Abstract: A milking arrangement includes plural milking places, each milking place having a primary end and an opposite secondary end, an entrance at the primary end, a front side and a rear side, which both extend in parallel with the longitudinal axis, a plurality of sequence gates arranged between the front side and the rear side, each of the sequence gates being pivotable between a closed position and an open position, each sequence gate being only pivotable from its closed position to its open position in a pivotation direction in which the front end is pivoted into a milking place towards the front side of the milking arrangement, main extension planes of the sequence gates being aligned when the sequence gates are in their closed position, with a lower edge of each sequence gate defining a bulge that extends downwards.

Abstract: A urine collection device for a cow, comprising a positioner, a urine container coupled to positioner, a sensor for detecting a cow position, a stimulator for stimulating a stimulation region of a cow, wherein stimulation region is ventral with respect to a vulva of a cow, and a controller, wherein the controller is functionally coupled to the sensor for receiving a position of the cow. The controller is configured for controlling the position the stimulator at the stimulation region for stimulating the cow when a cow is positioned within a predefined range. When stimulation starts an urination, the positioner positions the urine container from a storage position to a working position for receiving a subsequent flow of urine from the stimulated cow.

Abstract: The safety barrier is for a lift platform that moves between a bottom position and an upper position and safety barrier includes a gate, defining a first plane. The gate includes a surface adapted to engage a cam assembly. The safety barrier has a mount that mounts to the lift platform and a mounting pin, defining an axis, that rotatably mounts the gate. The safety barrier also includes an upright post assembly having an upright post mounted to a non-movable surface, and the cam assembly that applies an upward force to the surface of the gate. When the lift platform moves to the bottom position, the assembly engages the surface and the gate rotates about the axis in the first plane into an open position, and when the lift platform moves to the upper position, the gate rotates about the axis in the first plane into a closed position.

Abstract: An upper torso garment and a lower torso garment each comprising a respective torso encircling band. The band includes an inner layer and an outer layer with each layer having a first series of courses. The first series of courses defined by a first, covered elastomeric, yarn and a second, low friction, yarn. The first and second yarns are knit such that the second yarn is float platted with the first yarn.

Abstract: An upper torso garment and a lower torso garment each comprising a respective torso encircling band. The band includes an inner layer and an outer layer with each layer having a first series of courses. The first series of courses defined by a first, covered elastomeric, yarn and a second, low friction, yarn. The first and second yarns are knit such that the second yarn is float platted with the first yarn.

Abstract: Assembly comprising a passageway for livestock, the passageway being delimited by side delimitations, for passage of the livestock from a first space to a second space. The assembly comprises a gate system mounted in the passageway, the gate system comprising at least one self-closing gate leaf which is movable between a closed position and one or more open positions which include a pass position wherein passage to the second space is possible for an animal from the livestock, and wherein the gate leaf is moveable to an open position by pressure exerted by an animal from the livestock for passing through the passageway to the second space. The assembly also comprises a device for determining an ID of an animal from the livestock, and a device for blocking the gate leaf from moving to the pass position, wherein the blocking device can be activated to a blocking position in response to data from the ID determining device.

Abstract: A method for controlling a crowd gate comprises operating a milking parlor for a plurality of dairy livestock. The milking parlor comprises an entrance located adjacent to a holding pen, and a crowd gate that forms a side of the holding pen and moves toward and away from the entrance to the milking parlor. The method further comprises determining that dairy livestock should enter the milking parlor, and operating the crowd gate in response to determining that dairy livestock should enter the milking parlor. Operating the crowd gate comprises moving the crowd gate away from the entrance to the milking parlor prior to initiating movement towards the entrance, pausing the movement of the crowd gate, and moving the crowd gate towards the entrance of the milking parlor.

Abstract: A feeding stall for an animal that allows a gestating sow or other animal to enter the stall for feeding, in which movement of the sow triggers automatic closure of a gate assembly, without manual intervention from the farmer. This protects the sow from other sows when it is feeding. When the sow has finished feeding, it can readily exit the stall, opening the entrance gate without manual intervention. Opening and closing of the gate is actuated when the sow urges the gate assembly open or closed. The sow need provide only an initial impulse against the gate, with the remainder of the rotation being provided by a biasing member which urges the gate into the fully open or closed position after being tilted past a neutral position.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a substantially animal-proof barrier that includes (a) two supports that are laterally spaced apart to define a substantially vertical plane there between; (b) fencing material that is attached to each of the supports and spans the defined substantially vertical plane to form a simple barrier that has a top edge, a bottom edge, a front surface and a back surface, wherein the simple barrier divides a domain into a first area and a second area; and (c) a hood having an inner surface, the hood originating from the top edge of the simple barrier. An angle formed by the inner surface of the hood and the front surface of the simple barrier measures about 10 degrees to about 80 degrees, such that a channel having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed.

Abstract: An animal pen according to the invention comprises an access wall spanning the width of the pen between two side walls. An access door in the access wall is hinged to a vertical hanging post and closes against a vertical slam post. A first of the posts, which may be the hanging post or the slam post, is supported at its top end not by a door lintel extending between the hanging post and the slam post but by a diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said first post and the top of its adjacent side wall, and the second of the posts is supported either by being located at a junction between the access wall and its adjacent side wall or by a similar diagonal brace member extending between the top of the said second post and the top of its adjacent side wall.

Abstract: An arrangement for positioning at least two milking animals in at least two milking stalls allows the animals to stand in an inclined position such that a longitudinal axis of the animals forms an angle of 10°-80° to a vertical plane (6) of a front barrier (5) of the milking stalls. The arrangement includes a power member (22) and motion transmission mechanism adapted to transfer an activating motion from the power member to individual front positioning elements (10) in the milking stalls such that the individual front positioning element in each milking stall comes in contact with a front portion of the animal and acts with a resilient force on the animal in a manner such that the animal steps backwards to a desired milking position in which the rear part of the animal is in contact with a second rear positioning element (9).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for confining livestock with a portable corral gate assembly comprising a bottom frame, a top frame, a plurality of vertical members releaseably interconnecting the bottom frame to the top frame, a plurality of first side members each pivotally attached to a first vertical member and a second end attached to and extending outwardly from a first flexible member attached to the top frame and extending downwardly therefrom, and a plurality of second side members each pivotally attached to a second vertical member and a second end attached to and extending outwardly from a second flexible member attached to the top frame and extending downwardly therefrom.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a first wall positioned substantially parallel to a second wall, a first end of the first wall and a first end of the second wall defining an entrance to a milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of thirty inches to thirty-six inches. The system further includes a flare wall having a first end coupled to a second end of the second wall, the flare wall extending outwardly from the second wall at an angle in the range of thirty-five degrees to forty-five degrees with respect to the second wall. A second end of the flare wall and a second end of the first wall define an exit from the milking platform entrance lane having a width in the range of forty inches to fifty-four inches.

Abstract: A crowd gate control system includes a holding pen for dairy livestock, a crowd gate, and a controller. The holding pen is adjacent to an entrance to a milking parlor. The crowd gate is operable to form a side of the holding pen and move in relation to the entrance to the milking parlor along an axis substantially parallel to two other sides of the holding pen. The controller is operable to store a triggering threshold associated with a counter related to the milking parlor, determine whether the counter has reached the triggering threshold, and initiate a first mode of operation of the crowd gate in response to determining that the counter has reached the triggering threshold.

Abstract: A cart for transporting livestock equipment having a first and a second stall dividers and two dollies. The first dolly includes a horizontal member, a pair of wheels, and a pair of outer support members. The second dolly includes a horizontal member, a pair of wheels, and a pair of outer support members. To form a cart, an outer support member of the first dolly is received in one of the vertical members of the first stall divider, and the other outer support member of the first dolly is received in the opening of one of the vertical members of the second stall divider. An outer support member of the second dolly is received in the first stall divider and the outer support member of the second dolly is received in the opening of the second stall divider.

Abstract: A one way gate primarily for pigs is located between a pair of parallel panels to be mounted in a fence line and includes two gate portions each defined by a transverse rail across the passage between the panels at a height above the passage and a plurality of fingers hanging from the rail separately pivotal in one direction only to the animal to pass and prevented from rotation in the opposite direction. The distance between the gate portions is less than 3.0 feet so as to be less than the length of the animal to prevent an animal being located between the rails and greater than 0.5 feet such that an animal attempting to lift the second fingers cannot simultaneously lift the first fingers.

Abstract: A safety bypass gate is provided for use with a livestock management system having a sorting scale arranged between watering and feeding areas. The safety bypass gate changes from a closed position to an open position to provide an emergency exit from the watering area when a condition exists that prevents animals from passing over the sorting scale. The safety bypass gate includes a pair of pivoting gate members and a channel member that fits over the top edges of the gate members to secure them closed. The channel member is attached to a pneumatic actuator that uses air pressure to hold the channel member in its locked position, and a spring return that moves the channel member to its unlocked position upon a drop in air pressure. Springs bias the gate members from their closed positions to their open positions when the channel member moves to its unlocked position.

Abstract: A one way gate primarily for pigs is located between a pair of parallel panels to be mounted in a fence line and includes two gate portions each defined by a transverse rail across the passage between the panels at a height above the passage and a plurality of fingers hanging from the rail separately pivotal in one direction only to the animal to pass and prevented from rotation in the opposite direction. The distance between the gate portions is less than 3.0 feet so as to be less than the length of the animal to prevent an animal being located between the rails and greater than 0.5 feet such that an animal attempting to lift the second fingers cannot simultaneously lift the first fingers.

Abstract: A push bar serves to nudge or urge cows to leave a milking parlor and move to an exit alley. The push bar is mounted on extendible support members, which may have an inner tube and an outer tube, and which is mounted by a journal onto an overhead pivot. There is one air cylinder to rotate the assembly, and additional air cylinders to extend and retract the support members. A programmed controller ensures that the push tube travels in a generally straight, horizontal path to push the cows out, and then lifts the push tube so it is over the cows' heads on the return.

Abstract: An assembly of a gate for use in animal traffic, and an animal recognition device that is provided with a reading device disposed on the gate and an identification device worn by an animal, the gate comprising two swing doors, that are each pivotable about their own almost vertical axis. The lower side of one of the swing doors is situated at a higher level than the lower side of the other swing door.

Abstract: A cover for a livestock panel to provide shelter from wind and/or block vision through the panel.

Abstract: A livestock treatment carousel includes a rotatable platform and a plurality of fences. The rotatable platform has a substantially vertical axis of rotation. The fences define at least one stall for receiving livestock. Each of the fences has an inner end disposed toward the axis of rotation and an outer end opposite the inner end. The rotatable platform extends substantially beyond the stall, either inwardly or outwardly from the stall, or both inwardly and outwardly, for providing one or more walking areas on the platform for one or more attendants treating the livestock. The carousel may incorporate a movable gate at each of the fences. The movable gate closes to contain the livestock in the stall and opens to release the livestock from the stall.

Abstract: A portable gate assembly for use in combination with a corral or holding pen to capture wild or renegade cows is disclosed. The portable gate assembly includes a frame defining a frame opening extending therethrough, the frame opening being sized such that the cow sought to be captured can pass therethrough. A gate is pivotally connected to the frame such that the gate is selectively movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the gate is positioned in at least a portion of the frame opening such that the lower end of the gate is disposed a distance above the ground to permit at least a portion of the cows head to the position thereunder, in the second position the gate being moved inwardly and upwardly into the corral or holding pen and over the back of the cow when the cow moves through the frame opening and into the corral or holding pen.

Abstract: A device for managing animal traffic. The device is provided with a frame (2), and comprises a gate (3, 4) that is movably connected with the frame (2). There are provided operating means for opening and closing the gate (3, 4), and control means for controlling the operating means (7, 8). The device comprises a locking device (16) that is controllable by the control means for mechanically locking the gate, in the closed position of the gate, to the frame (2).

Abstract: A fence-covering system for covering the openings in fence structures, such as an animal corral or arena. According to one aspect, a fence-covering system includes one or more removable fence-covering members that snap-fit onto the existing rails of a fence. Each fence-covering member can include an upper rail-engaging end portion that engages a horizontal rail of the fence, a lower rail-engaging end portion that engages another horizontal rail of the fence, and a generally flat panel member that covers the openings between the rails. According to another aspect, a fence-covering system comprises a sheet of a strong, flexible material, such as a fabric or fabric-like material, that is wrapped around the rails of a fence.

Abstract: An animal management system provides an alley to control the handling of animals when procedures are to be performed on the animals by veterinarians or cattle producers. The alley is formed by a base frame, and included therewith are a headgate and preferably two wedge-shaped access doors rotatably mounted with the base frame. The headgate is movable between an entrapping position to a releasing position for an animal, and coordinated movement of the at least one access door ensures that a lead animal is properly positioned while other down line animals do not interfere with care given to, or procedures performed on, the lead animal in the headgate. Each access door allows convenient access for persons to the lead animal, and the selective use of one of two doors at a time facilitates the access to and movement of animals of different sizes in the alley.

Abstract: A tube gate latch is provided including a latch arm, a sleeve attached to one end of said arm, wherein said sleeve is adapted to receiving a bolt through said sleeve, and a tube grip attached to a second end of said arm, wherein the grip is “U” shaped and rests upon, half wrapping around, a tube gate tube. Tube gate latch can further be provided with a chain hook, a chain attachment ring, and a chain a chain attached to said chain attachment ring and removably attachable to said chain hook.

Abstract: An animal handling device, including at least one securing device, and a primary sensor system, and a secondary sensor system characterised in that both the primary and secondary sensor systems must be simultaneously activated in order to trigger the securing device to hold the animal.

Abstract: A concealed stall door latch is installed in a sliding stall door. The sliding stall door includes a bar portion disposed on a top thereof. A handle channel is preferably disposed on one side of the bar portion. A single end channel terminates each end of the sliding stall door. The concealed sliding door latch is preferably slidably retained inside the handle channel and the end channel. The concealed sliding door latch includes a latch rod. A handle preferably extends through the handle channel from the latch rod. One end of the latch rod is biased to extend past a perimeter of the sliding stall door. A latch retainer is positioned adjacent the one end of the latch rod. The latch rod is retracted by the handle to allow the sliding door to be moved.

Abstract: A gate assembly for an animal passageway has two barriers that, when in use, are in close proximity to each other in a closed position and can be moved in opposing directions to each other to be in an open position. The operation of the gate assembly to the open position is achieved by an operator using an operator-activated control mechanism. At least one barrier is configured so that when in the open position it does not intrude into the passageway and activation of the control mechanism is external to the passageway. The gate assembly is maintained in the open position until the operator operates the control mechanism to close the grate assembly. When the assembly is in the open position one barrier is in an upper position with respect to the other. The barrier are pivotally attached to a support at separate pivot points.

Abstract: A milking parlor having a plurality of translatable shuttle stalls allows for presentation of animals to be milked and corresponding release of the animals, independent of the milking status of additional animals. The shuttle stalls can be disposed in a herringbone or perpendicular orientation with respect to a corresponding operator pit, wherein the operator pit can accommodate human or robotic devices for implementing the milking process.

Abstract: A method for serving animals, such as milking dairy animals, allowed to go loose in an enclosed area, with animal stalls with a robot. The stalls have entrance and exit gates that are controlled. A service area includes at least three stationary animals stalls around a robot to form a central robot inner area. The robot is associated with the controller for the gates and is capable of moving to and serving each one of the animal stalls. A strolling area is arranged between the outer border of the enclosed area and the central robot area with animal stalls that is divided into subareas in various ways by the use of separators that may include controlled one-way passing gates for the animals.

Abstract: The head gate element comprises a frame (1), a movable bar (10) able to adopt three positions—open (O), closed (F) or released (D)—and receiving a locking fork joint (11), and a control bar (13) intended for locking the movable bar in the closed position. The control bar (13) is solid and comprises a transverse notch arranged so that a slide, carried by the locking fork joint (11), can fit therein when the movable bar (10) and the control bar (13) are in the closed position (F).

Abstract: This invention is a livestock feeder comprising a top gate, a bottom gate, a center gate disposed between the top gate and the bottom gate. The top gate, bottom gate, and center gate define a gate system. The bottom gate can swing inward when the feed is eaten. Then after the livestock eat the feed when the gate is swung inward, the gate can be “reset” to the vertical position, and then the gate system can be moved closer to the feed. The gate system can move in a horizontal direction by a hand crank. This livestock feeder can be in a covered environment such as a pole barn. The size of the livestock feeder can vary depending on the livestock herd, the property, and the feed. A sloped floor helps prevent waste accumulation where the livestock feed.

Abstract: A method and device for judging the aiming error of a weapon system and a use of the device are disclosed. The weapon system includes a fire control device (F) for tracking a target (Z), a weapon (W) having a weapon barrel (B), aiming means for aiming the weapon barrel (B), and a data processing facility (EDV). The fire control device (F) continuously tracks the target (Z). An image recording device (V) moved in solidarity with the weapon barrel (B) record images of the target (Z) and its surroundings. An image reproduction device (M) displays the images recorded by the image recording device (V) and a mark (X). The mark (X) represents an aiming line, a deviation (a) of the target (Z) from the mark (X) representing the aiming error of the weapon system. The fire control device (F) performs the aiming of the weapon barrel (B) on the basis of a lead calculation, which takes the movement of the target (Z) into consideration. The device may be used for fixed and mobile weapon systems.

Abstract: A gate assembly (1) for a passage way having two barriers (4, 5), wherein the barriers are in close proximity to each other when in a closed position, and can be moved in opposing directions to each other to be in an open position, characterised in that at least one barrier is configured so that when in the open position it does not intrude into the passageway.

Abstract: A gate for use in cattle handling systems, where animals pass between different areas separated by fences and passage from one area to another takes place through the gate. The gate is spring biased to occupy a closed position, in which it is lockable by at least one catch member being releasable in response to the approach of an animal identified as allowable for passage. The catch member is arranged to provide free passage at all times through the gate in one opening direction and to be actuatable for releasing the gate for opening in the opposite opening direction.

Abstract: An assembly of a gate for use in animal circulation, a gate-unlocking device, an unlocking-signal-generating device for generating an unlocking signal, and a first area and a second area between which the gate can be disposed. The gate is designed for providing passage from the second to the first area when the gate-unlocking device is released by an unlocking signal coming from the unlocking-signal-generating device. The assembly is provided with a device for determining on which side of the gate an animal is located, and for emitting a gate side signal, the unlocking signal being at any rate at least partially determined by the gate side signal.

Abstract: The head gate element comprises a frame (1), a movable bar (10) able to adopt three positions—open (O), closed (F) or released (D)—and receiving a locking fork joint (11), and a control bar (13) intended for locking the movable bar in the closed position.

Abstract: A piston and cylinder arrangement for opening and closing entrance or exit doors or both in a milking compartment of a fully automated milking system. The piston and cylinder arrangement comprises an elongated cylinder having two pistons connected in tandem to an elongated piston rod. The cylinder is hermetically divided into two cylindrical portions each containing one of the pistons. The piston acts against a liquid in one portion and in the other portion the piston is actuated by pneumatic pressure. The piston rod is extended through the end of the cylinder and is connected to open and close an entrance door. The cylindrical portion containing the liquid has the liquid on both sides of the piston connected by a check-valve and a by-pass valve. To block movement of the pistons, the by-pass valve is retained in a closed position by pneumatic pressure from a supply of pressurized gas for actuating the piston in the pneumatic side of the cylinder.

Abstract: An animal stall (1) associated with an apparatus for performing an animal related operation, said stall being provided with an entrance gate (7) and an exit gate (8). A method of performing said animal related operation is also described. According to the invention, a gate sensor means (12), associated with a control means, is furthermore associated with at least said entrance gate for checking whether said gate (7) is closed.

Abstract: Cattle stanchion apparatus in which a plurality of fixed and release stanchions define a row of head openings for animals, the release stanchions tending to pivot to open positions. A pair of latch fingers at the upper extremities of the release stanchions are engageable with locking pegs secured to a moveable positioner rod. An operating mechanism is actuable to move the positioner rod and engage the locking pegs into and out of possible engagement with the latch fingers. The arrangement give the dairyman the capability of moving all of the release stanchions to closed positions to lock the animals in the feeding stalls, or allowing the animal's individually to actuate the system to lock themselves in, or allowing the animals to enter and leave the stalls as they wish. The latch fingers are also manually manipulatable to quickly and safely release downed cattle from individual feeding stalls.

Abstract: A gate and gate post assembly is provided for use with animal containment pens. The assembly includes a pair of upright posts arranged to be supported spaced apart, each post having an upper support flange adjacent a top end and a lower support flange adjacent a bottom end. A gate is arranged to be supported on the posts in an upright orientation. The gate has a pair of upper mounting pins extending downward from respective sides of the gate adjacent a top end of the gate and a pair of lower mounting pins extending downward from respective sides of the gate adjacent a bottom end of the gate. The upper and lower mounting pins are arranged for slidably engaging into respective apertures in the upper and lower support flanges. A pair of latches, each in the form of a pendulum, are provided for pivotally mounting onto the respective sides of the gate.

Abstract: A freestall barn for dairy cattle arranged with a plurality of freestall resting areas with resting stalls, and a feed alley; has a feed drive through for a feed delivery vehicle, with feed alleys of the freestall resting areas adjacent and parallel to the feed drive-through. A cow lane crosses the feed drive through forming an intersection with it. The cow lane connects the freestall resting areas, and permits cows to proceed to and from a milking station. A four-way drive-through gate assembly has four horizontal gates disposed to pivot or swing on vertical axes at respective corners of the intersection. In a first position the gates block the drive-through but permit passage of cows along the cow lane. In a second position the gates block the cow lane but permit the feed delivery vehicle to pass through along the drive-through.

Abstract: A stanchion bumper is provided for use with a cattle stanchion having a head opening typically defined by a stationary, vertically-oriented stanchion and a pivotal release stanchion which, when tilted in one direction, enlarges the upper part of the opening so that the animal can insert its head through the opening, a closed position where the pivotal stanchion is vertical and defines a head opening through which an animal cannot withdraw its head, and a downed animal position wherein an enlarged lower opening exists so that a downed animal can withdraw its head. The stanchion bumper is positioned below the pivot point of the release stanchion, such that the lower portion of the release stanchion will engage the stanchion bumper when the animal inadvertently moves the release stanchion past the closed position toward the downed animal position.

Abstract: Nutrition modeling of animal, poultry and marine animals is a critical component of the respective enterprise optimization and managed environment pollution control. The optimization accuracy depends on the description of utilization efficiency of nutrients in a population of animals. The current invention demonstrates that utilization efficiency of nutrients for meat production in a population should be described based on at least three component parts of nutrient utilization, i.e., maintenance, linear gain, and non-linear gain, instead of one only. Efficiencies for maintenance and linear gain are fixed value(s), but nutrient efficiency for non-linear gain is a result of intra-population variation and efficiency of linear gain.

Abstract: An animal sorting module including a general frame (1) assembly defining a passageway (2) through which an animal can travel, the frame having a single entry point opening (3) at or near a first end (4) and two exit point openings (6) at or near a second end (7) wherein the entry point and at least one of the exit points are defined by a pair of elongate substantially cylindrical rollers (8) which can be moved between a first position occluding the opening and a second position exposing the opening.

Abstract: A two sided feeder for feeding animals while the animals grow from a first smaller size to a second larger size comprises a trough having two opposed outwardly inclined front walls over which the animals can reach for taking feed from the trough and a feed hopper for discharging feed downwardly into the trough. The height of each front wall is adjustable by a hinged or removable supplementary portion to accommodate the different size animals. A shelf is provided above the trough onto which the feed is deposited. The height of the shelf is also adjustable. The hopper includes two vertical side walls defining a lower neck each having a lowermost edge adjacent the shelf for controlling deposit of material onto the shelf so that it remains on the shelf unless moved to the trough by the animal. The neck is supplemented by a clamped insert portion when the shelf is moved to its lower height.

Abstract: A tailgate for preventing cattle from backing up while in a guide chute is described. The tail gate comprises a tube, angle brackets and a gate section. The angle brackets are arranged to be fitted into the tube such that the angle brackets can be attached to horizontal or vertical surfaces. The gate section is arranged to pivot about the tube from one side of the tube only so that cattle may pass freely from one side of the tail gate but are prevented from passing from the opposite side. As a result of this arrangement, cattle contacting the gate from the opposite side of the tail gate will reflexively remain in place. This in turn prevents the cattle from backing up and speeds up the flow of cattle through the chute. The tail gate is arranged to be fitted into chutes of various widths at any point along the chute fitting and the height of the gate section can be varied for use with animals of different sizes.

Abstract: A device for feeding poultry comprises a substantially dish-shaped pan, above which a feed drop tube is disposed, which drop tube opens out above a central part of the pan. At least one grill with bars extends between the feed drop tube and the pan. Provision is made for a second grill with bars, which second grill is fitted adjacent to the first grill. The first and the second grill are movable relative to each other.