US5340211A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Programmable apparatus and method for delivering microingredient feed additives by weight
Assignee: Micro Beef Technologies Ltd
•
Filing: 1993-11-17
•
Granted: 1994-08-23
•
Expires: 2013-11-17
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus whereby livestock and poultry are administered feed additives in their feed ration. The apparatus stores additive concentrates separately until just prior to use, then on demand dispenses the additive concentrates into one or more weigh hoppers for weighing therein. The weighed contents of the weigh hoppers are discharged into a liquid carrier within a mixing vessel where the dispensed additives are diluted, suspended, and dispersed by mixing. The resulting carrier-and-additive slurry is pumped to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration. The weighing components are isolated from movements that would affect additive weight determinations during the weighing process so that accurate measurements of additive weights are obtained. Dispensing and weighing of multiple additives within a single weigh hopper are sequential. Each additive may be weighed and discharged from the hopper individually or cumulatively with other additives. With multiple weigh hoppers, dispensing, weighing and discharge of additives from the different hoppers can occur simultaneously or independently. A programmable control can program the apparatuses for dispensing either entirely on a weight basis, partly on a weight basis and partly on a metering basis, on a weight-compensated metering basis, or entirely on a metering basis if the weighing means malfunctions.
Inventors
- 👤 William C. Pratt
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:14
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01F; B01F25/00; B01F25/80; B01F25/90; B01F25/901; B01F23/00; B01F23/50; B01F23/53; A; A01; A01K; A01K5/00; A01K5/02; A01K5/0216; A01K5/0218; B01F23/60; B01F35/00; B01F35/71; B01F35/712; B01F35/714; B01F35/717; B01F35/7173; B01F35/71731; B01F35/71805; B01F35/75; B01F35/754; B01F35/7544; B01F35/80; B01F35/88; B01F35/881; G; G01; G01G; G01G15/00; G01G15/001; G01G19/00; G01G19/22; G01G19/24; G01G23/00; G01G23/06; G05; G05D; G05D11/00; G05D11/001; G05D11/02; G05D11/13; G05D11/131; G05D11/133; G05D11/134; B01F2101/00; B01F2101/06; B01F2101/18; B01F23/56
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 73
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including multiple additives in liquid concentrate form and at least one of said multiple additives in solid particulate concentrate form; dispensing a predetermined amount of said solid particulate concentrate by weight into a liquid carrier; dispensing predetermined amounts of at least two selected said liquid additive concentrates into a liquid carrier by volume; intermixing the additive concentrates in the liquid carrier, including both the solid particulate additive concentrate and the liquid additive concentrates, to dilute, disperse, and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; after forming the slurry, directing the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the suspension and dispersion of the additives until delivered into a feed ration.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including multiple additives in liquid concentrate form and at least one of said multiple additives in solid particulate concentrate form; dispensing a predetermined amount of said solid particulate concentrate by weight into a liquid carrier; dispensing predetermined amounts of at least two selected said liquid additive concentrates into a liquid carrier by volume; intermixing the additive concentrates in the liquid carrier, including both the solid particulate additive concentrate and the liquid additive concentrates, to dilute, disperse, and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; after forming the slurry, directing the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the suspension and dispersion of the additives until delivered into a feed ration.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing selected said additives from their respective storage means into a weigh hopper means, weighing each selected additive in the weigh hopper means, and stopping the dispensing of each selected additive into the weigh hopper means when a predetermined weight of the selected additive is weighed; discharging each selected additive from the weigh hopper means into a pool of liquid carrier after the additive has been weighed; and positively intermixing the selected weighed additives with the pool of liquid carrier to disperse and suspend the additives in the pool to create an additive-carrier slurry; and pumping the slurry into a feed ration and positively mixing the slurry with the feed ration before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
157 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing selected said additives from their respective storage means into a weigh hopper means, weighing each selected additive in the weigh hopper means, and stopping the dispensing of each selected additive into the weigh hopper means when a predetermined weight of the selected additive is weighed; discharging each selected additive from the weigh hopper means into a pool of liquid carrier after the additive has been weighed; and positively intermixing the selected weighed additives with the pool of liquid carrier to disperse and suspend the additives in the pool to create an additive-carrier slurry; and pumping the slurry into a feed ration and positively mixing the slurry with the feed ration before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the pool contains a predetermined volume of liquid carrier.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the pool is in a receiving tank beneath the weigh hopper means and the slurry is formed before being discharged from the receiving tank.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the selected additives are cumulatively weighed in the weigh hopper means before any of the selected additives are discharged from the hopper means into the pool.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 2 wherein at least some of the selected additives are cumulatively weighed in the weigh hopper means before being discharged from the hopper means into the pool.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates from their storage means and depositing the selected additives after weighing into a liquid carrier; intermixing the selected additives in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; directing the slurry into a feed ration; the step of dispensing predetermined weights including weighing multiple additive concentrates simultaneously.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates from their storage means and depositing the selected additives after weighing into a liquid carrier; intermixing the selected additives in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; directing the slurry into a feed ration; the step of dispensing predetermined weights including weighing multiple additive concentrates simultaneously.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 7 including weighing multiple additive concentrates simultaneously by measuring the loss-of-weight of their respective storage means as the additive concentrates are dispensed from said storage means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 7 including weighing multiple additive concentrates simultaneously by measuring the loss-of-weight of their respective storage means as the additive concentrates are dispensed from said storage means.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including multiple additives in liquid concentrate form; dispensing predetermined amounts of at least two selected said liquid additive concentrates by weight into a liquid carrier; intermixing the additive concentrates in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse and suspend them in the carrier; directing the additive-carrier mixture into a feed ration and intermixing the mixture and the feed ration.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including multiple additives in liquid concentrate form; dispensing predetermined amounts of at least two selected said liquid additive concentrates by weight into a liquid carrier; intermixing the additive concentrates in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse and suspend them in the carrier; directing the additive-carrier mixture into a feed ration and intermixing the mixture and the feed ration.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the multiple additives include both multiple liquid additives and multiple dry additives in concentrate form and wherein both the selected multiple liquid additives and at least one selected said dry additive are dispensed by weight into the liquid carrier and are intermixed therein.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the multiple liquid additives are dispensed by weight by weighing them in a weighing container means after they are dispensed from their storage means and before they are discharged into the liquid carrier.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including at least one said additive in liquid concentrate form and at least one said additive in solid particulate concentrate form; dispensing a predetermined amount of said solid particulate concentrate by weight into a liquid carrier; dispensing a predetermined amount of said liquid additive concentrate by weight into said liquid carrier; intermixing the liquid and dry additive concentrates in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; directing the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the suspension and dispersion of the additives until delivered into a feed ration.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including at least one said additive in liquid concentrate form and at least one said additive in solid particulate concentrate form; dispensing a predetermined amount of said solid particulate concentrate by weight into a liquid carrier; dispensing a predetermined amount of said liquid additive concentrate by weight into said liquid carrier; intermixing the liquid and dry additive concentrates in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; directing the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the suspension and dispersion of the additives until delivered into a feed ration.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one dry particulate additive concentrate and the at least one liquid additive concentrate are cumulatively weighed in a weigh hopper means before they are discharged from the weigh hopper means into said liquid carrier.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one dry particulate additive concentrate and the at least one liquid additive concentrate are weighed in a common weigh hopper.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 13 including weighing at least two selected said dry particulate additive concentrates and at least two liquid additive concentrates.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the selected additive concentrates are cumulatively weighed before being discharged into the liquid carrier.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined amounts of selected said multiple additive concentrates by weight into a liquid carrier; intermixing the weighed additive concentrates in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse, and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; directing the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the suspension and dispersion of the additives until delivered into a feed ration; the step of dispensing a predetermined amounts of said multiple additive concentrates by weight includes weighing each selected said additive concentrate to the nearest one gram.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
120 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined amounts of selected said multiple additive concentrates by weight into a liquid carrier; intermixing the weighed additive concentrates in the liquid carrier to dilute, disperse, and suspend them and form a liquid carrier-additive slurry; directing the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the suspension and dispersion of the additives until delivered into a feed ration; the step of dispensing a predetermined amounts of said multiple additive concentrates by weight includes weighing each selected said additive concentrate to the nearest one gram.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing selected said additives from their respective storage means into a weigh hopper means, weighing each selected additive in the weigh hopper means, and stopping the dispensing of each selected additive into the weigh hopper means when a predetermined weight of the selected additive is received in the weigh hopper means; discharging each selected and weighed additive from the weigh hopper means into a liquid carrier; intermixing the selected weighed additives in the liquid carrier to disperse and suspend them in the carrier to create an additive-carrier slurry; pumping the slurry into a feed ration and positively mixing the slurry with the feed ration before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption; the step of weighing each selected additive in the weigh hopper means including weighing at least some of the selected additives cumulatively in the weigh hopper means before discharging the cumulatively weighed additives into the liquid carrier.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
187 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing selected said additives from their respective storage means into a weigh hopper means, weighing each selected additive in the weigh hopper means, and stopping the dispensing of each selected additive into the weigh hopper means when a predetermined weight of the selected additive is received in the weigh hopper means; discharging each selected and weighed additive from the weigh hopper means into a liquid carrier; intermixing the selected weighed additives in the liquid carrier to disperse and suspend them in the carrier to create an additive-carrier slurry; pumping the slurry into a feed ration and positively mixing the slurry with the feed ration before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption; the step of weighing each selected additive in the weigh hopper means including weighing at least some of the selected additives cumulatively in the weigh hopper means before discharging the cumulatively weighed additives into the liquid carrier.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration at a livestock feedlot shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives from their respective said storage means; a weigh hopper for receiving additives dispensed from said storage means by said dispensing means and weighing the dispensed additives; receiving tank means for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of said liquid carrier and for receiving additives discharged from said weigh hopper after they have been weighed; pumping means for pumping additive bearing liquid carrier from the receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a livestock feed ration; said weigh hopper being partitioned into separate container portions, each separate container portion being positioned to receive a different said additive dispensed by said dispensing means.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration at a livestock feedlot shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives from their respective said storage means; a weigh hopper for receiving additives dispensed from said storage means by said dispensing means and weighing the dispensed additives; receiving tank means for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of said liquid carrier and for receiving additives discharged from said weigh hopper after they have been weighed; pumping means for pumping additive bearing liquid carrier from the receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a livestock feed ration; said weigh hopper being partitioned into separate container portions, each separate container portion being positioned to receive a different said additive dispensed by said dispensing means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said weigh hopper includes at least one container portion for receiving a liquid additive, said storage means includes at least one liquid storage container for storing a liquid additive in concentrate form, and said dispensing means includes at least one liquid dispensing means for dispensing liquid additive from said liquid storage container into the liquid container portion of said weigh hopper.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 20 including means for rotating said weigh hopper from an upright position for receiving additives dispensed by said dispensing means to an upside down position for discharging additives weighed in said weigh hopper into said receiving tank means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
183 words
Apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives separately from their respective storage means; weighing means for weighing the amounts of selected additives dispensed by said dispensing means and stopping the dispensing means for the selected additives when predetermined weights of said selected additives are weighed by said weighing means; receiving tank means for receiving the predetermined weighed amounts of the selected additives dispensed from said storage means by said dispensing means and weighed by said weighing means and for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of said carrier; pumping means for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from said receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration; metering means for operating said dispensing means to meter additives from their respective storage means on a volumetric weight-per-unit-of-time basis; and control means for selectively disabling said weighing means and enabling said metering means.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
183 words
Apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives separately from their respective storage means; weighing means for weighing the amounts of selected additives dispensed by said dispensing means and stopping the dispensing means for the selected additives when predetermined weights of said selected additives are weighed by said weighing means; receiving tank means for receiving the predetermined weighed amounts of the selected additives dispensed from said storage means by said dispensing means and weighed by said weighing means and for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of said carrier; pumping means for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from said receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration; metering means for operating said dispensing means to meter additives from their respective storage means on a volumetric weight-per-unit-of-time basis; and control means for selectively disabling said weighing means and enabling said metering means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 23 wherein said control means is operable normally to operate said dispensing means in a weigh mode and is operable upon malfunction of said weigh means to operate said dispensing means in a volumetric mode.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives separately from their respective storage means; weighing means for weighing predetermined amounts of the selected additives dispensed by the dispensing means and stopping the dispensing means when predetermined weights of the selected additives are dispensed; receiving tank means for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of liquid carrier and for receiving the weighed amounts of said selected additives; pumping means for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from said receiving tank means to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration; said weighing means including means for weighing said multiple storage means and determining the weights of selected said additives dispensed by determining the loss of weight of the respective storage means for the selected additives.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives separately from their respective storage means; weighing means for weighing predetermined amounts of the selected additives dispensed by the dispensing means and stopping the dispensing means when predetermined weights of the selected additives are dispensed; receiving tank means for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of liquid carrier and for receiving the weighed amounts of said selected additives; pumping means for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from said receiving tank means to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration; said weighing means including means for weighing said multiple storage means and determining the weights of selected said additives dispensed by determining the loss of weight of the respective storage means for the selected additives.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration at a livestock feedlot shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives from their respective said storage means; a weigh hopper for receiving additives dispensed from said storage means by said dispensing means and weighing the dispensed additives; receiving tank means for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of liquid carrier and for receiving weighed additives discharge from said weigh hopper; pumping means for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from the receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a livestock feed ration; and means for rotating the weigh hopper from an upright position for receiving additives from the dispensing means to an upside down position for discharging weighed additives into the receiving tank means.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
155 words
An apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration at a livestock feedlot shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing means for dispensing selected said additives from their respective said storage means; a weigh hopper for receiving additives dispensed from said storage means by said dispensing means and weighing the dispensed additives; receiving tank means for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of liquid carrier and for receiving weighed additives discharge from said weigh hopper; pumping means for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from the receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a livestock feed ration; and means for rotating the weigh hopper from an upright position for receiving additives from the dispensing means to an upside down position for discharging weighed additives into the receiving tank means.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates into a liquid carrier; directing the liquid carrier containing the dispensed feed additives to a receiving station for delivery into the feed ration; and determining the predetermined weights by weighing at least some of the selected additive concentrates dispensed within weighing container means, and after said some concentrates are weighed, discharging them simultaneously into the liquid carrier.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates into a liquid carrier; directing the liquid carrier containing the dispensed feed additives to a receiving station for delivery into the feed ration; and determining the predetermined weights by weighing at least some of the selected additive concentrates dispensed within weighing container means, and after said some concentrates are weighed, discharging them simultaneously into the liquid carrier.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the some selected additive concentrates are dispensed and weighed cumulatively within weighing container means comprising a single container.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates into a liquid carrier; directing the liquid carrier containing the dispensed selected additive concentrates to a receiving station while maintaining the additive concentrates in suspension in the liquid carrier until the carrier is delivered into a feed ration; and determining the predetermined weights of the different selected additive concentrates dispensed by measuring the loss of weight of the additive storage source for each additive concentrate dispensed.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
110 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates into a liquid carrier; directing the liquid carrier containing the dispensed selected additive concentrates to a receiving station while maintaining the additive concentrates in suspension in the liquid carrier until the carrier is delivered into a feed ration; and determining the predetermined weights of the different selected additive concentrates dispensed by measuring the loss of weight of the additive storage source for each additive concentrate dispensed.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
312 words
An apparatus for measuring, dispensing, and delivering microingredient feed additive concentrates in small but accurate amounts in a liquid carrier into a livestock or poultry feed ration shortly before the delivery of the feed ration to the animals for consumption, said apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately a plurality of different microingredient feed additive concentrates; multiple dispensing means for dispensing separately several additive concentrates from said multiple storage means; weighing means for determining the weights of said different additive concentrates dispensed; isolating means for isolating said weighing means from influences affecting the weighing function of said weighing means so that accurate weight determinations are obtained; control means for controlling separately the operation of said plural dispensing means in response to weight determinations of said weighing means to control the weights of additive concentrates dispensed; receiving means for receiving additive concentrates dispensed from said storage means and for receiving a liquid carrier for suspending the concentrates dispensed and carrying said concentrates to a destination; delivery means for delivering the liquid carrier containing the additive concentrates dispensed to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration; a support frame for supporting the weighing means; said weighing means including a weigh hopper for receiving additive concentrates dispensed by said dispensing means and at least a pair of load cells mounting said weigh hopper to said support frame; hopper discharge means for discharging weighed additive concentrates from the weigh hopper into the receiving means; said isolating means including resilient vibration dampening means between said weigh hopper and said load cells, electrically operated said discharge means on said weigh hopper and supplied with electrical power from a power source remote from the weigh hopper through flexible electrical conductor means, and panel means enclosing the support frame to isolate the support frame and the weigh means from ambient influences that might otherwise affect weight determinations.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
312 words
An apparatus for measuring, dispensing, and delivering microingredient feed additive concentrates in small but accurate amounts in a liquid carrier into a livestock or poultry feed ration shortly before the delivery of the feed ration to the animals for consumption, said apparatus comprising: multiple storage means for storing separately a plurality of different microingredient feed additive concentrates; multiple dispensing means for dispensing separately several additive concentrates from said multiple storage means; weighing means for determining the weights of said different additive concentrates dispensed; isolating means for isolating said weighing means from influences affecting the weighing function of said weighing means so that accurate weight determinations are obtained; control means for controlling separately the operation of said plural dispensing means in response to weight determinations of said weighing means to control the weights of additive concentrates dispensed; receiving means for receiving additive concentrates dispensed from said storage means and for receiving a liquid carrier for suspending the concentrates dispensed and carrying said concentrates to a destination; delivery means for delivering the liquid carrier containing the additive concentrates dispensed to a receiving station for mixing with a feed ration; a support frame for supporting the weighing means; said weighing means including a weigh hopper for receiving additive concentrates dispensed by said dispensing means and at least a pair of load cells mounting said weigh hopper to said support frame; hopper discharge means for discharging weighed additive concentrates from the weigh hopper into the receiving means; said isolating means including resilient vibration dampening means between said weigh hopper and said load cells, electrically operated said discharge means on said weigh hopper and supplied with electrical power from a power source remote from the weigh hopper through flexible electrical conductor means, and panel means enclosing the support frame to isolate the support frame and the weigh means from ambient influences that might otherwise affect weight determinations.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of dispensing and delivering formulations of microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration at a feedlot shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including some of said additives in dry concentrate form and at least one additive in liquid form; weighing predetermined amounts of selected said additives including at least two said additives in dry concentrate form, with no substantial intermixing of the selected additives during the weighing process; discharging the weighed amounts of the selected additives in dry concentrate form into a mixing vessel; introducing a liquid carrier into the mixing vessel; intermixing the liquid carrier and weighed amounts of selected additives in dry form in the mixing vessel to form a slurry within the mixing vessel; and conveying the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the weighed amounts of additive concentrates in dry form in suspension and dispersion until the slurry is delivered into the feed ration.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
168 words
A method of dispensing and delivering formulations of microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration at a feedlot shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including some of said additives in dry concentrate form and at least one additive in liquid form; weighing predetermined amounts of selected said additives including at least two said additives in dry concentrate form, with no substantial intermixing of the selected additives during the weighing process; discharging the weighed amounts of the selected additives in dry concentrate form into a mixing vessel; introducing a liquid carrier into the mixing vessel; intermixing the liquid carrier and weighed amounts of selected additives in dry form in the mixing vessel to form a slurry within the mixing vessel; and conveying the slurry to a receiving station while maintaining the weighed amounts of additive concentrates in dry form in suspension and dispersion until the slurry is delivered into the feed ration.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including multiple additives in liquid concentrate form; dispensing predetermined amount of at least two selected said liquid additive concentrates by weight into a liquid carrier; directing the additive-bearing carrier into a feed ration and intermixing the additive-bearing carrier and the feed ration.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including multiple additives in liquid concentrate form; dispensing predetermined amount of at least two selected said liquid additive concentrates by weight into a liquid carrier; directing the additive-bearing carrier into a feed ration and intermixing the additive-bearing carrier and the feed ration.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the multiple additives include both multiple liquid additives and multiple dry additives in concentrate form and wherein both the selected multiple liquid additives and at least one selected said dry additive are dispensed by weight into the liquid carrier.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the multiple liquid additives are dispensed by weight by weighing them in a weighing container means after they are dispensed from their storage means and before they are discharged into the liquid carrier.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including at least one said additive in liquid concentrate form and at least one said additive in solid particulate concentrate form; dispensing a predetermined amount of said solid particulate concentrate by weight into a liquid carrier; dispensing a predetermined amount of said liquid additive concentrate by weight into said liquid carrier; directing the carrier bearing the liquid and dry additives dispensed to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
107 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form, including at least one said additive in liquid concentrate form and at least one said additive in solid particulate concentrate form; dispensing a predetermined amount of said solid particulate concentrate by weight into a liquid carrier; dispensing a predetermined amount of said liquid additive concentrate by weight into said liquid carrier; directing the carrier bearing the liquid and dry additives dispensed to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the at least one dry particulate additive concentrate and the at least one liquid additive concentrate are cumulatively weighed in a weigh hopper means before they are discharged from the weigh hopper means into said liquid carrier.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 35 wherein the at least one dry particulate additive concentrate and the at least one liquid additive concentrate are weighed in a common weigh hopper.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates from their storage means and depositing the selected additives after weighing into a liquid carrier; delivering the carrier bearing the diluted additive concentrates into a feed ration; the step of dispensing predetermined weights including weighing multiple additive concentrates simultaneously.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing predetermined weights of selected said additive concentrates from their storage means and depositing the selected additives after weighing into a liquid carrier; delivering the carrier bearing the diluted additive concentrates into a feed ration; the step of dispensing predetermined weights including weighing multiple additive concentrates simultaneously.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
215 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing multiple said additives in concentrate form in separate storage containers; dispensing volumetrically from their separate storage containers predetermined amounts of selected said additives by operating a separate dispensing device for each selected additive at a predetermined dispensing rate for a predetermined period of time; calculating the theoretical weight of each said selected additive dispensed at said predetermined rate and for said predetermined period of time; determining the actual weight of each selected additive dispensed at said predetermined rate and period of time; comparing the theoretical and actual weights of each selected additive dispensed and from the comparison calculating an adjustment for at least one of the predetermined dispensing rate and period of time for the associated dispensing device such that the theoretical weight will be substantially the same as the actual weight of additive dispensed upon continued operation of the dispensing device; adjusting the dispensing device for each selected additive using the calculated adjustment for such dispensing device; depositing each selected dispensed, and weighed additive into a liquid carrier and delivering the selected additives-bearing liquid carrier to a receiving station for intermixing with the livestock feed ration.
Claim 58
Independent Claim
215 words
A method of dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to livestock for consumption, comprising the steps: storing multiple said additives in concentrate form in separate storage containers; dispensing volumetrically from their separate storage containers predetermined amounts of selected said additives by operating a separate dispensing device for each selected additive at a predetermined dispensing rate for a predetermined period of time; calculating the theoretical weight of each said selected additive dispensed at said predetermined rate and for said predetermined period of time; determining the actual weight of each selected additive dispensed at said predetermined rate and period of time; comparing the theoretical and actual weights of each selected additive dispensed and from the comparison calculating an adjustment for at least one of the predetermined dispensing rate and period of time for the associated dispensing device such that the theoretical weight will be substantially the same as the actual weight of additive dispensed upon continued operation of the dispensing device; adjusting the dispensing device for each selected additive using the calculated adjustment for such dispensing device; depositing each selected dispensed, and weighed additive into a liquid carrier and delivering the selected additives-bearing liquid carrier to a receiving station for intermixing with the livestock feed ration.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 39 including determining the actual weight of each selected additive by measuring the loss-of-weight of the storage container for the selected additive.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 39 including determining the actual weight of each selected additive by dispensing a selected additive from its storage container into a weigh hopper and weighing the selected additive in the weigh hopper.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 39 including determining the actual weight of a selected additive in a weigh hopper and then discharging the weighed additive from the weigh hopper into the liquid carrier.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 39 including dispensing each selected additive sequentially into a weigh hopper, determining the actual weight of each selected additive in the weigh hopper before dispensing sequentially the next selected additive into the weigh hopper.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the steps of calculating the theoretical weight and determining the actual weight are performed using a computer.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 44 wherein the steps of comparing the theoretical and actual weights of each selected additive dispensed and calculating the adjustment for the dispensing device for each selected additive dispensed are performed using a computer.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 45 wherein the adjustment of the dispensing device for each selected additive is performed by a computer.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the steps of calculating the theoretical weight, determining the actual weight, comparing the theoretical and actual weights, calculating an adjustment and adjusting the dispensing device for each selected additive are performed at least once for each said predetermined period of time a selected additive is dispensed volumetrically from its storage container.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the steps of calculating the theoretical weight, determining the actual weight, comparing the theoretical and actual weights, calculating an adjustment and adjusting the dispensing device for each selected additive are performed selectively and not necessarily for every predetermined period of time a selected additive is dispensed volumetrically from its storage container.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 39 wherein the steps of calculating the theoretical weight, determining the actual weight, comparing the theoretical and actual weights, calculating an adjustment, and adjusting the dispensing device for each selected additive are performed periodically as the selected additive is dispensed volumetrically from its separate storage container.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
265 words
Apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage containers for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing devices, one for each storage container, for dispensing selected said additives separately from their respective storage containers; weighing means for weighing the amounts of selected additives dispensed by said dispensing devices; a receiving tank for receiving the selected additives dispensed from said storage containers by said dispensing devices and for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of said carrier; a pump for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from said receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration; and a programmable control for controlling the operation of the dispensing devices, the weighing means and the pump, the control being operable to: (a) selectively operate the dispensing devices to meter selected additives from their respective storage containers on a volumetric weight-per-unit-of-time basis; (b) selectively operate the weighing means to determine the actual weight of each additive dispensed volumetrically by its dispensing device; (c) calculate the theoretical weight of each additive dispensed volumetrically by its dispensing device; (d) compare the theoretical and actual weights of each additive dispensed volumetrically; and (e) calculate an adjustment factor for the dispensing device for each additive dispensed based on the comparison of (d) such that upon adjustment of the dispensing device using such factor, the theoretical weight of additive dispensed volumetrically should be substantially the same as the actual weight of additive dispensed by the adjusted dispensing device.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
265 words
Apparatus for dispensing and delivering microingredient feed additives into a livestock feed ration shortly before delivering the feed ration to the livestock for consumption, the apparatus comprising: multiple storage containers for storing separately multiple said additives in concentrate form; dispensing devices, one for each storage container, for dispensing selected said additives separately from their respective storage containers; weighing means for weighing the amounts of selected additives dispensed by said dispensing devices; a receiving tank for receiving the selected additives dispensed from said storage containers by said dispensing devices and for receiving a liquid carrier from a source of said carrier; a pump for pumping additive-bearing liquid carrier from said receiving tank to a receiving station for delivery into a feed ration; and a programmable control for controlling the operation of the dispensing devices, the weighing means and the pump, the control being operable to: (a) selectively operate the dispensing devices to meter selected additives from their respective storage containers on a volumetric weight-per-unit-of-time basis; (b) selectively operate the weighing means to determine the actual weight of each additive dispensed volumetrically by its dispensing device; (c) calculate the theoretical weight of each additive dispensed volumetrically by its dispensing device; (d) compare the theoretical and actual weights of each additive dispensed volumetrically; and (e) calculate an adjustment factor for the dispensing device for each additive dispensed based on the comparison of (d) such that upon adjustment of the dispensing device using such factor, the theoretical weight of additive dispensed volumetrically should be substantially the same as the actual weight of additive dispensed by the adjusted dispensing device.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein the weigh means includes a weigh hopper into which a dispensing device dispenses additive volumetrically for subsequent weighing.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said weighing means includes means for measuring the loss-of-weight of each storage container.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said programmable control includes means for adjusting each dispensing device using the calculated adjustment factor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2587531A
Cited
US2608394A
Cited
US2877524A
Cited
US2893602A
Cited
US2873955A
Cited
US3203591A
Cited
US3498311A
Cited
US3437075A
Cited
US3595328A
Cited
US3670923A
Cited
US3720185A
Cited
US3822056A
Cited
US3806001A
Cited
US4117954A
Cited
US4034847A
Cited
US3959636A
Cited
US4181097A
Cited
US4272824A
Cited
US4544279A
Cited
US4418771A
Cited
US4581704A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-08-22 | 1998-02-21 | 1998-08-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-22 | 2002-02-21 | 2002-08-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-22 | 2006-02-21 | 2006-08-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |