WO2005077152A1 - Hydroponic stock fodder system - Google Patents
Hydroponic stock fodder system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005077152A1 WO2005077152A1 PCT/AU2005/000172 AU2005000172W WO2005077152A1 WO 2005077152 A1 WO2005077152 A1 WO 2005077152A1 AU 2005000172 W AU2005000172 W AU 2005000172W WO 2005077152 A1 WO2005077152 A1 WO 2005077152A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fodder
- rack
- stock
- racks
- hydroponic
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
- A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
- A01G31/06—Hydroponic culture on racks or in stacked containers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
- A01G9/06—Devices for cleaning flower-pots
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
- Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a hydroponic stock fodder system.
- hydroponic techniques are very water efficient.
- a capital investment in hydroponic technology can potentially drought-proof a farm and/or free up limited water resources for other uses.
- uptake of the technology to date has been poor.
- Known hydroponic stock fodder systems are, generally speaking, very labour intensive. These known systems essentially consist of trays on fixed racks, and require manual delivery of input grain to the trays, location of the trays in the racks, removal of the trays from the racks for harvesting/distribution of output fodder, and manual cleaning of the trays prior to further use. Other known systems attempt to automate the process with the use of motors, conveyers, etc. However, these systems are generally far too complex and costly, particularly for small scale operations, e.g. dairy farms.
- the present invention aims to provide a hydroponic fodder system which is significantly more labour efficient than known manual systems, but without becoming complex to the point where it becomes prohibitively expensive or complex.
- FIG 1 is a perspective view of the frame
- FIG 2 is a perspective view of the frame and liquid delivery conduit
- FIG 3 is a perspective view of the frame, liquid delivery conduit and rack release mechanism
- FIG 4 is a perspective view of the frame, liquid delivery conduit, rack release mechanism and racks;
- FIG 5 is the view of FIG 4 with the rack release mechanism partially actuated to release three of the six racks;
- FIG 6 is a series of schematic views demonstrating the sequential release of the racks from bottom to top by the rack release mechanism
- FIG 7 is the view of FIG 4 with the rack release mechanisms fully actuated to release all racks
- FIG 8 is a perspective view of the racks of the stock fodder system being filled with grain
- FIG 9 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG 5 with the rack release mechanism partially actuated to release the fodder-loaded racks;
- FIG 10 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG 7 with the fully released racks being cleaned; and FIG 1 1 is a perspective view of a row of frames illustrating the nine day growing and harvest cycle of the stock fodder system.
- FIG 1 there is illustrated in perspective view a bare frame 10 which is constructed predominantly of welded rectangular hollow section steel sections.
- the frame includes six feet 12 which are adapted to be fixed to the floor of the controlled-environment shed.
- the frame also includes three medial support posts 14 which support the inboard ends of the racks (not illustrated in FIG 1), and six lateral support posts 16 which support the outboard ends of the racks via a rack release mechanism (not illustrated in FIG 1).
- FIG 2 the liquid delivery conduit 18 which delivers water and nutrients to the fodder system has been added to the bare frame of FIG 1. It will be noted that the nutrient delivery conduit branches down to individual dripper/sprayer outlets which feed the individual racks.
- each rack release mechanism consists of a pair of vertical members pivotably mounted at their upper ends to the outboard support posts 16, A horizontal bar 22 extends between the lower ends of the pivoting vertical members.
- the inboard edges of each of the vertical members is serrated to define a plurality (in the illustrated embodiment, six) concavities 24 which are each adapted to support one end of the outboard edge of a rack, This will be further described shortly with reference to FIG 6.
- FIG 4 the racks 26 have been added and the stock fodder system is complete.
- Each rack 26 is supported at its inboard edge by a pair of spaced medial support posts 14, and each rack is supported at its outboard edge by the concavities 24 in the spaced vertical members of the associated rack release mechanism.
- rack release mechanism for each bank of six racks.
- the number of racks in a bank, and the number of banks is arbitrary, and the system can be scaled up or down as desired.
- the operation of the rack release mechanism can be observed.
- the operator first releases a safely pin (not illustrated) and thereafter pulls the bar 22 in the outboard direction.
- the rack release mechanism pivots outwardly, the racks are sequentially released from the serrations of the vertical members and are allowed to fall to a substantially vertical position as demonstrated in FIG 5 by the lowermost three racks.
- FIG 6 it will be noted that one rack is released for approximately every 2 degrees of movement of the rack release mechanism, although the required arc of rotation for release is inversely proportional to the distance between the serration and the pivot point and accordingly more than 2 degrees of pivoting is required to release the top racks.
- FIG 7 illustrates the fully released rack after the rack release mechanism has been fully actuated and then allowed to return to its default position under the influence of gravity. As can be seen, all six racks are in the substantially vertical released orientation and any block of fodder thereon is allowed to fall downwardly from the rack under the effects of gravity.
- the reverse process occurs for raising shelves to the original horizontal position.
- a lifting rod is used by the operator to raise the top rack to horizontal and the control bar is moved inwards by the operator to secure the top rack back in position.
- the process is repeated for each level.
- the design which allows sequential release for "drop down” has the reverse effect in raising racks as it allows for sequential locking back in of each level as it is raised without releasing those above it.
- the rack release mechanism could be translated in the outboard direction so that all rack release simultaneously.
- the racks could be joined together by a mechanical linkage so that the all move in concert. This will facilitate re-setting of the racks in the raised position.
- FIG 8 there is illustrated the filling of the racks with grain with the assistance of a self-propelled, mobile seed bin incorporating a stepped-up work deck and height-adjustable dispensing nozzle designed to dispense seed to the growing trays.
- Seed is vacuum delivered to the dispensing nozzle which is designed to deliver, dispense and level the seed into the rack in a single "rear to front" movement.
- an auger mechanism could be employed.
- the rack design incorporates edge platforms or ridges and a central divider which combine to provide both the level and directional guide for the dispensing process.
- the dividing compartment in each rack also assists end digestibility of the fodder by enabling it to be easily broken down by stock into smaller parts (root mats being separated by the dividers).
- the mobile grain delivery unit significantly reduces manual handling and time involved in seed delivery and rack filling.
- the unit enables the seed to be transported in bulk to the racks and mechanically dispensed in the correct amount.
- FIG 9 there is illustrated the harvesting of the fodder from the system, which typically occurs nine days after the seed is introduced.
- actuation of the rack release mechanism causes the fodder blocks to fall, under the effect of gravity, to a trolley which is parked under the racks.
- a conveyor could pass beneath the frame.
- the trays containing the fodder are lifted by hand from the fixed racks and transported from the controlled-environment shed to the feed lot, This involves the individual handling of each tray and fodder mat and commonly involves multiple trips back and forth between the production zone and the feed area. In the feed area the fodder mats are generally removed from the transport vehicle and placed onto the ground - which may result in wastage due to trampling - or into a dedicated feed trough. Either way, another step of handling is required.
- the introduction of trolleys which are designed to fit under the racking system reduces the manual effort involved in both harvesting and distributing fodder.
- the "drop-down" racks allow the fodder to fall into the collection trolleys, which are then towed directly to the feed area where they then temporarily form the "feed bins" for the stock.
- the fodder is not placed on the ground, nor is there any extra handling step in placing the fodder blocks into a dedicated feed trough.
- the trolleys are designed with "fenced” sides to capture grass mats as they fall from the growing shelves. They are designed to fit under the rack and shelf system.
- the trolleys can be coupled together to form a "train" of one or more units.
- Each trolley features removable fences and a full surround base which is 250mm deep. These two features enable the trolley to be left in any location, fences removed, and stock allowed to graze from it as a mobile feed bin.
- the 250mm raised sides around the base prevent losses of fodder at the bottom of the stack as stock work their way through the fodder allocation.
- FIG 10 there is illustrated the cleaning of the rack after the fodder has been harvested.
- Most systems have a process to protect against mould and fungus which is encouraged by the accelerated growth of the grass in a warm humid environment. This generally involves washing the trays in a solution between each use.
- FIG 1 1 there is illustrated the entire hydroponic growing system operating on a nine day cycle. It will be understood that the nine rack assemblies are, in use, housed within a controlled environment shed. As can be seen, the “Day 1 " racks are being filled with seed by the mobile seed delivery apparatus, whilst the “Day 9" racks are being harvested and cleaned. Days 2-8 contain seed/fodder at incremental levels of maturity.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2005213171A AU2005213171A1 (en) | 2004-02-12 | 2005-02-11 | Hydroponic stock fodder system |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2004900694A AU2004900694A0 (en) | 2004-02-12 | Hydroponic stock fodder system | |
AU2004900694 | 2004-02-13 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2005077152A1 true WO2005077152A1 (en) | 2005-08-25 |
Family
ID=34842342
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/AU2005/000172 WO2005077152A1 (en) | 2004-02-12 | 2005-02-11 | Hydroponic stock fodder system |
Country Status (1)
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WO (1) | WO2005077152A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2488268C2 (en) * | 2011-04-05 | 2013-07-27 | Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Башкирский государственный университет" (ГОУ ВПО БашГУ) | Method and device to grow hydroponic fodder and feed it to poultry |
US20150000194A1 (en) * | 2013-06-27 | 2015-01-01 | Luke A. Meerman | Hydroponic fodder growing system |
KR20160024424A (en) * | 2014-08-25 | 2016-03-07 | 장병섭 | Assembly type structure for plant cultivating system |
US9426949B1 (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2016-08-30 | David A. Epstein | Systems and apparatus for extracting and delivering nutrients from biomass for plant growth |
CN110547145A (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-10 | J·A·J·莱曼 | Device for growing mushrooms |
NL2021053B1 (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-11 | Alexander Jozef Lemmen Jacobus | Device for growing mushrooms |
EP3607818A1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-02-12 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
NL2022703B1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2020-09-17 | Alexander Jozef Lemmen Jacobus | Device for growing mushrooms |
US11363765B2 (en) * | 2019-12-04 | 2022-06-21 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device with coupled beds for growing mushrooms |
RU2795157C2 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2023-04-28 | Якобус Александер Йозеф ЛЕММЕН | Device for growing mushrooms |
Citations (4)
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SU704546A1 (en) * | 1978-06-14 | 1979-12-25 | Опытное проектно-конструкторско-технологическое бюро Сибирского научно- исследовательского и проектно-технологического института животноводства | Arrangement for hydroponic cultivation of plants |
SU808048A1 (en) * | 1974-02-15 | 1981-02-28 | Belokrys Boris P | Multirow rack |
SU1358854A1 (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1987-12-15 | И. П. Бубнов, В. Н. Иванов и Ю. А. Лобусов | Installation for growing plants |
EP1358792A2 (en) * | 2002-05-03 | 2003-11-05 | SCHAKO Klima Luft Ferdinand Schad KG | Arrangement or racks for cultivating plants |
-
2005
- 2005-02-11 WO PCT/AU2005/000172 patent/WO2005077152A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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SU808048A1 (en) * | 1974-02-15 | 1981-02-28 | Belokrys Boris P | Multirow rack |
SU704546A1 (en) * | 1978-06-14 | 1979-12-25 | Опытное проектно-конструкторско-технологическое бюро Сибирского научно- исследовательского и проектно-технологического института животноводства | Arrangement for hydroponic cultivation of plants |
SU1358854A1 (en) * | 1985-12-16 | 1987-12-15 | И. П. Бубнов, В. Н. Иванов и Ю. А. Лобусов | Installation for growing plants |
EP1358792A2 (en) * | 2002-05-03 | 2003-11-05 | SCHAKO Klima Luft Ferdinand Schad KG | Arrangement or racks for cultivating plants |
Non-Patent Citations (3)
Title |
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DATABASE WPI Week 197932, Derwent World Patents Index; AN 1979G9148C * |
DATABASE WPI Week 198148, Derwent World Patents Index; AN 1981M3682D * |
DATABASE WPI Week 198827, Derwent World Patents Index; AN 1988-189085 * |
Cited By (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2488268C2 (en) * | 2011-04-05 | 2013-07-27 | Государственное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Башкирский государственный университет" (ГОУ ВПО БашГУ) | Method and device to grow hydroponic fodder and feed it to poultry |
US9426949B1 (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2016-08-30 | David A. Epstein | Systems and apparatus for extracting and delivering nutrients from biomass for plant growth |
US20150000194A1 (en) * | 2013-06-27 | 2015-01-01 | Luke A. Meerman | Hydroponic fodder growing system |
KR20160024424A (en) * | 2014-08-25 | 2016-03-07 | 장병섭 | Assembly type structure for plant cultivating system |
KR101649337B1 (en) * | 2014-08-25 | 2016-08-18 | 장병섭 | Assembly type structure for plant cultivating system |
NL2021053B1 (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-11 | Alexander Jozef Lemmen Jacobus | Device for growing mushrooms |
EP3794938A1 (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2021-03-24 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
EP3578037A1 (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-11 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
US11523568B2 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2022-12-13 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
CN110547145B (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2022-08-23 | J·A·J·莱曼 | Device for growing mushrooms |
CN110547145A (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2019-12-10 | J·A·J·莱曼 | Device for growing mushrooms |
US11337383B2 (en) | 2018-06-04 | 2022-05-24 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
AU2019203890B2 (en) * | 2018-06-04 | 2021-02-04 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
CN110810134A (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-02-21 | J·A·J·莱曼 | Device for growing mushrooms |
EP3892090A1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2021-10-13 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
US11212971B2 (en) | 2018-08-10 | 2022-01-04 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
NL2021456B1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-02-20 | Alexander Jozef Lemmen Jacobus | Device for growing mushrooms |
CN110810134B (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2022-11-22 | J·A·J·莱曼 | Device for growing mushrooms |
EP3607818A1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-02-12 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
RU2795157C2 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2023-04-28 | Якобус Александер Йозеф ЛЕММЕН | Device for growing mushrooms |
AU2019216597B2 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2023-09-28 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device for growing mushrooms |
NL2022703B1 (en) * | 2019-03-08 | 2020-09-17 | Alexander Jozef Lemmen Jacobus | Device for growing mushrooms |
US11363765B2 (en) * | 2019-12-04 | 2022-06-21 | Jacobus Alexander Jozef Lemmen | Device with coupled beds for growing mushrooms |
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