Patent Description:
A stable, particularly including a manure cellar below the walk-on floor of a livestock stable is generally known. Usually grids are provided over such manure cellars so that manure and urine can freely drain into the manure cellar. Such a grid is for instance known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

It is known that in such a manure cellar a mixture of faeces and urine results in the development of ammonia. It particularly turned out that a contact time of <NUM> hours already results in considerable ammonia development.

<CIT> of applicant relates to a stable comprising a manure storage, a walk-on floor provided with passages for manure and urine, and below the walk-on floor a bottom floor comprising a series of concrete floor parts and with a top surface at a fall, and a concrete discharge channel having side walls and a discharge channel bottom at a fall, wherein the series of floor parts with an edge connect to side walls of the discharge channel so that on either side of the discharge channel floor parts at a fall slope down to the discharge channel, wherein the fall of the discharge channel is transverse to the fall of the floor parts, wherein the discharge channel ends in a reservoir for a thin fraction of the manure that has been separated from the manure storage, wherein at a longitudinal side, transverse to the discharge channel, the bottom floor provides a passage for the solid fraction of the manure and its collection in the manure storage, and wherein the stable is furthermore provided with a manure scraper for shoving the manure over the floor parts towards the passage and into the manure storage.

<CIT> discloses according to its abstract a stable having a manure cellar and a floor having passages for manure and urine. The manure cellar comprises drainage passages for removing air from the cellar. Pressure sensors are provided in the manure cellar and coupled to a control unit for activating a ventilator for keeping a pressure in the cellar higher or equal to a pressure determined by a further pressure sensor above the floor.

<CIT> according to its abstract discloses: "A ventilation duct system (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) and method serve for minimizing air pollution in and/or around an animal habitat structure (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) with at least one animal habitat surface (<NUM>). The ventilation duct system (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is located at least partly below the at least one animal habitat surface (<NUM>) and comprises waste receiving means (<NUM>) configured for receiving waste (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) from and/or through at least a part of the at last one animal habitat surface (<NUM>). The ventilation duct system (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) provides an air pressure gradient across the width of the waste receiving means (<NUM>), which air pressure gradient is generated by a pressure difference between a first long side (<NUM>) and an opposing second long side (<NUM>) of the waste receiving means (<NUM>). The ammonia concentration is almost completely kept at floor level and in the slurry pits, and the breathing air in the room above the slatted floor is thus ventilated without admixing the unpleasant gases from the animals.

<CIT> according to its abstract discloses a ". gutter base (<NUM>), designed to go beneath a slatted floor and remove manure by a water-assisted gravity flow, consists of a core module (10c) of cast concrete with one or more channels (<NUM>) and at least one raised side (10a, 10b) for supporting the floor. Each core module is prefabricated in one piece with a smooth mould-hardened surface. The ends of the modules are laid on sole plates, and seals are fitted between all components that are in contact with the manure, which can be discharged by an automatic flushing system into a main drainage channel.

<CIT> according to its abstract discloses "A livestock barn is provided including a pit. A first portion of a pit floor slopes downward from a first side of the pit to a centerline of the pit and a second portion of the pit floor slopes downward from a second side of the pit to the centerline so that excrement on the first portion of the pit floor and excrement on the second portion of the pit floor is directed toward the centerline. The pit floor is sloped downward from a first end of the pit to a second end of the pit so that excrement on the centerline is directed from the first end to the second end.

<CIT> of the applicant in its abstract relates "The invention provides stable comprising a walk-on floor provided with passages for waste, comprising manure and urine, a collecting floor below the walk-on floor with a top surface for receiving said waste, and a waste removal system, said waste removal system comprising a discharge channel, with the collecting floor connecting to the discharge channel, wherein said collecting floor and said discharge channel are liquid-closed and said waste removal system further comprises a waste drainage conduit in fluid coupling with said discharge channel, and wherein said waste drainage conduit comprises a waste transport device, in particular said waste transport system comprising a waste suction device for providing a reduced pressure in said waste drainage conduit.

A disadvantage of prior art is that amongst others that it allows waste to contact air during a relatively long time, that it allows animals to contact the waste gasses, and it provides room for pests like rats and mice. Waste removal is often passive, for instance using gravity, or requiring water, thus resulting in polluted water. The construction can be simplified and modification of existing stables is required, in view of environmental requirements, including reduction of nitrogen compounds like ammonia.

Hence, it is an aspect of the invention to provide an alternative stable, which preferably further at least partly obviates one or more of above-described drawbacks.

The current invention thus relates to a stable as defined in claim <NUM>.

There is further described a waste lock, and a method for removing waste.

Further embodiments are explained in the detailed description and the depending claims.

There is further described a waste drainage system for mainly liquid waste fraction, in particular urine, and for a stable comprising:.

said waste drainage system comprising a continuous discharge channel extending in longitudinal direction and in particular having a width of <NUM> - <NUM>, with the collecting floor connecting to the discharge channel, and said waste removal system further comprises a waste drainage conduit running below said discharge channel and in fluid coupling with said discharge channel via a fluid coupling comprising a passage opening between a bottom of the discharge channel and below an opening of the discharge channel and into the waste drainage conduit and in particular having a longitudinal width of <NUM>-<NUM>, in particular <NUM>-<NUM>.

The current disclosure alternatively or in combination describes a stable comprising:.

wherein said ventilation system comprises a reduced pressure system coupled to a series of inlet openings positioned between said walk-on floor and said collecting floor and along said collecting floor for in operation causing a flow of air over said collecting floor to said inlet openings.

In an embodiment, the stable comprises both the waste removal system and the ventilation system.

In the current context, "reduced pressure" relates to a pressure that is below the current pressure in or about the stable or animal housing. Such a reduced pressure is to be sufficient for causing a flow of air towards said source or sources of reduced pressure. The flow of air is to cause a removal of undesired gasses but avoid draught to such an extent that is detrimental or unpleasant for the animals. Reduced pressure is sometimes also (although in pure physics sense incorrectly) referred to as vacuum. It should be clear that in the current description, it is in fact functional for taking away undesired compounds, usually in the form of gasses. These undesired compounds may also comprise particles and dust.

In an embodiment of the stable, the lock doors each closing off a passage opening. In an embodiment, the lock doors comprise a lock door actuator for opening said passage for allowing the solid waste fraction to pass the lock doors, said lock door actuator adapted for opening and keeping open the stable side lock door until the solid waste fraction passed the stable side lock door, then closing the stable side lock door, opening the waste container side lock door when the stable side lock door is closed, allowing the solid waste fraction to pass the waste container side lock door and be deposited by the waste displacer into the waste container, and closing the waste container side lock door when the solid waste fraction is deposited in the waste container.

In an embodiment, the lock door actuator is controlled through a control system, for opening and keeping open the stable side lock door until the solid waste fraction passed the stable side lock door.

In an embodiment of the stable, after closing the waste container side lock door after the solid waste fraction is deposited in the waste container, the actuator is further adapted for opening the stable side lock door and keep it open until the waste displacer passed the stable side lock door, and subsequently closing the stable side lock door.

There is furthermore described a waste-lock for providing a selective passage for a solid waste fraction mainly comprising manure, said waste-lock comprising a waste passage and a series of closures at the ends of the waste passage for each closing off a waste passage end and an actuator adapted for keeping one closure closed as the other closure opens, and only opening that one closure after the other closure is closed.

There is furthermore provided a method for removing waste from a collecting floor into a waste container in a stable of any one of the claims <NUM>-<NUM>, the method comprising providing a waste-lock, displacing waste via the waste removal system to the waste-lock, opening a waste-lock closure closest to the waste being displaced, displacing the waste via the waste removal system into a waste passage, closing the opened waste-lock closure, opening the opposite waste-lock closure after the opened waste-lock closure is closed, depositing the waste via the waste removal system into the waste container, and closing the opened waste-lock closure.

In an embodiment, the waste removal system provides a largely closed circuit for waste, preventing emission of harmful compounds.

In the current context, the collecting floor and the discharge channel are as smooth as possible and are fluid-closed. The collecting floor and discharge channel can be made from liquid-prove concrete that is made smooth during production, or which is provided with a top layer or coating. Alternative, the collecting floor comprises or consists of a polymer material. Such a floor can be solid or may comprise ribs or reinforcement material, of even comprise a foam core.

The current ventilation system and waste removal system are designed to be easy to build. Furthermore, they can be used to modify existing stables and animal housings, for instance renovate and modernize these in order to meet new requirements on emission and animal well-being.

In the current description and claims, reference is made to waste. In the current animal husbandry context, waste includes manure and urine. This is also referred to as dung. This usually forms a slurry. In the current text, these words may be used alternatingly, but in general refer to the same. If required, the waste may be diluted with water in order to more easily remove the waste. In the current system, water for diluting the slurry to make it more easy for pumping or sucking it away can be provided from recycled water that is recovered from the waste at a later stage, for instance before or after a waste fermentation system.

The current ventilation system and waste removal system prevent negative and unwanted environmental effects of animal husbandry, in particular in cattle/cow and calve stables and for instance pig and goat stables.

In the current description, reference is made to a stable. In a more general sense, the current description relates to animal husbandry, in particular of livestock. The current ventilation system and current waste removal system can be incorporated into a livestock house.

In known stables and livestock houses, due to animal waste the concentration of waste gasses can be high, in particular so high that it becomes detrimental to animal and human health. Furthermore, air becomes polluted with dust and micro dust and even smaller particles. Therefore, the stable is provided with one or more sensors for measuring at least one selected from waste gases and particles. These sensors are thus provided for determining air quality. More in particular, one or more sensors are provided for detecting a level of at least one selected from waste gasses and particles. Waste gasses can comprise at least one selected from ammonia (NH<NUM>), carbon dioxide (CO<NUM>), hydrogen sulphide (H<NUM>S), methane (CH<NUM>), hydrogencyanide (HCN), ozone, and a combination thereof. Alternatively or in combination, a sensor can be provided to determine a level of desired gasses, like oxygen.

In an embodiment, the discharge channel has a depth of <NUM>-<NUM>. In particular, this depth is <NUM>-<NUM>. This prevents clogging.

In an embodiment, the said passage fans out of funnels our from said discharge channel out into said waste drainage conduit. In particular said passage fans out or funnels out starting about halfway a depth of said discharge channel. This prevents clogging further.

In an embodiment, the passage transversely intersects said discharge channel, and/or said passage, in particular providing a slit having a or said longitudinal width of <NUM>-<NUM>. In particular the slit is <NUM>-<NUM>.

In an embodiment, the waste drainage system comprises a top part and bottom part, said top part at least mainly comprising said discharge channel and said bottom part at least mainly comprising said waste drainage conduit. In particular an upper side of said bottom part comprising said waste drainage conduit and a lower and of said top part providing an upper closure of said waste drainage conduit. This makes it easy to produce, for instance from concrete.

In an embodiment, the waste drainage system comprises a support surface extending in said longitudinal direction for supporting sides of said collecting floor, to allow said liquid fraction to flow from said sides of said collecting floor and into said discharge channel.

In an embodiment, the waste drainage system comprises a plurality of said fluid couplings. In particular these are disposed at a longitudinal interspacing of <NUM>-<NUM> meter. More in particular interspaced <NUM>-<NUM> meter. More in particular regularly interspaced.

In an embodiment, the discharge channel, waste drainage conduit and fluid couplings are provided in parts from a hardening moulded material, for instance selected from a top part and a bottom part as mentioned earlier, a single moulded part, and a combination thereof. In particular the hardening moulding material comprises concrete.

There is further described a stable comprising:.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system can be functionally coupled with, or provided with, an air-treatment device. Examples of air-treatment devices are a biofilter, an air washer, an electrostatic particle filter.

Embodiments of a walk-on floor that allows waste to pass is a slatted floor. A suitable slatted floor and animal-friendly embodiments thereof are for instance described in <CIT> and <CIT> of current applicant and which are cited in this description.

In an embodiment, the waste removal system further comprising a waste scraper for displacing the waste from the collecting floor into the discharge channel. In an embodiment, the waste scraper is furthermore provided for displacing the waste into and through the discharge channel and into the waste drainage conduit. In an embodiment, said waste scraper comprises a scraper lip adapted to a cross section of said discharge channel for displacing waste in said discharge channel.

In an embodiment, collecting floor is at a slope and comprising a series of floor parts, and said collecting floor connecting to the discharge channel with on either side of said discharge channel with said floor parts sloping down to said discharge channel at said slope. In particular for the waste removal system, this facilitates removal of the waste.

In an embodiment, the collecting floor comprises floor parts on either side of said discharge channel and connecting to said discharge channel.

In an embodiment, the waste drainage conduit is provided below said collecting floor.

In an embodiment, the waste drainage conduit is provided between said walk-on floor and said collecting floor.

In an embodiment, the waste removal system further comprising a flush device for flushing waste through said discharge channel and into said waste drainage conduit. In an embodiment, the said flush device comprising a waste flush conduit extending along a length of the collecting floor. In an embodiment, the waste flush conduit comprises a series of spray nozzles directed towards the collecting floor and positioned along the waste flush conduit.

In an embodiment, the waste drainage conduit is parallel to said discharge channel. In an embodiment, the waste drainage conduit is parallel and below said discharge channel. In an embodiment, the waste drainage conduit comprises at least one passage fluid coupling said waste drainage conduit and said discharge channel.

In an embodiment, the inlet openings of the ventilation system are positioned above said collecting floor. In an embodiment, the inlet openings are between <NUM> and <NUM> above said collecting floor.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system comprises a ventilation conduit between said walk-on floor and said collecting floor and extending along a side of said collecting floor, said ventilation conduit comprising said inlet openings.

In an embodiment, the ventilation system further comprising a space below said collecting floor, said space fluidly coupled to said inlet openings, and said space fluidly coupled to said reduced pressure system for in operation reducing a pressure in said space.

In an embodiment, the stable with said waste removal system and said ventilation system further comprises a profile section comprising attachment ends for attaching said profile section to a wall and defining an attachment plane, said profile section comprising a collecting floor edge receiving part for receiving a collecting floor edge and holding said collecting floor fixed to said wall with its edge at a distance from said attachment plane, said profile section providing a first and second attachment end with said collecting floor edge receiving part between said first and second attachment end, said collecting floor edge receiving part providing a liquid-closed coupling, and said profile section comprising a series of said inlet openings providing air passages cross with respect to a longitudinal direction of said profile section and passing between said collecting floor edge and said attachment plane.

The profile section in an embodiment provides an air passage to below the collecting floor.

In an embodiment, the profile section comprises a sloping wall from its upper attachment end sloping away from the wall, and at its lower end comprising a wall running substantially parallel to the collecting floor and provided with air openings providing the air openings.

In an embodiment, the stable further comprising a control system that is functionally coupled to at least one selected from said ventilation system and said waste removal system.

In an embodiment, the stable further comprises air quality determination or measuring means, here a series of sensors at animal level. In an embodiment these are at a height of between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM> meter, for sensing at a concentration level of least one selected from carbondioxide, methane, hydrogensulfide, hydrogencyanide (HCN), ozone and a combination thereof, said sensors functionally coupled with said control system, and said control system adapted for activating or changing operation of at least one selected from said ventilation system and said waste removal system depending on said sensed concentration level. For instance, the waste scraper can be activated when levels of ammonia rise. The controller may also increase the flow of the ventilation system when the waste scraper is in motion.

The present disclosure further relates to a stable comprising:.

said waste removal system comprising a waste transport device comprising a waste suction device for providing a reduced pressure in said waste drainage conduit.

This stable can further comprise a combination of features described in this application. In an embodiment, this stable further comprises a ventilation system as described. In an embodiment, the suction device can be used for removing waste and for driving the ventilation system.

wherein said collecting floor is liquid-closed and said stable further comprises a waste drainage conduit and wherein said waste drainage conduit comprises a waste suction device for providing a reduced pressure in said waste drainage conduit.

In particular, the waste drainage conduit extends along a length of said collecting floor or in operation is extendable along said collecting floor. The waste drainage conduit comprises one of more suction openings positioned or positionable for sucking waste from said collecting floor.

Alternatively or in combination, a sensor can be provided to determine a level of desired gasses, like oxygen. The sensor con also be suited for detection of levels of particles and dust.

In an embodiment, the control system modifies a flow rate of the ventilation system and/or of the waste removal system depending on a sensed level.

In an embodiment, the control system is operationally coupled to a feedback system, for providing sensory feedback to an operator, for instance a farmer, on air and/of waste conditions in said stable. In an embodiment, the feedback system comprises a display for displaying information on ant least one selected from sensor output, ventilation system condition, waste condition.

All the embodiments above seek to reduce the levels of gases and vapours from a stable. Important gasses that need to be lowered are ammonia, and for instance fine dust requires reduction. Furthermore, these features improv ease of handling components like manure and urine. These features for instance allow automated handling, transport and/or processing or these components.

The control system is further functionally coupled to the waste flush conduit. For instance depending on the position of the waste scraper, the control system can activate past of the flush conduit of part or selected spray nozzles of the waste flush conduit.

The terms "upstream" and "downstream" relate to an arrangement of items or features relative to the propagation of the air from high pressure region to a low pressure region. In this relation, "upstream" is relates to going from a low pressure region to a high pressure region, opposite the flow of air.

The term "substantially" herein, such as in "substantially all emission" or in "substantially consists", will be understood by the person skilled in the art. The term "substantially" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective substantially may also be removed. Where applicable, the term "substantially" may also relate to <NUM>% or higher, such as <NUM>% or higher, especially <NUM>% or higher, even more especially <NUM>% or higher, including <NUM>%. The term "comprise" includes also embodiments wherein the term "comprises" means "consists of".

The term "functionally" will be understood by, and be clear to, a person skilled in the art. The term "substantially" as well as "functionally" may also include embodiments with "entirely", "completely", "all", etc. Hence, in embodiments the adjective functionally may also be removed. When used, for instance in "functionally parallel", a skilled person will understand that the adjective "functionally" includes the term substantially as explained above. Functionally in particular is to be understood to include a configuration of features that allows these features to function as if the adjective "functionally" was not present. The term "functionally" is intended to cover variations in the feature to which it refers, and which variations are such that in the functional use of the feature, possibly in combination with other features it relates to in the invention, that combination of features is able to operate or function. For instance, if an antenna is functionally coupled or functionally connected to a communication device, received electromagnetic signals that are receives by the antenna can be used by the communication device. The word "functionally" as for instance used in "functionally parallel" is used to cover exactly parallel, but also the embodiments that are covered by the word "substantially" explained above. For instance, "functionally parallel" relates to embodiments that in operation function as if the parts are for instance parallel. This covers embodiments for which it is clear to a skilled person that it operates within its intended field of use as if it were parallel.

The devices or apparatus herein are amongst others described during operation. As will be clear to the person skilled in the art, the invention is not limited to methods of operation or devices in operation.

In the device or apparatus claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware.

The various aspects discussed in this patent application can be combined in order to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, some of the features can form the basis for one or more divisional applications.

The drawings are not necessarily on scale.

<FIG> schematically depicts a 3D view of part of a stable <NUM>. In particular, in <FIG> part of a stable floor is depicted, where most part of a walk-on floor <NUM> is removed. <FIG> shows the current ventilation system <NUM> and the current waste-removal system <NUM>. These two systems each provide advantages, and when implemented together these two systems reduce emission and prevent pests in the stable <NUM>. The depicted embodiment has collecting floor <NUM> below the walk-on floor <NUM>. This collecting floor <NUM> is liquid closed. In an embodiment with the ventilation system, the collecting floor <NUM> is furthermore substantially air closed. The collecting floor <NUM> in the depicted embodiment furthermore comprise a discharge channel <NUM>, in particular an open gutter.

The collecting floor <NUM> is provided for receiving waste that falls through the walk-on floor <NUM>. The walk-on floor <NUM> has openings for allowing waste to fall onto the collecting floor <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, it is a slatted floor, that is largely removed for showing the further construction.

The depicted embodiment is further provided with a waste displacer for the solid waste fraction. In an embodiment, that waste displacer comprises a waste scraper <NUM>, also called a dung slider®. Waste that drops onto the collecting floor <NUM> is removed quickly by the waste scraper <NUM> into a further closed system in order to prevent emission. In the depicted embodiment, the collecting floor <NUM> is at a slope, sloping towards a discharge channel <NUM>. The waste scraper <NUM> in use moves back and forth over the collecting floor. In this way, the waste is displaced. In the depicted embodiment, the waste is displaced to and into the displacement channel <NUM>. The displacement to the discharge channel is a first concentrating step.

In an embodiment, the upper surface of the collecting floor <NUM> is relatively smooth in order to facilitate displacement of the waste. Furthermore, the collecting floor <NUM> is liquid-closed. In an embodiment, coupling of the collecting floor <NUM> to the further stable construction is liquid-closed in order to prevent waste from polluting the stable.

The waste scraper <NUM> has a lower edge contacting the collecting floor <NUM> in order to ensure, in operation, that the waste is properly displaced and removed from the collecting floor <NUM>.

The liquid fraction of the waste, mainly urine in the waste removal system <NUM> is introduced in a closed waste drainage conduit <NUM>. In <FIG>, the waste drainage conduit <NUM> is provided below the collecting floor <NUM>. The waste drainage conduit <NUM> can also be provided below the walk-on floor and above the collecting floor. In <FIG>, an alternative embodiment is depicted, where a waste drainage conduit <NUM> is positioned between the walk-on floor <NUM> and the collecting floor <NUM>. That embodiment will be discussed further below.

The waste removal system <NUM> further comprises a waste transport device <NUM>, schematically indicated in <FIG>. Such a waste transport device may comprise a mechanical transport device like a worm screw. In the current embodiment, the waste transport device comprises a suction device for applying a reduced pressure inside the waste drainage conduit <NUM>. An advantage of such a reduced pressure suction device is that emission is also removed.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, The waste scraper <NUM> is provided for displacing the solid waste fraction to and into the discharge channel <NUM>. In order to facilitate displacement of the waste, the waste removal system can be provided with a waste flush device that sprays liquid, largely water, onto the collecting floor <NUM>. With the collecting floor <NUM> at a slope and sloping towards a (central) discharge channel <NUM>, a relatively small amount of water is needed. Furthermore, in the current embodiment a waste flush conduit <NUM> is provided that extends along the collecting floor <NUM>. The waste flush conduit is in the current embodiment provided with a series of spray nozzles along the length of the collecting floor <NUM>. In an embodiment, in order to save water, each time a nozzle that is just in front of the waste scraper <NUM> is activated. The water used can be recycled water from a waste treatment system that is coupled to the waste removal system <NUM>. An example of a waste treatment system is a biodigester, for instance producing natural gas from waste.

In known stables, a space below the collecting floor is used as a waste cellar. In the current application, the waste is removes via the collecting floor by means of a waste scraper to the discharge channel and from the discharge channel via the waste drainage conduit out of the stable via a closed conduit.

The stable further comprises a ventilation system comprising a reduced pressure system coupled to a series of inlet openings positioned along and above the collecting floor. The flow of air is indicated with reference number <NUM>. The inlet openings cause a flow of air over the collecting floor. In this way, emission from the waste on the collecting floor is directly guided away from the stable and from the animals.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, a space or cellar <NUM> is provided below the collecting floor <NUM>. This space <NUM> had a bottom <NUM> and side walls <NUM>. In <FIG> is depicted how the waste drainage conduit <NUM> is provided below the collecting floor <NUM>. The side walls <NUM> are here provided with attachment profiles <NUM> extending along the length of the space <NUM> for holding the collecting floor <NUM> and providing inlet openings and thus forming part of the ventilation system in this embodiment.

In the current embodiment, as depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the space or cellar <NUM> below the collecting floor <NUM> is in fluid communication with the space above the collecting floor via inlet openings. Furthermore, air conduit <NUM> fluidly couples the space or cellar <NUM> below the collecting floor <NUM> and a reduced pressure system for creating a reduced pressure in the space or cellar <NUM> below the collecting floor <NUM>. Such a set-up provides a drought in the space or cellar <NUM> which can prevent pests like mice and rats from housing. In an alternative embodiment, air conduits are provided along a length of the collecting floor <NUM> that are provided with inlet openings and the air conduits are coupled with the reduced pressure system. In such an embodiment, a space <NUM> below the collecting floor <NUM> is not required. Again, the inlet openings are provided between the walk-on floor <NUM> and the collecting floor <NUM> in order to allow removal of emission from waste on the collecting floor <NUM> before removal of that waste via the waste removal system. In addition to inlet openings along opposite sides of the collecting floor, one or more further conduits with air inlet openings opening towards the collecting floor <NUM> may be provided between the walk-on floor <NUM> and the collecting floor <NUM>.

In the current waste removal system for <FIG>, universal frames <NUM> are provided for holding the discharge channel <NUM> and for holding the waste drainage conduit <NUM>. This universal frame <NUM> can be placed on a floor, like the floor <NUM> of the space <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an embodiment of a fluid coupling between the discharge channel <NUM> and the waste drainage conduit <NUM>. In this embodiment, the waste drainage channel <NUM> comprises one or more fluid couplings <NUM>. These couplings can be provided with a biased valve (not depicted). When the coupled waste suction system reduces the pressure in the waste drainage conduit <NUM>, this opens the biased valve and sucks waste into the waste drainage conduit. To this end, the bottom <NUM> of the discharge channel <NUM> is provided with an opening <NUM> connecting to the fluid coupling <NUM>. In operation, the waste scraper brings waste that is on the collecting floor <NUM> into the discharge channel <NUM>. When progressing in the direction of the discharge channel <NUM>, the waste scraper <NUM> advanced the waste. When the waste scraper approaches one of the openings <NUM>, a control system can activate the waste suction system to bring the waste in the waste drainage conduit and transport the waste in the waste drainage conduit. As mentioned before, other transportation devices are possible, like mechanic transportation devices in the waste drainage conduit. An example is a worm transport screw.

In an alternative embodiment, not depicted, the discharge channel <NUM> may be used for collecting urine, and the thicker fraction may be moved using the waste scraper. The waste scraper in such an embodiment is provided for displacing the waste to an end of the collecting floor near an end of the discharge channel. There, a further discharge channel for the thick fraction may be provided. That further channel can be cross with respect to the discharge channel. In an embodiment, it is separate from that discharge channel, i.e., urine and the thicker fraction do not contact. Furthermore, a thick fraction removal device can be provided. This may also be a suction device. It can also be a mechanical displacement device. This separation makes removal of the urine easier.

In order to displace the waste in the discharge channel, the waste scraper <NUM> can be provided with a lip <NUM> that matches the cross section of the discharge channel <NUM>. The edges of such a lip <NUM> can comprise flexible, rubbery strips to function like a wiper. Lip <NUM> can be at a forward angle with respect to a normal direction of the discharge channel bottom <NUM> to assist in inserting waste in the fluid coupling <NUM>. Furthermore, water added by the waste flush conduit can further assist in removal of waste. Once the waste in in the waste drainage conduit, it effectively is hermetically and fluidly sealed from the interior of the stable. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the waste drainage conduit <NUM> schematically debouches in a space <NUM>. In practise, however, the waste will be transported to a coupled biodigester for producing natural gas.

In <FIG>, it is depicted how the lower edge <NUM> of the waste scraper <NUM> contacts the upper, waste receiving surface <NUM> of the collecting floor <NUM>.

In <FIG>, an embodiment is depicted where in fact an integration of the ventilation system and the waste removal system becomes clear. <FIG> shows a cross sectional detail indicated in <FIG>. A profile section <NUM> is shown in cross section. The profile section <NUM> is fixed to the side wall <NUM>. Section profile <NUM> comprises a collecting floor coupling end <NUM>. In this collecting floor coupling end <NUM>, it holds the collecting floor in a liquid-tight manner in order to prevent waste and pests from getting below the collecting floor <NUM>. Furthermore, it provides a lower opening for ventilation air <NUM>. The collecting floor coupling end <NUM> here holds an edge of the collecting floor remote from the wall <NUM>. Furthermore, through holes in the profile material allows air to pass. The profile is provided with a nose <NUM> (in cross section) with an opening at a distance from the collecting surface of the collecting floor <NUM>. The nose <NUM> provides a surface facing the collecting surface <NUM>. A path of air is indicated with reference number <NUM>. In this way, air is drawn though the opening <NUM> as indicated.

Furthermore, the waste flush conduit <NUM> is positioned above the profile <NUM> and above the nose <NUM>. In this way, nozzles in the waste flush conduit <NUM> can spray the surface <NUM> of the collecting floor <NUM> and the water does not directly get into opening <NUM> and below the collecting floor <NUM>. The slope of the surface <NUM> of the collecting floor <NUM> helps in this. In the depicted embodiment, the profile section <NUM> can be made by bending sheet material for instance on shears or press brakes. The depicted embodiment can easily be installed in existing stables, for renovation and updating the ventilation system and waste removal system in one go.

The stable further comprises a control system <NUM>. Functionally coupled to the controller are one or more sensors for determining air quality, in particular for detecting a level of gases like ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S), methane (CH4), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), ozone, and a combination thereof. Alternatively or in combination, a sensor can be provided to determine a level of desired gasses, like oxygen. The sensor con also be suited for detection of levels of particles and dust. In the drawing, schematically one detector <NUM> is indicated. In practise, usually a series of sensor is installed at different locations as well as at different heights. Usually, one or more sensors are installed between <NUM> and <NUM> meter, depending on the size of the animals.

Based on a level detected by the one or more sensors <NUM>, the control system activates the ventilation system <NUM> and/or the waste removal system <NUM>. The control system <NUM> can also depending on a sensed level modify an flow rate of the ventilation system <NUM> and/or of the waste removal system <NUM>.

The control system is further functionally coupled to the waste scraper <NUM>. The control system is further functionally coupled to the waste flush conduit. For instance depending on the position of the waste scraper <NUM>, the control system <NUM> can activate past of the flush conduit of part or selected spray nozzles of the waste flush conduit <NUM>.

In <FIG>, an alternative embodiment of the waste removal system is depicted. In this embodiment, it may even integrate part of the ventilation system. In this embodiment, the waste scraper <NUM> includes a hood <NUM>. Here, the hood extends over a width of the collecting floor <NUM>. Lower rims of the hood <NUM> are close to the collecting floor surface. In an alternative embodiment, a small hood fitting in the discharge channel <NUM> can be provided.

The hood <NUM> is fluidly coupled to a flexible conduit <NUM>, here a flexible hose <NUM>. The flexible conduit <NUM> is here provided on an automatic line reel or winder or reeling drum <NUM>. The waste scraper <NUM> with hood <NUM> in operation runs back and forth along a length of the collecting floor <NUM>. The flexible conduit <NUM> is fluidly coupled with the waste suction device. In operation, air and waste are sucked from the collecting floor <NUM>. In this embodiment, in fact the flexible conduit provides a waste drainage conduit between the walk-on floor <NUM> and the collecting floor <NUM>. The flexible hose <NUM> can provide an alternative waste drainage conduit. It may extend in the discharge channel. In an alternative, it may provide a reduced pressure in the hood <NUM>, for removing gasses or even waste from the collecting floor <NUM>.

The waste scraper <NUM> further comprises an actuator for displacing the waste scraper <NUM> back and forth along a length of the collecting floor <NUM>. The waste scraper <NUM> can have one or two opposite waste displacement surfaces. The waste displacement surfaces depicted are planar. In an embodiment, in order to displace waste effectively to the discharge channel <NUM>, the waste displacement surface can be angled, having its center at the discharge channel. Thus, the displacement surface has two displacement surface parts angled towards the discharge channel <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a perspective view of a waste drainage system suitable for a stable as described above, <FIG> shows a view from above, and <FIG> a cross section as indicated. In particular, the drainage system prevents gaseous compounds from leaving the drainage system as much as possible. Furthermore, the presented drainage system makes construction of the stable much simpler. It can provide a support for the collecting floor <NUM> and does not require additional mounting on the cellar floor <NUM> or waste drainage frame <NUM>. The waste collecting floor <NUM> of <FIG> can comprise a concrete floor element, in particular a plate. Such a relatively this concrete slab can be impregnated on the waste-receiving side for making the dung slider slide easier. It also prevents the waste from harming the concrete.

The waste drainage system comprises a discharge channel <NUM> extending in a longitudinal direction. It further comprises a waste drainage conduit <NUM> also extending in longitudinal direction, in particular below and parallel to the discharge channel <NUM>.

The waste drainage system can be largely made as one single piece. In the current embodiment, there is provided a top part <NUM> comprising the discharge channel <NUM>, and a bottom part <NUM> comprising the waste drainage conduit <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the top part <NUM> furthermore comprises spaced apart fluid couplings <NUM>. In the current embodiment, the fluid couplings <NUM> are spaced apart about <NUM>-<NUM> meters. Currently, the fluid couplings <NUM> are regularly spaced. In an embodiment regularly spaces around <NUM>-<NUM> meter apart. The fluid couplings <NUM> are here transverse slots intersecting the discharge channel and debouch into the waste discharge conduit <NUM>. Here, to prevent clogging as much as possible, the fluid couplings <NUM> funnel out or fan out transversely from the bottom of the discharge channel <NUM> into the waste discharge conduit <NUM>. In longitudinal direction of the discharge channel <NUM> extend of has a width of around <NUM>-<NUM>. This makes a gassing surface of only <NUM>-<NUM> times a width of the discharge channel <NUM> each <NUM>-<NUM> meters. In an embodiment, the waste drainage system is produced in for instance <NUM>-<NUM> meter long parts. At an end of such a part, the fluid coupling <NUM> is provided at one end, for instance as an indent of about <NUM>-<NUM> deep. When assembling the waste drainage system, the parts are head-to-tail positioned, providing a continuous channel and continuous conduit, and a fluid coupling <NUM> between the (upper) discharge channel <NUM> and waste drainage conduit <NUM>, here for instance at each <NUM>-<NUM> meters.

In practise, the discharge channel <NUM> has a width (transvers direction) of between <NUM>-<NUM>. In most practical cases, the width is between <NUM>-<NUM>. The waste scraper lip <NUM> can run through the discharge channel <NUM> to keep it clean. In fact, the lip <NUM> can be flexible and at its end can reach into fluid couplings <NUM> when pulled through the discharge channel <NUM>, thus freeing the fluid couplings <NUM> from obstruction, when present. The discharge channel <NUM> will collect largely liquid fraction, mostly urine. Faeces will mostly be removed by the scraper or dung slider <NUM> over the collecting floor to the end and disposed into the solid fraction of faeces waste container separate from the waste container for the urine of liquid fraction <NUM>.

The top part <NUM> and bottom past <NUM> can be made from a mouldable, setting composition. In many cases, concrete can be used. The surfaces that get exposed to urine can be coated using a polymer coating, for instance an epoxy of a known polymer coating resistant to urine.

The bottom part <NUM> here has a flat bottom for resting stably on a cellar floor <NUM> as indicated in <FIG>. The upper end or the bottom part has two recesses or recessed ledges parallel to the waste discharge channel <NUM> for keeping the top part <NUM> stable and in position.

In the depicted embodiment, the waste discharge conduit <NUM> is provided at an upper end or the bottom part <NUM>. The lower surface of the top part <NUM> when placed on the bottom part provides a closure for the waste discharge conduit <NUM>. The top part <NUM> has the slit-shaped discharge channel <NUM> in its upper end. At both sides of the slit-shaped discharge channel <NUM>, a support surface is provides for supporting sides of the collecting floor <NUM>. This is such that liquid fraction is allowed to flow over the side and into the discharge channel <NUM>. At an end of the waste discharge conduit <NUM>, a waste container <NUM> is coupled for receiving waste from the waste discharge conduit <NUM>. Furthermore, the contents of the waste discharge conduit <NUM> can be removed using reduced pressure. To that end, a pump can be provided. In an alternative embodiment, an end of the waste discharge conduit <NUM> can be provided with a closure. The waste discharge conduit <NUM> is allowed to fill, for instance until the complete waste discharge conduit <NUM> is filled. In the drawings, for instance up to the lower end of the top part <NUM>. When opening the closure, waste will flow from the waste discharge conduit, and a resulting reduced pressure in the waste discharge conduit <NUM> will also suck any contents from the discharge channel <NUM> and from the fluid couplings <NUM>.

In a simple embodiment, the space between the floor <NUM> and collecting floor <NUM> may be filled up with for instance sand.

<FIG> shows a stable comprising a waste-lock, in particular showing several steps in the operation of the waste-lock.

In the current stable concept, the ventilation system provides a flow of air going from the walk-on floor where the animals stand downwards to the (waste) collecting floor. This keeps any ammonia that may remain, as well as other unwanted gasses away from the animals and prevent emission to the outside world. This, however, poses a problem for getting rid of the (solid) waste. In <FIG>, the solid waste is indicated on the collecting floor <NUM>. The dung slider <NUM> slides over the collecting floor <NUM> and pushes the solid waste to the waste container <NUM> at the end of the stable section. The current stable comprises a waste-lock <NUM> between the collecting floor <NUM> and the waste container <NUM>. This provides a waste-lock <NUM> that limits, in particular prevents, gasses to flow between the waste container <NUM> and the rest of the stable, effectively providing an air lock. Such a waste-lock <NUM> comprises a passage for waste, which at both ends of the passage is closed by a closure. The closures can be operated by an actuator. In an embodiment, the actuator is controlled by a or the controller. The actuator is adapted to operate the closures in such a way that always one of the closures closes off an end of the waste passage.

The solid waste fraction is transported through the waste passage from the collecting floor <NUM> to the waste container <NUM> by the waste removal system. This may be a transporter, conveyor, or the like. In the current embodiment, a waste collecting floor <NUM> and the manure scraper of dung slider <NUM> form part of the waste removal system. The collecting floor <NUM> is slanted towards a discharge channel <NUM> in order to allow the liquid fraction, mainly urine, to flow into the discharge channel <NUM> and into the waste discharge conduit <NUM>.

The waste passage has a longitudinal axis. The waste passage is in most embodiments bound by walls, or, in case of a circular cross section, a single circumferential wall. One of the walls defining the waste passage can be a continuation of the collecting floor <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the closures are a stable side lock door <NUM> and a waste container side lock door <NUM>.

In <FIG>, both the stable side lock door <NUM> and the waste container side lock door <NUM> are closed, closing off the waste passage. The dung slider <NUM> moves towards the waste-lock <NUM>, pushing the waste towards the waste container <NUM>. The dung slider <NUM> is as described in for instance <CIT> of the applicant. It comprised dividers or fingers <NUM> as described in that application, and for instance the waste scraper lip <NUM>.

As the dung slider <NUM> approaches the waste-lock <NUM>, first the stable side lock door <NUM> opens, as shown in <FIG>. The dung slider <NUM> is actuated in thus embodiment via cables or chains that run through the discharge channel <NUM>, which thus has an additional function.

In <FIG>, the dung slider <NUM> almost completely passed the stable side lock door <NUM>. When it completely passes the stable side lock door <NUM>, that lock door <NUM> closes. The dung slider <NUM> is now completely in the waste-lock <NUM>, with both lock doors closed. Next, the waste container side lock door <NUM> opens. The stable side lock door <NUM> remains closed. <FIG> shows how the waste container side lock door <NUM> is completely open and the dung slider <NUM> (in fact, the waste) passes the waste container side lock door <NUM> and deposits the waste it pushed into the waste container <NUM> that directly sides the waste passage. The width of the waste-lock <NUM> is at least a length of the dung slider <NUM>, to make it fit into the waste-lock <NUM>, between the two lock doors <NUM> and <NUM>. In <FIG>, it is depicted how the dung slider <NUM> is rotated to be free from the collecting floor <NUM> as it slides back to the opposite end of the collecting floor <NUM> to start the cycle again.

The stable of <FIG> has an end wall between the collecting floor <NUM> and the waste container <NUM>. The walk-on floor <NUM> ends before or at the stable side lock door <NUM>. Thus, the waste-lock <NUM> is provided between the walk-on floor <NUM> and the waste container <NUM>. The collecting floor <NUM> here continues in the waste lock. It provides a in fact an air-lock between the animal part of the stable <NUM> and the waste container <NUM>. As the waste container <NUM> is also closed, emission of gasses is reduced.

The collecting floor <NUM> in the current embodiment comprises a waste drainage <NUM> defining a longitudinal direction of the collecting floor <NUM>. The waste drainage <NUM> is here substantially in the center of the collecting floor. At each side, the collecting floor <NUM> is slanted towards the waste drainage <NUM>. The waste container <NUM> is provided at a longitudinal end of the collecting floor <NUM>. The waste-lock <NUM> is between the collecting floor <NUM> and the waste container <NUM>.

It will also be clear that the above description and drawings are included to illustrate some embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of protection as defined in the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A stable (<NUM>) comprising
- a walk-on floor (<NUM>) for carrying animals and provided with passages for waste, the waste comprising a solid waste fraction mainly comprising manure and a liquid waste fraction mainly comprising urine;
- a collecting floor (<NUM>) below the walk-on floor (<NUM>) with a top surface for receiving said waste;
- a waste removal system (<NUM>) comprising a waste displacer comprising a waste scraper (<NUM>) for displacing the solid waste fraction from the collecting floor into a waste container (<NUM>), characterized in that the stable further comprises
- a waste-lock (<NUM>) between the collecting floor (<NUM>) and the waste container (<NUM>) and comprising a closable waste passage having spaced apart closures for closing off ends of the passage for reducing, in particular preventing, flow of gasses between the waste container and the further stable, in particular for reducing flow of gasses from the waste container (<NUM>) to the collecting floor (<NUM>) and to the animals,
wherein the closable waste passage comprises a stable side closure and a waste container side closure, wherein the stable side closure is a stable side lock door (<NUM>) and the waste container side closure is a waste container side lock door (<NUM>), said closures arranged to close of the closable waste passage between the collecting floor and the waste container,
wherein the stable side lock door (<NUM>) and the waste container side lock door (<NUM>) are spaced apart for holding the waste scraper (<NUM>) between them when both lock doors (<NUM>, <NUM>) are closed.