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: A method, and associated system, for closing a child application window of a parent window. An indicator in data loaded into the parent window is instantiated. After the indicator is instantiated, it is determined that the data currently loaded into the parent window does not include the indicator and in response, a first number of seconds is paused followed by ascertaining that the data currently loaded into the parent window does not comprise the indicator and in response, the child application window is closed.

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: 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. Systems and methods of stabilizing packed objects, such as eggs, as they move from the packer to a marking system includes logic to suspend operation of the delivery conveyor or system.

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.