Abstract: A method of dislodging entrapped particulate material from an assembly of a bin and a hopper for dispensing the particulate material is disclosed. The method includes lifting at least one of a plurality of support legs off of the foundation by a predetermined amount by using at least one lifting mechanism that is resting on the foundation and operatively attached to one of the plurality of support legs; and dropping the at least one support leg into a free fall down on to the foundation using the lifting mechanism, whereby an impact shock thus produced is transmitted to the assembly of the bin and the hopper through the support leg and promote dislodging of any of the particulate material that may be in a non-flowable state to enhance dispensing of the particulate material from the assembly of the bin and the hopper.

Abstract: A method of dislodging entrapped particulate material from an assembly of a bin and a hopper for dispensing the particulate material is disclosed. The method includes lifting at least one of a plurality of support legs off of the foundation by a predetermined amount by using at least one lifting mechanism that is resting on the foundation and operatively attached to one of the plurality of support legs; and dropping the at least one support leg into a free fall down on to the foundation using the lifting mechanism, whereby an impact shock thus produced is transmitted to the assembly of the bin and the hopper through the support leg and promote dislodging of any of the particulate material that may be in a non-flowable state to enhance dispensing of the particulate material from the assembly of the bin and the hopper.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for operably attaching to one of the plurality of support legs on a bin is provided where the lifting mechanism is configured to sequentially lift and drop the support leg by a predetermined amount, whereby an impact shock generated by the drop is transmitted to the bin through the support leg and promote dislodging of any of the particulate material that may be in a non-flowable state to enhance dispensing of the particulate material from the bin. A bin assembly incorporating such lifting mechanism on at least one of its plurality of support legs is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is an improved animal feed distribution system and components, specifically tube belt conveyor system, that provides more efficient manner of delivering feed to the animals, such as poultry by using tube conveyor belt to distribute feed in a re-circulating loop.

Abstract: Provided is an improved animal feed distribution system and components, specifically tube belt conveyor system, that provides more efficient manner of delivering feed to the animals, such as poultry by using tube conveyor belt to distribute feed in a re-circulating loop.

Abstract: A corner unit for a feed conveying system includes a housing and a wheel. The housing defines a cavity and a track. The track is configured to receive a material conveying string. The wheel is disposed at least partially within the cavity of the housing and is configured to rotate within the cavity. The housing includes a plurality of ridges protruding into the cavity. The wheel includes a central hub, an outer rim, and one or more spokes extending from a first end coupled to the central hub to a second end coupled to the outer rim. At least one of the one or more spokes is swept such that, when the wheel is rotated in a first direction, the second end trails the first end such that rotation of the wheel in the first direction sweeps material that enters the cavity from the cavity and into the track.

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 corner unit for a feed conveying system includes a housing and a wheel. The housing defines a cavity and a track. The track is configured to receive a material conveying string. The wheel is disposed at least partially within the cavity of the housing and is configured to rotate within the cavity. The housing includes a plurality of ridges protruding into the cavity. The wheel includes a central hub, an outer rim, and one or more spokes extending from a first end coupled to the central hub to a second end coupled to the outer rim. At least one of the one or more spokes is swept such that, when the wheel is rotated in a first direction, the second end trails the first end such that rotation of the wheel in the first direction sweeps material that enters the cavity from the cavity and into the track.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism for operably attaching to one of the plurality of support legs on a bin is provided where the lifting mechanism is configured to sequentially lift and drop the support leg by a predetermined amount, whereby an impact shock generated by the drop is transmitted to the bin through the support leg and promote dislodging of any of the particulate material that may be in a non-flowable state to enhance dispensing of the particulate material from the bin. A bin assembly incorporating such lifting mechanism on at least one of its plurality of support legs is also disclosed.

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 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: 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.