IMPROVEMENT TO OPERATING SYSTEM OF MODULE FOR LOCKING INJECTION DEVICES OF A SUBSYSTEM FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCES INTO FERTILE EGGS

Abstract

An improvement to an operational system of a module for locking injection devices of a subsystem for applying substances into fertile eggs represents an inventive solution in the field of poultry fanning, in particular in the field of poultry breeding and more specifically in the step of application of vaccines and/or nutrients into fertile eggs (Ov), wherein the locking submodule (m1) of the subsystem for applying substances into fertile eggs has a distinguishing concept, the locking and stabilising of each injection device (I) by at least three inflatable elements (12) mounted side by side in respective adjacent openings (11b), and a pressure recognition submodule (m5) is provided under operational optics to allow the management submodule (m2) to decide whether to start the substance inoculation module.

Claims

1. Improvement to operating system of module for locking injector devices of a subsystem for applying substances into fertile eggs, wherein a locking and displacement module of injectors is formed by a locking sub-module (m1), formed by a platform (11a) having a matrix of openings (11c), wherein the respective matrix of injector devices (I) is mounted, inflatable elements (12) being provided; a management sub-module (m2), formed by a PLC unit (21), a control and release sub-module for compressed air supply (m3), in the form of a 3/2-way pneumatic valve (31) and a safety sub-module (m4), formed by a quick release valve (41), wherein the improvement is characterized in that the locking sub-module (m1) has its platform (11) composed of a single body (11a) whose plurality of standard openings (11c) is defined as an assembly of at least three adjacent openings (11b), to which inflatable elements (12) are mounted composed of a flexible tubular body (12c) whose upper and lower ends receive covers (12b) and (12a) respectively, the latter of which receives connector terminals (12d) with the function of assembling where segments of connector tubes (13) are attached, all of the inflatable elements (12) being communicating with each other by means of these connector tubes (13), through which compressed air is supplied and a sub-module identifying the compressed air supply stability (m5) is further introduced in the form of a pressure transmitter (51).

2. Improvement to operating system of module for locking injector devices of a subsystem for applying substances into fertile eggs according to claim 1, wherein alternatively the sub-module identifying the compressed air supply stability (m5) is characterized in that it is an air flow meter (52).

3. Improvement to operating system of module for locking injector devices of a subsystem for applying substances into fertile eggs, whose operational process is initiated the PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2) sending a signal to the 3/2-way valve (31) of the control and release of compressed air sub-module (m3), which in turn releases the compressed air in a constant and stabilized way through the connector tubes (13), which fill the plurality of inflatable elements (12), creating internal pressure leading to the expansion of the flexible tubular body (12c), which in turn starts to compress the body of the injector device (I), promoting its locking and stability, and once this condition is obtained is characterized in that the internal pressure of the system formed by the plurality of connector elements (12) is measured by the pressure transmitter (51) of the pressure recognition sub-module (m5), which sends the data obtained, in a signal form, to the PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2), which in turn, makes the comparative parity of that value with a predetermined pressure value (or a range of values) previously defined at the time the operating system of the locking and displacement module of injectors was calibrated; if the measured pressure value is lower than the previously measured standard value, the PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2) truncates the operational initiation of the substance inoculation module, and if this measured value is equal to the specified value, the PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2) initiates the operation of the substance inoculation module.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] Complementing the present description in order to obtain a better understanding of the features of the present invention, and according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof, the attached description is accompanied by a set of drawings, wherein:

[0064] FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation in perspective of the constructive concept of the fertilizing egg application module anticipated by the state of the art, with reference to FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,455, showing the main component parts, notably the vertical movement platform where is located the improvement in operating system of the module for locking injecting devices of a sub-system for application of substances in fertile eggs;

[0065] FIG. 2 is an illustrative representation in late view of the constructive concept of the module for adding substances to fertile eggs anticipated by the state of the art, with reference to FIG. 1 of the U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,455, showing the main components parts, namely the vertical movement platform where the improvement of the operative system of locking modules of injector devices of a sub-system of application of substances in fertile eggs is located;

[0066] FIG. 3a is an illustrative representation of the architecture of the conventional module for activation and locking of injector devices in the vertical movement platform of a sub-system of application of substances in fertile eggs, as anticipated by the state of the art;

[0067] FIG. 3b is an illustrative representation of component parts of each operating sub-module from the conventional module for driving and locking injector devices on the vertical movement platform of a sub-system for application of substances in fertile eggs, as anticipated by the state of the art;

[0068] FIG. 4a is an illustrative representation of the architecture of the improved drive and locking module of injector devices in the vertical movement platform of a subsystem of application of substances in fertile eggs, as anticipated by the state of the art;

[0069] FIG. 4b is an illustrative representation of component parts of each sub-module of the improved module for actuating and locking injector devices on the vertical movement platform of a sub-system for applying substances in fertile eggs, as anticipated by the state of the art;

[0070] FIG. 5a is an illustrative perspective view of the constructiveness of the locking device of the injector devices of the locking sub-module of the improved drive and locking module, showing its component parts;

[0071] FIG. 5b is an illustrative representation in view of raising the constructiveness of the locking device of the injector devices of the locking sub-module of the improved drive and locking module, showing their component parts;

[0072] FIG. 6a is an illustrative representation in view of the elevation of the constructiveness of the mounting platform part of the locking device of the injector devices, showing their component parts;

[0073] FIG. 6b is an illustrative representation in elevation view of an enlarged detail of the mounting bracket part of the locking sub-module of the improved locking drive module, showing its constructiveness;

[0074] FIG. 7a is an illustrative perspective view of the inflatable element part of the locking device of the locking sub-module of the improved drive and locking module, showing its external constructiveness;

[0075] FIG. 7b is an illustrative side view of the inflatable element part of the locking device of the locking sub-module of the improved locking and drive module, showing its external constructiveness;

[0076] FIG. 7c is an illustrative representation of longitudinal cross-sectional view of the inflatable element part of the locking device of the locking sub-module of the improved drive and locking module, evidencing its external constructiveness;

[0077] FIGS. 8a and 8b are enlarged detail representations of elevation and perspective views of the locking device of the locking sub-module of the improved actuation and locking module, in a condition immediately prior to the activation of system pressurization; and

[0078] FIGS. 9a and 9b are enlarged detail representations of elevation and perspective views of the locking device of the locking sub-module of the improved actuation and locking module, in a condition immediately prior to system activation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The following detailed description should be read and interpreted with reference to the drawings shown and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but only limited to this explained in the claims.

[0080] a. State of the Art:

[0081] a.1 Understanding the field of application: as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conventional application subsystem of substances in fertile eggs (Et) is composed essentially of the devices: [0082] displacement module of the egg tray: formed by a horizontal displacement platform (Ph) which has the function of providing the displacement and positioning of the tray (b), and aligned with the matrix of injector devices (d); [0083] egg accommodating module: in the form of a tray (b), provided with a plurality of niches (b1) where the fertile eggs are accommodated (Ov); [0084] injector locking and stability module: in the form of a vertical displacement platform (Pv) which has the function of providing the assembly and stabilization of the injector matrix (I), also providing the vertical displacement of such matrix; [0085] injection module: in the form of a plurality of injector devices (I) for the purpose of providing an injection of substances, notably vaccines and nutrients;

[0086] As previously defined, the locking and displacement module of conventional injectors were chosen as the development paradigm.

[0087] a.2 Technological Basis

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the locking and displacement module of conventional injectors shown in a remissive form displays the following architecture of operating sub-modules: [0089] a locking sub-module (m1), formed by the platform (11) having a matrix of openings (12) wherein the respective matrix of injector devices (I) is mounted, wherein to these openings (12), a set of linear inflatable elements within the platform is disposed diagonally or orthogonally to these openings, which once inflated interfere with the internal area of said openings (12); [0090] a management sub-module (m2), formed by a PLC unit (21), which controls the sending of the signal to the control and release of compressed air sub-module (m3) to the plurality of inflatable elements; [0091] a control and release of compressed air sub-module (m3), in the form of a 3/2-way air valve (31); and [0092] a safety sub-module (m4), formed by a quick release valve (41), so that the system will rapidly depressurize when necessary.

[0093] b. Introduced Improvements

[0094] b.1 Operating system Improvement: As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the improved locking and displacement module of injectors shows, in a remissive manner, the measured architecture of sub-modules of the conventional module, by adding a sub-module identifying the compressed air supply stability (m5), which can be done by reading the pressure in the plurality of inflatable elements (12), wherein this case it is defined by a pressure transmitter (51).

[0095] Alternatively, the sub-module identifying the compressed air supply stability (m5) may be specified by performing the reading of the compressed air flow in the circuit, wherein this case it is defined by an air flow meter (52).

[0096] b.2 Improvement of the locking sub-module (m1): as shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, it is composed of: a platform (11) onto which a plurality of inflatable elements (12) is mounted which in turn are connected by segments of connector tubes (13) to configure a closed loop system.

[0097] b.21 Platform (11): which detail is shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, composed of a single body (11a) receiving a plurality of standard openings (11c) through which the body of each substance injector device (I) passes and, adjacent to each opening (11c), a set of at least three adjacent openings (11b) is defined, which has the function of providing the assembly of inflatable elements (12);

[0098] b.22 Inflatable elements (12): as shown in FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c respectively, wherein in a form of embodiment is defined a flexible tubular body (12c) whose upper and lower ends receive covers (12b) and (12a) respectively, the latter of which receives connecting terminals (12d) with the function of assembling where segments of connector tubes (13) are attached.

[0099] In turn, the inflatable elements (12) are mounted in the respective adjacent openings (11b) defined in the platform (11).

[0100] b.23 Connector tubes (13): all the inflatable elements (12) are communicating with each other by means of connector tubes (13), through which compressed air is supplied.

[0101] c. Operating logics: By means of a PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2) a signal is sent to the 3/2-way valve (31) of the control and release of compressed air sub-module (m3) which in turn releases the compressed air in a constant and stabilized way through the connector tubes (13), which fill the plurality of inflatable elements (12), creating internal pressure leading to the expansion of the flexible tubular body (12c), which in turn starts to compress the body of the injector device (I), promoting its locking and stability, as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b.

[0102] Once the condition for locking and stability of the injector device (I) is obtained, the internal pressure of the system formed by the plurality of connector elements (12) is measured by the pressure transmitter (51) of the pressure recognition sub-module (m5), which sends the data obtained, in a signal form, to the PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2), which in turn, makes the comparative parity of that value with a predetermined pressure value (or a range of values) previously defined at the time the operating system of the locking and displacement module of injectors was calibrated. If the measured pressure value is lower than the previously measured standard value, the PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2) truncates the operational initiation of the substance inoculation module, thus avoiding erroneous vaccination and/or nutrition procedures previously described in the topic of principles of the technique.

[0103] If the pressure value measured by the pressure transmitter (51) of the pressure recognition sub-module (m5) is equal to or greater than the specified value, the PLC command (21) of the operational management sub-module (m2) initiates the operation of the substance inoculation module.

[0104] d. The Obtained Technical Effect:

[0105] d.1 Locking and stabilization guarantee: as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b in an accommodating condition of the injector devices (I) in their respective standard openings (11c) further showing the assembly of the inflatable elements (12), showing that there is a gap (F) in a condition immediately prior to receiving compressed air by these inflatable elements (12).

[0106] In turn, once the locking and stability module of the injectors is activated, the technical effect is revealed through FIGS. 9a and 9b, where it is visible the expansion of the walls of the flexible tubular body (12c), configuring the locking of the injectors (I), which guarantees the operational integrity of the subsystem of application of substances in fertile eggs.

[0107] d.2 Ease of maintenance of the locking sub-module: in the case of perforation of any one of the inflatable elements (12), the exchange operation of the same is easy to perform, by locating those non-conforming elements, disconnecting the ends of the connector tubes (13), withdraw them from the adjacent openings (11b) which support them in the body (11a) of the platform (11), and then replace them with a functional inflatable element (12).

[0108] The choice of the preferred embodiment of the subject invention in this carton, described in this detailing topic, is provided by way of example only. Changes, modifications, and variations can be made to any other embodiment of the operating system with the introduction of a pressure recognition sub-module (m5), and the improvement of the locking module (m1) of the subsystem for the application of substances to fertile eggs, whereby such changes may be designed by those skilled in the art, however, without departing from the disclosed object in the present patent application, which is defined exclusively by the appended claims.

[0109] It is seen from what has been described and illustrated that the IMPROVEMENT TO OPERATING SYSTEM OF MODULE FOR LOCKING INJECTOR DEVICES OF A SUBSYSTEM FOR APPLYING SUBSTANCES INTO FERTILE EGGS herein claimed conforms to the norms governing the patent of invention in light of the Industrial Property Law, deserving of what was exposed and as a consequence, the respective privilege.