Patent Publication Number: US-6213709-B1

Title: Egg removal apparatus

Description:
This application is a division of Ser. No. 09/271,520 filed Mar. 18, 1999. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to eggs and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for handling eggs. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Advances in poultry embryology have made possible the addition of various materials to the embryo or to the environment around the embryo within an avian egg for the purpose of encouraging beneficial effects in the subsequently hatched chick. Such beneficial effects include increased growth, prevention of disease, increasing the percentage hatch of multiple incubated eggs, and otherwise improving physical characteristics of hatched poultry. Additionally, certain types of vaccinations which could previously only be carried out upon either recently hatched or fully mature poultry can now be successful in the embryonated chick. 
     In ovo vaccination techniques can increase vaccination efficiency and can reduce stress on young chicks caused by injection. Conventional in ovo inoculating devices typically inject all eggs contained within an egg flat. An exemplary in ovo inoculating device that injects all eggs contained within an egg flat is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,635 to Hebrank. 
     Unfortunately, it may not be desirable to administer vaccinations into every egg contained within an egg flat. For example, “clear” eggs are eggs that do not contain an embryo and, thus, may not subsequently hatch as a chick. The administration of vaccinations into clear eggs generally serves no purpose and may be considered wasteful. In addition, mold may grow in clear eggs that have been injected, thus increasing the risk of exposing other eggs and hatched chicks to undesirable contamination. Furthermore, injected clear eggs may increase the risk of contamination resulting from albumin leaking therefrom. Accordingly, it is desirable to quickly identify and remove clear eggs from an egg flat prior to the in ovo administration of vaccinations via automatic inoculating devices. 
     It may also be desirable to selectively remove certain eggs from an egg flat. For example, it may be desirable to remove certain types of eggs, such as all male eggs, all rotten eggs, and the like. As another example, it may be desirable to remove all live eggs in order to move them to another egg flat or injection apparatus. 
     A conventional device  5  for removing eggs from an egg flat is illustrated in FIG. 1. A plurality of suction devices  7  are configured to engage the upwardly facing portions of a respective plurality of individual eggs  14  within an egg flat  10 , and hold the eggs by suction while carrying them to a receptacle  11 . During removal of eggs, it is conventionally expected that some breakage of eggs will occur. Accordingly, it is conventionally expected that egg removal devices will become contaminated with the contents of broken eggs. 
     Unfortunately, conventional egg removal devices, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, are complex and bulky devices that can be difficult and time consuming to clean. Maintaining conventional egg removal devices in sanitary condition, thus, can be expensive and labor intensive. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide egg removal devices that can be quickly and easily cleaned. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide egg removal devices that can be quickly and easily cleaned. 
     It is another object of the present invention to facilitate the selective removal of eggs from an egg flat. 
     These and other objects of the present invention can be provided by an egg removal apparatus that includes a frame and a manifold removably secured to the frame. The frame is movable from a first location overlying an egg flat to a second location overlying an area adjacent the egg flat. When the frame is in the first location, eggs from an egg flat are picked up under vacuum via a plurality of flexible cups. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are released from the plurality of flexible cups. The manifold includes opposite upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of internal passageways, and a plurality of plunger bores extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. Each plunger bore is in communication with one of the internal passageways. 
     An elongated plunger is supported for reciprocal movement in each plunger bore. Each plunger is configured to be moved from an initial first position to a second position. An internal bore extends axially within each plunger from a lower end to a port in a medial portion thereof. Accordingly, when a plunger is moved to the second position, the port in the medial portion of the plunger is in communication with a respective manifold internal passageway. An actuator is mounted to the frame above each respective plunger upper end and serves as means for moving a respective plunger from the first position to the second position. A spring serves as means for returning a plunger from the second position to the first position. 
     A flexible cup is secured to the lower end of each plunger and is in fluid communication with the internal bore of the respective plunger. When a plunger is moved to the second position, vacuum is provided within each flexible cup via a respective plunger internal bore. Thus, when a plunger is in the second position, a flexible cup attached thereto can engage and retain an egg via suction in seated relation therewith. To release an egg from a flexible cup, vacuum within the flexible cup is destroyed, either by moving the respective plunger to the first position or by introducing positive air pressure into the manifold internal passageways while the plunger is in the second position. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a removable manifold may be provided with first and second sets of internal passageways. Positive air pressure is maintained within the first set of internal passageways and vacuum is maintained within the second set of internal passageways. A plurality of plunger bores extend through the manifold. Each plunger bore is in communication with one of the first and second sets of internal passageways. 
     An elongated plunger is supported for reciprocal movement in each plunger bore. Each plunger is configured to be moved from an initial first position to a second position. An internal bore extends axially within each plunger from a lower end to a port in a medial portion thereof. When a plunger is in the first position, the second port of the plunger is in communication with a respective one of the first set of internal passageways. When the plunger is in the second position, the second port is in communication with a respective one of the second set of internal passageways. 
     Accordingly, when a plunger is moved to the second position, a flexible cup secured to the lower end of the plunger can retain an egg in seated relation therewith because of the vacuum provided to the flexible cup via the internal bore. To release the egg from the flexible cup, the plunger is moved to the first position so that positive air pressure is introduced into the flexible cup via the internal bore, which is now in communication with one of the internal passageways of the first set. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a manifold removably secured to a movable frame includes opposite upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of internal passageways, a plurality of nozzles extending from the lower surface, and a nozzle extending from the upper surface. Each of the nozzles extending from the lower surface is in communication with one of the internal passageways. The nozzle extending from the upper surface is also in communication with the internal passageways. 
     The frame is movable from a first location overlying an egg flat to a second location overlying an area adjacent the egg flat. When the frame is in the first location, eggs from an egg flat are picked up under vacuum via a plurality of flexible cups secured to each nozzle extending from the lower surface. Vacuum is provided within the internal passageways via the nozzle extending from the upper surface. When the frame is in the second position, the eggs are released from the plurality of flexible cups by introducing positive air pressure within the internal passageways via the nozzle extending from the upper surface. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, an egg may be lifted from an egg flat via a flexible cup under vacuum and then propelled into a receptacle or discharge ramp via a horizontal stream of air. 
     Removable manifolds according to the present invention can be quickly and easily removed from a supporting frame and cleaned as a unit. Accordingly, time consuming and labor intensive cleaning efforts typically required by conventional egg removal devices can be eliminated. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention. 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional apparatus for removing eggs from an egg flat. 
     FIG. 2A is a top plan view of an egg flat configured to carry twenty-five eggs in an array of five rows of five eggs each, wherein each egg is supported in a substantially vertical position. 
     FIG. 2B is a side elevation view of the flat of FIG.  2 A. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of an apparatus for removing eggs from an egg flat, according to an embodiment of the present invention, and illustrating movement of the apparatus from a first location overlying an egg flat to a second location overlying a receptacle for receiving eggs removed from the egg flat. 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention illustrating a removable manifold. 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a set of internal passageways and a plurality of plunger bores in the manifold of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side elevational view of a plunger supported for reciprocal movement in a plunger bore in the manifold of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an apparatus incorporating the manifold of FIGS. 4-5 wherein the frame is shown moving between a first location, wherein eggs are removed from an egg flat, and a second location, wherein the eggs are deposited within a receptacle. 
     FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a removable manifold according to another embodiment of the present invention wherein the manifold includes first and second sets of internal passageways. 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of an egg removal apparatus incorporating a removable manifold according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the egg removal apparatus of FIG. 9 taken along lines  10 — 10 . 
     FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the removable manifold of FIG. 9 illustrating the plurality of internal passageways and the plurality of ports in the lower surface of the manifold that are in communication with the plurality of internal passageways. 
     FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the removable manifold of FIG. 11 taken along lines  12 — 12 . 
     FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the removable manifold of FIG. 12 taken along lines  13 — 13 . 
     FIG. 14 is a top plan view of an egg removal apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the egg removal apparatus of FIG.  14 . 
     FIGS. 16-19 illustrate operations for removing an egg from an egg flat via the egg removal apparatus of FIG.  14 . 
     FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an egg removal apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the egg removal apparatus of FIG.  20 . 
     FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of an egg removal apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. 
     The present invention may be utilized with any type of avian eggs, including, but not limited to, chicken, turkey, duck, geese, quail, and pheasant eggs. The present invention is particularly adapted for use with egg carriers often referred to as “flats.” An exemplary egg flat  10  is illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The illustrated egg flat  10  includes a plurality of rows of apertures  12 . Each aperture  12  is configured to receive one end  14   a  of a respective egg  14  so as to support the respective egg  14  in a substantially vertical position (FIG.  2 B), typically with the internal egg air cell disposed upwardly. 
     The illustrated egg flat  10  carries twenty-five eggs in an array of five rows of five eggs each. However, an egg flat used in accordance with the present invention may contain any number of rows containing any number of eggs. Furthermore, eggs in adjacent rows may be parallel to one another, as in a “rectangular” flat, or may be in a staggered relationship, as in an “offset” flat. Examples of commercial egg flats with which the present invention may be used include, but are not limited to, the “CHICKMASTER 54” flat, the “JAMESWAY 42” flat, and the “JAMESWAY 84” flat (in each case, the number indicates the number of eggs carried by the egg flat). 
     It is to be understood that, for each of the below described embodiments of the present invention, eggs can be removed from an egg flat while the egg flat is moving, either continuously or otherwise, or is stationary. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated directions of egg flat travel in the below described embodiments of the present invention. Egg flats may travel in various directions relative to an apparatus for removing eggs therefrom. 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, an egg removal apparatus  30  that is configured to engage and lift individual eggs from an egg flat, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the egg removal apparatus  30  is movable between a first location overlying an egg flat and a second location overlying a ramp  13  that leads to a waste receptacle  11 . In this embodiment, clear eggs, or eggs having other defects, can be removed from an egg flat and disposed of. However, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, the egg removal apparatus  30  of the present invention may also be utilized for transferring eggs from an egg flat to various other receptacles, such as hatching trays, and the like. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the egg removal apparatus  30  of FIG. 3 is illustrated in greater detail. The egg removal apparatus  30  includes a frame  32  and a manifold  34  removably secured to the frame  32 . The manifold  34  includes opposite side walls  34   a ,  34   b,  opposite end walls  34   c ,  34   d  (FIG.  5 ), and opposite upper and lower surfaces  35   a ,  35   b . The frame  32  includes opposite side walls  32   a ,  32   b  having opposite grooves  33   a ,  33   b  formed therein as illustrated. The removable manifold  34  is configured to slide between, and be retained by, the grooves  33   a ,  33   b  as illustrated. The frame and the manifold may be formed from various materials, including, but not limited to, metals and polymers. 
     The manifold  34  includes a plurality of internal passageways  36  that terminate at an aperture  37  in an end wall  34   c  of the manifold  34  (FIG.  5 ). The internal passageways  36  are intended to be alternately maintained under vacuum and positive air pressure, as will be described below. Vacuum within the internal passageways  36  may be provided by a vacuum pump or other vacuum source in communication with the aperture  37 . 
     A plurality of plunger bores  38  (FIG. 5) extend from the manifold upper surface  35   a  to the lower surface  35   b  such that each plunger bore  38  is in communication with one of the internal passageways  36  as illustrated in FIG.  4 . Each plunger bore  38  is configured to receive a respective elongated plunger  40  therewithin. Each plunger  40  includes opposite first and second ends  40   a,    40   b  and an axially-extending internal bore  42 . The internal bore  42  terminates at a first port  42   a  in the plunger first end  40   a  and at an opposite second port  42   b  in a medial portion  43  of the plunger  40  between the first and second ends  40   a,    40   b  as illustrated in FIG.  6 . 
     As illustrated in FIG. 4, each plunger  40  is supported for reciprocal movement between a first and second position in a respective plunger bore  38 . Clearance between a plunger  40  and a respective plunger bore  38  is preferably between about 0.001 inches and about 0.006 inches to allow free motion of a plunger  40  within a plunger bore  38  without causing excessive air loss therebetween. However, other clearances may be acceptable. In the illustrated embodiment, each plunger second end  40   b  includes a shoulder  44  (FIG.  6 ). A spring  46  positioned coaxially around each plunger  40  is retained at one end by the shoulder  44  and at the opposite end by the upper surface  35   a  of the manifold  34 . As will be described below, each spring  46  serves as means for automatically returning a respective plunger  40  from the second position to the first position upon removal of a downwardly directed force applied to the plunger second end  40   b.    
     A flexible cup  48  is secured to the first end  40   a  of each plunger  40 , via an aperture  50  in each flexible cup  48 , as illustrated in FIG.  4 . Each flexible cup  48 , thus, is in communication with an internal bore  42  of a plunger  40  to which the flexible cup  48  is secured. Accordingly, as will be described below, vacuum can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via an internal bore  42  of a plunger  40  to which the flexible cup  48  is secured. Exemplary flexible cups  48  are available from Diamond Automation, Farmington Hill, Mich. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 4, a pneumatically-operated piston  52 , which serves as means for moving each plunger from the first position to the second position, is positioned above each plunger  40 . Each piston  52 , when activated via a respective pneumatic cylinder  54 , is configured to apply a downwardly directed force to a respective plunger second end  40   b  so as to move the plunger  40  downward within a respective plunger bore  38 . In the illustrated embodiment, each pneumatic cylinder  54  is secured to a plate  56  extending between the side walls  32   a,    32   b  of the frame  32 . However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Furthermore, it is understood that each piston  52  may be actuated in various ways, including but not limited to, mechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, and electrical actuators. Exemplary pneumatically-operated pistons  52  are available from Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 4, when a plunger  40  is in the first position, the second port  42   b  in a medial portion  43  of the plunger  40  is not in communication with a respective internal passageway  36 . When a plunger  40  is moved from the first position to the second position via a respective piston  52 , the second port  42   b,  and thus the plunger internal bore  42 , is in communication with a respective internal passageway  36 . When vacuum is provided within the internal passageway  36 , vacuum is supplied to a flexible cup  48  via the internal bore  42 . Accordingly, when a plunger  40  is moved from the first position to the second position the flexible cup  48  secured to the plunger first end  40   a  is configured to engage an egg  14  and via suction retain an egg  14  in seated relation therewith. The amount of vacuum supplied to each cup  48  is preferably sufficient to lift an egg  14  and transfer the egg  14  to another location. 
     To release an egg  14 , positive air pressure can be applied to the internal passageways  36  while a plunger  40  is maintained in the second position. An external valve (not illustrated) may be utilized to provide the internal passageways  36  with positive air pressure. Alternatively, a plungers  40  can be returned to the first position whereupon vacuum is destroyed because the plunger internal bore  42 , and thus the flexible cup  48 , is exposed to atmospheric pressure. 
     In FIG. 4, the plungers  40  positioned directly above eggs  14   a,    14   b,    14   c,    14   e  and  14   f  are maintained in the first position via respective springs  46 . The plunger  40  directly above egg  14   d  has been moved to the second position via the piston  52 , as illustrated. In the second position, the plunger second aperture  42   b  is in communication with an internal passageway  36 , which is maintained under vacuum, and the flexible cup  48  has moved downwardly to engage egg  14   d.    
     Referring back to FIG. 3, the egg removal apparatus  30  is illustrated with the egg  14   d  being lifted from the egg flat  10  (i.e., the first location) via the middle flexible cup  48  and plunger  40  which have been moved to the second position. The egg removal apparatus  30  is translated to a second location overlying a ramp  13  that leads to a receptacle  11 , whereupon the egg  14   d  is released from the flexible cup  48 . As described above, the egg  14   d  may be released by either introducing positive air pressure into the internal passageways  36  while the plunger  40  is maintained in the second position, or by returning the plunger  40  to the first position. 
     The present invention is advantageous because the manifold  34 , along with plungers  40  and flexible cups  48 , can be easily removed from the supporting frame  32  and placed within a bath as a unit for cleaning. Furthermore, the internal passageways and plunger bores are configured to permit cleaning fluid to move effectively therethrough. 
     The present invention may be utilized for removing selected eggs from an egg flat. For example, clear eggs, identified via a clear egg identification system, may be selectively removed from an egg flat via an egg removal apparatus according to the present invention. An exemplary clear egg identification system is described in co-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,228 to Hebrank et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     FIG. 7 illustrates a clear egg identification system  60  used in conjunction with an egg removal device  30 , according to the present invention. The illustrated clear egg identification system  60  includes a plurality of light sources  61  positioned on one side of the egg flat  10  and a corresponding plurality of light detectors  62  positioned on the other side of the egg flat  10  opposite the light sources  61 . The light detectors  62  are configured to identify clear eggs based upon an amount of light from a respective light source  61  that passes through an egg  14 . 
     It is understood that the positions of the illustrated light sources  61  and light detectors  62  are not critical and may be reversed. In addition, a light source  61  and light detector  62  may be placed in different orientations, so long as light from a light source  61  can pass through an egg  14  to a light detector  62 . 
     In addition, other devices for detecting clear eggs, as well as eggs with other characteristics, can be utilized with the present invention. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,955,728 and 4,914,672, both to Hebrank, describe a candling apparatus that uses infrared detectors and the infrared radiation emitted from an egg to distinguish live from, infertile eggs. U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,652 to van Asselt et al. describes a candling apparatus in which a plurality of light sources and corresponding light detectors are mounted in an array, and the eggs passed on a flat between the light sources and the light detectors. 
     Eggs that are in a “stuck” condition within an egg flat may require more force to remove than can be provided via the “pull” of a flexible cup under vacuum. According to another aspect of the present invention, a member  63 , such as a pneumatic bellows or piston, may utilized as means for dislodging an egg  14 , as illustrated in FIG.  7 . The illustrated member  63  is configured to apply an upwardly directed force on an egg to release the egg  14  from a stuck condition. This upwardly directed force may be applied separately or in combination with the pull of a flexible cup  48  under vacuum. Various devices for applying an upwardly directed force to an egg to release the egg from a stuck condition may be utilized. 
     Referring now to FIG. 8, a removable manifold  34  according to another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated manifold  34  includes opposite upper and lower surfaces  35   a,    35   b  and first and second sets of internal passageways  65 ,  66 . A plurality of plunger bores  38  extend from the upper surface  35   a  to the lower surface  35   b.  Each plunger bore  38  is in communication with one of the first and second internal passageways  65 ,  66 . Positive air pressure is maintained within the first set of internal passageways  65 . Vacuum is maintained within the second set of internal passageways  66 . 
     Each plunger bore  38  is configured to receive a respective elongated plunger  40  therewithin. Each plunger  40  includes opposite first and second ends  40   a,    40   b  and an axially-extending internal bore  42 . The internal bore  42  terminates at a first port  42   a  in the plunger first end  40   a  and at an opposite second port  42   b  in a medial portion  43  of the plunger  40  between the first and second ends  40   a,    40   b,  as described above. 
     Each plunger  40  is supported for reciprocal movement between a first and second position in a respective plunger bore  38  via a spring  46 , as described above. In the first position, the second port  42   b  of each plunger  40  is in communication with a respective one of the first set of internal passageways  65 . In the second position, the second port  42   b  of each plunger  40  is in communication with a respective one of the second set of internal passageways  65 . 
     A flexible cup  48  is secured to the first end  40   a  of each plunger  40 , via aperture  50 , as illustrated. Each flexible cup  48  is in communication with an internal bore  42  of a plunger  40  to which the flexible cup  48  is secured. Accordingly, positive air pressure can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via internal bore  42  when the plunger  40  is in the first position. Similarly, vacuum can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via internal bore  42  when the plunger  40  is in the second position. 
     In FIG. 8, the plungers  40  positioned directly above eggs  14   a,    14   b,    14   c,    14   e  and  14   f  are maintained in the first position via respective springs  46 . The plunger  40  directly above egg  14   d  has been moved to the second position such that the second aperture  42   b  is in communication with one of the second set of internal passageways  66  and the flexible cup  48  is in contact with the egg  14   d.  The flexible cup  48  retains the egg  14   d  in seated relation therewith because of the vacuum provided to the flexible cup  48  via the internal bore  42 . The amount of vacuum supplied to the flexible cup  48  is sufficient to lift the egg  14   d  and transfer the egg  14   d  to another location. To release the egg  14   d  from the flexible cup  48 , the plunger  40  is moved to the first position so that positive air pressure is introduced into the flexible cup  48  via the internal bore  42 , which is now in communication with one of the first set of internal passageways  65 . Accordingly, vacuum within the flexible cup is destroyed and the egg  14   d  is released. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an apparatus  70  for removing eggs  14  from an egg flat  10  includes a frame  72  and a manifold  74  removably secured to the frame  72 . The frame  72  is movable from a first location overlying an egg flat  10  to a second location overlying an area adjacent the egg flat, as illustrated. When the frame  72  is in the first location, eggs  14  from an egg flat  10  are picked up under vacuum via a plurality of flexible cups  48 . When the frame  72  is in the second location, the eggs  14  are released from the plurality of flexible cups  48 . 
     The removable manifold  74  includes opposite upper and lower surfaces  74   a ,  74   b  and a plurality of internal passageways  76 , as illustrated in FIGS. 11-13. Each one of the internal passageways  76  includes a plurality of ports  78  that extend to the manifold second surface  74   b.  Each of these ports  78  is configured to receive a respective first nozzle  80  (FIG. 10) therein. A second nozzle  79  (FIG. 12) extends from the upper surface  74   a  and is in fluid communication with the plurality of internal passageways  76 . 
     A flexible cup  48  is secured to each respective first nozzle  80  such that each flexible cup  48  is in communication with a respective one of the internal passageways  76 . Each flexible cup  48  is configured to engage and retain an egg in seated relation therewith when the frame  72  is in the first position and when vacuum is supplied within the internal passageways via a conduit  84  that establishes fluid communication between a vacuum source  86  and the manifold second nozzle  79 . When the frame  72  is moved to the second location, eggs  14  can be released from the plurality of flexible cups  48  by destroying the vacuum within each flexible cup  48 . Vacuum can be destroyed by introducing positive air pressure within the internal passageways  76  via the conduit  84  that is in fluid communication with an air source  86 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an apparatus  130  for removing eggs  14  from an egg flat  10  that is moving in a substantially horizontal direction (indicated by arrow  131 ) includes a frame  32  and a manifold  34  removably secured to the frame  32 . A receptacle  133  is positioned above the egg flat  10  and adjacent the frame  32 , as illustrated. The receptacle  133  may be a ramp that leads to an egg is disposal area. Alternatively, the receptacle  133  may include a conveyor belt for transporting eggs removed from an egg flat to another location. 
     The illustrated manifold  34  is similar to that described with respect to FIG.  8 . The illustrated manifold  34  includes opposite upper and lower surfaces  35   a,    35   b  and first and second sets of internal passageways  65 ,  66 . A plurality of plunger bores  38  extend from the upper surface  35   a  to the lower surface  35   b.  Each plunger bore  38  is in communication with one of the first and second internal passageways  65 ,  66 . Positive air pressure is maintained within the first set of internal passageways  65 . Vacuum is maintained within the second set of internal passageways  66 . 
     Each plunger bore  38  is configured to receive a respective elongated plunger  40  therewithin. Each plunger  40  includes opposite first and second ends  40   a ,  40   b  and an axially-extending internal bore  42  (illustrated in detail in FIG.  6 ). The internal bore  42  terminates at a first port  42   a  in the plunger first end  40   a  and at an opposite second port  42   b  in a medial portion  43  of the plunger  40  between the first and second ends  40   a,    40   b,  as described above. 
     Each plunger  40  is supported for reciprocal movement between a first and second position in a respective plunger bore  38 . In the first position, the second port  42   b  of each plunger  40  is in communication with a respective one of the first set of internal passageways  65 . In the second position, the second port  42   b  of each plunger  40  is in communication with a respective one of the second set of internal passageways  65 . 
     A flexible cup  48  is secured to the first end  40   a  of each plunger  40 , via aperture  50 , as illustrated. Each flexible cup  48  is in communication with an internal bore  42  of a plunger  40  to which the flexible cup  48  is secured. Accordingly, positive air pressure can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via internal bore  42  (FIG. 6) when the plunger  40  is in the first position. Similarly, vacuum can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via internal bore  42  when the plunger  40  is in the second position. 
     The illustrated egg removal apparatus  130  includes a source or supply of pressurized air  140 , which is configured to maintain a substantially constant air pressure. A set of air lines  142  extend from the pressurized air supply  140 . Each of the air lines preferably includes a nozzle  144  that is positioned adjacent a respective egg  14  retained in seated relation with a respective flexible cup  48 . Preferably, each nozzle  144  is positioned between about one-quarter inch (0.25″) and about three inches (3.0″) from a respective egg  14  and indicated as D in FIG.  14 . 
     According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each air line  142  in the set is formed from tubing (e.g., stainless steel tubing, or copper tubing) having an inner diameter of between about 0.1875 inches and about 0.5 inches. Each nozzle  144  is preferably a one-eighth inch (⅛″) NPT (National Pipe Thread) fitting (Eldon James, Loveland, Colo.). In the illustrated embodiment, each nozzle  144  has an end portion  144   a  with a generally straight configuration. However, it is to be understood that the nozzles  144  may each have end portions  144   a  with various configurations, such as a diverging configuration. 
     The air supply  140  preferably is a tank having a volume of between about five (5) gallons and about twenty (20) gallons to ensure that pressure is maintained substantially constant during the period of time that air is applied to an egg to eject the egg into the receptacle. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 14, each nozzle  144  may be oriented along a direction that is substantially transverse to the horizontal direction  131  of the moving egg flat  10 . Each air line  142  also preferably includes a valve  146  located between a respective nozzle  144  and the air supply  140 . Each valve  146  serves as means for controlling a stream of air from the pressurized air supply  140  through a nozzle  144  for a predetermined period of time. A particularly preferred valve for controlling a stream of air from the pressurized air supply  140  through a nozzle  144  is a 0.5 inch poppet valve manufactured by Spartan Scientific, Youngstown, Ohio. However, it is understood that the present invention is not limited to the use of poppet valves. Various types of valves may be utilized in carrying out the present invention. 
     Referring to FIGS. 16-19, removal of an egg from a moving egg flat via the apparatus of FIGS. 14-15 will now be described. In FIG. 16, an egg flat  10  containing a plurality of eggs  14  is moving along a horizontal direction  131 . In FIG. 17, the egg flat  10  (either stationary or moving) is located such that a flexible cup  48  is positioned above egg  14   e.  As illustrated, the plunger  40  is moved downwardly via actuator  52  so that the flexible cup  48  contacts the egg  14   e.  The second port  42   b  in the plunger  40  is in communication with the second internal passageway  66 . As described above, the second internal passageway  66  is under vacuum. Accordingly, as described above, vacuum is provided into the flexible cup  48  via the plunger internal bore  42  to maintain the egg  14   e  in seated relation therewith. 
     In FIG. 18, the plunger  40  is moved upwardly towards the first position. When the second port  42   b  in the plunger establishes communication with the manifold first internal passageway  65 , vacuum within the flexible cup  48  is destroyed (as described above) and the egg  14   e  is released from the flexible cup. At about the same time that the second port  42   b  establishes communication with the manifold first internal passageway  65 , a horizontal stream of air is applied to the egg  14   e  to propel the egg  14   e  into the receptacle  133 , as illustrated in FIG.  19 . Preferably, a stream of air has a duration of between about 50 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 20-21, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an apparatus  230  for removing eggs  14  from an egg flat  10  that is moving (preferably continuously) in a substantially horizontal direction (indicated by arrow  131 ) includes a plurality of manifold blocks  232 , each positioned above a respective egg  14  in the egg flat  10  and each supported for reciprocal movement between first and second positions. 
     A receptacle  133  is positioned above the egg flat  10  and adjacent the manifold blocks  232 , as illustrated. The receptacle  133  may be a ramp that leads to an egg disposal area. Alternatively, the receptacle  133  may include a conveyor belt for transporting eggs removed from an egg flat to another location. 
     Each illustrated manifold block  232  includes opposite upper and lower surfaces  232   a,    232   b  and an internal passageway  235  that terminates at a first nozzle  236  extending from the lower surface  232   b  and an opposite second nozzle  237  extending from a side surface  232   c  thereof. 
     A flexible cup  48  is secured to a first nozzle  236  extending from each manifold block  232 , as illustrated. Each flexible cup  48  is in communication with the internal passageway  235  within a respective manifold block  232 . Accordingly, positive air pressure can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via the internal passageway  235  and vacuum can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via the internal passageway  235 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a source or supply of vacuum  240  provides vacuum to each manifold block  232  via the second nozzle  237 . Similarly, a source or supply of pressurized air  250  provides pressurized air to each manifold block  232  via the second nozzle  237 . In the illustrated configuration, a vacuum line  242  extends between the vacuum source  240  and each valve  244 . However, individual vacuum generators may also be used to supply vacuum to each valve  244 . An air/vacuum line  246  extends between each valve  244  and the second nozzle  232  of each manifold block  232 . Similarly, an air line  248  extends between the pressurized air source  250  and each valve  244 . An exemplary valve  244  includes model VQ21A1-5G-C8 solenoid driven valves by SMC Pneumatics, Inc.,  3011  North Franklin Road, Indianapolis, Ind. 
     In operation, each valve  244  is configured to provide vacuum to the internal passageway  235  of each manifold block  232  when each manifold block is in the second position such that a respective egg  14  can be retained in seated relation therewith as described above. Each valve  244  is also configured to provide pressurized air to the internal passageway  235  of each manifold block  232  when each manifold block is in the first position such that an egg  14  can be released as described above. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, a pneumatically-operated piston  52 , which serves as means for moving each respective manifold block  232  from the first position to the second position, is positioned above each manifold block upper surface  232   a.  Each piston  52 , when activated via a respective pneumatic cylinder  54 , is configured to apply a downwardly directed force to the upper surface  232   a  of a respective manifold block  232  so as to move the manifold block  232  downward towards an egg  14  so that the egg can be engaged by a flexible cup  48  as described above. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. Furthermore, it is understood that each piston  52  may be actuated in various ways, including but not limited to, mechanical actuators, hydraulic actuators, and electrical actuators. 
     It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated manifold block  232 . Various configurations may be utilized without departing from the spirit and intent of the present invention. For example, various types of pipe/tubing connectors and/or fittings known to those of skill in the art can be utilized to perform the function of the manifold block  232 . 
     The illustrated egg removal apparatus  230  also includes a source or supply of pressurized air  140 , which is configured to maintain a substantially constant air pressure. A set of air lines  142  extend from the pressurized air supply  140 . Each of the air lines preferably includes a nozzle  144  that is positioned adjacent a respective egg  14  retained in seated relation with a respective flexible cup  48 . Preferably, each nozzle  144  is positioned between about one-quarter inch (0.25″) and about three inches (3.0″) from a respective egg  14  and indicated as D in FIG.  20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each nozzle  144  has an end portion  144   a  with a generally straight configuration. However, it is to be understood that the nozzles  144  may each have end portions  144   a  with various configurations, such as a diverging configuration. Exemplary nozzles  144  include 1009SS ⅛″ NPT stainless steel adjustable nozzles from EXAIR, Inc., 1250 Century Circle North, Cincinnati, Ohio. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 20, each nozzle  144  may be oriented along a direction that is substantially transverse to the horizontal direction  131  of the moving egg flat  10 . However, each nozzle  144  may also be oriented along a direction that is substantially parallel with the horizontal direction  131  of the moving egg flat  10 . Each air line  142  also preferably includes a valve  146  located between a respective nozzle  144  and the air supply  140 . Each valve  146  serves as means for controlling a stream of air from the pressurized air supply  140  through a nozzle  144  for a predetermined period of time. Each valve  146  is preferably an electrically actuated valve. 
     Operational steps of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 20 and 21 are similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 14-19. An egg flat  10  containing a plurality of eggs  14  continuously moving along a horizontal direction  131  such that when a flexible cup  48  is positioned above egg  14   e  the manifold block  232  is moved downwardly via actuator  52  so that the flexible cup  48  contacts the egg  14   e  while the internal passageway  235  is under vacuum. Accordingly, as described above, vacuum is provided into the flexible cup  48  to maintain the egg  14   e  in seated relation therewith. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 21, the manifold block  232  is moved upwardly towards the first position in the direction of (i.e., towards) the actuator. Vacuum within the flexible cup  48  is destroyed (as described above) and the egg  14   e  is released from the flexible cup  48 . At about the same time that the egg  14   e  is released from the flexible cup  48 , a horizontal stream of air is applied to the egg  14   e  to propel the egg  14   e  into the receptacle  133 . Preferably, a stream of air has a duration of between about 50 milliseconds and about 300 milliseconds. 
     Referring now to FIG. 22, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, an apparatus  230  for removing eggs  14  from an egg flat  10  that is moving in a substantially horizontal direction (indicated by arrow  131 ) includes a plurality of actuators  352 , each positioned above a respective egg  14  in the egg flat  10  and each supported for reciprocal movement between first and second positions. Each actuator  352  may be a pneumatically-operated piston as described above. 
     A receptacle  133  is positioned above the egg flat  10  and adjacent the actuators  352 , as illustrated. Each illustrated actuator  352  includes opposite upper and lower end portions  352   a,    352   b  and an internal passageway  235  that-terminates at a first nozzle  236  extending from the lower end portion  352   b.    
     A flexible cup  48  is secured to the first nozzle  236  extending from each actuator  352 , as illustrated. Each flexible cup  48  is in communication with the internal passageway  235  within a respective actuator  352 . Accordingly, positive air pressure can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via the internal passageway  235  and vacuum can be provided to each flexible cup  48  via the internal passageway  235  as described above. In the illustrated embodiment, vacuum and positive air pressure is provided into the internal passageway  235  via a second nozzle  237  that extends from an intermediate portion  352   c  of the actuator  352 . 
     Operational steps of the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 22 are similar to those described above with respect to FIGS. 14-19. 
     The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.