Abstract:
The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for metering and dispensing selected materials. Selected materials may correspond to liquids, suspensions, emulsions and solids, and in selected embodiments may correspond to treatment compositions directed to the treatment of poultry eggs. Certain embodiments provide selective dispensing of selected metered material upon detection of the presence of an object to be treated.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/631,389, filed Nov. 29, 2004, entitled “INTEGRATED PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR AND PUMP FOR DISPENSING CONTROLLED AMOUNTS OF A FLUID” and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/687,669, filed Jun. 6, 2005, entitled “INTEGRATED PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR AND PUMP FOR DISPENSING CONTROLLED AMOUNTS OF A FLUID.” 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present subject matter relates to fluid delivery. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to the controlled injection of various compositions into eggs.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In various and sundry processes, an apparatus may be needed to dispense carefully controlled amounts of a composition as various products are being formed or as various processes are taking place. Such dispensing devices may be needed, for instance, during the production of pharmaceuticals, chemical products, semiconductor products including integrated circuits, food products, and the like. In some applications, a dispenser is needed that is capable of accurately and reliably dispensing relatively small amounts of a fluid at periodic intervals.  
         [0004]     For example, in one particular embodiment, dispensing devices as described above are used in order to inject a composition into a fertilized egg, such as a poultry egg. In the past, eggs have been injected with vaccines, vitamins, nutrients, and antibiotics. The compositions that are injected into the egg have been employed in order to decrease post-hatch mortality rates and/or to increase the potential growth rates of the resulting poultry. Antigens have also been injected into live eggs in order to incubate various substances used in vaccines which have human or animal applications.  
         [0005]     In the past, in ovo injections of substances into poultry eggs have occurred by piercing the eggshell to create a hole and then extending an injection needle through the hole and into the interior of the egg. The needle, for instance, may be injected into the embryonic fluid contained in the egg. Examples of injection devices and/or egg treatment methods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,458,630; 4,681,063; 5,028,421; 5,176,101; 5,339,766; 5,438,954; 5,900,929; 6,286,455; 6,506,385; and 6,668,753 which are all incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0006]     In prior systems, eggs were conveyed down a conveyor on a tray at relatively high speeds. For example, the eggs may be conveyed at a rate of about 20,000 eggs per hour. At a certain point in the process, motion of the eggs is halted while the eggs are injected with a treatment composition. In many applications, a plurality of injection devices are brought down upon the eggs simultaneously. The injection devices are configured to release a treatment composition through the needle whether or not an egg is present below the needle. The excess fluid is then channeled off the conveyor and discarded. As can be appreciated, this technique creates a significant amount of waste of the treatment composition which, in many applications, is relatively expensive. In addition, problems have also been experienced in dispensing controlled amounts of the treatment composition. In particular, prior art dispensing devices have not only been somewhat cumbersome but have also not been capable of uniformly and repeatedly dispensing controlled amounts of the treatment composition with the desired accuracy.  
         [0007]     In view of the above, a need exists for an injection system that includes controls configured to sense the presence of an egg for only releasing a treatment composition when an egg is present. A need also exists for an injection system capable of dispensing precise and controlled amounts of a treatment composition at periodic intervals.  
         [0008]     In addition, a need also generally exists for a dispensing device for use in other industries that is capable of repeatedly dispensing uniform and precise amounts of a chemical composition during a manufacturing process. In addition to being well suited for use in ovo injection systems, such a device is also well suited for use in the pharmaceutical industry, the semiconductor industry, the food processing industry, the chemical manufacturing industry, and the like. In the above fields, for example, a need currently exists for a compact dispensing device for dispensing relatively small amounts of a composition that is capable of attaining the above described goals.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     In view of the recognized features encountered in the prior art and addressed by the present subject matter, improved devices, systems and methodologies for egg processing have been developed. In general, the present disclosure is directed to a dispensing device capable of repeatedly dispensing precise amounts of a fluid composition.  
         [0010]     In accordance with aspects of certain embodiments of the present technology, precisely controllable amounts of various compositions may be injected into a receiving medium. In accordance with other aspects of the present technology, sample quantities of fluid may be extracted from a fluid containing medium.  
         [0011]     In accordance with more particular aspects of certain embodiments of the present technology, an integrated pumping and delivery apparatus has been provided that is capable of repeatedly delivering to and/or extracting from a container small quantities of various fluids.  
         [0012]     Another aspect of yet further embodiments of the present technology relates to the incorporation of object detection capability so that dispensing and/or attempted extraction of fluids may be avoided in the instance of absence of an expected container.  
         [0013]     Yet further aspects of certain embodiments of the present technology relate to depositing or extracting controlled amounts of compositions during varied manufacturing processes including, but not limited to, semiconductor manufacturing and food preparation.  
         [0014]     Additional aspects and advantages of the present subject matter are set forth in, or will be apparent to, those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein. Also, it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the specifically illustrated, referred and discussed features and steps hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter. Variations may include, but are not limited to, substitution of equivalent means, features, or steps for those illustrated, referenced, or discussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal of various parts, features, steps, or the like.  
         [0015]     Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments, of the present subject matter may include various combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, steps, or elements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features, parts, or steps or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the detailed description of such figures). Additional embodiments of the present subject matter, not necessarily expressed in this summarized section, may include and incorporate various combinations of aspects of features, components, or steps referenced in the summarized objectives above, and/or other features, components, or steps as otherwise discussed in this application. Those of ordinary skill in the art will better appreciate the features and aspects of such embodiments, and others, upon review of the remainder of the specification. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof to one skilled in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a side view intended to generally illustrate a plurality of eggs being conveyed on a conveyor and an ovo injection system positioned above the eggs;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top view of an egg injection device used in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the ovo injection apparatus;  
         [0019]      FIG. 3A  is a cross-sectional view along line  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view along line  3 B- 3 B of  FIG. 2  that shows treatment composition being pulled into a chamber;  
         [0021]      FIG. 3C  is a cross-sectional view along line  3 C- 3 C of  FIG. 2  that shows treatment composition being pumped out of the chamber;  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  that shows the egg sensing device in an activated position;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-section view along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 2  that shows the egg sensing device in a deactivated position;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device that shows a passageway that is used to inject fluid therethrough so as to retract a hollow shaft;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device that shows a passageway that is used for the injection of fluid therethrough in order to extend the hollow shaft;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10A  is cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device in which the hollow shaft is in a retracted position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 10B  is cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device in which the hollow shaft is in an extended position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 11  is cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device that shows the positional relationship between two blocks of the egg injection device and related components;  
         [0032]      FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view of the egg injection device that shows the positional relationship between the egg injection device, stationary plates, inflatable tubes and egg;  
         [0033]      FIG. 12B  is cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device that shows a punch needle inserted into the egg;  
         [0034]      FIG. 12C  is cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device that shows a treatment composition needle inserted into the egg;  
         [0035]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an egg injection device that lacks a piston stop so as to allow for a greater stroke of the piston and subsequently the delivery of a greater volume of treatment composition to the egg;  
         [0036]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an egg injection device that incorporates a shaft sealing element and single diaphragm for use in pumping the treatment composition;  
         [0037]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an egg injection device that incorporates a double diaphragm arrangement for use in pumping the treatment composition; and  
         [0038]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an alternative exemplary embodiment of an egg injection device that includes an adjustable piston arrangement that allows for adjustment for the volume of treatment composition that is pumped into the egg and incorporates a double shaft sealing element for use in pumping the treatment composition. 
     
    
       [0039]     Repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention.  
         [0041]     As noted in the Summary OF The Invention above, the present disclosure is directed to a dispensing device capable of repeatedly dispensing precise amounts of a fluid composition. The device is particularly well suited to dispensing or extracting relatively small amounts of a fluid, such as delivering fluid in amounts less than about 200 microliters, such as less than about 100 microliters. For instance, in particular applications, the dispensing device is well suited to dispensing amounts of from about 1 microliter to about 500 microliters, such as from about 1 microliter to about 100 microliters and, in one particular embodiment, in amounts from about 25 microliters to about 75 microliters. As stated above, in addition to dispensing small amounts of a fluid, the dispensing device can also extract small amounts of fluid if desired. The amounts extracted may be different or the same from the amounts described above.  
         [0042]     As used herein, the device will be referred to a “dispensing device”. It should be understood, however, that by reversing the operation of the device, the device can extract amounts as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.  
         [0043]     Of particular advantage, the dispensing device is relatively compact and, in one embodiment, may comprise a device that includes an integrated pumping apparatus and delivery apparatus. The dispensing device may also be air actuated which also provides various advantages and benefits in various applications.  
         [0044]     The dispensing device may further include a locating apparatus that determines whether or not a particular object or target is present prior to dispensing or extracting any of the fluid composition.  
         [0045]     The dispensing device of the present invention may be used in numerous applications. For instance, the dispensing device is well suited to dispensing or extracting chemical compositions during the production of pharmaceuticals or during the production of chemical products. The dispensing device is also well suited to depositing or extracting controlled amounts of compositions during the production of semiconductor devices. In still another application, the dispensing device may be used to dispense or extract controlled amounts of ingredients during food preparation processes.  
         [0046]     In one particular embodiment, the dispensing device has been found to be well suited to being incorporated into an injection system for injecting a treatment composition into a fertilized egg, such as a poultry egg. For exemplary purposes only, the following description will describe use of the dispensing device in an egg injection system. It should be understood, however, that the dispensing device may be used in other numerous applications without limitation.  
         [0047]     When a dispensing device is used to inject a treatment composition into poultry eggs, the treatment composition can be any suitable composition that provides benefits to the developing embryo. For instance, the treatment composition may comprise a vaccine, a vitamin formulation, a growth enhancing agent, an antibiotic, and the like including mixtures thereof. The treatment composition may comprise a liquid, a suspension, an emulsion, or even a solid.  
         [0048]     When the dispensing device of the present invention is incorporated into an egg injection device, the egg injection system may include a plurality of the egg injection devices. Each device may include an egg sensing system that is configured to determine whether or not an egg is in contact with the device. If an egg is sensed, the egg sensing system allows a syringe to be inserted into the egg for dispensing a treatment composition. If an egg is not sensed, however, then no treatment composition is dispensed.  
         [0049]     In one embodiment, each egg injection device may further include a metering or pumping device that dispenses controlled amounts of the treatment composition through the syringe when the presence of an egg has been sensed. Although the metering device may be remotely located, in one embodiment, the metering device is built directly into the egg injection device.  
         [0050]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , one exemplary embodiment of an egg injection system generally  100  is illustrated. As shown, a plurality of eggs  120  are conveyed by a conveyor  122  that is supported by a frame  116 . In one embodiment, the eggs  120  may be maintained in a flat  115  as the eggs are conveyed on the conveyor  122 . The eggs  120  may be at any suitable stage of development depending upon the treatment composition that is being injected into the eggs. In one particular embodiment, for instance, the eggs  120  may be within about 48 hours to about 24 hours of hatching. In this embodiment, a vaccine, antibody and/or vitamin composition may be injected into the eggs. In certain systems, the eggs may be moved at a relatively high rate. For example, the conveyor  122  may be configured to convey the eggs at a rate of at least about 25,000 eggs per hour, such as from about 60,000 eggs per hour to about 70,000 eggs per hour.  
         [0051]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , at one location on the frame  116 , a plurality of egg injection devices  125  are positioned over the eggs  120 . The egg injection devices  125  each include an egg locator head  126 . The egg injection devices  125  are shown in association with a stationary plate  128 . The egg injection devices  125  are capable of moving towards and away from the eggs  120  with the use of any suitable mechanism or motor. In this regard, actuator  101  may move plates  128  along with the egg locator heads  126  towards and away from the eggs  120 . Springs  232  allow for movement of the egg locator head  126  upwards when placed into contact with egg  120  so as to achieve a desired positioning between these components.  
         [0052]     The stationary plate  128  is configured to releasably hold each of the egg injection devices  125  in position at selected times during the process. In this regard, the stationary plate  128  may include any suitable clamping device capable of holding the egg injection devices  125  and releasing the devices at predetermined times. For example, in one embodiment, the stationary plate  128  may include a plurality of air bladders that are periodically inflated in order to hold the egg injection devices  125  in position. It should be understood, however, that any suitable clamping device may be used.  
         [0053]     As shown, the eggs  120  are held in the flat  115  in a substantially upright position. The flat  115  is configured to provide external access to predetermined areas of the eggs  120 . Each egg  120  is held by the flat  115  so that a respective end thereof is in proper alignment relative to a corresponding one of the egg injection devices  125  as the egg locator head  126  advances towards the flat  115 .  
         [0054]     Each egg injection device  125  generally includes a fluid delivery device such as one or more lumen or needle. As used herein, a “lumen” is a cavity or inner open space of a tube such as a needle. A lumen for delivery of a treatment composition may be within a needle, or between a needle and an outer guide or punch. Multiple lumens may be formed within a single needle, and the outlet ports may be positioned at different locations on a needle. In one particular embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 12B and 12C , each egg injection device  125  may include a treatment composition needle  130  positioned within a punch needle  132 . The punch needle  132  is for forming an opening within the eggs  120 . The treatment composition needle  130 , on the other hand, is for injecting a treatment composition into the egg  120 .  
         [0055]     As stated above, the egg injection devices  125  are movable towards the eggs  120 . In particular, the egg injection devices  125  may include a retracted position as shown in  FIG. 1  and an extended position. In the extended position, as shown in  FIGS. 12B and 12C , the egg locator head  126  is configured to contact and rest against predetermined areas of an external eggshell. In this position, a treatment composition is injected into the eggs  120 . When not injecting a treatment composition, however, the injection heads  125  are retracted to rest a predetermined distance above the eggs  120 . In an alternative embodiment, the conveyor  122  and eggs  120  may be configured so as to move towards and away from the egg injection devices  125 .  
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 through 12 , one embodiment of an egg injection device  125  made in accordance with the present invention is shown. In  FIGS. 2 through 12 , the egg injection device  125  is in various cross sectional views to identify the different internal components of the device.  
         [0057]     In general, the egg injection device  125  includes an egg sensing device  136  as shown in  FIG. 11 , a composition dispensing device  138  as shown in  FIG. 12A , and an extendable syringe  140  as particularly shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C . The extendable syringe  140  includes the treatment composition needle  130  and the punch needle  132  as shown in  FIGS. 12A-12C . In addition to the above, the egg injection device  125  may also be placed in association with a dispensing device for a sanitizing fluid that sanitizes the device after each application of a treatment composition to an egg  120 .  
         [0058]     The operation and process for using the egg injection system  100  as shown in  FIG. 1  will now be discussed in greater detail. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the eggs  120  are conveyed below a plurality of the egg injection devices  125 . In one particular embodiment, for instance, the egg injection system  100  may include from about 60 to about 100 egg injection devices  125  positioned in a square or rectangular pattern. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the eggs  120  are conveyed below the egg injection devices  125 . The egg injection devices  125  are then lowered by the actuator  101  such that the egg locator heads  126  contact the corresponding eggs  120 . If the egg locator head  126  contacts an egg  120 , movement of the egg injection device  125  stops. If an egg  120  is not present on the flat  115 , however, the egg injection device  125  moves farther downwardly towards the conveyor  122 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 2  shows a top view of the egg injection device  125 . Treatment composition, such as a vaccine, that is to be delivered to the egg  120  may be introduced into the egg injection device  125  through an inlet  160 . The vaccine may then be subsequently pumped out of an outlet  162  and into a syringe port  174  so as to be then transported into the treatment composition needle  130  for delivery into the egg  120  as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12C .  
         [0060]      FIGS. 3A-3C  demonstrate one way in which the vaccine may be pumped into and out of the egg injection device  125  in a controlled manner.  FIG. 3A  shows an inlet  160  into which vaccine enters and the outlet  162  through which the vaccine will exit and be moved into the treatment composition needle  130  ( FIG. 12A ) of the egg injection device  125 . A block  182  of the egg injection device  125  may have a chamber  180  defined therein for the holding of the vaccine. A duckbill check valve or other comparable device  176  is present so as to prevent the vaccine from moving upwards and out through the vaccine inlet  160 . Likewise, a second duckbill check valve or other comparable device  178  is present and limits the directional flow of the vaccine so as to be in a single direction out of the outlet  162 .  
         [0061]     A piston  164  is present in the block  182  and is rigidly attached to a shaft  184  that has a flared end or lip seal  198  on one end thereof. The lip seal  198  includes an o-ring  190 . Additionally, a second lip seal  192  is present and includes an o-ring  194 . The lip seal  188  may be either machined onto the piston  164  or may be attached therethrough by a fastener.  
         [0062]     The arrangement of the lip seal  198 , shaft  184 , piston  164 , rod bearing  192 , seals  186  and  190  and  194  are shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C  and represent only one exemplary embodiment. As will be discussed later, the piston  164 , lip seal  198 , shaft  184 , piston  164 , rod bearing  192 , seals  186  and  190  and  194  may be variously configured in accordance with other exemplary embodiments.  
         [0063]     A chamber  196  is defined between the seals  186  and  190 . A pressurized fluid, such as air, may be introduced into the block  182  through the gas inlet/outlet port  170 .  FIG. 3B  shows air being introduced through the gas inlet/outlet port  170  and into the block  182 . The air will move through a passageway  171  and then through a gas passageway  172  and enter the chamber  196  that is defined between the lip seals  188  and  192 . A plug  206  may be present so as to allow for drainage of the air introduced through the gas inlet/outlet port  170 . Introduction of air into the chamber  196  causes a downward movement of the piston  164  as shown between comparison of  FIG. 3A  and  FIG. 3B .  
         [0064]     The seals  186  and  190  act to prevent air from exiting the chamber  196 . Downward movement of the piston  164  will cause air in chamber  202  to be exhausted through a port  200 . As the shaft  184  is connected to the piston  164 , downward movement of the piston  164  will consequently cause a downward movement of the shaft  184  as demonstrated between comparison of  FIGS. 3A and 3B . As the shaft  184  moves downward, the chamber  180  will increase in size. A negative pressure will then be created in the chamber  180  that will draw vaccine through the inlet  160  and cause an opening of the duckbill check valve  176  so as to draw the vaccine into the chamber  180 . The flared end or lip seal  198  of the shaft  184  may be present so as to increase the negative pressure that is formed in the chamber  180  for drawing the vaccine therein. A double lipped o-ring seal  186  may be present and be positioned against both the shaft  184  and the block  182  so as to prevent vaccine or pressurized air from being transferred between the chambers  180  and  196 .  
         [0065]     Downward movement of the piston  164  will cause the chamber  202  to be reduced in size thus forcing air out of the port  200 . The air exited out of the port  200  may then be subsequently vented to the atmosphere or may be used for other purposes in the egg injection device  125  in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.  
         [0066]      FIG. 3C  shows the piston  164  pumping the vaccine out of the outlet  162 . Here, pressurized fluid, such as air, is introduced through the port  200  into a chamber  202  that is defined in the block  182  on one side of the piston  164 . Introduction of air into the chamber  202  will cause the piston  164  to move upwards thus increasing the size of the chamber  202  and decreasing the size of the chamber  196 . Since the shaft  184  is connected to the piston  164 , upward movement of the piston  164  will necessarily cause an upward movement of the shaft  184  thus reducing the size of the chamber  180 . Since vaccine is present in the chamber  180 , the vaccine will be pushed out of the chamber  180  and through the duckbill check valve  178  thus exiting the block  182  through the outlet  162 . As the chamber  196  decreases in size, air contained within will be exited through the passageway  172 ,  171 , and  170 .  
         [0067]     A stop surface  204  may be present so as to limit the downward movement of the piston  164 . The location of the stop surface  204  may be adjusted so as to increase or decrease the stroke of the piston  164 . This adjustment will likewise cause an increase or decrease in the volume of the vaccine that will be drawn into the chamber  180  and subsequently pumped from the block  182 . It is to be understood, however, that the piston  164  may be variously adjusted so as to provide for any desired amount of vaccine to be pumped from the block  182  in other exemplary embodiments.  
         [0068]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . Here, a passageway  210  is shown that may be used in order to transport pressurized air through the port  200  and into the chamber  202  so as to increase the size of the chamber  202  and hence move the piston  164  upwards. Likewise, downward movement of the piston  164  will cause air from the chamber  202  to be transported through the port  200  and back into the passageway  210 . A duckbill check valve or comparable device  208  is present to control the directional flow of air in the system.  
         [0069]     Referring to  FIG. 12A , each egg injection device  125  includes an activation foot  142 . When the foot  142  is in a downward position as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 5A , the egg injection device  125  is enabled allowing the syringe  140  to be extended and a treatment composition to be injected into the eggs  120 . If the foot  142 , however, is positioned in an upward position, the egg injection device  125  is disabled and no treatment composition is dispensed.  
         [0070]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , when an egg  120  is present on the flat  115 , movement of the egg injection device  125  is halted which maintains the foot  142  as shown in  FIGS. 12A and 5A  above the stationary plate  128 . In this manner, the foot  142  is maintained in a downward position enabling the egg injection device  125 . If, on the other hand, no egg  120  is present in the flat  115 , the egg injection device  125  moves downwardly a farther distance causing the foot  142  to contact the stationary plate  128 . Due to the contact, the activation foot  142  is pushed upwardly disabling the egg injection device  125 . In this manner, the egg injection device  125  only dispenses a treatment composition when an egg  120  is sensed. In the past, on the other hand, conventional systems dispensed treatment compositions whether or not an egg  120  was present on the flat  115 . Unfortunately, these past systems created excessive amounts of waste adding significant expense to the process. The egg injection devices  125  of the present invention, however, only dispense a treatment composition when an egg  120  is sensed thus minimizing any waste.  
         [0071]      FIG. 5A  shows the activation foot  142  in a downward position thus enabling the egg injection device  125  and allowing the extendable syringe  140  to move and/or allowing the vaccine to be injected therefrom. The activation foot  142  is rigidly connected to a rod  146  that extends through a bore in the block  182 . The rod  146  is in communication with a cylinder  143  through a spring  145 . The cylinder  143  contacts a ball  147  on one end. A gas inlet  144  is provided and receives a pressurized source of gas, such as air. For example, in one embodiment, air at a pressure of at least about 55 psi is connected to the gas inlet  144 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the ball  147  is positioned away from a cup  149  so as to allow the pressurized air to be moved through the gas inlet  144  and into a passageway  150  and passageway  1001  ( FIG. 6 ). The pressurized air may then be transported from the passageway  150  and used so as to active the composition dispensing device  138 . Pressurized air in passageway  1001  ( FIG. 6 ) is used to extend the extendable syringe  140  as will be described in more detail below. As such,  FIG. 5A  shows an arrangement in which air pressure may be used so as to extend the extendable syringe  140  and allow for activation of the composition dispensing device  138 .  
         [0072]      FIG. 5B  shows the egg injection device  125  after downward movement that causes the activation foot  142  to contact an object, such as the stationary plate  128  in  FIG. 1 , and cause a disablement of the extendable syringe  140  and vaccine injection of the composition dispensing device  138 . Here, the activation foot  142  is moved in an upward direction which forces the ball  147  into the cup  149 . At this point, pressurized gas, such as air, will not be able to move through the gas inlet  144  and into the passageway  150  and passageway  1001  ( FIG. 6 ) to cause activation of the composition dispensing device  138  and the extendable syringe  140 . As such, when the activation foot  142  is moved upwards the ball  147  will act to block airflow into the passageway  150 . Air injected through the gas inlet  144  may then either be vented to the atmosphere or may be used to activate some other component of the egg injection device  125  in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.  
         [0073]     Once the force urging the activation foot  142  upward is removed, the ball  147  may be removed from the cup  149  through the release of the potential energy stored in the spring  145  that was compressed during upward movement of the rod  146 . Here, the cylinder  143  and the ball  147  may be moved downward upon extension of the spring  145 , or these components may be forced downward through air pressure supplied through the gas inlet  144 . The spring force of spring  145  may be selected so as to activate and deactivate as a result of any desired force on foot  142  or air pressure through gas inlet  144 . It is to be understood that air pressure through the gas inlet  144  is not needed to move the ball  147  out of the cup  149  in accordance various exemplary embodiments. Once moved downward, the ball  147  and other related components will be returned to an activation state as shown in  FIG. 5A  thus allowing the activation of the egg injection device  125 .  
         [0074]      FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 2 . Here, the passageway  1001  is shown in communication with a passageway  214  that moves downward through the block  182 . Although  FIG. 6  shows the deactivated position, if opened, pressurized air would be moved from the gas inlet  144  through the passageway  1001  and into the passageway  214 . The air would then move downward through the passageway  214  and out of the bottom of the block  182  so as to move a hollow shaft  154  of the syringe cylinder  152  as will be momentarily described.  FIG. 6  shows the egg injection device  125  in a deactivated position; airflow through the gas inlet  144  is directed through a passageway  212  and may be vented from the block  182  or may be used to drive another component of the egg injection device  125  in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. The passageway  214  includes a duckbill check valve  216  so as to control directional movement of air therethrough.  
         [0075]      FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional view of the egg injection device  125  along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . Here, the passageway  214  is shown in communication with the passageway  210  through the duckbill check valve  208 . Air moved out of the passageway  210  through the duckbill check valve or comparable device  208  may then be either vented to the atmosphere and/or moved through the passageway  214  in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.  
         [0076]      FIG. 10A  shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a block  218  of the egg injection device  125  that is mated to and connected with the block  182 .  FIG. 12A  shows a full cross-sectional view of the block  218  and related components. Referring back to  FIG. 10A , the hollow shaft  154  and the treatment composition needle  130  extend through a bore in the block  218 . The hollow shaft  154  is rigidly connected to a piston  156  through a connection  228 . As such, if the piston  156  moves in relation to the block  218 , the hollow shaft  154  will likewise move in relation to the block  218 . An upper chamber  224  is defined in the block  218  and is located on one side of the piston  156 . Likewise, a lower chamber  226  is defined in the block  218  and is located on the other side of the piston  156 .  
         [0077]      FIG. 8  shows a passageway  222  defined in the block  218  and in communication with the lower chamber  226  in  FIG. 10A . The passageway  222  is placed into communication with the passageway  171  that is shown in  FIG. 3A  as receiving air and exiting air from the gas inlet/outlet  170  and the gas passageway  172 .  FIG. 9  shows a passageway  220  defined in the block  218  and in communication with the upper chamber  224  shown in  FIG. 1A . The passageway  220  is in communication with the passageway  214  shown in  FIG. 6  and previously described.  
         [0078]      FIG. 10A  shows the hollow shaft  154  and the treatment composition needle  130  in a retracted position. In this instance, the piston  156  is moved into an upward position. A pressurized source of fluid, such as air, may be injected through the passageway  220  and into the upper chamber  224 .  FIG. 10B  shows such an instance in which a pressurized source of fluid is injected so as to increase the size of the upper chamber  224  and thus decrease the size of the lower chamber  226 . As the piston  156  moves downward, air or other fluid in the lower chamber  226  will be vented therefrom through passageway  222 . As the piston  156  moves downward, the hollow shaft  154  will likewise move downward in relation to the block  218  as a result of the connection  228  between the piston  156  and the hollow shaft  154 . In order to retract the hollow shaft  154 , air or other pressurized fluid may be injected through the passageway  222  and into the lower chamber  226  so as to force the piston  156  upwards. The size of the upper chamber  224  will decrease and force air or other fluid therein to exit through the passageway  220 .  
         [0079]     Therefore, the egg injection device  125  may be configured so that air injected through the gas inlet/outlet  170  acts to both move the piston  164  downward so as to draw vaccine into the chamber  180 , and air injected through the gas inlet/outlet  170  will be transferred through the passageway  222  and into the lower chamber  226  so as to withdraw the hollow shaft  154 . Likewise, the egg injection device  125  may be configured so that air injected through the gas inlet  144  will be transferred through the passageways  214  and  220  so as to enter the upper chamber  224  and cause the hollow shaft  154  to extend, and air injected through the gas inlet  144  will be transferred through the port  200  so as to move the piston  164  upward to transfer vaccine in the chamber  180  into the treatment composition needle  130 .  
         [0080]     Alternatively, the egg injection device  125  may be configured so that different sources of air may be used to actuate the pistons  164  and  156 . As such, the egg injection device  125  may be configured so that only a single input of pressurized air may cause the pistons  156  and  164  to actuate. Alternatively, a separate input may be used to activate piston  156  while another input is used to activate piston  164 . Still further, a pair of inputs may be used to activate each one of the pistons  156  and  164  such that one input moves the piston  156  down while another input moves the piston  156  up, and in a similar manner one input moves the piston  164  down while a separate input moves the piston  164  up. As such, the actuation of the pistons  156  and  164  may or may not be associated with one another through the various inputs. The configuration shown in the drawings is but one exemplary embodiment and it is to be understood that other configurations are possible.  
         [0081]     In one particular embodiment, the egg injection device  125  may be placed in communication with a controller, such as a programmable logic unit or microprocessor. The microprocessor may, in turn, be in communication with a valve device such as a solenoid valve that controls gas flow through the gas inlet  144  and the gas inlet/outlet  170 . In one embodiment, based on a timing sequence, the controller may be configured to reverse the gas flow through the egg injection device  125  once the treatment composition is dispensed through the treatment composition needle  130 . Thus, in this embodiment, once the treatment composition is dispensed, pressurized gas is fed through the gas inlet/outlet  170  and exhausted through the passageway  210 . By reversing gas flow, piston  164  is caused to move downwardly causing treatment composition to be fed in through the composition inlet  160 . The reverse gas flow also causes the piston  156  to move in an upwards direction for retracting the treatment composition needle  130 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , in coordination with reverse gas flow, the egg injection devices  125  may also be retracted. In this manner, a cycle is completed and the egg injection devices  125  are positioned in order to repeat the process as the eggs  120  are conveyed down the conveyor  122 .  
         [0082]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the egg injection device  125 .  FIG. 11  shows the spatial relationship between the blocks  182  and  218  of the egg injection device  125 . As shown, the hollow shaft  154  and the treatment composition needle  130  extend through approximately the center of the blocks  182  and  218 . A series of o-ring seals are present along the length of the hollow shaft  154 . The various o-ring seals help prevent pressurized fluid from being transferred at unwanted locations along the exterior of the hollow shaft  154 . Additionally, other o-ring seals are present within the egg injection device  125  for providing other sealing functions as shown. As shown in  FIG. 2 , screws  272  and  274  may be present so as to allow for attachment of the block  182  to the block  218 .  
         [0083]      FIG. 12A  shows the egg injection device  125  with the activation foot  142  in a downward position and shows the relationship between the egg injection device  125  and the stationary plates  128 . The egg injection device  125  may be moved downward via any conventional mechanism towards the egg  120 , or the egg  120  may be moved upwards towards the egg injection device  125 . Alternatively, relative movement between the egg injection device  125  and the egg  120  may be accomplished through movement of both the egg injection device  125  and egg  120 . When the egg injection device  125  is lowered onto the top of the egg  120 , the egg injection device  125  may be configured so as to push back upwards a small amount so as to account for variations of the size of the eggs  120 . Additionally or alternatively, the egg locator head  126  may be configured with a spring assembly  232  so as to move upwards in relation to the syringe cylinder  152  of the egg injection device  125  to account for variations in the size of the egg  120 . A plurality of inflatable tubes  230  may be provided and may be located around various portions of the egg injection device  125 . The inflatable tubes  230  may be inflated so as to be urged against and lock the egg injection device  125  into a particular location. Clearance between the outer surface of the egg injection device  125  and the stationary plates  128  may be relatively loose in accordance with various exemplary embodiments. However, as previously discussed, the egg injection device  125  may be in fact rigidly connected to the stationary plates  128  in accordance with other exemplary embodiments.  
         [0084]     The egg injection device  125  may be lowered a certain amount, for example  12  an inch, to cause the punch needle  132  to puncture the egg  120  as shown in  FIG. 12B . It is to be understood that various mechanisms and arrangements for lowering the egg injection device  125  to puncture the egg  120  are possible. For instance, the egg injection device  125  may be lowered and the punch needle may puncture the egg  120  without the presence of the inflatable tubes  230 , or the puncture of the egg  120  may occur before inflation of the tubes  230 .  
         [0085]     Once the egg  120  has been punctured by the punch needle  132 , the hollow shaft  154  is lowered within the syringe cylinder  152  in a manner as previously discussed. Lowering of the hollow shaft  154  and accompanying treatment composition needle  130  is shown in  FIG. 12C  and cause the treatment composition needle  130  to enter the interior of the egg  120 . At such time, vaccine or other treatment composition may be injected in a manner as previously discussed through the treatment composition needle  130  in order to provide a desired treatment to the egg  120 .  
         [0086]     The pressurized fluid that moves the piston  156  downward so as to move the hollow shaft  154  downward, also, in one embodiment, can be used to pump the treatment composition through the treatment composition needle  130  as previously discussed. It should be understood, however, that in other embodiments the treatment composition may be pumped through the treatment composition needle  130  by other external means.  
         [0087]     Of particular advantage, the composition dispensing device  138  as described above is capable of dispensing very precise amounts of the treatment composition, even at volumes of less than about 500 microliters, such as less than about 250 microliters. For example, in one embodiment, the composition dispensing device  138  may be configured to dispense amounts of from about 1 microliter to about 100 microliters, such as from about 25 microliters to about 75 microliters.  
         [0088]     The amount of composition that is dispensed by the dispensing device  138  generally depends upon the diameter of the bore in which the lip seal  198  is positioned and the stroke length of the piston  164 . In order to change the volume of the composition that is dispensed, the stroke length of the piston  164  may be varied as desired.  
         [0089]      FIG. 13  shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the egg injection device  125  that is configured so as to increase the amount of treatment composition that is drawn into the chamber  180  and subsequently injected into the egg  120 . Here, a piston stop  234  that was present in the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A  has been removed so as to allow the piston  164  to realize a longer stroke length and subsequently cause a greater volume of the chamber  180  hence resulting in more treatment composition pulled therein. Referring back to  FIG. 3A , it may be seen that the stroke length of the piston  164  is limited by the presence of the piston stop  234 . Removal of the piston stop  234  in the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 13  thus allows a longer length of the shaft  184  to be removed from the chamber  180  so as to draw a greater volume of treatment composition into the chamber  180 . Of course, in other exemplary embodiments, the size of the piston stop  234  may be selected so as to allow for any desired amount of treatment composition to be drawn into the chamber  180  and subsequently injected into the egg  120 .  
         [0090]      FIG. 14  shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the egg injection device  125 . Here, the flared end or lip seal  198 , shaft  184 , rod bearing  192 , and seal  194  are configured differently than as shown in  FIG. 3A . Specifically, the flared end or lip seal  198  of the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 3A  has been replaced with a diaphragm  1002  and seal  194  has been eliminated. Sealing between the chamber  180  and  196  is still created, however, in the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 14 . A shaft sealing element  236  that includes an o-ring  238  that surrounds the shaft  184  is present so as to provide a seal between the chamber  180  and the chamber  196 . In  FIG. 14 , the shaft  184  may be sized so as to have a circumference less than that of the portion of the chamber  180  that surrounds at least a length of the shaft  184 . In this manner, along with the diaphragm  1002 , the treatment composition will directly contact the diaphragm  1002  but will be prevented from being transferred into the chamber  196  due to the presence of the diaphragm  1002 . This arrangement is contrasted to that shown in  FIG. 3A  in which the shaft  184  has essentially the same circumference as the portion of the chamber  180  immediately surrounding the shaft  184  so that treatment composition will only primarily contact the flared end  198  of the shaft  184 . Although not shown in  FIG. 14 , the gas passageway  172  may be present so as to provide a pressurized fluid, such as air, to the chamber  196 .  
         [0091]      FIG. 15  shows another alternative exemplary embodiment of the egg injection device  125 . Here, the piston arrangement  164  of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A  is replaced with a double diaphragm arrangement  256 . The double diaphragm arrangement  256  functions in a manner different that the piston arrangement  164  of  FIG. 3A . However, the double diaphragm arrangement  256  still acts to draw treatment composition into the chamber  180  and then pump the treatment composition therefrom in a similar manner by increasing the size of the chamber  180  so as to create a negative pressure to draw treatment composition therein and then to decrease the size of the chamber  180  in order to force the treatment composition therefrom.  
         [0092]     The double diaphragm arrangement  256  employs a shaft  244  that has a first diaphragm  246  facing the chamber  180  and a second diaphragm  248  on an opposite end of the shaft  244 . A first passageway  240  is provided in the block  182  and is in communication with the first diaphragm  246 . A pressurized fluid, such as air, may be transferred through the first passageway  240  so as to force the first diaphragm  246  upwards. Doing so will move the diaphragm  246  and the shaft  244  upwards with respect to the block  182  and subsequently reduce the volume of the chamber  180  thus forcing any treatment composition therein out of the outlet  162 .  
         [0093]     The double diaphragm arrangement  256  also includes a second passageway  242  that is in communication with the second diaphragm  248 . A pressurized fluid, such as air, may be forced through the second passageway  242  to urge the second diaphragm  248  and the shaft  244  downwards. This positioning is shown as a phantom position  254 . In this position, the shaft  244  will also be moved downwards so as to cause the first diaphragm  246  to be moved into the phantom position  252 . This positioning of the double diaphragm arrangement  256  thus causes an increase in the volume of chamber  180  thus resulting in a negative pressure and drawing treatment composition therein. As the shaft  244  and diaphragms  246  and  248  move, air or other fluid contained in the double diaphragm arrangement  256  will be vented from the first and second passageways  240  and  242  depending upon whether the double diaphragm arrangement  256  is used to pump treatment composition from the chamber  180  or draw treatment composition therein.  
         [0094]     An insert  250  is provided in the block  182  to house the shaft  244  and provide communication between the passageways  240 ,  242  and the diaphragms  246 ,  248 . A pair of o-ring seals are provided in order to maintain fluid isolation between the pressure supplied by the first passageway  240  and the second passageway  242 . In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the shaft  244  may be connected to one of, both, or neither of the diaphragms  246  and  248 . Fluid pressure provided through the passageways  240  and  242  may be introduced through any of the previously mentioned ports, such as the gas inlet/outlet port  170 , or may be provided through an external port in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.  
         [0095]     Although not shown, the double diaphragm arrangement  256  of  FIG. 15  may be modified in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. For instance, an exemplary embodiment may exist in which only the first diaphragm  246  is present and the second diaphragm  248  is not present. In this alternative exemplary embodiment, the seal  190  of  FIG. 3A  may be present instead of the second diaphragm  248 . As the shaft  244  moves, the first diaphragm  246  may move in tandem with the shaft  244  so as to draw vaccine or other fluid into the chamber  180  and then pump the vaccine or other fluid therefrom.  
         [0096]      FIG. 16  shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the egg injection device  125  that includes an adjustable piston arrangement  258 . The adjustable piston arrangement  258  allows for adjustment of the stroke of the piston  164  to adjust the amount of treatment composition that is pumped out of the chamber  180 . An insert  264  is provided in the block  182  and a threaded section  260  of the shaft  184  extends therethrough. As with previous exemplary embodiments, a chamber  196  and chamber  202  are provided so as to receive an exit gas through ports (not shown) in order to move the piston  164  up and down in relation to the block  182 . The piston  164  and shaft  184  therefore function in a manner similar to previous exemplary embodiments in drawing and pumping treatment composition into and out of the chamber  180 . A double lipped o-ring seal or similar sealing element  270  is provided so as to maintain fluid isolation between the chambers  196  and  202 . Likewise, the insert  264  is provided with seals as shown in  FIG. 16  in order to prevent fluid from being transported through the insert  264  to prevent fluid leakage or loss of pressure.  
         [0097]     A nut  262  threadedly engages the threaded section  260  of the shaft  184 . The nut  262  rests against the insert  264  so as to restrain upward movement of the shaft  184  with respect to the block  182 . In this manner, the stroke of the piston  164  and associated shaft  184  is limited thus limiting the amount of treatment composition drawn into and pumped out of the chamber  180 . The nut  262  may be adjusted so as to move the threaded section  260  upwards or downwards. Doing so will consequently increase or decrease the stroke of the piston  164  and associated shaft  184  thus providing for a control of the amount of treatment composition that is drawn into and pumped out of the chamber  180 . Access through the block  182  is provided so as to allow a user to make a desired adjustment to the nut  262  to effect the amount of treatment composition eventually dispensed by the treatment composition needle  130  into the egg  120 . A pair of double lipped o-rings seals or other similar sealing element  266  and  268  are also present in the exemplary embodiment in  FIG. 16  and act to provide a seal along the outer surface of the shaft  184 . The shaft  184  may be sized so as to have a circumference less than that of the portion of the chamber  180  that surrounds at least a length of the shaft  184 . In this manner, the treatment composition will directly contact the shaft  184 . The seals  266  and  268  act to prevent treatment composition from being moved down into the chamber  196  and also to act to prevent air or other fluid injected into the chamber  196  from being inadvertently transferred into the chamber  180 . This arrangement is contrasted to that shown in  FIG. 3A  in which the shaft  184  has essentially the same circumference as the portion of the chamber  180  immediately surrounding the shaft  184  so that treatment composition will only primarily contact the flared end  198  of the shaft  184 .  
         [0098]     In one embodiment, in between dispensing of the treatment composition, a sanitizing fluid may be fed through the extendable syringe  140  for sanitizing the treatment composition needle  130  and the punch needle  132 . The sanitizing fluid may be connected to the syringe and controlled by the controller if desired. The sanitizing fluid may be released over the extendable syringe  140  after each cycle or at selected times during use of the egg injection devices  125 .  
         [0099]     As stated above, in addition to being used in egg injection systems  100 , it should be understood that the dispensing device of the present invention may be used in numerous other applications in various fields. For instance, the dispensing device may be used to dispense controlled amounts of chemical compositions during the production of pharmaceutical products, chemical products, semiconductor devices, and food products. When used in other applications, it should be understood that the egg sensing device  136  may be eliminated from the design or replaced with another type of sensing device, such as a photosensor if desired. In other applications, a retractable needle may also not be needed. For example, in other embodiments, the dispensing device may include the pneumatically controlled composition dispensing device  138  in conjunction with some type of delivery system. The delivery system may comprise a retractable needle as shown in the figures or may comprise any other suitable stationary or movable channel.  
         [0100]     These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. While the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications, variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.