U.S. patent application number 15/671018 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-23 for vertical feed mixer with in-tub magnet.
This patent application is currently assigned to Patz Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Patz Corporation. Invention is credited to David C. Pellman.
Application Number | 20170333855 15/671018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46490667 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170333855 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pellman; David C. |
November 23, 2017 |
Vertical Feed Mixer With In-Tub Magnet
Abstract
An auger for a vertical feed mixer with a lifting surface that
is upwardly angled from an inner edge toward an outer edge. A
fliting portion to form a part of an auger for a vertical feed
mixer, the fliting portion including an outer edge that is
positioned higher than a radially positioned inner edge. An auger
for a vertical feed mixer that in rotation defines an hourglass
shape. A magnet is included within the tub of the mixer.
Inventors: |
Pellman; David C.; (Coleman,
WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Patz Corporation |
Pound |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Patz Corporation
Pound
WI
|
Family ID: |
46490667 |
Appl. No.: |
15/671018 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13352205 |
Jan 17, 2012 |
9724656 |
|
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15671018 |
|
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61433522 |
Jan 17, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 7/245 20130101;
B01F 13/004 20130101; B01F 2215/0008 20130101; A01K 5/004
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B01F 7/24 20060101
B01F007/24; B01F 13/00 20060101 B01F013/00 |
Claims
1. A vertical feed mixer for mixing feed, the mixer comprising: a
tub for containing the feed, the tub including a bottom and a side
wall encircling the bottom, the tub having an open end opposite the
bottom such that feed can be added into the tub, and the side wall
having a discharge opening therein to permit discharge of the feed;
a frame on which the tub is mounted, the frame including one or
more axles to facilitate movement of the mixer; an auger mounted
generally vertically within the tub about a generally vertical
shaft; and a magnet mounted above the bottom of the tub and along
the side wall within the tub such that the feed contacts the
magnet, the magnet including a plurality of elongated protuberances
spaced apart to define a recess therebetween.
2. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the auger has a leading edge, and
the magnet is mounted above a height of the leading edge.
3. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the magnet is mounted at a
position away from the discharge opening.
4. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the magnet is mounted to the side
wall adjacent the bottom of the tub.
5. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the elongated protuberances are
oriented substantially normal to a direction of feed flow produced
by the auger.
6. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the elongated protuberances are
ramped-shaped.
7. The mixer of claim 1, wherein the magnet is disposed along the
side wall at a location where the side wall is curved.
8. A vertical feed mixer for mixing feed, the mixer comprising: a
tub for containing the feed, the tub including a bottom and a side
wall encircling the bottom, the tub having an open end opposite the
bottom such that feed can be added into the tub, and the side wall
having a discharge opening therein to permit discharge of the feed;
a frame on which the tub is mounted, the frame including one or
more axles to facilitate movement of the mixer; an auger mounted
generally vertically within the tub about a generally vertical
shaft; and a magnet mounted above the bottom of the tub and along
the side wall within the tub such that the feed contacts the
magnet, the magnet including an elongated protuberance having a
side surface, an upper end surface, and a lower end surface, the
side surface extending between and the upper and lower end
surfaces, the elongated protuberance being disposed such that the
side surface, the upper end surface, and the lower end surface are
all exposed to contact by the feed.
9. The mixer of claim 8, wherein the auger has a leading edge, and
the magnet is mounted above a height of the leading edge.
10. The mixer of claim 8, wherein the magnet is mounted at a
position away from the discharge opening.
11. The mixer of claim 8, wherein the magnet is mounted to the side
wall adjacent the bottom of the tub.
12. The mixer of claim 8, wherein the elongated protuberance is
oriented substantially normal to a direction of feed flow produced
by the auger.
13. The mixer of claim 8, wherein the elongated protuberance is
ramped-shaped, and the upper and lower end surfaces are triangular
in shape.
14. The mixer of claim 8, wherein the elongated protuberance is a
first protuberance, the magnet further comprising a second
elongated protuberance spaced apart from the first protuberance to
define a recess therebetween.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority as a continuation
application under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 to U.S. application Ser. No.
13/352,205, filed on Jan. 17, 2012 and now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
9,724,656, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to
earlier filed U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/433,522,
filed on Jan. 17, 2011 and now expired, the disclosures of which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional vertical feed mixers incorporate a central
rotating shaft with helical fliting or a screw mounted about the
shaft. The rotation of the shaft rotates the screw so that a lower
end of the screw, having a leading edge, will move forward about a
base of an interior feed mixing hopper. As the leading edge
encounters feed within the hopper, the feed is directed up a ramped
face of the screw. As the screw rotates, the feed rises higher in
the screw until in cascades off an outer edge of the screw fliting
or rises to the upper trailing edge of the screw where it falls
back toward the base of the hopper. The purpose of the screw is to
mix the feed and reduce the feed to more uniform particle
sizes.
[0003] The action of the screw through the feed serves to
thoroughly mix the feed with the hopper so that a uniform ration
comprised of multiple ingredients, feeds or supplements may be
distributed from the hopper. The screw also works to chop larger
clumps of feed or silage into smaller pieces.
[0004] It is desirable to improve the ability of the fliting to mix
and chop the feed within the hopper.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The accompanying drawing figures, which are incorporated in
and constitute a part of the description, illustrate several
aspects of the invention and together with the description, serve
to explain the principles of the invention. A brief description of
the figures is as follows:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vertical feed mixer
according to the present disclosure with a portion of a side wall
of a mixing tub not shown for clarity.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top view of the vertical feed mixer of FIG. 1
with the complete side wall of the mixing tub shown.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a side view of the vertical feed mixer of FIG.
1.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a side view of a portion of the tilting of a prior
art mixing auger.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the fliting of a
mixing auger according to the present disclosure for use with a
vertical feed mixer.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a side view of a first alternative embodiment of a
portion of the fliting of a mixing auger according to the present
disclosure for use with a vertical feed mixer.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of a second alternative embodiment of
a portion of the fliting of a mixing auger according to the present
disclosure for use with a vertical feed mixer.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a side view of a third alternative embodiment of a
portion of the fliting of a mixing auger according to the present
disclosure for use with a vertical feed mixer.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side view of a fourth alternative embodiment of
a portion of the fliting of a mixing auger according to the present
disclosure for use with a vertical feed mixer.
[0015] FIG. 10 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 1, showing
the magnet.
[0016] FIG. 11 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 2, showing
the magnet.
DESCRIPTION
[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of
the present invention which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
parts.
[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 3, a vertical feed mixer 100
according the present disclosure includes a tub 102 within which
feed for livestock or other animals may be mixed, and a vertical
mixing auger 104 mounted within tub 102 and configured to be
rotated with a vertical shaft or hub 51. Shaft 51 may be driven by
a motor mounted beneath tub 102 as part of mixer 100 or may be
driven by a transmission motivated by a power take off assembly
associated with a vehicle that may be attached to mixer 100. Tub
102 may be mounted to a frame 106 which may include one or more
axles 108 for facilitating movement of mixer 100. Frame 106 may
include a hitch 110 for engaging a vehicle to move mixer 100 about
a farm or feedlot as needed to feed or provide other nutrients to
livestock or other animals.
[0019] Before feed is delivered to the animals, a variety of feed
constituents and/or supplements may be added into tub 102 and auger
104 may be rotated within the tub to mix into a generally uniform
or homogenous blend and chop the feed into a generally uniform
size. Once the feed has been prepared, an opening 112 may be
provided in a sidewall of tub 102 to permit the discharge of the
feed. Rotation of the auger may then be used to aid in the uniform
distribution of the feed as the mixer is pulled along or as a
conveyor carries feed away from the mixer.
[0020] It is not uncommon for metallic contaminants to be
accidentally introduced into or with the feed constituents.
Examples of this might be but are limited to bailing wire from the
hay or other fodder bundling arrangements, or loose parts or pieces
of farm equipment or other machinery. Having such metallic
contaminants in the feed is not desirable as this may injure the
animals being fed. A magnet 114 may be included within tub 102
along a side wall adjacent the bottom 116 of tub 102. Such a
location will allow the magnet to act on feed as it is being moved
about by a lower leading edge 118 of auger 104. In this location,
the mixed feed may make multiple passes adjacent magnet 114 as the
feed is mixed and then rotated by the auger for delivery through
opening 112. The more passes the feed makes past magnet 114, the
better the opportunity for any metallic contaminants to be removed
from the feed and held to magnet 114 for removal when the tub is
empty.
[0021] It may be preferable to have magnet 114 mounted above the
bottom of the tub but adjacent the bottom of the tub and slightly
above a height of the leading edge of the auger. Thus positioned,
as feed is lifting from the bottom of the tub by the auger, and
forced outward on the lifting surface of the auger, the feed will
be forced to pass close to magnet 114 but will not be pressed
against the magnet so as to not dislodge any metal already adhering
to the magnet. It may also be preferable to have magnet 114 mounted
at a position away from the discharge opening to ensure that feed
being pressed toward the discharge opening does not drag against
the magnet and dislodge metal already adhering to the magnet as the
mixed feed is discharged.
[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, 10, and 11, the magnet 114
includes a pair of spaced apart steps 115. Steps 115 are
ramp-shaped, having a lower-angled, feed-facing side 115a, with a
steeper-angled leeward side 115b cooperating with the space 115c
after each of the steps ("after" in terms of the direction of
motion of the auger 104 and the feed). And as shown in FIG. 1, the
magnet 114 is rotated so that the top is slightly to the right of
the bottom, and so that the steps 115 are substantially normal to
the direction of feed flow on the auger 104.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 4, a fliting portion 50 of a prior art
auger is shown. Fliting 50 may be used as a portion of an auger
within a vertical feed mixer configured similarly to mixer 100.
Fliting portion 50 is configured such an inner edge 154 (adjacent
shaft 51) of an upper radial 156 is at generally the same height as
an outer edge 158. Similarly, an inner edge 160 of a lower radial
162 is generally at the same height as an outer edge 164. Between
the inner and outer edges and the upper and lower radials is
defined a surface 152 on which the feed within the tub is lifted as
the auger rotates. As the feed is lifted up on the auger, the feed
will cascade off an outer circumferential edge 166 that runs
between outer edges 158 and 164. As can be seen in FIG. 4, outer
circumferential edge 166 decreases in radius from outer edge 164 to
outer edge 158. This further promotes the feed cascading off the
auger and back toward bottom 116 of tub 102.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 5, a fliting portion 150 of an auger
for a vertical feed mixer according to the present disclosure is
shown which is configured to retain feed on the auger longer to
promote mixing and chopping of the feed as the auger rotates within
tub 102. Fliting portion 150 includes an upper radial 156 with an
inner edge 154 adjacent shaft 51 and an outer edge 158. Outer edge
158 is positioned higher above tub bottom 116 relative to inner
edge 154. Similarly, a lower radial 162 has an inner edge 160
adjacent shaft 51 and an outer edge 164, wherein outer edge 164 is
positioned higher above tub bottom 116 relative to inner edge 160.
As shown a lifting surface 152 of fliting portion 150 is generally
consistently sloped upward from the inner edge to the radially
positioned outer edge at an angle indicated in the FIG. as "TIP
ANGLE."
[0025] It is anticipated that the TIP ANGLE formed by the fliting
with respect to a radial line extending perpendicular from the
shaft or tubing can be between approximately two (2) degrees and
approximately ten (10) degrees. Current experience has shown for
certain feeds and mixes of feeds, approximately five and one half
(5.5) degrees is preferable. This angling of the fliting has proved
to keep the feed within the hopper on the flite longer and promotes
more thorough and quicker mixing of the feed as well as more rapid
reduction of size of the elements of the feed.
[0026] Fliting portion 150 of FIG. 4 is shown with the entire flite
having a uniformly tilted upper surface 152. It may be desirable to
have the leading edge of the fliting configured to be generally
parallel to the base of the hopper so that more feed from the base
of the hopper is lifted and mixed. The hopper floor may be sloped
to match the slope of the flite or the leading edge of the flite
may be flattened to generally match the shape or contour, if any,
of the base.
[0027] Alternatively, it is anticipated that a fliting portion
according to the present disclosure may include a generally flat
portion generally parallel to the bottom of the tub while still
maintaining an outer edge raised within respect to a radially
positioned inner edge. While the upper surfaces of the fliting
portions of the FIGS. are shown as generally planar and consistent
in angle from leading edge to trailing edge, it is anticipated that
the top surface of the flights may vary in angle. The variation in
angle may be between the leading edge and trailing edge as the
flite transitions upwards, or may be variable from the inner edge
to the outer edge. Alternatively, the variation of angle may be a
combination of both top to bottom and inner edge to outer edge.
[0028] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate different configurations of fliting
portions according to the present disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates an
alternative embodiment ofa fliting portion 250 configured for
mounting about a shaft 51. An upper radial 256 includes an inner
edge 254 adjacent shaft 51 and an outer edge 258 positioned
generally above inner edge 254. A lifting surface 252 extends
between the inner and outer edges and may be generally parallel to
the tub bottom except adjacent outer edge 258 where a lip or angled
portion 257 extends at an angle upwards to outer edge 258. As
shown, angled portion 257 may formed integrally formed with fliting
portion 250.
[0029] A lower radial 262 may include an inner edge 260 adjacent
shaft 51 and an outer edge 264 positioned generally above inner
edge 260. Angled portion 257 may also extend from generally
parallel lifting surface 252 up to outer edge 264. Outer edge 258
and outer edge 264 may be generally the same height above inner
edge 254 and inner edge 260, respectively, indicated in FIG. 6 by
"A." Angled portion 257 may have a width indicated in FIG. 6 by "B"
and while the angle of angled portion 257 may be greater than the
angle described above, it is anticipated that the effective angle
formed between the respective inner and outer edges should be
between two and ten degrees.
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates a third alternative embodiment of a
fliting portion 350 configured for mounting about a shaft 51. An
upper radial 356 includes an inner edge 354 adjacent shaft 51 and
an outer edge 358 positioned generally above inner edge 354. A
lifting surface 352 extends between the inner and outer edges and
may be generally parallel to the tub bottom except adjacent outer
edge 358 where a lip or angled portion 357 extends at an angle
upwards to outer edge 358. As shown, angled portion 357 may be a
separate piece that is joined to fliting portion 350, such as by
welding or bonding.
[0031] A lower radial 362 may include an inner edge 360 adjacent
shaft 51 and an outer edge 364 positioned generally above inner
edge 360. Angled portion 357 may also extend from generally
parallel lifting surface 352 up to outer edge 364. Outer edge 358
and outer edge 364 may be generally the same height above inner
edge 354 and inner edge 360, respectively, indicated in FIG. 7 by
"A." Angled portion 357 may have a width indicated in FIG. 7 by "B"
and while the angle of angled portion 357 may be greater than the
angle described above, it is anticipated that the effective angle
formed between the respective inner and outer edges should be
between two and ten degrees.
[0032] FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment of a
fliting portion 450 configured for mounting about a shaft 51. An
upper radial 456 includes an inner edge 454 adjacent shaft 51 and
an outer edge 458 positioned generally above inner edge 454. A
lifting surface 452 extends between the inner and outer edges and
may be generally parallel to the tub bottom except adjacent outer
edge 458 where a lip or wall portion 457 extends generally upwards
to outer edge 458. As shown, wall portion 457 may be a separate
piece that is joined to fliting portion 450, such as by welding or
bonding. Alternatively, wall portion 457 may be formed integrally
with fliting portion 450.
[0033] A lower radial 462 may include an inner edge 460 adjacent
shaft 51 and an outer edge 464 positioned generally above inner
edge 460. Wall portion 457 may also extend from generally parallel
lifting surface 452 up to outer edge 464. Outer edge 458 and outer
edge 464 may be generally the same height above inner edge 454 and
inner edge 460, respectively, indicated in FIG. 8 by "A." It is
anticipated that the effective angle formed between the respective
inner and outer edges should be between two and ten degrees.
[0034] It is understood that the higher outer edge improves the
ability of the flite to hold feed longer and transition the feed
higher within the hopper on the flite to improve the mixing and
chopping operation of the vertical mixer beyond the performance of
the conventional planar flites.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 9, a further embodiment of an auger
550 is shown configured for use with a vertical feed mixer such as
mixer 100. Auger 550 may be comprised of multiple fliting portions.
As shown by the dashed lines, auger 550 in rotation defines an
hourglass shape. A lower portion 570 may be configured with a
leading edge 578 configured to cooperate with the tub bottom to
effectively engage and lift feed within tub 102. An intermediate
portion 572 may extend between lower portion 570 and an upper
portion 574 having an upper trailing edge 576. Portions 572 and 574
may be essentially mirror image elements that define a narrower
auger shape 580 at a joint line 581 between the two portions
between wider auger shapes 582 and 584 above and below narrower
shape 580. It is anticipated that fliting portions as shown in FIG.
9 may include the raised outer edge as described above. It is
further anticipated that the fliting portions shown in FIG. 9 may
be configured with flat lifting surfaces as described in the prior
art above.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, an auger according to the present
disclosure may be made of multiple fliting portions that define a
generally conical shape, where the top of the auger is inwardly
positioned with respect to the top of the side wall of the tub. The
gap between the auger and the side wall adjacent the top of the
auger is where bridging may occur. The hour glass shape defined by
the rotation of auger 550 may serve to allow better operation of
mixer 100. It is not uncommon for bridging of feed materials to
occur near a top of tub 102 such that the feed materials do not
descend into the tub to be mixed and chopped by the auger. These
feed materials may then block the entry of other feed materials
into the tub for mixing and chopping. An operator may need to climb
onto the mixer and physically break up the bridged materials, which
may be a dangerous and slow down the feeding operation. Trailing
edge 576 extends outward toward the side wall of the tub and also
upwards to dig into the bridged material and encourage it to fall
into the tub without the need for user intervention.
[0037] While auger 550 is shown with two fliting portions being
generally mirror images of each other for ease of design and
manufacture, it is not necessary to have different fliting portions
shaped similarly to each other. An auger according to the present
disclosure may have only an upper and a lower fliting portion and
still define the general hourglass shape and a trailing edge
extending up into the bridging zone to dislodge feed materials. The
two fliting portions may be similar shaped or may be unique with
respect to each other. Alternatively, an auger may be made of more
than three fliting portions, one or all of which may be uniquely
shaped relative to the others.
[0038] While the invention has been described with reference to
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth
above. Thus, it is recognized that those skilled in the art will
appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations, modifications,
and omissions may be made without departing from the spirit or
intent of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is
meant to be exemplary only, the invention is to be taken as
including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the
invention, and should not limit the scope of the invention set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *