GB967454A - Process and apparatus for turning eggs tip-down - Google Patents

Abstract

967,454. Orientating and packaging eggs. D. VAN KATWIJK. Oct. 14, 1960 [Oct. 16, 1959; March 5, 1960], No. 35379/60. Headings B8C and B8S. A method of turning an egg from an initial position in which the longitudinal axis of the egg is horizontal into a position in which the tip is directed downwards comprises placing the egg between two substantially vertical, downwardly converging plates, which are moved apart permitting an egg to slide between them, the egg turning tip downwards under the influence of gravity during its sliding movement. In one arrangement, an egg 1 passing along a shoot 3 is stopped by an elastic block 5, and slides between plates 4, 7. When plate 7 is moved away, it turns tip downwards, its centre of gravity 2 being below a line passing through the points of contact with the plates. In a further arrangement (Figs. 3, 4, not shown) the plate 7 is pivoted at its upper end and spring biased, enabling the angle of convergence to alter during the descent of the egg. In a further arrangement, which orientates a plurality of eggs simultaneously, the movement of the plate is controlled by electromagnetic means. Eggs entering the device close microswitches 29, and an electromagnet 25 causes ratchet means 22, 23 to release a friction-driven cam 21 to oscillate the plate 15. As the eggs descend, the switch contact is broken so that the ratchet arrests the cam after one revolution. Guides 17 on the plate 15 reduce the egg spacing. The plates may be covered with materials such as felt, rubber, or velour. The eggs may fall into trays 10 and be conveyed away.