韩国专利KR20020003376A Egg removal apparatus

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专利摘要:
The egg removing device of the present invention includes a frame and a manifold removably fixed to the frame. The frame is movable from a first position above the plate to a second position above an area adjacent to the plate. When the frame is in the first position, eggs from the plate are picked up by vacuum through a plurality of flexible cups. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are ejected from the plurality of flexible cups. Removable manifolds can be quickly and easily removed from the support frame and cleaned part by part.
公开号:KR20020003376A
申请号:KR1020017011760
申请日:2000-03-06
公开日:2002-01-12
发明作者:허브랭크존에이치.；데포우다이엘티.
申请人:엠브렉스, 인코포레이티드；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

Egg removal apparatus
[2] Advances in poultry development have made it possible to add various substances to or around the embryo, with the aim of giving a beneficial effect to the later hatching chicks. Such beneficial effects include increased growth, disease prevention, increased hatching rates of collectively incubated eggs, and other improvements in the physical properties of hatched poultry. In addition, certain types of vaccinations that can only be performed in advance for newly born or fully mature poultry can now be successfully applied to new embryos.
[3] In ovo vaccination techniques can increase vaccination efficiency and reduce injection stress for young birds. Conventional intracellular inoculation devices are usually injected for all eggs contained in an egg flat. An example of an intracellular egg inoculation device that injects all eggs contained in an egg plate is described in US Pat. 4,903,635, described by Hebrank.
[4] Unfortunately, it may not be desirable to administer the vaccine to all eggs contained in the plates. For example, an "empty" egg is one that does not contain a pear and cannot later be hatched. The administration of the vaccine to empty eggs is usually of no use and can be considered waste. In addition, molds can infest eggs when injected into empty eggs, thus increasing the risk of exposing other eggs or hatched chicks to undesirable contamination. Moreover, empty eggs injected may increase the risk of contamination resulting from albumin leaking from it. Therefore, it is desirable to quickly identify and remove empty eggs from the plates before administering the vaccine into the eggs via an automatic inoculation device.
[5] It may also be desirable to selectively remove certain eggs from the plate. For example, it may be desirable to remove certain kinds of eggs, such as male eggs, completely decayed eggs, and the like. As another example, it may be desirable to remove all live eggs for transfer to another plate or injection device.
[6] A conventional apparatus 5 for removing eggs from an egg plate is shown in FIG. 1. A plurality of suction devices 7 are engaged with the respective upward facing portions of the plurality of eggs 14 in the plate 10 to hold the eggs by suction while transporting them into the container 11. During egg removal, it is usually expected that the eggs will be partially broken. Therefore, it is also generally expected that the egg removing device will be contaminated with the contents of the broken egg.
[7] Unfortunately, conventional egg removing devices such as those shown in FIG. 1 are complex and bulky, difficult to clean and time consuming. Therefore, maintaining the conventional egg removing apparatus in a sanitary state can be expensive and labor expensive. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an egg removal device that can be cleaned quickly and easily.
[1] The present invention relates generally to eggs and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for handling eggs.
[78] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein to constitute a part of the specification, together with the description serve to illustrate embodiments of the invention and to explain the principles of the invention.
[79] 1 is a side view of a conventional apparatus for removing eggs from an egg plate,
[80] Figure 2a is a plan view of a plate made of five eggs in each row arranged in five rows to carry 25 eggs, each egg is supported in a substantially vertical position,
[81] 2B is a side view of the plate of FIG. 2A,
[82] 3 is a side view of an apparatus for removing eggs from the plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the movement of the device from the first position above the plate to the second position above the container for receiving the egg removed from the plate; Will,
[83] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a device according to one embodiment of the present invention illustrating a removable manifold;
[84] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a collection of a plurality of plunger bores and internal passageways in the manifold of FIG. 4;
[85] FIG. 6 is a side view of the plunger supported for reciprocating motion in the plunger bore in the manifold of FIG. 4, FIG.
[86] FIG. 7 is a side view of the device including the manifolds of FIGS. 4-5, wherein the frame is moved between a first position where eggs are removed from the plate and a second position where eggs are placed in the container,
[87] 8 is a cross-sectional view of a removable manifold according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the manifold includes a first set and a second set of internal passages;
[88] 9 is a side view of an egg removal device including a removable manifold in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
[89] 10 is a front view along line 10-10 of the egg removing device of FIG. 9,
[90] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the removable manifold of FIG. 9 showing a plurality of internal passages and a plurality of ports in a bottom surface of the manifold communicating with the plurality of internal passages, FIG.
[91] 12 is a side view along line 12-12 of the removable manifold of FIG. 11,
[92] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view along line 13-13 of the removable manifold of FIG. 12;
[93] 14 is a plan view of an egg removing device according to another embodiment of the present invention,
[94] 15 is a side view of the egg removing device of FIG. 14,
[95] 16-19 are views showing an operation for removing eggs from the plate through the egg removing device of FIG. 14,
[96] 20 is a plan view of an egg removing device according to another embodiment of the present invention,
[97] 21 is a side view of the egg removing device of FIG. 20,
[98] 22 is a side view of an egg removing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[8] Summary of the Invention
[9] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an egg removal device which can be cleaned quickly and easily.
[10] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate the selective removal of eggs from the plate.
[11] These and other objects of the present invention can be achieved by an egg removal device comprising a frame and a manifold removably mounted to the frame. The frame is movable from a first position above the plate to a second position above an area adjacent to the plate. When the frame is in the first position, eggs from the plate are picked up in a vacuum through a plurality of flexible cups. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are ejected from the plurality of flexible cups. The manifold includes opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of internal passageways, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Each plunger bore communicates with one of the internal passages.
[12] The elongate plunger is supported for reciprocating motion in each plunger bore. Each plunger is adapted to move from the first first position to the second position. The inner bore extends axially from the bottom to the port in the middle of each plunger. Thus, when the plunger is moved to the second position, the port in the middle of the plunger is in communication with the individual manifold internal passage. The actuator is mounted to the frame on the top of each individual plunger, serving as a means for moving the individual plungers from the first position to the second position. The spring serves as a means for returning the plunger from the first position to the second position.
[13] The flexible cup is fixed to the bottom of each plunger and is in fluid communication with the inner bore of the individual plunger. As the plunger moves to the second position, a vacuum is provided into each flexible cup through the respective plunger inner bore. Thus, when the plunger is in the second position, the flexible cup attached thereto can be engaged with the egg to hold the egg in a fixed relationship with the cup through suction. To release the eggs from the flexible cup, the individual plungers are moved to the first position, or a positive air pressure is introduced into the manifold internal passage with the plungers in the second position to break the vacuum in the flexible cup.
[14] According to another embodiment of the invention, the removable manifold may be provided with a first set and a second set of internal passages. Positive air pressure is maintained in the inner passage of the first set, and a vacuum state is maintained in the inner passage of the second set. The plurality of plunger bores extend through the manifold. Each plunger bore communicates with the inner passages of the first and second sets.
[15] The elongate plunger is supported for reciprocating motion in each plunger bore. Each plunger is adapted to move from the first first position to the second position. The inner bore extends axially from the bottom to the port in the middle of each plunger. When the plunger is in the first position, the second port of the plunger is in communication with each one of the inner passages of the first set. When the plunger is in the second position, the second port is in communication with each one of the inner passages of the second set.
[16] Thus, when the plunger moves to the second position, due to the vacuum provided to the flexible cup through the inner bore, the flexible cup fixed to the bottom of the plunger can keep the eggs in a fixed relationship with the cup. To release the eggs from the flexible cup, the plunger is moved to a first position and in communication with one of the first sets of inner passages such that a positive air pressure is introduced into the flexible cup through the inner bore.
[17] According to another embodiment of the invention, the manifold removably fixed to the movable frame comprises opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of internal passageways, a plurality of nozzles extending from the bottom surface, and one nozzle extending from the top surface. Each nozzle extending from the bottom surface communicates with one of the inner passages. A nozzle extending from the top surface also communicates with the inner passage.
[18] The frame is movable from a first position above the plate to a second position above an area adjacent to the plate. When the frame is in the first position, eggs from the plate are picked up in a vacuum through a plurality of flexible cups fixed to each nozzle extending from the bottom surface. The vacuum is provided in the inner passage through a nozzle extending from the top surface. When the frame is in the second position, eggs are released from the plurality of flexible cups by introducing a positive air pressure into the interior passageway through a nozzle extending from the top surface.
[19] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the eggs may be lifted from the plate through a flexible cup in a vacuum and then directed through the horizontal flow of air into the discharge slope or vessel.
[20] The removable manifold according to the invention can be quickly and easily removed from the support frame and cleaned part by part. Therefore, it is not necessary to make an effort for time-consuming and labor-intensive cleaning which is conventionally required in the conventional egg removing device.
[21] Detailed description of the invention
[22] The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show preferred embodiments of the invention. The present invention, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like part numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[23] The present invention can be used for any type of bird eggs and includes, but is not limited to, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quails and pheasants. The present invention is made particularly suitable for use in egg carriers, commonly referred to as "flat". An example of the plate 10 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The illustrated plate 10 includes a plurality of rows of holes 12. Each hole 12 is made so that one end 14a of each egg 14 enters so as to support each egg 14 in a substantially vertical position (typically with the air hole inside the egg facing up) (Fig. 2b).
[24] The illustrated plate 10 carries 25 eggs in an array of 5 rows with 5 eggs per row. However, the plates used according to the invention may comprise any number of rows comprising several eggs. Furthermore, the eggs in adjacent rows may be parallel to one another in the case of a "rectangular" plate, or in a staggered arrangement in the case of an "offset" plate. Examples of commercial plates in which the present invention may be used include, but are not particularly limited to, the "CHICKMASTER 54" plate, the "JAMESWAY 42" plate, and the "JAMESWAY 84" plate (in each case, the numbers are carried by the plate). Number of eggs).
[25] In each of the embodiments of the invention described below, the eggs can be removed from the plate while the plate moves continuously or otherwise, or while the plate is stationary. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the directions of the plate travel shown in the following embodiments of the present invention. The plate may travel in various directions depending on the device from which the egg is removed.
[26] Referring now to FIG. 3, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an egg removal device 30 is shown that is adapted to engage and lift each egg from the plate. In the embodiment shown above, the egg removing device 30 can move between a first position on the plate and a second position on the inclined surface 13 leading to the waste container 11. In this embodiment, empty eggs or eggs with other defects can be removed from the plates and discarded. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the egg removal device 30 of the present invention may be used to transfer eggs from the plate to various other containers, such as hatching dishes and the like.
[27] 4 and 5, the egg removing device 30 of FIG. 3 is described in great detail. The egg removing device 30 includes a frame 32 and a manifold detachably mounted to the frame 32. Manifold 34 includes opposing sidewalls 34a and 34b, opposing end walls 34c and 35b (FIG. 5), and opposing top and bottom surfaces 35a and 35b. As shown, the frame 32 has side walls 32a and 32b facing each other in which opposing grooves 33a and 33b are formed. The removable manifold 34 is designed to slide between the grooves 33a and 33b and to be retained by the grooves, as shown. The frame and the manifold may be formed of various materials, and are not particularly limited, and may include materials such as metal and polymer.
[28] Manifold 34 includes a plurality of internal passages 36 that terminate at openings 37 in one end wall 34c of manifold 34 (FIG. 5). This inner passage 36 is intended to alternately maintain vacuum and positive pressure, as described below. The vacuum in the inner passage 36 may be provided by a vacuum pump or other vacuum source in communication with the opening 37.
[29] A plurality of plunger bores 38 (FIG. 5) extend from the manifold top surface 35a to the bottom surface 35b so that each plunger bore 38 is in communication with one of the inner passages 36 as shown in FIG. 4. . Each plunger bore 38 is adapted to receive an individual extended plunger 40 therein. Each plunger 40 includes first and second ends 40s and 40b opposite each other and an inner bore 42 extending axially. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner bore 42 has a center of the plunger 40 between the first port 42a of the first end 40a of the plunger and the first end and the second end 40a, 40b. Ends at the second port 42b opposite the portion 43.
[30] As shown in FIG. 4, each plunger 40 is supported for reciprocating motion between a first position and a second position within an individual plunger bore 38. The spacing between the plunger 40 and the individual plunger bores 38 is preferably such that free movement of the plunger 40 in the plunger aperture 38 can be possible without causing excessive air loss between them. Between about 0.001 inches and about 0.006 inches. However, other intervals may be possible. In the illustrated embodiment, each plunger second end 40b includes a shoulder 44 (FIG. 6). A coaxially positioned spring 46 around each plunger 40 is supported at one end by the shoulder 44 and at the other end by the top surface 35a of the manifold 34. As described below, each spring 46 is adapted to automatically return the individual plungers 40 from the second position to the first position when the downward force added to the plunger second end 40b is removed. It serves as a means.
[31] As shown in FIG. 4, the flexible cup 48 is secured to the first end 40a of each plunger 40 through an opening 50 in each flexible cup 48. Thus, each flexible cup 48 is in communication with an internal bore 42 of the plunger 40 to which the flexible cup 48 is fixed. Thus, as will be described below, a vacuum may be provided to each flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42 of the plunger 40 on which the flexible cup 48 is mounted. Exemplary flexible cups 48 are available from Diamond Automation, Farmington Hill, Michigan.
[32] As shown in FIG. 4, the pneumatically actuated piston 52 serves as a means for moving each plunger from the first position to the second position and is located above each plunger 40. Each piston 52 is relative to the second end 40b of the individual plunger so that when driven through the individual pneumatic cylinder 54, the plunger 40 can move upward in the individual plunger bore 38. It is made to exert downward force. In the illustrated embodiment, each pneumatic cylinder 54 is secured to a plate 56 extending between the side walls 32a and 32b of the frame 32. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Moreover, each piston 52 can be operated in a variety of ways that are not particularly limited, including mechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, electrical actuators, and the like. Exemplary pneumatically actuated pistons 52 are available from Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Cinccinatti, Ohio.
[33] As shown in FIG. 4, when the plunger 40 is in the first position, the second port 42b in the central portion 43 of the plunger 40 is not in communication with the respective inner passage 36. When the plunger 40 moves from the first position to the second position through the respective piston 52, the second port 42b and thus the plunger inner bore 42 is in communication with the respective inner passage 36. . When a vacuum is applied to the inner passage 36, a vacuum is also supplied to the flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42. Thus, when the plunger 40 is moved from the first position to the second position, the flexible cup 48 fixed to the plunger first end 40a engages with the egg 14 and, through suction, the egg 14. Keep) in a fixed relationship. The amount of vacuum supplied to each cup 48 is preferably sufficient to lift the egg 14 and deliver it to another position.
[34] To release the egg 14, positive air pressure may be applied to the inner passage 36 while keeping the plunger 40 in the second position. An external valve (not shown) may be used to provide positive air pressure to the inner passage 36. Or alternatively, the plunger 40 may be returned to the first position to break the vacuum at this time, because the plunger inner bore 42 and the flexible cup 48 are exposed to atmospheric pressure.
[35] In FIG. 4, the plungers 40 located directly above the eggs 14a, 14b, 14c, 14e and 14f are held in the first position through the respective springs 46. As shown, the plunger 40 directly above the egg 14d has already moved to the second position via the piston 52. In the second position, the plunger second opening 42b is in communication with the inner passage where the vacuum is maintained, and the flexible cup 48 moves downward to engage the egg 14d.
[36] Referring again to FIG. 3, an egg removal device 30 is shown, in which the egg 14d is transferred to the plate 10 (ie, through the intermediate flexible cup 48 and the plunger 40 moved to the second position). Lifting from the first position) is shown. The egg removing device 30 moves to a second position on the inclined surface 13 leading to the container 11, at which time the egg 14d is discharged from the flexible cup 48. As noted above, the egg 14d may be released by introducing a positive air pressure into the interior passage 36 or by returning the plunger 40 to the first position while the plunger is in the second position.
[37] An advantage of the present invention is that the manifold 34, together with the plunger 40 and the flexible cup 48, can be easily removed from the support frame 32 and placed in a bath for each component. Moreover, the inner passage and the plunger bore are made to allow the cleaning liquid to move effectively through the interior thereof.
[38] The present invention may be used to remove selected eggs from the plate. For example, an empty egg identified through an empty egg identification system may be selectively removed from the egg plate via the egg removing device according to the present invention. An example of a vacant egg identification system is described in commonly assigned US patent no. Hebrank et al. 5,745,228, the disclosure content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[39] FIG. 7 shows an empty egg identification system 60 used in connection with an egg removal device 30 in accordance with the present invention. The illustrated empty egg identification system 60 includes a plurality of light sources 61 located on one side of the plate 10 and a corresponding plurality located on the other side of the plate 10 opposite the light source 61. It includes a photo detector 62 of. The photo detector 62 is made to identify empty eggs based on the amount of light passing from the individual light sources 61 through the eggs 14.
[40] It is to be understood that the positions of the light source 61 and the photo detector 62 shown are not critical and can be changed. In addition, the light source 61 and photodetector 62 may be placed in different directions as long as light from the light source 61 can pass through the eggs 14 and reach the photodetector 62.
[41] In addition, in the present invention, not only empty eggs, but also other devices for detecting eggs having other characteristics may be used. For example, US Patent No. Hebrank. 4,955,728 and 4,914,672 describe a candling device that distinguishes what is alive from fertilization using infrared detectors and infrared radiation emitted from eggs. U.S. Patent No. At 4,671,652 van Asselt et al. Disclose a candling device equipped with a plurality of light sources and corresponding photo detectors in a row, and passing eggs on a plate between the light source and the photodetector.
[42] Removing the "sticky" eggs in the plate will require more force than the force provided by the "pull" of the vacuum flexible cup. According to another aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG. 7, a member 63, such as a pneumatic bellows or a piston, may be used as the means for removing the eggs 14. The illustrated member 63 is made to be separated from the state in which the egg 14 is stuck by applying an upward force to the egg. This upward force may be applied separately, or may be applied with the pull of the flexible cup 48 under vacuum. Various devices may be used to force the egg upwards to dislodge it from being stuck.
[43] 8, a removable manifold 34 is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated manifold 34 includes upper and lower surfaces 35a and 35b opposite each other, and first and second sets 65 and 66 of internal passages. A plurality of plunger bores 38 extend from the top surface 35a to the bottom surface 35b, each plunger bore 38 communicating with one of the first and second internal passages 65, 66. Positive air pressure is maintained in the inner passage 65 of the first set. In the second set 66 of inner passages a vacuum is maintained.
[44] Each plunger bore 38 is adapted to receive an individual extended plunger 40 therein. Each plunger 40 includes opposing first and second ends 40a, 40b and an axially extending inner bore 42. The inner bore 42 is a middle portion 43 of the plunger 40 between the first end 42a of the plunger first end 40a and the first end and the second end 40a, 40b, as described above. Ends at the second port 42b opposite.
[45] Each plunger 40 is supported for reciprocating motion between a first position and a second position within the respective plunger bore 38 via a spring 46, as described above. In the first position, the second port 42b of each plunger 40 communicates with an individual one of the first sets 65 of inner passages. In the second position, the second port 42b of each plunger 40 communicates with an individual one of the inner passages 65 of the second set.
[46] The flexible cup 48 is secured through the opening 50 at the first end 40a of each plunger 40, as shown. Each flexible cup 48 communicates with an internal bore 42 of the plunger 40 to which the flexible cup 48 is fixed. Thus, when the plunger 40 is in the first position, positive air pressure can be provided to each flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42. Similarly, when the plunger 40 is in the second position, a vacuum may be provided to each flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42.
[47] In FIG. 8, the plunger 40 located directly above the eggs 14a, 14b, 14c, 14e, 14f is held in the first position through the respective springs 46. The plunger 40 located directly above the egg 14d moves to the second position so that the second opening 42b communicates with the second set of inner passages 66, and the flexible cup 48 has an egg 14d. ). The flexible cup 48 keeps the eggs in a fixed relationship with the cup due to the vacuum provided to the flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42. The amount of vacuum supplied to each cup 48 is sufficient to lift the egg 14d and transfer it to another position. In order to release the egg 14d from the flexible cup 48, the plunger 40 is moved to the first position so that a positive air pressure is introduced into the flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42, and the inner passageway. It is in communication with one of the first set of 65. Thus, the vacuum in the flexible cup is broken and the eggs 14d are released.
[48] 9-13, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the device 70 for removing the egg 14 from the plate 10 includes a frame 72 and a manifold 74 removably mounted to the frame 72. The frame 72 is moveable from the first position on the plate 10 to the second position on the area adjacent to the plate, as shown. When frame 72 is in the first position, eggs 14 from plate 10 are picked up through a plurality of flexible cups 48 under vacuum. When the frame 72 is in the second position, the eggs 14 are ejected from the plurality of flexible cups 48.
[49] The removable manifold 74 includes upper and lower surfaces 74a and 74b opposite to each other, and a plurality of internal passageways 76, as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. Each one inner passage 76 includes a plurality of ports 78 extending to the manifold second surface 74b. Each of these ports 78 is adapted to receive an individual first nozzle 80 (FIG. 10) therein. The second nozzle 79 (FIG. 12) extends from the upper surface 74a and is in fluid communication with the plurality of internal passages 76.
[50] The flexible cup 48 is secured to each individual first nozzle 80 such that each flexible cup 48 communicates with one of the individual inner passageways 76. When the frame 72 is in the first position and a vacuum is supplied into the interior passage through the conduit 84 which ensures fluid communication between the vacuum source 86 and the manifold second nozzle 79, each flexible The cup 48 meshes with the eggs to keep them in a fixed relationship. When the frame 72 moves to the second position, the eggs 14 can be released from the plurality of flexible cups 48 by breaking the vacuum in each flexible cup 48. The vacuum can be broken by introducing a positive air pressure in the inner passage 76 through a conduit 84 in fluid communication with the air source 86.
[51] 14-15, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the device 130 for removing the egg 14 from the plate 10, which moves in a substantially horizontal direction (indicated by arrow 131), is removably attached to the frame 32 and the frame 32. It includes a manifold 34 to be mounted. The container 133 is located above the plate 10 and adjacent the frame 32 as shown. The container 133 may be inclined leading to the egg waste portion. Alternatively, the container 133 may include a conveyor belt to move the eggs removed from the plate to another position.
[52] The illustrated manifold 34 is similar to that described with respect to FIG. 8. The illustrated manifold 34 includes opposing top and bottom surfaces 35a and 35b and internal passages 65 and 66 of the first and second sets. The plurality of plunger bores 38 extend from the upper surface 35a to the lower surface 35b. Each plunger bore 38 communicates with one of the first and second internal passageways 65, 66. Positive air pressure is maintained in the inner passage 65 of the first set. A vacuum is maintained in the inner passage 66 of the second set.
[53] Each plunger bore 38 is adapted to receive an individual extended plunger 40 therein. Each plunger 40 includes opposing first and second ends 40a and 40b, and an axially extending inner bore 42 (shown in detail in FIG. 6). The inner bore 42 is a middle portion 43 of the plunger 40 between the first end 42a of the plunger first end 40a and the first end and the second end 40a, 40b, as described above. Ends at the second port 42b opposite.
[54] Each plunger 40 is supported to reciprocate between a first position and a second position within an individual plunger bore 38. In the first position, the second port 42b of each plunger 40 communicates with an individual one of the first sets 65 of internal passages. In the second position, the second port 42b of each plunger 40 communicates with an individual one of the inner passages 65 of the second set.
[55] The flexible cup 48 is mounted through the opening 50 at the first end 40a of each plunger 40, as shown. Each flexible cup 48 communicates with an internal bore 42 of the plunger 40 on which the flexible cup 48 is mounted. Thus, when the plunger 40 is in the first position, positive air pressure can be provided to each flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42 (FIG. 6). Similarly, when the plunger 40 is in the second position, a vacuum may be provided to each flexible cup 48 through the inner bore 42.
[56] The illustrated egg removal device 130 includes a source or supply of compressed air 140, which is adapted to maintain a substantially constant air pressure. The collection of air lines 142 extends from the compressed air feed 140. Each air line preferably includes a nozzle 144 positioned adjacent to each egg 14 that maintains a fixed relationship with the individual flexible cup 48. Preferably, each nozzle 144 is located between about 1/4 inch (0.25 ") and about 3 inch (3.0") from the individual egg 14, as indicated by D in FIG.
[57] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each air line 142 in the assembly is formed from a tubing (eg, steel tubing, or copper tubing) having an internal diameter between about 0.1875 inches and about 0.5 inches. Each nozzle 144 is preferably a 1/8 inch (1/8 ") National Pipe Thread (NPT) fitting (Eldon James, Loveland, Colorado). In the illustrated embodiment, each nozzle 144 is generally The end portion 144a has a straight shape, but the nozzle 144 may have various end portions 144a, such as a branched shape.
[58] The air feed 140 is preferably a tank having a volume between about 5 gallons and about 20 gallons to ensure that a nearly constant pressure is maintained during the time of applying the air to the egg to release the egg into the vessel.
[59] As shown in FIG. 14, each nozzle 144 may be directed substantially transverse to the horizontal direction 131 of the moving plate 10. Each air line 142 also preferably includes a valve 146 located between the individual nozzles 144 and the air feed 140. Each valve 146 serves as a means for controlling the air flow through the nozzle 144 from the compressed air feed 140 for a predetermined time. A particularly preferred valve for controlling the air flow from the compressed air feed 140 through the nozzle 144 is a 0.5 inch poppet valve manufactured by Spartan Scientific, Youngstown, Ohio. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of poppet valves. Various types of valves can be used to carry out the present invention.
[60] Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, the removal of eggs from the moving plate will be described through the apparatus of FIGS. 14-15. In FIG. 16, the plate 10 including the plurality of eggs 14 is moved along the horizontal direction 131. In FIG. 17, the plate 10 (whether stationary or moving) is positioned so that the flexible cup 48 is located above the egg 14e. As shown, the plunger 40 moves downward through the actuator 52 such that the flexible cup 48 is in contact with the egg 14e. The second port 42b in the plunger 40 communicates with the second inner passage 66. As mentioned above, the second inner passage 66 is in a vacuum state. Thus, as described above, a vacuum is supplied to the flexible cup 48 through the plunger inner bore 42 so that the eggs 14e are held in a fixed relationship.
[61] In FIG. 18, the plunger 40 is moved upwards toward the first position. When the second port 42b in the plunger is reliably in communication with the manifold first internal passage 65, the vacuum in the flexible cup 48 is broken (as described above) and the egg 14e is removed from the flexible cup. Is released from. As shown in FIG. 19, at substantially the same time as the second port 42b is reliably in communication with the manifold first internal passage 65, a horizontal flow of air is applied to the egg 14e to deliver the egg 133. To get inside. Preferably, the flow of air has a duration between about 50 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds.
[62] 20-21, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the apparatus 230 for removing the eggs 14 from the plate 10, moving (preferably continuously) in a substantially horizontal direction (indicated by the arrow 131), comprises a plurality of manifold blocks ( 232, each of which is located above the individual eggs 14 within the plate 10 and is supported for reciprocating motion between the first and second positions.
[63] The vessel 133 is located above the plate 10 and is adjacent to the manifold block 232, as shown. The container 133 may be an inclined surface leading to the egg waste portion. Alternatively, the container may include a conveyor belt for transferring the eggs removed from the plate to another position.
[64] Each illustrated manifold block 232 has opposing top and bottom surfaces 232a and 232b and first nozzle 236 extending from the bottom surface 232b and opposite second nozzle 237 extending from the side surface 232c. An interior passage 235 that ends.
[65] The flexible cup 48 is secured to the first nozzle 236 extending from each manifold block 232, as described above.
[66] In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatically actuated piston 52, which serves as a means for moving each individual manifold block 232 from the first position to the second position, is located above the upper surface of each manifold block 232a. Located in When each piston 52 is driven through an individual pneumatic cylinder 54, it exerts a downward force on the upper surface 232a of the individual manifold block 232 to know the manifold block 232. It is moved downward so that the eggs can be engaged by the flexible cup 48 as described above. The invention should not be understood as being limited to the embodiments shown. Moreover, each piston 52 can be operated in a variety of ways that are not particularly limited, including mechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, electrical actuators, and the like.
[67] The invention should not be understood as being limited to the illustrated manifold block 232. Various forms may be utilized without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention. For example, various types of pipe / piping connectors and / or fittings known to those skilled in the art may perform the functions of the manifold block 232. It can be used to
[68] The illustrated egg removal device 230 also includes a source or supply of compressed air 140, which is adapted to maintain a substantially constant air pressure. The collection of air lines 142 extends from the compressed air feed 140. Each air line preferably includes a nozzle 144 positioned adjacent to each egg 14 in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup 48. Preferably, each nozzle 144 is located between about 1/4 inch (0.25 ") and about 3 inch (3.0") from the individual egg 14, which is indicated by D in FIG.
[69] In the illustrated embodiment, each nozzle 144 has a distal end 144a that is generally straight in shape. However, each nozzle 144 may have various forms of distal ends 144a, such as a branched form. Exemplary nozzles 144 include 1009SS 1/8 "NPT stainless steel adjustable nozzles from EXAIR, Inc., 1250 Century Circle North, Cincinnati, Ohio.
[70] As shown in FIG. 20, each nozzle 144 may be directed almost transverse to the horizontal direction 131 of the moving plate 10. However, each nozzle 144 may be directed along a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal direction 131 of the moving plate 10. Each air line 142 also preferably includes a valve 146 located between the individual nozzles 144 and the air feed 140. Each valve 146 serves as a means for controlling the air flow through the nozzle 144 from the compressed air feed 140 for a predetermined time. Each valve 146 is preferably an electrically operated valve.
[71] The operational steps of the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 20 and 21 are similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 14-19. When the plate 10 including the plurality of eggs 14 is continuously moved along the horizontal direction 131 so that the flexible cup 48 is positioned above the eggs 14e, the manifold block 232 is activated. By moving downward through 52, the flexible cup 48 comes into contact with the egg 14e, and at the same time the inner passage 235 is in a vacuum state. Thus, as described above, a vacuum is supplied into the flexible cup 48 to keep the eggs 14e in a fixed relationship.
[72] As shown in FIG. 21, the manifold block 232 moves upward in the direction of the actuator (ie, towards the actuator) toward the first position. When the vacuum in the flexible cup 48 is broken (as described above), the eggs 14e are released from the flexible cup 48. Almost simultaneously with the release of the eggs 14e from the flexible cup 48, a horizontal flow of air is applied to the eggs 14e to advance the eggs into the container 133. Preferably, the flow of air has a duration between about 50 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds.
[73] Referring now to FIG. 22, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment the apparatus 230 for removing the eggs 14 from the plate 10, which is moving in a substantially horizontal direction (indicated by arrow 131), comprises a plurality of actuators 352, each of which is a plurality of actuators 352. Is located above the individual eggs 14 in the plate 10 and is supported to reciprocate between the first and second positions. Each actuator 352 may be a piston operated by air pressure as described above.
[74] The vessel 133 is located above the plate 10 and is adjacent to the actuator 352, as shown. Each actuator 352 shown includes opposing top and bottom portions 352a and 352b, and an inner passage 235 ending in a first nozzle extending from the bottom portion 352b.
[75] The flexible cup 48 is mounted to a first nozzle 236 extending from each actuator 352, as shown. Each flexible cup 48 communicates with an internal passageway 235 in an individual actuator 352. Thus, as described above, positive air pressure may be provided to each flexible cup 48 through the inner passage 235, and vacuum may be applied to each flexible cup 48 through the inner passage 235. Can be provided. In the embodiment shown, vacuum and positive air pressure are supplied into the inner passage 235 through a second nozzle 237 extending from the middle portion 352c of the actuator 352.
[76] The operational steps of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 22 are similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 14-19.
[77] The foregoing is an illustration of the present invention and should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. While some exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications will be possible within the embodiments illustrated without substantially departing from the novel techniques and advantages of the invention. Accordingly, all such modifications will be included within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, the foregoing is illustrative of the invention and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, as well as modifications to the disclosed embodiments as well as modifications to other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It should be understood that. The invention is defined by the following claims, including equivalents to the claims.

权利要求:
Claims (76)
[1" claim-type="Currently amended] A frame located above the plate;
A manifold removably mounted to said frame, said manifold comprising opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of internal passages, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, each plunger bore communicating with one of the internal passages. Manifold;
A plurality of elongate plungers, each plunger comprising an opposing first end and a second end and an axially extending inner bore, wherein the inner bore is at a first port of the plunger first end and with the first end. Ending in a second port opposite to that of the central portion of the plunger between the second ends, each plunger being supported for reciprocating motion between the first and second positions within the respective plunger bore, the plunger second port being A plunger in communication with the manifold internal passageway when the plunger moves to the second position; And
A plurality of flexible cups, each cup mounted to a first plunger first end, communicating with an inner bore of the respective plunger, and having a second plunger mounted so that a vacuum can be provided to the flexible cup through the plunger inner bore. When moved to the position, each flexible cup is engaged with the egg to hold the egg in a fixed relationship therewith, and when the mounted plunger moves to the first position, each flexible cup releases the individual egg. Including a flexible cup characterized by,
Apparatus for removing eggs from the plate.
[2" claim-type="Currently amended] 10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for moving each plunger from a first position to a second position.
[3" claim-type="Currently amended] The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for vacuuming the interior passageway.
[4" claim-type="Currently amended] 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the inner passage terminates at an opening in the manifold, and wherein the means for evacuating the inner passage includes means for applying a vacuum through the opening into the inner passage.
[5" claim-type="Currently amended] The device of claim 1, wherein the means for moving the individual plungers from the first position to the second position exerts downward force on the plunger second end to move the plungers downward within the individual plunger bores. An apparatus comprising means.
[6" claim-type="Currently amended] 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising means for automatically returning the individual plungers from the second position to the first position when the downwardly directed force is removed.
[7" claim-type="Currently amended] 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for breaking a vacuum in the flexible cup to facilitate releasing the eggs stuck in a fixed relationship with the flexible cup.
[8" claim-type="Currently amended] A frame located above the plate;
A manifold removably mounted to said frame, said manifold comprising opposing top and bottom surfaces, inner passages of the first and second sets, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, each plunger bore being a first set. And a manifold in communication with one of the inner passages of the second set;
A plurality of elongate plungers, each plunger comprising an opposing first end and a second end and an axially extending inner bore, wherein the inner bore is at a first port of the plunger first end and with the first end. Ending in a second port opposite to that of the central portion of the plunger between the second ends, each plunger being supported for reciprocating motion between the first and second positions in the respective plunger bore, each plunger second port Is in communication with the inner passage of one of the first sets of inner passages when the plunger is in the first position, and the plunger second port is the inner passage of one of the inner passages of the second set when the plunger is in the second position A plunger, characterized in that through; And
A plurality of flexible cups, each cup mounted to a first plunger first end, communicating with an inner bore of the respective plunger, and having a second plunger mounted so that a vacuum can be provided to the flexible cup through the plunger inner bore. When moved to the position, each flexible cup is engaged with the egg to hold the egg in a fixed relationship with it, and when the mounted plunger moves to the first position, each flexible cup is intended to release individual eggs. Including a flexible cup characterized by,
Apparatus for removing eggs from the plate.
[9" claim-type="Currently amended] 10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for moving each plunger from a first position to a second position.
[10" claim-type="Currently amended] 10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for evacuating the interior passages of the first set.
[11" claim-type="Currently amended] 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the inner passage of the first set ends at the first opening of the manifold, and the means for vacuuming the inner passage includes means for applying a vacuum to the inner passage of the first set through the first opening. Device characterized in that.
[12" claim-type="Currently amended] 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising means for introducing a positive air pressure into the inner passage of the second set to facilitate releasing eggs from the flexible cup when the mounted plunger moves to the first position. Device.
[13" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the inner passage of the second set is terminated at the second opening of the manifold, and means for introducing positive air pressure into the inner passage of the second set is passed through the second opening to the inner passage of the second set. Means for introducing a positive air pressure.
[14" claim-type="Currently amended] 10. The device of claim 8, wherein the means for moving the individual plungers from the first position to the second position exerts downward force on the plunger second end to move the plungers downward within the respective plunger bores. An apparatus comprising means.
[15" claim-type="Currently amended] 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising means for automatically returning the individual plungers from the second position to the first position when the downwardly directed force is removed.
[16" claim-type="Currently amended] In a device for moving eggs of poultry from a plate to a container located adjacent to the plate, the plates include a plurality of rows of openings, each opening having one end of each egg so as to support the individual eggs in a substantially vertical position. A device adapted to receive
Means for selecting eggs to be removed from the plates;
A frame moveable from a first position above the plate to a second position above the container;
A manifold removably mounted to said frame, said manifold comprising opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of internal passages, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, each plunger bore communicating with one of the internal passages. Manifolds;
A plurality of elongate plungers, each plunger comprising opposing first and second ends and an axially extending inner bore, the inner bore at a first port of the plunger first end and at the first end and the first end. Ending in a second port opposite to that of the central portion of the plunger between the two ends, each plunger being supported for reciprocating motion between the first and second positions in the respective plunger bore, the plunger second port being the plunger A plunger in communication with the manifold internal passageway when the first position moves to the second position; And
A plurality of flexible cups, each cup mounted to a first plunger first end, communicating with an inner bore of the respective plunger, and having a second plunger mounted so that a vacuum can be provided to the flexible cup through the plunger inner bore. When moved to the position, each flexible cup is engaged with the egg to hold the egg in a fixed relationship therewith, and when the mounted plunger moves to the first position, each flexible cup releases the individual egg. And a flexible cup characterized by the above-mentioned.
[17" claim-type="Currently amended] 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for selecting eggs to be removed comprises means for identifying empty eggs.
[18" claim-type="Currently amended] 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the means for identifying empty eggs is
A photodetector corresponding to the pair of light sources that face each other on opposite sides;
Means for passing the plate between the light source and the photo detector to position each column in the plate between a plurality of light sources and corresponding pairs of photodetectors; And
And means for detecting light from the light source passing through each egg in each column of eggs with a corresponding photodetector.
[19" claim-type="Currently amended] The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising means for moving each plunger from a first position to a second position.
[20" claim-type="Currently amended] 17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising means for evacuating the interior passageway.
[21" claim-type="Currently amended] 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the inner passage ends at the opening of the manifold, and the means for bringing the vacuum into the inner passage includes means for applying a vacuum through the opening into the inner passage.
[22" claim-type="Currently amended] 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the means for moving the individual plungers from the first position to the second position exerts downward force on the plunger second end to move the plungers downward within the respective plunger bores. An apparatus comprising means.
[23" claim-type="Currently amended] 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising means for automatically returning individual plungers from a second position to a first position when downward force is removed.
[24" claim-type="Currently amended] 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising means for breaking a vacuum in the flexible cup to facilitate releasing the eggs stuck in a fixed relationship with the flexible cup.
[25" claim-type="Currently amended] 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising means for disengaging the egg from being stuck in the plate.
[26" claim-type="Currently amended] 17. The apparatus of claim 16 further comprising means for moving the frame from a first position to a second position.
[27" claim-type="Currently amended] A frame moveable from a first position above the plate to a second position above an area adjacent the plate;
A manifold removably mounted to the frame, the opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of internal passages, a plurality of first nozzles extending from the bottom surface, wherein each nozzle communicates with one of the internal passages, and extends from the top surface A manifold comprising a second nozzle in communication with the inner passage; And
A plurality of flexible cups, each cup mounted to each of the respective first nozzles, each flexible cup having a frame in a first position and a vacuum being supplied into the inner passage through the second nozzle through one of the inner passages. And a cup, wherein the cup is adapted to engage the egg to maintain the egg in a fixed relationship.
[28" claim-type="Currently amended] 28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for moving the frame from the first position to the second position.
[29" claim-type="Currently amended] 28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for supplying a vacuum in the interior passageway.
[30" claim-type="Currently amended] The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the apparatus for supplying a vacuum in the inner passage is:
Vacuum source; And
And a conduit to ensure fluid communication between the vacuum source and the manifold second nozzle.
[31" claim-type="Currently amended] 28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising means for breaking a vacuum in the interior passage to facilitate disengaging the egg from the flexible cup when the frame moves to the second position.
[32" claim-type="Currently amended] 32. The apparatus of claim 31 wherein the means for breaking vacuum in the interior passage comprises means for providing a positive air pressure in the interior passage through the second nozzle.
[33" claim-type="Currently amended] 32. The device of claim 31, wherein the means for breaking the vacuum in the interior passage is:
Air source; And
And a conduit to ensure fluid communication between an air source and said manifold second nozzle.
[34" claim-type="Currently amended] A top and bottom surfaces opposing, a plurality of internal passages, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, each plunger bore having a manifold in communication with one of the internal passages;
A plurality of elongate plungers, each plunger comprising opposing first and second ends and an axially extending inner bore, the inner bore at a first port of the plunger first end and at the first end and the first end. Ending in a second port opposite to that of the central portion of the plunger between the two ends, each plunger being supported for reciprocating motion between the first and second positions in the respective plunger bore, the plunger second port being the plunger A plunger in communication with the manifold internal passageway when the first position moves to the second position; And
A plurality of flexible cups, each cup mounted to a first plunger first end, communicating with an inner bore of the respective plunger, and having a second plunger mounted so that a vacuum can be provided to the flexible cup through the plunger inner bore. When moved to the position, each flexible cup is engaged with the egg to hold the egg in a fixed relationship therewith, and when the mounted plunger moves to the first position, each flexible cup releases the individual egg. An apparatus for removing eggs from a plate, comprising a flexible cup, characterized in that.
[35" claim-type="Currently amended] 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the internal passage terminates at an opening in the manifold.
[36" claim-type="Currently amended] 35. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising means for automatically returning the individual plungers from the second position to the first position.
[37" claim-type="Currently amended] Upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of inner passages, a plurality of first nozzles extending from the lower surface, each nozzle communicating with one of the inner passages, and a manifold extending from the upper surface and communicating with the inner passages; And
As a plurality of flexible cups, each cup is mounted to a respective first nozzle, each flexible cup communicates with an individual one of the inner passages, and engages the eggs when a vacuum is provided into the inner passage through the second nozzle. And a flexible cup, wherein the flexible cup is adapted to maintain a fixed relationship with the cup.
[38" claim-type="Currently amended] A frame located above the plate;
A container located above the plate and adjacent to the frame;
A manifold removably mounted to the frame, the manifold comprising opposing top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of internal passages, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface, each plunger bore communicating with one of the internal passages. Manifolds;
A plurality of elongate plungers, each plunger comprising opposing first and second ends and an axially extending inner bore, the inner bore at a first port of the plunger first end and at the first end and the first end. Ending in a second port opposite to that of the central portion of the plunger between the two ends, each plunger being supported for reciprocating motion between the first and second positions in the respective plunger bore, the plunger second port being the plunger A plunger in communication with the manifold internal passageway when the first position moves to the second position;
A plurality of flexible cups, each cup mounted to a first plunger first end, communicating with an inner bore of the respective plunger, and having a second plunger mounted so that a vacuum can be provided to the flexible cup through the plunger inner bore. When moved to the position, each flexible cup is engaged with the egg to hold the egg in a fixed relationship therewith, and when the mounted plunger moves to the first position, each flexible cup releases the individual egg. A flexible cup characterized by; And
And when the frame is in the first vertical position, means for applying an air flow to each egg that is held in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup, thereby bringing each individual egg into the container,
Apparatus for removing eggs from the plate moving in a nearly horizontal direction.
[39" claim-type="Currently amended] 39. The device of claim 38, wherein the means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup comprises means for applying air flow transversely to the horizontal direction of the moving plate. Device characterized in that.
[40" claim-type="Currently amended] 40. The air flow of claim 39 wherein the means for applying air flow to each of the eggs held in a fixed relationship with the individual flexible cups is a flow of air transverse to the horizontal direction of the moving plate. 39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with the individual flexible cups is relative to the horizontal direction of the moving plate. 39. An apparatus according to claim 38, wherein the means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with the individual flexible cups is in motion. 39. An apparatus according to claim 38, comprising means for applying a flow of air transverse to the horizontal direction of the plate. The means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with the cup comprises means for applying air flow transversely to the horizontal direction of the moving plate. The means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with each flexible cup comprises means for applying air flow transversely to the horizontal direction of the moving plate. Apparatus. The means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with each flexible cup,
Compressed air feed;
A plurality of air lines in fluid communication with the compressed air feed, each of the plurality of air lines including an air line including a nozzle positioned adjacent an individual egg maintained in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup; And
And means for providing air flow from the compressed air feed through each nozzle for a predetermined time.
[41" claim-type="Currently amended] 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the predetermined time is between about 50 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds.
[42" claim-type="Currently amended] 40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising means for maintaining each air stream at a substantially constant pressure.
[43" claim-type="Currently amended] 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein each nozzle is located between about 0.5 inches and about 3.0 inches from the individual egg.
[44" claim-type="Currently amended] The apparatus of claim 38 further comprising means for moving each plunger from a first position to a second position.
[45" claim-type="Currently amended] 39. The apparatus of claim 38 further comprising means for bringing the interior passage into a vacuum.
[46" claim-type="Currently amended] 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the inner passage ends at the opening of the manifold, and wherein the means for evacuating the inner passage comprises means for applying a vacuum through the opening into the inner passage.
[47" claim-type="Currently amended] 39. The device of claim 38, wherein the means for moving the individual plungers from the first position to the second position exerts downward force on the plunger second end to move the plungers downward within the respective plunger bores. An apparatus comprising means.
[48" claim-type="Currently amended] 45. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising means for automatically returning the individual plungers from the second position to the first position when the downwardly directed force is removed.
[49" claim-type="Currently amended] 39. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising means for breaking a vacuum in the flexible cup to facilitate releasing the eggs stuck in a fixed relationship with the flexible cup.
[50" claim-type="Currently amended] 39. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising means for selecting eggs to be removed from the plates.
[51" claim-type="Currently amended] A plurality of manifold blocks, each manifold block located above an individual egg in the plate, each manifold block comprising opposing top and bottom surfaces and an interior passageway, wherein the interior passageway comprises a first nozzle and a manifold block extending from the bottom surface. A manifold, the manifold characterized in that it is supported for reciprocating motion between the first and second positions and ends at a second nozzle opposite the one extending from the second nozzle;
A vessel located above the plate and adjacent to the manifold block;
A plurality of flexible cups, each cup mounted to an individual manifold block first nozzle, each flexible cup communicating with one internal passageway of the individual manifold block, each flexible cup being a second manifold block. Move into position and engage the eggs to maintain the eggs in a fixed relationship with the cup when a vacuum is provided through the respective inner passageway into the flexible cup, each flexible cup having an individual manifold block in its first position. A flexible cup, which is adapted to move and release individual eggs when the vacuum in the respective inner passages is broken; And
Means for applying an air flow to each egg that is held in a fixed relationship with the individual flexible cup when the individual manifold blocks are in the first position, thereby bringing each egg into the container,
Apparatus for removing eggs from the plate moving in a nearly horizontal direction.
[52" claim-type="Currently amended] 52. The device of claim 51, wherein the means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with the individual flexible cup comprises means for applying air flow transverse to the horizontal direction of the moving plate. Device characterized in that.
[53" claim-type="Currently amended] 53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein the means for applying an air flow to each egg that is held in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup,
Compressed air feed;
A plurality of air lines in fluid communication with the compressed air feed, each of the plurality of air lines including an air line including a nozzle positioned adjacent an individual egg maintained in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup; And
And means for providing air flow from the compressed air feed through each nozzle for a predetermined time.
[54" claim-type="Currently amended] 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the predetermined time is between about 50 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds.
[55" claim-type="Currently amended] 53. The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising means for maintaining each air stream at a substantially constant pressure.
[56" claim-type="Currently amended] 54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein each nozzle is located between about 0.5 inches and about 3.0 inches from the individual egg.
[57" claim-type="Currently amended] 53. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising means for moving each manifold block from a first position to a second position.
[58" claim-type="Currently amended] 52. The apparatus of claim 51 further comprising means for vacuuming the interior passages of each individual manifold block.
[59" claim-type="Currently amended] 59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the means for evacuating the interior passages of each individual manifold block comprises means for applying vacuum to each interior passageway through a second nozzle extending from each individual manifold block. .
[60" claim-type="Currently amended] 53. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the means for moving the individual manifold blocks from the first position to the second position comprises means for applying downward force against the top of the manifold block.
[61" claim-type="Currently amended] 61. The apparatus of claim 60, further comprising means for automatically returning individual manifold blocks from the second position to the first position when downward force is removed.
[62" claim-type="Currently amended] 52. The apparatus of claim 51, further comprising means for breaking a vacuum in the flexible cup to facilitate releasing the eggs stuck in a fixed relationship with the flexible cup.
[63" claim-type="Currently amended] The apparatus of claim 51 further comprising means for selecting eggs to be removed from the plates.
[64" claim-type="Currently amended] As a plurality of actuators, each actuator is positioned above an individual egg in the plate, each actuator comprising opposing top and bottom portions and an internal passageway ending at a first nozzle extending from the bottom portion, each actuator having a first position and a first position. An actuator, which is supported for reciprocating motion between two positions;
A container located above the plate and adjacent the actuator;
As a plurality of flexible cups, each cup is mounted to an individual actuator first nozzle, each flexible cup is in communication with one inner passageway of each actuator, and each flexible cup moves each actuator to a second position. And when the vacuum is provided into the flexible cup through the respective inner passageway, it is engaged with the egg to maintain the egg in a fixed relationship with the cup, with each flexible cup moving the individual actuator to the first position and A flexible cup, wherein the flexible cup is adapted to release individual eggs when the vacuum in the inner passage is broken; And
Means for applying an air flow to each egg that is held in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup when the respective actuator is in the first position, thereby bringing each egg into the container,
Apparatus for removing eggs from the plate moving in a nearly horizontal direction.
[65" claim-type="Currently amended] 65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the means for applying air flow to each egg held in a fixed relationship with each flexible cup comprises means for applying air flow transverse to the horizontal direction of the moving plate. Device characterized in that.
[66" claim-type="Currently amended] 66. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the means for applying air flow to each egg that is held in a fixed relationship with the individual flexible cups
Compressed air feed;
A plurality of air lines in fluid communication with the compressed air feed, each of the plurality of air lines including an air line including a nozzle positioned adjacent an individual egg maintained in a fixed relationship with the respective flexible cup; And
And means for providing air flow from the compressed air feed through each nozzle for a predetermined time.
[67" claim-type="Currently amended] 67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the predetermined time is between about 50 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds.
[68" claim-type="Currently amended] 66. The apparatus of claim 65, further comprising means for maintaining each air stream at a substantially constant pressure.
[69" claim-type="Currently amended] 67. The apparatus of claim 66, wherein each nozzle is located between about 0.5 inches and about 3.0 inches from the individual egg.
[70" claim-type="Currently amended] 65. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising means for moving each actuator from a first position to a second position.
[71" claim-type="Currently amended] 65. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising means for vacuuming the interior passages of each individual actuator.
[72" claim-type="Currently amended] 72. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the means for evacuating the interior passages of each individual actuator includes means for applying vacuum to each interior passageway through a second nozzle extending from an intermediate portion between the upper end and the lower end of each individual actuator. Device characterized in that.
[73" claim-type="Currently amended] 65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the means for moving the individual actuators from the first position to the second position comprises means for applying downward force against the upper end of the actuator.
[74" claim-type="Currently amended] 74. The apparatus of claim 73, further comprising means for automatically returning the individual actuators from the second position to the first position when downward force is removed.
[75" claim-type="Currently amended] 65. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising means for breaking a vacuum in the flexible cup to facilitate releasing the eggs stuck in a fixed relationship with the flexible cup.
[76" claim-type="Currently amended] 65. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising means for selecting eggs to be removed from the plates.

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JP4568602B2|2010-10-27|Method and apparatus for identifying viable eggs by detecting the heart rate and / or movement of an embryo

同族专利:

公开号 | 公开日

JP2002538794A|2002-11-19|

US6149375A|2000-11-21|

AU4006300A|2000-10-04|

CN1355671A|2002-06-26|

EP1164837A1|2002-01-02|

CA2364001A1|2000-09-21|

WO2000054579A1|2000-09-21|

US6213709B1|2001-04-10|

KR100403279B1|2003-10-30|

US6224316B1|2001-05-01|

BR0009053A|2002-01-08|

AU751762B2|2002-08-29|

引用文献:

公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题

法律状态:
1999-03-18|Priority to US09/271,520

1999-03-18|Priority to US09/271,520

2000-03-06|Application filed by 엠브렉스, 인코포레이티드

2002-01-12|Publication of KR20020003376A

2003-10-30|Application granted

2003-10-30|Publication of KR100403279B1

优先权:

申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

US09/271,520|US6149375A|1999-03-18|1999-03-18|Egg removal apparatus|

US09/271,520|1999-03-18|

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