Poultry toe and claw positioning system and method

Abstract

Poultry toe and claw positioning systems and methods are described herein. The positioning systems and methods can be used to isolate and precisely position the forward-facing toes and claws of a bird.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article describes a system and method for locating the toes and claws of poultry. Background Technology

[0002] Precisely positioning the toes and claws of poultry is difficult due to their size and activity level. In some cases, poultry are handled manually, meaning that a person must physically hold the bird to position its toes and claws in a selected location and / or orientation. Besides being difficult, manually handling poultry to position their toes and claws is also potentially dangerous for the birds.

[0003] While designs for holding birds in place and other restraints are known, the focus is primarily on the precise positioning of the beak and pecking. U.S. Patent No. 5,651,731 (Gorans et al.) describes a device designed to restrain the head of a bird while the rest of the bird is either manually restrained or unrestrained.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 9,808,328 (Gorans et al.) describes a carrier designed to restrain the head and body of birds, as well as their legs above the tarsal joints. U.S. Patent No. 9,901,432 (Erickson et al.) discloses a system and method for handling the hind paws (sometimes referred to as the hind claw or anatomically as "phalanges I") of birds, which are restrained in a carrier such as that in U.S. Patent No. 9,808,328. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document describes a system and method for locating the toes and claws of poultry. In one or more embodiments, the system and method can be used to separate and precisely locate the toes and claws of poultry.

[0006] Poultry toe and claw localization systems and methods allow for precise localization of forward-facing poultry toes and claws, where forward-facing toes are those anatomically located at the distal / distal end of the tibia (where the tibia contains the metatarsals and extends from the tarsal joint (sometimes called the ankle joint) to the distal phalanges (sometimes called toes). The forward-facing toes of poultry (e.g., ducks, chickens, geese, and turkeys) are anatomically referred to as "phalanges II, III, and IV." The distal phalanges, distinct from the proximal phalanges located above / above distal phalanges II, III, and IV on the tibia, are anatomically referred to as "phalanges I" and typically face posteriorly (dorsilaterally).

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the poultry toe and claw positioning system and method may allow for the simultaneous positioning of forward-facing poultry toes and claws on two shanks of the bird, thereby, for example, accelerating any inspections that would be required in systems and methods that simultaneously position fewer than all toes and claws.

[0008] In a first aspect, one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein include: a hip lift operatively attached to a system frame, the hip lift being configured to move between a ready position and a lifted position; and a toe guide operatively attached to the system frame. The toe guide includes: a capture plate having a leading edge away from the hip lifter; a group of capture channels formed in a support surface of the capture plate, wherein each capture channel in the group is configured to receive a forward-facing toe of a bird, and the group of capture channels is configured to receive a forward-facing toe on a shank of a bird, wherein each capture channel in the group includes an open end near the leading edge of the capture plate, and wherein the group of capture channels converges as it moves along the support surface away from the open end of the capture channel; and a guide opening in the group of capture channels, wherein the group of capture channels converges at the guide opening; and a group of guide channels extending through the capture plate from the guide opening, wherein each guide channel in the group extends through the support plate from a receiving hole in the guide opening, wherein the group of guide channels diverges as it moves from the receiving hole of the guide channel to a claw hole of the guide channel. The system also includes: an optional toe guide rail operatively attached to the system frame, the toe guide rail defining a guide axis, wherein the toe guide is mounted on the toe guide rail and configured to move along the guide axis between an initial position, a capture position, and a completed position, wherein the initial position is closer to the lift axis than the capture position, and wherein the completed position is located between the capture position and the initial position; a toe guide actuator operatively connected to the toe guide, the toe guide actuator being configured to move the toe guide along the guide axis between the initial position, the capture position, and the completed position; a hip lift actuator operatively connected to the hip lift, the hip lift actuator being configured to rotate the hip lift about the lift axis to move the hip lift between a ready position and a lifted position; and a controller operatively connected to the toe guide actuator and the hip lift actuator. The controller is configured to: operate a hip lift actuator such that the hip lift actuator moves the hip lift from a ready position to a lifted position; after operating the hip lift actuator to rotate the hip lift from the ready position to the lifted position, operate a toe guide actuator such that the toe guide actuator moves the toe guide along the guide axis from an original position to a capture position; and after moving the toe guide along the guide axis from the original position to the capture position, operate the toe guide actuator such that the toe guide actuator moves the toe guide along the guide axis from the capture position to a completed position.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect described herein, the capture channels in the group of capture channels are oriented substantially parallel / aligned to each other as they move along the guide axis away from the guide opening.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect described herein, a toe guide track is configured to move from a base position to an operating position; the system further includes a track actuator operatively connected to the toe guide track to move the toe guide track between the base position and the operating position; the track actuator is operatively connected to a controller; the controller is configured to operate the track actuator after operating the toe guide actuator to move the toe guide away from its original position along a guide axis, and before the toe guide reaches a capture position, such that the track actuator moves the toe guide track from the base position to the operating position; and, optionally, the toe guide track rotates about a track axis during movement between the base position and the operating position. In one or more embodiments, the controller is configured to operate the track actuator before operating the toe guide actuator to move the toe guide from the capture position to the completion position along a guide axis, such that the track actuator moves the toe guide track from the base position to the operating position.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect described herein, the system further includes a hip lifter support, wherein the hip lifter is located on the hip lifter support, wherein the hip lifter support is configured to move the hip lifter from a retracted position to a forward position, and wherein when the hip lifter support moves from the retracted position to the forward position, the hip lifter moves from a ready position to a lifted position.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect, including the hip lift described herein, a hip lift actuator is operatively connected to a hip lift support, the hip lift actuator being configured to move the hip lift support between a retracted position and a forward position, while simultaneously rotating the hip lift about a lifting axis from a ready position to a lifted position. In one or more embodiments, the movement of the hip lift support between the retracted and forward positions causes movement of the lifting axis.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect, including the hip lifter and hip lifter support described herein, the hip lifter support is configured to rotate about a support axis when moving between a retracted position and a forward position, and wherein, optionally, movement of the hip lifter support between the retracted position and the forward position causes the lift axis to rotate about the support axis.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect described herein, a guide opening extends through a capture plate between adjacent pairs of guide channels in a group of guide channels, such that the guide opening and the group of guide channels are configured to receive webs, the webs extending between adjacent pairs of forward toes in adjacent pairs of guide channels.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect described herein, the track axis is offset from and transverse to the lifting axis.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the first aspect described herein, the system includes a poultry carrier positioned in a selected location relative to the system frame, wherein the poultry carrier is configured to restrain a bird such that when the poultry carrier is in the selected location and a hip lifter is in a raised position, the hip lifter acts on the bird's hip. The poultry carrier optionally includes: a body support shaped to support and non-invasively retain the body of a bird restrained in the poultry carrier; and a head support operably attached to the body support and positioned to receive the restrained poultry in the poultry carrier. The cage includes a head for poultry, with the poultry's breast supported against a body support; a head clamp operatively attached to the head support, wherein the head clamp and head support cooperate to receive and non-invasively hold the poultry's head between the head clamp and head support; and a shank clamp operatively attached to the body support, the shank clamp positioned to receive and non-invasively hold the shank of the poultry restrained in the poultry cage, wherein the shank clamp includes an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the shank can be positioned in the shank clamp, and in which the shank is held in the shank clamp. In one or more embodiments, an optional shank guide is positioned between the shank clamp and the body support, the shank guide restraining movement of the shank of the poultry restrained in the poultry cage in lateral and medial directions when the shank clamp is in the open and closed configurations. In one or more embodiments, the position of the shank guide relative to the body support and the shank clamp is fixed. In one or more embodiments, along a longitudinal (upper / lower) axis extending through the head support and torso support, the distance between the underside / distal / bottom side of the shin clamp and the underside / distal / bottom side of the shin guide is 5 mm or more, 1 cm or more, or 2 cm or more. In one or more embodiments, along a longitudinal (upper / lower) axis extending through the head support and torso support, the distance between the underside / distal / bottom side of the shin clamp and the underside / distal / bottom side of the shin guide is 3 cm or less, 2 cm or less, or 1 cm or less.

[0017] In a second aspect, one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein include: a hip lift operatively attached to a system frame, the hip lift being configured to move between a ready position and a lifted position; and a toe guide operatively attached to the system frame. The toe guide includes: a capture plate having a leading edge away from the hip lift; a group of capture channels formed in a support surface of the capture plate, wherein each capture channel in the group is configured to receive a forward-facing toe of a bird, and the group of capture channels is configured to receive a forward-facing toe on a shank of a bird, wherein each capture channel in the group includes an open end near the leading edge of the capture plate, and wherein the group of capture channels converges as it moves along the support surface away from the open end of the capture channel; and a guide opening in the group of capture channels, wherein the group of capture channels converges at the guide opening; a group of guide channels extending from the guide opening through the capture plate, wherein each guide channel in the group extends from a receiving hole in the guide opening through the support plate to a claw hole located distal to the receiving hole, wherein the group of guide channels diverges as it moves from the receiving hole of the guide channel to the claw hole of the guide channel. The system further includes: a toe guide track operably attached to the system frame, the toe guide track defining a guide axis, wherein a toe guide is mounted on the toe guide track and configured to move along the guide axis between an initial position, a capture position, and a completed position, wherein the initial position is closer to the lift axis than the capture position, and wherein the completed position is located between the capture position and the initial position, and further wherein the toe guide track is configured to move from a base position to an operating position; and a toe guide actuator operably connected to the toe guide, the toe guide actuator being configured to cause the toe guide to move along the guide axis between the initial and completed positions. Movement between a start position, a capture position, and a finish position; a hip lift actuator operatively connected to the hip lift, the hip lift actuator being configured to rotate the hip lift about a lift axis to move the hip lift between a ready position and a lift position; a track actuator operatively connected to a toe guide track to move the toe guide track between a base position and an operating position, wherein, optionally, the toe guide track rotates about a track axis when moving between the base position and the operating position; and a controller operatively connected to the toe guide actuator, the hip lift actuator, and the track actuator.The controller is configured to: operate a hip lift actuator such that the hip lift actuator moves the hip lift from a ready position to a lift position; after operating the hip lift actuator to rotate the hip lift from the ready position to the lift position, operate a toe guide actuator such that the toe guide actuator moves the toe guide along the guide axis from an original position to a capture position; and after moving the toe guide along the guide axis from the original position to the capture position, operate the toe guide actuator such that the toe guide actuator moves the toe guide along the guide axis from the capture position to a completed position; and after operating the toe guide actuator to move the toe guide along the guide axis away from the original position, and before the toe guide reaches the capture position, operate a track actuator such that the track actuator moves the toe guide track from a base position to an operating position.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the second aspect described herein, the capture channels in the group of capture channels are oriented substantially parallel / aligned to each other as they move away from the guide opening along the guide axis.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the second aspect described herein, the system further includes a hip lifter support, wherein the hip lifter is located on the hip lifter support, wherein the hip lifter support is configured to move the hip lifter from a retracted position to a forward position, and wherein when the hip lifter support moves from the retracted position to the forward position, the hip lifter moves from a ready position to a lifted position. In one or more embodiments, a hip lifter actuator is operatively connected to the hip lifter support, the hip lifter actuator being configured to move the hip lifter support between the retracted position and the forward position while simultaneously rotating the hip lifter about a lifting axis from the ready position to the lifted position. In one or more embodiments, the movement of the hip lifter support between the retracted position and the forward position moves the lifting axis. In one or more embodiments, the hip lifter support is configured to rotate about a support axis when moving between the retracted position and the forward position, and wherein, optionally, the movement of the hip lifter support between the retracted position and the forward position rotates the lifting axis about the support axis.

[0020] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the second aspect described herein, a guide opening extends through a capture plate between adjacent pairs of guide channels in a group of guide channels, such that the guide opening and the group of guide channels are configured to receive webs, the webs extending between adjacent pairs of forward toes in adjacent pairs of guide channels.

[0021] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the second aspect described herein, the track axis is offset from and transverse to the lifting axis.

[0022] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system according to the second aspect described herein, the system includes a poultry carrier located in a selected position relative to the system frame, wherein the poultry carrier is configured to restrain the poultry such that when the poultry carrier is in the selected position and the hindquarters lifter is in the raised position, the hindquarters lifter acts on the poultry's hindquarters. In one or more embodiments, the poultry rack includes: a body support shaped to support and non-traumatically retain the body of a poultry restrained in the poultry rack; a head support operably attached to the body support and positioned to receive the head of the poultry restrained in the poultry rack, wherein the chest of the poultry is supported against the body support; a head clamp operably attached to the head support, wherein the head clamp and the head support cooperate to receive and non-traumatically retain the head of the poultry between the head clamp and the head support; and a shank clamp operably attached to the body support, the shank clamp positioned to receive and non-traumatically retain the shank of the poultry restrained in the poultry rack, wherein the shank clamp includes an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the shank can be positioned in the shank clamp, and in the closed configuration the shank is retained in the shank clamp. In one or more embodiments, the poultry rack includes a shank guide positioned between a shank clamp and a body support, the shank guide constraining movement of the shank of a poultry constrained in the poultry rack in lateral and medial directions when the shank clamp is in an open and closed configuration. In one or more embodiments, the position of the shank guide relative to the body support and the shank clamp is fixed. In one or more embodiments, the distance between the lower / distal / bottom side of the shank clamp and the lower / distal / bottom side of the shank guide is 5 mm or more, 1 cm or more, or 2 cm or more along a longitudinal (upper / lower) axis extending through the head support and the body support. In one or more embodiments, the distance between the lower / distal / bottom side of the shank clamp and the lower / distal / bottom side of the shank guide is 3 cm or less, 2 cm or less, or 1 cm or less along a longitudinal (upper / lower) axis extending through the head support and the body support.

[0023] In a third aspect, one or more embodiments of the method for locating the toes and claws of poultry described herein include: positioning the poultry in a poultry rack at a selected location relative to a system frame, wherein the left shank of the poultry is located in a left shank clamp of the poultry rack; positioning the left-facing forward-facing toes of the poultry in a group of left-side capture channels on a support surface of a capture plate of a toe guide, the toe guide positioning the poultry in the poultry rack at the selected location, wherein each left-facing forward-facing toe is located in a separate left-side capture channel of the group of left-side capture channels, and wherein positioning the left-facing forward-facing toes in the plurality of left-side capture channels includes: moving the toe guide in a capture direction such that the left-facing forward-facing toes enter the plurality of left-side capture channels at the opening ends of the plurality of left-side capture channels, wherein the group of left-side capture channels converges as it moves away from the opening ends of the group of left-side capture channels along the support surface, such that when the toe guide moves in the capture direction, the left-facing forward-facing toes of the poultry in the group of left-side capture channels converge. The left-side forward-facing toes of the bird converge in multiple left-side capture channels; after the left-side forward-facing toes of the bird converge in multiple left-side capture channels, the left-side forward-facing toes of the bird are positioned in a group of left-side guide channels formed through the capture plate by moving the capture plate of the toe guide in the completion direction opposite to the capture direction, wherein each left-side guide channel in the group of guide channels extends through a guide opening in the group of capture channels through a support plate, wherein each guide channel in the group of guide channels extends through a receiving hole in the guide opening through the support plate to a claw hole located distal to the receiving hole, wherein the group of guide channels diverges as it moves from the receiving hole of the guide channel to the claw hole of the guide channel, such that the left-side forward-facing toes of the bird diverge in the group of left-side guide channels when the toe guide moves in the completion direction; and after the claw extends from the distal / lower end of the left-side forward-facing toes out of the claw hole of the group of left-side guide channels, the left-side forward-facing toes of the bird are held in the group of left-side guide channels.

[0024] In one or more embodiments of the method for locating the toes and claws of a bird described herein, the method includes moving the bird's rump away from the left shank clamp; and wherein positioning the bird's left-side forward-facing toes in the group of left-side capture channels includes: after moving the bird's rump away from the left shank clamp, positioning the bird's left-side forward-facing toes in the group of left-side capture channels. In one or more embodiments, moving the bird's rump away from the left shank clamp moves the distal end of the bird's shank toward the left shank clamp. In one or more embodiments, moving the bird's rump away from the left shank clamp includes: moving the bird's rump away from the left shank clamp by moving a rump lifter from a ready position to a lifted position, and wherein, optionally, moving the rump lifter from the ready position to the lifted position includes rotating the rump lifter about a lifting axis. In one or more embodiments, a hip lifter is mounted on a hip lifter support, wherein the method includes moving the hip lifter support from a retracted position to a forward position, wherein when the hip lifter support is in the forward position, the hip lifter is closer to the poultry rack than when the hip lifter support is in the retracted position. In one or more embodiments, the method includes moving the hip lifter support from the retracted position to the forward position while simultaneously moving the hip lifter from a ready position to a lifted position. In one or more embodiments, moving the hip lifter support between the retracted position and the forward position causes a movement of the lifting axis.

[0025] In one or more embodiments of the method for locating the toes and claws of poultry described herein, a toe guide is mounted on a toe guide track, and the method includes: after positioning the left-side forward-facing toe of the poultry in a plurality of left-side capture channels, moving the toe guide track from a base position to an operating position, wherein when the toe guide track is in the operating position, the toe guide is closer to the poultry rack than when the toe guide track is in the base position. In one or more embodiments, the method includes: moving the toe guide track from a base position to the operating position before positioning the left-side forward-facing toe of the poultry in the plurality of left-side guide channels.

[0026] In one or more embodiments of the method for locating the toes and claws of birds described herein, the capture channels in a group of capture channels are oriented substantially parallel / aligned to each other as they move away from the guide opening along the guide axis.

[0027] As used in this article regarding the restraint of live poultry, the term “non-invasive restraint” (and its variations) means restraint of poultry that does not require piercing the skin.

[0028] As used herein, the term “aligned with” in conjunction with various components, axes, directions of travel, etc., includes parallel and substantially parallel arrangements. For example, two axes can be described as “aligned” when they are completely or nearly parallel to each other; for instance, axes may form an angle greater than 0° but less than 10° or smaller with each other.

[0029] The numerical values ​​used herein include normal variations in measurements as would be expected by those skilled in the art, and should be understood to have the same meaning as “approximately” and cover a typical error range, such as ±5% of the values.

[0030] Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to singular entities only, but rather to include general categories that can be used to illustrate specific examples of them.

[0031] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one” and “containing at least one” followed by an enumeration item refer to any one item in the enumeration item, as well as any combination of two or more items in the enumeration item.

[0032] As used herein, the term "or" is generally used in its usual sense, including "and / or," unless otherwise expressly stated. The term "and / or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

[0033] The terms "preferred" and "ideally" refer to embodiments that may provide certain benefits in certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred in the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the description of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are unavailable, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of this disclosure (including the claims). Attached Figure Description

[0034] The views in the accompanying drawings depict various features of only some illustrative embodiments of the invention, wherein the same reference numerals indicate the same features in the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of a poultry toe and claw positioning system.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A left-side view of a poultry toe and claw positioning system, with the left side panel removed to expose the components of the poultry toe and claw positioning system.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 A right-side view of a poultry toe and claw positioning system, with the right-side plate removed to expose the components of the poultry toe and claw positioning system.

[0039] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of selected components of the poultry toe and claw positioning system depicted in the image.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein.

[0041] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Left view of a poultry toe and claw positioning system, with the left side plate removed to expose... Figure 6 Components of the poultry toe and claw positioning system.

[0042] Figure 8 yes Figures 1-3 Left view of a poultry toe and claw positioning system, in which poultry are constrained in a poultry rack in a selected position relative to the system.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a poultry rack that can be used in conjunction with a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein.

[0044] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Front view of the poultry rack.

[0045] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Side view of the poultry rack.

[0046] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of the shank guide and shank clamp of the poultry rack.

[0047] Figure 13 This illustrates the effect of the hip lift moving to act on poultry restrained in a poultry rack. Figure 8 A positioning system for poultry toes and claws.

[0048] Figure 14 Depicting the guide at the toe along the guide axis from, as Figure 13 The original position shown is moved to the capture position after... Figure 13 A positioning system for poultry toes and claws.

[0049] Figure 15 The image depicts the movement of the toe guide track toward the poultry carrier. Figure 14 A positioning system for poultry toes and claws.

[0050] Figure 16 Depicting the guide at the toe along the guide axis from, as Figure 15 The capture position shown is moved to the completion position after... Figure 15 A positioning system for poultry toes and claws.

[0051] Figure 17 The text depicts the movement of the toe guide along the guide axis to its original position, the movement of the toe guide track away from the poultry carrier, and the movement of the hip lift away from the poultry restrained in the poultry rack. Figure 16 A positioning system for poultry toes and claws.

[0052] Figure 18 This is a top perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a toe guide that can be used in one or more embodiments of a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein.

[0053] Figure 19 yes Figure 18 Top plan view of the toe guide.

[0054] Figure 20 This is an end view of the surface of the capturing portion of the capturing plate of the toe guide plate, facing... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The alignment portion of the capture plate of the toe guide.

[0055] Figure 21 This is an end view of the surface of the alignment portion of the toe guide plate's capture plate, facing... Figure 18 and Figure 19 The capturing part of the capturing plate of the toe guide.

[0056] Figure 22 yes Figure 18 and Figure 19 Rear view of the toe guide.

[0057] Figure 23 yes Figure 18 , Figure 19 and Figure 22 The bottom rear perspective view of the toe guide.

[0058] Figure 24 yes Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 Front perspective view of the toe guide.

[0059] Figure 25yes Figure 8 Poultry toe and claw positioning system Figure 18 , Figure 19 , Figure 22 and 23 Rear perspective view of the toe guide, wherein poultry is restrained in a poultry rack as described herein.

[0060] Figure 26 yes Figure 25 Top-side perspective view of the toe guide.

[0061] Figure 27 A portion of another illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein is depicted, wherein the poultry is restrained in a poultry carrier in a selected position relative to the system, and prior to the movement of the hip lift to act on the poultry restrained in the poultry carrier.

[0062] Figure 28 The image depicts the action following the movement of the hip lift to act on the poultry restrained in the poultry crate. Figure 27 A positioning system for poultry toes and claws.

[0063] Figure 29 The image depicts the toe guide rail / rail assembly after it has moved upwards from its base position to its operating position. Figure 28 The poultry toe and claw positioning system also moves the toe guide to contact the forward-facing toes of the poultry in the poultry rack.

[0064] Figure 30 Depicting each group of capture channels on the toe guide Figure 29 The depiction includes both the left and right tibiae of the bird, as well as the forward-facing toes on the bracket.

[0065] Figure 31 The image depicts the toe guide moving along the guide axis to the capture position. Figure 30 The bird depicted in the painting has its left and right shanks, as well as its forward-facing toes on its shank.

[0066] Figure 32 Depicting the guide at the toe along the guide axis from Figure 31 After the capture position is moved to the completion position, in Figure 31 The image depicts the left shank and forward-facing toes on the scaffold of a bird, with the forward-facing toes (and associated claws) already inserted into the guide openings in each group of capture channels in the completed position.

[0067] Figure 33 yes Figure 32The rear view of the toe guide depicts forward-facing toes on both the left and right tibias extending through and exiting the guide channels after passing through guide openings in the set of capture channels, such that the distal ends of the toes and the claws thereon are positioned near the detector of the toe guide.

[0068] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of components in an illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein.

[0069] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the system described herein, which includes multiple poultry racks, loading and unloading stations, an illustrative embodiment of a poultry toe and claw positioning system, and locations suitable for one or more additional stations.

[0070] While the accompanying drawings (which may be drawn to scale or not) illustrate embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of illustration, not limitation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can devise many other variations and embodiments falling within the scope of this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Before describing any illustrative embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application of the invention is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways.

[0072] Figures 1-5 This is a view of an illustrative embodiment of a poultry toe and claw positioning system 10, which, as described herein, can be used to accurately position the forward-facing toes (and claws on them) of a bird. Figure 1 This is a top perspective view of the illustrative system 10. Figure 2 This is a top view of System 10, and Figure 3 This is a left-side view of system 10, where the left side panel has been removed to expose components of the poultry toe and claw positioning system. Figure 4 This is a right-side view of system 10, with the right-side panel removed to expose additional components of system 10. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged view of selected components of system 10 depicted in the figure.

[0073] The poultry toe and paw positioning system 10 includes a hip lift 20, a toe guide 40, and a toe guide carriage 50 mounted on a toe guide track, which in the illustrated embodiment is formed by a guide rail assembly 52. ​​These components are all mounted on a system frame that includes a base plate 12 and a pair of side plates 16 attached to and extending away from the base plate 12. In one or more embodiments, the base plate 12 of the system frame may be configured for attachment to a larger system capable of handling a large number of poultry. Some illustrative examples of such systems can be described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,066,112 entitled “AUTOMATED POULTRYPROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM”.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the rump lifter 20 includes a lifting end 22 configured to contact the rump of a poultry B restrained in a poultry carrier C10, which is positioned relative to the system frame and thus relative to components of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10. The rump lifter 20 is operatively attached to the system frame and configured in a ready position (e.g., see [reference needed]). Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 17 ) and elevation position (e.g., see Figures 13 to 16 The hip lift 20 is configured to rotate about the lifting axis 21 when moving between the ready position and the lifted position, but movements other than rotation can be used to move the hip lift between its ready position and the lifted position.

[0075] exist Figures 1-4 In the illustrative embodiment shown, the hip lift 20 is attached to and supported on the hip lift support 30. The illustrative embodiment of the depicted hip lift support 30 includes a pair of arms 32 and a crossbar 34 extending between the arms 32, with the hip lift 20 attached to and supported on the crossbar 34. The hip lift support 30 is attached to a side plate 16 and configured to rotate about a support axis 31 during movement of the hip lift 20 between its ready and lifted positions in the illustrative embodiment shown. The hip lift support 30 itself can be described as moving between a retracted position and a forward position as the hip lift 20 moves between its ready and lifted positions, respectively. The hip lift support 30, for example... Figures 1 to 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 17 It is depicted as being in its retracted position, and in, for example Figures 13 to 16The hip lift support 30 is depicted as being in its forward position. In the illustrated embodiment, the hip lift support 30 can be described as moving the lift axis 21 (about which the hip lift 20 rotates) as the hip lift support 30 moves between its retracted position and its forward position.

[0076] The illustrated embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 also includes a hip lift actuator 28, operably connected to the hip lift 20, and, in the illustrated embodiment, also connected to the hip lift support 30. Operation of the hip lift actuator 28 causes the hip lift support 30 to move from, for example... Figure 1 The retraction position shown moves to, for example Figure 13 As shown in its forward position. This same movement also causes the hip lift 20 to move from, for example... Figure 1 The ready position shown is moved to, for example Figure 13 The hip lift 20 is shown in its raised position. Because the upper end 24 of the hip lift 20 is connected to the anchor 27 via a link 26, which is fixed in place relative to the system frame and the hip lift actuator 28, the hip lift 20 rotates about the lifting axis 21 while the hip lift support 30 moves from its retracted position to its forward position. As a result, the distance between the upper end 24 of the hip lift 20 and the anchor 27 is fixed by the link 26, while the movement of the hip lift support 30 in its forward position causes the hip lift 20 to rotate about the lifting axis 21.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment depicted, the hip lift actuator 28 is in the form of a cylinder that extends and retracts to move the hip lift support 30 between its retracted and forward positions, as discussed herein, and also to move the hip lift 20 between its ready and lifted positions. The illustrated embodiment depicted with hip lift actuator 28 is merely one example of an actuator that can be used to move the hip lift 20 and hip lift support 30 between their respective positions. Examples of potentially useful alternative actuators include, but are not limited to, hydraulically operated pistons using solenoids, motors with or without gear assemblies (e.g., racks and pinions), magnetic / electromagnetic actuators, pneumatic rotary actuators, etc.

[0078] The illustrated embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 also includes a toe guide 40 operably attached to a system frame, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a base plate 12 and side plates 16. The toe guide includes a capture plate 42 and a base 44, wherein the capture plate 42 is attached to the base 44, and the base 44 is attached to and supported above a carriage 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 44 of the toe guide 40 is attached to the carriage 50 using a clamp 48 (see, for example...). Figures 2-3 ).

[0079] refer to Figure 19 as well as Figures 1-4 The illustrated embodiment of the toe guide 40 includes a support surface 43 on the capture plate 42, the support surface 43 facing upward away from the carriage 50, wherein two sets of capture channels 60 are formed in the support surface 43. The different sets of capture channels 60 formed in the support surface 43 may correspond to the left toe group and the right toe group found on birds.

[0080] Although the depicted embodiment includes two sets of capture channels 60 formed in the support surface 43, one or more alternative embodiments may include only a single set of capture channels 60 positioned to capture and align with the toes on the left or right side of the bird. One advantage of providing multiple sets of capture channels for the left and right toe groups on the same toe guide 40 is that both toe groups can be positioned simultaneously using a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein.

[0081] Figures 1-4 An illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 depicted also includes a toe guide track operably attached to a system frame, which in the depicted illustrative embodiment includes a base plate 12 and side plates 16. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the toe guide track is defined by a rail assembly 52 comprising two rails extending between the side plates 16 away from the base plate 12. A carriage 50 is configured to move along the toe guide track / rail assembly 52.

[0082] In the depicted embodiment, the carriage 50 is operatively attached to a toe guide actuator, which is in the form of a motor assembly 56 configured to operate on a belt 54 aligned with the toe guide axis 41 and the track 52. The carriage 50 is operatively attached to the belt 54 such that movement of the belt 54 in a direction aligned with the guide axis 41 causes the carriage 50 and the attached toe guide 40 to move along the guide axis 41.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment depicted, although the toe guide actuator takes the form of a motor assembly 56 operating on belt 54, any suitable combination of components configured to move carriage 50 and attached toe guide 40 along guide axis 41 can be used instead of the depicted motor assembly 56 and belt 54. Suitable alternatives may include, but are not limited to, pistons or cylinders (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.), motor assemblies combined with lead screws and followers, racks and pinions, magnetic / electromagnetic solenoids, etc.

[0084] As will be described herein, the toe guide 40 is mounted on the toe guide track and configured to be in its original position (e.g., along the guide axis 41) Figure 8 , 13 (as seen in 17), capture location (e.g., as shown in 17) Figure 14 and 15 (as seen in the image) and completion location (e.g., for example) Figure 16 The toe guide 40 moves between the initial position and the lift axis 21 (as seen in the capture position). In the initial position, the toe guide 40 is positioned closer to the lift axis 21 than when it is in the capture position. The completed position of the toe guide 40 is between the capture position and the initial position. In the depicted embodiment, the toe guide actuator, consisting of the belt 54 and the motor assembly 56, is configured to move the toe guide 40 along the guide axis 41 between the initial position, the capture position, and the completed position. In one or more embodiments, the completed position may be set at a specific location, which may potentially vary based on the anatomical features of the selected group of birds (e.g., a given flock of birds being processed). In one or more alternative embodiments, the completed position may vary between each bird, wherein the precise completed position is based on the detection of one or more anatomical features of each bird to determine a specific completed position that may vary between each bird.

[0085] Figure 1-4 The illustrated embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 depicted also includes a track actuator operatively connected to a toe guide track (in the illustrated embodiment, the toe guide track is in the form of a guide rail assembly 52) and configured to move the toe guide track between a base position and an operating position. Because the toe guide 40 is mounted on a carriage 50 that moves along the guide track / guide rail assembly 52, movement of the guide track / guide rail assembly 52 between the base position and the operating position also causes the guide axis 41 to move together with the toe guide 40 and the carriage 50 between these positions.

[0086] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5The illustrated embodiment of the depicted system 10 shows a track actuator, which includes a motor assembly 57 operable on a drive gear 59, which operates on a connector arm 58 to rotate the connector arm 58 about a track axis 51, causing the end of the guide rail 52 of the toe guide track to move relative to the base plate 12 from a base position to an operating position. In the operating position, the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 is positioned closer to the hip lift 20 and the lift axis 21 compared to when it is in its base position. Although the depicted embodiment of the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 rotates as it moves between the base position and the operating position, in one or more alternative embodiments, the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 and the components carried thereon can be moved toward and away from the hip lift 20 and the hip lift axis 21 by translational motion or a combination of rotational and translational motion.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, a track actuator operably connected to a toe guide track is configured to move the toe guide track between a basal position and a fixed or selected operating position, said fixed or selected operating position being selected based on one or more anatomical features of a selected group of birds (e.g., birds of a given flock, etc.). In one or more alternative embodiments, the operating position may vary between each bird, wherein the precise operating position is determined based on the detection of one or more detected anatomical features of each bird, the force exerted by the toe guide on the forward-facing toe of each bird (using, for example, a torque sensor sensing torque at motor assembly 57), etc., to determine a specific operating position that may vary between each bird.

[0088] Although the motor assembly 57, connector arm 58, and drive gear 59 form an illustrative embodiment of a track actuator that can be used in one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein, the track actuator used in the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein can take many other forms, including but not limited to pistons or cylinders (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.), motor assemblies combined with lead screws and followers, racks and pinions, magnetic / electromagnetic solenoids, etc.

[0089] In the illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 depicted, motor assemblies 56 and 57 may be in the form of stepper motors operatively connected to controller 14, as described herein. However, in one or more alternative embodiments, motor assemblies 56 and 57 may be provided in the form of other electric motors, pneumatic motors, hydraulic motors, etc.

[0090] An alternative illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 110 is as follows: Figures 6-7As depicted in the text. In many ways, System 110 is similar to... Figures 1-5 System 10 is depicted in the figure. For example, system 110 includes a base plate 112 and a pair of side plates 116 and a controller 114. System 110 also includes a toe guide 140 configured to move along a guide axis 141 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to toe guide 40 and guide axis 41, wherein the toe guide 140 is positioned on a carriage 150 configured to move along a guide rail 152 using a belt 154 driven by a motor assembly 156. In addition, system 110 includes a track actuator configured to rotate the guide rail 152 forming the toe guide track along which the toe guide 40 moves, wherein the track actuator includes a connector arm 158 driven by a motor assembly 157 for rotating the guide rail 152 about the track axis 151.

[0091] Figures 6 to 7 Poultry toe and claw positioning system 110 and Figures 1 to 5 One difference between the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 and the other is that the hip lifter 120 of system 110 is configured to move between its ready position and lifted position by simple rotation about a lifting axis 121 fixed relative to the side plate 116 in the rest of the system frame. Therefore, the hip lifter actuator 128 operates only on the hip lifter 120, without a hip lifter support, as described above in conjunction with the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10.

[0092] An illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 is shown in Figure 8 The image depicts poultry B restrained (preferably without damage) within a poultry rack C10, together with the poultry rack C10. The poultry rack C10 is positioned relative to the system frame (i.e., by...). Figure 8 The base plate 12 and side plate 16 (represented in the diagram) are positioned in a selected location such that the hip lift 20 and toe guide 40 can be used to precisely position the toes and claws of the poultry B restrained in the poultry carrier C10. Although spatially depicted as not attached to any other components, it should be understood that the poultry carrier C10 will preferably be supported on a carrier system such as belts, chains, etc. However, in some embodiments, the poultry carrier C10 can be manually placed on a retainer such that the poultry carrier C10 is in a selected position relative to the system frame.

[0093] An illustrative embodiment of the poultry rack C10 is in Figures 9-12 It is described separately, without such Figure 8 The poultry shown is B. Poultry rack C10 is in... Figure 9 Depicted in perspective, in Figure 10Depicted in the front view, and in Figure 11 Depicted in a side plan view (similar to) Figure 8 (View of bracket C10 in the middle). The end of the poultry bracket is at... Figure 12 The poultry rack C10 is depicted in an enlarged view. It includes a body support C40, a pair of shank controls (each including a shank clamp C50 and an optional shank guide C60), and an optional head support C70. The various components can be operatively attached in a manner that provides non-invasive restraint to poultry located in the poultry rack C10.

[0094] In one or more embodiments, the body support C40 includes a support surface C42 shaped to generally conform to the anatomical shape of the poultry body located in the poultry rack C10, such that the poultry body is supported substantially uniformly. Therefore, the shape of the support surface C42 can vary depending on the breed, age, sex, etc. of the poultry to be restrained in the poultry rack C10.

[0095] The shank control devices are configured and positioned to restrain the left and right shanks of a bird whose body is supported by a body support C40. Each shank control device includes a shank clamp C50 positioned below a joint commonly referred to as the "tarsal" joint and above the joint of the forward-facing toe at the distal / lower end of the shank. An optional shank guide C60 is positioned above or near / above the shank clamp C50 and acts on the shank.

[0096] While the shank clamp C50 prevents the bird from moving its shank in any direction other than along its length (aligned with axis C51), the exemplary embodiment of the shank guide C60 shown can help limit or prevent movement of the shank contained therein in the lateral and medial directions of the restrained bird. The shank guide C60 includes a slot C62 configured to receive the shank of the bird positioned in the shank clamp 50 located below / below the shank guide C60. Because the shank guide is in the form of a slot C62, the shank guide C60 cannot independently restrain movement of the restrained bird's shank in the dorsal direction.

[0097] The combined two-point restraint of the tibia by the tibia clamp C50 and tibia guide C60 (in addition to supporting the body and restraining the head) can provide additional control over the tarsal joints of the restrained bird located proximally / superiorly on the tibia and the forward-facing toes (i.e., phalanges) located distally / inferiorly on the tibia. This additional control over the tibia and forward-facing toes / phalanges may be required when precisely positioning the claws of birds, for example, using a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein.

[0098] The spacing between the underside / distal / bottom side C53 of the shank clamp C50 and the underside / distal / bottom side C63 of the shank guide C60 can be beneficial for larger birds. (Reference) Figure 12 The distance d (along axis C51) between the lower / distal / bottom side C63 of the shank clamp C50 and the lower / distal / bottom side C63 of the shank guide C60 can improve control of the shank of duck or turkey chicks, which would otherwise not be possible without the shank guide and / or if the shank guide and the shank clamp are positioned closer to each other.

[0099] In one or more embodiments, along the longitudinal (upper / lower) axis C11 extending through the head support C70 and the torso support C40, the distance between the lower / distal / bottom side C53 of the shin clamp C50 and the lower / distal / bottom side C63 of the shin guide C60 is 5 mm or more, 1 cm or more, or 2 cm or more at the lower end.

[0100] In one or more embodiments, along the longitudinal (upper / lower) axis C11 extending through the head support C70 and the torso support C40, the distance between the lower / distal / bottom side C53 of the shin clamp C50 and the lower / distal / bottom side C63 of the shin guide C60 at the upper end is 3 cm or less, 2 cm or less, or 1 cm or less.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, the shank clamp C50 may include an arm C52 that moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the shank of a bird can be positioned in the shank clamp C50, and in the closed configuration, the shank of the bird is held in the shank clamp C50. Although the depicted shank clamp C50 includes an arm C52, other structures (e.g., inflatable airbags, etc.) may be used to hold the shank in the shank clamp when the clamp C50 is in the closed configuration.

[0102] The shank clamps C50 may be normally closed, but are configured such that they open in response to a force generated when the shank is inserted into the shank clamp C50 (the shank clamps C50 may be, for example, spring-loaded, etc.). In other embodiments, the shank clamps C50 may have defined open and closed configurations, and the clamps may move between the open and closed configurations to receive and / or hold the restrained shank of a bird. In one or more embodiments, when moving between the open and closed configurations, the arm C52 of the shank clamp may rotate about the clamp axis C51.

[0103] The poultry rack C10 may further include a head support C70, which is operatively attached to the body support C40 and positioned to support the head of a bird located in the poultry rack C10. The head support C70 includes a first side facing the head of the bird held in the poultry rack C10. The head support C70 may preferably include a beak receiving channel C72 extending through the head support C70 to an opening C73 on a second side of the head support C70. In one or more embodiments, the beak receiving channel C72 preferably extends through the head support C70 such that at least a portion of the beak of the bird held in the poultry rack C10 extends through the opening C73 of the beak receiving channel C72 and is exposed near a second surface of the head support C70 (wherein the second side of the head support C70 faces away from the head of the bird held in the poultry rack C10).

[0104] The head support C70 may include a head clamp C74 movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the head clamp C74 is preferably positioned such that the bird's head can be positioned within the head support C70, wherein the beak preferably extends through a beak receiving channel C72 and preferably protrudes from an opening C73 on a second side of the head support C70. In the closed configuration, the head clamp C74 is preferably used to hold the bird's head within the head support C70 such that the bird's beak extends into the beak receiving channel C72 and preferably protrudes through an opening C73 on a second side of the head support. The head clamp C74 is rotatable about a head clamp axis C71 when moving between its open and closed configurations.

[0105] Structures similar to the head support C70 and clamp C74 can be described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,651,731 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Debeaking Poultry"; U.S. Patent No. 7,232,450 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Upper and Lower Beak Treatment"; U.S. Patent Application Publication US2005 / 0101937A1 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Nasal Delivery of Compositions to Birds"; and U.S. Patent No. 7,363,881 entitled "Beak Treatment with Tongue Protection," etc. Another illustrative embodiment of a head clamp used with a head retainer in a poultry carrier includes the retainer device described in U.S. Patent 9,808,328 (POULTRY CARRIERS AND METHODS OF RESTRAINING POULTRY). Other examples of suitable head clamp constructions are also possible.

[0106] As described above, the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 in Figure 8 As shown, poultry B is restrained in a poultry carrier C10, which is positioned relative to the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 in a selected location. The rump lifter 20 of system 10 is in its ready position, the rump lifter support 30 is in its retracted position, and the toe guide 40 is in its original position, as described above in conjunction with the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10.

[0107] Reference Figure 13The rump lifter 20 moves from its ready position to its lifted position, in which the rump lifter 20 acts on the rump of bird B to lift the rump of bird B, thereby moving the shank of bird B upward. For the purposes of this invention, the rump of the bird is located near the cloaca or excretory opening of the bird and is positioned to allow positioning of bird B in a bracket as described herein. The movement of the rump lifter 20 to its lifted position lifts the shank of bird B such that the forward-facing toe of bird B and the distal / lower end of the shank of bird B are moved to a position directly below the lower / distal / bottom side C53 of the shank clamp C50. Thus, the forward-facing toe of bird B is positioned in a known position relative to the rest of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10. With the forward-facing toe positioned in this known position, the toe guide 40 can be moved relative to this known position of the forward-facing toe of bird B for positioning as described herein.

[0108] In the illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 depicted, a hip lift actuator 28 is used to move the hip lift 20 from its ready position to its lifted position. Specifically, the hip lift actuator 28 extends, which forces the hip lift support 30 about a support axis 31 from... Figure 8 The retracted position shown is rotated to, as Figure 13 The hip lift 20 is shown in its forward position. As the hip lift support 30 rotates from its retracted position to its forward position, the hip lift 20 also rotates about the lifting axis 21. Because the upper end 24 of the hip lift 20 is attached to the anchor 27 via a link 26, the hip lift support 30 rotates about the support axis 31 simultaneously with the hip lift 20 rotating about the lifting axis 21. The link 26 fixes the distance between the anchor 27 and the upper end 24 of the hip lift 20, thereby causing the hip lift 22 to rotate about the axis 21 when the hip lift support 30 moves to its forward position. The rotation of the hip lift 20 causes the lift end 22 to contact and elevate the poultry B restrained in the poultry rack C10. As described above, the movement of the hip lift 20 positions the forward-facing toes of the poultry in a known position relative to the rest of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10.

[0109] In such a combination Figure 13 As discussed, after the hip lift 20 is actuated to raise the poultry B in the poultry rack C10, the toe guide 40 moves from its original position (e.g., as...) Figure 13(As shown) the toe guide 40 moves along guide axis 41 to its capture position. As discussed herein, the movement of the toe guide 40 in the depicted embodiment along guide axis 41 is achieved using a carriage 50 mounted on guide rail assembly 52 and driven by a toe guide actuator including motor assembly 56 and belt 54. The toe guide 40 moves along guide axis 41 from... Figure 13 The original position shown is as follows: Figure 14 The movement of the capture position shown involves moving the toe guide 40 in the capture direction along the guide axis 41.

[0110] When poultry B is located in the poultry rack C10 at the selected position, the toe guide 40 is moved along the guide axis 41 in the capture direction to position the forward-facing toes of poultry B in the capture channel 60 on the support surface 43 of the toe guide 40 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 19 In one or more embodiments, each forward-facing toe is located in a separate capture channel of a plurality of capture channels 60. In the depicted embodiment, each group of capture channels 60 converges (where the open ends of the capture channels 60 are those ends positioned along the leading edge 47, such as in, for example) as the support surface 43 moves away from the leading edge 47 of the toe guide 40 and the open end of the capture channel 60 at the leading edge 47. Figure 2 and Figure 19 (As seen in the document). The convergence of capture channels 60 facilitates proper positioning and alignment of one of the forward-facing toes in each capture channel, so as to properly position the toe and its corresponding claw as described herein.

[0111] Although Figure 14 As shown, the toe guide 40 moves along the guide axis 41 in the capture direction to its capture position, causing the forward-facing toe of the bird B to contact the support surface 43 of the toe guide 40 and position the forward-facing toe in the capture channel 60. As described herein, one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system may also involve positioning the toe guide track (represented by the guide rail assembly 52 in the illustrative embodiment depicted in system 10) from a base position to an operating position. In the operating position, the toe guide track / guide rail assembly 52 and the toe guide 40 move closer to the poultry rack C10, and therefore closer to the forward-facing toe of the bird B constrained in the poultry rack C10.

[0112] In the illustrative embodiment depicted in the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10, the toe guide 40 is compared from... Figures 14 to 15 The position allows observation of the movement of the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 and the toe guide 40 from the base position to the operating position. Figure 14As described herein, after the toe guide 42 moves to the capture position, the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 is depicted in its base position. Figure 15 The image depicts the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 in its operating position after it moves upward toward the poultry rack C10.

[0113] By transferring the toe guide rail / rail assembly 52 from Figure 14 Its base position moved to Figure 15 The upward movement of the toe guide 40 caused by its operating position can help to properly align the forward-facing toes of the poultry B into the capture channel 60 on the toe guide 40. In one or more embodiments, the control of movement of the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 from its base position to its operating position can be controlled based on the pressure exerted on the toe guide 40 by the forward-facing toes of the poultry B. In the illustrated embodiment, this pressure can be detected based on the torque measured in the motor assembly 57 of the track actuator used to move the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 to the operating position. Of course, many other techniques for measuring and / or limiting the pressure exerted on the toe guide 40 by the forward-facing toes of the poultry can replace the torque measurement used in the illustrative embodiment depicted in the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10, including but not limited to pressure sensors (e.g., positioned between the toe guide 40 and the carriage 50), spring-loaded toe guide 40 onto carriage 50, etc.

[0114] With the toe guide 40 in its captured position along the guide axis 41 and the toe guide rail / guide assembly 52 in its operating position, such as Figure 15 As shown, the toe guide 40 can advance along the guide axis 41 in a finishing direction opposite to the capture direction to its finishing position, as... Figure 16 As shown in the diagram. The completed position of the toe guide 40 along the guide axis 41 is located in the original position (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 13 (as shown in the image) and its capture location (e.g., as shown in the image) Figure 15 (as shown in the diagram). As described herein, in the finished position, the toes and claws of the poultry B in the poultry rack C10 are positioned in the toe guide 40 as needed.

[0115] As discussed herein, the finishing position of the toe guide 40 can be set at a specific location along the guide axis 41, which can vary based on the anatomical features of the selected group of birds (e.g., a given flock of birds being processed). In one or more alternative embodiments, the finishing position of the toe guide 40 along the guide axis 41 can vary between each bird, wherein the precise finishing position is based on the detection of one or more anatomical features of each bird to determine the specific finishing position that can vary between each bird.

[0116] After processing the toes and / or claws of poultry B in the poultry rack C10, and the components of the poultry toe and / or claw positioning system 10 are in the following position... Figure 16 When in the processing position shown, the components of the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10 return to, as shown Figure 17 Their respective original positions are shown. In the illustrative embodiment depicted in the poultry toe and claw positioning system 10, the motor assembly 57 and connector arm 58 of the track actuator are used to rotate the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 about the track axis 51, so that the toe guide track / rail assembly 52 is positioned as shown in the diagram. Figure 16 The operating position seen in the image is moved to, for example... Figure 17 The base position is as seen in the illustration. Furthermore, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, a motor assembly 56 and a belt 54 are used with a toe guide actuator, and the toe guide 40 is positioned along the guide axis 41 from... Figure 16 The completed position seen in the example moves to, for example Figure 13 Its original position is as seen in the image. Furthermore, the hip lift 20 is positioned as follows... Figure 16 Its lifting position is moved to, as shown Figure 17 The ready position is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the movement of the hip lift 20 from its lifted position to its ready position also involves the hip lift support 30 from, as shown in the figure. Figure 16 Its forward position moves as shown Figure 17 The retracted position is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the hip lift 20 rotates about the lift axis 21 during its movement from the lifted position to the ready position, while the hip lift support 30 rotates about the support axis 31 during its movement from the forward position to the retracted position. After processing, the poultry B in the poultry rack C10 can be removed from the selected position.

[0117] An illustrative embodiment of the toe guide 40, as seen in the illustrative embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning systems 10 and 110 described herein, is... Figures 18-26 The image is depicted in a magnified view. Specifically, Figure 18A capture plate 42 of the toe guide 40 is depicted attached to the base 44 of the toe guide 40. As discussed herein, the base 44 of the toe guide 40 is mounted on a carriage 50 of an illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein.

[0118] As described herein, the illustrated embodiment of the capture plate 42 of the toe guide 40 includes two sets of capture channels 60 formed in a support surface 43. Each set of capture channels 60 formed in the support surface 43 is configured to receive and capture a forward-facing toe on one shank of a bird. Although the illustrated embodiment of the toe guide 40 includes two sets of capture channels 60, one or more alternative embodiments of the toe guide that can be used in the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein may include only one set of channels configured to capture only a forward-facing toe on one shank of a bird. In, for example... Figures 18-19 In the observed embodiment, two sets of capture channels 60 are provided to simultaneously receive and capture the forward-facing toes on the left and right tibias of birds.

[0119] refer to Figure 19 Each group of capture channels 60 includes a plurality of channels 62, wherein adjacent pairs of channels 62 are separated from each other by ridges 63, such that only one forward-facing toe of a bird is received within each capture channel 62. In the depicted embodiment, each capture channel 62 includes an open end at the leading edge 47 of the capture plate 42 of the toe guide 40. This open end of each capture channel 62 is configured to receive the toe and claw of a bird as the toe guide 40 moves along the guide axis 41 in the capture direction. For example, in Figure 19 In the middle, the capture direction will be upwards towards the top of the page. Similarly, as... Figures 18-19 As seen, when moving away from the opening end of the capture channel 62, the capture channels 62 within each group of capture channels 60 converge.

[0120] In one or more embodiments, when the forward-facing toe is received in the open end of the channel 62 on the leading edge 47 and moves along the support surface 43 toward the trailing edge 49 of the capture plate 42, the converging capture channel 62 and ridge 63 effectively separate and align with the forward-facing toe on one of the shanks of the bird.

[0121] Although the illustrated embodiment of the toe guide 40 includes three capture channels 62 in each group of capture channels 60, in one or more alternative embodiments, the toe guide used in the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein may include groups of capture channels having as few as two or four or more capture channels. The number of capture channels in each group of capture channels may be selected based on the number of forward-facing toes (and claws thereon) that are located using the poultry toe and claw positioning system. For example, one or more breeds of chickens may have five forward-facing toes, and a poultry toe and claw positioning system designed to locate all five toes and claws as described herein may include five capture channels in each group of capture channels.

[0122] As described herein, each group of capture channels 60 converges on the support surface 43 of the capture plate 42 until the capture channels 62 within each group of capture channels 60 can be described as being substantially parallel to each other (although some convergence and / or divergence of the capture channels 62 within each group of capture channels 60 may be acceptable).

[0123] The capture channels 62 in each group of capture channels 60 converge and are interrupted at a guide opening 45 located between the converging portion of the capture channels 62 and a generally parallel portion of the capture channels 62 in each group of capture channels 60. Within each group of capture channels 60, the guide opening 45 provides access to the group of guide channels extending from the guide opening 45 through the capture plate 42. Each guide channel in the group of guide channels extending from each guide opening 45 extends from a receiving hole in the guide opening through the support plate 42 to a claw hole located at the distal end of the receiving hole (on the opposite surface of the support surface 43 of the capture plate 42). Each group of guide channels diverges as it moves from the receiving hole of the guide channel to the claw hole of the guide channel.

[0124] To move the forward-facing toe of a bird into the guide channel, as described herein, the toe guide 40 first moves along the guide axis 41 relative to the bird B in the capture direction to capture and align the forward-facing toe of the bird B in the set of capture channels 60. The toe guide 40 moves in the capture direction until the forward-facing toe of the bird B is positioned on the opposite side of the guide opening 45 in the capture channel 62 of the set of capture channels 60. In other words, during the movement of the toe guide to the capture position as described herein, the forward-facing toe of the bird B moves over and through the guide opening 45, such that the claw at the distal end of the forward-facing toe is positioned through the guide opening 45 (and such that the guide opening 45 is located between the claw and the converging portion of the set of capture channels 60).

[0125] In the capture channel 62, the forward-facing toes of bird B are positioned such that, when the toe guide 40 is in the capture position, the claw at the distal end of the forward-facing toe is positioned through the guide opening 45, and the toe guide 40 moves along the guide axis 41 in a completion direction opposite to the capture direction. As a result, the forward-facing toes of bird B (and the claws located at the distal ends of those forward-facing toes) move into the guide opening 45 and are guided into a group of guide channels extending from the guide opening and through the capture plate 42.

[0126] To provide a guiding channel in the depicted illustrative embodiment, the capture plate 42 is provided in two parts, wherein the capture portion 42A includes a converging portion of the capture channel 62, and the alignment portion 42B includes a generally parallel portion of the capture channel 62. Figure 20 The surface of the capturing portion 42A facing the alignment portion 42B of the capturing plate 42 is depicted. Figure 21 The image depicts the surface of the alignment portion 42B of the capture portion 42A facing the capture plate 42. A guide channel formed through the capture plate 42 is defined by a guide channel recess formed in each of these facing surfaces. Specifically, when the capture portion 42A and the alignment portion 42B are assembled together, the guide channel recess 66 in the capture portion 42A, together with the guide channel recess 68 in the alignment portion 42B, forms a group of guide channels, such as, for example... Figures 18-19 As seen in the text.

[0127] Each of the guide channel recesses 66 and 68 can be described as having both a receiving hole and a claw hole. Regarding the guide channel recess 66 in the capturing portion 42A, each guide channel recess 66 includes a receiving hole 66R and a claw hole 66C, wherein the guide channel recess 66 extends between the receiving hole 66R and the claw hole 66C. Regarding the guide channel recess 68 in the alignment portion 42B, each guide channel recess 68 includes a receiving hole 68R and a claw hole 68C, wherein the guide channel recess 68 extends between the receiving hole 68R and the claw hole 68C. When assembled together, the guide channel recess 66 of the capturing portion 42A of the capturing plate 42 and the guide channel recess 68 of the alignment portion 42B define a guide channel having a receiving hole at one end and a claw hole at the opposite end.

[0128] Another feature of the illustrative embodiment depicted in the capture plate 42 is that the guide channels associated with the guide openings 45 of each group of capture channels diverge as the guide channel moves from the receiving hole of the guide channel to the claw hole within each group of guide channels. This diverging arrangement of guide channels can be seen in the diverging guide channel recesses 66 in the capture portion 42A and the corresponding diverging guide channel recesses 68 in the alignment portion 42B. Specifically, each group of guide channel recesses 66 in the capture portion 42A diverges as it moves from its receiving hole 66R to its claw hole 66C, and each group of guide channel recesses 68 in the alignment portion 42B diverges as it moves from its receiving hole 68R to its claw hole 68C.

[0129] While the converging groups of capture channels 60 can be used to separate and align the forward-facing toes and claws on each shank of a bird, the diverging groups of guide channels extending from each guide opening 45 in each group of capture channels 60 can be used to properly position the toes and claws apart from each other, where they can be examined, processed, etc., without interference from adjacent toes and claws on each shank of the bird.

[0130] The toe guides and poultry toe and claw positioning systems described herein are particularly suitable for transferring energy to the claws of poultry using the systems described herein to position their toes and claws. See, for example... Figures 22-24 An illustrative embodiment of the toe guide 40 includes a group of applicators 70 that can be used to establish a radio frequency (RF) electric field that can be used to detect poultry claws and selectively deliver RF energy to the forward-facing toes of poultry, or both. An illustrative system and method for using RF energy in conjunction with poultry claws is described, for example, in Gorans et al.'s International Publication WO2019 / 236964 entitled ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM USING AN ELECTRIC FIELD (claiming priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 682,262, filed June 8, 2018).

[0131] like Figures 22-24As depicted herein, an applicator 70 is positioned near the claw holes 66c / 68c of each guide channel, each guide channel being formed, as described herein, as a capture plate 42 passing through the toe guide 40. In the depicted embodiment, the applicator 70 is attached to the base 44 of the toe guide 40 below the capture plate 42. Each applicator includes a post 72 extending through the base 44 of the toe guide 40. The post 72 electrically connects the applicator 70 to a tuning plate 47, which is used to deliver RF energy to the applicator 70. The RF energy delivered to the applicator 70 can be delivered to the tuning plate 47 via a connector 71 on the base 44 of the toe guide 40. Illustrative embodiments of the tuning plate used in RF energy delivery and its use can be described, for example, in International Publication WO 2019 / 236964 entitled ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM USING AN ELECTRIC FIELD by Gorans et al.

[0132] Figures 25-26 An alternative view is provided of an applicator 70 on the base 44 of an illustrative embodiment of a toe guide 40 that is coupled with a bird B constrained in a poultry rack C10 as described herein. Specifically, as described herein, some of the applicator 70 can be seen through the guide opening 45, which is located along the capture channel 62 between the capture portion 42A and the alignment portion 42B of the capture plate 42, before the forward-facing toes of the bird B are guided into the guide channel of the guide opening 45.

[0133] Figure 26 Another optional feature depicted can be used to treat poultry (e.g., ducks, geese, etc.) with webbed feet extending between the forward-facing toes. Figure 26 As shown, the guide opening 45 extends through the capture plate 42 between adjacent pairs of guide channels 66 in the group of guide channels, such that the guide opening 45 and the group of guide channels are configured to receive webs extending between the forward-facing toes of adjacent pairs in the adjacent pairs of guide channels 66.

[0134] Figures 27-33 Another illustrative embodiment of a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein is depicted in use. In particular, Figure 27 A poultry B is depicted in a poultry rack C210 constrained in a selected position relative to the system. The left shank of poultry B is located in a shank clamp C250 and a shank guide C260. Figure 27The diagram also depicts a guide rail 252 for the toe guide track / rail assembly, on which the depicted toe guide 240 moves. The toe guide 240 also includes two groups of capture channels 260 formed therein. Another illustrative embodiment of the hip lift 220 is shown in its ready position before the hip lift 220 moves to act on the poultry B restrained in the poultry rack C210.

[0135] Figure 28 The image depicts the hip lift 220 after it has moved from its ready position to its lifted position. Figure 27 A poultry toe and claw positioning system, wherein a hip lifter 220 acts on poultry B restrained in a poultry carrier C210. ​​As described herein, the hip lifter 220 moves from its ready position to... Figure 28 The lifting position described herein causes the shank of bird B to move upward, thereby moving the forward-facing toe of bird B and the distal / lower end of the shank of bird B to a position directly below the lower / distal / bottom side of the shank clamp C250 of the poultry holder C210. ​​As a result, the forward-facing toe of bird B is positioned in a known position relative to the rest of the poultry toe and claw positioning system.

[0136] Figure 29 The toe guide rail / rail assembly (such as...) is depicted. Figure 29 After the guide rail 252 (as shown herein) has moved upward from its base position to its operating position as described herein, and after the toe guide 240 has moved from its original position toward the capture position (but is not yet in the capture position) as described herein. Figure 28 A positioning system for poultry toes and claws. For example... Figure 29 As shown, the toe guide 240 is positioned such that the converging portion of the group of capture channels 260 is positioned below the forward-facing toe T of the poultry B. The toe guide 240 is supported by a toe guide track / rail assembly, and as a result, the toe guide 240 moves to contact the forward-facing toe of the poultry B in the poultry rack C210.

[0137] Figure 30 Depicting each group of capture channels 260 located on the toe guide 240, Figure 29The poultry cage C210 depicts the forward-facing toes on both the left and right tibias of a bird B. Specifically, the forward-facing toes T on the left and right tibias of the bird, constrained in the poultry cage C210, are located in capture channels 262 of each group of capture channels 260. The movement of the toe guide track / rail assembly upwards to its operating position (where the toe guide 240 contacts the forward-facing toes of the bird) can be controlled by sensing the pressure exerted on the toe guide 240 by the forward-facing toes T. In one or more other embodiments, the operating position of the toe guide track / rail assembly and the toe guide 240 supported thereon can be fixed relative to the poultry cage C210 (regardless of the force exerted on the toe guide 240 by the forward-facing toes).

[0138] Figure 31 The image depicts the toe guide 240 after it has moved along the guide axis to the capture position. Figure 30 The forward-facing toes T on both the left and right tibias of bird B are depicted in the cage C210. ​​In this capture position, the forward-facing toes T have moved past the guide opening 245, which separates the converging portion of the capture channel 262 from the aligned portion of the capture channel 262, as described herein. Figure 31 The diagram also depicts ridges 263 that separate adjacent pairs of channels 262. Ridges 263 can help to properly position the forward-facing toe T within the individual capture channels 262.

[0139] Figure 32 The toe guide 240 is depicted. Figure 31 The capture position is moved to the completion position after Figure 31 The image depicts the forward-facing toe T on the left shank of bird B. In the completed position, the forward-facing toe T (and associated claw) has entered the guide opening 245 in each group of capture channels 260.

[0140] Figure 33 yes Figure 32 The rear view of the toe guide 240 depicts a forward-facing toe T on both the left and right tibias of bird B extending through and exiting a guide channel formed by the capture plate 242 of the toe guide 240 extending from the guide opening 245 and passing through the toe guide 240 (see, for example, a guide channel formed in the capture plate 42, as described herein). Figure 33 As shown, the forward-facing toe T passes through the guide opening 245 in the grouped capture channel 260, such that the distal end of the toe and the claw located thereon are positioned near the detector 270 of the toe guide 240.

[0141] Specifically, when the toe guide 240 is in its completed position as described herein, the claw C extending distally from each toe T is also positioned close to the detector 270. The precise positions of the distal ends of the forward-facing toes T and the associated claw C relative to the detector 270 can be adjusted as a set such that the distal ends of the forward-facing toes T and the associated claw C are in desired positions relative to the detector 270. In one or more embodiments, this precise positioning can be achieved by moving the toe guide 240 along the toe guide axis and / or moving the toe guide track / rail assembly between its base position and its operating position to achieve the desired positions of the forward-facing toes T and the associated claw C relative to the detector 270.

[0142] In one or more embodiments of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein, detector 270 may be used to deliver RF energy that can be used to detect the position of the forward-facing toe T and associated claw C, as described, for example, in International Publication WO 2019 / 236964 of Gorans et al. entitled ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM USING AN ELECTRIC FIELD.

[0143] Figure 34 This is a schematic diagram of components in an illustrative embodiment of a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein. The depicted system includes a controller 300 operatively connected to a hip lift actuator 328, a toe guide actuator 356, and a track actuator 357.

[0144] A hip lift actuator 328 is operatively connected to the hip lift 320 (and hip lift support 330, if present) of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein. As described herein, the hip lift actuator 328 is used to move the hip lift 320 between its ready position and lifted position. In those systems that include the hip lift support 330, the hip lift actuator 328 can also move the hip lift support 330 between its retracted position and forward position.

[0145] The toe guide actuator 356 is operatively connected to the toe guide 340 of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein. As described herein, the toe guide actuator 356 is used to move the toe guide along the guide axis between its initial position, capture position, and finish position.

[0146] A track actuator 357 is operatively connected to a toe guide track along which the toe guide 340 of the poultry toe and claw positioning system described herein moves. As described herein, the track actuator 357 is used to move the toe guide track between its basal position and its operating position to facilitate proper capture and positioning of the forward-facing toes and claws of poultry.

[0147] Controller 300 may be provided in any suitable form and may include, for example, memory and a controller. For example, the controller may be one or more microprocessors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) state machines, etc. The controller may include one or more suitable input devices configured to allow user operation of the poultry toe and claw system described herein (e.g., keyboard, touchscreen, mouse, trackball, etc.), and display devices configured to transmit information to the user (e.g., monitors (which may or may not be touchscreens), indicator lights, etc.). Although not depicted separately, in systems where one or more actuators use pneumatic and / or hydraulic components, controller 200 may be incorporated into a pneumatic and / or hydraulic control system.

[0148] Figure 34 The illustrative embodiment of the poultry toe and claw positioning system depicted also includes a series of detectors 270 designated for various forward-facing toes of the poultry being processed in the depicted system. Specifically, the applicator can be designated for the forward-facing distal phalanges II, III, and IV on the left and right tibias of the poultry, wherein the forward-facing distal phalange II on the left tibia is designated "L II", the forward-facing distal phalange III on the left tibia is designated "L III", and the forward-facing distal phalange IV on the left tibia is designated "L IV" (where the forward-facing distal phalanges on the right tibia are designated "R II", "R III", and "R IV", respectively).

[0149] Controller 300 may include an optionally integrated controller capable of operating detector 370 as needed to detect the claws of poultry as described herein. Consequently, controller 300 may include components capable of detecting claws as described herein using RF energy, light energy, a vision system, a capacitive system, etc. In those embodiments using RF energy, reference can be made to International Publication WO 2019 / 236964 by Gorans et al., entitled ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM USING AN ELECTRIC FIELD, to discuss components, circuitry, techniques, etc., used in the detection and optional treatment of poultry claws as described herein.

[0150] Figure 35 This is a schematic diagram of an illustrative embodiment of the system described herein, which includes multiple poultry racks, loading and unloading stations, an illustrative embodiment of a poultry toe and claw positioning system, and the location of one or more additional processing stations. Some illustrative examples of such systems can be described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,066,112 entitled “AUTOMATED POULTRYPROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM”.

[0151] Figure 35 An illustrative embodiment of the processing system shown includes a controller 300 operatively connected to station 310, at which various processes can be performed on poultry in poultry racks located at the selected station 310. The system includes a series of poultry racks 100 and 100' and a conveying system 400 configured to move the poultry racks 100 and 100' between stations 310 and between loading station 410 and unloading station 420. Poultry are loaded into each poultry rack 100' at loading station 410, and then conveyed to station 310 using the conveying system 400, where selected processes can be performed on the poultry located in the loaded poultry racks 100. Specifically, a station designated as a "6-claw station" can be an embodiment of a poultry toe and claw positioning system as described herein.

[0152] After processing at one or more stations 310, the loaded poultry rack 100 is conveyed to the unloading station 420 using the conveyor system 400. At the unloading station 420, the poultry restrained in the loaded poultry rack 100 is released, and the unloaded poultry rack 100' moves away from the unloading station to be reloaded at the loading station 410.

[0153] Although this article only describes the poultry toe and claw positioning system, station 310 may include a beak handling / inspection station, an injection station, a nutrient delivery station, a station for handling posteriorly facing phalanges I (located near the proximal / above / superior side of the tibia of distal phalanges II, III, and IV), a sex identification station, etc.

[0154] Non-limiting examples of processing and / or processing stations that may be used in one or more embodiments of the systems described herein may be described, for example, in the following documents: 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 (beak treatment for protecting the tongue); US Patent 9,775,695 (Fourth toe processing systems and methods); US Patent Application Publication US2019 / 0133734 (Poultry injection appratatus with rotating capture members and methods of use); International Publication WO2018204572 (Injection systems and methods); International Publication WO2019236964 (Energy delivery system using an electric field); US Patent Application Publication 2021 / 0068937 (Material delivery systems, beak opening appratatus and methods of use). USE (material conveying system, beak opening device and usage method), etc.

[0155] In one or more embodiments, poultry crates that can be used in conjunction with the system described herein are described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 0294.000062US60, filed on the same date as this application in the name of the applicant, Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC, entitled "POULTRY CRADLES AND METHODS OF RESTRAINING POULTRY". In one or more embodiments, one or more processing stations may be in the form of a rear-facing poultry claw detection and / or processing system, as described in U.S. Provisional Application No. 0294.000060US60, filed on the same date as this application in the name of the applicant, Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC, entitled "REAR-FACING POULTRY CLAW SYSTEM AND METHOD". In one or more embodiments, one or more processing stations may be in the form of a poultry beak processing and / or shielding system, as described in U.S. Provisional Application entitled “POULTRY BEAKPROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD” (Attorney General’s Case No. 0294.000075US60), filed on the same day as this application in the name of the applicant Nova-Tech Engineering, LLC.

[0156] All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated in their entirety by reference, unless they would directly contradict this disclosure. Although specific illustrative embodiments have been described herein, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various alternatives and / or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited to the illustrative embodiments and examples described herein, and that these examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only, while the scope of this disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims.

Claims

1. A poultry toe and claw positioning system, characterized in that, include: A hip lifter operatively attached to a system frame, the hip lifter being configured to move between a ready position and a lifted position; A toe guide operatively attachable to the system frame, the toe guide comprising: A capture plate, which includes a leading edge facing away from the hip lifter; A group of trapping channels formed in a support surface of a trapping plate, wherein each trapping channel in the group is configured to receive the forward-facing toe of a bird, and the group of trapping channels is configured to receive the forward-facing toe on a shank of a bird, wherein each trapping channel in the group includes an open end near the leading edge of the trapping plate, and wherein the group of trapping channels converges as it moves along the support surface away from the open end of the trapping channel; and A guide opening in a group of capture channels, wherein the group of capture channels converges at the guide opening; A group of guide channels extending from a guide opening through a capture plate, wherein each guide channel in the group extends from a receiving hole in the guide opening through a support plate to a claw hole located distal to the receiving hole, wherein the group of guide channels diverges as it moves from the receiving hole of the guide channel to the claw hole of the guide channel. A toe guide actuator operatively connected to a toe guide, the toe guide actuator being configured to move the toe guide along a guide axis between a starting position, a capture position, and a finished position, wherein the starting position is closer to the lift axis than the capture position, and the finished position is located between the starting position and the capture position; A hip lift actuator operatively connected to a hip lift, the hip lift actuator being configured to rotate the hip lift about a lift axis to move the hip lift between a ready position and a lift position; and A controller operatively connected to the toe guide actuator and the hip lift actuator, wherein the controller is configured to: Operate the hip lift actuator so that the hip lift actuator moves the hip lift from the ready position to the lifted position; After operating the hip lift actuator to rotate the hip lift from the ready position to the lift position, operate the toe guide actuator such that the toe guide actuator moves the toe guide along the guide axis from the original position to the capture position; and After moving the toe guide from its original position to its capture position along the guide axis, the toe guide actuator is operated so that it moves the toe guide from the capture position to the completion position along the guide axis.

2. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, As the system moves away from the guide opening along the guide axis, the capture channels in the group of capture channels are oriented approximately parallel / aligned to each other.

3. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a hip lift support, wherein the hip lift is located on the hip lift support, wherein the hip lift support is configured to move the hip lift from a retracted position to a forward position, and wherein when the hip lift support moves from the retracted position to the forward position, the hip lift moves from a ready position to a lifted position.

4. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, A hip lift actuator is operatively connected to a hip lift support, the hip lift actuator being configured to move the hip lift support between a retracted position and a forward position, while simultaneously rotating the hip lift about the lift axis from a ready position to a lift position.

5. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The movement of the hip lift support between the retracted and forward positions causes the lift axis to move.

6. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The hip lift support is configured to rotate about the support axis as it moves between the retracted position and the forward position.

7. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The guide opening extends through the capture plate between adjacent pairs of guide channels in the group of guide channels, such that the guide opening and the group of guide channels are configured to receive the webs, which extend between the forward toes of adjacent pairs of guide channels.

8. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The system includes a poultry carrier located in a selected position relative to the system frame, wherein the poultry carrier is configured to restrain poultry such that when the poultry carrier is in the selected position and the rump lifter is in the raised position, the rump lifter acts on the rump of the poultry.

9. A positioning system for poultry toes and claws, characterized in that, include: A hip lifter operatively attached to a system frame, the hip lifter being configured to move between a ready position and a lifted position; A toe guide operatively attachable to the system frame, the toe guide comprising: A capture plate, which includes a leading edge facing away from the hip lifter; A group of trapping channels formed in a support surface of a trapping plate, wherein each trapping channel in the group is configured to receive the forward-facing toe of a bird, and the group of trapping channels is configured to receive the forward-facing toe on a shank of a bird, wherein each trapping channel in the group includes an open end near the leading edge of the trapping plate, and wherein the group of trapping channels converges as it moves along the support surface away from the open end of the trapping channel; and A guide opening in a group of capture channels, wherein the group of capture channels converges at the guide opening; A group of guide channels extending from a guide opening through a capture plate, wherein each guide channel in the group extends from a receiving hole in the guide opening through the capture plate to a claw hole located distal to the receiving hole, wherein the group of guide channels diverges as it moves from the receiving hole of the guide channel to the claw hole of the guide channel. A toe guide track, operably attached to the system frame, defines a guide axis, wherein a toe guide is mounted on the toe guide track and configured to move along the guide axis between an initial position, a capture position, and a completed position, wherein the initial position is closer to the lift axis than the capture position, and wherein the completed position is located between the capture position and the initial position, and further wherein the toe guide track is configured to move from a base position to an operating position; A toe guide actuator operatively connected to a toe guide, the toe guide actuator being configured to move the toe guide along a guide axis between an initial position, a capture position, and a completion position; A hip lift actuator operatively connected to a hip lift, the hip lift actuator being configured to rotate the hip lift about a lift axis to move the hip lift between a ready position and a lift position. A track actuator operatively connected to a toe guide track to move the toe guide track between a base position and an operating position; and A controller operatively connected to the toe guide actuator, the hip lift actuator, and the track actuator, wherein the controller is configured to: Operate the hip lift actuator so that the hip lift actuator moves the hip lift from the ready position to the lifted position; After operating the hip lift actuator to rotate the hip lift from the ready position to the lift position, operate the toe guide actuator such that the toe guide actuator moves the toe guide along the guide axis from the original position to the capture position; and After moving the toe guide from its original position to its capture position along the guide axis, the toe guide actuator is operated such that it moves the toe guide from the capture position to the completion position along the guide axis; and After operating the toe guide actuator to move the toe guide away from its original position along the guide axis, and before the toe guide reaches the capture position, operate the track actuator to move the toe guide track from the base position to the operating position.

10. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that, As the channel moves away from the guide opening along the guide axis, the capture channels in the group are oriented approximately parallel / aligned to each other.

11. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The system also includes a hip lift support, wherein the hip lift is located on the hip lift support, wherein the hip lift support is configured to move the hip lift from a retracted position to a forward position, and wherein when the hip lift support moves from the retracted position to the forward position, the hip lift moves from a ready position to a lifted position.

12. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The hip lift actuator is operatively connected to the hip lift support and is configured to move the hip lift support between a retracted position and a forward position, while simultaneously rotating the hip lift about the lift axis from a ready position to a lift position.

13. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The movement of the hip lift support between the retracted and forward positions causes the lift axis to move.

14. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The hip lift support is configured to rotate about the support axis as it moves between the retracted position and the forward position.

15. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The guide opening extends through the capture plate between adjacent pairs of guide channels in the group of guide channels, such that the guide opening and the group of guide channels are configured to receive the webs, which extend between the forward toes of adjacent pairs of guide channels.

16. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The toe guide rail rotates about the rail axis as it moves between the base position and the operating position, and the rail axis is offset from and transverse to the lifting axis.

17. The poultry toe and claw positioning system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The system includes a poultry carrier located in a selected position relative to the system frame, wherein the poultry carrier is configured to restrain poultry such that when the poultry carrier is in the selected position and the rump lifter is in the raised position, the rump lifter acts on the rump of the poultry.

18. A method for locating the toes and claws of birds, characterized in that, The method includes: The poultry is positioned in a poultry rack at a selected location relative to the system frame, with the left shank of the poultry located in the left shank clamp of the poultry rack; Positioning the left-side forward-facing toe of a bird in a group of left-side capture channels on a support surface of a capture plate of a toe guide, the toe guide positioning the bird in a poultry rack at a selected location, wherein each left-side forward-facing toe is located in a separate left-side capture channel of the group of left-side capture channels, and wherein positioning the left-side forward-facing toe in the plurality of left-side capture channels includes: moving the toe guide in a capture direction such that the left-side forward-facing toe enters the plurality of left-side capture channels at the opening ends of the plurality of left-side capture channels, wherein the group of left-side capture channels converges as it moves away from the opening ends of the group of left-side capture channels along the support surface, such that the left-side forward-facing toe of the bird converges in the group of left-side capture channels as the toe guide moves in the capture direction; After the left-side forward-facing toes of a bird converge in multiple left-side capture channels, the left-side forward-facing toes of the bird are positioned in a group of left-side guide channels formed through the capture plate by moving the capture plate of the toe guide in the completion direction opposite to the capture direction. Each left-side guide channel in the group of guide channels extends through the capture plate from a guide opening in the group of capture channels. Each guide channel in the group of guide channels extends through the capture plate from a receiving hole in the guide opening to a claw hole located distal to the receiving hole. The group of guide channels diverges as it moves from the receiving hole to the claw hole of the guide channel, such that the left-side forward-facing toes of the bird diverge in the group of left-side guide channels when the toe guide moves in the completion direction. After the claw extends from the distal / lower end of the left-side forward-facing toe into the claw hole of the set of left-side guide channels, the left-side forward-facing toe of the bird is held in the set of left-side guide channels.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The method includes moving the rump of a bird away from the left shank clamp; and wherein positioning the left-side forward-facing toe of the bird in a group of left-side capture channels includes: after moving the rump of the bird away from the left shank clamp, positioning the left-side forward-facing toe of the bird in a group of left-side capture channels.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Move the bird's rump away from the left shank clamp so that the distal end of the bird's shank moves toward the left shank clamp.

21. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Moving the rump of a bird away from the left shank clamp includes: moving the rump of the bird away from the left shank clamp by moving the rump lifter from the ready position to the lifted position.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, A hip lifter is mounted on a hip lifter support, wherein the method includes: moving the hip lifter support from a retracted position to a forward position, wherein when the hip lifter support is in the forward position, the hip lifter is closer to the poultry rack than when the hip lifter support is in the retracted position.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The method includes moving the hip lift support from a retracted position to a forward position while moving the hip lift from a ready position to a lifted position.

24. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, Moving the hip lift support between the retracted and forward positions moves the lift axis.

25. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that, The toe guide is mounted on a toe guide track, and the method includes: after positioning the left-side forward-facing toe of the poultry in a plurality of left-side capture channels, moving the toe guide track from a base position to an operating position, wherein when the toe guide track is in the operating position, the toe guide is closer to the poultry rack than when the toe guide track is in the base position.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The method includes moving a toe guide track from a base position to an operating position before positioning the left-side forward-facing toe of a bird in a plurality of left-side guide channels.

27. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that, The capture channels in the group are oriented approximately parallel / aligned to each other as they move away from the guide opening along the guide axis.

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