Abstract: A panel sector, for a disc filter for separation of liquids from a suspension, includes front and back filter panel assemblies, a sector assembly for mounting the front and back filter panel assemblies, and a top cap for retaining the filter panel assemblies within the sector assembly. Each of the filter panel assemblies includes a frame and a filter material clamped by the frame. The sector assembly includes an outer end plate, an inner core mounting plate subassembly for mounting the panel sector to the disc filter core, first and second side channel subassemblies, at least one structural member extending radially between the core mounting plate subassembly and the outer end plate, and at least one support member extending laterally between the first and second side channel subassemblies. The core mounting plate subassembly and each of the side channel subassemblies have front and back channels for receiving portions of the frame.

Abstract: A panel sector, for a disc filter for separation of liquids from a suspension, includes front and back filter panel assemblies, a sector assembly for mounting the front and back filter panel assemblies, and a top cap for retaining the filter panel assemblies within the sector assembly. Each of the filter panel assemblies includes a frame and a filter material clamped by the frame. The sector assembly includes an outer end plate, an inner core mounting plate subassembly for mounting the panel sector to the disc filter core, first and second side channel subassemblies, at least one structural member extending radially between the core mounting plate subassembly and the outer end plate, and at least one support member extending laterally between the first and second side channel subassemblies. The core mounting plate subassembly and each of the side channel subassemblies have front and back channels for receiving portions of the frame.

Abstract: An automatic flushing system for poultry watering systems is provided which includes a bypass of the upstream pressure regulator, self sealing caps for the stand pipes and a readily disassembleable automatic flush valve at the end of the supply line. A shut-off valve in the bypass is provided which is actuatable manually or automatically in response to a timer, environmental sensor or water condition sensor. The automatic flush valve opens in response to a predetermined pressure level and connects the supply line to a drain hose. The automatic flush valve can include an end cap which is removable from the flush valve and which facilitates cleaning of the valve and supply line. The self sealing caps prevent leakage out of the standpipes and are especially formed to prevent blow-outs of the seal. Where multiple pressure regulators are used in the supply line, additional automatic flush valves can be positioned in a bypass line around those regulators.

Abstract: A flushing system for poultry watering systems is provided which includes a by-pass of the upstream pressure regulator, self sealing caps for the stand pipes and an automatic flush valve at the end of the supply line. A shut-off valve in the by-pass is provided which is actuatable manually or automatically in response to a timer, environmental sensor or water condition sensor. The automatic flush valve opens a response to a predetermined pressure level and connects the supply line to a drain hose. The self sealing caps prevent leakage out of the standpipes and are especially formed to prevent blow outs of the seal. Where multiple pressure regulators are used in the supply line, additional automatic flush valves can be positioned in a by-pass line around those regulators.

Abstract: An improved intake cup apparatus for use in an automated feeding system of the type utilizing feed supply conduits and feed conveyors providing troughs to present feed to caged poultry and the like. The improved intake cup properly meters and directs feed from the supply conduits to the feed conveyors and assures the conveyors will not become over-filled. The physical structure of the improved intake cup apparatus comprises a cup body having openings formed therein to receive feed from a supply conduit and allow a helical auger-like element of the feed conveyor to pass through the cup body and collect feed therefrom. Collection of feed by the auger-like element as it proceeds through the cup is restricted however, by an open-sleeve member partially surrounding the auger within the cup body and a restrictor plate partially covering the remaining auger access. Certain void areas are also created adjacent the auger and thereby assure overfilling will not occur.

Abstract: A feeding system for delivering feed to troughs associated with rows of animal confinement cages is disclosed. The system comprises mobile hopper means for carrying a load of feed past troughs associated with each row of animal confinement cages. Delivery means extend from the hoppers; these delivery systems each receive feed from the hopper and deposit the feed in the feed troughs. The delivery sub-systems include a tube extending from a hopper and hopper conveyor toward a distal tube end at the trough. A shoe is attached to the tube at the distal end so as to support that tube distal end at the location spaced above the trough bottom. A grader blade is pivotally attached to the shoe in such a position as to be located behind the tube when the shoe and tube are moving in a forward direction along the trough.