Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEM, METHOD AND KIT FOR DRYING ANIMAL WASTE AND ORGANIC
MATERIAL
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure claims priority to US provisional application No
62/192,615, filed on July 15, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a system, method and kit for drying a
product, and in particular for drying animal waste or organic material.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] There has been a recent trend towards using and consuming natural
and/or
organic products. This is especially the case in the agricultural and food
production
industries.
[0004] Fertilizers derived from compost or animal waste are desirable because
they
represent a type of organic fertilizer. These fertilizers may be multi-purpose
in that
they can be used for lawns, vegetables, flowers and/or trees.
[0005] Production of fertilizers from animal waste includes collecting the
waste. As
the animal waste has a high humidity, the animal waste is subsequently dried.
The
dried waste can be used for later applications, such as a fertilizer.
SUMMARY
[0006] It would thus be highly desirable to be provided with an apparatus,
system or
method that would at least partially address the disadvantages of the existing
technologies.
[0007] The embodiments described herein provide in one aspect an
animal
waste drying system comprising a feeder for feeding animal waste to be dried,
at least
one waste carrying platform for receiving the animal waste and displaceable
along a
closed path, the waste carrying platform being operable between a waste
carrying
position and a waste dispensing position, the waste carrying platform being in
the
waste carrying position when being supported by an underlying surface having a
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height that is within a predetermined distance of a reference height of the
waste
carrying platform and the waste carrying platform being in the waste
dispensing
position when supported by the underlying surface having a height that is
outside the
predetermined distance of the reference height of the waste carrying platform
and a
moving unit for displacing the at least one waste carrying platform along the
closed
path.
[0008] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
method for assembling a waste drying system, the method comprising
transporting at
least a first shipping container and a second shipping container to a drying
location,
joining the first shipping container and the second container whereby
sidewalls of the
first shipping container and the second container define together a drying
chamber
and connecting a feeder from an external undried waste producing system.
[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
method for assembling an animal waste drying system, the method comprising:
transporting at least a first shipping container and a second shipping
container to a drying location;
joining the first shipping container and the second container whereby
sidewalls of the first shipping container and the second container
define together a drying chamber effective for drying animal waste
material; and
connecting a feeder, for feeding with animal waste, from an external
undried animal waste producing system.
[0010] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
kit for
an animal waste drying system comprising at least a first shipping container
and a
second shipping container; the first shipping container having a removable
wall
portion and containing a first track segment defining a first portion of a
closed track
and the second shipping container having a removable wall portion and
containing a
second track defining a second portion of the closed track, the first shipping
container
and the second shipping container being mutually cooperating to define a
drying
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chamber, and the track segments being connectable to form a closed track
defining a
closed path of a waste dispensing device.
[0011] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
kit for
an animal waste drying system comprising a shipping container defining a
drying
chamber, a closed track being fixed within the shipping container and at least
one
waste carrying platform being adapted to be adapted to be attached and
displaceable
along the closed track.
[0012] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
method for assembling an animal waste drying system, the method comprising
transporting a shipping container having a closed track fixed within the
shipping
container, attaching at least one waste carrying platform to the closed track,
and
connecting a feeder, for feeding with animal waste, from an external undried
animal
waste producing system.
[0013] The person skilled in the art would understand that the systems,
methods and kits of the present disclosure can also be used for drying various
organic
materials (or organic matter) such as micro-algae, cereals, various food
industry
materials, biological materials, animal waste etc.
[0014] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided
an
organic material drying system comprising:
a feeder for feeding said material to be dried;
at least one material carrying platform for receiving the material and
displaceable
along a closed path, the material carrying platform being operable between a
material
carrying position and a material dispensing position, the material carrying
platform
being in the material carrying position when being supported by an underlying
surface
having a height that is within a predetermined distance of a reference height
of the
material carrying platform and the material carrying platform being in the
material
dispensing position when supported by the underlying surface having a height
that is
outside the predetermined distance of the reference height of the material
carrying
platform; and
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a moving unit for displacing the at least one material carrying platform along
the
closed path.
[0015] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
method for assembling a material drying system, the method comprising
transporting
at least a first shipping container and a second shipping container to a
drying location,
joining the first shipping container and the second container whereby
sidewalls of the
first shipping container and the second container define together a drying
chamber
and connecting a feeder from an external undried organic material producing
system.
[0016] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
method for assembling an organic drying system, the method comprising:
transporting at least a first shipping container and a second shipping
container to a drying location;
joining the first shipping container and the second container whereby
sidewalls of the first shipping container and the second container
define together a drying chamber effective for drying said organic
material; and
connecting a feeder, for feeding with organic material, from an external
undried organic material producing system.
[0017] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
kit for
an organic material drying system comprising at least a first shipping
container and a
second shipping container; the first shipping container having a removable
wall
portion and containing a first track segment defining a first portion of a
closed track
and the second shipping container having a removable wall portion and
containing a
second track defining a second portion of the closed track, the first shipping
container
and the second shipping container being mutually cooperating to define a
drying
chamber, and the track segments being connectable to form a closed track
defining a
closed path of an organic material dispensing device.
[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a
kit for
an organic material drying system comprising a shipping container defining a
drying
chamber, a closed track being fixed within the shipping container and at least
one
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material carrying platform being adapted to be adapted to be attached and
displaceable along the closed track.
[0019] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is
provided a
method for assembling an organic material drying system, the method comprising
transporting a shipping container having a closed track fixed within the
shipping
container, attaching at least one material carrying platform to the closed
track, and
connecting a feeder, for feeding with organic material, from an external
undried
organic material producing system.
DRAWINGS
[0020] The following drawings represent non-limitative examples in which:
[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a section view of an assembled animal waste drying
system according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of an assembled animal waste drying
system
according to the exemplary embodiment;
[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of a track system of an exemplary
animal
waste drying system;
[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of a displaceable chain of an
exemplary
animal waste drying system;
[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a chain segment of an
exemplary
animal waste drying system;
[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a set of track wheels of an
exemplary animal waste drying system;
[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary animal waste
drying
system;
[0028] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a waste carrying platform of
an
exemplary animal waste drying system;
[0029] Figure 9 illustrates a rear elevation view of the waste carrying
platform of an
exemplary animal waste drying system;
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[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the waste carrying platform
in its
waste dispensing position of an exemplary animal waste drying system;
[0031] Figure 11 illustrates a front elevation view of a set of mixing members
of an
exemplary animal waste drying system; and
[0032] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary assembled
waste
drying system;
[0033] Figure 13 illustrates a side elevation view of a scraping device
according to
one exemplary embodiment;
[0034] Figure 14 illustrates a side elevation view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of a waste carrying platform;
[0035] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of the alternative exemplary
embodiment of the waste carrying platform;
[0036] Figure 16 illustrates a front elevation view of the alternative
exemplary
embodiment of the waste carrying platform;
[0037] Figure 17A illustrates a perspective view of an alternative exemplary
embodiment of an element of a moving unit;
[0038] Figure 17B illustrates a side view of the alternative exemplary
embodiment of
the element of a moving unit of Figure 17A; and
[0039] Figure 17C illustrates a top view of the alternative exemplary
embodiment of
the element of a moving unit of Figure 17A.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0040] The following examples are presented in a non-limiting manner.
[0041] The word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term
"comprising" in
the claims and/or the specification may mean "one", but it is also consistent
with the
meaning of "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one" unless
the
content clearly dictates otherwise. Similarly, the word "another" may mean at
least a
first or more unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
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[0042] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words "comprising" (and
any
form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any
form of
having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including,
such as
"include" and "includes") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as
"contain" and "contains"), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude
additional,
unrecited elements or process steps.
[0043] The terms "coupled" or "coupling" as used herein can have several
different
meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example,
the
terms coupled or coupling can have a mechanical or electrical connotation. For
example, as used herein, the terms coupled or coupling can indicate that two
elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one
another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical
element, electrical signal or a mechanical element depending on the particular
context.
[0044] The person skilled in the art would understand that all the
embodiments
described below that refers to the use of animal waste can also be applicable
to other
organic materials such as drying various organic materials (or organic
matters) such
as micro-algae, cereals, various food industry materials, biological
materials, etc.
[0045] Referring to Figure 1, therein illustrated is section view of an
assembled
animal waste drying system 1 according to various exemplary embodiments. The
animal waste drying system 1 includes a feeder 8, which receives humid (i.e.
undried)
animal waste and feeds the animal waste to a drying chamber 16.
[0046] The feeder 8 may receive the animal waste from an external waste
producing
system. The external waste producing system may be a system that includes
collecting of animal waste. For example, the external waste producing system
is a
poultry farming building, such as a hen house or broiler house. Animal waste
in the
form of chicken droppings may be collected on conveyor belts placed under the
flooring the poultry farming building.
[0047] An outlet 24 of the feeder 8 is positioned within the drying chamber
16, such
that animal waste ejected from the feeder 8 is received within the drying
chamber 16.
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[0048] For example, and as illustrated, the feeder 8 receives the animal waste
at a
first height that is lower than the height of the outlet 24. For example, the
feeder 8
includes an auger extending between its inlet and outlet 24.
[0049] Air for drying the animal waste is received inside the drying chamber
16. The
air may be air received through an opening defined in one of the sidewalls of
the
drying chamber 16. The received air may be already partially heated.
[0050] According to one exemplary embodiment, the receive air is air that
flows from
the poultry farming building. The large number of chicken in the poultry
farming
building emit heat, which causes the poultry farming building to be heated.
This
heated air can be fed directly into the drying chamber 16. Where ambient
temperature
outside of the drying chamber 16 is adequate, air from the surrounding
environment
outside the drying chamber 16 may also be fed into the drying chamber 16. As a
result, a heating system does not need be added to produce heated air for
drying the
animal waste. This may lead to a reduction of use in fossil fuels. In some
exemplary
embodiments, the waste drying system does not require use of fossil fules to
produce
heated air.
[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, the waste drying system 1 may include a
ventilation system, which may be air heating ventilation system. The
ventilation
system may be included where the waste drying system 1 is deployed in colder
climates and where the air fed from the poultry farming building is not
sufficiently
heated.
[0052] Animal waste ejected from the outlet 24 is received within at least one
waste
carrying platform 32. The at least one waste carrying platform 32 is
displaceable
between various locations within the drying chamber 16. One of these locations
is a
receiving location that is located directly below the outlet 24 of the feeder
8.
Accordingly, the waste carrying platform 32 can be displaced to this receiving
location
to receive animal waste from the feeder 8.
[0053] The waste carrying platform 32 has a waste carrying position and a
waste
dispensing position. In the waste carrying position 32, animal waste received
upon the
waste carrying platform 32 is retained. Accordingly, when the waste carrying
platform
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32 is displaced between different locations of the drying chamber 16 while the
platform 32 is in its waste carrying position, animal waste received upon the
platform
32 is also displaced to that location.
[0054] When the waste carrying platform 32 enters its waste dispensing
position
from its waste carrying position, the animal waste received upon the waste
carrying
platform 32 is dispensed therefrom onto a surface underlying the current
location of
the waste carrying platform 32. For example, after carrying an amount of
animal waste
to a given location within the drying chamber 16, entering the waste
dispensing
position causes the animal waste to be deposited onto a surface below the
waste
carrying platform 32 at that given location.
[0055] According to various exemplary embodiments, the waste drying system 1
includes a raised floor 40 positioned below the waste carrying platform 32.
Waste
dispensed from the waste carrying platform 32 is received over the raised
floor 40.
The raised floor 40 may have a plurality of openings formed therein that allow
air flow
to contact animal waste deposited on the raised floor 40. This air flow
provides drying
of the animal waste. The raised floor 40 may further include a plurality of
gaps. Animal
waste received on the raised 40 may fall through the gaps so as to be
deposited onto
a bottom floor 48 of the drying chamber 16.
[0056] The raised floor 40 may have at least two layers having horizontally
offsetting
planks. For example, the raised floor 40 may have substantially the same
configuration as the raised floor described in PCT publication no. WO
00/046560
entitled "CHAMBER AND INSTALLATION FOR DRYING ANIMAL WASTE", which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0057] According to various exemplary embodiments, animal waste may commence
or continue drying once it has fallen onto the bottom floor 48 of the drying
chamber
16. For example, the air flow received within the drying chamber 16 may be
flowed
towards the portion of the drying chamber 16 between the raised floor 40 and
the
bottom floor 48.
[0058] The air flow into the portion between the raised floor 40 and the
bottom floor
48 may cause build-up of pressure within this portion, which further assists
drying of
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animal waste on the bottom floor 48. For example, the level of pressure may be
varied. For example, a lower pressure may be applied during colder
temperatures,
such as during winter, when compared to other times of the year.
[0059] The at least one waste carrying platform 32 is configured to be
operable
between its waste carrying position and its waste dispensing position based on
a
height of the waste carrying platform 32 relative to an underlying surface.
The
underlying surface refers to the top surface of the animal waste dispensed
from the at
least one waste carrying platform 32 and that is lying atop a supporting
surface
beneath the waste carrying platform 32.
[0060] For example, and as illustrated, the supporting surface beneath the
waste
carrying platform 32 is the raised floor 40. In other exemplary embodiments
where a
raised floor 40 is not provided, the underlying surface may be the top surface
56 of
the animal waste received atop the bottom floor 48 of the drying chamber 16.
[0061] A waste carrying platform 32 is in its waste carrying position when the
height
of that waste carrying platform 32 above the underlying surface 56 is below a
predetermined threshold (i.e. a predetermined distance). For example, the
height of
the waste carrying platform 32 may have a reference line or height. When the
height
of the underlying surface 56 at a given location of the drying chamber 16 is
within the
predetermined distance of the reference height, the waste carrying platform 32
enters
or maintains its waste carrying position.
[0062] The waste carrying platform 32 is in its waste dispensing position when
the
height of the waste carrying platform 32 above the underlying surface 56 is
above the
predetermined threshold. When the height of the underlying surface 56 at a
given
location of the drying chamber 16 is outside the predetermined distance of the
reference height, the waste carrying platform 32 enters or maintains its waste
dispensing position.
[0063] For example, a waste carrying platform 32 may be in its waste carrying
position when located at its receiving location to receive animal waste from
the feeder
8. After receiving animal waste thereupon, the waste carrying platform 32 will
continue
to maintain its waste carrying platform 32 as it is displaced over various
locations of
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the drying chamber that each have a height of the underlying surface 56 that
is within
the predetermined distance of the reference height of the waste carrying
platform 32.
Accordingly, the received animal waste is also carried over these various
locations.
Upon reaching a particular location where the height of the underlying surface
56 is
outside the predetermined distance from the reference height of the waste
carrying
platform 32, the platform 32 enters its waste dispensing and dispenses the
animal
waste of the waste carrying platform 32 onto the top of the underlying surface
56.
[0064] It will be appreciated that the operation of a waste carrying platform
32 in the
above described manner causes the animal waste to be dispensed from the waste
carrying platform over locations that have a height of the underlying surface
56 that is
sufficient low so as to fall outside the predetermined distance from the
reference
height. That is, areas of low underlying surface 56 are found and filled with
animal
waste dispensed from the waste carrying platform and areas each having an
underlying surface 56 of sufficient height are not filled with animal waste.
It will be
further appreciated that repeated receiving, carrying and dispensing in this
manner
has the effect of distributing animal waste over the surface beneath the waste
carrying
platform 32 such that the underlying surface 56 has a uniform height.
[0065] Moreover, since the waste carrying platform 32 maintains its waste
carrying
position and does not enter its waste dispensing position when the height of
underlying surface 56 is within the predetermined distance of the reference
height of
the waste carrying platform 32, no more animal waste is dispensed from the
waste
carrying platform 32 once the underlying surface 56 reaches this height (i.e.
within the
predetermined distance of the reference height) throughout the locations
accessed by
the waste carrying platform 32. That is, the uniform height of the underlying
surface 56
is maintained and will not be exceeded due to additional dispensing of animal
waste
from waste carrying platforms 32.
[0066] According to various exemplary embodiments, the at least one waste
carrying
platform 32 may be configured to adjust the predetermined distance of the
reference
height above a height of an underlying surface 56 at which the platform 32
enters its
waste dispensing position. It will be appreciated that this has the effect of
adjusting
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the height of the underlying surface 56 that is reached before the waste
carrying
platform 32 no longer enters its waste dispensing position. It will be
appreciated that
the height of the underlying surface 56 corresponds to the thickness of the
layer of
animal waste that is dispensed over the surface supporting the animal waste
(surface
of the raised floor 40 or surface of the bottom floor 48). That is, by
adjusting the
predetermined distance at which the waste carrying platform 32 enters its
waste
dispensing position, the thickness of the layer of animal waste that is
dispensed onto
the supporting surface is also adjusted.
[0067] The predetermined distance at which the waste carrying platform 32
enters its
waste dispensing position can may adjusted so that the layer of animal waste
that is
dispensed reaches a target thickness. The target thickness may be a thickness
that
achieves adequate or optimal drying of the animal waste within the drying
chamber
16. For example, an overly thick layer of animal waste can result in some
animal
waste not being sufficiently exposed to air and adequately dried. For example,
an
overly thin layer of animal waste can produce adequate drying but achieve less
than
maximum production rate of dried animal waste.
[0068] According to various exemplary embodiments, the animal waste drying
system 1 includes a plurality of waste carrying platform 32. The waste
carrying
platforms 32 can be sequentially displaced to the receiving location to in
turn receive
animal waste from the feeder 8. Each waste carrying platform 32 can be
displaced
over various locations of the drying chamber 16 to dispense animal waste over
the
surface beneath. Each waste carrying platform 32 can be moved between its
waste
carrying position and its waste dispensing position independently of any other
waste
carrying platforms 32. For example, whether a particular waste carrying
platform 32 is
in its waste carrying position and its waste dispensing position does not
depend on
the position of the other waste carrying platforms 32.
[0069] According to various exemplary embodiments, the animal waste drying
system 1 further includes at least one set of a plurality of mixing members
64. The
mixing members 64 are also displaced over various locations of the drying
chamber
16. As they are displaced, the mixing members 64 perform a mixing action of
the
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animal waste that have been dispensed from the at least one waste carrying
platform
32 onto the surface below.
[0070] According to various exemplary embodiments and as illustrated herein,
the
mixing members 64 may be mixing fingers. The mixing fingers may be rod-like in
shape.
[0071] According to other exemplary embodiments, the mixing members 64 may be
mixing blades. The mixing blades may have a thin body with a surface for
contacting
the dispensed animal waste. The mixing blades may be formed of a metal, such
as
steel.
[0072] According to various exemplary embodiments, the mixing action of the
mixing
members 64 both mixes the dispensed animal waste and disperses the animal
waste.
The mixing may cause mixing of previously dispensed animal waste with already
dispensed animal waste, thereby improving consistency of the animal waste
being
dried. The dispersing may cause animal waste dispensed over a given area to be
spread out over a larger area. It will be appreciated that the dispersing also
contributes to uniform distribution in height and thickness of the animal
waste.
[0073] As illustrated, the mixing members 64 extend downwardly past the top
surface 56 to penetrate into the dispensed animal waste. For example, the
tension of
the mixing members may be variable. The tension may be varied to ensure that
the
mixing members 64 penetrate a consistency depth into the dispensed animal
waste.
[0074] According to various exemplary embodiments, the mixing members 64 may
be operated between a resting position and a mixing positon. In the resting
position,
the mixing members 64 are disengaged from the dispensed animal waste. For
example, the mixing members 64 are moved to a substantially horizontal
position so
as to be disengaged from the dispensed animal waste. For example, the mixing
members 64 may be operated to their resting position during an initial
dispensing step
wherein fresh animal waste is first received within the drying chamber 16.
[0075] In the mixing position, the mixing members 64 extend downwardly to
contact
and mix the dispensed animal waste, as described elsewhere herein.
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[0076] According to various exemplary embodiments, the mixing members 64 have
an agitating motion while being displaced. The agitating motion includes a non-
zero
component in a direction that is perpendicular to the current direction of
displacement
of the mixing members 64. This side-to-side motion of the mixing members 64
further
improve mixing and/or dispersing of the animal waste by the mixing members 64.
[0077] The waste drying system 1 further includes an unloader 68. The unloader
68
is adapted to receive animal waste that has dried sufficiently within the
drying
chamber 16 and transport the dried waste from the drying chamber 16. For
example,
and as illustrated, the unloader 68 receives the dried waste at a first height
that is
lower than the height of the outlet 70 of the unloader 68. For example, the
unloader
68 includes an auger extending between its inlet and outlet 70.
[0078] According to one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the dried animal
waste
transported by the unloader 68 is mixed with undried animal waste being fed
into the
drying chamber 16 through the feeder 8. For example, the dried animal waste
may be
fed into the feeder 8 through a chute 71 of the unloader 68. The chute 70 may
be
located at an intersection of the unloader 68 with the feeder 8.
[0079] For example, at least 30% of the dried animal waste is mixed with the
undried
animal waste.
[0080] For example, about 40% to about 60% of the dried animal waste is mixed
with
the undried animal waste.
[0081] For example, about 45% to about 55% of the dried animal waste is mixed
with
the undried animal waste.
[0082] The unloader 68 may further feed the dried animal waste to an
external
system. The dried animal waste fed to the external system may be the dried
animal
waste that is not fed back and mixed with the undried animal waste in the
feeder 8.
The external system may be a system that treats the dried waste. For example,
the
external system may be a treatment plant that further treats the dried waste,
a packing
plant for packaging the dried animal waste, or a transportation vehicle that
transports
the dried animal waste to the treatment plant and/or packing plant.
Alternatively, the
external system is a storage container for the dried animal waste.
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[0083] For example, the dried animal waste may be mixed with at least one
additional material within the external system. The additional material may be
an
organic or an inorganic material. Organic material may include wood derivative
or
biomass. Inorganic material may include sulfur, phosphorous, calcium,
magnesium,
potassium, sodium, boron, iron and manganese.
[0084] According to various exemplary embodiments, the waste drying system 1
includes a hopper 74. The dried animal waste unloaded by the unloader 68 is
collected inside the hopper 74.
[0085] According to various exemplary embodiments, the waste drying system 1
includes a track system 80 that defines a displacement path of the at least
one waste
carrying platform 32. The displacement path refers to the path covered by the
at least
waste carrying platform 32 as it is displaced through the drying chamber 16.
The at
least one waste carrying platform 32 may be coupled to the track system 80,
wherein
a moving unit 88 of the track system 80 causes displacement of the at least
one waste
carrying platform 32.
[0086] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, therein illustrated are a plan view
of the
waste drying system 1 according to various exemplary embodiments and a plan
view
of a track system 80 according to various exemplary embodiments, respectively.
The
exemplary track system 80 of the waste drying system 1 includes a fixed
portion,
which may be a fixed track 96. The fixed track 96 defines a closed
displacement path
of the at least one waste carrying platform 32. For example, and as
illustrated, the
fixed track 96 has a substantially oval shape and the closed path of the at
least one
waste carrying platform 32 also has the oval shape.
[0087] The track system 80 further includes a movable portion, which may be a
chain 104 (not shown in Figures 2 and 3). The chain 104 is attached to the
fixed
tracked 96 via one or more moving parts. The moving parts allow the chain 104
to be
displaced along the closed displacement path defined by the fixed track 96.
[0088] A portion of outer walls 98 defining in part the drying chamber 16 are
illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
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[0089] Referring now to Figure 4, therein illustrated is a plan view of a
chain 104
according to various exemplary embodiments. The chain 104 includes a plurality
of
chain segments 108. Each chain segment 108 is pivotally attached at a first
end to an
end of a first other chain segment 108 and pivotally attached at a second end
to an
end of a second other chain segment 108. The chain segments 108 attached in
this
way forms a continuous chain 104. The pivotally attached ends of the chain
segments
108 allow the angle between adjacent chain segments 108 to be varied.
Accordingly
each chain segment 108 can turn with respect to its neighboring chain segment
108.
This pivotal attachment allows the chain segments 108 to be displaced along
curved
portions of the closed displacement path defined by the fixed track 96.
[0090] For example, and as illustrated, the moving part includes one or more
sets of
track wheels 116 coupled to one or more of the chain segments 108. It will be
understood that only one set of track wheels 116 is illustrated, but in other
exemplary
embodiments, a plurality of track wheels 116 may be provided.
[0091] A set of track wheels 116 engages and rolls along the fixed track 96.
The
rolling of the set of track wheels 116 causes displacement of the chain 104
along the
fixed track 96.
[0092] Referring now to Figure 5, therein illustrated is a perspective view of
one
chain segment 108 according to one exemplary embodiment. The chain segment 108
includes a segment body 124, which may be formed of a plurality boards stacked
one
atop another. The boards may be wooden boards. For example, and as
illustrated,
each board includes a curved end that extends past an end of the segment body
124.
When stacked, the boards are arranged so that the curved ends face alternating
directions. For example, rounded ends 132a of odd numbered boards (ex: 1st,
3rd, 5th,
7th) are oriented towards the left while rounded ends 132b of even numbered
boards
(ex: 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th)
are oriented towards the right. When so arranged, the rounded
ends 132a of the odd numbered boards define a plurality of gaps that each have
a
thickness corresponding a thickness of one board. Similarly, the rounded ends
132b
of the even numbered boards define a plurality of gaps that each have a
thickness
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corresponding to a thickness of one board. Each curved end may have formed
therein
a throughhole 140.
[0093] A chain segment 108 is attached to another chain segment 108 by
inserting
curved ends 132a of the odd numbered boards of one chain segment 108 into the
gaps formed between the rounded ends 132b of the even numbered boards of the
other chain segment 108. The rounded ends 132a of the first chain segment 108
is
then connected to the rounded ends 132b of the other chain segment, for
example, by
inserting a rod through the throughholes 140 of the first rounded ends 132a
and 132b.
The rod prevents the rounded ends 132a of the first chain segment 108 to be
separated from the rounded ends 132b of the other chain segment 108. The rod
also
permits pivoting of the first chain segment 108 with respect to the other
chain segment
108. The rod acts as the pivot point between the two chain segments 108.
Figure 4
illustrates a fully assembled chain 104 formed of a plurality of chain
segments 108. It
will be appreciated that the pivotal attachment of two chain segments 108
allows the
chain 104 to be curved in some portions.
[0094] A chain segment 108 further includes at least one fastener 148 for
attaching
an element that will be displaced with displacement of the chain segment 108.
For
example, the displaced element may be a waste carrying platform 32 or a set of
mixing members 64.
[0095] Referring now to Figure 6, therein illustrated is a perspective view of
a moving
part that is a set of track wheels 116 according to one exemplary embodiment.
The
set of track wheels 116 includes one or more lower wheels 156 that engage a
track
member of the fixed track 96. For example, and as illustrated, the lower
wheels 156
include opposing sets of lower wheels 156, wherein one set engages an inner
track
member of the fixed track 96 and the other set engages an outer track member
of the
fixed track 96.
[0096] The set of track wheels 116 can further include one of more upper
wheels
164 for engaging a track member of the fixed track 96. For example, and as
illustrated, the upper wheels 164 include opposing sets of upper wheels 164,
wherein
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one set engages an inner track member of the fixed track 96 and the other set
engages an outer track members of the fixed track 96.
[0097] The track wheels 116 roll along the fixed track 96, thereby causing
displacement of an element coupled to the track wheels. For example, and as
illustrated, the set of track wheels 116 include a rod 172, which may be
extending
downwardly from the set of track wheels 116. The rod 172 may be the rod that
extends through throughholes 140 of the rounded ends 132a and 132b of adjacent
chain segments 108 to pivotally join the chain segments 108. For example, the
rod
172 may be threaded to receive a fastener, such as a nut.
[0098] Referring back to Figure 4, it will be appreciated that in the
illustrated
example, a set of track wheels 116 is pivotally attaches two adjacently
positioned
chain segments 108. According to various exemplary embodiments, each pair of
adjacently positioned chain segments 108 may be pivotally attached by one set
of
track wheels 116.
[0099] Referring now to Figure 7, therein illustrated is a moving unit 88
according to
one exemplary embodiment. The moving unit 88 includes at least one wheel
machine
180 that rotates. For example, and as illustrated, the wheel machine 180
rotates
about a substantially vertically oriented axis. The outer wall of the wheel
machine 180
may be formed of a high friction material, such as rubber or silicone. For
example, the
moving unit 88 includes a motor 184 that powers the at least one wheel machine
180.
[00100] In operation, the wheel machine 180 is positioned at a height that
substantially corresponds to a height of the movable chain 104 within the
waste drying
system. The outer wall of the wheel machine 180 frictionally engages a
sidewall 188
of chain segments 108 of the chain 104. Rotation of the wheel machine 180
causes
the chain segment 108 currently being engaged by the wheel machine 180 to be
displaced in a direction that is tangential to the wheel machine 180.
[00101] For example, and as illustrated, the moving unit 88 includes a pair of
wheel
machines 180 positioned in proximity of one another. The chain 104 is
positioned so
that its chain segments 108 are displaced through the gap formed between the
two
wheel machines 180. The wheel machines 180 frictionally engage opposing
sidewalls
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188 of the chain segments 108 to displace the chain 104. Each of the wheel
machines
180 may be powered by its respective motor 184.
[00102] The moving unit 88 may have a bracket system 186 that allows
attachment of
the moving unit 88 within the track system 80. The bracket system 186 can
include
cooperating sliding members 190 and 192. Cooperating sliding members 190 and
192
may be displaced with respect to one another to vary a width of the moving
unit 88.
The displacement of the cooperating sliding members further varies a distance
between the two wheel machines 180. This distance may be adjusted to
accommodate chain segments of different widths or for tuning and/or
calibrating the
system over time.
[00103] An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 17A, 17B and 17C. In
fact, the
moving unit 88 can alternatively comprises a toothed wheel 480 provided with a
plurality of teeth 482. Such a wheel 480 is dimensioned to engage the chain
segments 108 to displace the chain 104. In fact, such a wheel is dimensioned
for
example to engage the space defined between two adjacent segments, the space
defined between two adjacent segments matching with the size of the teeth.
[00104] Referring back to Figure 3, the track system 80 includes one moving
unit 88
positioned along the fixed track 96. For example, and as illustrated, the
bracket
system 186 is positioned over a top of the fixed track 96 while the wheel
machines
extend downwardly past the fixed track 96 to engage the chain 104 attached
underneath the fixed track 96.
[00105] Referring now to Figure 8, therein illustrated is a perspective view
of a waste
carrying platform 32 according to various exemplary embodiments. The waste
carrying platform 32 includes a tray 200 onto which animal waste may be
received.
The waste carrying platform 32 further includes a suspension system 208 that
supports the tray 200. The suspension system 208 is coupled to at least one
wheel
216, which may contact the underlying surface 56.
[00106] In the waste carrying position, the tray 200 of the waste carrying
platform 32
is oriented substantially horizontally such that animal waste received thereon
is
retained. It will be understood that the tray 200 may have a slight incline
while the
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waste carrying platform 32 is in its waste carrying position, as long as the
animal
waste received on the tray 200 is retained.
[00107] In the waste dispensing position, the tray 200 of the waste carrying
platform
32 is substantially inclined, whereby animal waste received thereon slides off
the
surface of the tray 200 under the force of gravity.
[00108] Whether the tray 200 is in a substantially horizontal orientation
(waste
carrying position of the waste carrying platform 32) or the substantially
inclined
orientation (waste dispensing position of the waste carrying platform 32)
depends on
the position of the wheel 216 and its actuation of the suspension system 208.
[00109] For example, the height of the tray 200 may be a reference height of
the
waste carrying platform 32. When the wheel 216 is supported by an underlying
surface 56 such that the wheel 216 is positioned at a height that is
sufficiently close to
the tray 200 (i.e. the height of the underlying surface 56 is within the
predetermined
distance of the reference height), the tray 200 maintains its substantially
horizontal
orientation. When the wheel 216 is positioned at height that is outside the
predetermined distance (either due to the underlying surface 56 having a
height that
is outside the predetermined distance of the reference height or the
underlying
surface 56 being so low that the wheel 216 is not supported at all), the tray
200 enters
its substantially inclined orientation.
[00110] Referring now to Figure 9, therein illustrated is an elevation view of
a rear
side of the waste carrying platform 32 according to various exemplary
embodiments.
The suspension system 208 of the exemplary waste carrying platform 32 includes
at
least one upstanding bar 224 onto which the tray 200 is pivotally attached.
For
example, and as illustrated, the suspension 208 includes two upstanding bars
224
onto which the tray 200 is pivotally attached. The tray 200 is attached to the
two
upstanding bars 224 so that it can pivot between its substantially horizontal
position
and its substantially inclined position.
[00111] The at least one upstanding bar 224 maintains a substantially fixed
height
during displacement of the waste carrying platform 32. For example, the at
least one
upstanding bar 224 is fixedly coupled to a chain segment 108 of the chain 104.
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[00112] The suspension 208 further includes an arm member 232. A first end 240
of
the arm member 232 is pivotally attached to one of the upstanding bars 224. A
second end 248 of the arm member 232 is coupled to the wheel 216. For example,
an
axle of the wheel 216 may extend transversely from the second end 248 of the
arm
member 232. As the arm member 232 is pivotally attached to an upstanding bar
224
and the upstanding bar 224 is fixedly coupled to the chain 104, the arm member
232
performs a pivotal action as the height of the wheel 216 is varied. The height
of wheel
216 may vary as the waste carrying platform 32 is displaced over an underlying
surface of varying height.
[00113] A linkage member 256 extends between the arm member 232 and the tray
200. Due to this joining of the tray 200 with the linkage member 256, the tray
200 is
actuated between its substantially horizontal orientation and its
substantially inclined
orientation as the height of the wheel 216 is varied and the arm member 232 is
pivoted. More particularly, when the wheel 216 is sufficiently raised (due to
the height
of the underlying surface 56 being within the predetermined distance of the
reference
height of the waste carrying platform 32), the arm member 232 is also pivoted
upwardly. This upward pivoting further pushes the tray 200 via the linkage
member
256 upwardly so that the tray 200 assumes its substantially horizontal
orientation.
When the wheel 216 is sufficiently lowered (due to the height of the
underlying
surface 56 being outside the predetermined distance of the reference height of
the
waste carrying platform 32), the arm member 232 is pivoted downwardly. This
downward pivoting further pulls the tray 200 via the linkage member 256
downwardly
so that the tray 200 assumes its substantially inclined orientation.
[00114] For example, and as illustrated, the linkage member 256 is pivotally
attached
at a first end to the arm member 232 at a location that is remote of first end
240 of the
arm member 232. The linkage member 256 is further pivotally attached at a
second
end to the tray 200. The linkage member 256 may be pivotally attached to a
side of
the tray 200 that is opposite the side at which the tray 200 is pivotally
attached to the
upstanding bar 224.
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[00115] Referring now to Figure 10, therein illustrated is a perspective view
of a waste
carrying platform 32 in its waste dispensing position according to various
exemplary
embodiments. The wheel 216 has been lowered such that the linkage member 256
has a substantially vertical orientation. As a result, the tray 200 of the
waste carrying
platform 32 is substantially inclined so that animal waste received thereon
has slid off
the surface of the tray 200.
[00116] The example embodiment in Figure 10 shows two waste carrying platforms
32 arranged end-to-end along a closed path defined by the fixed track 96. In
some
exemplary embodiments, more than two waste carrying platforms 32 may be
arranged
end-to-end. Two or more adjacent waste carrying platforms 32 each being in the
waste carrying position provides a continuous surface for receiving animal
waste from
the feeder 8. However, each waste carrying platform 32 may still be moved
between
its waste carrying position and its waste dispensing position independently of
the
position of any other waste carrying platform 32.
[00117] The waste carrying platforms 32 arranged end-to-end forms a multi-
platform
chain so that more animal waste may be received, displaced and dispensed at
any
time.
[00118] For example, the multi-platform chain may extend along at least 40% of
the
closed path defined by the fixed track.
[00119] For example, the multi-platform chain may extend along at least 60% of
the
closed path defined by the fixed track.
[00120] For example, the multi-platform chain may extend along at least 90% of
the
closed path defined by the fixed track.
[00121] For example, a plurality of waste carrying platforms 32 may form a
plurality of
multi-platform chains.
[00122] Referring now to Figure 11, therein illustrated is a front elevation
view of a set
of mixing members 64 according to various exemplary embodiments. The set of
mixing members 64 includes an axle 264 from which extend a plurality of finger
members 272. The axle 264 may be rotatable so as to adjust a vertical distance
by
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which the finger members 272 extend. For example, the axle 264 may be coupled
to a
biasing member 276 which provides a counter-force on the axle 264. For
example, the
biasing member provides a variable tension of the finger members 272 when
contacting an underlying surface 56.
[00123] According to various exemplary embodiments, a set of mixing members 64
may include at least two subsets 280 and 282 of mixing members 64. The first
subset
280 extends from a first axle 264 that is supported by a first bracket 284.
The second
subset 282 extends from a second axle 264b that is supported by a second
bracket
288. The first bracket 284 may be moved in a side-to-side motion as the set of
mixing
members 64 is displaced along the closed path. Similarly, the second bracket
288
may be moved in a side-to-side motion as the set of mixing members 64 is
displaced
along the closed path.
[00124] According to one exemplary embodiment, and as illustrated, a first
actuated
arm 290 extends from the first bracket 280 and is coupled to an actuating
mechanism
291. Similarly, a second actuated arm 292 extends from the second bracket 288.
The
actuating mechanisms 291 causes side-to-side motions of the first actuated arm
290
and the second actuated arm 292. For example, the actuating mechanism 291
includes an oscillating arm that extends between a rotating plate and the
first and
second actuated arms. As the rotating plate is rotated, the oscillating arm
has a side
to side motion, which further causes the side-to-side motions of the first and
second
actuated arms 290, 292. For example, the rotating plate may receive a
rotational force
from a motor. Alternatively, the rotating plate is rotationally coupled to a
track wheels
set 116, for example, via a gear mechanism, whereby rotating of the set of
track
wheels causes rotation of the rotating plate.
[00125] Referring now to Figure 12, therein illustrated is a perspective view
of an
assembled waste drying system 1 according to one exemplary embodiment. The
exemplary embodiment includes two waste carrying platforms 32 each being
attached
to a chain segment 108 of the chain 104. A set of mixing members 64 is
attached to
the chain 104. The chain 104 forms a continuous ring and follows the closed
path
defined by the fixed track 96. A moving unit is coupled to the fixed track 96.
Operation
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of the moving unit 88 causes the chain 104 to be advanced along the fixed
track 96,
which further causes displacement of the waste carrying platforms 32 and the
set of
mixing members 64.
[00126] According to various exemplary embodiments, the animal waste
drying
system 1 may include at least one scraping device 320. The scraping device 320
is
operable to contact animal waste that has been deposited onto the supporting
surface
and displace this waste. In particular, the deposited waste is transported to
the hopper
74 so that it may be unloaded from the drying chamber 16 by the unloader 68.
The
scraping device 30 may be operated when the animal waste that has been
deposited
has sufficiently dried.
[00127] For example the at least one scraping device 320 is connected to
the
chain 104 and is displaced with the displacement of the chain 104 along the
closed
path defined by the fixed track 96. As a result, the deposited animal waste
contacted
by the scraping device 320 is also displaced along the closed path over the
supporting surface. For example, by locating the hopper 74 along the closed
path, the
scraping device 320 will eventually bring the animal waste contacted by it to
the
hopper 74.
[00128] Referring now to Figure 13, therein illustrated is a side
elevation view of
a scraping device 320 according to one exemplary embodiment. For example, and
as
illustrated, three scraping devices 320 are provided. However, it will be
understood
that in other examples, a different number of scraping devices may be
included.
[00129] A scraping device 320 includes an articulated arm 324 that is
pivotally
attached to a chain segment 108. The articulated arm 324 is attached in a way
so that
it can be pivoted along the direction indicated by arrows 328. For example,
the
articular arm 324 is biased towards a top surface 332 of the supporting
surface 336.
[00130] A scraping blade 340 extends from the articulated arm towards the
top
surface 332. The scraping blade 340 may have a width that corresponds to the
expected width of the dispersion of deposited animal waste over the support
surface
336. This dispersion may be the dispersion caused by the mixing member 64.
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[00131] For example, and illustrated, at least one ramp 344 may be placed
in
proximity of the hopper 74. The at least one ramp 344 presents an upwardly
inclined
surface 348 that joins the top surface 332 with the hopper 74. A scraping
blade 340
can displace animal waste from the top surface 332 over the upwardly inclined
surface 348 into the hopper 74.
[00132] For example, the at least one ramp 344 may have an inclined
surface
348 that has at least a 10% grade with respect to the top surface 332.
[00133] For example, the at least one ramp 344 may have an inclined
surface
348 that has at least a 20% grade with respect to the top surface 332.
[00134] For example, the at least one ramp may have an inclined surface
348
that has at least a 30% grade with respect to the top surface 332.
[00135] The scraping device 320 may be moved between a raised position and
a
scraping position. In the raised position, the scraping device 320 is pivoted
upwardly
so that the scraping blade 340 is disengaged from the dispensed animal waste.
The
scraping device 320 may be moved to the raised position during a drying phase
in
which undried animal waste is being dispensed from the waste dispensing
platform 32
and air is flowed through the drying chamber 16 to dry the dispensed waste.
[00136] In the scraping positon, the scraping device 320 is pivoted
upwardly so
that the scraping blade 340 contacts the animal waste dispensed over the
supporting
surface 336. The scraping device 320 may be moved to the raised position
during an
animal waste collecting phase in which the dispensed animal waste has
sufficiently
dried and is to be collected and unloaded from the drying chamber 16 by the
unloader
68.
[00137] Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, therein illustrated are a side
elevation view and a perspective view respectively of a waste carrying
platform 32'
according to an alternative exemplary embodiment. As shown, the tray 200 can
be
actuated between its substantially horizontal orientation and its
substantially inclined
orientation. The tray 200 is supported by a wheel 216 which is passed over the
underlying surface of varying height.
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[00138] Referring now to Figure 16, therein illustrated is a front
elevation view of
the waste carrying platform 32'according to the alternative exemplary
embodiment.
The wheel 216 is fixed attached to the tray 200. The tray 200 is further
pivotally
attached to the upstanding bar 224. When the wheel 216 is displaced over a
portion
of the underlying surface 56 having a lesser height, the wheel 216 drops
downwardly
and is pivoted about the attachment point of the tray 200 with the upstanding
bar 224.
As a result, the tray 200 is also pivoted and enters its inclined position.
When the
wheel 216 is displaced over another portion having a greater height, it is
pivoted
upwardly, which further causes the tray 200 to be pivoted back to its waste
carrying
position.
[00139] According to various exemplary embodiments, the animal waste drying
system 1 may include a shipping container. The walls 400 of the shipping
container
define the drying chamber 16 and the fixed track 96 is installed inside the
shipping
container. The feeder 8, unloader 68 and air flow from the poultry farming
building
may be connected to one or more sidewalls or top wall of the shipping
container.
[00140] Alternatively, the system may comprises supporting members made of a
composite material chosen from various composite materials comprising polymers
such as reinforced polyester.
[00141] According to other exemplary embodiments, the animal waste drying
system
1 may include a plurality of shipping containers that are joined together to
define the
drying chamber 16. The outer walls 400 of the shipping containers define the
drying
chamber 16. The fixed track 96 extends through the plurality of shipping
containers.
The feeder, unloader 68 and air flow from the poultry farming building may be
connected to one or more of the outer walls 400 of the shipping containers.
[00142] According to various exemplary embodiments, the various components of
the
waste drying system 1 may be provided as a kit. The kit ma
[00143] y facilitate transportation of the components to the site where the
waste
drying system 1 is to be installed. The components of the kits can then be
assembled
together at the installation site.
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[00144] The kit includes at least a first shipping container and a second
shipping
container. For example, the first shipping container and the second shipping
container
can each be intermodal containers. At least one track segment corresponding to
a
portion of the fixed track 96 is pre-installed inside the first shipping
container. Similarly
at least another track segment corresponding to another portion of the fixed
track 96
[00145] At least a portion of one sidewall of the first shipping container is
removable.
Similarly, at least a portion of one sidewall of the second shipping container
is
removable. The removable sidewall portion of the first shipping container may
be an
entire shipping container sidewall of the first shipping container. Similarly,
the
removable sidewall portion of the second shipping container may be an entire
shipping container sidewall of the second shipping container.
[00146] According to various exemplary methods for assembling a waste drying
system 1, the first shipping container is transported to the installation site
with its
removable sidewall portion attached and its track segment pre-installed within
it.
[00147] Similarly, the second shipping container is transported to the
installation site
with its removable sidewall portion attached and its track segment installed
within it.
[00148] Once the at least first shipping container and the second shipping
container
have been transported to the installation site, the assembly method continues
by
joining at least the first shipping container and the second shipping
container together
to form a drying chamber 16.
[00149] For example, the at least one removable sidewall portion of the first
shipping
container is removed. The at least one removable sidewall portion of the
second
shipping container is also removed. The first shipping container and the
second
shipping container are joined by placing the shipping containers side-by-side,
whereby the opening formed from removal of the sidewall portion of the first
shipping
container faces and communicates with the opening formed from removal of the
sidewall portion of the second shipping container. Accordingly, the interior
of the first
shipping container is in fluid communication with the interior of the second
shipping
container through their respective openings. The unremoved sidewalls of at
least the
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first shipping container and the second shipping container define the drying
chamber
16.
[00150] The first track segment pre-installed in the first shipping container
is joined to
the second track segment pre-installed in the second shipping container.
Joining the
track segments together may form a complete closed fixed track 96 that defines
the
closed displacement path.
[00151] The assembly method further includes connecting a feeder to the
partially
assembled drying system 1. The feeder receives animal waste from an external
waste
producing system and transports the waste into the drying chamber 16.
[00152] The assembly method further includes connecting an unloader to the
partially
assembled drying system 1. The unloader receives dried waste from the drying
chamber 16 and transports it to an external treatment system.
[00153] According to various exemplary embodiments, the kit includes at least
one of
the feeder and the unloader, which may be contained within a third shipping
container. For example, both the feeder and the unloader may be contained with
the
third shipping container.
[00154] According to various exemplary embodiments, the kit further includes
various
other components of the waste drying system 1. Prior to assembly, these
components
may be detached from the waste drying system 1. Alternatively, one or more of
the
components may already be attached.
[00155] For example, the kit further includes one or more waste carrying
platforms 32
adapted to be attached and displaced along the fixed track 96. The waste
carrying
platforms 32 may be contained within at least one of the first shipping
container and
the second shipping container during transportation. Alternatively, the waste
carrying
platforms 32 may be transported within another shipping container. The waste
carrying platform 32 may be provided in its assembled form, for example, as
illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, except that it is initially decoupled from
the fixed track
96. One or more of the waste carrying platform 32 may each be pre-attached to
a
chain segment 108.
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[00156] For example, the kit further includes at least one moving unit 88
adapted to
be attached along the fixed track 96. The moving unit 88 may be contained
within at
least one of the first shipping container and the second shipping container
during
transportation. Alternatively, the moving unit 88 may be transported within
another
shipping container.
[00157] For example, the kit further includes a plurality of chain segments
108
adapted to be attached along the fixed track 96 to form a chain 104. Chain
segments
108 may be contained within at least one of the first shipping container and
the
second shipping container during transportation. Alternatively, the chain
segments
108 may be transported within another shipping container. The chain segments
108
may be provided in its assembled form, for example, as illustrated in 5. One
or more
of the chain segments 108 may be pre-attached to a waste carrying platform 32
or a
set of mixing members 64.
[00158] For example, the kit further includes one or more sets of mixing
members 64
adapted to be attached and displaced along the fixed track 96. The mixing
members
64 may be contained within at least one of the first shipping container and
the second
shipping container during transportation. Alternatively, the mixing members 64
may be
transported within another shipping container. The mixing members 64 may be
provided in its assembled form, for example, as illustrated in Figure 11,
except that it
is initially detached from the fixed track 96. The mixing members 64 may each
be
initially detached from the chain segments 108.
[00159] According to other exemplary embodiments, a kit may include a single
shipping container that defines a drying chamber. A fixed closed track is pre-
installed
within the shipping container. At least one waste carrying platform may be
further
attached and displaced along the closed track.
[00160] According to various exemplary embodiments, the assembly method
further
includes assembling one or more components of the waste drying system 1. For
example, when joining the track segments pre-installed in at least the first
shipping
container and the second shipping container, the chain segments 108 are also
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assembled. The chain segments 108 are attached together to form the chain 104.
The
chain segments 108 are coupled to the fixed track via the sets of track wheels
116.
[00161] For example, the one or more waste carrying platforms 32 are assembled
to
the waste drying system 1. These may be assembled through assembly of the
chain
segments 108. Alternatively, the waste carrying platforms 32 are installed
after
assembly of the chain 104.
[00162] For example, the one or more sets of mixing members 64 are installed.
These
may be assembled through assembly of the chain segments 108. Alternatively,
the
mixing members 64 are installed after assembly of the chain 104.
[00163] For example, the moving unit 88 may also be installed. The moving unit
88
may be configured according to the dimensions of the chain segments 108 of the
assembled chain 104.
[00164] According to various exemplary embodiments, at least one unremoved
sidewall of the first shipping container and the second shipping container has
formed
therein an opening for receiving air flow. Air flow received through this
opening
provides drying of the animal waste received within the drying chamber.
[00165] It will be understood that while exemplary kits and assembly methods
have
been described herein with reference to a first shipping container and a
second
shipping container, various exemplary embodiments may make use of more than
two
shipping containers. In particular, a variable number of shipping containers
may be
assembled to form the drying chamber 16 according to the desired size of the
drying
chamber 16.
[00166] For example, four shipping containers may be joined to form a drying
chamber 16 that is twice the size as one formed from joining two shipping
containers.
In other examples, the drying chamber 16 may be formed from joining any larger
number of shipping containers.
[00167] Referring back to Figure 2, the exemplary waste drying system 1
illustrated
therein has a drying chamber 16 that is defined by the joining of four
shipping
containers. A first shipping container 300 is joined at its short side with a
short side of
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a second shipping container 304. For example, end doors of the first shipping
container 300 and the second shipping container 304 may be removed. The first
shipping container 300 is further joined at its long side to a third shipping
container
308. For clarity, longitudinal sidewalls 310, 312 of the first shipping
container 300 and
third shipping container 308 are shown in Figure 2, but it will be understood
that at
least a portion of each of the longitudinal sidewalls 310 and 312 are removed.
A fourth
shipping container 316 is joined to the second shipping container 304 and the
third
shipping container 308. The fourth shipping container 316 is joined at its
short side
with a short side of the third shipping container 308. For example, end doors
of the
third shipping container 308 and the fourth shipping container 316 may be
removed.
The further shipping container 316 is further joined at its long side to
second shipping
container 304. For clarity, longitudinal walls 318, 319 of the third and
fourth shipping
containers 308, and 316 are shown in Figure 2, but it will be understood that
at least a
portion of each of the longitudinal sidewalls 318 and 319 are removed.
[00168] An additional shipping container 321 contains the feeder 8 and the
unloader
68. The shipping container 321 is positioned near the first shipping container
300 and
the feeder 8 projects through an end of the container 321 and an outer
sidewall 323 of
the first shipping container 300 to enter the drying chamber 16.
[00169] In other exemplary embodiments, the closed fixed track 96 may be
contained
within a single shipping container. Accordingly, an exemplary assembly method
includes transporting the shipping container with the tracked already
installed therein.
One or more of the chain 104, waste carrying platform 32 and mixing members
may
be detached from the track 96 while the shipping container is being
transported.
These may be connected at the installation site. At the same installation
site, a feeder
may be further connected.
[00170] It will be appreciated that various waste drying systems, kits and
methods
described herein provide increased ease of transportation, assembly and
installation.
Use of shipping containers to transport items facilitates transportation.
Having one or
more pre-installed components (ex: portions of fixed track, moving unit, etc)
decreases the amount of assembly required. The use of the shipping containers
as
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walls that define the drying chamber decreases or eliminates the need
permanent
fixtures (ex: no need to building a foundation or permanent walls), thereby
decreases
infrastructure costs. For example, the kit may be delivered as a "plug and
play"
solution, which can be installed by an end user without the use of special
tools or
requiring specialized personnel.
[00171] It will be further appreciated that use of shipping containers as
walls further
provides modularity. The size of the drying chamber 16 that is formed, and
consequently the size of the drying operation (ex: rate of dried waste
produce) can be
varied simply by varying the number of shipping containers used to form the
drying
chamber 16. For example, within a "plug and play" solution, an end user may
specify
the desired amount of animal waste to be dried, and the manufacturer can
provide a
number of shipping containers for forming a drying chamber 16 that will
correspond
with the desired amount. The track segment preinstalled in these shipping
containers
can be configured accordingly so as to form an assembled fixed track that will
appropriately cover that drying chamber 16.
[00172] It will be appreciated that, for simplicity and clarity of
illustration, where
considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures
to
indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps. In addition, 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.
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