Hatching larva support system and method

Abstract

Hatchling support systems and methods of use thereof. Hatchling support systems and methods of use thereof can employ a cradle in combination with a stabilizing band, wherein the cradle and stabilizing band provide gentle support to hatchling(s) supported in the hatchling support system. Hatchling 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 hatchlings from the hatchling support system. In certain instances, the compaction imparted to hatchlings in the hatchling support system having both a cradle and a stabilizing band can be adjusted.

Description

[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 larval support systems and methods of using the same described herein are particularly useful when combined with the larval support described herein to hold a larva in the larval support while moving the larva in the larval support between various processes. In one or more embodiments, providing the cam with cam segments having different cam radii can provide the ability to provide a gentle transition in support and restraint provided to the larva during, for example, loading and unloading of the larva from the larval support. Further, in one or more embodiments, the compression imparted to the larva in the larval support having both a cradle and a stabilizing band can be adjusted (e.g., using smaller or larger cam radii) to provide a desired level of compression between the cradle and the stabilizing band, which can vary depending on the process being performed on the larva.

[0008] In a first aspect, one or more embodiments of a larval support as described herein can include a head support including a head cavity configured to receive a head of a larva and a retainer device configured to hold the head of the larva in the head cavity, the retainer device optionally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the head of the larva is held in the head cavity when the retainer device is in the closed configuration, and the head of the larva in the head cavity is free to move out of the head cavity when the retainer device is in the open configuration; a cradle operably attached to the head support, wherein the cradle is movable between a loading configuration and a support configuration, wherein the cradle is rotated about a cradle axis when the cradle is moved between the loading configuration and the support configuration, the cradle axis oriented transverse to a midline of the larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein the cradle supports a ventral surface of the larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support when the cradle is in the support configuration; 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 is rotated about a band axis when the stabilizing band is moved between the retracted configuration and the activated configuration, the band axis oriented transverse to the midline of the larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is positioned proximate to a dorsal surface of a torso of the larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support and supports the ventral surface when the cradle is in the support configuration.

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

[0010] In a third aspect, one or more embodiments of a method of supporting hatchling larvae as described herein can include: restraining a head of a hatchling larvae in a head cavity of a head support; supporting a ventral surface of the hatchling larvae on a cradle by rotating the cradle into contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling larvae after restraining the head of the hatchling larvae in the head cavity of the head support; moving a stabilizing band into contact with a dorsal surface of the hatchling larvae by rotating the stabilizing band into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling larvae after restraining the head of the hatchling larvae in the head cavity.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, one or more embodiments of a hatchling larvae support system as described herein can 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 a 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 cam segment of the plurality of cam segments occupies a selected arc of the peripheral edge, and wherein a cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge is different in each cam segment of the plurality of cam segments; and a plurality of hatchling larvae supports mounted on a periphery of the support platform, wherein each hatchling 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 rotates the plurality of hatchling larvae supports about the platform axis and the cam. In one or more embodiments, each hatchling larvae support of the plurality of hatchling larvae supports can include an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the hatchling larvae support is configured to receive a hatchling larvae in the open configuration and to hold the hatchling larvae in the closed configuration; and a follower configured to contact the peripheral edge of the cam in one or more cam segments of the plurality of cam segments, wherein the follower is in an open position when the hatchling larvae support is in the open configuration and the follower is in a closed position when the hatchling larvae support is in the closed configuration, wherein contact between the follower and the peripheral edge of the cam is configured to maintain the follower in the closed position in at least one cam segment of the plurality of cam segments.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, one or more embodiments of a method of supporting and transporting a hatchling as described herein can include: restraining a head of the hatchling within a head cavity of a head support; after restraining the head of the hatchling in the head cavity of the head support, supporting a ventral surface of the hatchling on a cradle by rotating the cradle into contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling; and after restraining the head of the hatchling within the head cavity, contacting a dorsal surface of the hatchling with a stabilizing band by rotating the stabilizing band into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling, wherein the head support, the cradle, and the stabilizing band are operably attached to form a hatchling support; and wherein rotating the cradle into contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling includes rotating the hatchling support about a platform axis to bring the cradle into contact with a first segment of a cam, the first segment of the cam configured to cause the cradle to rotate about a cradle axis when the hatchling support is rotated about the platform axis.

[0013] If used herein, the term "substantially" has the same meaning as "significantly" and can be understood to modify 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 "not substantially" has the same meaning as "not significantly" and can be understood to have the opposite meaning of "substantially", i.e., to modify the following term by no more than 25%, no more than 10%, no more than 5%, or no more than 2%.

[0014] As can be expected by one of skill in the art, numerical values used herein include normal variations that occur within the measurement, and should be understood to be encompassed by the values stated, e.g., ±5% of the stated value.

[0015] Terms such as "a", "one", and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a specific example can be used for illustration.

[0016] The terms "a", "one", and "the" are used interchangeably with the term "at least one". The phrases "at least one of' and "including at least one of', followed by a list of items, mean that any of the items can be employed by itself or any two or more of the items can be employed in combination.

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

[0018] The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that can provide certain benefits under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments can also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Additionally, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude those other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

[0020] Figure 2 is a side view of an illustrative embodiment of a hatchling support system as shown in Figure 1

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

[0022] Figure 4 is a front elevational view of an illustrative embodiment of a hatchling support as described herein.

[0023] Figure 5 is a right side elevational view of an illustrative embodiment of a hatchling support as shown in Figure 4

[0024] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a hatchling support as shown in Figure 4 Figure 4

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

[0026] Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a hatchling support as shown in Figure 4

[0027] Figure 9 is a top view of a hatchling support as shown in Figure 8

[0028] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a hatchling support as shown in Figure 1 Figure 1 ​​​​​​​Cross-sectional view of a hatchling support in a hatchling support system as shown in FIG. 1, taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in FIG. 1.

[0029] Figure 11 is taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in FIG. 1, Figure 1 is taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in FIG. 1, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a hatchling support in a hatchling support system as shown in FIG. 1, taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in FIG. 1.

[0030] Figure 12 is taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in FIG. 1, Figure 1 is taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in FIG. 1, Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a hatchling support in a hatchling support system as shown in FIG. 1, taken along a radial line extending from the platform axis in FIG. 1.

[0031] While the above-identified drawings, which can or can not be to scale, set forth embodiments of the application, other embodiments are also contemplated. In all cases, this disclosure presents the application by way of representation and not limitation. It is contemplated that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before any illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is to be understood that the application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The application is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.

[0033] Illustrative embodiments of a hatchling support system, a hatchling support that can be used in a hatchling support system, and methods of using both a hatchling support system and a hatchling support are described herein. While illustrative embodiments of a hatchling support as described in detail herein can be used in conjunction with the hatchling support systems described herein, alternative hatchling supports can also be used with the hatchling support systems and methods described herein.

[0034] Reference is made to Figures 1-2 One illustrative embodiment of a hatchling support system 10 as described herein can include a processing station platform 20, a cam 30, a support platform 40, and a plurality of hatchling supports 50 mounted on the support platform 40. In particular, it is to be understood that the support platform 40 is visible in the schematic view of FIG. 1, but is obscured by the processing station platform 20 in the top plan view of FIG. 2. Figure 2 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 depicted illustrative embodiment, the processing station platform 20 carries a set of loading stations 22 at which, as described herein, the hatched juvenile supports 50 are loaded with hatched juveniles.

[0036] Figure 1 The processing station platform 20 depicted in the middle 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 is matched with the number of beak processing stations 24 and injection stations 26 (e.g., in the depicted embodiment, the processing station platform 20 carries four loading stations 22, four beak processing stations 24, and four injection stations 26). Although the illustrative embodiment of the hatched juvenile support system 10 depicted includes only beak processing stations and injection stations, other types of processing stations can be used in one or more embodiments of the hatched juvenile support system described herein in addition to and / or instead of the beak processing stations and injection stations depicted. Such alternative processing stations can include, for example, claw treatment stations, female / male or sex identification stations, etc.

[0037] Non-limiting examples of processing procedures and / or processing stations that can be used in one or more embodiments of the hatchling support systems 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 COMPOSITIONS TO BIRDS); U.S. Patent 7,363,881 (BEAK TREATMENT WITH TONGUE PROTECTION); U.S. Patent 9,775,695 (FOURTH TOE PROCESSING SYSTEMS AND METHODS); U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2019 / 0133734 (POULTRY INJECTION APPARATUS WITH ROTATING CAPTURE MEMBERS AND METHODS OF USE); International Publication WO 2018204572 (INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS); International Publication WO 2019236964 (ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM USING AN ELECTRIC FIELD); and the like.

[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] Despite Figure 1 Top view and Figure 2 The schematic side elevation view shows only two hatchling supports 50, but 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 sections 32, 34, 36, and 38 to transition the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 from the cam radius in one cam section to the cam radius in an adjacent cam section. For example, transition section 33 transitions the cam radius of the peripheral edge 31 from the cam radius provided in cam section 32 to the larger cam radius provided in cam section 34. Similarly, transition section 35 transitions the cam radius of the peripheral edge 31 from the cam radius provided in cam section 34 to the slightly larger cam radius provided in cam section 36. Transition section 37 transitions the cam radius of the peripheral edge 31 from the cam radius provided in cam section 36 to the smaller cam radius provided in cam section 38. Finally, transition section 39 transitions the cam radius of the peripheral edge 31 from the cam radius provided in cam section 38 to the smaller cam radius provided in cam section 32.

[0046] Although the transition sections 33, 35, 37, and 39 are depicted as varying in a relatively smooth or gradual manner, alternatively, the transition sections used between cam sections in one or more embodiments of a cam used in the hatchling support systems described herein can vary sharply. In particular, where transitioning to a smaller cam radius, the transition to the smaller cam radius may, for example, be instantaneous, in which case there is essentially no transition section with a sharp change from the larger cam radius to the smaller cam radius.

[0047] Although not required, preferably, the cam radius of each cam section 32, 34, 36, and 38 can be constant within the cam section. Maintaining the cam radius constant within a cam section will typically provide consistent / uniform retention of hatchlings in the hatchling support 50 that passes through the cam section.

[0048] Although the depicted illustrative embodiment of a cam 30 used in the hatchling support system 10 includes four different cam sections, one or more alternative embodiments of a cam used in a hatchling support system as described herein can include any number of cam sections, including as few as two cam sections, three cam sections, and five or more cam sections. One alternative embodiment of a cam is schematically illustrated in Figure 3 where the cam 130 has a peripheral edge with three cam sections 132, 134, and 136. The cam sections define a cam radius from the platform axis 111. The cam 130 includes a transition section 133 between cam sections 132 and 134 and a transition section 135 between cam sections 134 and 136. The transition between cam sections 136 and 132 is provided as an example of a sharp or instantaneous change in the cam radius from the larger cam radius of cam section 136 to the smaller cam radius of cam section 132.

[0049] In a cam where the cam radius changes sharply or instantaneously, the direction of rotation of the cam can be limited so that the rotation of the cam does not interfere with or prevent the movement of the followers between the cam segments. For example, in the cam 130, the rotation of the support platform 140 about the platform axis 111 can preferably be limited to clockwise rotation so that any followers on the larva support moving about the cam 130 are not moved from the smaller cam radius of the cam segment 132 to the larger cam radius 136, but are limited to moving from the larger cam radius 136 to the smaller cam radius 132.

[0050] The larva support system described herein also includes a plurality of larva supports mounted on the periphery of the support platform. In the illustrative embodiment depicted, the larva supports 50 are mounted on the periphery 41 of the support platform 40. Rotation of the support platform 40 about the platform axis 11 rotates the larva supports 50 about the platform axis 11 and the cam 30.

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

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

[0053] However, it is possible that the follower on the larva support 50 can not actually contact the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 in every cam segment of the cam disposed in the larva support system as described herein. For example, the follower of the larva support 50 can not contact the peripheral 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] exist Figures 4-6 The document describes an illustrative embodiment of a hatching larvae support that can be used in one or more embodiments of the hatching larvae support system as described herein, wherein... Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The right side view of the hatching larvae support 50 shown in the figure. Figure 6 It is along Figure 4 The illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support 50 is shown in the figure, taken along line 6-6. Figures 8-9 As shown, the hatched larva H is located in the hatched larva support 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 depicted illustrative embodiment, the retainer device is in the form of an arm 64, where the arm 64 rotates between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the passageway to the head cavity 62 is unobstructed by the arm 64 (and the head of the hatchling 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 over the head cavity 62 to hold the head of the hatchling in the head cavity 62 (and the passageway to the head cavity 62 is at least partially obstructed by the arm 64).

[0059] The arm 64 of the depicted illustrative embodiment of the hatchling support 50 is in the closed configuration (and the head of the hatchling H is located in the hatchling support 50) in Figure 4 and the arm 64 is in the open configuration in Figure 9 The arm 64 of the depicted illustrative embodiment of the hatchling support 50 is in the closed configuration (and the head of the hatchling H is located in the hatchling support 50) in Figure 7 (which depicts the head support 60 separate from the hatchling support 50 for purposes of improved clarity) is in the open configuration. Reference is made to Figure 7 The arm of the depicted illustrative embodiment of the retainer device is configured to rotate about an axis 65 when moving between the open and closed configurations discussed herein. Similar head supports can 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 the like.

[0060] Although one illustrative embodiment of a retainer device for use in conjunction with a head support of a hatchling support described herein can be in the form of a pair of rotating arms, any suitable structure capable of performing the functions of a retainer device suitable for a hatchling support described herein can be used in place of a pair of rotating arms. One example of a potential suitable option for a retainer device for use in conjunction with a head support of a hatchling support described herein can include the retainer device (reference numeral 64) described in U.S. Patent 9,808,328 (POULTRY CARRIERS AND METHODS OF RESTRAINING POULTRY). Other examples of suitable structures for a retainer device are also possible.

[0061] Reference is made toFigure 7 Another optional feature that can be provided in connection with the illustrative embodiment of head support 60 is a beak opening 63 located within head cavity 62 such that the beak of a bird having its head located within head cavity 62 can extend out of head cavity 62 on a side of head support 60 opposite the head cavity opening, see, for example, beak B in Figure 8 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 the like.

[0062] Referring to Figures 4-6 , the illustrative embodiment of hatchling support 50 depicted includes cradle 70. Cradle 70 is operatively attached to head support 60 and / or base 52, which is used to attach hatching support 50 to a support platform of a hatchling support system as described herein. Regardless of whether cradle 70 is attached directly to head support 60 or directly to base 52, cradle 70 is operatively attached to head support 60 in that base 52 is attached to head support 60 when base 52 is provided as a separate piece from head support 60. When base 52 is an integral part of head support 60, cradle 70 is operatively attached (i.e., directly attached) to head support 60.

[0063] Cradle 70 is movable between a loading configuration and a support configuration. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, cradle 70 rotates about cradle axis 71 when cradle 70 is moved between the loading configuration and the support configuration. In the support configuration, cradle 70 contacts the ventral surface of a hatchling having its head located in and retained within head cavity 62 of head support 60. In one or more embodiments, cradle axis 71 can be described as being transverse to the midline of a hatchling having its head retained in head cavity 62 of head support 60, where the midline of the hatchling extends coextensively with cross-sectional line 6-6 as shown in Figure 4 ​

[0064] The body of the hatchling supported in the hatchling support 50 and having its head held in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60 extends downward toward the cradle 70 such that the torso of the hatchling can be supported by the cradle 70 when the cradle 70 is moved to its support configuration during rotation of the cradle 70 about the cradle axis 71. As used herein, the "torso" of a hatchling is the portion of the hatchling that contains the major organs (heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, intestines, etc.) and the chest of the hatchling, other than the head, neck, wings, and legs. As a result, when the cradle 70 is in its support configuration, the cradle 70 supports the ventral surface of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60, as described in connection with, for example, FIGS. 1-3 Figures 8-9 as discussed.

[0065] The depicted illustrative embodiment of the cradle 70 extends from a cranial end proximate the cradle axis 71 to a seat end 72 distal from the cradle axis 71. In one or more embodiments, the seat end 72 of the cradle 70 can preferably be sized or configured to fit between the legs of a hatchling whose ventral surface is supported by the cradle 70 when the cradle 70 is in its support configuration, as described herein.

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the seat end 72 of the cradle 70 can include a cup-shaped section 74 configured to extend between the legs of a hatchling whose ventral surface is supported by the cradle 70 when the cradle 70 is in its support configuration, as described herein. For example, as seen in Figure 8 FIG. 3, the cup-shaped section 74 extending between the legs of a hatchling in the illustrative embodiment of the cradle 70 supports the hatchling H.

[0067] Another optional feature that can be found in one or more embodiments of the hatchling support as depicted herein in connection with Figure 4 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the hatchling support 50 of FIG. 1 taken along the line 3-3. As seen in FIG. 3, the cup-shaped section 74 of the cradle 70 extends between the legs of the hatchling H supported by the cradle 70. As seen in FIG. 3, the cup-shaped section 74 of the cradle 70 can include a fork-like configuration in which the cradle includes a vent slot 75 extending toward the cranial end (i.e., the cradle axis 71) of the cradle 70. The vent slot 75 can be provided to provide access to the vent of the hatchling supported by the cradle 70 of the exemplary embodiment of the hatchling support 50 described herein. Additionally, the vent slot 75 can also reduce or and prevent the accumulation of waste (e.g., feces, urine, etc.) that is expelled by the hatchling through its vent. One or more embodiments of the cradle used in connection with the hatchling supports described herein can also include a vent slot in the absence of the cup-shaped section 74.

[0068] The illustrated embodiment of the hatched larva support 50 also includes a stabilizing band 80 operably attached to the head support 60. As noted above, the cradle 70 is also operably attached to the head support 60, which can 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 hatched larva support system described herein.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band 80 is movable between a retracted configuration and an activated configuration. As Figures 4-6 seen in FIG. 6, the stabilizing band 80 of the hatched larva support 50 is in its activated configuration. In contrast, the stabilizing band 80 of the hatched larva support 50 is in its retracted configuration in FIG. 7. Figures 8-9 In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing band 80 rotates about a band axis 81 when moving between the retracted configuration and the activated configuration. In one or more embodiments, the band axis 81 can also be oriented transverse to the midline of the hatched larva H, the head of which is retained in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60 of the hatched larva support 50. Alternatively, the band axis 81 can be described as aligned with the cradle axis 71.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band can be positioned proximate to the dorsal surface of the torso of the hatched larva H, the head of which is retained in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60, and the ventral surface of which is supported by the cradle 70 when the cradle 70 is in its support configuration, as described herein. In one or more embodiments, it can be preferable for the stabilizing band to contact the dorsal surface of the hatched larva H to provide the stabilizing effect as discussed herein.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band can be described as including a left arm 82 and a right arm 82, with the left and right arms 82 positioned on opposite sides of the midline of the hatched larva supported in the hatched larva support 50 described herein. In one or more embodiments, each of the left and right arms 82 can include a base end 83 through which the band axis 81 extends.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the stabilizing band 80 can 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 can connect the left and right arms 82 proximate to the dorsal surface of the hatched larva positioned in the hatched larva support 50. In such embodiments, the dorsal surface segment 84 can be described as a continuous dorsal surface segment that extends continuously between the left and right arms 82 of the stabilizing band 80.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, the hatched larva support 50 is shown in a support configuration, with the hatched larva H retained in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60 and the ventral surface of the hatched larva H supported by the cradle 70. In the illustrated embodiment, the stabilizing band 80 is in its activated configuration, with the left and right arms 82 of the stabilizing band 80 positioned on opposite sides of the midline of the hatched larva H, and the dorsal surface segment 84 of the stabilizing band 80 positioned proximate to the dorsal surface of the hatched larva H. Figure 9One or more alternative embodiments of the stabilizing band 80 can 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 Figure 9 FIG. 8B). In another alternative embodiment, the stabilizing band used in one or more of the hatchling supports described herein can include only one arm and one 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 can be described as having a top edge and a bottom edge. When the stabilizing band 80 is in its activated configuration (e.g., as seen in Figure 9 FIG. 8B), the top edge is proximal to the head cavity 62 of the head support, and the bottom edge is distal to the head cavity 62. The dorsal surface segment 84 can have a height measured between its top edge and bottom edge along a midline of a hatchling H supported in the hatchling support described herein.

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the height of the dorsal surface segment 84 can be 1 centimeter or greater at a lower end and 3 centimeters or less at an upper end. However, the actual height of the dorsal surface segment 84 can vary depending on the species or breed of hatchling, the size of the hatchling, and the like. The height of the dorsal surface segment can be preferably selected to contact the dorsal surface of the hatchling H over a distance sufficient to provide a stabilizing effect, while still providing access to the dorsal surface of the hatchling as needed for processing in one or more processing stations of a hatchling support system using the hatchling support.

[0076] While described with respect to the left and right arms 82 and the dorsal surface segment 84, the stabilizing band used in one or more embodiments of the hatchling support as described herein can alternatively be described as a cuff extending between a left end and a right end, with the band axis 81 extending through the left and right ends of the cuff of the stabilizing band 80. When described in this manner, the cuff has a top edge and a bottom edge as discussed above in connection with the dorsal surface segment 84, and a corresponding height between the top and bottom edges as also described above.

[0077] As described herein, the cradle 70 rotates about the cradle axis 71 between a loading configuration and a support 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 FIGS. 8A and 8B, the cradle 70 is depicted in the loading configuration, with the stabilizing band 80 in its retracted configuration in Figures 4-6 FIG. 8A. In Figures 8-9 FIG. 8B, the cradle 70 is depicted in the support configuration, with the stabilizing band 80 in its activated configuration in Figures 8-9The image depicts the stabilizing band 80 in its active configuration. Relative to the head support 60, the bracket 70 and the stabilizing band 80 rotate about their respective axes, which can be achieved by... Figures 4 to 6 The relative positions of the bracket 70 and the stabilizer belt 80 in the middle Figures 8 to 9 The positions of the bracket 70 and the stabilizer 80 can be compared to see this.

[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] refer to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view depicting an illustrative embodiment of a rotational connection between a bracket and a stabilizing belt, wherein 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 hatching larvae support system as described herein, the bracket of the illustrative embodiment of the hatching larvae support described herein can be used as a follower configured to contact the peripheral edge of a cam in the hatching larvae support system, wherein the open position of the follower in the hatching larvae support system corresponds to the loading configuration of the bracket of the hatching larvae support as described herein, and the closed position of the follower in the hatching larvae support system corresponds to the supporting configuration of the bracket of the hatching larvae support as described herein. Reference Figures 8-9 The hatching larvae support, bracket / follower 70 depicted in the image is in Figures 4-6 The middle is in its loaded configuration / open position, and the bracket / follower 70 is in Figures 8-9 It is in its supported configuration / disabled position.

[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 a hatching larva support as described herein, the follower (e.g., cradle 70) can be biased to move to its open position / load configuration in the absence of a force applied to rotate the cradle 70 about the cradle axis 71. The biasing force can be provided by any number of structures or mechanisms, including but not limited to a torsion spring, a coil spring, an elastomeric structure, etc. The biasing force can help drive the follower (e.g., cradle 70) into contact with the peripheral edge of the cam of one or more embodiments of a hatching larva support system as described herein.

[0083] Reference can be made to Figures 10-12 to discuss the interaction between an illustrative embodiment of a hatching larva support 50 and an illustrative embodiment of a hatching larva support system as described herein. As seen in Figures 10-12 the hatching larva support 50 is positioned on the support platform 40 to rotate about the processing station platform 20 and the cam 30 as discussed above with respect to illustrative embodiments of a hatching larva support system described herein. Rotation of the support platform 40 and its attached hatching larva support 50 serves to bring the hatching larva support 50 into position relative to a station located on the processing station platform 20 described herein.

[0084] In Figure 10 station 22 is in the form of a load station at which the head of a hatching larva is positioned in the head cavity in the head support 60 of the hatching larva support 50.

[0085] In Figure 11 station 24 is in the form of a beak treatment station in which the beak of a hatching larva whose head is located in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60 can be treated using energy directed through the cavity 25. The beak treatment station 24 can take a variety of forms, and some examples of beak treatment stations that can be used in conjunction with the hatching larva support systems 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); etc.

[0086] In Figure 12In particular, station 26 is in the form of an injection station in which a selected ingredient can be delivered to a hatchling located in hatchling support 50 using, for example, an injection needle 27. Injection station 26 can take a variety of forms, some examples of injection stations that can be used in conjunction with the hatchling support systems 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); International Publication WO 2018204572 (INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS); and the like.

[0087] Hatch support 50 is in its open configuration in Figure 10 to allow for loading of hatchlings into hatchling support 50. In particular, cradle 70 is in its loading configuration, while stabilizing band 80 is in its retracted configuration, such that a head of a hatchling can be positioned in a head cavity of head support 60 as described herein. As Figure 10 seen in Figure 1 , Figure 10 a cross-sectional view can be taken along a radial line extending through platform axis 11 in cam segment 32.

[0088] In Figure 11 particular, hatchling support 50 is in a closed configuration in which cradle 70 is moved to its support configuration, and stabilizing band 80 is moved to its activated configuration, such that a hatchling located in hatchling support 50 is supported within hatchling support 50. More particularly, as seen in, for example, Figures 8-9 cradle 70 supports a ventral surface of the hatchling, while stabilizing band 80 encircles a dorsal surface of the hatchling’s torso. In the depicted embodiment, movement of cradle 70 to its support configuration is caused by contact between peripheral edge 31 of cam 30 and follower surface 76 of cradle 70.

[0089] With Figure 11 and Figure 10With comparison, it can be seen that due to the contact between the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 and the follower surface 76 of the cradle 70, the cradle 70 is rotated outward from the cam 30 about its cradle axis 71. In the depicted embodiment of the hatchling support 50, the rotation of the cradle 70 about the cradle axis 71 due to the contact between the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 and the follower surface 76 of the cradle 70 results in the rotation of the stabilizing band 80 about the band axis 81, as described herein.

[0090] As Figure 12 depicted in FIG. 6, the hatchling support 50 is also in a closed configuration relative to the injection station 26 in which the cradle is in its support configuration and the stabilizing band 80 is in its activated configuration, thereby supporting a hatchling located in the hatchling support 50 within the hatchling support 50.

[0091] When the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 causes the cradle 70 to rotate into contact with the ventral surface of a hatchling located in the head cavity 62 of the head support 60, such that the cradle 70 is in its support configuration, as described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 6 (i.e., the distance between the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 and the axis about which the support platform 40 carrying the hatchling support 50 rotates) is greater than the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 7. Figure 11 and Figure 12 As described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 6 (i.e., the distance between the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 and the axis about which the support platform 40 carrying the hatchling support 50 rotates) is greater than the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 7. Figure 11 Figure 12 As described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 6 (i.e., the distance between the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 and the axis about which the support platform 40 carrying the hatchling support 50 rotates) is greater than the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 7.

[0092] As described in FIGS. 6 and 7, the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 6 (i.e., the distance between the peripheral edge 31 of the cam 30 and the axis about which the support platform 40 carrying the hatchling support 50 rotates) is greater than the radius of the cam in the cam portion depicted in FIG. 7. Figure 1 , Figure 11 The cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 can be taken along a radial line extending through the platform axis 11 in the cam segment 34, while the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 can be taken along a radial line extending through the platform axis 11 in the cam segment 36. Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 can be taken along a radial line extending through the platform axis 11 in the cam segment 34, while the cross-sectional view of FIG. 9 can be taken along a radial line extending through the platform axis 11 in the cam segment 36.

[0093] In addition to the different cam radii, one way in which this difference can be characterized is by the angle formed between the cam 30 and the cradle 70. In particular, the angle a (alpha) as depicted in FIG. 8 will be less than the angle b (beta) in FIG. 9. Figure 11 Figure 12 Because the rotation of the cradle 70 in the hatchling support 50 described herein results in a corresponding rotation of the stabilizing band 80 about the band axis 81 (but in the opposite direction), the angle a' (alpha') formed between the cradle 70 and the stabilizing band 80 as seen in FIG. 8 will be greater than the angle b' (beta') formed between the cradle 70 and the stabilizing band 80 as seen in FIG. 9, even though the angle a (alpha) as seen in FIG. 8 is less than the angle b (beta) as seen in FIG. 9. Figure 11 Figure 12 Because the rotation of the cradle 70 in the hatchling support 50 described herein results in a corresponding rotation of the stabilizing band 80 about the band axis 81 (but in the opposite direction), the angle a' (alpha') formed between the cradle 70 and the stabilizing band 80 as seen in FIG. 8 will be greater than the angle b' (beta') formed between the cradle 70 and the stabilizing band 80 as seen in FIG. 9, even though the angle a (alpha) as seen in FIG. 8 is less than the angle b (beta) as seen in FIG. 9. Figure 11 Figure 12 ​​​​The angle β (beta) seen in the diagram.

[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] and Figure 11 Compared to the angle α'(alpha') shown, Figure 12 The decrease in angle β' (beta') shown is caused by the movement of the stabilizing band 80 toward the bracket 70. As a result, as the cam radius defined by the outer edge 31 of the cam 30 increases, the distance between the interior of the stabilizing band 80 and the bracket 70 decreases. This reduction in the 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 present application, there is provided a hatchling support comprising: a head support comprising a head cavity configured to receive a hatchling head and a retainer device configured to hold a hatchling head in the head cavity, the retainer device being optionally movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein when the retainer device is in the closed configuration, a hatchling head is held in the head cavity, and when the retainer device is in the open configuration, a hatchling head in the head cavity is free to move out of the head cavity; a cradle operably attached to the head support, wherein the cradle is movable between a loading configuration and a support configuration, wherein, optionally, the cradle rotates about a cradle axis when the cradle is moved between the loading configuration and the support configuration, the cradle axis being oriented transverse to a midline of a hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein when the cradle is in the support configuration, the cradle supports a 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, optionally, the stabilizing band rotates about a band axis when the stabilizing band is moved between the retracted configuration and the activated configuration, the band axis being oriented transverse to the midline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, wherein the stabilizing band is positioned proximate to a dorsal surface of a torso of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support and whose ventral surface is supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration.

[0102] In a 2ndaspect according to aspect 1, the cradle extends from a cranial end proximate to the cradle axis to a seating end distal to the cradle axis, wherein the seating end comprises a cup-shaped section configured to extend between leg portions of a hatchling whose ventral surface is supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration. This feature provides additional support to the hatchling, improves its holding in the hatchling support, and by increasing the support, also serves to further stabilize the hatchling during the process. In a 3rdaspect according to aspect 2, the cup-shaped section comprises a forked configuration comprising a ventilation slot extending towards the cranial end of the cradle. This ventilation slot reduces the likelihood of waste products from the hatchling being retained on the cradle.

[0103] In a 4thaspect according to aspect 1, the cradle extends from a cranial end proximate to the cradle axis to a seating end distal to the cradle axis, wherein the seating end comprises a ventilation slot extending from a dorsal surface of the seating end towards the cranial end. This ventilation slot reduces the likelihood of waste products from the hatchling being retained on the cradle.

[0104] In a 5thaspect according to any one of aspects 2 or 3, the seat end is configured to fit between the legs of a hatched juvenile when the cradle is in the support configuration, a ventral surface of the hatched juvenile being supported by the cradle. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile, improves its retention in the hatched juvenile support, and also serves to further stabilise the hatched juvenile during the process of handling by increasing the support.

[0105] In a 6thaspect according to any one of the preceding aspects, the stabilisation band comprises a left arm and a right arm, wherein the left arm and the right arm are located on opposite sides of a midline of a hatched juvenile, a head of the hatched juvenile is retained in a head cavity of a head support, and a ventral surface of the hatched juvenile is supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration, wherein the left arm and the right arm each comprise a base end, wherein a band axis extends through the base end of each of the left arm and the right arm. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile by improving the rigidity of the stabilisation band, improves its retention in the hatched juvenile support, and also serves to further stabilise the hatched juvenile during the process of handling by increasing the support.

[0106] In a 7thaspect according to aspect 6, the stabilisation band comprises a dorsal surface segment extending from one or both of the left arm and the right arm.

[0107] In an 8thaspect according to aspect 6, the stabilisation band comprises a continuous dorsal surface segment extending continuously between the left arm and the right arm. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile by improving the rigidity of the stabilisation band, improves its retention in the hatched juvenile support, and also serves to further stabilise the hatched juvenile during the process of handling by increasing the support.

[0108] In a 9thaspect according to aspects 7 or 8, the dorsal surface segment comprises a top edge proximal to the head cavity and a bottom edge distal to the head cavity when the stabilisation band is in the activated configuration, wherein the dorsal surface segment has a height measured along a midline of the hatched juvenile between the top edge and the bottom edge, a head of the hatched juvenile is retained within a head cavity of a head support, and a ventral surface of the hatched juvenile is supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration, wherein optionally the height of the dorsal surface segment is 1 centimetre or greater, and optionally 3 centimetres or less.

[0109] In a 10thaspect according to any one of aspects 1-5, the stabilisation band comprises a hoop extending between a left end and a right end, wherein the band axis extends through the left end and the right end such that the hoop rotates about the band axis. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile by improving the rigidity of the stabilisation band, improves its retention in the hatched juvenile support, and also serves to further stabilise the hatched juvenile during the process of handling by increasing the support.

[0110] In a 11th aspect according to aspect 10, when the stabilizing band is in the activated configuration, the hoop comprises a top edge proximal to the head cavity and a bottom edge distal to the head cavity, wherein the hoop has a height measured along a midline of the hatched juvenile between the top edge and the top edge, the head of the hatched juvenile being held in the head cavity of the head holder, and when the cradle is in the support configuration, the ventral surface of the hatched juvenile is supported by the cradle, wherein, optionally, the height of the hoop is 1 centimeter or more, and, optionally, 3 centimeters or less.

[0111] In a 12th aspect according to any of the preceding aspects, the cradle comprises a cradle gear, and the stabilizing band comprises a band gear, wherein the cradle gear rotates about the cradle axis, and wherein the band gear rotates about the band axis, and further wherein the cradle gear is in mesh with the band gear, such that rotation of the cradle gear about the cradle axis causes rotation of the band gear about the band axis.

[0112] In a 13th aspect according to any of aspects 1-12, the cradle axis is aligned with the band axis.

[0113] According to a 14th independent aspect of the invention, a method of supporting a hatched juvenile using a hatched juvenile support according to any of aspects 1-13, comprising: placing a head of a hatched juvenile in a head cavity of a head holder, and holding the head of the hatched juvenile in the head cavity by moving the retainer device to the closed configuration; after holding the head of the hatched juvenile in the head cavity, supporting a ventral surface of the hatched juvenile on a cradle by rotating the cradle from the loading configuration to the support configuration; and after holding the head of the hatched juvenile in the head cavity, positioning a stabilizing band on a dorsal surface of the hatched juvenile by rotating the stabilizing band about the band axis from the retracted configuration to the activated configuration.

[0114] In a 15th aspect according to aspect 14, the method comprises rotating the stabilizing band about the band axis while rotating the cradle about the cradle axis.

[0115] According to a 16th independent aspect of the invention, a method of supporting a hatched juvenile, comprising: restraining a head of a hatched juvenile within a head cavity of a head holder; after restraining the head of the hatched juvenile in the head cavity of the head holder, supporting a ventral surface of the hatched juvenile on a cradle by rotating the cradle into contact with the ventral surface of the hatched juvenile; and after restraining the head of the hatched juvenile in the head cavity, moving a stabilizing band into contact with a dorsal surface of the hatched juvenile by rotating the stabilizing band into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatched juvenile.

[0116] In a 17th aspect according to aspect 16, the method comprises rotating the stabilizing band while rotating the cradle.

[0117] In an 18th aspect according to any one of aspects 16-17, wherein rotation of the cradle causes the stabilizing band to rotate into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling.

[0118] In a 19th aspect according to any one of aspects 16-18, the method comprises, after causing the stabilizing band to move into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling, rotating the cradle to disengage it from contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling, wherein rotating the cradle to disengage it from contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling causes the stabilizing band to rotate to disengage from contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling.

[0119] In a 20th aspect according to any one of aspects 16-19, after rotating the cradle into contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling and rotating the stabilizing band into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling, further rotation of the cradle toward the ventral surface of the hatchling causes further rotation of the stabilizing band toward the dorsal surface of the hatchling.

[0120] According to a 21st independent aspect of the present application, there is provided a hatchling support system, 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 comprising a peripheral edge, wherein a rotational position of the cam is optionally fixed relative to the platform axis, wherein the peripheral edge of the cam comprises a plurality of cam segments, wherein each cam segment of the plurality of cam segments occupies a selected arc of the peripheral edge, and wherein, in each cam segment of the plurality of cam segments, a cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge is different; and a plurality of hatchling supports mounted on a periphery of the support platform, wherein each hatchling 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 rotation of the plurality of hatchling supports about the platform axis and the cam, wherein each hatchling support of the plurality of hatchling supports comprises an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the hatchling support is configured to receive a hatchling in the open configuration and to hold the hatchling in the closed configuration; a follower configured to contact the peripheral edge of the cam in one or more cam segments of the plurality of cam segments, wherein the follower is in an open position when the hatchling support is in the open configuration and the follower is in a closed position when the hatchling support is in the closed configuration, wherein 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 cam segment of the plurality of cam segments.

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

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

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

[0124] In a 25th aspect according to aspect 24, the cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge in the second cam segment is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge in the first cam segment.

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

[0126] In a 27th aspect according to the 26th aspect, a cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge in the second cam segment is greater than a cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge in the first cam segment.

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

[0128] In a 29th aspect according to aspect 28, a cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge in the fourth cam segment is greater than a cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge in the first cam segment.

[0129] In a 30th aspect according to any of aspects 28-29, 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 segment.

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

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

[0132] In a 33rd aspect according to aspect 32, the first process and the second process are different.

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

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

[0135] In a 36th aspect according to any one 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 one of aspects 21 to 36, each of the plurality of hatchling supports comprises a head support, a cradle, and a stabilizing band, wherein the cradle comprises a follower of each of the plurality of hatchling supports; wherein the head support of each of the plurality of hatchling supports comprises a head cavity configured to receive a hatchling head, the head support comprising a retainer device configured to hold a hatchling head in the head cavity, the retainer device movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, holding a hatchling head in the head cavity when the retainer device is in the closed configuration, the hatchling head in the head cavity free to move out of the head cavity when the retainer device is in the open configuration; wherein the cradle of each of the plurality of hatchling supports is operably attached to the head support, wherein the cradle is movable between a loading configuration and a support configuration, wherein the cradle rotates about a cradle axis oriented transverse to a midline of a hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support when moving between the loading configuration and the support configuration, the ventral surface of the hatchling whose head is held within the head cavity of the head support supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration; and wherein the stabilizing band of each of the plurality of hatchling supports is 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 oriented transverse to the midline of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support when moving between the retracted configuration and the activated configuration, wherein the stabilizing band is positioned proximate to a dorsal surface of a torso of the hatchling whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support, and the ventral surface of the hatchling is supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration.

[0137] In a 38th aspect according to aspect 37, the cradle extends from a cranial end proximate to the cradle axis to a seat end distal from the cradle axis, wherein the seat end comprises a cup-shaped section configured to extend between leg portions of a hatchling, the ventral surface of the hatchling supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration. This feature provides additional support to the hatchling, improves its holding in the hatchling support, and by increasing the support, also serves to further stabilize the hatchling during the processing process.

[0138] In a 39th aspect according to aspect 38, the cup-shaped section comprises a forked configuration comprising a vent slot extending towards the cranial end of the cradle. This vent slot reduces the likelihood of waste products from the hatched juvenile being retained on the cradle.

[0139] In a 40th aspect according to aspect 37, the cradle extends from a cranial end proximal to the cradle axis to an abutment end distal to the cradle axis, wherein the abutment end comprises a vent slot extending from the abutment end dorsal surface towards the cranial end. This vent slot reduces the likelihood of waste products from the hatched juvenile being retained on the cradle.

[0140] In a 41st aspect according to any one of aspects 38 to 40, the abutment end is configured to fit between the legs of the hatched juvenile, the ventral surface of the hatched juvenile being supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile, improves its retention in the hatched juvenile support, and also serves to further stabilise the hatched juvenile during the handling process by increasing the support.

[0141] In a 42nd aspect according to any one of aspects 37 to 41, the stabilising band comprises a left arm and a right arm, wherein the left arm and the right arm are located on opposite sides of a midline of the hatched juvenile whose head is retained in the head cavity of the head support, and the ventral surface of the hatched juvenile is supported by the cradle when the cradle is in the support configuration, wherein the left arm and the right arm each comprise a base end, wherein a band axis extends through the base end of each of the left arm and the right arm. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile by improving the rigidity of the stabilising band, improves its retention in the hatched juvenile support, and also serves to further stabilise the hatched juvenile during the handling process by increasing the support.

[0142] In a 43rd aspect according to aspect 42, the stabilising band comprises a dorsal surface section extending from one or both of the left arm and the right arm.

[0143] In a 44th aspect according to aspect 42, the stabilising band comprises a continuous dorsal surface section extending continuously between the left arm and the right arm. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile by improving the rigidity of the stabilising band, improves its retention in the hatched juvenile support, and also serves to further stabilise the hatched juvenile during the handling process by increasing the support.

[0144] In a 45th aspect according to any one of aspects 43-44, when the stabilizing band is in the activated configuration, the dorsal surface segment comprises a top edge proximal to the head cavity and a bottom edge distal to the head cavity, wherein the dorsal surface segment has a height measured along a midline of a hatched juvenile whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support between the top edge and the bottom edge, and when the cradle is in the support configuration, a ventral surface of the hatched juvenile is supported by the cradle, wherein, optionally, the height of the dorsal surface segment is 1 centimeter or greater.

[0145] In a 46th aspect according to any one of aspects 37-41, the stabilizing band comprises a hoop extending between a left end and a right end, wherein the band axis extends through the left end and the right end such that the hoop rotates about the band axis. This feature also provides additional support to the hatched juvenile by improving the rigidity of the stabilizing band, improving its hold in the hatched juvenile support, and by increasing the support, also serves to further stabilize the hatched juvenile during the handling process.

[0146] In a 47th aspect according to aspect 46, when the stabilizing band is in the activated configuration, the hoop comprises a top edge proximal to the head cavity and a bottom edge distal to the head cavity, wherein the hoop has a height measured along a midline of a hatched juvenile whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support between the top edge and the top edge, and when the cradle is in the support configuration, a ventral surface of the hatched juvenile is supported by the cradle, wherein, optionally, the height of the hoop is 1 centimeter or greater, and, optionally, 3 centimeters or less.

[0147] In a 48th aspect according to any one of aspects 37-47, the cradle comprises a cradle gear, and the stabilizing band comprises a band gear, wherein the cradle gear rotates about the cradle axis, and wherein the band gear rotates about the band axis, and further wherein the cradle gear is in mesh with the band gear such that rotation of the cradle gear about the cradle axis causes rotation of the band gear about the band axis.

[0148] In a 49th aspect according to any one of aspects 37-48, the cradle axis is aligned with the band axis.

[0149] According to a 50th independent aspect of the present application, a method of supporting and transporting a hatchling comprises: restraining a head of the hatchling within a head cavity of a head support; after the head of the hatchling is restrained in the head cavity of the head support, supporting a ventral surface of the hatchling on a cradle by rotating the cradle into contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling; after the head of the hatchling is restrained in the head cavity, moving a stabilizing band into contact with a dorsal surface of the hatchling by rotating the stabilizing band into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling; wherein the head support, the cradle, and the stabilizing band are operably attached to form a hatchling support; and wherein rotating the cradle into contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling comprises rotating the hatchling support about a platform axis to bring the cradle into contact with a first segment of a cam, the first segment of the cam being configured to rotate the cradle about a cradle axis when the hatchling support is rotated about the platform axis.

[0150] In a 51st aspect according to aspect 50, the hatchling support comprises the hatchling support of any one of aspects 1 to 13.

[0151] In a 52nd aspect according to any one of aspects 51 to 52, the hatchling support comprises one of the plurality of hatchling supports of any one of aspects 21 to 29.

[0152] In a 53rd aspect according to any one of aspects 50 to 52, the method comprises rotating the stabilizing band while rotating the cradle.

[0153] In a 54th aspect according to any one of aspects 50 to 53, rotating the cradle causes the stabilizing band to rotate into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling.

[0154] In a 55th aspect according to any one of aspects 50 to 54, the method comprises, after causing the stabilizing band to move into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling, causing the cradle to rotate out of contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling, wherein causing the cradle to rotate out of contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling comprises further rotating the hatchling support about the platform axis to a successive segment of the cam, the successive segment having a cam radius that is less than a cam radius of the first segment of the cam.

[0155] In a 56th aspect according to aspect 55, the cradle rotating out of contact with the ventral surface of the hatchling causes the stabilizing band to rotate out of contact with the dorsal surface of the hatchling.

[0156] In a 57th aspect according to any one of aspects 50 to 56, after the cradle is rotated into contact with the ventral surface of the hatching juvenile and the stabilizing band is rotated into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatching juvenile, further rotation of the cradle towards the ventral surface of the hatching juvenile causes further rotation of the stabilizing band towards the dorsal surface of the hatching juvenile, wherein the further rotation of the cradle is caused by further rotation of the hatching juvenile support about the platform axis, such that the cradle contacts a second section of the cam having a cam radius measured from the platform axis that is greater than the cam radius in the first section of the cam.

[0157] In a 58th aspect according to any one of aspects 50 to 57, after the cradle is rotated into contact with the ventral surface of the hatching juvenile and the stabilizing band is rotated into contact with the dorsal surface of the hatching juvenile, further rotation of the hatching juvenile support about the platform axis causes the cradle to move to contact a second section of the cam having a cam radius measured from the platform axis that is greater than the cam radius in the first section of the cam. This feature provides different levels of compression to hold the hatching juvenile more securely where needed and less securely where not needed, improving the method.

[0158] All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties into this disclosure unless otherwise expressly indicated. While specific illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it will be apparent that various modifications and / or equivalents can be used in place of the specific embodiments described and / or illustrated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples that have been set forth. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is to be limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A hatching larvae support system, characterized in that, include: A support platform, which is mounted on a base, is used to rotate about a platform axis that extends through the support platform and the base; A cam, comprising a peripheral edge, 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 in each of the plurality of cam segments, the cam radius between the platform axis and the peripheral edge is different; and Multiple hatching larvae supports are mounted on the periphery of a support platform, each hatching larvae support being fixed in a position on the periphery of the support platform, and wherein rotation of the support platform about a platform axis causes the multiple hatching larvae supports to rotate about the platform axis and a cam, wherein each of the multiple hatching larvae supports comprises: 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; A follower configured to contact the outer edge of a cam in one or more of a plurality of cam segments, wherein the follower is in an open position when the hatching larva support is in an open configuration and in a closed position when the hatching larva support is in a closed configuration; The contact between the follower and the outer edge of the cam is configured such that the follower is held in the closed position in at least one of the plurality of cam segments.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The follower of each of the multiple hatching larvae supports is biased to move from the closed position to the open position.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the hatching larvae support is in one of the multiple cam sections, in a cam section where the follower is spaced apart from the outer edge of the cam, the follower of each of the multiple hatching larvae supports is biased to move from the closed position to the open position.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, 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 wherein in at least one cam segment 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, and at least one cam segment of the plurality of cam segments includes a second cam segment of the plurality of cam segments.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the second cam section is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the first cam section.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The multiple cam sections include a first cam section, a second cam section, and a third cam section; The follower of each of the multiple hatching larvae supports is in the open position in the first cam section; The second cam section includes at least one of a plurality of cam sections, wherein the contact between the peripheral edge of the cam of the follower and the plurality of hatching larvae supports is configured to hold the follower in a closed position; The contact between the follower and the outer edge of the cam in the third cam section is configured to keep the follower of each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports in the closed position; The second cam section is located between the first cam section and the third cam section; Furthermore, the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the third cam section is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the second cam section.

7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the second cam section is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the first cam section.

8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that, 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.

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the fourth cam section is greater than the cam radius between the platform axis and the outer edge of the first cam section.

10. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, 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.

11. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The system includes: The first group of processing stations, wherein each processing station in the first group of processing stations is located in a fixed position relative to the second cam section; and The second set of processing stations, each of which is located in a fixed position relative to the third cam section.

12. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each processing station in the first group is configured to perform a first processing on hatched larvae located in one of the plurality of hatched larvae supports, and each processing station in the second group is configured to perform a second processing on hatched larvae located in one of the plurality of hatched larvae supports.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first and second treatments are different.

14. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first set of processing stations includes a set of beak processing stations.

15. The system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second set of processing stations includes a set of injection stations.

16. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first set of processing stations is attached to the processing station platform, wherein the rotational position of the processing station platform is fixed relative to the platform axis.

17. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, 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; Each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports includes a head support comprising a head cavity configured to receive a hatching larvae head. The head support includes a retainer device configured to hold the hatching larvae head 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 hatching larvae head is held in the head cavity, and wherein when the retainer device is in an open configuration, the hatching larvae head in the head cavity is freely movable out of the head cavity. Each of the plurality of hatching larvae supports has a bracket operably attached to a head support, wherein the bracket is movable between a loading configuration and a support configuration, wherein when moving between the loading configuration and the support configuration the bracket rotates about a bracket axis transverse to the centerline orientation of the hatching 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 hatching larva whose head is held in the head cavity of the head support; and Each of the plurality of hatchling supports has a stabilizing band operatively attached to a 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 transverse to the midline orientation 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 hatchling's torso, whose ventral surface is supported by the support when the support is in the supported configuration, within the head cavity of the head support.

18. The system according to claim 17, 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.

19. The system according to claim 18, 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.

20. The system according to claim 17, 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 vent groove extending from the dorsal surface of the seat end toward the cranial end.

21. The system according to claim 18, 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.

22. The system according to claim 17, 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 the larva, which 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, and the band axis extends through the base end of each of the left arm and the right arm.

23. The system according to claim 22, characterized in that, The stabilizing band comprises a dorsal surface segment extending from one or both of the left and right arms.

24. The system according to claim 22, characterized in that, The stabilizing band comprises a continuous dorsal surface segment that extends continuously between the left and right arms.

25. The system according to claim 23, 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 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 support configuration, wherein, optionally, the height of the dorsal surface section is 1 cm or greater.

26. The system according to claim 17, 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.

27. The system according to claim 26, 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 ventral surface of the hatchling 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. Optionally, the height of the hoop is 1 cm or more, and optionally 3 cm or less.

28. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The bracket includes a bracket gear, and the stabilizing belt includes a belt gear, wherein the bracket gear rotates about the bracket axis, and the belt gear rotates about the belt axis. Furthermore, 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.

29. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The bracket axis is aligned with the belt axis.

30. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The rotational position of the cam is fixed relative to the platform axis.

31. A method for supporting and transporting hatched larvae, characterized in that, The method includes: The head of the hatched larvae is constrained within the head cavity of the head support component; After the head of the hatched larva is constrained in the head cavity of the head support, the ventral surface of the hatched larva is supported on the support by rotating the bracket to make it contact the ventral surface of the hatched larva. After the head of the hatchling is constrained in the head cavity, the stabilizing band is moved to contact the dorsal surface of the hatchling by rotating it; wherein the head support, the bracket and the stabilizing band are operatively attached to form a hatchling support. Furthermore, rotating the bracket to contact the ventral surface of the hatched larvae includes rotating the hatched larvae support about the platform axis to contact the bracket with a first section of a cam, the first section of which is configured such that when the hatched larvae support rotates about the platform axis, the bracket rotates about the bracket axis.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The hatching larvae support includes one of the plurality of hatching larvae supports as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

33. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The method involves rotating the stabilizing belt while rotating the bracket.

34. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that, The rotating bracket causes the stabilizing belt to rotate so that it contacts the dorsal surface of the hatched larvae.

35. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that, 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 the 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.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, This causes the support to rotate out of contact with the ventral surface of the hatched larva, thereby causing the stabilizing band to rotate out of contact with the dorsal surface of the hatched larva.

37. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, 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. This further rotation of the bracket is caused by further rotation of the hatched larva support about the platform axis, which causes the bracket to contact the second section of the cam, in which the cam radius measured from the platform axis is greater than the cam radius in the first section of the cam.

38. The method according to any one of claims 31 to 33, 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 hatched larva support about the platform axis moves the bracket to contact the second segment of the cam, in which the cam radius measured from the platform axis is greater than the cam radius in the first segment of the cam.

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