Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operating room utilization are disclosed herein. Ins some implementations, the method includes retrieving historical statistics of usage rates for an operating room, predicting an estimate of how much time will be unused during a future time block based on the historical information and a planned schedule, and generating a recommendation for the unused time in the estimate. In some implementations, predicting the estimate includes constructing one or more regression models based on the historical statistics. In such implementations, each of the one or more regression models can identify a relationship between the planned usage rate and the actual usage rate based on a different modeling technique. Once the estimate is obtained, the recommendation for the unused time can be based at least partially on an identification of one or more intervals in a future time block that are associated with an open operating room.

Abstract: A feeder assembly includes a pan and an outer grill which is operatively associated with the pan. The outer grill defines a plurality of apertures therethrough through which birds can eat the feed presented on the pan. First and second inner grills can be rotated to partially mask the apertures through the outer grill in order to effectively change the width of the apertures. The inner grills are connected to one another by interlocking fingers such that rotation of one of the inner grills causes rotation of the other inner grill in the opposite direction. The inner grills are rotated by a dial member which is secured to the outer grill and which, upon rotation thereof between predetermined positions, causes rotation of the one inner grill, which in turn causes rotation of the other inner grill in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A feeder assembly is used in a feed distribution system having a feed supply conduit. The feeder assembly includes a pan member, which is preferably elongated in configuration, in a shape of two intersecting circles. The feeder assembly also includes at least one fill port for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit and for providing feed onto a base portion of the pan member. The at least one fill port is defined through an outer grill member which is operatively associated with the pan member. Like the pan member, the outer grill member has a rim member which is preferably elongated in configuration, in a shape of two intersecting circles. The outer grill member defines a plurality of apertures therethrough through which birds can eat the feed presented on the base portion of the pan member.

Abstract: A feeder assembly is used in a feed distribution system having a feed supply conduit. The feeder assembly includes an elongated pan member. The feeder assembly includes first and second fill ports for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit and for providing feed onto a base portion of the pan member. Each fill port provides feed to a separate portion of the base portion of the elongated pan member. The fill ports are defined through an outer grill member having an elongated rim member which is operatively associated with the pan member. First and second drop tube members are associated with the first and second fill ports to direct feed flowing through the fill ports through first and second lower feed gates and onto the pan member. The drop tube members may have brood gates provided therethrough for providing a raised level of feed in the pan member.

Abstract: A system and method are provided which allows for brood gates in feeders to be completely open upon the introduction of a flock of poultry thereto in order to present a high feed level within a pan member, and then to be automatically controlled to incrementally change the size and position of the brood gate to lower the feed level within a pan member over time as the birds grow. The system includes an electronic controller which is preprogrammed to set different positions at which the brood gate should be at different times. Software within the electronic controller implements changes of the position of the brood gate at the appropriate times by sending signals to an actuator which is connected to the feeders. Movement of the actuator causes the changing of size and position of the brood gates.

Abstract: A poultry floor feeding system is provided which includes a feeder line, a hopper boot, a feed hopper, a mounting collar, and a securing member. The feeder line conveys feed to feeders located at spaced locations thereon. The hopper boot is located on the feeder line. The feed hopper supplies feed to the feeder line and has a body portion which terminates in a discharge port at a lower end thereof. The mounting collar is operatively associated with the discharge port of the feed hopper for connecting the feed hopper to the hopper boot on the feeder line. The securing member releasably secures the mounting collar to the feed hopper such that the feed hopper can be easily removed from and replaced onto the feeder line for cleaning or repair.