EGG CANDLING AND RELOCATION APPARATUS FOR USE WITH IN OVO INJECTION MACHINES

Cross-reference of related application

The application requested for the United States Provisional application no .1 25 August 2016 62/379, 337 of the interests, its way to reference the full text of the incorporated into this text.

Reference is incorporated into the

Wherein the lower reference to any of the reference literature in order to quote the full text of the way into the.

Technical Field

The invention relates to an automatic and re-positioning apparatus and for eggs and re-positioning of the optical pickup of the method.

Background Art

Live poultry eggs of poultry eggs and inactive between distinguish technology in the in the poultry industry is well known. "The optical pickup (Candling)" is a generic name of this technology. To be eggs usually is transparent examination in order to discern the aspermatic necrospermia (not fertilized), corruption and death of the egg (collectively referred to as ""). Shift-unless the live eggs in order to reduce the risk of contamination and in OVO vaccination cost. Automatic egg removal apparatus is known (for example, US of Embrex 7,083,208), but the current system prefers to use suction cup-shaped array, such that the put into the discrete position for subsequent use becomes impractical (for example, the egg box filled with a view to the subsequent sale is not affected by the fine egg). In addition, the poultry industry has been looking for a improved method to separate eggs and , these methods are effective, reducing the cost and the risk of pollution live eggs. The applicant therefore seeking to develop a kind of improved automatic and re-positioning apparatus, it can be placed in the specific position , including egg box in the put.

Content of the invention

The invention is based on improved and successful transformation of the re-positioning device, it can quickly identify, removal and re-positioning from the egg tray (including the incubator tray) of a single egg. Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a kind of egg the optical pickup and relocation device, it can be from mixing a plurality of eggs and quickly distinguish , removal and re-positioning . Because of its excellent ability to discriminate, can be envisaged that the apparatus can also be used for selecting and re-positioning live egg/live eggs.

In some embodiments, the device is configured to receive a includes a plurality of eggs and shooting/incubator tray. The apparatus includes a tray conveying device, the tray conveying device configured to move the tray along the length of the device. In the tray is received after the in the apparatus, the conveying device move the tray to inspect the position of the light. The apparatus includes an optical pickup light source, configured to direct light to a plurality of . The apparatus also includes means for detection can be through the egg of the optical device. In some embodiments, the detection device is a camera, configured to receive the light from the plurality of light of the egg. The camera is electrically connected to the appropriate processing device, so that the can be processing on the light passing through the egg of information in order to determine which egg is live and which egg is non-living.

Once the processing device determines the , will the information communication to the robot arm control device, the robot arm control device indicating arm from a plurality of egg-shifting unless the live egg. Arm includes a suction cup-shaped member, the suction cup-shaped member is configured to releasably engage with the egg, in order to allow the arm from a position pick-up eggs, and the eggs down or placed in another position. In some embodiments, arm from the incubator tray pick-up non-live eggs will be put into the box in the directly for later use. Once the shift-in addition to the , the tray is moved to the apparatus outlet portion. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to be reversibly attached to the in OVO injection apparatus, in OVO injection apparatus includes a plurality of injector, and the in OVO injection device may be configured to only when the syringe of a syringe exists below when egg conditionality delivery vaccines and/or other drug.

Therefore, and re-positioning apparatus and the minimum limit includes: used for transporting the incubator tray device; egg lifting device, the egg lifting device includes: vacuum system, the vacuum system is used for reversibly to the egg to provide suction, and the mechanical arm, the mechanical arm in mechanically and operatively connected to the vacuum system, and the mechanical arm is configured to be reversibly applying suction to each egg; the light source, and the structure of the light-guiding to the ; visual camera, and configured to receive the light passing through the egg; computer, configured to processing, storage and communication by the camera of the collected information; and at least one computer controller, and configured to guide the components of activities.

In some embodiments, egg lifting device is a robot, comprising: flexible suction cup-shaped member; the pneumatic circuit, and configured so that when the suction cup-shaped member with the egg contact to allow air pressure in the suction cup-shaped piece of increasing and decreasing the; base; 1st arm, it is connected to the base and can rotate relative to the base around the axis of the 1st; 2nd arm, the arm and that is connected to the 1st 1st 2nd can be relative to the arm about the axis of rotation, the axis parallel to the axis of the 2nd 1st 1st and spaced from said axis with the; and wiring portion, the wiring portion in which holding the electric wire and the wire from the 2nd arm conveying to the base. The routing part includes: pipeline support portion, it sets up from protruding from the base and intersecting with the axis of the 1st; 1st joint, it is connected to the pipeline support portion and relative to the pipeline support portion around the axis of the rotating 1st; 2nd joint, it is connected to the arm and 2nd 2nd 2nd can be relative to the arm about the axis of rotation; and the pipeline, it is connected to the 1st and 2nd joint connector. 1st 1st joint is provided with the connecting portion, the connecting portion 1st 1st forming the predetermined angle relative to the axis. 2nd 2nd joint is provided with the connecting portion, the connecting portion 2nd 2nd forming the predetermined angle relative to the axis. Pipeline has the end of the 1st and 2nd end. 1st 1st end is connected to the connecting portion. 2nd 2nd end is connected to the connecting portion. Generally, any suitable mechanical arm can be used in the practice of this invention, for example, in the US 2014/0109712 A1 (Epson) described in the robot arm, and to quote the full text of the way into this text.

In some embodiments, egg lifting robot including: vacuum generator, it has 1st and 2nd channel channel, vacuum generator with the 1st and 2nd channel in fluid communication with the channel; and a flexible cup-shaped member, the positioning of the robot at the end of the egg of the lifting arm, wherein the flexible cup-shaped member includes a vacuum generator of the inside of the 2nd fluid communication with the passageway. In the pneumatic control valve actuates the vacuum generator, the vacuum generator in the 2nd passage produce soon-atmospheric pressure (vacuum). The control valve can be actuated by any suitable actuator, including electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator. When by a vacuum generator of the flexible cup-shaped member in the 2nd passage provided inside soon-when the air pressure, a flexible cup-shaped member is configured to engage the egg and the eggs in which sit against the keep.

In some embodiments, a flexible cup-shaped member is detachably fixed to the suction cup-shaped member to the mounting member, the suction cup-shaped mounting member operatively connected to the robot arm of the vertical sleeve. The screen can be positioned in the interior of the flexible cup-shaped piece, and may be configured to prevent foreign matter from being drawn into a vacuum generator in the channel.

In some embodiments, for from the egg rack (for example incubator tray) of the detachment egg apparatus includes a frame, a pressurized air source and includes at least one robot lifting equipment of the platform.

In some embodiments, a cleaning egg lifting apparatus and/or the egg lifting apparatus for sterilizing method comprises: the flexible cup-shaped member in the immersion cleaning a light beam, and by forcing the air flow through the vacuum chamber of the 1st channel in the vacuum cup-shaped member of the internally-generated vacuum, wherein the pollutant is pulled upward through the 2nd channel and pull-out assembly.

In some embodiments, egg positioning apparatus is suitable for in OVO injection machine, such as but not limited to and In other embodiments, egg positioning apparatus can include additional egg lifting robot, it can be configured to stop the live eggs in filling the empty space. In this embodiment, subsequent in OVO injection machine does not need to be configured to only in the presence of delivery when egg vaccine or other fluid, because the whole egg box will be filled with ready to carry out an injection of live eggs.

In some embodiments, and re-positioning apparatus can be incubation of the vaccination before 17 days + 12 hours and 19 days + 12 hours any time between removing not fine egg from the production line. "Aspermatic necrospermia" egg in defined herein is completely not fertilized, early death (section 1 - 5 days of pregnancy stop) and most of the early mid-term death (article 6 to 11 days of pregnancy stop); non-aspermatic necrospermia egg in this text is defined as a late death (article 11 to 14 days of pregnancy stop), late death (article 15 days when transferring the pregnancy stop), pollution of the egg and live eggs. In the ideal embodiment, and re-positioning apparatus can distinguish not fertilized, early death, most of the early mid-term death, late death, late death, pollution and live; and, the apparatus can re-positioning all inactive/non-live eggs. In this manner, only the live/live eggs in the egg will be retained in, in order to offer to the appropriate of an egg in the injector for the next injection.

In a specific embodiment, the device identification and relocation aspermatic necrospermia egg in at least 99.9% accurate, and in the fitted position in the live eggs 100% accurate. Aspermatic necrospermia egg is in the process to maintain the integrity, and can automatically re-positioning to re-sale in the egg.

Therefore, an object of this invention is in the present invention does not include any previously known product, process of manufacturing products, or the use of the method of the product, so that the applicant reserves the right and in this disclosure of any previously known product, process or method of disclaimer. Also it should be noted that, the invention is not intended scope of the present invention comprise any do not comply with the USPTO (51 USC _AOUNI 167 X0AO_ 112, 1st passage) or EPO (EPC, article 83 section) of the written description and authorization requirements of any product, process, or product of the processing or manufacturing or use of the product of the method, the applicant reserves the right to make, and in this disclosure of any previously-described product, the process of manufacturing the product or the use of the product of the method of the disclaimer.

These and other embodiment of public or from the following detailed description of the obvious and contained therein.

Description of drawings

Can be combined with photo the best understanding of the given by example but not aimed at will the invention limited to the specific embodiment described in the following detailed description, wherein:

Figure 1 is the side view of the embodiment according to the present invention and re-positioning of the device.

Figure 2 is the top view of the internal and, the diagram of Figure 1 apparatus shown its various parts.

Figure 3 is the inside and top view of Figure 1 of the apparatus, wherein removing the egg positioning robot.

Figure 4 is the detailed view, its structure along the plan of the actuator and the track 1 of the length of the device will be egg tray from the loading area to its .

Figure 5 is the detailed view, it will stop the live eggs from the temporary storage area to a Figure of the bracket 1 of the apparatus outlet. The apparatus configured to be reversibly connected to the subsequent and compatible in OVO injection device, as shown in Figure 7 to the Figure 8 is shown.

Figure 6 is the detailed view, its structure can be reversibly connected to the chart of compatible of an egg in the injector 1 of the and re-positioning device.

Figure 7 is the detailed view of Figure 1 of the equipment, the equipment connected to the compatible of an egg in the injector.

Figure 8 is the side view of fig. 1 of the device, the device is connected to the compatible of an egg in the injector.

Figure 9A is the side view of the embodiment according to the present invention robot egg re-positioning device.

Figure 9B is the detailed top view of Figure 9 A of the egg positioning apparatus.

Figure 9C is the detailed side view of Figure 9 B of egg positioning apparatus, showing the vacuum generator and electric and pneumatic circuit.

Figure 9D is the detailed rear view of Figure 9 A to Figure 9 C shown in the vacuum module.

Figure 9E is the detailed view of a flexible cup-shaped member shown in Figure 9A.

Figure 10 shows 9 A of egg positioning apparatus of the flexible vacuum cup-shaped member, its immersion cleaning/sterilizing light beam;

Figure 11 shows the egg positioning apparatus of one embodiment, wherein the robot arm is mechanically connected to a plurality of flexible cup-shaped member, each cup-shaped member are operatively connected to the its own vacuum generator and electrical and pneumatic circuit. This version of egg positioning apparatus can simultaneously remove and re-positioning a plurality of egg;

Figure 12 is the enlarged view of the vacuum generator and the egg moves from touching the earth of the array;

Figure 13 is the enlarged view of mounted in the vacuum generator on the base of the plurality of the vacuum generator;

Figure 14 is the enlarged view of forty-two (42) a touching the earth the egg moves the head 530;

Figure 15 is the view of focusing in six (6) a touching the earth the egg moves the head 540 on;

Figure 16 shows one embodiment of the apparatus, the apparatus is equipped with a single the egg moves capistration head 525 and configured to receive a wide specification egg tray. Also depicts an optional egg receiving tray 800.

Mode of execution

It should be noted that, in this disclosure, and in particular in the claims and/or paragraphs, for example "includes (comprises, comprised, comprising)" terms such as United States Patent law can have assigned to it in the meaning; for example, they can be expressed "comprises (includes, included, including)" and the like; and such as " consists essentially of... "And" substantially by a... A " terminology United States Patent law has the meaning given to them in, for example, they allow the element was not explicitly, but removing the existing technology is found in the element or affect the basic or novel feature of this invention element.

Unless otherwise indicated, otherwise this article uses all technical and scientific terms with the present invention the field to ordinary technical personnel of the same meaning as commonly understood. Unless the context in addition clear, otherwise the singular terms "a", "an" and "the" include the plural refers to a generation of thing. Similarly, unless the context in addition clear, otherwise the word "or" is intended to cover the "and". Finally, "about" "positive and negative 10%" has the ordinary meaning.

Now reference with photos in the lower in the text more fully describe this invention, shown in the attached drawing wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather these embodiments are provided, so that the disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will present to the technique fully convey the scope of the invention.

All disclosure mentioned herein, Patent applications, patents and other references are incorporated by way of reference to the text.

In the attached drawing, in order to for the sake of clarity, can exaggerate line, the thickness of the layer and the region. It should be understood, when the components are known as "in another element" when, it can be directly on the other element, or can also be stored in the middle element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as "directly in another element" when, the intermediate element does not exist. It should be understood, when an element is referred to as "connected to" or "attached to" another element, it can be directly connected to or attached to the other of the elements, or also may exist in the middle element. On the contrary, when an element is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly attached to" another element, the intermediate element does not exist. The use herein of the terms "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal" and the like for purposes of explanation only. In one aspect, the invention provides.

According to the embodiment of the invention of the and re-positioning device can be used for distinguishing and re-positioning of various types and sizes of egg (for example, live egg/live eggs, not fine egg, not affected by the fine egg and dead egg and the like) and combined with various egg processing technology (for example, OVO/injection, such as in OVO virus culture). According to the embodiment of the invention of the and re-positioning apparatus and can be used with any type of eggs, it includes but not limited to egg, fire eggs, duck, goose egg, quail egg, wild eggs, external for eggs, and so on.

Now reference view 1 to Figure 10, shown according to the embodiment of the invention of the and re-positioning device 10. The optical pickup of the representation and re-positioning apparatus 10 includes an external load rail 15 group, its structure into egg tray 7 (such as the incubator tray) receives the loading area 1 in. The external guide rail 15, the internal guide rail 17 and the supporting member 16 together form a table or shelf, it can be can be folded so that the transportation of the equipment. Support member 16 is configured to be reversibly attached to the support member rod 18 (not shown), the support member rod in its horizontal level or non-folded position supports the table. In the loading area 1 after entering the equipment at, the egg tray 7 is delivered to the the light examines taiwan 100 in, in the equal positioning non-live eggs are removed, then the rest of the live eggs transportation to the live eggs temporary storage station 200. Finally, the eggs from the produce in the equipment, and ideally, direct delivery to the compatible in OVO injection machine.

In the loading area 1 is fixed near or in the vicinity of user interface touch screen 50, its by the mounting device 52 is mounted on the equipment. The touch screen 50 is electrically connected to the and can control apparatus 10 of all mechanical and electrical function.

In the apparatus 10 is at a top of the camera housing 55, it is used for holding the camera 56, caused by the phase mechanism receiving and crossing the plurality of egg 5 light, these eggs received in the egg tray/incubator tray 7 in. The captured by the camera in which light is changed into digital information, the digital information can be control egg positioning apparatus 101 movement of the processor or controller access. Shelled is transported through a device 10 when, various panels for the egg to provide holding and protection, wherein the panel comprises: inlet panel 20; the light examines taiwan top panel 145, wherein the camera housing 155 is installed at the on the top panel, and includes a hole 157, wherein the optical or camera 156 can be inserted through the hole; and live eggs temporary storage area 200 top panel 228. Panel 145 is fixed to a horizontal frame member 146 and a vertical frame member 147, and is supported by it. Similarly, panel 228 is fixed to the curved frame member 229 and is supported by it. In the subsequent Figure shown in the other panel, and can be conventionally modify all panel and the supporting structure (for example, the opaque material can be replaced as the transparent or translucent material; metal material can be replaced as the composite material/synthetic material).

In the robot controller 180 cabinet door 160 is in the space above, sterilizing fluid trough 170 and egg positioning robot 101 is installed in the frame of the apparatus on the horizontal part. The robot 101 must be positioned so that it can lift and relocatable holds in the egg tray 7 inside a plurality of egg 5 in any of the egg, while still capable of re-positioning of the cup-shaped member flexible egg 145 extends to the sterilizing tank 170 in order to clean. Alternatively, the robot can be hung from the top rather than the installation as shown in Figure 1. In the robot controller cabinet 160 is at the right side of cabinet 260, the accommodation of the electrical controller 280 and pneumatic controller 281. Including appropriate conduit and electrically connected to allow the user to use the interface 50 in all aspects of the control apparatus.

Egg tray 7 is shown via the rail 15 into the "load-table". Then there will be the egg tray to guide to the optical pickup area 100, is then guided to the live eggs temporary storage area 200, and finally to guide to the exit region 300. Egg tray 7 from the outlet region 300 to be conveyed or transmitted to the compatible in OVO injection machine 400. The bracket/stop the conveying part 303 (equipped with the fastening device 304, 306) and equipment engaging device 305 configured to allow and re-positioning device 10 can be reversibly connected to the compatible in OVO injection machine 400. The fixing device 310 is configured to allow the apparatus to 10 reversibly locking or fixed to the in OVO injection machine 400. Finally, device 10 is configured so that it is portable, and once it has moved to a desired location that is stable. Lockable caster 80 and braking device 85 for equipment to provide these necessary portability and stability function.

Now turning to fig. 2, showing a graph 1 of internal and top view, wherein the top shell and the frame portion is removed. The external guide rail 15 with the internal guide rail 17 together form a table or shelf, it can be from its horizontal position as depicted in the folded to the vertical to the storage/transport position. In the table or shelf can be folded under the condition of the, support member 16 is configured to be reversibly attached to the support member rod 18 (not shown), support member lever can be pivotally fixed to the detection area 200 on the framework, so that the rod 18 can be extended in order to to the connected to the table so as to support the table. In the top of the housing and the frame portion being removed circumstances, egg tray/egg tray 7 shown adjacent the egg tray/tray bracket 191, the /tray support framework can be reversibly caused by engagement of the egg tray 7 and from the detection area 100 is moved to the live eggs temporary storage area 200.

As shown in Figure 2, the egg tray bracket 191 includes two holes, wherein the air cylinder 195 and the air cylinder 193 extends through this hole. The air cylinder 195 and 193 is operatively connected to the front conveying cylinder 190, such that when the conveying cylinder 109 by the gas-dynamic actuation, cylinder 195 and 193 to move laterally. When actuated, the cylinder 195 with the egg tray joint, such that when the cylinder 195 when the move in the lateral direction, and this is also true of the egg tray. So, the cylinder 195 is similar to the role of the retractable hook, so that when the egg tray rear extended, followed by air cylinder 190, and the egg tray is pulled along the track. The cylinder 193 only the identification of the robot is pulled out when egg is actuated, so that the cylinder 193 fixed egg tray, to make an identification to the to be removed when egg, remove the egg will not make the egg tray and egg out of position. To be removed when a last one of the egg has been robot and suction cup-shaped member when it is drawn out, the cylinder 193 retracted in order to allow the cylinder through the cylinder 195 of the egg tray is pulled along the track. Therefore, the embodiment of the invention, cylinder 193 for the sole purpose of removing the guide rail against the side of the egg during the clamping/push the egg tray, so that the egg tray 7 in the during the step does not move. If the egg tray moving, in the optical pickup with respect to the determined position during the step, egg may be moved out of position, and robot controller will no longer have to be removed from the egg accurate coordinate.

During typical operation of the apparatus, the user will be carrying a plurality of egg disk 7 by loading to track 15 and 17 formed on the shelf. Once the disk 7 to move far enough to reach the detection area 100 in, holder cylinder 193 it is actuated, and it can be reversibly with the disk 7 joint. Then the bracket 191 along the cylinder 190 and the length of the mobile, thus the disk 7 from the detection area 100 is moved to the live eggs temporary storage area 200. Once the tray is placed in the temporary storage area 200 in, holder cylinder 193 from the disk 7 from, thereby allowing the bracket to return to the in detection area 100 of the initial or at the entrance to its initial position, in order to prepare the next one entering the 7 joint. In this way, the egg tray 7 is continuously in the guide rail 15 the most in input to the apparatus, is pushed into the detection area 100, by the bracket 191 and the clamp cylinder 193 pick-up, and then through the cylinder 190 to move to the live eggs temporary storage area 200.

Once the disk 7 is located in the live eggs temporary storage area 200 in, bracket 303 on along the cylinder 302 mobile, and moving disks in the disk below the most close to the detection area 100 of the end, its middle 7 just from the detection area and reach the. When the bracket 302 in the disk 7 moves below, be pivotally connected to the bracket 302 of the bracket fingers 304, 306 as a result of the egg tray 7 physical contact of the pivot. In other words, when the fingers 304, 306 in the disk 7 when sliding below, finger-like member is disk 7 downward. Therefore, finger-like elements are configured to form when they the egg tray 7 move below can be pivotally retracted, and configured they crossed the plate 7 to the lower side of the return after their initial position. In a particular embodiment, the bracket 302 in the disk 7 move below, until the 1st group of fingers 306 across the underside of the disk and return to its original position. Then the bracket 302 reverses its direction move in the lateral direction, so that the fingers 306 with the disk 7 joint, and make the disk from the live eggs temporary storage area 100 towards the outlet of the equipment mobile (i.e., towards the waiting of an egg in the injector 400 mobile). Once the bracket along the cylinder 302 reaches its destination (for example, as shown in Figure 2), bracket 302 once again to reverse direction, so that the 2nd group of fingers 304 from the disk 7 out from the lower part, wherein the now all four (4) fingers a 304, 306 is in its extended (i.e. the initial or resting) position. At this moment, the cylinder 302 will move the bracket 303, the bracket also mobile first refers member 304 to the disk 7 joint. Then the bracket 303 moves to the Figure 2 position shown, its disk 7 mobile to the apparatus 10 (as shown in Figure 3) the end of, and out of the device or a mobile to waiting 2nd on the apparatus, an example as shown in Figure 8 of an egg in the injector 400.

Figure 3 is the inside and top view of Figure 1 of the apparatus, wherein the egg positioning robot is removed, and the egg tray 7 shown in its most distal position, ready to leave from the equipment transfer and is moved to the waiting on the secondary device. In removing the outer cover and the upper frame part of the cases, it can be seen that has a plurality of holes 187 the optical pickup of the optical shield 108. In fig. 1 to fig. 10 in the illustrated embodiment, apparatus 10 includes a pickup light source, its positioning in the shield 108 in the lower part of the shield and is configured 108 passes through a plurality of holes at the 187 of the irradiation light. The applicant was surprised to find that, through the guide through-holes, can be remarkably improved photo-fidelity/accuracy. The necessary, hole 187 in the form of a maintained in the tray/disk 7 in aligning the positions of the plurality of eggs. Similarly, in fig. 3 is shown in a stabilizing member 88, with the foot part 87 and the telescopic pneumatic cylinder 89, the pneumatic cylinder configured to allow the support member 88 extend and retract. Any suitable such support device can be used in the practice of this invention. Finally, from this view it can be seen that the robot arm support member 102, and egg tray 7 and egg tray bracket 303, they along the apparatus 10 shown in their most distal position. In this position, tray 7 must be some downstream equipment support, an example as shown in Figure 8 of an egg in the injector. The optical pickup and the re-positioning apparatus 10 and any downstream equipment must be configured to be reversibly connected to each other (refer to for example chart 5 to Figure 8).

Figure 4 is the near-view of a pneumatic air cylinder 190 of, its structure into bracket table 182 from the start/proximal/distal lateral movement to the end position. The egg tray bracket 181 (as shown in Figure 3) can be operationally cylinder 195 connected to the egg tray holder cylinder 193. The cylinder 195 and 193 can be respectively with different size of the mounting pad 196, 194, and the rod 187 is configured to extend in order to with the egg tray 7 to engage and "holding" egg tray, at the same time robot pick-up both positioning egg. As shown in this embodiment, the hardware mounting holes 186 can be present in the bracket table 182 on the top. The cylinder 190 by a cylinder end cover 197 (i.e. for a rod-less cylinder 190 points) attached to the device, and can adjust the stroke limiter block 183, 198 can be placed along the cylinder 190 of any point penalty meet various movement the scope of the claims. Shock absorber 185 (such as air or hydraulic cushion) is constructed in the base 182 is moved to its proximal-most position or the most distal position (i.e., when the stroke limiting block impact mounting end cover 197 when) reduce the impact, and can adjust the hard stop member 184 is constructed to limiter block 183 provides absolute hard stop position. The adjustability and the shock-absorbing features allow device 10 configured to be adapted to various conditions, including but not limited to and different size egg tray 7. In addition, apparatus 10 including suitable pneumatic and electrically connected, to allow a user to control all aspects of the apparatus, comprises a cylinder 190, 195 and 193 in all its aspects. The final, of the electrical characteristic and pneumatic characteristics of the user via the user interface 50 to control.

Figure 5 is the detailed view, the bracket and fingers along the rodless cylinder 302 laterally from the live eggs will stop the temporary storage area 200 is delivered to the diagram of apparatus 10 of the new bracket 303 and its pivotally retractable fingers 304, 306 1 of the outlet of the apparatus. The apparatus is configured to be reversibly connected to the subsequent and compatible in OVO injection device 400, as shown in Figure 7 to the Figure 8 is shown. Similar to the track 15 and 17 in the apparatus 10 at the entrance of the forming table manner, bracket track 305 and external track 307 form used for egg tray/egg tray 7 of the table or the support member. Track 305 and 307 configured downstream of an egg in the injector 400 on the corresponding matching with the mating member. Similarly, the bracket 303 configured downstream of an egg in the injector components compatible, so that the egg tray 7 can be safely and effectively and the device is removed from the optical pickup 10 transferring to the in OVO injection machine 400. Inter-device connection device 310 (such as drawing type latch and pull the latch and the like) are mounted on the mounting device 311 (such as a stent, such as a strut or flange) on, mounting device is itself mounted to the device 10 on the framework. As shown, each drawing type latch 310 comprises a handle 313 and hook 312. Attach to the corresponding hook receiver 401 (see Figure 6), the hook receiver is installed in the in OVO injection machine 400 on the framework.

Figure 6 shows the in OVO injection machine 400 of the component, and configured to receive and/or is connected with the corresponding optical pickup and removal apparatus 10 of the part. Has shown the handle 420, it is used for moving in OVO injection machine; and the hook receiver 401, its configured to receive and to reversibly attached to and removed from the optical pickup apparatus 10 of the hook 312. The bracket receiving rail 416 is in the form of equipment track 305 alignment, so that the optical pickup device carrier 303 can always move until the in OVO injection a control circuit 410, the in OVO injection machine bracket includes a wheel 412.

Figure 7 shows that when the device 10 is connected to the in OVO injection machine 400 when the corresponding part of the join and/or connected. Connection device 310 and the hook receiver 401 sufficient to maintain physical connection with each other, and the respective member is configured to allow and facilitate egg tray 7 from the apparatus 10 transferring or change to in OVO injection machine 400. In fig. 7 in, bracket 303 shown in its most distal position, it has been the egg tray/egg tray 7 is pushed into the in OVO injection machine 400 of the entries. Bracket 410 is configured from the egg injection in the initial part of the mobile egg tray 7 and to the move to follow-up on the part of the machine, the bracket may be similarly equipped with the pusher finger-like member (i.e., similar to the bracket 303). Finally, fig. 8 shows and re-positioning device 10 with the in OVO injection machine 400 is connected, in this text referred to as , heavy positioning and injection system 600. In a particular embodiment, in OVO injection machine 400 such as David Smith (Profilax) U.S. patents US 7,430,987, US 7,721,674 or US 8,201,518 in said.

Figure 9 A to Figure 9 E and Figure 10 provides and re-positioning the robot arm 101 of the details. In the of the Epson US 2014/0109712 (' 712 discloses) is described in the illustrative robot arm. In the case of further details of the of the Epson in the open, the robot 101 is the horizontal multi-joint robot. The base 110 through a bolt and other fixed to the robot arm support member 102. 1st arm 120 is connected to the base 110 of the upper end. 1st arm 120 can be relative to the base 110 around the vertical direction extends in the direction of the axis of the 1st A1 rotary. The base 110 in, is provided with a 1st motor 111 and the 1st speed reducer 112, arm 1st 1st electric motor 120 to rotate. 1st speed reducer 112 of the electric motor is connected to the 1st input axis 111 of the axis of rotation. 1st speed reducer 112 is connected to the output of the 1st arm axis 120. Therefore, when the 1st motor 111 is driven and its driving force via the 1st speed reducer 112 is transmitted to the 1st arm 120 when, 1st arm 120 relative to the base 110 around the axis of the 1st A1 in rotation in a horizontal plane. 1st motor 111 is provided with a 1st encoder 113, and the output of the electric motor with the 1st 111 corresponding to the amount of rotation of the pulse signal. Based on from the 1st encoder 113 of the pulse signal, can measure the 1st arm 120 relative to the base 110 of the driving (rotation). 2nd arm 130 is connected to the 1st arm 120 of the distal ends. 2nd arm 130 relative to the 1st arm 120 extends around along the vertical direction of the axis of the 2nd A2 rotating. The robot or other functional equivalent robot of other details for technical personnel are easily obtainable, for example, in the robot manufacturer's product literature.

As shown in Figure 9 A shown, the robot arm 101 is provided with various pneumatic and electric circuit, it allows arm 101 and pick up and re-positioning the egg. and re-positioning apparatus 10 of the arm 101 includes a flexible/elastic cup-shaped member 140, configured to pick-up and release the spherical and oval object, including the egg. The cup-shaped member 140 through the cup-shaped member to the mounting member 146 is connected to the hollow shaft 147. The robot arm 101 into the vertical structure to the ground under the mobile shaft 147, thereby allowing the cup-shaped member in contact with the egg, pick-up eggs, the eggs and moved to the selected position. In the practice of this invention can be used in any suitable length and type of shaft 147, as long as the shaft 147 is hollow and configured to be used as the air conduit, so that the cup-shaped member 140 may be reversibly exhibits a soon-air pressure. It is this soon-pressure allowing the flexibility of the cup-shaped member 140 pick-up circular and oval object. User interface 50 allows the user to control the robot controller 180, the robot controller electrically connected to the robot 101, and configured to control all aspects of the function of the robot.

By the mounting plate 134 is mounted on the robot arm 2nd 130 on the vacuum generator 132 via the conduit 149, shaft 147 and the cup-shaped member to the mounting member 146 of the cup-shaped member 140 in fluid communication. Vacuum generator 132 configures to respond to the vacuum generator pneumatic control valve 135 of the opened and closed reversibly to the cup-shaped member 140 supply soon-air pressure. As shown, valve 135 is actuator, its structure in response to from the electrical controller 280 of the electrical signal to open or close the pneumatic valve 135. In other embodiments, the valve can be through the pneumatic or fluid pressure to open, rather than through the electrically actuated to open. When the valve 135 is opened, from the air pressure supply line 133 of the air pressure is allowed to flow through the valve 135, through the pipeline 139 (to the venturi of the air pressure supply line), to enter the vacuum generator 132, and from the exhaust/muffler 132 m outflow. Through the pipeline 139 and from the muffler out of the pressurized air flow produce the venturi effect, thus in the pipeline 149 in the soon-air pressure. The soon-air pressure transmitted to the cup-shaped member 140, such that when the cup-shaped member 140 to be pressed against the re-positioning of the egg and applied pressure when the soon-, through the negative pressure will be egg can be sealed to keep in the cup-shaped member 140 on. Once the robot 101 will be egg mobile to the desired new position, along line 137 carrying electrical signal the valve 135 closed, thus releasing the temporary of soon-air pressure, and release the egg. The connecting point 136 by avoiding the need to cut the and bonding wire 137 to facilitate valve 135 conventional replacement. And, as shown in Figure 9 D shown, flows to the air valve base port 129 to direct the airflow in part, enter the valve 135 and from the valve to leave.

As shown in Figure 9 E shown, flexible cup-shaped member 140 comprises a mounting point "P", the vacuum channels 144, soft lower lip edge 141, the filter screen 142 and semi-rigid double-lower part 143. The technical staff will be understood that, in the practice of this invention can be used in other suitable flexible suction cup-shaped member.

As shown in Figure 10, apparatus 10 can include used for holding a certain amount of cleaning/disinfecting solution reservoir/groove 170. In the user-selected or pre-programmed interphase, robot arm the shaft 147 and the flexible cup-shaped member 140 into the groove 170 in. Through the pneumatic controller and a vacuum generator 132 of exert negative pressure, in order to through the cup-shaped member 140 will be solution suction shaft 147 in. Then, cause the solution to the whole shaft 147 and in the conduit circulating for a period of time, this time is enough to sterilizing/cleaning the shaft 147 and the conduit.

Repeated pick-up and re-circulation of the , until each of the to be re-positioning of the egg from the tray 7 removed and put in a desired position thereof (such as egg box, box, crating, tray and box and the like). Once the shift-unless the live eggs, containing only the survival of the egg tray 7 in the region from the optical pickup 100 is moved to the live eggs temporary storage area 200. Here, can be hand or another mechanical arm of the air of the space-filling (or not filled) live eggs.

Therefore, in one embodiment, pick-up and re- circulation can be composed of a device 10 according to the following steps:

1. Obtaining and storing the described non-live eggs of the position of the information;

2. The eggs position information communication to the robot controller;

3. The robot controller to determine the cup-shaped member 140 with the treats heavily positioning one or a plurality of non-live eggs in need of what movement.

4. The robot controller instructs the robot 101 make the arm 120 about the axis A2 mobile, make the arm 130 about the axis A1 mobile, and vertical movement of the shaft 147, in order to pick-up to be relocatable non-live eggs;

5. Once the shaft 147 downward fully mobile in order to make the cup-shaped member 140 contact to be relocatable non-live eggs, electrical controller 280 indicating valve 135 is opened, thereby allowing the from conduit 133 of the pressurized air flow through the valve 135, into a duct 139, and into the vacuum generator 132;

6. Flow through the vacuum generator 132 and flows out from the silencer of the pressurized air in the conduit 149 produce negative pressure, and the cup-shaped member 140 and treats heavily positioning of the air between the eggs produced in the pressure-Young, thus temporarily holding the cup-shaped member on the eggs;

7. The robot controller instructs the robot 101 so that the shaft 147 is vertically mobile, arm 120 about the axis A2 mobile and arm 130 about the axis A1 mobile, to carry the eggs to the new location;

8. The electrical controller 160 indicating valve 135 closed, thereby allowing the cup-shaped member 140 and the air between the egg is restored to the atmospheric pressure, it allows egg from the cup-shaped member 140 release;

9. Repeat this cycle, until removed both from the tray positioning all non-live eggs.

The cup-shaped member can be moved to the disinfecting container 170 and front and back through the air in order to make the disinfectant solution to clean the cup-shaped member to clean the cup-shaped member at any time 140. The solution can also be upward suction shaft 147 and various in the conduit, in order to clean the shaft and conduit.

As described below, different the egg moves capistration "head" can be modular installation on a robot, in order to adapt to the needs of different incubator (for example, in order to adapt to different types of egg tray).

Forty-two the egg moves capistration head. As shown in Figure 11, egg removal and re-positioning device may include a robot 101, its in mechanically and operatively connected to the suction cup-shaped member 140 of the array. As shown, each suction cup-shaped member 140 is mechanically connected to the independent actuator 504 and can by its mobile. Each actuator 504 mounted to the egg moves capistration base 500, the base is provided in the robot 101 of shaft 147 on. As shown in Figure 14, shaft 147 can be via shaft attachment device 520 is connected to the base of the egg moves dust remover 500. The attachment device may be a segmented ring system, or for touching the earth the egg moves the cylindrical shaft attached to the base 500 of any other mechanical appropriate device. Each suction cup-shaped member 140 via the conduit (not shown) with a separate vacuum generator 132 in fluid communication with, the conduit will each suction cup-shaped member 140 and its corresponding vacuum generator 132 fluid-connected. Each conduit can be can be sealingly connected to the air pipeline receiver 508. In addition, each actuator 504 is operatively connected to the robot 101 (for example, by used for electric actuator wire, or by used for the pneumatic actuator of the air conduit), so that the suction cup-shaped member 140 and the actuator 504 of each combination (together referred to as "egg remover", or 510) can be individually controlled so as to remove and re-positioning the egg. The single actuator 504 to provide additional benefits, the benefits is to reduce the risk of pollution and improve the biological safety (i.e., such that each of the suction cup-shaped member 140 only with non-live eggs contact). In addition, because each of the suction cup-shaped member 140 has its own independent control of the vacuum generator 132, so only pick up the rotters of the cup-shaped member 140 to produce vacuum, thereby reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Vacuum generator 132 can be installed to the group 512 (as shown), and is mounted to the vacuum generator group base 514, the base can be installed on the robot 101 on. As shown by a dashed line, and the other a base 514 (its is arranged on the vacuum generator 132 group) present in the robot 101 on the opposite side. Finally, Figure 11 to Figure 14 disclosed in the embodiment can be moved each time/cycle removal and also performed 0 to 42 an egg. Therefore, Figure 11 to Figure 14 indicated by the apparatus includes the 42 an egg remover 510 of the array, and each time it mobile can pick-up, removal and also performed 42 eggs each (for example, non-live eggs). Therefore, this apparatus can be mobile in two processing eightyfour (84) an egg tray. Although not shown (in order to simplify the Figure), the apparatus includes a suitable air conduit and/or the wire, in order to be connected to the vacuum generator to the egg moves capistration 510.

Six the egg moves capistration head. In another embodiment, egg removal and re-positioning device can be equipped with each movement of the six (6) of an egg the egg moves capistration head 540 (Figure 15). With the 42 a touching the earth the egg moves the head 530 similar, each egg remover 510 can be controlled independently, thereby allowing the apparatus to be moved each time/cycle and remove and accessing a 0 to 6 an egg.

A single the egg moves capistration head. In another embodiment (fig. 16), the device can be equipped with a single the egg moves capistration head 525, and Figure 1 to Figure 4 as shown in the equipment similar, and it is configured to receive the wide specification tray (for example, 150 an egg tray). In this embodiment, the cycle time of the necessarily depend on each cycle has to be removed and re-positioning of the number of eggs. However, this kind of structure provides a plurality of benefits, including the reduction of manufacturing cost, reduced maintenance requirements and more simple. And, similar to Figure 1 to Figure 4 in the illustrated embodiment, Figure 16 as shown in the embodiment can accurately re-packing removal of eggs. In such a case, the receiving tray 800 can be positioned so that the apparatus can be used to remove the egg filling receiving tray. When the receiving tray filled with the removal of the egg (for example, non-live eggs) when, the device will fill the receiving tray is discharged, so that the can will be empty receiving tray 800 is put into the receiving position, thereby allowing the re-packaging process continue.

Advantageously, based on the needs of each incubator, each egg removal head (for example, a single egg, six eggs, forty-two eggs and the like) can be used together with any of the egg tray structure.

Since it has been discloses the invention, applicant has envisaged for equipment of various parts of the structure of many mechanical and rational.

Now, through the following non-restrictive claim group describe this invention.