveyor belt 42 can herein be divided into compartments 46 which move with the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 42. The compartments 46 have no physical appearance, but are defined on conveyor belt 42 in the control process.

The number of birds 29 present in a compartment 46 is determined with the aid of the sensor 43 and the pulse counter 44 at the conveyor belt 41. Here, the moment of transfer of the birds 29 from the conveyor belt 41 to the conveyor belt 42 can be determined. The position of conveyor belt 42 is also measured with a pulse counter 44. Because the moment of transfer is known and also the position of conveyor belt 42, it is possible to determine how many birds 29 end up in each compartment 46 of conveyor belt 42. When the situation during operation if it arises that fewer birds are present in a box 46 (hereinafter: the empty box 46) than desired, this is a fluctuation. It is then possible to accelerate conveyor belt 42 at a certain moment, such that the compartments 46 which are delivered by conveyor belt 42 prior to the empty compartment 46 are delivered at an accelerated rate. As a result, prior to the arrival of the empty compartment 46 at the end of conveyor belt 46, conveyor belt 42 temporarily delivers more birds 29. This temporary increase in the supply can then replace the temporary reduction in the supply by the empty box 46.

Figure 5a shows an arrangement in which conveyor belts are arranged at several places with respect to figure 1. Two containers 2 are unloaded simultaneously, each having two stacks of compartments 21. Therefore, four unloading devices 5 are involved in the unloading. Each unloading device 5 has a work table 6. The unloading devices 5 remove the birds from the holder, and place the birds 40 on four conveyor belts 51 to 54. The conveyor belts 51 to 1023820É

- 30 - I

and with 54 leading to a collection belt 9. The collection belt 9 has an I

transport direction that is substantially perpendicular to the I

transport direction of the conveyor belts 51 to 54. The I

speeds of each of the conveyor belts 51 to 54 can I

5 can be controlled separately in order to increase the load factor of the I

to collect the collection belt 9. I

The conveyor belts 51 and 52 can be used in this arrangement

to transfer poultry to collection belt 9 at a continuous speed

feed. The number of birds present on collection belt 9 on the I

10 portion located downstream of the point

to which conveyor belt 52 connects to collection belt 9 and that I

upstream of the point at which

conveyor 53 connects to collection belt 9, can then be measured I

turn into. I

This can be done, for example, by measuring the weight at I

the collection belt 9, or using an animal sensor (not I

shown), such as a pivotable valve, or by means of an animal sensor I

using a detector that measures infrared radiation that I

issued by the birds. Another animal sensor that applied I

20 can be a video camera that records and outputs moving images I

to a parameter processing system 15 (according to Figure 3c). This I

parameter processing system 35 can be input signal with I

using appropriate algorithms the number of birds and their respective I

calculate positions on the collection belt 9. I

With the aid of these measurements, conveyor belts 53 and 54 can then be used

be controlled. These conveyor belts can be controlled in such a way, I

that with a lower measured number of birds on the collection belt 9, the I

conveyor belts 53 and 54 are accelerated so that they are larger

deliver the number of birds to the collection belt 9. With a larger number I

30 birds on the collection belt 9 can have the conveyor belts 53 and 54 I

be delayed so that they deliver fewer birds to the I

collection belt 9. In this way the number of birds on the

collection belt 9 downstream of the connection point of the I

conveyor belt 54 with the collection belt 9 can be made uniform.

The collection conveyor 9 can connect to an I

buffer conveyor (not shown), an anesthetic station 16 or an I

confirmation station 104. I

Figure 5b shows an embodiment similar to the arrangement

from figure 5a, but in which extra space has been created between the two I

40 containers 2, 2 that are unloaded at the same time. In this space a

<023820 * I

31 can be placed which is partially unloaded by the unloading devices at the conveyor belts 51 and 52. In this way an additional buffer possibility is created. This makes it possible for the unloading devices 5 near the conveyor belts 53 and 54 to increase or decrease the unloading speed for a certain time, by utilizing the buffer or, conversely, emptying it. A holder 2 can therefore be located in this space, but the space can also be empty. The unloading devices 5 at the conveyor belts 53 and 54 have play in this way and can work more independently of the unloading devices at conveyor belts 51 and 52. This makes it easier to make the flow of poultry uniform.

Although figures 5a and 5b show releaseers 5 in the form of persons, a person skilled in the art will realize that it is also possible to use release devices instead of the releaseers.

Figure 6 shows an arrangement of the attachment station 17, wherein a conveyor belt 61 is placed downstream of conveyor belt 15. The conveyor belt 61 has a lower speed than the conveyor belt 105.

A conveyor belt 61 is placed on the downstream side of the conveyor belt 15. The conveyor belt 61 has a lower speed than the conveyor belt 15. A conveyor 13 enters the carriers 14 into the mounting station 17. The carriers 14 are initially empty and are guided along the conveyor belt 15.

Birds 29 are transferred from the conveyor belt 63 to the conveyor belt 15, and are connected to the carriers 14 by the persons 12 who are close to the conveyor belt 62. The carriers 14 with the birds 29 are then further led into the poultry slaughterhouse.

If too many birds 29 are offered during a certain time and not all birds 29 can be connected to a carrier 14, one or more birds 29 will run through the entire conveyor belt 15 without being connected to a carrier 14 and end up on the conveyor belt. 61. The conveyor belt 61 slowly transports these birds further, and in this way functions as a temporary buffer.

When the supply of the birds 29 falls below a certain level, the person 12 who is most downstream in the mounting station 17 is no longer offered birds 29 to attach 40 with a carrier 14, because the persons 12 who are 1023820

I - 32 - I

I are capable of being upstream of this person I

I to process the entire range of birds. The person 12 who is the I

I most downstream then has the task of getting the birds 29 that I

I are still on the conveyor belt 61 with a carrier 14 te

Connect 5. He will therefore move along the conveyor belt 61. I

I (indicated by a dashed arrow) and the birds 29 that are on the I

Conveyor belt 61 are located one by one with one of the carriers 14 I

to connect. I

The number of birds 29 which is on the conveyor belt 61 can I

I 10 can also be measured by one of the above-mentioned measuring instruments, and I

I are fed back to the parameter processing system 35. Op I

In this way it is possible to measure a number of birds 29 for which I

I no carrier 14 is available during a certain period. I

I This measurement can also be done by the person 12 who is the I

15 birds on the conveyor 61 to the carrier 14. When there is I

If too many animals are present on the conveyor belt 61, the person 12 can

I give a signal with which upstream of this point I

For example, transport means are controlled or the unloading is delayed

I is used to reduce the supply of birds. I

Figure 6a shows another embodiment of the I

I confirmation station. This version of the mounting station I

I comprises two fastening lines. The stream of poultry is before the 'I

I confirm with a carrier 13 split into two separate streams. This I

I is accomplished by an I in the path of the conveyor belt 62

I 25 splitter 64, which is located in the middle of the I

I conveyor belt 62, with birds 29 on either side of the I

I can pass splitter 64 .. Birds 29 that are on the left (in the I

Direction of flow) from the splitter 64 are passed to an I

I led first confirmation street 66, and birds 29 that were on the I

I 30 to the right side of the splitting device are moved to a second I

I led the street 68. I

The conveyor 13 is first passed the first I

I carried confirmation street 66, and then along the second I

confirmation street 68. I

I 35 During operation, the birds 29 in the first I

I fastening line 66 is alternately fastened to the carriers 14, so that I

Between each carrier 14 with a bird 29 there is a carrier 14 without I

I bird 29. In the second confirmation street 68 the empty I

I carriers 14 then filled with a bird 29. I

I 40 It is also possible to use the first I

I 1023820 · I

33 to provide a diversion 18 to divert half of the carriers 14 outside the first attachment 66. In this way, during mounting, more space is created between the carriers 14. This can be an advantage with relatively large birds 29, such as turkeys. It is easier to attach large birds 29 if there is sufficient space between the carriers. By means of the bypass 18 it is achieved in this way that a conveyor 13 with carriers 14 with the same mutual distance can be used for both small and large birds.

As can be seen from Figure 7a, a discharge station 720a can be provided with an expulsion member 722, such as a movable wall or a set of elements arranged in a plane, which expulsion member 722 can be brought into the holder 74 and by means of one or more drive elements 724 , such as jacks 726 with connecting rods 728, can be moved between the first position indicated by solid lines and the second position indicated by broken lines. A holder 74 can for instance comprise a wall formed by bars, wherein the expelling member 722 can be moved from the outside of the holder 74 between the bars into the holder 74. Preferably, the driving members 724 are arranged such that the expelling member 722 position to be determined by an operator, as desired, in or between the first and second position.

According to the invention the speed of the drive members 724 can be controlled in this way to be able to vary the speed at which the birds 29 are released from the holder 74.

The expulsion member 722 of the unloading station 720a operates in the lower compartment 74a of a container 74. Similarly, expulsion members 722 of the unloading stations 720b and 720c are active in the middle compartment 74b, respectively. the upper compartment 74c of a container.

Figure 7b shows a discharge station 100 which is arranged downstream with respect to a gas stunning device 78. The unloading station comprises a roller conveyor 102, over which a holder 74 filled with anesthetized birds 29 can be advanced in the direction of arrow 106, either manually or by driving rollers 108 of the roller conveyor 102, or by others, along the track. means, such as a carrier, disposed of holder 74, not shown. The roller conveyor 102 is provided with a stopper 110 to be brought in and out of the path of the holder 74 for placing it at a predetermined location.

I - 34 - I

I stopping the holder 74 in the unloading station 100. An expeller I

I 112 comprises a series of parallel, substantially rectangular plates I

114, each of which is at one end thereof on a carrier 116. I

confirmed. The support 116 can be provided by means of a pair of jacks 118, I

Which may be of an electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic type, I

I are moved in a controllable manner in the directions of double arrow I

120, the plates 114 between bars on one side of the holder I

74 by moving in a compartment 121 of the holder 74. I

The speed of the expeller 112 can be controlled at I

In this way the speed at which the birds 29 from the compartment I

I 121 can be released to vary. I

The holder 74 can be stored per compartment 121 on I

I can be opened on an opening side opposite the van bars I

I side, and the free ends of the plates 114 can be I

Birds 29 located in compartment 121 on the opening side from I

I push the holder 74. To receive the birds 29 upon their removal I

I from the holder 74 is an I on the opening side of the holder 74

I belt conveyor 124 arranged with a in the direction of arrow 126 I

moving conveyor belt 128, on which the birds 29 from the holder 74 I

I 20 end up, and are discharged for further processing, such as I

I possibly further stun or kill, position, hang up, open I

I of a blood vessel, bleeding, and the like. I

The roller conveyor 102 is with the aid of I (not shown)

I drive means of any known type in op and I

Movable downward direction in the directions of double arrow 130 I

Relative to the expulsion member 112 and the belt conveyor 124, I

In order to allow the birds 29 from the following compartments 121

release. It is also possible, the expeller member 112 and the I

I to do belt conveyor 124 in the directions of the double arrow 130 I

I move relative to the roller conveyor 102 for the unloading I

from other compartments 121. I

The arrangement shown in Fig. 7c is essentially I

I corresponds to that according to Fig. 7b, with the exception of the applied I

I belt conveyor 132, The conveyor belt 134 of the belt conveyor I

132 is guided along rollers 136, 138 such that a portion of the I

I conveyor belt 134 in a compartment 121 of the holder 74, more in I

I can in particular be brought along the bottom of the compartment 121

I become over a portion of the depth of the compartment 121. These I

Movement can be accomplished by the belt conveyor 132 I

I 40 as a whole in the direction of arrow 140, or by the roller I

Hi

The movement of the belt conveyor 132 in the plane of the conveyor belt 134 in the direction of the arrow 140 relative to an otherwise fixedly arranged frame of the belt conveyor 132. Sufficient free length of the conveyor belt 134 must then be available. wherein the conveyor belt 134 can for instance be kept under tension with the aid of the roller 138, which is also designed to be movable for this purpose. The expulsion member 112 slides the birds 29 onto the portion of the conveyor belt 134 located in the compartment 121, which conveys the birds 29 for further processing. The expulsion member 112, the belt conveyor 132 and the conveyor belt 134 can be controlled in speed in this way to be able to vary the speed at which the birds 29 are released from the compartment 121.

FIG. 7d shows a similar arrangement as FIG. 7c. In FIG.

7d, however, the conveyor belt 134a is provided with perforations 135, from which a gas or gas mixture flows for triggering the first anesthetic state of the birds 29, or for triggering the second anesthetic state if the first anesthetic state of the birds 29 is already in the gas anesthetic device 78 was reached. The gas or gas mixture is, for example, spread between the forward and return portions of the conveyor belt 134a to escape through the perforations 135 of the conveyor belt 134a. The birds 29 located in the immediate vicinity of, or on, the conveyor belt 134a, which inhale the gas or gas mixture, get into the desired anesthetic state, and are discharged by the conveyor belt 134a for further processing. The plates 114 of the expulsion member 112 force the birds 29 in the direction of, and onto, the conveyor belt 134a.

The expulsion member 112, the belt conveyor 132 and the conveyor belt 134a can be controlled in speed in this way to be able to vary the speed at which the birds 29 are released from the compartment 121.

FIG. 7e again shows a similar arrangement as FIG. 7c, but this time in use for releasing live, non-anesthetized poultry 29 from the holder 74. The conveyor belt 134 is placed in front of the compartment 121, or over some distance, for example 1 / 4 or 1/3 or 1/2 or 3/4 or 1/1 part of the depth of the compartment 121, introduced into the compartment 121, and the free ends of the plates 114 of the expulsion member 112 are brought close to the roller 136 from the belt conveyor 132, or further up to 40 above the conveyor belt 134. This will cause the 1023820

I - 36 - I

I compartment birds 29 are forced to land on the I

I conveyor belt 134, in the direction of the arrow I

126 are transported from the compartment 121. With the weather out I

bringing the conveyor belt 134 into the compartment 121 follows the I

Expelling member 112 the conveyor belt 134 at least such that the I

plates 114 are always immediately behind, or partially above, the I

I conveyor belt, so that the birds 29 do not have an opportunity I

I offer to remain in the compartment 121. I

The other compartments of the holder 74 are emptied in the same way. I

To prevent the birds 29 from leaving the conveyor belt 134, I

a cap 139 indicated by dashed lines can be placed over this I

I of a transparent and / or perforated material, so that the birds 29 I

I can be observed on the conveyor belt 134, and as it were through an I

I tunnel. The conveyor belt can possibly be I

Are perforated type 134a (see Fig. 7d), with a stunning gas

I or gas mixture is brought above the conveyor belt. In this case I

the cap 139 are substantially closed to minimize gas loss, and I

I will supply and discharge openings for the I formed by the cap 139

I tunnel of passable, not known, per se known I

Dividing walls, such as strip curtains, are provided. I

The expelling member 112, the belt conveyor 132 and the I

conveyor belt 134 can be speed-controlled in this way I

I the speed at which the birds 29 are released from the compartment 121 I

I can vary. I

FIG. 7f again shows a similar arrangement as FIGS. 7c, I

I, however, without expelling means, and the belt conveyor 132 I

I is arranged around the conveyor belt 134 substantially over the entire I

To bring depth of the compartment 121 into the compartment 121. I

Thus, the conveyor belt 134 can operate without the cooperation with I

Extruding means all birds located in a compartment 29 I

I take it outside the holder 74 and remove it for further processing. I

The conveyor belt 134 and the belt conveyor 132 can here in I

speed can be controlled in this way to increase the speed at which the I

birds 29 can be released from the compartment 121. I

Figure 7g shows an alternative option for removing from an I

holder of birds 29. If the birds 29 are of such a size I

that they can be in the compartment 121, the situation I

occur that the birds 29 do not move with the conveyor belt 134 in I

the transport direction 126 thereof, but that they are against the I

40 in the direction of transport 126, to enter the compartment

T023820 · I

- 37 - stay. This situation can occur in practice, for example, when the compartment 121 has a height that is suitable for roosters, but is filled with hens. Because hens are smaller than roosters, they have more space available in the vertical direction. This means that, unlike roosters, they do not have to squat, but can stand upright. This allows them to walk.

In that case, an additional conveyor belt 150 can be used. The conveyor belt 150 is pushed in at the top of a compartment 121, and is guided by rollers 152. In this way the birds 29 are pushed both at the bottom and at the top towards the exit of the compartment 121. It may be important here to place the additional conveyor belt 150 at such a height that the birds 29 come into contact with their belt 150 by themselves with their heads.

A person skilled in the art will see that a conveyor belt above the birds 29 can also be used in other situations to move birds in a certain direction.

It is also possible to provide the conveyor belt 150 with protrusions (not shown), such as flexible flaps, to make the movement of the birds 29 even better. Other forms of protrusions, such as wires or chains, with a similar function are of course also possible.

Figures 7h, 7j and 7i show an arrangement for releasing birds 29 from a holder 74. Holders 74 are generally provided with a single loading door 156, which provides access to all compartments 121.

The loading door 156 can thereby be moved into different open positions, wherein in a first position only access to the lower compartment 121 is provided, in a following position access to the lower two compartments 121 and access to all compartments 121 in the upper position. provided.

Usually when loading containers 74 manually, the loading door 156 of the container 74 is opened per compartment 121. That is, first the loading door 156 of the lower compartment 121 is opened, and then the birds 29 are released from this compartment 121. Subsequently, the holder 74 is lowered, so that a new, full compartment 121 reaches the working table 6.

Thereafter, the loading door 156 is moved to a next position so that the full compartment 121 is opened, and this compartment 121 becomes 1023820.

I - 38 - I

I released. I

Opening the loading door 156 to the next compartment I

I 121 takes time and therefore leads to delays. It is preferred I

to move the loading door 156 with a movement in the extreme position, I

I5 and all compartments open simultaneously. This saves time. To I

an uncontrolled exit of the birds 29 from the holder 74 in I

I is an I in the arrangement in Figures 7h, 7i, and 7j

I display screen 154 is provided. The conversion screen 154 is in I

I vertical sense above the position 158 where a compartment to be unloaded I

I 10 121, and seen from the release 5, at the front of I

I the holder 74. I

During use, the loading door 156 is now fully opened, whereafter I

The holder 74 is moved to an upper position. As can be seen in I

7i, the holder 74 is now located with all the compartments 121

Behind the front screen 121, except for the lower compartment. This I

The compartment 121 is located at the height of the work table 6, and can I

I be released. The header screen 154 prevents the birds 29 from the I

I can leave other compartments 121. When the lower I

When compartment 121 has been released, the holder 74 is moved downwards

In a new position so that the next compartment 121 from behind

The conversion screen 154 comes from, and can be unloaded. On this I

In this way the entire container 74 can be released, while the loading door 154 can be released

I only need to be opened once. I

In Figure 7j it is shown that the conversion screen 154 is also I

I can be used in an arrangement with a mechanical I

I unloading device, whereby the birds are mechanically unloaded per compartment

I become. I

By applying the conversion screen 154, the period 33 I

I in figure 3a, in which no I

I animals can be released, become considerably shorter. I

It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that I

I the conversion screen 154 can also be used in other situations, I

To facilitate the release of birds 29 from a container 74. I

I and / or accelerate. I

It is also possible to add such a conversion screen 154

I to fit into a situation where the holder is unloaded, starting I

I with the upper compartment. In this situation, the conversion screen I

I located at the bottom of the unloading position 158 at the level of the I

I work table 6. I

I 10238201 I

- 39 -

Figure 8aa is a schematic representation of a portion of a slaughter line illustrating an embodiment of a control. A holder 2 is positioned therein on an upstream side of a conveyor belt 8. A looser 5 stands at the holder 2 for unloading it. A display screen 200 is arranged opposite the release 5 for displaying information to the release 5. A sensor 204 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveyor belt 8, which sensor is adapted to count the number of birds passing through the sensor 204. On the downstream side of conveyor belt 8, a conveyor 13 is placed, which carries carriers 14.

The control diagram of Figure 8ab shows how the system is controlled. According to a block 220, with the aid of a clock 202 and the sensor 204, the number of birds that passes the sensor 204 per unit of time is determined. This number of birds per unit of time is expressed in a flow rate Q. According to a decision block 222, the flow rate Q is compared with a first, high limit value. If the flow rate Q is greater than this first, high limit value, the output is indicated in accordance with decision block 222 as "Y", and according to a block 226 on the display screen 200 a message is displayed indicating that the looser 5 is slower must unload. This can be the message "slower release" in a language understandable to the looser. If the flow rate Q is not higher than the first high limit value, the output indicated by "N" is selected according to decision block 222. Subsequently, according to a decision block 224, the flow rate Q is compared with a second, low limit value. If the flow rate Q is smaller than the second, low limit value, the output indicated by "Y" is selected. Then, according to a block 228, the message "faster release" is displayed on the display screen 200. When the flow rate Q is greater than or equal to the second, low limit value, the output of the decision block 224 is designated as "N". Then, according to a block 230, the display "maintain speed" is displayed on the display screen 200.

In this way a stable unloading process of the birds is obtained from the holder 2, the number of birds being transferred per unit of time to the mounting station depending on the limit values that have been set and fluctuations in the flow of poultry being limited.

Figure 8ba shows a part of a slaughter line to illustrate an embodiment of a control that only 1023820 *

I - 40 - I

I has similarities with the embodiment of figures 8aa and I

I 8ab / but where an additional sensor 206 is placed at I

conveyor 13. The sensor 206 measures the passage of the carriers 14 I

When it is passed through the conveyor 13 past the sensor 206. I

Become 5. I

In the control diagram of Figure 8bb, according to a block I

With the aid of the clock 202 and the sensor 204, the number of birds that I

I passed through the conveyor belt 8 past the sensor 204 per unit of time I

I is calculated. This number is indicated by the Ql notation. With the I

Sensor 206 and clock 202, the number of carriers 14 is calculated that I

I is supplied by the transporter per unit of time. This number I

carriers 14 is indicated by the notation Q2. I

I is then compared according to a decision block 234 Q1

I with Q2. When Q1 is greater than Q2, the block 226 becomes I

15 performed. In this, according to Figure 8ab, the I

The display screen 200 shows the message "slower release". When I

If Q1 is no greater than Q2, then a decision block 236 becomes I

I carried out. This determines whether Q1 is smaller than Q2. When Q1 I

I is smaller than Q2, then according to block 228 the message becomes I

20 "faster release" is shown on the display screen 200. When Q1 equals I

I is on Q2, then according to block 230 the message "speed I

I "shown on the screen 200. I

A person skilled in the art will recognize that it is also possible I

I is to use an additional threshold in the two equations, I

So that the messages "slower release" and "faster release" only I

I are shown when Q1 deviates more than the threshold value from Q2. I

I When Q1 is within a bandwidth around Q2 that is an I

I has a lower limit of Q2 minus the threshold value and an upper limit of I

I Q2 plus the threshold value, then the block 230 is executed in which I

In the display screen the message "maintain speed" is displayed. I

The use of a different lower threshold value and I

upper threshold value is also possible. I

FIG. 8ca again shows an embodiment according to I

invention. In this embodiment, a platform 208 is placed on I

35 the downstream side of the conveyor belt 8. On this platform 208 I

birds can be placed which are conveyed by the conveyor belt 8 I

delivered, but for which no empty carrier 14 is available. The I

platform 208 functions as a buffer. A sensor 210 is I

mounted on the platform 208, for counting birds 29 which I

40 are placed on the platform 208. I

1023820 · I

- 41 -

Furthermore, a sensor 218 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveyor 13, which sensor is suitable for counting the number of empty carriers 14 that the sensor 218 passes.

FIG. 8cb shows how the control works. During use, by means of the clock 202 and the sensor 218 according to the block 238, the number of empty carriers 14 that pass through the sensor 218 per unit of time is determined. This number is indicated here with the notation Ql. Further, according to block 238, a change in the number of birds present on the waiting stack is determined with the aid of the clock 202 and the sensor 210. This change is expressed in a number of birds per unit of time and is indicated here with the notation Q2. According to decision block 240, it is then determined whether Q2 is greater than zero. In that case, the block 226 is executed, in which the message "slower release" is displayed on the display screen 200.

If the size of the waiting stack does not change and Q2 is zero, then the decision block 242 is executed. This determines whether Q1 is greater than zero. In this case, the block 228 is executed. The control diagram of Figure 8ab shows how the system is controlled. According to this block, the message "release faster" is displayed on the display screen 200.

When the number of empty carriers Q1 per unit of time is zero, the block 230 is executed, in which the message "maintain speed" is displayed on the display screen 200.

A person skilled in the art will see that on the display screen 200 many other messages can be displayed, with the same meaning as the said texts.

Fig. 8da again shows an embodiment in which a sensor 212 is arranged in the holder 2, which sensor is suitable for measuring the number of birds 29 present in the holder 2.

The control diagram of Figure 8db shows how the system is controlled. During use, sensor 212 and clock 202 determine the number of birds leaving the container per unit of time. This number is indicated here with the notation Q1. According to the decision block 222, it is subsequently determined whether Q1 is greater than a first, high limit value. In that case, the block 226 is executed, in which the message "slower release" is displayed on the display screen 200. If Q2 is no greater than a first high limit value, then the decision block 224 is executed. Herein it is determined whether Q1 is smaller than a second, low limit value. In that case, the block 228 is executed, in which the message "faster T023820 ·

I - 42 - I

I unload "is displayed on the display screen 200. If Q1 is not I

I is lower than the second low limit value, the block becomes 230 I

in which on the display screen 200 the message "speed I

I "is shown. I

A person skilled in the art will see that the first and second I

I limit values in blocks 222 and 224 different values can I

but can also be the same value. I

FIG. 8ea shows an embodiment that shows similarities

I with the arrangement from figure 8aa, with the difference that the unloading process I

I 10 now takes place not manually but mechanically. The looser 5 is I

I replaced by a release device 214, with a movable arm 216. The I

The movable arm 216 can move through the holder 2 at a speed that I

I is indicated by the notation VI, where VI is a unit of distance I

I per unit of time. I

On the downstream side of the conveyor belt 8 is an I

I placed sensor 204 that measures a number of birds that the sensor 204 I

I passes. I

The control diagram of Figure 8eb shows how the I

I system is controlled. During use, according to the block 220 I

Using the clock 202 and the sensor 204, the number of birds Q1 that I

I passes sensor 204 per unit time. According to the I

I decision block 222, Q1 is compared to a first, high I

I limit value. If Q1 is greater than this first limit value, I

I carried out the block 246 in which the speed VI is reduced. I

If Q1 is not greater than the limit value, it becomes I

I executed decision block 224 in which Q1 is compared with an I

I second, low limit value. When Q1 is smaller than this second I

I limit value, the block 248 is executed in which the speed VI I

I is increased. If Q1 is not lower than the second limit value, I

In block 30, the block 250 is executed, in which VI on the existing value I

I is maintained. I

FIG. 8fa shows an embodiment analogous to FIG

I 8ba, with the difference that here too the release 5 has been replaced by an I

I unloading device 214 with a movable arm 216, which at a speed VI

Can move through the holder 2. I

The control diagram of Figure 8fb shows how the I

I system is controlled. During use, the I

I sensor 204 and the clock 202 the number of birds per unit of time I

sensor 204 passes, determined. This number is indicated here by the I

40 notation Ql. With the sensor 206 and the clock 202, according to the block I

1023820 * I

During use, the number of carriers Q2 that passes through sensor 206 per unit time is determined. According to decision block 234, it is determined whether Q1 is greater than Q2, and if so, block 246 is executed in which the speed VI of the movable arm 5 is lowered. If Q1 is not greater than Q2, then the decision block 236 is executed, in which it is determined whether Q1 is smaller than Q2. In this case, the block 248 is executed in which the speed VI is increased. If Q1 is not less than Q2, then the block 250 is executed, in which the speed VI is kept constant.

FIG. 8ga shows an embodiment in which a platform 208 is placed on the downstream side of the conveyor belt 8, near the conveyor 13, for buffering birds 29 which are delivered to the conveyor 13, without a carrier 14 being available. At the platform 208 a sensor 210 is provided which measures a bird that is placed on the platform 208. A sensor 218 is placed on the downstream side of the conveyor 13, which measures empty carriers 14 which pass through the sensor 218.

The control diagram of Fig. 8gb shows how the system is controlled. During use, according to the block 238, the number of empty carriers that pass through the sensor 218 per unit of time is determined by means of the clock 202 and the sensor 218. This number is indicated here with the notation Q1. Furthermore, with the aid of the clock 202 and the sensor 210 a change in the number of birds 25 present on the waiting stack on the platform 208 is determined. This number is indicated here with the notation Q2. According to decision block 240, it is then determined whether Q2 is greater than zero. In this case, the speed VI is lowered according to the block 246. If Q2 is not greater than zero, then the decision block 242 is executed in which it is determined whether Q1 is greater than zero. If Q1 is greater than zero, the speed VI of the movable arm 216 is increased according to the block 248. If Q1 is not greater than zero, then according to block 250, the speed VI of the movable arm 216 is kept constant.

Figure 8ha shows an embodiment of the invention in which a sensor 212 is placed in the holder 2, for measuring the number of birds 29 present in the holder 2.

The control diagram of Figure 8hb shows how the system is controlled. During use, according to the block 244 40, a number of birds are used with the aid of the clock 202 and the sensor 212 that the 1023820 ·

I - 44 - I

I container 2 per time unit leaves determined. This number is here I

I indicated by the notation Ql. Subsequently, according to the I

I decision block 222 determines whether Q1 is greater than a first I

I limit value. In this case, according to the block 246, the speed becomes VI

Lowered from the movable arm 216. If Q1 is no greater than the I

If the first limit value is determined in accordance with decision block 224, I

I or Q1 is lower than a second limit value. This second limit value I

I can be the same limit value as according to decision block 222 or I

I another, lower limit value. When Q1 is lower than this second I

According to block 248, the limit value becomes the speed VI of the I

I movable arm 216 is raised. When Q1 is not lower than this second I

I limit value, then block 250 determines that VI is constant I

I is being held. I

FIG. 9aa shows an embodiment according to the invention, I

Wherein both a speed VI of a movable arm 216 of an I

I release device 214 can be controlled as a speed V2 of an I

I conveyor belt 8, which speed V2 by means of driven rollers I

I 258 can be controlled. On the downstream side of I

A sensor 204 is arranged in conveyor belt 8. I

The control diagram of Figure 9ab shows how the I

I system is controlled. During use, according to the block 220 I

Using the clock 202 and the sensor 204, the number of birds per I

I time unit passes the sensor 204, determined. This number becomes I

I indicated by the notation Ql. Subsequently, according to the I

Decision block 222 determines whether Q1 is greater than a first I

I limit value. If so, the block 252 is executed, I

I wherein VI and V2 are lowered. When Q1 is no greater than the I

I first limit value, then the decision block 224 is executed, I

I wherein it is determined whether Q1 is smaller than a second limit value. In I

In this case, V1 and V2 are increased according to the block 254. If Q1 I

I is not less than the second limit value, the block 256 becomes I

I, in which VI and V2 are kept constant. I

In Fig. 9ba, an embodiment according to the invention is I

I, which shows similarities with Figure 9aa. The I

The embodiment comprises a release device 214 which comprises a movable arm I

216, which can move through the holder 2 at a speed VI. An I

Additional sensor 206 is placed near the conveyor 13, wherein I

The sensor 206 is arranged to pass the carriers 14 when I

Which are conveyed by the conveyor 13 past the sensor 206, i

I measuring 40. I

1023820 · I

- 45 -

In the control diagraro of Fig. 9bb, according to block 232, with the aid of the clock 202 and the sensor 204, the number of birds that are transported per unit of time through the conveyor belt 8 past the sensor 204 is calculated. This number is indicated by the Ql notation. With the sensor 206 and the clock 202 the number of carriers that is supplied by the conveyor per unit of time is calculated. This number is indicated by the notation Q2.

Then, according to decision block 234, Q1 is compared with Q2. When Q1 is greater than Q2, the block 252 is executed. According to Figure 9aa, the speed VI of the movable arm 216 is lowered herein. If Q1 is no greater than Q2, the decision block 236 is executed. This determines whether Q1 is smaller than Q2. If Q1 is smaller than Q2, then according to block 254, the speed VI of the movable arm 216 is increased.

If Q1 is equal to Q2, then according to block 256 the speed VI of the movable arm 216 is kept constant.

A person skilled in the art will see that it is also possible to use an additional threshold value in the two comparisons, so that the speeds are only increased or decreased if Q1 and Q2 deviate more than the threshold value from the limit values.

If Q1 is then within a bandwidth around Q2 which has a lower limit of Q2 minus the threshold value and an upper limit of Q2 plus the threshold value, the block 256 is executed in which the speed VI is maintained.

FIG. 9ca again shows an embodiment according to the invention. In this embodiment a platform 208 is placed on the downstream side of the conveyor belt 8. On this platform 208 birds 29 can be placed which are delivered by the conveyor belt 8, but for which no empty carrier 14 is available. The platform 208 functions as a buffer. A sensor 210 is provided at platform 208 for counting birds 29 that are placed on platform 208.

Furthermore, a sensor 218 is arranged on the downstream side of conveyor 13, which sensor is suitable for counting the number of empty carriers 14 that the sensor 218 passes.

The control diagram of Figure 8cb shows how the system is controlled. During use, the number 202 of empty carriers 14 that passes through the sensor 218 per unit of time is determined by means of the clock 202 and the sensor 218 according to the block 238. This number 1023820 ·

I - 46 - I

I is indicated here with the notation Q1. Furthermore, according to the I

I block 238 with the aid of the clock 202 and the sensor 210 a change I

I of the number of birds present on the waiting pile, determined. I

I This change is expressed in a number of birds per I

I 5 time unit and is indicated here with the notation Q2. According to the I

Decision block 240 determines whether Q2 is greater than zero. In that I

In this case, the block 252 is executed. In accordance with I

9ba the speed VI of the movable arm 216 is reduced. When I

I does not change the size of the waiting stack and Q2 equals zero / I

Then the decision block 242 is executed. This determines whether I

I Q1 is greater than zero. In this case, the block 254 is executed / I

I wherein the speed VI of movable arm 216 is increased. I

When the number of empty carriers Q1 per unit of time is equal I

I to zero, the block 256 is executed, in which the speed VI I

Is maintained. I

In Fig. 9da again an embodiment of the control becomes

1, in which a sensor 212 is arranged in the holder 2, which I

I is suitable for measuring the number of birds 29 that are in the holder I

I 2 is present. I

According to Fig. 9db, during use with the sensor 212 and the I

Clock 202 the number of birds leaving the container per unit of time I

I determined. This number is indicated here with the notation Q1. Because an I

I bird 29 which is released from the holder 2 and ends up on the

I conveyor belt 8, arriving some time later at the conveyor I

I 13, it is necessary to control the conveyor belt 8 to I

I based on the measurements with sensor 212, for a certain time

I wait before the speed V2 of the conveyor belt 8 becomes I

I adjusted to prevent fluctuations in the flow of poultry when transferring I

Of the poultry through conveyor belt 8 to conveyor 13, te

I 30. Therefore, according to the block 260, during use I

I waited for a time t1 before the decision block becomes 222

I carried out. I

I In decision block 222, it is determined whether Q1 is greater than I

I a first limit value. In this case, the block 252 is executed,

Wherein V2 is lowered. If Q1 is no greater than the first I

I limit value, then the decision block 224 is executed, in which I

I determines whether Q1 is less than a second limit value. In that H

In this case, according to block 254, the speed V2 of the conveyor belt I becomes

I 8 increased. If Q1 is not less than a second, low I

40 limit value, Q2 is then kept constant according to block 256. I

1023820 · I

- 47 -

Figure 10a shows an arrangement according to the invention, in which two conveyor belts 8, 262 are placed in series, the conveyor belt 262 being placed on the downstream side of the conveyor belt 8. The conveyor belt 262 is driven with rollers 258 which are controllable, so that the speed V3 of the conveyor belt 262 can be adjusted. A sensor 204 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveyor belt 8, which measures birds 29 which pass this sensor.

According to Fig. 10b, the number of birds Q1 that passes through the sensor 204 per unit of time is determined during use with the aid of the clock 202 and the sensor 204. According to the block 260, a certain delay time t1 is waited. Then, according to decision block 222, it is determined whether Q1 is greater than a first, high limit value. In that case, according to the block 264, the speed V3 is reduced. If Q1 is not greater than the first limit value, then it is determined according to decision block 224 whether Q1 is lower than a second, low limit value. In this case, according to the block 266, the speed V3 is increased. If Q1 is not lower than the second limit value, it is determined according to block 268 that the speed V3 remains constant.

With the help of the delay time t1, it is achieved that birds 29 pass through sensor 204, at the moment that they are delivered by the conveyor belt 262 to the conveyor 13, through the variable speed V3 of the conveyor belt 262 in a uniform manner at the conveyor 13 be delivered.

Figure 11a shows an embodiment according to the invention, in which a buffer member 271 is arranged on a downstream side of the conveyor belt 8, and wherein near a outlet 273 of the buffer member 271 a second conveyor belt 270 is placed, which connects to its downstream side on the conveyor 13. A sensor 272 is arranged in the buffer member 271, which sensor is adapted to measure the number of birds 29 present in the buffer member 271. The conveyor belt 8 is driven by rollers 258 so that the speed VI of the conveyor belt 8 can be adjusted.

Figure 11b shows the control of the system.

During use, according to the block 274, the number of birds P1 present in the buffer member 271 is determined with the sensor 272. According to decision block 276, it is determined whether the number of P1 is greater than a first high limit value. In this case, according to the ^ 023820 #

I - 48 - I

In block 252 the speed V 1 of the conveyor belt 8 is reduced. If the I

I number of birds does not exceed the first, high limit value than I

I is determined according to decision block 278 whether the number of birds I

I is lower than a second, low limit value. In that case the I

Speed VI increased according to the block 254. if the number of birds I

If I is not lower than the second limit value, according to block I

I 256 kept the speed VI constant. I

Figure 12a shows an embodiment according to the invention I

11, wherein the buffer member 272 of FIG. 11a has been replaced by an I

Buffer conveyor 273. The buffer conveyor 273 is on the I

Placed downstream side of the conveyor belt 8. The I

The conveyor belt 8 is driven by rollers 258 on such an I

I that the speed VI of the conveyor belt 8 is adjustable. I

Buffer conveyor 273 transports the birds 29 at a speed I

V2 from the transport member 8 to the transport member 270. At the I

The downstream side of the buffer transport means 273 is the sensor I

I 272 applied. The sensor 272 is suitable for the number of birds that I

I is present in the buffer transport member 273. I

Figure 12b shows the control of the system. During use I

According to the block 274 with the sensor 272, the number of birds that I

I is present in the buffer transport member 273. According to the I

Decision block 276 determines whether the number of birds 29 is greater

I then a first, high limit value. In that case, the block 252 becomes I

I, in which the speed VI of conveyor belt 8 is lowered. I

I 25 If the number of birds does not exceed the first high I

I limit value, then the decision block 278 is executed. I

I is determined whether the number of birds is smaller than a second, low I

I limit value. In that case, the block 254 is executed in which the I

The speed VI of the conveyor belt 8 is increased. If the number of I

If 30 birds is not smaller than the second limit value, the block becomes I

I 256, in which the speed VI of the conveyor belt 8 is constant I

I is being held. I

A person skilled in the art will see that in this I

In the embodiment also a controllable release device or a release device

I 35 can be used, so that not only the speed VI of I

I conveyor belt 8 is controlled, but also the speed at which the I

I birds are released from the holder 2. I

Figure 13a shows an embodiment according to the invention, I

Wherein two containers 2, with two stacks 3, 4 each being simultaneously I

I 40 released. Four unloading devices 214 are used to each of the I

I 1023820 · I

- releasing compartments from the holders 2. Each release device 214 has a movable arm 296, 298, .300, 302, which is movable in the holder 2. Four conveyor belts 280, 282, 284 and 286 are positioned such that they each connect to the respective stacks 3, 4 of the respective holders 2. The conveyor belts 280, 282, 284 and 286 connect with their downstream side to a collection conveyor belt 9 The collection conveyor 9 ends on its downstream side at a conveyor 13 that carries carriers 14.

The conveyor belts 280, 282, 284 and 286 are each driven by respective rollers 258, such that the respective transport speeds VI, V2, V3 and V4 thereof can be adjusted. The release devices 214 are also controllable, so that the respective speeds V5, V6, V7 and V8 of the movable arms 296, 298, 300 and 302 can be adjusted. On the downstream side of the conveyor belts 280, 282, 284 and 286, respective sensors 288, 290, 292 and 294 are arranged. These sensors are suitable for measuring the number of birds that pass through the sensors.

Figure 13b shows the control of the system. During use, with the aid of clock 202, and sensors 288, 290, 292 and 294, the number of birds Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 transferred by the respective conveyor belts to the collection conveyor belt 9 is calculated. According to decision block 306, it is subsequently determined whether the total of the flows Q1 to Q4 is greater than a predetermined, first limit value. In this case, according to the block 310, the speeds VI to V8 are reduced. If the total current is not greater than the first limit value, then it is determined according to decision block 308 whether the total current of poultry is smaller than a second, low limit value. In that case, the speeds V1 to V8 are increased in accordance with the block 312. If the total flow of birds is not less than the second limit value, then according to the block 314 the respective velocities VI to V8 are kept constant.

1023820 ·

Claims (61)

50. I CONC. LOOP I ES I What is claimed is: 1. A method for converting a time-fluctuating live poultry stream into a substantially evenly live live poultry stream in a slaughter line, comprising an unloading station, a transport station and a fastening station, wherein the poultry into at least one holder is supplied at the unloading station, wherein the poultry in the unloading station is unloaded from the at least one holder and is transferred to the transport station, and wherein the transport station comprises at least one transport member, whereby the flow of poultry arises, which in The transport station is transported and is transferred to the confirmation station, where the poultry is connected to H carriers, characterized in that the number of birds per unit of time is transferred by the release station to the transport station or by the H transport station to the attachment station H is adjusted to reduce fluctuations in the H 20 poultry stream. H 2. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stream of poultry H is transported through the at least one conveyor with a transport speed I to the mounting station, wherein the H transport speed of the at least one conveyor is adjusted H for reducing fluctuations in the flow poultry. H 3. Method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said H stream of poultry is successively transported by a number of separate transport means connected in series H, and wherein the transport speed of each of the transport means I is adjusted for reducing fluctuations in the stream I poultry. I 4. Method as claimed in any of the claims 1-3, wherein the I transport station comprises a number of transport members for a number of I flows of poultry, wherein the poultry is discharged from a number of holders, each flow of poultry being transported by at least one associated I transport member is transported at a transport speed, and wherein I adjusts the transport speed of each of the transport members, I for reducing fluctuations in the poultry flow. I The method of claim 4, wherein said streams I 40 are merged prior to arrival at the confirmation station. I 1023820 · I - 51 - 6. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a number of birds per unit of time are discharged from at least one holder, and wherein said number of birds per unit of time is adapted to reduce fluctuations in the stream of poultry. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the poultry is stunned prior to arrival at the confirmation station. 8. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein downstream of the unloading station and upstream of the mounting station the poultry is buffered in at least a first buffer. 9. Method as claimed in claim 8, wherein a number of birds that are let out of said at least one first buffer per unit of time is adapted to reduce fluctuations in the poultry flow. 10. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one bird arriving at the mounting station is buffered in a second buffer to be connected to a carrier when a carrier becomes available. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one parameter is measured from a group of parameters, comprising: - a total weight of the number of birds in the holder, 25. a weight of at least one individual bird in the holder , a number of birds present in the holder, - a number of birds discharged from the holder per unit of time, 30. a temperature of a bird, - a total weight of the number of birds on the conveyor, a weight of at least one individual bird on the at least one transport device, 35. a time between leaving a bird from the unloading station and arriving at the mounting station thereof, a transport speed of the at least one transport device, I - 52 - II - a waiting time of a bird at the confirmation station, II - a number of birds that are transferred per unit of time from the unloading station II to the transport station, II - a number of birds that per unit of time id is transferred II to the confirmation station, II - a number of birds that are delivered during a certain time II to the confirmation station without a carrier II being available for it, II - a number of carriers leaving the II 10 confirmation station per unit of time, II - a number of carriers that leave the II confirmation station per unit of time without a bird being connected to it II, II - a number of birds present at the confirmation station II to be connected to a carrier, II - a number of carriers that are connected per unit of time the II fastening station is approaching, II - a number of birds present on the transport device, II - a number of birds that passes a predetermined II point in the slaughter line per unit of time, II whereby at least one measurement value is created, and at least II one measurement value is used to adjust the number of II birds per unit of time by the release station is transferred to the transport station or from the transport station to the mounting station. I 12. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, II. Wherein downstream of the unloading station and II upstream of the mounting station the poultry II is buffered in at least a first buffer, and wherein at least one parameter is measured from a group of parameters, which includes II: II - a number of birds that are buffered, and II - a change in the number of birds that are buffered, II whereby at least one measurement value is created, and wherein the at least II one measurement value is used for the adjusting the number of II birds transferred per unit time by the unloading station to the II transport station or by the transport station to the II mounting station. I A method according to claims 11 or 12, wherein at least one of said measured values is used for adjusting the transport speed of the at least one conveyor. 14. Method as claimed in any of the claims 11-13 / 13, wherein at least one of the said parameters is measured, and wherein the at least one measured value is used for adjusting the number of birds released from the at least one holder per unit of time is going to be. 15. Method as claimed in any of the claims 11-14, wherein at least one of said parameters is measured, and wherein the at least one measured value is used for adjusting the number of birds per unit of time from the at least one first buffer is left. 16. Method as claimed in any of the claims 11-15, wherein two or more of said measured values are compared with each other, wherein the result of the comparison is used for adjusting the number of birds per unit of time from the unloading station to the transport station or is transferred from the transport station to the mounting station. 17. Method as claimed in claim 16, wherein a measurement value of the number of birds that passes a specific point in the slaughter line per time unit is compared with a measurement value of the number of birds or carriers that leaves the confirmation station per time unit. 18. Method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the number of birds arriving at the confirmation station per unit of time is compared with the number of birds leaving the confirmation station per unit of time. 19. Method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the number of birds that passes a specific point in the slaughter line upstream of the slaughter line per time unit is compared with a number of carriers that pass a particular point in the confirmation station per unit of time. 20. Method as claimed in any of the claims 11-19, wherein a predetermined period of time is situated between the time of taking a measurement and the time of use of a measurement value from that measurement. A method according to any one of claims 11-20, wherein at least one said measured value is compared with a predetermined target value thereof, for adjusting the number of birds 40 that per unit of time pass through the discharge station to the transport station or 1023820. 54. I is transferred from the transport station to the mounting station. I 22. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the poultry is manually discharged from the at least one holder by at least one release device 5 with a release speed. I A method according to claim 22, wherein the at least one release device receives information for controlling a release rate of the poultry. The method of claim 23, wherein the releasing device 10 receives visual information for controlling a release speed of the poultry. I The method of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the poultry is mechanically released from the at least one container. A method according to claim 25, wherein a releasing device 15 is brought into a holder, and wherein the releasing device moves the poultry out of the holder. I 27. Method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the releasing device I is introduced into the holder above the poultry to be released. I 28. Method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a screen I is arranged at the unloading station, and wherein a number of compartments are opened from a holder comprising several compartments, and wherein the screen holds the poultry in one or more opened compartments. I 29. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein birds I are attached to carriers in a number of fastening lines in the unloading station. I 30. Method as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein during transport thereof the bird is positioned by means of orientation means arranged near the at least one transport means such that the breastbone of the bird is in a predetermined orientation positioned relative to a transport direction. I 31. Method according to claim 30, wherein the orientation of the bird's sternum is substantially perpendicular to the direction of transport. I 32. Device for converting a stream of live poultry fluctuating over time into a stream of live poultry that is substantially uniform over time in a slaughter line, the device comprising at least the following stations: I 40. a release station for releasing of the poultry from at least one holder, a mounting station for connecting the poultry with carriers, a transport station for transporting the poultry as a stream of poultry from the discharge station to the mounting station, the transport station comprises at least one transporting member, characterized in that the device comprises at least one control device which is adapted to adjust the number of birds that are transferred per unit time from the unloading station to the transport station or from the transport station to the mounting station, for reducing fluctuations in the flow of poultry. An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the poultry in the unloading station is released from the at least one holder by at least one unloading device. 34. Device as claimed in claim 33, wherein the control device is coupled to the at least one release device, for adapting a number of birds that is released from the at least one holder per unit of time. An apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, wherein a number of unloading devices are arranged in parallel. 36. Device as claimed in any of the claims 32-35, wherein the at least one transporting device is adapted to transport the poultry at a transporting speed, wherein the control device is coupled to the at least one transporting device and is arranged to control the transporting speed of the poultry. adapting at least one transport member, for reducing fluctuations in the poultry flow. An apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the transport station comprises a number of transport members arranged in parallel. 38. Device as claimed in claim 37, wherein a number of transport members transport the poultry from the unloading station to a collecting transport member, and wherein the collecting transport member transports the poultry at a speed to the mounting station. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the control device is adapted to adjust the number of 40 birds transferred per unit time from the at least one transport member to the collecting transport member, for reducing II fluctuations in the stream of poultry. I 40. Device as claimed in claims 36-39, wherein the transport station comprises a number of transport means I-5 connected in series. I An apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the I control device is adapted to adjust the number of I birds transferred per unit time from a transport member to a subsequent I transport member, to reduce fluctuations in the flow of poultry. I Device as claimed in any of the claims 32-41, wherein at least a first I buffer device is arranged downstream of the discharge station and upstream of the attachment station for buffering poultry. 43. Device as claimed in claim 42, wherein the I control device is coupled to the at least one I buffer device, for adapting a number of birds that is released from the at least one first buffer device per I I time unit. Device as claimed in any of the claims 32-43, wherein an I anesthetic station is arranged upstream of the mounting station. I Device as claimed in any of the claims 32-44, wherein a second buffer member is placed in the mounting station, for temporarily buffering birds that have been delivered to the mounting station, and for which no carrier is available. I An apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 45, wherein II the unloading station comprises at least one sensor which measures at least one II parameter relating to the unloading, which parameter II is preferably selected from a group of parameters which comprises: II - a number of birds released from the holder per unit of time II, II - a weight of a total number of birds in the holder, II - a weight of at least one individual bird in the II holder, II - a number of birds present in the container, and II - a temperature of a bird, II at which at least one measured value arises, and at which the at least II one measured value is supplied to the control device, for adjusting the number of I 1023820 * I - 57 birds that are transferred per unit time from the unloading station to the transport station, or from the transport station to the mounting station, to reduce fluctuations in the poultry flow. Device as claimed in any of the claims 32-46, wherein the transport station comprises at least one sensor which is adapted to measure at least one parameter which relates to the transport, which parameter is preferably selected from a group of parameters which comprises: 10. a number of birds that passes a certain point on the conveyor per unit of time, a weight of the total number of birds on the at least one conveyor, - a weight of at least one individual bird on the at least one conveyor, a period of time between leaving a bird from the unloading station and arriving at the confirmation station, • a transport speed of a stream of poultry, and a number of birds present on the conveyor, wherein at least a measurement value is created, and wherein the at least one measurement value is applied to the control device for adjusting the number of birds per unit of time of the release station n is transferred to the transport station, or from the transport station to the mounting station, to reduce fluctuations in the poultry flow. An apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 47, wherein the mounting station comprises at least one sensor, which is adapted to measure at least one parameter relating to the connection of the birds to the carrier, which at least one parameter 30 is preferably selected from a group of parameters, comprising: a waiting time of a bird at the mounting station, •. a number of waiting birds at the confirmation station, a number of birds delivered to the confirmation station per unit of time, 35. a number of carriers leaving the confirmation station per unit of time, a number of carriers leaving the confirmation station per unit of time without a bird being connected to it, 1023820 * I - 58 - II - a number of birds that are delivered per unit of time at II the confirmation station without a carrier being available for II, II - a number of birds present at the II confirmation station to be connected to a carrier I and II - a number of carriers approaching the II fastening station per unit of time, II whereby at least one measured value arises, and wherein the at least II one measured value is supplied to the control device for II adjusting the number of birds per unit of time of the II unloading station at the transport station, or from the transport station at I I the transfer station is transferred to reduce fluctuations in the flow of poultry. Device according to any of claims 46 - 48, wherein II said at least one sensor is coupled to the II control device, and wherein the control device is coupled II to the at least one conveyor, and wherein said II measurement values are supplied to the control device for controlling the at least one transport member. I 50. Device as claimed in any of the claims 46 - 49, wherein II said at least one sensor is coupled to the II control device, and wherein the control device is coupled II to the at least one unloading device, and wherein said measured values II are applied to the control device, for controlling II the at least one unloading device. I An apparatus according to any of claims 46 - 50, wherein said II at least one sensor is coupled to the II control device, and wherein the control device is coupled II to the at least one first buffer member, and wherein said II measurement values are applied to the control device for controlling the at least one first buffer member. I Device as claimed in any of the claims 32 - 51, wherein the at least one conveyor is a conveyor. 53. Device as claimed in any of the claims 33-51, wherein the unloading station comprises a tilting device for tilting the at least one holder, wherein the poultry leaves the holder under the influence of the gravity. I An apparatus according to claim 53, wherein the I 40 control device is arranged for controlling the tilting of the tilting device. An apparatus according to any one of claims 33 to 52, wherein the at least one releasing device comprises an arm which is movable in the at least one holder. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the control device is adapted to control the arm of the release device. Device as claimed in any of the claims 46 - 56, wherein said at least one sensor is preferably selected from a group comprising: - a pivotable body, - a measuring instrument for measuring a weight, - a measuring instrument for measuring measuring infrared radiation, and - an optical measuring instrument. An apparatus according to any of claims 44 - 56, wherein the at least one conveying means extends over a certain distance, and wherein the at least one conveying means has an upstream and a downstream side, and wherein the at least one sensor is arranged on the downstream side of the at least one conveyor. An apparatus according to any of claims 55 - 58, wherein the arm comprises a first conveyor belt. 60. Device as claimed in any of the claims 33-59, wherein the releasing device comprises a second conveyor belt, which can be brought into a position above the poultry to be released, and wherein said second conveyor belt is adapted to release the poultry from the holder. 61. Device as claimed in claim 60, wherein said conveyor of the unloading device comprises protrusions, for advancing the poultry. The device of claim 61, wherein said protrusions are flaps. The device of any one of claims 32 to 62, wherein the mounting station comprises a plurality of mounting streets. An apparatus according to claim 63, wherein a conveyor partially follows two different routes, wherein a first route runs along a fastening line and a second route does not, and wherein the conveyor is adapted to support carriers according to a predetermined choice the first or the second route to leave 1023820 ·