A feed supply system used in distributing feed grain from a feed tank includes a boot unloader coupled to an upstream end of at least one conveyor tube in fluid communication with a downwardly opening aperture of the feed tank. The boot unloader includes an unloader body formed of a front panel and a rear panel to form a receiving portion into which feed grain flows from the feed tank. At least one auger is partially received in the unloader body and extends from the unloader body into a respective conveyor tube. The auger is secured to the rear panel with an end bearing and has a helical flighting configured to rotate about an auger axis. An auger retention mechanism extends between the front panel and the rear panel of the boot unloader and positioned above the auger axis so that the auger retention mechanism prevents the flighting from deforming upwards within the boot unloader.
A feeding system includes a plurality of drop feeders connected to a feed tube. Each drop feeder includes a feed valve having a drop ball and a valve seat. In a lowered condition an outer surface of the drop ball contacts the valve seat to seal a bottom feed outlet hole. An actuating lead raises the drop ball away from the valve seat into a raised condition to allow feed through the feed valve. The valve seat is shaped with a spherical segment ring above an outlet ring, the outlet ring having a cross-section that is smaller than a diameter of the drop ball. The spherical segment ring has an arcuate shape that is concentric with that of a portion of the outer surface of the drop ball that mates with the spherical segment ring when the drop ball is in its lowered condition and resting against the valve seat.
A feeding system includes a feed tube and a plurality of drop feeders. Each drop feeder has a feed level control mechanism with adjustment lever that selectively determines the amount of feed in the feeder. A feed level adjustment system connects to each adjustment lever and includes a first and second mounting brackets having a front plate extending from the mounting bracket on a front side and a rear plate extending on a back side. A first adjustment lead connects to the adjustment lever of each drop feeder. An actuating apparatus causes movement of the first adjustment lead. A rear counterbalance member extends between the rear plate to the rear plate at the second end such that the rear counterbalance member is positioned on the back side of the feed tube to counterbalance forces placed on the feed tube by the first adjustment lead.
A storage container system includes a storage container having a frustoconical roof defining a central opening and a lid assembly mounted to the roof of the storage container. The lid assembly includes a rail guide member mounted to the roof of the storage container and oriented such that a center longitudinal axis of the rail guide member has a same pitch as the roof and a lid rotatably coupled to the rail guide member and configured to slide along the rail guide member between open and closed positions over the opening, where when the lid is in an open position, an upper surface of the lid has a same pitch as the roof.
An autonomous probing system includes a computer, a probe assembly, a PLC, and an optical sensor. The optical sensor captures image data of a probing environment. The probe assembly includes a moveable probe portion and a sensor. The probe portion is moveable between a first and second position. The sensor has a first sensor value that is indicative of the first position. The computer receives image data from the optical sensor and detects a vehicle positioned within the probing environment. The computer then determines one or more target areas within the vehicle and an X coordinate position and a Y coordinate position of one or more probe target points within each of the target areas. Based on the first sensor value and the X and Y coordinate positions, the computer determines a second sensor value, which is indicative of the second position and transmits the value to the PLC.
A watering system for use in an animal house having at least one watering pipe and a plurality of nipple drinkers spaced along the watering pipe. The watering pipe has a pipe body that encloses a flow channel through which pressurized water is carried to each of the plurality of nipple drinkers. The pipe body has a flat nipple-facing surface. Each of the plurality of nipple drinkers has a nipple body having a pipe-facing surface that is brought adjacent the nipple-facing surface of the pipe body such that a nipple inlet extends into the flow channel, and wherein the nipple body has a fastener mechanism that detachably holds the nipple drinker against the nipple-facing surface such that each nipple drinker is detachably attached to the watering pipe 108 along the nipple-facing surface.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
metal storage tanks for animal feed Animal feeding equipment, namely, feed conveyors, mechanized animal feed stations, power operated feed dispensers; animal feed delivery system comprised of feed delivery conveyor and mechanized feeder also including a feed delivery controller and storage tank sold as a unit. electronic controllers for animal feed delivery systems; electronic controllers for curtains used in animal confinement buildings; automated feed dispensing machines for animal feed. ventilation and climate control equipment for animal confinement buildings, namely, heaters, fans, evaporative air coolers, chimney ventilators, air inlets, air filters, dampers used to control air from back draft
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
Caps with visors; Coats; Hats; Jackets; Sweatshirts; Vests; Stocking hats; Shirts metal storage tanks for animal feed Animal feeding equipment, namely, feed conveyors, mechanized animal feed stations, power operated feed dispensers; animal feed delivery system comprised of feed delivery conveyor and mechanized feeder also including a feed delivery controller and storage tank sold as a unit. electronic controllers for animal feed delivery systems; electronic controllers for curtains used in animal confinement buildings; automated feed dispensing machines for animal feed. ventilation and climate control equipment for animal confinement buildings, namely, heaters, fans, evaporative air coolers, chimney ventilators, air inlets, air filters, dampers used to control air from back draft
A ventilation shutter has a frame forming the mounting structure for a plurality of louvers that are pivotably mounted so as to move between an open condition to allow ventilation air through the shutter and a shut condition. The ventilation shutter includes at least one connecting rod extending transverse the louvers and a plurality of cranks, where each of the louvers has at least one crank connecting the louver to the connecting rod such that pivoting movement of the louvers between the shut condition and the open condition is synchronized with up and down movement of the connecting rod. A permanent magnet couple interacts with the connecting rod and the frame to provide an active magnetic force that holds the louvers in the shut condition. An electromagnet couple interacts with the connecting rod and the frame to provide an active magnetic force that holds the louvers in the open condition.
F24F 13/15 - Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built-up of tilting members, e.g. louvre with parallel simultaneously tiltable lamellae
F24F 7/013 - Ventilation with forced flow using wall or window fans, displacing air through the wall or window
11.
HARDWARE AGNOSTIC SYSTEMS FOR CONVERTING SOURCE SIGNALS OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT TO STRUCTURED SIGNALS FOR COMMUNICATION OVER COMPUTER NETWORKS
Described herein are technologies to enable farming equipment to connect and communicate with a remote computing system. The technologies can be hardware agnostic in that the technologies do not require special hardware adaptations and can operate with different types of hardware and software systems to overcome compatibility issues of such systems in farming equipment. In some embodiments, a hardware agnostic adapter is configured to connect or integrate with farming equipment and communicate with a remote computing system. Also, the technologies can convert source data (which, for example, describes hardware functions of equipment) into structured data and communicate the structured data to the remote system via a network configured to communicate the structured data but not necessarily configured to communicate the source data. The conversion can occur according to a provisioning configuration or a mapping configuration installed in or associated with the farming equipment.
H04L 67/025 - Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP] for remote control or remote monitoring of applications
H04L 67/125 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks involving control of end-device applications over a network
H04L 67/00 - Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
H04L 69/08 - Protocols for interworkingProtocol conversion
H04W 4/70 - Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
A feed supply system used in distributing feed grain from a feed tank includes a boot unloader coupled to an upstream end of at least one conveyor tube in fluid communication with a downwardly opening aperture of the feed tank. The boot unloader includes an unloader body formed of a front panel and a rear panel to form a receiving portion into which feed grain flows from the feed tank. At least one auger is partially received in the unloader body and extends from the unloader body into a respective conveyor tube. The auger is secured to the rear panel with an end bearing and has a helical flighting configured to rotate about an auger axis. An auger retention mechanism extends between the front panel and the rear panel of the boot unloader and positioned above the auger axis so that the auger retention mechanism prevents the flighting from deforming upwards within the boot unloader.
A feeding system for a poultry house used to deliver feed from a bulk feed tank to a plurality of feeding stations. The feeding system includes an overhead feed line supplying a plurality of lateral feed lines spaced along a length of the overhead feed line. Each of the lateral feed lines has a respective feed hopper connected to the overhead feed line. The overhead feed line has a conveyor extending along the length of the overhead feed line with a control unit at an end of the overhead feed line configured to operate the conveyor to move feed to the plurality of hoppers. Each of the plurality of feed hoppers is connected to the overhead feed line with the drop tube. The feed hopper located along the length of the overhead feed line closest to the end of the overhead feed line has an overflow device, the overflow device having a proximal end connected to the drop tube, a feed opening at a distal end through which feed flows into the feed hopper, and at least one additional side opening configured to allow feed to flow out of the overflow device through a path other than through the feed opening if the feed level in the feed hopper reaches a determined level.
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
A grain dryer has a pair of heating columns, each having an inner boundary and an outer boundary formed with angled containment baffles configured to funnel grain down the heating column while allowing heated air to be drawn through the grain from an upper plenum. The grain dryer has a ductwork connected to the outer boundary of each heating column, and at least one fan that takes a suction from the ductwork to draw heated air from the upper plenum through the heating column. Debris entrained in higher velocity heated air leaving the outer boundary settles in the ductwork because of the lower velocity of the heated air. An access port is attached in the bottom portion of the ductwork that is operable between a closed position and an open position, wherein debris that settles in the bottom portion of the ductwork is removed through the access port.
F26B 17/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed solely by gravity
F26B 25/00 - Details of general application not covered by group or
A grain dryer has a pair of heating columns with an upper plenum in communication with the pair of heating columns. Each heating column has an inner boundary and an outer boundary being formed with a plurality of angled containment baffles configured to funnel grain down the heating column while allowing heated air to be drawn from the upper plenum through the grain. The grain dryer has a plurality of grain diverters mounted longitudinally at between the containment baffles forming the inner boundary and the containment baffles forming the outer boundary. Grain flowing down each heating column is forced to pass around the plurality of grain diverters.
F26B 17/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed solely by gravity
A grain dryer has a pair of heating columns with an upper plenum in communication with the pair of heating columns. Each heating column has an inner boundary and an outer boundary being formed with a plurality of angled containment baffles configured to funnel grain down the heating column while allowing heated air to be drawn from the upper plenum through the grain. The grain dryer has a plurality of grain diverters mounted longitudinally at regular height intervals between the containment baffles forming the inner boundary and the containment baffles forming the outer boundary. Each grain diverter is shaped to form a downward facing nook that forms a void in the grain as the grain flows down the heating column.
F26B 17/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed solely by gravity
A grain dryer has an upper plenum in communication with a pair of heating columns. Each heating column has an inner boundary and an outer boundary being formed with a plurality of angled containment baffles configured to funnel grain down the heating column while allowing heated air to be drawn from the upper plenum through the grain. At least one fan takes a suction from the ductwork to draw heated air from the upper plenum through the heating column such that grain is exposed to heated air. The orientation of the containment baffles forming the inner boundary directs the flow of the heated air in a downward direction through an inner portion of a grain column between the inner boundary and the outer boundary, and the orientation of the containment baffles forming the outer boundary directs the heated air in an upwards direction in an outer portion of the grain column.
F26B 17/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed solely by gravity
A grain dryer has pair of heating columns in communication with an upper plenum, and a pair of cooling columns in communication with a lower plenum. A heater is located between the lower plenum and the upper plenum, wherein air is heated by the heater as air in the lower plenum is pulled through the heater and into the upper plenum. As the grain flows into the cooling column, it is exposed to cooling air being pulled through the cooling column into the lower plenum. Ductwork adjacent each heating column includes vertical sections arranged along a length of the grain dryer. Each vertical section has a fan located adjacent the uppermost horizontal level of the heating column. Each fan takes a suction from the ductwork to draw heated air from the upper plenum through the heating column.
F26B 3/14 - Drying solid materials or objects by processes involving the application of heat by convection, i.e. heat being conveyed from a heat source to the materials or objects to be dried by a gas or vapour, e.g. air the materials or objects to be dried being moved by gravity
A grain dryer has pair of heating columns in communication with an upper plenum, and a pair of cooling columns in communication with a lower plenum. A heater is located between the lower plenum and the upper plenum, wherein air is heated by the heater as air in the lower plenum is pulled through the heater and into the upper plenum. As the grain flows into the cooling column, it is exposed to cooling air being pulled through the cooling column into the lower plenum. A cooling air bypass system having a plurality of bypass tubes brings bypass air into the lower plenum from outside the grain dryer without having the bypass air come into contact with the grain being cooled in the cooling section. The cooling air bypass system includes a grill with an adjustable damper to adjust the amount of bypass air that flows into the lower plenum.
F26B 17/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed solely by gravity
A ventilation control system for an animal facility. The ventilation control system has a movable ventilation control member mounted in an opening of the animal facility, the ventilation control member being movable relative the opening to control the amount of air that is able to pass through the opening. The ventilation control system also has a positioning strap attached to the ventilation control member, the strap having a strap thickness. A strap drive control apparatus is configured to control the positioning of the ventilation control member at a constant control member speed.
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
22 - Rope, netting, tents, awnings, sails and sacks; padding and stuffing materials
Goods & Services
Metal grain storage bins, hopper tanks; bin roof and sidewall access doors, bin roof vents, bin floors, bin floor supports, bin wall panels, bin roof stairs, bin sidewall ladders, bin ladder safety cages, bin roof safety rings, bin air inlets, bin roof fill opening peak caps, bin view windows; hopper roofs and bottoms, hopper discharge collars, hopper legs, hopper anchors; ducts for drying and aerating grain; all the aforementioned goods made principally of metal; parts and fitting for the aforesaid goods; Metal silos; Hoppers of metal (non mechanical); metal containers for storage; metal doors; Prefabricated metal walls; Ducts of metal for ventilating installations; Ventilating ducts of metal; Ladders of metal; Prefabricated metal platforms; Metal stairs; handrails of metal for stairs; Ducting conduits (non-electrical) of metal; Grates made of metal; Walkways of metal; Towers (metal structures). Grain moving and handling equipment; bucket elevators, grain conveyors, chain conveyors, grain distributors, grain inverters, grain sweeps for grain treatment machines, grain augers, grain brushes for grain treatment machinery, grain bin loading and unloading apparatus; grain tower dryers; portable grain dryers, grain storage aeration systems; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods; Hoppers (machines); elevators for agricultural use; handling apparatus for loading and unloading of grain bins; Grain driers; Pivoting bucket elevators; Chain conveyors; Belt conveyors; Blowing machines for the compression, sucking and carrying of grain; Suction fans for the carrying of grain; compressed air switch valves; Cyclones; Electric driving motors for machines; Electric motors other than for land vehicles; Grain separators; Hoods (machine parts); Installations for the bulk handling of granular materials; Industrial process controllers (pneumatic); Spreaders (machines). Apparatus for monitoring grain drying equipment; electric monitoring apparatus; Grain storage monitoring and conditioning systems; Control apparatus for grain storage apparatus; Weighing apparatus; Electronic weighing apparatus; Test Weights; Data collection apparatus. Fans, heaters for drying and aerating grain; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods; Electric Fans; Ventilating fans; Ventilating fans for industrial use; Heaters; Air heaters; Electric heaters; Fan heaters; Industrial heaters. Tarpaulins.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
22 - Rope, netting, tents, awnings, sails and sacks; padding and stuffing materials
Goods & Services
(1) Metal grain storage bins, hopper tanks; bin roof and sidewall access doors, bin roof vents, bin floors, bin floor supports, bin wall panels, bin roof stairs, bin sidewall ladders, bin ladder safety cages, bin roof safety rings, bin air inlets, bin roof fill opening peak caps, bin view windows; hopper roofs and bottoms, hopper discharge collars, hopper legs, hopper anchors; ducts for drying and aerating grain; all the aforementioned goods made principally of metal; parts and fitting for the aforesaid goods; Metal silos; Hoppers of metal (non mechanical); metal containers for storage; metal doors; Prefabricated metal walls; Ducts of metal for ventilating installations; Ventilating ducts of metal; Ladders of metal; Prefabricated metal platforms; Metal stairs; handrails of metal for stairs; Spreaders (machines); Ducting conduits (non-electrical) of metal; Grates made of metal; Walkways of metal; Towers (metal structures).
(2) Grain moving and handling equipment; bucket elevators, grain conveyors, chain conveyors, grain distributors, grain inverters, grain sweeps for grain treatment machines, grain augers, grain brushes for grain treatment machinery, grain bin loading and unloading apparatus; grain tower dryers; portable grain dryers, grain storage aeration systems; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods; Hoppers (machines); elevators for agricultural use; handling apparatus for loading and unloading of grain bins; Grain driers; Pivoting bucket elevators; Chain conveyors; Belt conveyors; Blowing machines for the compression, sucking and carrying of grain; Suction fans for the carrying of grain; compressed air switch valves; Cyclones; Electric driving motors for machines; Electric motors other than for land vehicles; Grain separators; Hoods (machine parts); Installations for the bulk handling of granular materials; Industrial process controllers (pneumatic).
(3) Apparatus for monitoring grain drying equipment; electric monitoring apparatus; Grain storage monitoring and conditioning systems; Control apparatus for grain storage apparatus; Weighing apparatus; Electronic weighing apparatus; Test Weights; Data collection apparatus.
(4) Fans, heaters for drying and aerating grain; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods; Electric Fans; Ventilating fans; Ventilating fans for industrial use; Heaters; Air heaters; Electric heaters; Fan heaters; Industrial heaters.
(5) Tarpaulins.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
20 - Furniture and decorative products
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
Metal bins for storing poultry feed; containers of metal for stock feed; silos of metal; poultry cages of metal. Machines, namely mechanized poultry feeding systems comprised of tubing, power-driven augers, boots, and unloaders for delivering feed from storage bins to feeding locations; winching apparatus comprised of cables, pulleys, hangers, and motors for use in conjunction with poultry feeding apparatus; mechanized poultry feeders, namely pan feeders for use with poultry feeding apparatus; mechanized poultry feeders of the chain-and-auger type; mechanical conveyor apparatus for collecting poultry eggs; mechanised feeders for animals. Electric apparatus, namely electronic control panels for use with feeding apparatus, and weighing instruments for feed and grain; electronic monitoring instruments, other than for medical use; electronic controllers for controlling environment in poultry, livestock and swine houses; weighing machines; electronic feed sensors. Air circulating and ventilating apparatus for poultry houses; automatic watering installations for poultry. Pipe fittings comprised primarily of plastics. Nesting boxes for poultry. Drinking troughs for poultry.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
17 - Rubber and plastic; packing and insulating materials
20 - Furniture and decorative products
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
(1) Metal bins for storing poultry feed; containers of metal for stock feed; silos of metal; Poultry cages of metal.
(2) Machines, namely mechanized poultry feeding systems comprised of tubing, power-driven augers, boots, and unloaders for delivering feed from storage bins to feeding locations; winching apparatus comprised of cables, pulleys, hangers, and motors for use in conjunction with poultry feeding apparatus; mechanized poultry feeders, namely pan feeders for use with poultry feeding apparatus; mechanized poultry feeders of the chain-and-auger type; mechanical conveyor apparatus for collecting poultry eggs; mechanised feeders for animals.
(3) Electric apparatus, namely electronic control panels for use with feeding apparatus, and weighing instruments for feed and grain; Electronic monitoring instruments, other than for medical use; Electronic Controllers for Controlling Environment in Poultry, Livestock and Swine Houses; Weighing machines; Electronic feed sensors.
(4) Air circulating and ventilating apparatus for poultry houses; Automatic watering installations for poultry.
(5) Pipe fittings comprised primarily of plastics.
(6) Nesting boxes for poultry.
(7) Drinking troughs for poultry.
An autonomous probing system includes a computer, a probe assembly, a PLC, and an optical sensor. The optical sensor captures image data of a probing environment. The probe assembly includes a moveable probe portion and a sensor. The probe portion is moveable between a first and second position. The sensor has a first sensor value that is indicative of the first position. The computer receives image data from the optical sensor and detects a vehicle positioned within the probing environment. The computer then determines one or more target areas within the vehicle and an X coordinate position and a Y coordinate position of one or more probe target points within each of the target areas. Based on the first sensor value and the X and Y coordinate positions, the computer determines a second sensor value, which is indicative of the second position and transmits the value to the PLC.
An autonomous probing system includes a computer, a probe assembly, a PLC, and an optical sensor. The optical sensor captures image data of a probing environment. The probe assembly includes a moveable probe portion and a sensor. The probe portion is moveable between a first and second position. The sensor has a first sensor value that is indicative of the first position. The computer receives image data from the optical sensor and detects a vehicle positioned within the probing environment. The computer then determines one or more target areas within the vehicle and an X coordinate position and a Y coordinate position of one or more probe target points within each of the target areas. Based on the first sensor value and the X and Y coordinate positions, the computer determines a second sensor value, which is indicative of the second position and transmits the value to the PLC.
An imitation corn kernel is used to emulate a real corn kernel for use in research and testing of a grain drying system. The imitation corn kernel includes a core material that retains moisture and a shell material that repels moisture.
A ceiling vent assembly has a frame and a pair of louvers pivotably mounted in the frame such that each of the louvers pivots between an open position and a closed position. Each of the louvers has a pivot end, wherein the pivot end of a first louver of the pair of louvers is located adjacent to but spaced apart from the pivot end of a second louver of the pair of louvers. The ceiling vent has a sealing mechanism positioned in the space between the first and second louvers so as to press on the pivot ends of the first and second louvers such that the sealing mechanism reduces the flow of air through the space. When the first and second louvers pivot between the open and closed positions, the pivot end of the first and second louvers slide relative the sealing mechanism.
F24F 13/15 - Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built-up of tilting members, e.g. louvre with parallel simultaneously tiltable lamellae
A ceiling vent assembly has a frame that is open at its top and bottom and a pair of louvers pivotably mounted in the frame such that each louver pivots between an open position and a closed position relative to the frame. Each louver has a pivot end, wherein the pivot end is located adjacent to but spaced apart from the pivot end of a second louver of the pair of louvers. The ceiling vent assembly has a sealing mechanism with a flange extending from the pivot end of each louver of the pair of louvers, wherein the flange from the first louver contacts the flange from the second louver in a space between the louvers such that the sealing mechanism reduces the flow of air through the space when the first and second louvers are in either the open or closed positions.
A feeding system for a poultry house used to deliver feed from a bulk feed tank to a plurality of feeding stations. The feeding system includes an overhead feed line supplying a plurality of lateral feed lines spaced along a length of the overhead feed line. Each of the lateral feed lines has a respective feed hopper connected to the overhead feed line. The overhead feed line has a conveyor extending along the length of the overhead feed line with a control unit at an end of the overhead feed line configured to operate the conveyor to move feed to the plurality of hoppers. Each of the plurality of feed hoppers is connected to the overhead feed line with the drop tube. The feed hopper located along the length of the overhead feed line closest to the end of the overhead feed line has an overflow device, the overflow device having a proximal end connected to the drop tube, a feed opening at a distal end through which feed flows into the feed hopper, and at least one additional side opening configured to allow feed to flow out of the overflow device through a path other than through the feed opening if the feed level in the feed hopper reaches a determined level.
A ceiling vent assembly incudes a ceiling vent having a pair of opposed end panels and a pair of opposed side panels, which define a frame that is open at its top and bottom. The frame receives two louvers pivotally mounted so as to be movable between open and closed positions. The ceiling vent assembly also includes first and second cables attached to the first and second louvers and a pulley assembly having a pair of vertically-oriented pulleys and a center pulley block having at least one horizontal pulley. The horizontal pulley has two vertically offset cable guides. Control rods pass through aligned rod openings in the end panels and pulley block. The pulley block has cable routing holes adjacent to each of the cable guides. The first cable is routed from the first louver, around the first vertical pulley, around one of the cable guides and then to one of the control rods, and the second cable is routed from the second louver, around the second vertical pulley, around the other one of the cable guides and then to one of the control rods such that the cables can be selectively routed so that the louvers can be controlled by either one of the control rods.
A poultry nesting system has a nest house with an adjacent platform raised above the surface of the surrounding substrate. The platform has an upper surface and at least a portion of a perimeter of the platform comprises a wire mesh covering a space between the substrate and the upper surface. The wire mesh is formed by a plurality of strands including an upper strand and a lower strand. At least a portion of the upper surface of the platform is supported by a plurality of platform floor supports positioned on a perimeter of the platform. Each of the plurality of platform floor supports includes a bracing member, an upper cap on an upper end of the bracing member and a lower cap on a lower end of the bracing member. The upper cap has an attachment mechanism on an upper portion thereof configured to interact with the upper surface to lock the platform floor support to the upper surface of the platform such that the platform floor support supports the upper surface in its raised position above the substrate. The upper cap has an upper catch configured to interact with the wire mesh and hold the wire mesh in place, wherein the upper catch forms an upward-facing valley for receiving the upper strand. The lower cap has a lower catch configured to interact with the wire mesh and hold the wire mesh in place, wherein the lower catch forms a downward-facing arch for receiving the lower strand. A length of a travel space under the downward-facing arch of the lower catch is greater that a length of a travel space in the upward-facing valley of the upper catch.
A bulk feed tank has a boot unloader through which feed is directed into a supply system having at least one conveyor housing an auger. The boot unloader includes an unloader body formed of front, rear and opposing side panels forming a rectangular receiving portion. An auger mounting plate is mounted to the front panel and mates with the conveyor. A bearing assembly is secured to the rear panel and rotatably mounts the auger such that the auger passes through the receiving portion. A clear access door is attached to at least one of the opposing side panels. A wear plate assembly is attached to an. The wear plate assembly is fastened to the front, rear and side panels under the boot unloader body and can be removed without unfastening the side panels from the front panel and the rear panel or removing the auger from the receiving portion.
B65G 33/18 - Screw or rotary spiral conveyors for fluent solid materials comprising a screw or screws enclosed in a tubular housing with multiple screws in parallel arrangements
A ventilation control system for an animal facility. The ventilation control system has a movable ventilation control member mounted in an opening of the animal facility, the ventilation control member being movable relative the opening to control the amount of air that is able to pass through the opening. The ventilation control system also has a positioning strap attached to the ventilation control member, the strap having a strap thickness. A strap drive control apparatus is configured to control the positioning of the ventilation control member at a constant control member speed.
A storage silo has a cylindrical wall formed with a plurality of ring structures stacked one upon another. Each ring structure is formed with a plurality of sidewall panels connected end to end with a vertical joint between horizontally adjacent sidewall panels. The plurality of ring structures have at least one upper ring structure and at least one lower ring structure positioned below the upper ring structure, with a portion of the upper ring structure overlapping the lower ring structure to form a horizontal joint. The upper lower ring structure are formed with sidewall panels in a layered arrangement. Each sidewall panel has a middle portion, an offset upper portion and an offset lower portion. The offset upper portion and the offset lower portion of the sidewall panel are offset from the middle portion.
A storage silo has a cylindrical wall formed with a plurality of ring structures stacked one upon another. Each ring structure is formed with a plurality of sidewall panels connected end to end with a vertical joint between horizontally adjacent sidewall panels. The plurality of ring structures have at least one upper ring structure and at least one lower ring structure positioned below the upper ring structure, with a portion of the upper ring structure overlapping the lower ring structure to form a horizontal joint. The upper lower ring structure are formed with sidewall panels in a layered arrangement. Each sidewall panel has a middle portion, an offset upper portion and an offset lower portion. The offset upper portion and the offset lower portion of the sidewall panel are offset from the middle portion.
A fan assembly for use in a sidewall of an animal house. The fan assembly includes an impeller, a motive force configured to rotate the impeller about a fan assembly axis, and a butterfly shutter. A shutter operation mechanism moves the butterfly doors of the shutter between the closed position and the open position in synchrony with an operating speed of the impeller. The shutter operating mechanism includes pushrods connected to the butterfly doors, and a linkage between the impeller and the second pushrods. The linkage includes at least one weight configured to rotate with the impeller about the fan assembly axis, wherein rotation of the at least one weight causes the linkage to exert a force on the pushrods to push the butterfly doors toward the open position when the impeller is rotating.
F24F 13/14 - Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built-up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
F24F 7/013 - Ventilation with forced flow using wall or window fans, displacing air through the wall or window
F04D 29/00 - Details, component parts, or accessories
F24F 13/00 - Details common to, or for air-conditioning, air-humidification, ventilation or use of air currents for screening
F04D 25/14 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation the unit being adapted for mounting in apertures and having shutters, e.g. automatically closed when not in use
F24F 13/24 - Means for preventing or suppressing noise
A grain dryer has a heated drying section with an upper plenum and a cooling section. A heater is positioned between the lower plenum and the upper plenum, wherein air is heated by the heater as air in the lower plenum is pulled through the heater and into the upper plenum. A fan takes a suction from a ductwork on the heated drying section to draw a vacuum in the upper and lower plenums. Grain enters the dryer and flows into the drying section where the grain is exposed to heated air being pulled from the upper plenum into the ductwork. Grain flows from the drying section into the cooling section where the grain is exposed to cooling air being pulled through outer walls of the cooling section into the lower plenum. Grain flows from the cooling section into the unloading section.
F26B 17/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed solely by gravity
A light dimmer includes a power input port, a power output port, a user interface and a controller. The user interface receives user inputs to adjust an output power level of the light dimmer, the output power level being an amount of power on the power output port, and to indicate a current output power level as a skip power level. The controller records output power levels indicated by the user input as skip power levels, automatically adjusts the output power level of the light dimmer over time, and automatically skips the recorded skip power levels while automatically adjusting the output power of the dimmer over time.
H05B 45/10 - Controlling the intensity of the light
H05B 45/50 - Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDsCircuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to LED lifeProtective circuits
A bin monitoring system is useable with an elevated feed bin having a plurality of legs that support the bin above a pad so that each leg is connected to the pad through a load cell. The system includes an inner leg mount configured to be attached to a leg, the inner leg mount having an upper portion, and an outer bracket mounted on the load cell. The outer bracket receives the inner leg mount such that a bolt aperture in the outer bracket aligns with a bolt aperture in the upper portion of the inner leg mount and is secured with a threaded bolt. Rotation of the threaded bolt moves the inner leg mount toward the outer bracket to lift the leg so that the leg is supported by the load cell.
G01G 17/00 - Apparatus for, or methods of, weighing material of special form or property
G01G 23/00 - Auxiliary devices for weighing apparatus
G01G 21/23 - Support or suspension of weighing platforms
G01F 23/20 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
A grain facility has a grain receiving station and a grain transport line with a grain elevator, a distributor with at least one input spout, and at least one grain bin. The grain transport line moves grain from the grain receiving station to one of the at least one grain bins and the distributor directs the grain to a selected bin of the at least one grain bin. The grain facility further includes an optical sensing system having at least one optical sensor positioned in the grain transport line at or before the distributor, wherein the optical sensing system senses the type of grain in the grain transport line. A control system determines if the grain passing through the grain transport line is suitable for the selected grain bin and produces an alarm if the grain in the grain transport line is not suitable for the selected grain bin.
B65G 65/30 - Methods or devices for filling or emptying bunkers, hoppers, tanks, or like containers, of interest apart from their use in particular chemical or physical processes or their application in particular machines, e.g. not covered by a single other subclass
In one embodiment, a method executed by a computing system, comprising: receiving pixel samples from three-dimensional (3D) data corresponding to one or more images comprising one or more animals; fitting curves for the received pixel samples; deriving parameters from the curves; determining measurements based on variations in the parameters; and estimating a weight of the one or more animals by applying one or more regression algorithms to the measurements.
An assembly for controlling the position of air inlets of an enclosure including an actuation rod which moves laterally and is positioned above and parallel with the air inlets, one or more actuation cables, where the first end of each actuation cable is attached to the actuation rod and the second end of each cable is attached to one or more of the air inlets and lateral movement of the actuation rod causes vertical movement of the actuation cables and attached air inlets.
E05F 11/12 - Mechanisms by which the bar shifts the wing
E05F 11/06 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for wings in general, e.g. fanlights with cords, chains, or cables in guide-channels
A grain spreader includes a hopper and spreader arms that distribute grain in a bin with a spreader cone having convergent divergent cones. The convergent cone forms a first flow zone. A center opening between the convergent cone and divergent cone allows a first portion of grain collecting in the convergent cone to pass through the spreader cone. An intermediate funnel is inside the hopper body between the convergent cone and the hopper body. A second portion of the grain spills over the rim of the convergent cone and onto the divergent cone into a second flow zone outside the convergent cone but inside the intermediate funnel. When the second zone fills with grain, a further portion of grain will spill over a rim of the intermediate funnel into a third flow zone radially outward of the intermediate funnel but inside the hopper body.
A grain spreader wherein grain received in the hopper is directed to spreader arms by a spreader cone. The spreader cone has a convergent cone and a divergent cone. The spreader cone has a center opening that allows a first portion of the grain collecting in the convergent cone to pass through and fall through the underside of the divergent cone. The grain spreader further includes support springs that lift the spreader cone upwards into the hopper when the spreader cone is lightly loaded. A center flow choke is configured to throttle the flow of grain through the center opening to partially close the center opening in low grain flow conditions, wherein the center flow choke is mounted to the hopper body such that up and down movement of the spreader cone moves the center opening into or out of engagement with the center flow choke.
A poultry nesting system has a nest house with an adjacent platform raised above the surface of the surrounding substrate. The platform has an upper surface and at least a portion of a perimeter of the platform comprises a wire mesh covering a space between the substrate and the upper surface. The wire mesh is formed by a plurality of strands including an upper strand and a lower strand. At least a portion of the upper surface of the platform is supported by a plurality of platform floor supports positioned on a perimeter of the platform. Each of the plurality of platform floor supports includes a bracing member, an upper cap on an upper end of the bracing member and a lower cap on a lower end of the bracing member. The upper cap has an attachment mechanism on an upper portion thereof configured to interact with the upper surface to lock the platform floor support to the upper surface of the platform such that the platform floor support supports the upper surface in its raised position above the substrate. The upper cap has an upper catch configured to interact with the wire mesh and hold the wire mesh in place, wherein the he upper catch forms an upward-facing valley for receiving the upper strand. The lower cap has a lower catch configured to interact with the wire mesh and hold the wire mesh in place, wherein the lower catch forms a downward-facing arch for receiving the lower strand. A length of a travel space under the downward-facing arch of the lower catch is greater that a length of a travel space in the upward-facing valley of the upper catch.
A poultry nesting system has a nest house with an adjacent platform raised above the surface of the surrounding substrate. The platform has an upper surface and at least a portion of a perimeter of the platform comprises a wire mesh covering a space between the substrate and the upper surface. The wire mesh is formed by a plurality of strands including an upper strand and a lower strand. At least a portion of the upper surface of the platform is supported by a plurality of platform floor supports positioned on a perimeter of the platform. Each of the plurality of platform floor supports includes a bracing member, an upper cap on an upper end of the bracing member and a lower cap on a lower end of the bracing member. The upper cap has an attachment mechanism on an upper portion thereof configured to interact with the upper surface to lock the platform floor support to the upper surface of the platform such that the platform floor support supports the upper surface in its raised position above the substrate. The upper cap has an upper catch configured to interact with the wire mesh and hold the wire mesh in place, wherein the he upper catch forms an upward-facing valley for receiving the upper strand. The lower cap has a lower catch configured to interact with the wire mesh and hold the wire mesh in place, wherein the lower catch forms a downward-facing arch for receiving the lower strand. A length of a travel space under the downward-facing arch of the lower catch is greater that a length of a travel space in the upward-facing valley of the upper catch.
An animal feeder has a hopper for receiving feed, the hopper having converging front panels with lower ends defining an elongate chute through which feed is directed. A shield is attached to each of the front panels and diverges from the front panel forming a cove that remains free of feed. A trough extends along the feeder and a water supply duct delivers water into the trough. An elongate shelf has a feed platform for receiving feed from the hopper. The shelf is positioned above the trough such that any feed falling, falls into the trough. The shelf has shelf retainers running longitudinally of the shelf above the feed platform, each shelf retainer directed between its respective shield and front panel. A height-adjusting mechanism adjusts the vertical position of the shelf relative the hopper and the trough. As the shelf moves upward, the shelf retainer moves into the cove.
An agricultural dryer assembly has a fan apparatus and burner assembly that form a longitudinal dryer axis. An airflow transition mechanism is positioned between the fan apparatus and the burner assembly and has an endcap with an end plate that is substantially perpendicular to the dryer axis. A transition housing has an upstream end proximate the fan apparatus having a first diameter and a downstream end proximate the burner assembly having a second size, and an open middle. The airflow transition mechanism also includes an end plate perpendicular to the airflow and for a single burner configuration, a first and second air-directing crossing members and for a dual burner configuration, two inlet devices positioned in a middle opening of the transition housing that extend through the axis of the fan heater assembly.
F26B 9/06 - Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitationDomestic airing cupboards in stationary drums or chambers
F26B 21/00 - Arrangements for supplying or controlling air or gases for drying solid materials or objects
F26B 23/02 - Heating arrangements using combustion heating
50.
Adjustable spring tension clip for external damper agricultural fans
In one embodiment, a system, comprising: a damper assembly, the damper assembly comprising: a structural member; at least one door pivotably coupled to the structural member; a clip connected to the damper assembly and comprising plural spring end constraining segments; a spring comprising a first end and a second end, wherein at least the first end comprises a hook, the spring coupled at the first end to one of the plural spring end constraining segments and at the second end fixably coupled to the damper assembly, the clip configured to accept a hookable connection to the spring at any one of the plural spring end constraining segments, each of the plural spring end constraining segments constraining movement of the hook, when connected thereto, during opening and closing of the at least one door, wherein the spring is at a first tension when hooked to the one of the plural spring end constraining segments and at a second tension when hooked to another of the plural spring end constraining segments.
F04D 25/14 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation the unit being adapted for mounting in apertures and having shutters, e.g. automatically closed when not in use
E05F 1/10 - Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated for swinging wings
F24F 13/14 - Air-flow control members, e.g. louvres, grilles, flaps or guide plates movable, e.g. dampers built-up of tilting members, e.g. louvre
F04D 25/08 - Units comprising pumps and their driving means the working fluid being air, e.g. for ventilation
F16K 15/03 - Check valves with guided rigid valve members with a hinged closure member
F16K 1/22 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure members with pivoted discs or flaps with axis of rotation crossing the valve member, e.g. butterfly valves
In one embodiment, a system comprising plural equipment, each of the plural equipment having a different functionality; a controller; and a switch comprising plural states, the switch operably coupling the plural equipment to the controller, wherein the switch, when configured in a first state, enables the controller to control operations of the plural equipment using first control logic, and wherein the switch, when configured in a second state, enables the controller to control operations of one or more equipment of the plural equipment using second control logic that bypasses the first control logic.
G05B 19/05 - Programmable logic controllers, e.g. simulating logic interconnections of signals according to ladder diagrams or function charts
G05B 19/409 - Numerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by using manual data input [MDI] or by using control panel, e.g. controlling functions with the panelNumerical control [NC], i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by control panel details or by setting parameters
A hinged water valve (26) for use in a watering (38, 46) system (50) of a poultry house includes rigid sight tubes (20) connected with hinged water valves (26). Each hinged valve (26) includes a valve body (28) with a valve cap (30) hinged to the valve body (28) with at least one hinge pin. The valve (26) permits flow of water into the sight tube (20) when the sight tube (10) is in its upright operational condition but prohibits flow of water toward the sight tube (20) when the sight tube (20) is pivoted to a substantially horizontal cleaning condition. An internal plunger (32) interacts with an internal seat (36) of the valve body (28) in a sealing manner. A biasing spring (40) urges the plunger (32) into contact with the internal seat (36) of the valve body (28) but with the valve cap (30) in the upright condition, the stem (50) forces the plunger (32) away from the internal seat (36) opening a flow passage (41).
A poultry feeder operable in a winch-up condition where the feeder is positioned off of a floor of the poultry house and in a winch-down condition in which the feeder is position resting on the floor of the poultry house. The poultry feeder defines a first path and a second path for feed to enter the pan, the first path comprising a flood path through the aligned windows in lower drop tube portion and in the feed level skirt, and the second path comprising a path through the aligned spaces between the feed pan and the lower skirt of the feed level skirt and lower tube portion of the drop tube.
In one embodiment, a method executed by a computing system, comprising: receiving pixel samples from three-dimensional (3D) data corresponding to one or more images comprising one or more animals; fitting curves for the received pixel samples; deriving parameters from the curves; determining measurements based on variations in the parameters; and estimating a weight of the one or more animals by applying one or more regression algorithms to the measurements.
An animal house climate control system uses a method for operating a baffle of an air inlet of an animal house with a motor using timed inlet control. The method includes performing a calibration sequence to calculate opening velocity and opening inertia values and closing velocity and closing inertia values. The method also includes moving the baffle from an initial position to a final position by calculating a calculated power on time for the motor using the opening inertia or closing inertia values. The method can also include calculating a real position error value by comparing the calculated on time for the motor and a measured on time for the motor and using the real position error value to calculate adjusted opening and closing velocity values.
A climate control system is operated by receiving climate information from climate control input devices at one or more plugin modules. The climate information is communicated from the plugin modules to a main control unit, which determines operating instructions for climate output devices and air inlets. When it is detected that the main control unit is not operational, the control system switches to a standby control unit if so equipped. The climate information is then communicated from the plugin modules to the standby control unit. The standby control unit determines operating instructions for the climate output devices and air inlets based on the climate information. When it is detected that the standby control unit is also not operational, the plugin modules switch to an autonomous mode such that operating instructions for the climate output devices and air inlets are determined by the plugin modules.
F24F 11/32 - Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
F24F 11/54 - Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication using one central controller connected to several sub-controllers
An agricultural dryer assembly has a fan apparatus and burner assembly that form a longitudinal dryer axis. An airflow transition mechanism is positioned between the fan apparatus and the burner assembly and has an endcap with an end plate that is substantially perpendicular to the dryer axis. A transition housing has an upstream end proximate the fan apparatus having a first diameter and a downstream end proximate the burner assembly having a second size, and an open middle. The airflow transition mechanism also includes an end plate perpendicular to the airflow and for a single burner configuration, a first and second air-directing crossing members and for a dual burner configuration, two inlet devices positioned in a middle opening of the transition housing that extend through the axis of the fan heater assembly.
An agricultural dryer assembly has a fan apparatus and burner assembly that form a longitudinal dryer axis. An airflow transition mechanism is positioned between the fan apparatus and the burner assembly and has an endcap with an end plate that is substantially perpendicular to the dryer axis. A transition housing has an upstream end proximate the fan apparatus having a first diameter and a downstream end proximate the burner assembly having a second size, and an open middle. The airflow transition mechanism also includes an end plate perpendicular to the airflow and for a single burner configuration, a first and second air-directing crossing members and for a dual burner configuration, two inlet devices positioned in a middle opening of the transition housing that extend through the axis of the fan heater assembly.
A bin monitoring system is useable with an elevated feed bin having a plurality of legs that support the bin above a pad so that each leg is connected to the pad through a load cell. The system includes an inner leg mount configured to be attached to a leg, the inner leg mount having an upper portion, and an outer bracket mounted on the load cell. The outer bracket receives the inner leg mount such that a bolt aperture in the outer bracket aligns with a bolt aperture in the upper portion of the inner leg mount and is secured with a threaded bolt. Rotation of the threaded bolt moves the inner leg mount toward the outer bracket to lift the leg so that the leg is supported by the load cell.
A method for performing a learning cycle to determine a Start Temperature and a Stop Temperature for a PI loop algorithm is used for operating a climate control system (20) in an animal house (10). The climate control system has at least one climate control input device (21) and at least one heater device (23) and a climate control module (27) that receives input information from the at least one input device and controls the operation of the at least one heater device to regulate the climate in the animal house.
A hinged water valve (26) for use in a watering (38, 46) system (50) of a poultry house includes rigid sight tubes (20) connected with hinged water valves (26). Each hinged valve (26) includes a valve body (28) with a valve cap (30) hinged to the valve body (28) with at least one hinge pin. The valve (26) permits flow of water into the sight tube (20) when the sight tube (20) is in its upright operational condition but prohibits flow of water toward the sight tube (20) when the sight tube (20) is pivoted to a substantially horizontal cleaning condition. An internal plunger (32) interacts with an internal seat (36) of the valve body (28) in a sealing manner. A biasing spring (40) urges the plunger (32) into contact with the internal seat (36) of the valve body (28) but with the valve cap (30) in the upright condition, the stem (50) forces the plunger (32) away from the internal seat (36) opening a flow passage (41).
F16L 29/02 - Joints with fluid cut-off means with a cut-off device in one of the two pipe ends, the cut-off device being automatically opened when the coupling is applied
A poultry feeder operable in a winch-up condition where the feeder is positioned off of a floor of the poultry house and in a winch-down condition in which the feeder is position resting on the floor of the poultry house. The poultry feeder defines a first path and a second path for feed to enter the pan, the first path comprising a flood path through the aligned windows in lower drop tube portion and in the feed level skirt, and the second path comprising a path through the aligned spaces between the feed pan and the lower skirt of the feed level skirt and lower tube portion of the drop tube.
A poultry feeder operable in a winch-up condition where the feeder is positioned off of a floor of the poultry house and in a winch-down condition in which the feeder is position resting on the floor of the poultry house. The poultry feeder defines a first path and a second path for feed to enter the pan, the first path comprising a flood path through the aligned windows in lower drop tube portion and in the feed level skirt, and the second path comprising a path through the aligned spaces between the feed pan and the lower skirt of the feed level skirt and lower tube portion of the drop tube.
An animal feeder has a hopper for receiving feed, the hopper having converging front panels with lower ends defining an elongate chute through which feed is directed. A shield is attached to each of the front panels and diverges from the front panel forming a cove that remains free of feed. A trough extends along the feeder and a water supply duct delivers water into the trough. An elongate shelf has a feed platform for receiving feed from the hopper. The shelf is positioned above the trough such that any feed falling, falls into the trough. The shelf has shelf retainers running longitudinally of the shelf above the feed platform, each shelf retainer directed between its respective shield and front panel. A height-adjusting mechanism adjusts the vertical position of the shelf relative the hopper and the trough. As the shelf moves upward, the shelf retainer moves into the cove.
An animal feeder has a hopper for receiving feed, the hopper having converging front panels with lower ends defining an elongate chute through which feed is directed. A shield is attached to each of the front panels and diverges from the front panel forming a cove that remains free of feed. A trough extends along the feeder and a water supply duct delivers water into the trough. An elongate shelf has a feed platform for receiving feed from the hopper. The shelf is positioned above the trough such that any feed falling, falls into the trough. The shelf has shelf retainers running longitudinally of the shelf above the feed platform, each shelf retainer directed between its respective shield and front panel. A height-adjusting mechanism adjusts the vertical position of the shelf relative the hopper and the trough. As the shelf moves upward, the shelf retainer moves into the cove.
A climate control system (20) for an animal house (10) is configured by determining a minimum ventilation curve for required minimum ventilation. A plurality of ventilation stages is created based on the minimum ventilation curve and the plurality of ventilation fans (23) in the climate control system, each stage providing a percentage of the required minimum ventilation. Creating the stages includes prioritizing the ventilation fans to create a selection hierarchy and determining a minimum stage ventilation and a maximum stage ventilation for each stage. Ventilation fans are selected following the hierarchy that provides the desired percentage of the minimum required ventilation. An increment between a maximum stage ventilation and a minimum stage ventilation for the next higher stage is defined, wherein the minimum capacity level is a function of the minimum capacity of the group of fans added to the next higher stage and the maximum capacity for the next higher stage is determined based on the increment.
A climate control system for an animal house is operated by determining a minimum ventilation curve for required minimum ventilation. A plurality of ventilation stages is created based on the minimum ventilation curve and the plurality of ventilation fans in the climate control system, each stage providing a percentage of the required minimum ventilation. Creating the stages includes prioritizing the ventilation fans to create a selection hierarchy and determining a minimum stage ventilation and a maximum stage ventilation for each stage. Ventilation fans are selected following the hierarchy that provides the desired percentage of the minimum required ventilation. The system advances from a lower stage a higher stage based on ventilation requirements. When it is determined that a fan is not operating, the system returns to the lower stage to substitute ventilation fans.
G05B 15/02 - Systems controlled by a computer electric
F24F 11/30 - Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
F24F 11/62 - Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
F24F 11/64 - Electronic processing using pre-stored data
F24F 11/77 - Control systems characterised by their outputsConstructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
An animal house climate control system uses a method for operating a baffle of an air inlet of an animal house with a motor using timed inlet control. The method includes performing a calibration sequence to calculate opening velocity and opening inertia values and closing velocity and closing inertia values. The method also includes moving the baffle from an initial position to a final position by calculating a calculated power on time for the motor using the opening inertia or closing inertia values. The method can also include calculating a real position error value by comparing the calculated on time for the motor and a measured on time for the motor and using the real position error value to calculate adjusted opening and closing velocity values.
A climate control system is operated by receiving climate information from climate control input devices at one or more plugin modules. The climate information is communicated from the plugin modules to a main control unit, which determines operating instructions for climate output devices and air inlets. When it is detected that the main control unit is not operational, the control system switches to a standby control unit if so equipped. The climate information is then communicated from the plugin modules to the standby control unit. The standby control unit determines operating instructions for the climate output devices and air inlets based on the climate information. When it is detected that the standby control unit is also not operational, the plugin modules switch to an autonomous mode such that operating instructions for the climate output devices and air inlets are determined by the plugin modules.
A climate control system for an animal house having a plurality of climate control outputs such as heaters or ventilation fans has a control unit that regulates operation of climate control outputs. The control unit has a plurality of input terminals and a plurality of sensing devices, each of the plurality of sensing devices located in a different portion of the animal house and connected to one of the plurality of input terminals of the control unit with a connector to provide a signal to the control unit which is used to control the climate in the animal house. Each sensing device includes a thermal resistive sensor and an indicating LED configured to be selectively turned on by the control unit to indicate when the sensing unit is connected to the control unit.
A poultry feeder (10) provides adjustment of pan (12) height and quantity of feed delivered allowing use throughout the full animal lifecycle while reducing waste and spoilage. The feeder (10) has a feed pan (12) and a primary grill (26) having a wall (32) with a lower edge (38) configured for engagement with the feed pan (12), the wall (32) defining a plurality of primary grill windows (36). An inner grill (28) is moveably nested within the primary grill (26), the inner grill (28) defining inner grill windows (59) moveable relative to the primary grill windows (36). The feeder (10) has a window adjustor (30) operatively connected to the inner grill (28) to move the inner grill (28) relative to the primary grill (26) to thereby adjust a dimension of the window opening (60). The feeder (10) also has a drop tube assembly (16) operatively engaged with the feed conveyor for communication of feed from the feed conveyor to the feed pan (12).
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
metal bins for storing poultry feed. Mechanised poultry feeders; unloaders for delivering feed from storage bins to feeding locations; winching apparatus comprised of cables, pulleys, hangers, and motors for use in conjunction with poultry feeding apparatus; pan feeders for use with poultry feeding apparatus; mechanical conveyor apparatus for collecting poultry eggs; mechanised nesting systems for poultry. electronic control panels for use with feeding apparatus and weighing instruments for feed and grain. air circulating and ventilating apparatus for poultry houses.
An adjustable flood-type poultry feeder (1) is disclosed that has a drop tube (31) adapted to be releasably secured to a feed conveyor and a feed tube (19) where the drop tube and the feed tube are movable relative to one another and have flood windows (25, 37) that can be selectively opened and closed by moving the drop tube and the feed tube relative to one another.
A grain drying tower comprises a heater and blower separating a heating plenum and a cooling plenum. The dryer is provided with a heat reclamation/heat recycling system and/or counter-flow cooling to reduce the energy requirements of the tower dryer. The heat reclamation system comprises a chamber external to the outer wall of the tower and which is and located at a point along the drying path. The bottom of the chamber is open to the atmosphere. Hot exhaust air enters the heat reclamation chamber at the top of the chamber and is drawn back into the tower by the blower as the exhaust air exits the open bottom of the chamber. In the counter-flow, the walls defining the grain path of the in the cooling section are not air permeable, and air is drawn into the cooling section through outer wall ducts which are closed at the inner wall. The entering air travels up through heated grain to be warmed, and then enters the plenum through inner wall ducts, which are closed at the outer wall of the tower.
F26B 17/12 - Machines or apparatus for drying materials in loose, plastic, or fluidised form, e.g. granules, staple fibres, with progressive movement with movement performed solely by gravity
A grain drying tower comprises a heater and blower separating a heating plenum and a cooling plenum. The dryer is provided with a heat reclamation/heat recycling system and/or counter-flow cooling to reduce the energy requirements of the tower dryer. The heat reclamation system comprises a chamber external to the outer wall of the tower and which is and located at a point along the drying path. The bottom of the chamber is open to the atmosphere. Hot exhaust air enters the heat reclamation chamber at the top of the chamber and is drawn back into the tower by the blower as the exhaust air exits the open bottom of the chamber. In the counter-flow, the walls defining the grain path of the in the cooling section are not air permeable, and air is drawn into the cooling section through outer wall ducts which are closed at the inner wall. The entering air travels up through heated grain to be warmed, and then enters the plenum through inner wall ducts, which are closed at the outer wall of the tower.
A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined “empty” level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined “full” level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a “start” signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the “empty” level and emits a “stop” signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the “full” level.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
11 - Environmental control apparatus
19 - Non-metallic building materials
Goods & Services
(1) Metal grain storage bins, hopper tanks; metal grain storage bin roof and sidewall access doors, metal grain storage bin roof vents, metal grain storage bin floors, metal grain storage bin floor supports, metal grain storage bin wall panels, metal grain storage bin roof stairs, metal grain storage bin sidewall ladders, metal grain storage bin ladder safety cages, metal grain storage bin roof safety rings, metal grain storage bin air inlets, metal grain storage bin roof fill opening peak caps, metal grain storage bin view windows; hopper tank roofs and bottoms, hopper tank discharge collars, hopper tank legs, hopper tank anchors; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods
(2) Grain moving and handling equipment; bucket elevators, grain conveyors, chain conveyors, grain distributors, grain inverters, grain sweeps, grain augers, grain brushes, grain bin loaders and unloaders; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods;
(3) Fans, heaters and ducts for drying and aerating grain; grain tower dryers; portable grain dryers, grain storage aerators; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
Metal grain storage bins, hopper tanks; bin roof and sidewall access doors, bin roof vents, bin floors, bin floor supports, bin wall panels, bin roof stairs, bin sidewall ladders, bin ladder safety cages, bin roof safety rings, bin air inlets, bin roof fill opening peak caps, bin view windows; hopper roofs and bottoms, hopper discharge collars, hopper legs, hopper anchors; ducts for drying and aerating grain; all the aforementioned goods made principally of metal; parts and fitting for the aforesaid goods. Grain moving and handling equipment; bucket elevators, grain conveyors, chain conveyors, grain distributors, grain inverters, grain sweeps for grain treatment machines, grain augers, grain brushes for grain treatment machinery, grain bin loading and unloading apparatus; grain tower dryers; portable grain dryers, grain storage aeration systems; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods. Fans, heaters for drying and aerating grain; parts and fittings for the aforesaid goods.
An animal feeder is provided having a movable gate between a hopper portion and a trough portion of the feeder. An adjustment mechanism is positioned on the hopper wall above gate and is operable to adjust the position of the gate, and hence, the size of the opening between the hopper and trough. The adjustment mechanism allows for easy control of the size of the opening between the hopper and the trough.
F16H 21/16 - Gearings comprising primarily only links or levers, with or without slides all movement being in, or parallel to, a single plane for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion
84.
Temporary storage system for agricultural products
Disclosed herein are apparatus and systems for forming a temporary storage facility for granular materials such as agricultural products including grain and corn. The temporary storage facility includes a retaining wall constructed by connecting free-standing wall sections in a circular or rectangular shape. The free-standing wall sections have overlapping elements on the face to hold the agricultural products inside the retaining wall sections while admitting air for ventilation. Ventilation holes are made in the panel elements so as to admit air but prevent water or vermin entry to protect the agricultural products.
A burner assembly for a grain bin for heating air moving through the assembly to dry grain in the bin. The burner assembly has a collector adapted to receive fuel from a fuel line. A burner housing attaches to the collector receives fuel from the fuel line. A nozzle is secured to the burner. A flame diverter downstream from the burner housing diverts the flame outwardly from the burner nozzle toward the housing wall. A flame cone having a slope generally similar to the slope of the diverter is positioned near the burner to define a gap between the inside face of the diverter and the outer surface of the flame cone so as to provide a path for the burning fuel to travel from the burner outwardly toward the housing walls for a more complete combustion of the fuel.
A burner assembly for a grain bin for heating air moving through the assembly to dry grain in the bin. The burner assembly has a collector adapted to receive fuel from a fuel line. A burner housing attaches to the collector receives fuel from the fuel line. A nozzle is secured to the burner. A flame diverter downstream from the burner housing diverts the flame outwardly from the burner nozzle toward the housing wall. A flame cone having a slope generally similar to the slope of the diverter is positioned near the burner to define a gap between the inside face of the diverter and the outer surface of the flame cone so as to provide a path for the burning fuel to travel from the burner outwardly toward the housing walls for a more complete combustion of the fuel.
F24H 3/04 - Air heaters with forced circulation the air being in direct contact with the heating medium, e.g. electric heating element
F24H 9/00 - FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL Details
F26B 9/06 - Machines or apparatus for drying solid materials or objects at rest or with only local agitationDomestic airing cupboards in stationary drums or chambers
F26B 23/02 - Heating arrangements using combustion heating
A plank (10) used to construct a platform such as a catwalk (C3, C4) extending about the exterior or interior of a building (B) includes first and second generally horizontal sections (12, 24). The second generally horizontal section of the plank extends from one side of the first section. During construction of the platform, the first section of one plank overlaps the second section of an adjacent plank. A third generally vertical section (52) of the plank extends generally perpendicularly from one side of the second section and includes lips (58, 60) at its inner and outer ends for attaching the plank to toe boards (40,44) to secure the plank to the frames. When installed, the planks extend from a side of the building. The resulting catwalk extends either in a straight line, or is curved, depending upon the amount of overlap the first and second sections of the respective planks.
An animal feeder is provided having a movable gate between a hopper portion and a trough portion of the feeder. An adjustment mechanism is positioned on the hopper wall above gate and is operable to adjust the position of the gate, and hence, the size of the opening between the hopper and trough. The adjustment mechanism allows for easy control of the size of the opening between the hopper and the trough.
An animal feeder is provided having a movable gate between a hopper portion and a trough portion of the feeder. An adjustment mechanism is positioned on the hopper wall above gate and is operable to adjust the position of the gate, and hence, the size of the opening between the hopper and trough. The adjustment mechanism allows for easy control of the size of the opening between the hopper and the trough.
A plank (10) used to construct a platform such as a catwalk (C3, C4) extending about the exterior or interior of a building (B) includes first and second generally horizontal sections (12, 22). The second generally horizontal section of the plank extends from one side of the first section. During construction of the platform, the first section of one plank overlaps the second section of an adjacent plank. A third generally vertical section (52) of the plank extends generally perpendicularly from one side of the second section and includes lips (58, 60) at its inner and outer ends for attaching the plank to toe boards (40, 44) to secure the plank to the frames. When installed, the planks extend from a side of the building. The resulting catwalk extends either in a straight line, or is curved, depending upon the amount of overlap the first and second sections of the respective planks.
E04G 7/00 - Connections between parts of the scaffold
E04G 3/24 - Scaffolds essentially supported by building constructions, e.g. adjustable in height specially adapted for particular parts of buildings or for buildings of particular shape, e.g. chimney stacks or pylons
E04F 11/00 - Stairways, ramps, or like structuresBalustradesHandrails
E04D 13/12 - Devices or arrangements allowing walking on the roof or in the gutter
E04H 7/22 - Containers for fluent solids, e.g. silos or bunkersSupports therefor
An animal feeder is provided having a movable gate between a hopper portion and a trough portion of the feeder. An adjustment mechanism is positioned on the hopper wall above gate and is operable to adjust the position of the gate, and hence, the size of the opening between the hopper and trough. The adjustment mechanism allows for easy control of the size of the opening between the hopper and the trough.
An impactor is externally securable to a container of flowable material to break up bridging or clumping of the material in the container. The impactor comprises a strike plate mountable to an outlet hopper or the like and a drive which axially reciprocally moves the hammer, such that operation of the drive causes the hammer to impact the strike plate to thereby pass vibrations into the container.
An impactor is externally securable to a container of flowable material to break up bridging or clumping of the material in the container. The impactor comprises a strike plate mountable to an outlet hopper or the like and a drive which axially reciprocally moves the hammer, such that operation of the drive causes the hammer to impact the strike plate to thereby pass vibrations into the container.
A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined "empty" level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined "full" level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a "start" signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the "empty" level and emits a "stop" signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the "full" level.1.
A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined "empty" level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined "full" level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a "start" signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the "empty" level and emits a "stop" signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the "full" level.1.
A feed level sensor for a poultry feeding system is positioned within the drop tube of a control feeder of the feeding system. The sensor comprise a first light emitter/light detector pair to detect when the level of feed in the drop tube falls below a predetermined “empty” level and a second light emitter/light detector pair to detect when feed in the drop tube is at a predetermined “full” level in the drop tube. The sensor emits a “start” signal to activate a drive to deliver feed to the feeders along a feed line when it is detected that feed in the control feeder drop tube falls below the “empty” level and emits a “stop” signal to deactivate the drive when it detects that feed within the drop tube is at the “full” level.
A corner assembly for a tube conveyor system comprises a housing defining a wheel receiving area and a flow path with ports at opposite ends of the flow path. A wheel rotatably received in the wheel receiving area comprises a rim having an upper surface and a lower surface; a pair of spaced apart channels formed in at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rim; and at least one flapper pivotally mounted to the wheel inside of the rim. The flapper is freely movable between a position in which it is aligned with a wall of one of the channels and a position in which it is aligned with a wall of the other of the channels. Thus, when the wheel rotates, the flapper will sweep any material in the wheel receiving area towards and through one of the channels and into the flow path.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
07 - Machines and machine tools
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
12 - Land, air and water vehicles; parts of land vehicles
21 - HouseHold or kitchen utensils, containers and materials; glassware; porcelain; earthenware
Goods & Services
metal storage tanks for animal feed Animal feeding equipment, namely, feed conveyors, mechanized animal feed stations, power operated feed dispensers; animal feed delivery system comprised of feed delivery conveyor and mechanized feeder also including a feed delivery controller and storage tank sold as a unit electronic controllers for animal feed delivery systems; electronic controllers for curtains used in animal confinement buildings; automated feed dispensing machines for animal feed ventilation and climate control equipment for animal confinement buildings, namely, heaters, fans, evaporative air coolers, chimney ventilators, air inlets, air filters, dampers used to control air from back draft Animal feeding equipment, namely, feed carts [ Manually operated dispensers for animal feed ]
A combined plenum divider/hopper is provided for a grain drying tower. The divider/hopper is positioned in the drying tower proximate the heater for the drying tower and is operable to adjust the ratio of the length of the heating portion of the plenum to the length of the cooling portion of the plenum.
