Patent ID: 9069362
Filing Date: 2015-06-30
Classification: A01K,G05B,G05D

Abstract:
1. A sprinkler controller for a poultry house, the sprinkler controller comprising: a) a processor; b) a data storage device operatively connected to the processor, the data storage device having instructions for operating the processor; and c) an input-output module operatively connected to the processor, wherein the input-output module communicates with at least one valve to control a flow of fluid between a fluid source and at least one sprinkler nozzle, the at least one valve having an open position permitting the flow of fluid, and a closed position inhibiting the flow of fluid, the position of the valve being determined by the processor; d) wherein the processor operates in an activity promotion mode, in which the processor sets the valve in the open position at a start of each of a plurality of activity promotion intervals, and sets the valve in the closed position at an end of the activity promotion intervals, a duration of the activity promotion intervals being selected such that fluid is dispersed through the sprinkler nozzle thereby promoting, physical activity in poultry housed in the poultry house, the start of each activity promotion interval being based on a frequency of operation parameter indicative of a number of activity promotion intervals in a given time period, and a value for the frequency of operation parameter being selected to promote growth of the poultry, wherein the processor operates the valve so as to create the flow of fluid during the activity promotion intervals independently of temperature.