Automated egg injection machine and method

Abstract

A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly lifts the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section.

1 . An injection apparatus for injecting eggs of varying sizes and different orientations in an incubating tray, the injection apparatus comprising:
 a substantially horizontal support plate with a plurality of openings therethrough;   a plurality of egg injectors resting vertically in said openings and each having a lower portion extending downwardly below said plate and an upper portion resting at or above said plate to define an injector body, the openings in said plate permitting each injector to move vertically within its respective opening with respect to the plate while remaining engaged within said support plate so as to maintain its vertical orientation throughout an injection sequence;   a plurality of expandable rings positioned in the plate, one ring associated with each opening for gripping each injector; and   pneumatic connection through said plate to expand said rings to tighten around said injectors after said injectors have adjusted individually to a height of an associated egg.   
     
     
         2 . A method for transferring injected eggs having a hole in an upper surface of each egg as part of an automated machine, which comprises the steps of applying a reduced pressure to a surface of each egg by a flexible cup in an area spaced away from said hole, lifting said egg with said flexible cup, lowering said flexible cup and associated egg, and releasing said reduced pressure to free said flexible cup from its associated egg. 
     
     
         3 . The method for transferring injected eggs as defined in  claim 2 , and further comprising the step of moving said flexible cup laterally in a generally horizontal direction after lifting said egg with said cup and before lowering said cup and associated egg. 
     
     
         4 . A transfer apparatus for transferring eggs having an injection hole therein from an incubating tray to an empty hatching tray, which comprises:
 a substantially horizontal support plate moveable in a generally horizontal direction between a first position over said incubating tray and a second position spaced from said first position over said hatching tray; and   a plurality of egg transfer assemblies operatively associated with said support plate, said support plate moveable in a generally vertical direction in said first position to pick up eggs with said egg transfer assemblies from said incubating tray and movable in a generally horizontal direction to said second position to deposit said eggs into said hatching tray without applying negative pressure to said hole.   
     
     
         5 . The transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said transfer apparatus is an integral component of an automated injection machine. 
     
     
         6 . The transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 4 , further comprising a source of vacuum pressure, and wherein said egg transfer assemblies are a plurality of suction cup assemblies supported by said support plate, each suction cup assembly including a body section and a contact section at a lower portion of said body section and contacting an associated egg in said incubating tray at a location spaced from said injection hole, said suction cup assemblies causing a reduced pressure created by said vacuum pressure source to be imposed between said cup and said egg without applying negative pressure to said hole to lift the eggs from the incubating tray and transfer the lifted eggs to the hatching tray. 
     
     
         7 . The transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said reduced pressure is caused by removing air from said suction cup assembly through said support plate. 
     
     
         8 . The transfer apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , wherein each said suction cup assembly is in the form of a flexible bellows. 
     
     
         9 . The transfer apparatus as defined in  claim 6 , wherein said contact section contacts said egg in a generally circular location spaced around said hole and said reduced pressure between said cup and said egg is in a circular ring at said spaced circular location.