Abstract: In ovo injection delivery devices include a housing; an extendable and retractable injection needle movably disposed within the housing, wherein the needle is configured to deliver a predetermined dosage of a substance into an egg; and a pump assembly disposed within the housing, wherein the pump assembly is configured to deliver a predetermined amount of a substance to the needle for injection into an egg. A pneumatic logic circuit controls the injection needle and pump assembly via pressurized air or other fluid. The pneumatic logic circuit controls priming of the pump assembly with a substance when the injection needle is in a retracted position and controls dispensing of the substance from the pump assembly to the injection needle when the injection needle is in an extended position. A sensor that detects the presence of an egg within an egg flat (or other carrier) beneath the in ovo injection delivery device.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for metering and dispensing selected materials. Selected materials may correspond to liquids, suspensions, emulsions and solids, and in selected embodiments may correspond to treatment compositions directed to the treatment of poultry eggs. Certain embodiments provide selective dispensing of selected metered material upon detection of the presence of an object to be treated.

Abstract: Egg lifting apparatus are provided that include a vacuum housing having first and second passageways, a venturi assembly in fluid communication with the first and second passageways, and a flexible cup secured to the vacuum housing, wherein the flexible cup has an interior that is in fluid communication with the vacuum housing second passageway. The venturi assembly produces subatmospheric pressure within the second passageway upon the flow of air through the first passageway. The flexible cup is configured to engage and retain an egg in seated relation therewith when subatmospheric pressure is provided within the flexible cup interior via the vacuum housing second passageway.

Abstract: A sterilizing fluid passageway is defined by the annular space between a cylindrical injection needle and a surrounding cylindrical punch. A sterilizing fluid entry fitting allows the sterilizing fluid to be added to the passageway. In this manner, it will be understood that sterilizing fluid entering a fitting will travel through the passageway to clean the interior of a punch and an exterior of the needle. As an additional feature, however, the invention further comprises fluid exit openings that are adjacent to and partially above the lowermost portions of the punch, i.e., those portions that are most likely to enter an egg during injection. The openings permit a sterilizing fluid to travel from the entry fitting through the passageway and then to the exterior surface of the punch so that the sterilizing fluid sterilizes the passageway, the needle and both the interior and exterior portions of the punch that are most likely to enter an egg during injection.