Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A modern feed car apparatus for supplying feed to an arrangement of animal or bird confinement cages which have feed trough means associated therewith. The feed car apparatus includes hopper means for a receiving and maintaining limited amounts of feed, support frame means for carrying the hopper means along and past the feed trough means, delivery means mounted for movement with the hopper means, and drive means for operating both the support frame means and the delivery means. The delivery means comprises a continuous moving conveyor element and housing for receiving feed from the hopper means when laying flat to insure proper filling of the conveyor element. In addition, the delivery means includes drop tube means and a leveling member to deliver feed into the feed trough means and accurately control the amount and level of feed delivered.

Abstract: A dock structure, adapted to mount to a frame, having clips which are attached to the frame and plank members which are assembled to the clips. Both the clips and the planks are integrally formed of plastic to provide high weatherability, durability and pleasing aesthetics. In assembly, clips are securely attached to the frame and a plank member is adapted to securely attach to the clips thus concealing any fasteners which secure the dock structure to the underlying structural frame.

Abstract: A grain bin structure having an inverted frusto-conical interior drying floor dividing the bin structure into a drying chamber and a storage chamber, and a transfer means comprising a rotating helical conveying system for transporting grain from the drying chamber to the storage chamber, said rotating helical conveying system having inlet means in communication with the drying chamber and outlet means in communication with the storage chamber. Preferably, the bin structure further comprises control means for sensing the moisture content of the grain in the drying chamber and for signaling activation of the transfer means when the moisture content reaches a predetermined level. The grain bin structure may also include improved diverter means for insuring complete transfer of the grain from the drying chamber to the storage chamber and deflector means for promoting even piling of the grain within the storage chamber.

Abstract: A plastic plank member, for use with a deck arrangement, having a rigid base portion and a tread portion attached thereto which are integrally extruded of suitable plastics. The rigid portion of the plank member is adapted to be secured to an underlying support structure. The tread portion is formed with protrusions projecting upwardly away from the tread and grooves formed therein. The characteristics of the tread result in a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to reduce the possibility of slipping on the plank member.