Abstract: A separating device for forming a standing area for livestock, in particular pigs, and for reducing emissions in pens, in particular in pig pens, comprises a base frame, a drainage element with a plurality of drainage channels which each comprise an outflow end, and shoulders, between which the plurality of drainage channels extends orthogonally to a drainage direction, a liquid-permeable endless belt with an upper run and a lower run, wherein the drainage element is arranged on the base frame such that a drainage direction of the plurality of drainage channels is directed in the direction of the outflow end.

Abstract: Support structure for a surface area, comprising an array of base elements, interconnected for forming the base structure defining a deck, the base elements comprising at least one void for receiving a fluid and wherein the deck is provided with openings for passing fluids into and/or from said void and/or openings for interconnecting the base elements, wherein in at least one of said openings a plug has been provided, said plug provided with a connector for connecting an artefact to said plug.

Abstract: A molded mattress having a one piece seamless cover with a ventilation plug mounted in a tamper resistant recess formed surrounding a ventilation hole. The one piece seamless cover may have a plurality of airways formed in the cover to allow air circulation between the user and the mattress cover. The one piece seamless cover is integrally rotomolded to form a rugged comfortable mattress for intensive use environments. An RFID communication chip may be inserted in the cover for information management. The cover may be formed from solid color, translucent or transparent material.

Abstract: Padding element for seats such as sofas, armchairs, chairs and armrests, wherein such seats have a support structure, or similar support structure for the human body or parts thereof, such as rest or anti-fatigue mats, anti-decubitus mattresses, shower mats, anti-impact mats, wherein the padding element is provided with a support surface for a user, wherein the padding element includes one film or covering, one gel layer adhering to part of the film or covering and one compact elastomeric layer having a surface for contact with the gel layer and with part of the film or covering and one surface for contact with the seat and/or with the support structure of the seat, wherein the compact elastomeric layer adheres to the gel layer and the film or covering; method for obtaining such padding element.

Abstract: A livestock breeding system including a breeding place enclosed by a fence for breeding livestock; layers of wood chips spread over and stacked up on the surface of the earth in the breeding place; and a feedstuff for breeding the livestock, and in this system, the feedstuff is prepared by mixing wood fine chips containing sawdust and/or wood fibers with large quantities of fermentation tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a slatted floor comprises a floor covering apparatus for placement on the individual slats of a slatted floor. Each floor covering apparatus includes an elongated elastomeric mat (410) adapted to be fitted to a floor slat. The mat has a rigid fixing base (411), a flexible core (11) and an outer skin (415). The rigid fixing base (411), the flexible core (11) and the outer skin (415) are integrally formed together. The mat has a longitudinal leg (413) at each side to locate the mat. Also a flap valve (412) is mounted on each leg and protrudes into the gap between adjacent slats.

Abstract: A livestock breeding system including a breeding place enclosed by a fence for breeding livestock; layers of wood chips spread over and stacked up on the surface of the earth in the breeding place; and a feedstuff for breeding the livestock, and in this system, the feedstuff is prepared by mixing wood fine chips containing sawdust and/or wood fibers with large quantities of fermentation tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving waste of domesticated animals is provided that includes a floor that is joined to four walls to define an area of floor space within the apparatus. An opening in one of the walls includes a door for selectively providing access to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a litter box for receiving waste of domesticated animals. The litter box is removable from the enclosure and occupies approximately one-third of the available floor space. A lid is joined to one of the walls and provides for placement and removal of the litter box within the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a manure conveyor device. The method includes driving a first return roller about which a manure conveyor belt circulates at a first rotational speed, and driving a second return roller about which the manure conveyor belt circulates at a second rotational speed. During a first interval the first rotational speed exceeds the second rotational speed, and during a second interval the second rotational speed exceeds the first rotational speed.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a manure conveyor device. The method includes driving a first return roller about which a manure conveyor belt circulates at a first rotational speed, and driving a second return roller about which the manure conveyor belt circulates at a second rotational speed. During a first interval the first rotational speed exceeds the second rotational speed, and during a second interval the second rotational speed exceeds the first rotational speed.

Abstract: A kennel system having a floor assembly including at least one floor unit having a floor pan and a grate. The floor pan has a drain, an integral water receptacle and a trough for guiding fluid to the drain. The grate is positioned over the floor pan. The grate has a plurality of grate opening for the flow of fluid through the grate to the floor pan.

Abstract: A deck with an integrated gutter system includes at least two separated joists and a plurality of planks. Each plank includes longitudinal grooves, is disposed above and supported by the joists, has an undersurface which is juxtaposed with the joists, and is secured to the joists. The deck also includes a plurality of unitary channels. Each channel includes a pair of flanges which mate with longitudinal grooves of immediately adjacent planks. The mating of the flanges of the channel with the grooves of the planks provides the deck with an impervious gutter that extends between and along the two planks, and is located above the joists to which the planks are secured.

Abstract: A kennel floor system for use in a building including a lower floor unit and an upper floor unit supported on walls that extend between the lower and upper floor units.

Abstract: A self-cleaning flooring system for catching waste products has at least one module comprising a drain pan and a floor grid. The drain pan has a ramp and a central drain outlet. The ramp extends around the drain pan defining a drain pan periphery. The ramp slopes downward from the drain pan periphery towards the drain outlet. The drain pan periphery has a plurality of discharge ports spaced therealong for discharge of flushing fluid onto the ramp such that the waste products are washed down the ramp towards the drain outlet. The floor grid extends across the drain pan and is mounted upon the drain pan periphery for supporting personnel standing thereon while permitting waste products to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flushing flush lanes comprising providing a process pit to recycle flushed water; providing a solid waste separator; providing a storage lagoon; pumping a first selected volume of water from the storage lagoon and a second volume of water from the process pit through the flush lanes; collecting water flushed through the flush lanes and solid waste carried therewith in the process pit; separating solid waste from a third volume water from the process pit in said solid waste separator and returning the third volume of water less the solid waste to the storage lagoon.

Abstract: The floor is composed of a series of plates (3), of quadrangular shape and provided with rounded slots (4), which are installed resting on the lower inner flange (2) of a perimeter frame (1) and the side flanges (6) of a shape acting as a middle divider (5), these plates (3) having grooves (8) in two of the adjoining edges and shoulders (9) on the other two, complementary to one another to permit the matched jointing of said plates when they are installed on the frame (1), being secured in place by means of a finish cover (7) on the intermediate shape (5) and a lock plate (10) fitted on the edge corresponding to the frame (1), through which the plates (3) are inserted and removed. The grid floor obtained forms a surface for covering an empty space as well as a support to permit, for instance, the washing of a domestic animal by hand, so that the water and dirt pass through the slots with which the plates (3) are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an enclosure for the containment of livestock. Preferably, the livestock enclosure includes a floor assembly forming a planar floor surface and an overlay assembly operably coupled to the floor assembly for selectable engagement with the floor assembly. Preferably, the overlay assembly includes a traction grid having a plurality of grid apertures extending therethrough, wherein the overlay assembly is configured to be placed adjacent the planar floor surface to provide traction for livestock placed within the enclosure. The overlay assembly is preferably configured to be moved, thereby allowing waste from the livestock to flow through the grid apertures and onto the planar floor surface to facilitate removal of said waste from the planar floor surface to clean the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of increasing the feed efficiency of an animal, the method including applying a suppression agent to surfaces of manure that are exposed to atmosphere, the suppression agent including acidulated plant-based soapstock, the manure located proximate the animal, the method also including providing feed to the animal.

Abstract: A heating element (12) is described for use in flooring, preferably for pigstys (3). The heating elements consist of a liquid filled chamber (16). The liquid in the chamber is brought into heat transmitting connection with a conduit (24) connected with a heat source. The connection between the conduit (24) and the chamber (16) do not have to be pressure tight, as no pressure occurs in the chamber (16). Therefore, a relatively simple connection may be established and there will only be a small risk of leakage.

Abstract: A method for treating waste from animal husbandry sites. The process is a closed loop system with no need for an anerobic lagoon.

Abstract: A system for housing animals in animal husbandry, particularly for raising pigs comprises a separately transportable container (15) manufactured from metal walls (20-24) which is individually supplied with a fan ventilation system (37), a bottom manure container and a feed supply (60). The animals can be transported in the container (15) and maintained in the container (15). The container can be located in rows of the container along a central alleyway (10) through which the animals can be moved and which supplies the necessary facilities. In one use of the system, the animals can be transported to a position adjacent to but spaced from a new location and maintained in quarantine until the possibility of disease is passed. In a further process for the Isowean system of raising pigs, the nursery stage between the farrowing stage and the finisher stage is carried out in the containment vessel thus avoiding additional movement of the animals which is stressful for the animals.

Abstract: A new livestock flooring system for providing an inexpensive, durable, and convenient floor for animal pens such as the pens used for pigs, horses, cows and calves. The inventive device includes a rammed sand base, and a cement and pine chock floor, sloped for drainage.

Abstract: A washer apparatus (10) includes a washing chamber (W) with a plurality of spray nozzles (N) and a pump (P1) for circulating the washing fluid (F) through the spray nozzles (N) for cleaning the contents of the washing chamber (W). A pH sensor (20) contacts the washing fluid (F) and a digital pH controller (30) connected to the pH sensor (20) generates digital pH values of the fluid (F). An acid neutralizing system (80) and an alkaline neutralizing system (90) are provided for selectively injecting acid neutralizer and alkaline neutralizer into the reservoir (S, T), respectively. An electronic controller (12) controls the operation of the washer (10) and the acid and alkaline neutralizer injection systems (80, 90) in response to the pH of the washing fluid (F) as determined by the digital pH controller (30).

Abstract: Stable (1) comprising a collection chamber (6) with a bottom (7) below a stable grid. The bottom (7) is covered by a bottom plate (9) formed by parallel V-shaped gutters (10). The walls of the gutters (10) form an angle with the horizontal, which is between 45 degees and 80 degees. At the underside the gutters (10) have a radius of 7 to 12 cm. Method for flushing a stable, manure being collected in V-shaped gutters (10), after which the bottom is flushed. The manure is discharged to a storage facility. After a certain settling time the manure has separated into a thick fraction and a thin fraction. The in fraction is drawn off and is used to flush the bottom plate clean. A layer of the thin fraction remains standing on the bottom plate (9), so that the manure is collected therein.