WO2018027049A1

WO2018027049A1 - Portable feed platforms, systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2018027049A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/045326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles SCHOFIELD
Original assignee: Schofield Charles
Priority date: 2016-08-03
Filing date: 2017-08-03
Publication date: 2018-02-08

Abstract

Various examples are provided for fodder or forage growth and provision. Systems and methods for providing fodder or forage to livestock in need of feeding in disaster or emergency situations are disclosed. A portable feed system can include a trailer, which can comprise a portable container, configured for pulling by a semi-tractor, wherein the trailer can include a plurality of removable growth units. The modular growth units can be configured to incorporate a plurality of growth trays suitable for growing fodder or forage therein. The portable feed system can be self-contained wherein an off-grid power system is included therewith. The off-grid power source can be configured to provide power to an illumination system, a water distribution system and a climate control system. The trailer 103 can also include a water distribution system that includes an on-board water tank.

Description

PORTABLE FEED PLATFORMS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S. provisional application entitled "Emergency Fodder Systems and Methods" having serial no. 62/370,596, filed August 3, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure provides examples of portable platforms, systems and methods for providing fodder or forage to livestock in need of feeding in disaster or other types of emergency situations.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Many agricultural operations (e.g., farms, ranches etc.) are vulnerable to natural disasters and require special consideration in the protection against disasters. In particular, when a disaster hits, such as a fire or a flood, hay and other stores of livestock feed may be destroyed or otherwise rendered inedible. Livestock (e.g., cattle, horses, dairy cows, chickens, pigs etc.) may be stranded without suitable feedstock supplies. While hay and grain can be trucked in to feed livestock, is can be problematic to bring in enough hay to provide adequate nutrition to livestock, especially where roads may be difficult to traverse. Moreover, hay is exceedingly bulky and only about 30% digestible by livestock, thus requiring a large amount of hay to be trucked in to provide livestock with adequate feedstocks.

[0004] In recent years, fodder has been increasingly recognized for its significant nutritional value over more conventional livestock feedstocks. When compared to unsprouted grains (which can serve as a primary feedstock for poultry and hogs), sprouted grains have a significantly greater nutritional value. Fodder also contains a high amount of moisture— an average among the various grain types of greater than about 75%. This means that watering may be greatly reduced or eliminated when fodder is fed to livestock. Any reduction in the need to truck in water in disaster situations would be beneficial to farmers and ranchers in those locations. Fodder can be used as a full-feed option for poultry and hogs: for ruminants and horses, fodder can operate as the majority feed, with roughage served as a supplementary foodstuff. As such, in disaster situations, availability of fodder can be highly beneficial. [0005] Notwithstanding the benefits of fodder in the feeding of livestock, to suitably grow and harvest this foodstuff, the right conditions are required. As such, fodder growing systems are typically established as part of a livestock feeding program whereby permanent fodder growing systems are built and maintained in an agricultural operation. Fodder cannot readily be harvested and trucked to a disaster location because, among other things, the sprouts have a short sheif-iife, require a narrow window of temperatures and continuous moisturizing to remain fresh, and are heavy. This means that fodder is not generally available for use to feed livestock in disaster situations.

[0006] There remains a need for a system that improves the ability to provide fodder to livestock in disaster situations. The present disclosure provides these and other benefits.

SUMMARY

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure are related to portable feed platforms, systems and methods for providing fodder or forage to livestock in need of feeding in emergency or disaster situations. In one aspect, a system for growing fodder or forage comprises a trailer configured for pulling or hauling by a semi-tractor or other suitable vehicle. The trailer can comprise a plurality of removable growth units, where the growth units can be configured to incorporate a plurality of growth trays suitable for growing fodder or forage therein. The portable feed system can be substantially self-contained whereby an off-grid power system included therewith can supply system power. The off-grid power source can be configured to provide power to an illumination system, a water distribution system and climate control system. The trailer can also include a water distribution system that includes an on-board water tank. The disclosure further provides fodder or forage growth units and growth trays configured for use in a portable feed system. Methods of growing fodder or forage are also included herein.

[0008] In one aspect, among others, a system for growing forage comprises a transportable trailer having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, wherein the transportable trailer comprises: an illumination system, a water distribution system and a climate control system; an off-grid power system configured to generate energy sufficient to power at least the illumination system, the water distribution system, and the climate control system; and a plurality of modular growth units each, independently, comprising a plurality of growth trays configurable to grow forage from seed material, wherein the plurality of modular growth units are each, independently, removable from the transportable trailer from either one or both of the first side or the second side of the transportable trailer thereby allowing the forage grown from the seed material situated on the frays to be distributed to animals in need of feeding, wherein the growth trays are each, independently, provided with water from a water source line configured to provide suitable moisture to that growth tray to grow the forage from the seed material. In various aspects, the water source line can provide the water to the growth tray at a first side and excess water can be removed from the growth tray at a second side opposite the first side. The growth tray can be tilted from the first side to the second side at an angle of decline. The water source line can comprise a plurality of discharge heads distributed across the first side of the growth tray. The plurality of discharge heads can drip or spray the water into the growth tray.

[0009] In one or more aspects, the plurality of modular growth units can be configured to adjust the angle of decline of the plurality of growth trays. The angle of decline can be adjusted within a range from about 1 % to about 3%. In various aspects, the plurality of modular growth trays can comprise a drain trough extending across the second end of each growth tray. The plurality of modular growth units can comprise a drain line configured to engage with the drain trough on the second end of each of the plurality of growth trays. Each of the plurality of modular growth units can comprise a water supply line coupled to a plurality of water source lines, where each of the plurality of water source lines extend across a first end of one of the plurality of growth trays, in some aspects, the illumination system can comprise an illumination source mounted in a vertical arrangement in the plurality of modular growth units. The illumination source can comprise a light emitting diode (LED) grow light. The illumination system can comprise illumination sources mounted in the transportable trailer adjacent to each of the plurality of modular growth units.

[0010] In one or more aspects, the climate control system can be configured to control an internal temperature within the transportable frailer. The internal temperature can be maintained within a range from about 18 degrees C to about 28 degrees C. The climate control system can be further configured to control a humidity level within the transportable trailer. The humidity level can be maintained within a range from about 40% to about 60%. In various aspects, the off-grid power system can comprise one or more renewable energy sources. The one of more renewable energy sources can comprise a solar panel array, a wind generator, or both. The one or more renewable energy source can be configured to retract against the transportable trailer. In some aspects, the off-grid power system can further comprise a fuel supplied power source. The fuel supplied power source can automatically start generating power in response to load demand exceeding power available from the one or more renewable energy sources of the off-grid power system.

[0011] Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed technology. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. In addition, all optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments are usable in all aspects of the disclosure taught herein. Furthermore, the individual features of the dependent claims, as well as all optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments are combinable and interchangeable with one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0013] FIGS. 1 -3 are perspective views of an example of a portable feed system, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIGS. 4-7 are close-up views of the portable feed system of FIGS. 1 -3, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 8-12 include various views illustrating features of the portable feed system of FIGS. 1 -3 and its growth units in use, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIGS. 13 and 14 are perspective views of an example of a growth unit of the portable feed system of FIGS. 1 -12 including growth trays, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the frame of the growth unit of FIGS. 13 and 14 with the growth trays removed, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 16 is a top view of a growth unit of FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrating features of a single growth tray, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an example of a distribution system configured to supply water to individual growth trays installed in the growth units of FIGS. 13 and 14, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 19 illustrates an example of a drainage system configured to remove excess water from individual growth trays installed in the growth units of FIGS. 13 and 14, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 20 is an image of a growth unit including forage in various stages of growth, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. [0022] FIGS. 21A-21 C are images of a container of a portable feed system comprising one or more growth units, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Disclosed herein are various examples related to portable feed platforms, systems and methods, which can be used to provide fodder or forage to livestock in need of feeding in emergency or disaster situations. Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicate like parts throughout the several views. The drawings are intended to illustrate the various features of the present disclosure. While several implementations may be described in connection with the drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the implementations disclosed herein. To the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0024] The term "substantially" is meant to permit deviations from the descriptive term that do not negatively impact the intended purpose. All descriptive terms used herein are implicitly understood to be modified by the word "substantially," even if the descriptive term is not explicitly modified by the word "substantially."

[0025] "Fodder" or "forage" is any agricultural foodstuff used specifically to feed domesticated livestock, such as chickens, horses, pigs, cattle, sheep, goats etc. The term refers to food given to animals, rather than the food they obtain for themselves.

[0026] Attempts have been made to make fodder growing systems portable. In US Patent No. 8,234,812, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety, a container configured for a portable fodder growing system is disclosed. In the '812 patent, fodder growth trays are placed in the rear of the container and moved forward as the sprouts are grown. During the growing period, the fodder growth trays are "urged" forward, with additional growth trays with sprouts at an earlier growing stage following behind. When ready for harvest, the fodder is removed from the front of the trailer. Notably, only the fodder at the front of the trailer will be ready for harvesting. If an agricultural operation requires more fodder than present on the fodder growth trays in the front of the trailer, a second trailer will have to be dispatched to the operation. Moreover, the fodder growing system of the '812 patent appears to be a shipping container, which limits the portability of the container between multiple locations. Thus, it appears that the system of the '812 patent is "portable," because it can be fabricated and then transported to a location for use in place. This is bolstered by the disclosure in the '812 patent that the fodder production system therein is configured for "connecting with a municipal water source 16, such as a municipal water supply, well, or water tank, and a power source 16, such as a utility electrical service." As such, the system therein is not suitable for use in disaster systems where portability among locations flexibility in fodder production is needed.

[0027] In one aspect, the present disclosure presents a system for growing fodder or fodder comprising a trailer. The trailer has a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side. In notable aspects, the trailer comprises an off-grid power source configured to generate energy sufficient to power equipment needed to grow the fodder or forage substantially without connection to an exterior power source for one, two, three or more days. Still further, the trailer comprises an off-grid power source configured to generate energy sufficient to grow fodder or forage from a seed state to a state where the fodder or forage can be harvested and fed to livestock in need of feeding. Such equipment needed to grow fodder or forage in accordance with the systems and methods herein can include an illumination source and a water pumping or supply system. The equipment can also include a heating and cooling system, that is, a dimate control system. The portable feed system of the present disclosure also includes a plurality of modular growth units that each, independently, comprise a plurality of hydroponic growth trays. In this regard, the growth trays are configurable to enable fodder or forage to be grown from seed material thereon. The growth units are each, independently, removable from the trailer from either or both of the first or the second sides of the trailer thereby allowing fodder or forage grown on the trays to be distributed to animals in need of feeding on an as-needed basis.

[0028] In significant aspects, the portable feed systems of the present disclosure are highly customizable to address the fodder needs that may occurring during a variety of emergency or other situations. In this regard, the portable feed system is readily

transportable to locations where the livestock is in need of feeding. The portable feed system can also be utilized to provide foodstuffs under non-emergency conditions such as, e.g., to supplement normal feeding operations. Moreover, the portable feed system is substantially self-contained. In this regard, the portable feed system of the present disclosure can incorporate on board water, climate control, light and power to allow fodder or forage to be grown and harvested substantially without the need for external water and power sources (other than the need for fuel to power the vehicle pulling the trailer). The substantially self- contained features of the systems are discussed elsewhere herein.

[0029] In accordance with the systems and methods of the present disclosure, fodder or forage can be started, grown and harvested substantially on-board of the trailer while in- route or on-location of an emergency situation. The fodder or forage can also be readily moved around to various locations as needed. The portable feed system of the present disclosure allows the amount of fodder or forage generated to be modified in accordance to the needs of the specific situation. In this regard, all or only part of the growth trays can be utilized to grow and/or allow harvesting of fodder or forage. This aspect of the present disclosure is discussed in more detail herein.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 1 -12, shown are various views of an example of a portable feed system 100. The portable feed system 100 can comprise at least one trailer 103 including a portable feed platform that incorporates a plurality of growth units 106 therein. Each growth unit 106 can be configured to incorporate a plurality of growth trays 109 stacked thereon. The growth units 106 can each be, independently, removable from the trailer 103, such as with a forklift or other appropriate lifting apparatus. The growth units 106 can also be removable by hand, if desired.

[0031] FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of the portable feed system 100, including a cutaway at the bottom of one side of the trailer 103 illustrating the location of the growth units 106 in the trailer 103. As shown in FIG. 3, the trailer 103 can comprise sections or bins that each receive a growth unit 106. In the example of FIGS. 1 -3, the section or bin at the front of the trailer 103 is empty, while the remaining six sections or bins have growth units 106 loaded. The trailer 103 can include doors (not shown) on one or both sides to allow access to the sections or bins. For example, the doors can be sectional doors that roll-up in the trailer 103 (or roll-up doors) and/or hinged doors that open outward from the side of the trailer 103.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a storage compartment can be provided at one end of the trailer 103 for storing seed material for use in the growth units 106. One or more seed containers 1 12 can be stored in the storage compartment until needed for seeding of the growth units 106. Access to the storage compartment can be provided by roll-up or hinged doors (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 2, a climate control system 1 15 can be included to control the environmental conditions inside the trailer 103 to facilitate growth of the fodder or forage. FIGS. 4-6 are enlarged views of the cutaway sections showing the empty section or bin at one end of the trailer 103 and the bottoms of growth units 106 in the other sections. In addition, storage for a power source 1 18 (e.g. , a generator and/or batteries) and water supply 121 can be provided, e.g., under the trailer 103.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the water supply 121 can include a water tank 124 and a pump 127 for distribution of the water. The pump 127 can be mounted at one end of the water supply 121 , and can be coupled between the water tank 124 and distribution piping for supply of water to the growing units 106 as will be described. The power source 1 18 can be integrated with other renewable energy sources to supply the energy needs of the portable feed system 100. The trailer 103 can include renewable energy sources such as, e.g. , a solar power array 130, which can be mounted on the top of the trailer 103 as shown in FIG. 5, or a wind generator supported over the trailer 103. In some implementations, the solar power array 130 can comprise solar panels that are mounted on support structures that allow the solar panels to be tilted and/or rotated to improve or maximize the solar energy conversion when installed in the field. One or more wind generators (not shown) can also be mounted to the top of the trailer 103 using a support structure. For example, the solar panels and/or wind generators can be mounted on supports that are attached to the trailer 103 and can be pivoted upright and secured in position for operation. Controls for coordinating power distribution from the power source 1 18 and/or renewable energy sources can be housed in storage under the trailer 103, or other appropriate location.

[0034] The growth units can be configured so that each, independently, is slidably engaged with each growth unit holding apparatus, as shown in, for example, in FIGS. 9-12. While the height between the growth trays 109 (and, thus, the growth units 106) can vary, the height of the trailer demonstrates a maximum height for the growth units 106 and the height needed for the growth of the sprouts and the attendant equipment needed within and above each tray will affect the number of growth trays 109 that can be placed in each. For example, FIG. 9 shows the growth units 106 partially extending out from the side of the trailer 103. The height of the growth units 106 is limited to the height of the trailer 103 and any clearance needed for insertion and removal of the growth units 106. With this in mind, and the spacing needed for effective fodder or forage growth, then number of growth trays 109 can be determined.

[0035] The growth units 106 can be configured to hold a plurality of growth trays 109, for example, about 6 or about 8 or about 9 or about 10 or about 1 1 or about 12 or about 13 or about 14 or about 15. As would be recognized, space will be at a premium in each growth unit 106 and in the trailer 103 overall, thus it is beneficial for the growth trays 109 to be closely configured to an adjoining growth tray 109 in each respective growth unit 106. In some aspects, the growth trays 109 are about 5 to about 9 inches away from each other. Yet further, the growth trays 109 can be about 7 to about 8 inches away from each other. As would be recognized, the farther apart the growth trays 109 are from each other, the fewer overall growth trays 109 can be incorporated in a growth unit 106. Thus, it is beneficial to provide the least amount of height between growth trays 109 that will still provide sufficient space for effective growth of the fodder or forage from seed.

[0036] As illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the growth units 106 can be installed or removed from the trailer 103 using, e.g. , a forklift. The frame of the growth units 106 can be configured to allow the forks of the forklift to engage channels or grooves on the bottom of the growth unit 106. The sections or bins of the trailer 103 can be configured to facilitate alignment of the growth units 106 when inserted into the section or bin. For example, guide rails can be provided that ensure the growth unit 106 is properly positioned in the section or bin. A docking mechanisms 133 can also be included in the sections or bins of the trailer 103, as shown in FIG. 1 1 . The docking mechanism 133 can be located at the backside of the section or bin, and can be configured to latch onto the frame of the growth unit 106 when it is substantially inserted into the section or bin. The docking mechanism 133 can then fully draw the growth unit 106 into the trailer 103 and lock it in position within the section or bin. The docking mechanism 133 can also be configured to push the growth unit 106 partially out of the trailer 103 to assist in removal of the growth unit 106.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, shown are front and back perspective views of an example of an assembled growth unit 106, which includes a plurality of growth trays 109. The growth unit 106 comprises a frame 136 that provides the structural support for the growth trays 109, as well as other features of the growth units 106. FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the growth unit frame 136 without the growth trays 109 installed. In some aspects, the frame 136 of the growth units 106 can be configured to incorporate slots, slides or engagements 139 to securely keep the growth trays 109 in place during use. Such slidable engagement 139 can also include a securing feature, like a clip or a lock, to ensure that the growth trays 109 do not slide or otherwise become disengaged during transport of the trailer 103 (FIGS. 1 -12) to a location where animals may be in need of feeding in a disaster situation, etc. The frame 136 can also include channels 142 (or grooves) configured to receive the forks of a forklift for installation and removal of the growth unit 106. Also shown in FIG. 14 is an example of the docking mechanism 133. The frame of the growth unit 106 engages with the docking mechanism 133 as it is inserted into the trailer 103. After engagement, the docking mechanism 133 can pull the growth unit 106 fully into the trailer 103 and locks the unit in place.

[0038] FIG. 16 is a top view of the growth unit 106 including a growth tray 109. Each growth tray 109 has a raised section (or lip) 145 from the bottom surface of the tray 109. The lip 145 can comprise a raised metal portion that is about 0.25 inch to about 0.50 inch to about 1 inch above the flat top (or horizontal upper) surface of the tray 109, and the lip 145 can be located around the perimeter of each tray 109. This lip 145 allows the seed to remain contained in the growth tray 109. In particular, the height of the lip 145 can be configured to substantially prevent seed from exiting the tray when water is circulated therein. Removal of the fodder or forage from the growth trays 109 at harvest can be facilitated when the growth trays 109 include such lipping.

[0039] Each growth tray 109 can be configured, that is sized, to hold from about 30 pounds to about 60 pounds of seed. In some aspects, each growth tray 109 is from about 48 inches to about 84 inches long and about 36 inches to about 72 inches deep. The exact length and depth will depend largely on the size of the trailer 103 and the number of modular growth units 106, and corresponding growth trays 109, configured therein. As such, the size of the growth trays 109 and their corresponding growth units 106 can vary without modifying the innovative aspects of the disclosure. [0040] The growth units 106 can be made of stainless steel or other appropriate corrosion resistant materials, so as to provide the structural support necessary to hold multiple growth trays 109 full of wet seed. The growth trays 109 can also be made of stainless steel or other appropriate corrosion resistant materials. For example, the growth trays 109 can be made of or can comprise suitably strong and durable plastic material.

[0041] In some aspects, the growth tray 109 can comprise a flat, unsegmented upper horizontal surface as seen in FIGS. 13 and 14. In other aspects, the growth trays 109 can be configured with one or more sections provided by scoring or otherwise segmenting of the top surface of the growth tray 109. Such scoring or segmenting can allow the seeds to be retained within the section of the tray, and also to allow the sprouts to retain this sectioning so as to allow fodder or forage "biscuits" to be readily removed from the growth trays 109 for feeding to livestock. For example, the growth trays 109 can comprise inner dividers that extend between the raised lips 145 around the perimeter of the tray. The growth trays 109 can be separated into halves, quarters, or other appropriate segments.

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 16-19, a trailer water supply system of the portable feed system 100 can comprise a plurality of water supply lines 148 (e.g. , hoses, tubes or pipes) to provide water to each growth tray 109. For example, water source lines 151 , which is coupled to a water supply line 148 as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, can extend across a back side of the growth unit 106 to supply water to individual growth trays 109, or piped to various moving nozzles above each growth tray 109. The water source line 148 can include a plurality of discharge heads (e.g. , spray or drip) 154 that are configured to distribute supplied water across the width of the growth tray 109. When the water source line 151 of the trailer supply system is configured to supply water from a back side of the growth tray 109, as illustrated in FIG. 16, removal of each growth tray 109 can be simplified because the water source lines 151 are not in the way of tray removal.

[0043] In use, the trailer water supply system is engaged with the water supply 121 (FIG. 7) that can either be integrated into or external to the trailer 103. For example, a user's water source (e.g. , well, city or county water supply) or an external water tank can be connected to the trailer water supply system to substitute or supplement the water supply 121 . Valves can be integrated throughout the trailer water supply system to allow for isolation of a water supply line 148 for a growth unit 106 or individual water source lines 151 supplying growth trays 109. At various times during the fodder or forage growth and delivery regime, the water supply 121 can be changed from external to integral water supplies, or back again. The water supply system is configured to circulate about 4 to 10 gallons of water onto each growth tray 109 per hour as discussed in more detail below. The amount of water circulated in a growth tray 109 should be enough to provide suitable moisturizing of the seed distributed in the growth tray 109 without causing the seed to "float away" or otherwise be flooded. Segmented growth trays 109 are configured to allow the water to flow between the sections.

[0044] A trailer drainage system can be used to collect any excess water supplied to the growth trays 109. The trailer drainage system for each growth tray 109, independently, and the plurality of trays in a growth unit 106, collectively, can be configured to allow the water drained from the growth trays 109 to be recirculated in accordance with the self-contained aspects of the portable feed system 100. In some aspects, the growth trays 109 are flat and are drainable from a front side thereon. Drainage at the front of the growth tray 109 can facilitate configuration of the trailer water supply system to each growth tray 109. A drain line, pipe or tube 157 of the growth units 106 can be configured to engage with drains 160 of each of the growth trays 109 to allow for collection and recirculation of the water after it exits each growth tray 109. The growth trays 109 can therefore comprise troughs, apertures or other drainage 160 to allow excess water to be removed from the fodder or forage sprouts during growth.

[0045] One example of this is illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 19. One suitable configuration for drainage from the growth trays comprises a trough 160 extending substantially along the front end of each growth tray 109 wherein at least one side of the trough 160 is engaged with a drainage pipe or tube 157 that is itself engaged with a plurality of growth trays 109, and where the drainage pipe or tube 157 is connectably engaged with, e.g. , a water circulation system. The water drained from the drainage system can be collected or optimally recirculated, which is especially beneficial when the portable feed system 100 is in transit to a disaster or on location therein and no ready source of water is available. In some aspects, the recirculated water can be filtered or otherwise cleaned by the water circulation system prior to re-use. In other implementations, the drain water can be collected (e.g. , in a bladder, tank or other suitable collection container) for subsequent processing and/or disposal.

[0046] The growth units 106 and/or the growth trays 109 are configured to allow water to drain from each tray 109 for collection and/or recirculation thereof. In this regard, the growth trays 109 can be tilted to adjust water flow through the tray 109. The growth units 106 or growth trays 109 can be configured to provide an angle of decline in a range from about 0.5% to about 5%, or about 1 % to about 3%, or about a 1 % or about 2% or about 3% as measured from the back of each growth unit 106 and/or growth tray 109. Such angle of decline (or tilt angle) has been found to reduce the propensity of the water to stagnate on each growth tray 109 and to improve the water recirculation. The growth units 106 can be configured for manual adjustment of the tilt or decline, or can be configured to automatically adjust the angle based upon sensor indications.

[0047] In one aspect, the seeds are washed and soaked in situ after the desired amount of seeds are loaded onto each growth tray 109. The worker can load seed into some or all of the growth trays 109 in an appropriate amount, which can vary in relation to the size of the growth tray 109, as well as the type of seed, among other things. In some aspects, the amount of seed loaded into each growth tray 109 can be approximate, for example, a "bucket full" or the like. In some aspects from about 20 pounds to about 60 pounds or from about 40 pounds to about 50 pounds of seed are placed in each growth tray 109. The amount of seed appropriate for each tray 109 and, therefore, the amounts of foodstuffs that will be present in each fodder or forage "biscuit," can vary generally with the size of the growth tray 109, the amount of seed placed in each growth tray 109 and the growth cycle of the seeds sown in that growth tray 109 prior to harvesting into biscuits thereof.

[0048] As would be recognized, seeds are dormant and will not sprout until soaked. Since soaking of seeds adds water weight, in most circumstances the seeds will be soaked after the growth trays 109 are loaded onto the growth trays 109 by a worker. In further aspects, seeds can be loaded onto the growth trays 109 and the loaded growth trays incorporated onto the growth units 106 all at one time. Water can be applied to the growth trays 109 to soak the seeds all at once, or the seeds can be soaked in sequence for separate growth trays 109 or growth units 106, so as to allow the seeds/sprouts to be appropriate for harvesting at differing times as needed by the livestock in a particular disaster situation.

[0049] The seed soaking time will vary depending on the seed/sprouts being grown, the seeds need to be rinsed but, generally, the seeds are soaked for about 6 hours to about 12 hours. In accordance with the self-contained nature of the inventive portable feed system, the soaking water can be recirculated and, optionally, cleaned as discussed elsewhere herein for use to water the sprouts during growth. From time to time, used water can be collected and/or off-loaded as necessary. The water storage system can be configured to allow water to be loaded onto the trailer 103 using conventional means, such as with a hose connection to the water tank 124 (FIG. 7). Rinsing of the seeds can be repeated on a regular basis, for example, once or twice a day until the seeds are sufficiently sprouted for harvesting, that is, when the sprouts are suitable for removal from the growth trays 109 as fodder or forage biscuits. After each rinsing, the water can be drained and recirculated as discussed elsewhere herein.

[0050] In many aspects, it can be beneficial to maintain a substantially sterile growing environment to better ensure that mold (or other fungal or bacterial, etc.) growth does not occur. In this regard, the growth trays 109 can be treated with a sterilizing agent, such as chlorine or the like. Additionally, chlorine or another suitable sterilizing agent can be included in the water at levels low enough to avoid detrimental effects to the sprouts, such as discoloration or reduced growth rates. [0051] The water source can also include growth enhancers, such as fertilizers, pH modifiers, etc. Alternatively, such ingredients can be added as an in-line process to the trailer water supply system. When added in-line, the individual growth conditions in real time can be modified through addition of fertilizers, growth enhances, etc. on an as-needed basis.

[0052] As noted, all of the growth trays 109 in each growth unit 106 can be filled at the same time to provide a "trailer-full" of fodder or forage for harvesting at the same time. This will enable the portable feed system 100 to be deployed, and fodder or forage to be ready for distribution to livestock within about 5-7 days. Alternatively, only some of the growth trays 109, and/or growth units 106 upon which the trays are loaded, can be filled at one time. For example, if one or two or three growth units 106 or growth trays 109 are filled with seeds on day 1 , then additional growth units 106 or growth trays 109 can be filled by an operator on day 2 or 3 or 4 etc. while the portable feed system 100 is in deployment. The fodder or forage will thus be ready for distribution to livestock in need of feeding on different days. FIG. 20 is an image illustrating a growth unit 106 with growth trays 109 seeded on consecutive days and in different states of growth. In the image, the third growth tray 109a (from the top) has been filled with seed from buckets at the bottom. A filter or spacer can be included across the front of each growth tray 109 to prevent the seeds from growing into and clogging the trough 160. The growth tray 109b below it has sprouts with the oldest growth.

Accordingly, the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure provides a highly flexible feeding system that is customizable to be appropriate in a wide variety of disaster scenarios.

[0053] In various aspects, the portable feed system 100 can comprise at least one trailer 103 configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure. In one aspect, the trailer 103 is suitable for pulling behind a standard tractor unit, where such unit and trailer 103 are together suitable for use on federal, state and local highways of the United States.

Regulations governing the size and specifications of such trailers and their associated tractors can be found through the Department of Transportation at, e.g.,

http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/FREIGHT/publications/size_regs_final_rpt/index.htm. In this regard, the trailer 103 can comprise a semi-tractor trailer combination where the trailer 103 can be up to about 48 feet in length and up to about 102 inches in width. The height can vary, with the maximum height above the ground being less than about 14 feet. The portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure can also comprise a truck tractor-semi-trailer combination, that is, two trailers pulled by a single semi-tractor, where each of the two trailers are up to about 28 feet in length. In some aspects, the trailer can also comprise a "5^th wheel" that can be pulled behind a vehicle configured for transportation thereof.

[0054] In some aspects, the trailers 103 can be specially manufactured to comprise the features suitable for the disclosure herein. Alternatively, the trailers can be modified from existing trailers configurations to suitably provide the inventive features of the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the trailer 103 can comprise a portable feed platform (e.g. , a container or other appropriate housing unit) that can be removed from the trailer and positioned on the ground or other suitable support structure. The portable feed platform may be delivered to a site using other means such as, e.g. , a crane, helicopter, etc. FIGS. 21A-21 C are images of an example of a portable feed system 100 housed in a portable container with one or more growth units 109. As seen in FIGS. 21 A and 21 B, the portable feed system 100 includes both a solar panel array and a wind generator elevated over the container by support structures. The support structures can be configured to allow the solar panel array and wind generator to fold down onto the container for transport and storage, and fold back up for use at the operational location. As shown in FIG. 21 C, a climate control system 1 15 and power source 1 18 (e.g. , generator, fuel cell and/or batteries) can be mounted at one end of the container, including fuel storage (e.g. , a natural gas tank) for the generator. The generator 1 18 can be to provide electrical power as needed. If the renewable energy sources (e.g. , solar, wind and battery) provide sufficient power to operate the system, then the generator can be automatically shut down until the load demand exceeds the available power or the batteries need to be recharged. At that point, the generator 1 18 can be restarted to provide the needed power. A water supply 121 can also be integrated into the container. In some embodiments, the power source 1 18 and water supply 121 may be omitted and these services can be supplied by the user.

[0055] The trailer (or container) 103 can be suitably configured so that a plurality of growth units 106 can be incorporated therein as described herein. In separate aspects, the number of growth units 106 is about 6 or about 8 or about 10 or about 12 units, wherein the growth units 106 can each be, independently, removable from the trailer (or container) 103 as discussed elsewhere herein. In some aspects, the interior of the trailer (or container) 103 and/or one or a plurality of the growth units 106 can be configured with a docking mechanism 133 (e.g. , a hydraulic or pneumatic loading and unloading assist system) to help loading and unloading of the growth trays 109. Such docking mechanism 133 can be particularly useful for growth units 106 that are loaded with wet fodder or forage biscuits.

[0056] In an aspect, the doors of the trailer (or container) 103 are configured to allow each of the growth units, independently, to be accessed by a user. In this regard, the enclosed portion of the trailer 103 can be by a canvas or other type of flexible cover that can be removed, such as by rolling back or up, when access to the interior of the trailer 103 is needed. In alternative implementations, one or two hinged doors can be used to access a section or bin of the trailer 103. The doors, in addition to the trailer (or container) 103, can be insulated to assist in maintaining the internal climate conditions. In other aspects, the trailer (or container) 103 can load from the back. [0057] At an end of the trailer 103, the trailer (or container) 103 can be configured to allow a plurality of seed containers 1 12 (FIG. 1) to be included or stored therein. The seed containers 1 12 suitably comprise an amount of seed to allow the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure to be deployed for extended periods. In some aspects, the trailer (or container) 103 is configured to include 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 6 seed containers 1 12. Optionally, the seed containers 1 12 can include instructions thereon to indicate the amount of seed to be included in each growth tray 109 as discussed elsewhere herein. Each seed container 1 12 can include about 500 pounds or about 1000 pounds or about 1500 pounds or about 2000 pounds or about 2500 pounds or about 3000 or more pounds of seed therein. While the seed containers 1 12 will initially be heavy at the beginning of a deployment of the portable feed system 100, removal of seed from the seed containers 1 12 can be facilitated by use of a forklift that can be included with the portable feed system 100 at deployment. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the seed containers 1 12 can be configured with one or more integrated handles to facilitate removal from the trailer 103. Additionally, the seed containers 1 12 can include a dispensing apparatus on the side or bottom thereon (e.g., a spout) or the top of the seed container 1 12 can be configured to allow the seed to be easily removed to allow the growth trays 109 to be filled. The section of the trailer (or container) 103 can be separated from sections or bins or other areas that contain the growth tray 109 by a cross bar, a mesh, a panel or the like. The seed containers 1 12 can be secured to the trailer 103 using straps or other appropriate fasteners to ensure that they do not move during transport.

[0058] Another aspect of the present disclosure is the inclusion of an off-grid power system that allows the deployment of the portable feed system 100 into disaster areas and into locations where power may be unavailable due to inclement conditions (e.g., fire, ice or snow knocking down powerlines) or in general (e.g., in areas not accessible to electric power). Such off-grid power can enable the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure to be substantially self-contained during one or more deployment periods.

[0059] The off-grid power system can comprise a solar power array that can suitably charge one or more batteries incorporated with the trailer (or container) 103. An exemplary configurations for the generation of solar power are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 21A-21 B herewith. US Patent No. 9, 120,364, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety, provides an example of how such a solar power array can be configured to provide the needed off-grid power for the portable feed system 100. Another example of a solar power array that can be used to power the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure is described in US Patent Application Pub. No. 2014/01 166077, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety.

[0060] Still further, the portable feed system 100 can be powered using conventional fuel supplied techniques such as, e.g. , by a diesel power generator, as is well known, or by electricity, as disclosed, for example, in US Patent No. 5,609,037 and US Patent Application Pub. No 2014/0020414, the disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety.

[0061] In other aspects, a solar power array can be augmented by other power generation techniques to charge an on-board battery, such as by capture of braking energy as disclosed in US Patent No. 7,547,980, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety, can be used to provide the off-grid power for portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure.

[0062] In contrast to the system of the fodder system of the '812 patent, which has been incorporated by this reference in its entirety, the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure provides a flexibility that is particularly suited for flexible deployment in disaster situations. Various unique features are illustrated in FIGS. 8-12 herewith. The innovative configuration of the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure allows improved distribution of fodder or forage as needed in a particular emergency situation. For example, all growth units 106 of a portable feed system 100 can be filled on day one to allow distribution of fodder or forage on a larger scale at a single time. A second portable feed system 100 can be filled on day two, with the fodder or forage therein distributable in total on a subsequent day. A third portable feed system 100 can be filled on day 3 for distribution of the fodder or forage therein in total on a subsequent day. In other words, the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure allows for customization of the fodder or forage distribution in accordance with the amount of fodder or forage needed to appropriately feed livestock in need of feeding, as well as customization of the manner in which fodder or forage is distributed in a particular disaster situation.

[0063] Generally, the time from planting to harvesting of fodder or forage is about 4 days to about 7 days, and the "shelf life" of fully sprouted seeds that are suitable for use as fodder or forage can be from about 4 to about 5 days. The combination of flexibility of growth trays 109 and growth units 106 with the shelf life provides a highly modifiable and configurable fodder or forage growth profile. As such, the system of the present disclosure provides heretofore unavailable ability to respond to emergency/disaster situations where food might need to be distributed in multiple locations for extended periods.

[0064] The portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure can be used to sprout a variety of grains and seeds for livestock in need of feeding including, e.g. , alfalfa, barley, oats, clover, grass, and Canadian pea, as desired by the user.

[0065] The trailer (or container) 103 can include a water supply system 121 to contain and dispense water within the trailer 103 to allow the fodder or forage to grow substantially in situ. Notably, the portable feed system 100 is optimally deployed in areas where disasters are widespread and water supplies may be difficult to obtain. As such, in some aspects, the portable feed system 100 comprises a water tank 124 (FIG. 7) that, once filled from an exterior water source, can provide water sufficient to grow the fodder or forage for the time that the portable feed system 100 is deployed in the field. Still further, the water tank 124 can comprise a capacity sufficient to grow fodder or forage for at least part of the time the portable feed system 100 will be in the field. In some aspects, the water storage capability can be from about 300 gallons to about 1 ,000 gallons. In some aspects, the water supply system 121 provides enough water to enable growth of the fodder or forage for about 3 days or about 4 days or about 5 days or about 6 days or about 7 days or up to about 30 days. In one aspect, the water storage can comprise a tank 124 located below the trailer as illustrated in FIG. 7. The water tank 124 can be in fluid communication with a water distribution system of the trailer (or container) 103 that is, in turn, in fluid communication with a lower portion of each growth tray 109. The watering system can be configured so that the seed is keep moist, but not "wet." The difference being that the growth trays will drain off excess water and not allow the seeds to sit in puddles or standing water. This cooperates with natural absorption of water and the humidity control system to dry the seeds until the next watering cycle. In particular, the system is configured to introduce water into one end of the growth tray 109, and not from the top of the growth tray 109.

[0066] In order to allow distribution of the water to the seed in the trays from the water storage system, a pump 127 (FIG. 7) can be incorporated in the system to allow circulation and/or recirculation of the water as discussed elsewhere herein. The pump 127 can be an electric or hydraulic pump. The water can be automatically pumped using a timer or an operator can manually apply the water to the seeds. In some aspects, the water is temperature controlled. The water temperature should be maintained within or substantially within the ambient temperature of the fodder or forage growing environment which is, in turn, maintained within a temperature range appropriate for growing fodder or forage. Accordingly, in some aspects, the water container or tank 124 can be enclosed within the trailer (or container) 103 so that the water will be maintained at a growth-appropriate temperature. Alternatively, the water container can be maintained on the exterior of the trailer 103, such as below the trailer 103 as discussed above, so as to maximize the space available to grow fodder or forage inside the trailer (or container) 103, and the water can be heated or cooled prior to being distributed to the growth trays 109.

[0067] The portable feed system 100 also includes an illumination system that is connected to a power source to provide the light needed to facilitate growth of the sprouts. The illumination system can comprise a plurality of bulbs for illuminating each growth tray. In some aspects, lighting can optionally be provided for at least about 6 hours per day. A minimum amount of light will stimulate photosynthesis to better enable generation of a fodder or forage that, on harvest, will provide optimum feedstuff quality. A full spectrum fluorescent lighting can be used. LED lighting can also be used. The lower energy demand of LED lighting can be particularly suitable for the self-contained portable feed system of the present disclosure. The size of the LED lights can also facilitate distribution inside the trailer (or container) 103. To this end, LED "grow lights" can be used as disclosed in US Patent Application Pub. No. US 2007/0058368, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by this reference in its entirety. If such lighting is used, it can be mounted in a vertical arrangement along one or more interior walls of the trailer (or container) 103 or along the interior of the growth units 106. For example, the lighting can be vertically mounted in one or more corners or along the back wall of a growth unit 106 to illuminate the installed growth trays 109.

[0068] Appropriate growth of fodder or forage can be facilitated by temperatures within a range from about 18 degrees G to about 28 degrees C. In disaster situations, the exterior temperatures may often be outside of this temperature range. For example, in a fire disaster situation, the exterior temperature will often exceed 35 degrees C. In snow/ice disasters, the exterior temperature can be below 0 degrees C. As such, the trailer (or container) 103, including the doors, can be insulated to better ensure that the interior is at an appropriate temperature to allow proper growth of the fodder or forage. Yet further, the trailer (or container) 103 can comprise a climate control system 1 15 (e.g. , an HVAC system) configured to provide appropriate fodder or forage growing conditions.

[0069] The trailer 103 can include air circulation, such as with a fan and/or a venting system that is functional when the trailer 103 is in transit. Such functionality is included in the climate control system 1 15. Air circulation can reduce the growth of mold by keeping the sprouts relatively dry during the fodder or forage growing process. The portable feed system 100 can further include a humidity control system, as part of the climate control system 1 15. Such a humidity control system can reduce the growth of mold, as well as help facilitate appropriate growth of fodder or forage. Generally, optimum humidity for growth of fodder or forage is in a range from about 40% to about 80%, or from about 40% to about 60%.

[0070] The various power aspects of the portable feed system 100 of the present disclosure can be controlled using a control unit. This control unit can be programmed to, for example, control and manage the power requirements of the water supply system 121 , the illumination system and the climate control system 1 15. Suitable power management systems, such as those disclosed in US Patent No. 8,295,950, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, can be implemented to provide power management of the various componentry of the portable feed system 100.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10-12, the removal of the growth trays 109 from the trailer 103 can be facilitated by the incorporation of a forklift with the trailer 103, such as on an exterior of the trailer 103, typically the rear. A ladder can also be included. When ready for harvesting, the modular growth units 106 are each, independently, removable from the trailer (or container) 103. At such time, the fodder or forage "biscuits" can be fed to livestock in need of feeding. The growth trays 109 can be individually harvested by hand.

[0072] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear

understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0073] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a concentration range of "about 0.1 % to about 5%" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited concentration of about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, but also include individual concentrations (e.g., 1 %, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1 .1 %, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%) within the indicated range. The term "about" can include traditional rounding according to significant figures of numerical values. In addition, the phrase "about 'x' to 'y'" includes "about 'x' to about 'y"\

Claims

CLAIMS Therefore, at least the following is claimed:

1. A system for growing forage, comprising:

a transportable trailer having a first end, a second end, a first side and a second side, wherein the transportable trailer comprises:

an illumination system, a water distribution system and a climate control system;

an off-grid power system configured to generate energy sufficient to power at least the illumination system, the water distribution system, and the climate control system; and

a plurality of modular growth units each, independently, comprising a plurality of growth trays configurable to grow forage from seed material, wherein the plurality of modular growth units are each, independently, removable from the transportable trailer from either one or both of the first side or the second side of the transportable trailer thereby allowing the forage grown from the seed material situated on the trays to be distributed to animals in need of feeding, wherein the growth trays are each, independently, provided with water from a water source line configured to provide suitable moisture to that growth tray to grow the forage from the seed material.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the water source line provides the water to the

growth tray at a first side and excess water is removed from the growth tray at a second side opposite the first side, the growth tray tilted from the first side to the second side at an angle of decline.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the water source line comprises a plurality of

discharge heads distributed across the first side of the growth tray.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the plurality of discharge heads drip the water into the growth tray.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of modular growth units are configured to adjust the angle of decline of the plurality of growth trays.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the angle of decline is adjusted within a range from about 1 % to about 3%.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the plurality of modular growth trays comprise a drain trough extending across the second end of each growth tray.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of modular growth units comprise a drain line configured to engage with the drain trough on the second end of each of the plurality of growth trays.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of modular growth units comprise a water supply line coupled to a plurality of water source lines, each of the plurality of water source lines extending across a first end of one of the plurality of growth trays.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the illumination system comprises an illumination source mounted in a vertical arrangement in the plurality of modular growth units.

1 1 . The system of claim 10, wherein the illumination source comprises a LED grow light.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the illumination system comprises illumination

sources mounted in the transportable trailer adjacent to each of the plurality of modular growth units.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the climate control system is configured to control an internal temperature within the transportable trailer.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the internal temperature is maintained within a range from about 18 degrees C to about 28 degrees C.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the climate control system is further configured to control a humidity level within the transportable trailer.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the humidity level is maintained within a range from about 40% to about 60%.

17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the off-grid power system comprises one or more renew/able energy sources.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the one of more renewable energy sources comprise a solar panel array, a wind generator, or both.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more renewable energy source are configured to retract against the transportable trailer.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the off-grid power system further comprises a fuel supplied power source, wherein the fuel supplied power source automatically starts generating power in response to load demand exceeding power available from the one or more renew/able energy sources of the off-grid power system.