Abstract: A pressure regulator for controlling flow of a fluid therethrough is provided. An upper housing member and a primary diaphragm define an upper chamber and a lower housing member and the primary diaphragm define a lower chamber. The pressure regulator further includes: a valve assembly provided within the upper chamber for controlling the flow of the fluid from an inlet body into the upper chamber; a secondary diaphragm provided within the lower chamber and defining a secondary diaphragm driving chamber; and a passageway connecting the inlet body and the secondary diaphragm driving chamber. During operation, the secondary diaphragm driving chamber is filled with the fluid at the inlet pressure, thereby subjecting the secondary diaphragm to the inlet pressure and generating the force for actuating the valve's disengagement from the inlet body. The pressure regulator functions to maintain the outlet pressure at a value that is a predetermined fraction of the inlet pressure.

Abstract: An air mixing system includes a building superstructure having an open space therein and an attic. An air mixing unit mounted to the ceiling draws air from the open space and the attic, mixes the air and discharges the mixed air outwards from the fan.

Abstract: A poultry feeder with beak growth control device is provided. In one embodiment, the feeder includes a feeder pan, a feeder tower, and a beak grooming ring. The grooming ring is removably inserted in the feeder and has an annular shape complementary configured to engage a corresponding shape of the feeder pan. Preferably, the grooming ring has a self-supporting structure that retains its complementary shape to the feeder pan independently of the pan when removed therefrom. The grooming ring is insertable and removable from feeder as a separable unit from the feeder and operable to abrade the beak while the birds feed, thereby controlling its growth and length.

Abstract: A system for handling animals includes: a movable series of modules to contain the animals; a plurality of stations at a first location in a facility, at least one station to communicate with at least one module, whereby substances may be dispensed to a module from a station and/or materials may be collected from a module by a station; a first transporter for transporting the series in a first direction and to transport a module from a second location in the facility to a first position between the first and second locations; a second transporter for transporting the series in a second direction and to transport a module from the first position to a second position nearer the stations; a source of a first motive force to move modules on the first transporter; and a source of a second motive force to move modules to the second transporter.

Abstract: A poultry feed system is provided having a plurality of feeders that may be fully charged with feed while located on the floor of the feed house, but are capable of being stored near to their location when feeding has ceased.

Abstract: An air mixing unit suitable for buildings having open spaces. In one embodiment, the air mixing unit may include a centrifugal fan and mounting frame. The fan includes a rotatable body, a drive shaft defining a vertical rotational axis, a plurality of radial blades, a top air inlet, and a bottom air inlet. The fan is operable to draw air through the air inlet openings from axially opposing directions in some embodiments, mix the air, and discharge the mixed air laterally outwards from the fan to the open space. In some embodiments, the air mixing unit may be mounted near the ceiling of the building to temper cooler air drawn from outside with warmer inside room air before discharging the air into the space. A method for mixing and destratifying air within a building is also described.

Abstract: An air mixing system includes a building superstructure having an open space therein and an attic. An air mixing unit mounted to the ceiling draws air from the open space and the attic, mixes the air and discharges the mixed air outwards from the fan.

Abstract: An air mixing unit suitable for buildings having open spaces. In one embodiment, the air mixing unit may include a centrifugal fan and mounting frame. The fan includes a rotatable body, a drive shaft defining a vertical rotational axis, a plurality of radial blades, a top air inlet, and a bottom air inlet. The fan is operable to draw air through the air inlet openings from axially opposing directions in some embodiments, mix the air, and discharge the mixed air laterally outwards from the fan to the open space. In some embodiments, the air mixing unit may be mounted near the ceiling of the building to temper cooler air drawn from outside with warmer inside room air before discharging the air into the space. A method for mixing and destratifying air within a building is also described.