Abstract: An automated flush system for an evaporative cooling system may be employed in barns or other facilities that house animals to provide cooling and to reduce production loss. The evaporative cooling control system may include an automated flush system that has a controllable valve at a flush end of the cooling system. Based on a timer, the controllable valve is opened and water drains (e.g., pumped or gravity feed) out of the cooling pad enclosure. Fresh water is introduced at the “fill” end of the system, rinsing out the evaporative cooling pads. After a predetermined time, the valve at the flush end of the system is closed, and the fresh water refills the cooling pad enclosure.

Abstract: An automated flush system for an evaporative cooling system may be employed in barns or other facilities that house animals to provide cooling and to reduce production loss. The evaporative cooling control system may include an automated flush system that has a controllable valve at a flush end of the cooling system. Based on a timer, the controllable valve is opened and water drains (e.g., pumped or gravity feed) out of the cooling pad enclosure. Fresh water is introduced at the “fill” end of the system, rinsing out the evaporative cooling pads. After a predetermined time, the valve at the flush end of the system is closed, and the fresh water refills the cooling pad enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a drop feed line device for automatically controlling flow of feed through a feed drop. The drop feed line device includes a drop body with an electrical box and a feed tube, as well as two planar circuit boards within respective sleeves removably positioned on opposite sides of the feed tube and in electrical communication with electronic components within the electrical box. In certain embodiments, the planar circuit boards include infrared emitters and receivers to electrically communicate across an interior channel of the feed tube. The electronic components are configured to transmit a signal to cease operation of an auger motor filling a drop feed line upon determining that all of the emitters cease to communicate with all of the receivers. The drop feed line device is cost effective and serviceable through the use of easily removable planar circuit boards, among other features and components.

Abstract: A curtain machine has a sealed control enclosure. The control enclosure, disposed in a machine interior of a machine housing, forms an enclosure interior and is configured to form a moisture impermeable seal separating the environment of the control enclosure from the environment of the machine interior and the external environment of the curtain machine. A motorized threaded member is configured to move a load block within the machine interior, for example to actuate a cable-based curtain mechanism, with both the load block and threaded member disposed outside the enclosure interior. The enclosure interior of the control enclosure includes a control circuit configured to operate the motor, and a mechanical limit switch configured to be mechanically actuated by the load block to stop the motor responsive to the load block moving along the threaded member beyond a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.

Abstract: A curtain machine has a sealed control enclosure. The control enclosure, disposed in a machine interior of a machine housing, forms an enclosure interior and is configured to form a moisture impermeable seal separating the environment of the control enclosure from the environment of the machine interior and the external environment of the curtain machine. A motorized threaded member is configured to move a load block within the machine interior, for example to actuate a cable-based curtain mechanism, with both the load block and threaded member disposed outside the enclosure interior. The enclosure interior of the control enclosure includes a control circuit configured to operate the motor, and a mechanical limit switch configured to be mechanically actuated by the load block to stop the motor responsive to the load block moving along the threaded member beyond a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrical component, e.g., brush, manufacture are provided that control grain orientation. The systems and methods utilize hot pressing techniques to enhance the properties and functionalities of the electrical components/brushes. An intermediate work product characterized by a grain orientation is initially formed through a conventional pressing technique. The conventionally-pressed intermediates are positioned within a cavity/die with the grain orientation in a predetermined orientation relative to the hot press force to be applied thereto. The hot pressed final product exhibits superior resistivity, strength and apparent density/durability. Surface features may be formed on the face(s) of the final work product during the hot pressing step that cannot be achieved in conventional processing techniques. Advantageous articles of manufacture, e.g., brushes and brush assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrical component, e.g., brush, manufacture are provided that control grain orientation. The systems and methods utilize hot pressing techniques to enhance the properties and functionalities of the electrical components/brushes. An intermediate work product characterized by a grain orientation is initially formed through a conventional pressing technique. The conventionally-pressed intermediates are positioned within a cavity/die with the grain orientation in a predetermined orientation relative to the hot press force to be applied thereto. The hot pressed final product exhibits superior resistivity, strength and apparent density/durability. Surface features may be formed on the face(s) of the final work product during the hot pressing step that cannot be achieved in conventional processing techniques. Advantageous articles of manufacture, e.g., brushes and brush assemblies, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electrical component, e.g., brush, manufacture are provided that control grain orientation. The systems and methods utilize hot pressing techniques to enhance the properties and functionalities of the electrical components/brushes. An intermediate work product characterized by a grain orientation is initially formed through a conventional pressing technique. The conventionally-pressed intermediates are positioned within a cavity/die with the grain orientation in a predetermined orientation relative to the hot press force to be applied thereto. The hot pressed final product exhibits superior resistivity, strength and apparent density/durability. Surface features may be formed on the face(s) of the final work product during the hot pressing step that cannot be achieved in conventional processing techniques. Advantageous articles of manufacture, e.g., brushes and brush assemblies, are also disclosed.