Abstract: A steel composition that includes: about 0.25-0.37% by weight Carbon; about 1.20-1.55% by weight Manganese; about 0.1-0.15% by weight Vanadium; about 0.20-0.40% by weight Nickel; about 0.20-0.50% by weight Silicon; about 0.30-0.45% by weight Copper; about 0.017-0.025% by weight Nitrogen; and Iron as the main constituent.

Abstract: Apparatus for distributing feed to caged poultry and the like is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an elongated trough for receiving feed, and an open-topped tube conveyor disposed within the trough. A clip is provided for securing the tube conveyor in and to the trough. A tube shield extends from a trough wall down over the conveyor tube. A baffle extends downwardly from the tube shield over each feed-dispensing tube aperture to prevent observation of feed particle dispensing motion by the receiving poultry.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for conveying feed to a plurality of groups of animals such as poultry. The system includes a feed conveying apparatus associated with each group of animals for conveying feed to each group of animals, a feed supply connected in common to all of the feed conveying apparatus for supplying feed thereto, and a control for sequentially operating the conveying apparatus one at a time. As a result, any number of animal groups may be fed even though the feed supply may have a limited feed supply rate capacity.

Abstract: A counting apparatus is provided for producing a countable signal in response to each object moving past a predetermined point in a predetermined path of travel. This counting apparatus comprises a lever interposed in the path of travel substantially adjacent to the predetermined point and movable in a first direction in response to passage of at least a portion of an object past the predetermined point, where the portion of the object is of a size which is within a predetermined range of sizes. A switch having a first signal state and a second signal state, is operatively coupled to a further coupling arrangement with the switch for actuating the switch means to its first state in response to movement of the lever in the first direction.

Abstract: A traveling hopper feed delivery system is disclosed. The system includes hoppers which carry loads of feed past elongated feed-receiving troughs. These troughs are located adjacent poultry-retaining cages. Auger distributor conveyors carried by the hoppers draw the feed from each hopper bottom and urge it toward each feed trough. Delivery tubes depend from the auger conveyors for directing limited amounts of feed from the conveyors to each trough. Return means return undelivered feed from the distributor conveyors back to the respective hoppers. Sensors disposed to extend into the troughs sense the amount of feed already present in the troughs, and adjust butterfly valves (located between the feed delivery tubes and the auger conveyors) in response to the sensed height of feed present in the troughs before additional feed is delivered.