U.S. patent application number 12/920834 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for method for preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients.
Invention is credited to Jerome Jean-Yves Eon, Hugh Mc Nab Kerr, John Joseph McCurdy, Oliver Thomas O'Neill, Timothy John Penfare, Seth Daniel Wareing.
Application Number | 20110064865 12/920834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41056417 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110064865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCurdy; John Joseph ; et
al. |
March 17, 2011 |
METHOD FOR PREPARING A BATCH OF ANIMAL FEED FROM A PLURALITY OF
INGREDIENTS
Abstract
A batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients is
prepared in a mixer/feeder wagon (1) where the ingredients require
respective predefined mixing periods during a mixing cycle in the
mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a
mixing compartment (14) in which a mixing rotor provided by a
paddle mixer (17) is rotatably mounted. Stationary chopping blades
(42) mounted in a base (43) of the mixing compartment (14)
cooperate with the paddle mixer (17) for chopping fibrous material
during the mixing cycle. The appropriate predefined mixing periods
required for the respective ingredients are determined in order to
avoid over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients, and the
predefined mixing period is defined as the number of revolutions of
the paddle mixer (17) to which that ingredient is to be subjected.
The duration of the mixing cycle is defined as the number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) to which the ingredient which
requires the largest number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17)
is to be subjected. The ingredient which requires the largest
number of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) is loaded into the
mixing compartment (17) at the commencement of a mixing cycle. The
counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) from the
commencement of the mixing cycle at which the respective remaining
ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment (14) are
determined so that the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer
(17) remaining in the mixing cycle from the count at which each
ingredient is to be loaded into the mixing compartment (14) is
equal to the predefined number of counts of revolutions of the
paddle mixer (17) to which that ingredient is to be subjected by
the paddle mixer (17).
Inventors: |
McCurdy; John Joseph;
(County Kilkenny, IE) ; O'Neill; Oliver Thomas;
(County Carlow, IE) ; Mc Nab Kerr; Hugh; (Perth,
GB) ; Eon; Jerome Jean-Yves; (Saint Pierre De
Plesguen, FR) ; Wareing; Seth Daniel; (Stockton on
Tees, GB) ; Penfare; Timothy John; (County Tipperary,
IE) |
Family ID: |
41056417 |
Appl. No.: |
12/920834 |
Filed: |
March 6, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
March 6, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IE09/00006 |
371 Date: |
November 30, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/623 ;
426/518; 426/519 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23K 10/37 20160501;
Y02P 60/877 20151101; A01K 5/002 20130101; Y02P 60/87 20151101;
A23K 10/32 20160501; Y10S 366/603 20130101; A23K 30/10
20160501 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/623 ;
426/519; 426/518 |
International
Class: |
A23K 1/00 20060101
A23K001/00; A23P 1/00 20060101 A23P001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 6, 2008 |
IL |
S2008/0172 |
Dec 3, 2008 |
IL |
S2008/0961 |
Claims
1-51. (canceled)
52. A method for preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality
of ingredients requiring respective predefined mixing periods
during a mixing cycle in a mixer/feeder apparatus of the type
comprising a mixing compartment within which a mixing rotor is
rotatably mounted for mixing the ingredients therein, the method
comprising: selecting the ingredient requiring the largest
predefined mixing period, and determining the duration of the
mixing cycle as the predefined mixing period required by the
selected ingredient requiring the largest predefined mixing period,
determining a plurality of instants at which the respective
remaining ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment
of the mixer/feeder apparatus during the mixing cycle, each instant
of the respective determined instants being determined so that the
remaining duration of the mixing cycle at that instant is
substantially equal to the predefined mixing period of the
corresponding ingredient, loading the selected ingredient with the
largest predefined mixing period into the mixing compartment at the
commencement of the mixing cycle, and sequentially loading the
remaining ingredients into the mixing compartment at respective
corresponding determined instants during the mixing cycle.
53. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the commencement of
the mixing cycle is determined as being the commencement of loading
of the ingredient requiring the largest predefined number of
revolutions of the mixing rotor into the mixing compartment.
54. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which each determined
instant is determined as a function of a duration from the
commencement of the mixing cycle.
55. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the duration of the
mixing cycle is determined as a function of the operation of the
mixing rotor, and each determined instant at which one of the
ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment is
determined as a function of the operation of the mixing rotor.
56. A method as claimed in claim 55 in which the duration of the
mixing cycle is determined as a function of a number of revolutions
of the mixing rotor, and each determined instant at which the
corresponding one of the ingredients is to be loaded into the
mixing compartment is determined as a function of a number of
revolutions of the mixing rotor from the commencement of the mixing
cycle, and the count of the revolutions of the mixing rotor of the
mixing cycle commences at the commencement of loading of the
ingredient requiring the largest predefined number of revolutions
of the mixing rotor into the mixing compartment.
57. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the ingredient which
is to be subjected to the largest predefined mixing period is a
fibrous ingredient.
58. A method as claimed in claim 57 in which the fibrous ingredient
of the batch of animal feed is subjected to chopping in the mixing
compartment during mixing thereof in order to reduce the length of
the fibres of the fibrous ingredient to lie in the range of 25 mm
to 100 mm.
59. A method as claimed in claim 58 in which the predefined mixing
period for the fibrous ingredient is determined in order that the
fibre length of the fibrous ingredient at the end of the mixing
cycle lies in the range of 50 mm to 80 mm.
60. A method as claimed in claim 57 in which the predefined mixing
period for the fibrous ingredient is determined in order to avoid
over-chopping of the fibrous ingredient.
61. A method as claimed in claim 57 in which the predefined mixing
period for the fibrous ingredient is determined in order to avoid
under-chopping of the fibrous ingredient.
62. A method as claimed in claim 57 in which the predefined mixing
period to which the fibrous ingredient is to be subjected lies in
the range of 30 revolutions to 300 revolutions of the mixing
rotor.
63. A method as claimed in claim 57 in which the predefined mixing
period to which the fibrous ingredient is to be subjected lies in
the range of 100 revolutions to 200 revolutions of the mixing
rotor.
64. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the ingredients of the
batch of animal feed comprises one or more of the following
ingredients: long cut grass silage, short cut grass silage, maize
silage, hay, straw, soda grain, a nutritional additive, a
nutritional concentrate, an energy additive, and an energy
concentrate.
65. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the instants at which
the respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing
compartment are determined to allow for a loading period during
which each ingredient is being loaded into the mixing
compartment.
66. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which one of a visually
perceptible and an aurally perceptible signal is produced to
indicate one or more of the following: the instants at which the
respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment
during the mixing cycle, the end of the mixing cycle, the imminent
approach of the end of the mixing cycle, when the weight of each
ingredient loaded into the mixing compartment is equal to a
required weight of that ingredient to prepare the batch of animal
feed, the imminent completion of loading of each ingredient into
the mixing compartment.
67. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the weight of the
respective ingredients in the mixing compartment is monitored
during loading of the ingredients therein, and the number of
revolutions of the mixing rotor are monitored during the mixing
cycle.
68. A method as claimed in claim 67 in which a device is provided
for determining the instants at which the respective ingredients
are to be loaded into the mixing compartment in response to
monitoring of the mixing rotor.
69. A method as claimed in claim 52 in which the ingredients of the
batch of animal feed are mixed in the mixing compartment by a
mixing rotor comprising a paddle mixer.
70. A method as claimed in claim 69 in which the paddle mixer
co-operates with a chopping means for chopping a fibrous ingredient
during mixing thereof
71. A method as claimed in claim 70 in which the chopping means
comprises a plurality of stationary chopping blades axially spaced
apart relative to the rotational axis of the mixing rotor.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for preparing a
batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients.
[0002] Mixer/feeder apparatus, in particular mixer/feeder wagons,
are commonly used for preparing batches of animal feed from
ingredients. Typical mixer/feeder wagons are disclosed in PCT
Published Application Specification No. WO 96/32836 and British
Patent Specification No. 2,139,911. The advantage of preparing a
batch of animal feed in such mixer/feeder wagons is that once
prepared, the mixer/feeder wagon can be trailed to the location at
which the prepared animal feed is to be dispensed to the animals.
Typically, where animals are housed in an intensive rearing unit,
the animal feed may be dispensed along a longitudinally extending
trough which is accessible by the animals. In the preparation of
animal feed it is important to avoid both over-mixing and
under-mixing of the animal feed in such mixer/feeder wagons.
Under-mixing of the animal feed results in inadequate mixing of the
feed, and thereby allows animals to pick and choose the ingredients
from the under-mixed batch of animal feed. For example, the animals
may pick the tasty bits of the animal feed, while leaving the not
so tasty bits. This is undesirable, since it can lead to
undernourishment and underperformance of the animal, particularly
from the point of view of weight gain, in the case of beef cattle,
and milk yield in the case of milking cows. Under-mixing of the
ingredients in mixer/feeder wagons of the type disclosed in PCT
Published Application Specification No. WO 96/32836 can also result
in the fibres of the fibrous ingredients being inadequately
chopped, and thus being of excessive lengths, which may be such
that the fibrous ingredients fail to stimulate optimum digestion of
the nutrients of the animal feed in the animal's stomach. This, in
turn, leads to inefficient conversion of the animal feed to weight
gain in the case of beef cattle, and to inefficient conversion to
milk in the case of milking cows.
[0003] Over-mixing of animal feed is also problematical, in that it
can result in deterioration of the animal feed, in particular,
deterioration of the fibrous ingredients of the feed. This, in
turn, can similarly result in inefficient conversion of the animal
feed to weight gain, in the case of beef cattle, and inefficient
conversion to milk in the case of milking cows. Over-mixing of the
fibrous ingredients can result in deterioration of the structure of
the fibrous ingredients, and can also result in excessive reduction
in the lengths of the fibres of the fibrous ingredients. This is
particularly so in the case of mixer/feeder wagons of the type
disclosed in PCT Published Application Specification No. WO
96/32836. It has been found that any deterioration in the structure
of the fibrous ingredients and any reduction in the length of the
fibres of the fibrous ingredients below predefined minimum lengths,
depending on the fibrous ingredient, reduces the properties of the
fibrous ingredients to stimulate optimum digestion of the nutrients
of the animal feed in the animal's stomach. Any reduction in the
digestion of nutrients in animal feed leads to inefficient
conversion of the animal feed by the animal to weight gain in the
case of beef cattle or to milk yield in the case of milking
cows.
[0004] There is therefore a need for a method for preparing a batch
of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients which overcomes this
problem.
[0005] The present invention is directed towards providing such a
method.
[0006] According to the invention there is provided a method for
preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients
requiring respective predefined mixing periods during a mixing
cycle in a mixer/feeder apparatus of the type comprising a mixing
compartment within which a mixing rotor is rotatably mounted for
mixing the ingredients therein, the method comprising: [0007]
selecting the ingredient requiring the largest predefined mixing
period, and determining the duration of the mixing cycle as the
predefined mixing period required by the selected ingredient
requiring the largest predefined mixing period, [0008] determining
a plurality of instants at which the respective remaining
ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment of the
mixer/feeder apparatus during the mixing cycle, each instant of the
respective determined instants being determined so that the
remaining duration of the mixing cycle at that instant is
substantially equal to the predefined mixing period of the
corresponding ingredient, [0009] loading the selected ingredient
with the largest predefined mixing period into the mixing
compartment at the commencement of the mixing cycle, and [0010]
sequentially loading the remaining ingredients into the mixing
compartment at respective corresponding determined instants during
the mixing cycle.
[0011] Preferably, the commencement of the mixing cycle is
determined as being the commencement of loading of the ingredient
requiring the largest predefined number of revolutions of the
mixing rotor into the mixing compartment. Advantageously, each
determined instant is determined as a function of a duration from
the commencement of the mixing cycle.
[0012] Ideally, the duration of the mixing cycle is determined as a
function of the operation of the mixing rotor, and preferably, the
duration of the mixing cycle is determined as a function of a
number of revolutions of the mixing rotor.
[0013] In one embodiment of the invention each determined instant
at which one of the ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing
compartment is determined as a function of the operation of the
mixing rotor. Preferably, each determined instant at which the
corresponding one of the ingredients is to be loaded into the
mixing compartment is determined as a function of a number of
revolutions of the mixing rotor from the commencement of the mixing
cycle.
[0014] Preferably, the count of the revolutions of the mixing rotor
of the mixing cycle commences at the commencement of loading of the
ingredient requiring the largest predefined number of revolutions
of the mixing rotor into the mixing compartment.
[0015] In one embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing
periods for the respective ingredients are determined.
Advantageously, the predefined mixing periods of the respective
ingredients are determined as functions of the operation of the
mixing rotor. Advantageously, the predefined mixing periods for the
respective ingredients are determined as a function of a number of
revolutions of the mixing rotor.
[0016] In another embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing
period to which each ingredient is to be subjected is determined in
order to avoid over-mixing of the ingredient, and preferably, the
predefined mixing period to which each ingredient is to be
subjected is determined in order to avoid under-mixing of the
ingredient.
[0017] Preferably, a fibrous ingredient of the batch of animal feed
is subjected to chopping in the mixing compartment during mixing
thereof in order to reduce the length of the fibres of the fibrous
ingredient. Advantageously, the predefined mixing period for the
fibrous ingredient is determined in order to avoid over-chopping of
the fibrous ingredient, and ideally, the predefined mixing period
for the fibrous ingredient is determined in order to avoid
under-chopping of the fibrous ingredient.
[0018] Advantageously, the predefined mixing period for the fibrous
ingredient is determined in order to avoid the length of the
fibrous ingredient being reduced below a minimum predefined length,
and preferably, the predefined mixing period for the fibrous
ingredient is determined in order to avoid the length of the
fibrous ingredient being greater than a predefined maximum
length.
[0019] In one embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing
period for the fibrous ingredient is determined in order that the
fibre length of the fibrous ingredient at the end of the mixing
cycle lies in the range of 25 mm to 100 mm. Preferably, the
predefined mixing period for the fibrous ingredient is determined
in order that the fibre length of the fibrous ingredient at the end
of the mixing cycle lies in the range of 30 mm to 90 mm.
Advantageously, the predefined mixing period for the fibrous
ingredient is determined in order that the fibre length of the
fibrous ingredient at the end of the mixing cycle lies in the range
of 50 mm to 80 mm.
[0020] In one embodiment of the invention one of the ingredients of
the batch of animal feed comprises long cut grass silage.
[0021] In another embodiment of the invention one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises short cut grass
silage.
[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises maize silage.
[0023] In a still further embodiment of the invention one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises hay.
[0024] In a still further embodiment of the invention one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises straw.
[0025] In one embodiment of the invention the instants at which the
respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment
are determined to allow for a loading period during which each
ingredient is being loaded into the mixing compartment.
[0026] In one embodiment of the invention at least one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises soda grain.
[0027] In another embodiment of the invention at least one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises a nutritional
additive.
[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention at least one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises a nutritional
concentrate.
[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention at least one of the
ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises an energy
additive.
[0030] In a still further embodiment of the invention at least one
of the ingredients of the batch of animal feed comprises an energy
concentrate.
[0031] In one embodiment of the invention the predefined mixing
period to which the fibrous ingredient is to be subjected lies in
the range of 30 revolutions to 300 revolutions of the mixing rotor.
Preferably, the predefined mixing period to which the fibrous
ingredient is to be subjected lies in the range of 100 revolutions
to 200 revolutions of the mixing rotor.
[0032] Typically, the ingredient which is to be subjected to the
largest predefined mixing period is a fibrous ingredient.
[0033] In one embodiment of the invention one of a visually
perceptible and an aurally perceptible signal is produced to
indicate the instants at which the respective ingredients are to be
loaded into the mixing compartment during the mixing cycle.
Preferably, one of a visually perceptible signal and an aurally
perceptible signal is produced to indicate the end of the mixing
cycle.
[0034] Advantageously, one of a visually perceptible signal and an
aurally perceptible signal is produced to indicate the imminent
approach of the end of the mixing cycle.
[0035] Advantageously, one of a visually perceptible signal and an
aurally perceptible signal is produced to indicate when the weight
of each ingredient loaded into the mixing compartment is equal to a
required weight of that ingredient to prepare the batch of animal
feed.
[0036] Ideally, one of a visually perceptible signal and an aurally
perceptible signal is produced to indicate the imminent completion
of loading of each ingredient into the mixing compartment.
[0037] Preferably, the weight of the respective ingredients in the
mixing compartment is monitored during loading of the ingredients
therein. Advantageously, the number of revolutions of the mixing
rotor are monitored during the mixing cycle.
[0038] In one embodiment of the invention a device is provided for
determining the instants at which the respective ingredients are to
be loaded into the mixing compartment in response to monitoring of
the mixing rotor.
[0039] In another embodiment of the invention the ingredients of
the batch of animal feed are mixed in the mixing compartment by a
mixing rotor comprising a paddle mixer. Preferably, the paddle
mixer comprises at least one elongated mixing paddle extending in a
general direction longitudinally relative to the rotational axis of
the mixing rotor.
[0040] In another embodiment of the invention the paddle mixer
co-operates with a chopping means for chopping a fibrous ingredient
during mixing thereof. Preferably, the chopping means comprises a
plurality of stationary chopping blades axially spaced apart
relative to the rotational axis of the mixing rotor.
Advantageously, each mixing paddle of the mixing rotor co-operates
with at least some of the chopping blades for chopping the fibrous
ingredient.
[0041] In another embodiment of the invention the mixer/feeder
apparatus comprises a dispensing compartment communicating with the
mixing compartment for receiving mixed animal feed for discharge
therefrom. Preferably, a dispensing auger is rotatably located in
the dispensing compartment for discharging mixed animal feed
therefrom. Advantageously, the dispensing compartment is
selectively isolatable from the mixing compartment for facilitating
mixing of the ingredients of the animal feed therein.
[0042] The advantages of the invention are many. The method
according to the invention for preparing a batch of animal feed
avoids over-mixing and under-mixing of the batch of animal feed,
and in particular over-mixing and under-mixing of the respective
ingredients of the batch of animal feed is avoided.
[0043] By virtue of the fact that the duration of the mixing cycle
is determined as being equal to the predefined mixing period of the
ingredient which requires the largest predefined mixing period
ensures that that ingredient will not be subjected to over-mixing
or under-mixing. Additionally, by virtue of the fact that the
instant during the mixing cycle at which each ingredient is to be
loaded into the mixing compartment of the mixer/feeder apparatus is
selected so that at that instant the remaining duration of the
mixing cycle is substantially equal to the predefined mixing period
of that ingredient, ensures that each ingredient is mixed for the
appropriate mixing period, and is neither subjected to under-mixing
nor over-mixing.
[0044] By virtue of the fact that the duration of the mixing cycle
is determined as a function of the operation of the mixing rotor,
the duration of the mixing cycle can be accurately defined, thus
further avoiding over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients
and the batch of animal feed. Additionally, by determining the
duration of the mixing cycle as a function of a number of
revolutions of the mixing rotor, a particularly accurate
determination of the mixing cycle is provided, thus further
ensuring over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients and the
batch of animal feed is avoided.
[0045] By determining the instants at which the respective
ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment during the
mixing cycle as a function of the operation of the mixing rotor,
the accuracy at which the instants are determined is increased, and
is further increased by determining the instants at which the
respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment
as a function of the count of revolutions of the mixing rotor from
the commencement of the mixing cycle.
[0046] Taking account of the loading periods required to load the
respective ingredients into the mixing compartment when determining
the instants at which the respective ingredients are to be loaded
into the mixing compartment further avoids under-mixing and
over-mixing of the ingredients and the batch of animal feed.
[0047] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is
given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mixer/feeder wagon for use
with the method according to the invention for preparing a batch of
animal feed from a plurality of ingredients,
[0049] FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view
of the mixer/feeder wagon of FIG. 1,
[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mixer/feeder wagon of
FIG. 1, and
[0051] FIG. 4 is a block representation of apparatus used on the
mixer/feeder wagon of FIG. 1 for carrying out the method according
to the invention.
[0052] Referring to the drawings, a method according to the
invention for preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of
ingredients by mixing the ingredients in a mixer/feeder apparatus
will be described below. However, before describing the method
according to the invention for preparing a batch of animal feed,
the mixer/feeder apparatus will first be described. In this
embodiment of the invention the mixer/feeder apparatus comprises a
mixer/feeder wagon 1 which is particularly suitable for mixing
ingredients to produce batches of animal feed for dry cows, milking
cows, calves, heifers, beef cattle and the like, and is of the
general type disclosed in PCT Published Application Specification
No. WO 96/32836 of the present applicant.
[0053] The mixer/feeder wagon 1 comprises a chassis 2 which is
carried on a pair of rotatably mounted ground engaging wheels 3. A
tow hitch 6 is provided at a forward end of the chassis 2 for
hitching the mixer/feeder wagon 1 to a tractor or other suitable
towing vehicle. A housing 8 is carried on the chassis 2 and is
supported on weighing means comprising four load cells 9 at
corresponding corners 10 of the chassis 2 for facilitating weighing
of the ingredients of the animal feed in the housing 8 as will be
described below.
[0054] The housing 8 is of steel plate material and defines a
hollow interior region 12 which forms a mixing compartment 14
within which the animal feed is mixed, and a dispensing compartment
15 through which mixed animal feed is dispensed from the mixing
compartment 14 through a discharge outlet 16. A mixing rotor, in
this embodiment of the invention a paddle mixer 17 is rotatably
mounted in the mixing compartment 14, and is rotatable about a
primary rotational axis 18 in the direction of the arrow A for
mixing the animal feed in the mixing compartment 14. A discharge
means, namely, a discharge auger 19 rotatably mounted in the
dispensing compartment 15 is rotatable about a secondary rotational
axis 20 in the direction of the arrow B for urging mixed animal
feed along the dispensing compartment 15 and through the discharge
outlet 16. The primary and secondary rotational axes 18 and 20
extend parallel to each other.
[0055] A closure plate 21 of steel plate material selectively
isolates the dispensing compartment 15 from the mixing compartment
14 during mixing of animal feed in the mixing compartment 14. The
closure plate 21 is slideably mounted in guide tracks 22 which are
carried on opposite end walls 23 of the housing 8, and is
accommodated through a longitudinally extending slot 24 extending
through the housing 8 between the mixing compartment 14 and the
dispensing compartment 15 from a lower open state illustrated in
FIG. 3 for communicating the dispensing compartment with the mixing
compartment, and a raised closed state illustrated in FIG. 2 for
isolating the dispensing compartment 15 from the mixing compartment
14 during mixing of the animal feed in the mixing compartment 14.
An hydraulic ram (not shown) is provided for urging the closure
plate 21 between the lower open state and the raised closed
state.
[0056] A drive transmission indicated generally by the reference
numeral 25 located at the forward end of the housing 8 transmits
drive from a gearbox 26 mounted on the chassis 2 to the paddle
mixer 17 and the discharge auger 19. An input shaft 27 to the
gearbox 26 is provided for coupling via a drive shaft (not shown)
to the power takeoff shaft of a tractor to which the mixer/feeder
wagon 1 is hitched for providing drive to the gearbox 26, and in
turn to the paddle mixer 17 and the discharge auger 19. A primary
chain drive 29 from the gearbox 26 drives a first sprocket 30 which
is fast on a shaft 31 of the discharge auger 19 for driving the
discharge auger 19. A second sprocket 33 also fast on the shaft 31
drives a secondary chain drive 34 for in turn driving a third
sprocket 35 which is fast on a shaft 36 of the paddle mixer 17 for
in turn driving the paddle mixer 17. The drive transmission 25 is
geared to give a gear ratio of approximately 54:1 between the drive
from the power takeoff shaft of a tractor and the rotational speed
of the paddle mixer 17. It has been found that the ideal rotational
speed of the paddle mixer 17 is approximately 8.5 rpm.
[0057] A monitoring means, in this embodiment of the invention a
proximity sensor 38 is mounted on a framework 39 of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 for detecting a steel bolt 40 on the third
sprocket 35 for counting the number of revolutions of the third
sprocket 35, which is equal to the number of revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17.
[0058] A plurality of stationary chopping blades 42 rigidly mounted
on a semicircular base 43 of the housing 8 extend upwardly from the
base 43 into the mixing compartment 14 and co-operate with paddles
44 of the paddle mixer 17 for chopping fibrous material of
relatively long length into shorter lengths. The chopping blades 42
are axially spaced apart along the base 43, and are arranged in
circumferentially staggered pairs in order to minimise the load on
the paddle mixer 17 as the paddles 44 co-operate with the chopping
blades 42 for chopping the fibrous material. The paddles 44 of the
paddle mixer 17 define substantially longitudinally extending
peripheral edges 45 which describe a cylinder as the paddle mixer
17 rotates, the diameter of which is just less than the diameter of
the semicircular base 43, by approximately 15 mm. A plurality of
axially spaced apart recesses 46 formed into the paddles 44 from
the peripheral edges 45 accommodate the chopping blades 42
therethrough as the paddle mixer 17 rotates. Thus as the paddle
mixer 17 rotates, the paddles 44 urge the fibrous material against
the chopping blades 42 for chopping thereof. It has been found that
by subjecting the fibrous material, depending on its average
length, to an appropriate number of revolutions of the paddle mixer
17, the fibrous material can be reduced to lengths in the range of
50 mm to 100 mm.
[0059] Accordingly, the mixer/feeder wagon 1 according to this
embodiment of the invention, as well as mixing the ingredients of
the batch of animal feed, simultaneously chops the fibrous
material, so that the fibrous material of the mixed batch of animal
feed is of length in the range of 50 mm to 100 mm.
[0060] With the exception of the operation of the closure plate 21
and the provision of the proximity sensor 38 and the steel bolt 40
on the third sprocket 35, the mixer/feeder wagon 1 up to this point
is substantially similar to that disclosed in PCT published
Application Specification No. WO 96/32836, and operation of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 for mixing and dispensing animal feed is also
substantially similar to the operation of the mixer/feeder wagon
disclosed in PCT published Application Specification No. WO
96/32836, and further description of the mixer/feeder wagon and its
operation in the mixing and dispensing of animal feed should not be
required.
[0061] Turning now to the method according to the invention for
preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients,
initially the ingredients which are available to a farmer and from
which batches of animal feed are to be produced are analysed in
order to assess the nutritional value of the ingredients, the
structure of the fibres of the fibrous ingredients, the average
length of the fibres of the fibrous ingredients, and other relevant
properties of the ingredients. The weights of the respective
ingredients required to prepare a feed ration for a single one of
the animals is then determined. A mixing regime of a mixing cycle
for mixing the ingredients is then prepared based on the type of
the ingredients, the type of mixer/feeder wagon to be used, and the
type of animals to be fed. The mixing regime is determined in order
to produce a homogenous mix of the ingredients, while at the same
time avoiding over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients and
the batch of animal feed. In particular, the mixing regime is
determined so that at the end of the mixing cycle the fibres of the
fibrous ingredients are within a desired range of lengths.
[0062] In accordance with the method according to the invention,
the mixing periods during the mixing cycle, during which the
respective ingredients are to be subjected to mixing in the mixing
compartment 14 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 are determined in order
to obtain a homogenously mixed batch of animal feed, while at the
same time avoiding under-mixing and over-mixing. In this embodiment
of the invention the mixing period to which each of the ingredients
is to be subjected is determined as a function of the number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to which that ingredient is to
be subjected during the mixing cycle. Thus the number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 to
which each ingredient is to be subjected is determined. In the case
of the fibrous ingredients, the number of revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17 to which each of the fibrous ingredients is to be
subjected is determined based on producing the fibres of the
fibrous ingredients to be within a desired range of lengths, and
also to ensure homogenous mixing of the fibrous ingredients with
the other ingredients. In the case of the non-fibrous ingredients,
the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to which those
non-fibrous ingredients are to be subjected is determined in order
to ensure a final homogenously mixed batch of animal feed.
[0063] Having determined the number of revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17 to which each of the ingredients are to be subjected, the
duration of the mixing cycle is determined. The duration of the
mixing cycle is determined as a function of the number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to which the batch of animal
feed is to be subjected in the mixing compartment 14 of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1. The ingredient which is to be subjected to
the largest number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 during the
mixing cycle is selected, and the duration of the mixing cycle is
determined as the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to
which that ingredient is to be subjected. In general, the
ingredient which is to be subjected to the largest number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 will be one of the fibrous
ingredients. Although, in general, to damp down dust, particularly
in the case of powder ingredients, such as concentrates and to
avoid any danger of loss of any of such powder ingredients, one of
the liquid ingredients is the first of the ingredients to be loaded
into the mixing compartment 14.
[0064] With the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 of the
mixing cycle determined, the instants during the mixing cycle at
which the respective remaining ingredients are to be loaded into
the mixing compartment 14 are determined. In this embodiment of the
invention, the instant during the mixing cycle at which each of the
remaining ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment
14 is determined as a function of the count of the number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the
mixing cycle. The counts of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17
during the mixing cycle from the commencement of the mixing cycle
at which the respective remaining ingredients are to be loaded into
the mixing compartment 14 are determined so that the count of the
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 at which each ingredient is to
be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 is such that the number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 remaining in the mixing cycle at
that count is equal to the number of revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17 to which that ingredient is to be subjected. Thus,
throughout the mixing cycle each ingredient is subjected to the
appropriate number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, thereby
over-mixing and under-mixing of the ingredients and the batch of
animal feed is avoided.
[0065] The loading of each of the ingredients into the mixing
compartment 14 takes some time, and when determining the mixing
periods during which the respective ingredients are to be subjected
to mixing in the mixing compartment, account is taken of this.
This, in turn, is taken into account when determining the counts of
the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the
mixing cycle at which the respective ingredients are to be loaded
into the mixing compartment.
[0066] When the weights of the respective ingredients have been
determined to produce an animal feed ration for one animal and the
mixing regime has been determined, this data is given to the farmer
so that a batch of animal feed can be produced for feeding to a
herd of animals. The data containing the weights of the respective
ingredients and the mixing regime is provided in electronic format
suitable for loading into a device 50, which will be described
below, which is mounted on the mixer/feeder wagon 1 for monitoring
the operation of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 and for indicating when
the respective ingredients of the batch of animal feed are to be
loaded into the mixing compartment 14 of the mixer/feeder wagon
1.
[0067] Once the farmer has the weights of the ingredients to
produce a feed ration for a single animal along with the mixing
regime, the farmer is merely required to multiply the weights of
the respective ingredients to produce a feed ration for a single
animal by the number of animals to be fed with the batch of animal
feed, in order to determine the total weight of each ingredient
required to produce the batch of animal feed. This operation is
carried out by the device 50.
[0068] The device 50 which is mounted on the mixer/feeder wagon 1
stores the weights of the ingredients to produce a feed ration for
a single animal as well as the mixing regime in electronic format,
and monitors the operation of the mixer/feeder wagon 1. In response
to the monitoring of the operation of the mixer/feeder wagon 1, the
device 50 determines the instants during a mixing cycle of a batch
of the animal feed at which the respective ingredients of the
animal feed are to be loaded into the mixer/feeder wagon 1 based on
the count of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.
[0069] Before describing the device 50 in detail, the following
three examples set out particulars of ingredients and the weights
thereof as well as the appropriate mixing regime for preparing
respective batches of animal feed for one hundred animals by the
method according to the invention. In the tables of the respective
examples, column 1 of each table includes particulars of the
respective ingredients of the batch of animal feed of that example.
Column 2 shows the weight required of each ingredient per animal.
Column 3 shows the total weight of each ingredient to produce the
batch of animal feed to feed a herd of one hundred animals. Column
4 shows the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to which
each ingredient is to be subjected in the mixing compartment 14.
Column 5 shows the count of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17
from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which each of the
ingredients is to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14.
EXAMPLE 1
TABLE-US-00001 [0070] Revolution count from Weight commencement of
the per Total Total mixing cycle at which animal weight number of
the ingredient is to Ingredient Kgs Kgs revolutions be loaded
Molasses 1 100 106 0 Straw 0.7 70 96 10 Minerals 0.3 30 86 20
Sodawheat 4.9 490 76 30 Concentrate 5 500 66 40 Silage 3.sup.rd cut
12 1200 56 50 Silage 1.sup.st cut 17 1700 18 88
[0071] A batch of animal feed prepared from the ingredients of the
table of Example 1 is particularly suitable for feeding to milking
cows.
[0072] In Example 1 the duration of the mixing cycle is one hundred
and six revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. The molasses, which is
a liquid ingredient, is the first of the ingredients to be loaded
into the mixing compartment 14 at the commencement of the mixing
cycle. The molasses is loaded first in order to dampen down dust
and to ensure that any ingredients, such as concentrates which may
be in powder form are not lost. The next ingredient which is to be
loaded into the mixing compartment 14 is the main fibrous
ingredient, which in this case is straw, and is loaded into the
mixing compartment 14 at the count of ten revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle. The reason ten
counts of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 are allowed between
the commencement of the mixing cycle and the commencement of
loading of the straw is to allow time for the loading of the
molasses. The loading of the molasses lasts for a duration of
approximately ten revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. Therefore, as
soon as loading of the molasses has been completed, the straw is
immediately loaded into the mixing compartment at the count of ten
revolutions of the paddle mixer from the commencement of the mixing
cycle. In this example the straw requires to be subjected to
ninety-six revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, and effectively is
the ingredient which requires to be subjected to the maximum number
of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. However, since it is
desirable to load a liquid ingredient first to dampen down dust and
powder ingredients, the molasses is the first ingredient to be
loaded into the mixing compartment. Accordingly, in this embodiment
of the invention the duration of the mixing cycle which is based on
the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to which the straw
is to be subjected plus the loading time of the molasses, namely,
ten revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, thus giving a total mixing
cycle duration of one hundred and six revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17. The remaining ingredients are loaded into the mixing
compartment at the counts set forth in column 5 of the table of
Example 1 so that they are each subjected to the appropriate number
of revolutions during the mixing cycle to which they should be
subjected in order to produce a homogenously mixed batch of animal
feed, and to avoid under-mixing and over-mixing of the ingredients
and the animal feed. These mixing periods to which the ingredients
are to be subjected during the mixing cycle are set forth in column
4 of the table of Example 1.
EXAMPLE 2
TABLE-US-00002 [0073] Revolution count from Weight commencement of
the per Total Total mixing cycle at which animal weight number of
the ingredient is to Ingredient Kgs Kgs revolutions be loaded
Molasses 1 100 188 0 Straw 5 500 178 10 Minerals 0.4 40 168 20
Sodawheat 1.25 125 158 30 Concentrate 1.25 125 148 40 Silage 18
1800 18 170
[0074] A batch of animal feed prepared from the ingredients of the
table of Example 2 is particularly suitable for feeding to dry
cows.
[0075] In Example 2 the duration of the mixing cycle is one hundred
and eighty-eight revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. In the table
of Example 2 the straw is the ingredient which effectively requires
to be subjected to the maximum number of revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17. However, as in the case of Example 1, the molasses
ingredient is loaded into the mixing compartment 14 prior to
loading of the straw. Ten revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 are
allowed in order to provide sufficient time for loading of the
molasses. Accordingly, in Example 2 the duration of the mixing
cycle is computed by the total number of revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17 to which the straw is to be subjected plus the additional
ten revolutions to facilitate loading of the molasses. The straw is
to be subjected to one hundred and seventy-eight revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17, and therefore the duration of the mixing cycle is
one hundred and seventy-eight revolutions of the paddle mixer
17.
EXAMPLE 3
TABLE-US-00003 [0076] Revolution count from Weight commencement of
the per Total Total mixing cycle at which animal weight number of
the ingredient is to Ingredient Kgs Kgs revolutions be loaded Pot
ale 2 200 139 0 Potatoes 4 400 129 10 Straw 2 200 46 93 Concentrate
2 200 36 103 Cereals 6 600 18 121
[0077] A batch of animal feed prepared from the ingredients of the
table of Example 3 is particularly suitable for feeding to beef
cows.
[0078] In Example 3 the duration of the mixing cycle is one hundred
and thirty-nine revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. In the table of
Example 3 the potato ingredients effectively require to be
subjected to the maximum number of revolutions of the paddle mixer
17, namely, one hundred and twenty-nine revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17. However, in this case the pot ale ingredient, which is a
liquid ingredient, is loaded into the mixing compartment 14 prior
to loading of the potatoes. The delay of ten revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle, at which
loading of the pot ale commences is to allow sufficient time for
the pot ale to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 prior to
loading of the potatoes. Accordingly, the duration of the mixing
cycle of the batch of animal feed of Example 3 is determined by the
maximum number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to which the
potatoes are to be subjected, plus the ten revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17 to allow for loading of the pot ale. Thus, the
duration of the mixing cycle is one hundred and thirty-nine
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. In Example 3 the straw is to be
subjected to forty-six revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, and is
thus loaded into the mixing compartment 14 at a count of
ninety-three revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the
commencement of the mixing cycle.
[0079] Turning now to the device 50, the device 50 comprises a
housing 51 which is mounted on the housing 8 of the mixer/feeder
wagon 1 by a swivelable bracket 52. A visual display screen 54
located in the housing 51 displays data to an operator of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 which includes a display of the ingredients
sequentially of the batch of animal feed to be mixed, the weight of
each ingredient to make up the batch of animal feed, the instants
during the mixing cycle at which the respective ingredients are to
be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 of the mixer/feeder wagon
1 in order to avoid under-mixing and over-mixing of the respective
ingredients, as will be described in more detail below.
[0080] Referring in particular to FIG. 4, a signal processing
means, in this embodiment of the invention provided by a
microprocessor 55, is located within the housing 51 for controlling
the operation of the device 50. A first storing means, in this
embodiment of the invention provided by a suitable memory,
typically a random access memory (RAM) 56, stores data relating to
the ingredients of the animal feed, the weights of the ingredients
to make up a feed ration for one animal, the total number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 which constitutes a mixing
cycle, and the counts of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17
during the mixing cycle from the commencement thereof at which the
respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment
14.
[0081] A first input means comprising a first interface 58, which
may be a parallel or serial interface, includes a first input port
59 in the housing 51 for uploading through the microprocessor 55
into the RAM 56, the data relating to the ingredients of the animal
feed, the weights thereof to produce a feed ration for one animal,
the total number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 which
constitutes a mixing cycle, and the counts of the number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the
mixing cycle at which the respective ingredients are to be loaded
into the mixing compartment 14. In this embodiment of the invention
the first input port 59 is a USB port. A second input means
comprising a keypad 60 in the housing 51 facilitates manual
inputting of data into the microprocessor 55 and for programming
the microprocessor 55. Programming of the microprocessor 55 can
also be carried out through the first interface 58. In this
embodiment of the invention the number of animals to be fed by the
batch of animal feed is inputted to the microprocessor 55 by an
operator of the mixer/feeder wagon 1 through the keypad 60. The
microprocessor 55 is programmed to compute the total weight of each
ingredient from the data stored in the RAM 56 and the inputted
number of animals for which the batch of animal feed is to be
prepared.
[0082] A second interface means comprising a second interface 62
which includes a second input port 63 in the housing 51 is provided
through which signals from the load cells 9, which are indicative
of the weight of the ingredients currently in the mixing
compartment 14 are inputted to the microprocessor 55, and through
which signals from the proximity sensor 38, which are indicative of
a count of the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17, are
inputted to the microprocessor 55. A cable 64 from the load cells 9
couples the load cells 9 to the second input port 63. In this
embodiment of the invention signals from the proximity sensor 38
are applied to an electronic counter unit 61 which is located on
the framework 39 through a cable 65. The counter unit 61
continuously and cumulatively counts the revolutions of the third
sprocket 35, and in turn the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.
The cumulative count of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 is
read by the microprocessor 55 from the electronic count unit 61
through the second interface 62 and the second input port 63
through a cable 68 which couples the electronic counter unit 61 to
the second input port 63 of the device 50.
[0083] An alerting means, in this embodiment of the invention
provided by a siren 67 which is mounted on the housing 8 of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 is operated under the control of the
microprocessor 55 of the device 50 for indicating the instants
during the mixing cycle at which the respective ingredients are to
be loaded into the mixing compartment 14, as well as for indicating
when the appropriate weights of the respective ingredients have
been loaded into the mixing compartment 14, and for indicating when
the mixing cycle has been completed. The siren 67 is also operated
under the control of the microprocessor 55 for indicating when the
end of the mixing cycle is imminent, and when only a predefined
amount of each ingredient still remains to be loaded into the
mixing compartment 14. The siren 67 is operated by a pulsed signal
outputted by the microprocessor 55 when the end of the mixing cycle
is approaching, as well as when only the predefined amount of each
ingredient still remains to be loaded into the mixing compartment
14. The frequency of the pulsed signal progressively increases as
the end of the mixing cycle is approaching, until the end of the
mixing cycle has been reached. At which stage the siren 67 is
continuously operated by a continuous signal outputted by the
microprocessor 55 for a period of five seconds. In this embodiment
of the invention the siren 67 is operated by the pulsed signal when
only two revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 remain to complete the
mixing cycle. Similarly, as the weight of each ingredient being
loaded into the mixing compartment approaches the total weight
required of that ingredient, the frequency of the pulsed signal
from the microprocessor 55 to the siren 67 increases until the
loading of that ingredient has been completed, at which stage the
pulsed signal becomes a continuous signal for a period of five
seconds to operate the siren 67 continuously for five seconds
indicting that loading of that ingredient has been completed. In
this embodiment of the invention the pulsed signal is outputted
when the outstanding amount of each ingredient still to be loaded
into the mixing compartment reaches the predefined level, which in
this case is approximately 15% of the total weight of that
ingredient.
[0084] The microprocessor 55 is programmed so that after the device
50 has been activated, the microprocessor 55 outputs a signal to
the visual display screen 54 to display a message requesting
inputting of the number of animals for which the batch of animal
feed is to be prepared. On the number of animals being inputted
through the keypad 60, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to look
up the data relating to the ingredients of the animal feed stored
in the RAM 56, and to compute the total weight of each ingredient
required to prepare the batch of animal feed based on the inputted
number of animals. The microprocessor 55 is programmed also to look
up the total number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 which
constitutes the duration of the mixing cycle stored in the RAM 56,
as well as the counts of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17
from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which the respective
ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. With
this data computed and obtained, the microprocessor 55 is
programmed to then output a first one of a plurality of first
signals to the visual display screen 54 which is indicative of the
identity of the first of the ingredients to be loaded into the
mixing compartment 14, together with the total weight of that
ingredient to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14. The
identity of the first ingredient to be loaded into the mixing
compartment 14 and the total weight thereof are simultaneously
displayed on the visual display screen 54.
[0085] The microprocessor 55 is programmed to read signals from the
load cells 9 and to compute the weight of each ingredient currently
in the mixing compartment 14 from the signals from the load cell 9.
The microprocessor 55 is also programmed to read signals from the
electronic counter unit 61 and to compute the number of revolutions
of the paddle mixer 17 to which the ingredients have been subjected
from the commencement of a mixing cycle. Additionally, as the
respective ingredients are being loaded into the mixing compartment
14, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to compute the outstanding
weight of the ingredient which is currently being loaded into the
mixing compartment 14 and which still has to be loaded into the
mixing compartment 14. The microprocessor 55 outputs an amount
outstanding signal to the visual display screen 54, which is
continuously updated, and which operates the visual display screen
54 to display the outstanding weight of the ingredient which is
currently being loaded into the mixing compartment 14, and which
still has to be loaded, in a countdown manner. In other words, the
outstanding weight of each ingredient still to be loaded into the
mixing compartment 14 as that ingredient is being loaded is counted
down on the visual display screen 54.
[0086] The microprocessor 55 is programmed so that on the
completion of loading of the first and subsequent ingredients up to
and including the second last ingredient to be loaded, the
microprocessor 55 from the signals read from the electronic counter
unit 61 identifies the count of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17
from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which the next
ingredient is to be loaded, and outputs a second signal to the
visual display screen 54 and to the siren 67, which causes the
visual display screen 54 to flash and the siren 67 to continuously
sound in order to indicate that loading of the next ingredient into
the mixing compartment 14 is to commence. The siren is continuously
operated for five seconds, and the display screen 54 is operated to
flash for five seconds.
[0087] After the last of the ingredients has been loaded into the
mixing compartment, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to output a
countdown signal to the visual display screen 54, which is
continuously updated for operating the visual display screen 54 to
count down the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to the
end of the mixing cycle. When the number of counts of the paddle
mixer 17 remaining to the end of the mixing cycle is two
revolutions, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to output a first
warning signal which is provided by the pulsed signal to the siren
67, the frequency of which increases until the mixing cycle has
been completed. At which stage the microprocessor 55 outputs a
mixing cycle complete signal, which is a continuous signal to the
siren 67 for five seconds, thereby causing the siren 67 to
continuously operate for five seconds.
[0088] The microprocessor 55 is programmed so that when the loading
of each ingredient has been completed, the microprocessor 55
outputs a countdown signal to the visual display screen 54 which is
continuously updated and which displays the outstanding number of
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to the count at which the next
ingredient is to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14.
[0089] When the amount of each ingredient still to be loaded into
the mixing compartment reaches the predefined amount, which as
discussed above is approximately 15% of the total weight of that
ingredient, the microprocessor 55 is programmed to output a second
warning signal to the visual display screen 54 which causes the
visual display screen 54 to flash, in order to warn the operator
that the loading of that particular ingredient is almost completed.
The microprocessor 55 also outputs a second warning signal to the
siren 67, which is one of the pulsed signal, the frequency of which
increases as completion of the loading of that ingredient
approaches until the weight of that ingredient loaded into the
mixing compartment is substantially equal to the required weight of
that ingredient. At which stage, as discussed above, the signal to
the siren becomes continuous and is held on the siren 67 for five
seconds, thus indicating that the loading of that ingredient is
complete.
[0090] The microprocessor 55 is programmed to identify the
commencement of the mixing cycle from signals read from the load
cells 9. Once the signals from the load cells 9 are indicative of
the first ingredient being loaded into the mixing compartment 14,
the microprocessor 55 determines the commencement of the mixing
cycle and commences to count the number of revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17 from the signals read from the electronic counter
unit 61. The microprocessor 55 is similarly programmed to identify
the commencement of loading of each of the other ingredients in a
similar manner.
[0091] Additionally, on completion of the loading of each
ingredient into the mixing compartment 14, the microprocessor 55 is
programmed to output the next first signal to the visual display
screen 54, which operates the visual display screen to display the
identity of the next ingredient and the total weight thereof to be
loaded into the mixing compartment 14.
[0092] A strobe light 66 is also mounted on the housing 8 of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 and is operated under the control of the
microprocessor 55 of the device 50 for indicating when loading of
each ingredient has been completed, and when the mixing cycle has
been completed. The strobe light 66 is powered under the control of
the microprocessor 55 for a period of five seconds when the loading
of each ingredient has been completed, and at the end of the mixing
cycle. However, it is envisaged in many cases, the strobe light may
be omitted.
[0093] A second storing means for storing the actual weights of the
respective ingredients loaded into the mixing compartment 14, and
the actual mixing regime carried out by the operator in preparing
the batch of animal feed, in this embodiment of the invention is
also provided by the RAM 56. However, if desired, a separate
storing means as well as the RAM 56 may be provided to store this
data. The microprocessor 55 is programmed to compute the actual
weight of each ingredient loaded into the mixing compartment 14
from signals read from the load cells 9. Additionally, the
microprocessor 55 is programmed to determine the instants during
the mixing cycle based on the count of revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17 at which loading of the respective ingredients into the
mixing compartment 14 commenced. The microprocessor 55 determines
the count of the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the
commencement of the mixing cycle at which loading of each
ingredient into the mixing compartment 14 commenced from signals
from the load cells 9 and the electronic counter unit 61. The
microprocessor 55 is also programmed to store the actual weights of
the respective ingredients and the corresponding counts of the
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the
mixing cycle at which loading of the respective ingredients into
the mixing compartment 14 commenced in the RAM 56. At appropriate
intervals this data may be downloaded through the first interface
58 under the control of the microprocessor 55 for subsequent
comparison with the ideal mixing regime, and also for comparison
with results of, for example, milk yield for milking cows or weight
gain from beef cattle fed by the batch of animal feed against ideal
milk yields or ideal weight gains, as the case may be, which would
be obtained from an ideal batch of animal feed.
[0094] In use, with the count of the total number of revolutions of
the paddle mixer 17 which constitutes the mixing cycle, the
particulars of the ingredients, and the weights thereof to produce
a feed ration for a single animal, together with the counts of the
revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the
mixing cycle at which the respective ingredients of the batch of
animal feed are to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14 of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 stored in the RAM 56, the mixer/feeder wagon 1
is ready for use.
[0095] When it is desired to mix a batch of animal feed, the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 is operated with the closure plate 21 in the
raised closed state and the paddle mixer rotating. The operator
activates the device 50, which displays a request on the visual
display screen 54 requesting the number of animals to be fed with
the batch of animal feed to be entered. The number of animals to be
fed from the batch of animal feed is entered through the keypad 60.
The microprocessor 55 computes the total weight of each ingredient
required to prepare the batch of animal feed based on the entered
number of animals. The first ingredient which is to be loaded into
the mixing compartment 14 and the weight of that ingredient are
simultaneously displayed on the visual display screen 54 under the
control of the microprocessor 55. The microprocessor 55 reads
signals from the load cells 9 to determine when loading of the
first ingredient has commenced. Alternatively, the microprocessor
55 may be programmed to enable the operator to indicate that he is
ready to commence loading of the first ingredient by depressing an
appropriate one of the keys of the keypad 60, thus indicating to
the microprocessor 55 that loading of the first of the ingredients
is about to commence. On determining that loading of the first
ingredient has commenced either as a result of the signals from the
load cells 9 or an input through the keypad 60, the microprocessor
55 reads the signals from the electronic counter unit 61, and
commences to count the revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 from the
commencement of the mixing cycle.
[0096] The microprocessor 55 reads the signals from the load cells
9 and computes the weight of the first ingredient currently loaded
into the mixing compartment 14, and subtracts this value from the
total weight of the first ingredient to be loaded into the mixing
compartment 14 in order to determine the outstanding weight of the
first ingredient still to be loaded into the mixing compartment.
This value is displayed on the visual display screen 54, and is
continuously updated, thus counting down the weight of the first
ingredient still to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14.
[0097] When the loading of the first ingredient into the mixing
compartment 14 is nearing completion, in other words, when only the
predefined amount of the first ingredient still has to be loaded
into the mixing compartment 14, the microprocessor 55 causes the
visual display screen 54 to flash, and also commences to output the
pulsed signal to the siren 67, which progressively increases in
frequency until the weight of the first ingredient in the mixing
compartment is substantially equal to the required weight of the
first ingredient. At which stage the signal outputted by the
microprocessor 55 to operate the siren 67 becomes a continuous
signal, and is held on the siren 67 for five seconds to indicate
that loading of the first ingredient is complete. The continuous
signal is also applied to and held on the strobe light 66 to
operate the strobe light 66 continuously for five seconds to also
indicate that loading of the first ingredient is complete.
[0098] The microprocessor 55 then operates the visual display
screen 54 to simultaneously display the identity of the second
ingredient and the weight thereof to be loaded into the mixing
compartment 14. The microprocessor 55 also determines the number of
revolutions still to be completed before loading of the second
ingredient into the mixing compartment 14 is to commence, and the
microprocessor 55 operates the visual display screen 54 to count
down the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to the count
at which the second ingredient is to be loaded into the mixing
compartment 14. When the count of the revolutions of the paddle
mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which the
second ingredient is to be loaded has been reached, the
microprocessor 55 outputs the second signal to the siren 67, which
is the continuous signal for five seconds, thus indicating that
loading of the second ingredient is to be commenced.
[0099] The operator then immediately commences loading in the
second ingredient, and the microprocessor 55 reads the signals from
the load cells 9 and computes the current weight of the second
ingredient which has been loaded into the mixing compartment 14.
This value is subtracted from the total value of the second
ingredient to be loaded into the mixing compartment 14, in order to
produce the outstanding weight of the second ingredient still to be
loaded into the mixing compartment 14. The value of the outstanding
weight of the second ingredient still to be loaded into the mixing
compartment 14 is displayed on the visual display screen 54, which
is continuously updated, and counted down. As loading of the second
ingredient into the mixing compartment 14 is approaching
completion, in other words, when the predefined amount of the
second ingredient is still to be loaded into the mixing compartment
14, the microprocessor 55 operates the visual display screen 54 to
flash, and outputs the pulsed signal to the siren 67, the frequency
of which is progressively increased until the weight of the second
ingredient which has been loaded into the mixing compartment 14 is
substantially equal to the required weight of the second
ingredient. At which stage, the pulsed signal becomes continuous
for five seconds. The continuous signal is also applied to the
strobe light 66 for five seconds.
[0100] And so loading of the respective ingredients of the batch of
animal feed into the mixing compartment 14 continues until the last
of the ingredients of the batch to be loaded has been loaded into
the mixing compartment 14. At which stage, the microprocessor 55
determines the remaining number of revolutions of the paddle mixer
17 to which the animal feed is to be subjected in the mixing
compartment 14, and the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer
17 to complete the mixing cycle of the batch of animal feed is
displayed on the visual display screen 54, and is continuously
updated and counted down. As the end of the mixing cycle is
approaching, in this case when the number of revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17 remaining in the mixing cycle is two revolutions,
the microprocessor 15 flashes the display on the visual display
screen 54, and outputs the pulsed signal to the siren 67, the
frequency of which progressively increases until the mixing cycle
has been completed, at which stage the pulsed signal becomes a
continuous signal for five seconds. The continuous signal is also
applied to the strobe light 66 for five seconds.
[0101] If on completion of loading of any one of the ingredients,
the next ingredient is to be immediately loaded, the microprocessor
55 immediately at the end of loading of the just loaded ingredient
operates the visual display screen 54 to simultaneously display the
identity of the next ingredient and the weight thereof to be loaded
and flashes the visual display screen 54. The microprocessor also
outputs a continuous signal to the siren 67 to operate the siren
continuously for five seconds.
[0102] The actual particulars and the actual mixing regime of each
batch of animal feed mixed in the mixer/feeder wagon 1 is recorded
and stored in the RAM 56, and time and date stamped for future
comparison with an ideal batch of animal feed as discussed above.
During the mixing cycle, the microprocessor 55 computes the actual
weight of each ingredient loaded into the mixing compartment 4 from
the signals from the load cells 9 and from the signals from the
electronic counter unit 61. The microprocessor 55 is programmed to
compute the weight of each ingredient loaded into the mixing
compartment 14 by reading signals from the load cells 9 between the
count of the revolutions of the paddle mixer at which that
ingredient should have been loaded and the count at which the next
ingredient is to be loaded. The microprocessor 55 stores the
respective actual weights of the respective ingredients in the RAM
56. The respective weights are time and date stamped and
cross-referenced with the particulars of the batch.
[0103] Additionally, the microprocessor 55 by monitoring the
signals from the load cells 9 and the signals from the electronic
counter unit 61 determines the counts of the revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle at which
loading of the respective ingredients into the mixing compartment
14 commenced, and this data is also stored and cross-referenced
with the respective ingredients in the RAM 56 and is similarly time
and date stamped and cross-referenced with the particulars of the
batch. The total number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17 to
which the batch of animal feed was subjected during the mixing
cycle, in other words, the total number of revolutions of the
paddle mixer 17 from the commencement of the mixing cycle to the
actual end of the mixing cycle is also recorded and stored in the
RAM 56, and is time and date stamped and cross-referenced with the
particulars of the batch.
[0104] As discussed above, the microprocessor 55 may be programmed
to allow the operator manually input a signal to indicate when
loading of each ingredient is about to commence. Such a signal
could be inputted through the keypad 60. This signal could be used
for determining the commencement of loading of each ingredient
instead of determining the commencement of loading of each
ingredient from signals from the load cells 9 and the electronic
counter unit 61.
[0105] On completion of mixing of the batch of animal feed, the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 is trailed to the location at which the animal
feed is to be dispensed. On reaching the location at which the
batch of animal feed is to be dispensed, the closure plate 21 is
operated from the raised closed state to the lower open state, and
as the paddle mixer 17 is rotated in the direction of the arrow A,
the mixed animal feed is urged into the dispensing compartment 15
and in turn urged along the dispensing compartment 15 by the
discharge auger 19 through the discharge outlet 16.
[0106] While the method according to the invention for preparing a
batch of animal feed from a plurality of ingredients has been
described for use with a specific type of mixer/feeder apparatus,
namely, the mixer/feeder wagon 1, the method according to the
invention may be used in conjunction with any other suitable type
of mixer/feeder apparatus, be it a trailable mixer/feeder wagon, a
self-powered mixer/feeder wagon, or a stationary mixer/feeder
apparatus, of the type which would be ground mounted.
[0107] It is also envisaged that the method according to the
invention for preparing a batch of animal feed from a plurality of
ingredients may be used in conjunction with a mixer/feeder
apparatus which does not include chopping blades, for example, a
mixer/feeder wagon of the type disclosed in British Patent
Specification No. 2,139,911. In which case, the mixing cycle would
require a larger number of revolutions of the paddle mixer, and in
particular, the fibrous ingredients may require to be subjected to
a larger number of revolutions of the paddle mixer. However, in
certain cases, where the mixer/feeder apparatus does not include a
chopping function during mixing of the ingredients in the mixing
compartment, pre-chopping of some of the fibrous ingredients of
which the fibres are of relatively long lengths may be
required.
[0108] While specific examples of batches of animal feed have been
described, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
that the method according to the invention for preparing a batch of
animal feed from a plurality of ingredients may be used with any
other suitable ingredients for producing any other suitable batches
of animal feed. Needless to say, the number of counts of
revolutions of the paddle mixer which constitutes a mixing cycle
will vary, depending on the ingredients of the batches of animal
feed, the type of mixer/feeder apparatus and the type of the
animals to be fed, and the counts of the revolutions of the paddle
mixer from the commencement of the mixing cycle will also vary
depending on the ingredients of the batch of animal feed, the type
of mixer/feeder apparatus and the type of the animals to be
fed.
[0109] While the instants at which the respective ingredients are
to be loaded into the mixing compartment from the commencement of
the mixing cycle have been identified as being respective counts of
revolutions of the paddle mixer from the commencement of the mixing
cycle, the instants could be time defined if desired. However, by
defining the instants at which the ingredients are to be loaded
into the mixing compartment by the count of revolutions of the
paddle mixer from the commencement of the mixing cycle, a more
accurate mixing regime is defined, since the speed at which the
rotor rotates may not be constant, and may vary from batch to
batch, depending on the speed of the power takeoff shaft of the
tractor or towing vehicle from which drive is provided to the
paddle mixer. Additionally, the duration of the mixing cycle may be
time defined, instead of being defined as a function of the number
of revolutions of the paddle mixer.
[0110] While the alerting means has been described as being
provided by both a strobe light and a siren, any other suitable
alerting means may be provided, and in certain cases, it is
envisaged that the alerting means may be provided by flashing of
the visual display screen only. In other cases, it is envisaged
that only one of the siren and strobe light may be provided, which
preferably would be the siren.
[0111] While the device 50 according to the invention has been
described for storing the ingredients and the weights thereof for
producing an animal feed ration for one animal together with the
mixing regime for the batch of animal feed, it is envisaged that
particulars and the mixing regime of many different animal feed
rations for producing many different batches of animal feed, for
the same or different animals, and/or for use in different seasons,
may be stored in the device 50, and particulars of the appropriate
batch and its mixing regime would be selected by inputting an
appropriate select signal through the keypad of the device 50.
Typically, the batches could be identified and selected by
numbers.
[0112] It is also envisaged that in certain cases, the mixing cycle
complete signal which is outputted by the device 50 may be adapted
and coupled to an appropriate part of the drive transmission of the
mixer/feeder wagon 1 for disengaging the paddle mixer 17 from the
drive, in order to stop rotation of the paddle mixer at the end of
the mixing cycle. For example, the paddle mixer may be driven by
the drive transmission through a clutch, which would be disengaged
in response to the mixing cycle complete signal from the device
50.
[0113] While the device 50 has been described for storing the
actual weights of the respective ingredients of a batch of animal
feed loaded into the mixing compartment, together with the mixing
regime to which the ingredients of the batch of animal feed were
subjected for subsequent analysis and comparison, while this is
preferable and is particularly advantageous, in some embodiments of
the invention the device 50 may be provided without such a storing
function.
[0114] Additionally, while the mixing rotor has been described as
comprising a particular s type of paddle mixer, any other suitable
paddle mixer, and indeed, any other suitable mixing rotor may be
provided.
[0115] Additionally, while the mixer/feeder wagon has been
described as comprising a dispensing compartment and a dispensing
auger, the dispensing compartment and the dispensing auger may be
omitted.
[0116] While the monitoring means for monitoring the, operation of
the mixing rotor has been described as being a proximity sensor for
effectively directly monitoring the rotation of the mixing rotor by
monitoring the rotation of the third sprocket, it will be
appreciated that any suitable means for monitoring the rotation of
the mixing rotor may be used. Needless to say, it will be
appreciated that where a proximity sensor is used, the proximity
sensor may be used to monitor the rotation of any of the shafts or
sprockets of the drive transmission, and the resulting value would
be modified to take account of the gear ratio between the
rotational speed of the mixing rotor and the shaft or sprocket or
other component of the drive transmission, the rotation of which
would be monitored.
* * * * *