Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02692900 2010-02-12
TITLE: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING AND PROMOTING PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY OF POULTRY
FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to sprinkler systems, and in particular, to
methods
and systems for controlling sprinkler systems in poultry houses.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] Poultry such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese are a popular food
resource. Majority of poultry are raised using various farming techniques,
which include
free-range as well as intensive farming. A poultry house provides shelter to
the poultry
during the growth cycle of the poultry. The growth cycle of poultry may differ
based on
the species of the poultry being farmed. For example, the growth cycle of
broiler chicken
typically ranges from one-day-old chicks at growth day one to maturity in
about six
weeks when they are harvested.
[0003] Poultry raised in poultry houses lead a generally sedentary lifestyle
being
in a seated position throughout most of the day. This sedentary lifestyle
involves very
little physical activity and may not be desirable for growth and/or health
reasons.
[0004] A controlled amount of physical activity at certain stages in the
growth
cycle is desirable because the physical activity is conducive to the growth of
the poultry.
On the other hand, an excessive amount of physical activity is undesirable
because it
may inhibit growth.
[0005] Temperature control in a poultry house is also necessary to prevent
mortality of the poultry from excessive ambient temperature. It is desirable
to maintain
the ambient temperature in the poultry house below a specific threshold.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for systems and methods for controlling
sprinklers in poultry houses, which addresses at least some of the above
concerns.
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SUMMARY
[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
sprinkler controller in a poultry house comprising a processor, a data storage
device
operatively connected to the processor, the data storage device having
instructions for
programming the processor, and an input/output module operatively connected to
the
processor.
[0008] The input/output module is configured to communicate with at least one
valve for controlling a flow of fluid between a fluid source and at least one
sprinkler
nozzle. The at least one valve has an open position permitting the flow of
fluid, and a
closed position inhibiting the flow of fluid, the position of the valve being
determined by
the processor.
[0009] The processor is programmed to set the valve in the open position at a
start of an activity promotion interval, and to set the valve in the closed
position at the
end of the activity promotion interval, a duration of the activity promotion
interval being
selected such that a sufficient amount of fluid is dispersed through the
sprinkler nozzle
to promote physical activity in the poultry, the start of the activity
promotion interval
being predetermined based on a frequency of operation parameter indicative of
a
number of activity promotion intervals in a time period, and a value for the
frequency of
operation parameter being selected to promote growth of the poultry.
[0010] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
method for promoting activity in poultry in a poultry house. The method
comprises
electronically setting a valve in an open position to permit fluid to flow
through the valve
at a start of an activity promotion interval. The valve controls a flow of
fluid between a
fluid source and at least one sprinkler nozzle directed at the poultry. The
method also
comprises waiting for a predetermined duration of the activity interval. The
duration is
selected such that a sufficient amount of fluid is dispersed through the
sprinkler nozzle
at the poultry to promote physical activity in the poultry without over
soaking the poultry
house. The method also comprises electronically setting the valve to a closed
position
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to inhibit fluid from flow through the valve at the end of the activity
promotion interval to
prevent an excessive amount of fluid from being dispersed into the poultry
house. The
start of the activity promotion interval is predetermined based on a frequency
of
operation parameter indicative of a number of activity promotion intervals in
a time
period. The value for the frequency of operation parameter is selected to
promote
growth of the poultry.
[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
sprinkler system for a poultry house having at least one sprinkler nozzle
directed at the
poultry, a fluid source connected to the at least one sprinkler nozzle, at
least one
electronically controlled valve connected to the fluid source and the
sprinkler nozzle for
controlling the flow of fluid. The at least one valve has an open position
permitting the
flow of fluid, and a closed position inhibiting the flow of fluid. The
sprinkler system also
includes a controller comprising a processor and a data storage device
operatively
connected to the processor. The data storage device has instructions to
program the
processor. The sprinkler system also includes an input/output module
operatively
connected to the processor. The input/output module is configured to
communicate with
the at least one valve to set the position of the valve.
[0012] The processor in the controller is programmed to set the valve in the
open
position at a start of an activity promotion interval, and to set the valve in
the closed
position at the end of the activity promotion interval. The duration of the
activity
promotion interval being is such that a sufficient amount of fluid is
dispersed through the
sprinkler nozzle to promote physical activity in the poultry. The start of the
activity
promotion interval is predetermined based on a frequency of operation
parameter
indicative of a number of activity promotion intervals in a time period. A
value for the
frequency of operation parameter is selected to promote growth of the poultry.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
non-transitory physical computer-readable storage medium upon which a
plurality of
instructions are stored, the instructions for performing operations comprising
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electronically setting a valve in an open position to permit fluid to flow
through the valve
at a start of an activity promotion interval. The valve controlling a flow of
fluid between a
fluid source and at least one sprinkler nozzle directed at the poultry. The
operations also
include waiting for a predetermined duration of the activity interval, the
duration being
selected such that a sufficient amount of fluid is dispersed through the
sprinkler nozzle
at the poultry to promote physical activity in the poultry without over
soaking the poultry
house. The operations also include electronically setting the valve to a
closed position
to inhibit fluid from flow through the valve at the end of the activity
promotion interval to
prevent an excessive amount of fluid from being dispersed into the poultry
house. The
start of the activity promotion interval is predetermined based on a frequency
of
operation parameter indicative of a number of activity promotion intervals in
a time
period. The value for the frequency of operation parameter being selected to
promote
growth of the poultry.
DRAWINGS
[0014] For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein and to
show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be
made, by
way of example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one
exemplary
embodiment, and in which:
[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating some components of a
system
for promoting activity in poultry according to one embodiment;
[0016] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the system for promoting activity in
poultry
shown in Figure 1;
[0017] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the controller shown in Figure 1;
[0018] Figure 4 is a top view of a front of the controller shown in Figure 1;
[0019] Figure 5 is a table illustrating the factors that may affect frequency
and/or
duration of activity promotion interval performed by the controller shown in
Figure 1.
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[0020] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the steps of a method for
promoting
activity in poultry according to another embodiment.
[0021] Figure 7 a block diagram illustrating the steps of a method for
promoting
activity in poultry according to another embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0022] It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in
order to
provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described
herein.
However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
embodiments
described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances,
well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in
detail so
as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this
description is
not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein
in any
way, but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various
embodiments
described herein.
[0023] The embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may be
implemented in hardware or software, or a combination of both. However,
preferably,
these embodiments are implemented in computer programs executing on
programmable computers each comprising at least one processor, a data storage
system (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or other storage
elements), at
least one input device, and at least one output device. For example and
without
limitation, the programmable computers may be a programmable electronic
controller,
mainframe computer, server, personal computer, laptop, personal data
assistant, or
cellular telephone. Program code is applied to input data to perform the
functions
described herein and generate output information. The output information is
applied to
one or more output devices, in known fashion.
[0024] Each program may be implemented in a high level procedural or object
oriented programming and/or scripting language to communicate with a computer
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system. However, the programs can be implemented in assembly or machine
language,
if desired. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted
language. Each
such computer program is preferably stored on a storage media or a device
(e.g. read
only memory (ROM) or magnetic diskette) readable by a general or special
purpose
programmable computer, for configuring and operating the computer when the
storage
media or device is read by the computer to perform the procedures described
herein.
The inventive system may also be considered to be implemented as a computer-
readable storage medium, configured with a computer program, where the storage
medium so configured causes a computer to operate in a specific and predefined
manner to perform the functions described herein.
[0025] Referring to Figure 1, illustrated therein are some components of a
system
for promoting activity in poultry according to one embodiment of the
invention, shown
installed in an exemplary poultry house 12. The poultry house 12 is shown
housing two
chickens 14 and 15, each representative of a multiplicity of chickens. The
poultry house
12 is intended for illustrative purposes only. In commercial embodiments, the
poultry
house 12 may be of other shapes and sizes as known to one skilled in the art,
providing
shelter to thousands of birds. The commercial poultry houses may also feature
artificial
lighting conditions to stimulate growth. The poultry houses may also have
water delivery
system for providing drinking water. In the current embodiment, the poultry
house 12
has a water trough 16 as shown. The floor of a poultry house may be covered in
litter
such as wood shavings, straw or rice hulls.
[0026] The poultry house 12 has installed two sprinkler nozzles 32 and 36
directed at the chickens 14 and 15 respectively. While the nozzles 32 and 36
are
illustrated to be located at the ceiling of the poultry house 12, they may be
placed
elsewhere as long as the output from the nozzles are directed at the poultry.
The head
of the nozzles are configured to produce micro droplets of water such that a
desired
amount of water may be sprayed into the barn over a time period. This prevents
over
soaking the poultry as well as the floor of the barn, which may be covered in
litter. As
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shown in Figure 1, the sprinkler nozzles 32 and 36, when activated, spray a
fine mist of
water at the chickens 14 and 15. The chickens 14 and 15 react to the spray of
water by
standing up from the resting position and moving. The chickens 14 and 15 may
be
prompted to move towards the water trough 16 to have a drink of water from the
water
trough as indicated.
[0027] Referring to Figure 2, illustrated therein is a block diagram showing
various components of the system 10. The system 10 comprises a water source
20,
connected to a master valve 22, a pump 24, a flow meter 26, a manifold 28, an
inlet 29,
zone valves 30 and 34, and the nozzles 32 and 36. The system 10 also comprises
a
controller 50 operatively connected to the master valve 22, zone valves 30 and
34, the
flow meter 26. The controller 50 is also operatively connected to an alarm 48,
a
temperature sensor 46, an output device 44 and an input device 42.
[0028] The water source 20 is connected to the pump 24. The water source 20
provides water to the system 10, and may be linked to the municipal water
system or
any other source of water that may be available to the poultry house 12. In
other
embodiments, the water source may provide water with additives and/or any
other type
of fluid.
[0029] The pump 24 is used to provide additional water pressure. In other
embodiments, if there is sufficient water pressure, it may not be necessary to
use a
pump to provide additional water pressure. The pump 24 may be a GJPS2A115-PKG
pump manufactured by Grundfos. In other embodiments, other suitable means of
increasing the water pressure may also be used.
[0030] The master valve 22 is connected to the pump 24 as shown. The master
valve 22 controls the flow of the water from the water source 20 to the
nozzles 32 and
36. The master valve 22 has an open position and a closed position. In the
open
position, the master valve 22 permits the water from the water source 20 to
flow
through. In the closed position, the flow of water through the valve is
inhibited. The
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master valve 22, which is in addition to zone valves 30 and 34, serves as an
added
layer of control for limiting flow of water.
[0031] The master valve 22 may be an electronically controlled valve such as a
solenoid valve. For example, the master valve 22 may be a 314 inch AC inline
glove
valve with 24 VAC solenoid model #33-001 manufactured by Bermad Waterworks.
The
master valve 22 may also be another type of electronically controlled fluid
control
devices, such as a pneumatic valve. In other embodiments, the master valve 22
may
be a hand-controlled valve that is not connected to the controller 50.
[0032] The master valve 22 is connected to the flow meter 26. The flow meter
26
provides a measurement of the volume of water that has been used by the
system. This
measurement may be used for monitoring purposes to determine total water usage
of
the system. The measurement may also be used to determine when to set one or
more
valves in the closed position as described herein below. In other embodiments,
the flow
meter 26 may not be used.
[0033] The flow meter 26 is connected to the manifold 28. The manifold 28
facilitates the water from the single water source 20 to flow to a plurality
of valves. As
shown, the manifold 28 is connected to the zone valve 1 and zone valve 2 as
indicated
by numerals 30 and 34 respectively. The zone valves 30 and 34 may be
electronically
controlled valves such as the master valve 22 or the like. In other
embodiments, there
may be a different number of zone valves. The manifold 28 may also be
connected to
the inlet 29 as shown. The inlet 29 allows additives to be added to the water
for various
purposes such as cleaning the sprinkler lines, pre-soaking the litter with
cleaning agent,
other litter treatments, manure pit treatments, and odor control.
[0034] The zone valve 30 is connected to the nozzle 32. As shown in Figure 1,
nozzle 32 is directed at the chicken 14 such that when the system 10 is
activated, water
from the water source 20 is sprayed at the chicken 14 through the nozzle 32.
Similarly,
the zone valve 34 is connected to the nozzle 36, which is directed at the
chicken 15.
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[0035] As shown, each of the valves 30 and 34 is connected to a single nozzle
32
and 36 respectively. In other embodiments, it is possible connect multiple
nozzles to
each valve, with each valve defining a zone of operation. By organizing the
nozzles in
zones, it is possible to control operation of multiple nozzles in each zone.
The number
of nozzles in a zone may be limited by the amount of available water pressure
as the
water pressure at each nozzle is inversely related to an increase in the
number of
nozzles connected to each valve. In other embodiments, it may also be possible
to use
multizone valves instead of having multiple valves.
[0036] Each of the nozzles 32 and 36, for example, may be a spinner assembly
comprising a model AT77-930212 spinner, a AT77-930509 nozzle, a AT77-930100
bridge, and a AT77093120 leak prevention device manufactured by Dan
Sprinklers. In
other embodiments, the nozzles 32 may be other types of nozzles. For example,
nozzles manufactured by DIG Corporation or Netafim may be used. Nozzles may be
selected to permit customization of sprinkler drops to avoid obstacles such as
heaters,
tunnel curtains, circulation fans, feed hoppers, and lights by sprinkling over
or under the
obstacles.
[0037] In other embodiments, the system 10 may also include sprinkler
deflectors
to avoid sprinkling unwanted areas such as circulation fans, feed hoppers,
electrical
boxes, etc. The sprinkler system may also include sprinkler plugs to keep an
area
temporarily free of sprinkling.
[0038] The system 10 comprises a controller 50 which is connected various
components of the system 10. The controller 50 is connected to the master
valve 22,
the zone valve 30, and the zone valve 34. The controller 50 may be wired to
the valves
such that electrical signals may be received at the valve, and interpreted to
control the
operation of the valve by either setting the valves in the open position or
the closed
position. The controller 50 is wired to each valve such that it is possible to
control the
operation of each valve individually. The controller 50 is also connected to
the flow
meter 26 for obtaining measurements from the flow meter 26.
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[0039] Referring now to Figure 3, illustrated therein is a block diagram of
the
controller 50 according to one embodiment. The controller 50 comprises at
least one
data storage device 54 operatively connected to at least one processor 56. The
data
storage device 54 may store instructions for programming the processor 56. The
data
storage device 54 may also store configuration settings for the controller 50.
[0040] In some embodiments, there may be more than one data storage device
54. The data storage device 54 may be volatile or non-volatile computer
memory. If
there are more than one data storage devices, the data storage devices may be
different types of memory. For example, the type of memory for storing
instructions to
program the processor 56 may be different from the type of memory for storing
configuration settings of the controller 50.
[0041] The controller 50 includes an input/output module 58 operatively
connected to the processor 56. The input/output module 58 facilitates
communications
between the processor 56 and the components of the system 10 that the
controller 50 is
connected to. The input/output module 58 may also facilitates communication
between
a user of the system and the controller 50. In the embodiment as shown, the
input/output module 58 is connected to the master valve 22, the zone valves 30
and 34,
the alarm 48, the flow meter 26, the temperature sensor 46, the input device
42 and the
output device 44.
[0042] The input/output module 58 may be a single unit or a combination of
multiple different units. The input/output module 58 may comprise a digital to
analog
converter, and/or an analog to digital converter depending on the component
that it is
connected to. For example, the input/output module 58 may include a digital to
analog
converter to connect to the master valve 22, and the zone valves 30 and 34
such that
the digital instructions to change the state of the valves between the open
and close
positions may be communicated to the valves through an electrical wire by
varying the
current or the voltage.
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[0043] The controller 50 may include a housing 52 for housing one or more
components of the controller 50. The housing 52 may be manufactured from
plastic,
metal or any other suitable material. The housing 52 insulates various
components of
the controller 50 from potentially harmful elements in the environment such as
dust and
moisture. In the embodiment as shown, the housing 52 houses a memory 54, a
processor 56, and an input/output module 58. In other embodiments, another
combination of the components of the controller 50 may be found outside the
housing
52. In other embodiments, a housing may not be used at all. In other
embodiments,
some of the components may be integrally formed with the housing 52. The
housing 52
is configured permit wires or other connectors to access the input/output
module 58.
[0044] Referring now to Figure 4, illustrated therein is a top view of an
exemplary
housing 52 according to one embodiment of the invention. The housing 52, in
this
embodiment, has input device 42 in the form of buttons 42a - 42d integrated to
the
housing. These buttons may be used to provide user input to the controller 50.
The user
input may be used to determine settings for the controller 50 such as the
duration of the
activity promotion interval, the start time of the activity promotion
interval, and/or the
frequency of the activity promotion interval. The exemplary housing 52 also
has output
devices 44 in the form of a LCD display 44a and a LED display 44b. The LCD
display
44a indicates what the numerical value displayed in the LED display 44b
represent. As
shown the number "12:00" represents the time (12:00am) in a 24hr format. Other
parameters may be viewed by using the "List" buttons 42a and 42b to toggle
through a
list of available parameters. Some of the parameters may be adjusted by using
the
"Set" buttons 42c and 42d.
[0045] The processor 56 may be a programmable microprocessor. For example,
the microprocessor may be a Core 100 Model X1255 microprocessor. The processor
56
controls the operation of the valves 22, 30 and 34 connected to the controller
50 by
providing control signals through the input/output module 58 to each of the
valves 22,
30, and 34 to indicate whether the valves should be in the open position or
the closed
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position. Each of the valves 22, 30, and 34 may be controlled individually. To
permit
flow of water from the water source 20 to the poultry 14 and 15, the master
valve 22 and
at least one of the zone valves 30 and 34 must be in the open position.
[0046] The processor 56 is programmed to set the valves in an open position at
a
start of an activity promotion interval, and to set the valve to the closed
position at the
end the activity promotion interval. The activity promotion interval starts
when the valves
are set in the open position such that a sufficient amount of fluid is
dispersed through
the sprinkler nozzles 32 and/or 36 at the poultry to promote physical activity
in the
poultry. The valves are then set in the closed position at the end of the
activity
promotion interval before an excessive amount of fluid is dispersed into the
poultry
house 12.
[0047] The poultry naturally prefer to remain in a seated state. Being in a
seated
position for long periods may result in an uneven distribution of heat in the
poultry as the
area between the poultry and the floor tends to be warmer than the rest of the
poultry. It
is desirable to alleviate the uneven distribution of heat in the poultry by
encouraging the
poultry not to be in the seated position periodically to permit the heat
trapped between
the poultry and the floor poultry house to escape.
[0048] When a sufficient amount of fluid is dispersed at the poultry, the
poultry is
prompted to get up and move towards the watering trough 16 to consume water.
Increased water consumption may be beneficial to the health of the poultry.
Prompting
the poultry to get up and move towards the watering trough 16 also promotes
physical
activity in the poultry. That is, the system may be used to exercise the
poultry, and the
act of exercising may be beneficial to the health of the poultry. In some
embodiments,
the sprinkler system may be used to promote water consumption by the poultry.
The
poultry also release heat trapped between the poultry and the floor, which
cools the
poultry as the poultry get up from their resting position.
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[0049] In addition, dispersing fluid into the poultry house may also inhibit
the dust
levels within the poultry house. This may reduce chance of bacterial infection
in the
respiratory track of the poultry in the poultry house.
[0050] Referring to Figure 5, illustrated therein is a table 70 listing at
least some
of the factors that may affect the duration and/or the frequency of the
activity promotion
interval. The duration of the activity promotion interval is selected such
that a sufficient
amount of water is dispersed for activity promotion without over-watering the
poultry
house 12. The start of each activity promotion interval is predetermined based
on a
frequency of operation parameter indicative of the number of times the
activity
promotion interval is ran in a given period of time. For example, the activity
promotion
interval may occur 10 times in a given 10-hour window. In that case, the start
time may
be evenly distributed by dividing the given period of time with the number
times the
activity promotion interval is being ran, which results in the activity
promotion interval
being ran once every hour. In other examples, the start time may not be evenly
distributed.
[0051] A value for the frequency of operation parameter is selected to promote
the rate of growth of the poultry. The rate of growth may be affected by a
number of
different factors. For example, to promote growth of the poultry, it may not
be desirable
to run the activity interval when the age of the flock of poultry is below a
certain growth
day. Accordingly, the frequency of operation value may be selected based on
the age of
the poultry being housed.
[0052] The value of the frequency of operation may differ based on purposes
for
which the poultry is being raised. For broiler chickens, the activity
promotion frequency
value may be set at 10 times a day after the chickens are 21 days old, and the
activity
promotion interval not run (i.e. frequency set to 0) when the chickens are
younger than
21 days. For breeding chickens and breeding turkeys, the frequency value may
be set
at 10 times a day after these chickens and turkeys are 12 weeks old, and the
activity
promotion interval not run prior to that age.
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[0053] The value of the frequency of operation may differ based on different
types of poultry to promote growth of different types of poultry. For example,
the value
for the frequency of operation for turkeys may be different from that for
chickens. The
sex of the poultry may also affect the duration of the activity promotion
interval.
[0054] Depending on different factors, the value of the frequency of operation
may range from 0 times a day to 20 times a day. Typically, the value of the
frequency of
operation ranges from 0 times a day if the poultry is younger than a certain
age, and 10
times a day once the poultry is older than the selected age as described
above. In other
embodiments, the frequency of operation may occur for a different range.
[0055] The start time of the activity promotion interval may also be
predetermined
based on time of day. For example, it may be undesirable to disturb resting
poultry at
nighttime by activating the sprinklers. As such, the start time of the
activity promotion
interval may be limited to daylight hours. For example, the start time may be
between
6:00 in the morning to 19:00hr in the evening in some areas. It is also
possible that the
frequency of operation may vary based on the current time of a day. For
example, the
frequency of operation may increase between 6:00 - 9:00hr and 16:00 - 19:00hr
to
promote more physical activity during the early morning and later evening.
[0056] As stated above, the duration between the start and the end of the
activity
promotion interval is selected so as to promote physical activity in the
poultry without
dispersing an excessive amount of water into the poultry house 12. It is
possible that if
only a small amount of water is sprayed at the poultry, the poultry may not be
stand up
and move around. On the other hand, if too much water is sprayed at the
poultry, it will
accumulate at the floor of the poultry house 12, which is undesirable.
Accordingly, it is
desirable to select an appropriate duration of the activity promotion interval
such that
the amount of water dispersed is sufficient to promote physical activity
without over-
watering the poultry house 12.
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[0057] The duration of the activity promotion interval may be selected based
on
the type of poultry being housed to promote physical activity in the poultry.
For example,
the duration may be 20 seconds for chickens, ducks, and geese, and the
duration may
be 30 seconds for turkeys. The sex of the poultry may also affect the duration
of the
activity promotion interval. The duration of the activity promotion interval
may range
from 15 seconds to 45 seconds depending on the type of the poultry being
housed.
[0058] In addition to operating activity promotion intervals, the processor 56
may
be further programmed to set the valve in an open position at a start of a
cooling
interval, and set the valve to the closed position at an end the cooling
interval for the
purpose of cooling the poultry house 12. During the cooling interval, a
sufficient amount
of fluid is dispersed through the sprinkler nozzle to reduce the temperature
within the
poultry house 12. As stated before, this may cause the poultry to stand-up,
which
releases heat that is trapped between the poultry and the floor. The droplets
of fluid on
the birds combined with rapid air movement will also help to lower the bird's
body
temperature. The start of the cooling interval is determined based on the
temperature
value of the poultry house 12, which is obtained through the temperature
sensor 46.
[0059] The duration of the cooling interval may differ based on the
temperature of
the poultry house 12. For example, the duration of the cooling interval may be
20
seconds if the temperature is between 80 - 84 degrees Fahrenheit, 40 seconds
for 85 -
89 degrees Fahrenheit, and 60 seconds if is over 89 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In
other
embodiments, the duration of the cooling interval may be constant. The
frequency of the
cooling interval may be increased depending on the temperature of the poultry
house
12. For example, the frequency of the cooling interval may be once every 30
minutes for
temperatures between 80 - 84 degrees, once every 15 min for 85 - 89 degrees,
and
once every 5 min if the temperature is over 89 degrees Fahrenheit. In cases of
extreme
heat stress, the frequency of operation of the cooling mode may be as much as
192
times in a 24 hour period.
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[0060] The processor 56 may be operating both cooling and activity promotion
intervals. It is possible that if both intervals are run in close succession,
too much water
may be dispersed into the poultry house 12. To prevent the activity promotion
interval
and cooling interval from running in short succession, a shared countdown
timer may be
used.
[0061] In one embodiment, the processor 56 may be programmed to start the
activity promotion interval based on a count down timer. For example, the
timer value
may be initially set at 60 minutes. The timer will then count down, and when
the value
reaches "0", the processor 56 will start the activity promotion interval. The
timer will then
be reinitialized to 60 minutes at the end of the activity promotion interval,
thereby
providing a 60-minute wait before the activity promotion interval starts
again. That is, the
activity promotion interval is ran every hour. In other examples, the value of
the timer
may be different based on the frequency of the activity promotion interval. To
prevent an
activity promotion interval from starting to soon after a cooling interval,
the processor 56
may be further programmed to reset the timer after a cooling interval, such
that the
activity promotion interval may not operate for the time remaining in the
timer before
starting another activity promotion interval.
[0062] Referring back to Figure 2, the system 10 may also include an alarm 48,
which may be connected to the controller 50 as shown. The alarm 48 may provide
an
audible sound, or provide some other way of alerting a user of the system. The
alarm
may be based on the measurement provided by the flow meter.
[0063] The controller 50 is also connected to the flow meter 26. The
information
from the flow meter 26 may be used by the controller 50 to prevent dispersing
more
than a desired amount of water. The flow meter 26 may be used to provide a
measurement of the total amount of fluid that has flowed through the fluid
counter over
a period of time, which can be used for water usage monitoring purposes. An
exemplary
flow meter 26 that may be used is 73WM055 3/4 water meter with pulse made by
Arad.
This information can be provided to the controller 50 through the I/O module
58. The
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= CA 02692900 2010-02-12
processor 56 may be programmed to use this information to provide an
additional check
as not to disperse undesired amount of water at the poultry house 12. For
example, the
processor 56 may be programmed to set the valve in the closed position if the
measurement from the fluid counter reaches a specified value. In other
embodiments, a
volumetric valve may also be attached to the system to provide a limit for the
water
expelled through the nozzles in cases of system or human error. For example,
Bermad
Waterworks 0-2600 gallon volumetric valve may be used.
[0064] Referring now to Figure 6, illustrated therein is a method 100 for
promoting physical activity of poultry in a poultry house according to one
embodiment of
the invention. The method 100 may be performed by a controller such as the
controller
50 described above.
[0065] The method 100 begins at step 102. At step 102 the method 100
electronically sets a valve in an open position to permit fluid to flow
through the valve at
a start of an activity promotion interval. The valve is connected to the fluid
source and at
least one sprinkler nozzle directed at the poultry. The valve controls a flow
of fluid
between a fluid source and the at least one sprinkler nozzle.
[0066] In some embodiments, there may be more than one valve. The valve used
by the method 100 may be the valve 22, 30 or 34 as described above, or similar
valves.
In other embodiments the valve used by the method 100 may be different from
the
valves 22, 30, and 34. The sprinkler nozzle connected to the valve in the
method 100
may be similar to the sprinkler nozzles 32, and 36 described above, or the
like. In other
embodiments, the sprinkler nozzle used by the method 100 may be different from
the
nozzles 32 and 36. The fluid source in the method 100 may be a water source
similar to
the water source 20 described above or the like. In other embodiments, the
fluid source
in the method 100 may be different from the water source 20.
[0067] The start of the activity promotion interval may be determined by the
frequency of operation parameter indicative of a number of activity promotion
intervals
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CA 02692900 2010-02-12
in a time period. The value for the frequency of operation parameter is
selected to
promote growth of the poultry. In some embodiments, selecting the frequency of
operation parameter for the method 100 may be similar to selecting the
frequency of
operation parameter for the controller 50 as described above. That is, the
value for the
frequency of operation may differ based on a number of different factors, such
as the
factors illustrated in the table 70. For example, the value of frequency of
operation may
be selected based on the age of the poultry being housed. The value of the
frequency of
operation may also be selected based on different types of poultry to promote
growth of
the different types of poultry. The value of the frequency of operation may
also differ
based on desired weight of the poultry at the end of the growth cycle. The
start time of
the activity promotion interval may also be determined based on time of day,
or the
purposes for which the poultry is being raised.
[0068] The method 100 then proceeds to step 104. At step 104, the method 100
waits for the duration of the activity promotion interval. At this time, a
sufficient amount
of water is dispersed through the sprinkler nozzle at the poultry to promote
physical
activity in the poultry. After the method sets the valve in the open position,
it waits for
the duration of the activity promotion interval such that a sufficient amount
of water is
dispersed for activity promotion without over-watering the poultry house. This
duration is
selected to promote physical activity in poultry. In some embodiments, the
duration of
the physical activity promotion interval may be similar to the duration
between the start
and the end of the activity promotion interval that the processor in
controller 50 is
programmed to perform as described above. The duration of the activity
promotion
interval may also be affected by the factors illustrated in table 70.
[0069] The method 100 then proceeds to step 106. At step 106, the method 106
electronically sets the valve in a closed position to inhibit flow of fluid
between the water
source and the at least one sprinkler nozzle at the end of the activity
promotion interval.
[0070] In addition to the activity promotion mode, the method 100 may also be
operating in a cooling mode. If the method 100 is also operating in a cooling
mode, the
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CA 02692900 2010-02-12
method 100 proceeds to step 108. At step 108, the method 100 obtains a
temperature
measurement from a temperature sensor. The temperature measurement is
indicative
of the temperature of the poultry house. The method proceeds to step 110.
[0071] At step 110, the method 100 determines whether the temperature value of
obtained in step 108 exceeds at least one predefined threshold. For example,
the
predefined threshold may be 80, 84 or 89 degrees Fahrenheit. If it is
determined that
the temperature exceeds the at least one predefined threshold, the method 100
proceeds to step 110. If it is determined that the temperature does not exceed
the
predefined threshold, the method 100 ends at step 112.
[0072] At step 114, the method 100 electronically sets the valve in the open
position at a start of a cooling interval. In some embodiments, the cooling
interval
performed by the method 100 may be similar to the cooling interval that the
processor
56 in the controller 50 is programmed to perform as described above.
[0073] At step 116, the method 100 waits for a predetermined duration of the
cooling interval. As stated above, the duration and/or the frequency of the
cooling
interval may differ based on the temperature of the poultry house.
[0074] At step 118, the method 100 sets the valve to the closed position at an
end the cooling interval to prevent an excessive amount of fluid from being
dispersed
into the poultry house. As such, the method 100 balances between dispensing
sufficient
amount of water through the sprinklers to cool the poultry and the poultry
house without
over-soaking the poultry house.
[0075] Referring now to Figure 7, illustrated therein is a method 150 for
promoting activity in a poultry house according to another embodiment of the
invention.
The method 100 begins at step 152.
[0076] At step 152, the method 100 initializes a countdown timer based on a
frequency of operation value for the activity promotion interval. For example,
the
countdown timer may be set to 60 minutes if the frequency of operation value
is once
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CA 02692900 2010-02-12
every hour. The frequency of operation may be affected by various factors such
as the
type of poultry, the age of the poultry, the purpose of the poultry, as
described above.
The method 150 proceeds to step 154
[0077] At step 154, the method 100 determines whether the current day is equal
to or after the activity promotion interval start day. The activity promotion
start day is the
age of the poultry after which the activity promotion mode operates. The start
day of the
activity promotion interval may depend on the type of poultry being housed,
and the
purpose for it is housed. For example, for broiler chickens the activity
promotion starts
operation after the chickens are 21 days old. In another example, if the
poultry comprise
chickens and turkeys used for breeding, the activity promotion interval starts
when the
poultry is 12 weeks old. If it is after the activity promotion start day, the
method 150
proceeds to step 164. Alternatively, the method 150 proceeds to step 156.
[0078] At step 156 the method 150 determines whether the current time is
within
operational time of day activity promotion interval. That is, the method 150
determines
whether the current time is at the time of day when activity promotion
interval may
operate. For example, this could be between 06:00hr - 16:00hr. If the current
time is
not within the daily activity promotion interval operation time, the method
150 proceeds
to step 164. Alternatively, the method 150 proceeds to step 158.
[0079] At step 158, the method 150 determines if the value of the countdown
timer is 0. If the value of the count down timer is not 0, the method 150
proceeds to step
164. Alternatively, the method 150 proceeds to step 160.
[0080] At step 160, the method 150 operates the activity promotion interval.
That
is, the method 150 electronically sets a valve in an open position to permit
fluid to flow
through the valve at a start of an activity promotion interval. The valve
controls a flow of
fluid between a fluid source and at least one sprinkler nozzle directed at the
poultry.
[0081] In some embodiments, there may be more than one valve. The valve used
by the method 150 may be the master valve 22, zone valves 30 and 34 as
described
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CA 02692900 2010-02-12
above or similar valves. In other embodiments the valve used by the method 150
may
be different from the valves 22, 30, and 34.
[0082] The sprinkler nozzle connected to the valve in the method 150 may be
similar to the sprinkler nozzles 32, and 36 described above, or the like. In
other
embodiments, the sprinkler nozzle used by the method 150 may be different from
the
nozzles 32 and 36. The fluid source in the method 150 may be a water source
similar to
the water source 20 described above or the like. In other embodiments, the
fluid source
in the method 100 may be different from the water source 20.
[0083] The method 150 then waits for a predetermined duration of the activity
interval, the duration being selected such that a sufficient amount of fluid
is dispersed
through the sprinkler nozzle at the poultry to promote physical activity in
the poultry
without over soaking the poultry house. In some embodiments the duration of
the
physical activity promotion interval may be similar to the duration between
the start and
the end of the activity promotion interval that the processor in controller 50
is
programmed to perform in the embodiment as described above. The duration of
the
activity promotion interval may be affected by the factors illustrated in
table 70.
[0084] The method then electronically sets the valve to a closed position to
inhibit
fluid from flow through the valve at the end of the activity promotion
interval to prevent
an excessive amount of fluid from being dispersed into the poultry house.
After the
activity promotion interval is ran, the method 150 proceeds to step 162.
[0085] At step 162, the method 150 reinitializes the countdown timer based on
the frequency of operation parameter indicative of a number of activity
promotion
intervals in a time period. The value for the frequency of operation parameter
is selected
to promote growth of the poultry. In some embodiments, selecting the frequency
of
operation parameter for the method 150 may be similar to selecting the
frequency of
operation parameter for the controller 50 as described above. That is, the
value for the
frequency of operation may differ based on a number of different factors, such
as the
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CA 02692900 2010-02-12
factors illustrated in the table 70. For example, the value of frequency of
operation may
be selected based on the age of the poultry being housed. The value of the
frequency of
operation may also be selected based on different types of poultry to promote
growth of
the different types of poultry. The value of the frequency of operation may
also differ
based on desired weight of the poultry at the end of the growth cycle. The
start time of
the activity promotion interval may also be determined based on time of day,
or the
purposes for which the poultry is being raised.
[0086] The method 150 then proceeds to step 164. In some embodiments, the
method 150 may wait for a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 30 minutes)
before
proceeding to step 164 such that the activity promotion interval and the
cooling interval
is not run in close succession.
[0087] At step 164, the method 150 determines whether the current day is equal
to or after the cooling interval start day. The cooling interval start day is
the age of the
poultry after which the cooling interval may operate. In some embodiments, the
cool
start day may be set to "0" indicating that the cooling interval may run
regardless of the
age of the poultry. If it is after the cooling interval start day, the method
150 proceeds to
step 168. Alternatively, the method 150 returns to step 154.
[0088] At step 168 the method 150 determines whether the current time is
within
operational time of day for cooling interval. That is, the method 150
determines whether
the current time is at the time of day when cooling interval may operate. For
example,
this could be between 06:00hr - 16:00hr. If the current time is not within the
daily
cooling interval operation time, the method 150 returns to step 154.
Alternatively, the
method 150 proceeds to step 170.
[0089] At step 170, the method 150 determines whether the current temperature
of the poultry house is above a first threshold. The method 150 may use a
temperature
sensor to obtain the temperature value. For example, the first threshold may
be 80
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CA 02692900 2010-02-12
degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is not above the first threshold, the
method 150
returns to step 154. Alternatively, the method 150 proceeds to step 172.
[0090] At step 172, the method 150 determines whether the current temperature
of the poultry house is above a second threshold. For example, the second
threshold
may be 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is not above the second
threshold,
the method 150 proceeds to step 174. Alternatively, the method 150 proceeds to
step
176.
[0091] At step 174, the method 150 operates the cooling interval. That is, the
method 150 sets the valve in the open position at a start of a cooling
interval such that
water from the water source may flow through the valve to the nozzles to be
dispersed
into the poultry house. It then waits for a predetermined duration of the
cooling interval,
the duration being selected such that a sufficient amount of fluid is
dispersed through
the sprinkler to reduce the temperature within the poultry house. It
electronically sets the
valve to the closed position at an end the cooling interval to prevent an
excessive
amount of fluid from being dispersed into the poultry house. The method 150
then
proceeds to step 175.
[0092] At step 175, the method 150 reinitializes the countdown timer to a
first
value based on the first temperature threshold. For example, the countdown
timer may
be set to 30 minutes. By reinitializing the shared countdown timer, the method
150
prevents the sprinklers operating in the cooling interval and activity
interval in a close
succession. The method then proceeds to step 190.
[0093] At step 176, the method 150 determines whether the current temperature
of the poultry house is above a third threshold. For example, the third
threshold may be
90 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is not above the third threshold,
the method
150 proceeds to step 178. Alternatively, the method 150 proceeds to step 182.
[0094] At step 178, the method 150 operates another cooling interval. This
cooling interval may be similar in duration to the cooling interval in method
step 174. In
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CA 02692900 2012-01-11
another embodiment, the cooling interval may be of longer duration than the
cooling
interval step 174 since the temperature threshold is higher. After the cooling
interval is
ran, the method 150 proceeds to step 180.
[0095] At step 180, the method 150 reinitialize the countdown timer to a
second
value based on the second temperature threshold. For example, the countdown
timer
may be set to 15 minutes. In some embodiments, the second value may be the
same
as the first value in step 175. The method then proceeds to step 190.
[0096] At step 182, the method 150 operates in yet another cooling interval.
This
cooling interval may be similar in duration to the cooling interval in method
step 174
and/or step 178. In another embodiment, the cooling interval may be of longer
duration
than the cooling interval step 174 and/or step 178 since the temperature
threshold is
even higher. After the cooling interval is ran, the method 150 proceeds to
step 184.
[0097] At step 184, the method 150 reinitializes the countdown timer to a
third
value based on the third temperature threshold. For example, the countdown
timer may
be set to 5 minutes. In some embodiments, the second value may be the same as
the
first value in step 175, or the second value in step 180. The method then
proceeds to
step 190.
[0098] At step 190, the method waits until the value of the countdown timer is
equal to "0". Method 150 then returns to step 164.
[0099] While the steps of the above methods have been described sequentially
hereinabove, it should be noted that sequential performance of the steps may
not need
to occur for successful implementation of the method. As will be evident to
one skilled in
the art, rearranging sequence of performance of the steps, omitting the
performance of
some steps, or performing the steps in parallel may be possible without
abandoning the
essence of the invention.
[00100] While certain features of the invention has been illustrated and
described
herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now
occur to
those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that
the scope of the
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CA 02692900 2012-01-11
claims should not be limited by the embodiments set forth in the examples, but
should
be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a
whole.
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