Patent ID: 6213709
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: A01K,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for removing eggs from an egg flat comprising:a frame positioned above the egg flat;a manifold removably secured to the frame, the manifold comprising opposite upper and lower surfaces, first and second sets of internal passageways, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein each plunger bore is in communication with one of the first and second internal passageways;a plurality of elongated plungers, each having opposite first and second ends and an axially-extending internal bore that terminates at a first port in the plunger first end and at an opposite second port in a medial portion of the plunger between the first and second ends, wherein each plunger is supported for reciprocal movement between first and second positions in a respective plunger bore, wherein each plunger second port is in communication with an internal passageway of the first set of internal passageways when the plunger is in the first position, and wherein the plunger second port is in communication with an internal passageway of the second set of internal passageways when the plunger is moved to the second position;a plurality of flexible cups, each secured to a respective plunger first end and each in communication with an internal bore of the respective plunger, wherein each flexible cup is configured to engage and retain an egg in seated relation therewith when a plunger secured thereto is moved to the second position so that vacuum can be provided within the flexible cup via the plunger internal bore and wherein each flexible cup is configured to release a respective egg when a plunger secured thereto is moved to the first position.