Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FEEDING ANIMALS
TECHNICAL FIELD:
[0001] The present disclosure is related to the field of providing the right
quantity of feed
to individual animals, in particular, meat-type poultry breeding stock that
are intended to
follow a predetermined body weight profile, or pets to prevent or treat
obesity.
BACKGROUND:
[0002] Meat type chicken parent (broiler breeders), grandparent, great
grandparent and
pedigree stock have the genetic potential for accelerated growth due to
selection for
growth rate, meat yield, and feed efficiency since the 1940's (Havenstein et
al., 1994a;
1994b; 2003a, 2003b, Zuidhof et al. 2014). These breeding stocks must be
maintained
using strict feed rationing to control body weight because even moderate
overfeeding
reduces reproductive performance (Robinson et al. 1998). Each year, the
problem
becomes greater due to increasing incongruity between the body weight required
for
reproductive success and the genetic potential of their offspring.
[0003] Commercially, feed allocation decisions for broiler breeders are a
significant
challenge. Changes in dietary ingredient composition, environmental
temperature, and
the activity level of the animals are factors in the decision about what to
feed, so as to
ensure tight control of body weight. Further, even if correct feed amounts are
provided,
equal distribution to birds in the flock is difficult because of competition
for a limited
amount of feed (Zuidhof et al., 2014). Even if the average body weight of a
flock is
close to target, poor uniformity is becoming a serious problem because more
aggressive animals eat more and become overweight, while less aggressive ones
become underweight. Both scenarios reduce health, welfare, and reproductive
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success. State of the art in feeding broiler breeders currently involves
specialized feed
pans (Cole et al., 2009; 2012) and restriction grills that allow for sex-
separate feeding
(Brake et al., 1994) and feed distribution systems that permit weighing feed
for females
and males separately (Horwood, 2001). All of these challenges apply to various
extents
to any animal requiring some degree of feed restriction to control body weight
or
condition.
[0004] In some regions of the world where labor is relatively inexpensive,
flock
uniformity is managed by continually sorting animals into groups with similar
body
weight ranges. This approach has been automated for some livestock
applications
(Thibault et al., 2007), but does not address the issue in broiler breeders of
intense
competition for feed. For poultry, no similar precision feeding system exists
anywhere
in the world. There is no commercial feeding system anywhere for broiler
breeders that
provides feed based on real-time feedback about the body weight of individual
animals
and how that weight compares to the targets established by primary breeders.
[0005] Primary breeders and researchers need accurate and complete measures of
feed intake to measure efficiency and understand feeding behaviour and energy
metabolism rhythms as affected by feed intake patterns. Some prior art feeding
systems include the following.
[0006] For poultry, Aviagen (Aviagen, 2014), Cobb-Vantress (Ken Semon,
personal
communication), and Hybrid Turkeys (Ben Wood, personal communication) have
developed proprietary feeding systems that monitor individual feed intake,
which are
used for selecting for efficiency in free run meat-type poultry. These systems
do not
control feed intake, but simply monitor it.
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[0007] For cattle, Growsafe has a similar system for cattle that monitors
individual feed
and water intake. It is used primarily to identify efficient phenotypes in
cattle (Huisma et
al., 2005). The Growsafe system monitors, but does not control feed intake,
and is
designed for much larger animals, such as cattle. There are also sorting
systems for
dairy cattle; however, these systems are large and unsuitable for small
animals.
[0008] For swine, electronic sow feeding systems (Eakin et al., 2012) weigh
and feed
animals, but the animal access is completely different. It is unsuitable for
smaller
animals such as poultry and small pets, and requires pre-programming of
individual
animal characteristics and nutritional requirements into the system.
[0009] For pets, some pet feeding devices are similar, but like the systems
for pigs and
dairy cattle, they require programming a feed dosage or feeding duration
rather than
relying on direct feedback in the form of real-time body weight data (e.g.
McKeown,
2007; Stanchev et al., 2005; Wu et al., 2009).
[0010] The duty cycle of the mechanical parts of feeding stations is high.
Mechanical
failure may cause feed interruptions and undesirable behaviours, particularly
once the
stations return to function after repair. The design must facilitate rapid and
easy repairs
by farmers and technicians. Doors and ejectors must operate smoothly, allow
and
exclude access reliably, and prevent injury when moving. Scales must be
accurate and
free of vibration. The feeder must be reliable and minimize spillage.
[0011] It is, therefore, desirable to provide a method and system for feeding
animals,
such as poultry, that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.
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SUMMARY:
[0012] In some embodiments, a system and method can be provided for precisely
providing the right quantity of feed to individual animals. The animals do not
need to be
housed individually, thus the scope extends to free run and free range
housing. The
invention can be particularly suited to meat-type poultry breeding stock that
are
intended to follow a predetermined body weight profile, or pets to prevent or
treat
obesity. The system can be able to collect high volumes of information of
value for
managing feed intake and body weight, for research, and for characterizing
traits
important for genetic selection programs. The system can operate with the aid
of at
least one feeding station equipped with an integrated scale.
[0013] In some embodiments, the system and method can use real-time feedback
about
each bird's body weight to determine the feed allocation. The system can
eliminate the
labour component from animal weighing. With an optional multi-feed capability,
the
system can enable precise control and measurement of feed intake that
facilitates body
weight control but can also facilitate measures of efficiency in response to
any
combination of nutrients supplied from 4 different feeders.
[0014] Unlike Schumann et al. (2010), in a system designed for pets, the
system
presented herein does not calculate an amount of feed but, rather, can allow
access to
feed for a brief period of time, and can then subsequently eject the animal
from the
feeding area. The system can also protect the animal that is feeding from
interference
from other animals during the time feed is provided. In some embodiments, the
system
can be prone to errors due to theoretical calculations not matching the actual
required
amount of feed, or feed measurement errors. The system can comprise a reliable
body
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weight scale to measure the body weight of an animal, and can allow only minor
incremental increases in body weight by providing small meals more frequently.
[0015] Precision feeding involves feeding the right animal the right amount of
feed of the
right composition at the right time. The system and method presented herein is
unique
from many existing prior art systems in that it can precisely achieve a pre-
programmed
target body weight, such as those employed by the breeding sector of the
poultry meat
industry. The system and method controls and monitors body weight and feed
intake.
In some embodiments, the system and method can have identical functionality
for other
small livestock, as well as pets such as cats, dogs, birds and rodents.
[0016] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a sequential feeding
station that
can be used to control feed intake according to any criteria that can be
programmed into
the system. In particular, the system can provide body weight feedback to
enable
precise body weight control of poultry breeding stock. Commercially, it is
expected that
the system and method can achieve 100% uniformity, that is, 100% of a flock
within
10% of the average flock body weight. For body weight, coefficients of
uniformity (CV =
standard deviation / mean x 100%) from 1 to 3% have been consistently achieved
using
the system and method presented herein.
[0017] In some embodiments, the system can serve both as a data acquisition
system
for animal research, and as a commercial feeding system, designed particularly
for
broiler breeders. In some embodiments, each feeding station of the system can
allow
only one animal to enter at a time. In some embodiments, an optional radio
frequency
identification system can be provided to identify the individual animal
occupying the
feeding station. This can allow a system user to relate feeding station usage
as well as
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body weight and feed intake data of each individual animal. The system can
include a
body weight scale to record the weight of the animal in real time while in a
feeding
station. The decision whether or not to feed the animal can be software
driven, and can
use real time feedback (for example, the animal's body weight), or any other
decision
criteria that can be programmed into the system, such as matching the feed
intake of
another individual animal, or any specified feed intake pattern. If the animal
meets the
criteria, the system can allow it access to feed. If the animal does not meet
the decision
criteria for feeding, it can be ejected from the feeding station. Feed can be
provided in a
tray that can be optionally suspended on a load cell. A small door can be
opened with
an actuator to provide access to the feed. The system can measure the rate at
which
feed disappears from the feeder, and can calculate the total feed intake of
each
individual animal during each feeding bout. For systems equipped with a hopper
and
auger, as well as the feed tray load cell, a precise amount of feed can be
provided in the
feeder prior to opening the feed door. Access duration can be controlled by a
software
setting, which can regulate the quantity of feed an individual animal can
consume in one
feeding bout.
[0018] In some embodiments, the system and method can provide feed to
individual
animals in free run systems. The system does not simply monitor feed intake of
individual animals, but can control feed intake by allowing or disallowing
access to the
feeder based on any criteria. For research, this can improve the statistical
power of
experimental designs because every free run animal can be considered an
experimental unit. This is an important consideration for reducing the number
of
animals required for research. Notably, the system can meet societal demands
to
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reduce housing constraints imposed on animals used for breeding, research or
food
production.
OVERVIEW
[0019] In some embodiments, the system and method presented herein can provide
a
sequential feeding system, meaning that one animal at a time can enter at
least one
station. Each feeding station can weigh the animal that enters, and can either
prevent
or allow access to feed based on its body weight relative to a desired body
weight at a
certain age. Age is normally calculated from the birth or hatch date of an
individual or
group of individuals. An onboard computer can calculate desired weight from
any
starting date. Desired or pre-set body weight targets can be entered by a
user. In
some embodiments, each feeding station can protect individual animals from
interference from other animals while eating. Each station can gently eject
the animal
from the feeding station immediately if the animal should not be fed, or after
the user-
specified duration of access to feed expires. Time stamped data pertinent to
each visit
to the station, as well as the decision made (to feed or not to feed), can
written to a data
file.
[0020] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a system can be provided for
feeding an
animal, comprising: a frame; a feeding compartment operatively coupled to the
frame,
further comprising a first entry door configured to control access and ingress
into the
feeding compartment by the animal, and further comprising at least one first
exit door
configured to provide egress from the feeding compartment by the animal; a
feed
delivery system operatively coupled to the feeding compartment and configured
to
dispense feed to the animal in the feeding compartment; and at least one
controller
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configured to operatively control at least one or more of the first entry
door, the at least
one first exit door and the feed delivery system.
[0021] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the system can further comprise a
sorting
compartment operatively coupled to the frame and to the first entry door, the
sorting
compartment further comprising a second entry door configured to control
access and
ingress into the sorting compartment by the animal, and further comprising at
least one
second exit door configured to provide egress from the sorting compartment by
the
animal, and wherein the at least one controller is further configured to
operatively
control one or both of the second entry door and the at least one second exit
door.
[0022] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the feeding compartment can
further
comprise a first ejection mechanism configured to eject the animal from the
feeding
compartment, and wherein the at least one controller is further configured to
operatively
control the first ejection mechanism.
[0023] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the sorting compartment can
further
comprise a second ejection mechanism configured to eject the animal from the
sorting
compartment, and wherein the at least one controller is further configured to
operatively
control the second ejection mechanism.
[0024] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the first ejection mechanism can
comprise
a first panel configured to push the animal out of feeding compartment through
the at
least one first exit door.
[0025] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the second ejection mechanism can
comprise a second panel configured to push the animal out of sorting
compartment
through the at least one second exit door.
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[0026] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, one or both of the first ejection
mechanism and the second ejection mechanism can comprise one or more of a
group
comprising an air knife, an audio system configured to reproduce startling
sounds to the
animal, a video system configured to display startling images to the animal,
an electric
shock system and a heating system configured to dielectrically heat the
animal.
[0027] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, one or both of the first entry
door and the
second entry door can comprise a restriction mechanism configured to restrict
a size of
the animal passing therethrough.
[0028] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, one or both of the sorting
compartment
and the feeding compartment can comprise a scale configured to weigh the
animal.
[0029] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, one or both of the sorting
compartment
and the feeding compartment can comprise a radio frequency identification
("RFID")
antenna operatively coupled to the at least one controller, the RFID antenna
configured
to detect an RFID tag disposed on the animal.
[0030] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the feed delivery system can
comprise at
least one storage bin configured to store the feed, and further comprises a
feed
dispensing mechanism configured to dispense the feed from the at least one
storage
bin.
[0031] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the feeding compartment can
comprise at
least one feed receptacle operatively coupled to the feed dispensing mechanism
and
configured to receive the feed from the at least one storage bin, and wherein
each of
the at least one feed receptacle further comprises a feed receptacle door
configured to
restrict access thereto.
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[0032] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the feeding compartment can
comprise a
marking system configured to mark an unidentified animal.
[0033] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, a method can be provided for
feeding an
animal, the method comprising the steps of: opening a first entry door to a
feeding
compartment to provide access and ingress into the feeding compartment by the
animal, wherein the feeding compartment is operatively coupled to a frame, and
wherein the first entry door is operatively controlled by a controller;
dispensing feed from
a feed delivery system into the feeding compartment if the animal meets at
least one
predetermined criteria for receiving the feed, the feed delivery system
operatively
controlled by the controller; and ejecting the animal from the feeding
compartment
through a first exit door disposed in the feeding compartment if: i) the
animal has eaten
at least some of the dispensed feed, ii) a predetermined period of time for
feeding has
expired, or iii) the animal does not meet the at least one predetermined
criteria for
receiving the feed, wherein the first exit door is operatively controlled by
the controller.
[0034] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of restricting access and ingress into the feeding compartment if the animal
exceeds a
predetermined size.
[0035] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of weighing the animal when the animal is in the feeding compartment.
[0036] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of detecting whether the animal has a radio frequency identification ("RFID")
tag and
identifying the animal if does.
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[0037] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of marking the animal if the animal cannot be identified.
[0038] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of opening a second entry door to a sorting compartment operatively coupled to
the
frame and to the first entry door to provide access and ingress into the
sorting
compartment by the animal, wherein the second entry door is operatively
controlled by
the controller.
[0039] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of ejecting the animal from the sorting compartment through a second exit door
disposed in the sorting compartment if the animal does not meet the at least
one
predetermined criteria for receiving the feed.
[0040] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of restricting access and ingress into the sorting compartment if the animal
exceeds the
predetermined size.
[0041] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of identifying the animal when the animal is in the sorting compartment.
[0042] Broadly stated, in some embodiments, the method can further comprise
the step
of weighing the animal when the animal is in the sorting compartment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0043] Figure 1A is a perspective view depicting a complete feeding station
with a single
feed delivery system.
[0044] Figure 1B is a perspective view depicting a complete feeding station
with multiple
feed delivery systems, in this particular embodiment there are four delivery
systems.
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[0045] Figure 2A is a front elevation view for a first embodiment of an entry
door
mechanism depicting an entry door mechanism using a linear actuator in the
open
position with an animal entering.
[0046] Figure 2B is a front elevation view for a first embodiment of an entry
door
mechanism depicting an entry door mechanism using a linear actuator in the
obstructed
position.
[0047] Figure 2C is a front elevation view for a first embodiment of an entry
door
mechanism depicting an entry door mechanism using a linear actuator in the
closed
position.
[0048] Figure 2D is a top view depicting the loose coupling and entry door
blocked
mechanism for a first embodiment of an entry door mechanism utilizing a linear
actuator
and linear potentiometer.
[0049] Figure 2E is a perspective view depicting a second embodiment of an
ejector
mechanism utilizing a motor driven leadscrew coupled to the door panels.
[0050] Figure 2F is a perspective view depicting a third embodiment of an
ejector
mechanism utilizing a motor driven sprocket, chain, and axles drive mechanism
which is
then coupled to the door panels.
[0051] Figure 3A is a top front view depicting a first embodiment of an
ejector
mechanism utilizing two leadscrews coupled to the ejector panel via bushings
and a
frame showing the linkage via a chain from the first leadscrew to the second
leadscrew.
[0052] Figure 3B is a top rear view depicting a first embodiment of an ejector
mechanism utilizing two leadscrews coupled to the ejector panel via bushings
and a
frame showing the motor linkage via a chain to the first leadscrew.
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[0053] Figure 3C is a bottom rear view depicting a first embodiment of an
ejector
mechanism utilizing two leadscrews coupled to the ejector panel via bushings
and a
frame showing the linkage via a chain from the first leadscrew to the second
leadscrew.
[0054] Figure 3D is a bottom view depicting a second embodiment of an animal
ejector
mechanism using only a single leadscrew coupled to a motor via a chain drive
and
incorporating rails to prevent twisting of the ejector panel.
[0055] Figure 3E is a top view depicting a second embodiment of an animal
ejector
mechanism using only a single leadscrew coupled to a motor via a chain drive
and
incorporating rails to prevent twisting of the ejector panel.
[0056] Figure 4A is a perspective view depicting a scale platform with RFID
antenna
underneath.
[0057] Figure 4B is a perspective exploded view depicting a scale platform
with RFID
antenna.
[0058] Figure 5A is a perspective view depicting a feed storage and delivery
mechanism
with a single hopper.
[0059] Figure 5B is a cut away view depicting a feed storage and delivery
mechanism
with a single hopper and the internal components thereof.
[0060] Figure 6A is a front and rear view depicting a feeder mechanism with
the feed
door in the open position.
[0061] Figure 6B is a front and rear view depicting a feeder mechanism with
the feed
door in the closed position.
[0062] Figure 7 is an X-Y chart depicting an example of body weight curves for
female
and male chickens.
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[0063] Figure 8 is a flowchart depicting a feeding process of an animal
passing through
the feeding station.
[0064] Figure 9 is a flowchart depicting a potential training sequence to wean
animals
onto the station as their sole source of food.
[0065] Figure 10 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of the
electronics, data
storage method, and flow of data, in the system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS:
[0066] A system and method for feeding animals is provided. Referring to
Figures 1A
through 10 enclosed herein, one embodiment of feeding station (100) can
comprise of
the following constituent parts:
[0067] 1. A sorting stage or compartment (101), which can comprise an entry
door
(103), restrictor plate (106) ejection mechanism, at least one exit door
(104), scale (105)
and radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna (404) contained within it.
Sorting
compartment (101) can provide the ability to quickly and easily eject animals
that do not
qualify for a meal while another animal is eating.
[0068] 2. A feeding stage or compartment (102), which can comprise an entry
door
(107), ejection mechanism, at least one exit door (108), scale (109), RFID
antenna
(404), a bird marking system and feed receptacle (110) with door (124) that
can restrict
access to feed receptacle (110). This is where an animal that qualifies for a
meal will be
located while it eats.
[0069] 3. A feed delivery system consisting of storage bin or hopper (111),
which can
optionally comprise mixer (502) or agitator inside or affixed to the outside
thereof, feed
conveyance mechanism (113) such as a conveyer belt or an auger which can be of
the
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rigid or flex style, feed pan (112) which can optionally be removable and/or
connected to
a scale (603), feed passageway or funnel (114) to connect conveyance mechanism
(113) to feed pan (112), removable spilled feed collection tray and a
mechanism to raise
and lower the feeder. The feeder delivery system can ensure feed is available
in feed
pan (112) for those animals that qualify for a meal.
[0070] 4. An electronics control panel (120), which can comprise one or more
controllers
(1000) with a plurality of analog and digital inputs and outputs, as well as
communication network (1010) interface (1001) that can further comprise using
a
plurality of technologies such as Ethernet, Fiber, RS232/485, WiFi, USB, and
any
wireless communication technology which can include, but is not limited to
Bluetooth or
ZigBee wherein one or several motor controllers (1002), which can comprise of
a
plurality of levels of complexity ranging from simple H-Bridge relay banks to
complex
servo controllers, power supplies, RFID reader electronics (1003), equipment
mounting
hardware such as DIN rail, terminal blocks, other specialized electronic
modules
including, actuators, sensors, lighting controllers (1005) and connectors or
cable glands,
to connect to the various electronics, which can comprise sensors, motors,
lights, and
actuators (1004, 1006) situated around the feeding station(100) to the control
panel
(120). In some embodiments, control panel (120) can control all aspects of
operation of
the feeding station (100).
[0071] 5. Frame (121) and covers (122) that can provide the ability to connect
and
support all of the constituent parts together and provide cover and guarding
of the
internal mechanisms which, if left unprotected, may cause injury to both birds
and the
technicians operating and maintaining the feeding stations. The guarding may
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designed to provide shielding to improve performance of an equipped RFID
reader
(1003) and antenna (404) systems.
[0072] Different embodiments may have different requirements, and some parts
may be
included or omitted depending on the exact functionality required for the
particular
application of the feeding station (100). Regardless of the various
embodiments, the
system can provide each animal with the right amount of food at the right time
in an
individual setting so that each and every animal will grow in accordance with
best
practices for that animal.
Entry doors
[0073] In some embodiments, entry doors (201) for both sorting compartment
(101) and
feeding compartment (102) can be configured in such a way as to limit entry to
the
station compartments to individual loose housed animals, and can comprise of a
piece
of plastic or light weight metal such as aluminum or thin stainless steel with
opening
(202) large enough for the type of bird or animal to be fed to pass through.
In one
embodiment, door (201) can be coupled (203) to drive mechanism (206), which
can be
driven via a linear actuator (204). In another embodiment, as shown in Figure
2E door
(201) can be coupled to motor (220) via leadscrew (221). In another
embodiment, as
shown in Figure 2F door (201) can be coupled to motor (222) via a drive
mechanism
consisting of one or many pulleys or sprockets (224), axels (225) and belts or
chains
(223). All three of these embodiments will, when actuated, move door (201)
in a
vertical direction upwards to provide access into the compartment as shown in
figure
2A, and downwards to prevent access to the compartment as shown in Figure 2C.
The
door panel can ride inside guides or slots (207) to keep the door aligned and
to limit
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motion to a vertical direction only. The motor (220, 222) or linear actuator
(204) can be
either direct drive, or have a gear box, and the actuator can be electric,
pneumatic or
hydraulic. Switches, encoders, proximity sensors, linear potentiometers (205),
LVDT,
and a multitude other different types of digital and analog feedback sensors
and
devices, can be used to detect the position of the door and both provide
partial door
opening ability and prevent over travel of the door.
[0074] To prevent injury to the animal, in some embodiments, the coupling
(203)
between the door panel (201) and the drive mechanism (203) can be a loose
coupling
such that if door panel (201) becomes blocked as shown in figure 2B, no more
than the
weight of a single door panel (201) is driven down onto the animal (210). Door
panel
(201), coupling mechanism (203) or the door frame can have sensors (211, 212)
that
can allow for detection if the door way is blocked by either an animal or
debris. In
some embodiments, the door itself can comprise a pressure detection sensor on
the
bottom edge that can activate when it detects an object in the way. In other
embodiments, the system can comprise switches (211) on coupling mechanism
(203)
that when door panel (201) stops moving, door panel (201) can lift from
coupling
mechanism (203), and switch (211) can then actuate and detect that door panel
(201) is
obstructed (210) as shown in Figure 2B. In some embodiments, the system can
comprise an optical sensor on one side of the door and an optical emitter on
the other
side of the door and when an object breaks the link between the emitter and
the sensor,
the bird is detected. To ensure the safety of the bird, some embodiments, as
shown in
Figure 2D, can comprise more than one door panel (201) to prevent the animal
from
entering an area where it may get caught during ejection. In some embodiments,
the
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system can comprise additional doors panels (201) in the middle to detect if
an animal
is trapped between the two sides.
[0075] To accommodate the animals from very young to full size, a full size
door
opening (202) may not be suitable for the early days of the animal's life. In
such cases,
restrictor plate or multiple restrictor plates (106) can be added to the
outside front panel
of sorting compartment (101) entry door (103) to limit the entry size, both in
the vertical
and horizontal direction. These can be changed from time to time as required
as the
animals grow towards maturity. It should also be noted that these restrictor
plates (106)
may only be required to limit size in the horizontal direction as entry door
(200) can be
adjustable to allow the opening height to be limited to anywhere between fully
open
(Figure 2A) and fully closed (Figure 2C) and, thus, limit the size of the
vertical opening.
Some embodiments can also comprise an RFID antenna around door opening (202)
to
provide a mechanism for individual bird identification.
Ejection mechanism
[0076] In some embodiments, ejection mechanism (300, 350) can comprise an
actuator
coupled through a drive mechanism to a large panel (307) that moves from one
side of
sorting compartments (101) and feeding compartments (102) to the other side to
gently
but assertively push an animal out of station (100) in the case it does not
qualify for
feed, or it has reached the end of its feeding bout. The actuator can comprise
of
electrical linear actuator or motor (301), or a pneumatic or hydraulic
cylinder. In the
embodiment shown in Figure 3A, motor (301) can be disposed in the center,
which can
be coupled via sprockets, two threaded rods (304) or screws riding on bearings
(bearings (302) can be contained into mounting blocks (303) via retaining
rings)
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disposed on each side of the unit to evenly distribute the load which are then
both
coupled through precision bronze nuts (305) on each to ejector panel coupling
mechanism (306) that can be, in turn, connected to ejector panel (307). Motor
(301)
can drive sprocket (312) that can be connected to chain (313) that can also be
connected to sprocket (314) affixed to one end of threaded rods (304). Between
motor
(301) and threaded rod (304) can be another sprocket (315) that can be used to
properly tension chain (313). The other end of threaded rod (304) can comprise
sprocket (308) also attached that can then be coupled via chain (310) to the
other
threaded rod (304) via sprocket (316) affixed to it. In some embodiments,
there is
another sprocket in the middle (318) that can be used to properly tension this
chain
(310). This double threaded rod (304) solution can provide the ability to
drive ejector
panel (307) from both sides for a balanced loading on the drive components.
Base
plate (309) and blocks (303) at both ends of threaded rods (304) can provide
structural
integrity, alignment and mounting locations for all of the parts to the whole
mechanism,
allowing for the entire ejector mechanism (300) to be easily removed and
replaced as
needed for servicing. When motor (301) rotates, both of threaded rods (304)
can move
precision bronze nuts (305) in the same direction, which in turn through
ejector panel
coupling (306), can move ejector panels (307) in the same horizontal
direction.
[0077] In some embodiments, ejector panel (307) can comprise a small gap
between
the bottom of the panel and the scale platform (105, 109) to ensure that
ejector panel
(307) does not come in contact with and damage the scale (400) or cause excess
weight to be applied to the scale (400). In some embodiments, ejector panels
(307) can
comprise a gap on the side to prevent the animal's head from being trapped and
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potentially causing serious injury. To prevent the bird from being able to
squeeze
between ejector panel (307) and the side wall of the station and potentially
get a non-
approved meal, the gap between ejector panel (307) and the side wall can be
filled with
a brush like material (319) that can prevent the bird from seeing the gap and
also
provide significant resistance. This prevents juvenile or small animals from
squeezing
through the space between ejector panel (307) and the side wall of the station
compartments (101, 102). The ejector (300) can be configured to eject animals
in only
a single direction, or eject out either side of the sorting and feeding
stations.
[0078] In some embodiments, the threaded rods can comprise ball screws and the
precession drive nut can comprise bearing balls to transfer the load between
the screw
and the nut. Also, belts can be used instead of chains with no loss of
function. It is also
possible to build ejector mechanism (350) such that only a single threaded rod
(351) is
required, see Figure 3E.
[0079] In some embodiments, the ejector may not actually make physical contact
with
the animal to be ejected and, instead, can make use of other stimuli to make
the animal
uncomfortable and leave on its own accord. Examples of this can include: a
strong air
blast using air knife technology to encourage the bird to leave; using sounds
or images
to startle the animals; small non-injuring electric shocks; or using 95 Ghz
directed-
energy beams to dielectrically heat the animals skin to cause discomfort and
to
encourage the animal to leave on its own accord. In some embodiments, the
ejection
mechanism (300, 350) can comprise an actuator raising one side of the weighing
platform (105, 109 to cause the animal to slide out of the side of the
compartment (101,
102).
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Exit doors
[0080] In some embodiments, exit doors (108, 104) which may be located on both
sides
of the station (100) for both the feeding compartment (102) and sorting
compartments
(101) and thus comprising a total of four exit doors (108, 104) can be
configured such
that they can be self-closing using either a spring mechanism or a gravity
self-closing
hinge to shut the exit door (104, 108). In addition, the exit doors (104, 108)
can only
open in a single direction to prevent birds from entering via exit doors (108,
104). Exit
doors (108, 104) can also be configured to be light enough for even the
smallest,
youngest animals to easily open the doors and to ensure that there is little
chance of an
animal being trapped.
Body weight scales
[0081] In some embodiments, scale (400) (as shown in Figure 4) can comprise of
platform (105, 109) that can be rigidly affixed via mounting frame (401) to
one or several
weight sensors (402). In some embodiments, sensors (402) can comprise strain
gauge
or piezoresistive load cells but in other applications, other technologies
such as
electromagnetic force restoration sensors can be used. The edges of platform
(105,
109) near exit doors (104, 108) can be slightly angled to limit the amount of
space
between the edge of scale (400) and the edge of ejector panels (307) and,
thus, prevent
any ledges for the animals to grab onto or get caught on as they are ejected
from
sorting compartment (101) and feeding compartment (102). In some embodiments,
the
system can comprise RFID antenna (404) disposed underneath of scale platform
(105,
109) to provide a mechanism for individual bird identification. In order for
this to work, a
non-metallic platform material must be selected. Depending on the selection of
the
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platform material, in particular, the texture and coefficient of friction,
there may be a
requirement to add an additional layer of traction material to the top of
scale platform
(105,109) to allow the animals to comfortably use the system. In some
embodiments,
scale platform (105, 109) itself can be easily removable for cleaning and
maintenance of
sensor (402).
[0082] In some embodiments, the system can comprise analog conditioning in
order to
condition, filter, and amplify the measured scale values received from scale
sensors
(both feed (603) and body weight (402)) to get a signal with a good signal to
noise ratio
to be transferred to the controller (1000) and read in by the analog to
digital converters.
This analog conditioning can be done inside of control panel (120), or outside
of control
panel (120) in sensor conditioning box (403) depending on the induced signal
noise due
to the ambient electrical noise into the scale sensor (402) cable. The analog
conditioning described can comprise one or more of low pass, high pass and
band pass
filtering via various passive and integrated circuits interconnected together
as well as
the use of operational amplifiers and instrumentation amplifiers to get the
required level
of signal gain. Some embodiments can comprise doing the analog to digital
conversion
right by the scale (400) in sensor conditioning box (403) and then
communicating those
digitized values to controller (1000) instead of including analog to digital
converters
inside controller (1000) module (1005). In some embodiments, controller (1000)
can be
configured to do signal processing on the scale sensor values to increase the
accuracy
of the measurements, and to attempt to remove animal motion artifacts. Such
signal
processing can include, but is not limited to, averaging, removal of outlier
values, Fast
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Fourier transformation to do various filtering, and more complex analyses as
well known
to those skilled in the art.
Feeding System
[0083] In some embodiments, the feed system can comprise of two parts that can
be
independent from each other: the first part can comprise storage and delivery
mechanism (500) shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and the second part can comprise
feeder mechanism (600) shown in Figures 6A and 6B.
[0084] In some embodiments, the animal can feed through an opening on the side
wall
of the feeding compartment (102) as shown in Figure 1A. Feeding compartment
side
wall (127) with feed receptacle (110) can have provisions for mounting feeder
reducing
plate (126), which can decrease the accessible opening size of feed receptacle
(110) to
prevent small birds from entering into feed pan (112). Feeder reducing plate
(126) can
comprise of only vertical opening limitations to prevent birds from being
injured during
feed door (124) movement by being pinched between feed door (124) edge and the
top
of feeder reducing plate (126) opening.
[0085] In some embodiments, feed door (124) mechanism can be attached to feed
mechanism (600) as depicted in Figures 6A and 6B, or attached to the side
panel of
feeding compartment (102). Feed mechanism (600) can provide the ability to
prevent
access to feed pan (112) for the animal inside of feeding compartment (102);
it can also
have a secondary role of assisting with containing feed spillage during the
refilling of
feed pan (112). Feed door (124) mechanism can first comprise of a piece of
plastic or
light weight metal such as aluminum or thin stainless steel with a hole large
enough for
the type of bird or animal to be fed to pass its head through and access feed
pan (112)
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that can act as the door. The door can be coupled (602) to actuator (601) that
can
further be electric, pneumatic or hydraulic. In some embodiments, the door can
be
coupled (602) to linear electric actuator (601) with an appropriate amount of
stroke
length to move the door from fully open, as shown in Figure 6A, to fully
closed, as
shown in Figure 6B. Other embodiments can comprise a drive mechanism that can
further comprise a chain or belt driven system.
[0086] In some embodiments, feed door (124) mechanism can have no feedback
available to controller (1000) of the position of door (124), and the door
opening and
closing can be based solely on having motor or actuator (601) run in the
correct
direction for a predetermined length of time. In some embodiments, switch
(604) can
confirm that the door is fully open, and/or another switch (607) to confirm
the door is
fully closed, wherein these switches (604, 607) can be actuated by cams, trip
dogs or
other features built into or attached to feed door (124) or features built
into coupling
mechanism (602) between the door (124) and actuator or motor (601) as well
known to
those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, a precise feedback mechanism,
such as
a linear potentiometer or a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT),
can be
attached to feed door (124), or to feed door to actuator coupler (602).
[0087] In some embodiments, feed pan (112) can be rigidly affixed to one or
several
weight sensors (603). In some embodiments, these sensors can comprise strain
gauge
or piezoresistive load cells (603) but in other applications, other
technologies such as
electromagnetic force restoration sensors can be used, as well known to those
skilled in
the art.
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Feed supply system
[0088] In order to manage feed delivery to feed pan (112), station (100) can
be
equipped with one or more feed storage hoppers (111). In some embodiments,
feed
hoppers (111) can be located above station (100). In some embodiments, feed
hoppers
(111) can be kept off station (100) and connected to station (100) through
either a hard
pipe or a hose with some mechanism to move feed from hopper (111) to top of
feeder
mechanism (600) through feed entry aperture (609) in small enough increments
to meet
the requirements of precision feeding.
[0089] In some embodiments, the system can comprise mixer (502) or agitator
connected to feed hopper (111) to prevent feed clumping and bridging inside of
hopper
(111). This agitator can comprise a vibrational agitator affixed to the
outside of the
hopper (111) that can use vibration to loosen the feed inside of hopper (111).
In some
embodiments, the agitator can comprise paddle wheel (502) disposed inside of
hopper
(111), where paddle wheel (502) can be connected to motor (128) that can break
up the
feed when running. In some embodiments, paddle wheel (502) can be linked to
its own
motor, which can run at a predefined interval. In other embodiments, hopper
paddle
(502) can be linked to the same motor (128) that runs feed auger (113) so that
mixing
happens every time feed is dispensed.
[0090] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1A, a single feed hopper (111)
can be
located above station (100). At the bottom of feed hopper (111), there can be
a solid or
flex type auger (113) capable of moving slow enough to move feed out through
auger
spout (504) and down through feed funnel (114) and into feed pipe (505) that
can then
fall into feed pan (112) in a controlled and metered pace. Feed pan (112) can
comprise
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cone or skirt (605) therearound to prevent spillage of feed outside of feed
pan (112). In
addition, feed door (124) can be closed during the feed fill operation to
ensure that no
feed is spilled onto the top of bird scale platform (109) or into other parts
of station
(100). In some embodiments, removable spilled feed collection tray can be
disposed
underneath of feed pans (112) at the bottom of station (100) to collect any
feed that may
have gotten through the gaps around feed pans (112). In some embodiments,
auger
(113) can be pulsed to dispense only small amounts of feed each time through
auger
spout (504) and into feed funnel (114).
[0091] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1B, a plurality of feed hoppers
(111)
can be disposed on top of station (100) with a corresponding number of feeder
mechanisms (600) allowing birds access to a plurality of different feeds
depending on
their weight, body curve treatment, RFID or any other parameter as set by the
station
operator. In the case of multiple feed mechanisms (600), each mechanism (600)
can
be coupled to an associated hopper (111), and each hopper (111) can be of a
different
configuration and volume to allow a larger volume of feed to be available for
those feeds
that are used more often and smaller volumes of feed to be available for those
rarely
used feeds. In some embodiments, feeding compartment side wall (127) can
comprise
a number of openings (110) and feed door (124) systems corresponding to the
number
of hoppers (111) and feed mechanisms (600). Each feed door (124) and opening
(110)
can comprise the same capabilities as its single feed source equivalent.
[0092] In some embodiments, where feed intake measurement is not required, a
single
or plurality of hoppers (111) or drop tubes can supply feed to each feed pan
(112), none
of which must be suspended on a load cell (603). The feeders in this
embodiment can
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be configured as a self-feeder that the animal inside station (100) will
receive access to
by actuating feed door (124) when the desired feeding conditions are met.
[0093] In some embodiments, entire feeder mechanism (600) can be lowered and
raised as the age of the birds increases to provide the bird with proper
access and
overall a more comfortable eating experience. In some embodiments, feed
mechanism
(600) can be raised and lowered by hand, and then click into notches at
several
different spots along the way or perhaps further adjustability could be
provided by using
a bolt or wing nut to lock feed mechanism (600) at the height desired by the
technician.
In some embodiments, the system can have the mechanism to raise and lower the
feeder further comprise a screw that is coupled to feed mechanism (600) and,
thus, by
turning the screw, feeding pans (112) can be raised or lowered. In some
embodiments,
the mechanism can have the screw coupled to a motor that is, in turn,
controlled by the
controller (1000) wherein the feeder mechanism (600) can be automatically
raised and
lowered depending on the age of the birds. In some embodiments, this automated
feeder position system can have position feedback being provided to the
controller
(1000), which can be through various limit switches, or some kind of other
analog or
digital feedback system such as a linear potentiometer or a linear variable
differential
transformer (LVDT) as well known to those skilled in the art.
[0094] In some embodiments, hoppers (111) can comprise one or more feed level
sensors (506) to indicate the current level of feed in hopper (111). These
level sensors
can be set by controller (1000) to trigger an alarm to the operator that a
station (100)
has either run out of, or is running out of, feed. In addition, level sensors
(506) can be
used to trigger a central feed distribution system to fill feed hopper (111)
and then shut
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off the system when hopper (111) is full. In some embodiments, hoppers (111)
can be
connected to a facility's central feed distribution system to ensure that
hopper (111) is
always kept at the desired fill level. In some embodiments, controller (1000)
can
provide feedback to the operator through server (1020) of how often hoppers
(111) are
running empty, or the number of fills that are required from the central feed
distribution
system. The entire feeding system can support multiple different types of dry
feed,
which can include mash, crumbles, pellets, whole grains and powders among
others.
Animal marking system
[0095] During certain parts of the animal rearing cycle, in particular, the
training phase,
there is value in being able to mark the birds that have entered the feeding
compartment (102) of the station (100). This will help the livestock
technicians quickly
identify unmarked birds that are not eating and need assistance with
understanding how
the system works and may be required for remedial training outside of the
standard
training protocol. The marking system can consist of a micro droplet dispenser
attached
to the feeder station entry door (107), or at the feed receptacle (110) which
will attach a
small amount of animal safe dye to the animal each time it enters the feeding
compartment (102) or is by the feed receptacle (110). As time goes on, the
colour on
the birds will deepen if the birds have eaten, birds that are not eating or
eat very rarely
will not show any colour on their feathers. Another embodiment might have a
more
active and selecting marking system that can mark animals for any number of
other
reasons such as that it has reached its sale weight, or perhaps to identify
the bird as
potentially having an illness, or requiring any type of individual attention
in a research or
breeding setting.
28
Ancillary sensors
[0096] In some embodiments, the system can comprise other sensors to measure
various other aspects of the bird or environment, as well known to those
skilled in the
art. Environmental sensors can include sensors configured to detect
temperature,
humidity, light colour temperature, light intensity, and air quality (for
example dust, 02,
CO2, H2S and NH3 levels). Examples of bird sensors can include infrared (IR)
sensors
configured to measure animal body temperature or accelerometers to measure
nature
of activity for the determination of the onset of illness or infection, as
well as visual
analysis systems configured to gauge animal structure and gait as well known
to those
skilled in the art.
[0097] In some embodiments, the system can comprise a water intake measurement
device that can allow the animals to take in water, and that data can be
attributed to the
particular animal and stored in the supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA)
software system and database (1020, 1021). Some embodiments might also provide
extra ventilation to increase the animals comfort and health in the form of a
fan, heater,
or cooling apparatus in either or both of the feeding compartment (102) and
sorting
compartment (101). This ventilation can either be controlled by its own
standalone
controller or be controlled by the station (100) controller (1000) and other
ancillary
sensors.
Control panel (120)
[0098] In some embodiments, control panel (120) can comprise control and power
supply electronics
required to run the system, as shown in Figure 10. Control panel (120) can
comprise a
mechanism for connection to a central mains power distribution system and
battery or
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generator back-up for fail safe shutdown or continued operation. This
connection can
be through some kind of pluggable supply cord, or hard connected through some
kind of
conduit or Teck cable type connection. The incoming supply connection can be a
plurality of different combinations of voltage and frequency, therefore, it is
important for
all internal circuitry to be configured to work seamlessly for a plurality of
locations and
jurisdictions. In some embodiments, the incoming power can first pass through
some
kind of current limiting device, such as a fuse or circuit breaker, and then a
surge
protector to protect the supply wiring and internal circuitry from over
current and over
voltage conditions. In some embodiment, all controllers, motors, actuators,
and sensors
can use and/or operate using a single control voltage of 24VDC, that can
require the
use of an AC to DC power supply to provide a suitable amount of 24VDC power to
the
system.
[0099] Because of the high dust and debris environment prevalent in most
livestock
facilities, all control panels can be sealed to a NEMA 4X rating. In
some
embodiments, all electrical connections to the sensors, switches, lights,
motors, and
actuators (1004, 1006) from the control panel (120) can, where possible, be
configured
to allow for easy disconnection using connectors sealed to at least IP65 and,
where
possible, to IP67 sealed connectors to allow for quick repair of damaged or
defective
components. In cases where connectors are not possible, then wires can be
passed
through cable glands that can allow for at least IP65 and, where possible,
IP67 sealing
around the cable.
Control system
[0100] In some embodiments, all aspects of station (100) operation and
communication
with the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and servers
(1020)
can be controlled by controller (1000), as shown in Figure 10. Controller
(1000) can
comprise of an electronic device consisting of one or several integrated
circuits (IC)
such as, but not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU) or a
microcontroller unit
(MC U), short term memory such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or
static
random access memory (SRAM), storage which can include FLASH, EEPROM or a
hard drive, a printed circuit board (PCB), one or more network interfaces
(1001) often
implemented in integrated circuits such as but not limited to I2C, SPI,
UART/R5232,
USB, Bluetooth , VViFi, Fiber Optic, or Ethernet, analog to digital
converters, opto-
couplers, digital to analog converters, and associated voltage regulators.
These
components can be operatively coupled together on a custom designed circuit,
and
several functions can be included together on a single chip or, alternatively,
a
commercially available solution such as programmable logic controller (PLC),
field bus
controller, or a single board computer that can also be used to implement the
functionality of the controller, as well known to those skilled in the art.
Controller (1000)
can also comprise interfaces, motors and actuator controllers (1002) to
control the
various motors and actuators (1006) in the system, RFID readers (1003), and
analog
and digital input output systems controllers (1005) to read sensor and switch
states and
control lighting, indicator lights and human machine interface components such
as
keyboards and liquid crystal displays (LCD) (1004).
[0101] The implementation of motor/actuator controller (1002) to provide
control of
various motors and actuators ranges from a simple H-Bridge relay control
through the
use of one single-pole single-throw (SPST) relay, and a dual-pole dual-throw
(DPDT)
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relay of direct current (DC) servo motors and linear actuators in which only
the direction
and on/off are important. In some embodiments, solid state relays or motor
controller
application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) can be used to implement this
same
functionality. Specific applications may require more complex configurations
such as
advanced servo motor control using encoder feedback and profiled acceleration
ramp
up and ramp down of the servo speed. These can be accomplished through using
much more complex commercially available servo driver motor controllers
(1002), as
well known to those skilled in the art.
[0102] In order to prevent injury to the bird, station (100) can comprise one
or more
protective covers (122, 125) to prevent the bird from accessing feed from the
hopper
(111) or falling into the hopper (111) and getting injured as a result. These
covers (122,
125) can also prevent the birds from roosting on top of station (100), and
potentially
getting caught in other mechanisms inside of the station (100).
[0103] For the safety of the technicians using and maintaining the stations,
each station
(100) can be equipped with multiple emergency stop switches (123) that can
prevent
motor actuation while in emergency stop. Some of these emergency stop switches
(123) can be triggered by the removal of covers or guarding such as the
removal of feed
hopper lid (125).
[0104] In some embodiments, controller (1000) can contain firmware that can
implement
the application code required to implement the functionality necessary to
operate the
feeding station. Controller (1000) can be field updated to provide enhanced
functionality and correction of programming defects. In some embodiments,
controller
(1000) can run an operating system (OS) such as Linux, Windows Embedded , or
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Open BSDO, a real time OS such as QNX Neutrino , or VxWorks with the control
code running on top of those operating systems in the form of an application
or as a
PLC application. Alternatively, the control application can be custom designed
from the
bottom up to incorporate both the operating system functionality and the
controller
functionality together into a single application as well known to those
skilled in the art.
[0105] In some embodiments, controller (1000) can host a web page that can be
used to
view and change feeding station's (100) current configuration, view the error
and activity
log, help with diagnosing electromechanical issues, change the machine run
state,
upload and refresh body weight curves (701, 702) and set the associated animal
age for
example hatch date, add or modify bird identification tags and information,
and set
various communication parameters as required.
[0106] In some embodiments, the controller (1000) can communicate with a
central
SCADA system (1020) that can provide the controller (1000) with the
information it
needs to be able to process bird feeding decisions and store the activity,
exception
information and bird feeding data (body weights and feed intake) into a
database. In
some embodiments, SCADA server (1020) and database server (1021) can be
comprised in the same computer or on different computers. It is also possible
for data
servers (1021) to be on different networks in separate locations, or be
located in a cloud
based data centre (1032) or data warehouse such as Microsoft Azure , or
Amazon
Web Services where they can be used as a central data warehouse for
potentially a
very large number of SCADA servers (1020) each of which are connected to a
very
large number of feeding stations (100) through the Internet (1090). In
some
embodiments, the data can be stored in a relational database management system
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such as Oracle or MS-SQL for future use by technicians and researchers.
Datasets
can be queried from the larger database and used with programs such as Matlab,
SPSS, SAS, or custom applications to do statistical analysis and provide
visual or other
feedback of a plurality of individual traits and aspects about their birds
behavior and bird
growth patterns which can be used to improve the productivity of current and
future
flocks or other individual or groups of animals. The SCADA application can
comprise a
Microsoft Windows application, a web application or some combination of the
two,
and the various SCADA server (1020) and database servers (1021) can be
configured
for remote access and management either through a remote desktop type of
application, web portal, or through some other proprietary interface from a
Remote
Control Terminal (1031).
[0107] In some embodiments, communication between the SCADA system (1020) and
the controller (1000) can be through communications network (1010), and can be
implemented through any number of different technologies and protocols
depending on
the implementation of controller (1000) and SCADA system (1020). In
embodiments
where controller (1000) comprises a standard commercial PLC, then MODBUSO,
MODBUSO TCP/IP, Ethernet1P0 or PROFIBUS can be used. In embodiments when a
custom controller (1000) is developed, then an Ethernet connection and a
standard TCP
or UDP socket connection using a protocol like HTTP and encoding the data as
XML
and potentially encrypting the traffic using SSL or TLS can be used for
communication.
In some embodiments, several Ethernet devices can be connected together inside
of
control panel (120) using an Ethernet switch. In some embodiments, the device
can be
in a secure environment and, as such, a network security appliance such as a
router
34
with integrated firewall may be required to act as a gateway between local
area network
(1001) inside of control panel (120) to larger wide area network (1010).
Operation
[0108] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, Figure 8 depicts a high level sequence of
events for
feeding a single bird. In practice, each step can comprise many sub steps, and
many
steps can be done in different order and additional steps may be required
based on the
individual requirements of the animal and application. The bird can enter
precision
feeding station (100) through entry door (103) of sorting compartment (101).
As the
bird shifts its weight from the outside of station (100) onto scale platform
(105),
controller (1000) can detect the bird's presence and can start to close entry
door (103)
of sorting compartment (101). In some embodiments, other occupancy type
sensors
can be used to determine if a bird or multiple birds have entered sorting
compartment
(101). These sensors can include an infrared or visual camera, a short range
RADAR
or LIDAR system, or one of many other motion detection sensors and
technologies as
well known to those skilled in the art.
[0109] For both entry door (103) at sorting compartment (101) and entry door
(107) to
feeding compartment (102), if door (201) strikes bird (210) as it is closing,
door blocked
switches (211) can depress and controller (1000) can stop the downward motion
of
door (201). Depending on the settings in controller (1000), controller (1000)
can either
wait until door blocked switches (211) become open again and then resume
motion or
immediately reverse the direction of door (201) either back to fully open or
to a short
distance wait for a short period of time for the bird to move forward and
attempt to close
the door (201) again. If after a configurable number of attempts controller
(1000) is still
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unable to close the door (201), which can be caused by debris, mechanism
failure, or
the bird refusing to move, then controller (1000) will inform server (1020) of
an error
condition. In some embodiments, station (100) can automatically reset after
several
minutes and attempt to close door (201) again, this is to prevent prolonged
downtime
due to error conditions.
[0110] With the bird fully onto scale platform (105) of sorting compartment
(101),
controller (1000) can take a weight measurement of the bird. If controller
(1000) detects
that there are two birds on scale platform (105), controller (1000) can eject
the birds by
moving ejector panel (307) from one side of station (100) to the other thus
forcing the
birds out of station (100) through exit doors (104). For cases in which the
body weight
curves (701, 702) (an example of which are shown in Figure 7) are hard coded
into
controller (1000), controller(1000) can look up on body weight curve (701,
702) based
on the animal's age since hatch or birth what the currently expected body
weight for the
bird is. There are often two or more curves as there can be a different body
weight
curves for males (701) and for females (702). In the case where the body
weights are
stored on server (1020, 1021), server (1020, 1021) can update periodically the
current
target bird body weight from body weight curve data (700). The body weight
curve data
(700) stored on controller (1000) or on server (1020) can be a table of target
weights
and age, or may be a mathematical formula.
[0111] In some embodiments, the system can have a highest possible current
target
weight for the bird regularly updated in the controller, which can be used to
determine
when there are more than one bird in the station or to determine if the bird
is overweight
wherein both are conditions on which the birds can be ejected from sorting
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compartment (101). If the bird weight is below the highest target body weight
for the
bird at the bird's current age, station (100) can take an RFID tag reading
using RFID
reader (1003) and RFID antenna (404). In some embodiments, RFID reader (1003)
can take RFID readings until a tag is successfully read. In other embodiments,
controller (1000) may require several successive matching successful RFID tag
reads
before being able to identify the bird based on the bird RFID tag. If after a
configurable
number of attempts to read a RFID tag are made and no successful tag is read,
controller (1000) can inform the server (1020) that the bird in station (100)
was unable
to be identified (this can be through interference or lost tags) and then
controller (1000)
can eject the bird from the station using ejector mechanism (300). In
some
embodiments, where individual data collection is not required, animals can be
fed
according to target body weight or other criteria alone, without taking an
RFID reading.
[0112] In some embodiments, a station (100) can have body weight curve data
(700)
permanently encoded into the on board controller (1000) and that using a
simple
interface, as an example, an onboard human machine interface (1004) such as a
touch
screen LCD, or a wireless or wired connection to a laptop, smartphone, or
tablet, the
station (100) can be configured so that it can run as an independent unit
which does not
require any communication with a server (1020). In some embodiments, station
(100)
can be initially set up with the hatch date of the birds, the current date,
and the sex of
the birds to be fed at which point the station has all of the information
necessary to feed
the birds to the desired body weight curve (701, 702).
[0113] For cases in which body weight curve data (700) is hard coded into
controller
(1000), controller (1000) can then look up on the body weight curve data (700)
based on
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the bird's age since hatch what the currently expected body weight for the
bird is. In the
case where the body weights are stored on server (1020), server (1020) can
update
periodically the currently expected bird body weight. If the bird's weight is
above or
equal to the target body weight on the curve at the birds particular age, then
the bird will
be ejected from station (100). If the bird's weight is below the body weight
curve for the
sex of the bird (701, 702), then the bird will be permitted access to feed.
Some
embodiments may have a plurality of different target body weight curves in the
same
group of animals, and every animal can potentially have its own target body
weight
curve data. Animals can be moved from one target body weight curve to another
at any
time during its lifetime.
[0114] Body weight curves (701, 702) can be defined with bird value increments
made
on an hourly, daily, weekly, or any other temporal basis depending on the
operators
desired granularity and uniformity requirements.
[0115] In some embodiments, where the system does not make use of RFID tags,
the
bird's weight will be used to determine which body weight curve (male (701) or
female
(702)) the bird is on and then a feed decision can be made either in
controller (1000) or
in server (1020). As the birds grow past the chick stage, controller (1000) or
server
(1020) can raise both male and female birds together without the need for RFID
tags by
evaluating each bird's entry weight against both body growth curves (male
(701) and
female (702)) and selecting the sex and therefore the target body weight based
on
which curve the birds weight is closest to. Generally, the male body weight
curve (701)
will be heavier than the female body weight curve (702), and it is this fact
that can be
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used to differentiate the bird's sex and ensure the proper body target weight
is used to
make the feed decision.
[0116] If ad libitum feeding is implemented, every bird will be given access
to feed, and
as this data has value in most scenarios the feed and body weights, and RFID
tag
number, of the birds can be stored in the server (1020, 1021) to monitor bird
growth and
feed intake. In embodiments where no RFID tag is required, the data can still
be stored
in the server (1020, 1021) without identifying individual birds.
[0117] With the bird feeding decision now made, wherein server (1020) and/or
controller
(1000) has determined that the identified bird has a body weight below the
target value,
controller (1000) can hold the bird in sorting compartment (101) until feeding
compartment (102) becomes available as the previous bird leaves station (100).
Immediately upon feeding compartment (102) becoming available, entry door
(107) of
feeding compartment (102) can open and the bird will be given an operator
selected
period of time to move from sorting compartment (101) to feeding compartment
(102).
If the bird does not move from sorting compartment (101) to feeding
compartment (102)
within the operator selected period of time, entry doors (107) of feeding
compartment
(102) can close and the bird can be ejected from station (100). In order to
prevent the
animal from being trapped in station (100), the bird can be free to leave out
of sorting
compartment (101) or feeding compartment (102) exit doors (108, 104) at any
time.
[0118] As the bird shifts its weight from scale platform (105) of sorting
compartment
(101) onto scale platform (109) of main feeding compartment (102), controller
(1000)
can detect the bird's presence and can close main entry door (103). If door
(201)
strikes bird (210) when closing, the door blocked switches (211) can depress
and
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controller (1000) can stop the downward motion of door (201) and, depending on
the
settings in controller (1000), either wait until door blocked switches (211)
become open
again and then resume motion or to reverse the direction of door (201) either
back to
fully open or to a short distance and then wait for a short period of time for
the bird to
move forward and attempt to close door (201) again.
[0119] Once the bird has successfully moved to feeding compartment (102) and
feeding
compartment door (107) has fully closed, entry door (103) of sorting
compartment (101)
can open and the system will wait for the next bird to enter sorting
compartment (101).
[0120] After the bird either leaves feeding compartment (102) on its own as
detected by
the bird weight no longer being on main scale platform (105), or if the bird
was forced
out of feeding compartment (102) through forced ejection after the
predetermined and
configurable feeding bout length, controller (1000) can fill feed pan (112)
back up to the
desired level as selected by the user and wait for the next feeding bout to
begin.
[0121] To prevent injury to the bird, station (100) can comprise feed door
(124) that can
be actuated to block the bird from the feed at the end of a feeding bout. Feed
door
(124) also can be used to prevent feed from spilling out onto feeding scale
platform
(109) during filling of feed pan (112). For when the bird is very young, a
feed aperture
reducer (126) can be added to the feed receptacle (110) to prevent birds from
jumping
into feed pan (112). Feed pan (112) can be directly coupled to a scale
mechanism
(603) such as, but not limited to, a 500g strain gauge load cell to provide
feedback to
the controller (1000) of how much feed is in the feed pan (112).
[0122] To allow for birds to be able to eat all day and night, and to assist
the birds with
finding their way through the system, station (100) can comprise one or more
lights,
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these lights can be in a plurality of locations including but not limited to
the feed
mechanism LEDs (608). These lights will often be chosen to be of a singular
wavelength or range of wavelengths in order to allow birds to see, but prevent
the birds
from being photo stimulated. It is also possible that in some embodiments, the
operator
may want to adjust the colour, intensity, and duration of the lights
throughout the day.
In some embodiments, the lights can be comprised of light emitting diodes, but
can also
comprise neon, florescent, compact florescent,
incandescent, or other lighting
technologies as well known to those skilled in the art.
[0123] In some embodiments, depending on the nature of the animal to be fed,
station
(100) operation can be modified during different phases of the animal's life.
There can
be juvenile and adult modes that can change the way station (100) is
controlled, and
can further make trade-offs in accuracy while in a juvenile mode to ensure
that animal
safety is properly accounted for. In some embodiments, the station can provide
different feeding bout lengths or alter the amount of feed supplied in feed
pan (112),
based on age or any other criteria.
[0124] In some embodiments, one role of SCADA application and server (1020) is
to
continuously analyze the feeding data and identify animals that have not eaten
within a
certain amount of time and flag this for the technician to intervene and
evaluate the
animal's health and check for injury, illness, or a case of failure to thrive.
This
information can also help to identify animals with illness and provide an
additional way
to isolate and treat animals before the illness is spread to the rest of the
flock.
[0125] In order to train animals to know where to go to get their food,
controller (1000)
can implement several different training modes. One embodiment of a training
protocol
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is shown in Figure 9 and is described as follows. The feeding station can be
placed in
training mode. In training mode, exit doors (108, 104) can be removed, and
entrance
doors (103, 107) and feed door (124) can be retained in the open position. The
animals
can then have ad libitum access to feed inside feed pan (112) and,
additionally, in
supplemental feeders inside station (100) on scale platforms (105, 109), and
near
entrance (103) or on ramp (130). After 2 to 4 days, the feed outside station
(100) can
be removed, so that animals learn that they can eat inside station (100). Once
the
animals have learned to eat from feed pan (112), the supplemental feeders
inside
station (100) can be removed. The animals can acclimate to the movement of
doors by
closing and opening feed door (124) periodically at a time interval set by the
technician,
and topping up feed pan (112) to a desired amount (also set by the user).
Measuring
the weight of feed pan (112) at the start and end of these intervals can
provide a means
of recording the feed intake of the animals as a group. After a period of
approximately 5
to 14 days, exit doors (108, 104) can be re-installed and entrance doors (103,
107) can
be operated to feed birds individually.
[0126] From time to time, the stations (100) may require maintenance. In some
embodiments, the system can have special modes that can provide the technician
with
the ability to complete certain function such as open and close entrance doors
(103,
107), open and close the feed door (124), run the ejectors (300), or empty
feed hopper
(111), among others. Additional modes can provide access to individual motors
and
actuators (1006) to help debug very specific operational issues.
[0127] In some embodiments, the feeding station frame (121) can provide for
provisions
to simplify the movement and placement of the station (100) such as mounting
holes for
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the placement of casters, lift point hooks, fork lift slots, carry handles,
cam operated
locking wheels, among others. In addition, depending on the animal to be fed,
feeding
station (100) can comprise provisions for raising and lowering the entire
station, or
different height platforms might be added to increase and decrease the height.
Feeding
stations (100) disposed at the opening of entry door (103) of sorting
compartment (101)
can allow for the attachment of a ramp (130), or for a perch which animals
waiting for
access to station (100) can use to queue up for entry.
[0128] In order to prevent contamination between flocks, stations (100) can be
capable
of being washed down with a hose and disinfectant, as such all surfaces of the
machine
must be compatible with commercially available disinfectant products, and can
further
be sealed from unwanted water or cleaning ingress. In some embodiments, this
can
mean sealing all surfaces to an IP65 to IP67 rating. The added benefit of this
is that it
can protect the station from dust ingress as bird and other livestock rearing
facilities are
often very high in particulate matter and dust.
[0129] Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be
made to these embodiments without changing or departing from their scope,
intent or
functionality. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification
have been
used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no
intention in the
use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features
shown and
described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the invention is
defined and
limited only by the claims that follow.
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