Method and Apparatus for Administering Micro-Ingredient Feed Additives to Animal Feed Rations
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1-5. -5. (canceled)
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6. A method of measuring, dispensing, and delivering micro-ingredients to a feed ration, said method comprising:
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providing a bin for storing a quantity of a micro-ingredient;
metering the micro-ingredient from the bin to a weigh hopper;
weighing the micro-ingredient in the weigh hopper;
transferring the micro-ingredient from the weigh hopper to a product collection tank, the product collection tank comprising a funnel-like portion having a flush chamber and an outlet interconnected to the flush chamber;
activating a flush ring pump to provide a flush ring water to a flush ring interconnected to the product collection tank; and
activating a conveyance pump to convey a backfill water, the flush ring water and the micro-ingredient from the product collection tank to the feed ration. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10-20. -20. (canceled)
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21. A method of measuring, dispensing, and delivering micro-ingredients to a feed ration, said method comprising:
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metering a micro-ingredient from storage to a weighing device;
weighing the micro-ingredient on the weighing device;
transferring the micro-ingredient from the weighing device to a product collection tank, product collection tank comprising a funnel like portion having a flush chamber and an outlet interconnected to the flush chamber, said flush chamber having a width less than width of said funnel like portion;
activating a flush ring pump to provide a flush ring water to a flush ring connected to the product collection tank; and
activating a conveyance pump to convey a back-fill water, the flush ring water and the micro ingredient from the product collection tank to the feed ration. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification