NL2001841C2

NL2001841C2 - Feed distribution system for feeding poultry e.g. chickens, in poultry house, has feed storage connected to conveyor pipe, and feeding devices connected to conveyor pipe at mutually spaced intervals

Info

Publication number: NL2001841C2
Application number: NL2001841A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Philippe Hyppoliet Pia Maria Keirse; Jeroen Fiers
Original assignee: Roxell Nv
Priority date: 2008-07-21
Filing date: 2008-07-21
Publication date: 2010-01-22

Abstract

The system (1) has a feed storage (2) connected to a conveyor pipe (3). Feeding devices (4', 4'', 4''', 4'''') are connected to the conveyor pipe at mutually spaced intervals. The feeding devices comprise dish-shaped dispensing pans (5), feed drop tubes (6), connecting pieces (7) and flow variation valves. Two outwardly projecting tabs are provided at both sides of an outlet. Each flow variation valve is rotatable around central axis of the conveyor pipe. A gripping part (16) extends out of center of a front wall of the connecting piece. An independent claim is also included for a method for controlling distribution of feed.

Description

P29466NL00/RR

Title: Feed distribution system for feeding poultry having individually adjustable indexing means.

The invention relates to a feed distribution system for feeding poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, etc, in a poultry house.

From the state of the art a large number of feed distribution systems are known. These systems have in common the fact that fixed feed dispensing points are present in the 5 poultry house, and that the feed to be dispensed has to be conveyed from a central storage place to said feed dispensing points. For the conveyance of the feed a pipe conveyor system is present, which comprises one or more substantially horizontally directed feed conveyor pipes, which are disposed substantially parallel to each other, and which feed conveyor pipes are provided with means for conveying feed through them. The feed 10 dispensing points are situated along the abovementioned feed conveyor pipes, and in general have regular distances between them.

A feeding device is disposed at each feed dispensing point, which comprises a dishshaped dispensing pan on which feed comes to rest, which feed can be pecked off said pan by the birds, and also a drop tube for guiding a part of the feed out of the conveyor pipe and 15 into the pan. The top end of the drop tube is connected to an outlet in the conveyor pipe, and the bottom end is situated above a central part of said pan. The drop tube is connected to the conveyor pipe by means of a connecting piece, and the pan is also connected to said connecting piece by means of arms. More particularly, the pan, the drop tube, the connecting piece and the arms form a modular unit that can be attached as a whole to the 20 conveyor pipe.

A number of the presently known systems have an integrated shut-off valve provided between each drop tube and outlet in the conveyor pipe. These shut-off valves may be motor driven or manually operated. The shut-off valve is used to fully connect or disconnect the flow of feed from the conveyor pipe to a specific feeding device for example when only 25 part of a stable is to be used. See for example US-5,762,021.

A disadvantage with poultry feeding systems in general is that feed is not being provided simultaneously and evenly at the different feeding devices. Feed moving through the conveyor pipe quickly fills up the feeding device closest to the storage, but the more distant feeding devices are filled more slowly and at a later time. This is particularly 30 disadvantageous because when starting a feeding cycle, all the birds notice this and immediately rush to those of the feeding devices closest to the storage which start filling up with feed earliest and fastest. This causes high stress levels with the birds, which negatively -2- influence their health, and cause the weaker birds to each time gain substantially less feed than the stronger ones.

US-5,778,821 has tried to offer a solution for this problem and discloses a system having its conveyor pipes provided with a plurality of staggered outlets, that is to say the 5 outlets on one tube of a conveyer pipe are circumferentially rotated a small distance in relation to their preceding outlets on the preceding tube of said pipe. The outlets nearest to the storage are positioned more upwards, whereas the outlets furthest from the storage are more downwardly directed. The feeding devices each are hung similarly directed underneath the outlets. The staggered outlets provide for a staged progressively reducing feed level in 10 the conveyor pipe. Thus the conveyor pipe is made in such a way, that a more even and simultaneous distribution of feed over the various feeding devices can be achieved. In an embodiment the conveyor pipe even is rotatable in order for the user to be able to change the absolute height levels of the various outlets.

A disadvantage with this known system is that its functioning still leaves to be 15 desired, and that it is somewhat inflexible during use. If for example feed with a different grain size is to be used, then the distribution of the feed over the various pans is prone to become uneven again. This necessitates a rotation of the conveyor pipe, in order to thus change the restriction levels of the various outlets. This requires a lot of labour force for the farmer and knowledge and expertise of the installer. A fine tuning of the various positions of 20 the outlets is hardly possible, and at least requires that the fixed connections between the feeding devices and the conveyor pipe are set free such that the pipe is able to be rotated relative to the feeding devices. Furthermore, it is disadvantageous that the conveyor pipe with its staggered outlets is relatively difficult and expensive to produce as its outlet pattern deviates from the standard produced outlet pattern.

25 The present invention aims to overcome the abovementioned disadvantages at least partly, or to provide a usable alternative. In particular the invention aims to provide a flexible feed distribution system with which the various feeding devices may automatically be filled substantially equally with feed during a feeding cycle.

This aim is achieved by a feed distribution system according to claim 1. The system 30 comprises a feed storage, at least one conveyor line with a number of mutually spaced outlets, a number of feeding devices each having a dish-shaped dispensing pan and a feed drop tube opening out above a central part of the pan, and transportation means for transporting feed out of the storage via the conveyor line towards the respective feeding devices. The feeding devices are attached to the conveyor line each below one of the 35 outlets. Between each outlet and drop tube an individually adjustable flow variation valve is positioned. Each flow variation valve comprises at least three different positions into which they can be adjusted. Each adjusting position has its own specific restriction level for the -3- corresponding outlet. Within one conveyer line all flow variation valves have been individually adjusted such that feed is evenly distributed over the feeding devices. The individual adjustability advantageously makes it possible to perform a fine-tuning indexing operation for the various feeding devices. As soon as a different type of feed is to be 5 distributed, and/or as soon as the farmer detects an uneven distribution over the various feeding devices, the farmer can easily adjust the respective valves of the respective feeding devices. The system is very flexible in use, and an adjustment can easily and quickly be performed locally for all of the feeding devices per conveyer line. The adjusting does not require a lot of force to be exerted, and during such an adjustment operation the feeding 10 devices may remain fixedly connected to the conveyor line. Also it is now possible to each time adjust the system to local conditions present in a particular stable or to local environmental conditions that may vary per flock of birds or per feed delivery. Each of the outlets may have a simple form, and for example be formed substantially rectangular. Furthermore it is possible to provide each of the outlets at a same circumferential, in 15 particular downwardly directed, position along the conveyor line. The conveyor line may now be produced more economically, and it is up to the end-user to use it with the individually adjustable flow variation valves or, without, if no indexing is required or deemed necessary.

In a preferred embodiment each respective flow variation valve along a particular conveyor line has been individually adjusted into the same one of the adjusting positions.

20 The specific adjusting position for each of the valves has been selected in dependence of the length and the number of outlets of that particular conveyor line, and in dependence of the flow characteristics of the feed used. This can be done empirical, for example by the farmer visually checking if each of the feeding devices along the conveyor line is equally filled with feed, or prescribed by the manufacturer of the system and/or prescribed by the 25 distributor of the feed.

In a lot of stables more than one conveyor line is provided. These respective conveyor lines may have differing lengths and/or numbers of outlets. If for example the second conveyor line is longer and/or has more feeding devices attached thereto, the respective flow variation vaives aiong this second conveyor line are to be individually 30 adjusted into a more restricting adjusting position than those of the respective flow variation valves along the first conveyor line. The individually adjustable flow variation valves advantageously make this different setting per conveyor line possible.

In a particular embodiment for each flow variation valve at least five discrete adjusting positions are provided. With this minimum number it has appeared well possible to 35 properly perform an indexing operation for the average lengths of conveyor lines and/or number of feeding devices hanging thereon in a stable. In a variant the discrete adjusting positions may be formed by a sort of ratchet mechanism along which the valve can be -4- moved each time shifting between separate recesses or teeth of the ratchet. This has the advantage that it at the same time provides a suitable locking mechanism for the valve such that a once adjusted valve can not accidentally get out of its intended position. In an alternative embodiment the adjusting of each flow variation valve may also be stepless.

5 Preferably an indexation is provided for each flow variation valve, making it well visible for the user in which restriction position a particular valve is situated. This indexation may be provided on an outer surface of the feeding device or on the conveyor line alongside an outwardly extending part of the valve.

In a further embodiment a diverging passage is provided in each flow variation valve 10 with a shape diverging in the displacement direction of the valve. With this each respective flow variation valve is brought with its diverging passage to a bigger or lesser extent in line with its corresponding outlet in dependence of the length and the number of outlets of the conveyor line. The diverging shape of the passage has the advantage that it makes it easier to perform a fine tuning adjustment of the outflow opening left free between the outlet and 15 the passage.

In a still further embodiment each flow variation valve has a curved part having a radius of curvature complementary to the outer circumference of the conveyor line. Each flow variation valve in this case is then individually rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the conveyor line alongside the outlet provided therein. The rotational adjustability has the 20 advantage that a rotation provides for an enlarged adjusting distance. In this variant a diverging passage may be provided in the curved part also. Because of the large adjusting distance the passage advantageously may have a long-drawn-out diverging shape, for example with an irregular triangular shaped part, making it even easier to fine-tune the respective valve adjustments.

25 Further preferred embodiments are stated in the subclaims.

The invention also relates to a feeding device according to claims 13-14, and to a method for performing an indexing operation according to claim 15.

The invention shall be clarified in more detail below with reference to some 30 embodiments as shown in the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic view in perspective of part of a feed distribution system with indexing means;

Figure 2 shows the conveyor pipe of figure 1 in more detail;

Figure 3 shows a front view of one of the feeding devices in figure 1; 35 Figure 4 shows a cross section over the line IV-IV in figure 3;

Figure 5a-b show cross sections over the line V-V in figure 3 in a partly closed and fully open position of the valve; -5-

Figure 6 is a partial view according to figure 1 of a variant embodiment;

Figure 7 shows the valve of figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a bottom view of the assembly of conveyor pipe and valve of figure 6;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a further variant embodiment of the vaive; and 5 Figures 10a-b show bottom views of the assembly of conveyor pipe and valve of figure 9 in a fully open and partly closed position of the valve.

In figure 1 the entire feed distribution system has been given the reference numeral 1. The system 1 comprises a storage 2 for poultry feed. The storage 2 connects to a 10 conveyor pipe 3. At mutually spaced intervals feeding devices 4 are hung to the pipe 3.

Each device 4 comprises a dish-shaped dispensing pan 5, a feed drop tube 6, a connecting piece 7 and a flow variation valve 8 (see also figure 3 and 4).

At the mounting position of each device 4, the pipe 3 is provided with an outlet 10. Each of the outlets 10 is substantially rectangular and they are downwardly opening all in 15 the same (vertical) direction at the bottom side of the pipe 3 (see figure 2). Two outwardly projecting tabs 12 are provided at both sides of each outlet 10 (see also figure 2). Each connecting piece 7 grips around the pipe 3 and for this delimits a longitudinal recess for the pipe to extend through. The valves 8 are positioned adjustable in the connecting pieces 7. Each valve 8 comprises a curved part with substantially the same radius of curvature as the 20 pipe 3, and partly covers the outlet 10 relative to its drop tube 6 there beneath. The curved part has a flow passage 15 extending there through (see figure 5). The passage 15 has a shape diverging in the circumferential direction of the pipe 3, in this case a long-drawn-out triangular shape. The valve 8 is provided with a gripping organ 16 for manual operation. The gripping organ 16 here extends out of the center of a front wall of the connecting piece 7.

25 Each valve 8 is individually rotatable around the central axis of the pipe 3. With this the tabs 12 not only delimit the sideways position of each device 4, but at the same time function as circumferentially extending guide means for their valve 8 to rotate between. For each valve 8 at least three discrete rotational adjusting positions are provided, in the embodiment shown between 8-10 positions. An indexation 17 printed on the front wall of the connecting piece 7 30 clearly shows in which of these discrete positions the gripping organ 16 of a specific valve 8 is placed at a certain moment in time.

After having installed the system 1 in a stable, a farmer can easily and quickly adjust each valve 8 of each respective device 4 individually. The adjusting is done in such a way that, during each feeding cycle wherein feed is distributed from out of the storage 2 via the 35 pipe 3 towards the respective devices 4, the feed is evenly distributed over the devices 4.

For this the farmer places the valve 8 of all devices 4 in the same position with its diverging passage 15 in line with its corresponding outlet 10 (figure 5a) depending on the length and -6- the number of outlets per conveyer pipe 3. Also the farmer takes into account the feed used. Each type of feed, for example pallets, mesh or crumps, has its own specific flow characteristics. During use of the system 1 a farmer may switch towards another type of poultry food to be dispensed and fed to the birds. Inside the pipe 3 a rotatable screw 5 conveyor or other suitable transporting means may be provided for transporting feed out of the storage 2 via the pipe 3 towards the respective feeding devices 4.

Figure 6-8 show a variant in which similar elements have been given the same reference numerals. In this case a valve 8 comprises a curved part from which two opposed gripping organs 16 are extending. Each gripping organ 16 extends to a position sideways of 10 the connecting piece 7. This has the advantage that the valve 8 can be gripped from both sides of the device 4, and if necessary can be gripped with two hands at the same time. It can now clearly be seen that the tabs 12 function as sideways restrictions and as circumferential guiding elements for the valve 8. Since the valve 8 is sideways delimited with its gripping organs against side walls of the connecting piece 7, the tabs 12 indirectly also 15 function as sideways restrictions for the device 4. The connecting element 7 is made up out of two parts, of which only the lower part is shown in figure 6. Both parts can easily be disconnected from each other. After having removed the upper part, the lower part can freely be taken from the pipe 3 in the downward direction, after which the valve 8 can easily be taken out and if necessary replaced by another one, for example one with a differently 20 shaped passage. No special tools are required for this operation.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a valve 90 for a feeding system according to the invention having a curved part 91 comprising a diverging passage 92, two slits 93 and two gripping organs 94. The two slits 93 serve the purpose of gripping around corresponding tabs 95 extending outwardly from a conveyor pipe 96 (see figure 10) next to an outlet 97 25 provided therein. The slits 93 have the advantage that they not only guide the valve 90 but at the same time delimit the minimum and maximum rotation thereof.

Besides the embodiments shown numerous variant embodiments are possible. For example the valve need not be provided with a passage but can also be closed. Instead of the passage being shaped diverging or in addition thereto, the outlet may also be formed 30 with a diverging shape. Instead of the valve being adjustable in the rotational direction, it is also possible to use a slide valve, for example a valve which can slide in the longitudinal direction of the pipe or in a direction perpendicular thereto. The system with the individually adjustable flow variation valves according to the invention can be combined with the provision of separate shut-off valves. Instead of providing a restricted number of discrete 35 adjustment positions for each valve it is also possible to provide stepless adjustable valves. Instead of a conveyor pipe it is also possible to sue another type of conveyor line, for example an open gutter with a drag chain conveyor moveable therein. For specific types of -7- feed, for example with a certain grain size and/or flow characteristics, in combination with a certain number of feeding devices and/or length of conveyor pipe, it is possible to describe some preferential indexing positions for the farmer to adjust the respective valves in a row with a certain restriction level.

5 Thus a multifunctional feeding system is achieved with a simple and cost-effective integrated assembly of individually adjustable flow variation valves, which system is friendly to the animals and beneficial for the farmer.

Claims

A feed distribution system for feeding poultry, comprising: - a feed storage; - at least one transport line with a number of mutually spaced outlets; 5. a number of feeding devices, each comprising a dish-shaped dispensing pan and a feed tubing tube which opens above a central part of the pan; - transport means for transporting feed from the storage via the transport line to the respective feed devices, wherein the feed devices are connected to the transport line, each below one of the outlets; and wherein adjustable restriction means are provided for limiting the feed streams to the respective feeding devices, characterized in that the restriction means comprise an individually adjustable flow variation valve positioned between each outlet and downcomer, each flow variation valve having at least three adjustment positions with different restriction levels wherein each respective flow variation valve is individually adjusted to distribute the feed proportionally among the feeding devices. 20

2. Feed distribution system according to claim 1, wherein each respective flow variation valve along the same transport line is individually adjusted in the same of the set positions, which position is selected in dependence on the length and the number of outlets of the transport line in question and in dependence on flow characteristics of the feed used. .

3. Feed distribution system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an indexation with at least three positions is provided for each individual flow variation valve to provide an indication of the extent to which it limits its associated outlet.

A feed distribution system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a diverging passage is provided in each flow variation valve having a shape that diverges in the direction of movement of the valve, wherein each respective flow variation valve is brought into one of its setting positions with its diverging passage to a greater or lesser extent in line with its associated exhaust.

5. Feed distribution system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each flow variation valve has a curved part with a radius of curvature that is complementary to the outer circumference of the transport line, wherein each flow variation valve is individually rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the transport line along the outlet provided therein .

Feed distribution system according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the diverging passage 10 is provided in the curved part with a shape that diverges in the circumferential direction of the transport line.

7. Feed distribution system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein guide means extending in circumferential direction are provided for laterally limiting the flow variation valve in the longitudinal direction of the transport line.

A feed distribution system according to claim 7, wherein the guide means comprise lips which project outwards from the transport line.

A feed distribution system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flow variation valve is provided with a gripping member for manual displacement of the valve in the direction of displacement.

10. A feed distribution system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the outlets is substantially rectangular.

A feed distribution system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the outlets is provided at the same circumferential position along the transport line, in particular a downward facing position. 30

A feed distribution system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a second transport line is provided with a length and / or number of outlets that is greater than that of the first transport line, and wherein the respective flow variation valves along the first transport line are individually adjusted in one of the set positions with a lower restriction level than that of the respective flow variation valves along the second transport line. - 3. Feeding device for poultry, in particular for use in a feed distribution system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: - a dish-shaped delivery pan; 5. a drop tube that opens above the central part of the pan; - a connecting part which defines an elongate recess for connecting the downcomer to a conveyor line at the location of an outlet therein; and a valve which is adjustably mounted in the connecting part along said elongated recess, characterized in that a diverging passage is provided in the valve with a shape that diverges in the direction of movement of the valve.

14. Feeding device as claimed in claim 13, wherein each valve has a curved part with a radius of curvature that is complementary to the outer circumference of the conveyor line to which the device is to be connected, wherein each valve is rotatable around its central axis, wherein the diverging passage is provided is in the curved portion with a shape that diverges in the direction of rotation of the valve.

Method for performing an indexing operation for controlling the distribution of feed over a number of feed devices of a feed distribution system for poultry according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps of: - providing a feed storage; - connecting a number of feeding devices to a transport line, each at the location of an outlet provided therein; - providing individually adjustable flow variation valves between each outlet and downcomer of the feeding device; - connecting the transport line with the feed storage; - setting each flow variation valve to a specific setting position in which it limits the feed flow, depending on the length of the transport line and the number of outlets therein and depending on the flow characteristics of the feed used. 2001841 "*