Abstract: Disclosed is a self-adaptive precise ventilation system for a livestock and poultry house. The system comprises an air pipe, an adjusting assembly, a camera shooting assembly, air flow test pieces and a controller; the air pipe and the air flow test pieces are all arranged above fence areas, the camera shooting assembly is installed on one side of each of the air flow test pieces, and the adjusting assembly is connected together with the air pipe through connecting ropes; a plurality of air supply outlets are formed in the air pipe, and each air supply outlet is provided with a valve; and the camera shooting assembly monitors the air flow conditions in the livestock and poultry house and the information of in-fence areas, and transmits the them to the controller so as to determine the opening degrees and the orientations of the air supply outlets and realize precise air supply.

Abstract: A modular apparatus for housing animals comprising a wall unit, a window unit, a roof unit, a skylight unit, a door unit, a bath unit, an observation unit, and a port unit, and a fastening system adapted to releasibly interlock said units to form a housing suitable for animals. The apparatus can be assembled at a first location and subsequently disassembled and reassembled at a second location. Among the animals are raptors and other avian species.

Abstract: A system passively cools, regulates humidity and/or rectifies diffusive transport of water vapor in an interior area within a structure. The system includes a membrane assembly covering a portion of the structure, wherein the membrane has an interior side facing the interior area and an exterior side. The membrane assembly defines a plurality of pores. When cooling, a supply of fluid is provided to the membrane assembly so that capillary action of the pores redistributes the fluid to create evaporation and, in turn, the desired heat flow. The membrane assembly can include an architectural membrane coated with a porous matrix coating to form the pores. A pump can provide the fluid to the interior side of the membrane assembly. Preferably, the architectural membrane is woven PTFE-coated fiberglass and the porous matrix coating is titanium dioxide, zeolites and/or silica gel.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system of insulating a building such as a poultry barn uses netting structurally of the type to hold sod together. The netting is stapled to the bottom of trusses making up the ceiling of a barn and the attic of the barn. Ceiling material is superimposed below the netting to form a ceiling. Loose insulation, typically fiberglass, is blown onto the netting to be held thereby and to form an insulation layer in the attic of the barn.

Abstract: A transverse span for an airform membrane is disclosed that can include a material having a perimeter defined at least in part by a longitudinal edge having opposite ends that terminate at a base edge further defining the perimeter. The longitudinal edge can be configured to couple to a longitudinal edge of an adjacent transverse span of the airform membrane. The base edge can at least partially define a base perimeter of the airform membrane for coupling with a base support structure. The transverse span can also include a load compensated region with a length dimension and/or a width dimension reduced from an intended final dimension to compensate for stretch of the material when the airform membrane is inflated. In addition, the transverse span can include a flare region between the load compensated region and the base edge. The flare region can transition in the length dimension and/or the width dimension between the load compensated region and the base edge.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system of insulating a building such as a poultry barn uses netting structurally of the type to hold sod together. The netting is stapled to the bottom of trusses making up the ceiling of a barn and the attic of the barn. Ceiling material is superimposed below the netting to form a ceiling. Loose insulation, typically fiberglass, is blown onto the netting to be held thereby and to form an insulation layer in the attic of the barn.

Abstract: An inflatable air mattress for preventing snow accumulation is provided. The mattress comprises an inflatable portion comprising a textile material, and an outside air intake. A fan draws outside air into the inflatable portion through the air intake, and circulates the air when inflated. An air divider alternates between an inflating position and a circulating position that determines which air the fan blows. An air heater heats the air that passes through the fan. A controller activates the fan and air heater based on a signal from a snow sensor; controls the divider based on a signal from a pressure sensor; and controls the heater based on a signal from a heat sensor.

Abstract: Various apparatus and associated methods involve a light source that provides light at wavelengths that substantially correlate to local maxima in the spectral sensitivity of a diurnal avian. In an illustrative example, the light source may output light primarily in wavelength bands that are not substantially absorbed by colored oil droplets and/or visual pigment in at least one type of cone in the eye of a diurnal avian. In some embodiments, the light source may include a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. Exemplary light sources may output spectral components to illuminate diurnal avians with local maxima of intensity at wavelengths that substantially correspond to local maxima in a spectral sensitivity visual response characteristic of the diurnal avians.

Abstract: A barn in which dairy animals can freely move about, lie down and eat includes a floor, a light-transmitting roof construction, and a wall construction. The floor consists for the greater part of a moisture absorbing, pourable layer which is able to collect moisture from manure and urine. This moisture is removed by means of solar heat and wind drying, and if this is not sufficient, by means of a floor heating. There is thus only required a very limited stationary sub-floor with a manure collecting device, i.e. only below the milking implement.

Abstract: A livestock production building includes an automatically controllable ventilation system which provides ventilation to livestock containment rooms. Incoming air may be heated, cooled and/or filtered, and is mixed and tempered before being delivered to livestock rooms. Substantially all exhaust air is filtered to mitigate environmental impact.

Abstract: An enclosure for retaining animals within a closure wall. The enclosure includes a false floor panel having a multiplicity of orifices formed therethrough. The panel has a generally horizontal surface on which the animals can be supported. A subfloor includes a surface which is angled downwardly relative to the horizontal surface of the false floor. A plurality of generally vertical stem walls engage an underside of the false floor panel to support the panel.

Abstract: A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.

Abstract: The present invention is used for outdoor protection of cats from predators and inclement weather conditions. A house of general rectangular shape may have three vertical walls attached between a top floor and a bottom floor to form a chamber that may be closed by a door. At least one intermediate floor may be attached between and generally parallel to the top and bottom floors. The multiple floors may have an opening formed at an edge or adjacent with an edge member so that the openings of adjacent floors are opposed and not aligned. A roof may be attached above the top floor and spaced apart to allow entry and exit of cats and protection from weather. A foundation with an access opening may be attached to the bottom floor and may subtend therefrom.

Abstract: A method of feeding different diets to different groups of pigs is disclosed which includes a two-way or three-way sorter in combination with a walk-through scale which directs pigs into different feed courts to feed the same different diets depending on their detected weights. The detected weights of the pigs are compared to weight set points of a pig weight growth curve in the software of the microprocessor associated with the invention.

Abstract: A recreational structure for providing a cat with adequate shelter and play area. The structure comprises a central main living unit that connects to a rectangular litter housing member by means of hollow tubes. A multi-tiered unit is disposed on top the main living unit. The top tier of this unit connects to the first tube by means of a slanted second tube. An entrance/exit member provides access to the structure. This member is connected to the bottom tier of the multi-tiered unit by a third tube. The tiers connect to one another by means of stairs.

Abstract: An improved cattle feeding system and shelter. The shelter has a building foundation frame extending upwardly from the ground with an awning frame extending upwardly from the foundation frame and over it. This allows for an awning to be placed over the shelter frame to at least partially enclose it. The awning has a portion which is optionally opened to selectively allow air ventilation or catching the warmth of a southern sun exposure. The shelter has a drover's alley gate configuration which may be placed within the interior of the building to help control animal movements. The entire system is built on a partial cement floor of a configuration which enhances cleanliness inside of the shelter.

Abstract: A cable release for use in a curtain control system for controlling drop curtains in a livestock confinement building. The cable release operates with cable drop devices having a cord release. A U-shaped segment of a main cable attached to the drop curtains is held in tension by an anchor with a latch operated by a lock handle attached to the cord of the cable drop device. The curtains are dropped when the cord is released by the cable drop device and U-shaped segment is released from anchor.

Abstract: A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.

Abstract: A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.

Abstract: A system and method of reducing ammonia emissions. The system and method include a facility having a waste storage compartment below a floor comprised of slats with openings therebetween. A plurality of injection pipes are attached to a bottom surface of the slats. Each of the plurality of injection pipes includes a plurality of precipitation nozzles.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: An improved cattle feeding system and shelter to maintain cattle in their thermo neutral zone. The shelter has a building foundation frame extending upwardly from the ground with an awning frame extending upwardly from the foundation frame and over it. This allows for an awning to be placed over the shelter frame to at least partially enclose it. The awning has a portion which is optionally opened to the south and optionally opened to the north to selectively allow air ventilation or catching the warmth of a southern sun exposure it also defines a chimney in the roof area and draft gap in the north wall. The awning also has a portion that can extend outwardly to the south, as well as retract. Vertically extendable and retractable awning closures are over the east and west ends of the frame to form selective entrances and exits. The entire system is built on a partial cement floor and a deep bedded area on a limestone pack and is of a configuration which enhances cleanliness inside of the shelter.

Abstract: An implement for keeping dairy animals, provided with a first and a second production unit and with a care unit having a plurality of subunits, wherein each production unit is provided with at least one accommodation area for a production group, which comprises a group of lactating dairy animals, and with a milking implement for milking the production group, wherein the subunits of the care unit at least include a calving unit for separately accommodating dairy animals in a calving period, and a milking implement for milking newly calved dairy animals, and an infirmary unit for separately accommodating sick animals, and wherein the care unit forms a connection between the production units. There is thus provided a compact disposition, comprising efficient and short distances, for dairy animals requiring care.

Abstract: An advanced methane and ammonia recovery system captures gaseous waste produced by domestic livestock to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and to generate energy. The system includes a gas capture system residing at a peak of a barn. At large commercial operations, the captured gasses pass through a separator to separate methane from ammonia gas. The ammonia is processed to obtain a fertilizer. The methane is stored in a tank, and drawn from the tank to provide fuel for an electrical generator. At smaller operations, the captured gasses may be stored in a tank for periodic collection by a tanker truck or other transportation, or where economically feasible, piped to a central processing location. The system is designed to substantially reduce the amount of methane gas released into the environment while providing additional income to the domestic livestock operations.

Abstract: A swiftlet breeding facility, for use in creating and harvesting edible bird's nests. The facility includes sub-systems for injecting live insect and worm prey, and water, into an aerial enclosure to provide a feeding system imitative of a natural swiftlet feeding environment.

Abstract: A recreational structure for providing a cat with adequate shelter and play area. The structure comprises a central main living unit that connects to a rectangular litter housing member by means of hollow tubes. A multi-tiered unit is disposed on top the main living unit. The top tier of this unit connects to the first tube by means of a slanted second tube. An entrance/exit member provides access to the structure. This member is connected to the bottom tier of the multi-tiered unit by a third tube. The tiers connect to one another by means of stairs.

Abstract: A multi-use hoop building structure which can be built of varying materials; it has a hoop rafter structure and a flexible fabric coating, and has multi-side wall options for configuration in a variety of different ways, i.e., curtains, solid sides, solid sides with window and/or door combinations, and combination sides using some or all of the above options.

Abstract: An edible bird's nests production facility comprising of: a wholly man made artificial caves system and/or converted natural relief such as caves, valleys, cliffs forming the nesting habitat and associated supporting facilities configured to breed swiftlets for their nests by means of a captive breeding program for swiftlets; commercialized-scientific farming methods; specialized apparatus, mechanisms and techniques; managed sustainable harvesting of nests; provision of a safe and secure nesting habitat and a conducive environment to maximize avian population by minimizing mortality rates; safe collection of nests by means of mechanized lifting systems and specialist mountaineering equipment.

Abstract: An improved cattle feeding system and shelter. The shelter has a building foundation frame extending upwardly from the ground with an awning frame extending upwardly from the foundation frame and over it. This allows for an awning to be placed over the shelter frame to at least partially enclose it. The awning has a portion which is optionally opened to the south and optionally opened to the north to selectively allow air ventilation or catching the warmth of a southern sun exposure. The awning also has a portion that can extend outwardly to the south, as well as retract. Vertically extendable and retractable awning closures are over the east and west ends of the frame to form selective entrances and exits. The entire system is built on a partial cement floor of a configuration which enhances cleanliness inside of the shelter.

Abstract: An overhead livestock enclosure washing system for cleaning the pens of a livestock confinement building. The overhead livestock enclosure washing system includes a track member coupled to the ceiling of the building. A mobile unit operationally engages the track member and selectively advances along the track member. The mobile unit is for being in fluid communication with a fluid source to spray fluid into the interior space of the livestock confinement building to clean the interior space of the building when the mobile unit advances along the track member. A base unit is positioned on the floor of the livestock confinement building. The base unit is in fluid communication with the mobile unit whereby the base unit controls the flow of the fluid from the fluid source to provide the mobile unit with pressurized fluid when the mobile unit is cleaning the interior space of the building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilation system that allows air to circulate in a building but excludes pests such as birds, insects, moths and flies to enter the building. The ventilation system includes at least one vent comprising an aperture in the roof of the building and at least one fabric member adapted to be attached to the roof inside the building, below the vent(s) and between the vent(s) and the interior of the building. The present invention also relates to a building including the ventilation system, a truss arrangement that may form part of the ventilation system and a retaining rail for use in the ventilation system. The system of the invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to greenhouses and animal shelters.

Abstract: A freestanding enclosure for temporarily retaining large animals has a frame including four upstanding corner posts with a plurality of vertical posts horizontally spaced between each upstanding corner post. A plurality of horizontal cross rails are vertically spaced and extend between each upstanding corner post and vertical post to form an area of retention. Connectors releasably secure the horizontal cross rails to the upstanding corner posts and vertical posts such that the enclosure can be easily assembled, disassembled, transported and stored. A plurality of panels block the openings formed in the frame. A door provides access with the area of retention.

Abstract: A kennel floor system for use in a building including a lower floor unit and an upper floor unit supported on walls that extend between the lower and upper floor units.

Abstract: An efficient economical automated animal house is provided to increase the health and longevity of animals, such as poultry, and swine. The automated poultry house provides for automatic removal of contaminated bedding and replacement with fresh or recycled bedding. The automated animal house also greatly reduces concentration of dust and noxious gases to provide for a cleaner and healthier environment for the animals and workers.

Abstract: A livestock cooling apparatus comprising an electrically-powered fan, which is capable of oscillating 360 degrees. The apparatus may be used in conjunction with a programmable cooling system for livestock which allows each fan in the system to be programmed to sweep a designated area according to observed environmental conditions or according to the time of day. The cooling apparatus may further comprise a mist ring for injecting water into the airstream created by the fan to provide for evaporative cooling of the livestock.

Abstract: A method is provided for raising poultry, such as chickens, for food production. In a first preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, exposing an interior of the facility to natural light cycles of an outside environment for a first period and regulating light cycles of the interior for a second period, thereby mimicking daylight duration variation representative of seasonal changes for stimulating sexual development of the poultry. In a second preferred embodiment, the method includes the steps of: providing a facility for housing the poultry, providing at least one light-absorbing ventilation fan associated with the facility for ventilating the facility, limiting exposure of an interior of the facility to light to produce a brown-out effect therein for enhancing physical development of the poultry.

Abstract: A livestock cooling system creates an environment for protecting the health and productivity of animals, particularly dairy cows. One or more cooling fans are connected to programmable oscillation means, enabling the herds man to program fan oscillation according to the location of the livestock. Water is injected under high pressure into the air stream of the fans to create a fog. The system is also programmable according to various environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and wind velocity. The pressure and volume of the injected water are programmable and may be adjusted by the controller according to the observed environmental conditions. The disclosed system provides a cool and healthy environment for livestock, where the environment is programmed to track the animals according to the time of day and the location of shade.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling system and a method of cooling a poultry house includes at least one evaporative cooling pad, a bracket extruded from a lightweight, plastic or galvanized steel for supporting the evaporative cooling pad adjacent an opening formed in the sidewall of the poultry house, and an improved device for wetting the evaporative cooling pad. The bracket includes a base, an attachment leg depending from one side of the base, and a pair of retaining legs spaced sufficiently from the attachment leg and depending from the one side of the base. The retaining legs are spaced sufficiently from the attachment leg to permit a ventilation curtain mounted to the sidewall of the poultry house to be raised and lowered without interference from the bracket and the evaporative cooling pads. The evaporative cooling system further includes an automatic control apparatus including a programmable logic controller (PLC), a timer, and a solenoid.

Abstract: The invention is an animal containment device for the transportation, holding, feeding, watering, and caring for of animals. The device is designed to maintain adequate temperature, humidity, ventilation, and sanitary conditions. The device includes a ventilation device which can operate in negative, positive, or atmospheric pressure modes. The device also includes a multi-level waste and by-product removal device. The waste and by-product removal device consists of multiple slotted layers through which liquids and solids will pass. These liquids and solids will be collected on different layers upon which they can be dried and easily removed. This device eliminates odor and contamination within the device. The device allows for special handling, the ability to isolate/quarantine, and the ability to provide easy animal ingress/egress.

Abstract: A shed for animals such as cows, having an overhead rail supported from the shed's roof which supports cleaning apparatus that is capable of being moved throughout the shed to remove manure and other debris from the floor. The cleaning apparatus includes a manure suction device, motor driven rotatable brushes and a connection to cleaning or disinfecting fluid. Containers for cleaning or disinfecting fluid and to receive manure are supported on a platform underlying the rail, the rotatable brushes and manure suction device being supported by articulated robotic arms which are controlled by piston and cylinder units to move transversely relative to the overhead rail and platform. Movement of the cleaning apparatus is guided by detectors and operatively associated controls so that the shed can be selectively cleaned. A suction device extends into the shed for removing manure into a container outside the shed as needed.

Abstract: A building for accommodating livestock with a roof having two roof parts extending obliquely downward from a ridge, wherein transparent plate material extends parallel to the ridge, the ends edges of which plate material close to the ridge form between them a ventilation slot. At a distance above the ventilation slot a roof cap is arranged with a width greater than that of the ventilation slot.