US 2004/0163602 A1 · Automated egg injection machine and high precision delivery therefor

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 over one parallel track 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 includes a plurality of transfer suction cups which lift the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure in a ring around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding negative pressure in the egg. Once the eggs are lifted, the plate and suction cups move horizontally across the machine over to the other parallel track to deposit the injected eggs. All of the eggs are injected and transferred as a single group. 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 and the transfer assembly can transfer the eggs from the incubating tray to the hatching tray while the eggs in the next incubating tray are injected by the injecting assembly, thus increasing machine speed. The operation of the machine is controlled and monitored by a controller or computer with appropriate visual display monitor.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An apparatus for delivering a predetermined volume of liquid to a plurality of delivery sites, which comprises:

a body defining a liquid pressure chamber and a pneumatic pressure chamber, said chambers separated by a flexible member;
a plurality of liquid channels in said body connecting said liquid pressure chamber to a plurality of delivery ports to deliver liquid to said delivery sites;
a plurality of valves associated with said liquid channels, each channel having at least one valve;
said flexible member exerting pressure on a liquid when said liquid pressure chamber is filled with said liquid and pneumatic pressure is exerted on said flexible member through said pneumatic pressure chamber;
and
a prescribed volume of liquid is delivered through said channels to and out of said delivery ports when said valves are opened.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automated egg injection machine and high precision delivery therefor

Life of this patent

Automated egg injection machine and high precision delivery therefor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20