Abstract: Rotation speed control systems for an Electronically Commutated (EC) motor and method for controlling rotation speed of an EC motor are described. An rotation speed control system includes a phase detector for detecting a period, an ON time interval, an OFF time interval, and zero crossing time points of the phase cut AC signal; a voltage regulator for converting the phase cut an AC signal into a DC signal; a controller for generating a compatible waveform to drive the EC motor with a rotation speed instructed by the controller, in accordance with an ON/OFF time ratio determined based on the ON time interval and OFF time interval of the phase cut AC signal; and an EC motor interface, powered by the DC signal, for driving each of a plurality of windings of the EC motor with the compatible waveform.

Abstract: A system for individually feeding sows within a snuggery includes entry, feeder station and exit assemblies. The entry assembly includes an entry gate module for individually admitting a sow therein. The exit assembly includes an exit gate module. The feeder station assembly includes at least one feed dispenser for dispensing a selected amount of feed into a trough and a carrier for supporting said trough. The carrier is displaceable between an extended position wherein the trough is positioned within the snuggery to permit access by a sow and a retracted position wherein the trough is inaccessible to the sow and the trough is positioned for filling by the feed dispenser. Feed may be dispensed in individualized rations to the sow under the control of a computer-driven controller. Movement of the sow within the snuggery may be controlled by sequentially illuminating regions of the snuggery, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: Rotation speed control systems for an Electronically Commutated (EC) motor and method for controlling rotation speed of an EC motor are described. An rotation speed control system includes a phase detector for detecting a period, an ON time interval, an OFF time interval, and zero crossing time points of the phase cut AC signal; a voltage regulator for converting the phase cut an AC signal into a DC signal; a controller for generating a compatible waveform to drive the EC motor with a rotation speed instructed by the controller, in accordance with an ON/OFF time ratio determined based on the ON time interval and OFF time interval of the phase cut AC signal; and an EC motor interface, powered by the DC signal, for driving each of a plurality of windings of the EC motor with the compatible waveform.

Abstract: A system for individually feeding sows within a snuggery includes entry, feeder station and exit assemblies. The entry assembly includes an entry gate module for individually admitting a sow therein. The exit assembly includes an exit gate module. The feeder station assembly includes at least one feed dispenser for dispensing a selected amount of feed into a trough and a carrier for supporting said trough. The carrier is displaceable between an extended position wherein the trough is positioned within the snuggery to permit access by a sow and a retracted position wherein the trough is inaccessible to the sow and the trough is positioned for filling by the feed dispenser. Feed may be dispensed in individualized rations to the sow under the control of a computer-driven controller. Movement of the sow within the snuggery may be controlled by sequentially illuminating regions of the snuggery, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: The invention provides a mount for installing an electrical fixture to an electrical junction box. The mount includes a support configured for independent attachment to said junction box and said electrical fixture respectively for mounting said fixture to said junction box. The mount further includes at least one electrical quick connect member engaged to said support comprising a first connection element for forming an electrical connection with a electrical wire and a second connection element for forming an electrical connection a fixture electrical wires. The first and second connection elements are electrically connected or connectible together to form an electrical connection between the source wires and the fixture wires.

Abstract: A recessed lighting assembly has an integrated junction box, a removable insert configured to be secured within the junction box/housing, and a connector for connecting the electrical components to electrical wires of the cable within the interior of the junction box/housing. The insert comprises a light emitter, such as one or more LEDs, electrical components for supplying current to the light emitter, and an exterior portion that is exposed when the assembly is mounted to the structure. The connector may include one or more quick connect members for conveniently connecting household wires to electrical leads of the insert. The assembly may be installed by initially mounting the junction box/housing to structure, forming an electrical connection between the household wires and the fixture wires, and securing the insert within the junction box/housing.

Abstract: A feeding stall for an animal that allows a gestating sow or other animal to enter the stall for feeding, in which movement of the sow triggers automatic closure of a gate assembly, without manual intervention from the farmer. This protects the sow from other sows when it is feeding. When the sow has finished feeding, it can readily exit the stall, opening the entrance gate without manual intervention. Opening and closing of the gate is actuated when the sow urges the gate assembly open or closed. The sow need provide only an initial impulse against the gate, with the remainder of the rotation being provided by a biasing member which urges the gate into the fully open or closed position after being tilted past a neutral position.

Abstract: A system for quickly mounting and grounding electrical fixtures with respect to flush mounted electrical junction boxes is provided. The system comprises an electrically conductive mount bracket for releasably securing on and across the junction box mounted flushly on a support surface. A ground wire to be secured to the electrical fixture is secured to the mount bracket so as to support the weight of the electrical fixture when suspended from the mount bracket by the ground wire. An anchor post is centrally secured to the mount bracket so as to extend outwardly away from the junction box when the mounted bracket is in a secured position on the junction box. An extension post is provided together with an attachment to releasably secure the extension post to the anchor post so that the electrical fixture is releasably supported in operative position on the extension post.