Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple-row egg breaking and separating machine in which the egg contents and egg shells are passed adjacent one another through an inspection station at which the contents of the egg can be rejected because the shell or contents are contaminated, defective or abnormal. The present invention is particularly useful for high-speed breaking operations, yet still allows the inspector to view all the parts of the eggs for possible rejection of the egg contents. The present invention is particularly suited for automatic scanning of egg shells and contents, and eliminates possible U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) objections to prior art multiple-row egg breaking machines.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring eggs continuously conveyed in spaced-apart, aligned relationship by a conveyor to a receiving station at which eggs are packaged according to their individual physical characteristics. A frame on which solenoid-actuated plungers are mounted is disposed adjacent the conveyor at the receiving station for releasing eggs having the same physical characteristics from the conveyor in a predetermined sequence at the receiving station. The frame is movable with respect to the receiving station according to the speed of the conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring eggs continuously conveyed in spaced-apart, aligned relationship by a conveyor to a receiving station at which eggs are packaged according to their individual physical characteristics. A frame on which solenoid-actuated plungers are mounted is disposed adjacent the conveyor at the receiving station for releasing eggs having the same physical characteristics from the conveyor in a predetermined sequence at the receiving station. The frame is movable with respect to the receiving station according to the speed of the conveyor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for advancing eggs from a candling station through a plurality of weighing stations in an egg grading apparatus. The eggs are received from the candling station by elongated guide members and are advanced continuously on the guide members through the weighing stations by advancing bars disposed vertically above the guide members. After weighing, the eggs are advanced to a plurality of holding stations disposed in alignment with and downstream of the guide members and weighing stations. Pairs of eggs are lifted from the holding stations and horizontally adjacent pick-up locations by a rotatable and reciprocal lifting mechanism which rotates about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the guide members so as to facilitate engagement and vertically upward lifting of the eggs during upward rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: An egg handling system for an egg grader in which eggs carried by a conveyor in spaced-apart, aligned pairs are released at a receiving station into at least one rotating resilient cylinder for transfer to an egg packer. A support member is disposed below the rotating cylinder for guiding eggs delivered to the cylinder downwardly and away from the cylinder to the egg packer.

Abstract: An egg transfer system suitable for advancing eggs in an egg grader from a candling station to a weighing station at which the eggs are each deposited and individually weighed. The grade of each individual egg is recorded after which the eggs are advanced to a lifting apparatus adapted to rotatably lift and transfer the eggs to a conveying conveyor for delivery to predetermined packers disposed downstream thereof.

Abstract: A denestable plastic egg tray formed of a substantially flat sheet of material and having a plurality of alternate rows of pockets and posts for housing the eggs. A row of downwardly extending pockets is provided adjacent the parallel sides of the peripheral rim, each of the pockets including inclined outer walls. At least one ledge member is provided on the inclined pocket walls suitable to be engaged by a denesting finger during removal of the tray from the remainder of the stack of similar trays.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring individual trays of eggs from the top of adjacently spaced stacks onto a conveyor member. A lifting head is provided for each stack of egg trays and includes thereon vacuum cups which are engagable with each of the individual eggs in the uppermost tray. A vacuum actuated gripper is further provided with each lifting head assembly for engaging and lifting the uppermost tray away from the remainder of the stack. Each lifting head assembly is associated with a rotatable drive to effect rotation during transfer while also moving adjacently spaced lifting head assemblies with respect to one another in order to avoid contact during simultaneous rotation of adjacent lifting head assemblies. Relative movement between each head assembly and the respective support platform is also provided to accommodate variations in height between adjacent stacks to insure proper engagement with the uppermost tray to be transferred.

Abstract: An egg packer with the eggs picked up from a slotted conveyor by a conveyor of rollers having pockets formed between each of the rollers and an adjacent parallel rod, carried up an incline while being rolled and travelling toward its small end, and contacting a guide tongue as it goes over the top of the roller conveyor which guide retards the large end of the egg causing it to pass point down into a retainer for transfer to a clam-shell transfer means which shuttles the egg between the retainer and a receiving pocket therebelow, while adjusting the horizontal spacing between eggs during their descent to the receiving pockets.