Egg lifting device, and associated systems and methods
First Claim
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1. An egg sampling station, comprising:
- a plurality of processing devices, each having a needle configured to extract a sample from a respective avian egg aligned therewith;
a plurality of egg lifting devices configured to carry avian eggs to the processing devices and align co-linearly therewith along a longitudinal axis thereof, each egg lifting device configured to allow access to a respective avian egg by a respective processing device, each processing device being configured to extend within a respective egg lifting device when co-linearly aligned therewith, and each egg lifting device having a securing arrangement configured to engage and deflect about an egg carried by an egg container such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for removal thereof from the egg container, the securing arrangement being formed of a flexible material and being resiliently deflectable to secure an egg and position the egg in a predetermined orientation;
an egg support assembly comprising a plurality of pedestals configured to support the eggs while secured by the egg lifting devices and during interaction with the processing devices; and
a track system to which the egg lifting devices are operably engaged, the track system being configured to transport the egg lifting devices for alignment with the respective processing devices and pedestals.
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Abstract
An egg lifting device is provided. Such a device includes a body and a securing arrangement extending from the body. The securing arrangement is configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for lifting thereof. A plurality of egg lifting devices is arranged on an egg removal system such that multiple eggs are capable of being removed from an egg flat. Associated systems and methods are also provided.
44 Citations
10 Claims
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1. An egg sampling station, comprising:
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a plurality of processing devices, each having a needle configured to extract a sample from a respective avian egg aligned therewith; a plurality of egg lifting devices configured to carry avian eggs to the processing devices and align co-linearly therewith along a longitudinal axis thereof, each egg lifting device configured to allow access to a respective avian egg by a respective processing device, each processing device being configured to extend within a respective egg lifting device when co-linearly aligned therewith, and each egg lifting device having a securing arrangement configured to engage and deflect about an egg carried by an egg container such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for removal thereof from the egg container, the securing arrangement being formed of a flexible material and being resiliently deflectable to secure an egg and position the egg in a predetermined orientation; an egg support assembly comprising a plurality of pedestals configured to support the eggs while secured by the egg lifting devices and during interaction with the processing devices; and a track system to which the egg lifting devices are operably engaged, the track system being configured to transport the egg lifting devices for alignment with the respective processing devices and pedestals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification