Poultry toe and claw positioning systems and methods are described herein. The positioning systems and methods may be used to separate and precisely locate the forward-facing toes and claws of birds.
Cephalothorax removal systems and related methods are described herein. The cephalothorax removal systems and methods are designed to retain neck meat on the abdomen and consistently remove the appendages emanating from the cephalothorax along with the carapace by at least temporarily moving a posterior edge of a sternite on the ventral surface of the cephalothorax away from the abdomen of the shrimp before or while removing the cephalothorax.
The sorting systems and methods described herein provide for the sorting of shrimp. The sorting systems may be combined with a delivery system. The sorting systems employ a pair of rotating slides and optional guide chutes to deliver shrimp to selected delivery locations.
Shrimp processing apparatus to remove pleopods of individual shrimp, along with methods for removing pleopods of individual shrimp are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems may include one or more processing stations configured to perform one or more of the following functions on each shrimp individually: measurement of individual shrimp, heading of individual shrimp, peeling of individual shrimp, and severing the mud vein of individual shrimp.
Systems and apparatus for delivery of materials to birds and related methods are described herein. Among the related methods are methods of positioning (including confirming proper positioning) of the system components for accurate delivery of materials to birds including, for example, delivery to the oral and/or nasal cavities of birds.
Poultry carrier loading systems and end effectors for use in the poultry loading systems along with methods for the automated loading of birds into carriers using the poultry loading systems and end effectors, the end effectors operating with vacuum for retaining the bird.
Poultry toe and claw positioning systems and methods are described herein. The positioning systems and methods may be used to separate and precisely locate the forward-facing toes and claws of birds.
Systems and methods for dorsal surface deveining of shrimp are described herein. The deveining performed using the systems and methods involves aligning the abdomen of the shrimp and slitting or cutting the dorsal surface of the abdominal segments along a selected length of the abdomen (e.g., along a superior-inferior axis extending between the head and the tail of the shrimp) using a rotating blade to cut into the dorsal surface of the abdomen and remove the mud vein of shrimp.
Rear-facing poultry claw systems and methods are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the positioning systems and methods may be used to detect the claw of the rear-facing toe on one or both shanks of birds.
Poultry cradles and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each poultry cradle may include a torso support, one or more shank clamps, one or more optional shank guides, and a head support. Restraining the shanks of birds using separate shank clamps and optional shank guides can provide additional control over the shanks and, therefore, the toes, of the restrained birds.
The poultry cradle unloading systems and methods described herein provide for the unloading of birds and, in some cases, placement of the birds in a selected location among two or more possible selected locations. The unloading may be accomplished in a manner that promotes safety for the birds by releasing the birds such that they are predisposed to landing in an upright orientation after release from a cradle. The unloading may involve releasing the head before releasing the legs of the bird. The cradle and/or bird retained in the cradle may be oriented such that the bird is held at an angle such that the head of the bird is located forward of the hock joints.
Shrimp processing apparatus to sever the mud veins of shrimp, along with methods for heading and mud vein severing are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems may include one or more processing stations configured to perform one or more of the following functions on each shrimp: measurement of individual shrimp, severing the mud vein of individual shrimp, and remove of pleopods of individual shrimp.
Poultry processing systems, piston pump assemblies, and modular pump bases along with related methods are described herein. The poultry processing systems may include injection stations that allow for adjustment of an approach angle relative to a bird in a bird support aligned with the injection stations. The poultry processing systems may include piston pump assemblies using dosage pucks to provide accurate control over the volume of each bolus of liquid delivered with each activation of the piston pump assemblies. The poultry processing systems may include pumping bases and pump identification systems to allow for easy and quick changeover of pumps associated with the poultry processing systems.
A61M 5/00 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests
16.
Material delivery systems, beak opening apparatus and methods of use
Beak opening apparatus and methods of using the same are described herein. The beak opening apparatus includes a beak splitter and beak opening actuator along with a control unit used to operate the beak opening actuator to move the beak splitter between a home position and an opening position to open the beak of a bird.
The sorting systems and methods described herein provide for the sorting of shrimp. The sorting systems may be combined with a delivery system. The sorting systems employ a pair of rotating slides and optional guide chutes to deliver shrimp to selected delivery locations.
Injection systems and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection system may include one, two, or more needles, with each needle being configured to move needle between an injection position and a retracted position to deliver an inoculant. The injection needles may rotate about a carriage axis that extends through the injection axis along which each needle moves when moving between their injection and retracted positions. The injection needles in systems that include two or more injection needles may be advanced from the retracted position to the injection position at the same or different times.
A61D 1/02 - Trocars or cannulas for teatsVaccination appliances
A61D 7/00 - Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals
A61M 5/00 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests
A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
A61M 5/46 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for controlling depth of insertion
Rear-facing poultry claw systems and methods are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the positioning systems and methods may be used to detect the claw of the rear-facing toe on one or both shanks of birds.
Poultry toe and claw positioning systems and methods are described herein. The positioning systems and methods may be used to separate and precisely locate the forward-facing toes and claws of birds.
Poultry cradles and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each poultry cradle may include a torso support, one or more shank clamps, one or more optional shank guides, and a head support. Restraining the shanks of birds using separate shank clamps and optional shank guides can provide additional control over the shanks and, therefore, the toes, of the restrained birds.
Systems and methods for processing the beaks of poultry to control beak size and growth using non-contact energy are described herein. The poultry beak processing systems and methods include one or more masks that are separate from the cradles used to deliver birds to the beak processing system. As a result, replacement of a single mask in the poultry beak processing systems described herein provides adjustments to the masking for each and every cradle within the beak processing system. The masks may be selected such that they are better tailored to fit the beaks of the birds being processed such that more precise control over the amounts or portions of the beaks exposed to energy can be achieved. Beak shape and/or size can vary based on, e.g., flock age, size, species, strain, sex, etc.
Animal processing systems and methods include graphical user interfaces. The graphical user interfaces may include animal processing system graphical areas representative of and corresponding to animal processing systems, and further may include processing station graphical areas representative of and corresponding to processing stations of the animal processing systems. Such animal processing system graphical elements and processing station graphical elements may be used to view information and control the corresponding animal processing systems and processing stations.
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G06F 3/04847 - Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
24.
POULTRY CRADLES AND METHODS OF RESTRAINING POULTRY
Poultry cradles and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each poultry cradle may include a torso support, one or more shank clamps, one or more optional shank guides, and a head support. Restraining the shanks of birds using separate shank clamps and optional shank guides can provide additional control over the shanks and, therefore, the toes, of the restrained birds.
Poultry toe and claw positioning systems and methods are described herein. The positioning systems and methods may be used to separate and precisely locate the forward-facing toes and claws of birds.
Shrimp processing apparatus to head and optionally sever the mud veins of shrimp, along with methods for heading and mud vein severing are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems may include one or more processing stations configured to perform one or more of the following functions on each shrimp: measurement of individual shrimp, severing the mud vein of individual shrimp, and heading of individual shrimp.
Rear-facing poultry claw systems and methods are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the positioning systems and methods may be used to detect the claw of the rear-facing toe on one or both shanks of birds.
The poultry cradle unloading systems and methods described herein provide for the unloading of birds and, in some cases, placement of the birds in a selected location among two or more possible selected locations. The unloading may be accomplished in a manner that promotes safety for the birds by releasing the birds such that they are predisposed to landing in an upright orientation after release from a cradle. The unloading may involve releasing the head before releasing the legs of the bird. The cradle and/or bird retained in the cradle may be oriented such that the bird is held at an angle such that the head of the bird is located forward of the hock joints.
Peelable shrimp processing apparatus and methods are described herein. The apparatus and methods involve separating the ventral sternites on the ventral surface of the abdomen of the shrimp along the superior-inferior axis while leaving the dorsal surfaces of the abdominal shell segments intact.
A shrimp processing method and system, the system comprising a plurality of clamps, wherein each clamp is configured to hold a shrimp proximate a tail of the shrimp, a plurality of processing stations comprising at least one data collection station capable of collecting data regarding a shrimp held in a clamp and at least one functional station capable of changing the shrimp held in a clamp, a conveying system connecting the plurality of processing stations, the conveying system configured to move the plurality of clamps between the processing stations, and a controller operably connected to the conveying system and the processing stations, the controller configured to operate the conveying system and to selectively activate each processing station.
Shrimp processing apparatus to peel shrimp along with methods for peeling shrimp are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems including one or more processing stations configured to peel individual shrimp, where peeling may involve removal of shell segments on the dorsal surfaces of the shrimp abdomen and/or removal of pleopods/swimmerets on the ventral surfaces of the shrimp abdomen and, optionally, separation of shell segments. The processing systems and methods may, in one or more embodiments, include apparatus for and methods of measuring the shrimp.
Hatchling supports, hatchling support systems, and methods of using the same. The hatchling supports and methods of using the same may employ a cradle in combination with a calming band, with the cradle and calming band providing gentle support of a hatchling supported in the hatchling supports. The hatchling support systems and methods of using the same may include a cam with cam sections having different cam radii may provide the ability to gently transition the support and restraint provided to hatchlings during the loading and unloading of hatchlings from hatchling supports. In some cases, compression delivered to hatchlings in hatchling supports having both a cradle and calming band may be adjusted.
The single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein enable sequential delivery of two or more different liquids through a single lumen in a single needle. Sequentially injecting two or more different liquids through a single lumen needle may be useful in situations in which only one needle is used to inject two different liquids through a single lumen in that needle.
A61D 1/00 - Surgical instruments for veterinary use
A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
A61M 5/315 - PistonsPiston-rodsGuiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rodAppliances on the rod for facilitating dosing
A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
An energy delivery system includes an RF synthesizer circuit configured to generate an RF electric signal and a preamplification stage operably coupled to the RF synthesizer circuit. The preamplification stage has at least one attenuator. A board controller is operably coupled to the attenuator of the preamplification stage that is configured to modify a gain setting of the attenuator. An output connection is configured to provide a low-power signal or a high-power signal based on at least the RF electric signal and the gain setting. The low-power signal or high-power signal is provided to an RF applicator configured to couple an alternating RF electric field to animal tissue.
A61B 18/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
A61B 18/18 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
A61D 1/00 - Surgical instruments for veterinary use
Shrimp processing apparatus to peel shrimp along with methods for peeling shrimp are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems including one or more processing stations configured to peel individual shrimp, where peeling may involve removal of shell segments on the dorsal surfaces of the shrimp abdomen and/or removal of pleopods/swimmerets on the ventral surfaces of the shrimp abdomen and, optionally, separation of shell segments. The processing systems and methods may, in one or more embodiments, include apparatus for and methods of measuring the shrimp.
A shrimp processing method and system, the system comprising a plurality of clamps, wherein each clamp is configured to hold a shrimp proximate a tail of the shrimp, a plurality of processing stations comprising at least one data collection station capable of collecting data regarding a shrimp held in a clamp and at least one functional station capable of changing the shrimp held in a clamp, a conveying system connecting the plurality of processing stations, the conveying system configured to move the plurality of clamps between the processing stations, and a controller operably connected to the conveying system and the processing stations, the controller configured to operate the conveying system and to selectively activate each processing station.
Shrimp processing apparatus to peel shrimp along with methods for peeling shrimp are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems including one or more processing stations configured to peel individual shrimp, where peeling may involve removal of shell segments on the dorsal surfaces of the shrimp abdomen and/or removal of pleopods/swimmerets on the ventral surfaces of the shrimp abdomen and, optionally, separation of shell segments. The processing systems and methods may, in one or more embodiments, include apparatus for and methods of measuring the shrimp.
Shrimp processing apparatus to head and optionally sever the mud veins of shrimp, along with methods for heading and mud vein severing are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems may include one or more processing stations configured to perform one or more of the following functions on each shrimp: measurement of individual shrimp, severing the mud vein of individual shrimp, and heading of individual shrimp.
Shrimp processing apparatus to head and optionally sever the mud veins of shrimp, along with methods for heading and mud vein severing are described herein. The shrimp processing apparatus may be provided in systems may include one or more processing stations configured to perform one or more of the following functions on each shrimp: measurement of individual shrimp, severing the mud vein of individual shrimp, and heading of individual shrimp.
Hatchling supports, hatchling support systems, and methods of using the same. The hatchling supports and meth- ods of using the same may employ a cradle in combination with a calming band, with the cradle and calming band providing gentle support of a hatchling supported in the hatchling supports. The hatchling support systems and methods of using the same may include a cam with cam sections having different cam radii may provide the ability to gently transition the support and restraint provided to hatchlings during the loading and unloading of hatch- lings from hatchling supports. In some cases, compression deliv- ered to hatchlings in hatchling supports having both a cradle and calming band may be adjusted.
Hatchling supports, hatchling support systems, and methods of using the same. The hatchling supports and methods of using the same may employ a cradle in combination with a calming band, with the cradle and calming band providing gentle support of a hatchling supported in the hatchling supports. The hatchling support systems and methods of using the same may include a cam with cam sections having different cam radii may provide the ability to gently transition the support and restraint provided to hatchlings during the loading and unloading of hatchlings from hatchling supports. In some cases, compression delivered to hatchlings in hatchling supports having both a cradle and calming band may be adjusted.
Systems for delivering material through an open beak to a digestive tract of a bird and methods of using the same are described herein. Beak opening apparatus and methods of using the same are also described herein.
Injection systems and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection system may include one, two, or more needles, with each needle being configured to move needle between an injection position and a retracted position to deliver an inoculant. The injection needles may rotate about a carriage axis that extends through the injection axis along which each needle moves when moving between their injection and retracted positions. The injection needles in systems that include two or more injection needles may be advanced from the retracted position to the injection position at the same or different times.
A61D 1/02 - Trocars or cannulas for teatsVaccination appliances
A61D 7/00 - Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals
A61M 5/00 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests
A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
A61M 5/46 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for controlling depth of insertion
An energy delivery system includes an RF synthesizer circuit configured to generate an RF electric signal and a preamplification stage operably coupled to the RF synthesizer circuit. The preamplification stage has at least one attenuator. A board controller is operably coupled to the attenuator of the preamplification stage that is configured to modify a gain setting of the attenuator. An output connection is configured to provide a low-power signal or a high-power signal based on at least the RF electric signal and the gain setting. The low-power signal or high-power signal is provided to an RF applicator configured to couple an alternating RF electric field to animal tissue.
A61B 18/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
A61B 18/18 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
A61D 1/00 - Surgical instruments for veterinary use
An energy delivery system includes an RF synthesizer circuit configured to generate an RF electric signal and a preamplification stage operably coupled to the RF synthesizer circuit. The preamplification stage has at least one attenuator. A board controller is operably coupled to the attenuator of the preamplification stage that is configured to modify a gain setting of the attenuator. An output connection is configured to provide a low-power signal or a high-power signal based on at least the RF electric signal and the gain setting. The low-power signal or high-power signal is provided to an RF applicator configured to couple an alternating RF electric field to animal tissue.
A61D 1/00 - Surgical instruments for veterinary use
A61B 18/18 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
Systems for delivering material through an open beak to a digestive tract of a bird and methods of using the same are described herein. Beak opening apparatus and methods of using the same are also described herein.
Systems for delivering material through an open beak to a digestive tract of a bird and methods of using the same are described herein. Beak opening apparatus and methods of using the same are also described herein.
Bird carriers and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each bird carrier may include a torso support, one or more leg clamps, and a head support. The head support may further include a beak receiving passage such that at least a portion of the birds' beaks are exposed. The bird carriers may restrain one or both legs and heads of the birds while supporting their torsos. Restraining the legs and the heads of the birds while supporting their torsos may produce a calming effect such that the birds exhibit significantly reduced struggling in an attempt to free themselves from the carrier.
Poultry injection apparatus with rotating capture members and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection apparatus may include one or more rotating capture members and an injection unit configured to move an injection needle between an injection position and a retracted position relative to the one or more capture members.
A61D 1/02 - Trocars or cannulas for teatsVaccination appliances
A61D 7/00 - Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals
A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
A61M 5/42 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for desensitising skin, for protruding skin to facilitate piercing, or for locating point where body is to be pierced
A61M 5/46 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for controlling depth of insertion
A01K 1/06 - Devices for fastening animals, e.g. halters, toggles, neck-bars or chain fastenings
Injection systems and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection system may include one, two, or more needles, with each needle being configured to move needle between an injection position and a retracted position to deliver an inoculant. The injection needles may rotate about a carriage axis that extends through the injection axis along which each needle moves when moving between their injection and retracted positions. The injection needles in systems that include two or more injection needles may be advanced from the retracted position to the injection position at the same or different times.
Injection systems and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection system may include one, two, or more needles, with each needle being configured to move needle between an injection position and a retracted position to deliver an inoculant. The injection needles may rotate about a carriage axis that extends through the injection axis along which each needle moves when moving between their injection and retracted positions. The injection needles in systems that include two or more injection needles may be advanced from the retracted position to the injection position at the same or different times.
Bird carriers and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each bird carrier may include a torso support, one or more leg clamps, and a head support. The head support may further include a beak receiving passage such that at least a portion of the birds' beaks are exposed. The bird carriers may restrain one or both legs and heads of the birds while supporting their torsos. Restraining the legs and the heads of the birds while supporting their torsos may produce a calming effect such that the birds exhibit significantly reduced struggling in an attempt to free themselves from the carrier.
Poultry injection apparatus with rotating capture members and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection apparatus may include one or more rotating capture members and an injection unit configured to move an injection needle between an injection position and a retracted position relative to the one or more capture members. Rotation of one or more capture members may cause the skin of the bird to fold or bunch up in a repeatable manner at an injection location to enhance subcutaneous delivery of the substances using an injection needle advanced into the folded or bunched skin along an injection axis aligned with the axis/axes of rotation of the one or more rotating capture members.
A61D 1/02 - Trocars or cannulas for teatsVaccination appliances
A61D 7/00 - Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals
A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
A61M 5/42 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for desensitising skin, for protruding skin to facilitate piercing, or for locating point where body is to be pierced
A61M 5/46 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for controlling depth of insertion
57.
POULTRY INJECTION APPARATUS WITH ROTATING CAPTURE MEMBERS AND METHODS OF USE
Poultry injection apparatus with rotating capture members and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection apparatus may include one or more rotating capture members and an injection unit configured to move an injection needle between an injection position and a retracted position relative to the one or more capture members.
A61M 5/20 - Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
A61D 1/02 - Trocars or cannulas for teatsVaccination appliances
A61M 5/32 - NeedlesDetails of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hubAccessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the bodyDevices for protection of needles
A61D 7/00 - Devices or methods for introducing solid, liquid, or gaseous remedies or other materials into or onto the bodies of animals
A61M 5/42 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for desensitising skin, for protruding skin to facilitate piercing, or for locating point where body is to be pierced
A61M 5/46 - Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular wayAccessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm rests having means for controlling depth of insertion
