CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 62/503,504, entitled "Systems and Methods for Promoting Biological Responses in Incubated Eggs," filed on May 9, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to promoting biological responses in incubated eggs of avian species. More specifically, to a lighting system and method for promoting biological responses including hatchabiiity, survival of avian from eggs, sex selection, embryo growth, and enhancing growth of the avian during and after hatch.

BACKGROUND

Egg production, in avian such as chickens or turkeys has become a commercial industry. In a commercial hatchery, initially eggs are fertilized, either naturally or through artificial insemination. The eggs often are then refrigerated until ready for incubation. The fertilized eggs are then placed into an incubation chamber or device to promote the hatching of the eggs.

Incubation chambers essentially are entire environmentally controlled rooms sealed to the outside environment where large multi-trayed incubation devices are stored. To promote and maximize hatchabiiity, environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and the like are controlled. Typically, the temperature within the incubation chamber is controlled to be between 90°- 105° F and typically around 99°F. This is done in many manners known in the art including but not limited to use of a heater in conjunction with a fan to blow warm air evenly throughout an incubation chamber. The humidity is controlled to keep the relative humidity at least above 45%.

Controlling the heat within the incubation chambers is extremely important and, in some systems, periodically during the incubation process trays can be rearranged within an incubating device to ensure even heating for all eggs within the system, in addition, heat within the chamber is monitored to address the amount of heat produced by the embryos themselves as they develop.

Withm some incubation chambers fan elements are provided along with temperature control units such as temperature regulating coils to heat and cool the environment. The temperature regulating coils present a conduit forming a plurality of spaced apart radiating members having fluid flowing therethrough within the incubation chamber. The fan element is often a commercial fan having a plurality of blade elements of comparable height as an incubating device or multiple fan elements is/are positioned adjacent the temperature control units to convey the heating or cooling air throughout the interior of the chamber.

Another feature of incubation chambers in the art is that they are designed to fit as many eggs as possible into each chamber with limited room for unused space. The incubation chambers are lined up in side by side relation with sealed doors closing each chamber. The incubating devices themselves are rolled into each chamber. Often a rail element is utilized at the side the chamber to help guide the incubation devices within the chamber and keep the incubation devices centered in the chamber to facilitate removal and to prevent the incubating devices from hitting auxiliary units within the incubation chamber such as the fan element or the temperature control unit. In some incubation chambers the fan element and temperature control unit are located between two adjoined chambers in between the doors so that the fan and temperature control unit control the airflow and heat within the two adjoined chambers. While the rail element prevents the incubating devices from running into these auxiliary devices within the chamber, very little room remains between the rail element and auxiliary devices.

in addition, cleanliness is extremely important in the incubation chamber. Upon removal of the incubation devices cleaning agents and high-pressure water may be utilized to clean all surfaces within the chamber and the incubation devices.

Regarding the incubation devices themselves, there are multiple types of incubation devices. A first type is referred to as a setter that presents a frame with a plurality of trays that hold the eggs. The trays have openings therein of size and shape to receive an egg but there is no place for chicks from hatched eggs to be held. Setters are used only for incubating purposes and hold as many eggs as possible. A rotation mechanism that fits within the frame of the incubation device is often utilized. The second type of incubation device is referred to as a hatcher. A hatcher basket holds the eggs and may also have trays that may have openings to receive eggs, but either the tray itself is a basket element that both holds the eggs and chicks when they hatch or alternatively a separate basket element is provided underneath the eggs so as the eggs hatch the chicks drop into the basket elements. The basket elements are perforated to allow continued air flow through the device.

Typically, eggs are first placed in a setter during a first incubation period of mcubation and then transferred into a hatcher during a second incubation period or hatching period of incubation. The predetermined period of the first incubation period is dependent on egg type and for certain eggs, for example only, this period is 15 days, for others 18, Similarly, the second incubation period is also dependent on egg type and typically is at least 48 hours or more.

Alternatively, once the first incubation period within the incubation chamber is reached, the environmental conditions of the mcubation chamber may be altered during the second incubation period and eggs are not transferred and instead the incubation device has basket elements to hold the hatched chicks. Because of the size and shape of the basket elements more eggs can be placed into the setters making use of separate setters and hatchers advantageous. While setters and hatchers have been described, other incubating devices are contemplated by the disclosure.

In addition, the mcubation devices are designed to further promote hatchability. The incubating device has a plurality of rotating trays that rotate the eggs periodically to +/- 15°to30° of center (0°). The conditions on the eggs, including but not limited to the temperature, humidity and movement are controlled specifically to mimic conditions presented in nature and tested to determine the optimum conditions to promote hatching within the eggs.

The mcubation device is also designed to maximize worker efficiencies. The mcubation devices are open on at least one side and are designed so that the trays or alternatively the egg holders and the trays or basket elements can be slidabiy inserted and removed from the incubatio device. In this manner eggs and/ or chicks are quickly and efficiently inserted and removed from the mcubation devices.

Typically, light for the eggs is not used i the incubation environment, either in the mcubation chamber or on the incubation device and eggs are incubated in darkness. Based o previous research the use of light in hatcheries has largely been discouraged. While the use of light has been advantageous in certain instances, improper use of light has bee shown to provide potentially negative results within a commercial hatchery. SUMMARY

The present inventors have recognized, among other things, that a problem to be solved can include promoting biological responses within eggs in an incubation chamber while operating the chamber in a manner to avoid slowing or hurting overall egg production. ^' The present subject matter can help provide a solution to this problem, such as by providing an incubating device that promotes biological responses within eggs in a commercial incubation chamber. More specifically, to provide a modular light supporting device within an incubation chamber that prevents inefficiencies in the commercial setting.

The light supporting devices discussed herein are made to be removeable from the incubation device and are situated to provide direct, uniform light to the eggs, without interfering with the normal operation of the incubation systems. Removability is important so that existing setting and hatching devices already on the market can be readily retrofitted with the devices. The light supporting devices can be removed, and they can be readily attached to any hatcher or setter device. Some prior art devices had lights that were permanently attached to the hatching or setting devices. A drawback with these devices is that they did not lend themselves to being used with hatchers and setters that are already m use. In some embodiments, the lights described herein are comprised of light supporting devices are strips of light emitting diodes. In the event that a LED or a strip of lights burns out, easy replacement is needed, and the embodiments described herein are easily replaceable, in some prior art devices, the lights were placed outside of the body of the hatchers or setters, or outside of the hatch baskets, in some instances, some eggs were too far away from the light source to receive sufficient light to affect the desired biological response. In some cases, the eggs received different amounts of light making it difficult to achieve the desired biological response in ail or almost all the eggs. The example embodiments described herein provide modular and replaceable lighting devices that can be utilized with existing incubation chambers. These and other objects, features, advantages and improvements will become apparent from the specification and claims.

Aspect 1 can include or use subject matter (such as an apparatus, a system, a device, a method, a means for performing acts, or a device readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the device, can cause the device to perform acts), such as can include or use a light supporting device for use within an incubating device, the light supporting device comprising: a body having a planar shape and being sized to removably fit within the incubating device; and a plurality of lighting devices electrically connected together and mounted on the body, the plurality of lighting devices arranged on the body to provide a consistent light to all eggs that are placed within the incubating device adjacent to the body: wherein the consistent light promotes a biological response within the eggs.

Aspect 2 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of

Aspect 1 , to optionally include or use the incubation device is a setter.

Aspect 3 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1 , to optionally include or use the incubation device is a hatcher.

Aspect 4 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 3 to optionally include or use the lighting devices include strips of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Aspect 5 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 4 to optionally include or use the lighting devices emit the consistent light at a specific wavelength that promotes the biological response.

Aspect 6 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 5 to include or use, subject matter (such as an apparatus, a method, a means for performing acts, or a machine readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the machine, that can cause the machine to perform acts), such as can include or use a light supporting device for use in a setting device, which includes holding members for holding egg trays, the light supporting device comprising: a body having a planar shape and being sized to removably fit between the holding members and egg trays within the setting device, and allowing for the insertion and removal of the egg trays when the body is in the setting device; and at least one lighting device disposed on the body, the lighting device including a plurality of lighting elements that provide a consistent light to all eggs that are placed within the setting device adjacent to the body.

Aspect 7 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 6, to optionally include or use the body further comprises openings in the body that permit air to flow through the body.

Aspect 8 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 6 through 7 to optionally include or use the lighting device is a strip of LEDs. Aspect 9 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 6 through 8 to optionally include or use the light emitted from the lighting device is at a specific wavelength to promote a biological response.

Aspect 10 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 9 to include or use, subject matter (such as an apparatus, a method, a means for performing acts, or a machine readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the machine, that can cause the machine to perform acts), such as can include or use a light supporting device, for use in a hatching device that includes a plurality of stacked hatch baskets, comprising: at least one lighting device secured to the bottom of each one of the plurality of stacked hatch baskets, the lighting device including a plurality of lighting elements that provide a consistent light to the contents of an adjacent stacked hatch basket, and allowing for the stacking of the hatch baskets in the hatching device.

Aspect 11 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 1 0, to optionally include or use the at least one lighting device includes a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Aspect 12 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 10 through 11 to optionally include or use the hatch baskets comprise grooves on the bottom and the lighting devices are attached to the stacked hatch baskets within the grooves.

Aspect 13 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 10 through 12 to optionally include or use a bracket that fits w th the hatch basket separate from a structure that pro vides for the stacking of the hatch baskets; wherein the at least one lighting device is attached to the bracket.

Aspect 14 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 13 to include or use, subject matter (such as an apparatus, a method, a means for performing acts, or a machine readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the machine, that can cause the machine to perform acts), such as can include or use a light supporting device, for use in a setting device that comprises holding members and lip members for holding egg trays, the light supporting device comprising: a body; at least one lighting device disposed on the body; and holding brackets connected to the body, the holding brackets being configured to removably connect to the holding members or lip members such that the body; wherein the brackets and lighting devices provide for the unimpeded installation or removal of egg trays.

Aspect 15 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 14 to optionally include or use wherein the lighting devices include lighting elements that emit a blue light.

Aspect 16 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 15 to optionally include or use wherein the lighting devices include lighting elements that emit a green light.

Aspect 17 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of A spects 1 through 16 to optionally include or use wherein the lighting devices include lighting elements that emit a red light.

Aspect 18 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 17 to optionally include or use wherein the lighting devices include lighting elements that emit a green light and a red light.

Aspect 19 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 16 to optionally include or use wherein the lighting devices include lighting elements that emit a white light and a red light.

Aspect 20 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 17 to optionally include or use wherein the lighting devices include lighting elements that emit a green light, a white light, and a red light.

Aspect 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 1 through 20 to include or use, subject matter (such as an apparatus, a method, a means for performing acts, or a machine readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the machine, that can cause the machine to perform acts), such as can include or use a method of retrofitting an incubation device comprising: selecting a lighting device that is sized to fit within a void of an element of the incubation device such that the lighting device only contacts the element of the incubation device when the element is removed from or inserted into the incubation device.

Aspect 22 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 21, to optionally include or use the incubation device is a setter. Aspect 23 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 22, to optionally include or use wherein the element is an egg tray.

Aspect 24 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 21, to optionally include or use the incubation device is a hatcher.

Aspect 25 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of Aspect 22, to optionally include or use wherein the element is a basket.

Aspect 26 ca include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 21 through 25 to optionally include or use the lighting device is a strip of LEDs.

Aspect 27 can include or use, or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Aspects 21 through 26 to optionally include or use the lighting devices include lighting elements that emit a green light, a white light, a blue light or a red light. Each of these non-limiting examples can stand on its own, or can be combined in various permutations or combinations with one or more of the other examples.

This overview is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The detailed description is included to provide further information about the present patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals may describe similar components in different views. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an incubation chamber.

Fig. 2 is perspective view of a setting device.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a hatching device.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a light supporting device.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a light supporting device.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a light supporting device.

Fig. 7A is a perspective view of a light supporting device. Fig. 7B is a perspective view of a light supporting device.

Fig. 8A is a perspective view of a light supporting device.

Fig. 8B is a perspective view of a light supporting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Light can be applied to incubated eggs to promote a biological response within the eggs. In particular, certain narrow bands of wavelengths and/or combinations of narrow bands can significantly improve hatchability of avian eggs when illuminating the entire egg during incubation. As described in U.S. Patent Pub. No, 2014/0158050 and U.S. Patent Pub. No.

2016/0165859, both to Grajcar, which are both incorporated by reference in full herein, narrow wavelength bands were shown to significantly improve hatchability of avian eggs. In addition, as disclosed in the '050 publication, energy from different wavelengths of light can also be used to promote other biological responses within the eggs including selecting the sex of a hatched chick. In particular, the '050 publication showed that light could be used within an incubation device to influence the sex of the hatched chick. As described in PCT application no.

PCT/US2018/019869 to Grajcar, filed on February 27, 2018, which is incorporated by reference in full herein, narrow wavelength bands were shown to enhance myogenesis in avian eggs.

However, additional problems remain. While improving biological responses in a lab setting is possible, adopting technologies to a commercial setting includes additional problems to be solved. In commercial hatcheries speed is important and trays holding eggs must be removable to allow quick insertion and removal of eggs within the incubating device. In addition, lighting devices produce heat that again can affect eggs within the incubation device and alter the environment in an incubation device. Additionally, electricity remains expensive, even when energy efficient lighting is utilized, it adds costs to egg production. Further, current commercial hatcheries were not necessarily designed to accommodate lighting therein. In fact, current hatcheries are built to fit as many eggs into an incubation space as possible leaving little room for additional components of any kind. Thus, a need in the art exists to provide lighting systems that both promote biological responses within eggs of an incubation chamber and avoid slowing or hurting overall production operation. Fig. 1 shows an example of an incubation chamber 1 generally having an open interior 2 closed and sealed by a door member 3. When closed the door member 3 forms an airtight seal to keep the internal environmental conditions within the interior 2 controlled.

At least one temperature control member 4 is within the incubation chamber that in one embodiment is a radiating coil having fluid conveyed therethrough to provide heat or cool air to keep the interior 2 at a predetermined temperature. In one embodiment a fan element 5 is spaced apart from the temperature control member 4 to convey air through the incubation chamber to ensure even temperature distribution throughout the incubation chamber 1. The fan element 5 extends the height of the incubation chamber 1 to circulate air accordingly. In one embodiment an incubation chamber has two door members that seal to the outside and the fan element 5 is positioned between the door elements to be centrally located within the incubation chamber 1 and again convey air and thus provide temperature control throughout the incubation chamber 1.

A control unit 6 is electrically or digitally in communication with the fan element 5 and temperature control member 4 and includes sensor elements 7 and 8 that monitor the

environmental conditions within the incubation chamber 1 . In one embodiment the sensor elements 7 and 8 are a humidity sensor and temperature sensor respectfully. Typically, the control unit 6 is located on the exterior of the incubation chamber 1 to provide read outs of the environmental conditions with the incubation chamber 1 for a user. The control unit 6 operably actuates the temperature control member 4 and fan element 5 to keep both the humidity and temperature at constants throughout a predetermined incubation period.

Rail elements 9 are disposed within and extend in the interior 2 of the mcubation chamber 1 generally in front of the temperature control member 4 and fan element 5. The rail elements 9 are presented to protect the temperature control member 4 and fan element 5 and are spaced apart therefrom such that when incubating device 10 (see Fig. 2) or incubating device 40 (see Fig. 3) are put into the mcubation chamber 1, typically rolled in, the mcubation device 10 or incubation device 40 engage the rail element 9 instead of the temperature control member 4 or fan element 5. The rail elements 9 also assist in guiding and centering the mcubation device 10 or mcubation device 40 mto the interior 2 so that a maximum number of incubation device 10 or mcubation device 40 can be placed within the interior 2 of the mcubation chamber 1.

Fig. 2 depicts the setter type of incubating device 10. However, any type of incubating device may be utilized with the devices and techniques described herein, including but not limited to setters or setting devices, hatchers or hatching devices (see e.g.. Fig. 3) and the like. In the illustrative embodiments the incubating devices 10 have a body 12 that is a frame that has a generally rectangular shape having vertical support members 14 in parallel to each other. The vertical support members are connected to and orthogonal to horizontal support members 20 that are themselves in parallel to each other. While the body or frame 12 is open, the frame has a hollow interior cavity 24.

A plurality of egg tray 28 holding members 27 are disposed within the interior cavity 24 to hold a plurality of eggs 30 within a plurality of stabilizing members 35 such as, but not limited to slots, holes, openings, cups or the like, that are configured to hold and prevent movement of an egg 30. The trays 28 in one embodiment are slidably within the body 2, resting on holding members 27, such that each egg tray 28 can be pulled out of the interior so that the eggs 30 can be retrieved. For clarity only some of the egg trays 28 that can be included in the incubating device 10 are shown in Fig. 2.

In some embodiments a tilting system 36 is provided that is connected to the holding members 27 to cause the holding members 27 to rotate or tilt to various angles in response to movement in the tilting system to simulate the movement the egg 30 would encounter in nature, for example, as the egg is set upon by a hen or subject to other environmental conditions. In one example, each tilting system 36 is mounted on a rotatable axle 37 mounted to and controlled by a rotational actuator (not shown). The actuator is itself mounted to the body 12, and is operative to move the holding members 27 with respect to the body 12 as is known in the art. The actuator may continuously or periodically move the holding members 27 having the eggs 30 disposed thereon. In the one example, the actuator is operative to rotate the holding member 27 between a horizontal position (as shown) and angled positions in the clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. The angled positions may correspond to angles measured from the horizontal and may range between 0° and a maximum angle (e.g., 15° to 30°). The maximum angle is generally selected such that even when the holding member 27 is rotated to the maximum angle, any eggs 30 disposed on or in holding member 27 are not dislodged from the stabilizing member 35.

In some embodiments, the holding members 27 includes lip elements 31 that extend in an L shape to form an edge. The L-shape supports the egg trays 28 on the bottom and outside surfaces such that an egg tray 28 is easily inserted and nestled onto of the holding member 27 at the bottom of lip elements 31 and held in place within the tilting system 36. The entire system, including the lip elements 31 , rotate to rotate the holding member 27. The holding members 27 run the depth of the setting device and are connected on each end by support brackets 26.

Figure 3 shows a hatching type incubating device 40. Incubating device 40 includes a rolling base, 42, a plurality of egg baskets 44, with a lid 46 on the top of the top baskets. In some embodiments both a tray, similar to tray 28 and basket 44 are utilized with the basket element underneath the tray to receive hatched chicks. In another embodiment the baskets 44 themselves both hold the eggs 30 and provide an area for the hatched chicks.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment wherein a light supporting device 300 has a body 302 that in an example embodiment is a planar sheet of flexible material of size and shape comparable to the perimeter of the holding member such that the body 302 can be inserted into the lip elements 31 and onto holding members 27 (see Fig. 2) and then the egg trays 28(see Fig. 2) placed on top of the body 302 within the tilting system 36(see Fig. 2). While described as a flexible sheet in this embodiment, the body 302 can also be made of a rigid material .

A plurality of lighting devices 304 are placed on each body 302. In one example embodiment, as depicted in Fig. 4, the lighting devices 304 are strips of LEDs 306 having driving components or circuitry (not shown) disposed on the body 302 wherein each strip is a substrate or printed circuit board and the driving components operate the LEDs 306. While two lighting devices 304 are shown, any number, one or more, is contemplated by the invention. A greater or smaller number can be utilized depending on the size of the hatch basket and the intensity of the LEDs 306 on lighting devices 304.

An electrical connector 310 is electrically connected to the driving circuitry on each body 302 to provide electrical power to the lighting devices 304, in some embodiments power is provided through electrical header 316. The electrical connector 310 m one example provides a water proof seal such that when wash-down of the hatcher or setter d evice occurs the ingress of water within the lighting device 304 is prevented. The electrical connector 310 allows connection to a main electrical line.

Fig. 5 shows an example embodiment wherein a light supporting device 350 has a body 352 that in one example embodiment is a sheet of flexible material of size and shape comparable to the perimeter of the holding member 27 (see Fig. 2) such that the body 352 can be inserted into the lip elements 31 and then the egg trays 28 placed on top of the body 352 within the tilting system 36. While described as a flexible sheet in this embodiment, the body 352 may also be made of a rigid material. Body 352 has holes or openings 358 to provide for enhanced air flow around eggs 30. While three lighting devices 356 are shown, any number, one or more, is contemplated. More or fewer lighting devices 356 can be utilized depending on the size of the hatch basket and the intensity of light provided by the lighting devices 356.

A plurality of lighting devices 356 are placed on each body 352. In one example embodiment as provided in Fig. 5 the lighting devices 356 are strips of LEDs 354 having driving components or circuitry (not shown) disposed on the body 352 wherein each strip is a substrate or printed circuit board and the driving components operate the lighting devices 356.

An electrical connector 370 is electrically connected to the driving circuitry on each body 352 to provide electrical power to the lighting devices 356. The electrical connector 370 in one embodiment provides a water proof seal such that when wash-down of the hatcher or setter device occurs the ingress of water within the lighting device 356 is prevented. The electrical connector 370 allows connection to a main electrical line.

Fig. 6 shows an embodiment wherein a light supporting device 400 is mounted on a hatch basket 401 (44 in Fig. 3). A plurality of lighting devices 402 are shown. While two lighting devices are shown, any number, one or more, is contemplated by the invention. More or less may be needed depending on the size of the hatch basket and the intensity of the lighting devices, in one embodiment as provided in Fig. 6 the lighting devices 402 are strips of LEDs 404 having driving components or circuitry (not shown) disposed on the lighting device 402 wherein each strip is a substrate or printed circuit board and the driving components operate the LEDs 404. An electrical connector header 406 is electrically connected to each lighting device 402 and to the power supply. Shown in Fig 6, electrical connectors 408 and 409 used to provide power to the lighting devices. In this perspective, connectors are only shown on the bottom of the basket. There will be a corresponding pair on the top of the basket. As the baskets are stacked, when in use, the electrical connectors 409 and 408 will connect with the electrical connector of an adjacent basket. This arrangement provides a single electrical path for one stack of baskets. In some embodiments, the top basket will be covered by a lid (not shown). In this embodiment, the lid would have the required amount of lighting devices attached to the bottom, and a connection between connectors 408 and 409 to complete the electrical circuit. A power plate, not shown, could be used at the bottom of the stack of baskets to connect with the electrical connectors on the bottom of the bottom basket and to provide power to the stack. Alternatively, other electrical supply systems such as induction coils could be used to power the light supporting device 400. In some embodiments, the lighting devices 402 can be place in machined grooves on the bottom of hatch baskets. In other embodiments, the light devices 402 can be directly attached to the bottom of the basket. The entire system will be constructed so that the baskets can be washed without damaging the lights or the circuitry. While two lighting devices are shown, any number, one or more, is contemplated by the invention. More or less may be needed depending on the size of the hatch basket and the intensity of the lighting devices.

Fig. 7 A and 7B show an embodiment wherein a light supporting device 500 comprises a plurality of brackets 502 and a plurality of lighting devices 501. In use, the brackets fit inside a hatch basket (see Fig. 3) and provide light to the eggs that are within the basket. The bracket is sized and shaped so that it does not interfere with the stacking of the baskets. While two lighting devices are shown, any number, one or more, is contemplated by the invention. More or less may be needed depending on the size of the hatch basket and the intensity of the lighting devices. Fig. 7A is a perspective of the top of light supporting device 500 and Fig. 7B is a perspective of the bottom. In one embodiment as provided in Figs. 7A and 7B the lighting devices 501 are strips of LEDs 504 having driving components or circuitry (not shown) disposed on the lighting device 501 wherein each strip is a substrate or printed circuit board and the driving components operate the LEDs 504. An electrical header 508 is electrically connected to each lighting device 501 and to the power supply. Shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, electrical connectors 510 is used to provide power to the light devices. In some embodiments, the top basket will be covered by a lid (not shown). In this embodiment, the lid would have the required amount of lighting devices 501 attached to the bottom. Alternatively, other electrical supply systems such as induction coils could be used to power the light supporting device 500. The entire system will be constructed so that the baskets can be washed without damaging the lights or the circuitry.

Fig. 8A, and 8B shows an embodiment of a single view of a light supporting device 600.

Light supporting device, when in use, fits into setters inside lip members 31 and on holding members 27 (see fig. 2). They are clipped to lip members 31 to stay in place. A setter device or cart contains as few as 30 and as many as 45 setter egg tray holding racks. As shown in Fig. 8B, lighting device 604 are secured to the light bar holding bracket 605 using retaining clips 606. The light bar holding bracket 605 secures itself to the setter tray holding members 27 or lip members 31 using edge clip 610. While two lighting devices are shown, any number, one or more, is contemplated by the invention. More or less may be needed depending on the size of the hatch basket and the intensity of the lighting devices. In Figures 8A and 8B, support bracket 26 (see fig. 2) connects pairs of holding members 27. An egg tray 28 is shown in Fig. 8A.

In one embodiment, the light supporting device 600 comprises several components, that may be sold separately. While there are multiple setter and hatcher manufacturers and the dimensions of the eggs trays and hatch baskets may be a little different from each other, applicant has invented a system that can be used on most commercial units without the need to stock light supporting devices designed for one specific manufacturer. Only lighting device holding bracket 605 will need to be specific to a brand of setter. Even with different length holding members 27, holding bracket 605 can be positioned so that lighting devices 604 are centered in the setter device. In one embodiment as provided in Figs. 8A and 8B the lighting devices 604 are strips of LEDs (not shown) having driving components or circuitry (not shown) disposed on the lighting device 604 wherein each strip is a substrate or printed circuit board and the driving components operate the lighting devices 604. An electrical connector header 614 is electrically connected to each light device 604 and to the power supply. Shown in Figs. 8A and 8B, electrical connector 616 is used to provide power to the light devices. In some embodiments, the top basket will be covered by a lid (not shown). In this embodiment, the lid would have the required amount of lighting devices 604 attached to the bottom. Alternatively, other electrical supply systems such as induction coils could be used to power the light supporting device 600. The entire system will be constructed so that the baskets can be washed without damaging the lights or the circuitry.

For all embodiments shown in Figs. 4 to 8, The lighting devices can be of any type, including but not limited to incandescent lights, compact fluorescent lights, high pressure sodium lights, LED lights or the like. Similarly, the lighting devices can be strip lights on a single plane, individual LEDs, tube lights or the like. While two or three lighting devices are shown in the figures, any number, one or more, is contemplated by the invention. More or less may be needed depending on the size of the hatch basket and/or egg tray and the intensity of the lighting devices. Where the lighting devices are strips of LED's, the LED's may be placed in a metal, plastic, or other suitable material bracket. In some embodiments, this bracket has a square bottom U shape or could be an extruded U channel. The bottoms of the shape do not need to be flat. The LED's are placed in the bottom of the bracket, electrically connected to the header, and then completely covered in clear epoxy or other suitable sealant so as to prevent water from damaging the LED's or circuits while allowing the light from the LED to reach the eggs.

The circuitry in some embodiments is similar to that taught in US. Patent No. 8,373,363 entitled Reduction of Harmonic Distortion for LED Loads, by Z. Grajcar and issued on Feb. 12, 2013 and U.S. Patent Application entitled "Color Temperature Shift Control for Dimmable AC LED Lighting," Ser. No. 12/824,215, which was filed by Z. Grajcar on June 27, 2010, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The embodiments of the invention pertain to hatching systems for avian species eggs. Avian species include chickens, turkey, duck, goose, pheasant, quail, grouse, and other species.

In some embodiments the LED's emit light with a wavelength between 360 nm and 400 nm, 400 nm to 450 nm, 450 to 500 nm, 550 nm - 570 nm or 630 nm to 680 nm, or a combination of any of these wavelengths. In some embodiments, the LED's emit UVA, blue, green, or red light. In some embodiments, a white light is used either alone or with other colors. If a white light LED is used, it is an LED with a spectral curve wherein the ratio of the area under the curve of the blue peak to the area under the curve of the phosphor peak is between 0.5 and 1.5. In some embodiments, multiple wavelength bands are used together. Note that a light source may be operative to produce light having a spectrum substantially concentrated within the specified range or narro w band of wavelength when o ver 90% or over 95% of the lighting energy emitted by the light source is within the specified narrow range of wavelengths. In some examples, the light source may thus also emit a small amount of light outside of the specified range. In some embodiments, for LED's the specified band of wavelength, specific wavelength, or narrow band of wavelength may refer to the wavelength at which the LED emits maximum spectral power. Other light wavelengths and spectral outputs will work with the invention as long as there is sufficient light to obtain the desired purpose and no or minimal light that will have a deleterious effect. This narrow band of wavelengths includes wavelengths that are visible to humans and ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths not visible to humans, including but not limited narrow bands of wavelength in any range from 300 nm to 800 nm.

To promote hatchability, improve chick quality, and reduce stress early in chick life, either a white or a red light, or white and red light together are applied in a circadian manner (having a light and dark period with a 24-hr rhythm). The light period should be between 8- 6 hours per day with the remaining hours dark. Irradiance should be between 100 and 500 lux. The red light may be between 630 and 670 nm. White light can be a typical warm or cool phosphor- based LED, where a 450 nm monochromatic blue LED is used to activate a green+red phosphor. Although benefits can be seen by applying this light to final week of incubation, the strongest benefits are seen by incubating throughout the entire incubation for avian species.

To promote myogenesis and faster development, a green light in the range of 495 nm to

570 nm, or in the range of 550 nm to 570 nm, or more preferably from 540 nm to 560 nm, can be applied. Applicants have found that light energy in the range of 0.2 W/m ² and 10 W/m ² or in the range of 300-600 mW/m ² (both on the surface of the egg) is desirable to effect myogenesis. In this case, applying green light has the greatest effect during critical myogenesis events in ovo. Likely the strongest effects could be achieved by applying the green light throughout the entire incubation period. In some embodiments, it is applied with circadian control.

To control sex, blue light may be applied during critical sexual development stages. In some embodiments, wavelengths in the range of 410-450 nm is selected when production of female embryos is promoted. In another embodiment, wavelengths in the range of 450-495 nm are selected when production of male embryos is promoted.

In some embodiments a controller such as a dimming device is electrically connected to the circuitry to control the color output and lighting duration of the various LED groups. The controller in one embodiment is placed on the exterior the chamber to prevent heat from electrical circuitry within the controller from being conveyed into the interior of the chamber.

The circuitry and lighting elements all lie on a single plane, minimizing overall space, but also allowing heat from the circuitry to be minimized. Because heat from the circuitry is minimized the LEDs can be in close proximity to the eggs without causing damage to the eggs. Thus, light at predetermined wavelengths can irradiate the eggs, including after the period of buoyancy of embryos in the eggs without deleterious effects on the embryos.

During incubation the lighting devices emit light onto the eggs to promote a biological response in the eggs, including but not limited to improved hatchability, enhanced growth in embryo and in the live avian, sex of the embryo and the like. For the setter devices, as the tilting system rotates the holding members, the lighting devices simultaneously tilts providing light at an equidistance from the eggs for even lighting throughout the entire axis of rotation. The controller can be used to provide predetermined lighting at predetermined intervals to enhance or cause the biological response desired. During operation, when circuitry or lighting issues occur, or other replacement event occurs, requiring replacement of a light supporting device, the egg trays can be removed and a new light supporting device or lighting device can be installed. The light supporting device or lighting device is easily disconnected and a replacement is installed. The replacement light supporting device or lighting device is then connected to the connector and connected to the electrical system. For hatchers, a new hatch basket, light supporting device, or light device may also be replaced if needed. Thus, an extremely fast and easy replacement occurs with minimum interruption or down time for the incubating device or need for rewiring or electrical work.

Thus, provided is a removable and replaceable light supporting device that provides lighting directly on eggs within an incubation device. The light supporting device is waterproof for wash-downs, easy to install and replace and provides for a simpler manufacturing process that does not require a metal frame and welding as is presented in other light supporting devices. Therefore, at the very least all of the stated problems have been overcome and objective met.