ADJUSTABLE CAGE FOR POULTRY ANIMALS

Abstract

An adjustable cage for poultry animals, comprising a cuboidal shaped body 1 having an mesh-shaped 2 bottom portion developed to be positioned by a user on a ground surface, multiple motorized wheels 3 to maneuver the body 1 over a ground surface, a laser sensor to determine level of the surface, a telescopically operated rod 4 attached in between each of the wheels 3 and body 1 to stabilize the body 1 over the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 to detect average height and dimensions of the poultry animals placed inside the body 1, plurality of Peltier units to produce heating/ cooling effect for maintaining an optimum temperature level within the body 1 and plurality of perforations 8 are carved on the body 1 for facilitating in proper ventilation and air circulation for fostering proper growth of the poultry animals.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable cage for poultry animals that is capable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple poultry animals at one place in an appropriate manner. Additionally, the proposed cage is capable of regulating an optimum temperature level thereby providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A poultry cage is to provide a safe and comfortable living space for the birds while facilitating efficient management practices. Poultry cages vary in size, design, and construction materials depending on the specific needs of the birds. Creating a cage for poultry animals involves designing a system that might accommodate changes in bird size, age, etc. but various difficulties is face because this typically include features such as nesting boxes, perches, feeding, ventilation openings etc. in these more manual efforts is require from the user in providing these features in order provide an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals. So need of the invention is require which is able to provide the solution of the problem in efficient manner.

[0003] Traditionally bamboo cage, wooden cage, mud and clay cage for poultry animals but these are not good in growth environment for the poultry animals. These traditional cages not be durable as modern alternatives. These existing traditional methods for poultry animals are lack in ensuring the health and productivity of the birds and also not accommodating multiple poultry animals at one place in an appropriate manner. More manual efforts are required in maintenance and time taken is also more.

[0004] CN219762169U comprises a bottom plate, an outer cage body and an inner cage body, the outer cage body and the inner cage body are arranged on the surface of the bottom plate, a containing groove is formed in the surface of one side of the bottom plate, a partition plate is in contact with the inner wall of the containing groove, and isolation doors are hinged to the surface of the outer cage body and the surface of the inner cage body. The top and the bottom of the outer cage body and the top and the bottom of the inner cage body are fixedly connected with clamping grooves. According to the adjustable livestock isolation cage, the inner cage body is arranged in the outer cage body, and the inner cage body and the lifting structure are used in cooperation, so that the inner cage body can ascend and descend, the isolation space of the inner cage body is expanded, and the inner space of the outer cage body and the inner cage body can be divided through the cooperation of the partition plate and the clamping groove; and a plurality of livestock and poultry can be isolated at one time.

[0005] EP1099375A1 discloses a cage for poultry facilities, comprising, proximate to the bottom of the cage, perches for the legs of the poultry and for supporting the bottom of the cage.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that is capable in adjusting cage for poultry animals. However, these devices are incapable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple poultry animals at one place in an appropriate manner. Additionally, these existing devices are insufficient of providing a means to the poultry animals in pecking food/grains from the ground while being in motion.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a cage that is capable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple poultry animals at one place in an appropriate manner. Additionally, the developed cage needs to be capable of regulating an optimum temperature level thereby providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals.

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 cage that is capable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple poultry animals at one place in an appropriate manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a cage that is capable of providing a means to the poultry animals in pecking food/grains from the ground while being in motion.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a cage that is capable of regulating an optimum temperature level thereby providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a cage that is capable of deterring reptiles and rodents from reaching the poultry animals that are accommodated at one place.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an adjustable cage for poultry animals that is capable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple poultry animals at one place in an appropriate manner.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable cage for poultry animals comprises of a cuboidal shaped body having an mesh-shaped bottom portion developed to be positioned by a user on a ground surface and configured with multiple motorized wheels to maneuver the body over a ground surface, the body is developed to accommodate multiple poultry animals inside the body ,a laser sensor is installed over the body to determine level of the surface and sends acquired data to a microcontroller linked with the laser sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod attached in between each of the wheels and body to stabilize the body over the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect average height and dimensions of the poultry animals placed inside the body , a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within the body to modulate shape and dimensions of the body for properly accommodating the poultry animals within the body.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed cage further comprises of a motion sensor installed within the body to detect average motion of the poultry animals, the wheels with a pre-defined speed for facilitating movement of the body along the poultry animals and facilitating the poultry animals in pecking food/ grains from ground while being in motion, a temperature sensor embedded within the body for detecting temperature inside the body , the detected temperature mismatches a threshold range, Peltier units configured within the body to produce heating/ cooling effect for maintaining an optimum temperature level within the body , thereby providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals, a battery is associated with the cage for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the cage.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 an adjustable cage for poultry animals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to an adjustable cage for poultry animals that is capable of facilitating a user in accommodating multiple poultry animals at one place in an appropriate manner. Additionally, the proposed cage is capable of regulating an optimum temperature level thereby providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adjustable cage for poultry animals is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal shaped body 1 having an mesh-shaped 2 bottom portion and configured with multiple motorized wheels 3 to maneuver the body 1 over a ground surface, a telescopically operated rod 4 attached in between each of the wheels 3, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed on the body 1, a motorized drawer arrangement 6 integrated within the body 1, a container 7 stored with food items and plurality of perforations 8 are carved on the body 1.

[0024] The cage disclosed herein includes a cuboidal shaped body 1 having a mesh-shaped 2 bottom portion developed to be positioned by a user on a ground surface. The body 1 is in a hollow cuboidal shape which offers a large storage capacity for several mechanical and electrical units to be placed within the body 1. Also, the body 1 is light in weight and is cast with highly durable materials which are easy to be carried from one place to another as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the body 1 is coated with thin paint sheets which shield the body 1 from dust and water buildup, as well as prevent the body 1 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere. The body 1 is equipped with multiple motorized wheels 3 in order to maneuver the body 1 over a ground surface for accommodating multiple poultry animals inside the body 1.

[0025] The motorized wheels 3 are a circular object that revolves on an axle to enable the body 1 to move easily over the ground surface. For maneuvering the body 1 each of the wheels 3 need to rotate and which is governed by a hub motor fit in the hub of each of the wheels 3. The hub motor is an electric motor that is integrated into the hub of the wheels 3. The hub motor comprises of a series of permanent magnets and electromagnetic coils. When the motor is activated, a magnetic field is set up in the coil and when the magnetic field of the coil interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnets, a magnetic torque is generated causing the stator of the motor to turn and that provides the rotation motion to the wheels 3 for maneuvering the body 1 on the ground surface. Also, an inbuilt microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed cage.

[0026] Further, a laser sensor is positioned over the body 1 to determine level of the surface. The level sensor typically emits high-frequency sound waves towards the ground surface. The level sensor measures the time taken by the sound waves to bounce back which is used to calculate the distance to the surface thereby determining the level of surface. The microcontroller interprets the sensor's output converts it into meaningful information such as surface level in inches. A microcontroller linked with the level sensor continuously monitors the level sensor's output and compares the output with the pre-determined threshold value.

[0027] The acquired data is sent to a microcontroller synchronized with the laser sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod 4 attached in between each of the wheels 3 and body 1 to stabilize the body 1 over the surface. The telescopically operated rod 4 is powered by a pneumatic unit including a pneumatic cylinder, air compressor, electronic valve, cylinder and piston. The valve is an electronic valve that allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus providing the required extension/retraction of the rod 4, for stabilizing the body 1 over the surface.

[0028] Moreover, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 is mounted over the platform in order to capture multiple images of the surroundings for detecting average height and dimensions of the poultry animals placed inside the body 1. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 5 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images or videos captured by the camera, enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision- making. The camera captures images or records videos by the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals.

[0029] The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, images stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data such as identification of average height and dimensions of the poultry animals.

[0030] Based on the detected height and dimension, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 6 integrated within the body 1 to modulate shape and dimensions of the body 1 for properly accommodating the poultry animals within the body 1. The drawer arrangement 6 includes sliding racks and rails, such
that the plate is mounted over the racks that are electronically operated by
the microcontroller for moving over the rails. Such that the microcontroller
actuates the drawer arrangement 6. The drawer arrangement 6 is 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 racks to provide sliding movement to the plate for extending/retracting as required for properly accommodating the poultry animals within the body 1.

[0031] Synchronously, motion sensor installed within the body 1 and synced with the imaging unit 5 to detect average motion of the poultry animals. The motion sensor is preferably an ultrasonic sensor which emits the ultrasonic waves and measure the time of flight of waves to bounce back after hitting poultry animals. When, there occurs changes in the reflection pattern then the detected time of flight also varies which indicate relative motion between the poultry animals.

[0032] Based on the average motion of the poultry animals, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the wheels 3 with a pre-defined speed for facilitating movement of the body 1 along the poultry animals and facilitating the poultry animals in pecking food/ grains from ground while being in motion. Further, a temperature sensor is positioned within the body 1 for detecting temperature inside the body 1. The temperature sensor consists a conductive sensing element. On varying the temperature, the resistance of conductive element deviates which results in fluctuation in voltage flow across the sensing element. The voltage fluctuation causes the current to flow across the sensing element is detected by the microcontroller in form of electric pulse. Further the microcontroller evaluates the amplitude of the electric pulse to determine the temperature inside the body 1.

[0033] Herein, in case the detected temperature mismatches a threshold range, the microcontroller activates plurality of Peltier units configured within the body 1 to produce heating/ cooling effect for maintaining an optimum temperature level within the body 1, thereby providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals. The Peltier unit employed herein is based on the Peltier effect that stated that the cooling of one junction and the heating of the other when electric current is maintained in a circuit of material consisting of two dissimilar conductors. The Peltier effect related to production or absorption of heat at the junction of two metals on the passage of a current. Based on the user-specified temperature, the Peltier unit generates the heating/cooling effect in order to maintain the user-specified temperature within the body 1 in view of providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals.

[0034] Also, an UV (Ultrasonic) emitter is installed on the body 1 that is actuated by the microcontroller to emit high frequency sound waves for deterring reptiles and rodents from reaching the body 1 and poultry animals accommodated inside the body 1. The ultrasonic emitter work by emitting high-frequency sound waves that are typically inaudible to humans but easily heard by certain animals like rodents and reptiles. These animals perceive the ultrasonic sound as irritating or even painful causing them to leave the area where the emitter is placed. This emitter disrupts their communication and navigation abilities making the environment inhospitable for them which aids in deterring of the reptiles and rodents from reaching the body 1 and poultry animals accommodated inside the body 1.

[0035] Herein, a container 7 stored with food items is positioned on side walls of the body 1 for feeding the poultry animals and multiple perforations 8 are carved on the body 1 for facilitating in proper ventilation and air circulation for fostering proper growth of the poultry animals.

[0036] The cage is associated with a battery for supplying a continuous DC (direct current) voltage to the components such as motors, microcontrollers and various other components that are associated with it. The battery used in the invention is preferably Lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable once again after getting drained out for proper functioning of the components.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal shaped body 1 as disclosed in the invention possesses mesh-shaped 2 bottom portion developed to be positioned by the user on the ground surface as disclosed in the proposed invention. Now, multiple motorized wheels 3 to maneuver the body 1 over the ground surface in order to accommodate multiple poultry animals inside the body 1. Then, the laser sensor to determine level of the surface and the telescopically operated rod 4 to stabilize the body 1 over the surface. Further, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 to detect average height and dimensions of the poultry animals placed inside the body 1 and the motion sensor detects the average motion of the poultry animals based on which the wheels 3 with the pre-defined speed for facilitating movement of the body 1 along the poultry animals and facilitating the poultry animals in pecking food/ grains from ground while being in motion. Also, the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the body 1 and accordingly plurality of Peltier units to produce heating/ cooling effect for maintaining an optimum temperature level within the body 1, thereby providing an optimum growth environment for the poultry animals.

[0038] 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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adjustable cage for poultry animals, comprising:

i) a cuboidal shaped body 1 having an mesh-shaped 2 bottom portion developed to be positioned by a user on a ground surface and configured with multiple motorized wheels 3 to maneuver said body 1 over a ground surface, wherein said body 1 is developed to accommodate multiple poultry animals inside said body 1;
ii) a laser sensor is installed over said body 1 to determine level of said surface and sends acquired data to a microcontroller linked with said laser sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod 4 attached in between each of said wheels 3 and body 1 to stabilize said body 1 over said surface;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 5 installed on said body 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect average height and dimensions of said poultry animals placed inside said body 1, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 6 integrated within said body 1 to modulate shape and dimensions of said body 1 for properly accommodating said poultry animals within said body 1;
iv) a motion sensor installed within said body 1 and synced with said imaging unit 5 to detect average motion of said poultry animals, wherein based in which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said wheels 3 with a pre-defined speed for facilitating movement of said body 1 along said poultry animals and facilitating said poultry animals in pecking food/ grains from ground while being in motion; and
v) a temperature sensor embedded within said body 1 for detecting temperature inside said body 1, wherein in case said detected temperature mismatches a threshold range, said microcontroller activates plurality of Peltier units configured within said body 1 to produce heating/ cooling effect for maintaining an optimum temperature level within said body 1, thereby providing an optimum growth environment for said poultry animals.

2) The cage as claimed in claim 1, wherein an UV (Ultrasonic) emitter is installed on said body 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to emit high frequency sound waves for deterring reptiles and rodents from reaching said body 1 and poultry animals accommodated inside said body 1.

3) The cage as claimed in claim 1, wherein a container 7 stored with food items is positioned on side walls of said body 1 for feeding said poultry animals.

4) The cage as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of perforations 8 are carved on said body 1 for facilitating in proper ventilation and air circulation for fostering proper growth of said poultry animals.

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

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