Egg transfer assembly and related methods

Abstract

A conveying assembly (100) for transporting eggs includes a distribution plate (110) having a first surface (112) and a second surface (120). The first surface (112) has at least one protrusion (114) extending therefrom. At least one egg pick pad (150) is coupled to the at least one protrusion (114). A through hole (118) extends through the distribution plate (110), the at least one protrusion (114), and the at least one egg pick pad (150). A flexible bellows (130) is coupled to the second surface (120) of the distribution plate (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a low-vacuum transfer assembly for, for example, transferring eggs between a culture tray and an incubation tray. Background Technology

[0002] This section provides background information in connection with this disclosure, which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Poultry production typically involves placing fertile eggs in incubation trays, which are then placed in incubators (or hatching machines) at a selected temperature for a period of time (e.g., to mimic natural cycles). After this period, the eggs undergo selection and intraocular processes, which are an effective method for disease prevention in poultry flocks and involve the introduction of antimicrobial agents (e.g., antibiotics, bactericides, and sulfonamides), vitamins, enzymes, nutrients, organic salts, hormones, adjuvants, immunostimulants, probiotics, and vaccines. The intraocular process often involves inserting a needle through the eggshell. The injected egg is then transferred to an incubation tray or frame placed in the incubation location (or hatching machine). Common transfer assemblies use vacuum or suction cups to transfer eggs from incubation trays to incubation trays. However, in the case of injected eggs, the applied vacuum or suction is often a source of contamination, for example, by allowing small particles to adhere and move through the needle eye. Therefore, it would be desirable to develop transfer assemblies that reduce and limit the risk of contamination, as well as cracks and fissures. Summary of the Invention

[0004] By means of aspects of this disclosure to meet the above and other needs, according to one aspect, a conveying assembly comprising a dispensing plate having a first surface and a second surface is provided, wherein the first surface has at least one protrusion extending therefrom. At least one egg-sorting liner is coupled to at least one protrusion, wherein perforations extend through the dispensing plate, the at least one protrusion, and the at least one egg-sorting liner. A flexible bellows is coupled to the second surface of the dispensing plate.

[0005] On the other hand, a method for transporting an egg is provided. The method includes causing a conveying assembly to descend to interact with the egg, the conveying assembly having at least one egg-picking pad. The method further includes bringing the egg-picking pad into contact with the egg and applying a vacuum at the egg-picking pad, such that the conveying assembly can ascend with the egg for transporting the egg.

[0006] Therefore, various aspects of this disclosure offer advantages as further specifically described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The figures described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and not for all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1A bottom-up perspective view of an example egg conveying assembly comprising a connecting bellows and one or more egg picking pads, according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2A Assigning boards to instances according to various aspects of this disclosure (e.g., as...) Figure 1 The example egg delivery assembly shown is a bottom-up perspective view.

[0010] Figure 2B for Figure 2A The instance allocation panel shown is a top-down perspective view;

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the example egg delivery assembly shown;

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The example egg delivery assembly shown is a top-down perspective view, with the bellows in an extended state (e.g., after initial contact or release).

[0013] Figure 5A A bottom-up perspective view of an example egg-picking liner according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5B for Figure 5A The example egg picking pad shown is a top-down perspective view;

[0015] Figure 6 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of the first end of the example egg delivery assembly shown in the image;

[0016] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The side view of the example egg delivery assembly shown;

[0017] Figure 8 for Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the example egg delivery assembly shown;

[0018] Figure 9 for Figure 1 The example egg conveyor assembly shown is a top-down perspective view, with the bellows in a compressed state (e.g., during conveying).

[0019] Figure 10 for Figure 1 The example egg delivery assembly shown is a top-down perspective view; and

[0020] Figure 11 for Figure 1The example egg conveyor assembly shown is a cross-sectional perspective view, wherein the distal end of the bellows includes a bellows connector.

[0021] The corresponding reference numerals in the accompanying drawings always indicate the corresponding parts in several views of the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of particular components, apparatuses, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required, that exemplary embodiments may be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0024] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are inclusive and thus specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless explicitly determined to be an order of performance. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0025] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “joined to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening element or layer. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “proximately” vs. “adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerations.

[0026] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another region, layer, or portion. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0027] In addition, spatial relative terms such as “inside,” “outside,” “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like may be used herein to readily describe the relationship of one element or feature to one or more other elements or features as shown in the figures. Besides the orientations depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0028] This disclosure provides a conveying assembly configured to, for example, convey eggs between a culture tray and an incubation tray, and more particularly, to convey eggs having one or more pinholes. Specifically, conveying assemblies prepared according to various aspects of this disclosure are configured such that the conveying assembly contacts the egg at one or more locations separated from (or away from) the one or more pinholes. Additionally, in various aspects, the conveying assembly prepared according to various aspects of this disclosure may be a low-vacuum conveying assembly.

[0029] Figure 1 , Figures 3 to 4 and Figures 6 to 8 The conveyor assembly 100 is depicted, having a distribution plate 110 connecting the bellows 130 to one or more egg-picking pads 150 as shown. For example, Figure 1 A bottom-up perspective view of the instance egg delivery assembly 100; Figure 3 A cross-sectional perspective view of the egg delivery assembly 100; Figure 4 A top-down perspective view of the egg delivery assembly 100 in use; Figure 6 An enlarged view of the first end of the egg delivery assembly 100;

[0030] Figure 7 Side view of the egg delivery assembly 100; Figure 8 Exploded perspective view of egg delivery assembly 100; Figure 9 Another top-down perspective view of the instance egg delivery assembly 10; Figure 10 Another top-down perspective view of the egg delivery assembly 100 in use.

[0031] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As best shown, the distribution plate (or manifold) 110 has a first side (or surface) 112 and a second side (or surface) 120. The first surface 112 may be generally parallel to the second surface 120. One or more protrusions (or pillars, supports, rods, railings, or extrusion protrusions) 114 extend from the first surface 112 of the distribution plate 110 in a first direction. In some variations, the distribution plate 110 may be circular, and the one or more protrusions may be evenly spaced on the distribution plate 110.

[0032] Each protrusion 114 is configured to hold (or couple to) an egg-sorting pad 150. As shown, the distribution plate 110 may include three protrusions 114, and the conveying assembly 100 may include three corresponding egg-sorting pads 150. However, in various aspects, those skilled in the art will recognize that the distribution plate 110 may include three or fewer protrusions 114, and the conveying assembly 100 may include three or fewer egg-sorting pads 150. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that in other variations, the distribution plate 110 may include three or more protrusions 114, and the conveying assembly 100 may include three or more egg-sorting pads 150. Additionally, although different egg-sorting pads 150 are shown, those skilled in the art will understand that in some variations, one or more egg-sorting pads 150 may be connected. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the protrusions 114 and egg-sorting pads 150 can be arranged in various patterns, for example, to easily accommodate different egg types, shapes, or sizes.

[0033] In each variation, each of the protrusions 114 includes one or more ridges or flaps or similar features 116 configured to hold the egg-picking pad 150 in place, and as... Figure 3 As best shown, a vacuum port (or channel or via) 118 extends through both the protrusion 114 and the distribution plate 110 away from the second surface 120. The protrusion 114 defines the vacuum port 118 as a central cavity extending centrally through its length. The second surface 120 of the distribution plate 110 is configured to be coupled to the bellows 130. As shown, a lip or ridge 122 may extend from the second surface 120 in a second direction, and a first end 132 of the bellows 130 may be configured to sleeve over (or surround) the lip or ridge 122. For example, as Figure 3As best shown, one or more couplers (e.g., ridges) 134 may extend from the inner surface of the bellows 130 at a first end 132, and the outer surface of the lip 122 may have one or more recesses 124 configured to receive the couplers 134. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other coupling configurations may be similarly employed, although not shown.

[0034] In each variation, the bellows 130 has a second end 136 configured to couple to a vacuum source (not shown). For example... Figure 11 As shown, the second end 136 of the bellows 130 may include a bellows connector 135 coupling the bellows 130 to a vacuum source. As shown, the length of the bellows extending between the first end 132 and the second end 136 may have an accordion-like structure. For example, in various aspects, the bellows 130 is configured to contract vertically under negative pressure (e.g., about 1 inch or 25.4 mm) and return to its original length when the applied vacuum pressure is stopped (or terminated). In some variations, the bellows 130 may be a flexible vacuum bellows made of flexible plastic, rubber, or other elastic materials.

[0035] like Figure 3 As best illustrated, each of one or more egg-picking pads 150 has a sleeve 152 configured to receive one or more protrusions 114 extending from the dispensing plate 110. For example, as Figure 5B As shown, sleeve 152 may define a cavity (or keyway) 154 configured to receive the protrusion 114. More specifically, the inner surface of sleeve 152 defining cavity 154 may have one or more recesses 156 configured to receive a ridge 116 extending from the outer surface of protrusion 114.

[0036] Each egg-picking pad 150 has a sleeve 152 coupled (e.g., at an angle) to an egg contact pad 158, which is configured to contact an egg 200 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 4 and Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram). The egg contact pad 158 is configured to have a shape for receiving the egg 200. For example, in some variations, as shown, the egg contact pad 158 may have a generally spherical shape. One or more egg picking pads 150 work together to provide a smooth but firm grip on the egg 200. More specifically, the flexibility of the bellows 130 allows one or more egg picking pads 150 to be used for eggs of various shapes and sizes. For example, the flexibility of the bellows 130 allows one or more picking pads 150 to be used for various eggs placed in an incubation (or hatching) tray and having different heights due to differences in shape and size. The flexibility of the bellows 130 also allows the transport assembly 100 to smoothly release the egg 200 as the bellows 130 is adjusted depending on the shape and size of the egg 200 and also the placement surface.

[0037] like Figure 5A and Figure 6 As best shown, the inner surface of the egg contact pad 158 has a peripheral surface 160 surrounding the vacuum conduit 162. In some variations, one or more structural supports 163 may be positioned toward the inlet (or first end) of the vacuum conduit 162. In some variations, the first end of the vacuum conduit 162 may have a dome shape defining the angle between the connecting sleeve 152 and the egg contact pad 158. The structural supports 163 prevent contraction and / or blockage of the vacuum conduit 162.

[0038] In each variation, the vacuum conduit 162 is configured to communicate with the vacuum port 118 of the protrusion 114 and the distribution plate 110, which in turn communicates with the bellows 130 and a vacuum source to which it can be connected. In this way, vacuum suction can be used to grasp and hold the egg 200. For example, when the delivery assembly 100 contacts the egg, the bellows 130 can retract (or compress) to adjust the height 139 depending on the size and shape of the egg 200 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 9 (As shown in the diagram). Upon contact, a vacuum pressure is applied and the egg 200 is held against the peripheral surface 160, thereby sealing the air path to the bellows 130.

[0039] In various aspects, the peripheral surface 160 of the egg contact pad 158 includes a plurality of cross-sectional grooves 164. In some variations, the cross-sectional grooves 164 may be imprinted in the peripheral surface 160. The cross-sectional grooves 164 may have various configurations. For example, as shown, the cross-sectional grooves 164 may have a concentric design. In each variation, the cross-sectional grooves 164 help improve the grip of the wiring vacuum on the peripheral surface 160. That is, the cross-sectional grooves 164 can provide a vacuum path to an area away from the vacuum conduit 162, thereby increasing the vacuum force available for holding the egg 200 in the predetermined and isolated area. For example, the cross-sectional grooves 164 may originate at the vacuum conduit 162 and extend toward the periphery of the egg contact pad 158, including laterally branching, but not connecting to adjacent grooves. In this way, each cross-sectional groove 164 defines an isolation subsystem and a unique vacuum path. The placement of one or more egg contact pads 158, and in particular the defined vacuum conduit 162 and cross-sectional groove 164 therein, isolates the applied vacuum or suction force from a predetermined (or designated) area, thereby restricting the approach to or movement around the pinhole 202 in the egg 200, as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in the diagram, the egg can be released from the peripheral surface 160 by interrupting the applied vacuum pressure, thereby causing the bellows 130 to extend (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 4 and Figure 10As shown in the figure, the egg restores its original length of 138, thereby causing the egg to drop to touch the receiving surface (e.g., incubation box).

[0040] The foregoing description of the embodiments is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to the particular embodiment described, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected embodiments (even if not specifically shown or described). The same can also be changed in many ways. Such changes should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A conveyor assembly (100) for transporting eggs (200), comprising: The distribution plate (110) has a first surface (112) and a second surface (120); A protrusion (114) extends from the first surface (112) and defines a through hole (118) extending through the distribution plate (110). An egg-sorting liner (150) coupled to the protrusion (114), wherein a through-hole (118) extends through the protrusion (114) to be in fluid communication with the egg-sorting liner (150); and A flexible bellows (130) is coupled to the second surface (120) of the distribution plate (110). The egg sorting pad (150) is characterized in that it has an egg contact pad (158) having a peripheral surface (160) surrounding the through hole (118) and the peripheral surface (160) defining a plurality of cross-sectional grooves (164) that originate from the through hole (118) and extend toward the periphery of the egg contact pad (158) without connecting to adjacent grooves, wherein each cross-sectional groove (164) defines an isolated vacuum path.

2. The conveying assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the egg picking pad (150) includes a sleeve (152) configured to surround the protrusion (114).

3. The conveying assembly (100) according to claim 2, wherein the egg contact pad (158) is a spherical egg contact pad.

4. The transfer assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the through hole (118) defines a channel configured to be in fluid communication with a vacuum source.

5. The conveying assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the lip (122) extends from the second surface (120) and the flexible bellows (130) surrounds the lip (122) when coupled to the distribution plate (110).

6. A method for transporting an egg (200), the method comprising: The conveying assembly (100) is brought down to interact with the egg (200), the conveying assembly (100) comprising: The distribution plate (110) has a first surface (112) and a second surface (120); A protrusion (114) extends from the first surface (112) and defines a through hole (118) extending through the distribution plate (110). An egg-selecting pad (150) coupled to the protrusion (114), the egg-selecting pad (150) having an egg contact pad (158) having a peripheral surface (160) surrounding the through-hole (118), the peripheral surface (160) defining a plurality of cross-sectional grooves (164) originating from the through-hole (118) and extending toward the periphery of the egg contact pad (158) without connecting to adjacent grooves, wherein each cross-sectional groove (164) defines an isolated vacuum path; and A flexible bellows (130) coupled to the second surface (120) of the distribution plate (110). The at least one egg-picking pad (150) is brought into contact with the egg (200); A vacuum is applied through the through-hole (118), wherein suction is applied through the cross-sectional groove (164); and The conveying assembly (100) is moved upward to transport the egg (200).

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