An egg identification system for determining viability of an avian egg is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined wavelength toward an egg. A detector assembly is spaced-apart from the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg. A light controlling assembly is positioned proximate to the emitter assembly. The light controlling assembly includes an absorbing layer configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation at the predetermined wavelength. The absorbing layer defines an opening through which electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter assembly is capable of passing therethrough toward the egg. A processor is configured to process an output signal of the detector assembly to determine viability of the egg. An associated method is also provided.

A system and method for moving a plurality of eggs from a distal end of a feeder to a proximal end of a conveyor for loading the eggs onto the conveyor. The conveyor comprises a plurality of egg-receiving positions. The distal end of the feeder and the proximal end of the conveyor are aligned such that the plurality of egg-receiving positions accepts the plurality of eggs as the conveyor moves past the distal end of the feeder. A nozzle emitting a stream of fluid is positioned proximal to the distal end of the feeder so that the stream of fluid urges the plurality of eggs toward the distal end of the feeder.

Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for detecting characteristics of an unhatched egg. A set of images of an unhatched egg are obtained, where each of the spectral images is obtained in a particular wavelength range. The set of images is processed to extract image features, where the image features includes an image texture feature. The extracted image features are processed to classify the unhatched egg according to at least one characteristic. The at least one characteristic may include fertility and/or gender.

Disclosed are systems, devices, and methods for detecting characteristics of an unhatched egg. A set of images of an unhatched egg are obtained, where each of the spectral images is obtained in a particular wavelength range. The set of images is processed to extract image features, where the image features includes an image texture feature. The extracted image features are processed to classify the unhatched egg according to at least one characteristic. The at least one characteristic may include fertility and/or gender.

An object pick-up, transfer and placement apparatus which does not employ a source of negative pressure. A flexible bellow defines a collapsible interior chamber and a top through-bore in communication with atmospheric or greater pressure via a valve. The bellow collapses when contacting an object, and the valve is closed, preventing air from entering the interior chamber. When the apparatus is used to lift the object, the bellow expands, causing reduced pressure in the interior chamber, securing the object to the apparatus. To release the object, the valve is opened, allowing entry of air to the interior chamber, and release of the object. This invention prevents contamination on egg shell surfaces to become air-born and cross-contaminate the entire egg pack, equipment surfaces, floors and other facility surfaces which in turn creates a hazardous working environment.

An object pick-up, transfer and placement apparatus which does not employ a source of negative pressure. A flexible bellow defines a collapsible interior chamber and a top through-bore in communication with atmospheric or greater pressure via a valve. The bellow collapses when contacting an object, and the valve is closed, preventing air from entering the interior chamber. When the apparatus is used to lift the object, the bellow expands, causing reduced pressure in the interior chamber, securing the object to the apparatus. To release the object, the valve is opened, allowing entry of air to the interior chamber, and release of the object. This invention prevents contamination on egg shell surfaces to become air-born and cross-contaminate the entire egg pack, equipment surfaces, floors and other facility surfaces which in turn creates a hazardous working environment.

Disclosed is a device for contactless measuring of an embryo's heart rate in an egg whereby infrared light is sent in the egg by one light source, and the reflection of that light is detected by one or more light sensors and converted into a signal representative for the heart rate, whereby a shield is provided to avoid light that is reflected on the egg shell interfering with the light sensors. The shield is provided at the light source and not at the light sensors, whereby a light tube is provided between the light source and the egg and the light tube is internally dimensioned and positioned such that a focused light spot is directed on the egg, and the light tube is dimensioned and positioned such that light reflected on the surface of the egg on the level of the light spot cannot directly reach the light sensors.

Disclosed is a device for contactless measuring of an embryo's heart rate in an egg whereby infrared light is sent in the egg by one light source, and the reflection of that light is detected by one or more light sensors and converted into a signal representative for the heart rate, whereby a shield is provided to avoid light that is reflected on the egg shell interfering with the light sensors. The shield is provided at the light source and not at the light sensors, whereby a light tube is provided between the light source and the egg and the light tube is internally dimensioned and positioned such that a focused light spot is directed on the egg, and the light tube is dimensioned and positioned such that light reflected on the surface of the egg on the level of the light spot cannot directly reach the light sensors.

A system for handling eggs includes a pusher comprising an axis and an egg support at a free end of the axis. The system for handling eggs further includes a brake associated with the pusher, to selectively apply a brake force thereon.

A system for handling eggs includes a pusher comprising an axis and an egg support at a free end of the axis. The system for handling eggs further includes a brake associated with the pusher, to selectively apply a brake force thereon.