Patent Publication Number: US-10772305-B2

Title: Poultry and game bird egg incubator

Description:
FIELD 
     The field of the disclosure relates generally to poultry and game bird egg incubators and, more specifically, a compact egg incubator for small farms or residential bird hatching. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many poultry or game bird farmers utilize an egg incubator to hatch their birds. Incubators generally provide a controlled climate and environment for producing healthy poultry and game birds. 
     Climate is typically controlled in terms of temperature and humidity for a given species of bird. Improper or inconsistent temperature or humidity may result in damage to the eggs, embryos, or the birds once they hatch. For example, excessive temperature or insufficient humidity may damage the embryos. Further, an incubator allows the eggs to rest undisturbed other than, in certain incubators, to periodically turn the eggs. For example, chickens periodically roll their eggs to prevent the embryos from sticking to the shell of the egg. Some incubators turn the eggs periodically to mimic this behavior for at least a portion of the incubation period, and usually up to a certain amount, or predetermined period, of time before an expected hatch. 
     Conventional small low-cost incubators are typically Styrofoam or molded plastic and utilize a simple electric heat source and a water tray to provide humidity. Such a heat source may be controlled by a thermostat, and the water tray must be accessed within the incubator and refilled manually to produce an imprecise humidity level within the incubator, where too little water yields too little humidity, and too much water yields excessive humidity. Such water trays are further disadvantageous because the incubator must be opened each time to gain access to the water tray. More advanced, i.e., more costly, incubators may include a “humidity pump,” or an external humidity source that injects moist air into the incubator. Basic incubators generally do not include a mechanism for turning the eggs, which leaves the user with turning the eggs manually. Again, more costly incubators may include an automatic egg turning mechanism. For example, certain known incubators include a tray onto which one or more eggs are placed, and the tray periodically tilts the eggs in alternating directions. In another example, the tray includes a set of motorized rolling pins onto which the eggs are placed, and the rolling pins periodically rotate to roll the eggs. In either case, with such automated egg turning mechanisms, the eggs should be removed from the mechanism a certain amount of time before hatch to allow the bird to position itself for hatching. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
     One aspect of the incubator described herein includes a base assembly, a window, and a lid assembly. The base assembly including a base tray configured to support a plurality of eggs, a water trough beneath the base tray and configured to retain a quantity of water, and a motorized egg turner configured to periodically turn the plurality of eggs. The window is removably coupled to the base assembly. The lid assembly is coupled to the window. The base assembly, window, and the lid assembly enclose a main incubation chamber sized to hold a plurality of eggs therein. The lid assembly includes a heating element configured to heat the main incubation chamber to a desired temperature, and a circulating fan configured to generate an airflow over the heating element. 
     One aspect of the motorized egg turner described herein includes a base tray, an egg turner wheel, and an electric motor. The base tray is sized to receive a plurality of eggs thereon. The egg turner wheel is axially-spaced from the base tray. The egg turner wheel includes a hub having a shaft aperture defined therein, a first ring concentric with the hub, and a first plurality of spokes extending radially from the hub to the first ring and defining a first plurality of compartments sized to respectively receive the plurality of eggs therein. The electric motor includes a drive shaft extending axially through the shaft aperture of the hub. The electric motor is configured to rotate the drive shaft and the egg turner wheel with respect to the base tray, and is further configured to cause the first plurality of spokes to engage the plurality of eggs to turn the plurality of eggs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of an egg incubator; 
         FIG. 1B  is an exploded diagram of the egg incubator shown in 
         FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram of a base assembly of the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 3A  is a top perspective diagram of one embodiment of a motorized egg turner of the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a bottom perspective diagram of the motorized egg turner shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is an exploded diagram of the motorized egg turner shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of an electric motor for use in the motorized egg turner shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C ; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective diagram of a base tray for use in the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , and the egg turner wheel shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C ; 
         FIG. 5B  is an exploded diagram of the base tray and the egg turner wheel shown in  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of water troughs integrated into a base of the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 6B  is an exploded diagram of the base and bottom tray shown in  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a window for the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a top perspective diagram of one embodiment of a lid assembly of the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a bottom perspective diagram of the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  is a side perspective diagram of the lid assembly shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B ; 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective diagram of a lid for the lid assembly shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C ; 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective diagram of a bottom air deflector for the lid assembly shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C ; 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective diagram of the bottom air deflector shown in  FIG. 10A  and a top air deflector for the lid assembly shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C; 
         FIG. 10C  is a top perspective diagram of the top air deflector shown in  FIG. 10B ; 
         FIG. 10D  is a bottom perspective diagram of the top air deflector shown in  FIG. 10B ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a humidity adjustment knob for the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of a heating element bracket for the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B ; and 
         FIG. 13  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a control panel for the egg incubator shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the egg incubators described herein include a low-cost molded plastic incubator having an automatic temperature and humidity control. Temperature is monitored by a thermostat and heat is provided by an electric heating element. Humidity is provided by one or more water troughs integrated into a base of the incubator and refillable by an external water port that enables filling without opening the main chamber of the incubator. Humidity is further controlled by use of two or more water troughs that can be filled independently via respective external water ports. Humidity is further controlled by a humidity adjustment knob that provides finer control. Certain embodiments of the egg incubators described herein provide an automatic egg turner. The egg turner includes a motorized egg turner wheel that is low-profile and removable from the incubator without handling the eggs themselves. Removal of the motorized egg turner wheel disables turning of the eggs and also enables easy cleaning of the egg turner disc. Embodiments of the egg turner described herein further enable eggs to be turned while lying in a flat position that improves heat distribution and avoids hot spots and cold spots that may occur when the eggs sit on-end or tilted in conventional egg turning trays, i.e., putting one end nearer a heating element, which ultimately can affect hatch rate. Certain embodiments of the egg incubators described herein provide a clear window providing up to 360 degrees of visibility around the incubator. Certain embodiments of the egg incubators described herein provide an egg candler integrated into the egg incubator. For example, in one embodiment, an egg candler is integrated into a lid assembly of the incubator, enabling embryo verification without an extra piece of equipment. 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of an egg incubator  100 .  FIG. 1B  is an exploded diagram of egg incubator  100 , shown in  FIG. 1A . Egg incubator  100  includes a base assembly  102 , a window  104 , and a lid assembly  106 .  FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram of base assembly  102  of egg incubator  100 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . Base assembly  102  includes a motorized egg turner  108 , a base tray  110 , a base  112 , and a bottom tray  114 . Motorized egg turner  108  includes an electric motor  116  and an egg turner wheel  118 . Lid assembly  106  includes a lid  120 , a top air deflector  122 , a bottom air deflector  124 , a humidity adjustment knob  126 , and a heating element bracket  128 . Lid assembly  106  includes an egg candler  130  and a control panel  132  integrated into a top surface  134  of lid  120 . Lid  120  includes a power port  136  that receives a power input connector such as, for example, a direct current (DC) power connector or an alternating current (AC) power connector (not shown). 
     Egg incubator  100  defines a main incubator chamber  138  within which a plurality of eggs may be placed for incubation. Eggs rest on base tray  110 , beneath which water at least partially fills base  112  for providing humidity to main incubator chamber  138 . Water is supplied to base  112  via a first water port  140  and a second water port  142 . Humidity is further controlled by humidity adjustment knob  126 , which operates by adjusting the size of the vent through which moisture may escape main incubator chamber  138 . 
     Main incubator chamber  138  is supplied heat by an electric heating element  148  that couples, for example, to heating element bracket  128 . The heating element may include, for example, a length of wire that emits heat when supplied a current. Current supplied to the heating element  148  is regulated by control panel  132 . Control panel  132  includes a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures a temperature of main incubator chamber  138  and compares the measurement to a desired temperature, or temperature set point. The temperature set point is manually entered by a user through control panel  132  and stored in a memory. Control panel  132  includes a processor (not shown) programmed to function as a thermostat to control the heating element  148 . For example, when the measured temperature falls below the temperature set point, the processor energizes the heating element  148  for a period of time or until the measured temperature rises above the temperature set point. In certain embodiments, the heating element  148  is energized for limited periods of time. For example, in one embodiment, the heating element  148  may be limited to five minute periods of operation to minimize stress on the heating element  148  and its power circuit. In alternative embodiments, the time period may be longer or shorter depending on the implementation and the heating element&#39;s tolerance for continuous operation. 
     In certain embodiments, the temperature set point may include a hysteresis such that the measured temperature must fall some number of degrees below the temperature set point before the processor energizes the heating element, and the measured temperature must rise some number of degrees above the temperature set point before the processor de-energizes the heating element. For example, in one embodiment, where the temperature set point is 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F), the heating element is not energized until the measured temperature falls below 99.0 degrees F., and the heating element is not de-energized until the measured temperature rises above 100.0 degrees F. 
     Heated air is supplied to main incubator chamber  138  by a circulating fan  144 . Circulating fan  144  draws air from main incubator chamber  138  through an inlet (not shown), across the heating element, and out through outlet vents  146 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a top perspective diagram of motorized egg turner  108  of egg incubator  100 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 3B  is a bottom perspective diagram of motorized egg turner  108 , shown in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3C  is an exploded diagram of motorized egg turner  108 , shown in  FIG. 3A . Motorized egg turner  108  includes egg turner wheel  118 , axially-spaced from base tray  110 , and electric motor  116 . Electric motor  116  includes a drive shaft  302  keyed to mate a shaft aperture  304  in a hub  306  of egg turner wheel  118 . Egg turner wheel  118  is a wheel fabricated of, for example, plastic or other light-weight and low-cost material. Hub  306  engages drive shaft  302  and, in certain embodiments, rests freely without any fastener securing egg turner wheel  118  to drive shaft  302 , thereby enabling easy removal of egg turner wheel  118  from drive shaft  302  and egg incubator  100  at an appropriate time during incubation. In alternative embodiments, egg turner wheel  118  may be fastened to drive shaft  302  by any suitable fastener, such as, for example, a set screw. 
     Egg turner wheel  118  includes an inner ring  308  and an outer ring  310 . Outer ring  310  is concentric with inner ring  308 , and is spaced radially outward from inner ring  308 . Egg turner wheel  118  further includes spokes  312 , or radial spokes, extending radially from inner ring  308  to outer ring  310 , and spokes  314 , or radial spokes, extending radially from hub  306  to inner ring  308 . Spokes  312  are circumferentially-spaced from adjacent ones of spokes  312 , and spokes  314  are circumferentially-spaced from adjacent ones of spokes  314 . Together, spokes  312 , inner ring  308 , and outer ring  310  define compartments  316  and  318  within which respective eggs rest. 
     Each of spokes  312  includes a radial member  320 , a first diverging member  322 , and a second diverging member  324 . Radial member  320  extends from hub  306  toward inner ring  308  to define a portion of a boundary between a first compartment  326  and a second compartment  328 , of compartments  318 , where first compartment  326  and second compartment  328  are adjacent. In certain embodiments, radial member  320  extends all the way to inner ring  308 . In other embodiments, radial member  320  extends only partially toward inner ring  308 . 
     First diverging member  322  extends from radial member  320  at an intermediate position  330  between hub  306  and inner ring  308 . First diverging member  322  extends obliquely from radial member  320  to inner ring  308  to define a portion of a boundary of first compartment  326 . Second diverging member  324  extends obliquely from radial member  320  at intermediate position  330  to inner ring  308  to define a portion of a boundary of second compartment  328 . For adjacent spokes  312 , a first diverging member  322  of a first spoke  312  that defines a first portion of the boundary of first compartment  326 , is parallel to a second diverging member  324  of a second spoke  312  that defines a second portion of the boundary of first compartment  326 . 
     When egg turner wheel  118  is turned by electric motor  116 , spokes  312  and  314  engage their respective eggs to turn the eggs. Spokes  312  and  314  are low-profile so as to not consume excessive amounts of space within main incubation chamber  138 , but are of sufficient height to properly engage the eggs to turn the eggs. For example, spokes  312  and  314 , in one embodiment are approximately 10 millimeters (mm) tall. In alternative embodiments, spokes  312  and  314  may have a height in the range of 5 mm to 40 mm depending on the species of bird for which eggs are being incubated. For example, larger eggs may require spokes  312  and  314  to be taller to properly engage the eggs. Likewise, spokes  312  and  314  may be smaller for engaging smaller eggs. Advantageously, spokes  312  and  314  enable the eggs to lay flat for turning, as opposed to on-end in conventional egg turners. When the eggs lay flat, they will turn approximately on their longitudinal axis, i.e., the axis extending from end to end. At least some known conventional egg turners hold the eggs on-end in a cradle that periodically tilts to turn the egg. Such turning is approximately about an axis that is normal to the longitudinal axis of the eggs. Turning the eggs while flat, i.e., on their longitudinal axis, results in more-even heating and avoids the development of hot and cold spots within the egg that can affect hatch rate. Such hot and cold spots may occur in conventional egg incubators that utilize single-point heat sources, e.g., heat lamps, and egg turners that hold eggs on-end, because the bottom end of the egg in the cradle, while it does periodically move closer to the heat source, is always further from the heat source than the top end. 
     Together, spokes  314 , hub  306 , and inner ring  308  define compartments  318  within which respective eggs rest. Inner ring  308 , outer ring  310 , spokes  312 , and spokes  314  are dimensioned such that compartments  316  and  318  are large enough for an egg to pass through, thereby enabling removal of egg turner wheel  118  from egg incubator  100  without having to handle eggs. Accordingly, the dimensions of compartments  316  and  318  may vary for each species of bird for which eggs are being incubated. By allowing eggs to pass through compartments  316  and  318 , manual handling of eggs during incubation is reduced, thereby reducing time required to remove egg turner wheel  118  and reducing the risk of cracking eggs. Conversely, conventional egg turners are more complex and costly, utilizing cradles that rock in alternating directions to turn the eggs. When egg turning is to cease, such conventional egg turners then require a user to manually move eggs from the cradles which is time consuming and risks damaging the eggs. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of electric motor  116  for use in motorized egg turner  108  shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C . Electric motor  116  includes drive shaft  302  that is keyed to mate shaft aperture  304 . Electric motor  116  may be any suitable motor for turning egg turner wheel  118 , including, for example, a DC stepper motor. Electric motor  116  is controlled by control panel  132 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . More specifically, the processor (not shown) controls one or more switches to couple and decouple power from stator windings of electric motor  116 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective diagram of base tray  110  for use in egg incubator  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , and egg turner wheel  118 , shown in  FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C .  FIG. 5B  is an exploded diagram of base tray  110  and egg turner wheel  118 , shown in  FIG. 5A . Base tray  110  provides a surface on which eggs are placed for incubation within main incubator chamber  138 . Base tray  110  includes a radial lattice structure  502  defined by a plurality of concentric rings  504  and radial members  506 . In alternative embodiments, base tray  110  utilizes any suitable structure that enables sufficient airflow through base tray  110  and around eggs resting on base tray  110 . For example, in one alternative embodiment, base tray  110  utilizes a quadrilateral grid of voids to provide sufficient airflow. In other embodiments, base tray  110  may utilize dedicated portals for airflow with which incubating eggs do not interfere. 
       FIG. 6A  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of water troughs  602 ,  604 , and  606  integrated into base  112  of egg incubator  100 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 6B  is an exploded diagram of base  112  (shown in  FIG. 6A ) and a bottom tray  608 . Base  112  includes a housing  610  having an interior  612  and an exterior  614 . Interior  612  defines a lower boundary of main incubation chamber  138 . Water trough  602  is disposed on interior  612  of housing  610 , and covers a first portion of the total surface area of the lower boundary of main incubation chamber  138 . Likewise, water troughs  604  and  606  are disposed on interior  612  of housing  610 , and cover a second portion of the total surface area. The respective surface areas of water troughs  602 ,  604 , and  606  are related to the amount of moisture they can contribute to main incubation chamber  138  when main incubation chamber  138  is closed. 
     Water trough  602  is isolated from water troughs  604  and  606  by at least one side wall  616 . Water troughs  602 ,  604 , and  606  are further bound by additional side walls  618 . Water trough  602  is fluidly coupled to first water port  140 , and water trough  604  is fluidly coupled to second water port  142 . First water port  140  and second water port  142  are each coupled to exterior  614  of housing  610 . Side walls  616  and  618  generally have a height that enables water troughs  602 ,  604 , and  606  to retain a sufficient volume of water to both produce a desired humidity level and minimize, or at least reduce, the frequency of filling via water ports  140  and  142 . In certain embodiments, side walls  616  and  618  are at least 5 millimeters tall, while in other embodiments side walls  616  and  618  are at least 15 millimeters tall. The precise height of side walls  616  and  618  is generally limited by the overall size of base  112 . 
     Further, water trough  604  and water trough  606  are fluidly coupled, forming a single larger trough that is fillable through second water port  142 . Accordingly, water trough  602  is smaller in surface area than the combination of water troughs  604  and  606 . Water trough  602 , in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6A and 6B , is disposed approximately at the geometric center of interior  612  of housing  610 , and water troughs  604  and  606  are disposed around water trough  602 , generally surrounding water trough  602  aside from a channel  620  extending water trough  602  to first water port  140 . 
     Water trough  602  is independently fillable from water troughs  604  and  606  to enable control of humidity within main incubator chamber  138 . The amount of water in base  112  is directly related to the humidity level maintained within main incubator chamber  138 . Filling water trough  602  yields a certain humidity level within main incubator chamber  138 , while filling water troughs  604  and  606  yield another humidity level. A higher humidity level is achievable by filling all of water troughs  602 ,  604 , and  606 . Further, first water port  140  and second water port  142  enable filling of water troughs  602 ,  604 , and  606  from outside of egg incubator  100 . Conversely, in conventional incubators, the main incubator chamber would be opened to gain access to a water tray or other vessel for maintaining humidity. In such conventional incubators, opening the main incubator chamber results in temporary, but periodic, fluctuations in humidity and temperature that can negatively affect hatch rate. Further, in such conventional incubators, the amount of water being added is often imprecise and is difficult to achieve a precise humidity level. 
     Water trough  602  is dimensioned to generate, when filled, a first humidity level that is roughly sufficient for a first time segment of egg incubation. For example, for chicken eggs, water trough  602  produces a humidity level of approximately 55%, which is further adjustable by humidity adjustment knob  126 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . Such a humidity level is appropriate for a first time segment of egg incubation, which may be, for example, about 18 days. After the first time segment of egg incubation, humidity level is increased by filling water troughs  604  and  606  via second water port  142  to a second humidity level, such as, for example, 70%. The second humidity level is appropriate up through hatching of the eggs. Generally, the additional moisture in the ambient air enables easier hatch for the birds. 
     Control panel  132  includes a humidity sensor (not shown) that detects the humidity level, or humidity percentage, within main incubator chamber  138 . In certain embodiments, control panel  132  displays the measured humidity level and may initiate, for example, audible or visual alerts to a user that the humidity level is too high or too low for a given time during incubation. Such alerts may be initiated by transmission of an alert signal that may be received by an indicator, display, transducer (e.g., a speaker), or any other device suitable for conveying the alert to a user. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of window  104  for egg incubator  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . Window  104  is generally transparent, or clear, to enable easy viewing of incubating eggs and hatching birds. Window  104  may be fabricated of a clear plastic. In alternative embodiments, window  104  may be fabricated of glass, although such an implementation is less durable and adds weight to egg incubator  100 . In other alternative embodiments, window  104  may be fabricated of any other suitable material that minimizes obstructions to viewing incubating eggs and hatching birds. In certain embodiments, window  104  may exhibit a coloring or tint that still enables effective viewing of main incubator chamber  138 . 
     Window  104  includes a lower edge  702  that engages base assembly  102  and an upper edge  704  that engages lid assembly  106 . Window  104  may further include mounting points  706  for fastening window  104  to, for example, lid assembly  106 . In alternative embodiments, mounting points  706  may be adjacent lower edge  702  for fastening window  104  to base assembly  102  instead of lid assembly  106 . 
       FIG. 8A  is a top perspective diagram of one embodiment of lid assembly  106  of egg incubator  100 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B .  FIG. 8B  is a bottom perspective diagram of lid assembly  106 , shown in  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  is a side perspective diagram of lid assembly  106 , shown in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B . Lid assembly  106  includes lid  120 , top air deflector  122 , and bottom air deflector  124 . 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective diagram lid  120  for lid assembly  106 , shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C . Lid  120  includes power port  136  and egg candler  130  integrated into lid  120 . Lid  120  also includes control panel  132 . Control panel  132  includes displays  802  and  804 , buttons  806 , and indicators  808  and  810  for interacting with a user. Lid  120  includes an aperture  812  configured to receive humidity adjustment knob  126 . Humidity adjustment knob  126  achieves fine humidity control by adjusting the size of aperture  812  through which moist air may escape main incubator chamber  138 . 
       FIG. 10A  is a perspective diagram of bottom air deflector  124  for lid assembly  106 , shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C .  FIG. 10B  is a perspective diagram of bottom air deflector  124 , shown in  FIG. 10A , and top air deflector  122  for lid assembly  106 , shown in  FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C .  FIG. 10C  is a top perspective diagram of top air deflector  122 , shown in  FIG. 10B .  FIG. 10D  is a bottom perspective diagram of top air deflector  122 , shown in  FIG. 10B . 
     Top air deflector  122  and bottom air deflector  124  couple together to define a space in fluid communication with main incubator chamber  138  and within which circulating fan  144  and the heating element are disposed. Top air deflector  122  is primarily a solid plate having various apertures  1002 ,  1004 , and  1006 . Aperture  1002  enables a limited airflow that further enables fine control of humidity level within main incubator chamber  138 . Apertures  1004  are configured to receive fasteners for coupling heating element brackets  128  to top air deflector  122 . Apertures  1006  enable passage of electrical wiring for electrically coupling control panel  132  to circulating fan  144 , the heating element, and various sensors disposed in main incubator chamber  138 , such as, for example, a temperature sensor (not shown). Top air deflector  122  includes another aperture  1008  configured to receive a humidity sensor (not shown). 
     Bottom air deflector  124  includes outlet vents  146  and an inlet air vent  1010 . Circulating fan  144  is configured to be disposed in inlet air vent  1010  such that it draws air from main incubator chamber  138  into the space between top air deflector  122  and bottom air deflector  124  where it is heated, and then expelled out through outlet vents  146  into main incubator chamber  138 . Bottom air deflector  124  further includes receivers  1012  configured to receive heating element brackets  128 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of humidity adjustment knob  126  for egg incubator  100 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . Humidity adjustment knob  126  includes a handle  1102  coupled to a body  1104  that serves to regulate airflow through aperture  812 , which further provides fine control of humidity within main incubator chamber  138 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective diagram of one embodiment of heating element bracket  128  for egg incubator  100 , shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . Heating element bracket  128  includes a cylindrical body  1202  having one or more annular grooves  1204  configured to receive the heating element (not shown). The heating element may include, for example, a wire coil having one or more windings that respectively engage annular grooves  1204 . Heating element brackets  128  are configured to be received by receivers  1012  on bottom air deflector  124 . Heating element brackets  128  are further configured to receive a fastener through top air deflector  122  and, more specifically, through apertures  1004 . 
       FIG. 13  is a block diagram of one embodiment of a control panel  1300  for egg incubator  100  shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . Control panel  1300  includes a processor  1302  for operating egg incubator  100 . Control panel  1300  includes displays  1304  and  1306 , indicators  1308 , and buttons  1310 . Processor  1302  is programmed to control displays  1304  and  1306  to display, for example, measured temperature, temperature set point, humidity, and incubation time. In alternative embodiments, processor  1302  is further programmed to control displays  1304  and  1306  to display various other information related to incubation, including, for example, status of an egg turner  1312 , status of an egg candler  1314 , status of a circulating fan  1316 , or status of a heating element  1318 . In certain embodiments, processor  1302  is programmed to control indicators  1308  to convey such information regarding, for example, egg turner  1312 , egg candler  1314 , circulating fan  1316 , or heating element  1318 . In certain embodiments, processor  1302  is further programmed to generate an audible or visible alert regarding humidity level or temperature within main incubator chamber  138 . 
     Processor  1302  is programmed to receive inputs from buttons  1310 . Inputs received from buttons  1310  may include menu selections, display settings, and increment/decrement of control parameters such as temperature set point, days of incubation, or frequency of egg turning, for example. 
     Control panel  1300  is supplied DC power  1320  through a power port  1322 . In certain embodiments, for example, DC power  1320  is a 12 Volt DC supply. In alternative embodiments, control panel  1300  may be supplied AC power that is then converted to suitable frequency and voltage for use by processor  1302  and other components of control panel  1300 . Control panel  1300  includes a voltage regulator  1324  and power switching devices  1326  for regulating power supplied to various components of control panel  1300 . For example, voltage regulator  1324  converts DC power  1320  to a level suitable for digital electronics including, for example, processor  1302  and an LED  1328  of egg candler  1314 . In certain embodiments, voltage regulator  1324  converts DC power  1320  from, for example, 12 VDC to 5 VDC, or from 12 VDC to 3.3 VDC. Power switching devices  1326  control supply of DC power  1320  to other electrical components, including, for example, circulating fan  1316 , heating element  1318 , and an electric motor  1330  of egg turner  1312 . Power switching devices  1326  control the supply of DC power  1320  based on one or more power control signals  1332  generated by processor  1302  in response to one or more stimulus received at processor  1302 . Power switching devices  1326  may include one or more semiconductor switches such as, for example, power metal-oxide silicon field effect transistors (MOSFETs), insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), or other suitable semiconductor switches for switching power under load. In alternative embodiments, power switching devices  1326  may include electromechanical relays. 
     For example, processor  1302  enables supply of DC power  1320  to heating element  1318  when a measured temperature falls below a threshold temperature, such as a temperature set point. Control panel  1300  includes a temperature sensor  1334  that is disposed in the main incubation chamber of the egg incubator, such as, for example, main incubation chamber  138  of egg incubator  100 , both shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B . In certain embodiments, processor  1302  enables supply of DC power  1320  to circulating fan  1316  at any time that heating element  1318  is energized to ensure proper air circulation for heating the main incubation chamber. 
     Another example of stimulus is processor  1302  receives a measured humidity from a humidity sensor  1336  disposed in or near the main incubation chamber. If the measured humidity level is too far below or too far above a humidity set point, processor  1302 , in certain embodiments, may initiate an audible or visual alert to a user using, for example, displays  1304  or  1306 , or indicators  1308 . 
     Processor  1302  controls power switching devices  1326  to supply DC power  1320  to electric motor  1330  periodically to turn egg turner  1312 . For example, in one embodiment, electric motor  1330  may include a DC stepper motor and processor  1302  is programmed to periodically supply DC power  1320  to the DC stepper motor to increment its position, thereby turning egg turner  1312 . 
     Control panel  1300  includes a clock  1338  that generates a clock signal that is supplied to processor  1302  for use in controlling various components of control panel  1300 . For example, processor  1302  may utilize the clock signal to determine a time interval between engaging egg turner  1312 . Similarly, processor  1302  may utilize the clock signal to determine an interval between heating cycles of heating element  1318 , duration of heating cycles, or a duration of operation of circulating fan  1316 . 
     Control panel  1300  operates egg candler  1314  in response to actuation of one or more of buttons  1310 . In certain embodiments, for example, one of buttons  1310  is a dedicated button that couples and decouples LED  1328  of egg candler  1314  to a regulated voltage output of voltage regulator  1324 . In alternative embodiments, processor  1302  detects an actuation of one or more of buttons  1310  to enable egg candler  1314 . In response to the actuation, processor  1302  may transmit a control signal to a switching device, such as, for example, one or more MOSFETs to supply the regulated voltage to LED  1328 . In certain embodiments, the switching device is latched to a closed state with a single button actuation, and commutated to an opened state with a second button actuation. 
     The methods and systems described herein may be implemented using computer programming or engineering techniques including computer software, firmware, hardware, or any combination or subset thereof, wherein the technical effect may include at least one of: (a) reducing size and cost of an egg incubator with automatic heat control, humidity control, and egg turning; (b) enabling removal of the automatic egg turner without manual handling of eggs; (c) improving humidity control with independently filled water troughs; (d) reducing fluctuations in temperature and humidity by enabling filling of water troughs from one or more external water ports; (e) integrating an egg candling function into the egg incubator; (f) enabling turning of eggs lying flat; (g) automatic cessation of egg turning a predetermined period of time prior to hatch; (h) improving viewable space by incorporating a 360 degree clear window; and (i) further improving humidity control using a humidity adjustment knob for fine adjustments airflow from the egg incubator. 
     In the foregoing specification and the claims that follow, a number of terms are referenced that have the following meanings. 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to “example implementation” or “one implementation” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. 
     “Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not. 
     Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Here, and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. 
     Some embodiments involve the use of one or more electronic processing or computing devices. As used herein, the terms “processor” and “computer” and related terms, e.g., “processing device,” “computing device,” and “controller” are not limited to just those integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a processor, a processing device, a controller, a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital signal processing (DSP) device, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and other programmable circuits or processing devices capable of executing the functions described herein, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition or meaning of the terms processor, processing device, and related terms. 
     In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, but is not limited to, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). As used herein, the term “non-transitory computer-readable media” is intended to be representative of any tangible, computer-readable media, including, without limitation, non-transitory computer storage devices, including, without limitation, volatile and non-volatile media, and removable and non-removable media such as a firmware, physical and virtual storage, CD-ROMs, DVDs, and any other digital source such as a network or the Internet, as well as yet to be developed digital means, with the sole exception being a transitory, propagating signal. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), or any other computer-based device implemented in any method or technology for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as, computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data may also be used. Therefore, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions, e.g., “software” and “firmware,” embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Further, as used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in memory for execution by personal computers, workstations, clients and servers. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. 
     Also, in the embodiments described herein, additional input channels may be, but are not limited to, computer peripherals associated with an operator interface such as a mouse and a keyboard. Alternatively, other computer peripherals may also be used that may include, for example, but not be limited to, a scanner. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, additional output channels may include, but not be limited to, an operator interface monitor. 
     The systems and methods described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.