Patents Assigned to Big Dutchman International GmbH
  • Publication number: 20210051915
    Abstract: A separating device for forming a standing area for livestock, in particular pigs, and for reducing emissions in pens, in particular in pig pens, comprises a base frame, a drainage element with a plurality of drainage channels which each comprise an outflow end, and shoulders, between which the plurality of drainage channels extends orthogonally to a drainage direction, a liquid-permeable endless belt with an upper run and a lower run, wherein the drainage element is arranged on the base frame such that a drainage direction of the plurality of drainage channels is directed in the direction of the outflow end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: February 25, 2021
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander Ernst
  • Patent number: 10925265
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for residue use in livestock farming, comprising a conveyor device for conveying animal excrement along a conveyor section, wherein the conveyor section has a larva-introducing portion for metering in larvae and/or larva eggs, an excrement-introducing portion for metering in animal excrement depending on one or more process parameters, and a larva-separating portion for separating the larvae, and methods for use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Kai Heetjans
  • Patent number: 10842130
    Abstract: An infrastructure arrangement and method for a farm animal shed includes a stationary position determination network having multiple optics-free position determination network points and at least one autonomous shed vehicle. The autonomous shed vehicle has a drive and a charging interface for the drive, an optics-free position determination apparatus, a coupling apparatus for detachably securing various functional units, and a control unit. The infrastructure arrangement and method also includes at least one charging station for charging the drive of the autonomous shed vehicle, at least one fitting station for fitting the autonomous shed vehicle with various functional units and/or work materials, and at least one data transmission unit, wherein the control unit of the autonomous shed vehicle is designed to take information of the position determination apparatus and of the data transmission unit as a basis for generating a schedule for the autonomous shed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Dirk Westendorf
  • Patent number: 10842134
    Abstract: A feeding device for poultry animals having an upper feed provision element with an elongated expansion disposed so that poultry animals can reach the feed in the upper feed provision element from the access platform. The feeding device having at least one lower feed provision element disposed underneath the upper feed provision element during operation, wherein the lower feed provision element is arranged and designed so that during operation poultry animals can reach the feed in the lower feed provision element from a floor, and wherein the lower feed provision element is arranged and designed so that the lower feed provision element is supplied with feed provided in the upper feed provision element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Judith Langfermann
  • Publication number: 20200229395
    Abstract: An animal-pen vehicle, a method for moving an animal-pen vehicle on a floor surface with bedding, and the use of an animal-pen vehicle in a poultry pen for poultry animals and/or in a pig pen is disclosed for the purposes of influencing positions at which poultry animals and/or pigs are residing. The animal-pen vehicle includes a substantially emissions-free drive, at least one movement unit which is coupled to the drive, wherein the movement unit is adapted to permit a movement of the animal-pen vehicle on the bedding, a position-determining device for determining a position of the animal-pen vehicle relative to animal-pen fixtures, and a control device for controlling the drive and for providing a predetermined travel profile, wherein the predetermined travel profile comprises at least one movement pattern and at least one preferential area that is to be travelled to within the poultry pen and/or pig pen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Felix Ruholl
  • Publication number: 20200214263
    Abstract: An infrastructure arrangement and method for a farm animal shed includes a stationary position determination network having multiple optics-free position determination network points and at least one autonomous shed vehicle. The autonomous shed vehicle has a drive and a charging interface for the drive, an optics-free position determination apparatus, a coupling apparatus for detachably securing various functional units, and a control unit. The infrastructure arrangement and method also includes at least one charging station for charging the drive of the autonomous shed vehicle, at least one fitting station for fitting the autonomous shed vehicle with various functional units and/or work materials, and at least one data transmission unit, wherein the control unit of the autonomous shed vehicle is designed to take information of the position determination apparatus and of the data transmission unit as a basis for generating a schedule for the autonomous shed vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Publication date: July 9, 2020
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Dirk Westendorf
  • Publication number: 20200120893
    Abstract: A separating device for forming a standing area for livestock, in particular pigs, and for reducing emissions in pens, in particular in pig pens, comprises a base frame, a drainage element with a plurality of drainage channels which each comprise an outflow end, and shoulders, between which the plurality of drainage channels extends orthogonally to a drainage direction, a liquid-permeable endless belt with an upper run and a lower run, wherein the drainage element is arranged on the base frame such that a drainage direction of the plurality of drainage channels is directed in the direction of the outflow end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander Ernst
  • Publication number: 20200029527
    Abstract: A method for producing a straw mat in a living space for livestock, in particular for sows and/or fattening pigs and/or piglets, confined in a straw pen, is disclosed. The method comprises the step of automatically and initially spreading straw, such as defibrated straw, into the living space up to a substantially uniform thickness (d) of the straw mat. Also disclosed is a straw pen and pen building in accordance with the disclosed method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Tobergte, Heinz Olliges
  • Publication number: 20190364845
    Abstract: A feeding device for working animals comprises a conveyor with a plurality of receiving regions for a feed, where the receiving regions are arranged along the conveyor chain and are accessible from above for the working animals, a feed supply device for supplying feed to the receiving regions, and a guide device for guiding the conveyor along a predetermined path. The guide device guides the conveyor in a first path section of the predetermined path parallel and in a horizontal direction adjacent to a second path section of the predetermined path. The conveyor is guided in the first path section in a first conveying direction which is opposed to a second conveying direction in which the conveyor is guided in the second path section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Eike-Steffen Wienken
  • Patent number: 10477840
    Abstract: The invention relates to a poultry keeping facility comprising at least one nest box, a first colony surface having a perforated first floor area and a second colony surface having a second floor area for spreading litter. According to the invention, a perch facility having at least one perching rod is arranged at a height above the first or second floor area. The perching rod is movable relative to the first or second floor area, wherein the perching rod is movable from a first position to a second position in which the perch facility covers a smaller area of the first or second floor area than in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Auffarth
  • Publication number: 20190327940
    Abstract: A poultry management device comprises a living area for the poultry, a collection device having a collection face for poultry droppings, the collection device being disposed below the living area, and a drying device configured for drying the poultry droppings on the collection device. The drying device comprises a fan element which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis which is aligned at an angle of 45° to 90° in relation to the collection face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Friedrich Otto-Lübker, Jörg Küking, Günter Möller, Krste Pucoski, Sebastian Gerken
  • Patent number: 10306871
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus for poultry is disclosed, and comprises a feed source, a feed line formed at the feed source, a feed valve mechanism arranged in the feed line and which in a closed valve position blocks feed from passing through the feed line and in an open valve position allows feed to pass through the feed line. The feeding apparatus has a pecking block which is moveably mounted and mechanically coupled to the feed valve mechanism in such a way that the feed valve mechanism is closed when the pecking block is in a neutral position and the feed valve mechanism is open when the pecking block is in a deflected position due to pecking at the pecking block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Brunnberg
  • Publication number: 20190021296
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for residue use in livestock farming, comprising a conveyor device for conveying animal excrement along a conveyor section, wherein the conveyor section has a larva-introducing portion for metering in larvae and/or larva eggs, an excrement-introducing portion for metering in animal excrement depending on one or more process parameters, and a larva-separating portion for separating the larvae, and methods for use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Kai Heetjans
  • Publication number: 20180288975
    Abstract: The invention relates to a poultry housing unit, in particular for ducks to lay eggs, a poultry house, in particular for keeping ducks, and a method for keeping ducks. The invention relates to a poultry housing unit for ducks to lay eggs, comprising a plurality of nests arranged one beside the other and above a floor area, at least one supporting element extending in the vertical direction from a lower supporting end to an upper free end and arranged relatively movably in the vertical direction in relation to the floor area, and a locking element which interacts with the supporting element to block movement of the supporting element in a vertically upward supporting direction relative to the floor area and to allow movement of the supporting element relative to the floor area in a vertically downward direction of free motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Big Dutchman International GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Auffarth
  • Publication number: 20180098528
    Abstract: A weighing module for a nest in a poultry management system comprises a floor for receiving poultry or a nesting pad and a mounting device with which the weighing module can be attached to an animal holding installation, wherein the floor is supported by a weighing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schürmann, Johann Henrich Grave
  • Publication number: 20180084762
    Abstract: A feeding device for poultry animals having an upper feed provision element with an elongated expansion disposed so that poultry animals can reach the feed in the upper feed provision element from the access platform. The feeding device having at least one lower feed provision element disposed underneath the upper feed provision element during operation, wherein the lower feed provision element is arranged and designed so that during operation poultry animals can reach the feed in the lower feed provision element from a floor, and wherein the lower feed provision element is arranged and designed so that the lower feed provision element is supplied with feed provided in the upper feed provision element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Jdith Langfermann
  • Publication number: 20180064070
    Abstract: The invention relates to an activity device for use in poultry management and/or rearing, an activity system, an animal house, in particular for rearing and/or managing poultry, and a method of rearing and/or managing poultry. The present invention relates in particular to an activity device for use in poultry management and/or rearing comprising a material container with at least one material inlet, and at least one pecking opening, a pecking pan for receiving pecking material comprising at least one abrasion section having an abrasion enhancing surface, wherein the material container is arranged and designed to guide pecking material from the material inlet to the pecking opening, and wherein the pecking opening is arranged and designed in such a way that pecking material in the material container is prevented from falling out of the pecking opening due to gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Brunnberg
  • Patent number: 9907294
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control feeding pan for use in a feeding system for poultry keeping, comprising a mounting element for mounting the feeding pan to a conveyor line; a feeding dish; a feeding shaft through which feed gets from a conveyor line to the feeding dish; a filling level sensor which is arranged and formed to generate a drive control signal; characterized by a signal unit arranged and formed to emit a feed signal that can be perceived by the poultry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich Otto-Luebker
  • Patent number: 9884280
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter element. A base carrier is configured as a folded plate, wherein first passage openings are arranged proximate first folding edges and first connection elements are arranged proximate second folding edges. Attachments are configured as strips foldable in a longitudinal direction along a fold line with second passage openings and a first and a second longitudinal edge. Second connection elements proximate the first and the second longitudinal edge of each attachment are connected with the first connection elements of two adjacent second folding edges, and the second connection elements of the first longitudinal edge of one of the attachments and the second connection elements of the second longitudinal edge of an adjacent attachment are connected with the first connection elements of one of the second folding edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Kuennen
  • Publication number: 20170369384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drying apparatus for drying a substance, in particular for drying poultry manure, comprising a drying unit with a conveyor, a dry substance sensor and an ammonia sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BIG DUTCHMAN INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Ludger THEMANN