Ctb IP, Inc.

Ctb, Inc.

Philip Wilfong

Theodore J Cole

Lionel L Kreger

James Richard Kraft

Timothy W Momont

A method of managing feed flow within a feeder from a feed supply conduit to a pan of said feeder is provided. The method includes the step of providing a feeder including a pan and a drop tube assembly where the assembly is configured to receive feed from the conduit, and where the assembly defines a feed gate through an outer wall thereof such that feed received from the conduit flows through the feed gate and into the pan. The method further includes the step of regulating a position of the feed gate in the outer wall of the assembly such that feed flow into the pan can be substantially controlled, such that the feed flow can be substantially directed into selected areas and at selected levels within the pan, and/or such that the position of the feed gate is variable relative to a distal end of the assembly.

Method of managing feed flow from a feed supply conduit to a pan member by feed gate regulation

A grill member for use in a poultry feeder assembly has a generally curved rim member having an outward side surface which varies in radial distance relative to a center of the grill member and a top surface which varies in vertical height relative to a generally planar lower edge of the rim member without the need to adjust the grill member. The grill member also is configured to be rotated relative to a rotationally stable drop tube member in order to change both a position of a brood gate defined in the drop tube member relative to a base portion of a pan member and a height of a feed gate provided between a distal end of the drop tube member and the base portion of the pan member in order to control the flow of feed into the pan member through the brood gate and the feed gate.

Grill member for use in a poultry feeder

Section of a rim for a feeder

A feeder assembly for feeding birds of all kinds is provided in three separate embodiments. The feeder assembly of each embodiment is configured to provide for the welfare of birds as they feed from the feeder assembly by allowing the birds' breasts to conform to a rim member of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly of two embodiments also provides for a lower feed gate to provide feed into a pan member of the feeder assembly. The lower feed gate is always open and can be raised or lowered as desired. The feeder assembly of one of the embodiments also provides for an upper feed gate to provide feed into the pan member of the feeder assembly. The upper feed gate can be opened or closed, and, when open, can adjust the height at which feed flows through the upper feed gate.

Poultry feeder

A method of adjusting a size of a feed gate and a position of a brood gate of a feeder assembly is provided. The method includes the steps of increasing a size of a feed gate by increasing a distance between a distal end of a drop tube member and a pan member, and changing the position of a brood gate relative to the pan member by changing a distance between the brood gate and the pan member. These steps are achieved by either rotating only a grill member in a first direction relative to the drop tube member, or by manipulating only the grill member.

Method of adjusting a size of a feed gate and a position of a brood gate of a feeder assembly

A stem for a watering nipple for use in supplying water to poultry is provided. At least a portion of the stem is hollow and formed of coiled material in a manner similar to that of a coiled spring such that the stem has a number of turns and minuscule gaps provided between adjacent turns. Upon actuation of the nipple, a water-tight seal is broken such that a portion of the water is directed to flow through the hollow interior of the stem, and preferably directly into the mouth of the poultry. Some water, though, will flow along the outer surface of the stem. Where the coiled material is provided, this water will either be drawn into the hollow interior of the stem through the minuscule gaps, or this water will adhere to the outer surfaces of the stem to attract and allow poultry to drink the water thereon.

Spring stem

Rim of a grill for a feeder

Rim and spokes of a grill for a feeder

Feed pan

The invention provides a stem for a watering nipple for use in supplying water to poultry. The stem is hollow and formed of coiled material in a manner similar to that of a coiled spring such that the stem has a number of turns and minuscule gaps provided between adjacent turns. Upon actuation of the nipple, a water-tight seal is broken such that a majority of the water is directed to flow within the stem and directly into the mouth of the poultry. Some water, though, will flow along the outer surface of the stem. This water will either be drawn into the stem through the minuscule gaps, such that it will flow directly into the poultry's mouth, or this water will adhere to the outer surfaces of the stem to attract poultry and allow poultry to drink the water thereon.

Rim for a feed pan

A pressure regulator for a drinking system for birds or other animals that includes a housing and first and second engaging members for engaging the elongated supports for the fluid supply conduit of the drinking system. The first engaging member includes a pair of ends, each end including a plurality of flexible fingers extending generally parallel to the fluid supply conduit. The second engaging members are adapted to engage the flanges of the elongated supports. The pressure regulator includes a valve element and the housing desirably defines a valve bore for receiving the valve element. The valve element desirably includes a circular seal having a peripheral edge that extends radially inwardly and that includes a lip for sealing the valve bore when the valve element is in the closed position. Desirably, the housing includes a central portion that defines a central channel having a larger diameter than a fluid inlet channel defined by the housing, and an air exhaust port associated with the central portion for exhausting air trapped within the central portion. The housing also desirably is configured to facilitate quick and easy removal and replacement of the seal. The pressure regulator may be used in connection with poultry houses having sloped floors.

Growing community of inventors

Goshen, IN, United States of America

Philip Wilfong