Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining weights of eggs, comprising,—exposing the eggs to electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of at least 200 nm and thereby illuminating and/or candling the eggs,—recording and processing images that are obtained from differences in intensity of radiation transmitted during illuminating and/or candling, whereby image data and/or derivatives thereof are established, wherein the method furthermore comprises at least a second type of detection, wherein in combination with the image data and/or derivatives thereof the weight of each egg is obtained. The proposed second manner of detection is preferably either a detection method utilizing a vibration analysis or a method in which a specific form of image processing and image analysis is used. Furthermore, the invention relates to devices suitable for these detection methods, as well as to apparatuses, such as sorting machines, where these devices are used.

Abstract: A device and related method for counting objects, such as eggs or the like includes a plurality of first detectors, each of which has a locally delimited detection area, which can detect electromagnetic radiation, in particular light in the visible or infrared range, from the detection area, and which are arranged next to one another in a first line. An evaluation unit is coupled to the first detectors and is designed or configured to process the signals of the detectors and on the basis of the signals, to establish the presence of an object in the detection area.

Abstract: An egg counter for counting eggs conveyed on an egg collection conveyor, includes first and second light emitting element arrays, a light receiving element array between the first and second light emitting element arrays, and a controller for processing light reflected from the respective eggs and received by the light receiving element array. The arrangement is such that light emitted from the light emitting elements of the arrays is reflected from the surface of the egg passing just under the light receiving element array, and received by the light receiving element array. The controller measures the light intensity of the reflected light, detects the peak value of the light intensity, and counts the egg on the basis of the two peak values of the light intensity with respect to that of the light emitted by the light emitting element arrays.

Abstract: Identifying live eggs includes: a) illuminating eggs with light; b) receiving light passing through each egg at a light detector; c) generating an output signal that corresponds to light received at a light detector for each respective egg; d) analyzing the output signals to identify an indication of an external disturbance; e) analyzing the output signal for each egg to identify the existence of an embryo heart rate and/or embryo movement; and f) designating an egg as a live egg in response to identifying embryo heart rate and/or embryo movement. Steps a) through d) are repeated if output signals from a predetermined number of eggs contain an indication of an external disturbance to the eggs. Steps a) through f) are repeated if the number of eggs designated as live exceeds an expected number, or if embryo movement occurs at about the same time in a predetermined number of eggs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing vaccine within a plurality of eggs are provided. Each of a plurality of eggs is illuminated with light from one or more LEDs. A detector is positioned adjacent each egg and detects light passing therethrough. Each egg is then identified as containing a live embryo or as being a non-live egg. Each egg that is determined not to contain a live embryo may be removed, either automatically or by hand. A seed virus is injected into each egg identified as containing a live embryo. After a predetermined period of incubation each live embryo is euthanized and amniotic fluid containing a vaccine produced as a result of the presence of a seed virus is harvested from each euthanized egg.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing vaccine within a plurality of eggs are provided. Each of a plurality of eggs is illuminated with light from one or more LEDs. A detector is positioned adjacent each egg and detects light passing therethrough. Each egg is then identified as containing a live embryo or as being a non-live egg. Each egg that is determined not to contain a live embryo may be removed, either automatically or by hand. A seed virus is injected into each egg identified as containing a live embryo. After a predetermined period of incubation each live embryo is euthanized and amniotic fluid containing a vaccine produced as a result of the presence of a seed virus is harvested from each euthanized egg.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rapidly identifying live eggs within a stream of eggs with high accuracy, are provided. A stream of eggs are candled via a candling apparatus and each candled egg is designated as being either live, non-live, or “uncertain”. Eggs designated as non-live and uncertain are removed from the stream. Each egg designated as uncertain is “recandled” at a separate station via an additional candling procedure in order to definitively determine if the “uncertain” egg is live or non-live. Uncertain eggs identified as being live via recandling are returned to the egg stream such that the stream contains only live eggs. The uncertain eggs determined to be non-live via recandling are removed and are either discarded or used for other purposes.

Abstract: An improved process for transferring film to video or film previously transferred to video for the treatment thereof and the transfer thereof to a master at a real time play rate, the process comprising the steps of: (a) transferring film to video or transferring video carrying the film previously transferred to it to video in a 1:1 frame of film to frame of video ratio where one frame of film, or one frame of film previously transferred to video as the case may be, corresponds to one frame (two sequential fields) of video--(thus each frame of film now occupies only two sequential fields of video).