FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of poultry feeding systems.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

Presently in poultry two types of systems are used in single or multi-tier cages, nest or aviary rearing/laying systems.

1. Conveyor Type.

2. Feed Cart/Trolley type feeding system.

Conveyor Type: In this type a conveyor is placed in the feeding trough and rotated with a stationary feed hopper placed in between the circuit. The commonly used conveyors are drag chain, flat chain, rope with disc or auger. These conveyor type feeding is used in both nest batteries and floor rearing of birds.

Feed cart / Trolley type feeding system: This system is well explained by its other generic name “travelling feed hoppers”. This system is used for birds reared in Multi Tier Cages/Aviary/Nests. Normally rails are mounted on Cage/Aviary/nest frames and a trolley with hoppers travel along the nest length to distribute the feed in the feed troughs fixed in front of the nests. Normally it is pulled by a horizontal motorized rope loop or Drive motor mounted on trolley itself with power supply and control cable travelling along with it. The hopper openings open up in a smaller receiver which acts as a leveler. This feed receiver is independent of the hopper and may also rests in the feed trough. The receiver is dragged along the hopper while travelling from one end of the nest/coops to another end.

The prior art systems mentioned above are limited to replenishing or distributing and leveling the feed in the feed trough. These systems cannot and are not automated to stop dispensing feed or feed raking or only rake the existing feed without dispensing new feed in the trough at a desired location along the length of the Multi Tier Cages/Aviary/Nests. Moreover, the amount of feed dispensed cannot be controlled or adjusted from a centralized position. The conventional systems are incapable of removing left-over feed from the hopper automatically or dry' clean the entire length of feed trough automatically or from a centralized controller. These systems are not automated to select tire desired feeding patern as needed by the function of poultry' birds as per its location. More particularly, the existing Feed Cart/Trolleys cannot stop feeding and or raking feed in areas where there are no birds or at the home or parking location. They can neither opt for option of only raking the existing feed in the feed trough without dispensing new feed from a centralized location automatically as per predefined program or empty Feed hopper and or Feeding trough automatically after the flock is removed or liquidated at the end of laying cycle.

The Commercial or Table Egg Laying Hens are genetically selected to efficiently convert feed into more eggs. Laying hens need to be encouraged or stimulated to improve feed consumption there by achieving enhanced eggs production. This requires adopting frequent feeding and or even only raking the existing feed in front of them without dispensing new feed. Modem poultry Houses/Bams/Buildings adopt vertical farming techniques. Hence, they have Multi Tier Cages/Aviary/Nests/Coop facilities. The operating heights in these houses may vary' from 2 to 6 meters or more. Typically, these houses are 75 to 150 meters long and 10 to 20 meters wide. Some installations are even wider than 20 meters. Such installations can have various Cages/Nest/Coops configurations ranging from 2 to 8 tiers or more vertically and 3 to 6 Rows or more in width. Each tier of the travelling feed cart/trolley will have 2 independent feed hoppers or discharges sprouts to dispense feed in feed trough of that tier. For example, a typical 6 Tier 5 Rows configuration will have 60 independent feed trough lines and its designated hopper or discharge sprout. Thus, each Row will have a Feed Cart/Trolley with 12 hoppers or discharge sprouts. The conventional Feed Cart/Trolley are only designed to refill the feed consumed and rake the feed while travelling.

Tirus, there is therefore a need of a system for feeding, raking and removing poultry feed that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing (FDRR) control systems. Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems that eliminates unnecessary ⁷ dispensing of feed and raking of empty Cages/Aviary/Nests/Coop with no presence of poultry ⁷ livestock.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems that reduces manual effort in carrying out dispensing, raking and removing operations of feed from Multi Tier Cages/Aviary/Nests/Coop.

Yet another object of tire present disclosure is to provide a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems that offers ease of control in dispensing, raking and removing of feed operation.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems that offers centralized control in dispensing, raking and removing of feed operation.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems that offers auto-empty ing of feed hopper and feed trough.

Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems that offers selective bypassing of feed hoppers with centralized independent external control mechanism.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Tire present disclosure discloses a system for feed dispensing, raking and removing poultry feed, the system comprises plurality of controlling modules, the modules including a feed dispensing module; a feed raking module; and a feed scraping module. Hie feed dispensing module, the feed raking module, and the feed scraping module are selectively operated by a control system based on inputs through user interface. Tire feed dispensing module, the feed raking module, and the feed scraping module are housed in a control mechanism, the control mechanism being configured to be displaced for feed management of livestock occupied in Multi Tier Cages/Aviary/Nests/Coop In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism has a frame structure configured to be displaced from one end of Cages/Aviary/Nests/Coop to the other other end of the Cages/Aviary/Nests/Coop having a multi-tier arrangement of nest boxes. Tire control mechanism includes a plurality of feed hoppers disposed on the frame of the control mechanism to selectively dispense feed in a feed trough for consumption by the livestock contained in each of the nest boxes; and a feed control mechanism connected to each of the feed hoppers for selectively controlling dispensing, raking and scraping of feed through each hopper.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the feed control mechanisms includes a position changing rod supported on the structure of the feed control mechanism, and configured to be displaced with respect to the location of the feed trough in an operative vertical direction V in a set of predefined positions; a belt configured to connect to the position changing rod and configured to be displaced in tire operative vertical direction V due to rotational motion imparted by a motor, the belt having a plurality of openings to deliver feed in the feed trough dispensed by the feed hoppers; a feed raker connected to the position changing rod, and configured to be displaced in the operative vertical direction V to engage or disengage the feed raker in the feed trough for mixing and gathering the feed in the feed trough ; a feed scraper connected to the position changing rod, and configured be displaced in the operative vertical direction V to engage or disengage the feed scraper in the feed trough for removing and evacuating the feed; and a levelling means attached to an operative bottom of the structure of the feed control mechanism to maintain the level of feed in the feed trough.

In a preferred embodiment, the feed control mechanism includes the motor, a limit switch and a safety' connector, wherein the motor is configured to drive the position changing rod in the operative vertical direction V between a set of predefined positions to selectively control displacement of the belt, the feed raker and the feed scraper in the operative vertical direction V with respect to the location of feed trough.

In a preferred embodiment, in a first position of the position changing rod, the openings of the belt dispense feed in the feed trough, and the feed raker is engaged in the feed trough to gather the feed towards one side of the width of the feed trough proximal to the livestock. In a second position of the position changing rod, the feed raker is engaged in the feed trough to gather the feed towards one side of the width of the feed trough proximal to the livestock. In a third position of the position changing rod, dispensing of feed in the feed trough is stopped, and the feed raker is disengaged from the feed trough. In a fourth position of the position changing rod, feed is dispensed in the feed trough as the openings align with the operative vertical direction V, and the feed raker and the feed scraper are disengaged from the feed trough.

In a preferred embodiment, the system is controlled from a single remote location, and preprogrammed to selectively activate and control the dispensing operation, the raking operation and tire removing operation of the feed in the feed trough through each of the hoppers.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the hoppers includes a feed bypass mechanism configured to selectively bypass feed dispensed from the feed hoppers located in the operative vertical direction V, wherein the feed bypass mechanism includes a feed diverter configured to be pivotably displaced about the frame of the feed bypass mechanism to at least partially divert and prevent feed being transported by the feed hoppers to the feed control mechanism; a position changing handle coupled to the feed diverter, the position changing handle angularly displaced to change the orientation of the feed diverter in pre-defined positions; and position locating and locking bracket configured to locate and lock the orientation of the feed diverter in pre-defined positions.

In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism includes a feed level connecting rod configured to be attached on the frame of the control mechanism; a knob configured to displace the feed level connecting rod in the operative vertical direction V with respect to the feed trough; and a link supported on the structure of the feed control mechanism, one end of the link coupled to the feed level connecting rod and the other end of the link coupled to the feed control mechanism for displacing the feed control mechanism in the operative vertical direction V with respect to the feed trough, thereby altering the level of feed dispensed in the feed trough.

In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism includes an actuator coupled to the feed level connecting rod to displace tire feed level connecting rod in the operative vertical direction V with respect to the feed trough for changing the amount of feed dispensed in the feed trough.

In a preferred embodiment, the feed bypass mechanism is a non-leak flexible chute made of a metal material. In a preferred embodiment, the feed control mechanism is configured to be driven by a programmable logic.

In a preferred embodiment, the rakers are triangularly shaped to divert and gather the feed contained in the feed trough.

In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a brush and blower system to clean the feed troughs by supplying passage of air through each of the feed troughs, the brush and blower system including air blowers and brushes.

In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism has a feed drain chute configured on the frame of the control mechanism to provide a passage for evacuating the feed troughs.

In a preferred embodiment, a control system configured to be in electronic communication with the control mechanism to selectively operate the feed dispensing module, the feed raking module, and the feed scraping module based on inputs received from the sensors, the user interface and a combination thereof, the control system configured to be programmed based on factors selected from thr group consisting of count of the livestock present and mortality rate of the livestock.

In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured to selectively skip dispensing of feed in at least a partial length of the feed trough spanning from the operative first end to the operative second end.

In another embodiment, the feed dispensing module, the feed raking module, and the feed scraping module are configured to be selectively operated in combination or in isolation.

In a preferred embodiment, the system is configured to top-up feed already present in the feed trough to a desired level of feed. More specifically in one embodiment, only one of the the feed dispensing module, feed raking module, and the feed scraping module is enabled. In another embodiment, a combination of the the feed dispensing module, feed raking module, and the feed scraping module is enabled.

In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism is configured to topup feed already present in the feed trough to a desired feed level.

In a preferred embodiment, the feed scraper is connected to the position changing rod, the feed scraper configured be displaced in the operative vertical direction to engage or disengage the feed scraper in the feed trough for removing and evacuating the feed in an operative state when there is no prescence of poultry livestock in the nests.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems, of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

Figure la shows an isometric view of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure lb shows a detail of the Figure 1;

Figure 1c shows another detail of the Figure 1;

Figure 2a shows an isometric view of the mechanism of the figure 1;

Figure 2b shows a detail of the figure 2a with the feed level adjustment knob;

Figure 2c shows an isometric view of the mechanism in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2d shows a detail of the figure 2c with the actuator assembly;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the feed control mechanism in a feed on, rake on mode and scrape off mode;

Figure 4 shows an isometric view of the feed control mechanism in feed off, rake on, and scrape off mode;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the feed control mechanism in a feed off rake off, and scrape on mode;

Figure 6 shows a side view of the arrangement of two-tier hoppers with the lower feed hopper not bypassed, and the lower feed hopper 2b is supplied with feed, in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 7 shows a side view of the arrangement of two-tier hoppers of figure 8 with the lower feed hopper bypassed;

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the bypass feed mechanism; Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the feed drain chute for draining the residual feed in the feed trough when there is no livestock present in the aviary nest boxes;

Figure 10 shows a front view of the brush and blower system;

Figure 11 shows a detail of the Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows an isometric view of the feed control mechanism with a lever and a dual lifter;

Figure 13a shows a front view of a manually actuated actuator assembly of the feed control mechanism, in one embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 13b shows a front view of an automated actuator assembly of the feed control m echanism, in another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 14 shows the menu screen of the control panel having the sub-menus of Feed Schedule And Program, No Feed/Skip Feed, Empty Feed and Feed Level that can be selected by a user;

Figure 15 shows the Feed Schedule Seting menu screen of the control panel having the capability to allow a user to select a desired operation at a specific time of a day;

Figure 16 shows the No Feed/Skip Feed menu screen of the control panel having the capability to selectively allow a desired number of hoppers from preventing the supply of feed;

Figure 17 shows the Empty Hopper And Trough menu screen of the control panel having the capability to empty desired number of hoppers and trough at the end of bird flock cycle; and

Figure 18 shows the Feed Level Control Screen of the control panel having the capability to set the level of feed in the feed trough.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 nest box

2a, 2b feed hopper

3 frame structure

4 feed trough bracket hopper boot cover trolley horizontal channel trolley wheel feed leveler lifting connecting rod feed level adjustment knob triangular shaped retractable feed raker raker and scrapper engaging rod control mechanism feed scrapper activating box feed control mechanism feed-bypass belt opening geared motor safety connector limit switch feed diverter position changing shaft position changing handle position locating amd locking bracket feed drain chute air blower 29 air flow direction

30 egg roll

31 brush

32 link

33 dual lifter

35 actuator assembly

36 levelling means

37 brush and blower system

50 control system

100 system (FDRR)

102 first end

104 second end

V operative vertical direction

T operative transverse direction

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

Tire terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “tire” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. Tire terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated . It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.

More particularly the present disclosure relates to the system used in the poultry industry' for mass feeding of the poultry ⁷ birds held in large poultry' farm with precisions and ease of Centralized Control of Feed Level, Feed Dispensing & Feed Raking & Feed Removing of each Feed hopper of a Traveling Feed Cart/Trolley.

Referring to the figures la-18, a system 100 for feed, dispensing, raking and removing poultry feed is described. The system 100 is incorporated with a centralized feed dispensing, raking & removing Control Technology. The system 100 comprises a plurality of controlling modules. Tire modules include a feed dispensing module, a feed raking module and a feed scraping module. The feed dispensing module, the feed raking module, and the feed scraping module are configured to be selectively operated by' a control system based on inputs received from a plurality of sensors, a user interface and a combination thereof. The feed dispensing module, the feed raking module, and the feed scraping module are housed in a control mechanism 13. The control mechanism 13 is configured to be displaced in an aviary for feed management of livestock occupied in the aviary. The control mechanism 13 has a frame 3 configured to be displaced from one end 102 of an aviary- to the other other end 104 of the aviary, the aviary' having a multi-tier arrangement of nest boxes 1. The frame 3 is in the form of a C-shaped channel that is configured to move over tire operative top of the multi-tier arrangement of the nest boxes 1. The C -channel 3 joined at an operative top side and spans in an operative vertical direction V.

The system 100 of the present disclosure envisages a system with centralized feed dispensing, raking & removing Control Technology offers a customized solution in addressing poultry needs of dispensing, raking and removing feed during laying of aviary'. The system 100 reduces wastage of feed when not required, as well as selective catering to a particular nest box 1 as desired. The system 100 is controlled by a control system 50 including a microprocessor and a proprietary' software for poultry' feeding. The system 100 facilitates moving a mechanism in front of the nest boxes 1 or coops arranged in rows and columns in large poultry farms, lire system 100 is controlled from a single remote location, and preprogrammed to selectively activate and control the dispensing operation, the raking operation and the removing operation of tire feed in the feed trough 4 through each of the hoppers 2a, 2b.

Tire control mechanism 13 includes a plurality of feed hoppers 2a, 2b and a a feed control mechanism 16. The plurality of feed hoppers 2a, 2b is disposed on the frame of the control mechanism 13 to selectively dispense feed in a feed trough 4 for consumption by the livestock contained in each of the nest boxes 1. The feed control mechanism 16 is connected to each of the feed hoppers 2a, 2b for selectively controlling dispensing, raking and scraping of feed through each each hopper 2a, 2b.

Each feed control mechanism 16 includes a position changing rod 24 supported on the structure of the feed control mechanism 16. The position changing rod 24 is configured to be displaced with respect to the location of the feed trough 4 in the operative vertical direction V in a set of predefined positions. Each feed control mechanism 16 includes a belt 18 configured to be attached to the position changing rod 24. The belt 18 is configured to be displaced in the operative vertical direction V due to rotational motion imparted by a motor 20. The belt 18 has a plurality of openings 19 for passage of feed dispensed by a corresponding feed hopper 2a, 2b. Each feed control mechanism 16 includes a feed raker 11 attached to the position changing rod 24. The feed raker 11 is configured to be displaced in the operative vertical direction V to engage or disengage the feed raker 11 in the feed trough 4 for mixing and gathering the feed. Each feed control mechanism 16 includes a feed scraper 14 attached to the position changing rod 24. Tie feed scraper 14 is configured be displaced in the operative vertical direction V to engage or disengage the feed scraper 14 in the feed trough 4 for removing and evacuating the feed from the feed trough 4. The feed scraper (14) is connected to tire position changing rod (24). Tire feed scraper (14) is configured be displaced in the operative vertical direction (V) to engage or disengage the feed scraper (14) in the feed trough (4) for removing and evacuating tire feed in an operative state when there is no prescence of poultry in the nest boxes (4). The scraping operation is performed at the end of a flock cycle when the poultry' livestock from atleast an entire tier/level of the apiary or at least one cage line are removed. The remaining feed inside the feed troughs can be scrapped and aggregated to the end of the trough 4 and can be recovered for the consumption further flock cycle by through a feed drain chute.

The feed control mechanism 16 includes a geared motor 20, a limit switch 22 and a safety connector 21. The geared motor 20 is configured to drive the position changing rod 24 in the operative vertical direction V between a set of pre-programmed positions to selectively control displacement of the belt 18, the feed raker 11 and the feed scraper 14 in tire operative vertical direction V with respect to the location of feed trough 4. In a first position of the position changing rod 24, the openings 19 of the belt 18 dispense feed in the feed trough 4, and the feed raker 11 is engaged in tire feed trough 4 to divert the feed towards one side of the width of the feed trough 4 proximal to the livestock. In the first position of the position changing rod 24, the openings 19 are aligned in the operative vertical direction to allow feed dispensing. In a second position of the position changing rod 24, the belt 18 is further displaced in tire operative vertical direction V and dispensing of feed in the feed trough 4 is stopped, and the feed raker 1 1 is engaged in the feed trough 4 to di vert the feed towards one side of the width of the feed trough 4 proximal to the livestock. In the second position of the position changing shaft 24, the openings 19 are out of alignment with the operative vertical direction V to restrict dispensing of feed therethrough. In a third position of the position changing rod 24, dispensing of feed in tire feed trough 4 is stopped, and the feed raker 11 is disengaged from tire feed trough 4. However, in the third position of the position changing rod 24, the scraper 14 is engaged into the feed trough 4 and feed dispersed in the feed trough 4 is evacuated. In a position P4, only the feed dispensing operation is carried out and the feed raking and feed scraping operations are disabled. The openings 19 align with the operative vertical direction V while both the feed scraper 14 and feed raker 11 are disengaged from the feed trough 4 in positi on P4 of the position changing shaft 24.

A dual lifter 33 is connected to the position changing shaft 24 to facilitate displacement of tire belt 18 in the operative vertical direction V. In the first position Pl as shown in the Figure.3a the belt openings 19, and a plurality of feed levelling means openings are aligned in a vertical direction so as to allow feed flow therethrough. In the first position Pl, the position changing shaft 24 which is in the form of a long steel flat is disengaged from the arm of the feed racker 11, and the feed raker 11 is on the feed trough 4. In this position the feed dispensing is ON and feed raking is ON.

In the second position P2, as shown in the Figure 4, the belt 18 is further pulled upwards in the operative vertical direction V, closing the openings 19 of the feed levelling means 36. The position changing shaft 24 remains disengaged from the arm of the feed raker 11 and maintaining it in feed raking position. In this position P2, the feed dispensing is stopped but feed raking is ON.

In the third position P3, as shown in the figure 5 the belt 18 is further pulled upwards in the operative vertical direction V, keeping the openings out of alignment with the operative vertical direction V and the position changing shaft 24 engaged with the raker arm, which causes lifting it up from the feed trough 4. In this third position, the feed dispensing remains OFF and the feed raking is also stopped. The triangular shaped retractable feed raker 11 as shown in the figure 3b makes it possible to properly mix tire left-over feed with new' feed due to the shape and position of the triangular shaped retractable feed raker 11. The raker 11 gathers the feed to one side of the feed trough 4. This facilitates encouraging the livestock to consume the feed, as well as eliminating the scater of the feed in the feed trough 4. The triangular shape ensures that a negligible amount or almost no feed is carried forward during the no feed no Rake mode.

In a position P4, only the feed dispensing operation is carried out and the feed raking and feed scraping operations are disabled. The openings 19 align with the operative vertical direction V while both the feed scraper 14 and feed raker 1 1 are disengaged from the feed trough 4 in position P4 of tire position changing shaft 24.

Further, each of the hoppers 2a, 2b includes a feed bypass mechanism 17 atached thereto. The feed bypass mechanism 17 is configured to selectively bypass feed dispensed from the feed hoppers 2a, 2b located in the operative vertical direction V. Hie feed bypass mechanism 17 includes a feed diverter 23 configured to be pivotably displaced about the frame of the feed bypass mechanism 17 to at least partially divert and prevent feed being transported by the feed hoppers 2a, 2b to the feed control mechanism 16. The feed bypass mechanism 17 includes a position changing handle 25 coupled to the feed diverter 23. The position changing handle 25 is angularly displaced to change the orientation of the feed diverter 23 in predefined positions. The feed bypass mechanism 17 includes a position locating and locking bracket 26 configured to locate and lock the orientation of the feed diverter 23 in predefined positions. In Multi-tier Vertical fanning system 100 there are typically 32 to 72 Hoppers at height ranging from as low as 300 mm to 5000 mm. During the rearing period there is always a possibility that there are no birds in certain rows. In this case the feed hopper 2a, 2b designated for this row should remain empty as the feed in this feed hopper 2a, 2b is not consumed and can go stale causing rancidity and fungal growth. This is hazardous for the entire remaining poultry flock. As shown in the figures 7a-7c and figures 8-9 the feed bypass mechanism 17 is shown in two different embodiments, which self-locks in the required position with visual identification. The inclination of each feed bypass 17 is configured to be adjusted to allow selective dispensing of the feed through a top feed hopper 2a and a bottom feed hopper 2b. Each feed hopper 2a, 2b has the capacity to hold 25 to 45 kgs of feed. Figure 7a shows a side view of the arrangement of two-tier hoppers with the lower feed hopper not bypassed, and the lower feed hopper 2b is supplied with feed. Figure 7b shows a side view of the arrangement of two-tier hoppers of figure 7a with the lower feed hopper partially bypassed. Figure 7c shows a side view' of the arrangement of two-tier hoppers of figure 7a with the lower feed hopper completely bypassed. Figure 8 show's a side view of the arrangement of two-tier hoppers w ith the lower feed hopper not bypassed, and the lower feed hopper 2b is supplied with feed, in another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 show s a side view' of the arrangement of two-tier hoppers of figure 8 w ith the low er feed hopper completely bypassed. Figure 10a shows an isometric view' of the bypass feed mechanism. Figure 10b shows an isometric view' of the bypass feed mechanism in another embodiment of the present disclosure. Except for the bottom tier feed hopper, every hopper 2a has a feed bye-Pass mechanism including the feed diverter 23, a position changing handle 25, and a position locating and locking bracket 26. With a push and turn of the feed diverter 23, the bypass feed positions are achieved.

Further, the control mechanism 13 includes a feed level connecting rod 9 configured to be attached on the frame of the control mechanism 13. A knob 10 is configured to displace the feed level connecting rod 9 in the operative vertical direction V with respect to the feed trough 4. The knob is supported 10 on the frame of the control mechanism 13 and engaged with the feed level connecting rod 9 for facilitating movement thereof in the operative vertical direction V. The knob 10 is rotated with a bevel gear. As the knob 10 rotates in either direction, it lifts or lowers the telescopic feed level adjustor of each hopper 2a, 2b simultaneously enabling feed level adjustment of all the hoppers 2a, 2b. A link 32 is supported on the structure of the feed control mechanism 16. One end of the link 32 coupled to tire feed level connecting rod 9 and the other end of the link 32 coupled to the feed control mechanism 16 for displacing the feed control mechanism 16 in the operative vertical direction V with respect to the feed trough 4, thereby altering the level of feed dispensed in the feed trough 4. The level of feed in the feed trough 4 is defined by the elevation of the botom portion of the levelling means 36 above the surface of the feed trough 4.

Further, the control mechanism 13 includes an actuator 35 coupled to the feed level connecting rod 9 to displace tire feed level connecting rod 9 in the operative vertical direction

V with respect to the feed trough 4 for changing the amount of feed dispensed in the feed trough 4. Thus, each feed control mechanism 16 is displaced in the operative vertical direction

V to control a gap between the feed trough 4 and the feed control mechanism 16.

In an embodiment, the feed bypass mechanism 17 is a non-leak flexible chute made of a metal material.

In a preferred embodiment, the feed control mechanism 16 is configured to be driven by a programmable logic.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the rakers 11 are triangularly shaped to divert the feed contained in the feed trough 4.

Further, the control mechanism 13 includes a brush and blower system 37 as shown in the figures 12 and 13 to clean the feed troughs 4 by supplying passage of air through each of the feed troughs 4. The brush and blower system 37 includes air blowers 28 and brushes 31 as cleaning equiment. The brush and blower system facilitates keeping all the egg rolls 30 and the feed troughs 4 clean by blowing in the air flow direction 29. Each brush and blower system includes an egg roll 30.

Further, the control mechanism 13 includes has a feed drain chute 27 configured on the frame of the control mechanism 13 to provide a passage for evacuating the feed troughs 4. The feed drain chute 27 facilitates evacuating the residual feed in the feed troughs 4, when there is no livestock occupying the nest boxes 1 . This typically happens at tire end of flock cycle before new birds are introduced in the nest boxes 1. The system 100 includes a control system 50 configured to be in electronic communication with the control mechanism 13 to selectively operate the feed dispensing module, the feed raking module, and the feed scraping module based on inputs received from the sensors, the user interface and a combination thereof. The control system 50 is configured to be programmed based on factors selected from thr group consisting of count of the livestock present in each nest box 1, mortality rate of the livestock. As seen in the figures 16-20, a control panel 50 is is shown. Once the Empty Feed as shown in the figure 16 command is given to the selected feed hopper 2a, 2b, the system 100 in pre-programmed manner empties the leftover feed in the feed hoppers 2a, 2b in the feed troughs 4 and the activating box 15 activates the feed scrapper 14. The feed scraper 14 remains activated only while travelling in an operative reverse direction i.e. as the control mechanism 13 travels from the second end 104 to the first end 102, and pushes the entire feed in a feed drain chute 27 located at the rear end of each row of the apian' on both sides of the apirary row, as shown in the figure 11.

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the control mechanism 13 is configured to be displaced along the length of the aviary and is in the form of a trolley. A trolley horizontal channel 7 is disposed at an operative top side of the mechanism 13 which facilitates connecting the vertical C channel 3. Trolley wheels 8 provided on the mechanism

13 at the operative top side facilitate displacement of the mechanism 13 over a pair of rails configured on the aviary. The aviary is supported on a stand 5 provided at an operative bottom side to facilitate support. The ends of the system 102, 104 facilitate parking of the mechanism 13 where there is no presence of poultry livestock. The mechanism 13 has at least two feed leveler connecting rods 9 configured on the vertical C channel 3 to facilitate raising and lowering of the plurality of feed hoppers 2a, 2b disposed on the vertical C channel 3. The feed hoppers 2a, 2b are configured as a multi-tier arrangement one above the other in a vertical direction. A hopper boot cover 6 is provided on an operative top of each hopper 2a, 2b to facilitate guiding of the feed along a set path as well as to avoid wastage while feeding. Each of the feed hoppers 2a, 2b is configured with a feed control mechanism 16. The feed control mechanism 16 facilitates selectively dispensing, raking and removing operations as desired by a user. An activating box 15 is provided on each feed control mechanism 16 to facilitate selectively activate a triangular-shaped retractable feed raker 11, and a feed scrapper

14 is configured on each feed hopper 2a, 2b to facilitate selective operation of the hoppers 2a, 2b for dispensing the feed. Hie activating box 15 is connected to the position chaning rod 24. Thus, the activating box 15 facilitates selective enabling the feeding operation, the raking operation and the scraping operation, as desired by the user taking into consideration the presence of the poultry livestock in a particular number of nest boxes 1.

A 6 Tier 5 Row aviary will have 60 independent feed troughs 4 and a corresponding hopper 2a, 2b or discharge sprout. In these 60 feed troughs 4 all nest boxes 1 will not be occupied with poultry livestock, as some of the nest boxes 1 will be empty. This is attributed to mortality/depletion or culling of nonproductive poultry livestock. Hence, there is always a possibility that few Nest boxes 1 or coops remain empty in certain rows in a particular tier. In the conventional system, it is not possible to program from a centralized controller location to perform selective enabling of feeding, raking and scraping operation for a particular number of nest boxes 1. The control mechanism 13 is programed and reprogramed to stop feeding and/or raking in the portion of feeding trough as necessitated during the entire laying period. In the conventional system, the system 100 has to travel the entire length of the aviary to ensure that feed is dispensed in front of all the poultry livestock completely. However, in this process, feed is dispensed in area where there are no birds. This feed is not only a waste but if not removed timely, it can become stale and acts as a source of fungal infection or causes toxicity. Additionally, it is a colossal task to daily remove this feed manually . As mentioned earlier in 6 Tier 5 Rows configuration there will be such 60 x 2 = 120 locations having no presence of livestock. Moreover, the operational height of these location is not human friendly, as the lower limit is 300 mm and the higher limit is 5000 mm. The system 100 is designed and programed to stop feeding in these start and end locations with no birds. Moreover, if due to any reason like accidental spillage or feed being push in this no bird location then the system 100 is even capable of scrapping out this left-over feed in the 27 feed drain chute or even pushed back in area where there is presence of birds. The commercial or table egg-laying poultry livestock is genetically selected to efficiently convert feed into more eggs. Genetically, the poultry' livestock hens selected for eggs are not voracious eaters like broilers birds who are genetically selected to eat more for faster weight gain. As the poultry' livestock is selective about the grain size than actually consuming the feed, this poultry livestock needs to be encouraged or stimulated to improve feed consumption thereby achieving enhanced egg-production. This requires adopting selective enabling of the feeding operation and the raking operation without dispensing new feed. The conventional systems available in the market cannot achieve this crucial feature, and to achieve control from a centralized remote location. The system 100 is designed and programed to stop feeding and activate only raking from the centralized controller automatically. Moreover, this feature can be activated as frequently as required during the daily feeding program . lire feed control mechanism 16 includes a levelling means 36 attached to the structure of the feed control mechanism 16. The belt 18 is divided into sections that are joined together in the operative transverse direction T i.e. along the direction of the feed trough 4. Hie levelling means 36 facilitates altering the level of the feed dispensed in the feed trough 4. The level of feed in the feed trough 4 is defined by the elevation of the bottom portion of the levelling means 36 above the surface of the feed trough 4. In a preferred embodiment, the control mechanism 13 is configured to top-up feed already present in the feed trough 4 to a desired level of feed.

In an embodiment, the belt 18 has rectangular openings and rod holding brackets on either side, and the belt 18 is divided into four sections that are held together.

In an embodiment, the position changing shaft 24 is connected to a drive chain with sprocket. The sprocket is driven by the geared motor 20. As programmed, the geared motor 20 pulls the belt 18 in upward or in downward direction, and is configured to stop at 3 pre-programed positions.

In an embodiment, the control mechanism 13 as shown in the figures 2a and 2b is of telescopic type. The control mechanism 13 is controlled to ensure each feed hopper 2a, 2b has a minimum opening setting and a maximum opening setting. The control mechanism 13 is also uniquely designed to self-adjust itself to set level even when it has to go from a High to a Low level. The conventional system makes it difficult to quickly adjust to required low feed level when adjusting from tire high feed level. As disclosed earlier, the system is 2.5 to 4 meter high and adjusting the Feed level of each feed Hopper 2a, 2b of the conventional system is colossal task. Tire system 100 of the present disclosure makes this difficult operation very easy. The same mechanism is further automated and the feed level of all the feed hoppers 2a, 2b in the entire building is adjusted from a centralised touch screen panel.

In another embodiment, the control mechanism 13 is configured to be operated in an automatic mode. An actuator assembly 35 is coupled to the link 32, as shown in the figure 15.

The system 100 is automatically programmed from the centralized control system 50 with touch screen panel to empty' the the left over feed from all the desired hoppers along with feed troughs 4 by scraping it out in a feed drain sprout located in the back of the apiary building. This specially designed unique feed scraping mechanism gets automatically engaged to scrape out feed in reverse direction and disengages while travelling towards the first end 102 to gather more feed. The unique scrapper mechanism in tandem with customized software and microprocessor will only scrape out the feed in required direction and only from selected hoppers and feed trough in front of the the hopper 2a, 2b.

As shown in the figure 17, the Feeding schedule and program for the entire apiary is defined from this menu as shown in the figure 16. The control panel 50 allows to set for either of following operations at one time.

1 . Feeding and raking in both forward and reverse direction

2. Feeding and raking in forward direction only and raking only in reverse direction

3. Only raking in both forward and reverse direction

4. Blower can be set “on” or “off’ in either forward or reverse direction

As shown in the figure 18, no feed/skip feed function is show n. With the help of this function a number of nest boxes 1 with no birds are selected to facilitate operation of only a select number of nest boxes 1, so that the system 100 will not dispense feed for those nest boxes 1 . The counting is done from the end parking area 104. The system 100 has the capability to override the defined selection in for selectd number of nest boxes 1 selected hoppers 2a,2b are color coded with specific colors for e.g red. For non-selected color coded with a different color for e.g green nest boxes 1 the system 100 will run as per the pre-defined settingsof the no feed / skip feed menu. The control system 50 is configured to selectively skip dispensing of feed in at least a partial length of the feed trough 4 that spans from the operative first end 102 to the operative second end 104.

If “All” is selected, the system 100 restricts despensing the feed for the entire line or all the nest boxes 1 in that line.

If “SKIP ONE FEEDING” is selected then only during next one feeding cycle this particular hopper 2a, 2b will not despense feed but perform raking operation where there are birds, and will not despense feed and will not do raking w here there are no birds.

As shown in the figure 19 an empty hopper and trough menu is shown. This function empties the feed hopper 2a, 2b as well as the feed trough at the end of flock cycle when the birds are removed from the nest boxes 1. The non-selected hoppers 2a, 2b lines will remain in no feed / no raking mode during this operation

As shown in the figure 20, a feed level control menu is shown. This menu sets the level of the feed to be dispensed for the selected row number of the apiary ⁷ .

In anoether embodiment, the control system 50 receives inputs from a plurality of sensors configured to continuously monitor feed level in each trough 4, presence of livestock in each nest box 1 and initiate actions like feeding operation, raking operation, scraping operation and combinations thereof.

As the name discloses, the system 100 faciltates increased accuracy in maintaining the level of feed in the feed troughs 4.

Figure 14 shows the menu screen of the control panel having the sub-menus of Feed Schedule And Program, No Feed/Skip Feed, Empty Feed and Feed Level that can be selected by a user. Figure 15 shows the Feed Schedule Setting menu screen of the control panel having the capability to allow a user to select a desired operation at a specific time of a day. The Feed Schedule Setting menu allows entering daily feeding schedule. The schedule time can be set in the left most text boxes as shown in figure 15. Feeding schedule for the apiary is defined from this menu. The system allows setting for either of following operations at one time.

1. Feeding and raking in both forward and reverse direction i.e.to and fro from the operative first end 102 and the operative second end 104.

2. Feeding and raking in forward direction and only raking in reverse direction.

3. Only raking in both forward and reverse direction i.e.to and fro from the operative first end 102 and the operative second end 104.

4. Blower can be set “on” or “off’ in either forward or reverse direction i.e.to and fro from the operative first end 102 and the operative second end 104.

Figure 16 shows the No Feed/Skip Feed menu screen of the control panel having the capability to selectively allow a desired number of hoppers from preventing the supply of feed. This function allows selecting number of nest boxes with no birds, so that the system will not dispense feed for those many nest. The counting is done from either of the operative first end 102 or the operative second end 104. The control system 50 will override the selection defined in the “Feed schedule and program” menu for the selected number of nest boxes. Figure 17 shows the Empty Hopper And Trough menu screen of the control panel having the capability to empty desired number of hoppers and trough at the end of bird flock cycle. From “Empty hopper and trough” menu the user can program the system for emptying the desired hoppers and trough of a desired tier’s left or right or both sides as per the requirement. This function will be useful when the bird flock cycle comes to end. Emptying the lines may take a couple of days, hence, the bird removal is done partially and the only those empty Cage/Aviary/Nest boxes can be emptied. The “Empty hopper and trough” function is interlocked with the daily “Feeding and Raking” schedule therefore “Empty hopper and trough” will run only when the is “Feeding and Raking” function is not scheduled.

Figure 18 shows the Feed Level Control Screen of the control panel having tire capability to set tire level of feed in the feed trough.

In another embodiment, the control system (50) is configured to selectively skip dispensing of feed in at least a partial length of the feed trough (4) spanning from the operative first end (102) to the operative second end (104).

In yet another embodiment, the feed dispensing module, feed raking module, and the feed scraping module are configured to be selectively operated in combination or in isolation. More specifically in one embodiment, only one of the the feed dispensing module, feed raking module, and the feed scraping module is enabled. In another embodiment, a combination of the the feed dispensing module, feed raking module, and the feed scraping module is enabled.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a centralized feed dispensing, raking and removing control systems, that:

• does not dispense feed in parking or nest ends where there are no birds which eliminates health hazards for birds and reduces unwarranted cleaning work in numerous difficult locations;

• eliminates not only feed wastage while distribution but can also avoids unwanted feeding in front of nests with no birds; • enables no feed only raking mode to encourage chicken to improve feed consumption, fine particles consisting of vital vitamins and minerals;

• eliminates the colossal task of emptying feed hoppers and feed trough lines located at various levels from 300mm to 5000mm and as many rows after removal of birds by just touch of a button;

• ease of feed level adjustment of a large number of hoppers which can be motorized and adjusted by a centralized controller or just by turn of a nut manually from a centralized location on each feed hopper;

• easy of operation for dust free feed bypass which is easy to identify the operational status which makes farm supervisor’s job easy;

• offers increased control in the feed dispensing mode for each hopper from a centralized location with specially designed software integrated with touch screen and operation menus well integrated within entire mechanism for easy and precise day to day operations;

• offers increased accuracy in maintaining the level of feed in the feed trough;

• ensures optimum feed distribution for poultry species; and

• saves manpower and achieves desired feed distribution program on large farms.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omited so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Tire examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of tire disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority' date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.