Method and system for transferring eggs

Abstract

A method of transferring eggs, comprising: - supplying a plurality of eggs (E) along respective supply paths; - depositing eggs (E) among the supplied eggs in a plurality of separate egg deposit areas (A1, A2, A3) of the supply paths, wherein each egg deposit area (A1, A2, A3) is associated with a respective egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3) having a first array of first egg receiving structures (42) that capture each egg (E) deposited in the respective egg deposit area (A1, A2, A3) to form a row of eggs, wherein each egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3) comprises an array of at least one second egg receiving structure (49) located below said first array of first egg receiving structures (42); and wherein the method comprises the step of: - defining subsequent adjacent groups (G1, G2, G3) of eggs among the plurality of supplied eggs (E) such that each group of eggs (E) comprises a sufficient number of eggs (E) for filling substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of one of the respective deposit areas (A1, A2, A3). The invention also provides a system for transferring eggs.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a method and system for transferring eggs, particularly for processing multiple poultry eggs, such as poultry eggs.

[0002] Egg transfer systems are known and are sold by the applicant. One example is the MOBA Omnia PX egg handling system (shown in a video: https: / / www.youtube.com / watch?v=WLetUJQlX-c&t=200). A portion of the known system includes an egg supply conveyor extending along a packaging channel. The conveyor is configured to deliver eggs in a predetermined order to multiple lower egg transfer stations, each having an endless transfer structure comprising an egg receiver group. The egg transfer stations deliver eggs to a lower (second) transfer station, which is configured to fill the lower egg package.

[0003] EP0560458 discloses a method and apparatus for transferring discrete items (e.g., eggs) from a random supply conveyor of items having multiple characteristics to a take-off conveyor of items having only some selected characteristics among the multiple characteristics at receiving and packaging stations. At each receiving and packaging station, items with the selected characteristics are transferred from the supply conveyor to a collection device to form a complete row of items therein. The circular transfer conveyor has multiple rows of item holders, each row of item holders being positioned at a point in its travel to receive a complete row of items from the collection device. The collection device will convey only the complete row of items into a row of empty holders in the transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyor then transfers the complete row of items to a container on the take-off conveyor. A receiving mechanism can be inserted between the transfer conveyor and the container to receive the items and lower them onto the container. In operation, the system utilizes a so-called cyclic sequence to drop eggs into corresponding drop areas via the supply conveyor. Furthermore, when the corresponding central processing unit knows that there is a row of eggs in the collecting device and a row of empty holders in the transfer conveyor moving below it, the row of items is released from the collecting device into the row of holders on the transfer conveyor.

[0004] The transfer step, which involves moving complete egg rows to a row of empty holders in a transfer conveyor, requires some processing time. During this time, the corresponding item holders cannot be used for refilling, meaning that some randomly supplied eggs (with the properties associated with complete rows) cannot be transferred and will have to be either reintroduced into the system via a collection device or manually handled after discharge. This is cumbersome and causes significant delays in egg processing.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a more efficient egg transfer method and corresponding system, particularly addressing or mitigating the shortcomings of known methods and systems. More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a reliable method (and corresponding system) that can achieve very high egg transfer rates, for example, when handling single-grade eggs and, for example, when handling eggs with different characteristics.

[0006] According to the present invention, this is achieved through the features of the independent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for transferring an egg is provided, comprising: - Supply multiple eggs along the corresponding supply path; - Multiple eggs are placed in multiple separate egg placement areas along a supply path, wherein each egg placement area is associated with a corresponding egg transfer station having a first array of first egg receiving structures that capture each egg placed in the corresponding egg placement area to form an egg stack, wherein each egg transfer station includes at least one array of second egg receiving structures located below the first array of the first egg receiving structures. The method includes the following steps: - Define subsequent adjacent groups of eggs among the supplied multiple eggs, such that each group of eggs includes a sufficient number of eggs to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structure of one of the corresponding drop areas (i.e., the first array for substantially filling the first egg receiving structure to form the corresponding egg row). -a1) Eggs from the defined first group of eggs are placed in the first egg placement area, thereby filling essentially all of the first egg receiving structures of the corresponding first egg transfer station to form a first egg row, and the corresponding first egg row is placed (to the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structures of the first egg transfer station); and -a2) Eggs from the defined second group of eggs are placed in the second egg placement area, thereby filling almost all of the first egg receiving structures of the corresponding second egg transfer station to form a second egg row, and the corresponding second egg row (to the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structures of the second egg transfer station) is placed.

[0008] During the transfer step, the corresponding first egg receiving structure of the egg transfer station drops a row of eggs into the first array of the (subsequent) second egg receiving structure, wherein the second egg receiving structure captures the row of eggs and temporarily preserves the row of eggs before dropping eggs (for further processing).

[0009] This method enables a high-capacity and significantly improved-efficiency egg transfer process. Specifically, research has found that dividing the supplied eggs into consecutive (adjacent) egg groups (e.g., using a digital system controller to define the groups) significantly improves egg processing efficiency. The first group of eggs is associated with a first egg transfer station (where it is processed), and the second group (the next group) is associated with a second egg transfer station (where it is processed). Subsequently, the first group of eggs can be placed at the first transfer station (to form a corresponding first egg row) for local processing. Simultaneously, the second group of eggs can be placed at the second transfer station (to form a corresponding second egg row) for local processing (i.e., step a2).

[0010] It has been found that the application of an array of second egg receiving structures (below the upper first egg receiving structure) provides a significantly improved buffer capacity, enabling higher system throughput and improved transfer reliability, where the chance of supplied eggs not being dropped (due to the first receiving structure being full) can be minimized.

[0011] Preferably, each array (holding the formed egg strips) of the first egg receiving structure can release the corresponding egg strips at a dedicated release time, i.e., simultaneously (e.g., under the control of the central control unit), in particular, so that the corresponding eggs are released simultaneously by the egg receiving structure for further processing.

[0012] Alternatively, the first array of the first egg receiving structure may temporarily hold the formed egg strip before it is placed toward the corresponding second egg receiving structure. Specifically, while the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structure still holds a row of eggs, the first array of the first egg receiving structure may hold the formed egg strip.

[0013] Preferably, when the corresponding second egg receiving structures are all empty (i.e., do not contain eggs), the first array of the first egg receiving structures deploys the formed egg strips toward the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structures substantially immediately or without delay (once the egg strips have been completed).

[0014] Once an egg stack (i.e., the first or second egg stack) is completed at one of the two transfer stations, it can be deployed for further processing (e.g., for filling egg packs). Simultaneously, a batch of eggs can be transported (via an egg supply conveyor) to the other transfer station to form a corresponding egg stack there. Therefore, the system has a relatively long processing time for the egg stacks already formed at the aforementioned transfer stations. Consequently, the likelihood of some supplied eggs being unable to be transferred and having to pass through each egg transfer station is greatly reduced.

[0015] In addition, at least two arrays (e.g., only two or more) of egg receiving structures (one above the other) are used in each egg transfer station to receive egg rows, thereby providing a large amount of corresponding egg buffer space and egg buffer time.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, where the method includes dropping eggs (e.g., from an array of second egg receiving structures) into an egg buffer structure (extending below the respective egg receiving structure), a corresponding egg buffer is further added. For example, the egg buffer structure may have at least two parallel arrays of egg receiving structures that are laterally movable relative to the egg supply path of the supply conveyor. Therefore, an efficient egg handling method (and packaging) can be achieved.

[0017] Optionally, step a2) is executed after step a1) is completed (i.e., start and finish). However, depending on the system configuration and the eggs supplied, step a1) may have already been completed when step a2) begins, or even before step a) begins (and may be repeated).

[0018] Preferably, each egg placement area is associated with the same number N first egg receiving structures, where N is 6, wherein each group of eggs is defined as including at least four eggs for filling the first egg receiving structure of the corresponding placement area (and preferably for filling adjacent first egg receiving structures or corresponding arrays of such structures to form corresponding uninterrupted egg rows).

[0019] For example, each group of eggs is defined to include exactly six eggs, which are specifically assigned to six (upper) first egg receiving structures in the corresponding placement area to fill all six first egg receiving structures during the corresponding placement steps a1) and a2).

[0020] Therefore, the array of six first egg receiving structures at each egg transfer station is preferably fully filled with eggs from the corresponding egg group (to form six egg rows). Alternatively, during operation, fewer than six positions provided by the array of first egg receiving structures may be filled with eggs, such as four or five adjacent first egg receiving structures, depending on, for example, the desired egg handling capacity downstream of the first egg receiving structures. This may relate, for example, to the configuration of the egg cartons (or trays) to be filled in the downstream packaging system (if any), where a variety of known different styles of such egg cartons are available (e.g., egg receiving nests with 2x4, 2x5, or 2x6 configurations).

[0021] According to an embodiment, at least three deployment areas are provided, each having a corresponding array of first egg receiving structures, and corresponding (at least three) egg groups are defined for those deployment areas. This can lead to optimal egg processing results (especially when multiple deployment areas are used in a predetermined order). Regarding the number of deployment areas, it should be observed that the invention can be used with any number of deployment areas, such as two, three, four, or five or more deployment areas, for example, at least ten or more deployment areas.

[0022] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, a system for transferring eggs is provided, particularly a system configured to perform the method according to the invention, wherein the system comprises: - A supply conveyor for supplying multiple eggs along a corresponding supply path, wherein the conveyor is configured to place the supplied eggs into multiple separate egg placement areas along the supply path; - Multiple egg transfer stations, each associated with a corresponding egg placement area, each egg transfer station having a first array of a first egg receiving structure configured to capture each egg placed in the corresponding egg placement area to form a row of eggs, and to place the row of eggs into an array of a corresponding second egg receiving structure located below the first array of the first egg receiving structure of the egg transfer station, the array of the second egg receiving structure configured to temporarily hold the row of eggs and to place the row of eggs; and - A digital system controller configured to perform at least the following steps: - Define subsequent adjacent groups of eggs among the supplied multiple eggs, such that each group of eggs includes a sufficient number of eggs to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structure of one of the corresponding drop areas; and Control the supply conveyor so that it performs the following: a1) Eggs from the defined first group of eggs are placed in the first egg placement area, thereby filling substantially all of the first egg receiving structures of the corresponding first egg transfer station to form a first egg row; and - Eggs from the defined second group of eggs are placed in the second egg placement area, thereby filling essentially all of the first egg receiving structures of the corresponding second egg transfer station to form a second egg row.

[0023] In this way, the aforementioned advantages can be achieved.

[0024] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the invention, a digital system controller, such as a computer or data processor, is provided, configured to control a system according to the invention, for example, to perform a method according to the invention. Advantageously, the controller is configured to perform at least the following steps: - Define subsequent adjacent groups of eggs among the supplied multiple eggs, such that each group of eggs includes a sufficient number of eggs to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structure of one of the corresponding drop areas; and Control the supply conveyor so that it performs the following: -a1) Eggs from the defined first group of eggs are placed in the first egg placement area to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures of the corresponding first egg transfer station, forming a first egg row; and -a2) Eggs from the defined second group of eggs are placed in the second egg placement area to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures of the corresponding second egg transfer station to form a second egg row.

[0025] During the transfer step controlled by the system controller, the array of the first egg receiving structure of the egg transfer station delivers a row of eggs to the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structure, wherein the second egg receiving structure captures the row of eggs, temporarily stores the formed egg row, and then delivers the corresponding egg row.

[0026] In this way, the aforementioned advantages can be achieved.

[0027] Further advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims. Hereinafter, various features, effects, and optional details of non-limiting examples of the invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a side view of a well-known example of an egg transfer system; Figure 2 A side view of a non-limiting example of an egg transfer system according to the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Details Q; Figure 4 schematically shown Figure 2-3 The first part of the system's operation is shown. Figure 5 schematically shown Figure 2-3 The second part of the system's operation is shown; Figure 6 schematically shown Figure 2-3 The third part of the system's operation is shown. Figure 7 yes Figure 2-3 A side view of a portion of the egg transfer system shown, during egg placement at the first egg placement area; Figure 8 It is similar to Figure 7 A side view during egg placement at the second egg placement area; Figure 9 It is similar to Figure 8A side view, after the egg packs have been placed in the first egg placement area; Figure 10 It is similar to Figure 7 A side view during egg placement at the third egg placement area; and Figure 11 It is similar to Figure 10 A side view, after the egg packs have been placed in the second egg placement area; In this application, the same or corresponding features are indicated by the same or corresponding reference numerals.

[0028] Figure 1 A portion of the examples of prior art egg transfer systems and corresponding egg transfer methods, such as those known from EP0560458, are described and are considered to be incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0029] The system described has a supply conveyor 1 for supplying multiple eggs E along at least one corresponding supply path (i.e., supply track, supply channel). Hereinafter, one supply path (e.g., supply track / channel) is described, but it should be understood that the system may provide multiple (parallel) supply paths (supply tracks / channels) for supplying eggs. See, for example, EP0560458.

[0030] The supply conveyor 1 is configured to convey eggs E in a corresponding generally horizontal conveying direction T. The conveyor 1 is also configured to deliver eggs E to corresponding transfer stations PT1, PT2 at multiple separate (e.g., spaced apart) egg placement areas PA1, PA2 associated with corresponding supply paths (transfer stations PT1, PT2 are associated with those placement areas PA1, PA2 of the corresponding supply paths / tracks). It should be understood that each transfer station PT1, PT2 may be associated with a corresponding packaging channel, particularly one with a corresponding egg packaging conveyor 10 (known per se).

[0031] The supply conveyor 1 can be configured in various ways. The conveyor 1 may, for example, include an array of egg holders 16 for supplying a corresponding stream of eggs along a respective supply path. Each of these holders 16 has, for example, a pair of egg-engaging elements (e.g., carriers or half-cups), wherein each pair of egg-engaging elements can automatically move from an egg-bearing state (shown in the figure) to an egg-releasing state (i.e., an open state, not shown) for downward placement of eggs E into egg receivers (receiver elements) at lower transfer stations PT1, PT2. In the case of a multi-track system, the supply conveyor 1 may, for example, include multiple parallel arrays of egg holders 16 for supplying a corresponding stream of eggs along corresponding parallel supply tracks (see, for example, EP0560458, which discloses a system with four parallel tracks A, B, C, and D).

[0032] The delivery of eggs E via the supply transmitter 1 is specifically controlled by the corresponding central control unit or processor, namely the digital system controller C' (illustratively indicated).

[0033] This configuration preferably allows the system controller C' to determine which egg (supplied by the supply conveyor) 1 is placed into which section (i.e., retainer 42) of the corresponding transfer station PT1, PT2, for example, if the controller knows the match, for example, when the egg has a certain egg characteristic associated with a certain transfer station PT1, PT2 (see below) (e.g., different transfer stations PT1, PT2 may be associated with different egg characteristics of the egg E being processed).

[0034] There are multiple egg transfer stations PT1 and PT2, each associated with a corresponding egg delivery area PA1 and PA2. In the known system, each transfer station PT1 and PT2 provides a packaging station for packaging eggs into egg containers 95. It should be understood that the transfer stations can also be configured to receive eggs and transfer them to other types of egg discharge structures, such as egg discharge conveyors, etc. (i.e., there is no packaging station below the transfer station).

[0035] Each egg transfer station PT1, PT2 has an array of first egg receiving structures 42 (of the corresponding collection device 7), configured to capture eggs E placed in the corresponding egg placement areas PA1, PA2 to form egg rows, and to place the egg rows after they are formed. Such egg receiving structures 42 can be configured in various ways, as will be clear to those skilled in the art. For example, each egg receiving structure 42 can be an egg holder comprising two holder portions movable between a first position for receiving and holding the placed eggs E and a second position for releasing (and placing) the eggs. The first array of each egg receiving structure 42 is preferably arranged at a substantially fixed position (vertical and horizontal) below the corresponding egg supply path provided by the supply conveyor 1, and specifically parallel to the egg supply path. Figure 1 In particular, each of the transfer stations PT1 and PT2 has been shown as an array of six first egg receiving structures 42 (associated with the corresponding egg supply track) to form six corresponding rows of eggs E. In the case of a single-track system, the egg transfer stations PT1 and PT2 may have a single array of first (upper) egg receiving structures 42 extending parallel to the corresponding egg supply track. It should be understood that the egg transfer stations PT1 and PT2 have multiple first egg receiving structures 42 that extend parallel to each other when multiple parallel supply channels (tracks) are available (see EP0560458).

[0036] In addition, Figure 1In the example, directly below each array of the first egg receiving structure 42 (i.e., the corresponding collection device 7) is a ring transfer conveyor 8, which extends laterally relative to the egg supply path of the supply conveyor 1 (for receiving egg stacks from the first egg receiving structure 42). Each ring transfer conveyor 8 is arranged to drop (six) egg stacks into the stack of the item holder of the receiving mechanism 9 (located below the ring transfer conveyor 8), and then transfer the egg stacks to another processing station, in this case, to an egg container 95 held by a take-off conveyor 10 located below the corresponding transfer stations PT1, PT2.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the annular transfer conveyor 8 may include rows 80 of corresponding egg holders for receiving egg rows from the corresponding collection device 7 at the upper level and for discharging the egg rows at the lower level (i.e., below the upper level). The annular transfer conveyor 8, or each annular transfer conveyor, may include, for example, a shaft 76 for end pulleys 77 (end pulleys not shown at the other end of the transfer conveyor 8) for conveying the rows 80 of egg holders along the corresponding annular path. The holders are, for example, mounted on pivots 81 and 82 that support these holders.

[0038] The system may include the aforementioned take-off conveyor 10 (e.g., a packaging channel conveyor) for supporting egg containers 95 under the corresponding egg transfer stations PT1, PT2 (for filling with egg packs), and for removing egg containers 95 after they have been filled with eggs E. It should be observed that the egg containers 95 to be filled may be, for example, part of the corresponding take-off conveyor 10, or separate containers such as egg cartons, egg trays, or egg boxes and / or different types of egg packaging (see...). Figure 3 , 7 -11).

[0039] Typically, the system includes the aforementioned digital system controller C' (e.g., a central processing unit) for controlling the operation of system components, such as supply transmitters, each transfer station PT1, PT2, and, for example, the operation of taking off from transmitter 10. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the central system controller C' can be configured in various ways, such as as a computer, microcontroller, data processor, etc., including, for example, suitable digital hardware and corresponding software executed by that hardware. The system controller C' can communicate with other system components (e.g., transmitters 1, 10, transfer stations, etc.) via suitable wired and / or wireless communication links (not shown) to send control signals to control the operation of those system components, and, for example, to synchronize the operation of those system components when needed.

[0040] Preferably, the system includes a (digital) memory, which may be, for example, a component of the digital system controller C'. The memory may be used, for example, to store one or more (predetermined) egg characteristics S, M, L of the eggs E supplied by the supply conveyor 1, preferably in conjunction with the transport positions of those eggs in the supply conveyor 1. Thus, during operation, based on the information stored in the memory, the digital system controller C' preferably "knows" which egg is present in a particular egg holder 16 of the supply conveyor 1, and the corresponding characteristics of that particular egg E.

[0041] The egg characteristics that the system may optionally use may involve, for example, egg size or grade, such as S for small egg, M for medium egg, L for large egg, and / or different eggshell strength characteristics, and / or differences in printed information about the egg (if any), and / or one or more other egg characteristics, such as color (white egg or brown egg), and / or information related to the egg farm, and / or combinations of these or other egg characteristics.

[0042] The system controller C' is preferably configured to use the stored egg characteristics S, M, L, specifically to make only eggs with the same egg characteristics (e.g., M) used to fill the first egg receiving structure 42 of the corresponding delivery areas PA1, PA2 (so that the egg container 95 below is filled with those specific eggs).

[0043] As described in EP0560458, and as Figure 1 As shown, during operation, each individual egg E can be supplied randomly via the supply conveyor 1. Optionally, information about each individual egg stored in the system controller C' can allow for subsequent processing of each individual egg according to predetermined parameters (i.e., one or more of the aforementioned egg characteristics). In known methods, eggs E are placed in corresponding placement areas in a so-called polling sequence. In particular, in a known configuration, when the central processor C' knows that there is a row of eggs in the collection device 7 and a row of empty holders in the transfer conveyor 8 is moving directly below it, the entire row of eggs is released from the collection device into a row of holders on the transfer conveyor 8.

[0044] However, the transfer step for moving complete egg rows from the first egg receiving structure 42 to the empty holder row in the transfer conveyor 8 will require some processing time. During this time period, the corresponding first egg receiving structure 42 cannot be used for filling, which means that some randomly supplied eggs (with the characteristics associated with complete rows) cannot be transferred and will have to be passed through the collection device (which is troublesome and may cause significant delays in egg processing).

[0045] Figure 2 Similar to Figure 1 Furthermore, it describes a non-limiting example of an improved system that overcomes this problem. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Details Q. As shown in the accompanying drawings of the specification, the innovative system includes, in particular, at least a (second) array of a second egg receiving structure 49, which is located below the corresponding first array of the first egg receiving structure 42 (and, for example, above the corresponding transfer transmitter 8), for receiving and, for example, buffering rows of eggs.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 The system includes a supply conveyor 1 for supplying multiple eggs E along corresponding (generally horizontal) supply paths. The conveyor 1 is configured to place the supplied eggs E at multiple individual egg placement areas A1, A2, A3, A1', A2', A3', A1”, A2”, A3” along the supply path. In this case, there are multiple egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3, T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3”, each egg transfer station corresponding to a corresponding egg placement area A1, A2, A3, A1', A2', A3”. The eggs are associated with each other. As in the previous example, each egg transfer station T1, T2, T3, T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3” has a first array of first egg receiving structures 42, which is configured to capture each egg E placed in the corresponding egg placement area A1, A2, A3, A1', A2', A3', A1”, A2”, A3”, and form an egg row, and place the egg E row.

[0047] Reference Figure 2 For example, a set (preferably three or more) of egg placement areas A1, A2, A3 are provided and defined, and these first egg placement areas may be associated, for example, with a first egg characteristic (for handling eggs E having that first egg characteristic).

[0048] Optionally, a second group (preferably three or more) of second egg placement areas A1', A2', A3' may be defined, which may be associated, for example, with second egg characteristics (for handling eggs E that have second egg characteristics different from those of the first egg).

[0049] Similarly, multiple groups (preferably at least two or at least three) of placement areas can be defined for processing eggs with corresponding egg characteristics (different from the egg characteristics of eggs processed via other groups of placement areas). As an example, a third group (e.g., three or more) of third egg placement areas A1”, A2”, A3” can be defined, and these third egg placement areas can be associated with a third egg characteristic (for processing eggs E with that third egg characteristic, which is different from each of the first and second egg characteristics).

[0050] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, each of at least three egg placement areas A1, A2, A3, A1', A2', A3', A1”, A2”, A3” is associated with (i.e., related to) the corresponding group of (at least three) egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3, T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3”. Next (see...) Figure 3 The first distribution area A1 in the first distribution area is specifically associated with the first egg transfer station T1 in the corresponding first egg transfer station. The second distribution area A2 in the first distribution area is specifically associated with the second egg transfer station T2 in the first egg transfer station. Furthermore, the third distribution area A3 in the first distribution area is associated with the third egg transfer station T3 in the corresponding first egg transfer station. The same applies to the other distribution areas A1', A2', A3', A1”, A2”, A3” and their corresponding egg transfer stations T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3”.

[0051] The transfer stations in each group can be close to or adjacent to each other (e.g., Figure 2 (As shown), but this is not necessary. Additionally, the transfer stations of each group of transfer stations can be arranged in different orders along the transport direction T of the common supply conveyor 1 (as shown). Figure 2 (Example shown).

[0052] like Figure 3As shown in more detail, with respect to the first set of egg transfer stations, each transfer station T1, T2, T3 includes a first (upper) array (row) of first egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), 42(3) extending below the supply conveyor 1. Each array of the first egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), 42(3) is arranged parallel to the aforementioned egg supply conveyor 1. These first egg receiving structures are configured to capture each egg E placed in the corresponding egg placement area A1, A2, A3 to locally form an egg row (and, for example, temporarily hold the egg E row), and place the formed egg E row. The dropping of the egg row specifically involves the simultaneous placement of the corresponding egg E row toward the lower section of the corresponding egg transfer station T1, T2, T3 (i.e., the second egg receiving structure 49). Preferably, each array of the first egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), 42(3) is independently controllable (by the system controller C) for receiving and (simultaneously) placing eggs E independently of the operation of other arrays of the first egg receiving structures. In the case where the supply conveyor 1 provides multiple (parallel) egg supply channels, an array of multiple egg receiving structures can be used to capture eggs from different supply channels (for example, a second array of the first egg receiving structures may exist to capture eggs E thrown from the second supply channel of the conveyor 1 to form an egg row, and throw the egg E row, as will be clear to those skilled in the art).

[0053] Preferably, the first array of eggs E is deployed by the first egg receiving structure 42, which involves deploying eggs E at exactly the same deployment time (in particular by simultaneously moving all the retainer portions of the respective egg retainers to their second positions).

[0054] According to the present invention, when each transfer station T1, T2, T3 includes an array of second egg receiving structures 49(1), 49(2), 49(3), a significantly improved result can be achieved. This structure is configured to capture egg stacks formed by the respective first arrays of the first egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), 42(3), for example, as additional buffering. Such second egg receiving structures 49(1), 49(2), 49(3) are configured, for example, to place egg stacks into a lower buffer structure, for example, including a transfer unit 8, for further processing.

[0055] The configuration of the array of each second egg receiving structure 49(1), 49(2), 49(3) can be similar to the configuration of the array of the corresponding first egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), 42(3), and preferably, the array of each second egg receiving structure is independently controllable (by the system controller C).

[0056] Preferably, each array of the second egg receiving structures 49(1), 49(2), 49(3) consists of exactly six egg receiving structures 49. For example, each egg receiving structure 49 (in the corresponding array) can be an egg holder, comprising two holder portions that can move between a first position for receiving and holding the placed egg E and a second position for releasing (and placing) the egg.

[0057] Preferably, the array of eggs E is deployed by the second egg receiving structure 49, which involves deploying eggs E at exactly the same deployment time (in particular by simultaneously moving the retainer portion of the corresponding egg retainer to the corresponding second position).

[0058] According to an embodiment, in each transfer station T1, T2, T3, there may be several arrays of second egg receiving structures 49 for processing eggs (if available) from several supply channels of the supply transmitter.

[0059] Subsequently, during the transfer step (specifically controlled by system controller C), the array of the first egg receiving structure 42 of egg transfer stations T1, T2, and T3 preferably places the egg E into the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structure 49, wherein the corresponding second egg receiving structure 49 captures the egg E, for example, temporarily stores the formed egg E, and then places the corresponding egg E.

[0060] As previously stated, preferably, during system operation, the first array of the first egg receiving structure 42 deploys the formed egg strips toward the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structure 49 substantially immediately or without delay, if the corresponding second egg receiving structures 49 are empty (i.e., do not contain eggs). Specifically, the system controller C can be configured to determine whether each array of the second egg receiving structures 49 is ready to receive egg strips (i.e., whether those egg receiving structures 49 are empty and, for example, whether they have a corresponding egg holder portion in their first position). In this case, the controller C can be configured to control the first array of the first egg receiving structure 42 to immediately deploy the formed egg strips once the controller C has determined that the array of the lower second egg receiving structures 49 is ready to receive egg strips (i.e., the second egg receiving structures 49 are empty and, for example, have a corresponding egg holder portion in their first position).

[0061] It has been found that arrays employing second egg receiving structures 49(1), 49(2), and 49(3) can provide significantly improved buffer capacity, enabling higher system throughput and improved transfer reliability, where the chance of supplied eggs not being deployed (due to a full first receiving structure) can be minimized. This is particularly relevant to current combinations of second egg receiving structures 49(1), 49(2), and 49(3) located directly below the corresponding first egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), and 42(3) (for receiving rows of eggs directly and rapidly from them, so that empty first egg receiving structures can be used again for egg filling), and the improved filling order of those first egg receiving structures (as described above).

[0062] As shown in the figure, each transfer unit 8 of transfer stations T1, T2, and T3 can be, for example, a corresponding ring transfer conveyor 8(1), 8(2), or 8(3), which extends laterally relative to the egg supply path (i.e., the conveying direction T) of the supply conveyor 1, similar to... Figure 1 An example of the transfer unit 8 is shown. It should be noted that the application of the aforementioned intermediate annular transfer conveyor 8 is particularly advantageous when the system includes a supply conveyor 1 providing multiple parallel egg supply channels (tracks), wherein such an annular transfer conveyor 8 can be arranged to receive eggs transferred from each of these supply channels via intermediate egg receiving structures 42, 49. Preferably, the transfer unit 8 is located directly below the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structures 49 to receive egg stacks directly from them.

[0063] Optionally (see) Figure 2-3 Egg loading or packaging stations (e.g., defining corresponding packaging channels) may be located below each egg transfer station T1, T2, T3 (for each group of egg transfer stations). In this example, such loading or packaging stations may include corresponding take-off conveyors 10 (i.e., discharge conveyors), for example, for supplying empty egg containers 95 for filling the egg rows to be used, and for removing them after the egg containers 95 have been filled. Optionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, each transfer station T1, T2, T3 may include additional transfer structures 9 (1), 9 (2), 9 (3), such as receiving mechanisms 9 (an array having, for example, controllable egg receiving structures), for example, between each annular transfer conveyor 8 (1), 8 (2), 8 (3) and the loading / packaging station, for transferring egg rows delivered by the annular transfer conveyor toward the loading station located below them (and into the egg container 95).

[0064] It should be understood that transfer stations T1', T2', T3', T1", T2", and T3 (if any) of other groups may have the same characteristics as... Figure 3The groups T1, T2, T3 shown have similar configurations (and operations / functions). For example, another group (second) egg transfer stations T1', T2', T3' (if any) can be associated with the second egg characteristic L for transferring those eggs. Similarly, another group (third) egg transfer stations T1”, T2”, T3” (if any) can be associated with the third egg characteristic S for transferring the corresponding eggs.

[0065] Advantageously, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system controller C is configured to perform at least the following steps (see...) Figure 4-6 ): - Define subsequent adjacent groups G1, G2, G3 (observed parallel to the egg supply direction T) among the supplied multiple eggs E, such that each group of eggs E includes a sufficient number of eggs E to fill substantially all of the upper first egg receiving structure 42 of one of the corresponding delivery areas A1, A2, A3; and Control the supply transmitter 1 to cause it to perform: -a1) Egg E from the first group of G1 eggs is placed in the first egg placement area A1 to (continuously) fill almost all of the upper (first) egg receiving structure 42 of the corresponding first egg transfer station T1 to (partially) form the first egg row, which is then placed via the subsequent egg receiving structure 49 of the corresponding first egg transfer station T1 for further processing. -a2) Egg E from the defined second group of G2 eggs is placed in the second egg placement area A2 to (continuously) fill almost all of the upper (first) first egg receiving structure (42) of the corresponding second egg transfer station T2 to (partially) form a second egg row, which is then placed via the subsequent egg receiving structure 49 of the corresponding second egg transfer station T2 for further processing.

[0066] Furthermore, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the system controller C is specifically configured to control the operation of the arrays of egg receiving structures 42 and 49. For this purpose, the system controller C is specifically configured to control the first array of the egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding first egg transfer station T1 to dispose of rows of eggs E into the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structures 49 of the first transfer station T1. Furthermore, specifically, the controller C is configured to control the first array of the egg receiving structure array 42 of the corresponding second transfer station T2 to dispose of rows of eggs E into the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structures 49 of the second transfer station T2.

[0067] Furthermore, the system controller C is preferably configured to control the array of the first egg receiving structure 48 to temporarily store the egg stack before the egg E is released.

[0068] In this way, as described above, significantly improved egg processing can be achieved.

[0069] like Figure 4 As illustrated schematically, for example, a first group (at least three) of egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3 may be associated with (e.g., assigned to) a first egg characteristic M for (only) processing eggs E having that specific egg characteristic M. In this case, the system controller C may be configured to limit (i.e., select) each of the supplied egg groups G1, G2, G3 (e.g., using predetermined egg characteristic information of the eggs stored in the respective memory and the corresponding egg position in the supply path) such that each egg group G1, G2, G3 contains exactly a number of eggs having the first egg characteristic M to fill substantially all of the first array of the first egg receiving structure 42 of a single corresponding egg transfer station T1, T2, T3.

[0070] Preferably, the eggs in each egg group G1, G2, G3 (as defined by the system controller C) are the nearest-neighbor eggs with the same corresponding egg characteristic M (which can be assigned to the first set of transfer stations) observed along the transport direction T of the supply conveyor. In other words, the system controller C can be configured to divide the supplied eggs into subsequent (e.g., sequential) egg groups G1, G2, G3 (G1, G2, G3, G1, G2, G3, etc.) such that each egg group G1, G2, G3 to be transferred via the first set of transfer stations T1, T2, T3 preferably consists of a sequence of eggs E having the same egg characteristic M. Specifically, the eggs E of each selected egg sequence (forming egg groups G1, G2, G3) pass through the same point of the egg supply path in sequence during system operation, and each of these sequences contains the exact number of eggs of essentially all (e.g., more than 50%, preferably 100%) of the first array of the first egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), 42(3) used to fill the individual corresponding egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3.

[0071] In a preferred example, each array of the first egg receiving structures consists of exactly six (six) egg receiving structures 42. In this case, the system controller C is configured to limit each group of eggs E to include at least four eggs E for substantially filling the first (i.e. upper) array of egg receiving structures 42 in the respective delivery areas A1, A2, A3 (to form at least four eggs per row).

[0072] Preferably, each array of the first egg receiving structures consists of exactly six egg receiving structures, wherein the system controller C is configured to define each group of eggs E as including at least five eggs E for substantially filling the first (i.e. upper) array of the egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding placement areas A1, A2, A3 (to form five eggs per row), and more preferably including six eggs E for filling all six first (upper) arrays of the egg receiving structures 42 associated with the corresponding placement areas A1, A2, A3 (to form six eggs per row).

[0073] Optionally, in the supplied egg stream, eggs with different egg characteristics S and L can be located between the nearest neighbor eggs of the egg sequence having the corresponding first egg characteristic M (see [reference]). Figure 4 Eggs with different characteristics preferably do not form part of the defined groups G1, G2, G3 that will be fed to the first group (at least three) of egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3 (assigning the first egg characteristic M), and can be fed to other groups of egg transfer stations T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3” (if available). In the latter case, the system controller C is preferably configured to group those eggs with different egg characteristics S, L in the same manner as described above, so as to (continuously) fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding egg transfer stations T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3” that can be assigned to transfer these eggs. Furthermore, in this case, the system controller C is preferably configured to control the supply conveyor 1 such that the conveyor 1 delivers eggs E from the defined group of eggs at the second egg delivery areas A2', A2”, so as to (continuously) fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding second egg transfer stations T2', T2”.

[0074] More preferably, the system controller C is configured to control the supply transmitter 1, such that (see...) Figure 4-6 Transmitter execution: -a3) Egg E is dropped from the defined third group G3 eggs at the third egg dropping area A3 to (continuously) fill almost all of the upper first egg receiving structure 42 (3) of the corresponding third egg transfer station T3 to form a third row of eggs (which is then dropped by the lower egg receiving structure 49 (3) of the corresponding third egg transfer station T3 for further processing / buffering).

[0075] Preferably, the system controller C is configured to control the supply conveyor 1, causing it to repeat various steps (a1), a2), a3) to process a large number of eggs supplied by the supply conveyor 1 (wherein the large number of eggs can be grouped by the system controller C into many subsequent egg groups, as is clear to a person skilled in the art).

[0076] According to another embodiment, as described above, the system includes a memory for storing egg characteristics S, M, L of eggs E supplied by the supply conveyor 1, wherein the system controller C is configured to use the stored egg characteristics S, M, L to define groups of eggs E, specifically such that only eggs having the same egg characteristic M are used to fill the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding delivery areas A1, A2, A3.

[0077] Specifically, the system controller is configured as follows: - Determine the distinct egg placement positions of egg E along the supply path for each group of eggs G1, G2, and G3, wherein each egg placement position is associated with a first egg receiving structure 42 in a corresponding first array of first egg receiving structures 42 at the corresponding egg placement areas A1, A2, and A3, and optionally store the determined egg placement position of each egg in memory; and - Control the supply conveyor 1 to deliver the corresponding egg E using the determined egg delivery location.

[0078] As described above, the first array of each egg receiving structure 42 is preferably arranged at a generally fixed position below the corresponding egg supply path provided by the supply conveyor 1. Furthermore, each egg transfer station T1, T2, T3 preferably has a second array of egg receiving structures 49, which is arranged at a generally fixed position below the first array of the corresponding first egg receiving structure 42 for receiving egg stacks from there. The second array of egg receiving structures 49 is configured to temporarily store the egg stacks and for dispensing them.

[0079] Furthermore, each egg transfer station T1, T2, T3 may optionally include an egg buffer structure, such as the ring-shaped transfer conveyor 8, which has an array of egg receiving structures that are laterally movable relative to the egg supply path of the supply conveyor 1 for receiving egg stacks from the upper array of the egg receiving structure 49. Alternatively, for example, an additional egg buffer structure may include one or more additional arrays of egg receiving structures located below the array of the second egg receiving structure 49 for buffering the eggs (and moving the eggs toward the conveyor 10).

[0080] During operation, the system can perform methods for transferring eggs. These methods include (see...) Figure 4-6 ): - Supply multiple eggs E along the corresponding supply path (in the conveying direction T); - Multiple eggs E are placed in multiple separate egg placement areas A1, A2, A3 along the supply path, wherein each egg placement area A1, A2, A3 is associated with a corresponding egg transfer station T1, T2, T3, and the corresponding egg transfer station has a first array of a first egg receiving structure 42 that captures each egg E placed in the corresponding egg placement area A1, A2, A3 to form an egg row; and - The egg E rows formed by the first arrays of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3 are used for further processing, which preferably includes a buffer in the second egg receiving structure 49 located at the bottom.

[0081] To achieve improved and efficient processing of eggs, the method includes the following steps: - (by system controller C) defines subsequent adjacent egg groups G1, G2, G3 among the supplied multiple eggs E, such that each egg group E includes a sufficient number of eggs E to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of one of the corresponding delivery areas A1, A2, A3. -a1) Egg E from the defined first group of G1 eggs is placed in the first egg placement area A1 to (continuously) fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding first egg transfer station T1 (see Figure 4 , 7 ), and locally form the corresponding first egg roll; and -a2) Egg E from the defined second group of G2 eggs is placed in the second egg placement area A2 to (continuously) fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding second egg transfer station T2 (see Figure 5 , 8 、9), locally forming the corresponding second egg roll.

[0082] As described above, each egg placement area A1, A2, A3 can be associated with the same number N of first egg receiving structures, where N is 6. Each group of eggs E is preferably defined as comprising at least four eggs E, used to substantially fill the first array of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding placement area A1, A2, A3. More preferably, each group of eggs E is defined as comprising exactly six eggs E, which are specifically assigned to those six (upper) first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding placement areas A1, A2, A3, to fill all six first egg receiving structures 42 during the corresponding placement steps a1) and a2).

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, three egg transfer stations T1, T2, and T3 are set up for corresponding three delivery areas A1, A2, and A3. The method then includes the following steps: -a3) Egg E is dropped from the defined third group G3 eggs at the third egg dropping area A3, thereby filling almost all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding third egg transfer station T3, thereby locally forming the corresponding third egg row.

[0084] During operation, as described above, at least one group of eggs E may include multiple eggs having a first egg characteristic M and at least one egg having a second egg characteristic S different from the first egg characteristic M, wherein only eggs having the first egg characteristic M are used to fill the first egg receiving structure 42 of the corresponding placement areas A1, A2, A3. In another embodiment, multiple individual egg placement areas A1, A2, A3, A1', A2', A3', A1”, A2”, A3” include at least a first group of egg placement areas A1, A2, A3 and a second group of egg placement areas A1', A2', A3', each of these groups of egg placement areas is associated with a corresponding group of egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3, T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3”, which are assigned to transfer eggs E having the corresponding egg characteristics S, M, L. Then, the method preferably includes: - Define subsequent first groups G1, G2, G3 eggs among the supplied multiple eggs E, such that each first group of eggs E includes a sufficient number of eggs E to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of the corresponding placement areas A1, A2, A3 in the first group placement area; and - Define a subsequent second set of eggs among the supplied multiple eggs E, such that each second set of eggs E includes a sufficient number of eggs E to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures 42 of one of the corresponding placement areas A1', A2', A3' of the second set of placement areas.

[0085] In addition, during the transfer steps (see Figure 8 , 9 In egg transfer stations T1, T2, and T3, the corresponding first egg receiving structures 42 preferably drop egg E into the subsequent array of the second egg receiving structure 49 (located below the first array 42). The second egg receiving structure 49 captures the egg E, temporarily stores the egg E, and then drops the egg E again (see...). Figure 10 ).

[0086] According to a further embodiment, as described above, the method preferably includes: - Determine the distinct egg placement positions of egg E along the supply path for each group of eggs G1, G2, and G3, wherein each egg placement position is associated with a first egg receiving structure 42 in a corresponding first array of first egg receiving structures 42 at the corresponding egg placement areas A1, A2, and A3, and optionally store the determined egg placement position of each egg in memory; and - Place the corresponding egg E at the designated egg placement location.

[0087] More specifically, Figure 4The diagram schematically illustrates three successive egg groups G1, G2, G3 (e.g., defined by a system controller C) continuously supplied by a supply conveyor. Each egg group G1, G2, G3 contains eggs E to be transferred to corresponding transfer stations T1, T2, T3 via three (separate) drop zones A1, A2, A3. Specifically, viewed parallel to the egg supply direction T, the successive egg groups G1, G2, G3 defined by the system controller C are positioned adjacent to each other and do not overlap. The system controller C can, for example, be configured to associate a conveyor component of the supply conveyor 1 (e.g., an egg holder 16 carrying the eggs) with the defined egg groups G1, G2, G3 to control the conveyor 1 to drop the eggs at their specific transfer stations T1, T2, T3, as will be clear to those skilled in the art.

[0088] Define the first egg group G1, which in this case includes 6 subsequent eggs E with the same egg characteristics M, and control the supply conveyor 1 so that these 6 eggs are transferred to the 6 upper egg receiving structures 42(1) of the first transfer station T1 (see...). Figure 4 The subsequent (adjacent) second egg group G2 is defined, in this case including 6 subsequent eggs E with the same egg characteristics M, and the supply conveyor 1 is controlled so that these 6 eggs are transferred to the 6 upper egg receiving structures 42(2) of the second transfer station T2 (see Figure 5 ).

[0089] Define the subsequent (adjacent) third egg group G3, in this case including 6 subsequent eggs E with the same egg characteristics M, and control the supply conveyor 1 so that these 6 eggs are transferred to the 6 upper egg receiving structures 42 (3) of the third transfer station T3 (see Figure 6 In this non-limiting example, after the six upper egg receiving structures 42(2) of the second transfer station T2 have been filled (forming a complete second egg row) in the previous step, the transfer of eggs to the third transfer station T3 begins.

[0090] Preferably, this process is repeated for the entire supply of eggs, wherein the next first egg group G1 can be defined as above (after the adjacent third egg group G3) for use via the first transfer station (see Figure 6 Transfer, etc.

[0091] Figure 7 An example of the egg transfer process is shown in more detail. The egg stream is supplied by a supply conveyor 1, and the egg stream has been divided / grouped into the aforementioned egg groups G1, G2, G3, for transfer via transfer stations T1, T2, T3 of the corresponding (first) group, for example, to a packaging station (similar to...). Figure 4-6 (The grouping shown).

[0092] Figure 7The first step is shown, namely, filling the six upper egg receiving structures 42(1) of the corresponding first egg transfer station T1 with eggs from the first defined egg group G1, wherein the transmitter 1 is controlled to drop selected eggs (e.g., eggs with first egg characteristics M) one by one from the first defined egg group G1 into the empty positions of the egg receiving structures 42(1) of the first egg transfer station T1. In the case of eggs E that have not been transferred by the first egg transfer stations T1, T2, T3, such eggs can be passed to downstream system segments (e.g., passed to downstream egg transfer stations T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3”, if any, and thus processed).

[0093] Figure 8 The subsequent steps are described (i.e., in Figure 7 Afterwards, each of the six upper egg receiving structures 42(1) of the corresponding first egg transfer station T1 has been filled. Thus, eggs from the defined first egg group G1 form a complete first egg row in those upper egg receiving structures 42(1). The process also includes feeding eggs from the defined second egg group G2 to the six upper egg receiving structures 42(2) of the corresponding second egg transfer station T2 (where the conveyor belt 1 is controlled to drop selected eggs (e.g., eggs with the first egg characteristic M) one by one into the empty positions of the egg receiving structures 42(2) of the second egg transfer station T2). Eggs are transferred to the second egg transfer station T2 by the supply conveyor 1, and in this case, these egg receiving structures 42(2) of the second egg transfer station T2 are also filled, giving time to the first egg transfer station T1 for the upper egg rows to be passed down, for example, to the second array of egg receiving structures 49(1). During the filling of the egg receiving structure 42(2) of the second egg transfer station T2, if desired or required (e.g., depending on the filling level of the downstream transfer units 49(1), 8(1), 9(1) of the corresponding first transfer station T1), the first egg transfer station T1 may also hold (buffer) the egg pack in the upper array of its egg receiving structure 49(1).

[0094] Figure 9 The subsequent steps (i.e., in) are described Figure 8 (Afterwards). In this case, the defined second egg group G2 is still used to fill the six upper egg receiving structures 42 (2) of the corresponding second egg transfer station T2. ​​In this non-limiting example, the upper array of the egg receiving structure 42 (1) of the first transfer station T1 has already placed its eggs into the lower array of the egg receiving structure 49 (1), however, as mentioned above, this is not necessary. In particular, the upper first array of the egg receiving structure 42 (3) is still empty and can be used to receive eggs E from the supply conveyor 1, and (in this example) can be filled after the six upper egg receiving structures 42 (2) of the second egg transfer station T2 have been filled.

[0095] Subsequently, the upper first array of the egg receiving structures 42(1), 42(2), and 42(3) of the three transfer stations T1, T2, and T3 is filled (completely) in a predetermined order, thereby providing a relatively large time period for the corresponding egg-laying actions toward the lower sections of stations T1, T2, and T3.

[0096] Figure 10 The subsequent steps (i.e., in) are described Figure 9 (Afterwards). In this case, the six upper egg receiving structures 42(2) of the corresponding second egg transfer station T2 have been completely filled using the defined second egg group G2, thus forming a second egg row. In this example, the upper array of the egg receiving structure 42(1) of the first transfer station T1 has been cleared and can be used to receive eggs again. Nevertheless, these upper arrays of the egg receiving structure 42(1) of the first transfer station T1 have not yet been used to receive eggs again (and can remain empty for the time being). Instead, eggs E from the defined third egg group G3 are now fed one by one into the empty positions of the egg receiving structure 42(3) of the third egg transfer station T3. Furthermore, Figure 9 The possible transfer of egg rows through the first egg transfer station T1 is depicted from the array of the second receiving structure 49 (1) to the annular transfer conveyor 8 (1) extending below it (it will be clear that such row transfer can also be achieved at a later stage, depending on the fill level of the subsequent transfer sections of the first egg transfer station T1).

[0097] Figure 11 The subsequent steps (i.e., in) are described Figure 10 Afterwards, all six first upper egg receiving structures 42 (3) of the third transfer station T3 are filled with eggs (from the third egg group G3), locally forming a third egg row. The second egg transfer station T2 has, for example, already distributing egg rows from the corresponding upper egg receiving structure 42 (2) toward the second array of its egg receiving structure 49 (2) (it should be understood that this can also be done at a later stage, for example during the subsequent filling of the upper egg receiving structures of the first egg transfer station T1). Similarly, the circular transfer conveyor 8 (1) egg transfer station T1 may have already proceeded to transfer the corresponding egg rows toward the lower section of that station T1 (but this can also be done at different stages, for example depending on the availability of the downstream transfer structures).

[0098] In the next step (e.g., after all six first upper egg receiving structures 42 (3) of the third transfer station T3 have been filled with eggs), the first array of the six upper egg receiving structures 42 (1) of the first egg transfer station T1 can be filled again with eggs of the next first egg group G1 (as defined by the system controller), and the above process can be repeated.

[0099] refer to Figure 8-9It should be noted that during the filling of the upper array of the egg receiving structure 42 (3) of the third egg T3, the transfer of the egg row from the upper array of the six egg receiving structures 42 (1) of the first transfer station T1 to the second array of the corresponding six egg receiving structures 49 (1) can also be performed (partially or entirely).

[0100] Similarly, the transfer of egg strips from the upper array of the six egg receiving structures 42 (2) of the second transfer station T2 to the second array of the corresponding six egg receiving structures 49 (2) can, for example, be carried out during the (partial or complete) filling of the upper array of the egg receiving structure 42 (1) of the first egg transfer station T1.

[0101] Similarly, the transfer of egg strips from the upper array of the six egg receiving structures 42 (3) of the third transfer station T3 to the second array of the corresponding six egg receiving structures 49 (3) can, for example, be carried out during the (partial or complete) filling of the upper array of the egg receiving structure 42 (2) of the second egg transfer station T2.

[0102] Furthermore, depending on the system configuration and the eggs supplied by the supply conveyor 1, egg delivery to each egg transfer station T1, T2, T3 can be performed simultaneously (for example, if two egg transfer stations are relatively far apart from each other, in this case, when another egg transfer station has already received the corresponding egg pack (i.e., egg group) from the supply conveyor, the defined egg group can still be transported to the remote egg transfer station for delivery to be used for further processing).

[0103] In view of the above process, the present invention can provide a relatively large time period for the upper array of the egg receiving structure of transfer stations T1, T2 and T3 to release egg packs, thereby significantly reducing or avoiding delays in the entire egg transfer process.

[0104] The invention is described herein with reference to specific examples of embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. For the purposes of clarity and brevity, features are described herein as a part of the same or separate embodiments; however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also contemplated.

[0105] In the claims, any reference numerals placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps besides those listed in the claims. Furthermore, the words "a" and "an" should not be construed as limited to "only one," but are used to indicate "at least one," and do not exclude multiples. The mere fact that specific technical features are recited in different independent claims does not mean that a combination of these technical features cannot produce beneficial effects.

[0106] For example, the term "basic level" should be interpreted broadly because the direction of a basic level can be a perfectly horizontal straight line or a direction that includes a small angle (e.g., about 30 degrees) with respect to a horizontal surface. The same applies to basic level surfaces (which can be slightly inclined surfaces).

[0107] Furthermore, in this application, egg processing is specifically carried out on unfertilized eggs. In other words, eggs E are dead (non-living) eggs that do not contain any embryo. On the other hand, according to embodiments, eggs E can be live eggs (i.e., embryos containing eggs).

[0108] In the above embodiments, they can be implemented entirely or partially by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, it can be implemented entirely or partially as a computer program product (executed by the corresponding system controller C). The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the above computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described above according to the embodiments of this disclosure are generated. The computer described above can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The above computer instructions can be stored in a storage medium or transferred from one storage medium to another.

[0109] It should also be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation herein, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0110] For example, during operation, egg delivery areas for different groups may be located in different physical locations. Furthermore, these locations may change during system operation, depending on factors such as group reallocation by the central controller. Additionally, during operation, groups of egg delivery areas may be temporarily in standby mode (in which case no eggs are fed to that particular delivery area).

[0111] For example, refer to Figure 2 The egg placement areas A1, A2, and A3 in the first group can be close to each other; the egg placement areas A1', A2', and A3' in the second group can be close to each other; and the egg placement areas A1"', A2"', and A3"' in the third group can be close to each other. In another embodiment, these groups can be mixed, for example: A1-A1'-A3-A2'-A1'-A3'-A2'-A2-A3', etc.

[0112] Furthermore, it is understood that during operations, the number of egg supply channels and / or active packaging stations may change depending on the quantity of eggs E to be processed and / or changes in egg packaging requirements (e.g., due to changes in packaging orders).

[0113] Furthermore, each egg placement area in each group can be limited to handling the same number of eggs, but this is not mandatory. For example, one egg placement area in a group can be used to assemble a row of N eggs, while another egg placement area in the same group can be used to assemble a row of M eggs, where M ≠ N.

[0114] Furthermore, the application of the buffer conveyor 8 (for receiving rows of eggs from the array of the egg receiving structure described above) is entirely optional. The invention may also include other structures, devices, conveyors, so-called "shifting devices," and / or systems for receiving and buffering eggs from the array of the egg receiving structure described above.

[0115] Furthermore, each delivery area can be associated with rows of different numbers of egg-receiving structures for receiving eggs. For example, an array of two egg-receiving structures can be provided, specifically one array on top of the other (as shown in the figure), or more than two arrays arranged in a vertical order (e.g., three, four, or more) with one array on top of the other.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, the array of each egg receiving structure can have a substantially stationary position relative to the take-off conveyor 10 (located below the respective transfer stations PT1, PT2), but this is not necessary. For example, the lowest array of the egg receiving structure can be configured to drop eggs onto the take-off conveyor 10 (without an intermediate annular buffer conveyor). In this case, it is preferable that the lowest array of the egg receiving mechanism can move horizontally during the dropping of eggs onto the take-off conveyor 10, particularly in sync with the horizontal movement of the take-off conveyor 10.

[0117] Furthermore, the various subsequently defined egg groups G1, G2, G3 may have the same size (i.e. they may include the same number of eggs), but this is of course not required and may depend on, for example, the type of eggs supplied by the supply conveyor 1.

Claims

1. A method for transferring an egg, comprising: - Supply multiple eggs (E) along the corresponding supply path; - The supplied multiple eggs (E) are placed in multiple separate egg placement areas (A1, A2, A3) along the supply path, wherein each egg placement area (A1, A2, A3) is associated with a corresponding egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3), the egg transfer station having a first array of a first egg receiving structure (42) that captures each egg (E) placed in the corresponding egg placement area (A1, A2, A3) to form an egg row, wherein each egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3) includes an array of at least one second egg receiving structure (49) located below the first array of the first egg receiving structure (42); The method includes the following steps: - Define subsequent adjacent groups (G1, G2, G3) of eggs among the supplied multiple eggs (E) such that each group of eggs (E) includes a sufficient number of eggs (E) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of one of the respective delivery areas (A1, A2, A3). - a1) Eggs (E) from the defined first group (G1) of eggs are placed in the first egg placement area (A1), thereby filling substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding first egg transfer station (T1) to form a first egg row, and the corresponding first egg row is placed; and - a2) Eggs (E) from the defined second group (G2) of eggs are placed in the second egg placement area (A2) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding second egg transfer station (T2) to form a second egg row and to place the corresponding second egg row; During the transfer step, the corresponding first egg receiving structure (42) of the egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3) drops the egg (E) row into the first array of the second egg receiving structure (49), wherein the second egg receiving structure (49) captures the egg (E) row, temporarily stores the egg (E), and then drops the egg (E).

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising: Eggs are dropped from an array of second egg receiving structures (49) onto an egg buffer structure (8), which extends below the respective egg receiving structures (49). The egg buffer structure (8) includes, for example, at least two parallel arrays (80) of egg receiving structures, which are laterally movable relative to the egg supply path of the supply conveyor (1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each egg placement area (A1, A2, A3) is associated with the same number N of first egg receiving structures, where N is 6, and each group of eggs (E) is defined as including at least four eggs (E) for substantially filling the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding placement area (A1, A2, A3).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, Each group of eggs (E) is defined to include exactly six eggs (E), which are specifically assigned to six first egg receiving structures (42) in the corresponding placement areas (A1, A2, A3) to fill all six first egg receiving structures (42) during the corresponding placement steps a1) and a2).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: -a3) Eggs (E) are dropped from the defined third group (G3) of eggs at the third egg dropping area (A3), thereby filling almost all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding third egg transfer station (T3) to form a third egg row, and the corresponding third egg row is dropped into the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structures (49) of the third egg transfer station (T3).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Repeat step a1 at least.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least one group of eggs in the group of eggs (E) includes a plurality of eggs having a first egg characteristic (M) and at least one egg having a second egg characteristic (S) different from the first egg characteristic (M), wherein only eggs having the first egg characteristic (M) are used to fill the first egg receiving structure (42) of the corresponding delivery area (A1, A2, A3).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of individual egg placement areas (A1, A2, A3, A1', A2', A3', A1”, A2”, A3) include at least a first group of egg placement areas (A1, A2, A3) and a second group of egg placement areas (A1', A2', A3'), each of these groups of egg placement areas is associated with a corresponding group of egg transfer stations (T1, T2, T3, T1', T2', T3', T1”, T2”, T3”), which are assigned to transfer eggs (E) having corresponding egg characteristics (S, M, L), wherein the method includes: - Define subsequent first groups (G1, G2, G3) of eggs among the supplied multiple eggs (E) such that each first group of eggs (E) includes a sufficient number of eggs (E) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of one of the corresponding drop areas (A1, A2, A3) in the first group drop area; and - Define a subsequent second set of eggs among the supplied multiple eggs (E) such that each second set of eggs (E) includes a sufficient number of eggs (E) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of one of the corresponding drop areas (A1', A2', A3') of the second set of drop areas.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each delivery area is associated with two or more arrays of the egg receiving structure in a vertical order, one above the other.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: Multiple eggs (E) are supplied along multiple parallel egg supply channels of a supply conveyor, wherein multiple arrays of egg receiving structures are available for capturing eggs from different supply channels, including a second array of the first egg receiving structures for capturing eggs (E) dropped from a second supply channel of the conveyor.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - Determine the distinct egg placement locations (E) of each group (G1, G2, G3) of eggs along the supply path, wherein each egg placement location is associated with a first egg receiving structure (42) in a corresponding first array of first egg receiving structures (42) at the corresponding egg placement area (A1, A2, A3), and optionally store the determined egg placement location of each egg in memory; and - Use the determined egg placement location to place the corresponding egg (E).

12. A system for transferring an egg, particularly a system configured to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The system includes: - A supply conveyor (1) for supplying multiple eggs (E) along a corresponding supply path, wherein the conveyor (1) is configured to place the supplied multiple eggs (E) into multiple separate egg placement areas (A1, A2, A3) along the supply path. - Multiple egg transfer stations (T1, T2, T3), each associated with a corresponding egg placement area (A1, A2, A3), each egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3) having a first array of a first egg receiving structure (42) configured to capture each egg (E) placed in the corresponding egg placement area (A1, A2, A3) to form an egg stack, and to place the egg stack (E) into an array of a corresponding second egg receiving structure (49) located below the first array of the first egg receiving structure (42) of the egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3), the array of the second egg receiving structure (49) configured to temporarily hold the egg stack and to place the egg stack; and - A digital system controller (C) is configured to perform at least the following steps: - Define subsequent adjacent groups (G1, G2, G3) of eggs among the supplied plurality of eggs (E), such that each group of eggs (E) includes a sufficient number of eggs (E) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of one of the respective delivery areas (A1, A2, A3); and Control the supply transmitter (1) so that the transmitter performs: -a1) Eggs (E) from the defined first group (G1) of eggs are placed in the first egg placement area (A1) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding first egg transfer station (T1); and -a2) Eggs (E) from the defined second group (G2) are placed in the second egg placement area (A2) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding second egg transfer station (T2).

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The system controller (C) is configured as follows: - Control the first array of the first egg receiving structure (42) of the corresponding first transfer station (T1) to drop a row of eggs (E) into the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structure (49) of the first transfer station (T1); - Control the first array of the first egg receiving structure (42) of the corresponding second transfer station (T2) to drop the egg (E) into the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structure (49) of the second transfer station (T2).

14. The system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, Each array of the first egg receiving structures consists of 6 egg receiving structures, wherein the system controller (C) is configured to limit each group of eggs (E) to include at least four eggs (E) for substantially filling the corresponding drop area (A1, A2, A3) of the first egg receiving structure (42).

15. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The system controller (C) is configured to control the supply transmitter (1), causing the transmitter to perform: -a3) Eggs (E) are dropped from the defined third group (G3) eggs at the third egg dropping area (A3) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding third egg transfer station (T3).

16. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein, The system controller (C) is configured to control the supply transmitter (1) such that the transmitter repeats step a1 at least once.

17. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein, The system includes a memory for storing at least one egg characteristic (S, M, L) of the eggs (E) supplied by the supply conveyor (1), wherein the system controller (C) is configured to use the stored egg characteristics (S, M, L) to define groups of eggs (E), in particular such that only eggs having the same egg characteristic (M) are used to fill a first array of a first egg receiving structure (42) of a corresponding delivery area (A1, A2, A3).

18. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein, The system controller is configured as follows: - Determine the distinct egg placement locations (E) of each group (G1, G2, G3) of eggs along the supply path, wherein each egg placement location is associated with a first egg receiving structure (42) in a corresponding first array of first egg receiving structures (42) at the corresponding egg placement area (A1, A2, A3), and optionally store the determined egg placement location of each egg in memory; and - Control the supply conveyor (1) to deliver the corresponding egg (E) at the determined egg delivery location.

19. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein, The first array of each egg receiving structure (42) is arranged at a substantially fixed position below the corresponding egg supply path provided by the supply conveyor (1). The second array of the receiving structure (49) is arranged at a basically fixed position below the corresponding first array of the first egg receiving structure (42) for receiving egg stacks from the second array.

20. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein, Each egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3) includes an egg buffer structure (8) having at least two parallel arrays (80) of egg receiving structures, the arrays being laterally movable relative to the egg supply path of the supply conveyor (1) for receiving egg stacks from the array above the egg receiving structures.

21. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein, Each delivery area is associated with two or more arrays of the egg receiving structure in a vertical order, one above the other.

22. A digital system controller, such as a computer or data processor, configured to control the system according to any one of claims 12 to 21, for example, to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The system controller is configured to perform at least the following steps: - Define subsequent adjacent groups (G1, G2, G3) of eggs in the supplied multiple eggs (E) such that each group of eggs (E) includes a sufficient number of eggs (E) to fill substantially all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of one of the corresponding drop areas (A1, A2, A3). as well as Control the supply transmitter (1) so that the transmitter performs: -a1) The eggs (E) from the first group (G1) eggs are placed in the first egg placement area (A1), thereby filling almost all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding first egg transfer station (T1). -a2) The eggs (E) from the defined second group (G2) eggs are placed in the second egg placement area (A2), thereby filling almost all of the first egg receiving structures (42) of the corresponding second egg transfer station (T2). During the transfer step controlled by the system controller (C), the array of the first egg receiving structure (42) of the egg transfer station (T1, T2, T3) delivers the egg (E) stacks to the corresponding array of the second egg receiving structure (49), wherein the second egg receiving structure (49) captures the egg stacks, temporarily stores the formed egg stacks, and then delivers the corresponding egg stacks.

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