Singulating device for organisms
AssigneeZoetis Services LLC
InventorThomas Winje Svinåmo
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for singulating organisms includes a chute, an output nozzle, and a valve. The chute includes a first chute end that is open to receive a plurality of organisms and a second chute end. The output nozzle is formed in a funnel shape and has a first nozzle end and a second nozzle end. The valve is attached to the second chute end and the first nozzle end. The valve is movable to a range of positions including an open position and a closed position. One organism travels to and blocks the second nozzle end and another organism travels to the second chute end. The organism that is positioned at the output nozzle is discharged from the singulating device upon movement of the valve from the open position to the closed position.
Claims17
An apparatus for singulating organisms comprising:
- a chute including a first chute end that is open to receive a plurality of organisms and a second chute end;
- an output nozzle formed in a funnel shape and having a first nozzle end and a second nozzle end;
- a valve assembly having a valve attached to the second chute end and the first nozzle end, the valve is movable to a range of positions including an open position and a closed position;
- and
- wherein one organism travels to and blocks the second nozzle end and another organism travels to the second chute end, the organism that is positioned at the output nozzle is discharged from the apparatus upon movement of the valve from the open position to the closed position.
An apparatus for singulating organisms comprising:
- a holding unit housing a plurality of organisms;
- and
- a singulating device including a chute, a valve assembly, and an output nozzle,
- wherein the chute extends between a first chute end that is open to receive a plurality of organisms from the holding unit and a second chute end that is attached to the valve;
- wherein the output nozzle extends between a first nozzle end that is attached to the valve and a second nozzle end that is configured to discharge one of the organisms;
- wherein the valve is positioned between the chute and the output nozzle, the valve is movable to a range of positions including an open position and a closed position;
- and
- wherein one organism travels to the second nozzle end and another organism travels to the second chute end, the organism that is positioned at the second nozzle end is discharged from the singulating device upon movement of the valve from the open position to the closed position.
A method for singulating organisms, comprising:
- providing organisms to a singulating device having a chute, a valve assembly, and an output nozzle;
- transporting the organisms down the chute by using water;
- opening a valve of the valve assembly and supplying additional water from a water supply so as to transport one of the organisms into blocking contact with a nozzle end of the output nozzle;
- and
- supplying air to the valve assembly so as to move the valve to a closed position, thereby increasing water pressure within the output nozzle and forcing the organism to exit the output nozzle at the nozzle end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.