Abstract: A method of marking an egg is disclosed and comprises applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg so as to cause discoloration of the eggshell, thereby forming a marking comprising at least a traceability code and a freshness date. Apparatus is also disclosed for applying markings on eggs being processed by an egg-handling machine that is designed and configured to transport a plurality of eggs therethrough, wherein the apparatus comprises a radiant energy source located in proximity to the egg-handling machine, the radiant energy source being configured to apply radiant energy to the eggs as the eggs are transported past the radiant energy source to selectively discolor the shell of the eggs and form markings on the shell, including a freshness date and a traceability code.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for applying markings on a food product in such a manner to form a permanent marking thereon. The markings may include text, graphics, images, other types of indicia, and any combination thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the markings include freshness information, traceability data, historical processing information, other types of relevant source information, or any combination thereof. The markings are applied by any suitable marking device known in the art, such as laser-based or ink-based technologies. The source information is stored in memory, such as cloud-based memory, for later use, such as production planning, product recalls, other commercial and regulatory purposes, and the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for monitoring and managing food product processing operations and animal growing, housing, and farming operations and facilities. The food products or animals and related housing and feed are examined and/or analyzed with respect to the quality and integrity of the processing thereof, any markings applied thereto, and compliance with commercial, regulatory, or customer requirements. The environmental conditions, processing conditions, the processing performance parameters, and the like, or any combination thereof, are thereafter subjected to documentation and also may be adjusted in response to such examination, including and up to automated cessation of production.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for applying markings on a food product in such a manner to form a permanent marking thereon. The markings include text and graphics, and are suitably an advertisement, sponsored images, other promotional information, or any combination thereof. The markings may further include freshness information, traceability data, or other types of relevant information, or any combination thereof. The markings are applied by any suitable marking device known in the art, such as laser-based or ink-based technologies. The method preferably forms the markings on the food product while the product moves through a predetermined region of a food processing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for collecting data from multiple measuring points within equipment. Once collected, the data may be consolidated and stored in a database remotely. The data may then be used to optimize system performance either locally or across facilities. Such optimization may include determining the proper handling of packages of objects, such as eggs, that are not ideally marked or that are not properly packed. Such optimization may also include the resetting and/or recalibrating of laser systems within one or more facilities based on the data collected.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for applying markings on a food product by applying a radiant energy to the food product in such a manner to form a permanent marking thereon. The markings include text and graphics, and can include an advertisement, a freshness date, a traceability code, or other types of relevant information. A laser is preferably employed as the radiant energy source. The method preferably forms the markings on the food product while the product moves through a predetermined region of a food processing system. The performance or characteristics of the laser may be adjusted in response to selected characteristics of the food product, environmental conditions, and processing conditions, in order to optimize the marking applied thereon.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for applying ink markings on a food product in such a manner to form a permanent marking thereon. The markings include text and graphics, and can include an advertisement, freshness information, traceability data, or other types of relevant information, or any combination thereof. The method preferably forms the markings on the food product while the product moves through a predetermined region of a food processing system. Preferably, the ink marking assembly is located above the food products to be marked and the products are marked while passing thereunder. The performance or characteristics of the marking device may be adjusted in response to selected characteristics of the food product, environmental conditions, processing conditions, compliance requirements, and the like, in order to optimize the marking process.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for applying markings on a food product by applying a radiant energy to the food product in such a manner to form a permanent marking thereon. These systems and methods include laser configurations that provide for optimal marking while minimizing the quantity of egg stabilizers needed. The present disclosure further includes systems and methods for using shutters to provide a safety shutter mechanism for preventing accidental laser beam escape when guards are removed in addition to protecting the lens. The disclosure also has the benefit of preventing machinery damage, improving machinery performance and play a vital part in achieving predictable performance which is essential to safe operation of the radiant energy source. The present disclosure also includes methods and systems for protecting ink cartridges used in egg carton printing.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for providing a reservoir conveyor that provides the linear space needed to increase the capacity of the buffer storage reservoir such that it is compatible with and increases the efficiency of a Grader and packers.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for closing cartons. The present disclosure includes a flap bending system, having a first end and a second end, configured to receive an object at the first end of the flap bending system and to bend the flap of an object. The present disclosure also includes a progressive closing system that allows an egg carton to be gently closed while in motion without requiring the carton to stop.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for monitoring food product processing operations and facilities. The food products are examined and/or analyzed with respect to the quality and integrity of the processing thereof, any markings applied thereto, and compliance with commercial, regulatory, or customer requirements. The present disclosure provides a machine vision system that is used in connection with the food processing operations to examine and analyze the eggs being processed. In a preferred embodiment, the machine vision system includes at least one imaging sensor for capturing images of the processing thereof and is positioned above the path along which the food products are conveyed.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method and system for applying markings on a food product package in such a manner to form a permanent marking thereon. The markings may include text, graphics, images, advertisements or other promotional material, freshness information, traceability data, other types of indicia, and any combination thereof. The markings are applied by any suitable marking device known in the art, such as laser-based or ink-based technologies. The method preferably forms the markings on the food product package while such package moves through a predetermined region of a food processing system.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system for an improved container for eggs as well as systems and methods for arranging eggs within a container. In a preferred embodiment, the present disclosure includes a container including a plurality of receptacles disposed in one or more rows, wherein each receptacle is constructed and arranged to hold an egg within a compartment of the receptacle so that the egg is substantially maintained in a resting orientation where a long axis of the egg is titled toward a rear portion of the container at an angle slightly offset from a vertical axis. Alternatively, the eggs may be arranged in alternating configurations. One or more laser systems may be configured to accommodate these egg configurations to achieve optimal laser marking on the eggs by reducing the angles of incidence between the directed radiant energy source and the surface of the egg.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes methods and systems for transitioning packages objects, such as eggs, from a packer into an infeed system providing a buffer such that the packer may operate independently of the subsequent system, such as an egg marking system. The present disclosure also includes systems and methods of stabilizing packed objects, such as eggs, as they move from the packer to a marking system so as to optimize the marking process while maximizing throughput and includes logic to suspend operation of the delivery conveyor or system in a manner beneficial to maintaining throughput and reliability.

Abstract: A container for eggs which uniformly orients eggs so that a substantial amount of surface area of the egg is uniformly presented for marking and viewing. The container has receptacles that may include one or more guidance features configured to automatically guide eggs to settle into a preferred resting orientation with the eggs uniformly centered and tilted slightly backward within their receptacles. The receptacles are designed to resist movement of the eggs from their resting orientation during marking, shipping or handling. Optionally, guidance and stabilizing features may cooperate to maintain eggs in a desired resting orientation.

Abstract: A method of marking an egg is disclosed and comprises applying radiant energy to the shell of an egg so as to cause discoloration of the eggshell, thereby forming a marking comprising at least a traceability code and a freshness date. Apparatus is also disclosed for applying markings on eggs being processed by an egg-handling machine that is designed and configured to transport a plurality of eggs there through, wherein the apparatus comprises a radiant energy source located in proximity to the egg-handling machine, the radiant energy source being configured to apply radiant energy to the eggs as the eggs are transported past the radiant energy source to selectively discolor the shell of the eggs and form markings on the shell, including a freshness date and a traceability code.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus for laser marking individual objects with indicia at a marking station wherein a predetermined window exists during which each object can be marked as the objects are conveyed along at least one path at a predetermined speed, the apparatus comprising, at least first and second lasers positioned adjacent one or more paths configured to direct a laser beam onto the objects to mark the same with indicia as the objects pass through the marking station, with each of the first and second lasers marking alternate following objects as they pass through the marking station.

Abstract: A method for arranging eggs in a container. Eggs placed in receptacles of the container come to a resting orientation, by virtue of eh contouring of the receptacle, such that a long axis of the first egg is tilted toward a rear portion of the container at nearly uniform angles slightly offset from a vertical axis, and parallel side-to-side. Using features of the container, movement of eggs from their resting orientation, as well as twisting (spinning) about their long axes is resisted during marking, shipping or handling. The orienting of eggs in the receptacles or compartments thereof may be aided by use of an egg orienter. Tilting of the eggs may be facilitated by using receptacles or compartments which are asymmetrically contoured with respect to the vertical axis.

Abstract: A system for laser marking eggs is disclosed comprising multiple laser marking apparatuses and a central server. The laser marking apparatuses are configured and arranged to perform laser marking jobs queued by local computers for laser marking eggs being packed by egg packing stations. The central server is configured to distribute the laser marking jobs to the local computers. In addition, a method is disclosed for controlling laser marking jobs which comprises distributing the laser marking jobs from a central computer to local computers responsible for queuing laser marking jobs to one or more laser marking apparatuses configured and arranged to laser mark information on eggs.

Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is tilted toward the back of the package so as to be at least slightly offset from vertical. In some embodiments, each of the eggs in the package may have information laser marked on it in substantially the same location as the other eggs in the package, and the eggs may be oriented in the package such that information marked on each egg faces substantially the same direction as the information marked on the other eggs in the package.