Abstract: A manure removal and drying system is used in an agricultural setting. The system includes a static pressure control system for regulating an amount of static pressure in a high pressure area of the agricultural setting, a variable speed loading system for varying a speed of operation of the system based on an amount of manure being removed and dried in the agricultural setting, a moisture sensing control system for detecting moisture from the manure in order to activate or deactivate the system, a selective capacity control system for selectively scaling a distance the manure in the agricultural setting is moved, and a friction reduction system for reducing the buildup of friction within the system caused by the movement of belts.

Abstract: A manure removal and drying system is used in an agricultural setting. The system includes a static pressure control system for regulating an amount of static pressure in a high pressure area of the agricultural setting, a variable speed loading system for varying a speed of operation of the system based on an amount of manure being removed and dried in the agricultural setting, a moisture sensing control system for detecting moisture from the manure in order to activate or deactivate the system, a selective capacity control system for selectively scaling a distance the manure in the agricultural setting is moved, and a friction reduction system for reducing the buildup of friction within the system caused by the movement of belts.

Abstract: A feed conveyor for delivering feed to poultry cages, floor animals or the like includes a continuous trough member for holding the feed; a continuous spring element which is disposed within and throughout the trough member, and a driving mechanism which moves the spring element along the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to deliver the feed to the poultry cages, floor animals or the like. The spring element is a substantially planar, tortuous member, which is made of a suitable material such as high tensile steel, and which is disposed in a lower portion of the trough member. Preferably, the spring element lays along the bottom of a generally flat-bottomed trough member. The driving mechanism, which may take the form of a mechanically driven sprocket, moves the spring element along the bottom of and through the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to the various poultry cages, floor animals or the like.

Abstract: A scraper assembly and method for clearing manure deposits from a manure collection board associated with an animal cage arrangement is provided. The scraper assembly 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 feed conveyor for delivering feed to poultry cages, floor animals or the like includes a continuous trough member for holding the feed; a continuous spring element which is disposed within and throughout the trough member, and a driving mechanism which moves the spring element along the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to deliver the feed to the poultry cages, floor animals or the like. The spring element is a substantially planar, tortuous member, which is made of a suitable material such as high tensile steel, and which is disposed in a lower portion of the trough member. Preferably, the spring element lays along the bottom of a generally flat-bottomed trough member. The driving mechanism, which may take the form of a mechanically driven sprocket, moves the spring element along the bottom of and through the trough member to move the feed through the trough member to the various poultry cages, floor animals or the like.

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 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.