Patent ID: 12225876

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In response to the above-described problems with conventional methods of pasture raising poultry and/or swine, mobile poultry and/or swine enclosures have been developed. In this description, such enclosures are also referred to as “livestock” enclosures. These enclosures are generally large and lightweight, and are therefore highly susceptible to strong wind, which could topple the enclosure, releasing the livestock and damaging the enclosure. Conventional means for securing structures to the ground would prevent the frequent moves employed to move the livestock enclosure to fresh pasture. Weighting the structure would make these moves more difficult, and would increase forage destruction and pasture compaction.

Embodiments of the described technologies provide anchoring systems for mobile livestock enclosures. These anchoring systems allow livestock enclosures to be quickly and securely anchored to the ground, and just as quickly and easily released for moving the enclosure. In some embodiments, these systems are automated. In some embodiments, an electronic controller may automate all or part of the process of relocating a livestock enclosure, for example by controlling the wheels, brakes, and anchoring systems of the enclosure.

FIG.1illustrates an example livestock enclosure, in accordance with one or more implementations. The livestock enclosure100may be moved and/or may move across a pasture101.

In some implementations, the livestock enclosure100may include a frame108. In some embodiments, the frame108may be constructed from 10″×¼″ flat metal bar. In other embodiments, the frame108may be constructed from other materials.

The livestock enclosure100may include multiple wall barriers112and/or roof barriers114. The wall barriers112and/or roof barriers114may at least partially form the enclosure and/or contain the livestock within the enclosure. The wall barriers112and/or roof barriers114may be coupled to the frame108. In some implementations, the wall barriers112and/or roof barriers114may be resiliently flexible. By way of non-limiting example, the wall barriers112and/or roof barriers114may be made of fences, walls, netting, wood, paneling, mesh, wire, cloth, metal sheeting, shingles, tarpaper, windows, canvas, plastic, tarp, rubber, other materials, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more wall barriers112(e.g., the outer walls) may consist of chicken wire or a comparable predator-deterring barrier that doesn't prevent fresh air and sunlight from entering the enclosure100. In some embodiments, for example, one or more portions of wall barriers112may include canvas, plastic, and/or another material that rolls up/down for temperature regulation (the deployment of which may automated, including by thermostatic regulation). In some implementations, the one or more wall barriers112may have multiple layers with one or more slits along its length in order to conform to the contours of the pasture and/or close any gaps through which the livestock could escape.

Livestock enclosure100may be all or partially floorless. As such, the livestock contained in the enclosure100may be able to graze on a portion of the pasture101. In some implementations, the enclosure100may include a chassis with wheels110that allows the enclosure100to move across the pasture101, as indicated by the arrow at120. In some implementations, the wheels may be replaced or augmented by similar mechanisms such as tracks. In some implementations, the pasture101may include cables, tracks, skids, and/or rails that facilitate the movement of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure100may include one or more motors to drive the wheels110. In some embodiments the enclosure100may include one or more brakes to prevent the wheels110from turning. The enclosure100may include a controller130. The controller130may be implemented as described below with reference toFIG.5. The controller130may be configured to operate the brakes and the drive motors of the wheels110.

The enclosure100may include one or more weather sensors132. For example, the weather sensors132may include a wind sensor and/or similar weather sensors. The weather sensors132may communicate with the controller130. In some embodiments, the controller130may obtain weather information from a weather server over a wireless network connection.

In the described embodiments, the enclosure may include one or more anchoring systems104. In the example ofFIG.1, the enclosure100includes six anchoring systems104: one at each corner of the enclosure100, and one midway along each long wall. In other embodiments, other number and positions of the anchoring systems104may be employed. In some embodiments, the controller130may be configured to operate the anchoring systems104.

FIGS.2A,2B,2C,2Dillustrate an anchoring system200according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology.FIG.2Ais a side view, whileFIG.2Bis a top view. Referring toFIG.2A, the anchoring system200may include a rod202. In some embodiments, the rod may be threaded. In some embodiments, the threaded rod may be ¾″ in diameter, and 4′ in length. In other embodiments, other lengths and diameters may be employed. In some embodiments, the threaded rod202may be equipped with specialized tip206. The tip206may be implemented as a cutting head, auger bit, or similar tip.

The threaded rod202may be threaded through a threaded hole212in a securing flange214. The securing flange may be mechanically coupled to the frame108of the enclosure100ofFIG.1. For example, referring toFIG.2B, the securing flange214may include one or more holes224for bolting the securing flange214to the frame108. The securing flange214may be made of the same material as the frame108. In other embodiments, the anchoring system200may be attached to the enclosure at another attachment point instead of, or in addition to, the securing flange214.

Referring again toFIG.2A, the anchoring system200may include a drive such as a motor204configured to rotate the threaded rod202. Due to the engagement of the threads of the threaded rod202with the threads of the threaded hole212, the motor204and the threaded rod202may travel up and down as the motor204rotates the threaded rod202. The anchoring system200may include an upper housing208A and one or more guides210to prevent the motor204from rotating about the axis of the threaded rod202. The upper housing208A may be fabricated from 4″×⅜″ flat metal bar. The guides210may include one or more wheels to reduce friction. In some embodiments, the drive may be implemented with other mechanisms, for example such as hand crank224, illustrated inFIGS.2C and2D.

As the threaded rod202moves downward, it is driven into the ground220. As the threaded rod202continues to move downward, the threads of the threaded rod202engage the ground220. When a portion of the threaded rod202is firmly embedded in the ground, the anchoring system200is anchored to the ground. The motor204may rotate the threaded rod202in the opposite direction to retract the threaded rod202from the ground220.

The anchoring system may include a lower housing208B. The lower housing208B may be fabricated from the same material as the upper housing208A. The lower housing208B may be tapered so that the threaded rod202exits the lower housing208B through a small hole218. This arrangement may provide the threaded rod202with lateral support to prevent the threaded rod202from bending under lateral loads such as those that may be generated by high winds.

In the embodiments ofFIGS.2A,B, the motor204travels with the threaded rod202. In other embodiments, the motor204is fixed with respect to the frame108of the enclosure100, and the threaded rod202moves longitudinally with respect to the motor204.

In some embodiments, the threaded rod102may be driven into the ground without rotating. In these embodiments, the threaded rod202may be driven by the motor204using a worm gear, by a pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism, or by other drive mechanisms.

FIG.3illustrates an anchoring system300according to some embodiments of the disclosed technology. Referring toFIG.3, a pivoting stake302may be mechanically coupled to the frame108of the enclosure100. The standing end310of the stake302may be mechanically coupled by a hinge306to a post308that is mechanically coupled to the frame108. The stake302, hinge306, and post308may be fabricated from 4″×⅜″ metal bar. Also shown for reference inFIG.3is an external wall112of the enclosure100.

The pivoting stake302may be raised and lowered by a motor304and a cable312. The free end314of the pivoting stake302may be pointed. When the enclosure100is in a desired location, the motor304may lower the pivoting stake302so the pointed end314makes contact with the ground320. Any motion of the enclosure100in the direction of the pointed end314of the pivoting stake302may drive the pointed end314of the pivoting stake302into the ground320, thereby preventing further motion of the enclosure100in that direction. This motion may be spontaneously caused by environmental factors such as strong winds, or may be induced intentionally by controlling the wheels110of the enclosure100. The pivoting stake302may be extracted from the ground320by controlling the wheels110to move the enclosure100in the opposite direction.

In some embodiments, the anchoring system may include a controller and a sensor configured to sense when the motor is unable to drive the anchoring rod into the ground, or to retract the anchoring rod from the ground. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured to shut off the motor responsive to the sensor sensing the motor is unable to drive the anchoring rod into the ground, or to retract the anchoring rod from the ground. In these embodiments, the controller may be configured not to release the brakes or drive the wheels of the enclosure responsive to the sensor sensing the motor is unable to retract the anchoring rod from the ground.

In some embodiments, one or more of the anchoring rods may be replaced with anchors. In these embodiments, the motors may be configured to place the anchors in contact with the ground, and to retract the anchors from contact with the ground. In some embodiments, the anchors may include heavy weights. in these embodiments, the motors may raise and lower the weights. In some embodiments, the anchors may include bladders. In these embodiments, the motors may be configured to pump fluids into and out of the bladders. Other anchors and motor arrangements are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to automatically reposition the enclosure100to a new location. The controller may be implemented as described below with reference toFIG.5.FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating a process400for automatically repositioning a mobile livestock enclosure100to a new location according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies.

The elements of the process400are presented in one arrangement. However, it should be understood that one or more elements of the process may be performed in a different order, in parallel, omitted entirely, and the like. Furthermore, the process400may include other elements in addition to those presented. For example, the process400may include error-handling functions if exceptions occur, and the like.

Referring now toFIG.4, the controller may control the motor of the anchoring system to retract the anchoring rod, at402. The anchoring system may include sensors to detect when the anchoring rod has been retracted. After the anchoring rod has been retracted, the controller may release the brakes on the wheels110of the enclosure100, at404. The enclosure100may include sensors to detect when the brakes have been released. After the brakes have been released, the controller may control the wheel motors to move the enclosure100to the desired location, at406.

After the enclosure100reaches the desired location, the controller may engage the brakes, at408. The enclosure100may include sensors to detect when the brakes have been engaged. After the brakes have been engaged, the controller may control the motor of the anchoring system to drive the anchoring rod into the ground, at410. The enclosure100may include sensors to detect when the anchoring rod has been driven into the ground.

In some embodiments, the enclosure100may include a transceiver, for example to connect to the Internet or other network. In these embodiments, the controller may obtain weather information and forecasts from the Internet, and may control the anchoring system based on this information. For example, when high winds are expected, the controller may control the anchoring system to drive the anchoring rods further into the ground.

In some embodiments, the enclosure100may include weather sensors. In these embodiments, the controller may control the anchoring system based on information collected by the weather sensors. For example, when the sensors detect increasing wind, the controller may control the anchoring system to drive the anchoring rods further into the ground.

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating a process500for controlling an anchoring system based on weather information according to some embodiments of the disclosed technologies. The elements of the process500are presented in one arrangement. However, it should be understood that one or more elements of the process may be performed in a different order, in parallel, omitted entirely, and the like. Furthermore, the process500may include other elements in addition to those presented. For example, the process500may include error-handling functions if exceptions occur, and the like.

Referring now toFIG.5, the process500may include obtaining weather information, at502. For example, the controller may obtain weather information locally, from a weather server, or both. Local weather information may be obtained from a local weather sensor, which may be mounted on the enclosure. The weather information may include current and/or forecast wind levels.

The process500may include controlling an anchoring system of the enclosure based on the obtained weather information, at504. For example, the controller may control the anchoring system to drive the anchoring rod further into the ground when current and/or forecast wind levels exceed a predetermined threshold.

The disclosed anchoring systems provide several beneficial features. The anchoring systems quickly and automatically anchor mobile enclosures to the ground, and quickly and automatically release the mobile enclosure for repositioning. The anchoring systems may be rapidly installed on existing enclosures, and are easily automated and integrated into current mobile systems at low cost.

FIG.6depicts a block diagram of an example computer system600in which embodiments described herein may be implemented. The computer system600includes a bus602or other communication mechanism for communicating information, one or more hardware processors604coupled with bus602for processing information. Hardware processor(s)604may be, for example, one or more general purpose microprocessors.

The computer system600also includes a main memory606, such as a random access memory (RAM), cache and/or other dynamic storage devices, coupled to bus602for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor604. Main memory606also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor604. Such instructions, when stored in storage media accessible to processor604, render computer system600into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

The computer system600further includes a read only memory (ROM)608or other static storage device coupled to bus602for storing static information and instructions for processor604. A storage device610, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or USB thumb drive (Flash drive), etc., is provided and coupled to bus602for storing information and instructions.

The computer system600may be coupled via bus602to a display612, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) (or touch screen), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device614, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to bus602for communicating information and command selections to processor604. Another type of user input device is cursor control616, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor604and for controlling cursor movement on display612. In some embodiments, the same direction information and command selections as cursor control may be implemented via receiving touches on a touch screen without a cursor.

The computing system600may include a user interface module to implement a GUI that may be stored in a mass storage device as executable software codes that are executed by the computing device(s). This and other modules may include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

In general, the word “component,” “engine,” “system,” “database,” data store,” and the like, as used herein, can refer to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, possibly having entry and exit points, written in a programming language, such as, for example, Java, C or C++. A software component may be compiled and linked into an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or may be written in an interpreted programming language such as, for example, BASIC, Perl, or Python. It will be appreciated that software components may be callable from other components or from themselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events or interrupts. Software components configured for execution on computing devices may be provided on a computer readable medium, such as a compact disc, digital video disc, flash drive, magnetic disc, or any other tangible medium, or as a digital download (and may be originally stored in a compressed or installable format that requires installation, decompression or decryption prior to execution). Such software code may be stored, partially or fully, on a memory device of the executing computing device, for execution by the computing device. Software instructions may be embedded in firmware, such as an EPROM. It will be further appreciated that hardware components may be comprised of connected logic units, such as gates and flip-flops, and/or may be comprised of programmable units, such as programmable gate arrays or processors.

The computer system600may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and/or program logic which in combination with the computer system causes or programs computer system600to be a special-purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system600in response to processor(s)604executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory606. Such instructions may be read into main memory606from another storage medium, such as storage device610. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in main memory606causes processor(s)604to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

The term “non-transitory media,” and similar terms, as used herein refers to any media that store data and/or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a specific fashion. Such non-transitory media may comprise non-volatile media and/or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device610. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory606. Common forms of non-transitory media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, solid state drive, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, NVRAM, any other memory chip or cartridge, and networked versions of the same.

Non-transitory media is distinct from but may be used in conjunction with transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferring information between non-transitory media. For example, transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus602. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.

The computer system600also includes a communication interface618coupled to bus602. Network interface618provides a two-way data communication coupling to one or more network links that are connected to one or more local networks. For example, communication interface618may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, network interface618may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN (or a WAN component to communicate with a WAN). Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, network interface618sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

A network link typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, a network link may provide a connection through local network to a host computer or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP in turn provides data communication services through the world wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the “Internet.” Local network and Internet both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on network link and through communication interface618, which carry the digital data to and from computer system600, are example forms of transmission media.

The computer system600can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), network link and communication interface618. In the Internet example, a server might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet, the ISP, the local network and the communication interface618.

The received code may be executed by processor604as it is received, and/or stored in storage device610, or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

Each of the processes, methods, and algorithms described in the preceding sections may be embodied in, and fully or partially automated by, code components executed by one or more computer systems or computer processors comprising computer hardware. The one or more computer systems or computer processors may also operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service” (SaaS). The processes and algorithms may be implemented partially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. Different combinations and sub-combinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure, and certain method or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate, or may be performed in parallel, or in some other manner. Blocks or states may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The performance of certain of the operations or processes may be distributed among computer systems or computers processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines.

As used herein, a circuit might be implemented utilizing any form of hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, one or more processors, controllers, ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routines or other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a circuit. In implementation, the various circuits described herein might be implemented as discrete circuits or the functions and features described can be shared in part or in total among one or more circuits. Even though various features or elements of functionality may be individually described or claimed as separate circuits, these features and functionality can be shared among one or more common circuits, and such description shall not require or imply that separate circuits are required to implement such features or functionality. Where a circuit is implemented in whole or in part using software, such software can be implemented to operate with a computing or processing system capable of carrying out the functionality described with respect thereto, such as computer system600.

As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, the description of resources, operations, or structures in the singular shall not be read to exclude the plural. Conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known,” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

Although the system(s) and/or method(s) of this disclosure have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.