Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates a poultry housing device is developed to relocate poultry and adjust fowl housing height based on real-time measurements. Additionally, the proposed device includes controlled deployment and adjustment of fabric and net with automated height detection, featuring remote and voice-activated operation for optimal care of poultry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Poultry housing is very essential for protecting birds from the elements, predators, and disease, also helps in ensuring that birds are comfortable and have access to adequate food and water. Poultry housing presents several challenges that impact both bird welfare and farm productivity. One significant issue is the spread of diseases, such as avian influenza, which rapidly transmit among densely housed birds, leading to high mortality rates and economic losses. Environmental factors, particularly in tropical climates, pose additional problems; high temperatures and humidity cause thermal stress, hindering optimal growth and increasing susceptibility to illness. Moreover, maintaining proper hygiene in housing facilities is crucial, as inadequate cleaning lead to the accumulation of pathogens, further exacerbating health issues. Structural aspects of housing, such as insufficient space and poor ventilation, contribute to overcrowding and respiratory problems. Additionally, the high costs associated with feeding and veterinary services strain resources, making it challenging to provide optimal care. Addressing these issues requires a solution, including improved biosecurity measures, environmental control, and cost-effective management practices.

[0003] Traditional poultry housing methods have evolved to balance bird welfare, productivity, and resource efficiency. One prevalent method is the free-range, where birds roam freely over a large area, foraging for natural food sources. This method promotes natural behaviours but requires significant land and exposes poultry to predators. The semi-intensive combines free-range and confined rearing, allowing birds outdoor access during the day while housing them in shelters at night, offering a compromise between freedom and protection. In contrast, the intensive system confines birds within controlled environments, such as deep litter housing or battery cages, optimizing space and facilitating mechanized feeding and egg collection. While this method enhances production efficiency, it often restricts natural behaviours and raises animal welfare concerns. Additionally, folding units or mobile coops are employed, enabling relocation to fresh ground, thus reducing disease risk and maintaining pasture quality. Each method reflects different priorities in poultry management, including animal welfare, land availability, and production goals.

[0004] EP0609057A2 A chicken rearing apparatus, comprising an elongated floorless cage set, an endless floor belt apparatus beneath the cage having an upper floor belt portion with a plurality of holes for manure to fall through, the floor belt portion forming the floor of the cage and being drivable longitudinally with respect to the cage, and a floorless lower belt portion below the upper belt portion that has an opening, and a manure belt apparatus formed by a belt on which manure from the holes of the floor belt portion falls and which is drivable longitudinally with respect to the cage.

[0005] US5950565A A system for housing animals in animal husbandry, particularly for raising pigs comprises a separately transportable container manufactured from metal walls which is individually supplied with a fan ventilation system, a bottom manure container and a feed supply. The animals can be transported in the container and maintained in the container. The container can be located in rows of the container along a central alleyway through which the animals can be moved and which supplies the necessary facilities. In one use of the system, the animals can be transported to a position adjacent to but spaced from a new location and maintained in quarantine until the possibility of disease is passed. In a further process for the Iowan system of raising pigs, the nursery stage between the farrowing stage and the finisher stage is carried out in the containment vessel thus avoiding additional movement of the animals which is stressful for the animals.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to facilitate poultry farming operations, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to adjusting the height of feeders and drinkers to match the birds' growth stages, is also done manually, requiring daily attention to ensure accessibility and minimize waste. Additionally, providing adequate protection from environmental factors often involves deploying and adjusting coverings, such as fabric or netting, to shield birds from predators and harsh weather conditions.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of relocation of poultry housing units, allowing for easy movement to fresh ground without manual labor. Additionally, the device facilitates the controlled deployment and adjustment of protective coverings, such as fabric or netting, with self-height detection to ensure proper coverage and support.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable for relocating poultry and adjusting the height of individual fowl housing based on real-time measurements, improving efficiency in poultry management.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enabling controlled deployment and adjustment of fabric and net over poultry, with automated height detection to ensure proper coverage and support.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of allowing remote control and voice-activated operation for deploying fabric and net, as well as adjusting poultry housing positions for optimal management and care.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a poultry housing device that facilitates the relocation of poultry and dynamic adjustment of fowl housing height using real-time data. The device features controlled deployment and adjustment of fabric and net, with automating height detection, and supports remote and voice-activated operation for efficient care.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a poultry housing device comprising a rectangular base having a pair of caterpillar wheels attached underneath the base for a relocation of the poultry, a plurality of open cuboidal housings arranged on the base by means of hydraulic actuators for lifting and lowering of the housings, a fowl is contained in each of the housings, a first roller having a spool of a polymeric fabric, mounted on the base by means of a pair of telescopic rods installed perpendicularly over opposing edges of the base by means of first sliding units, for laying the fabric over the base, the fabric is supported at a height over the base by means of a plurality of pneumatic pushers disposed along adjacent edges of the base, a second roller having a spool of a net, mounted on the base by means of a pair of telescopic links installed perpendicularly over opposing edges of the base by means of second sliding units, for laying the fabric over the base, the net is supported at a height over the base by means of the pneumatic pushers, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the base and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the base, to determine height of the fowl, followed by actuation of the rods and links to extend or retract the fabric and the net as per detected height, the pneumatic pushers are extended or retracted to support the fabric and net along an entire length of the base.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further includes a clamp is provided at an upper end of each of the pushers for gripping the fabric and the net, a microphone provided on the base for receiving an audio command from the user regarding deploying the fabric and the net to actuate the imaging unit, to determine height of the fowl and accordingly actuate the rods and links to extend or retract, the first sliding unit and the second sliding unit to translate the fabric across the base while the first roller and the second roller unspool the fabric and net, the pushers are extend to support the fabric and net from underneath, a wireless communication module is provided on the base to enable the user, by connecting with a computing unit, to input a command regarding raising or lowering the housings to accordingly actuate the hydraulic actuators, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a poultry housing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a poultry housing device for managing poultry, designed to relocate poultry and adjust the height of fowl housing based on real-time measurements. The device incorporates controlled deployment and adjustment of fabric and net, automated height detection, and allows remote and voice-activated operation for effective care.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a poultry housing device is illustrated, comprising a a rectangular base 101 having a pair of caterpillar wheels 102 attached underneath the base 101, a plurality of open cuboidal housings 103 arranged on the base 101 via a hydraulic actuators 104 lowering of the housings 103, a first roller 105 having a spool of a polymeric fabric, mounted on the base 101 via a pair of telescopic rods 106 installed perpendicularly over opposing edges of the base 101 by means of first sliding units 107, a plurality of pneumatic pushers 108 disposed along adjacent edges of the base 101, a second roller 109 mounted on the base 101 by means of a pair of telescopic links 110 installed perpendicularly over opposing edges of the base 101 by means of second sliding units 111, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 112, installed on the base 101, a clamp 113 is provided at an upper end of each of the pushers 108 and a microphone provided on the base 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a rectangular base 101 having a pair of caterpillar wheels 102 underneath the base 101 for a relocation of the poultry developed to be positioned on a fixed surface. The base 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the apparatus is of generous size and is light in weight. The process begins when the user pushes a push button installed on the base 101 to activate the device. The push button typically consists of a button cap which is the visible rounded part of the button that the user presses.

[0024] When the user pushes the push button, it pushes down a plunger, which is a small rod or a cylinder. Inside the push button, there are electrical contacts made of electrical materials like metal. When the user presses the push button, it completes the electrical circuit, allowing current to flow and triggering an inbuilt microcontroller’s operation, which is associated with the device for further operation.

[0025] The caterpillar wheel mention herein, is designed to provide traction, stability, and support to base 101. At its core, the wheels 102 consist of a track frame, track links 110, track pads, a drive sprocket, and idler wheels 102. The track links 110 are the individual metal links 110 that make up the track. These links 110 are connected to each other to form a continuous loop, allowing the track to move smoothly around the drive sprocket and idler wheels 102. The track pads, attached to the track links 110, are the rubber or metal pads that come into contact with the ground, providing traction and support to the base 101. When the microcontroller sends a signal of actuation to the wheels 102, the drive sprocket rotates, and pulls the track links 110 along with it, causing the track to move. This movement is facilitated by the idler wheels 102, which guide the track and keep it tensioned. The tensioning of the track is crucial, as it ensures that the track doesn't sag or come off the drive sprocket, which results in loss of traction. As the track moves, the track pads come into contact with the ground, distributing the weight of the base 101 evenly across the track. This even distribution of weight reduces pressure on the ground and improves stability, allowing the base 101 to operate safely and efficiently on various surfaces, including mud, sand, and snow, thereby reducing the risk of tipping, while the track pads provide traction and support for the base 101 for a relocation of said poultry.

[0001] After the activation of the device, a communication module integrated with a built-in microcontroller to enable wireless connectivity between the device and a user's computing unit, to allow the user to provide input commands for regarding raising or lowering a plurality of open cuboidal housings 103. Where a user interface is inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly connected to the device and enable the user to provide input commands for actuate the hydraulic actuators 104. The user interacts with the interface through a touch screen, keyboard, or other input methods available on the computing unit. The computing unit transmits the user’s commands to the device through wireless communication module such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

[0026] The communication module facilitates data exchange between computing unit and microcontroller by encoding and sending information over various channels, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular networks. Which receives and decodes incoming data from the user's command. The module incorporates error-checking mechanisms to detect and correct data corruption or loss and manages data routing to direct information to the microcontroller to actuates a hydraulic actuator arranged underneath the housing.

[0027] The plurality of open cuboidal housings 103 is arranged on the base 101 via the hydraulic actuator for lifting and lowering of the housings 103. Then the inbuilt microcontroller actuates the hydraulic actuators 104 which is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the rod. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the actuators 104 and due to applied pressure the base 101 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the actuators 104 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the actuators 104 for lifting and lowering of the housings 103 and a fowl is contained in each of the housings 103.

[0028] The microcontroller then activates a microphone embedded on the base 101, which enable the user to give voice commands regarding deploying a fabric and a net to trigger. The microphone receives the user voice commands and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to an inbuilt microcontroller linked to the microphone and associated with the device.

[0029] Upon receiving and processing the signal from the microphone. the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 112 having a processer installed on the base 101 determine height of the fowl and actuate a rods 106 and links 110 to extend or retract said fabric. The AI-based imaging unit 112 works by analyzes these images, recognizing the unique characteristics of the roll, such as their contours, dimensions, and overall shape. The captured images are processed by a microcontroller, embedded inside the device. This microcontroller takes the information from the imaging unit 112 and uses to determine height of the fowl.

[0030] The device equipped with a first roller 105 having a polymeric fabric is mounted on the base 101 via a pair of telescopic rods 106 installed perpendicularly over opposing edges of the base 101 via first sliding units 107 for laying the fabric over the base 101. The telescopic rods 106 are linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods 106. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rods 106 and due to applied pressure the rods 106 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically rods 106 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rods 106 in order to secure the first roller 105.

[0031] The first sliding unit mention herein consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit results in the translation of the fabric over the base 101. Simultaneously the microcontroller actuates a plurality of pneumatic pushers 108 are disposed along adjacent edges of the base 101 to support the fabric at a height over the base 101.

[0032] The pneumatic pusher is controlled by the microcontroller for compressing the condiment towards the edges of the base 101 thus facilitating to support the fabric at a height. Where, the pneumatic pusher works by compressed air to generate force for pushing the condiment out of the conduit. The pusher consists of a cylinder, piston, and valve unit. When compressed air is introduced into the cylinder, the air moves the piston, which in turn pushes an attached object or load. The movement is controlled by valves that regulate airflow, allowing for precise control of the pusher’s speed, force, and distance.

[0033] The device equipped with a second roller 109 holds a spool of net and is placed on the base 101 with a pair telescopic links 110. These links 110 are fixed across the base 101 and connected to second sliding units 111, which allow the second roller 109 to move. When the device is activated, the second roller 109 unrolls the net and lays their over the base 101. The net is held up by pneumatic pushers 108 underneath the base 101, which help keep the net at the right height. This setup ensures that the net stays in the correct position and provides proper coverage and support for the poultry placed on the base 101. The extension/retraction of the telescopic links 110 is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopic rods 106, by employing the pneumatic unit, for holding the second roller 109. And a clamp 113 is provided at an upper end of each of the pushers 108 is activated by the microcontroller for gripping the fabric and the net.

[0034] The clamps 113 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the clamps 113 thus extending/retracting for gripping the fabric and the net.

[0035] A battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the device is activated by pushing the button, which triggers the microcontroller. The device includes the communication module for wireless control, allowing the user to send commands through a computing unit. The Hydraulic actuators 104 lift and lower the open cuboidal housings 103 that contain the poultry. The microcontroller also processes voice commands received through the embedded microphone and deploys fabric and net using rollers. The first roller 105, holding polymeric fabric, is mounted on telescopic rods 106 that are extended or retracted by the pneumatic pushers 108, controlled by the microcontroller. The second roller 109, holding the net, operates similarly, using telescopic links 110 and pneumatic pushers 108. The device also features an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 112 to determine the height of the fowl, adjusting the fabric and net placement accordingly. The Pneumatic pushers 108 support the fabric and net at the correct height, ensuring proper coverage and support for poultry. The entire device is controlled via the microcontroller, which regulates the movement of components like the rollers, telescopic rods 106, and links 110 for precise deployment and adjustment.

[0037] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A poultry housing device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having a pair of caterpillar wheels 102 attached underneath said base 101 for a relocation of said poultry;
ii) a plurality of open cuboidal housings 103 arranged on said base 101 by means of hydraulic actuators 104 for lifting and lowering of said housings 103, where a fowl is contained in each of said housings 103;
iii) a first roller 105 having a spool of a polymeric fabric, mounted on said base 101 by means of a pair of telescopic rods 106 installed perpendicularly over opposing edges of said base 101 by means of first sliding units 107, for laying said fabric over said base, wherein said fabric is supported at a height over said base 101 by means of a plurality of pneumatic pushers 108 disposed along adjacent edges of said base 101;
iv) a second roller 109 having a spool of a net, mounted on said base 101 by means of a pair of telescopic links 110 installed perpendicularly over opposing edges of said base 101 by means of second sliding units 111, for laying said fabric over said base 101, wherein said net is supported at a height over said base 101 by means of said pneumatic pushers 108; and
v) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 112, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 101, to determine height of said fowl to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said rods 106 and links 110 to extend or retract said fabric and said net as per detected height, wherein said pneumatic pushers 108 are extended or retracted to support said fabric and net along an entire length of said base 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a clamp 113 is provided at an upper end of each of said pushers 108 for gripping said fabric and said net.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding deploying said fabric and said net to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said imaging unit 112, to determine height of said fowl and accordingly actuate said rods 106 and links 110 to extend or retract, said first sliding unit and said second sliding unit to translate said fabric across said base 101 while said first roller 105 and said second roller 109 unspool said fabric and net, wherein said pushers 108 are extend to support said fabric and net from underneath.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 101 to enable said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to input a command regarding raising or lowering said housings 103 to accordingly actuate said hydraulic actuators 104.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.