Patents Assigned to CTB, Inc.
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Patent number: 5603359Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a material in a container which is exposed to various weather conditions, including rain. The container includes a spreader for distributing the material within the container, as well as a rain shielding member extending from the container for inhibiting the flow of rain along a converging portion of the container. The method includes forming the container having a cover, a sidewall member, a converging portion connected to an outlet portion and a rain shielding member. Thereafter, during a rainfall, the flow of rain is deflected along the cover and the sidewall member away from the converging portion to maintain the converging portion of the container in a substantially dry condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1995Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Geiser
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Patent number: 5567200Abstract: A method and apparatus for circulating air. The apparatus includes a motor for rotating the blades of a fan. The apparatus also includes a housing for the fan having a wall which is disposed proximate to the blades in the fan in a spaced relationship thereto. In addition, the apparatus includes a motor mount which is operable to support the wall of the housing so as to substantially maintain the spaced relationship between the wall and the blades of the fan.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: CTB Inc.Inventor: Ray E. Swartzendruber
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Patent number: 5492082Abstract: A facility for housing animals such as poultry in a well-ventilated and temperature controlled environment. The facility includes an electronic temperature controller system for providing manual control, as well as programmed operation, over a plurality of side wall curtains, a plurality of tunnel curtains, a plurality of side wall exhaust fans and a plurality of tunnel fans. The system enables the user to instantly visually check the status of, and program operation of, each of these devices by providing a plurality of independent switch controls and indicia for each such device associated with the facility. In alternative embodiments a plurality of heater control switches are included as well as a plurality of auxiliary switch controls for controlling a plurality of optional stir fans.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1994Date of Patent: February 20, 1996Assignee: CTB Inc.Inventors: Robert E. Krevinghaus, William M. Smith, Jr., George Strohschein, Ray E. Swartzendruber
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Patent number: 5487226Abstract: A manure drying system for reducing the moisture content in manure collected in an animal husbandry operation, and a method of carrying out the manure drying process. The system and method include providing an animal confinement facility having a ventilation system operating within the facility which causes an air flow. Accumulation apparatus for collecting and selectively holding manure produced by the animals and channeling apparatus for directing at least some part of the air flow produced within the facility onto the manure collected by the accumulation apparatus are also provided. The use of the apparatus and method cause a significant reduction in the moisture content of the manure accumulated and facilitate handling and disposal operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Don R. Hoover
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Patent number: 5472117Abstract: Apparatus and a related method for facilitating and controlling the flow within, and out of a particulate matter bulk storage facility is provided. The apparatus includes a pre-shaped member, preferably in the form of a substantially impermeable plate, held within the storage facility, in a substantially horizontal orientation, above a discharge port. The pre-shaped member is of a predetermined size and shape and is located at a predetermined height above the discharge port. A vibrator unit is attached to the pre-shaped member and preferably supplied with power transmitted through a flexible conduit which does not restrict the motion of the vibrator/pre-shaped member combination. Operation of the vibrator causes the pre-shaped member to oscillate thereby creating moving voids and shock waves within the stored material which promotes an even velocity profile across the storage facility and produces a mass flow unloading pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1993Date of Patent: December 5, 1995Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Richard L. Geiser, John W. Marttila
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Patent number: 5456210Abstract: A watering system for poultry and other animals which includes a watering cup having side walls and an opening defined in a lower base portion, a valve body positioned within the watering cup and connected to a water supply manifold, coupling and sealing apparatus for fastening the valve body and the watering cup to the manifold in a water-tight manner, and a plunger assembly positioned within the valve body for selectably controlling a flow of water from the manifold through and out of the valve body. Most importantly, the invention further includes a deflector bell mounted on the plunger assembly for developing and channeling one or more water jets into the watering cup after the valve has been opened by the watering poultry. The water jets are developed and directed into the watering cup by grooves formed in the deflector surface confronting the water flow emerging from the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Lavone L. Miller
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Patent number: 5450815Abstract: A scraper assembly for clearing manure deposits from a manure collection board associated with an animal cage arrangement includes a first scraper blade extending in a generally diagonal direction with respect to a length of the collection board, but only partially across a width of the collection board, in an area of maximum manure deposits. The scraper assembly further includes a second scraper blade extending in a substantially opposite generally diagonal direction with respect to the diagonal extension of the first scraper blade. The second scraper blade, however, extends substantially across the entire width of the collection board.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Krehl, Larry Dowty
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Patent number: 5421379Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing granular material within a container. The apparatus includes a base member for uniformly distributing the granular material within the container by absorbing momentum from the inflow of the granular material. The method includes forming at least two flow paths for the inflow of granular material and then changing the flow of granular material through each of the flow paths to cause a substantially even distribution of granular material within the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: CTB Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Geiser
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Patent number: 5356048Abstract: A bulk storage tank is disclosed having an access opening in a lower funnel portion with a removable cover plate. The access opening is located and shaped for permitting a workman to access or partially enter the interior of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Geiser
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Patent number: 5279254Abstract: An egg collection device for collecting eggs from an array of confinement cage rows comprises separate continuous flexible belts of individual, interchangeable basket members themselves linking together to form the egg collector. Each individual basket member includes a pair of sidewalls for containing the egg transported therein. This unique design enables the separate continuous flexible belts forming the egg collector to be spaced apart to conform to the spacing between the confinement cage rows with which the collector is being used, thereby making the collector adaptable to a wide variety of cage arrangements. Another improvement is directed to the manner in which the individual continuous flexible belts are driven and provides for a sprocket wheel which does not protrude into the basket member carrying the eggs.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Larry D. Dowty
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Patent number: 5154138Abstract: The watering nipple, constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, comprises a body having a water delivering channel therein. The water delivering channel has an inlet and an outlet, and defines a path of water flow. A pin having a head and a stem is disposed within the water delivering channel, with the stem protruding beyond the outlet. The pin is capable of movement within the water delivering channel so as to open and close the outlet. An enlarged body, having an extension and a knob, is connected to the stem. The knob has a horizontal surface which confronts the valve body thereby increasing the surface area capable of retaining water. A pin and a movable element are included within the water delivering channel in some constructions. The pin is able to close the inlet under the influence of the movable element.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1991Date of Patent: October 13, 1992Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Shahid A. Siddiqui, Timothy W. Momont
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Patent number: 5150666Abstract: A feeding device comprises an element operable with a feed conveyor for dispersing food to an organism. The element comprises an upper chamber for receiving food and a lower chamber for dispersing food. The upper chamber is connected to the conveyor for receiving food therefrom. The upper chamber is also connected to the lower chamber so that food in the upper chamber can flow into the lower chamber. A valve is mounted for shifting between a filling position for allowing food to flow into the lower chamber, and a dispersing position for allowing dispersion of the food from the lower chamber while preventing food from flowing from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1991Date of Patent: September 29, 1992Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Timothy W. Momont, Charles R. Bird
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Patent number: 5145460Abstract: A gasket assembly for use with a ventilation control apparatus in a building ventilation system in a building. The building ventilation system includes inlet and outlet vents and a fan. A plurality of generally narrow continuous openings are formed in a ceiling portion of the building for introducing a ventilating air flow from a first chamber into a second chamber of the building. Air flow through each opening is selectively controlled by a movable baffle device for regulating air flow through the opening into the building. The movable baffle devices are positioned over a ventilation subject, for example a livestock cage, to cooperatively create a desired ventilating air flow pattern in combination with neighboring movable baffle devices. The gasket assembly is employed with the movable baffle device to provide an extremely uniform yet suitably fresh minimum air flow through the building. The gasket assembly includes a dam portion and a curtain portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1991Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: William M. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 5143206Abstract: A switch assembly for selectively controlling the operation of a conveyor apparatus in response to exceeding a predetermined range of limits of operation. The switch assembly includes a conveyor belt sensing device for sensing displacement of a conveyor belt of the conveyor apparatus and a switch device operatively coupled with the conveyor belt sensing device for responding to the predetermined conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Don R. Hoover
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Patent number: 5097749Abstract: A ventilation control apparatus for use with a building ventilation system in a building. The building ventilation system including input and outlet vents and a fan. An opening is formed in the ceiling of the building for introducing ventilating air flow into the building from the input vent through the opening and out through the outlet vent. The ventilation control apparatus includes a movable baffle and may have a baffle counterbalance attached to the movable baffle. The movable baffle is positioned under the opening for regulating air flow through the top channel into the building. The counterbalance, if used, is attached to the movable baffle and weighted for closing the movable baffle a desired distance relative to the top channel when the fan is not operating and for controllably regulating movement of the movable baffle relative to the top channel when the fan is activated to create a pressure drop across the top channel. The pressure drop creates a force which moves the movable baffle member.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1990Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: William M. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 5092274Abstract: A unique feeder for birds and animals of the type forming part of a modern automated feeding system used to minimize the operating costs associated with commercial breeding. The feeder assembly comprises feeder tube means, a pan member and may include cone means loosely surrounding the feeder tube for controlling the pattern and amount of feed presented in the pan. Indexing means and visual indication means may also be provided for enabling the preselection of the size of a lower feed gate which automatically results when the feeder is suspended above a feeding surface, and providing constant indication of the size selected, respectively. A brood gate may also be provided which is designed to automatically close upon elevation of the feeder above a feeding surface, but which can also be locked open when so desired. The unique feeder may also include rotatable coupling means to engage and disengage the pan member and a barrier means by simply rotating one with respect to the other.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Theodore J. Cole, Ray Swartzendruber
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Patent number: 5070817Abstract: A watering assembly for controllably dispensing water from a supply source into a drinking cup mounted on an animal watering apparatus and formed to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter on the top of the valve and induce and enhance agitating flow patterns created by water being discharged from the watering assembly. The watering assembly has a valve which is at least partially disposed within the cup and has a regulating portion which is activated by an animal forceably contacting the valve. Once activated, water flows from the valve and is directed downwardly into the cup by a deflector member whereupon the water flows over a flow directing portion of the valve which enhances the agitating flow patterns to thoroughly mix the water with any sedimentation which may have accumulated in the cup. Enhanced flow patterns created by the flow directing portion of the valve thoroughly mix the water in the cup preventing sedimentation build-up in blind areas or still areas.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Timothy W. Momont
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Patent number: D363117Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: CTB Inc.Inventor: Ray E. Swartzendruber
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Patent number: D363982Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Assignee: CTB Inc.Inventor: Ray E. Swartzendruber
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Patent number: D365575Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1993Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventor: Richard L. Geiser