System and method for in ovo sexing of avian embryos
US11723343B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 2021 |
| Grant date | Aug 15, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2503/40
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for determining the gender and/or fertility status of avian eggs including a sampling apparatus and an electromagnetic radiation transmitter and detector. In certain embodiments, the transmitter operates in the terahertz range. The sampling apparatus can be coupled to an avian egg. The sampling apparatus includes a vacuum source, a gas collection device, and a membrane that can be positioned in the passageway coupling the vacuum source to the gas collection device. The membrane is capable of capturing volatile organic compounds. The sampling apparatus applies a vacuum from the vacuum source to the gas proximate to the avian egg and directs the gas captured from the vicinity of the egg toward the membrane. Subsequently, the membrane is positioned within the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter, generating a spectrum which can be analyzed to determine whether the egg is fertile or infertile, and if fertile, whether the egg is male or female. In an embodiment, the captured volatile organic compounds are transferred to a sample chamber where the captured gas is analyzed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.