Egg transfer assembly and related methods

Abstract

A transfer 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 picking 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 picking pad (150). A flexible bellows (130) is coupled to the second surface (120) of the distribution plate (110).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a low vacuum transfer assembly for transferring eggs, for example, between incubation trays and hatching trays. [Background technology]

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Poultry production typically involves placing fertilized eggs into incubation trays and placing the incubation trays into an incubator (or setter machine) that has a selected temperature for a period of time (e.g., to mimic natural cycles). After a period of time, the eggs are subjected to a selection process and an in ovo process. These have been effective means of disease prevention in avian flocks and include the introduction of antimicrobials (e.g., antibiotics, bactericides, and sulfonamides), vitamins, enzymes, nutrients, organic salts, hormones, adjuvants, immune stimulants, probiotics, and vaccines. In ovo processes often involve passing a needle through the egg shell. The injected eggs are eventually transferred to an incubation tray or basket for incubation (or incubator). A typical transfer assembly uses a vacuum or suction cup to transfer the eggs from the incubation tray to the hatching tray. However, in the case of injected eggs, the application of vacuum or suction is often a source of contamination, for example by displacing small particles in the vicinity of the needle puncture. It is therefore desirable to develop a transfer assembly that reduces and limits the risk of contamination, as well as cracks and crevices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The foregoing and other needs are met by aspects of the present disclosure. According to one aspect, a transfer assembly is provided that includes a distribution plate having a first surface and a second surface, with at least one protrusion extending from the first surface. At least one egg picking pad is coupled to the at least one protrusion, and a through hole extends through the distribution plate, the at least one protrusion, and the at least one egg picking pad. A flexible bellows is coupled to the second surface of the distribution plate.

[0005] In another aspect, a method of transporting eggs is provided. The method includes lowering a transport assembly into interaction with an egg, the transport assembly having at least one egg pick pad. The method further includes contacting the egg picking pad with the egg and applying a vacuum to the egg picking pad to enable the transport assembly to rise with the egg and transport the egg.

[0006] Thus, various aspects of the present disclosure provide advantages as detailed elsewhere herein.

[0007] The drawings described herein are for the purpose of illustrating selected embodiments only, not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an exemplary egg transfer assembly including a distribution plate connecting a bellows and one or more egg picking pads according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary distribution plate (eg, as used in the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1 ) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a top perspective view of the exemplary distribution plate shown in FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the bellows in an extended state (eg, for initial contact or release). [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of an exemplary egg pick pad according to various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the exemplary egg pick pad shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 2 is an enlarged view of a first end of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1 with the bellows in a compressed state (e.g., during transfer). [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly shown in FIG. 1, in which the distal end of the bellows includes a bellows joint. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0010] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] The example embodiments are provided to fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art in detail. In order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure, numerous specific details are described, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to use specific details, and the example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, neither of which should be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0012] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, components, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, components, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The steps, processes, and operations of the methodologies described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order described or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0013] When an element or layer is said to be "on," "interdigitated with," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, interdigitated, connected, or bonded to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is said to be "directly on," "directly interdigitated with," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, there may not be intervening elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0014] Terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. When used herein, "first," "second," etc., and other numerical terms do not imply any order or sequence, unless clearly dictated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below can be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0015] Spatially relative terms, such as "inside," "outside," "below," "below," "lower," "above," "above," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s) as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were turned over, an element described as "below" or "below" the other element or feature would be oriented "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0016] The present disclosure provides a transfer assembly configured to transfer eggs, for example between a brood tray and a hatching tray, and more particularly, a transfer assembly configured to transfer eggs having one or more needle perforations. In particular, a transfer assembly prepared according to various aspects of the present disclosure is configured such that the transfer assembly contacts the egg at one or more locations separate (or remote) from the one or more needle perforations. Furthermore, in various aspects, a transfer assembly prepared according to various aspects of the present disclosure may be a low vacuum transfer assembly.

[0017] 1, 3-4, and 6-8 show an exemplary transfer assembly 100 having a distribution plate 110 connecting a bellows 130 and one or more egg picking pads 150, as shown. For example, FIG. 1 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly 100. FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of the egg transfer assembly 100. FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the egg transfer assembly 100 in use. FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a first end of the egg transfer assembly 100. FIG. 7 is a side view of the egg transfer assembly 100. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the egg transfer assembly 100. FIG. 9 is another top perspective view of the exemplary egg transfer assembly 10. FIG. 10 is another top perspective view of the egg transfer assembly 100 in use.

[0018] 2A and 2B, 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 substantially parallel to the second surface 120. One or more protrusions (or studs or posts or poles or columns or extrusion bosses) 114 extend in a first direction from the first surface 112 of the distribution plate 110. In one particular variation, the distribution plate 110 may be circular, and the one or more protrusions may be evenly spaced on the distribution plate 110.

[0019] Each protrusion 114 is configured to hold (or be coupled to) an egg picking pad 150. As shown, the distribution plate 110 may include three protrusions 114 and the transfer assembly 100 may include three corresponding egg picking pads 150. However, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, in various embodiments, the distribution plate 110 may include three or fewer protrusions 114 and the transfer assembly 100 may include three or fewer egg picking pads 150. Similarly, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, in yet other variations, the distribution plate 110 may include three or more protrusions 114 and the transfer assembly 100 may include three or more egg picking pads 150. Additionally, while separate egg picking pads 150 are illustrated, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, in certain variations, one or more egg picking pads 150 may be connected. Additionally, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the protrusions 114 and egg picking pads 150 may be distributed in various patterns, for example, to readily accommodate different egg types, shapes, or sizes.

[0020] In each variation, each of the projections 114 includes one or more ridges or tabs or the like 116 configured to hold an egg picking pad 150, and includes a vacuum port (or channel or through hole) 118 that extends through both the projection 114 and the distribution plate 110 and exits at a second surface 120, as best shown in FIG. 3. The projection 114 defines the vacuum port 118 as a central cavity that extends centrally through its length. The second surface 120 of the distribution plate 110 is configured to be coupled to a bellows 130. As shown, a lip or ridge 122 may extend in a second direction from the second surface 120, and a first end 132 of the bellows 130 may be configured to fit within (or surround) the lip or ridge 122. 3, one or more couplers (e.g., ridges) 134 may extend from an inner surface of the bellows 130 at the first end 132, and an outer surface of the lip 122 may have one or more recesses 124 configured to receive the couplers 134. One skilled in the art will appreciate that other coupling configurations, not shown, may be used as well.

[0021] In each variation, the bellows 130 has a second end 136 configured to be coupled to a vacuum source (not shown). As shown in FIG. 11, the second end 136 of the bellows 130 may include a bellows fitting 135 that couples 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 embodiments, the bellows 130 is configured to collapse vertically (e.g., by about 1 inch, or 25.4 mm) under negative pressure and recover to its original length when the application of the vacuum pressure is ceased (or stopped). In one particular variation, the bellows 130 may be a flexible vacuum bellows made of flexible plastic, rubber, or other elastomeric material.

[0022] As best shown in FIG. 3, each of the one or more egg picking pads 150 has a sleeve 152 configured to receive one or more protrusions 114 extending from the distribution plate 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the sleeve 152 may define a cavity (or keyhole) 154 configured to receive the protrusion 114. More specifically, an inner surface of the sleeve 152 defining the cavity 154 may have one or more recesses 156 configured to receive the ridges 116 extending from the outer surface of the protrusion 114.

[0023] The sleeve 152 of each egg picking pad 150 is coupled (e.g., at an angle) to an egg contact pad 158 configured to contact an egg 200 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4 and 9). The egg contact pad 158 is contoured to have a shape to receive an egg 200. For example, in one particular variation, the egg contact pad 158 may have a generally spherical shape, as shown. The one or more egg picking pads 150 work together to gently, yet firmly, grip an egg 200. More particularly, the flexibility of the bellows 130 allows the one or more egg picking pads 150 to be used with eggs having a variety of different shapes and sizes. For example, the flexibility of the bellows 130 allows the one or more picking pads 150 to be used with a variety of eggs that are disposed within a setting (or hatching) tray and have different heights, and therefore different shapes and sizes. The flexibility of the bellows 130 also allows the transfer assembly 100 to gently release the egg 200 as the bellows 130 adjusts to the shape and size of the egg 200 and the placement surface.

[0024] 5A and 6, the inwardly facing surface of egg contact pad 158 has a peripheral surface 160 that surrounds a vacuum conduit 162. In certain variations, one or more structural supports 163 may be disposed toward the inlet (or first end) of vacuum conduit 162. In certain variations, the first end of vacuum conduit 162 may have a dome shape that defines an angle connecting sleeve 152 and egg contact pad 158. The structural supports 163 may prevent vacuum conduit 162 from collapsing and / or becoming clogged.

[0025] In each variation, the vacuum conduit 162 is configured to communicate with the protrusion 114 and the vacuum port 118 of the distribution plate 110, which in turn is in communication with the bellows 130 and a vacuum source that may be connected thereto. In this manner, vacuum suction may be used to grab and hold the egg 200. For example, when the transfer assembly 100 contacts the egg, the bellows 130 may fold (or compress) to adjust the height 139 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9 ) depending on the size and shape of the egg 200. Upon contact, vacuum pressure is applied to hold the egg 200 against the surrounding surface 160 and close the air path to the bellows 130.

[0026] In various embodiments, the peripheral surface 160 of the egg contact pad 158 includes a number of section grooves 164. In certain variations, the section grooves 164 may be imprints in the peripheral surface 160. The section grooves 164 may have various configurations. For example, as shown, the section grooves 164 may have a concentric design. In each variation, the section grooves 164 serve to improve the grip of the routing vacuum on the peripheral surface 160. That is, the section grooves 164 may provide a vacuum path to an area away from the vacuum conduit 162, increasing the vacuum force available to hold the egg 200 in a given isolated area. For example, the section grooves 164 may include a lateral branch beginning at the vacuum conduit 162 and extending toward the periphery of the egg contact pad 158, but not connected to adjacent grooves. Thus, each section groove 164 defines an isolated subsystem and a unique vacuum path. The arrangement of the one or more egg contact pads 158, and in particular the vacuum conduits 162 and cross-sectional grooves 164 defined therein, isolates the applied vacuum or suction force to a predetermined (or designated) area, thereby limiting movement near or around the needle perforations 202 in the egg 200, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. Releasing the egg from the surrounding surface 160 may be accomplished by discontinuing the applied vacuum pressure to allow the bellows 130 to extend (e.g., as shown in Figures 4 and 10) and regain its original length 138, thereby lowering the egg into contact with a receiving surface (e.g., a hatching basket).

[0027] The description of the foregoing embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, may be interchangeable and used in selected embodiments, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered to be departures from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A transfer assembly comprising: a distribution plate having a first surface and a second surface; a protrusion extending from the first surface, the protrusion defining a through hole extending through the distribution plate; an egg picking pad coupled to the protrusion, the through-hole extending through the protrusion in fluid communication with the egg picking pad; a flexible bellows coupled to the second surface of the distribution plate.

2. The transfer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the egg picking pad comprises a sleeve configured to surround the protrusion.

3. The egg picking pad further comprises:

3. The transfer assembly of claim 2 comprising a spherical egg contact pad.

4. The spherical egg contact pad comprises: The transfer assembly of claim 3 , further comprising a peripheral surface surrounding the through hole.

5. The transfer assembly of claim 4 , wherein the through hole is a vacuum conduit.

6. The transfer assembly of claim 4 , wherein a plurality of cross-sectional grooves are defined in the peripheral surface.

7. The transfer assembly of claim 1 , wherein a lip extends from the second surface, and the flexible bellows surrounds the lip when coupled to the distribution plate.

8. 1. A method of transporting eggs, the method comprising: lowering a transfer assembly into interaction with the eggs, the transfer assembly comprising: a distribution plate having a first surface and a second surface; a protrusion extending from the first surface, the protrusion defining a through hole extending through the distribution plate; an egg picking pad coupled to the protrusion, the through-hole extending through the protrusion in fluid communication with the egg picking pad; a flexible bellows coupled to the second surface of the distribution plate; and contacting said at least one egg picking pad with said eggs; applying a vacuum through the through hole; and raising the transfer assembly to transport the eggs.

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