Patents Assigned to Agri-Engineering, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5832875
    Abstract: Apparatus (10) for use in enticing baby pigs (42) to rest and sleep at a safe distance from a sow (38) includes an elongated partition (12) with first and second elongated cuddle surfaces (16) that are disposed on opposite sides of the partition (12), first and second pig blankets (18) with first and second comfort surfaces (44). A base mat (20) that extends under the partition (12) and both pig mats (18), cooperates with cuddle walls (14) of the partition (12) to enclose a space (26) that extends below both pig mats (18) and their comfort surfaces (44), and between the cuddle walls (14) and their cuddle surfaces (16). One or more radiant panel heaters (46 or 52) having constant watt density per square meter are disposed in the enclosed space (26), being kept in a generally planar shape, or being curved to generally conform to the combined shape of the comfort (44) and cuddle (16) surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Agri-Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl W. Van Gilst
  • Patent number: 5437244
    Abstract: The livestock watering tank includes a top, bottom and sidewall. The top wall has an opening for access to the water. The opening is closed by a float. The animal drinks by pushing the float down into the water with its mouth, causing the float to partially submerge so that water is exposed and may be drunk. The float rises back to its natural position after the animal finishes drinking. The float has a port for allowing water or other weighted substance to be introduced into it. The addition of the substance into the float generally neutralizes the buoyancy of the float with respect to the water in the tank, thereby decreasing the amount of force necessary for the animal to submerge the float for drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Agri-Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl Van Gilst
  • Patent number: 5363806
    Abstract: A pig feeding mat (10) is provided for use over a grated floor (12). The pig feeding mat (10) includes a rectangular surface (14) having first and second ends (16 and 18) and a perimeter (20). A rim (22) around the perimeter (20) restrains movement of solid material transversely over the perimeter (20). A plurality of spaced-apart gaps (24) in the rim (22) allow liquid to drain from the pig feeding mat (10). Paired lugs (26and 28, or 32 and 34) disposed at respective ends (16 and 18) of the mat (10) are used to position the mat (10) under a partition (50 or 52) of a feeding stall (44) by invertedly straddling the mat (10). The mat (10) can be cut along a joggled groove (40) to separate the rectangular surface (14) into first and second surface portions (36 and 38), to be used in separate feeding areas (64 and 66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Agri-Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl W. Van Gilst