Abstract: A bagging machine is provided that includes a frame for supporting the components of the bagging machine. The components of the bagging machine include an inlet hopper for receiving the material for compaction and moving it into the bagging machine, a compaction zone having a power compaction device located therein, wherein the compaction device conveys the material from the inlet hopper into the compaction zone, a material receptacle for receiving the material upon its exit from the compaction zone; and a brake assist mechanism assisting in, and at least partially controlling the level of, compaction of the material.

Abstract: An animal chute with animal-actuated gates at each end and a data collection area. The animal enters the chute through one of the gates and both gates automatically lock the animal in the data collection area until the data is collected. The opposite gate then unlocks in order to let the animal exit the chute. The animal chute also has a side safety gate which breaks away upon pressure from the animal in order to allow it to escape. Data such as animal identification and weight is gathered in the data collection area. The gates may be operated with a linkage system and electric linear actuators. The data may be transmitted to a personal computer in order for the data to be stored and analyzed. The chute may be controlled with a programmable logic controller. The chute may be used in conjunction with additional directing devices in order to sort animals which pass through the chute.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting and mixing of fibrous products for the preparation of animal feed which includes a hopper where equipments for the cutting and mixing of fibrous product are installed. Based on this invention, such mixing and cutting equipment is constituted by a single auger that is separated into two equal sections by a partition that is welded to the shaft of the auger itself. The auger is equipped with a first section of auger blades that turn counterclockwise. The hopper has a bottom that is partially cylindrical where the auger is installed. From this bottom, one wall extends practically vertical and the opposite one extends oblique.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting and mixing of fibrous products for the preparation of animal feed which includes a hopper where equipments for the cutting and mixing of fibrous product are installed. Based on this invention, such mixing and cutting equipment is constituted by one auger that is separated into two equal (welded) sections by a partition that is attached to the shaft of the auger itself. The auger is equipped with a first section of auger blades that turn clockwise and a second section of auger blades that turn counterclockwise. The hopper has a bottom that is partially cylindrical where the auger is installed and one wall extends vertical and the opposite one extends oblique from the bottom.