Poultry egg placement device

Abstract

A box-shaped body of a poultry egg placement machine, which is used to receive poultry eggs to be placed on a surface. These poultry eggs are received in the form of a two-dimensional array, and wherein the box-shaped body includes a base portion, side walls, and a lid portion. The side walls extend from one end of the base portion, and the lid portion is connected to the second end of the side walls, and this second end is away from the base portion. The box-shaped body is provided with a first opening mechanism, through which a placement tray can be placed into the box-shaped body. The box-shaped body is also provided with a second opening mechanism, in which the lid portion can be partially and / or gradually opened to allow a predetermined number of poultry eggs to be removed therefrom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for depositing poultry eggs onto a surface, particularly for the field of poultry farming, for placing the poultry eggs on the floor of a poultry house in order to incubate fertilized poultry eggs. The present invention includes the inversion of a box-shaped body for selectively dispensing the poultry eggs from the box-shaped body. Additionally, the present invention also proposes a navigation setting scheme and a control setting scheme for the device. The process of incubating poultry eggs on the floor of a poultry house is generally referred to as "farm incubation". Background Art

[0002] Industrial hatcheries collect fertilized poultry eggs, and subsequently the fertilized poultry eggs are incubated for a period of time. Around 18 days into the incubation period, the poultry eggs are transferred to an incubator which has large flat trays on which the poultry eggs are placed. The poultry eggs and the flat trays are transferred to a unit where environmental conditions are artificially created to facilitate the hatching of chicks from the poultry eggs. For example, a large incubator can be approximately 3.3 meters by 1.8 meters and have a capacity of approximately 15,800 poultry eggs. Typically, although chicks appear after one or two days in the incubator, the trays may not be removed from the incubator for up to three days, which means that the chicks have to survive for several days without water supply and with limited or no available food. As a result, the chicks are in a weakened state at the start of their lives and may require more antibiotics than healthy chicks.

[0003] For many years, it has been known that if poultry eggs are incubated on the floor of a poultry house, the chicks will be healthier and have access to food and water at all times. This makes the chicks healthier, grow larger and faster than chicks from an incubator, require 5% to 10% less feed to reach the desired weight, and have a healthier immune system; however, transferring the poultry eggs from the incubator to the bedding on the floor of the poultry house can be time-consuming and requires delicate handling of the poultry eggs to ensure that the eggs are not damaged during placement.

[0004] Some machines have been proposed for placing poultry eggs on the floor of a poultry house; however, these machines are generally expensive, complex to use, and may be unreliable. One such device uses cups and a vacuum pump therein to lift each poultry egg and transfer it to the floor. The problem with this device is that the vacuum pump requires a large amount of energy and a good seal must be maintained between the cup and the poultry egg to avoid the poultry egg falling and breaking. Therefore, the construction cost of these machines can be high and they have a high power requirement to ensure a reliable vacuum. Additionally, due to the forces involved in lifting the poultry eggs using suction, the control of the machine is complex and prone to mechanical failures.

[0005] In other existing setups, complex and heavy facilities are required to install long tracks and house the attached systems, with the tracks supporting the hatching trays along the length of the poultry house via support structures; however, these are all expensive, and each poultry house requires its own support device and egg-placement device. Moreover, such setups require the weight of the device to be supported by the poultry house, which poses a challenge to the structural integrity of the building. After installation, after the chicks have hatched, the trays on the egg layer system must be removed. This involves a significant amount of time during the poultry rearing cycle. Additionally, after the flock has been removed from the poultry house, the installed structure needs to be deeply cleaned and then lifted to the roof of the building to avoid damage during the cleaning process at the end of the rearing cycle.

[0006] Another problem with existing egg-placement machines is that they often slip on the bedding in the poultry house during the process of placing eggs. This can lead to problems in the effective placement of eggs by the machine, or in some cases, the eggs that have already been placed may be damaged due to being crushed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Generally, the present invention relates to the inversion of a box-shaped body containing eggs such that the eggs contained therein can be released onto the floor of the poultry house. The box-shaped body containing eggs can be loaded into a dispensing machine, and then the box-shaped body is inverted, and the eggs can be selectively dispensed from the dispensing machine onto the bedding in the poultry house. A navigation system for an egg-dispensing device is also described herein, and this navigation system can be incorporated into the above-mentioned dispensing machine.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an egg-placement machine having a box-shaped body for receiving eggs to be placed on a surface, with these eggs being received in a two-dimensional array, and wherein the box-shaped body includes:

[0009] A base portion;

[0010] Side walls having a first end extending from the base portion; and

[0011] A lid portion connected to a second end of the side walls, the second end being remote from the base portion;

[0012] Wherein the lid portion of the box-shaped body is provided with:

[0013] A first opening mechanism through which a placement tray can be placed inside the box-shaped body; and

[0014] A second opening mechanism in which the lid portion can be partially and / or gradually opened to allow the removal of a predetermined number of eggs therefrom.

[0015] The box-shaped body is adapted by a first opening mechanism to enable a placement tray containing eggs to be placed therein. The first opening mechanism can be an opening of the entire lid portion to allow the placement tray to be placed therein, or the first opening mechanism can also be an opening in one or more side walls to provide an opening for the placement tray. Then, when the tray is in an egg dispensing machine or an egg placement machine, a second opening mechanism can be used to selectively dispense eggs. This allows for the rapid loading of the box-shaped body and the gradual and selective unloading of the box-shaped body. It can be understood that the lid portion can be integral with the box-shaped body or can be removed from the box-shaped body.

[0016] In the case of loading the placement tray into the box-shaped body using a side wall opening, it can be understood that once the eggs have been dispensed, the placement tray can be ejected through the same side wall opening or through an opening in a different side wall (such as an opposite side wall or an adjacent side wall). Similarly, in the case of using a lid to load the placement tray into the box-shaped body, the placement tray can be removed through the lid opening or through a side wall.

[0017] In a preferred arrangement, the inner surface of the lid portion facing the base portion is provided with cushioning material. Once the box-shaped body is placed in an egg placement machine, the box-shaped body will be rotated or flipped so that the lid portion becomes the part of the box-shaped body closest to the ground. Thereby, the cushioning material reduces the risk of damaging the eggs during the flipping process and when the eggs abut against the lid.

[0018] Advantageously, the second opening mechanism is selected from the group consisting of:

[0019] a plurality of cover plates that can pivot open independently of each other; and

[0020] a plurality of rods, at least some of the plurality of rods being movable relative to the remaining rods. Alternatively, a sliding mechanism can also be applied to the cover plates or rods to allow selective opening. By using the cover plates or rods, eggs can be selectively released from the box-shaped body by opening the cover plates or sliding the cover plates or adjusting the position of at least some of the rods. Both provide a reliable and predictable arrangement for releasing eggs from the box-shaped body. Thus, the second opening mechanism can be in the form of a plurality of vanes, rods or bars, where the vanes, rods or bars are arranged in groups and the groups are operated to selectively dispense a corresponding group of eggs. The rods can be circular, oval, flat or other shapes, depending on the requirements, and the rods can be provided with a cushioning mechanism or covering to help protect the eggs.

[0021] In an alternative arrangement, the first opening mechanism and the second opening mechanism are identical and include a top plate which can be removed through the top of the side wall to expose the eggs. Conceivably, the opening mechanism could be in the form of a top plate, for example, a sliding plate or a retractable film, which can be slid or peeled away step by step from the box-shaped body to expose the eggs and release them from the box-shaped body. A conveying device can be used to slide the lid portion out of the box-shaped body.

[0022] Advantageously, the second opening mechanism can be selectively opened to expose a row of eggs in the placement tray. By exposing a row of eggs each time, the eggs can be released from the box-shaped body in an orderly and predictable manner.

[0023] Preferably, at least a part of the guiding and connecting mechanism is provided on the outer surface of the box-shaped body, and this guiding and connecting mechanism can engage with the guiding mechanism of the egg placement machine. The provision of a part of the guiding mechanism enables the box-shaped body to engage with the corresponding part of the guide or track, so that the box-shaped body can be manipulated and / or transported. The first part of the guiding and connecting mechanism can be provided on the base part or at least one side wall.

[0024] In an advantageous arrangement, the box-shaped body is adapted to receive and retain the placement tray. Thus, the placement tray which usually receives the eggs can be directly placed into the box-shaped body, thereby reducing the handling of the eggs. More advantageously, the box-shaped body is provided with an engaging mechanism or a retaining mechanism to engage with the placement tray and hold it within the box-shaped body. This can not only keep the placement tray in place during linear movement, but also keep the placement tray in place when the box-shaped body is inverted, which can in turn keep the eggs in the desired position for distribution from the box-shaped body.

[0025] In the case where the placement tray is to be placed within the box-shaped body, it is beneficial that the lengths of at least two of the side walls are adjustable to accommodate placement trays of different widths. Such an arrangement allows different sizes and types of placement trays to be used with a single box-shaped body, since the box-shaped body can adapt to different-sized trays. Thus, different placement trays from different suppliers can be used with the box-shaped body, which can allow the device to be used for different types of poultry.

[0026] In one embodiment, the height of the base part of the box-shaped body can be adjusted relative to the lid portion and / or the side walls. Thus, once the placement tray is fed into the box-shaped body through the lid portion or the side walls, the base part can move relative to the lid portion and / or the side walls to hold the placement tray more firmly in place. This enables the placement tray to be held firmly within the box-shaped body, reducing the risk of the placement tray moving within the box-shaped body and thereby reducing the risk of the eggs therein being damaged. Another advantage of such an arrangement is that the box-shaped body can compensate for variations in the depth of the placement tray.

[0027] In one arrangement, the lid part can be moved relative to the base part. This allows the lid part to be raised to permit the insertion of the egg-laying tray before closing. In one arrangement, to reduce the distance between the eggs and the lid part, the lid moves towards the egg-laying tray, which may involve the lid part moving below the top of the side wall. By reducing the distance between the eggs in the laying tray and the lid part, or more specifically, the distance to the second opening mechanism of the lid part, the risk of damage to the eggs is reduced. In use, the box-shaped body is inverted or flipped so that the eggs can be dispensed from the box-shaped body through the second opening mechanism, and the reduction in the distance between the eggs and the lid part can reduce the risk of mechanical damage to the eggs, especially when the lid part and / or the second opening mechanism are provided with cushioning material.

[0028] The present invention includes an egg-laying machine, which comprises:

[0029] a box-shaped body receiving part that accommodates one or more box-shaped bodies as described herein;

[0030] a guiding element for guiding the box-shaped body around a loop;

[0031] a base element; and

[0032] a propulsion system for moving the machine.

[0033] Preferably, the guiding element inverts the box-shaped body so that the lid of the box-shaped body faces the ground, and wherein the machine is provided with an activation element that activates the second opening mechanism to selectively dispense eggs from the box-shaped body when triggered.

[0034] The machine is a vehicle that can travel in a poultry house and dispense eggs onto the litter in a regulated and controlled manner, thereby allowing the chicks to hatch in a more natural way. It is conceivable that with the present invention, 30,000 to 60,000 eggs can be placed on the floor of a poultry house per hour. The machine is portable and can be moved between poultry houses, however, it can be understood that the machine may need to be cleaned between poultry houses.

[0035] The guiding element can be in the form of a conveyor mechanism, a roller, a yoke or a chain, each of which engages with the box-shaped body and inverts it so that the lid part is close to the ground. When the box-shaped body is inverted, each of these guiding mechanisms can be raised or lowered as required. This ensures that the leading edge of the box-shaped body does not drop below the desired height, especially to the position where eggs have been or will be laid. In this way, the second opening mechanism can be used to selectively dispense eggs from the machine. In one arrangement, the box-shaped body is connected to an arm rotating about an axis, and preferably, two or more arms are attached to the axis and rotate about the axis. This can allow one box-shaped body to provide a counterweight for another box-shaped body, thereby reducing the power required to rotate the arm. The box-shaped body can be fixed to a rotating structure rotating about a central axis, and the rotating structure can include a base element or a bracket, and the box-shaped body can be releasably received in the base element or the bracket.

[0036] Preferably, the machine further includes at least one plough element for preparing the surface on which the eggs will be placed. Thus, the machine is capable of preparing the bedding on which the eggs will be placed by using the plough element to form a V-shaped or other desired shape in the bedding. The shaped bedding is more likely to cushion the eggs when they are dropped and support the eggs after they land. Additionally, the bedding is shaped to achieve the optimal height and shape for receiving the eggs. The plough element can be in the form of a roller, with an optional brush element, and the roller has V-shaped protrusions to transfer the bedding or shavings to the side while creating a flat surface. This forms small furrows and reduces the risk of the eggs moving laterally after they land. A brush can be placed behind the plough element to further level the bedding. The plough, the brush and the roller can be used in combination to prepare the bedding for receiving the eggs.

[0037] The machine can further include one or more guide plates for laterally separating the eggs from each other. Since fertilized eggs generate heat, in order to provide sufficient space for the eggs to stay cool and to incubate without damaging other eggs, guide plates can be used to laterally separate a plurality of eggs when the eggs are placed on the bedding. The guide plates can be made of metal and coated with a rubber or plastic material, or they can also be made of a rubber or plastic material. Additionally, the guide plates can be changed according to the material of the bedding and can also be adjusted to change the guiding angle.

[0038] The eggs can be laid in a position that reduces the chance of the chicks breaking out of the shell, which is called "small end up". After that, the eggs should roll onto their sides, just as they do in nature, so that the chicks can hatch easily. Thus, in one arrangement, the machine can be provided with positioning elements, which can be in the form of brushes or rollers to determine the orientation of the eggs being laid. The element can be provided at the rear of the machine, where the brush or roller is used to determine the orientation of the eggs on their sides so that the eggs are in the optimal position for hatching. The eggs can be positioned with the small end down or on their sides, and the positioning element can determine the orientation of the eggs on the bedding. In one arrangement, both the brush and the roller can be provided on the machine such that the roller or buffer bar nudges the eggs onto their sides and the brush follows the roller to continue the placement process.

[0039] In the case where the eggs are distributed in groups, the first group of eggs can be laid in a first position and the machine moves forward, and the second group of eggs can be laid in a second position. This is particularly advantageous when the groups are arranged such that the rows of eggs in the box alternate, as the alternating distribution of the rows of eggs and helps with the spatial separation of the eggs, thereby reducing the risk of overheating.

[0040] Sensors can be used to ensure that the eggs are held at a set distance from the ground before being distributed. This reduces the risk of the eggs falling from a height that could cause damage to the eggs. Additionally, or alternatively, the height of the machine chassis and / or the height of the guiding mechanism connected to the chassis can be adjusted, which can be achieved by a pneumatic mechanism and / or a hydraulic mechanism and brakes or by an electric motor. Alternatively, the relative height of the guiding mechanism, the axis of rotation, and / or the chassis can be manually adjusted to the desired height. The height adjustment of the machine can be controlled by various threaded elements or positioning mechanisms, preferably at each corner of the machine, in order to provide a consistent height on an uneven surface. The threaded elements include screws or gears, such as worm gears. Sensors can be used to monitor the height of the chassis from the bedding in the poultry house and the height can be adjusted automatically.

[0041] The present invention can extend to a trailer for receiving an egg laying machine, which receives the egg laying machine when the egg laying machine is not in use. The trailer can include a wired charging element or a wireless charging element such that the machine can be charged when it is not in use. In addition, the trailer can include a purification system. The purification system can be in the form of a fluid dispersion system, which can include a chemical cleaning system. Thus, when the machine is moved between different locations, the machine can be purified if needed.

[0042] The present invention can extend to an egg laying machine, which includes:

[0043] a chassis; and

[0044] Propulsion system;

[0045] Wherein, the egg laying machine is further provided with a navigation system to allow the machine to follow a predetermined path.

[0046] In this way, the egg laying machine can be provided with a navigation system to monitor the movement of the machine. The machine can be provided with wheels or tracks and associated steering mechanisms. The propulsion force and steering of the machine, in combination with the navigation system, allow the device to lay eggs on the ground in a predictable and efficient manner.

[0047] The navigation system can be manual, but it is preferably automatic, thereby allowing the user to monitor rather than actively control the machine. It can be understood that in certain cases, manual control may be desirable, in which case a control device can be used, thereby allowing the operator to control the movement and steering of the machine.

[0048] In one arrangement, the navigation system includes a laser alignment system. In this way, the laser can be pointed at a desired target and monitored to guide the machine along a preferred direction.

[0049] Advantageously, the navigation system includes at least one accelerometer and / or at least one gyroscope. The accelerometer and / or gyroscope assist in monitoring the movement of the machine and ensuring that the desired path is achieved.

[0050] Preferably, the egg laying machine is provided with a local positioning receiver. The use of a local positioning system allows the machine to be monitored relative to a plurality of fixed points. The local positioning system can use a plurality of signal transmitters and at least one receiver to allow determination of the relative position of the machine.

[0051] Particularly advantageously, the machine includes a steering system linked to the navigation system such that the direction of travel can be corrected. In the case where the steering system is connected to the navigation system, the machine can correct its direction of travel to be as close as possible to a predetermined path. Although the correction can be made manually, an automated system that links the navigation system to the steering of the machine gives the machine more efficient movement.

[0052] The egg laying machine preferably includes a box-shaped receiving portion for receiving at least one box-shaped body containing eggs, wherein the machine is provided with an activation element that, when triggered, activates a selective opening mechanism to selectively dispense eggs from the box-shaped body. More preferably, the box-shaped body is inverted in the manner described herein to dispense the eggs onto the floor of the poultry house.

[0053] In an advantageous arrangement, the machine further comprises at least one plough element for preparing the surface on which the eggs are to be placed, and in another advantageous arrangement, the machine further comprises guide plates for laterally separating the eggs from one another as they are dispensed from the egg placement machine. The preparation of the litter on which the eggs are to be placed and the arrangement of the eggs on this surface allow the eggs to be dispensed in a manner that increases the likelihood of successful hatching. Description of the Drawings

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 A first box-shaped body according to the present invention is shown;

[0056] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 a further view of the box-shaped body of

[0057] Figure 3 is shown Figure 1 another view of the box-shaped body of

[0058] Figure 4 A second box-shaped body according to the present invention is shown;

[0059] Figure 5 is shown Figure 4 a further view of the box-shaped body of

[0060] Figure 6 is shown Figure 4 another view of the box-shaped body of

[0061] Figure 7 A third box-shaped body according to the present invention is shown;

[0062] Figure 8 is shown Figure 7 a further view of the box-shaped body of

[0063] Figure 9 is shown Figure 7 another view of the box-shaped body of

[0064] Figure 10 A machine according to the present invention and the steps in its operating cycle are shown;

[0065] Figure 11 A second machine according to the present invention is shown;

[0066] Figure 12 is shown Figure 11 a further view of the machine of

[0067] Figure 13 is shownFigure 11 Another view of the machine;

[0068] Figure 14 Shows a third machine according to the present invention;

[0069] Figure 15 Shows Figure 14 A further view of the machine; and

[0070] Figure 16 Shows Figure 14 Another view of the machine. Detailed Description

[0071] Figures 1 to 3 Shows a cross-sectional view of the box-shaped body 10 for the egg-placement machines 50, 60 or 70. The box-shaped body has a pair of opposite side walls 12 which are connected to a base portion 14. A lid portion 16 is provided in the form of a buffer conveying element 18. The lid portion 16 can be retracted to allow the placement tray 20 containing eggs 22 to be inserted. Guide elements 24 are provided on the base portion 14 and can be used to engage the box-shaped body 10 in a track or loop.

[0072] In use, the placement tray 20 is placed inside the box-shaped body 10 and the lid portion 16 is closed. As shown herein, the box-shaped body 10 is placed in the egg-placement machine and during the placement process, the box-shaped body 10 is flipped so that the lid portion 16 becomes the lower surface of the box-shaped body 10. When the eggs 22 are to be released from the box-shaped body 10, the conveying element 18 is operated to retract or "pull back" so as to expose the eggs 22 and enable the eggs 22 to be dispensed, as Figure 3 shown. Once the eggs 22 are dispensed, the conveying element 18 can be moved back to its original position to close the box-shaped body 10.

[0073] It can be understood that rollers can be used and a sheet material can be used as the lid portion such that the rollers are operated to slide the lid portion between an open position and a closed position.

[0074] Figures 4 to 6 Shows a cross-sectional view of the box-shaped body 30 which has opposite side walls 12, a base portion 14 and guide elements 24, as Figures 1 to 3is the same as the box-shaped body 10 shown. The lid portion 16 of the box-shaped body 30 includes a pivot element 32 to allow the entire lid portion 16 to be pivotally opened to allow access to the interior of the box-shaped body 30. Additionally, the lid portion 16 is also provided with a plurality of individually rotatable cover plates 34. Thus, the lid portion 16 has two opening mechanisms; the entire lid can be opened by pivoting the lid portion 16 at the pivot element 32 to allow access to the box-shaped body 30, or an individual cover plate 34 can be opened by pivoting itself, thereby forming a smaller opening sized to release a row of eggs 22. The inner surface of the lid portion 16 is provided with cushioning material (not shown) to assist in cushioning the eggs 22 during inversion. It will be appreciated that individual cover plates can be provided for each egg, in which case there will be multiple cover plates per row.

[0075] In use, the lid portion 16 is pivoted to allow full access to the box-shaped body 30, and the placement tray 20 containing the eggs 22 is inserted into the box-shaped body 30 and held therein by a holding mechanism or retention mechanism (not shown). During distribution, the box-shaped body 30 is inverted so that the lid portion 16 is closest to the ground, and the eggs 22 are cushioned by an internal buffer layer during inversion. When an egg 22 is to be distributed, the cover plate 34 is pivoted from the closed position to the open position, one cover plate 34 at a time. The opening of the cover plate 34 allows the egg 22 held thereunder to be distributed from the box-shaped body 30, and the cover plate 34 can be used to gently roll and guide the egg 22 as it is distributed from the box-shaped body 30. Once the eggs 22 under each respective cover plate 34 have been distributed, the cover plate 34 can be closed to avoid interfering with subsequent cover plates 34 and the eggs 22 distributed therefrom. It will be appreciated that some or all of the cover plates 34 can remain open or be fully closed once the eggs 22 have been released from the box-shaped body 30. The cover plate 34 can be controlled by a mechanical lever or an electromagnetic coil, and it can spring back to bias it to the closed position such that when the egg 22 is released, the cover plate 34 returns to the closed position.

[0076] Figures 7 to 9 A cross-sectional view of a box-shaped body 40 is shown, which has opposing side walls 12, a base portion 14, and guide elements 24, the same as the box-shaped bodies 10 and 30 described previously. The lid portion 16 in this arrangement can be opened by lifting the lid portion 16 or by pivoting the lid portion 16, as Figures 4 to 8is the same as the box-shaped body 30. Additionally, the lid portion 16 of the box-shaped body 40 is provided with a series of pairs of rods 42, which can be coated with rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene or similar friction-reducing materials, and / or have engraved rubber protrusions on the rods 42. The relative distance between the pairs of rods 42 can be adjusted so that the pairs of rods 42 are closer together in the first position than in the second position. When in the first position, the rods 42 are close enough together to be less than the width of a poultry egg, thereby allowing the poultry egg 22 to rest on top of the rods 42. When in the second position, there is a gap between the rods 42 that is greater than the width of the poultry egg 22, thereby allowing the poultry egg 22 to pass between the rods 42. The adjustment of the rods 42 can be achieved by using a rotating gear or a cam connected to a part of the device in which they are located, such as the wheel of a poultry egg placement machine. One of the pair of rods 42 can be fixed, while the other rod of the pair of rods 42 moves relative to the fixed rod. Alternatively, both rods of a pair of rods can be movable or telescopic. The position of a single rod can be adjusted to release one or more poultry eggs.

[0077] In use, the placement tray is inserted into the box-shaped body 40 and retained therein, the same as the other box-shaped bodies 10 and 30. The box-shaped body 40 is then inverted so that the lid portion 16 becomes the lowermost surface, and the poultry eggs 22 rest on the rods 42, which are in the first position. The rods 42 are then opened in sequence to allow rows of poultry eggs 22 to be dispensed from the box-shaped body 40.

[0078] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a poultry egg placement machine 50 and the process of placing poultry eggs on the floor of a poultry house is shown. The poultry egg placement machine 50 includes rubber wheels 52, a propulsion mechanism, and a guiding mechanism 54. The propulsion mechanism is preferably a battery-controlled motor, and the guiding mechanism 54 can guide the box-shaped body 10 around the internal volume of the poultry egg placement machine 50.

[0079] In the starting position, as shown in the upper left figure, the box-shaped body 10 is loaded into the poultry egg placement machine 50, and the guiding element 24 of the box-shaped body engages with the guiding mechanism 54. The box-shaped body descends towards the ground, and sensors are used to lower the box-shaped body to a predetermined height above the floor litter of the ground, which should provide a descent distance of approximately 1 centimeter. During the descent, the box-shaped body 10 is rotated so that the lid portion 16 of the box-shaped body 10 is inverted to become the surface closest to the ground. At this stage, as shown in the middle left figure, the machine is ready and prepared to dispense the poultry eggs 22.

[0080] The poultry egg placement machine 50 moves along the floor of the poultry house, and as it moves, the box-shaped body 10 is gradually opened to allow the poultry eggs 22 to be selectively dispensed from the box-shaped body 10 onto the floor of the poultry house.

[0081] Once the distribution of the eggs 22 is completed, the box-shaped body 10 is closed, and the guiding mechanism 54 lifts the box-shaped body 10 back to the top of the egg placement machine 50 while rotating the box-shaped body 10, thus causing the lid portion 16 to face upward again. Once the box-shaped body 10 is again located at the top of the egg placement machine 50, it can be removed and replaced with a box-shaped body containing more eggs.

[0082] Figures 11 to 13 A partial view of another egg placement machine 60 is shown, which includes wheels 62 on a chassis 64. A guiding mechanism 66 is provided to guide the box-shaped body around the egg placement machine 60, and the guiding mechanism 66 has a loop along which the box-shaped body is guided.

[0083] The box-shaped body 30 is received at the top of the egg placement machine 60, and the guiding mechanism on the box-shaped body engages with the guiding mechanism 66 of the egg placement machine 60. Once engaged, the guiding mechanism 66 of the egg placement machine 60 guides the box-shaped body 30 around the loop, during which the box-shaped body 30 is rotated to the vertical direction, that is, the lid portion and the base portion of the box-shaped body 30 are substantially perpendicular to the ground. Then, the box-shaped body 30 is further guided to a position where the box-shaped body 30 is inverted, that is, the lid portion 16 is close to the ground and the base portion 14 is away from the ground. In this inverted position, the box-shaped body 30 can be gradually opened to distribute the eggs 22 therefrom.

[0084] Once the distribution of the eggs 22 from the box-shaped body 30 is completed, the box-shaped body 30 continues to move around the guided loop so that it moves to a substantially vertical position, and then lies flat at the top of the egg placement machine 60 in order to remove the empty placement tray and replace it with a full one, or, alternatively, replace the empty box-shaped body 30 with a full box-shaped body 30.

[0085] Figures 14 to 16 A partial view of another egg placement machine 70 is shown, in which the box-shaped body is loaded onto an arm 72 connected to a shaft 74, and a guiding element 24 on the box-shaped body 30 engages with the arm 72. In this arrangement, the arm 72 is a guiding mechanism for guiding the box-shaped body 30 around the egg placement machine 70. The arm 72 can be provided with a spring-loaded folding element such that the arm 72 is adjustable in length, thereby ensuring that the arm 72 is at the correct height when the eggs are released. This may be necessary because, on an arcuate movement path, the height of the box-shaped body 30 may need to be adjusted when the box-shaped body 30 rotates to ensure that the eggs are approximately 1 centimeter from the ground.

[0086] As the shaft 72 rotates, the box-shaped body 10 rotates around the egg placement machine 70, and the filled placement trays are loaded into the box-shaped body 30 of the egg placement machine 70. The lid portion 16 of the box-shaped body 30 faces away from the ground to allow the empty placement trays to be removed and the filled placement trays to be inserted. The box-shaped body 30 is rotated and inverted so that the lid portion 16 is adjacent to the ground and the base portion 14 is away from the ground. In this position, due to the action of gravity, the eggs 22 rest on the lid portion 16. When the egg placement machine 70 moves along the floor of the poultry house, the second opening mechanism is operated to gradually and selectively allow the eggs to move from the placement trays in the box-shaped body to the litter on the floor of the poultry house. In this way, the eggs 22 are released from the egg placement machine 70 onto the litter, while the box-shaped body 30 continues to rotate around the circuit of the egg placement machine 70 and returns to its initial position, where the empty placement trays can be removed and the filled placement trays can be inserted.

[0087] In one arrangement, Figures 14 to 16 the device shown in may be provided with two arms 72 instead of three arms 72. Using two arms instead of three arms allows the empty box-shaped body (i.e., the eggs have been dispensed from the box-shaped body) to act as a partial counterbalance for the box-shaped body loaded with eggs. This counterbalancing effect reduces the force required on the rotating shaft, thereby reducing energy consumption. It will be appreciated that four arms or more arms may be used, which may have associated support mechanisms for each arm and each box-shaped body.

[0088] Advantageously, a front plow and side skirts and other safety elements are provided to reduce the risk of injuring the user or the poultry. The chassis and other structural elements may include stainless steel, and the walls may be of mesh and / or transparent material to allow the internal working conditions to be seen. Where possible, all materials used should be chemically resistant to facilitate thorough cleaning.

[0089] The speed of the machine can be set, for example, from 1 kilometer to 2 kilometers per hour, or for example, 1.6 kilometers per hour. A control box can be set on the machine or remotely from the machine, and the latter can be connected in a wireless or wired manner. A remote control box can be provided, and short-range wireless transmitters, such as short-range radio frequency transmitters and receivers, are included in the machine and the control box, which can provide a convenient control device. The control device can be a touch screen or can have a control lever to adjust the steering on the machine. Additionally, or alternatively, a software application can be installed on a portable device, such as a smartphone or tablet device, which allows the machine to be controlled. Thus, signals can be transmitted through a personal area network, a local area network, a telephone network, or through a short-range transmission system. When the machine moves in the forward direction, the eggs are released in the opposite direction, thereby allowing the eggs to be placed at intervals.

[0090] Although different cassettes have been shown for use with different machines illustrated in the figures, any of the cassettes described herein can be used with a variety of egg-placement machines.

[0091] The cassette can include a stainless-steel base portion having a rim for holding a placement tray and a locking mechanism for holding the placement tray within the cassette. The guiding element on the cassette can be a shaft about which the cassette can rotate when the cassette is within the guiding mechanism of the machine.

[0092] Before the machine passes through the poultry house, the cassette should be loaded into the machine and the first cassette inverted and prepared, or activated, to distribute eggs. The inversion can be achieved by a chain driven by a motor that rotates the cassette as it moves towards the bottom of the machine. When egg distribution is complete, the cassette should preferably be closed and returned to the machine's entrance, at which time the placement tray can be released to allow its removal. The cassette can remain in the machine and the placement tray inserted and removed from the machine.

[0093] The release of eggs should be coordinated with the forward movement of the machine such that the eggs are released at intervals onto the litter in the poultry house. A joint or protrusion within the machine can trigger a second opening mechanism to selectively open the inverted lid of the cassette. Similarly, another joint can be used to close the second opening mechanism. The joint can form part of the guiding mechanism.

[0094] It will be appreciated that a placement tray or cassette loading mechanism can be provided on the machine to load another placement tray or cassette onto the machine when required. Additionally, or alternatively, empty placement trays and / or cassettes can be ejected and received by a receiving mechanism. These elements can assist in automating the egg-placement process to reduce the level of manual intervention or interaction.

[0095] The machine can be of sufficient width to allow several cassettes to be loaded adjacent to each other therein, thereby allowing eggs to be distributed in parallel from adjacent cassettes. Thus, several trays of eggs can be released onto the ground simultaneously to reduce the time required to place the eggs.

[0096] The machine of the present invention is portable and thus can be used between different poultry houses as required rather than being fixed in a single location. In the case of transporting the machine, the machine can be placed in a specific machine-receiving trailer that can disinfect and / or charge the machine between different locations.

[0097] A laser alignment system or a local positioning system can be employed to ensure that the machine moves within the poultry house along a desired path or route. Similarly, one or more cameras can be used to monitor the position of the machine and continuously provide feedback to the steering device to allow the machine to be adjusted to the desired path or route.

[0098] Obviously, the side walls and / or the base portion of the box-shaped body can also be provided with cushioning materials to cushion any eggs in its vicinity.

[0099] To reduce smoke, the machines disclosed herein are preferably powered by rechargeable batteries, which can be housed in a sealed container. Wireless charging can be performed using a docking station and inductive charging, and the docking station and inductive charging can be located in a storage room or a trailer suitable for transporting the machine. The machine can be rear-wheel drive, or in some configurations, can be all-wheel drive; although automatic steering controlled by gyroscopic laser positioning or laser-guided navigation is contemplated, manual steering can also be allowed to provide user control when needed.

[0100] In one configuration, the box-shaped body is provided with a series of substantially parallel rods, which are divided into several groups. These groups can be arranged such that alternating rods are in alternating groups, thereby forming two sets of rods. In such a configuration, the rods can be grouped such that the box-shaped body has rods that unfold as A-B-A-B-A-B, where A and B are consecutive rods. Once grouped, the different groups can move alternately, so that group A moves relative to the frame to release the first set of eggs, while group B holds the second set of eggs in place within the box-shaped body. Then, group A returns to its previous position, and then group B moves relative to the frame to distribute the second set of eggs. This enables the groups of eggs to be distributed in a quick and simple manner. The result of this configuration is that rows 1, 3, 5, 7, etc. are distributed from the placement tray, and then rows 2, 4, 6, 8, etc. are distributed thereafter. In addition to effectively distributing the eggs, this configuration also provides a method of spatially separating the eggs on the bedding to reduce the risk of overheating. Depending on the distribution requirements, there can be more than two groups.

[0101] The features of one or more embodiments of the invention described herein can be incorporated into other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An egg placement machine, comprising wheels or tracks, and a propulsion system for moving the egg placement machine along a surface, wherein the egg placement machine further comprises a box-shaped body for receiving eggs to be placed on the surface, the eggs being received in a two-dimensional array, wherein, The box-shaped body includes: A base portion; Side walls, each side wall having a first end extending from the base portion; and A lid portion, the lid portion being connected to a second end of the side walls, the second end being remote from the base portion; Wherein, the box-shaped body is provided with: A first opening mechanism through which a user can place a placement tray into the box-shaped body; and A second opening mechanism in which the lid portion can be partially and / or gradually opened to allow a predetermined number of eggs to be removed therefrom; A guiding mechanism is provided in the egg placement machine, the guiding mechanism being configured to guide the box-shaped body around a loop; Wherein, the guiding mechanism is arranged to invert the box-shaped body such that the lid portion of the box-shaped body faces the ground, and wherein the egg placement machine is provided with an activation element configured to activate the second opening mechanism when triggered to selectively dispense eggs from the box-shaped body.

2. The egg placement machine according to claim 1, wherein, The inner surface of the lid portion facing the base portion is provided with a cushioning material.

3. The egg placement machine according to claim 1, wherein, The second opening mechanism is selected from the group consisting of the following elements: A plurality of cover plates that can pivot open independently of each other; And A plurality of rods, at least some of the plurality of rods being movable relative to the remaining rods.

4. The egg placement machine according to claim 1, wherein, The lid portion includes a top plate that can be removed through the top of the side walls to gradually expose and dispense the eggs.

5. The egg placement machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second opening mechanism is in the form of a plurality of rods, sliders or rods provided in the lid portion, wherein the plurality of rods or rods are arranged in groups, and the groups are operated to selectively dispense a corresponding group of eggs.

6. The egg placement machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The second opening mechanism can be selectively opened to expose a row of eggs in the egg placement tray.

7. The egg placement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, At least a part of a guiding connection mechanism is provided on the outer surface of the box-shaped body, and the guiding connection mechanism can engage with a guiding element of the egg placement machine.

8. The egg placement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The box-shaped body includes a holding structure such that when the placement tray is received in the box-shaped body, the placement tray is releasably held in the box-shaped body.

9. The egg placement machine according to claim 8, wherein The box-shaped body is provided with an engaging mechanism to engage the placement tray and hold the placement tray in the box-shaped body.

10. The egg placement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The lengths of at least two of the side walls are adjustable to accommodate placement trays of different widths.

11. The egg placement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first opening mechanism is located in the lid portion or the side walls.

12. The egg placement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The egg placement machine further includes at least one plow element to prepare the surface for placing the eggs.

13. The egg placement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The egg placement machine further includes a turning plate to laterally separate the eggs from each other.

14. The egg placement machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The egg placement machine is provided with a positioning element to determine the orientation of the eggs being placed.

Images