U.S. patent application number 10/076035 was filed with the patent office on 2003-10-30 for ultrasound quality inspection of avian eggs.
Invention is credited to Toelken, L. Taizo.
Application Number | 20030200932 10/076035 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29253884 |
Filed Date | 2003-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030200932 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Toelken, L. Taizo |
October 30, 2003 |
Ultrasound quality inspection of avian eggs
Abstract
A method for making a quality determination in avian eggs, such
as relating to fertility or hatching or hatchling viability,
comprises the following activities. A process line is equipped to
process an endless succession of eggs at an early opportunity. The
process line has an ultrasound inspection station for the eggs. The
ultrasound inspection results are analyzed to make a finding
correlatable to the egg's shell quality, which in turn is
correlatable to such quality factors as fertility or hatching or
hatchling viability. A sorting determination is made based on this
analysis as to which output category the egg should be sorted. The
output categories might number three or so including qualified
premium as for graduation to hatchery operation, not qualified for
hatchery but not waste, and flunked because unusable and hence
waste. The intermediate category might include graded for pet
consumption.
Inventors: |
Toelken, L. Taizo; (Neosho,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jonathan A. Bay
Attorney at Law
333 Park Central East, Ste. 314
Springfield
MO
65806
US
|
Family ID: |
29253884 |
Appl. No.: |
10/076035 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60269281 |
Feb 16, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/6.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 29/40 20130101;
G01N 29/11 20130101; G01N 29/4445 20130101; A01K 45/00 20130101;
G01N 33/08 20130101; G01N 2291/02483 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/6.8 |
International
Class: |
A01K 045/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A method for determining whether avian eggs are qualified or
unqualified for a premium quality based on shell characteristics,
comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of the eggs;
oscillating the shells of each egg by a non-contacting source of
ultrasonic waves to produce such a signal from the oscillating
shells that is detectable by a non-contacting detector; and
determining whether each egg is qualified or not from analysis of
the signal.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the detected signal comprises an
information portion that is analyzed for a positive indication
comprising at least one sufficiently steady and strong peak.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the analysis further comprises
integrated response (IR) analysis of the detected signal.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the positive indication is
correlatable to a given quality determination of egg shell quality
which in turn is associated with such a quality determination of
the avian egg as relating to fertility or hatching or hatchling
viability.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the detected signal comprises an
information portion that is analyzed for either or both a positive
indication comprising at least one sufficiently steady and strong
peak and/or a negative indication comprising relatively unsteady
and weak signals across the width of the information portion.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein eggs qualified for premium quality
are graduated to hatchery operations.
7. Premium quality eggs determined according to the method of claim
1.
8. A method for sorting out sub-grade avian eggs from premium grade
avian eggs comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of the
eggs; disposing each egg in the path of a non-contacting source of
ultrasonic waves and in relative proximity to a non-contacting
detector of a signal obtained from the egg under the influence of
the ultrasonic waves; and sorting the eggs as premium grade or
sub-grade based upon analysis of the detected signal.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the detected signal is
transformable into a profile of detected signal strength versus
time, which profile comprises an information portion that is
analyzed for a positive indication of premium grade comprising at
least one sufficiently steady and strong peak.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the analysis further comprises
integrated response (IR) analysis of the detected signal's strength
versus time values.
11. The method of claim 9 wherein the positive indication of
premium grade is correlatable to egg shell quality which in turn is
associated with such a quality determination of the avian egg as
relating to fertility or hatching or hatchling viability.
12. The method of claim 8 wherein the detected signal is
transformable into a profile of detected signal strength versus
time, which profile comprises an information portion that is
analyzed for either or both a positive indication of premium grade
comprising at least one sufficiently steady and strong peak and/or
a negative indication of premium grade comprising relatively
unsteady and weak signals across the width of the information
portion.
13. The method of claim 8 wherein eggs sorted into the premium
grade are graduated to hatchery operations.
14. Premium grade eggs sorted according to the method of claim
8.
15. Apparatus for determining premium grade avian eggs from
sub-grade avian eggs comprising: a source of ultrasonic waves and
an opposed ultrasonic detector in the path thereof spaced
sufficiently to admit therebetween an egg without contact from
either, wherein the egg produces a signal detectable by the
detector in response to blocking the path of the ultrasonic waves
from the source; and a processor for determining the eggs as
premium grade or not based upon analysis of the detected
signal.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the processor includes
services of an analyzer that transforms the detected signal into a
profile comprising signal strength versus time, which profile
comprises an information portion that is analyzed for a positive
indication of premium grade comprising at least one sufficiently
steady and strong peak.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the analyzer further
undertakes integrated response (IR) analysis of the detected
signal's strength versus time values.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the positive indication of
premium grade is correlatable to egg shell quality which in turn is
associated with such a quality determination of the avian egg as
relating to fertility or hatching or hatchling viability.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the processor includes
services of an analyzer that transforms the detected signal into a
profile of detected signal strength versus time, which profile
comprises an information portion that is analyzed for either or
both a positive indication of premium grade comprising at least one
sufficiently steady and strong peak and/or a negative indication of
premium grade comprising relatively unsteady and weak signals
across the width of the information portion.
20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein eggs sorted into the premium
grade are graduated to hatchery operations.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PROVISIONAL APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/269,281, filed Feb. 16, 2001, which is
incorporated herein in full by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to non-invasive inspection of avian
eggs to make a quality finding and, more particularly, using
ultrasound inspection of avian eggs to make a quality finding such
as fertility or viability or of other indicia of relative
usability, and in consequence of the finding sorting the eggs in at
least two and preferably three or more categories.
[0004] A number of additional features and objects will be apparent
in connection with the following discussion of preferred
embodiments and examples.
[0005] 2. Prior Art
[0006] It is known to use nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
of avian eggs to make a sex and possibly fertility determination.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,029,080--Reynnells et al. However the process of
nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of avian eggs to make a
non-invasive determination of any kind will be beset with
problems.
[0007] The MRI equipment requires a very high capital investment
and has unproven reliability. The economics of egg producing
operations do not allow purchase of a back up system or expensive
components in case of failures of the main system. The MRI
equipment is stationed to catch eggs in transit during egg transfer
operations. Egg transfer operations cannot be idled for even thirty
(30) minutes or else thousands to tens of thousands of eggs will
spoil.
[0008] The MRI image is in fact a virtually perfect slice of the
egg through a given plane. However, the internal structures that
allow a sex or fertility determination are hard to make out in such
a perfect slice. Indeed U.S. patent of Reynnells et al. discloses
quite distinctly how the egg must be oriented in a just so
orientation, and then multiple images are taken on 0.5 mm spacings
(ie., 50 slices per inch). After that, the best slice has to be
determined because next, analysis requires finding a reference
marker (eg., eyes or eye sockets) away from which origin a
succeeding finding of the sex marker is paced.
[0009] Correspondingly, not only must an image from an optimum
plane be obtained, the image must be analyzed for subtle features.
Just as humans can be trained to develop the right "feel" for vent
sexing poults, humans might develop an "instinct" for the when all
the right combination of factors in a given MRI image suggest a
given determination. But human analysis is unfeasible for lack of
speed. Computers, though inherently speedy, lack instinct.
Computers are far less reliable than humans at making
determinations based on subtle factors. Harvard professor Stephen
Jay Gould has quipped that to date "artificial intelligence" has
yet to obtain merely the level of a cockroach.
[0010] It is reported that the MRI process requires cooling the
eggs temporarily until the images are obtained. Eg., U.S. Pat. No.
6,029,080--Reynnells et al. Seasoned egg production workers are
skeptical of that. Long custom has been to keep eggs in a carefully
regulated environment of controlled warmth and humidity. Also, the
nuclear MRI radiation just might be worrisome as a death ray to the
germ of fresh eggs from the brood farm.
[0011] If egg production operations would consider adopting MRI
techniques, they'd next have to face paying MRI certified operators
at pay scales really unfamiliar in the egg production world.
[0012] In sum, the MRI process appears to be an ivory tower
solution to a down and dirty problem. State of the art brood farms
are known to produce a million (1,000,000) eggs a day. Yet margins
are razor thin. The requirement for reliability in the methods
relied on is paramount.
[0013] The investment in an MRI inspection process costs top
dollar. Yet if the MRI inspection equipment goes out then the whole
efficiency of the operation is impeded. If an MRI apparatus
including its coil went down, it would simply have been cost
prohibitive to own a back up in case of failures. There would be no
reserve equipment to switch to or change out to in case of
failures.
[0014] Given the foregoing seasoned veterans are skeptical of the
feasibility of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging in poultry
operations. The technology appears best left in hospitals where the
throughput rate might be one to ten (1 to 10) patients an hour
rather than millions of eggs a day.
[0015] Nevertheless, efficiency and optimization are paramount in
poultry operations. Accordingly, poultry operations would benefit
from any reasonably cost-justifiable method for culling poor
unqualified eggs from the process stream at opportune times, such
as during transfer from brood operations to hatchery
operations.
[0016] What is needed is an improvement in culling unqualified eggs
which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is an object of the invention to oscillate the shell of
avian eggs to make a finding of shell quality.
[0018] It is another object of the invention to correlate the
finding of shell quality to egg quality in terms of fertility or
hatching or hatchling viability, or else in terms of any other
usability criterion.
[0019] It is an additional object of the invention to oscillate the
shell of avian eggs by means of acoustic energy.
[0020] It is an alternate object of the invention to oscillate the
shell of avian eggs by means of a non-contact source of
ultrasound.
[0021] It is a further object of the invention to detect such shell
oscillations by means of a non-contact ultrasound transducer.
[0022] These and other aspects and objects are provided according
to the invention in a method and apparatus for determining whether
avian eggs are qualified or unqualified for a premium quality based
on shell characteristics. The preferred method in accordance with
the invention comprising the steps of providing a plurality of the
eggs, oscillating the shell of each egg by a non-contacting source
of ultrasonic waves to produce such a signal from the shell
oscillation that is detectable by a non-contacting detector; and
then determining whether the egg is qualified or not from analysis
of the signal.
[0023] Preferably the detected signal is manipulated into a profile
comprising detected signal strength versus time. This profile
comprises an information portion that is analyzed for a positive
indication of premium grade that is preferably characterized by at
least one sufficiently steady and strong peak. The analysis of the
detected more preferentially comprises integrated response (IR)
analysis of the detected signal's strength versus time values.
[0024] Optionally, the profile's information portion is analyzed
for either or both a positive indication of premium grade, which as
before is characterized by at least one sufficiently steady and
strong peak, and/or a negative indication of premium grade that is
characterized by relatively unsteady and weak signals across the
width of the information portion.
[0025] In general, the positive indication of premium grade is
correlatable to egg shell quality. In turn, egg shell quality is
associated with a quality determination of the avian egg as a whole
in terms of relating to fertility or hatching or hatchling
viability.
[0026] The foregoing is advantageous for poultry and turkey farms
having hatchery operations because the eggs sorted into the premium
grade are graduated to hatchery operations. The other eggs are
removed and either discarded or perhaps sorted for alternative
other use such as pet consumption.
[0027] A number of additional features and objects will be apparent
in connection with the following discussion of preferred
embodiments and examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] There are shown in the drawings certain exemplary
embodiments of the invention as presently preferred. It should be
understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments
disclosed as examples, and is capable of variation within the scope
of the appended claims. In the drawings,
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for ultrasound
quality inspection of avian eggs in accordance with the invention,
wherein a given egg is disposed between a source and a detector of
ultrasonic energy, the detected signal obtained thereby allowing
analysis to make such a quality finding as fertility, viability or
other relative usability;
[0030] FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line II-II
in FIG. 1 and which illustrates oscillations induced in the egg
shell by the source transducer, wherein the distortion in the egg
shell is illustrated on a gross scale for visual emphasis only;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a graph obtainable from a display of a signal
analyzer (eg., for processing the output of the detector of FIG.
1), wherein the graph shows a profile of detected signal strength
versus time for the special case of the source signal transiting
across the gap to the detector without interposition of any object
therebetween especially an egg (ie., therefore just through air),
whereby the graph illustrates an example reference profile of
detected signal strength versus time for such base factors as
present air temperature and humidity as well as among various other
things the distance of the gap between the transducers; such
profiles in general consequently allowing analysis for such values
as time-of-flight or velocity of the source signal, an integrated
response of a selected peak or alternatively an integrated response
across a selected bandwidth and so on;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a comparable graph except showing an example
profile for the representative case of a quality egg interposed
between the source and detector, wherein even though the source
signal's strength is diminished by greater than 99.9%, the
information portion of the detected signal (ie., to the left of the
gate) appears to ring strong and steady on at least one or two
characteristic peaks;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a graph comparable to FIG. 4 except showing for
contrast an illustrative case of an unqualified egg interposed
between the source and detector, wherein not only is the source
signal's strength diminished by greater than 99.9% but also the
information portion of the detected signal (ie., to the left of the
gate) is weaker and appears to clang unsteadily;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a graph showing a profile of hatchlings lost (per
100,000 eggs) versus time based on data pertaining to turkey
operations; and
[0035] FIG. 7 is a block diagram flow chart of the method in
accordance with the invention for providing ultrasound quality
inspection and sorting of avian eggs, wherein the quality
determination comprises any or fertility, viability or other
usability.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 54 for ultrasound quality
inspection of avian eggs 51 in accordance with the invention, and
as arranged in a preferred manner of operation.
[0037] The assumptions which underpin the inventive apparatus and
method are, briefly, as follows. Ultrasonic energy is used to
"ring" an egg 51 like a hammer tap rings a bell. The ringing egg is
listened to. If the egg rings clear and strong in one or two or
more characteristic modes of oscillation, the shell is reckoned as
being of good quality. If not or, that is, if the egg clangs like
an old metal platter dropped on the floor, the shell is reckoned as
being of poor quality.
[0038] Importantly, the quality of the shell is reckoned as
directly corresponding to the quality of hatchling viability. It is
considered that poor shell quality is a symptom of various bad
causes or bad indicators. To list a few, it is reckoned that poor
shell quality indicates a cracked shell, or one compromised by
micro-fractures, a porous shell, or an especially thin shell.
Cracked, micro-fractured, porous and/or thin shells are unsuitable
barriers to diseases and contaminants. It is known that poor shell
quality allows diseases to enter and incubate inside the egg. These
diseases like salmonella and mycoplasma spread from poult to poult
when the bird emerges from the shell. Also, cracked,
micro-fractured, porous and/or thin shells are unsuitable
containers of moisture. Sometimes a bird hatches "pip alive" but
dies in the struggle to get out of the shell or soon after. A
frequent cause of this is weakness from dehydration.
[0039] More speculatively, it is also reckoned that poor shell
quality could also be an indication if the blastoderm is already or
nearly dead. The life of the blastoderm sustains the growing
process of the egg as a whole including, presumptively, the health
of the membrane lining the shell as well as even possibly the
integrity of the shell in matters as absence of undue thinness or
porosity and so on. Again, too much porosity is bad because the egg
contents are then vulnerable to dehydration among other things.
[0040] To return to FIG. 1, it shows a pair of non-contacting
transducers 60 and 62 arranged in opposition to each other.
Non-contact ultrasound is highly preferred so as to avoid a liquid
couple between the transducers and shell 64. It is feared that any
liquid couple will cause intolerable problems. The non-contact
probes do not subject the egg to any more harmful elements than
already present in the controlled environment of brood, transfer
and/or hatchery operations. The ultrasonic energy is transmitted
from point to point. One transducer 60 serves as the source
relative to its opposite number which serves as the detector 62.
Example transducers suitable for the purpose include without
limitation model nos. NCT 102 transducers of SecondWave Systems,
Inc., State College, Pa., which transducers are characterized as
nominally operating on a 200kHz frequency and having a planar 25 mm
active area diameter.
[0041] Not shown in FIG. 1 (but indicated generally as portions of
one or more blocks 54 and 55 in FIG. 7) is a signal analyzer which
is utilized for among other things processing the feed and detected
signals of the source 60 and detector 62 respectively. An example
non-contact ultrasound signal analyzer suitable for the purpose
includes without limitation model no. NCA-1000-2En also of
SecondWave Systems, Inc., State College, Pa. Given the foregoing,
an egg 51 is disposed between the source 60 and detector 62 for an
ultrasound quality inspection in accordance with the invention.
Whereas the egg 51 is shown suspended by its pointed end from an
inverted suction cup 66, the egg 51 could be supported in
alternative other fashions without limitation.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows the source transducer transmitting a beam of
ultrasound energy that slams into one side (or the left side given
the perspective of FIG. 1) of the egg 51. In a typical arrangement
with the above-identified transducers, the source and detector
might be space 11 cm (41/3inches) apart. It is fairly well
estimated that about 99.9% of the source energy is reflected by the
egg shell 64 because of, in technical language, the mismatch
between the acoustic impedance of air and the shell 64. On the
opposite side (or right side given the perspective of FIG. 1) of
the egg, the detector 62 is listening for those components or
portions of the source energy that reach it.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a depiction for convenience of illustrative
purposes only presumptively showing the dynamic oscillations
induced in the shell 64 by the source signal. The egg shell 64
vibrates or oscillates somewhat as shown, although clearly not on
such a gross scale as drawn, according to one or more
characteristic modes of oscillation. See, eg., A. H. Benade,
"Fundamentals of Musical Acoustics" (New York: Dover 1991). The
shell 64 comprises a surface which is, needless to say, ovoid
shaped. It will have modes of oscillations characteristic to
transit around its "equator," or the hoop through which cutting
line II-II is taken. In addition, the shell 64 surface will
presumptively also have modes of oscillation characteristic to
circumnavigation transit around its poles. FIG. 2 provides
illustrative depiction of wave energy transiting around the equator
of the egg 51 as suspended in FIG. 1.
[0044] FIGS. 3 through 5 are series of comparable views of graphs.
Each graph shows a profile of detected signal strength versus time.
FIG. 3 shows a graph of a set-up test in the absence of an egg.
FIG. 4 shows one representative example profile of a good quality
egg. FIG. 5 shows one representative profile of an unqualified
egg.
[0045] Preliminarily, the judgements of whether egg and/or egg
shell quality is good or bad, or qualified or unqualified, were
obtained through trials with actual eggs. Batches of eggs were
inspected by the above-described non-contact ultrasound equipment
and results were recorded. Some eggs were immediately broken open
for examination of the contents including the blastoderm for such
visual determinations as alive and healthy, deformed, dead or near
death and so on. Other eggs were marked and tracked for
observations through hatchery operations up to hatching, if that
occurred, and then continuing on with the emerging poult for about
six days after. The findings of that experience are graphically
shown in part by FIG. 6.
[0046] To turn to FIG. 3, it is a graph obtainable from a display
of the above-described signal analyzer. Generally the signal
analyzer can be reckoned in many ways as PC computing system. The
display comprises an attached monitor and the graphs shown in FIGS.
3 through 5 hereof are simulative of screen print-outs. The FIG. 3
graph shows a profile of detected signal strength versus time for
the special case of the source signal shooting across the gap to
the detector without interruption by an object such as an egg. The
graph therefore illustrates an example reference profile of
detected signal strength versus time for such set-up factors as the
current air temperature and humidity as well as among various other
things such as the distance of the gap between the transducers.
This profile allows analysis of very basic values such as
time-of-flight or velocity of the source signal and diminishment of
the source signal across the gap.
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a comparable profile except being a
representative example of what is obtained for a quality or
qualified egg. As matter of general interest, about 99.9% and more
the source signal's strength is diminished. Much of the source
signal's energy is reflected by the shell where the source signal
originally slams into the left side of the egg (ie., left according
to the perspective of FIG. 1). That much which is detected by the
detector produces a profile as shown by FIG. 4 in the typical case
of a quality or qualified egg. The twin peaks appearing in the
information portion of the detected signal (ie., to the left of the
gate) provide steady strong signals. In essence, the egg shell
appears to ring strong and steady on at least one or two
characteristic peaks. The portion of the profile to right of the
gate is noise. It might comprise echos of the source signal as
scattered about by the environment. The profile of FIG. 4 permits
various techniques of analysis including without limitation an
integrated response analysis of one selected peak, or alternatively
an integrated response across a selected bandwidth as encompassing
two peaks and so on.
[0048] In contrast, FIG. 5 shows an illustrative case of an
unqualified egg. In FIG. 5, the information portion of the detected
signal (ie., to the left of the gate) is weak and unsteady all
across the spectrum. At least one peak is apparent but it is
unsteady and appears to dance on the screen. Indeed the peak dances
left and right and might grow and recede in very quick time. Such a
nub of a peak that dances so does not allow close integrated
response analysis because the values are evidently too unsteady to
average. One way to reckon the behavior of an unqualified egg is
the detected signal appears to "clang" unsteadily and not ring true
and strong, something akin to the clang of a cheap metal tray
dropped on the floor.
[0049] FIG. 6 as mentioned previously is a graph showing a profile
of hatchlings lost (per 100,000 eggs) versus time based on data
pertaining to turkey operations. Day 29 represents ordinary
hatching time. Between day 0 and day 29 the profile has a bathtub
shape. Presumptively the steeply dropping original part of the
profile represents cases of dead, dying or deformed blastoderm due
to matters present from the start. The steeply climbing part of the
curve approaching day 29 is presumptively due to matters such as
contaminated, diseased or dehydrated eggs. Days 28 through 30 might
roughly correspond to "pip alive" deaths, or pips too weak to
struggle out of the egg shell or terminally failing immediately
thereafter. Days 31 through the end of the record generally
correspond to hatchlings emerging dehydrated or diseased and
otherwise too unhealthy too persist.
[0050] It is an aspect of the invention that problems with eggs and
hatchlings through about day 35 (ie., the sixth or so day after
expected hatching time) can be reasonably determined from an
ultrasound quality inspection in accordance with the invention
taken during the transfer operation between brood and hatchery
operations, or on about day 0. Actual trials support this.
[0051] On the other hand, the non-contact ultrasound trials to date
have failed to show any correlation between integrated response
(IR) measurement and gender of live poults.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a block diagram flow chart of a method 50 in
accordance with the invention that utilizes ultrasound quality
inspection of avian eggs.
[0053] Briefly, eggs are collected immediately as practicable at
the brood farm after laying. Nowadays while the eggs are
transferred from the brood farm to the hatchery they go through an
intermediary process where they are washed and sterilized (not
shown). The method 50 in accordance with the invention is
preferably situated to operate on the eggs before the washing and
sanitizing station. Hence in FIG. 7, the eggs are collected and fed
to a conveying apparatus 52 as known in the art. FIG. 1 shows the
eggs 51 transported in a suitable orientation and in a regular
pattern or registry, both of which factors are desirable as more
particularly described below.
[0054] Referring again to FIG. 7, the eggs are conveyed to an
ultrasound station 54. Ultrasound inspection transpires, the
results of which are analyzed by an analyzer or processor. The
analyzer is configured to make a finding as described above in
connection with FIG. 4 by means of an integrated response (IR)
analysis of the steady peak or peaks of the information portion of
the detected signal.
[0055] Generally speaking, in FIG. 4 the first peak in time (eg.,
at .about.222 .mu.sec as distinguished from the peak at .about.235
.mu.sec) ) has been discovered to most strongly correlate with egg
shell quality. Hence the first peak in time might correspond to
primary characteristic mode of oscillation whereas the second peak
in time might correspond to a secondary mode, although to date this
has not been established either way. Nevertheless, the IR analysis
correlates one or more quality criterion(ia). The quality findings
are preferably utilized for a process to make one of three
choices:-namely, that the egg is qualified for passing on through
to the hatchery, or alternatively that the egg is not qualified for
hatching but is otherwise gradable for other use such as pet food,
or else that the egg is unusable and hence waste.
[0056] The quality findings obtained by the method 50 in accordance
with the invention are shown by trials to correlate to various poor
quality factors with egg shells, including things as cracks,
micro-fractures, and undue porosity or thinness and so on. These
same poor quality factors are also known to correlate to risk of
contamination by, for example and without limitation, salmonella.
Eggs at risk to salmonella contamination are unusable for any
purpose and hence waste.
[0057] Returning to FIG. 7, the eggs are sorted based on the
findings of the ultrasound station by a sorter 56 which sorts each
according to the corresponding finding. Sorting can be accomplished
in accordance with various routine ways known in the art. Referring
to FIG. 1, the same inverted suction cup which lifts the egg for
ultrasound inspection might also be utilized sorting duties.
Alternatively, a successive inverted suction cup (not shown in FIG.
1) might be utilized for this duty or else a carousel and so on.
Persons ordinarily skilled in the art could readily devise routine
other ways for doing so.
[0058] Whereas FIG. 7 shows three dispositions for eggs this is
done so merely for convenience in the drawings and the invention is
not limited to sorting the eggs into any indefinite number of
categories according to given criteria.
[0059] Yet in FIG. 7, preferably the premium quality eggs are
hatchery quality and this includes being of sufficient quality for
human consumption. Correlation results show that such eggs are
fertile and have the pre-requisite shell quality to hatch and
provide a healthy hatchling through at least the first several days
after emerging from the shell. Those eggs which fail the premium
quality standards might next be considered if unusable. Unusable
eggs are preferably discarded. However, if the egg has an
intermediate quality, it remains fit for perhaps other use such as
pet consumption and can be sorted for such.
[0060] In view of the foregoing, the results of the ultrasound
inspection 54 are analyzed by an analyzer 54 or 55 or other
information processor or controller 55 to make a finding
correlatable to the egg's shell quality. The egg's shell quality in
turn is correlatable to such grading factors as grading for
fertility or hatching or hatchling viability. In more accurate
language, the relationship between egg shell quality and
indications of fertility or hatching or hatchling viability might
be alternatively referred to as an association. The association
between the egg's shell quality obtained from the detected signal
of ultrasound apparatus 54 and the grading for fertility or
hatching or hatchling viability is accomplished by pre-programmed
routines and data stored on and executed by the information
processor 55. Such routines and data would be based on the trials
previously conducted as well as refined as time extends by further
experience with the practice of the method and use of the apparatus
50 in accordance with the invention.
[0061] It is an aspect of the invention that the ultrasound
inspection is preferably transacted as soon as the eggs are
collected from the brood farm. That way, the grading or sorting
decision is made as early as possible to extract out the sub-grade
eggs before any more resources are expended on them. Accordingly
the invention provides advantageous optimization of efficiency
especially for high-volume poultry and turkey operation in which
optimization and efficiency are paramount.
[0062] The invention having been disclosed in connection with the
foregoing variations and examples, additional variations will now
be apparent to persons skilled in the art. The invention is not
intended to be limited to the variations specifically mentioned,
and accordingly reference should be made to the appended claims
rather than the foregoing discussion of preferred examples, to
assess the scope of the invention in which exclusive rights are
claimed.
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