US 6,981,470 B2 | ||
Methods and apparatus for supporting eggs during in ovo injection | ||
Edward W. Gross, Raleigh, N.C. (US); and Phillip N. Strayer, Apex, N.C. (US) | ||
Assigned to Embrex, Inc., Durham, N.C. (US) | ||
Filed on Oct. 16, 2003, as Appl. No. 10/686,762. | ||
Claims priority of provisional application 60/442863, filed on Jan. 27, 2003. | ||
Prior Publication US 2004/0144324 A1, Jul. 29, 2004 | ||
Int. Cl. A01K 41/00 (2006.01); A01K 43/00 (2006.01); A01K 45/00 (2006.01) |
U.S. Cl. 119—322 | 27 Claims |
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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