Abstract:
A vaccine spraying apparatus for vaccinating day-old chicks that includes a vaccine container with an agitation mechanism for mixing vaccine and diluent through controlled agitation. Vaccine is drawn from the container by a volumetric pump and dispensed through a plurality of spray nozzles mounted over a conveyor. Chicks contained in trays are moved along the conveyor to pass under the spray nozzles. The volume and orientation of the vaccine spray is controlled by a digital micro-control unit receiving data from a tracking device adjacent the conveyor that senses the position and speed of the trays.

Description:
[0001]    This application is entitled to and hereby claims the priority of co-pending U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/646,618 filed Jan. 26, 2005. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is related to the poultry industry and, more particularly, to an apparatus for spraying vaccine on day-old chicks. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The poultry industry is required to vaccinate day-old chicks prior to placing them in the field. Typical vaccines applied include Coccidiosis vaccine, Newcastle vaccine, Infectious Bronchitis vaccine and other respiratory virus vaccines, including I.B.D. and REO vaccines. A chick counter places day-old chicks in open trays, generally in lots of one hundred, after which the desired vaccines are applied in spray form over the trays as they are moved along a conveyor. 
         [0006]    The vaccines present varying application requirements. Coccidiosis vaccine must be applied (sprayed) with a droplet size of approximately 100 to 400 microns. The large droplets lay on top of the chick&#39;s down and, because of the color and brightness of the diluent, the chicks are attracted to it and they drink it from each other&#39;s backs. As they ingest the oocyst, the desired coverage of the digestive tract is obtained. 
         [0007]    Respiratory vaccines require a smaller droplet size, generally from 70 to 200 microns. The pulverization or misting of the vaccine allows the chick to inhale the vaccine through the normal breathing process as well as through penetration of the tear ducts (lachrymal) and from there to the respiratory system. 
         [0008]    All application equipment available on the market today consists of a centrifugal mixing platform (laboratory stirring device) and a vaccine container that feeds a syringe to measure dosage. The syringe is activated by a pneumatic cylinder that loads and delivers a set volume of vaccine. The pressurized syringe feeds two or more spray nozzles with vaccine to produce the spray pattern and proper droplet size. The above-mentioned operations are triggered by a sensor or micro-switch that is activated when a tray of chicks, traveling in the conveyor, passes under the spray application equipment. 
         [0009]    There are many problems associated with these prior art spraying techniques, beginning with the vaccine mixing procedures. In the centrifugal method, mixing is done by placing a container of diluent and vaccine concentrate over a laboratory magnetic stirring bar surface. By placing a magnet inside the vaccine container, the turning bar transmits the motion to the magnet inside the vaccine container, producing a stirring motion. 
         [0010]    A laboratory magnetic stirring bar has a readily accessible variable stirring speed control. If the speed is too high, a vortex is formed and the differential in weight of the molecules actually causes them to separate. This separation is not apparent to the operator as the vaccine cells are not visible to the naked eye. Conversely, if the stirring speed is too slow, cells become concentrated on the bottom of the container, an unwanted result which is again invisible to the operator. 
         [0011]    Mixing is also complicated by the fact that improper placement of the container negatively impacts stirring effectiveness, yet there is no fixed position at which the vaccine container is to be placed over the laboratory magnetic bar stirring surface. The uneven mixing conditions which often result from improper placement over the magnetic bar can cause viral or parasitic concentration in the vaccine container, further causing inconsistent application of vaccines due to inadequate vaccine suspension in the diluent. As a result, all chicks may be coated with diluent, but not necessarily with the right amount of vaccine virus or parasitic cells, thus affecting the vaccine efficacy. 
         [0012]    Dosage control using conventional syringe technology with a pneumatic piston also presents problems. Although a syringe provides accurate dosage measurement, it is not designed to deliver its volume with consistent pressure. This is problematic in that droplet size is controlled by the orifice size and shape and constant pressure. 
         [0013]    The pneumatic piston that activates the syringe moves forward with low pressure until it encounters resistance, as from the spray nozzles, and then builds up pressure to overcome the resistance. This condition causes the spray nozzles to squirt, dripping at the beginning and the end of the process, and makes it impossible to control droplet size over the plurality of chicks. 
         [0014]    Further problems are introduced by the conventional spray nozzles that are used. The diameter and shape of the spray nozzle&#39;s orifice are responsible for the droplet size and area coverage (pattern). The shape and diameter of the spray is affected by mineral/calcium buildup in the orifice. As the orifice is reduced by such buildup, the time needed to deliver the necessary vaccine volume is increased. As there is no consideration for conveyor speed, part of the measured volume of vaccine is thus delivered outside the chick tray. The smaller diameter of the nozzles also affects the droplet size. 
         [0015]    Since there is no time-controlled linkage between the syringe and the conveyor, the volume of vaccine per chick is not controllable. Some of the syringe contents are emptied after the chick tray on the conveyor has passed by, such that the vaccine is sprayed on the conveyor or the floor. Operators typically walk through puddles of vaccine, potentially carrying live vaccine all over the hatchery environment. This is a biohazard. If the operator or supervisor notices the condition, they typically solve the problem by unclogging the spray nozzle with the first sharp object they can find (pocket knife, paper clip, etc.), thereby altering the diameter and shape of the nozzle orifice. The resulting increase in nozzle orifice diameter affects droplet size and volume, causing the syringe to be emptied before the chick tray has completely passed under the spray, over-spraying some of the chicks and not spraying others. 
         [0016]    Finally, conveyor speed adjustment difficulties are insufficiently addressed by conventional tray sensors or micro-switches. There are many variables during the vaccine spray application. Conveyor speed variation can cause the syringe to be emptied prematurely or belatedly. Conveyor back up or stoppage in the middle of a tray can cause the syringe to be emptied, soaking a few chicks and not vaccinating others. The on/off condition produced by conventional sensors or micro-switches, activated by the passing chick tray on a moving conveyor, is not sufficient to control the delivery of the vaccine. 
         [0017]    All of the foregoing inconsistencies have an adverse effect on the vaccination process. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    In view of the foregoing, one object of the present invention is to overcome the difficulties of distributing properly mixed vaccine over all the chicks being conveyed in trays along a conveyor belt through a controlled volume, low pressure vaccine spraying apparatus that implements dosage control and pattern design control, independently of and unaffected by droplet size control. 
         [0019]    Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved mixing apparatus that ensures the even suspension of vaccine cells throughout the diluent. 
         [0020]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a vaccine spraying apparatus that produces a spray with no mechanical stress on the vaccine and without exposing the vaccine to high pressure. 
         [0021]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide a vaccine spraying apparatus using an electronic pulse-activated volumetric pump to measure and dispense vaccine. 
         [0022]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vaccine spraying apparatus having a tracking device for sensing the position and speed of a passing tray on a conveyor, and for providing this data to a micro-control unit that adjusts the pace of the volumetric pump accordingly. 
         [0023]    A still further object of the present invention is to provide a vaccine spraying apparatus having a programmable microprocessor able to compensate for uneven chick tray loading. 
         [0024]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a microprocessor-controlled vaccine spraying apparatus that works cooperatively with an improved mixing apparatus relying on vaccine agitation. 
         [0025]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a vaccine spraying apparatus that includes self-cleaning spray nozzles and dosage pattern programming capability. 
         [0026]    Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide the software and hardware tools needed to implement custom design capability to apply various spray patterns and volumes using an automated vaccine spraying apparatus. 
         [0027]    A still further object of the invention is to provide a vaccine spraying apparatus that is not complex in structure and which can be manufactured at low cost but yet used to efficiently vaccinate trays of day-old chicks with consistent and uniform vaccine coverage. 
         [0028]    In accordance with these and other objects, the present invention is directed to a vaccine spraying apparatus for vaccinating day-old chicks. The apparatus includes a vaccine container for thoroughly mixing vaccine and diluent through controlled agitation, and a vaccine spraying station for cooperation with an existing moving conveyor. The vaccine container is coupled to a pulse-activated volumetric pump in the spraying station that draws vaccine from the container for dispensing the mixed vaccine through a hose coupled to the plurality of spray nozzles. The spray nozzles are mounted over the conveyor and direct the mixed vaccine onto a plurality of chicks passing in trays along the conveyor. A tracking device on the spraying station, mounted to be adjacent the conveyor, senses the position and speed of the trays, and conveys this information to a digital micro-control unit. The micro-control unit in turn directs the volumetric pump to dispense the vaccine in a volume appropriate for the detected tray speed and position. 
         [0029]    These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  illustrates a vaccine spraying apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the components of the digital control system for the vaccine spraying apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the spraying station of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the spraying station of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is an end view of the spraying station of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a conceptual view of the tracking and vaccine pumping subsystem in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a circuit diagram of the memory chip of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  is a circuit diagram of the memory chip of  FIG. 7  attached to a programming dock of the digital control system of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  is a logic diagram of the tracking and vaccine pumping subsystem of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  is a representative screen view of pattern design software suitable for use in programming the memory chip of  FIGS. 2 and 7 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the vaccine container and agitation mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 12  is another perspective view of the vaccine container and agitation mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the vaccine container and agitation mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 14  is another side view of the vaccine container and agitation mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 15  is another perspective view of the vaccine container and agitation mechanism of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 16  is an exploded view of the components of the agitation assembly of the vaccine agitation mechanism of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 17  is an assembled view of the components of the agitation assembly of the vaccine agitation mechanism of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 18  is a bottom view taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 19  is a top view taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled agitation assembly of  FIG. 17 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 21  is an exploded view of the components of the lid assembly of the vaccine container and agitation mechanism of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 22  is an assembled view of the components of the lid assembly of  FIG. 21 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 23  is a top view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the lid assembly taken along along  24 - 24  of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 25  is a side view of the lid assembly taken along along  25 - 25  of  FIG. 23 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 26  is a bottom view of the lid assembly of  FIG. 22 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 27  illustrates another embodiment of the support framework for a vaccine spraying apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0057]      FIG. 28  is a side view of the vaccine spraying apparatus of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the vaccine spraying apparatus of  FIG. 27 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 30  is another perspective view of the vaccine spraying apparatus of  FIG. 27 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0060]    Although only two preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that these embodiments are given by way of illustration only. It is not intended that the invention be limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
         [0061]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the present invention is directed to a vaccine spray apparatus generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . The apparatus  10  includes a spraying station generally designated by the reference numeral  12 , a vaccine container  80 , and a vaccine agitation mechanism generally designated by the reference numeral  14 . The vaccine container and agitation mechanism  14  with associated power source  15  is coupled to the station  12  by a hose  16  which draws vaccine from the agitation mechanism  14  through the action of a pulse-activated volumetric pump  18  contained within a control box  20  as part of a digital control system generally designated by the reference numeral  21 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . The pump  18  is used to measure and dispense the vaccine through a supply hose  22 . The supply hose  22  is split, such as by a first Y connector  24 , into two sub-lines  26 . Each of the sub-lines  26  is further split by second Y connectors  28  into two more sub-lines  30 . Each sub-line  30  is coupled to a corresponding nozzle  32  in the station  12  for use in spray application of the vaccine. Other connecting components suitable for conveying fluids may be used in place of the hoses as would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the nozzles are mounted in a spray alignment system  34  and direct the vaccine spray downward toward a tray  36  moving on a conveyor segment  38 . The conveyor segment  38  as shown is just a portion of a larger conveyor mechanism with which the spraying station is designed to operate. The overall conveyor mechanism is not shown but is driven and operated in accordance with conventional conveyor technology as would be known by persons of skill in the art. For purposes of description herein, the term “conveyor” is intended to include the particular segment  38  with which the spray station cooperates in the manner shown by  FIGS. 1 and 3 . 
         [0063]    As shown without hoses in  FIGS. 3-5 , the spraying station  12  of the vaccine spray apparatus  10  is equipped with four self-cleaning spray nozzles  32 . The nozzles  32  are located at approximately eight inches above the chicks (not shown), allowing for more vaccine to be placed on or over the chicks. These spray nozzles  32  are preferably equipped with push buttons for manual, automated and/or programmable self-cleaning. 
         [0064]    The droplet size is controlled by air pressure supplied by a programmable air regulator  48 . Unlike the prior art methods which pressurize the vaccine against a small orifice, creating mechanical stress on the vaccine and resulting in the squirting and dripping as described in the foregoing discussion of the related art, according to the present invention the air stream mixes with the vaccine externally, i.e., outside the nozzle, to form the droplet size and spray pattern. This type of spray technology is well known in the paint industry. 
         [0065]    More particularly with respect to the present invention, the vaccine flows through the nozzle openings as a stream having a generally laminar flow under pressure on the order of 2-6 psi. Two low pressure air streams for each nozzle, which face each other and are located below the respective nozzle opening, break the vaccine stream to form the desired droplet size and pattern. One way to accomplish the desired flow of air to each nozzle is through the use of a pair of conduits  33  running longitudinally along the length of the hood  35  of the spray alignment system  34 , one on either side thereof. Through appropriate aligned placement of apertures in the two conduits  33 , air is directed to each of the nozzles from the opposing sides of the hood  35  to achieve the controlled dispersion of the vaccine streams exiting the nozzles. 
         [0066]    The station  12  is built upon a frame generally designated by the reference numeral  50 . The frame has spaced vertical side members  52  with adjoining horizontal members  54 . The spacing between the side members  52  is determined by the width of the conveyor  38  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , with the spray alignment system  34  also extending transversely from one side member  52  to the other. More specifically, the frame  50  is constructed to associate and cooperate with a particular conveyor, as needed. The spraying station  12  can thus be adapted to accommodate conveyors of different sizes and types through frame construction. 
         [0067]    The side frame members  52  are preferably supported by wheeled castors  56  for ease of mobility of the spray station  12 , allowing for movement of the station along the conveyor beyond the segment  38  that is shown, if necessary. Movement of the tray  36  along the conveyor  38  is guided by basket guide elements  58 . 
         [0068]    As shown in the block diagram of  FIG. 2  and conceptually in  FIG. 6 , the spraying station  12  includes a tracking device  40  that senses the presence and movement/speed of the tray  36  on the conveyor  38 . The tracking device  40 , which may be embodied as an encoder or other comparable device as would be known by persons of skill in the art, sends signals  42  by means of electrical pulses to a digital micro-control unit  44  contained within the control box  20 . 
         [0069]    The micro-control unit  44  receives the electrical impulses  42  and converts them into the speed/location of the chick tray  36 . In turn, the micro-control unit  44  feeds the impulse-activated volumetric pump  18  with the electrical impulses  46  that govern the volumetric pump  18 . With this information, the pump measures and dispenses vaccine in an appropriate volume relative to the position and/or speed of the tray  36 . 
         [0070]    The micro-control unit or microprocessor  44  can be programmed to compensate for chick tray loading. For example, some chick counters load the chick tray  36  with the plurality of chicks to the front or the rear of the tray. Through programmed compensation, the proper amount of vaccine is directed to the appropriate locations. 
         [0071]    The programming is typically contained within a pre-programmed memory card or memory chip  45  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The chip is attached to a programming dock  47  connected to PC connection  49 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . However, the present invention is not limited to the depicted implementation as other memory chip configurations and manners of connection may also be employed as would by persons of ordinary skill in the art. According to the present invention, different chips can be programmed with different spray patterns. Through plugging in of the appropriate chip for a given chick loading scenario, the digital control system  21  is able to apply a custom-designed dosage pattern throughout the entire length of the chick tray, independent of the speed of the tray on the conveyor while, at the same time, maintaining the overall volume of vaccine. The logic of the subsystem formed by the encoder  40  and the volumetric pump  18  as described herein and incorporating the memory chip  45  is depicted in  FIG. 9 . The spray pattern embodied within a particular memory chip  45  can be custom designed using software such as a WINDOWS type application for pattern design, a representative screen view of which is shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0072]    Throughout the sensing and pumping operations summarized in  FIG. 9 , the vaccine particles are kept uniformly distributed within an appropriate diluent by the vaccine container  80  and agitation mechanism  14 , shown in various views as assembled in  FIGS. 11-15 . The agitation mechanism  14  includes an agitation assembly generally designated by the reference numeral  82 , and a lid assembly generally designated by the reference numeral  84 . The container is further provided with a draw tube assembly generally designated by the reference numeral  86 . 
         [0073]    As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 16-20 , the agitation assembly  82  includes an agitation lower body  88 , a plurality of shaft segments  90  forming an agitator shaft generally designated by the reference numeral  92 , and a plate or disc  94 . The disc  94 , which is preferably made of stainless steel, is attached to the bottom of the agitator shaft  92  and perpendicular thereto. A plurality of orifices  96 , preferably evenly distributed radially, are provided in the surface of the disc  94 . Additional discs  98  may be placed on the agitator shaft  92  if the depth of the vaccine container is sufficient, e.g., is deeper than six inches. 
         [0074]    The segments  90  may be solid with the discs welded in place. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the segments may be internally threaded as at  100  and connected by screws  102  to obtain the desired shaft length. The screws  102  pass through a central aperture  104  in the disc, with the disc being held between male and female threads. The shaft segments are preferably made of stainless steel or, in the threaded alternative, plastic or stainless steel. 
         [0075]    The lid assembly  84  is variously depicted in  FIGS. 21-26 . As shown, the lid assembly  84  includes a lid  110 , an agitator upper body  112 , and a power source  15  ( FIG. 2 ) held under the lid by an exhaust bolt  114  and an intake bolt  116 , each having a corresponding washer  118 . The upper surface of the lid  110  includes a raised portion  120  with a notch  122  for a spring clipping mechanism, such as that used on jelly jars. In addition, an aperture  124  is provided in the lid  110  for passage of the draw tube assembly  86  which includes the draw tube  126  secured to the lid  110  by the tubing coupling  128 . The hose  16  fits over the tubing coupling to provide a liquid-tight transfer of vaccine from the container  80 , through the draw tube  126  and hose  16 , to the spray alignment system  34  and corresponding nozzles  32 . 
         [0076]    Vaccine agitation is created by use of the power source  15  which is capable of producing a generally vertical reciprocating motion. The power source may be a pneumatic cylinder, an electric solenoid, an electric or pneumatic motor, etc. In alternative to being mounted under the lid, the power source  15  may be mounted on the top of the vaccine container  80  or even separate from the container  80 . 
         [0077]    In the embodiment shown, the agitator upper body  112  of the lid assembly  84  includes a lower extension  113  that fits within the bore  89  of the agitator lower body  88 , as shown by the dotted lines in  FIG. 20 . In this nested configuration, the upper and lower bodies  112 ,  88  form a magnetic coupling that connects the power source in the lid assembly  84  to the shaft  92  and agitator discs  94 ,  98  of the agitator assembly  82 . While other coupling mechanisms may be employed, the magnetic coupling allows for easy disassembly and cleanup, with no tools being necessary to separate the coupled components. 
         [0078]    The agitator shaft  92  is attached to the power source so as to be capable of reaching a position near the bottom of the vaccine container when in the extended mode. The vertically reciprocating motion of extending and retracting the shaft and the perpendicular attached discs  94 ,  98  produces the necessary agitation to maintain the vaccine suspended evenly in the diluent. 
         [0079]    As the discs  94 ,  98  begin a down stroke, the vaccine is forced through the disc orifices  96  and the open area that exists between the vaccine container&#39;s inner diameter  81  and disc&#39;s outer diameter  95 . This downward stroke creates pressure on the vaccine and, as it passes through the disc orifices, velocity increases. The same condition occurs on the upward stroke. This agitation, which can be effectively produced by as little as about 0.250 inches of reciprocating motion, ensures that the vaccine cells are evenly suspended throughout the diluent. 
         [0080]    Operation of the vaccine spraying apparatus as herein described is generally monitored or observed by an operator, at least on a periodic basis. To assist the operator and reduce the number of operational characteristics to be observed, the spraying station may be equipped with an alarm mechanism that provides a visual and/or audible signal when the vaccine remaining in the container has reached a minimum level. Such a mechanism, which may be embodied using a light and/or buzzer device, is preferably mounted on the frame of the spraying station and hard-wired to a sensing mechanism associated with the container. Alternatively, the alarm mechanism may be located remotely from the spraying station, with a hard-wired or wireless connection thereto, to notify the operator when he or she is in another location that the vaccine container is empty or nearly empty. 
         [0081]    The spraying station may further be constructed to include two spray alignment systems  34  with associated nozzles  32 , each spray alignment system being coupled to a respective one of two containers  80  in order to apply two types of vaccines. The hoods  35  of the two spray alignment systems  34  would be oriented so as to be substantially parallel with one another, each extending transversely to the conveyor. With this arrangement, the first and second vaccines are applied in sequence as the underlying tray of chicks moves along the conveyor beneath the two respective spray alignment systems  34 . This not only increases the efficiency of the vaccine spraying apparatus but also reduces the number of times that the chicks must be passed in trays along the conveyor. 
         [0082]    According to a further embodiment of the support framework for a spraying apparatus in accordance with the present invention, components of a vaccine spray apparatus, generally designated by the reference numeral  200 , may be constructed as shown in  FIG. 27 . The apparatus  200  includes a spraying station generally designated by the reference numeral  212 , and a vaccine container  280  which includes a vaccine agitation mechanism (not shown) of a type like that already described in, connection with  FIG. 1 . The operation of the vaccine spray apparatus  200  is consistent with that of the spray apparatus  10  and so will not be repeated here except to identify the components shown in  FIGS. 27-30 . 
         [0083]    The container  280  is coupled to the station  212  by a hose or other connecting element (not shown) which draws vaccine from the top of the vaccine agitation mechanism through the action of a pulse-activated volumetric pump contained within control box  220  as part of a digital control system. The pump is used to measure and dispense the vaccine through a supply hose (not shown) which directs vaccine through sub-lines (not shown) to the nozzles  232  in the station  212  for use in spray application of the vaccine. The nozzles are mounted in a spray alignment system  234  and direct the vaccine spray downward toward a tray  236  moving on a conveyor segment  238  which, as shown, is just a portion of a larger conveyor mechanism with which the spraying station is designed to operate. The spraying station  212  includes a tracking device  240  that senses the presence and movement/speed of the tray  236  on the conveyor  238 . 
         [0084]    The station  212  is built upon a frame generally designated by the reference numeral  250 . The frame  250  has spaced vertical members  252  with adjoining horizontal members  254 . According to the preferred embodiment shown, a central vertical member  252   b  positioned between outer vertical members  252   a,    252   c  supports the spray alignment system  234  and the tracking device  240 , both of which are mounted thereon. 
         [0085]    The control box  220  is secured to upper and intermediary horizontal members  254   a,    254   b  and to the central vertical member  252   b  and at least one of the outer vertical members  252   a,    252   c.  In the preferred embodiment shown, the outer vertical member  252   a  is spaced from one end of the control box and is fitted with a shelf  255 . The container  280  is supported on the shelf  255  as shown. 
         [0086]    The frame  250  is supported by base members  256  that extend horizontally so as to be perpendicular to both the vertical members  252  and the horizontal members  254  and support the frame in a generally vertical orientation. 
         [0087]    The foregoing descriptions and drawings should be considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not limited by the dimensions of the preferred embodiment. Hence, it is not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed or the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.