Abstract: A valve includes a housing, a first ball, a second ball, and a deflector plate. The housing defines an inner chamber and has an inlet and an outlet providing fluid communication into the inner chamber. A longitudinal axis extends between the inlet and outlet. The first ball is disposed in the inner chamber between the inlet and outlet and rests on a seat extending into the inner chamber. The second ball is disposed in the inner chamber between the first ball and outlet and rests on the first ball. The deflector plate is disposed in the inner chamber and positioned between the inlet and first ball. The first ball, second ball, and deflector plate are aligned so that their centers lie on the longitudinal axis. The deflector plate is configured to deflect gas entering through the inlet to prevent the gas from driving the first and second balls upward.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing, a first ball, a second ball, and a deflector plate. The housing defines an inner chamber and has an inlet and an outlet providing fluid communication into the inner chamber. A longitudinal axis extends between the inlet and outlet. The first ball is disposed in the inner chamber between the inlet and outlet and rests on a seat extending into the inner chamber. The second ball is disposed in the inner chamber between the first ball and outlet and rests on the first ball. The deflector plate is disposed in the inner chamber and positioned between the inlet and first ball. The first ball, second ball, and deflector plate are aligned so that their centers lie on the longitudinal axis. The deflector plate is configured to deflect gas entering through the inlet to prevent the gas from driving the first and second balls upward.

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: 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: 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: 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.