Methods and apparatus for selectively processing eggs having identified characteristics
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of processing avian eggs having an identified characteristic, comprising:
- identifying live avian eggs among a plurality of eggs using a classifier;
extracting material selected from the group consisting of amnion, tissue, membrane and blood from the eggs identified as live eggs using a sampling apparatus;
automatically positioning a sample tray proximate to the sampling apparatus to receive the extracted material therefrom using a sample tray handling system;
automatically dispensing the extracted material from the sampling apparatus into respective sample receptacles of the sample tray;
transferring the sample tray from the sampling apparatus to an assaying station;
assaying the material extracted from each egg using the assaying station to identify eggs having a characteristic; and
selectively processing eggs identified as having the characteristic.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for processing eggs based upon a characteristic such as gender are provided. Material is extracted from each of a plurality of live eggs, the extracted material is assayed to identify eggs having the characteristic, and then eggs identified as having the characteristic are processed accordingly.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A method of processing avian eggs having an identified characteristic, comprising:
-
identifying live avian eggs among a plurality of eggs using a classifier; extracting material selected from the group consisting of amnion, tissue, membrane and blood from the eggs identified as live eggs using a sampling apparatus; automatically positioning a sample tray proximate to the sampling apparatus to receive the extracted material therefrom using a sample tray handling system; automatically dispensing the extracted material from the sampling apparatus into respective sample receptacles of the sample tray; transferring the sample tray from the sampling apparatus to an assaying station; assaying the material extracted from each egg using the assaying station to identify eggs having a characteristic; and selectively processing eggs identified as having the characteristic. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method of processing avian eggs, comprising:
-
identifying live avian eggs among a plurality of eggs using a classifier; extracting material selected from the group consisting of amnion, tissue, membrane and blood from eggs identified as live eggs using a sampling apparatus; automatically positioning a sample tray proximate to the sampling apparatus to receive the extracted material therefrom using a sample tray handling system; automatically dispensing the extracted material from the sampling apparatus into respective sample receptacles of the sample tray; transferring the sample tray from the sampling apparatus to an assaying station; assaying the material extracted from each egg to identify eggs having one or more pathogens therewithin; and removing eggs identified as having one or more pathogens. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification