U.S. patent application number 14/758418 was filed with the patent office on 2016-02-11 for substance delivery apparatus, substance delivery system and method of substance delivery.
The applicant listed for this patent is DAVOODI PTY LTD. Invention is credited to David Royce Edwards.
Application Number | 20160038266 14/758418 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51166432 |
Filed Date | 2016-02-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160038266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Edwards; David Royce |
February 11, 2016 |
SUBSTANCE DELIVERY APPARATUS, SUBSTANCE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD
OF SUBSTANCE DELIVERY
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for discharging a dose of a fluid substance to
an animal, the apparatus (10) including: a delivery assembly (12)
adapted to discharge the dose of the substance to the animal; and a
control system (100) operatively associated with the delivery
assembly (12) so as to selectively operate the delivery assembly
(12), wherein the control system (100) is adapted to measure the
discharge of the fluid substance from the delivery assembly (12)
such that the dose is discharged when the delivery assembly (12) is
operated.
Inventors: |
Edwards; David Royce; (New
South Wales, AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAVOODI PTY LTD |
Fyshwick |
|
AU |
|
|
Family ID: |
51166432 |
Appl. No.: |
14/758418 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
January 10, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2014/000014 |
371 Date: |
June 29, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/66 ;
604/65 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 2250/00 20130101;
A61M 2205/50 20130101; A61D 7/00 20130101; A61M 5/31566 20130101;
A61M 5/32 20130101; A61M 5/31576 20130101; A61M 2205/33 20130101;
A61M 2205/502 20130101; A61M 2205/3576 20130101; A61M 5/172
20130101; A61M 5/20 20130101; A61M 2205/6063 20130101; A61M
2005/2026 20130101; A61M 2205/6018 20130101; A61M 5/31565 20130101;
A61M 5/31546 20130101; A61M 2205/3327 20130101; A61M 5/2053
20130101; A61M 11/007 20140204; A61M 2205/3306 20130101; A61M
2205/52 20130101; A61M 5/204 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61D 7/00 20060101
A61D007/00; A61M 5/315 20060101 A61M005/315; A61M 5/20 20060101
A61M005/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 13, 2013 |
AU |
2013900096 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for discharging a dose of a fluid substance to an
animal, the apparatus including: a delivery assembly adapted to
discharge the dose of the substance to the animal; and a control
system operatively associated with the delivery assembly so as to
selectively operate the delivery assembly, wherein the control
system is adapted to measure the discharge of the fluid substance
from the delivery assembly such that the dose is discharged when
the delivery assembly is operated.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control system
includes a sensor configured to measure the discharge of the fluid
substance from the delivery assembly.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the delivery
assembly includes a substance reservoir in which the fluid
substance is containable and a drive arrangement configured to move
the substance reservoir between an expanded condition and a
contracted condition.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drive
arrangement includes a plunger receivable by the substance
reservoir.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is
arranged to measure the movement of the plunger.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sensor is a
linear position sensor and the rod includes a sensor readable
section configured such that the liner sensor is able to determine
the position of the rod relative to the sensor.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. (canceled)
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus
includes in an information input device operatively associated with
the control system, the information input device being configured
to provide animal information, and wherein the control system
includes a processor which is configured to determine the
predetermined quantity of the substance based on the animal
information.
20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the information
input device is provided in the form of an identification device
operatively associated with the control system, the identification
device being configured to provide identity information for the
animal.
21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the identification
device is one of a radio frequency identification device (RFID) and
an optical scanner.
22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the identification
device includes an antenna recessed within a body of the
apparatus.
23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the antenna is
located toward a forward end of the apparatus.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. A system for delivering a dose of a substance to an animal, the
system including: a delivery assembly configured to deliver a dose
of the substance to the animal; a controller operatively associated
with the delivery assembly; and an input device in communication
with the controller for providing animal information to the
controller; wherein the controller is configured to process the
animal information and output a dose rate signal to the delivery
assembly enabling the delivery assembly to deliver the dose of the
substance to the animal.
38. The system according to claim 37, wherein the input device is
provided in the form of an identification device configured to
provide the animal information including animal identification
information, and wherein the controller is configured determine the
dose rate signal based on the animal identification
information.
39. The system according to claim 38, wherein the system further
includes a sensor operatively associated with the delivery
assembly, the sensor providing a measured dose rate signal to the
controller, the controller being configured to compare the dose
rate signal to the measured dose rate signal to determine when the
delivery assembly has delivered the dose.
40. (canceled)
41. The system according to claim 37, wherein delivery assembly
includes a substance reservoir moveable between a filled condition
and an emptied condition, and wherein the delivery assembly further
includes a drive arrangement operatively associated with the
controller, the drive arrangement being configured to move the
substance reservoir between the filled and the emptied conditions
to deliver the dose of the substance to the animal.
42. (canceled)
43. (canceled)
44. The system according to claim 37, wherein the animal
information includes at least one of animal identification, animal
weight and animal age.
45. A method for delivering a dose of a substance to an animal
using a substance delivery system including a delivery assembly
operatively associated with a controller, wherein the method
includes the steps of: Receiving animal information; Processing, in
a controller of the system, the animal information to provide a
determined dose of the substance to be administered to the animal;
and Activating the delivery assembly such that delivery system
discharges the determined dose of the substance to the animal.
46. (canceled)
47. The method according to claim 45, wherein the method includes
the step of: identifying the animal using an identification device
to provide the animal information including animal identification
data.
48. (canceled)
49. (canceled)
50. (canceled)
51. (canceled)
52. (canceled)
53. The method according to claim 45, wherein the step of
processing the animal information includes calculating the dose
rate by using a dose rate algorithm.
54. The method according to claim 53, wherein the dose rate
algorithm is executed by a processor associated with the controller
and includes the steps of: Accessing the animal information and the
medication information to determine the weight and the medication
rate for the animal; Determining the dose rate based on the weight
and medication rate for the animal; Providing a dose rate signal to
the delivery assembly.
55. (canceled)
56. (canceled)
57. (canceled)
58. (canceled)
59. (canceled)
60. (canceled)
61. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to a substance delivery apparatus, a
system including an apparatus for substance delivery and a method
of substance delivery.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Animals are often required to be administered a substance
such as a medication. In the livestock industry there are typically
large numbers of animals that require such medication.
[0003] Medication is typically administered to an animal with a
dose rate manually determined from animal parameters such as
weight, breed, and age. In most cases, the dose rate may be
calculated in millilitres of medication per kg of animal weight
(ml/kg). Accordingly, to accurately medicate an animal it is
desirable to know the weight of the animal.
[0004] One of the current industry practices is to weight a sample
of the animals or weight all of the animals within a group often
referred to in the industry as a herd, flock, or mob. The weight of
the heaviest animal is recorded and the medication dose rate is set
to the dose required for the heaviest animal in the group. Each
animal within the group is then administered the dose rate
associated with the heaviest animal.
[0005] The process of medication typically includes a medication
device such as a syringe or drenching unit from which the dose of
medication is manually administered to the animal. This manual
administration typically includes hand actuation or pumping of the
medication device to deliver the medication to the animal.
[0006] In relation to medication records, the current industry
practice typically does not include keeping detailed records for
the medication administered to a particular animal. Rather, the
records typically only include what medication was used and when it
was used.
[0007] A problem with the current practice is that the age, type
and weight of the animals within the group may vary and as such
some animals within the group may be overmedicated. This may cause
health issues with the animal such as medication resistance and
also result in an increased cost of medication.
[0008] Another problem with the current practice is that there is
no accurate, reliable or fast way of administering and recording of
the medication administered to a particular animal or group of
animals.
[0009] The invention provided herein seeks to address one of more
of the problems described above or at least provide a useful
alternative.
SUMMARY
[0010] In accordance with a first aspect there is provided, an
apparatus for discharging a dose of a fluid substance to an animal,
the apparatus including: a delivery assembly adapted to discharge
the dose of the substance to the animal; and a control system
operatively associated with the delivery assembly so as to
selectively operate the delivery assembly, wherein the control
system is adapted to measure the discharge of the fluid substance
from the delivery assembly such that the dose is discharged when
the delivery assembly is operated.
[0011] In an aspect, the control system includes a sensor
configured to measure the discharge of the fluid substance from the
delivery assembly.
[0012] In another aspect, the delivery assembly includes a
substance reservoir in which the fluid substance is containable and
drive arrangement configured to move the substance reservoir
between an expanded condition and a contracted condition.
[0013] In another aspect, the drive arrangement includes a plunger
receivable by the substance reservoir.
[0014] In another aspect, the sensor is arranged to measure the
movement of the plunger.
[0015] In another aspect, the plunger includes a first piston
received within the substance reservoir and a rod coupled to the
first piston.
[0016] In another aspect, the first piston is moveable between a
first position in which the substance reservoir in the expanded
state and a second position in which the substance reservoir is in
the contracted state.
[0017] In another aspect, the sensor is a linear position sensor
and the rod includes a sensor readable section configured such that
the liner sensor is able to determine the position of the rod
relative to the sensor.
[0018] In another aspect, the drive arrangement includes a drive
reservoir and the plunger includes second piston received by the
drive cylinder, the second piston being connected to an opposing
end of the rod relative to the first piston.
[0019] In another aspect, the drive arrangement includes a biasing
means configured to urge the first piston toward the first position
in which the substance reservoir is in the expanded state.
[0020] In another aspect, the biasing means is a spring
concentrically mounted on the rod.
[0021] In another aspect, the rod is hollow rod so as to allow
passage of the fluid substance from an inlet to the substance
reservoir.
[0022] In another aspect, the delivery assembly further includes a
delivery conduit which is slidably received by the hollow rod.
[0023] In another aspect, a seal is provided between the delivery
conduit and hollow rod.
[0024] In another aspect, the control system includes a pneumatic
control valve in communication with the drive arrangement, the
pneumatic control valve being operable so as to selectively
introduce pressurised gas into the drive reservoir.
[0025] In another aspect, the pneumatic control valve is
connectable to a pneumatic system, the pneumatic system being
adapted to provide the pressurised gas.
[0026] In another aspect, the pneumatic system includes at least
one of a pressuring vessel and a pneumatic fill nozzle
pneumatically connected to the pneumatic control valve.
[0027] In another aspect, the control system includes a hydraulic
control valve adapted to selectively control flow into and out of
the substance reservoir.
[0028] In another aspect, the apparatus includes in an information
input device operatively associated with the control system, the
information input device being configured to provide animal
information, and wherein the control system includes a processor
which is configured to determine the predetermined quantity of the
substance based on the animal information.
[0029] In another aspect, the information input device is provided
in the form of an identification device operatively associated with
the control system, the identification device being configured to
provide identity information for the animal.
[0030] In another aspect, the identification device is one of a
radio frequency identification device (RFID) and an optical
scanner.
[0031] In another aspect, the identification device includes an
antenna recessed within a body of the apparatus.
[0032] In another aspect, the antenna is located toward a forward
end of the apparatus.
[0033] In another aspect, the control system includes a memory
device and a processor.
[0034] In another aspect, the control system includes including a
communication device for providing a data or electrical link
between the apparatus and an external device.
[0035] In another aspect, the communication device includes an
antenna.
[0036] In another aspect, the apparatus includes an actuator
operatively associated with the control system.
[0037] In another aspect, the actuator is one of an external input,
button, a trigger and an electrical signal.
[0038] In another aspect, the actuator is hand operable
trigger.
[0039] In another aspect, the apparatus includes a handle.
[0040] In another aspect, the apparatus is gun shaped with a barrel
section supported by the handle, the barrel section substantially
housing the substance delivery assembly.
[0041] In another aspect, the apparatus further includes a display
connected to the control system.
[0042] In another aspect, the display includes at least one of
indication light or a screen.
[0043] In another aspect, the fluid substance is at least one of a
medication and a vitamin.
[0044] In another aspect, the apparatus includes an applicator
adapted to deliver the substance to the animal.
[0045] In another aspect, the applicator is one of a needle, spray,
nozzle or drench.
[0046] In accordance with a second aspect there is provided, a
system for delivering a dose of a substance to an animal, the
system including: a delivery assembly configured to deliver a dose
of the substance to the animal; a controller operatively associated
with the delivery assembly; and an input device in communication
with the controller for providing animal information to the
controller; wherein the controller is configured to process the
animal information and output a dose rate signal to the delivery
assembly enabling the delivery assembly to deliver the dose of the
substance to the animal.
[0047] In an aspect, the input device is provided in the form of an
identification device configured to provide the animal information
including animal identification information, and wherein the
controller is configured determine the dose rate signal based on
the animal identification information.
[0048] In another aspect, the system further includes a sensor
operatively associated with the delivery assembly, the sensor
providing a measured dose rate signal to the controller, the
controller being configured to compare the dose rate signal to the
measured dose rate signal to determine when the delivery assembly
has delivered the dose.
[0049] In another aspect, the system includes at least one control
valve associated with the delivery assembly, wherein the control
valve is in communication with the controller which is configured
to open and close the control valve to control the delivery of the
dose.
[0050] In another aspect, the delivery assembly includes a
substance reservoir moveable between a filled condition and an
emptied condition.
[0051] In another aspect, the delivery assembly further includes a
drive arrangement operatively associated with the controller, the
drive arrangement being configured to move the substance reservoir
between the filled and the emptied conditions to deliver the dose
of the substance to the animal.
[0052] In another aspect, the controller includes a processor and a
memory device configured to record the identity signal and the
delivered dose rate signal.
[0053] In another aspect, the animal information includes at least
one of animal identification, animal weight and animal age.
[0054] In accordance with a third aspect there is provided, a
method for delivering a dose of a substance to an animal using a
substance delivery system including a delivery assembly operatively
associated with a controller, wherein the method includes the steps
of: Receiving animal information; Processing, in a controller of
the system, the animal information to provide a determined dose of
the substance to be administered to the animal; and Activating the
delivery assembly such that delivery system discharges the
determined dose of the substance to the animal.
[0055] In an aspect, the animal information includes at least one
of animal weight data, animal identification data and animal age
data.
[0056] In another aspect, the method includes the step of:
identifying the animal using an identification device to provide
the animal information including the animal identification
data.
[0057] In another aspect, the step of identifying the animal
includes communicating the identification device with an associated
identifying device located on or inside the animal.
[0058] In another aspect, the method includes the step of:
recording the determined dose in a memory device in communication
with the controller.
[0059] In another aspect, the step of processing the animal
information includes the controller accessing information stored on
the memory device.
[0060] In another aspect, the information stored on the memory
device includes at least one of further animal information and
medication information.
[0061] In another aspect, the further animal information includes
data in relation to the animal identification, weight, type and age
and the medication information includes medication type and dose
rate information.
[0062] In another aspect, the step of processing the animal
information includes calculating the dose rate by using a dose rate
algorithm.
[0063] In another aspect, the dose rate algorithm is executed by a
processor associated with the controller and includes the steps of:
Accessing the animal information and the medication information to
determine the weight and the medication rate for the animal;
Determining the dose rate based on the weight and medication rate
for the animal; Providing a dose rate signal to the delivery
assembly.
[0064] In another aspect, the dose rate signal includes a
calculated distance related to a volume of substance discharged
from the delivery assembly such that when the delivery assembly
moves the distance, the volume of substance discharged.
[0065] In another aspect, the delivery assembly includes a sensor
and a drive arrangement, wherein the method includes the steps of:
activating the drive arrangement to move the distance thereby
delivering the volume of the substance; and measuring the movement
of the drive arrangement with the sensor, the sensor providing a
measurement distance signal to the controller.
[0066] In another aspect, the method includes the step of ceasing
substance delivery when the measured distance is substantially
equal to the calculated distance.
[0067] In another aspect, the method includes the step of
activating the drive arrangement by operating a pneumatic control
valve so as to allow a pressurised gas to communicate with a drive
cylinder of the drive arrangement.
[0068] In accordance with a fourth aspect there is provided, an
apparatus for communicating a fluid substance with an animal, the
apparatus including: an fluid transmission assembly adapted to
communicate a quantity of the substance with the animal; and a
control system operatively associated with the delivery system so
as to selectively operate the fluid transmission assembly, wherein
the fluid transmission assembly includes a sensor configured to
measure the communication of the fluid substance such that the
quantity of the substance is communicated between the apparatus and
the animal when the fluid transmission assembly is operated.
[0069] In accordance with a fifth aspect there is provided, a
system for communicating a quantity of a substance to an animal,
the system including: a fluid communication assembly configured to
communicate a quantity of the substance between the animal and the
system; an identification device for providing an animal identity
signal; and a controller operatively associated with the fluid
communication assembly and the identification device, wherein the
controller is configured to receive the identity signal, processes
information associated with the identity signal and output a
quantity rate signal to the fluid communication enabling the fluid
communication to communicate the quantity of the substance to the
animal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0070] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example
only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;
[0071] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for
administering medication to an animal with an needle type
applicator tip fitted;
[0072] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus for
administering medication to the animal with spray type applicator
tip fitted;
[0073] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the apparatus for
administering medication to the animal with a drenching type
applicator tip fitted;
[0074] FIG. 4a is a side view illustrating the apparatus;
[0075] FIG. 4b is an opposing side view illustrating the
apparatus;
[0076] FIG. 4c is a front view illustrating the apparatus;
[0077] FIG. 5a is a side sectional view illustrating the
apparatus;
[0078] FIG. 5b is an opposing side sectional view illustrating the
apparatus;
[0079] FIG. 5c is a front view illustrating apparatus and showing
sections A-A and B-B as are shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b
respectively;
[0080] FIG. 6a is a perspective view illustrating parts of the
apparatus;
[0081] FIG. 6b is a side view illustrating parts of the
apparatus;
[0082] FIG. 6c is a front view illustrating parts of the
apparatus;
[0083] FIG. 7a is a front view illustrating the delivery manifold
illustrating section A-A as shown on FIG. 6b;
[0084] FIG. 7b is a sectional side view of the delivery
manifold;
[0085] FIG. 8a is an underside perspective view illustrating a
second example of the apparatus;
[0086] FIG. 8b is a topside perspective view illustrating the
second example of the apparatus;
[0087] FIG. 8c is a side sectional view of the illustrating the
second example of the apparatus;
[0088] FIG. 8d is a topside perspective view illustrating parts of
the second example of the apparatus;
[0089] FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration of a control system of
the apparatus;
[0090] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method;
[0091] FIG. 11 illustrates another example of method for the
operation of the apparatus;
[0092] FIG. 12 illustrates another example of method steps for the
operation of the device; and
[0093] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another example of method steps for
the operation of the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0094] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an apparatus 10 for
communicating, more particularly administering a substance such as
medication to an animal. The apparatus 10 includes a fluid
communication or transmission assembly provided in this example as
a delivery assembly 12. The delivery assembly 12 is adapted to
communicate or deliver a select quantity of fluid, in this example
a pre-determined quantity or dose of the medication to the animal.
The apparatus 10 includes an actuator 14 which is configured to
selectively operate the delivery assembly 12 via a control system
100 which is further described below.
[0095] The apparatus 10 is preferably hand held and includes a gun
shaped body 16 which houses and supports the delivery assembly 12
and the actuator 14, respectively. The body 16 includes handle 18
portion which supports a barrel or main portion 20. The actuator 14
is provided in the form of a trigger 21 is located on or within the
handle portion 21 and the delivery assembly 12 is substantially
located on or within the main portion 20.
[0096] The body 16 includes a delivery or front end 17 and a rear
end 19. An applicator 23 for delivering or receiving fluid or
medication to and from and animal such as a needle or drench is
located at the front end 17 of the apparatus 10. The body 16
typically includes a housing or casing (not shown) which is adapted
to shield and seal the components of the apparatus 10 therein.
[0097] The apparatus 10 also includes a display 29 for displaying
status and animal information and a LED light 27 which are used to
display, confirm or select various modes of operations and statuses
of the apparatus 10. The display 29 may form part of the control
system 100 and allow a user to provide input to the control system
100.
[0098] In this example, the applicator 23 includes a needle 15
fitted to a threaded coupling 13 of the delivery manifold 36.
However, as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the applicator 23 may also
be a spray fitting 31 or a drench fitting 33.
[0099] Referring additionally to FIG. 4a, the delivery assembly 12
includes a substance reservoir arrangement 30 and a drive
arrangement 37 arranged to moved the substance reservoir
arrangement 30 between an emptied or contracted condition and a
filled or expended condition. The substance reservoir arrangement
30 includes a medication cylinder 40 which provides a medication
reservoir 41 for the temporary storage of medication.
[0100] The drive arrangement 37 is operatively associated with the
medication cylinder 40, in particular, the medication reservoir 41
to draw medication into the reservoir 41 and urge medication out of
the reservoir 41. The drive arrangement 37 includes a drive
cylinder 42 which provides a drive reservoir 43. The drive cylinder
42 and medication cylinder 40 coupled to or linked to one another
by a plunger 37 (shown in FIGS. 5a to 5c) for likewise control and
actuation.
[0101] The delivery assembly 12 further includes delivery manifold
36 and a hydraulic or medication substance control valve 32. The
delivery manifold 36 is located between the medication cylinder 40,
the control valve 32 and the applicator 23. The manifold 36
includes conduits or ports (shown in more detail FIGS. 7a and 7b)
through which fluid or medication is able to flow thereby
operatively coupling the medication cylinder 40, the control valve
32 and the applicator 23.
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 4b, the apparatus 10 includes a
pneumatic power system or energy unit 62 coupled to the drive
arrangement 37. The power unit 62 includes a pneumatic system 64
including a pressurised canister or vessel 65 for containing a
pressurised gas, such as carbon dioxide, CO.sub.2 and a pneumatic
manifold 71. The control system 100 include a pneumatic control
valve 67 is located within or in communication with the pneumatic
manifold 71. The pneumatic control valve 67 is used to control the
flow of pressurised gas between the pneumatic power system 62 and
the drive arrangement 37.
[0103] More specifically, the drive cylinder 42 is coupled to the
pneumatic system 64 via the pneumatic control valve 67 so as to
provide a controlled delivery and release of pressure to the drive
cylinder 40, expanding and contracting the drive reservoir 43. The
pneumatic power unit 62 powers or provides an energised force to
move the drive arrangement 37 thereby enabling movement fluid
substances such as medication into and out of the medication
reservoir 41. Together the drive arrangement 37, pneumatic power
unit 62 and control system 100 provide a controllable pneumatic
drive system 49 for the controlled release and introduction of
fluid substances, in this example medication, into and out of the
medication storage and delivery arrangement 30.
[0104] The power unit 64 also includes a pneumatic fill nozzle or
coupling 63 which may be fluidly coupled to an external source of
pressurised gas such as a LPG gas bottle or Oxygen bottle.
Accordingly, the device can either use the pressurised vessel 65 or
an external source of pressurised gas supply via the coupling
63.
[0105] A fluid substance such as medication may be introduced into
the apparatus via a medication fill tube 35 connected to the fluid
control valve 32. The tube 35 is connected to a ribbed nozzle 25
via a support housing 24 connected to and located above the
pneumatic manifold 71.
[0106] Referring to FIG. 4c, the handle 21 of the apparatus 10
provides a first housing 75 for an electrical power source such as
a battery pack 74 with terminals 77 and a second housing 97 for a
control board 80 which is described in further detail below. The
control board 80 supports the components of the control system 100
which is used to control, monitor and record the functions of the
apparatus 10. The control system 100 is further described in FIG.
9.
[0107] The apparatus 10 may also include a connection system 83 to
provide a physical connection between the apparatus 10 and the
computer or mobile computing device. The connection system 83 may
be any connection suitable for data communication with a computer,
or similar external device such as external memory, processing
and/or screen. The connection 83 may be a USB connection or the
like. The connection system 83 may be used to communicate data to
and from the apparatus 10.
[0108] The apparatus 10 may also include a wireless communication
module or device such as blue tooth or WiFi including an antenna 47
for communication with internal or external devices and systems.
The wireless communication module may be used in isolation or in
conjunction with the connection 83. The connection 83 and WiFi
antenna and associated module, may be broadly considered as input
device from which the control system receives information such as
animal information from external sources.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 5a, the plunger 39 of the drive
arrangement 37 includes a piston rod 44 spanning between a first or
medication piston 46 and a second or drive piston 48. The first or
medication piston 46 is located within the medication cylinder 40
and a second or drive piston 48 is located within the drive
cylinder 42. Accordingly, the medication cylinder 40 and the drive
cylinder 42 are coupled by the plunger 39.
[0110] Each of the medication piston 46 and the drive piston 48 are
configured to seal with and slidably engage with inner walls of the
medication cylinder 40 and the drive cylinder 42, respectively.
Preferably, each of the pistons 46, 48 include rubber double
flanged cylindrical seals 50, 52 connected to respective ends of
the piston rod 44 for sealing with and slidably engage with inner
walls of the medication and drive cylinders 40, 42. The seals 50,
52 may be provided in the form of O-rings. It is also noted that
the medication cylinder 40 is a larger diameter relative to the
drive cylinder 42 and hence the medication piston 46 is a larger
diameter relative the drive piston 48.
[0111] The piston rod 44 is moveable between a first position,
where the piston rod 44 is retracted toward the rear end 19 and a
second position wherein the piston rod 44 is extended toward the
front end 17. In the first position, the medication reservoir 41 in
an expended state and a second position the reservoir 41 is in a
contracted state.
[0112] The piston rod 44 is biased toward the first position by a
biasing means, in this example a spring 61, which is concentrically
mounted on the piston rod 44 within the drive cylinder 42. A power
unit 64 is coupled to the drive reservoir 43 and functions to
provide a pressurised gas, via the control valve 67, to urge or
force the piston rod 44 toward the second position. When the
pressure is released, the spring 61 urges or forces the piston rod
back to or toward the first position.
[0113] In more detail, in the first position, the drive reservoir
43 is substantially evacuated and the drive piston 48 is adjacent
to or abuts a rear end 54 of the drive cylinder 42. In this
position, the medication reservoir 41 is substantially opened and
the medication piston 46 is located adjacent to or abuts a rear end
56 of the medication cylinder 40. This allows for the ingress and
storage of medication within the medication reservoir 41.
[0114] When the piston rod 44 is moved from the first position
toward or to the second position, the drive reservoir 43 becomes
expanded with the drive piston 48 moving toward a front end 58 of
the drive cylinder 42 and the mediation reservoir 41 is reduced or
contacts with the medication piston 46 moving toward a front end 59
of the medication cylinder 60. This compresses any medication
within the reservoir 41 and allows for the egress of the medication
from the reservoir 41.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 5b, the measuring unit or sensor 34 is
located and abutted between the medication cylinder 40 and the
drive cylinder 42. The measuring unit 34 is operatively coupled to
or electrically connected to the control board 80. The measuring
unit 34 includes a linear sensor, in this example an absolute
encoder 72, concentrically mounted on the piston rod 44 with the
piston rod 44 passing through a central bore 76 of the encoder
72.
[0116] The piston rod 44 includes an encoded or sensor portion 45
which is substantially made from steel, to exploit its soft
magnetic characteristics includes absolute code under the surface
which is composed of small circumferential grooves. The grooves are
filled with non-magnetic material such as hard chrome or copper,
depending on the application. The surface is plated with hard
chrome and polished to a fine finish. The piston rod 44 may be
entirely formed of the encoded or sensor portion 45 or only a
select portion of the piston rod 44 may be formed of the encoded
portion.
[0117] Accordingly, when encoded portion 45 moves through the bore
76 of the encoder 72, the encoder 72 is able to detect the code of
the encoded portion and provides a signal to the control system 100
which is proportional to or representative of the absolute position
of the piston rod 44 and hence the position of the medication
piston 46 and the drive piston 48. Once the position of the
medication piston 46 and the drive piston 48 are known, then the
volumes of the medication reservoir 41 and the drive reservoir 43
may also be determined. As such, the volumes of medication
delivered or received in volume units such as millilitres may be
determined and recorded by the control system 100 as is further
detailed below.
[0118] Accordingly, the measuring sensor unit 34 may be used to
determine the amount of medication stored within or delivered or
expelled from the medication reservoir 41. In this example, the
encoder 72 was selected with an accuracy of .+-.5 .mu.m. However,
other applications may require differing accuracies or
arrangements. For example, other distance or measurement sensors
may be used such as a laser distance measurement sensor (not
shown). If a laser is used then the laser may be positioned behind
or axially behind the plunger and a reflection surface may be
attached to or located on a rear end of the plunger. The laser
which may be fixed to the apparatus would then be able to measure
the linear distance between the laser and reflection surface
thereby providing a measurement of linear distance moved by the
plunger.
[0119] The medication control valve 32 is preferably a 3-way
sub-miniature solenoid valve and is coupled between the medication
storage and drive arrangement 30, the delivery manifold 36 and the
medication fill tube 35. The valve 32 is operatively coupled to or
electrically connected to the control system 100 which is
configured to selectively open or energise and close or
de-energised the 3-way valve.
[0120] Accordingly, in one mode of operation the valve 32 may
direct medication between the medication fill tube 35 into the
medication cylinder arrangement 30 via the delivery manifold 36.
This mode may be used when drawing or filling the medication
reservoir 41. In another mode of operation, the path to the
medication fill tube 35 is closed and the valve 32 may direct flow
between the medication reservoir 41 to the applicator 23 via the
delivery manifold 36. This mode may be used when the medication is
being delivered or administered to the animal.
[0121] Turning to the pneumatic power unit 62 and the pneumatic
system 64 in more detail, the pressurised vessel 65 may be a
pre-pressurised canister that screws directly into a threaded
socket 69 on the body 16 of the apparatus 10. The socket 69 is
connected to the control valve 67 through the manifold 71. The
socket 69 includes a gas cylinder pin 73 which is shaped and
positioned to piece a cap or seal (not shown) of the pressurised
vessel 65 when the pressurised vessel is coupled with, more
specifically, screwed into the threaded socket 69.
[0122] The pneumatic manifold 71 includes a flow control ball (not
shown) that is pushed one way when gas is supplied by the pneumatic
nozzle 63 or pushes the other way if air is being supplied by the
pressurised vessel 65. Accordingly, the power unit 62, more
specifically, the pneumatic system 64 has the ability to
automatically switch between local or on board pressurised gas
supplied by the vessel 65 or an external source of pressurised gas
supplied by the nozzle 63.
[0123] Whilst in this example the power unit 62 has been shown to
include an on board pressurised gas supplied by the vessel 65 and
an external source of pressurised gas supply via the coupling
nozzle 63, the power unit 64 may only include one of the vessel 65
or nozzle 63 depending on the application. It is also envisaged
that other energy units or power supply configurations to drive
arrangement 37 and hence the piston rod 44 could be used such as
mechanical or electromechanical systems.
[0124] An advantage of the pressurised vessel 65 is that these may
be small CO.sub.2 cartridges which able to be easily transported,
stored and readily purchased. This allows users in remote
locations, who may not have access to an external gas supply, to
use the apparatus 10. Moreover, the cartridges are able to be
quickly and easily changed in the field.
[0125] The pneumatic control valve 67 is fluidly coupled between
the pressurised vessel 64 or external pressure source and the drive
cylinder 42 such that the pneumatic control valve 67 is able to
selectively control the flow of the pressurised gas into the drive
cylinder 42 and hence the drive reservoir 43. More specifically,
the manifold 71 has internal holes or conduits which provide fluid
connections between the components of the pneumatic system 64 such
as between the pneumatic control valve 67 and the drive cylinder
42.
[0126] The pneumatic control valve 67 is coupled to or electrically
connected to directly or indirectly via the control system 100 to
the actuator 14 in the example the trigger 21. Accordingly, for
example, when the trigger 21 is depressed, compressed air from the
pressurised vessel 64 is directed through the pneumatic control
valve 67 into the drive cylinder 42. This pressurises and expands
the drive reservoir 43 which in turn urges the piston rod 44 toward
the second position in which medication reservoir 41 is compressed
and any medication therein may be urged or directed through the
hydraulic control valve 32 into the delivery manifold 36 and
ultimately administered to the animal via the applicator 23.
[0127] When the required dose rate is reached, the pneumatic
control valve 67 shuts off the pressurised air to the drive
cylinder 42 and opens a gas release port 88. This allows the spring
61 to return the plunger 39 to the first position. The gas release
port 88 is fitted with a silencer 89 to inhibit noise and seal the
pneumatic control valve 67 from the external environment.
[0128] The power supply 82 is preferably an on board battery pack
which is fitted in housing 75. However, the apparatus 10 may also
be configured to use an external power supply.
[0129] The trigger 21 includes a trigger body 22 slidably connected
to the body 16 by a pin 91. A trigger spring 93 is provided between
the body 16 and the trigger body 22 to bias the trigger 21 into an
outward position in which a trigger button 95, which in this
example is a micro-switch is depressed. When the trigger 21 is
depressed and moves inwardly to an inward position, the pin 91
engages and depresses the trigger button 95. This activates the
apparatus 10 by, for example, sending a signal to the control
system 100.
[0130] Referring to FIGS. 5b and 5c, the apparatus also include a
detection or identification reader device 84 which is provided in
this example as Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID). The
detection device 84 is located on the front or application end 17
of the body 16. More specially, the detection device 84 includes an
integrally fitted antenna or receiver 85 which is integrally fitted
with and recessed in the delivery manifold 36. The reader device 84
is connected to the control system 100 to provide an animal
identification signal thereto.
[0131] Referring to FIGS. 6a to 6c, the apparatus 10 is shown with
the housing and handle of the body 16 removed as well as the
manifold blocks 36 and 71 removed. Accordingly, from this view the
layout of some of key operation components such as the hydraulic
control valve 32, the measurement sensor 34 and the pneumatic
control valve 67 may be more clearly seen.
[0132] In particular, from these views, the antenna 85 of the
identification device 84 is shown removed from the manifold 36. In
this example, the identification device 84 is an RFID reader and
the antenna is a circular or an oval shaped cooper wire. The wire
is then recessed into the manifold 36 as is described in more
detail below with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b.
[0133] The arrangement of the plunger 39 extending through the
senor 34 is also shown in more detail. In particular, the spring 61
is shown extending and captured between the sensor 34 and the drive
piston 48. The seals 50, 52 of the medication piston 46 and the
drive piston 48 are also shown in more detail and each include
spaced apart o-rings dimensioned to engage with and seal with the
inner walls of the medication cylinder 40 and the drive cylinder 42
respectively.
[0134] Referring now to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the delivery manifold 36
is shown in more detail. The delivery manifold 36 includes an
applicator aperture port or aperture 51 entering into an applicator
conduit 86 which provides a fluid coupling between the pneumatic
valve 32 (removed in these Figures) and the applicator 23.
[0135] The delivery manifold 36 also includes a delivery conduit 77
extending between a first delivery aperture or port 53 and a second
delivery aperture or port 79. Accordingly, delivery conduit 77
extends between the pneumatic valve 32 and the medication cylinder
40. The delivery manifold 36 also includes cleaning or flushing
ports 55 which are sealed by removable seals in this example grub
screws 57.
[0136] In this example, the delivery manifold 36 includes a main
unity body or block 90 and a protruding section 92 from which the
applicator 23 extends. The conduit 86 is located in the protruding
section 92 and the conduit 77 is located in the main body 90 and
extends perpendicularly relative the conduit 86.
[0137] The medication cylinder 40 extends from the main body 90 and
may be formed as integrally with the body 90 with the port 79
aligned with an axis of the cylinder 40. The main unity body or
block 90 includes an oval shaped cut out or recess 94 in which an
RFID antenna 85 of the identification device 84 is received. The
delivery manifold 36 also serves to provide a structural connector
between the hydraulic control valve 32, the cylinder 40 and the
applicator 23.
[0138] Turning now to the flow and delivery of the fluid substance
in more detail, by way of example only, the process for medication
flow into and out of the apparatus 10 may function as follows:
[0139] Medication enters the apparatus via the medication fill tube
35; [0140] The fill tube 35 is connected to a receiving port on the
hydraulic control valve 32 and when the valve 32 is configured to
open the receiving port, the medication flows through the receiving
port to a delivery port 53 of the valve 32; [0141] From the
delivery port of the valve 32 the medication then flows into port
53 of the medication delivery manifold 36 and through conduit 77 of
the medication delivery manifold 36 into the medication cylinder
40; [0142] During this operation medication piston 46 is actuated
to expand the medication reservoir 41 to accommodate the volume of
the medication; [0143] When trigger 21 is pulled the hydraulic
control valve 32 is then energised closing off the receiving port
of the medication control valve 32 and opening up the applicator or
needle port of the medication control valve 32. The delivery ports
53, 79 are common ports meaning that when energised or de-energised
medication can flow in both directions. [0144] The pneumatic
control valve 67 of the pneumatic system 64 then energises allowing
a pressurised gas, for example from the from the pressure vessel
64, into the drive cylinder 42 to pressurise and urge the drive
piston 48 forward which in turn moves the medication piston 46
forward which reduces the volume of the medication reservoir 41
thereby urging or forces out of the medication cylinder back into
the delivery manifold 36. [0145] From the delivery manifold 36, the
medication then moves back through the delivery ports 53, 79 in the
medication valve 32 to the needle or applicator port 51 of the
medication valve 32 which then moves through the medication
manifold via a medication delivery path conduit 86 to the
applicator tip 23 to deliver the medication to the animal
[0146] Referring now to FIGS. 8a to 8d, there is shown another
example of an apparatus 500 which functions in a similar way to the
apparatus 10 as described above. Accordingly, like numerals are
used to denote like parts and the focus on the description below
are on the features which are different between apparatus 10 and
apparatus 500.
[0147] Referring to FIGS. 8a and 8b, the apparatus 500 includes a
fluid communication or transmission assembly provided in this
example as a delivery assembly 12. The apparatus 500 is preferably
hand held and includes a gun shaped body 16 which houses and
supports the delivery assembly 12 and an actuator 14, respectively.
The body 16 includes a delivery or front end 17 and a rear end 19.
The apparatus 500 also includes a display 29 for displaying status
and a control system 100 which is configured in a similar way to
that of apparatus 10.
[0148] This example of the apparatus 500 also includes a detection
or identification reader device 84 which is provided in this
example as Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID). The
detection device 84 is located on the front or application end 17
of the body 16.
[0149] Referring to FIGS. 8b and 8c, the delivery assembly 12
includes a medication storage arrangement 30 and a drive
arrangement 37. The drive arrangement 37 is controlled by the
control system 100 to operate the medication storage arrangement 30
so as to receive, store and deliver a pre-determined or select
quantity or dose of medication to an animal.
[0150] Similarly to the first example of the apparatus 10, the
medication storage arrangement 30 includes a medication cylinder 40
which provides a substance reservoir 41 for the temporary storage
of medication. The drive arrangement 37 is operatively associated
with the medication cylinder 40, in particular, the medication
reservoir 41 to draw medication into the reservoir 41 and urge
medication out of the reservoir 41. The drive arrangement 37
includes a drive cylinder 42 which provides a drive reservoir 43.
The drive cylinder 42 and medication cylinder 40 coupled to or
linked to one another by a plunger 37 for likewise control and
actuation.
[0151] In this example of the apparatus 500, the plunger 37 has a
substantially hollow piston rod 504 extending between a first or
medication piston 46 and a second or drive piston 48. The hollow
piston rod 504 is dimensioned to receive an internal substance
conduit 506 which extends between a substance delivery manifold 514
and the medication reservoir 41. The internal substance conduit 506
is fixed to the body 16 of the apparatus 500 and has a cylindrical
shape which is slidably received by the hollow piston rod 504 of
the plunger 37. In this arrangement, internal substance conduit 506
and the hollow piston rod 504 function together as a telescopic
conduit 507 which is moveable between an extended and retracted
condition when the drive arrangement 37 is activated to move the
substance reservoir between the expanded and contracted conditions,
respectively.
[0152] Accordingly, as may be appreciated, in this example, the
fluid substance conduit 35 of the first example of the apparatus 10
has been replaced by the telescopic conduit 507. Accordingly, the
delivery of the fluid substance to the medication reservoir 43 and
the delivery end 17 has been simplified.
[0153] The internal substance conduit 506 includes a forward end
508 in communication with medication reservoir 41 and an opposing
rear end 510 in communication with the substance delivery manifold
514. The forward end 510 includes a seal 512 in the form of o-rings
which provide a sliding seal with the inner surfaces of the
moveable hollow piston rod 504 and the rear end 510 includes a
further seal 516 between the rear end 510 and the substance
delivery manifold 514.
[0154] In this example, the apparatus 500 also includes a
measurement sensor 34 which is located adjacent to the hollow
piston rod 504 intermediate the drive cylinder 42 and the
medication cylinder 40. As may be best appreciated by FIG. 8b, the
drive cylinder 42 and the medication cylinder 40 are separate
sealed units and the measurement sensor 34 is fitted between the
sealed units so as to be exposed to and accessible from the
external environment.
[0155] As may be best appreciated from FIG. 8d, the hollow piston
rod 504 includes or may be fitted with encoded or sensor portion
45. In this example, the sensor portion 45 is provided in the form
of an elongate strip 505 running along a top of the hollow piston
rod 504. The measurement sensor 34, which may be in the form a
linear encoder, functions with the sensor portion 45 to determine
the position of the hollow piston rod 54 which is in turn used to
calculate the volume of administered medication as has been
described above relation to the first example of the apparatus 10
and is further described below with reference to the operation of
the control system 100.
[0156] Similar to the first example of the apparatus 10, in this
example of the apparatus 500, the drive cylinder 42 is in fluid
communication with a pneumatic system 64 via a pneumatic control
valve 67 which are configured to provide a controlled delivery and
release of pressure to the drive cylinder 40, expanding and
contracting the drive reservoir 43 which in turn expands and
contracts the substance reservoir 41 allowing for the dispensing of
the substance from the delivery end 17.
[0157] In this example, the pneumatic system 64 may be connected to
a pneumatic power system or energy unit 62 similar to that
described for the first example of the apparatus 10, or may simply
include a pneumatic fill nozzle or coupling 63 as is shown in FIG.
8c which may be fluidly coupled to an external source of
pressurised gas such as a LPG gas bottle or Oxygen bottle. The
pneumatic manifold 71 may include a plurality of conduits which are
arranged with the control valve 67 to allow the delivery of
pressurised air to the drive cylinder 42 in a first delivery state
42 and allow the release of pressurised air from the drive cylinder
42 in a second refill state. The pneumatic manifold 71 includes
ports and an exhaust configured in a similar way to that described
in relation to the first example of the apparatus 10 and these
features are not again detailed here.
[0158] The substance delivery manifold 514 includes a delivery
valve 522 which is configured to selectively allow the substance to
pass from the nozzle 25 into the internal delivery conduit 506. The
valve 522 includes spring 524 which biases the valve 522 into an
ordinarily closed position. The valve 522 is configured to open
under an internal vacuum created when the delivery piston 46 moves
the medication reservoir 41 from the evacuated or contracted state
to the expanded state. This allows the substance to flow into the
medication reservoir 41 via the internal telescopic conduit 507 as
the reservoir 41 expands thereby filling the reservoir 41. Once the
medication reservoir 41 is filled, the vacuum is reduced or
removed, and the valve 522 returns to the ordinarily closed
position.
[0159] The apparatus 500 also includes a nozzle manifold 520 which
include nozzle valve 526 which also includes a spring 528 to bias
the valve 526 into an ordinarily closed position. The nozzle valve
526 is arranged in an opposing direction to the delivery valve 522
such that when the nozzle valve 526 is open, the delivery valve 522
is closed. For example, when the medication reservoir 41 is being
moved from the evacuated state to the expanded state, the nozzle
valve 526 is closed to prevent air entering the medication
reservoir 41. However, when mediation is to be delivered by the
nozzle, the nozzle valve 526 becomes opened and the delivery valve
522 which allows the substance within the medication reservoir 41
to be delivered to the animal becomes closed.
[0160] Similarly to the first example, the hollow piston rod 504 is
biased toward the first position, in which the medication reservoir
is in the expanded state, by a biasing means, in this example a
return spring 61, which is concentrically mounted on the rod 504
within the drive cylinder 42. When the pressurised gas is
introduced into the drive cylinder 42, the plunger 37 is moved
toward the second position in which the medication reservoir is at
least partially contracted. This movement energised the return
spring 61. When the pressure is released, the spring 61 urges or
forces the plunger 37 back to or toward the first position.
[0161] Turning now to the flow and delivery of the fluid substance
in more detail, by way of example only, the process for medication
flow into and out of the apparatus 500 may function as follows:
[0162] Beginning with the medication reservoir 41 in the expanded
state with the medication piston 46 located toward the rear end of
the medication cylinder 40. It is assumed here that the apparatus
500 has been undergone an initial priming step whereby air is
evacuated from the medication reservoir 41 and the medication
reservoir 41 is filled with the substance; [0163] When trigger 21
is activated or pulled the pneumatic control valve 67 is moved to a
fill position allowing a pressurised gas, for example, gas from the
pressure vessel 64, into the drive cylinder 42 to pressurise and
urge plunger 37 forward from the first position to toward the
second position which in turn moves the medication reservoir 41
toward the contracted state. The pressure inside the medication
reservoir 41 thereby opening the nozzle valve 526 and maintaining
the delivery nozzle 522 in the ordinarily closed position. [0164]
During this movement, the measurement sensor 34 is measuring the
distance moved by the hollow plunger rod 504, and the distance
measurement is being converted by the control system 100, using a
dose calculation algorithm as is further described below, to a
volume of substance administered or a dose. [0165] Once the control
system determines the pre-determined dose has been reached, the
pneumatic control valve 67 is moved to a re-fill position in which
an evacuation or exhaust port is opened between the drive cylinder
42 and the external environment. This allows the return spring 61
to move the plunger 37 back to the first position in which the
medication reservoir 41 is in the expanded state. During this
movement, the delivery nozzle 522 moves to an open position which
allows the flow of the substance into the mediation reservoir via
the telescopic conduit 507. The nozzle valve 526 moves to a closed
position to prevent air entering the medication reservoir 41 and
maintains the vacuum. The plunger 37 then reaches its mechanical
limits and is retained in the first position until the trigger 21
is next actuated.
[0166] As may be appreciated from the above, the second example of
the apparatus 500, provides a mechanical configuration which is
more compact and has a simpler configuration in comparison to that
shown in the first example of the apparatus in 10. Furthermore, the
generally linear operation allows for relatively simple control
having a feedback control system 100 including the measuring sensor
34 and the pneumatic control 67 which are activated by a user to
deliver a pre-determined or select quantity or dose of a substance
such as medication as is further described below.
[0167] Turning now to the control system 100 more detail. Referring
to FIG. 9, the control system including a controller 99 including a
processing module 105, a battery controller 116, a wireless
communication module 118 and an identification controller or
processor 120. The processing module 105 includes a main processor
110, a memory device or system 112 and a watch dog processor 114.
The control system 100 in combination with the apparatus 10 may be
considered as an overall medication delivery system 101 for the
automated delivery and recording of medication administered to an
animal.
[0168] The control system 100 may be physically supported by and
may be connected by the control board assembly 80 includes a
printed circuit board assembly (PCB) 81. The PCB 81 includes
circuitry to provide the necessary electrical connections, for
example, between the processing module 105, battery power supply
82, the wireless communication module 118 and the identification
controller or processor 120. The identification controller or
processor 120 is in communication with, such as by electrical
connection, with the identification device 84.
[0169] The control system 100, more specifically the processor 110
of the processing module 105, is operatively connected to or
electrically connected to parts of the apparatus 10 including the
hydraulic control valve 32, the pneumatic control valve 67, the
trigger 21, the sensor 34, the detection device 84, the display 27
and LED 29, and the connection system 83.
[0170] Accordingly, the control system 100 is configured to
coordinate or control the functionally of the apparatus 10 in
response to input from other parts of the control system 100. The
control system 100 also monitors the system status such as
component health to ensure that there are no faults or errors and
the correct function is being carried out.
[0171] The memory storage device 112 may be any form suitable
memory such as flash, RAM etc. which enables the device to store
any required computer readable and executable medium such as
software for execution by the processing module 110. For example,
the memory storage device 112 may be configured with sufficient
storage capacity to storage a copy of an animal identification and
medication dose rate database. This allows the apparatus 10 to be
used independently of any associated computer or data networks
which may be advantageous in farming and remote location
applications.
[0172] The processing module 105 may include or be formed of a
micro-controller or similar controller. The processor 110 may be
any suitable computer or mobile device processor capable is
operating a computer readable medium such as computer code or
software. In this example the processing module 105 is supported or
located on the control board 80 which housed within the body 16 of
the apparatus 10. However, the processing module 105 may be housed
externally to the body 16 of the apparatus 10 and communicated via
physical or wireless connection to the body 16 of the
apparatus.
[0173] The wireless communication module 118 includes a blue tooth
or WiFi antenna supported or connected to the board 80 for wireless
communication, in particularly data transfer, to and from external
remote devices 121 such as remote computer or mobile computing
devices. In some example methods of the operation of the apparatus,
processing operations and data storage may be conducted via an
external computing device 121 which may include or house the
controller 99 having the processing module 105 or include a further
processing module for processing animal information and calculating
dose rates.
[0174] Referring now to FIG. 10, in a general form of a method or
process 130 of operation of the apparatus 10 including the control
system 100 is as follows. The steps below are performed in response
an external input from an operator and programmed actions of the
control system 100. In particular, a machine readable and
executable code such as computer software program which forms part
of the control system 100 may be used to define the control logic,
the sequence of steps and calculations are described below.
[0175] The method 130 for delivering a dose of a substance to an
animal using a substance delivery system including a delivery
assembly 12 operatively associated with the control system 100, may
include the steps of: receiving, at step 132 animal information,
the animal information may includes at least one of an animal
weight data and animal identification data. The information may be
received by the identification device 83, the input device 83 or
other date input means such as a WiFi or Bluetooth communication
unit.
[0176] The method then includes a dose determination step 134 where
the control system 100, more specifically a controller 99,
processes the animal information to provide a determined dose of
the substance to be administered to the animal. This may involve a
dose rate determination algorithm to be executed which is further
described with reference to FIG. 11 below. The delivery assembly 12
is then activated, via the control system 100, at activation and
delivery step 136 delivery system discharges the determined dose of
the substance to the animal. A measurement step 138 is then
undertaken by the control system 100 using the measurement sensor
34 to determine if the delivered dose is equal to the determined
dose. The control system 100 then performs a comparison step 140 to
determine if the delivered dose equals the determined dose. If the
delivered dose equals determined dose the control system 100 then
conducts deactivation step 140 whereby the delivery assembly 12 is
deactivated to stop the delivery of the substance.
[0177] Referring now to FIG. 11, following on in more detail, a
method or process 149 of operation of the apparatus 10 including
the control system 100 is as follows. The steps below are performed
in response an external input from an operator and programmed
actions of the control system 100. In particular, a machine
readable and executable code such as computer software program
which forms part of the control system 100 may be used to define
the control logic, the sequence of steps and calculations are
described below.
[0178] Beginning with step 150, the operator actuates or provides
an external input to the actuator 14, more specifically the trigger
21, of the apparatus 10 which sends a signal to the detection
device 84 via the control system 100. This initiates an
identification step 152 in which, for example, an RFID reader of
the apparatus 10 reads an RFID tag of an animal to identify the
particular animal.
[0179] The control system 100 then initiates an animal
identification lookup step 154 wherein the identification of the
animal is matched to a pre-defined database or stored information
located in the memory 112 of the control system 100. This stored
information may be pre-loaded or stored in the memory 122 and may
include animal parameters such as weight, height, age, sex and/or
other similar information.
[0180] On matching the animal identification with the stored
information the control system 100 retrieves the animal parameters
at an animal parameters lookup step. The animal parameters may
include the animal weight, type and age as well as related
information which is used to calculate the dose rate.
[0181] The dose rate is calculated at a dose rate calculation or
processing step 158 using animal parameters 156 and medication
parameters 174. The medication parameters 174 may include
information such as type of medication and dose rate lookup tables,
for example dose in ml/kg for selected medications, which are
utilised in the dose rate calculation. The medication parameters
174 may be pre-loaded or stored in the memory 112 and accessed by
the processor 110.
[0182] The dose rate algorithm as is further detailed below in
Tables 1 and 2. The calculation may be undertaken in the processing
module 105 by the execution of a computer readable medium such as
computer code which includes the algorithm. The computer code may
be stored on the memory device 112 and accessed by the processor
110 when required to execute the code.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Parameters for the Dose Rate Algorithm Unit
of Parameter Measure Abbreviation Example Weight kg W 20 kg
Medication Rate ml/kg MEDR 0.5 ml Calculated Rate ml CALR
Medication Cylinder Volume mm2 V Medication Cylinder Length mm L 1
mm Medication Cylinder Radius mm r 7 mm Dose Rate mm DOSR Device
Rate ml/mm2 DEVR
*It is noted that the Medication Cylinder Length in the
calculations is determined on a per mm basis. The actual length of
the medication cylinder may be, for example, between 50 mm and 200
mm
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Algorithms used to calculate the dose
required Algorithm Example V = .pi.r.sup.2 .times. L V = .pi.
.times. 7.sup.2 .times. 1 V = 153.9379 DEVR = V / 1000 DEVR =
153.9379 / 1000 CALR = W .times. MEDR CALR = 20 .times. 0.5 CALR =
10 DOSR = CALR / DEVR DOSR = 10 / 0.1539 DOSR = 64.9773
[0183] Accordingly, from the above it may be appreciated that based
on an identified animal weight, provided at the animal parameters
look up step 156 and the medication parameters provided at the
medication parameters look up step 174, the control system 100
calculates the required dose rate.
[0184] In this example, the dose rate, DOSR, which is a linear
movement required by drive system 49, more specifically the plunger
39, to deliver the required amount of medication. In this example,
the required amount is 0.5 ml/kg for a 20 kg animal which is 10 ml
which result in a DOSR of 64.9773 mm.
[0185] Accordingly, following the dose rate calculation step 158
the drive system 49 is activated at the drive activation step 160
by the control system 100. This activation requires the activation
on the pneumatic system 64 and in particular the activation of the
pneumatic valve 67 to allow flow of pressurised gas into the drive
cylinder 42 thereby urging and moving the plunger 39.
[0186] Immediately after or during the drive activation step 160, a
medication system activation step 162 is performed. The medication
system activation step 162 includes activating the medication and
delivery arrangement 30 to administer the medication to the animal.
More specifically, this includes activating the hydraulic flow
control valve 32 (for the first example of the apparatus 10) so as
to allow the flow of fluid, in this example medication, from the
medication cylinder 40 to the applicator 23.
[0187] The sensor 34 then performers a measuring step 164 in which
sensor 34 measures the linear movement of the plunger 39. The
sensor 34 is in communication with the processing module 105 and
when the required dose rate is reach, in this example 64.9773 mm,
the drive system 49 is deactivated by the control system 100 at a
drive system deactivation step 168. This step required that the
pneumatic valve 67 closes the port to the drive cylinder 42 and
opens the air exhaust port 88. The spring 61 then urges the plunger
39 back to the first position.
[0188] The medication and delivery arrangement 30 will also be
deactivated by the control system 100 at medication system
deactivation step 170 and the medication delivery will be stopped
by deactivating the hydraulic control valve 32 which in turn closes
or shuts the applicator port 51 of the delivery manifold 36. This
step may also involve opening the delivery port 53 such that
further medication may be drawn from the medication fill tube 35
into the medication reservoir 41 as the spring 61 urges the plunger
39 back to the first position in the drive system deactivation step
168.
[0189] A recording step 172 is then preformed whereby the animal
dose calculated in step 158, the medication parameters which were
located in step 174 and the animal parameters located in step 156
are written to an information file by the processing module 104.
The information file may be, for example, a database file or
similar. The information file is then communicated or recorded to
the memory device 112 at storage step 176.
[0190] Once the recording step 172 and the storage step 176 are
complete, the control system 100 issues a process complete command
at step 176. This may involve the control system providing a
notification signal which may generate a symbol on the display 29
or the LED light 27 to become activated. This informs the user that
the apparatus is ready to identify and scan the next animal at step
180. After step 180 steps 150 to 180 may be performed again on
numerous animals.
[0191] Referring now to FIG. 12, another example of the method or
process 199 is described. Beginning with step 200, the operator
actuates or provides an external input to the actuator 14, more
specifically the trigger 21, of the apparatus 10 which sends a
signal to the detection device 84 via the control system 100. This
initiates an identification step 202 in which, for example, the
RFID reader of the apparatus 10 reads an RFID tag of an animal to
identify the particular animal. An animal identification code is
then generated.
[0192] A processing selection step 204 may then be undertaken
whereby the control system 100 determines if the dose rate
calculation will be undertaken internally of the apparatus 10 or
externally of the apparatus 10. This step depends on whether the
apparatus 10 has been configured to have an integral processing
module 105 or is required to access an external processor.
[0193] If the apparatus 10 has an integral processing module 105,
then internal processing and calculating steps 220 are undertaken.
However, if the apparatus 10 has an external processing module 105
then external processing and calculation steps 240 are
undertaken.
[0194] In the internal processing and calculating steps 220, the
control system 100 firstly undertakes a memory checking step 222 to
determine if the memory storage device 83 has a stored dose rate
list.
[0195] If the memory storage device 83 has a stored dose rate list,
then a dose rate search step 226 is initiated in which the control
system 100 searches the dose rate list. The control system 100 then
undertakes a dose rate selection step 228 to select a dose rate
based on matching or associating the animal identified at step 202
with a particular dose from the dose rate list.
[0196] The dose rate is then converted in the processing module 105
by a dose rate algorithm in a dose rate calculation step 236 which
calculates the required linear movement of the connecting rod 44
and hence the movement of the plunger 39 required to delivery the
required dose of medication to the animal. The dose rate
calculation algorithm and parameters are shown in Tables 1 and 2
above.
[0197] If there is no dose rate list stored the memory device, the
apparatus 10 may undertake a separate series of steps 232 to 236 in
which the dose rate may be manually configured or may undertake
calculations based on the animal weight, bread and age to determine
the dose rate. For example, the apparatus 10 may be configured 232,
animal parameters 234 may be entered, such as weight, bread and
age. A calculation step 236 is then undertaken and the dose rate is
communicated to the medication delivery system 30 at step 230.
[0198] If the control system 100 determines that an external
calculation is required then external steps 240 are undertaken.
These steps include a communication step 242 to communicate or
transmit with a receiving module (not shown) that may include
external part of the control system 100, in particular, a software
programme.
[0199] The incoming communication 242 is received by the software
system 246 which then determines if there is a stored dose rate
list in step 246. If there is no dose rate list, the programme
initiates a database search of the animal search database 248 and
the medication database 254.
[0200] Animal parameters 234 may be entered, such as weight, bread
and age or identified from the animal identified in step 202. A
dose rate calculation step 252 is then undertaken and the
calculated dose rate 256 is communication by a sending 262 and a
transmission step 262 to the medication delivery system 230. Again,
this calculates the required linear movement of the connecting rod
44 and hence the movement of the plunger 39 required to delivery
the required dose of medication to the animal. The dose rate
calculation algorithm and parameters are shown in Tables 1 and 2
above.
[0201] If at step 246 the dose rate list is present, then a dose
rate search step 258 is initiated in which the control system 100
and/or associated software searches the dose rate list. The control
system 100 then undertakes a dose rate selection step 260 to select
a dose rate based on matching or associating the animal
identification code 203 with the a particular dose from the dose
rate list. The calculated dose rate 260 is communicated to the
apparatus 10 by a sending and a transmission step 262 to the
medication delivery system 30.
[0202] The operator then performs a substance or medication
delivery step 268 whereby the animal is medicated. This step may
include inserting the application tip 23 into the animal to inject
the animal with the substance or medication or this step may
include spraying or pouring the medication into the mouth or other
orifice of the animal as required.
[0203] Once the or as the animal is being medicated the control
system 100 initiates an animal record medication step 276 in which
the animal identification code 203, the dose rate, and other
information such as time and date are recorded on the memory device
83.
[0204] If an external record is required, the communication
transmission step 274 is undertaken and the medication record is
received and stored at a recording and storage step 276 whereby the
record stored on an external memory device. If the internal memory
is used, an internal record step 272 is undertaken whereby the
record stored on internal memory device which may then be later
accessed or downloaded.
[0205] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is provided another example
of the method or process 400 is described. In this example, the
apparatus 10, 500 may be used without the scanning of an animal
identification and may take direct input of animal information such
as animal weight from a user input (such as via the display 29) or
via the connection system 83 such as by receiving information via a
USB cable or via WiFi system using communication module 120. The
steps below are performed in response an external input from an
operator and programmed actions of the control system 100. In
particular, a machine readable and executable code such as computer
software program which forms part of the control system 100 may be
used to define the control logic, the sequence of steps and the
calculations as are described below.
[0206] Beginning with step 402, the operator actuates or provides
an external input to the actuator 14, more specifically the trigger
21, of the apparatus 10, 500. At step 404, the control system 100
then determines if the apparatus 10, 500 is in "ID mode" or "Live
Input mode". The control system 100 may be preconfigured in these
modes utilising a user interface provided on the display 29. In "ID
mode" the control system 100 initiates an identification step 406
and in "Live Input mode" the control system 100 initiates a live
input step 410.
[0207] In more detail, if the control system 100 determines that
the apparatus 10, 500 is in "ID mode", the control system 100
initiates identification step 406 whereby the control system 100
sends a signal to the detection device 84. This initiates an, for
example, the RFID reader of the apparatus 10,500 reads an RFID tag
of an animal to identify the particular animal.
[0208] At step 408, the control system 100 undertakes an
identification checking step to determine if there is
identification available, for example, if the identification
provides a recognisable an animal identification code. If there is
no identification available the control system 100 provides an
error to the display 29. If there is identification available, the
control system 100 undertakes a determination step 412 in which the
control system 100 determines if there is a stored dose list. This
may be stored on an internal or external memory device. The
determination step 412 may also include providing a prompt to a
user via the display 29 where the user may select to use a stored
dose list or use a live input at step 410.
[0209] At step 410, the control system 100 determines if there is a
live input available. The live input may include animal
information, in particular, animal weight information which is
directly inputted into the apparatus 10, 500. If there is live
input available, the control system 100 then undertakes step 414 in
which the control system seeks to obtain the live measurement. The
live animal information may an animal weight generated from a set
of weigh scales or the like.
[0210] At step 415, the live measurement may be obtained or
retrieved by the control system 100 from a user input or from an
external animal weight measuring device or apparatus such as the
set weigh scales. Once the live information, such as weight
information, is retrieved the live information the control system
100 initiates the dose calculation routine at step 450. If there is
no live input available at step 410 the control system 100 adopts a
default dose at step 416 which is ultimately used to dose the
animal at step 470.
[0211] Returning now to determination step 412, if the control
system 100 uses the dose list then the control system 100 initiates
a database look up and retrieval step 418. During this step the
control system 100 compares the identification code or signal
received with a stored database. The database may be a local or a
remote database.
[0212] At step 420, the control system 100 determines if the ID
matches any of the database records. If there is no database
record, an error message may be provided to the user via the
display 29. If the database record is available then the control
system 100 conducts a parameters and retrieval operation step 422
to retrieve animal information which may include information such
as the animal ID, animal weight, the animal medication as well as
dose rate parameters. Once the animal information has been
retrieved, the control system then initiates the dose calculation
routine 450.
[0213] In the dose calculation routine 450, a processing selection
step 452 is undertaken whereby the control system 100 determines if
the dose rate calculation will be undertaken internally of the
apparatus 10, 500 or externally of the apparatus 10, 500. This step
depends on whether the apparatus 10, 500 has been configured to
have an integral processing module 105 or is required to access an
external processor for the dose rate calculations These steps and
calculations are similar to those described in relation to internal
processing and calculating steps 220 and the external processing
and calculation steps 240 as described above.
[0214] If the control system 100 determines that an internal
calculation is to be undertaken, the internal calculation step 454
is undertaken in which the dose rate is calculated based on the
animal information, such as weight. The details of the calculation
are not again provided here and the calculations conducted are
similar to that described in relation to processing step 158 using
animal parameters 156, medication parameters 174 and as set out in
Table 1 and 2.
[0215] Similarly, if at step 452 the control system 100 determines
that external processing is required, then the control system 100
undertakes a communication step 456 where the animal information is
transmitted to an external device such as an external computing
device. At step 460, the external computing device undertakes the
dose rate calculation. Again the details of the calculation are not
again provided here and the calculations conducted are similar to
that described in relation to processing step 158 using animal
parameters 156, medication parameters 174 and as set out in Table 1
and 2. The calculated dose rate is then transmitted from the
external computing device to control system 100 which initiates the
delivery system 12 at step 470 to delivery the determined dose to
the animal.
[0216] Accordingly, following the receipt of the dose rate at step
470 the delivery assembly 12 including the drive system 49 is
activated at the drive activation step 472 by the control system
100. This activation requires the activation on the pneumatic
system 64 and in particular the activation of the pneumatic valve
67 to allow flow of pressurised gas into the drive cylinder 42
thereby urging and moving the plunger 39.
[0217] Immediately after or during the drive activation step 472,
the measurement unit sensor 34 is also activated at measurement
unit sensor activation step 482. The measuring unit 34 then
undertakes a measuring step 484 in which sensor 34 continuously
measures the linear movement of the plunger 39. The sensor 34 is in
communication with the processing module 105.
[0218] At step 486, the control system 100, more specifically the
processing module 105 monitors the output from the sensor 34 and
the processing module 105 then undertakes a delivered dose
determination step 487 in which the processing module 105
determines the delivered dosed. The delivered dose is calculated by
the distance moved by the lengthwise of travel of the plunger 37
and equating this movement to the volume of substance delivered
using the dose rate algorithm as described above. If the required
dose has not been reached the control system 100 continues to
operate the delivery system. The processing module 105 continues to
compare the delivered dose rate to the required calculated dose
rate.
[0219] When the required dose rate is reach, the delivery assembly
12 including the drive system 49 is deactivated by the control
system 100 at a drive system deactivation step 488. This step
requires that the pneumatic valve 67 closes the port to the drive
cylinder 42 and opens the air exhaust port 88. The spring 61 then
urges the plunger 39 back to the first position. Movement of the
plunger 39 back to the first position may refill the medication
reservoir 41 as have been described in detail above.
[0220] At step 490, the control system 100 determines of the animal
information includes any identification determined at step 406 and
408. If the identification has been used, a recording step 492 is
then preformed. However, of there no identification has been used,
then the control system 100 complete the routine at dose deliver
completion step 494 and undertakes an apparatus reset step 498
whereby the apparatus is reset and/or prepared for next use.
[0221] A recording step 492 is then preformed whereby animal and
dose information, including the animal dose calculated in routine
450, the medication parameters and the animal parameters, are
written to an information file by the processing module 105. The
information file may be, for example, a database file or similar.
The method provides for two recording options at record options
selection step 495, the first option is an external recording step
496 whereby the control system 100 communicates the animal and dose
information to an external storage device or system. This may be
for example an external computing device, an external storage
device or an internet or network accessible cloud based storage
medium. The second option it is record the animal and dose
information internally of the apparatus 10, 500 for example within
the memory device 112 at internal storage step 497.
[0222] Once the recording step 492 and the storage step 495 are
complete, the control system 100 issues a process complete command
at dose deliver complete step 494. This may involve the control
system providing a notification signal which may generate a symbol
on the display 29 or the LED light 27 to become activated. This
informs the user that the apparatus is ready to identify and scan
the next animal at step 180. After step 498 the device is reset and
the method steps 402 to 498 may be performed again on numerous
animals.
[0223] As may be appreciated from the above, the apparatus, system
and methods provides an automated way to administer a dose of
medication to an animal. The apparatus is able to scan an animal to
identify the animal, calculate or lookup the dose of medication
required for a particular animal, delivery or administer that dose
the animal and record the given dose for the particular animal.
[0224] Accordingly, the above described the apparatus, system and
methods advantageously allow the dose of medication to be matched
to the weight of the animal to ensure the animal is correctly and
quickly medicated. Furthermore, the apparatus, system and methods
advantageously provide for the recording of which animal has been
medicated and the dose of medication which has been
administered.
[0225] It is also noted that the above described the apparatus,
system and methods have been primarily described in relation to the
delivery of a fluid substance to an animal. However, the apparatus,
system and method may also be readily adapted to receive a fluid
substance such a blood from an animal. This may be achieved by
reversing the operation of delivery assembly, in particular,
re-configuration of the hydraulic control valve. The sequence of
operation in the control system may be required to be modified.
[0226] The term animal within this specification is intended to
include all manner of living creatures to which substances such as
medication are applied or administered. Accordingly, whilst
examples have been provided in relation to livestock such as sheep,
cattle, horses and goats. An animal may also include humans,
domestic pets, aquatic animals such as fish and the like.
[0227] The term substance is intended to include any substance that
may be administered to an animal. The substances may be in the form
of a medication such as a vaccine or antibiotics, vitamins or
similar substance. The substance may be a liquid, a liquid
containing solids, a gas or a combination of these.
[0228] The reference in this specification to any known matter or
any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an
acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or
prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in
the field to which this specification relates
[0229] While specific examples of the invention have been
described, it will be understood that the invention extends to
alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from
the disclosure provided herein.
[0230] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the
invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided
herein.
* * * * *