Method and system for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations

• US 8,079,750 B2
• Filed: 05/11/2010
• Issued: 12/20/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/31/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Animal Health International Incorporated (Patterson Cos., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Animal Health International Incorporated (Patterson Cos., Inc.)
• Inventors: Hoff, Charles H., Freeman, Steven R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Soohoo, Tony G
• Application Number:
  US12/777,395
• Publication Number:
  US 20100220548A1
• Time in Patent Office: 588 Days
• Field of Search: 366/152.2, 734/34, 141/83, 141/1, 222/1, 177/4, 177/66
• US Class Current: 366/152.2
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 5/0216 for the distribution of liquid fodder A01K9/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 23/54 wetting solids
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/85 wherein the particles fall onto a film that flows along the inner wall of a mixer
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/1453 by means of jets of fluid, e.g. air
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/71731 using a hopper
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/881 by weighing, e.g. with automatic discharge
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 35/883 using flow rate controls for feeding the substances

Abstract

A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.

Claims

1. A method of measuring micro-ingredients for a feed ration, said method comprising the steps of:

determining a bulk density for at least one micro-ingredient;

assigning a base value to the bulk density;

dispensing the micro-ingredient from a dispensing device;

recording the length of time in which the dispensing device operates to dispense the micro-ingredient;

calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the bulk density value and the recorded length of time;

determining a compensation factor, said compensation factor being calculated without weighing the micro-ingredients, and derived from consideration of at least one factor of a plurality of factors including temperature, viscosity, and loose/hard packed packaging and storage conditions;

adjusting the base value of the bulk density by the compensation factor;

calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the adjusted bulk density value and the length of time.

2. A method, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said dispensing step is achieved by use of at least one of an auger and a pump.

3. A method, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of:

validating the bulk density value by comparing the calculated amount of the micro-ingredient dispensed to a weight of the micro-ingredient dispensed.

4. A system for measuring and dispensing micro-ingredients to a feed ration comprising:

means for storing a quantity of at least one micro-ingredient;

means for dispensing an amount of the micro-ingredient from the means for storing, said measured amount of the micro-ingredient being calculated by a bulk density value of the micro-ingredient and at least one of (i) a time the means for delivering operates to convey the micro-ingredient from the means for storing and (ii) a recorded electronic signal comprising at least one of an analog signal and a pulse count generated in response to the operation of the means for dispensing;

means for determining a compensation factor without weighing the micro-ingredients, said compensation factor being derived from consideration of at least one factor of a plurality of factors including temperature, viscosity, and loose/hard packed packaging and storage conditions;

adjusting the base value of the bulk density by the compensation factor;

calculating an amount of the micro-ingredient delivered taking into account the adjusted bulk density value and the length of time,

means for receiving the micro-ingredient dispensed from the means for storing; and

means for delivering the micro-ingredient from the means for receiving to the feed ration.

5. A system, as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

said means for storing includes at least one storage bin.

6. A system, as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

said means for delivering includes at least one of an auger and a pump.

7. A system, as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

said means for delivering the micro-ingredient includes supplying pressurized air through said means for receiving.

8. A system, as claimed in claim 4, wherein:

said means for delivering comprises flush liquid circulated through said means for receiving.