Hatching larval support and method

Abstract

Hatched larva supports and methods of use thereof. Hatched larva supports and methods of use thereof can employ a cradle in combination with a stabilizing band, where the cradle and stabilizing band provide gentle support to hatched larvae supported in the hatched larva support. Hatched larva support systems and methods of use thereof can include a cam comprising cam segments having different cam radii that can provide a gentle transition of support and restraint during loading and unloading of hatched larvae from the hatched larva support. In certain cases, the compaction imparted to hatched larvae in hatched larva supports having both a cradle and a stabilizing band can be adjusted.

Description

Hatching Larvae Support Components and Methods

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 965,269, filed January 24, 2019, entitled “Hatching Supports, Systems and Methods”, pursuant to Section 119 of the U.S. Patent Act (35 U.SC), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This article describes the hatching larvae support component, the hatching larvae support system, and its usage. Background Technology

[0004] Hatched chicks can engage in various activities to reduce the likelihood of injury, improve growth rate, and increase comfort. In many cases, hatched chicks are artificially restrained for such activities, such as inoculation, beak and / or claw handling. However, artificial restraint of hatched chicks can lead to injury if the handler is careless and / or inexperienced. Furthermore, due to the inherent variability of artificially restrained birds, the effectiveness of the performed actions may be adversely affected. In some cases, the handler may also be injured. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This article describes the hatching larvae support component, the hatching larvae support system, and its usage.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, the hatchling support and its method of use described herein can employ a bracket combined with a stabilizing band, which gently supports the hatchling within the hatchling support. Specifically, the combination of the bracket and the stabilizing band provides a gentle compressive force on the hatchling between the bracket and the stabilizing band, which in one or more embodiments can simulate the compression experienced by the hatchling within the egg. As a result, the combination of the bracket and the stabilizing band has a stabilizing effect on the hatchling, thereby reducing the hatchling's resistance to constraint. This stabilizing effect reduces the likelihood of injury to the hatchling due to resistance to constraint and also facilitates the transfer of any processing steps to the hatchling within the hatchling support described herein.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the hatchling support system and method of use described herein are particularly useful when combined with the hatchling support described herein to hold the hatchlings within the hatchling support while moving the hatchlings within the hatchling support between processing steps. In one or more embodiments, providing cam segments with different cam radii to the cams can provide a smooth transition of support and constraint to the hatchlings, for example, during loading and unloading of the hatchlings from and from the hatchling support. Further, in one or more embodiments, the pressure transmitted to the hatchlings in the hatchling support, which has both a bracket and a stabilizing band, can be adjusted (e.g., using a smaller or larger cam radius) to provide a desired level of pressure between the bracket and the stabilizing band, which may vary depending on the processing steps performed on the hatchlings.

[0008] In a first aspect, one or more embodiments of the hatchling support as described herein may include: a head support comprising a head cavity configured to receive a hatchling head and a retainer device configured to hold the hatchling head within the head cavity, the retainer device optionally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein when the retainer device is in the closed configuration, the hatchling head is held within the head cavity, and when the retainer device is in the open configuration, the hatchling head within the head cavity is freely movable out of the head cavity; and a bracket operatively attached to the head support, wherein the bracket is movable between a loading configuration and a supporting configuration, wherein, optionally, the bracket rotates about a bracket axis when moving between the loading and supporting configurations. The axial orientation is transverse to the centerline of the hatched larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein when the bracket is in the support configuration, the bracket supports the ventral surface of the hatched larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support; and a stabilizing band operably attached to the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is movable between a retracted configuration and an activated configuration, wherein, optionally, the stabilizing band rotates about a band axis when moving between the retracted and activated configurations, the band axis being transverse to the centerline of the hatched larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is positioned near the dorsal surface of the hatched larva's torso, the head of the hatched larva being held in the head cavity of the head support, and the ventral surface being supported by the bracket when the bracket is in the support configuration.

[0009] In a second aspect, one or more embodiments of a method for supporting a hatchling using one or more embodiments of the hatchling support described in the first aspect may include: placing the head of the hatchling in a head cavity of a head support and securing the head of the hatchling in the head cavity by moving a retainer device to a closed configuration; after securing the head of the hatchling in the head cavity, supporting the ventral surface of the hatchling on a bracket by rotating the bracket from a loading configuration to a supporting configuration; and after securing the head of the hatchling in the head cavity, positioning a stabilizing band on the dorsal surface of the hatchling by rotating a stabilizing band about a band axis from a retracted configuration to an activated configuration.

[0010] In a third aspect, one or more embodiments of the method for supporting hatched larvae as described herein may include: constraining the head of the hatched larvae in the head cavity of a head support; after constraining the head of the hatched larvae in the head cavity of the head support, supporting the ventral surface of the hatched larvae on the support by rotating the bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larvae; and after constraining the head of the hatched larvae in the head cavity, moving the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larvae by rotating the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larvae.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support system described herein may include: a support platform mounted on a base for rotation about a platform axis extending through the support platform and the base; a cam including a peripheral edge, wherein the rotational position of the cam is optionally fixed relative to the platform axis, wherein the peripheral edge of the cam includes a plurality of cam segments, wherein each of the plurality of cam segments occupies a selected arc of the peripheral edge, wherein the cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge is different in each of the plurality of cam segments; and a plurality of hatching larvae supports mounted on the periphery of the support platform, wherein each hatching larvae support is mounted in a fixed position on the periphery of the support platform, and wherein rotation of the support platform about the platform axis causes the plurality of hatching larvae supports to rotate about the platform axis and the cam. In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports may include an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the hatching larvae support is configured to receive hatching larvae in the open configuration and hold hatching larvae in the closed configuration; and a follower configured to contact a peripheral edge of a cam in one or more of the plurality of cam segments, wherein the follower is in an open position when the hatching larvae support is in the open configuration and in a closed position when the hatching larvae support is in the closed configuration, wherein the contact between the follower and the peripheral edge of the cam is configured to hold the follower in the closed position in at least one of the plurality of cam segments.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, one or more embodiments of the method for supporting and transporting hatchlings as described herein may include: constraining the head of the hatchling within a head cavity of a head support; after constraining the head of the hatchling within the head cavity of the head support, supporting the ventral surface of the hatchling on a bracket by rotating a bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatchling; and after constraining the head of the hatchling within the head cavity, contacting the stabilizing band with the dorsal surface of the hatchling by rotating the stabilizing band, wherein the head support, bracket, and stabilizing band are operatively attached to form a hatchling support; and wherein rotating the bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatchling includes rotating the hatchling support about a platform axis to contact a first segment of a cam, the first segment of which is configured such that the bracket rotates about a bracket axis as the hatchling support rotates about the platform axis.

[0013] As used herein, the term “substantially” has the same meaning as “significantly” and can be understood as modifying the following term by at least about 75%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. As used herein, the term “non-substantially” has the same meaning as “non-significantly” and can be understood as having the opposite meaning to “substantially”, i.e., modifying the following term by no more than 25%, no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%.

[0014] As those skilled in the art will expect, the numerical values ​​used herein include normal variations in measurements and should be understood to have the same meaning as “approximately” and cover typical error ranges, such as ±5% of the values ​​stated.

[0015] Terms such as “one,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer only to singular entities, but rather to include general categories that can be used to illustrate specific examples.

[0016] The terms “one,” “an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one” and “including at least one” followed by a list of items refer to any one of the listed items or any combination of two or more of the listed items.

[0017] As used herein, unless otherwise clearly indicated, the term "or" is generally used in its usual sense, including "and / or". The term "and / or" refers to one or all of the listed elements, or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0018] The terms "preferred" and "ideally" refer to embodiments that may provide certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred in the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure, including the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 is a top plan view of an illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support system as described herein.

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of an illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support system shown in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a cam that can be used in one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support system as described herein.

[0022] Figure 4 is a front elevation view of an illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support as described herein.

[0023] Figure 5 is a right elevation view of an illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support shown in Figure 4.

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hatching larvae support shown in Figure 4, taken along line 6-6 in Figure 4.

[0025] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of an illustrative embodiment of a head support including a retainer device that can be used in one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support described herein.

[0026] Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the hatching larvae support shown in Figure 4, wherein the hatching larvae support is in a closed configuration and the hatching larvae H are located in the hatching larvae support.

[0027] Figure 9 is a top view of the hatching larvae support shown in Figure 8.

[0028] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the hatchling support in the hatchling support system shown in Figure 1, located at the loading station, taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the hatching larvae support in the hatching larvae support system shown in Figure 1, taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in Figure 1, at the beak treatment station.

[0030] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hatching larvae support in the hatching larvae support system shown in Figure 1, taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in Figure 1, at the injection station.

[0031] Although the accompanying drawings (which may be drawn to scale or not) illustrate embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are contemplated as noted in the discussion. In all instances, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation, not limitation. It should be understood that many other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, all of which fall within the scope of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Before describing any illustrative embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways.

[0033] This document describes illustrative embodiments of a hatching larvae support system, a hatching larvae support element that can be used in the hatching larvae support system, and methods using both the hatching larvae support system and the hatching larvae support element. Although the illustrative embodiments of the hatching larvae support element as specifically described herein can be used in conjunction with the hatching larvae support system described herein, alternative hatching larvae support elements can also be used with the hatching larvae support system and methods described herein.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1-2, an illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support system 10 as described herein may include a processing station platform 20, a cam 30, a support platform 40, and a plurality of hatching larvae supports 50 mounted on the support platform 40. In particular, it should be understood that the support platform 40 is visible in the schematic diagram of Figure 2, but is obscured by the processing station platform 20 in the top plan view of Figure 1.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the processing station platform 20 is typically fixed relative to the platform axis 11, such that the rotational position of the processing station platform 20 and any processing stations located thereon is also preferably fixed relative to the platform axis 11. In the illustrated embodiment depicted, the processing station platform 20 carries a set of loading stations 22, at which hatching larvae are loaded onto hatching larvae, as described herein.

[0036] The processing platform 20 depicted in Figure 1 also carries a set of beak processing stations 24 and a set of injection stations 26. In one or more embodiments, preferably but not necessarily, the number of loading stations 22 matches the number of beak processing stations 24 and injection stations 26 (e.g., in the depicted embodiment, the processing platform 20 carries four loading stations 22, four beak processing stations 24, and four injection stations 26). Although the illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support system 10 depicted includes only beak processing stations and injection stations, other types of processing stations may be used in one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support system described herein, in addition to and / or in place of the depicted beak processing stations and injection stations. Such alternative processing stations may include, for example, claw handling stations, sex or gender identification stations, etc.

[0037] Non-limiting examples of processing procedures and / or processing stations that may be used in one or more embodiments of the hatching support system described herein can be described, for example, in U.S. Patent 5,195,925 (Method and Apparatus for Declawing Poultry); U.S. Patent 5,651,731 (Method and Apparatus for Debeaking Poultry); U.S. Patent 7,232,450 (Apparatus and Method for Upper and Lower Beak Treatment); U.S. Patent 8,499,721 (Apparatus and Method for Nasal Delivery of Components to Birds); and U.S. Patent 7,363,881 (Beak Treatment with Tongue Protection). TONGUE PROTECTION); US Patent 9,775,695 (FOURTH TOE PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS); US Patent Application Publication US 2019 / 0133734 (POULTRY INJECTION APPARATUS WITH ROTATING CAPTUREMEMBERS AND METHODS OF USE); International Publication WO 2018204572 (INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS); International Publication WO 2019236964 (ENERGYDELIVERY SYSTEM USING AN ELECTRIC FIELD); etc.

[0038] The number of processing stations of each type provided on any processing station platform used in the hatchling support system described herein can vary depending on the time required to process the hatchlings at each processing station. In one or more embodiments, the number of processing stations provided in different groups of processing stations in the hatchling support system described herein may be the same. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of the depicted hatchling support system 10, the loading station 22, beak processing station 24, and injection station 26 each include four stations. For a system that manually loads hatchlings into the hatchling support in the loading station 22, the group of four stations in the illustrative embodiment of the depicted hatchling support system 10 may be advantageous. However, in alternative embodiments of the hatchling support system described herein, two or more different groups of processing stations may include different numbers of processing stations.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, a support platform 40 is mounted on a base 12 using a central support assembly 14, wherein the support platform 40 is configured to rotate about a platform axis 11, which, in the illustrated embodiment depicted, extends through each of the processing station platform 20 and the cam 30. The base 12 may include any suitable drive mechanism (e.g., an electric motor, hydraulic motor, etc.) that can be used to rotate the support platform 40 about the platform axis 11 as needed to move the hatching larvae support 50 through the hatching larvae support system 10 described herein.

[0040] As described herein, in one or more embodiments, hatching larvae supports 50 are mounted on the periphery 41 of a support platform 40. Each hatching larvae support 50 is mounted in a fixed position on the periphery 41 of the support platform 40. As a result, rotation of the support platform 40 about the platform axis 11 causes the hatching larvae supports 50 to rotate about the platform axis 11.

[0041] Although only two hatchling supports 50 are shown in the top plan view of Figure 1 and the schematic side elevation view of Figure 2, a hatchling support system as described herein will typically include hatchling supports positioned relative to most (if not substantially all) of the periphery of the support platform of the hatchling support system. The hatchling supports 50 are typically spaced relative to the periphery 41 of the support platform 40 at intervals that match the spacing required to properly position the hatchlings in the hatchling supports 50 at any processing station (e.g., beak processing station 24 and / or injection station 26) provided within the hatchling support system.

[0042] The hatching larvae support system described herein also includes a cam for moving the hatching larvae support between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In an illustrative embodiment of the depicted hatching larvae support system 10, the cam 30 is located below the processing station platform 20 and the support platform 40, wherein the support platform 40 is located between the processing station platform 20 and the cam 30 along the platform axis 11. The rotational position of the cam 30 may preferably be fixed relative to the platform axis 11. Because the rotational position of the processing station platform 20 is also preferably fixed relative to the platform axis 11, features on the cam 30 are in a fixed position relative to the processing station platform 20, including any processing station located on the processing station platform 20. Alternatively, the processing station platform 20 and the cam 30 may be described as being fixed in place relative to each other, wherein the system is configured such that the support platform 40 rotates relative to the processing station platform 20 and the cam 30 and / or that the processing station platform 20 and the cam 30 rotate relative to the support platform. Furthermore, the processing platform 20, cam 30, and support platform 40 can rotate about platform axis 11 (provided that the relative positions of the processing platform 20 and cam 30 remain fixed relative to each other). The cam used in the hatching larva support system described herein has a peripheral edge. In the illustrative embodiment of the depicted hatching larva support system 10, cam 30 has a peripheral edge 31 comprising a plurality of cam segments. In the depicted embodiment, cam 30 includes cam segments 32, 34, 36, and 38. Each adjacent cam segment is separated by a transition segment. In the depicted embodiment, transition segment 33 is located between cam segments 32 and 34, transition segment 35 is located between cam segments 34 and 36, transition segment 37 is located between cam segments 36 and 38, and transition segment 39 is located between cam segments 38 and 32.

[0043] Each of the cam segments 32, 34, 36, and 38 occupies a selected arc of the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30. The size of the selected arc of each cam segment can be selected relative to the distance / space required for any processing station or other activities performed using the incubation support system described herein. However, in general, the cam segments can be described as occupying an arc (including transition segments) totaling 360°, wherein each cam segment occupies a portion of the entire 360° defined by the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30.

[0044] The cam radius of each cam segment 32, 34, 36, and 38 is measured along the radius from the platform axis 11 to the outermost edge 31 of each cam segment. Cam segments may all have different cam radii, although non-adjacent cam segments may have the same cam radius. Generally, at least two cam segments of a cam used in a hatching larva support system as described herein will have different cam radii.

[0045] Transition sections are provided between adjacent cam segments 32, 34, 36, and 38 to transition the cam radius of the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 from the cam radius in one cam segment to the cam radius in the adjacent cam segment. For example, transition segment 33 transitions the cam radius of the outer edge 31 from the cam radius in cam segment 32 to a larger cam radius in cam segment 34. Similarly, transition segment 35 transitions the cam radius of the outer edge 31 from the cam radius in cam segment 34 to a slightly larger cam radius in cam segment 36. Transition segment 37 transitions the cam radius of the outer edge 31 from the cam radius in cam segment 36 to a smaller cam radius in cam segment 38. Finally, transition segment 39 transitions the cam radius of the outer edge 31 from the cam radius in cam segment 38 to a smaller cam radius in cam segment 32.

[0046] Although transition sections 33, 35, 37, and 39 are depicted as changing in a relatively smooth or gradual manner, alternatively, in one or more embodiments of the cams used in the hatching larva support system described herein, the transition sections used between cam sections can change abruptly. In particular, in the case of transitioning to a smaller cam radius, the transition to the smaller cam radius can be, for example, instantaneous, in which case there is essentially no transition section with an abrupt change from a larger cam radius to a smaller cam radius.

[0047] Although not strictly necessary, it is preferable that the cam radius of each cam segment 32, 34, 36 and 38 may be constant within the cam segment. Maintaining a constant cam radius within the cam segment will typically provide consistent / uniform retention of the hatched larvae in the hatching larvae support 50 passing through the cam segment.

[0048] Although the illustrative embodiment of the cam 30 used in the hatching larva support system 10 depicted includes four distinct cam segments, one or more alternative embodiments of the cam used in the hatching larva support system as described herein may include any number of cam segments, including as few as two, three, and five or more. One alternative embodiment of the cam is schematically shown in FIG. 3, wherein the cam 130 has a peripheral edge with three cam segments 132, 134, and 136. The cam segments define a cam radius from the platform axis 111. The cam 130 includes a transition segment 133 between cam segments 132 and 134 and a transition segment 135 between cam segments 134 and 136. The transition between cam segments 136 and 132 provides an example of a sharp or transient change in cam radius from the larger cam radius of cam segment 136 to the smaller cam radius of cam segment 132.

[0049] In cams whose cam radii change abruptly or instantaneously, the direction of cam rotation can be restricted so that the cam rotation does not interfere with or prevent the movement of followers between cam segments. For example, in cam 130, the rotation of support platform 140 about platform axis 111 can preferably be restricted to clockwise rotation, such that any follower on the hatching larva support moving about cam 130 will not move from the smaller cam radius of cam segment 132 to the larger cam radius 136, but will be limited to moving from the larger cam radius 136 to the smaller cam radius 132.

[0050] The hatching larvae support system described herein also includes a plurality of hatching larvae supports mounted on the periphery of the support platform. In the illustrated embodiment depicted, the hatching larvae support 50 is mounted on the periphery 41 of the support platform 40. Rotation of the support platform 40 about the platform axis 11 causes the hatching larvae support 50 to rotate about the platform axis 11 and the cam 30.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, each hatchling support may be described as having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The hatchling support 50 is configured to receive hatchlings when it is in its open configuration and to hold hatchlings in the hatchling support when it is in its closed configuration.

[0052] Each hatching larva support 50 includes a follower configured to contact the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 in one or more cam segments of the cam 30. The contact between the follower of the hatching larva support 50 and the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 is configured to hold the follower of the hatching larva support in a closed position in at least one cam segment disposed on the cam 30. Specifically, the follower of the hatching larva support 50 can be in a closed position (wherein the hatching larva support 50 is in a closed configuration) when the follower contacts the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 in cam segments 34 and 36.

[0053] However, the follower on the hatching larva support 50 may not actually contact the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 in each cam segment of the cam provided in the hatching larva support system described herein. For example, the follower of the hatching larva support 50 may not contact the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 in the cam segment 32.

[0054] The follower of the hatching larva support 50 can be described as being in the open position when the hatching larva support is in its open configuration, and the follower 13 is described as being in the closed position when the hatching larva support is in its closed configuration. The follower of the hatching larva support 50 can be in more than one position relative to the hatching larva support, and can still be in the closed configuration as described herein. Furthermore, the follower of the hatching larva support 50 can be in more than one position relative to the hatching larva support 50, and can still be in the open configuration as described herein. For example, even if the follower of the hatching larva support 50 is considered to be in the open position while traveling through the cam segment 38, where the hatching larva support is in the open configuration, the follower of the hatching support 50 can still contact the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30. These features will be described in more detail below with respect to an illustrative embodiment of a hatching larva support that can be used in the hatching larva support system described herein.

[0055] Figures 4-6 depict an illustrative embodiment of a hatching support member that can be used in one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support system as described herein, wherein Figure 5 is a right-side view of the hatching larvae support member 50 shown in Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the hatching larvae support member 50 taken along line 6-6 in Figure 4. This illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support member 50 is also shown in Figures 8-9, wherein the hatching larvae H are located in the hatching larvae support member 50.

[0056] The illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support 50 shown includes a head support 60, a bracket 70, and a stabilizing band 80 attached to a base 52 for attaching the hatching larvae support 50 to a support platform of the hatching larvae support system described herein.

[0057] The illustrated embodiment of the head support 60 includes a head cavity 62 configured to receive the head of a hatchling. The head support 60 also includes a retainer device configured to hold or hold the hatchling's head within the head cavity 62 when the retainer device is in a closed configuration. When the retainer device is in an open configuration, the hatchling's head can freely move into or out of the head cavity 62 without significant functional constraint from the retainer device.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer device is in the form of an arm 64, which rotates between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the passage to the head cavity 62 is not obstructed by the arm 64 (and the head of the hatched larva located within the head cavity 62 can freely move out of the head cavity 62). In the closed configuration, the arm 64 extends at least partially above the head cavity 62 to hold the head of the hatched larva within the head cavity 62 (and the passage to the head cavity 62 is at least partially obstructed by the arm 64).

[0059] The arm 64 of the illustrative embodiment of the hatchling support 50 depicted is in a closed configuration in FIG. 4 (and FIG. 9, where the hatchling H is located in the hatchling support 50), while the arm 64 is in an open configuration in FIG. 7 (which depicts a head support 60 separate from the hatchling support 50 for improved clarity). Referring to FIG. 7, the arm of the illustrative embodiment of the holder device depicted is configured to rotate about axis 65 when moving between the open and closed configurations discussed herein. Similar head supports may be described in one or more of the following: U.S. Patent 5,651,731 (Method and Apparatus for Debeaking Poultry); U.S. Patent 7,232,450 (Apparatus and Method for Upper and Lower Beak Treatment); U.S. Patent 7,363,881 (Beak Treatment with Tongue Protection); and so on.

[0060] While an illustrative embodiment of the retainer device used in conjunction with the head support of the hatching larvae support described herein may take the form of a pair of rotating arms, any suitable structure capable of performing the functions appropriate for the retainer device of the hatching larvae support described herein may be used instead of a pair of rotating arms. One example of a potentially suitable option for a retainer device used with the head support of the hatching larvae support described herein may include the retainer device described in U.S. Patent 9,808,328 (Poultry Carriers and Methods of Restrating Poultry) (reference numeral 64). Other examples of suitable structures for retainer devices are also possible.

[0061] Referring to FIG7, another optional feature provided in conjunction with the illustrative embodiment of the head support 60 is a beak opening 63 located within the head cavity 62, such that the beak of a bird whose head is located within the head cavity 62 may extend out of the head cavity 62 on one side of the head support 60 opposite to the head cavity opening, for example, see beak B in FIG8. Non-limiting examples of such beak openings and their use in beak treatment processes are described, for example, in U.S. Patent 5,651,731 (Method and Apparatus for Debeaking Poultry); U.S. Patent 7,232,450 (Apparatus and Method for Upper and Lower Beak Treatment); U.S. Patent 7,363,881 (Beak Treatment with Tongue Protection); U.S. Patent 9,808,328 (Poultry Carriers and Methods of Restraining Poultry); and so on.

[0062] Referring to Figures 4-6, the illustrative embodiment of the hatching support 50 depicted includes a bracket 70. The bracket 70 is operatively attached to a head support 60 and / or a base 52 for attaching the hatching support 50 to a support platform of the hatching support system as described herein. Regardless of whether the bracket 70 is directly attached to the head support 60 or directly to the base 52, the bracket 70 is operatively attached to the head support 60 because when the base 52 is configured as a separate component of the head support 60, the base 52 is attached to the head support 60. When the base 52 is integral with the head support 60, the bracket 70 is operatively attached (i.e., directly attached) to the head support 60.

[0063] The carrier 70 is movable between a loading configuration and a support configuration. In the illustrated embodiment depicted, the carrier 70 rotates about a carrier axis 71 as it moves between the loading and support configurations. In the support configuration, the carrier 70 contacts the ventral surface of the hatchling whose head is located in and held within the head cavity 62 of the head support 60. In one or more embodiments, the carrier axis 71 can be described as transverse to the centerline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60, wherein the centerline of the hatchling extends concurrently with the cross-sectional line 6-6 shown in FIG. 4.

[0064] The body of the hatchling, supported in the hatchling support 50 and with its head held in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60, extends downward toward the bracket 70, such that the hatchling's torso can be supported by the bracket 70 when the bracket 70 moves to its supporting configuration during rotation about the bracket axis 71. As used herein, the "torso" of the hatchling is the portion of the hatchling excluding the head, neck, wings, and legs, including the major organs (heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, intestines, etc.) and the thorax of the hatchling. As a result, when the bracket 70 is in its supporting configuration, the bracket 70 supports the ventral surface of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60 (as discussed in conjunction with, for example, Figures 8-9 below).

[0065] The illustrated embodiment of the bracket 70 depicted extends from the head end near the bracket axis 71 to the seat end 72 away from the bracket axis 71. In one or more embodiments, the seat end 72 of the bracket 70 may preferably be sized or configured to fit between the legs of the hatchling, wherein the ventral surface of the hatchling is supported by the bracket 70 when the bracket 70 is in its support configuration, as described herein.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the seat end 72 of the carrier 70 may include a cup-shaped section 74 configured to extend between the legs of the hatchling, wherein the ventral surface of the hatchling is supported by the carrier 70 when the carrier 70 is in its support configuration, as described herein. For example, as can be seen in FIG8, the hatchling H is supported by the cup-shaped section 74 extending between the legs of the hatchling in the illustrative embodiment of the carrier 70.

[0067] Another optional feature that can be found in one or more embodiments of the hatchling support as depicted herein in conjunction with FIG. 4 is a forked configuration of the cup-shaped section 74, wherein the bracket includes a vent slot 75 extending toward the cranial end of the bracket 70 (i.e., the bracket axis 71). The vent slot 75 may be configured to provide a passage to a vent for the hatchling supported by the bracket 70 of an exemplary embodiment of the hatchling support 50 described herein. Additionally, the vent slot 75 may also reduce or prevent the accumulation of waste (e.g., feces, urine, etc.) discharged by the hatchling through its vent. In the absence of the cup-shaped section 74, one or more embodiments of the bracket used in conjunction with the hatchling support described herein may also include a vent slot.

[0068] The illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support 50 depicted also includes a stabilizing band 80 operably attached to the head support 60. As described above, the bracket 70 is also operably attached to the head support 60, which may involve direct attachment to the head support 60 and / or direct attachment to the base 52 for attaching the hatching support 50 to the support platform of the hatching larvae support system described herein.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band 80 is movable between a retracted configuration and an active configuration. As seen in Figures 4-6, in contrast to Figures 8-9, where the stabilizing band 80 of the hatchling support 50 is depicted in its active configuration, the stabilizing band 80 is in its retracted configuration. In the illustrated embodiments depicted, the stabilizing band 80 rotates about a band axis 81 when moving between the retracted and active configurations. In one or more embodiments, the band axis 81 may also be oriented transversely to the centerline of the hatchling H, the head of which is held in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60 of the hatchling support 50. Alternatively, the band axis 81 may be described as aligned with the bracket axis 71.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band may be positioned near the dorsal surface of the hatched larva H's body, the head of which is held in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60, and the ventral surface of the hatched larva H is supported by the bracket 70 when the bracket 7 is in its supporting configuration, as described herein. In one or more embodiments, it may be preferred that the stabilizing band contacts the dorsal surface of the hatched larva H to provide the stabilizing effect discussed herein.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band may be described as including a left arm 82 and a right arm 82, wherein the left arm and the right arm 82 are located on opposite sides of the midline of the hatchling supported in the hatchling support 50 described herein. In one or more embodiments, each of the left arm and the right arm 82 may include a base end 83 through which the band axis 81 extends.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band 80 may also be described as including a dorsal surface segment 84 extending between the left and right arms 82. In one or more embodiments, the dorsal surface segment 84 may connect the left and right arms 82 adjacent to the dorsal surface of the hatchling in the hatchling support 50. In such embodiments, the dorsal surface segment 84 may be described as a continuous dorsal surface segment extending continuously between the left and right arms 82 of the stabilizing band 80.

[0073] Referring to FIG9, one or more alternative embodiments of the stabilizing band 80 may include an opening or slot 86 between the left and right arms 82, such that the left and right arms 80 terminate at an end 88 (depicted in dashed lines in FIG9). In another alternative embodiment, the stabilizing band used in one or more hatching larvae supports described herein may consist of only one arm and a dorsal surface segment.

[0074] In one or more embodiments of the hatchling support as described herein, the dorsal surface segment 84 of the stabilizing band 80 may be described as having a top edge and a bottom edge. When the stabilizing band 80 is in its active configuration (e.g., as seen in FIG. 9), the top edge is adjacent to the head cavity 62 of the head support, and the bottom edge is distant from the head cavity 62. The dorsal surface segment 84 may have a height measured between its top and bottom edges along the midline of the hatchling H supported in the hatchling support as described herein.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the height of the dorsal surface section 84 may be 1 cm or more at the lower end and 3 cm or less at the upper end. However, the actual height of the dorsal surface section 84 may vary depending on the species or variety of the hatched larvae, the size of the hatched larvae, etc. Taking these factors into consideration, the height of the dorsal surface section may preferably be selected such that it contacts the dorsal surface of the hatched larva H at a distance sufficient to provide a stabilizing effect, while still providing access to the dorsal surface of the hatched larvae as needed for processing in one or more processing stations of a hatching larva support system using hatching larva supports.

[0076] Although the left and right arms 82 and the dorsal surface section 84 have been described, the stabilizing band used in one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support as described herein can alternatively be described as a hoop extending between the left and right ends, wherein the band axis 81 extends through the left and right ends of the hoop of the stabilizing band 80. When described in this way, the hoop has a combined top and bottom edge of the dorsal surface section 84 as discussed above, and a corresponding height between the top and bottom edges, also as described above.

[0077] As described herein, the bracket 70 rotates about the bracket axis 71 between a loading configuration and a supporting configuration, and the stabilizing band 80 rotates about the band axis 81 between a retracted configuration and an activated configuration. In each of Figures 4-6, the bracket 70 is depicted in the loading configuration, with the stabilizing band 80 in its retracted configuration in Figures 4-6. In Figures 8-9, the bracket 70 is depicted in the supporting configuration, with the stabilizing band 80 in its activated configuration. Relative to the head support 60, the bracket 70 and the stabilizing band 80 rotate about their respective axes, which can be seen by comparing the relative positions of the bracket 70 and the stabilizing band 80 in Figures 4-6 with their positions in Figures 8-9.

[0078] Movement of bracket 70 from its loading configuration to its supporting configuration can occur simultaneously with movement of stabilizing belt 80 from its retracted configuration to its activated configuration. In one or more embodiments, movement of bracket 70 from its loading configuration to its supporting configuration may cause movement of stabilizing belt 80 from its retracted configuration to its activated configuration, or vice versa (movement of stabilizing belt 80 may cause movement of bracket 70).

[0079] Referring to the cross-sectional view of FIG6, which depicts an illustrative embodiment of a rotational connection between a bracket and a stabilizing belt, the bracket 70 may include a bracket gear 78, and the stabilizing belt 80 may include a belt gear 88, wherein the bracket gear 78 and the belt gear 88 interact or mesh with each other such that rotation of the bracket gear 78 about the bracket axis 71 causes the belt gear 88 to rotate about the belt axis 81, or vice versa.

[0080] When used in a hatchling support system as described herein, the bracket of an illustrative embodiment of the hatchling support described herein can be used as a follower configured to contact the peripheral edge of a cam in the hatchling support system. The open position of the follower in the hatchling support system corresponds to the loading configuration of the bracket of the hatchling support as described herein, and the closed position of the follower in the hatchling support system corresponds to the supporting configuration of the bracket of the hatchling support as described herein. Referring to the hatchling support depicted in Figures 8-9, the bracket / follower 70 is in its loading / open position in Figures 4-6, and the bracket / follower 70 is in its supporting / closed position in Figures 8-9.

[0081] Although the bracket 70 of the illustrative embodiment of the hatchling support 50 depicted herein serves as a follower in the hatchling support system described herein, one or more alternative embodiments of the hatchling support and hatchling support system described herein may be configured to use a stabilizing band 80 as a follower, wherein the stabilizing band 80 is actuated by a cam of the hatchling support system described herein, such that the stabilizing band moves between its retracted configuration (corresponding to the open position of the follower of the hatchling support system described herein) and its activated configuration (corresponding to the closed position of the follower of the hatchling support system described herein).

[0082] In one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support as described herein, a follower (e.g., the bracket 70) can be biased to move to its open position / loading configuration without applying a force for rotating the bracket 70 about the bracket axis 71. The biasing force can be provided by any number of structures or mechanisms, including but not limited to torsion springs, coil springs, elastomeric structures, etc. The biasing force can facilitate driving the follower (e.g., the bracket 70) into contact with the peripheral edge of a cam as described in one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support system herein.

[0083] The interaction between the illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support 50 and the illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support system as described herein can be discussed with reference to Figures 10-12. As seen in Figures 10-12, the hatching larvae support 50 is located on the support platform 40 and rotates about the processing station platform 20 and the cam 30, as discussed above with respect to the illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support system described herein. The rotation of the support platform 40 and the attached hatching larvae support 50 serves to bring the hatching larvae support 50 to a position relative to the station located on the processing station platform 20 described herein.

[0084] In Figure 10, station 22 is in the form of a loading station, where the head of the hatched larva is positioned in the head cavity of the head support 60 of the hatched larva support 50.

[0085] In Figure 11, station 24 is in the form of a beak treatment station, in which energy guided through cavity 25 is used to treat the beak of an hatchling whose head is located in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60. The beak treatment station 24 can take many forms, and some examples of beak treatment stations that can be used in conjunction with the hatchling support system described herein can be found in: for example, U.S. Patent 5,651,731 (Method and Apparatus for Debeaking Poultry); U.S. Patent 7,232,450 (Apparatus and Method for Upper and Lower Beak Treatment); U.S. Patent 7,363,881 (Beak Treatment with Tongue Protection); and so on.

[0086] In Figure 12, station 26 is in the form of an injection station, in which a selected ingredient can be delivered to the hatchlings located in the hatchling support 50 using, for example, an injection needle 27. Injection station 26 can take many forms, and some examples of injection stations that can be used in conjunction with the hatchling support system described herein can be found in: for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2019 / 0133734 (Poultry Injection Apparatus with Rotating Capture Members and Methods of Use thereof); International Publication WO 2018204572 (Injection Systems and Methods); and so on.

[0087] The hatching support 50 is in its open configuration in FIG. 10 to allow the hatched larvae to be loaded into the hatching larvae support 50. Specifically, the carrier 70 is in its loading configuration, while the stabilizing band 80 is in its retracted configuration, allowing the head of the hatched larvae to be positioned in the head cavity of the head support 60 as described herein. As seen in FIG. 10, in the depicted embodiment, the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 does not contact the follower surface 76 on the carrier 70, wherein the hatching larvae support 50 is in its open configuration. With respect to FIG. 1, the cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 can be taken along a radial line extending through the platform axis 11 in the cam segment 32.

[0088] In Figure 11, the hatchling support 50 is in a closed configuration, with the bracket 70 moved to its supporting configuration and the stabilizing band 80 moved to its active configuration, such that the hatchlings located in the hatchling support 50 are supported within the hatchling support 50. More specifically, as seen, for example, in Figures 8-9, the bracket 70 supports the ventral surface of the hatchling, while the stabilizing band 80 surrounds the dorsal surface of the hatchling's body. In the depicted embodiment, the movement of the bracket 70 to its supporting configuration is caused by contact between the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 and the follower surface 76 of the bracket 70.

[0089] Comparing Figure 11 with Figure 10, it can be seen that the bracket 70 rotates outward from the cam 30 about its bracket axis 71 due to the contact between the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 and the follower surface 76 of the bracket 70. In the depicted embodiment of the hatching larva support 50, the rotation of the bracket 70 about its bracket axis 71 due to the contact between the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 and the follower surface 76 of the bracket 70 causes the stabilizing belt 80 to rotate about its belt axis 81, as described herein.

[0090] As depicted in Figure 12, the hatchling support 50 is also in a closed configuration relative to the injection station 26, in which the bracket is in its supporting configuration and the stabilizing band 80 is in its active configuration, thereby supporting the hatchlings located in the hatchling support 50 within the hatchling support 50.

[0091] When the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 causes the bracket 70 to rotate into contact with the ventral surface of the hatched larva whose head is located in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60, such that the bracket 70 is in its support configuration, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the cam radius (i.e., the distance between the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 and the axis around which the rotation of the support platform 40 carrying the hatched larva support 50 is about) in the cam portion depicted in Figure 12 is larger than that in the cam portion depicted in Figure 11.

[0092] Compared to Figure 1, the sectional view of Figure 11 can be taken along the radial line extending through the platform axis 11 in the cam section 34, while the sectional view of Figure 12 can be taken along the radial line extending through the platform axis 11 in the cam section 36.

[0093] Besides the different cam radii, one way to characterize this difference is through the angle formed between the cam 30 and the bracket 70. Specifically, the angle α (alpha) depicted in Figure 11 will be smaller than the angle β (beta) in Figure 12. Because the rotation of the bracket 70 within the hatching larva support 50 described herein causes a corresponding rotation (but in the opposite direction) of the stabilizing belt 80 about the belt axis 81, the angle α' (alpha') formed between the bracket 70 and the stabilizing belt 80 as seen in Figure 11 will be greater than the angle β' (beta') formed between the bracket 70 and the stabilizing belt 80 as seen in Figure 12, even though the angle α (alpha) seen in Figure 11 is smaller than the angle β (beta) seen in Figure 12.

[0094] This inverse relationship (in other words, as angle β(beta) increases, angle β'(beta') decreases) is a result of the bracket 70 and the stabilizer belt 80 rotating in opposite directions about their respective axes. In other words, the increase in the cam radius of the cam 30 causes the bracket 70 to rotate further clockwise about its bracket axis 71, which in turn causes the stabilizer belt 80 to rotate further counterclockwise relative to its belt axis 81.

[0095] The decrease in angle β' (beta') shown in Figure 12, compared to angle α' (alpha') shown in Figure 11, is caused by the movement of the stabilizing band 80 toward the bracket 70. As a result, the distance between the interior of the stabilizing band 80 and the bracket 70 decreases as the cam radius defined by the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 increases. This reduced distance between the stabilizing band 80 and the bracket 70 provides additional compression to the hatchlings located within the hatchling support 50.

[0096] In one or more embodiments, this additional clamping can help prevent or reduce unwanted movement of the hatchlings during processing. For example, movement of the hatchling's torso during beak handling may be less of a concern because the beak of a hatchling whose head is restrained in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60 is unlikely to move due to movement of the hatchling's torso contained in the hatchling support 50.

[0097] However, as part of the injection process, unwanted movement of the hatchling's torso can be problematic during the injection process as the injection needle 27 of the injection station 26 is advanced to deliver the component to the hatchling. Therefore, providing additional pressure on the hatchling's torso, located within the hatchling support 50, during the injection process (or other processes performed on the hatchling's torso) may be particularly beneficial. Furthermore, the additional pressure can be used to stabilize the hatchling, as described herein, resulting in less movement of the hatchling's torso simply because the hatchling is more stable due to the increased pressure.

[0098] Although not specifically discussed herein, it should be understood that the various components of the hatching larvae support and hatching larvae support system described herein can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as polymers, metals, ceramics, wood, etc.

[0099] Explanatory aspects

[0100] The following are some aspects of the hatching larvae support components, hatching larvae support systems, and methods described in this article.

[0101] According to a first independent aspect of the invention, a hatchling support is provided, the hatchling support comprising: a head support including a head cavity configured to receive a hatchling head and a retainer device configured to hold the hatchling head in the head cavity, the retainer device optionally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein when the retainer device is in a closed configuration, the hatchling head is held in the head cavity, and when the retainer device is in an open configuration, the hatchling head in the head cavity is freely movable out of the head cavity; and a bracket operably attached to the head support, wherein the bracket is movable between a loading configuration and a supporting configuration, wherein, optionally, the bracket rotates about a bracket axis when moving between the loading and supporting configurations, the bracket axis being... The bracket is oriented transversely to the centerline of the hatched larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein, when the bracket is in a support configuration, the bracket supports the ventral surface of the hatched larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support; and a stabilizing band operably attached to the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is movable between a retracted configuration and an activated configuration, wherein, optionally, the stabilizing band rotates about a band axis when moving between the retracted and activated configurations, the band axis being transversely to the centerline of the hatched larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is positioned near the dorsal surface of the hatched larva's torso, the hatched larva's head being held in the head cavity of the head support, and the ventral surface of the hatched larva being supported by the bracket when the bracket is in the support configuration.

[0102] In a second aspect of claim 1, the carrier extends from a cranial end near the carrier axis to a seat end away from the carrier axis, wherein the seat end includes a cup-shaped section configured to extend between the legs of the hatchling, the ventral surface of the hatchling being supported by the carrier when the carrier is in a support configuration. This feature provides additional support for the hatchling, improving its retention in the hatchling support, and also serves to further stabilize the hatchling during processing by increasing support. In a third aspect of claim 2, the cup-shaped section includes a fork-shaped configuration comprising a vent slot extending toward the cranial end of the carrier. This vent slot reduces the likelihood of waste product from the hatchling being retained on the carrier.

[0103] In the fourth aspect of aspect 1, the carrier extends from a cranial end near the carrier axis to a seat end away from the carrier axis, wherein the seat end includes a vent groove extending from the dorsal surface of the seat end toward the cranial end. This vent groove reduces the likelihood that waste products from hatched larvae are retained on the carrier.

[0104] In a fifth aspect according to either aspect 2 or 3, the seat end is configured to engage between the legs of the hatching larva, and when the bracket is in the support configuration, the ventral surface of the hatching larva is supported by the bracket. This feature also provides additional support for the hatching larva, improves its retention in the hatching larva support, and, by increasing the support, further stabilizes the hatching larva during processing.

[0105] In the sixth aspect according to any of the foregoing aspects, the stabilizing band includes a left arm and a right arm, wherein the left arm and the right arm are located on opposite sides of the midline of the hatched larva, the head of the hatched larva is held in a head cavity of a head support, and the ventral surface of the hatched larva is supported by the support when the bracket is in a supported configuration, wherein both the left and right arms include a base end, and the band axis extends through the base end of each of the left and right arms. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched larva by improving the stiffness of the stabilizing band, improving its holding in the hatched larva support, and further stabilizing the hatched larva during processing by increasing the support.

[0106] In the seventh aspect according to aspect 6, the stabilizing band includes a dorsal surface segment extending from one or both of the left and right arms.

[0107] In aspect 8 of aspect 6, the stabilizing band includes a continuous dorsal surface section extending continuously between the left and right arms. This feature also provides additional support to the hatching larvae by improving the stiffness of the stabilizing band, improving its hold in the hatching larvae support, and further stabilizing the hatching larvae during processing by increasing the support.

[0108] In a ninth aspect according to aspect 7 or 8, when the stabilizing band is in the active configuration, the dorsal surface section includes a top edge near the head cavity and a bottom edge away from the head cavity, wherein the dorsal surface section has a height measured between the top and bottom edges along the midline of the hatched larva, the head of the hatched larva being held within the head cavity of the head support, and when the bracket is in the support configuration, the ventral surface of the hatched larva is supported by the bracket, wherein optionally, the height of the dorsal surface section is 1 cm or greater, and optionally 3 cm or less.

[0109] In the tenth aspect according to any one of aspects 1-5, the stabilizing band includes a hoop extending between a left end and a right end, wherein the band axis extends through the left and right ends, such that the hoop rotates about the band axis. This feature also provides additional support to the hatching larvae by improving the stiffness of the stabilizing band, improving its retention in the hatching larvae support, and further stabilizing the hatching larvae during processing by increasing the support.

[0110] In the eleventh aspect of aspect 10, when the stabilizing band is in the active configuration, the hoop includes a top edge near the head cavity and a bottom edge away from the head cavity, wherein the hoop has a height measured between the top edge and the top edge along the midline of the hatchling, the head of the hatchling is held in the head cavity of the head support, and when the bracket is in the support configuration, the ventral surface of the hatchling is supported by the bracket, wherein, optionally, the height of the hoop is 1 cm or more, and optionally, 3 cm or less.

[0111] In the 12th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the bracket includes a bracket gear, and the stabilizing belt includes a belt gear, wherein the bracket gear rotates about the bracket axis, and wherein the belt gear rotates about the belt axis, and further, wherein the bracket gear meshes with the belt gear such that rotation of the bracket gear about the bracket axis causes the belt gear to rotate about the belt axis.

[0112] According to aspect 13 of any of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the bracket axis is aligned with the belt axis.

[0113] According to a 14th independent aspect of the invention, a method of supporting a hatchling using a hatchling support member of any of aspects 1 to 13 includes: placing the head of the hatchling in a head cavity of a head support member and securing the head of the hatchling in the head cavity by moving a retainer device to a closed configuration; after securing the head of the hatchling in the head cavity, supporting the ventral surface of the hatchling on a bracket by rotating the bracket from a loading configuration to a supporting configuration; and after securing the head of the hatchling in the head cavity, positioning a stabilizing band on the dorsal surface of the hatchling by rotating a stabilizing band about a band axis from a retracted configuration to an activated configuration.

[0114] In a 15th aspect of aspect 14, the method includes rotating the stabilizing belt about the belt axis while rotating the bracket about the bracket axis.

[0115] According to a 16th independent aspect of the invention, a method of supporting a hatched larva includes: constraining the head of the hatched larva within a head cavity of a head support; after constraining the head of the hatched larva within the head cavity of the head support, rotating a bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva, thereby supporting the ventral surface of the hatched larva on the bracket; and after constraining the head of the hatched larva within the head cavity, rotating a stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, thereby moving the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

[0116] In the 17th aspect of aspect 16, the method includes rotating the stabilizing belt while rotating the bracket.

[0117] According to aspect 18 of any of aspects 16 to 17, wherein the rotation of the bracket causes the stabilizing band to rotate into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

[0118] In a 19th aspect according to any of aspects 16 to 18, the method includes, after moving the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, rotating the bracket to disengage it from contact with the ventral surface of the hatched larva, wherein rotating the bracket to disengage it from contact with the ventral surface of the hatched larva causes the stabilizing band to rotate and disengage from contact with the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

[0119] In the 20th aspect according to any of aspects 16 to 19, after the bracket is rotated to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva and the stabilizing band is rotated to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, further rotation of the bracket toward the ventral surface of the hatched larva results in further rotation of the stabilizing band toward the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

[0120] According to a 21st independent aspect of the invention, a hatching larvae support system is provided, the system comprising: a support platform mounted on a base for rotation about a platform axis extending through the support platform and the base; a cam including a peripheral edge, wherein the rotational position of the cam is optionally fixed relative to the platform axis, wherein the peripheral edge of the cam includes a plurality of cam segments, wherein each of the plurality of cam segments occupies a selected arc of the peripheral edge, and wherein the cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge is different in each of the plurality of cam segments; and a plurality of hatching larvae supports mounted on the periphery of the support platform, wherein each hatching larvae support is mounted in a fixed position on the periphery of the support platform, and wherein the support platform rotates around... Rotation of the platform axis causes multiple hatchling supports to rotate about the platform axis and a cam, each of the multiple hatchling supports including an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the hatchling support is configured to receive hatchlings in the open configuration and hold hatchlings in the closed configuration; a follower configured to contact the peripheral edge of a cam in one or more of the multiple cam segments, wherein the follower is in an open position when the hatchling support is in the open configuration and in a closed position when the hatchling support is in the closed configuration, wherein the contact between the follower and the peripheral edge of the cam is configured to hold the follower in the closed position in at least one of the multiple cam segments.

[0121] In aspect 22 of aspect 21, the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports is biased to move from a closed position to an open position.

[0122] In the 23rd aspect of aspect 21, when the hatching larvae support is in a cam segment in which the follower of the plurality of cam segments is spaced apart from the outer edge of the cam, the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports is biased to move from a closed position to an open position.

[0123] In a 24th aspect according to any one of aspects 21 to 23, the plurality of cam segments include a first cam segment, wherein a follower on each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports is in an open position in the first cam segment, and in at least one of the plurality of cam segments, the contact between the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports and the peripheral edge of the cam is configured to hold the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports in a closed position, wherein at least one of the plurality of cam segments includes a second cam segment of the plurality of cam segments.

[0124] In aspect 25 of aspect 24, the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the second cam segment is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the first cam segment.

[0125] In aspect 26 according to any one of aspects 21 to 23, the plurality of cam segments include a first cam segment, a second cam segment, and a third cam segment; wherein a follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports is in an open position in the first cam segment; wherein the second cam segment includes at least one of the plurality of cam segments, wherein the contact between the follower and the peripheral edge of the cam of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports is configured to hold the follower in a closed position; wherein the contact between the follower and the peripheral edge of the cam in the third cam segment is configured to hold the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports in a closed position; wherein the second cam segment is located between the first cam segment and the third cam segment; and wherein the cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge of the third cam segment is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge of the second cam segment. This feature provides different levels of compression to hold hatchlings more firmly where needed and less firmly when not needed, thereby improving system operation.

[0126] In aspect 27 of aspect 26, the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the second cam segment is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the first cam segment.

[0127] In aspect 28 according to any one of aspects 26 to 27, the plurality of cam segments include a fourth cam segment in which the contact between the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports and the peripheral edge of the cam is configured to allow the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports to move to an open position, wherein a third cam segment is located between the second cam segment and the fourth cam segment.

[0128] In aspect 29 of aspect 28, the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the fourth cam segment is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the first cam segment.

[0129] In aspect 30, according to any of aspects 28 to 29, the system includes a first set of processing stations, wherein each of the plurality of processing stations is located at a fixed position relative to the second cam section.

[0130] According to aspect 31 of any of aspects 28 to 29, the system includes: a first set of processing stations, wherein each processing station in the first set of processing stations is located at a fixed position relative to a second cam segment; and a second set of processing stations, wherein each processing station in the second set of processing stations is located at a fixed position relative to a third cam segment.

[0131] In the 32nd aspect of aspect 31, each of the first set of processing stations is configured to perform a first processing on a hatchling located in one of the plurality of hatchling supports, and wherein each of the second set of processing stations is configured to perform a second processing on a hatchling located in one of the plurality of hatchling supports.

[0132] In aspect 33 of aspect 32, the first treatment and the second treatment are different.

[0133] In aspect 34 according to any of aspects 31 to 33, the first set of processing stations includes a set of beak processing stations.

[0134] In aspect 35, according to any one of aspects 31 to 34, the second set of processing stations includes a set of injection stations.

[0135] In aspect 36 according to any of aspects 21 to 35, the first set of processing stations is attached to a processing station platform, wherein the rotational position of the processing station platform is fixed relative to the platform axis.

[0136] In a 37th aspect according to any of aspects 21 to 36, each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports includes a head support, a bracket, and a stabilizing strap, wherein the bracket includes a follower for each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports; wherein the head support of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports includes a head cavity configured to receive a hatching larva's head, the head support including a retainer device configured to hold the hatching larva's head in the head cavity, the retainer device being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein when the retainer device is in a closed configuration, the hatching larva's head is held in the head cavity, and when the retainer device is in an open configuration, the hatching larva's head in the head cavity is freely movable out of the head cavity; wherein the bracket of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports is operatively attached to the head support, wherein the bracket can... The device moves between a loading configuration and a supporting configuration, wherein when moving between the loading and supporting configurations, the bracket rotates about a bracket axis oriented transversely to the centerline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, and when the bracket is in the supporting configuration, the ventral surface of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support is supported by the bracket; and wherein a stabilizing band of each of the plurality of hatchling supports is operatively attached to the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is movable between a retracted configuration and an activated configuration, wherein when moving between the retracted and activated configurations, the stabilizing band rotates about a band axis oriented transversely to the centerline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is located near the dorsal surface of the hatchling's torso, and when the bracket is in the supporting configuration, the ventral surface of the hatchling is supported by the bracket.

[0137] In aspect 38 of aspect 37, the bracket extends from a scalp end near the bracket axis to a seat end away from the bracket axis, wherein the seat end includes a cup-shaped section configured to extend between the legs of the hatchling, the ventral surface of the hatchling being supported by the bracket when the bracket is in a support configuration. This feature provides additional support for the hatchling, improves its retention in the hatchling support, and, by increasing support, also serves to further stabilize the hatchling during processing.

[0138] In aspect 39 of aspect 38, the cup-shaped section includes a fork-shaped configuration comprising a vent slot extending toward the cranial end of the tray. This vent slot reduces the likelihood of waste products from hatched larvae being retained on the tray.

[0139] In the 40th aspect of aspect 37, the bracket extends from a cranial end near the bracket axis to a seat end away from the bracket axis, wherein the seat end includes a vent groove extending from the dorsal surface of the seat end toward the cranial end. This vent groove reduces the likelihood that waste products from hatched larvae are retained on the bracket.

[0140] In aspect 41 according to any of aspects 38 to 40, the seat end is configured to engage between the legs of the hatching larva, and the ventral surface of the hatching larva is supported by the bracket when the bracket is in the support configuration. This feature also provides additional support for the hatching larva, improves its retention in the hatching larva support, and, by increasing the support, further stabilizes the hatching larva during processing.

[0141] In aspect 42 of any of aspects 37 to 41, the stabilizing band includes a left arm and a right arm, wherein the left arm and the right arm are located on opposite sides of the midline of the hatched larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, and the ventral surface of the hatched larva is supported by the support when the bracket is in a supported configuration, wherein both the left and right arms include a base end, and the band axis extends through the base end of each of the left and right arms. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched larva by improving the stiffness of the stabilizing band, improving its holding in the hatched larva support, and further stabilizing the hatched larva during processing by increasing the support.

[0142] In aspect 43 of aspect 42, the stabilizing band includes a dorsal surface segment extending from one or both of the left and right arms.

[0143] In aspect 44 of aspect 42, the stabilizing band includes a continuous dorsal surface section extending continuously between the left and right arms. This feature also provides additional support to the hatching larvae by improving the stiffness of the stabilizing band, improving its hold in the hatching larvae support, and further stabilizing the hatching larvae during processing by increasing the support.

[0144] In aspect 45 according to any of aspects 43 to 44, when the stabilizing band is in an active configuration, the dorsal surface section includes a top edge near the head cavity and a bottom edge away from the head cavity, wherein the dorsal surface section has a height measured between the top and bottom edges along the midline of the hatched larva, the head of which is held in the head cavity of the head support, and when the bracket is in a support configuration, the ventral surface of the hatched larva is supported by the bracket, wherein, optionally, the height of the dorsal surface section is 1 cm or greater.

[0145] In aspect 46 according to any of aspects 37 to 41, the stabilizing band includes a hoop extending between a left end and a right end, wherein the band axis extends through the left and right ends, such that the hoop rotates about the band axis. This feature also provides additional support to the hatching larvae by improving the stiffness of the stabilizing band, improving its retention in the hatching larvae support, and further stabilizing the hatching larvae during processing by increasing the support.

[0146] In aspect 47 of aspect 46, when the stabilizing band is in the active configuration, the hoop includes a top edge near the head cavity and a bottom edge away from the head cavity, wherein the hoop has a height measured between the top edge and the top edge along the midline of the hatchling, the head of the hatchling is held in the head cavity of the head support, and when the bracket is in the support configuration, the ventral surface of the hatchling is supported by the bracket, wherein, optionally, the height of the hoop is 1 cm or more, and optionally 3 cm or less.

[0147] In aspect 48 according to any of aspects 37 to 47, the bracket includes a bracket gear, and the stabilizing belt includes a belt gear, wherein the bracket gear rotates about the bracket axis, and wherein the belt gear rotates about the belt axis, and further, wherein the bracket gear meshes with the belt gear such that rotation of the bracket gear about the bracket axis causes the belt gear to rotate about the belt axis.

[0148] In aspect 49 according to any of aspects 37 to 48, the bracket axis is aligned with the belt axis.

[0149] According to a 50th independent aspect of the invention, a method of supporting and conveying hatched larvae includes: constraining the head of the hatched larvae within a head cavity of a head support; after constraining the head of the hatched larvae within the head cavity of the head support, supporting the ventral surface of the hatched larvae on a bracket by rotating a bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larvae; after constraining the head of the hatched larvae within the head cavity, moving a stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larvae by rotating a stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larvae; wherein the head support, the bracket, and the stabilizing band are operatively attached to form a hatched larvae support; and wherein rotating the bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larvae includes rotating the hatched larvae support about a platform axis to contact a first segment of a cam, the first segment of which is configured such that, when the hatched larvae support rotates about the platform axis, the bracket rotates about a bracket axis.

[0150] In aspect 51 of aspect 50, the hatching larvae support includes the hatching larvae support of any of aspects 1 to 13.

[0151] In aspect 52 according to any one of aspects 51 to 52, the hatching larvae support is one of a plurality of hatching larvae supports in any one of aspects 21 to 29.

[0152] In aspect 53 according to any one of aspects 50 to 52, the method includes rotating a stabilizing belt while rotating a bracket.

[0153] In aspect 54 according to any of aspects 50 to 53, the rotating bracket causes the stabilizing belt to rotate into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

[0154] In a 55th aspect according to any of aspects 50 to 54, the method includes, after moving the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, rotating the bracket away from contact with the ventral surface of the hatched larva, wherein rotating the bracket away from contact with the ventral surface of the hatched larva includes further rotating the hatched larva support about a platform axis to a successive segment of a cam, the successive segment having a cam radius smaller than that of a first segment of the cam.

[0155] In the 56th aspect of aspect 55, the rotational disengagement of the bracket from the ventral surface of the hatched larva causes the stabilizing band to rotate out of contact with the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

[0156] In aspect 57 according to any of aspects 50 to 56, after the bracket is rotated to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva and the stabilizing band is rotated to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, a further rotation of the bracket toward the ventral surface of the hatched larva results in a further rotation of the stabilizing band toward the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, wherein the further rotation of the bracket is caused by a further rotation of the hatched larva support about the platform axis, thereby causing the bracket to contact a second section of the cam, the cam radius of which, measured from the platform axis, is greater than the cam radius in the first section of the cam.

[0157] In aspect 58, according to any of aspects 50 to 57, after the carrier rotates to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva and the stabilizing belt rotates to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, further rotation of the hatched larva support about the platform axis causes the carrier to move into contact with a second segment of the cam, the cam radius of which, measured from the platform axis, is larger than the cam radius in the first segment of the cam. This feature provides different levels of clamping to more firmly hold the hatched larva where needed and less firmly hold it when not needed, thereby improving the method.

[0158] All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference unless they would directly contradict this disclosure. Although specific illustrative embodiments have been described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various substitutions and / or equivalent implementations may be made in place of the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to impose undue limitations on the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein, which are presented by way of example only, and the scope of this disclosure is limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A support for hatching larvae, characterized in that, include: A head support includes a head cavity configured to receive the head of an hatched larva and a retainer device configured to hold the head of the hatched larva in the head cavity. The retainer device is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein when the retainer device is in a closed configuration, the head of the hatched larva is held in the head cavity, and when the retainer device is in an open configuration, the head of the hatched larva in the head cavity is freely moved out of the head cavity. A bracket operably attached to a head support, wherein the bracket is movable between a loading configuration and a supporting configuration, wherein the bracket rotates about a bracket axis transversely to the centerline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support when moving between the loading and supporting configurations, the bracket axis being oriented transversely to the centerline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein when the bracket is in the supporting configuration, the bracket supports the ventral surface of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support; and a stabilizing band operably attached to the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is movable between a retracted configuration and an activated configuration, wherein the stabilizing band rotates about a band axis transversely to the centerline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is positioned close to the dorsal surface of the torso of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support and whose ventral surface is supported by the bracket when the bracket is in the supporting configuration.

2. The hatching larvae support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket extends from a cranial end near the bracket axis to a seat end away from the bracket axis, wherein the seat end includes a cup-shaped section configured to extend on the ventral surface between the legs of the hatched larvae supported by the bracket when the bracket is in a supported configuration.

3. The hatching larvae support according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cup-shaped section includes a fork-shaped configuration that includes a vent slot extending toward the cranial end of the bracket.

4. The hatching larvae support according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket extends from the cranial end near the bracket axis to the seat end away from the bracket axis, wherein the seat end includes a vent groove extending from the dorsal surface of the seat end toward the cranial end.

5. The hatching larvae support according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The seat end is configured to fit onto the ventral surface between the legs of the hatched larvae, which are supported by the bracket when the bracket is in a support configuration.

6. The hatching larvae support according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The stabilizing band includes a left arm and a right arm, wherein the left arm and the right arm are located on opposite sides of the midline of the hatched larva, on the ventral surface of which the head is held in the head cavity of the head support member and supported by the bracket when the bracket is in a support configuration, wherein both the left arm and the right arm include a base end, wherein the band axis extends through the base end of each of the left arm and the right arm.

7. The hatching larvae support according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stabilizing band comprises a dorsal surface segment extending from one or both of the left and right arms.

8. The hatching larvae support according to claim 6, characterized in that, The stabilizing band comprises a continuous dorsal surface segment extending between the left and right arms.

9. The hatching larvae support according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the stabilizing band is in the active configuration, the dorsal surface section includes a top edge near the head cavity and a bottom edge away from the head cavity, wherein the dorsal surface section has a height measured between the top and bottom edges along the midline of the hatched larvae, which is held in the head cavity of the head support and supported by the bracket when the ventral surface is in the support configuration.

10. The hatching larvae support according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the stabilizing band is in the active configuration, the dorsal surface section includes a top edge near the head cavity and a bottom edge away from the head cavity, wherein the dorsal surface section has a height measured between the top and bottom edges along the midline of the hatched larvae, which is held in the head cavity of the head support and supported by the bracket when the ventral surface is in the support configuration.

11. The hatching larvae support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The stabilizing belt includes a hoop extending between a left end and a right end, wherein the belt axis extends through the left end and the right end, such that the hoop rotates about the belt axis.

12. The hatching larvae support according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the stabilizing band is in the active configuration, the hoop includes a top edge near the head cavity and a bottom edge away from the head cavity, wherein the hoop has a height measured between the top edge and the top edge along the midline of the hatched larva whose ventral surface is supported by the bracket when the bracket is in the support configuration, where the head is held in the head cavity of the head support member.

13. The hatching larvae support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bracket includes a bracket gear, and the stabilizing belt includes a belt gear. The bracket gear rotates about the bracket axis, and the belt gear rotates about the belt axis. The bracket gear meshes with the belt gear, such that the rotation of the bracket gear about the bracket axis causes the belt gear to rotate about the belt axis.

14. The hatching larvae support according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The bracket axis is aligned with the belt axis.

15. A method for supporting hatched larvae using the hatching larvae support member according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The method includes: placing the head of the hatched larva in the head cavity of a head support and securing the head of the hatched larva in the head cavity by moving a retainer device to a closed configuration; after securing the head of the hatched larva in the head cavity, supporting the ventral surface of the hatched larva on a bracket by rotating the bracket from a loading configuration to a supporting configuration; and after securing the head of the hatched larva in the head cavity, positioning a stabilizing band on the dorsal surface of the hatched larva by rotating a stabilizing band about a band axis from a retracted configuration to an activated configuration.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method includes rotating the bracket around its axis while simultaneously rotating the stabilizing belt around its axis.

17. A method for supporting hatched larvae located in a hatching larvae support member, said hatching larvae support member having a head support member, a bracket, and a stabilizing band, characterized in that, The method includes: constraining the head of the hatched larva within the head cavity of a head support; after constraining the head of the hatched larva within the head cavity of the head support, supporting the ventral surface of the hatched larva on the support by rotating the bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva; and after constraining the head of the hatched larva within the head cavity, moving the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva by rotating it to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method involves rotating the stabilizing belt while rotating the bracket.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, characterized in that, The rotating bracket causes the stabilizing belt to rotate so that it contacts the dorsal surface of the hatched larvae.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, characterized in that, The method includes rotating the bracket to disengage it from the ventral surface of the hatched larva after the stabilizing band has been moved to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, wherein rotating the bracket to disengage it from the ventral surface of the hatched larva causes the stabilizing band to rotate and disengage from the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, characterized in that, After the bracket is rotated to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva and the stabilizing band is rotated to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, further rotation of the bracket toward the ventral surface of the hatched larva results in further rotation of the stabilizing band toward the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, characterized in that, The method includes rotating the bracket to disengage it from the ventral surface of the hatched larva after the stabilizing band has been moved to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, wherein rotating the bracket to disengage it from the ventral surface of the hatched larva causes the stabilizing band to rotate and disengage from the dorsal surface of the hatched larva; and wherein, after rotating the bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva and rotating the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva, further rotation of the bracket toward the ventral surface of the hatched larva causes further rotation of the stabilizing band toward the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

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