Methods and apparatus for candling eggs via embryo heartbeat detection
US8107060B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 29, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/085
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for candling eggs includes a waterproof housing having a free end, a light source configured to emit visible light from the housing free end and illuminate an egg positioned adjacent to the housing free end, and a photodetector that generates an output signal corresponding to intensity of light from the light source leaving the egg. The photodetector is shielded from external light and from direct light from the light source. The light source and photodetector are disposed within the waterproof housing, and a replaceable bumper is removably secured to the housing free end. The bumper is configured to engage an egg in contacting relation therewith, and to shield the photodetector from external light and from direct light from the light source. A processor processes output signals from the photodetector to identify cyclical variations in light intensity and/or non-cyclical variations in light intensity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.