Patent ID: 8339587
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting a malfunctioning egg picker, the method comprising: identifying eggs for removal from an egg carrier using a candling device; determining an initial count of eggs identified for removal from the egg carrier; moving an egg picker between a first location and a second location in contacting relationship with an egg identified for removal in the egg carrier, the egg picker being configured to engage the egg identified for removal when in the second location and to remove the identified egg from the carrier when moved from the second location towards the first location; detecting a supplemental count of eggs in the egg carrier using a detection device after the egg carrier traverses the egg picker; comparing the supplemental count of eggs in the egg carrier with the initial count of eggs using a control device electrically communicating with the egg picker and the detection device; and determining when the supplemental count of eggs in the egg carrier varies a predetermined amount from the initial count of eggs using the control device.