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Methods and apparatus for supporting eggs during in ovo injection

  • US 6,981,470 B2
  • Filed: 10/16/2003
  • Issued: 01/03/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2003
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An in ovo injection apparatus, comprising:

  • an egg carrier that holds a plurality of eggs and provides external access to the eggs;

    a plurality of injection devices positioned above the carrier, wherein each injection device is configured to contact a respective egg in the carrier and deliver a predetermined dosage of a treatment substance into the egg and/or remove material from the egg; and

    an egg support assembly positioned beneath the carrier that is configured to solidly support each egg in the carrier during contact therewith by a respective injection device and to prevent each egg from being pushed downwardly into the carrier by a respective injection device wherein the egg support assembly comprises;

    a frame movable between an operative position and a retracted position;

    a plate attached to the frame and comprising an array of openings formed therein; and

    a plurality of pedestals, each pedestal removably and snugly secured within a respective one of the openings, wherein each pedestal comprises a free end portion configured to engage an egg within the carrier when the frame is in the operative position.

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