AUTOMATED EGG INJECTION MACHINE AND METHOD

摘要

A pneumatically operated egg injection machine includes a sealed frame structure with a pair of in line parallel tracks through an injection section and a transfer section in series. An injection assembly over one parallel track includes a plurality of injectors gripped in a support plate to simultaneously inject vaccine into the same injection region irrespective of egg height and orientation. Fluid delivery systems meter prescribed vaccine dosages to the injecting needles with reduced turbulence, friction, heat and residence time to increase the delivered titer to the injected eggs. A transfer assembly includes a plurality of transfer suction cups which lift the injected eggs by causing a reduced pressure in a ring around the injection hole while maintaining the injection hole at atmospheric pressure, thus avoiding negative pressure in the egg. Once the eggs are lifted, the plate and suction cups move horizontally across the machine over to the other parallel track to deposit the injected eggs. All of the eggs are injected and transferred as a single group. The injection assembly is sprayed with a sanitizing solution at the same time that the injected eggs are moved from the injection section to the transfer section and the transfer assembly can transfer the eggs from the incubating tray to the hatching tray while the eggs in the next incubating tray are injected by the injecting assembly, thus increasing machine speed. The operation of the machine is controlled and monitored by a controller or computer with appropriate visual display monitor