METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING FLUID DROPLETS ONTO AN OPEN AND STATIONARY TRAY

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for delivering droplets of fluids onto an open tray (15) containing poultry. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a stationary working surface, a single arm (16) supporting a plurality of fluid dispensing nozzles, a drive unit for driving the translation of said arm (16), said plurality of dispensing nozzles being connected to at least one fluid supply circuit comprising a fluid reservoir and a pumping unit, a control unit configured to control the drive unit of the arm and to define at least one duration T of travel of the arm (16) above said working surface. The travel time T includes a period of gradual acceleration of said arm (16) outside an area of said working surface occupied by said tray and bringing said arm to a first end of said tray (15) along the first direction at a travel velocity V, a period of constant velocity V when the arm (16) moves above said tray (15), and a period of gradual deceleration of said arm (16) when the latter has passed a second end of the tray (15) along the first direction. The control unit is also configured to control each pumping unit and activate each pumping unit only when said arm is above said tray.

Claims

1. An apparatus for delivering droplets of fluids onto an open tray (15) containing poultry, characterized in that it comprises: a stationary work surface for receiving and supporting said tray (15), a single arm (16) bearing a plurality of fluid dispensing nozzles, a drive unit for translating this arm (16) along a first direction of the tray (15) when the latter is on said working surface, said arm (16) moving above said tray (15), this plurality of dispensing nozzles being connected to at least one fluid supply circuit, each fluid supply circuit comprising a fluid reservoir for supplying corresponding dispensing nozzles with said fluid, and a pumping unit for pumping the fluid from the reservoir to said corresponding dispensing nozzles, and a control unit configured to control the drive unit of the arm and to define at least one travel time T of the arm (16) over said working surface, said travel time T comprising: a period of progressive acceleration of said arm (16) out of an area of said working surface occupied by said tray and bringing said arm to a first end of said tray (15) along the first direction with a moving velocity V, a period of constant velocity V as said arm (16) moves over said tray (15), and a period of progressive deceleration of said arm (16) when said arm has passed a second end of said tray (15) along said first direction, in that said control unit is also configured to control each pumping unit and activate each pumping unit only when said arm is over said tray.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor for detecting the area occupied by said tray on said working surface, said at least one sensor sending tray positioning signals to said control unit.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that each pumping unit is a syringe pump.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said drive unit comprises an electric motor having a gear wheel, said gear wheel meshing with a gear track of a guide rail extending along the first direction of the tray (15).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive unit is a linear activator, said mobile arm (16) being mounted perpendicularly to the free end of this activator.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said arm (16) carries a first set of dispensing nozzles (18) for dispensing at least one first fluid and a second set of dispensing nozzles (19) for dispensing at least one second fluid, distinct from the at least one first fluid, the dispensing nozzles of each set being arranged so that the entire dimension of the tray (15) along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction is covered by these first and second sets of dispensing nozzles, when this tray (15) is received on said working surface.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that it is configured to provide a time lag between dispensing at least a first fluid through said first set of dispensing nozzles (18) and at least a second fluid through said second set of dispensing nozzles (19).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that said first and second sets of dispensing nozzles (18,19) are spaced apart from each other on said arm (16) along the first direction by a distance determining said time lag.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that said the first set of nozzles (18) comprises nozzles for spray dispensing of a fluid and said second set of nozzles (19) comprises nozzles for spray dispensing a fluid or needles for ejecting individual drops of a fluid.

10. A method for delivering droplets of fluids onto an open tray (15) containing poultry, said tray (15) being stationary and placed on a working surface, characterized in that: A mobile arm (16) is moved over said work surface, translating in a first direction of said tray (15), said arm (16) carrying a plurality of fluid dispensing nozzles, said dispensing nozzles being arranged to cover the entire dimension of the tray (15) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, said arm is moved for at least a travel time T of the arm (16) over said working surface, said travel time T comprising: a period of progressive acceleration of said arm (16) out of an area of said working surface occupied by said tray and bringing said arm to a first end of said tray (15) along the first direction with a moving velocity V, a period of constant velocity V as the arm (16) moves over said tray (15), and a period of progressive deceleration of said arm (16) when said arm has passed a second end of said tray (15) along said first direction, in that this plurality of dispensing nozzles being connected to at least one non-therapeutic fluid supply circuit, each fluid supply circuit comprising a non-therapeutic fluid reservoir for supplying corresponding dispensing nozzles with said fluid and a pumping unit for pumping fluid from the reservoir to said corresponding dispensing nozzles, said pumping unit of said at least one fluid supply circuit being activated only when said arm is moved above said tray.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that said arm (16) bearing a first set of dispensing nozzles (18) and a second set of dispensing nozzles (19), said nozzles of each set being arranged to cover the entire dimension of the tray (15) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, droplets of at least a first fluid are dispensed simultaneously by means of said first set of dispensing nozzles, and droplets of at least a second fluid, distinct from the first fluid, are dispensed simultaneously by means of said second set of dispensing nozzles.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that said arm (16) bearing a first set of dispensing nozzles (18) and a second set of dispensing nozzles (19), said nozzles of each set being arranged to cover the entire dimension of the tray (15) in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the following steps are performed a) first distributing droplets of at least a first fluid by spraying by means of the first set of dispensing nozzles (18), b) then at least one second fluid, distinct from the at least one first fluid to be sprayed, is distributed by ejecting individual drops by means of the second set of dispensing nozzles (19).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that steps a) and b) are performed in a single pass of the mobile arm (16) over said tray (15), said nozzle assemblies being arranged on said arm in such a way as to generate a time lag between steps a) and b).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the time lag between steps a) and b) is determined to guarantee the effective treatment of the poultry by said at least one second fluid.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that step a) is performed as said arm moves from a first edge to a second edge of said tray (15), said second edge being opposite said first edge, on a forward path extending along said first direction and step b) is performed as said arm moves from said second edge to said first edge on a return path along said first direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Further advantages, purposes and particular embodiments of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, which is provided, for explanatory purposes and not in any way restrictive, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0067] FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus for mass processing of chicks according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus in FIG. 1;

[0069] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

[0070] FIG. 4 is a perspective and top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with a basket containing chicks placed in its working area and awaiting processing;

[0071] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus in FIG. 1, with a basket containing chicks placed in its working area and awaiting processing;

[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates the three phases of operation of the motor of the mobile arm drive unit, with acceleration, bearing and deceleration;

DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0073] The following drawings and description contain, for the most part, certain elements. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0074] First of all, we note that the figures are not to scale.

[0075] FIGS. 1 to 5 schematically illustrate a chick mass processing apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] This apparatus comprises a building 10 provided with feet 11 having at their free end casters 12 to ensure the movement of the latter. The apparatus can have from 2 to 4 wheels 12. Each of these wheels 12 can have a locking device (not shown) to fix the apparatus in position.

[0077] This building 10 comprises in its upper part an enclosed space bordered by walls 13 which are at least partially transparent to visualize the interior of this space.

One of these walls 13 comprises a mobile flap 14 in vertical translation to allow access to this closed space, in particular for the introduction and removal of a basket 15 loaded with chicks, also for the cleaning and maintenance of the apparatus.
In addition to this physical barrier constituted by the mobile flap 14, and if it is desirable that the apparatus remain open, this apparatus can comprise one or more protection elements (not shown) to detect the presence of an object introduced into the treatment area such as the hand or arm of an operator. This or these protection elements are able to send detection signals to a central processing unit, which can stop an ongoing process or prevent the process from being started. As an example, this or these protection elements are infrared detectors.
Of course, it is still possible that the building 10 does not have such a movable flap 14 or such protection elements.

[0078] The interior of this enclosed space includes a work area for receiving and supporting an open basket 15 for processing, with the basket 15 in a stationary position.

[0079] A mobile arm 16, mounted on a longitudinal rail 17 defining a first direction, can translate along the rail 17 over the work area. The longitudinal rail 17 is attached to the upper end, or cover, of the building 10.

[0080] This mobile arm 16 is powered for movement by a drive unit comprising an electric motor including a gear wheel, said gear wheel meshing with a gear path of the longitudinal rail 17 extending along the first direction of the basket 15.

[0081] This mobile arm 16 bears a set of nozzles 18 and a set of deposit needles 19, these nozzles and these needles being arranged on the mobile arm 16 in such a way that the entire dimension of the basket 15 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction defined by the longitudinal rail 17, is integrally covered by the set of nozzles 18 and by the set of deposit needles 19.

[0082] These nozzles and needles can be individually moved along the movable arm 16 to allow adjustment of the coverage of different baskets.

[0083] Of course, this device can include position sensors (not shown) to determine the precise positioning of the basket in the working area. It is then possible to automate the fluid dispensing sequences by automatic recognition of the type of basket 15 placed in the dispensing device.

[0084] One set of nozzles 18 comprises spray nozzles while the other set comprises dispensing needles 19, each of which comprises an orifice, each needle being configured to eject an individual drop of fluid through its orifice at a given fluid pressure.

[0085] While being advantageously compact, this apparatus makes it possible to deliver in a very short time interval, even quasi-simultaneously, two distinct fluids such as a spray and a gel to treat poultry in mass placed in an open basket.

[0086] This device comprises two reservoirs 20 which are placed in a support 21 at the height of the user, these reservoirs 20 being advantageously transparent to check the available level of fluid in each of them.

[0087] Each fluid supply circuit connecting a reservoir 20 to its corresponding nozzle and dispensing needle assembly includes a syringe pump 22 for drawing fluid from its corresponding reservoir into the supply circuit. Each syringe pump 22 comprises a piston activated by a pneumatic activator.

[0088] This apparatus includes a control unit (not shown) that allows each syringe pump 22 to be controlled and activated only when the arm moves over the basket 15.

[0089] This control unit is also configured to control the drive unit of the arm and to define a period of time T of movement of the mobile arm 16 over the working area comprising [0090] a period of progressive acceleration of said arm 16 out of the basket 15 and bringing said arm to a first end of said basket 15 along the first direction with a movement velocity V, [0091] a period of constant velocity V as said moving arm 16 moves over said basket 15, and [0092] a period of progressive deceleration of said arm 16 when said arm 16 has passed a second end of said basket 15 along said first direction.

[0093] Such an embodiment not only guarantees a uniform distribution of droplets over the open basket but also ensures that fluid consumption is limited to the volume of fluid needed to treat the chicks. It can be observed that the fluid losses that could result from irregular movement of the mobile arm 15 are eliminated

[0094] The apparatus is therefore economical and space-saving

[0095] The nozzle assembly 18 and the dispensing needle assembly 19 are also arranged on the mobile arm 16 to provide a time lag between the dispensing of the first fluid (vaporizable fluid) and the second fluid (gel).

[0096] This elongated mobile arm comprising two lateral edges that constitute a front and a rear face, considered in the direction of translational movement of this arm along the first direction, the nozzle assembly 18 is mounted on the front face of this mobile arm 16 while the deposit needle assembly 19 is mounted on the rear face of this mobile arm 16, thus being separated from the nozzle assembly 18 along the first direction.

[0097] This ensures that the distribution by spraying, or even by atomization, of the droplets of the first fluid by the first nozzle assembly 18 always precedes the distribution of the droplets of the second fluid by the deposit needle assembly 19.

Thus, there is no risk that the droplet mist created by spraying the first fluid may prevent the drops of the second fluid from adhering to the feathers of the chicks, which could lead to an inhomogeneous treatment of the latter.

[0098] According to an embodiment of the present apparatus, the minimum distance d spatially separating the nozzle assembly 18 from the dispensing needle assembly 19 along the first direction is between 5 and 9 cm. The speed of movement of the arm in its uniform range of movement is between 35 and 80 cm/second, preferably 55 cm/second.