Egg identification system, and associated method

An egg identification system, comprising:

• an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a plurality of eggs positioned proximate thereto;
• a detector assembly positioned proximate to the emitter assembly, the detector assembly having a plurality of detectors fixedly positioned with respect to the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the eggs;
• a conveyor system configured to transport the eggs in an egg flat in a processing direction to an identification position between the emitter assembly and the detector assembly;
• an optical shielding assembly configured to move with respect to the detectors and to provide optical shielding for detection of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the eggs;
• a processor in communication with detector assembly and configured to determine viability of the eggs using the detected electromagnetic radiation;
• and
• wherein the optical shielding assembly is configured to move laterally with the eggs along the processing direction.