EA041044B1 - ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM USING ELECTRIC FIELD - Google Patents

Description

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial number 62/682262, filed June 8, 2018, which is referenced in this disclosure.

The present disclosure pertains to energy delivery systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to energy delivery systems that generate electrical fields to treat animal tissue.

Handling poultry may include activities such as sexing to determine sex, grafting or otherwise treating birds, feeding birds, weighing birds, and treating birds' beaks and/or claws, for example, to retard their growth, among others. actions.

In recent years, some systems have delivered energy to selected poultry tissue for processing purposes. US Patents No. 5195925; 5651731; US Pat. There remains a need for improved energy delivery systems that deliver energy even more rigorously.

The essence of the invention

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system that uses an electric field in order to process animal tissue. The system design includes an attenuator operatively coupled between a radio frequency (RF) synthesizer and at least one amplifier to provide strict and dynamic power gain control of the electrical RF signal over a wide range, for example up to 60 dB, to generate an alternating electrical RF field. In particular, the attenuator may be adjusted without adjusting some or all of the amplifiers. The system can selectively provide an alternating RF electric field at a low or high power level. The system may have an RF interface board designed to decouple the readout circuitry from high power signals. The system can be used in a variety of applications such as nail, beak/nose processing of poultry, etc. The processing may be carried out using one or more non-contact energy sources such as an electric field. The treatment may include delivering energy to the selected tissue in amounts sufficient to delay or retard future growth, but not directly remove the tissue. The treatment may also include delivering energy to the selected tissue in amounts sufficient to remove the tissue.

In one aspect, the energy delivery system comprises an RF synthesizer circuit configured to generate an electrical RF signal. The system also contains a preamplifier stage operatively connected to the output of the RF synthesizer circuitry. The preamp stage contains an attenuator. The system also contains a board controller operatively connected to the preamp stage attenuator. The board controller is configured to modify the attenuator gain setting. The system further comprises an output connection configured to provide a low power signal or a high power signal based on at least the electrical RF signal and the attenuator gain setting. A low power signal or a high power signal is configured to be provided to an RF applicator configured to apply an alternating RF electric field to animal tissue.

In another aspect, a method for delivering energy to animal tissue comprises synthesizing an electrical RF signal; adjusting the attenuation of the electrical RF signal so as to selectively provide a low power signal or a high power signal; and generating an alternating RF electric field from the RF applicator based on the low power signal or the high power signal to apply the alternating RF electric field to the animal tissue.

Brief description of the drawings

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with respect to the drawings below.

Fig. 1 illustrates the energy delivery system of the present disclosure, FIG. 2A shows RF applicators connected to a shoe for use in the energy delivery system of FIG. 1, fig. 2B shows one RF applicator of FIG. 2A positioned near animal tissue, FIG. 3 shows one layout of the RF interface board in the power delivery system of FIG. 1, fig. 4 shows one layout of the various stages of the RF interface board in the power delivery system of FIG. 1, fig. 5 shows one layout of the reader circuit used in the RF interface board of FIG. 3, fig. 6 and 7 show a front major surface and a second major surface, respectively, of one physical layout of the RF interface board of FIG. 3, fig. 8 is one way to use the RF interface board of FIG. 3,

- 1 041044 fig. 9 shows one particular method for carrying out the method of FIG. 8, fig. 10 and 11 graphically show measurements of read power values versus time with/without activation of tracking mode at high power level, respectively, on the RF interface board of FIG. 3, fig. 12 illustrates one example of a second side of the shoe different from the first side shown in FIG. 2A, fig. 13 is a flow diagram of a method for adjusting for use with the shoe of FIG. 2A and 12.

Detailed description of the invention

This disclosure relates to energy delivery systems, and in particular to energy delivery systems that use one or more non-contact energy sources, such as electric fields, that are applied to animal tissue. While reference is made herein to poultry treatment systems, such as a poultry claw treatment system, used to deliver energy to each claw in sufficient amounts to retard claw growth but not directly remove the claw, energy delivery systems may be used with any poultry or other animal tissue that may require treatment (e.g. poultry beak/nose tissue, etc.). The treatment may also include delivering energy to the selected tissue in amounts sufficient to remove the tissue. Various other applications for energy delivery systems should become apparent to those skilled in the art by taking advantage of the present disclosure.

It may be advantageous to provide an energy delivery system having strict and dynamic control over a wide range of power gains in order to provide alternating radio frequency (RF) electric fields, particularly in animal tissue processing systems. It may be advantageous to provide an energy delivery system capable of providing a low or high power RF electric field in order to facilitate detection and processing of animal tissue using an identical system. Additionally, it may be advantageous for the energy delivery system to tightly control the electrical RF field in such a way as to deliver targeted energy to animal tissue to achieve the desired treatment while mitigating undesirable effects.

The present disclosure provides a system that uses an electromagnetic field to process animal tissue. The system can be used in the processing of poultry to stop the growth of poultry claws. The system can selectively provide an alternating RF electric field at a low or high power level. An alternating electric RF field at a low power level can be used to sense the presence of animal tissue. An alternating electrical RF field with a high power level can be used to treat animal tissue. Some high power RF amplifiers on the market do not allow tight dynamic gain control at low gains. Advantageously, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more preamplifier stages may be used to provide strong dynamic attenuation or gain over a wide range of power gains. In some embodiments, a preamp stage coupled to one or more gain stages can provide a wide range for gain control dynamic range, such as up to 60 dB for an electrical RF signal that can be used to provide a variable electrical RF signal. field.

In some embodiments, the attenuators are adjusted instead of adjusting the amplifiers in order to provide a dynamic range of gains. Frequency tracking can be used in combination with a high power alternating RF electric field to improve application to animal tissue during processing. Additionally, in some embodiments, the system may have an RF interface board designed to decouple the sensing circuitry so as to facilitate power sensing while providing low or high power electrical RF outputs.

All scientific and technical terms used in this document have the meanings most commonly used in this field of technology, unless otherwise indicated. The definitions provided herein serve to facilitate understanding of specific terms frequently used in this document and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

As used herein, the term animal tissue refers to non-human tissue. Non-limiting examples of animal tissue include a claw, beak/nose, or other appendage of poultry.

As used herein, the term applicator or RF applicator means a structure configured to provide a variable electrical RF field in response to receiving an electrical RF signal. The applicator is configured to introduce AC energy

- 2 041044 electric RF field into animal tissue. Unlike an RF antenna, an RF applicator directs or concentrates the energy of an alternating electrical RF field locally at a point near or in close proximity to the surface of the structure, instead of transmitting the electrical RF field to the receiving antenna through the medium.

As used herein, the term or is generally used in an inclusive sense, eg, to mean and/or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term and/or means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of at least two of the listed elements.

Further reference should be made to the drawings, which illustrate one or more of the aspects described in this disclosure. However, it should be understood that other aspects not illustrated in the drawings fall within the scope of this disclosure. Like numbers used in the drawings mean like components, steps, and the like. However, it should be understood that the use of a numbered reference to refer to an element in a given drawing is not intended to limit an element in another drawing labeled with an identical numbered reference. In addition, the use of different reference numbers to refer to elements in different drawings is not intended to indicate that elements with different reference numbers cannot be identical or similar.

Fig. 1 shows an energy delivery system 100 according to the present disclosure. System 100 includes one or more components such as a system controller 102, an RF interface board 104, and an RF applicator 106.

System controller 102 may be operatively coupled to RF interface board 104 to provide or issue commands and settings to RF interface board 104. RF interface board 104 may use a calibration or compensation table to correct for signal drift due to frequency changes. or temperatures affecting one or more components of the RF interface board 104.

The RF interface board 104 may be configured to generate an electrical RF signal. The electrical RF signal may be amplified or attenuated by various components of the RF interface board 104 in order to generate an electrical RF signal output. In some embodiments, the RF interface board 104 includes at least an RF synthesizer circuit, an attenuator, an amplifier, a sensing circuit, and an output connection to provide an electrical RF signal output. The RF interface board 104 is configured to provide a low or high power electrical RF output based on the generated electrical RF signal. The RF interface board 104 may include one or more of the following: additional attenuators, additional amplifiers, temperature sensors, and electromagnetic shielding components.

The RF applicator 106 may be operatively coupled to the RF interface board 104 to generate an alternating RF electrical field in response to receiving an electrical RF output. The RF applicator 106 may be operatively coupled to the output connection of the RF interface board 104. The RF applicator 106 may be formed from any suitable design capable of generating or transmitting an alternating RF electric field. In some embodiments, RF applicator 106 includes a conductive material and a dielectric material. For example, the RF applicator 106 may include two conductors separated by a dielectric material. Non-limiting examples of the dielectric material include a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) such as Teflon™ or a free space (air) dielectric.

The RF interface board 104 is configured to execute or execute one or more commands provided by the system controller 102. In some embodiments, the RF interface board 104 is configured to receive commands including one or more of the following: a constant power output command , detection mode control command, high power tracking mode control command, error message generation command, temperature reading command, off command, and on command.

Various commands may be used during the operation of the energy delivery system. In response to the constant power output command, the RF interface board 104 may provide an electrical RF signal at a constant power level to the output connection. For example, constant power may correspond to an electrical RF output at a low or high power level. In response to the detection mode, the RF interface board 104 may be configured to detect a change in the return loss of the low power signal. Additionally, the RF interface board 104 may notify the system controller 102 when the reflected power falls below or the return loss rises above a threshold. The detection mode may be used in conjunction with providing a low power electrical RF output to the RF applicator 106. When the detected return loss rises, the animal tissue may

- 3 041044 be positioned in close proximity to the RF applicator 106, and the system controller 102 may command the RF interface board 104 to provide a high power electrical RF output signal. In response to the high power tracking mode, the RF interface board 104 may modify the frequency of the generated electrical RF signal so as to reduce or minimize the reflected power, or increase or maximize the return loss detected by the RF interface board 104, thereby improving introducing RF energy into animal tissue. In other words, the frequency can be adjusted to match the detected electrical load. The high power tracking mode may be used in conjunction with providing a high power electrical RF output to increase or maximize the delivery of alternating electrical RF field energy to animal tissue at the start of treatment and during treatment (e.g., the impedance may vary with as animal tissue is processed).

Various frequencies may be used to excite the RF applicator 106 to deliver energy to animal tissue. In some embodiments, the RF interface board 104 may be configured to provide an electrical RF signal corresponding to frequencies in one or more scientific, medical, and industrial (ISM) frequency bands that may be reserved in one or more countries. to use RF energy intended for scientific, medical, and industrial purposes and not for communications. In one or more embodiments, the electrical RF signal includes at least one frequency in the 2400 to 2500 MHz ISM band and may center or peak at 2450 MHz.

The RF applicator 106 may be connected to a shoe that defines a treatment position for the animal tissue. The shoe is configured to guide the animal tissue to a treatment position adjacent to the RF applicator 106 where an alternating RF electric field is to be applied to the animal tissue. In some embodiments, such as for poultry claw systems, the shoe may be described as a claw guide.

Fig. 2A shows a first side view of one example of RF applicators 106 connected to a block 202. As illustrated, three RF applicators 106 are connected to a block 202. Each RF applicator 106 may include one input connection 206 configured to connect to an output connection of the interface RF Boards 104. Each RF applicator 106 may be driven independently, such as by a different RF interface board 104. In some embodiments, input connections 206 may include coaxial connectors.

Shoe 202 may include one or more channels 204 configured to direct animal tissue to a location adjacent to RF applicators 106. In the illustrated embodiment, channels 204 complement the shape and size of the poultry paw and position the distal end of each poultry claw adjacent to one RF applicator 106. For chick treatment, for example, the channels 204 may be shaped to include three front claw channels extending from the rear claw channel. Each claw of the poultry can be processed independently, at different times or in parallel.

Fig. 2B shows one example of an RF applicator 106 positioned near animal tissue 210. In some embodiments, at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97%, or even 99% of the electrical RF field energy (total emitted power) is directed into a volume within 10, 5, 3, 2, 1 or 0.5 cm from the surface of the structure. In one or more embodiments, at least 90% or at least 97% of the total power emitted is directed within 10 times the distance 212 from the RF applicator 106 to the ground plane 208 based on a finite element model such as COMSOL for electromagnetic field modeling. , RF applicator 106. For example, a SolidWorks CAD model of a product can be provided to a finite element model along with dielectric properties such as relative permittivity, and a loss factor (or loss tangent) and total emitted power pattern can be calculated. In some embodiments, distance 212 between RF applicator 106 and ground plane 208 is approximately 1 mm (approximately 0.040 inches).

Fig. 3 shows one example of a layout of an RF interface board 104 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. RF interface board 104 may include one or more of the following: board controller 302, RF synthesizer circuit 304, one or more attenuation stages 306, one or more additional stages 308, direct sensing circuit 310, circulator 312, output connection 314 and a reverse reading circuit 316. Each component of the RF interface board 104 may be connected to or placed on the same substrate. The substrate may be a printed circuit board.

The board controller 302 may be operatively connected to the system controller 102 in order to receive commands or settings. The board controller 302 may also provide data to the system controller 102, such as a return loss value. In some embodiments, the board controller 302 includes a communications interface or connection connected wirelessly or wired to the system controller 102. In some embodiments, the board controller 302 is operatively connected to the system controller 102 over a controller network (CAN) bus. ).

The board controller 302 may be operatively coupled to the RF synthesizer circuit 304 to provide a generating RF signal, with one or more attenuation stages 306 to provide gain settings, with one or more additional stages 308 to provide gain settings, with forward sensing circuit 310 to detect the forward power value, and with reverse sensing circuit 316 to detect the reflected power value.

As used herein, the term gain setting means a gain value or gain parameter, and may correspond to gains that attenuate (eg, a negative dB value) or enhance (eg, a positive dB value). For example, a higher absolute gain setting may further attenuate or boost the signal depending on whether the gain setting is positive or negative.

The RF synthesizer circuit 304 is configured to generate an electrical RF signal in response to the generating RF signal. RF synthesizer circuit 304 may be configured to generate an electrical RF signal at one or more frequencies. For example, RF synthesizer circuit 304 may generate an electrical RF signal containing frequencies in one or more ISM frequency bands.

One or more attenuating stages 306 may be operatively connected to an output of the RF synthesizer circuit 304. At least one attenuation stage 306 is configured to provide an intermediate electrical RF signal based on the generated electrical RF signal. Each attenuation stage 306 includes an attenuator and optionally an amplifier. The generated electrical RF signal may be attenuated or amplified by one or more attenuation stages 306 in order to provide an intermediate electrical RF signal. Each attenuating stage 306 may be described as a preamplifier stage.

One or more additional stages 308 may be operatively coupled to the output of attenuating stages 306. Additional stages 308 are configured to provide an electrical RF output signal based on the intermediate electrical RF signal. In some embodiments, the intermediate electrical RF signal is amplified by one or more additional stages 308 in order to provide an electrical RF output signal. Additional stages 308 may be more specifically described as drive stages or boost stages.

The forward sensing circuit 310 may be operatively coupled to the output of additional stages 308. The direct sensing circuit 310 is configured to provide a forward power value based on a measurement of the electrical RF output signal. The direct sensing circuit 310 may include a power level detector that may be electromagnetically isolated or shielded from other parts of the RF interface board 104. The direct sensing circuit 310 may include an output to provide a forward power value to the board controller 302, and may include a through port to provide an electrical RF signal output.

The circulator 312 may be operatively coupled to the through port of the forward reading circuit 310 in order to receive an electrical RF signal output. The circulator 312 may include multiple ports A, B, C that continuously provide the signal received at each port to the next port in a round-robin fashion. Each port is configured to receive and provide different signals in parallel. For example, a signal received at port A is provided at port B, a signal received at port B is provided at port C, and a signal received at port C is provided at port A.

In the illustrated embodiment, port A of circulator 312 is operatively coupled to a through port of direct sensing circuit 310 in order to receive an electrical RF output signal. Circulator 312 provides an electrical RF output to port B. RF applicator 106 may be operatively connected to port B of circulator 312 to receive an electrical RF output. The RF applicator 106 may provide a variable electrical RF field in response to the electrical RF output signal. Some of the energy or power of the electrical RF output may be reflected by the RF applicator 106 back to port B of the circulator 312. Any portion of the electrical RF output reflected by the RF applicator 106 to port B may be provided by the circulator 312 to port C.

The reverse sensing circuit may be operatively connected to port C of the circulator 312. The reverse sensing circuit 316 is configured to provide a reflected power value based on a measurement of the reflected portion of the electrical RF signal output. Readback circuitry 316 may include a power level detector that can be electromagnetically isolated or shielded from other parts of RF interface board 104. Readback circuitry 316 may include a pin to provide a reflected power value in

- 5 041044 board controller 302, and may include a through port, for example, in order to provide energy from the reflected electrical RF signal to electrical ground through the impedance element.

The RF applicator 106 may be configured to be responsive to the presence of animal tissue in the vicinity of the RF applicator 106. In some embodiments, the RF interface board 104 may be calibrated to not be impedance matched to air, but instead impedance matched to animal tissue, positioned next to or near the RF applicator 106 in the treatment position. The RF interface board 104 for impedance matching with animal tissue can increase or maximize the amount of energy delivered to the animal tissue. In other words, the reflected portion of the electrical RF output is larger when the animal tissue is not in the treatment position compared to when the animal tissue is in the treatment position.

As used herein, the term impedance matching means the calculation of the input impedance of an electrical load (e.g., animal tissue) or the output impedance of an appropriate signal source (e.g., an RF interface card) in such a way as to substantially maximize or optimize power transfer or minimize signal reflection from an electrical loads. For example, in some embodiments, a system including an RF interface board may vary the frequency of the electrical RF signal so as to match the output impedance of the RF interface board to the input impedance of the animal tissue, thereby substantially maximizing power transfer to the animal tissue. , within the limitations of the RF interface board and system.

The board controller 302 can accept forward and reflected power values. The board controller 302 may be configured to determine the return loss based on the forward and reflected power values (eg, the reflected power value minus the forward power value). The return loss may be greater when the animal tissue is in the treatment position compared to when the animal tissue is not in the treatment position.

The return loss may be transmitted to the system controller 102. Based on the return loss, the system controller 102 may issue various commands to the board controller 302. For example, when the return loss rises above the return loss threshold (or the reflected power drops or falls below the reflected power threshold), the system controller 102 may issue one or more commands to the board controller 302 to provide a high power RF electrical output signal. and enter tracking mode at high power level. In some embodiments, the board controller 302 may also be configured to enter a tracking mode at a low power level, such as a tracking mode at a low power level.

The return loss threshold may be determined based on the base return loss value. For example, the loss threshold may be at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 dBm greater than the base return loss.

One or more of the components such as controllers, synthesizers, interfaces, sensors (such as power or temperature), amplifiers, and attenuators described herein may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or microcontroller unit (MCU) , computer, logic array, or other device capable of directing data to/from the RF interface board of the power delivery system. The controller may include one or more computing devices having storage, processing, and communication hardware. The controller may include circuitry used to connect the various components of the controller to each other or to other components operatively coupled to the controller. The functions of the controller may be executed by hardware and/or as computer instructions on a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.

The controller processor may include any one or more of a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and/or an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit. In some examples, a processor may include multiple components, such as any combination of one or more microprocessors, one or more controllers, one or more DSPs, one or more ASICs, and/or one or more FPGAs, and other discrete or integrated logic circuits. . The functions attributed to a controller or processor in this document may be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or any combination of the foregoing. Although described herein as a processor system, an alternative controller may use other components, such as relays and timers, in order to achieve the desired results, alone or in combination with a microprocessor system.

In one or more embodiments, the exemplary systems, methods, and interfaces may be implemented using one or more computer programs using computing hardware, which may include one or more processors and/or memory. Program code and/or logic described herein may be applied to input data/information in order to perform the functionality described in this document and generate the required output data/information. The output data/information may be used as input to one or more other devices and/or methods, as described herein, or used in a known manner. In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that the controller functionality described herein may be implemented in any manner known to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 4 shows one example of a layout of various stages of the RF interface board 104, which may include one or more of the following: a first preamplifier stage 402, a second preamplifier stage 404, a drive stage 406, and an amplifier stage 408. Each stage may correspond to a scheme including an attenuator, an amplifier, or both. The RF interface board 104 may include one or more of the following: a first attenuator 412, a first amplifier 414, a second attenuator 416, a second amplifier 418, a third amplifier 420, and a fourth amplifier 422. Each attenuator may be described as a voltage regulated attenuator (VVA ).

The first preamplifier stage 402 may be operatively connected to the output of the RF synthesizer circuit 304 in order to receive the generated electrical RF signal. The first preamplifier stage 402 can dynamically attenuate or amplify the generated electrical RF signal. In some embodiments, the first preamplifier stage 402 may include a first attenuator 412 and a first amplifier 414. The first amplifier 414 may be operatively connected to the output of the first attenuator 412. The first amplifier 414 may amplify the signal attenuated by the first attenuator 412.

In some embodiments, the first attenuator 412 may be operatively coupled to the board controller 302 and may be modulated or adjusted by gain adjustment so as to dynamically attenuate the generated electrical RF signal. The first attenuator 412 may be configured to be attenuated from a low attenuation value to a high attenuation value. In some embodiments, the board controller 302 may be configured to not adjust the gain setting of the first amplifier 414 so as to dynamically attenuate or boost the generated electrical RF signal. The first amplifier 414 may be configured to amplify at a fixed gain value.

To provide the dynamic range of the gains of the first preamp stage 402, the attenuation values of the first attenuator 412 may span a fixed gain of the first amplifier 414. 32 dB, and the fixed gain of the first amplifier 414 may be 15 dB. By adjusting the gain setting of the first attenuator 412 from a low attenuation value to a high attenuation value, the dynamic range of the gains of the first preamp stage 402 can be extended from 11 to -17 dB.

The second preamplifier stage 404 may be operatively connected to the output of the first preamplifier stage 402. The second preamplifier stage 404 may have identical or similar aspects to the first preamplifier stage 402. Like the first preamplifier stage 402, the second preamplifier stage 404 may dynamically attenuate or boost the generated electrical RF signal. . In some embodiments, the second preamplifier stage 404 may include a second attenuator 416 and a first amplifier 414. The second amplifier 418 may be operatively connected to the output of the second attenuator 416.

In addition, in some embodiments, the second attenuator 416 may be operatively coupled to the board controller 302 and may be adjusted by adjusting the gain so as to dynamically attenuate or enhance the generated electrical RF signal. The second attenuator 416 may be configured to be attenuated from a low attenuation value to a high attenuation value. The high and low attenuation values may be identical or different from the attenuation values of the first attenuator 412. In other words, the attenuation range of the second attenuator 416 may be the same or different from the attenuation range of the first attenuator 412. In some embodiments, the board controller 302 may be configured to not adjust the gain setting of the second amplifier 418 so as to dynamically attenuate or enhance the generated electrical RF signal. The second amplifier 418 may be configured to amplify at a fixed gain value, which may be the same as or different from the fixed gain value of the first amplifier 414.

To ensure the dynamic range of the gains of the first second preamplifier

- 7 041044 of the power stage 404, the attenuation values of the second attenuator 416 may span a fixed gain of the second amplifier 418. Similar to the first preamplifier stage 402, in some embodiments, by adjusting the gain setting of the second attenuator 416 from a low attenuation value to a high attenuation value, dynamic range the gain of the second preamplifier stage 404 can be stretched from 11 to -17 dB.

Using the exemplary gain ranges described above, the preamp stages 402, 404 together can provide a dynamic gain range of 22 to -34 dB. In other words, the intermediate electrical RF signal provided by the preamplifier stages 402, 404 together may correspond to a generated electrical RF signal dynamically attenuated by 34 dB (eg, by a gain of -34 dB) or boosted by 22 dB.

The gain setting for the second attenuator 416 may be identical or different from the gain setting for the first attenuator 412. In some embodiments, the board controller 302 increases the attenuation value of the second attenuator 416 to increase the attenuation value of the first attenuator 412, which improves the noise floor over the entire the dynamic range of the gains of the combined preamp stages 402, 404.

In some embodiments, only the gain settings of one or more attenuators may be adjusted. In other words, the gain settings of one or more amplifiers may not be adjusted in such a way as to change the power level of the electrical RF signal output. In general, adjusting the gain values of the attenuators instead of the amplifiers allows better control of the RF interface board 104 so as to provide a strict electrical RF output power level.

The drive stage 406 may include a third amplifier 420 operatively connected to the output of the second preamplifier stage 404 in order to receive an intermediate electrical RF signal. The third amplifier 420 may have a fixed gain value. For example, the fixed gain of the third amplifier 420 may be 20 dB. The dynamic range of the gains of the preamplifier stages 402, 404 in combination with the drive stage 406 can be from 42 to -14 dB. In some embodiments, the third amplifier 420 may have a maximum output power of 10 W (+40 dBm).

Amplifier stage 408 may include a fourth amplifier 422 operably coupled to the output of drive stage 406 and configured to provide an electrical RF output in response to receiving an intermediate electrical RF signal. The fourth amplifier 422 may have a fixed gain value. For example, the fourth amplifier 422 may have a fixed gain of 20 dB. The dynamic range of the gains of the preamp stages 402, 404 in combination with the drive stage 406 and the gain stage 408 can be between 62 and 6 dB. In some embodiments, the fourth amplifier 422 may have a maximum output power of 140 W (+51.5 dBm).

In addition to providing a wide dynamic range of gains, the RF interface board 104 can be configured to provide high resolution over the entire range. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which may be included in or connected to/with the board controller 302, may be used to provide gain settings to one or more attenuators or amplifiers. In some embodiments, a DAC providing gain settings to the first and second attenuators 412, 416 may be used to provide an electrical RF output with a step size less than or equal to 0.1 dB over the entire target output power range. The step size can be approximately 0.05 dB. In some embodiments, a 12-bit DAC may be used.

The target power output range may be selected based on the particular application. The target output power range may vary, for example, from 1 mW to 125 W, or about five orders of magnitude. The target dB range or power ratio between the high and low power electrical RF output signals may be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 dB. One example of a target output power range is 17 to 47 dBm. In some examples, the target output power range may have a low level of 0 dBm.

Unlike other types of designs, the electrical RF output can be virtually immune to changes in impedance loading. For example, whether or not animal tissue is in position to be treated, the electrical RF output may not change (may be measured using a forward power value). In some embodiments, the electrical RF output changes by less than ±0.25 dB whether or not the animal tissue is in the treatment position. The presence of animal tissue may represent according to

- 8 041044 impedance variation (eg, approximately 50 ohms for a poultry claw) and the absence of animal tissue may represent a mismatch (eg, an open circuit). Because the electrical RF output is substantially immune to impedance loading changes, the RF interface board 104 may not need to significantly change the gain settings when animal tissue is placed or removed into/out of the treatment position. However, in some embodiments, the board controller 302 may use the measured forward power, for example, to maintain a constant power for the electrical RF output, but with gain adjustments.

Fig. 5 shows one example of a layout for a sensing circuit 502. The sensing circuit 502 may be operatively coupled to a circulator port 504. The reading circuitry may include a directional splitter 506 and a power sensor 512. The directional splitter 506 is configured to receive a power signal from the port 504 of the circulator. The directional splitter 506 is configured to provide a read signal to the connection port 510 that is decoupled from the transmitted signal provided to the through port 508. Most of the energy from the power signal may be contained in the transmitted signal provided to the through port 508. The read signal may contain only a portion power signal. In some embodiments, the read signal corresponds to -30, -40, or -50 dB of the power signal. In some embodiments, the ratio of power at pass-through port 508 to power at connection port 510 is 1000 to 1, or approximately -30 dB. The directional splitter 506 may also be described as a power splitter. In general, the directional splitter 506 can preferably have a carefully controlled connection, low insertion loss, and an operating frequency range of 1400 to 2700 MHz.

Power sensor 512 may be operatively coupled to connection port 510 of directional splitter 506 to provide a power value based on a reduced power reading signal representing the power signal from circulator port 504. Readout circuitry 502 may also include other components (not shown) such as an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a temperature sensor. The power sensor 512 may be coupled to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which may be considered part of the sensing circuit 502 or the board controller 302. In some embodiments, board controller 302 may be described as a board control circuit that may include one or more processors or microcontrollers.

The board controller 302 may be operatively coupled to the power sensor 512 to receive a power value, which may represent a forward or reflected power value. The board controller 302 may be configured to provide a return loss value based on the forward and reflected power values. The board controller 302 may report the return loss value to the system controller 102.

Fig. 6 and 7 show one example of a physical layout for an RF interface board 104. As shown, the RF interface board 104 is a printed circuit board that may have multiple layers. Fig. 6 shows the first major surface 602 or the top surface of the RF interface board 104, and FIG. 7 shows the second major surface 604 or bottom surface in a mirror image.

The second major surface 604 is on the opposite side of the RF interface board 104 relative to the first major surface 602. As used herein, the term major surface means a surface that is substantially parallel to each layer of the printed circuit board.

The RF interface board 104 includes one or more areas. Each area can be partially or completely electromagnetically shielded or decoupled from other areas using a housing. The RF interface board 104 may include a ground trace 606 or a ground conductor that extends between one or more areas in order to facilitate shielding. The ground trace 606 may be positioned on the first major surface 602 and the second major surface 604. One or more apertures 608 may extend through the ground trace 606, which may be used to secure the electromagnetic shield structure to the RF interface board 104. The electromagnetic shield structure may be used to create a bay around each area to facilitate noise decoupling of the various components, and can be extended around the perimeter of the RF interface board 104 to facilitate emission control.

The RF interface board 104 may include one or more of the following: a first region 652, a second region 654, a third region 656, a fourth region 658, a fifth region 660, a sixth region 662, a seventh region 664, an eighth region 666, and a ninth region 668 In the illustrated embodiment, all regions are positioned on the first major surface 602 except for the eighth and ninth regions 666, 668, which are positioned on the second major surface 604.

On the first main surface 602, the first area 652 may include a board controller 302. The second region 654 may include an RF synthesizer circuit 304. Third region 656 may include one or more preamplifier stages 402, 404. Fourth region 658 may include a driver stage 406. Fifth region 660 may include an amplifier stage 408. Sixth region 662 may include a portion of a direct readout circuit 310 The seventh region 664 may include a circulator 312 and a portion of the reverse reading circuit 316.

On the second main surface 604, the eighth region 666 may include a portion of the direct sensing circuitry 310, such as a power sensor 512 (FIG. 7). The eighth region 666 may be positioned opposite the sixth region 662. The ninth region 668 may include a portion of the reverse sensing circuit 316, such as a power sensor 512 (different from the power sensor 512 of the forward sensing circuit 310). Ninth region 668 may be positioned opposite seventh region 664.

Communication connection 610 may be operatively connected to the first area 652, and output connection 314 may be operably connected to the seventh area 664.

The forward and reverse reading circuits 310, 316 can be accurate over the entire target power output range. In some embodiments, forward and reflected power measurements can be accurate to within ±0.25 dB over an output power range of 17 to 47 dBm. Reflected power values can be accurate to within ±0.25 dB over an even larger range, eg 3 to 47 dBm, than forward power values. The accuracy of the forward and backward reading circuits 310, 316 may be maintained in one or more ISM frequency bands, such as in the 2400-2500 MHz ISM frequency band. The frequency of the electrical RF signal may center or peak at 2450 MHz. In other embodiments, the electrical RF signal frequency may center or peak at 915 MHz within the 902-928 MHz ISM bandwidth.

Additionally, the forward and reverse reading circuits 310, 316 can be accurate within a target operating temperature range. In some embodiments, the forward and reflected power values may be accurate within ±0.3 dB over a temperature range of 20-40°C. Using temperature sensors, the forward and reflected power values can be compensated so that they are accurate within ±0.1 dB.

Fig. 8 shows one method 700 for using an RF interface board 104 in a power delivery system 100. Method 700 may include synthesizing an electrical RF signal (702), which may also be described as a generated electrical RF signal. The electrical RF signal may have a frequency spectrum in one or more ISM frequency bands.

Method 700 may continue to attenuate and amplify the electrical RF signal (704). Some amplifiers may not provide precise and tight gain control at low gains. Attenuators can be used to provide dynamic gain range, particularly in the preamplifier stage.

Method 700 may continue to provide a high power or low power electrical signal to the RF applicator (706). A low power RF electrical output can be used to generate a low power RF electrical field using an RF applicator. A low power field can be used to sense the presence of animal tissue near the RF applicator. The high power RF electrical output signal can be used to generate a high power alternating RF electrical field using the RF applicator. A low power field can be used to read animal tissue near the RF applicator.

Fig. 9 shows a method 750 which is one example for implementing the method 750 of FIG. 8. Method 750 may include providing a low power RF electrical output to an RF applicator, such as RF applicator 106, which can generate a low power RF electrical field (752). Method 750 may continue and detect return loss from the RF applicator (754), which may be a base return loss corresponding to no animal tissue in the RF applicator treatment position.

Animal tissue to be treated can be placed in the RF applicator (756) treatment position. In some embodiments, the implementation of the RF applicator can move into animal tissue. In some embodiments, machine vision may be used to position animal tissue near the RF applicator.

Return loss detected after positioning of animal tissue may exceed the threshold value (758). For example, an RF interface board can measure the return loss and report the return loss to the system controller. The return loss may be compared to a threshold value stored or determined by the system controller. When more than one RF applicator is used, for example, to detect more than one claw of a poultry, the average return loss associated with each RF applicator can be compared to a threshold value.

- 10 041044

In some embodiments, the implementation of the threshold value may be greater than or equal to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 dB. When the measured return loss exceeds a threshold, the system controller may issue a command to the RF interface board to provide a high power RF electrical output that can generate a high power RF electrical field to be applied to the animal tissue (760) . Animal tissue can be treated in response to received energy from a high power RF electric field.

When more than one RF applicator is used, each RF applicator may treat tissue in parallel or sequentially. In other words, a high power RF electric field may be provided to each RF applicator in parallel or at different times.

The system controller may issue a command to the RF interface board to modify the frequency of the electrical RF signal based on the detected return loss during processing (762). The frequency spectrum may be contained in one or more ISM frequency bands, even after adjustment. In some embodiments, the board controller may sweep a frequency within one or more ISM frequency bands. For example, the frequency of an electrical RF signal can be swept using an RF synthesizer circuit over the 2400-2500 MHz ISM frequency band in increments of 1 MHz or less (eg, for finer control). The frequency that results in the lowest return loss can be selected and used during high power RF electric field delivery to animal tissue. The frequency may be modified one or more times during the delivery of the high power RF electric field.

Method 750 may continue to switch to a monitoring mode in which a high power electrical RF signal is switched to a low power electrical RF signal in order to generate a low power electrical RF field (764), again, in particular, when the processing of the animal tissue is completed. The RF interface board can switch to monitoring mode. In some embodiments, the processing of animal tissue may be completed after a predetermined duration or period of time has elapsed. For example, a high power RF electrical signal can range from 10 to 30 watts (eg, at about 40-45 dBm) and be delivered for about 1 second to treat a poultry claw. In some embodiments, approximately 1 J of energy is delivered to each claw of the poultry.

The high power RF electrical output may be selected based on the particular application. In some embodiments, the high power electrical RF output may have a power in the range of 10 to 50 watts.

In some embodiments, detecting baseline return loss (754) and detecting return loss that exceeds a threshold (758) may include adjusting the return loss value to compensate for drift. For example, the power sensor may go off due to changes in temperature or frequency.

Fig. 10 and 11 show plots of measured read power (dBm) versus time (milliseconds) with/without tracking mode at a high power level in which the frequency is adjusted to match the load using the system 100 of FIG. 1 according to one example of animal tissue. Plot 802 of FIG. 10 shows reflected power values 812 and calculated return loss 814 in response to forward power values 810 without using high power tracking mode on the RF interface board. Graph 804 of FIG. 11 shows reflected power values 822 and calculated return loss 824 in response to forward power values 810 with high power tracking enabled.

Forward power values 810 include 20 dBm read power values starting at approximately -500 ms. Reflected power values 812, 822 are high (corresponding to low return loss 814, 824) until animal tissue is inserted into the shoe and moved to the processing position in approximately -400 ms. When animal tissue is positioned, a rapid decrease in reflected power values 812, 822 (corresponding to an increase in return loss 814, 824) is detected while the tissue is properly positioned. Processing starts at 0 ms. As illustrated, the forward power values 810 rise rapidly to a processing power of approximately 45.4 dBm and last for approximately 1.2 seconds.

In plot 802, when the high power tracking mode is not used, the reflected power values 812 may gradually increase during the first 350 ms of treatment, which may be due to tissue heating and may vary depending on the animal. Large transitions in reflected power values 812 may be the result of physical movements of the animal tissue relative to the RF applicator. The reflected power values 812 may continue to rise during the remainder of the treatment as the tissue continues to heat up. The forward power may turn off after 1200 ms, and the forward power values 810 may drop when processing is finished.

- 11 041044

Unlike plot 802, plot 804 shows the resulting reflected power 822 and return loss 824 when the high power tracking mode is used. In general, the goal of the high power tracking mode may be to maintain a constant return loss during processing. As illustrated, reflected power values 822 and return loss 824 may remain constant or substantially constant from the start of processing at 0 ms to the end of processing at 1200 ms.

Fig. 12 shows one example of a second side of the last 202 different from the first side shown in FIG. 2A. In particular, the first side of the shoe 202 shown in FIG. 2A shows only half of the block 202 shown in FIG. 12. For example, FIG. 2A shows only three input connections 206 or input connectors, while FIG. 12 shows six input connections 206 for delivering energy to all six toes of the poultry paws.

The shoe 202 can also be described as a toe guide assembly. Block 202 may include a trim board 900, which may be a circuit board including various conductive paths and electrical components coupled to the substrate that deliver an electrical RF signal from one or more input connections 206 to one or more RF circuits. applicators 106 (FIG. 2A). Shoe 202 can be adjusted to deliver RF energy to tissue positioned adjacent to each RF applicator 106 using trim board 900.

In the illustrated embodiment, trim board 900 is operatively connected to six input connections 206. Although trim board 900 is shown with six input connectors 206, trim board 900 may include any suitable number of input connections 206. Each input connection 206 is operatively connected to a different conductor 902 Each conductor 902 extends from the entry region 904 of the shoe 202 to the applicator region 906 of the shoe 202. Each conductor 902 is operatively connected to a different applicator connection 908, which may include a via solder connection. In turn, each applicator connection 908 can be operably connected to a different RF applicator 106.

Conductors 902 may be extended along any suitable path from entry region 904 to applicator region 906. In the illustrated embodiment, conductors 902 are generally straight and linear.

Each conductor 902 and corresponding applicator connection 908 may be separated from the ground plane 910, for example, due to the lack of conductive material on the printed circuit board. In general, each conductor 902 is operatively connected to, for example, a respective ground plane 910 to form a 50 ohm power line for the RF signal. The ground plane 910 may electrically connect to one or more ground connection points, which are shown as conductive lugs or bolts, connected to the trim board 900. The ground connection points may electrically connect the ground plane 910 to the electromagnetic shield housing.

One or more capacitors 912 may be positioned along one or more conductors 902. In the illustrated embodiment, each capacitor 912 is electrically connected between one conductor 902 and ground plane 910. Each capacitor 912 may be used to adjust the corresponding RF applicator 106 in such a way that to reach the target frequency. In particular, placing capacitor 912 along conductor 902, such as closer to entry region 904 or closer to applicator region 906, may change the resonant frequency of the associated RF applicator 106.

Capacitors 912 may be described as trimmers. Although capacitors 912 are shown, any suitable trimmer may be used that is available to those skilled in the art who take advantage of this disclosure. Non-limiting examples of other trimmers include inductors, wire, integrated circuit board capacitance, and quarter-wave transformer matching.

Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of one example of a method for adjusting a shoe of the present disclosure. Method 920 can be used to adjust a tissue guide or shoe, such as shoe 202 (FIG. 12), to deliver RF energy at a target frequency into animal tissue. In general, the method includes adjusting the position of one or more capacitors along one or more conductors of an RF applicator trim board so as to achieve a target resonant frequency. Each capacitor can be associated with one channel of the RF applicator.

Method 920 may include selecting an initial capacitor size (922). The previous empirical data can be used to determine the initial size of the capacitor. For example, some capacitor sizes can range from 3 to 30 picofarads (pF).

The selected capacitor may be placed at a test location on the cloth guide trim board (924) in method 920. The previous empirical data may be used

- 12 041044 for locating the initial test. The capacitor may be placed and operatively connected, for example, by soldering the capacitor between the appropriate conductor and the ground plane at the test location. The location of the capacitor may allow the capacitor to be electrically and mechanically connected to one or more conductors at the test location.

After the selected capacitor is placed, method 920 may include determining the resonant frequency of one or more channels on the trimmer board and the corresponding power drop (926). Any suitable technique may be used to determine the resonant frequency, which is known to those skilled in the art, taking advantage of this disclosure. In one example, one or more channels may be analyzed using a vector RF network analyzer (VNA).

An electromagnetic shroud or cloth guide cover can be placed such that it covers the trim board at the time when the resonant frequency is being determined. The shroud may affect the characteristics of the trim board.

The target frequency during trimming may be set to a specific amount higher than the nominal frequency of the connected RF interface board, such as the RF interface board 104 (FIG. 1), when trimming is performed without tissue in the processing position. The higher target frequency may result in a resonant frequency that is equal to or substantially equal to the nominal frequency of the connected RF interface board when the tissue is placed in the treatment position. In some embodiments, the target frequency may be set to 1.5-2% above the nominal frequency of the RF interface card. For example, if the RF interface board 104 has an RF frequency centered at 2.45 GHz, then the target frequency may be approximately 2.49 GHz. The target frequency may be set as the desired resonant frequency when the tissue guide is fully assembled (eg, with electromagnetic shielding enabled) with no animal tissue present near the applicator.

The resonant frequency is, in general, a function of the capacitor size and location along the conductor. In some embodiments, the resonant frequency cannot be determined by the method 920, for example, when the resonant frequency is outside the desired range. In such cases, method 920 may return to selecting a new capacitor size 922 and placing the new capacitor at test location 924.

Method 920 may also include estimating or analyzing a resonant frequency (928). The capacitor may need to be moved or repositioned to a different position until the resonant frequency reaches the target frequency.

Method 920 may include moving the capacitor to the input region (930) or to a position closer to the side of the connector, for example, in response to a resonant frequency above the target frequency. Moving the capacitor towards the input region can lower the resonant frequency. The capacitor can be re-soldered in a new position.

Method 920 may also include moving the capacitor to or near applicator region 906, such as in response to a resonant frequency below the target frequency. Moving the capacitor towards the applicator area can increase the resonant frequency. The capacitor can be re-soldered in a new position.

Method 920 may include determining a return loss differential with/without animal tissue placed in the tissue guide (934). For example, a poultry toe may be positioned to receive RF energy in a tissue guide and return loss in decibels may be measured. The measured return loss can be compared to a return loss measurement in decibels when the bird's toe is not positioned to receive RF energy in the tissue guide.

Method 920 may include determining whether or not the return loss differential exceeds a predetermined threshold 936. The predetermined threshold may correspond to a desired difference between high power and low power RF energy. For example, a predetermined threshold may be 15 dB.

In some embodiments, in response to a return loss differential not exceeding a predetermined threshold, method 920 may return to selecting a new capacitor size 922 and placing a new capacitor at test location 924. If the return loss differential is less than the threshold, the tissue guide may not be sensitive enough. Sensitivity can be affected by the shape of the curve (eg, wide and flat versus narrow and high) that represents the return loss differential versus frequency. For example, a wide and flat curve may result in lower sensitivity, while a narrow and high curve may result in higher sensitivity.

In response to a return loss differential exceeding a predetermined threshold, method 920 may proceed to complete tissue guide assembly 938. All channels may be adjusted until the shroud is finally secured such that it covers the adjusted board.

Although the present disclosure is not limited to this, an understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure is to be obtained through an explanation of the specific illustrative embodiments provided below. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the disclosure, should become apparent herein.

Illustrative Embodiments

In Embodiment A1, the energy delivery system comprises an RF synthesizer circuit configured to generate an electrical RF signal and a preamplifier stage operatively coupled to an output of the RF synthesizer circuit. The preamp stage contains an attenuator. The system also contains a board controller operatively connected to the preamp stage attenuator. The board controller is configured to modify the attenuator gain setting. The system also includes an output connection configured to provide a low power signal or a high power signal based on at least the electrical RF signal and the attenuator gain setting. A low power signal or a high power signal is configured to be provided to an RF applicator configured to apply an alternating RF electrical field to animal tissue.

In Embodiment A2, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment A, further comprising at least one amplifier operatively connected between the attenuator and the output connection.

In Embodiment A3, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment A, further comprising a circulator operatively connected between the preamplifier stage and the output connection.

In Embodiment A4, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment A, further comprising a reading circuit configured to detect a power value corresponding to a low power signal or a high power signal.

In Embodiment A5, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment A, further comprising an RF applicator, wherein the RF applicator is operatively connected to an outlet connection.

In Embodiment A6, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment A wherein an RF applicator is connected to a shoe capable of guiding animal tissue into a treatment position for connection to an alternating RF electric field.

In Embodiment A7, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment A wherein the shoe is configured to guide the poultry claw into a treatment position adjacent to the RF applicator.

In Embodiment A8, the system comprises the system according to any Embodiment A, wherein the board controller is configured to provide a first attenuator gain setting to provide a low power signal at the output connection and measure a base return loss value corresponding to the absence of animal tissue in positions for processing the RF applicator. The board controller is also configured to provide a second attenuator gain setting having a lower absolute value than the absolute value of the first gain setting so as to provide a high power signal at the output connection in response to detecting a return loss value greater than a threshold. loss value. A return loss value greater than the loss threshold corresponds to animal tissue at the RF applicator treatment position.

In Embodiment A9, the system comprises the system according to any Embodiment A, wherein the board controller is configured to enter a tracking mode at a high power level in order to modify the frequency of an electrical RF signal when a high power signal is provided in an output connection with in order to perform impedance matching with animal tissue.

In Embodiment A10, the system comprises the system according to any Embodiment A, wherein the preamplifier stage is the first preamplifier stage, further comprising a second preamplifier stage operatively connected between the first preamplifier stage and the output connection, wherein when switching between a low power signal and high power signal, the board controller is configured to modify the gain setting of the second preamplifier stage before modifying the gain setting of the first preamplifier stage.

In Embodiment A11, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment A in which, when switching between a low power signal and a high power signal,

- 14 041044 power level, the board controller is configured to modify the attenuator gain setting without modifying the amplifier gain value in the preamplifier stage.

In Embodiment A12, the system comprises the system according to any Embodiment A, further comprising a housing configured to form an electromagnetic shield around at least the power sensor of the board controller.

In embodiment B1, the method for delivering energy to animal tissue comprises synthesizing an electrical RF signal; adjusting the attenuation of the electrical RF signal so as to selectively provide a low power signal or a high power signal; and generating an alternating RF electric field from the RF applicator based on the low power signal or the high power signal to apply the alternating RF electric field to the animal tissue.

In Embodiment B2, the method comprises the method of any Embodiment B, further comprising adjusting the position of one or more trimmers along one or more leads of the RF applicator trim board so as to achieve a target resonant frequency, with each trimmer associated with one channel. RF applicator.

In embodiment C, the system comprises a system according to any embodiment A, configured to perform a method according to any embodiment B.

In embodiment D1, the energy delivery system comprises an RF synthesizer circuit configured to generate an electrical RF signal. The system also contains a preamplifier stage operatively connected to the output of the RF synthesizer circuitry. The preamp stage contains an attenuator. The system also contains a board controller operatively connected to the preamp stage attenuator. The board controller is configured to modify the attenuator gain setting. The system further comprises an output connection configured to provide a low power signal or a high power signal based on at least the electrical RF signal and the attenuator gain setting. A low power signal or a high power signal is configured to be provided to an RF applicator configured to apply an alternating RF electric field to animal tissue. The power ratio between the high power signal and the low power signal is at least 10 dBm.

In embodiment D2, the system comprises the system according to any embodiment D, further comprising at least one amplifier operatively connected between the attenuator and the output connection.

In Embodiment D3, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D, further comprising a sensing circuit configured to detect a power value corresponding to a low power signal or a high power signal.

In Embodiment D4, the system comprises the system of Embodiment D3, wherein the sensing circuit comprises a forward sensing circuit configured to measure a forward power value and a reverse sensing circuit configured to measure a reflected power value.

In Embodiment D5, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D, further comprising an RF applicator, the RF applicator being operatively connected to an outlet connection.

In Embodiment D6, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D wherein an RF applicator is connected to a shoe configured to guide animal tissue into a treatment position for connection to an alternating RF electric field.

In Embodiment D7, the system comprises the system of Embodiment D6 wherein the shoe is configured to guide the poultry claw into a treatment position adjacent to the RF applicator.

In Embodiment D8, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D, wherein the board controller is configured to enter a detection mode to detect a change in the return loss of a low power signal.

In Embodiment D9, the system comprises the system of Embodiment D8, wherein the board controller is configured to provide a first attenuator gain setting to provide a low power signal at the output connection, and measure a base return loss value corresponding to no animal tissue in position. for processing the RF applicator. The board controller is also configured to provide a second attenuator gain setting having a lower absolute value than the absolute value of the first gain setting so as to provide a signal with

- 15 041044 high power level in the output connection in response to the detection of a return loss value exceeding the loss threshold. A return loss value greater than the loss threshold corresponds to animal tissue at the RF applicator treatment position.

In Embodiment D10, the system comprises the system of Embodiment D9, wherein the loss threshold is at least 2 dBm greater than the base return loss value, and the board controller is optionally configured to correct signal drift.

In Embodiment D11, the system comprises the system according to any Embodiment D, wherein the board controller is configured to enter a tracking mode at a high power level in order to modify the frequency of an electrical RF signal when a high power signal is provided in an output connection with in order to perform impedance matching with animal tissue.

In Embodiment D12, the system comprises the system according to any Embodiment D, wherein the preamplifier stage is the first preamplifier stage. The system further comprises a second preamp stage operatively connected between the first preamp stage and the output connection. When switching between a low power signal and a high power signal, the board controller is configured to modify the gain setting of the second preamplifier stage before modifying the gain setting of the first preamplifier stage.

In Embodiment D13, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D wherein, upon switching between a low power signal and a high power signal, the board controller is configured to modify the attenuator gain setting without modifying the preamp stage amplifier gain value.

In Embodiment D14, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D, further comprising a system controller operatively coupled to the board controller. The system controller is further configured to provide at least one of a constant power output command and a high power tracking command to the board controller.

In Embodiment D15, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D wherein the power ratio of the high power signal to the low power signal is at least 10 dB.

In Embodiment D16, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment D wherein the electrical RF signal has a frequency spectrum corresponding to at least one ISM frequency band.

In embodiment E1, the energy delivery system comprises a substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite the first major surface. The system also includes an RF synthesizer circuit on a substrate configured to generate an electrical RF signal. The system further comprises an output connection on the substrate configured to provide a low power signal or a high power signal to the RF applicator to apply an alternating RF electric field to animal tissue. The system further comprises a preamplifier stage on the first main surface of the substrate operatively connected between the RF synthesizer circuit and the output connection. The system further comprises a substrate board controller operatively coupled to the preamplifier stage and configured to adjust the gain setting for the preamplifier stage. The system also contains a substrate-mounted circulator operatively connected between the preamplifier stage and the output connection. In addition, the system contains a power reading circuit. The power sensing circuitry comprises a directional splitter on the first main surface of the substrate operatively connected to the circulator port; and a power sensor on the second main surface of the substrate operatively connected to the directional splitter and the board controller.

In Embodiment E2, the system comprises the system according to any Embodiment E, wherein the power sensing circuit comprises a forward power sensing circuit and a reverse sensing circuit. Each circuit is operatively connected to a different port on the circulator.

In Embodiment E3, the system comprises the system of any Embodiment E, further comprising a housing coupled to the substrate, configured to form an electromagnetic shield around at least the power sensor.

In embodiment F1, the method for delivering energy to animal tissue comprises synthesizing an electrical RF signal. The method also comprises adjusting the attenuation of the electrical RF signal so as to selectively provide a low power signal or a high power signal. The method further comprises generating an alternating RF electric field from the RF applicator based on a low power signal or a signal with

- 16 041044 high power level in order to introduce an alternating RF electric field into animal tissue. The power ratio between the high power signal and the low power signal may be at least 10 dBm.

In Embodiment F2, the method comprises the method of any Embodiment F, further comprising positioning the animal tissue in a treatment position for connection to an alternating RF electric field.

In Embodiment F3, the method comprises the method of any Embodiment F, further comprising amplifying the attenuated electrical RF signal.

In Embodiment F4, the method comprises the method of any Embodiment F, further comprising determining a return loss value in response to providing a low power signal or a high power signal to the RF applicator.

In Embodiment F5, the method comprises the method of any Embodiment F, further comprising providing a low power signal to the RF applicator to read whether or not animal tissue is in a treatment position to be coupled to an alternating RF electric field.

In Embodiment F6, the method comprises the method of any Embodiment F, further comprising providing a high power signal to the RF applicator in response to detection of animal tissue at the treatment position.

Thus, various embodiments of an Electric Field Power Delivery System are disclosed. Although reference is made herein to the accompanying set of drawings that form part of this disclosure, those skilled in the art should appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments described herein are within or do not depart from the scope of this disclosure. . For example, aspects of the embodiments described herein may be combined in a variety of ways with each other. Therefore, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the claimed invention may be practiced in ways other than those expressly described herein.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in this disclosure in their entirety, except where they may directly conflict with this disclosure.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, quantities, and physical properties used in the detailed description and claims may be understood to be modified by the term exactly or approximately. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the above description of the invention and in the accompanying claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties, which should be obtained by specialists in this field of technology using the ideas disclosed in this document. , or, for example, within the typical ranges of the experimental error.

Enumerating ranges of numeric values by endpoints includes all numbers included within that range (for example, 1-5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5), and any range within that range. As used herein, terms up to or not greater than a number (eg, up to 50) include a number (eg, 50), and terms not less than a number (eg, not less than 5) include a number (eg, 5).

The terms connected or connected mean the attachment of elements to each other, either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (with one more element in between and with two elements attached). Either term may be modified by functionally (operatively) and functionally (operably), which may be used interchangeably to describe that a connection or binding is configured to allow components to interact in such a way as to perform at least some functionality. (for example, a controller may be operatively connected to a DAC to provide data for conversion to an analog signal).

Orientation terms such as top and bottom are used to describe the relative positions of components and are not intended to limit the orientation of contemplated embodiments. For example, an embodiment described as having an up and down also encompasses its multi-directional rotating embodiments unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Reference to one embodiment, embodiment, specific embodiments, or some embodiments, etc. means that a particular feature, configuration, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. Thus, occurrences of such phrases in various places in this document do not necessarily mean an identical embodiment of the disclosure. In addition, specific features, configurations, structures or characteristics

Claims (14)

sticks can be combined in any appropriate way in one or more embodiments. As used in this detailed description and in the appended claims, the singular forms encompass embodiments having multiple reference objects, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, have, having, include, including, contain, containing, and the like. are used in a multivariant sense and, in general, mean including, but not limited to. It should be understood that consisting essentially of, consisting of, and the like. are included within containing, etc. The phrases at least one of, contains at least one of, and one or more of followed by a list mean any of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list. CLAIM 1. A poultry treatment system configured to stop or delay the growth of claws, beaks or noses of poultry, wherein said system comprises a system (100) for delivering energy from an alternating electric radio frequency field to animal tissue, comprising a radio frequency synthesizer circuit (304), configured to generate an electrical radio frequency signal; a preamp stage (402, 404) operatively connected to the output of the radio frequency synthesizer circuit (304), wherein the preamp stage (402, 404) includes an attenuator (412, 416); a board controller (302) operatively connected to the preamp stage attenuator (412, 416) (402, 404), wherein the board controller (302) is configured to modify the gain setting of the attenuator (412, 416); an output connection (314) configured to output a low power signal or a high power signal based on at least the electrical RF signal and the attenuator gain setting (412, 416); and an RF applicator (106) operatively connected to the output connection (314), wherein a low power signal or a high power signal is output to the RF applicator (106) configured to deliver a low power alternating RF electric field or a high power level into animal tissue, respectively, to sense the presence or processing of animal tissue, wherein the animal tissue is a claw, beak, or nose of a poultry. 2. The poultry treatment system of claim 1, wherein the system (100) for delivering AC RF energy to animal tissue further comprises at least one amplifier operatively connected between an attenuator (412, 416) and an output connection (314) . 3. The poultry treatment system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the system (100) for delivering AC RF energy to animal tissue further comprises a circulator operatively connected between the preamplifier stage (402, 404) and the output connection (314). 4. The poultry treatment system according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system (100) for delivering AC RF energy to animal tissue further comprises a sensing circuit configured to detect a power value corresponding to either a signal with a low power level, or a signal with a high power level. 5. The poultry treatment system of claim 1, wherein the RF applicator (106) is connected to a shoe configured to guide the animal tissue into a treatment position for connection to an alternating RF electric field. 6. The poultry treatment system of claim 5, wherein the shoe is configured to guide the poultry claw into a treatment position adjacent to the RF applicator (106). 7. The poultry processing system according to one or more of claims 1-6, wherein the board controller (302) is configured to provide a first adjustment of the attenuator gain (412, 416) to provide a low power signal at the output connection ( 314) and measure the base return loss value corresponding to the absence of animal tissue in the treatment position of the RF applicator (106); and provide a second attenuator gain setting (412, 416) having a lower absolute value than the absolute value of the first gain setting so as to provide a high power signal at the output connection (314) in response to the detection of the return loss value. , exceeding the threshold value of losses, while the value - 18 041044 return loss exceeding the loss threshold corresponds to animal tissue in the position for processing the radio frequency applicator (106). 8. The poultry processing system according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, wherein the board controller (302) is configured to enter a tracking mode at a high power level in order to modify the frequency of the electrical RF signal when the signal is at a high level. power is provided at the output connection (314) so as to perform impedance matching with animal tissue. 9. The poultry treatment system according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, wherein the preamplifier stage (402, 404) is the first preamplifier stage (402, 404), a system (100) for delivering alternating electrical RF field energy to the animal the tissue further comprises a second preamp stage (402, 404) operatively connected between the first preamp stage (402, 404) and an output connection (314), wherein when switching between a low power signal and a high power signal, the controller (302) The board is configured to modify the gain setting of the second preamp stage (402, 404) before modifying the gain setting of the first preamp stage (402, 404). 10. The poultry processing system according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, wherein when switching between a low power signal and a high power signal, the board controller (302) is configured to modify the gain setting without modifying the gain value amplifier in the preamp stage (402, 404). 11. The poultry treatment system according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein the system (100) for delivering alternating electric RF field energy to animal tissue further comprises a casing configured to form an electromagnetic shield around at least the sensor board controller power (302). 12. A method for delivering AC RF energy to a claw, beak, or nose of a poultry to stop or retard the growth of claws, beaks, or noses of a poultry using the poultry processing system of claim 1, said method comprising the steps of synthesizing electrical RF signal; adjusting the attenuation of the electrical RF signal so as to selectively provide a low power signal or a high power signal; and generating an alternating RF electric field from the RF applicator (106) based on the low power signal or the high power signal to apply the alternating RF electric field at low power or high power into the animal tissue, respectively, for reading the presence or processing of animal tissue, wherein the animal tissue is a claw, beak or snout of a poultry. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting the position of one or more trimmers along one or more RF applicator trim board conductors (106) so as to achieve a target resonant frequency, with each trimmer associated with one channel of the radio frequency applicator. 14. The poultry processing system according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, configured to carry out the method according to claim 12 or 13. -