Apparatus for the sanitary treatment of specimens of avian species

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus 1 for the sanitary treatment of specimens of avian species. The apparatus comprises a loading area 101, at which one or more specimens are loaded on board said apparatus, a treatment area 102, at which said specimens are subjected to the injection of substances and subsequently released, manipulation means 3 to transport one or more specimens from said loading area to said treatment area and treatment means 8 to treat the specimens transported to said treatment area by said manipulation means.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS FOR THE SANITARY TREATMENT OF SPECIMENS

[0002] OF AVIAN SPECIES

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] The present invention refers to an apparatus for the sanitary treatment of specimens of avian species, for example chicks of chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, geese and the like.

[0005] As is known, in farms with avian species, there is the need to periodically perform suitable sanitary treatments (for example vaccinations) of the specimens raised in order to prevent or limit the spread of diseases.

[0006] For this purpose, automated apparatus are often used, which allow a very high number of specimens to be treated, at high speed.

[0007] In general, the apparatus currently available have limitations in relation to their ease of use and operating reliability. Moreover, many apparatus of conventional type do not fully satisfy international standards with regard to the protection of animals raised on farms.

[0008] Some known apparatus, such as the one described in the patent document US4681565, require that the specimens to be treated are positioned manually on a moving carousel and transported towards a treatment area of the machine at which a movable needle assembly injects a desired substance into the specimens transported.

[0009] In systems of this type, the specimens treated are often subject to mechanical shocks due to the relatively high movement speed to which they are subjected during transport towards the treatment area. Therefore, the specimens treated can suffer considerable trauma, for example to the head and to the neck, which can even lead to their death.

[0010] In other known apparatus, the specimens to be treated are positioned manually in corresponding stations arranged at the treatment area of the machine. Also in these cases, a movable needle assembly injects a desired substance into the specimens located in the treatment area.

[0011] In these machines, the operator directly accesses the treatment area of the machine while it is operating.

[0012] In general, this circumstance requires the operational arrangement of effective protective means to ensure suitable segregation of the needle assembly. However, experience has shown how, despite these precautions, the operator may experience a sense of discomfort during work due to the relative proximity to the needle assembly. Naturally, this can cause an emotional stress for the operator and lead to decreases in productivity.

[0013] In the current state of the art, there is a strong need to provide innovative solutions that allow the drawbacks illustrated above to be mitigated or overcome and, at the same time, are relatively simple to use and easily reproducible on an industrial scale. The present invention aims to meet this need by providing an apparatus for the sanitary treatment of specimens of avian species in accordance with claim 1 and with the related dependent claims, set forth below.

[0014] Features and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by referring to the description provided below and to the accompanying figures, provided purely by way of nonlimiting example, wherein:

[0015] - Figs. 1-4 schematically illustrate some partial views of the apparatus according to the invention;

[0016] - Figs. 5-16 schematically illustrate the execution of a sanitary treatment cycle for a pair of specimens of avian species, using the apparatus according to the invention;

[0017] - Figs. 17-18 schematically illustrate a preferred variant of the apparatus according to the invention.

[0018] With reference to the aforesaid figures, the present invention refers to an apparatus (or machine) 1 for the sanitary treatment of specimens 100 of avian species.

[0019] The apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for the sanitary treatment of chicks. However, it could also be used, with simple adjustments, to treat older specimens.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment thereof (illustrated in the aforesaid figures), the apparatus 1 is a machine for vaccinating chicks.

[0021] In order to simplify the description, the apparatus 1 will be described hereunder with particular reference to said preferred embodiment. However, this shall not be intended to in any way limit the scope of application of the present invention. In fact, the apparatus 1 could be used to inject substances of different type, such as antibiotics or other drugs, nutrients, and so forth.

[0022] When installed on the field, the apparatus 1 is typically positioned on a suitable supporting structure (not illustrated). Advantageously, this supporting structure can be arranged so as to define a space for collecting the specimens released after treatment and can be operationally connected to conveying means (for example a conveyor belt or similar arrangements) to transport the treated specimens to their pens.

[0023] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the apparatus includes a plinth 10 which defines a supporting surface.

[0024] With reference to normal positioning of the apparatus (Figs. 1-3, 6), the plinth 10 includes a lower surface 10A and an upper surface 10B opposite each other.

[0025] The apparatus 1 includes a shaped casing 15 that extends upward from the upper surface 10B of the plinth to enclose and protect some components of the apparatus.

[0026] The casing 15 can also act as support for other components of the apparatus, which must be accessible to the operator during operation, such as a display 16, control buttons 17 and one or more syringe assemblies 9, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0027] According to the invention, the apparatus 1 includes a loading area 101, at which the specimens to be treated are loaded on board the apparatus, and a treatment area 102, at which the specimens loaded on board the apparatus are subjected to treatment and subsequently released.

[0028] At the treatment area, the specimens on board the apparatus are subjected to the injection of a desired substance and, possibly, to the spraying of a desired substance at the level of the eyes and / or the beak.

[0029] The loading area 101 and the treatment area 102 of the apparatus are arranged outside the casing 15 at the upper surface 10B of the plinth 10.

[0030] The loading area 101 is arranged so as to be directly accessible to the operator during operation of the machine. As will be more apparent below, the operator accesses this operating area to load the specimens to be treated on board the apparatus.

[0031] The treatment area 102 is instead arranged so as to be located in a position further from the operator during operation of the machine. In this way, the operator cannot access this operating area accidentally and can work without worrying about any accidental needlestick injuries.

[0032] At the treatment area 102, the plinth 10 includes an opening 10C to allow the specimens to fall naturally into the collection compartment defined by the support structure below, once released after treatment.

[0033] The apparatus comprises manipulation means 2, 3 arranged to transport one or more specimens 100 from the loading area 101 to the treatment area 102 of the machine.

[0034] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the manipulation means 2, 3 are arranged to transport at most a pair of specimens for each treatment cycle. However, according to other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), the manipulation means could be arranged to handle a higher number of specimens for each treatment cycle.

[0035] The apparatus further comprises treatment means 7, 8, 9 of the specimens transported in the treatment area 102 by the manipulation means.

[0036] In the embodiment in the aforesaid figures, the treatment means 7, 8, 9 are arranged to inject at least one substance (in general one or two substances into the neck of each specimen).

[0037] In the embodiment of Figs. 17-18, the aforesaid treatment means are also arranged to spray at least one substance onto the specimens transported (generally one or two substances at the level of at least one eye and / or of the beak of each specimen).

[0038] Preferably, the treatment means 7, 8, 9 are arranged to treat a pair of specimens for each treatment cycle. However, according to other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), the treatment means could be arranged to treat a higher number of specimens for each treatment cycle.

[0039] According to the invention, the manipulation means comprise a support base 2 rotatable around a first rotation axis Ai perpendicular to the supporting surface defined by the plinth 10 (Figs. 1, 2, 4).

[0040] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the support base 2 is advantageously formed by a cylindrical body which protrudes from the upper surface 10B of the plinth 10 and is rotatably coupled thereto by means of known mechanical connection means. However, in principle the support base 2 could have a different shape to the one illustrated, for example prismatic.

[0041] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises actuation means 11 operationally connected to the support base 2 to operate it during operation of the machine.

[0042] Preferably, the aforesaid actuation means include an electric or electromagnetic actuator (for example an electric motor).

[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the actuation means 11 are housed inside the casing 15 and are connected to the support base 2 by means of a drive belt 111 arranged at the lower surface 10A of the plinth 10 (Figs. 3, 6).

[0044] However, in other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), different types of solutions could be adopted. For example, an electric motor could be secured to the lower surface 10A of the plinth 10 and operationally connected to the support base 2 by means of a suitable drive mechanism.

[0045] Preferably, during operation of the machine, the support base 2 is operated by the actuation means 11 so as to rotate in opposite directions of rotation during successive treatment cycles. However, in principle, the support base 2 could be operated so as always to rotate in the same direction during operation of the machine.

[0046] According to the invention, the manipulation means also comprise one or more transport assemblies 3 mounted on the support base 2 (by means of known mechanical connection means) so as to move together therewith. The aforesaid transport assemblies are therefore reversibly movable between the loading area 101 and the treatment area 102 of the machine by rotating around the first rotation axis Ai together with the support base 2.

[0047] Preferably, the manipulation means comprise a pair of transport assemblies 3 mounted on the support base 2, for example in diametrically opposite positions of the support base as illustrated in the aforesaid figures.

[0048] According to other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), the aforesaid manipulation means could comprise a different number of transport assemblies, for example a single transport assembly or three transport assemblies arranged symmetrically along the perimeter of the support base.

[0049] According to the invention, each transport assembly 3 includes one or more transport stations 30, each capable of receiving a corresponding specimen 100.

[0050] Preferably, each transport assembly 3 comprises a pair of transport stations 30. In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the transport stations 30 are mounted positioned side by side on the support base 2.

[0051] According to other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), each transport assembly 3 could comprise a different number of transport stations, for example a single transport station or three transport stations positioned side by side.

[0052] Preferably, each transport station 30 comprises a seat 31 capable of accommodating the head of a specimen 100.

[0053] Advantageously, each seat 31 consists of a box shaped body open towards the loading area 101 so as to allow the operator to manually insert the head of a specimen 100. For example, the box shaped body can be sized so as to allow the specimen 100 to move its head once it has been inserted its internal space.

[0054] Preferably, each transport station 30 comprises a blocking device 32 operationally associated with a corresponding seat 31.

[0055] Each blocking device 32 can be operated reversibly between an opening state, at which it allows the insertion of the head of a specimen 100 into the seat 31, and a blocking state, at which it blocks the head of said specimen, when inserted into the seat 31. Each specimen 100 with its head inserted into a corresponding seat 31 can thus remain with its body suspended (in practice hanging) during transport on board the apparatus.

[0056] Preferably, each station 30 comprises sensor means (not illustrated) capable of providing detection signals indicative of the presence of the head of a specimen 100 inside the seat 31. As will be more apparent below, these detection signals can advantageously be processed by a control unit of the apparatus to controls the transition of the corresponding blocking device 32 from an opening state to a blocking state.

[0057] The aforesaid sensor means can, for example, comprise a optical fibre or a photocell.

[0058] Preferably, each blocking device 32 includes a pair of blocking pegs 321 mounted on corresponding articulated arms 322 connected to suitable actuation means.

[0059] The blocking pegs 321 are positioned side by side at the opening of the corresponding seat 31 of the transport station 30 and are preferably arranged along axes, mutually parallel and perpendicular to the supporting surface defined by the plinth 10 (Fig. 4).

[0060] The blocking pegs 321 are reversibly movable in opposite directions between two limit stop positions. When the blocking device 32 is in an opening state, the pegs 321 are further apart from each other so as to leave the opening of the corresponding seat 31 free and allow insertion of the head of a specimen 100. When the blocking device 32 are in a blocking state, the pegs 321 are closer together so as to prevent the head of the specimen 100 from exiting from the corresponding seat 31, without compressing the neck.

[0061] Preferably, each transport assembly 3 comprises actuation means 35 mounted on the support base 2 and operationally coupled to the blocking devices 32 to reversibly operate these between said opening state and said blocking state, advantageously based on commands supplied by a control unit of the actuator.

[0062] Preferably, each transport assembly 3 comprises an actuation device 35 of pneumatic type for each blocking device 32 (Fig. 4).

[0063] According to other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), actuation means of different type could be used (for example, an electric or electromagnetic actuator) to operate each blocking device 32.

[0064] According to the invention, each transport assembly 3 comprises a retention element 33 operationally associated with the stations 30 of the aforesaid transport assembly.

[0065] The retention element 33 is mounted on the support base 2 so as to move together with it around the first rotation axis Ai. However, it is movable relative to the support base 2 and can rotate around a second rotation axis A2, perpendicular to the first rotation axis Ai. In particular, the retention element 33 is movable between a first operating position (Figs. 5-6, 14-16), wherein it does not interact with the specimens 100 on board the apparatus (or rather, on board the stations 30 of the relative transport assembly), and a second operating position (Figs. 7-13), at which it exerts a retention force on the specimens 100 positioned at the stations 30 of the relative transport assembly.

[0066] When it is in the aforesaid second operating position, by exerting a retention force on the body of the specimens 100 transported, the retention element 33 stabilizes the operating position of the aforesaid specimens during transport from the loading area 101 to the treatment area 102 of the machine and during treatment. This prevents the specimens from being subject to shock during movement of the transport assembly, even if this is performed at high speed. The retention element 33 also helps to maintain the specimens 100 in the correct operating position during injection of the desired substance.

[0067] Preferably, each retention element 33 includes a lever pivoted on the support base 2 and having a free end 330 provided with one or more transverse arms 331. Each transverse arm 331 is shaped so as to embrace, at least partially, the body of a specimen 100 positioned in a corresponding transport station 30, when the retention element is in the second operating position (Figs. 7-13).

[0068] In the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in the aforesaid figures, when it is in the first operating position, the retention element 33 (or rather, its free end 330) is in raised position and spaced from the relative transport stations 30 while, when it is in the second operating position, the retention element 33 (or rather, its free end 330) is in the lowered position, close to the transport stations 30.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, each transport assembly 3 comprises a pair of transport stations 30 and a retention element 33 associated with these transport stations. Each retention element 33 is formed by a lever pivoted on the support base 2 and having a T- shaped free end 330 provided with a pair of transverse arms 331.

[0070] The aforesaid arms 331 are preferably curved so as to embrace the specimens 100 positioned at the transport stations 30 side by side and with their head inserted into a corresponding seat 31 and their body suspended.

[0071] According to other embodiments (not illustrated), each retention element 33 could have a different shape (in particular relative to its free end) depending on the number and arrangement of the transport stations 30 included in the relative transport assembly.

[0072] Preferably, when the aforesaid manipulation means comprise a plurality of transport assemblies 3, the retention element 33 of each transport assembly is movable between the aforesaid first and second operating position independently from the other retention elements.

[0073] According to some embodiments (not illustrated), in particular when the aforesaid manipulation means comprise a pair of transport assemblies, the retention elements could be formed by a single lever pivoted on the support base 2 at a central portion and having free ends opposite each other and movable according to alternately opposite movements.

[0074] Preferably, each transport assembly 3 comprises actuation means 34 mounted on the support base 2 and operationally coupled to a corresponding retention element 33 to reversibly operate it between said first operating position and said second operating position, advantageously based on commands supplied by a control unit of the actuator.

[0075] Preferably, each transport assembly 3 comprises an actuation device 34 of electric or electromagnetic type (for example, an electric motor) for the retention element 33 (Fig. 4).

[0076] According to other embodiments of the invention (not illustrated), actuation means of different type (for example, a pneumatic actuator) could be adopted to operate each retention element 33. According to further alternative embodiments, more than one retention element could be operated by the same actuator.

[0077] Preferably, the treatment means of the apparatus comprise a pusher element 7 arranged close to the treatment area 102 of the machine.

[0078] The pusher element 7 is movable along a first translation axis A3 (Fig. 6), parallel to the supporting surface of the apparatus defined by the plinth 10, between a third operating position, at which it does not interact with specimens 100 on board the apparatus, and a fourth operating position, at which it rests on the body (for example, the neck) of the specimens 100 on board a transport assembly 3 positioned at the treatment area 102.

[0079] In the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in the aforesaid figures, when it is in the third operating position, the pusher element 7 is in retracted position relative to the transport assembly 3 positioned at the treatment area 102 while, when it is in the fourth operating position, the pusher element 7 is in advanced position, in practice close to the transport assembly 3.

[0080] When it is in the aforesaid fourth operating position, the pusher element 7 exerts a pressure on the body of the specimens on board the transport assembly 3 at the treatment area 102 so as to stably maintain the specimens in a correct position (substantially vertical, i.e., perpendicular to the plinth 10) to inject the desired substance. This ensures that the specimens do not sustain injuries during injection of the desired substance.

[0081] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the pusher element 7 includes a shaped body, mounted on a supporting and guiding frame 70 secured to the upper surface 10B of the plinth 10 (Figs. 2-3, 5-6). In particular, the pusher element can slide along two guide elements positioned side by side, parallel to the plinth 10.

[0082] Preferably, when it is in the fourth operating position, the pusher element 7 comprises a flat surface intended to come into contact with the specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3 at the treatment area 102.

[0083] Preferably, the pusher element 7 consists of a body having a polyhedral or cylindrical shape, provided with a pair of sliding holes inside which the guide elements of the supporting and guiding structure 70 are inserted.

[0084] Preferably, the apparatus comprises actuation means 12 operationally connected (by means of known mechanical connection means) to the pusher element 7 to operate it during the operation of the machine, advantageously based on commands supplied by a control unit of the actuator. Preferably, the aforesaid actuation means 12 include a pneumatic actuator mounted on the supporting and guiding frame 70. Preferably, the aforesaid treatment means comprise a needle assembly 8 that includes one or more needles 80 for injection of the desired substance.

[0085] The needle assembly 8 is mounted on the pusher element 7 so as to be movable together with it between the aforesaid third and fourth operating position.

[0086] When the pusher element 7 is in the aforesaid fourth operating position (i.e., in contact with the specimens on board a transport assembly, the needle assembly 8 is movable along a second translation axis A4 (Fig. 6), perpendicular to the first translation axis A3 of the pusher element. The needle assembly 8 can move between a fifth operating position, at which it does not interact with specimens 100 on board the apparatus, and a sixth operating position, at which the needles 80 penetrate the body (for example under the skin of the neck) of the specimens 100 on board a transport assembly 3 positioned at the treatment area 102.

[0087] In the embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in the aforesaid figures, when it is in the fifth operating position, the needle assembly 8 is in raised position relative to the transport assembly 3 positioned at the treatment area 102 while, when it is in the sixth operating position, the needle assembly 8 is in lowered position, close to the transport assembly 3.

[0088] Naturally, when the pusher element 7 is in the aforesaid operating position (i.e., , in retracted position), the needle assembly 8 is maintained in the aforesaid fifth operating position (i.e., in raised position).

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the needle assembly 8 includes a shaped support 83 provided with housing holes to accommodate the needles 80 and mounted on a supporting and guiding frame 84 secured to the pusher element 7 (Figs. 2-3, 5-6). In particular, the support 83 can slide along two guide elements positioned side by side, perpendicular to the plinth 10. For this purpose, it is provided with a pair of sliding holes inside which the guide elements of the supporting and guiding frame 84 are inserted.

[0090] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention (Figs. 17-18), the needle assembly 8 includes one or more spraying devices 86 for spraying a substance (for example an antibiotic) into one or both the eyes and / or into the beak of one or more specimens 100 that have reached the treatment area 102.

[0091] The spraying devices move together with the needle assembly 8 between the aforesaid fifth operating position and sixth operating position.

[0092] When the needle assembly is in the aforesaid fifth operating position, the spraying devices 86 are at a distance from the specimens 100 on board the apparatus and do not interact with them. When the needle assembly is in the sixth operating position, each spraying device 86 is positioned at the height of an eye (or of both eyes and / or of the beak) of a corresponding specimen 100 on board a transport assembly 3 positioned at the treatment area 102.

[0093] Preferably, the needle assembly 8 includes a pair of spraying devices 86 mounted on board the shaped support 83 of the needle assembly.

[0094] Each spraying device 86 preferably includes a hollow supporting and connecting body provided with a nozzle for atomizing the substance to be sprayed.

[0095] When the needle assembly 8 is in the aforesaid sixth operating position, the atomizing nozzle of each spraying device is positioned at a hole of a lateral wall that defines a corresponding seat 31 capable of accommodating the head of a specimen 100.

[0096] The substance sprayed by each atomizing nozzle thus passes through the aforesaid hole and reaches the eye (or both eyes and / or the beak) of the specimen 100 accommodated in the seat 31 of the relative transport station.

[0097] Preferably, the apparatus comprises actuation means 85 operationally connected (by means of known mechanical connection means) to the pusher element 7 to operate it during operation of the machine, advantageously based on commands supplied by a control unit of the actuator.

[0098] Preferably, the aforesaid actuation means 85 include a pneumatic actuator mounted on the supporting and guiding frame 84.

[0099] Preferably, the aforesaid treatment means comprise one or more syringe assemblies 9, each of which includes one or more syringes 90 in fluid dynamic communication with one or more needles 80 of the needle assembly 80 and, possibly, with one or more spraying devices 86.

[0100] In the embodiment illustrated in the aforesaid figures, the treatment means comprise a pair of syringe assemblies 9 advantageously mounted on suitable supports 95 at opposites sides of the casing 15 of the apparatus. Each syringe 90 can be connected to one or more needles 80 of the needle assembly by means of connection tubes (partially illustrated in Fig. 1).

[0101] Preferably, the apparatus comprises actuation means (not illustrated) operationally connected (by means of known pneumatic connection means) to the syringes 90 to operate them during operation of the machine.

[0102] In general, the syringe assemblies 9 and the syringes 90 can be produced according to known solutions. Therefore, these components will not be described in further detail hereunder for evident reasons of brevity of description.

[0103] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a pressurization unit 25 (schematically illustrated only in Fig. 3) operationally connected to pneumatic actuation devices 12, 35, 85 of the apparatus 1 to control its operation, advantageously based on commands supplied by a control unit of the actuator.

[0104] Preferably, the pressurization unit 25 is housed in the inner space defined by the casing 15 and is connected to the pneumatic actuation devices of the apparatus by means of suitable pressurization circuits which can be produced according to known solutions.

[0105] In general, the pressurization unit 25 can be industrially produced according to known solutions. For example, it can include an electrically powered compressor device and an electronic drive unit operatively connected to a control unit of the apparatus.

[0106] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 20 (schematically illustrated only in Fig. 3) capable of controlling operation of the machine, in particular of the actuation devices 11, 34 and of the pressurization unit 25 of the apparatus.

[0107] Preferably, the control unit 20 is housed in the inner space defined by the casing 15 and is connected to actuation devices, sensors, limit switches, displays, control buttons, and other electrical or electronic components of the apparatus by means of suitable electrical connections which can be produced according to known solutions.

[0108] The control unit 20 can advantageously comprise digital data processing devices (for example one or more microprocessors) capable of executing software instructions to process data, generate control signals, setting signals and / or data signals in order to manage the operating life of the apparatus. However, the control unit 20 can also comprise analogue electronic circuits suitably configured to perform the functions required.

[0109] The control unit 20 can be industrially produced according to known solutions. For example, it can include one or more electronic printed circuit boards mounted on a suitable support.

[0110] As can be easily understood by the person skilled in the art, the apparatus according to the invention can comprise further components in addition to those described above in order to allow execution of the functions required. These further components (for example sensors, limit switches, electric or electromagnetic automatic mechanisms, electrical or pneumatic connections, and so forth) can be produced according to known solutions and are not described herein for evident reasons of brevity of description.

[0111] With reference to Figs. 5-16, there is now illustrated an example of operation of the apparatus 1 in the embodiment illustrated. As mentioned above, in this case, the manipulation means of the machine include a pair of transport assemblies 3, mounted opposite each other on the support base 2 and each comprising a pair of transport stations 30.

[0112] For evident reasons of brevity of description, reference is now made to the execution of a treatment cycle for a pair of specimens 100.

[0113] At an initial instant of the treatment cycle, a transport assembly 3 is positioned at the loading area 101 of the machine. The blocking devices 32 of each transport station 30 are in an opening state and the retention element 33 is in the first operating position (raised). The pusher element 7 is in the third operating position (retracted) and the needle assembly 8, on board the pusher element 7 (and therefore also in retracted position), is in the fifth operating position (raised).

[0114] With reference to Figs. 5-6, the specimens 100 are positioned manually by an operator at the transport stations 30 of the transport assembly according to the methods described above. The operator inserts the head of the specimen inside the seat 31. The sensor means (for example optical fibres) of the transport station send detection signals indicative of the presence of the specimen 100 to the control unit 20 which controls the passage of the blocking device 32 from an opening state to a blocking state. The blocking device 32 thus retains the head of each specimen 100 inside the seat 31 while the body is left hanging.

[0115] With reference to Figs. 7-8, when the blocking devices 32 have been operated, the control unit 20 controls the passage of the retention element 33 from the first operating position (raised) to the second operating position (lowered).

[0116] In the second operating position, the retention element 33 embraces the body of the specimens 100 positioned at the transport stations 30 and stabilizes their position so that the neck of the specimens is not subject to significant mechanical stress (compression or stretching).

[0117] With reference to Figs. 9-10, when the retention element 33 has been operated, the control unit 20 controls rotation of the support base 2 so as to move the transport assembly 3 and the specimens 100 loaded on board into the treatment area 102 of the machine.

[0118] It must be pointed out that, due to the retention force exerted by the retention element 33, the specimens 100 move along this route without being subjected to stress, particularly at the level of the head and neck.

[0119] With reference to Fig. 11, when the transport assembly 3 reaches the treatment area 102, the control unit 20 controls the passage of the pusher element 7 from the third operating position (retracted) to the fourth operating position (advanced).

[0120] The pusher element 7 rests on the body of the specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3 and carries it into a correct position (substantially vertical) for injection of the desired substance.

[0121] The needle assembly 8, although remaining in the fifth operating position (raised), move along the same route as the pusher element 7 towards the specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3.

[0122] It must be noted that, in this step, the retention element 33 is maintained in the second operating position (lowered), thereby helping to stabilize the position of the specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3.

[0123] With reference to Fig. 12, when the pusher element 7 has been operated, the control unit 20 controls the passage of the needle assembly 8 from the fifth operating position (raised) to the sixth operating position (lowered). The needles 80 of the needle assembly thus penetrate the body of the specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3 (advantageously under the skin at the level of the neck).

[0124] In the embodiments of Figs. 17-18, each spraying device 86 is positioned at the height of an eye (or of both eyes and / or of the beak) of a corresponding specimen on board the transport assembly 3.

[0125] When the needle assembly 8 has been operated, the control unit 20 controls operation of the syringes 90 of the syringe assembly 9 which inject the desired substance into the body of the specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3 and, possibly, sprays the desired substance into the eyes and / or into the beak of the aforesaid specimens.

[0126] With reference to Fig. 13, once injection of the desired substance (and, possibly, spraying of a further substance) has been completed, the control unit 20 controls the passage of the needle assembly 8 from the sixth operating position (lowered) to the fifth operating position (raised) and the subsequent passage of the pusher element 7 (and of the needle assembly 8 on board the latter) from the fourth operating position (advanced) to the third operating position (retracted). With reference to Fig. 14, when the pusher element 7 and the needle assembly 8 have been operated, the control unit 20 controls the passage of the retention element 33 from the second operating position (lowered) to the first operating position (raised). The retention element 33 is thus moved away from the body of the specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3.

[0127] With reference to Figs. 15-16, when the retention element 33 has been operated, the control unit 20 controls the passage of the blocking devices 32 from the blocking state to the opening state. The specimens 100 on board the transport assembly 3 are thus released, without any action by the operator, and can fall naturally into a collection compartment under the machine passing through the opening 10C of the plinth 10, at the treatment area 102.

[0128] As can be easily understood by the person skilled in the art, the treatment cycle described above is carried out with the same methods for each transport assembly 3 included in the manipulation means of the apparatus, in the embodiment described in the aforesaid figures.

[0129] In practice, it has been seen how with the apparatus according to the present invention the preset objects can be achieved.

[0130] With the apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to perform, in an automated manner, a high speed treatment (several thousand specimens per hour) of specimens of avian species without subjecting them to stress when they are on board the machine.

[0131] The particular features of the apparatus according to the invention allow great flexibility in controlling its operation and a significantly high operational reliability.

[0132] The apparatus according to the present invention is easy to install in the field and can be easily integrated with other devices of the same type in a battery.

[0133] The apparatus according to the present invention has a relatively simple structure, relatively easy and inexpensive to produce on an industrial scale.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus (1) for the sanitary treatment of specimens (100) of avian species, said apparatus comprising:- a loading area (101), at which one or more specimens (100) are loaded on board said apparatus, and a treatment area (102), at which said specimens are subjected to the injection of a substance and subsequently released;- manipulation means (2, 3) to transport one or more specimens from said loading area (101) to said treatment area (102);- treatment means (7, 8, 9) of the specimens transported to said treatment area (102) by said manipulation means; characterized in that said manipulation means comprise a support base (2) rotatable around a first rotation axis (Ai) and one or more transport assemblies (3) mounted on said support base (2) so as to be reversibly movable between said loading area (101) and said treatment area (102) by rotating around said first rotation axis (Ai) together with said support base, wherein each transport assembly (3) includes one or more transport stations (30), each capable of receiving a corresponding specimen (100), and a retention element (33) operationally associated with said one or more transport stations, wherein said retention element (33) is movable relative to said support base (2) and rotatable around a second rotation axis (A2), said retention element being movable between a first operating position, wherein said retention element does not interact with the specimens (100) on board said apparatus, and a second operating position, at which said retention element exerts a retention force on the specimens (100) on board said transport assembly to stabilize the position of said specimens.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said retention element (33) includes a lever pivoted on said support base (2) and having a free end (330) with one or more transverse arms (331), each transverse arm being shaped so as to embrace, at least partially, the body of a specimen (100) positioned in a corresponding transport station (30), when said retention element is in said second operating position.

3. Apparatus according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said manipulation means comprise a pair of transport assemblies (3) mounted on said support base (2).

4. Apparatus according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that each transport assembly (3) includes a pair of transport stations (30) positioned side by side, each arranged to receive a specimen (100), and a retention element (33) operationally associated with saidtransport stations.

5. Apparatus according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that each transport station (30) includes a seat (31) arranged to accommodate the head of a specimen (100) and a blocking device (32) operationally associated with said seat.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that each blocking device (32) can be operated reversibly between an opening state, at which said blocking device allows the insertion of the head of a specimen (100) into said seat (31), and a blocking state, at which said blocking device blocks the head of said specimen, when inserted into said seat.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that each blocking device (32) includes a pair of blocking pegs (321) mounted on corresponding articulated arms (322) and reversibly movable in opposite directions, said blocking pegs being further apart from each other, when said blocking device is in said opening state, and closer together, when said blocking device is in said blocking state.

8. Apparatus according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that said treatment means comprise a pusher element (7) movable along a first translation axis (A3) between a third operating position, at which said pusher element does not interact with specimens (100) onboard said apparatus, and a fourth operating position, at which said pusher element rests on the body of specimens (100) on board a transport assembly (3) positioned at said treatment area (102).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that said treatment means comprise a needle assembly (8) comprising one or more needles (80) for the injection of said substance, said needle assembly being mounted on said pusher element (7) so as to be movable together with said pusher element.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, when said pusher element (7) is in said fourth operating position, said needle assembly (8) is movable along a second translation axis (A4) between a fifth operating position, at which said needle assembly does not interact with specimens (100) on board said apparatus, and a sixth operating position, at which the needles (80) of said needle assembly penetrate the body of specimens (100) on board a transport assembly (3) positioned at said treatment area (102).

11. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said needle assembly (8) includes one or more spraying devices (86) for spraying a substance onto the specimens (100) on board a transport assembly (3) positioned at said treatment area (102).

12. Apparatus according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that said treatment means comprise one or more syringe assemblies (9), each syringe assembly comprising one ormore syringes (90) in fluid dynamic communication with one or more needles (80) and, possibly, with one or more spraying devices (86) of said needle assembly.

13. Apparatus according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that it is a machine for vaccinating chicks.

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