WO2001091546A1

WO2001091546A1 - Apparatus and method for distributing fowl to receiving bins

Info

Publication number: WO2001091546A1
Application number: PCT/NL2001/000223
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ard Nabuurs
Original assignee: Nabuurs Groep B.V.
Priority date: 2000-05-12
Filing date: 2001-03-19
Publication date: 2001-12-06
Also published as: NL1015186C2; AU4485201A

Abstract

Apparatus and method for collecting fowl and bringing the fowl into receiving bins. The apparatus is provided with catching means and with a conveyor linking up with these catching means. With the conveyor, fowl caught with the catching means is conveyed to receiving bins. The fowl are distributed over the receiving bins with the aid of a distributor in the form of a distributing valve or brush and a distribution element provided with one inlet and at least two outlets. With the distributor, in each case at least one outlet, as desired, can be cleared to pass the fowl, while the or each other outlet can be blocked. The distributor can be controlled by signals coming from detection means arranged along the conveyor, such as counting and weighing means.

Description

Title: Apparatus and method for distributing fowl to receiving bins.

This invention relates to an apparatus for catching fowl and bringing the fowl into receiving bins.

With such an apparatus, fowl can be gathered from a first accommodation, in particular a shed, and be distributed to receiving bins with which the fowl can be transported to a new accommodation.

It is known for this purpose to use an apparatus comprising a mobile conveyor provided with catching means at an upstream end as viewed in the conveying direction. With these catching means, the fowl is taken off the floor and placed on the conveyor. The conveyor is designed to be pivotable in the horizontal plane and adjustable in length, so that the catching means can thus be moved along the floor of the shed for catching the fowl. The conveyor thereupon brings the fowl supplied by the catching means to receiving bins, which are arranged adjacent a downstream end as viewed in the conveying direction. The receiving bins normally used are constituted by two containers disposed side by side, each comprising a series of drawers placed above each other. The containers are mutually connected by a central post which imparts the necessary stiffness to the assembly. For proper alignment with the drawers of the containers, an outflow conveyor is provided at the downstream end of the conveyor. The outflow conveyor is pivotable in the horizontal and the vertical plane and moreover adjustable in length. As a result, the outflow conveyor, in particular an end thereof facing the containers, can be positioned opposite any drawer of the containers. When a drawer is full, the outflow conveyor is swiveled to a next, empty drawer. This known apparatus is supplied, for instance, by the firm of Jydsk

Transport Teknik APS (JTT) in Denmark. With the apparatus, in a humane manner, a large number of fowl can be transferred from a shed floor to receiving bins in a relatively short time. The known apparatus, however, has a number of disadvantages. For instance, repositioning the outflow conveyor from a full to an empty drawer is time consuming. During the swiveling motion, the outflow conveyor must be stopped or at least be slowed down. Such slowing down, as well as start-up after standstill, cannot take place abruptly, since this can unbalance the fowl and hence lead to undesired injury. Slowing down and start-up must therefore proceed gradually.

Braking and stopping the conveyor moreover affords the fowl an opportunity to gather into groups, which makes it considerably more difficult to count and meter the fowl into the receiving bins when the conveyor has subsequently been set into motion again. Also, during standstill of the conveyor, the fowl may move back in the direction of the catching means.

Further, the outflow conveyor is hampered in its swing by the central post between the two receiving containers. Removing this central post does not provide a solution to this problem, since the stiffness of the containers would thereby be undermined. This stiffness is necessary to enable the load of fowl to be borne. During the swinging motion, the outflow conveyor must therefore be maneuvered around the central post. This is done by shortening the conveyor or by retracting the apparatus in its entirety. Both options are time consuming.

The outflow conveyor has as a further disadvantage that a complicated construction is necessary to enable the conveyor to be swung in two directions and to render it adjustable in length. This will make the conveyor expensive and susceptible to failure.

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the known type, in which the disadvantages of the known apparatus are avoided while the advantages thereof are maintained. To that end, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1. By making use of distributing means, the outflow part does not have to be slowed down, stopped or accelerated. This saves time. In addition, as a result, the fowl does not have any opportunity to form a group or to go back to the beginning of the conveyor. Further, this prevents injuries being sustained due to the fowl falling over during slow-down and restart of the conveyor. As a result, fowl can be brought faster and more gradually into the receiving bins, with less chance of stress. Moreover, the chance of failures is reduced considerably.

In an advantageous embodiment, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 2.

By virtue of the distributing device, the outflow conveyor does not have to be swung in the horizontal plane, which results in a simpler outflow conveyor. Moreover, with such a distributing device, no hindrance from the central post between the containers is experienced, since the distributing device, in particular the outlets thereof, can be constructed around the central post.

The distributing device is further constructionally simple and therefore inexpensive to manufacture and has a low sensitivity to failure.

The distributing valve can be simply operated by a single person or by a drive means. Switching between a full container and an adjacent empty container can be performed fast and without great effort.

In further elaboration, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 4.

By the use of detection means, in particular counting means, it can be monitored how many fowls are being brought into the containers. When in a container the desired number of fowls, at least a pre-selected weight, has been reached, the detection means can issue a signal on the ground of which the distributing valve is switched. The operation of the valve can occur manually, but is preferably performed with the aid of drive means, controlled by the signal issued by the detection means. The signal issued by the detection means can further be used to actuate other drive means within the apparatus, for instance for adjusting the speed of the conveyor or the vertical position of the outflow conveyor.

In a further advantageous embodiment, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 8.

By arranging the distributing device slidably on the outflow conveyor, the length of this conveyor with the distributing device can be adjusted relatively easily. As a result, in any vertical position of the outflow conveyor, the proper length can be set and hence a proper alignment with the drawers can be obtained.

Sliding the distributing device relative to the outflow conveyor can occur manually, but preferably takes place by means of a mechanical coupling. Also, drive means can be provided which are actuated on the basis of a vertical position of the outflow conveyor as measured with detection means.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, an apparatus according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 10.

By providing each of the outlets of the distribution element with a conveyor, a better through-flow of the fowl towards the containers is achieved. Also, the outlets can have a configuration slightly sloping downwards in the direction of the containers. As a result, the fowl will slide down into the containers still better.

The invention further relates to a method for collecting fowl in receiving bins, characterized by the features of claim 13. With such a method, large numbers of fowl can be brought rapidly from a shed floor to receiving bins without the fowl being damaged in the process.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of an apparatus and method according to the invention are described. To clarify the invention, an apparatus and method according to the present invention will be further explained with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 shows an apparatus according to the present invention in top plan view;

Fig. 2 shows the apparatus from Fig. 1 in side elevation;

Fig. 3 shows a portion of the apparatus in top plan view, provided with a distributing device according to the invention; and

Fig. 4 shows an alternative distributing device according to the invention.

Figs. 1 and 2 respectively show a top plan view and a side elevation of an apparatus for gathering fowl and bringing it into receiving bins. To that end, the apparatus is provided with catching means 2, receiving bins 4 and conveying means 6, with which the fowls 3 collected with the catching means 2 are guided to the receiving bins 4.

The designation catching means 2 is herein understood to mean all means by which fowl 3 can be taken up, for instance from a barn floor, from a cage or from any other accommodation, and subsequently can be placed on the conveying means 6. This can be done manually or mechanically. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the catching means 2 are formed by a catching head 5 which comprises three brushes 8 which rotate in mutually opposite senses about vertically arranged axes. These brushes 8 are provided along their circumference with flexible flaps 9 by which the fowls 3 are guided inwards, at least between two rotary brushes 8, whereupon the fowls 3, through the rotary movement of the brushes 8, are guided to the conveying means 6. Such a catching head 5 is known from EP 0 563 353.

The receiving bins 4, in the embodiment shown, are formed by containers 22, known per se, provided with a series of drawers 23 placed above each other. The containers 22 are joined together in pairs, by means of a steel central post, which post imparts stiffness to the assembly of the containers. The containers 22 are arranged on a trailer 24 and can be brought to different positions on the trailer 24 with a displacement mechanism, for instance a carrousel, for the purpose of supply, loading and removal activities.

Between the catching means 2 and the receiving bins 4 extend conveying means 6. These conveying means 6 comprise a conveyor 10 and an outflow conveyor 25, both, for instance, of the conveyor belt-type or roller conveyor-type. The conveyors 10, 25 are provided on opposite sides with upright walls 12 and are preferably covered at the top as well, thereby operatively preventing fowl falling off the conveyor 10, 25 or escaping via the top. Moreover, through the complete shielding, a dark environment favorable to the fowl can be created.

Conveyor 10 has a first end 14 aligned with the catching means 2 and a second end 15 aligned with the outflow conveyor 25. The conveyor 10 is adjustable in length, as indicated with arrow K, and also, together with catching head 5, pivotable in the horizontal plane in the directions L and R as indicated in Fig. 1. Through the freedoms of movement referred to, the catching head 5 can cover a large area during the gathering of the fowls 3. Upon adjustment of the length of the conveyor 10, a first transport part 11 slides partly over a second transport part 13. The top of the first transport part 11 is preferably covered with covering plates of, for instance, plastic or metal. The second transport part 13 is preferably provided with a length- adjustable covering strip 17. To that end, the covering strip 17 is wound onto a roll 19 arranged above the second end 15 of the conveyor 10 and, by a free end thereof, fastened to the covering plates of the sliding first transport part 11. The roll 19 is biased by means of a spring, so that this roll 19 exerts a continuous pull on the covering strip 17. As a result, the strip 17 is pulled taut, being wound further onto the roll 19 when the transport parts 11, 13 slide within each other, and being unwound when the transport parts 11, 13 slide apart. By virtue of such a covering construction, any projecting roof parts that slide over each other and might injure the fowl 3 are avoided. Optionally, the two transport parts 11, 13 can be covered by means of the same covering strip 17. In that case, the covering strip is fastened to the first end 14 and the covering plates are omitted.

Outflow conveyor 25 forms a transition between the swiveling conveyor 10 and the stationary containers 22. The outflow conveyor 25 is pivotable in the vertical plane in the direction P indicated in Fig. 2. Thus, the height of the end 26 can be adjusted to the varying height of the drawers 23 to be filled.

The outflow conveyor 25 is further length- adjustable. This enables accommodation to the difference in length between the length of the conveyor 25 in horizontal position and the greater length needed in a pivoted position for alignment with the container drawers 22, 23. The whole of catching means 2, conveying means 6 and receiving bins

4 is mobile. To that end, the transport conveyor 10 is supported adjacent the first end 14 by wheels 16 and supported adjacent the second end 15 by a mobile undercarriage 18, which is coupled to trailer 24. The undercarriage 18 comprises the drive means necessary for moving, swiveling, driving and extending the transport conveyor 10 and outflow conveyor 25. These drive means are understood to be generally known and will therefore not be described further. The conveying direction of the conveyors 10, 25, indicated by arrow T, runs from the catching means 2 towards the receiving bins 4.

Further, the conveyor 10 can be equipped with individualizing means 30, for instance in the form of spring-back baffles 31, arranged in the manner of a fyke, by means of which groups of gathered fowls 3 can be driven apart and can be arranged behind each other to form a line. This facilitates counting the fowls 3 and results in a dosed supply to the drawers 23. Further, along both conveyors 10, 25, detection means 45 can be arranged, for instance counting means or weighing means, for monitoring the number of fowls 3 passing and being brought into the drawers 23.

An apparatus as described above is known per se from the non-prepublished application NL 1,013,915, which is understood to be incorporated herein by reference. In this known apparatus, when a receiving drawer 23 is full, the outflow conveyor 25 is uncoupled, pivoted and connected to a next, empty drawer 23. To that end, at least the outflow conveyor 25 is slowed down or stopped. Stopping, pivoting, coupling and uncoupling, as well as slowing down and restarting the outflow conveyor 25 takes a great deal of time. Moreover, slowing down and starting the conveyors 10, 25 is not beneficial to the fowls 3. They might fall as a result and get injured. In addition, a stationary conveyor 10, 25 affords the fowls 3 a possibility of uniting in groups again, which makes it difficult to count them. When the conveyor 10 stands still, the fowls 3 can actually return to the first end 14 of the conveyor.

To avoid the problems mentioned, the invention provides a distributing device 20 which is arranged at the outflow conveyor 25. Fig. 3 shows, in top plan view, an embodiment of the distributing device 20, comprising a distribution element 28, a distributor in the form of a distributing valve 29 and optionally drive means 50, as, for instance, a stepping motor or cylinder, for actuating the distributing valve 29. The distribution element 28 comprises a bottom plate 35, provided with two legs diverging from the outflow conveyor 25 and terminating in a first and second container 37, 38, respectively, provided with receiving drawers 23, thereby forming a first and second outflow part 39, 40, respectively. Both outflow parts 39, 40 are bounded on opposite sides by upright walls 42, 43 which, together with the respective part of the bottom plate 35, form a gutter by which the fowls are kept in line.

Arranged above the outflow conveyor 25 is a distributing valve 29 which is pivotable in the horizontal plane, between a first and a second position A, B represented in the drawing in broken lines. In position B, the distributing valve 29 blocks the passage to the second outflow part 40, while the passage to the first outflow part 39 is completely open. The stream of fowl 3 operatively supplied by outflow conveyor 25 is forced by the distributing valve 29 towards the first outflow part 39. The fowl, when leaving the outflow conveyor 25, will have sufficient speed to pass the outflow part 39, 40 without further advancing means. Preferably, the outflow parts 39, 40 have a bottom plate 35 which is slightly inclined downwards in the direction of the container 37, 38, so that the fowl 3, partly under the influence of gravity, will slide down along the bottom plate 35. Also, the outflow parts 39, 40 can be provided with conveying means, such as a conveyor belt, to obtain a still better through-flow.

When the first row of drawers of container 37 contains the desired number of fowls, the distributing valve 29 is pivoted to position A, so that the first outflow part 39 is closed off and the second outflow part 40 is opened, so that the drawers of the second container 38 can be filled.

The distributing valve 29 can be pivoted relatively simply and hence fast. The outflow conveyor 25 and conveyor 10 do not have to be stopped or slowed down. This saves time and moreover reduces the chance of damages to the fowls.

Distributing valve 29 can be pivoted manually or with the aid of drive means 50. These drive means 50 can be connected to detection means 45 arranged along the conveyor, such as counter means, weighing means or means of a different kind with which the number of fowls 3 introduced into the receiving bins 4 can be monitored. Upon the desired number being reached, a control signal can be issued to the drive means 50, whereupon valve 29 is pivoted to a next position. As a consequence, the distributing valve 29 can, in principle, be operated without attendant personnel.

The distributing device 20 is moreover simple as regards construction and hence inexpensive and robust. The distribution element 28 and the distributing valve 29 can be manufactured, for instance, from sheet steel, plastic or the like. Preferably, the distribution element 28, there where it links up with the outflow conveyor 25 and the receiving bin 4, is provided with flexible flashing, for instance of rubber, with which possible alignment inaccuracies, such as gaps and ridges, can be covered to protect the fowl 3. The distribution element 28 can further be provided with more than two outflow parts 39, 40, and/or several distributing valves 29, by means of which in each case at least one outflow part can be opened and the other outflow parts can be closed off. It is preferred to mount the distributing device 20 slidably on the outflow conveyor 25, so that the length of outflow conveyor 25 plus distributing device 20 is adjustable between a minimum length with the outflow conveyor 25 in horizontal position and a greater length when the outflow conveyor 25 has been pivoted through an angle in direction P. Preferably, this shding adjustment is coupled to the pivoting angle, for instance via an electronic control or a mechanical transmission, such that the outflow conveyor 25 together with the distributing device 20 has the proper length in each position. The above provides the additional advantage that the outflow conveyor 25 itself does not have to be made of length-adjustable design, so that a constructionally simple conveyor 25 will suffice.

The distance between the outflow ends of the distribution element 28 and the drawers 23 of the containers 22, varying with the pivoting angle of the outflow conveyor 25, can also be bridged by displacing the trailer 24 on which these containers 22 are disposed. To that end, the trailer 24 can be provided with suitable drive means, with which the trailer 24 can be displaced exactly over the desired distance. Suitable drive means can, for instance, be hydraulic or electromechanical actuators incorporated in the pole of the trailer 24. If desired, the displacement can be coupled to the pivoting angle of the outflow conveyor 25. The mobility of the trailer 24 can also be advantageously utilized in replacing full containers. By moving the trailer 24 slightly backwards, that is, away from the distribution element 28, space is obtained to turn the containers, so that a full container can be _. replaced with an empty one. Next, the trailer 24 is moved back until the drawers 23 of the container 22 to be filled are in alignment with the outflow ends of the distribution element 28.

The distributing device 20 can also be mounted directly onto the end 15 of conveyor 10, without interposition of the outflow conveyor 25. When the distributing device 20 is not pivotable in the vertical plane, the outflow parts 39, 40 will be situated at a fixed height. In that case, the trailer 24 can, for instance, be equipped with a lift mechanism by means of which the height of the receiving bins 4 can be adjusted to the outflow height of the distributing device 20. The outflow parts 39, 40 will be relatively long in order to bridge the distance between end 15 of conveyor 10 and receiving bin 4. In this case, it is recommended to give the outflow parts 39, 40 an inclined configuration or to provide them with conveying means to enhance the flow-through of the fowls 3. Of course, in such an embodiment, also the distribution element may be pivotable in the direction P, about a horizontal axis. Fig. 4 shows, in top plan view, an alternative embodiment of a distributing device 120 according to the invention. The distributing device 120 comprises a distribution element 128, provided with two outflow parts 139, 140 in the form of two conveyors 135, which extend on opposite sides of the outflow conveyor 25, adjacent the end 26 thereof, through a bend of approximately 90° to a point immediately opposite the two containers 37, 38 arranged side by side. The distributing device 120 further comprises a distributor 129 in the form of a brush. This brush 129 is arranged between the outflow parts 139, 140, above the outflow conveyor 25, and is rotatable about an axis 151 extending substantially perpendicularly to the outflow conveyor 25. The brush 129 is provided with radially extending flexible flaps or fingers 133, which preferably reach as far as the upright walls 142, 143 on opposite sides of the conveyors 135. The brush 135 can be designed, for instance, as one of the brushes 8 from the catching head 5. The brush 129 can be driven with the aid of drive means 150, alternately counterclockwise in the direction of arrow A and clockwise in the direction of arrow B, so that the fowl 3 is guided towards the left-hand and the right- hand outflow part 139, 140, respectively.

As the conveyors 135 can describe a bend of approximately 90°, these conveyors 135 can on the one hand link up seamlessly with the outflow conveyor 25 and, on the other, with the first and second container 37, 38. The flexible fingers 133 of the brush 129 guide the fowl 3 at the transition from the outflow conveyor 25 to the conveyors 135, so that the fowls 3 are directed in a fluent motion towards the containers 37, 38. The fingers 133 moreover provide that, should such be necessary, the fowls 3 are once again individualized, so that they reach the drawer 23 one by one. As a result, the number of fowl specimens 3 that are introduced into a drawer 23 can be accurately monitored. Moreover, through a dosed supply, the risk of injury to the fowl 3 is reduced to a minimum. The detection means 45 can be arranged after the individualizing means 30, but are preferably arranged directly after the brush 129 in each outflow part 139, 140. When a pre-set quantity, for instance number or weight of fowl 3, has passed the detection means 45 in one outflow part 139, a signal can be issued on the ground of which the drive means 150 reverse the direction of rotation of the brush 129. As a result, the fowl 3 will be guided through the other outflow part 140, to a new drawer 23, until it is filled with the desired amount of fowl 3, whereafter the direction of rotation is reversed again and the outflow conveyor 25 with the distributing device 120 is pivoted in vertical direction to a next layer of drawers 23.

Owing to the fact that the reversal of the direction of rotation can be effected virtually instantaneously, there is almost no fowl 3 lagging, that is, as soon as the signal for reversal of the rotational direction has been issued, no fowls, or just a few fowls at most, will be allowed to pass in the previous direction. As a result, every drawer 23 can be filled very accurately with the desired amount of fowl 3. A further advantage of a distributing device 120 as shown in Fig. 4 is that the fowl 3 cannot be caught between the distributor 129 and bounding walls of the outflow conveyor 25 and/or conveyors 135.

An apparatus as described can be used as follows. For collecting the fowl accommodated, for instance, in a shed, the catching head 5 and conveyor 10 are moved back and forth along the floor surface in the directions L and R. The flexible flaps 9 of the rotary brushes 8 will channel the fowl between the brushes 8 and subsequently the brushes 8 will guide the fowl to the conveyor 10. Via, in succession, the conveyor 10 with the individualizing means 30, 31 arranged thereon, and outflow conveyor 25, the fowl 3, in file, reach the distributing device 20. There the fowl are guided by means of the distributing valve 29 or brush 129 to the first or second outflow part 39, 40, and 139, 140, respectively; which terminate in a first and second receiving bin 37, 38, respectively.

With detection means 45, which are arranged along the conveyor 10, 25 or in each outflow part 39, 40; 139, 140, directly after the distributors 29, 129, the number of fowl 3 that pass are counted and on the ground of this count the distributing valve 29 or brush 129 is controlled. However, the count and the operation of the distributing valve 29 or brush 129 can also be done by an operator. Also, with the detection means 45, a displacement mechanism on the trailer 24 can be actuated for accommodation to the difference in length between the outflow conveyor 25 in horizontal position and in pivoted position, as well as for timely supplying empty receiving bins 4 and removing full ones. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the description and the drawing. Many variations thereon are possible within the scope of the invention as outlined by the claims.

The catching means can be designed in a different manner, for instance in the form of catching arms or scooping means, such embodiment being partly dependent on the manner in which the fowl to be collected are presented, for instance while freely moving about in a shed, or in a yard, collected in crates, etc. Naturally, the fowl can also be manually caught and placed on the conveyor. The receiving bins can consist of loose containers which are arranged next to each other behind the outlets of the distributing device. In this way, time can be saved in that during the filling of one container, the container next to it, already filled, can be removed and replaced with an empty container. The distributing valve can have a different shape, being, for instance, slightly curved so as to make the bend in the direction of travel of the fowl still more gradual. Also, the distributing valve can be mounted in a different manner, for instance pivotally with respect to a horizontal axis, or be arranged slideably instead of pivotally, for closing off one or more outflow parts. Also, the valve can be formed from several parts hingedly interconnected. Naturally, several distributing valves or brushes can be provided, optionally in combination with several outflow parts.

The apparatus can be provided with various detection means, such as counting means or weighing means. On the basis of the measuring data thereby obtained, quantities such as the speed of the conveyors, the vertical position of the outflow conveyor 25, the position of the distributing valve, the position of the trailer with the containers thereon, or the length and pivoting angle of conveyor 10 can be adjusted. Also, the possibility exists of having the above-mentioned adjustments proceed automatically via a PLC control, optionally actuated by the detection means present. As a consequence, a cycle of successive settings and operations can be initiated with a single operation.

With the proper detection means, the apparatus can also be used as .a sorting apparatus. With the aid of the detection means, the fowl can be sorted according to different characteristics, such as size, weight, type. On the basis of these features, the fowl can be distributed to different receiving bins, the distributing valve being actuated by the respective detection means.

These and similar variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention outlined by the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for catching fowl, provided with catching means (2) and conveying means (6), aligned with the catching means (2), for conveying fowl (3) caught with the catching means (2) from the catching means (2) to an end of the apparatus, while adjacent the end of the apparatus distributing means (20) are provided with which the fowl (3), when or after leaving the conveying means (6), can be distributed to different receiving bins (4) without stopping the conveying means (6).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distributing means (20) comprise a distribution element (28) and a distributor (29, 129), the distribution element (28) comprising an inlet and at least two outlets, and the distributor (29, 129) being movable with respect to the outlets, such that thereby at least one outlet, as desired, can be cleared to pass the fowl (3) whilst the or each other outlet can be blocked.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the distributing means (20) comprise drive means (50), which drive means (50) are arranged for the controlled displacement of the distributor (29, 129).

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein along the conveying means (20) detection means (45), in particular counting means, are provided, for counting the passing fowl (3), on the basis of which count the drive means (50) of the distributor (29, 129) can be controlled.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the distributor comprises a distributing valve (29).

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the distributor comprises a brush (129), which is provided along the circumference thereof with radially extending flexible flaps or fingers (133).

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying means (6) comprise at least one outflow conveyor (25) adjacent the downstream end thereof, viewed in the conveying direction (T), while the end of the at least one outflow conveyor (25) facing the receiving bins (4) is adjustable in height.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the end (26) of outflow conveyor (25) facing the receiving bins (4) is provided with distributing means (20), which distributing means (20) are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the outflow conveyor (25), such that the joint length of the outflow conveyor (25) and the distributing means (20) is adjustable.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a mechanical or electronic coupling is provided between the length of the distributing means (20) and the outflow conveyor (25) and the vertical position of the outflow conveyor (25).

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein between the inlet and each outlet, an outflow conveyor or a like conveying means is provided for forcing fowl to the respective outlet.

11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2-10, wherein between the inlet and each outlet, an inclined path sloping downwards in the direction of the respective outlet is provided.

12. A distributing device for distributing a stream of fowl to receiving devices, in particular for use in an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, which distributing device (20) comprises a distribution element (28) and a distributor (29, 129), the distribution element (28) comprising one inlet and at least two outlets, the distributor (29, 129) being arranged and movable, such that therewith, as desired, the path between the inlet and one of the outlets can be cleared, while the or each path between the inlet and the or each other outlet is closed, at least interrupted, so that fowl can only traverse said cleared path, to the respective outlet.

13. A method for collecting fowl in receiving bins, wherein the fowl is brought onto conveying means (6) and by means thereof is conveyed to the receiving bins (4), while the fowl (3) is distributed to the receiving bins (4) by means of a movable distributor (29) which is arranged adjacent to, in particular above, the downstream end, viewed in the conveying direction (T), of the conveying means (6), and with which the fowl (3) is forced in each case to one of the receiving devices (4).

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the position of the distributor (29, 129) is set on the basis of the number of fowl specimens (3) operatively brought to the receiving bins (4) by the conveying means (6).

15. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, in control means, beforehand, a desired number of fowl (3) per receiving bin (4) is set, and the number of fowl (3) brought into a receiving bin (4) is counted; wherein with the aid of the control means, upon the desired number of fowl in the respective receiving bin (4) being reached, the position of the distributor (29, 129) is adjusted such that the fowl (3) is forced to a next receiving bin (4).