Automated Vaccination Method and System
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
InventorsJoseph L. Purswell, Scott L. Branton, Edward F. Todd
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The automated vaccination system enables an operator to effectively vaccinate large numbers of poultry by motivating the poultry to congregate, and then spraying a vaccination solution in the area of the congregated poultry. In the preferred embodiment, drinking water is withheld from the poultry. The drinking water is then restored so that the poultry congregate around the drinking line. As the poultry gather around the drinking line, a spray bar sprays vaccination solution around the poultry so that the poultry inhale the vaccination solution and are successfully vaccinated.
Claims20
A poultry vaccination system comprising:
- a sustenance supply means;
- and,
- a vaccine spray means adjacent the sustenance supply means;
- wherein a supply of the sustenance is temporarily withheld, and then restored so that as the poultry approach the sustenance supply means the vaccine spray means sprays the vaccine in the area of the poultry.
A vaccination system comprising:
- a water supply line;
- and,
- a vaccine spray bar;
- wherein water is temporarily withheld and then restored so that when the water is restored, the vaccine spray bar sprays vaccine in the area of the water supply means.
A method of vaccinating poultry, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a sustenance supply means;
- positioning a vaccine spray means adjacent the sustenance supply means;
- temporarily withholding sustenance so that poultry congregate around the sustenance supply means;
- restoring a supply of sustenance through the sustenance supply means;
- activating the vaccine spray means so that a vaccine solution is sprayed in the area of the poultry.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.