GB2368334A

GB2368334A - Apparatus for mixing and dispensing ingredients

Info

Publication number: GB2368334A
Application number: GB0116201A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Mackenzie Sutherland
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-07-03
Filing date: 2001-07-03
Publication date: 2002-05-01
Anticipated expiration: 2021-07-03
Also published as: GB0116201D0; GB0016262D0; GB2368334B

Abstract

Apparatus for mixing and dispensing ingredients 1, for example animal feed, comprises a moveable rig 40, at least one container 11, 12 attached to the rig 40 and adapted to receive ingredients to be mixed, a mixing device 20 and a depositing device 30 for depositing the mixed ingredients as the rig 40 is moved. The depositing device 30 preferably deposits a predetermined amount of mixed ingredients at spaced apart locations. There are preferably a plurality of containers 11, 12 which may be hoppers. A metering device 14, 15 may be provided for each ingredient to be mixed. The mixing device 20 may comprise a mixing and transporting device such as an Archimedean screw (22, fig.2). The depositing device 30 preferably moves from a closed collecting position to a depositing position by means of a cam mechanism 33.

Description

Mixing and Depositing Apparatus

The present invention relates to mixing and depositing apparatus used particularly, but not exclusively, for mixing agricultural elements and depositing the mixed elements. Specifically, the apparatus is used to mix livestock feed and deposit a specified amount of mixed feed at predetermined spaced locations using a moveable rig.

Conventional technology for feeding livestock, particularly sheep, outdoors includes machinery for dispensing solid concentrate food in a calibrated and evenly distributed manner. To achieve this and to minimise waste, such machines require that the foodstuff be supplied in pelleted form.

The supply of foodstuff in non-pelleted form to the ground can result in waste because fine grains of feed are lost in the grass on the ground, beyond the reach of the targeted livestock. In addition, in

windy weather conditions a large amount of feed is wasted as it is blown from the targeted area.

Using pelleted feed has the following disadvantages: (i) the pelleting process is energy intensive and additional energy is used transporting the pelleted feed to and from farms as the pelleting process is usually carried out off-farm; (ii) the farmer is restricted in choice of feed supplements, is denied the opportunity to easily utilise home grown (non-pelleted) cereal products as feed or to source what is likely to be the most cost effective feed options which are in a non-pelleted form; pelleted foodstuff can be up to 100 percent more expensive than the cost of the ingredients because of the cost intensive pelleting process, transport costs and the lost opportunity of using home grown products; and (iii) it is difficult for the farmer to be sure of the quality of the pelleted foodstuff.

According to the present invention, there is provided mixing and depositing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a moveable rig; at least one container attached to the rig and adapted to receive ingredients to be mixed; a mixing device for mixing said ingredients; and a depositing device for depositing the mixed ingredients as the rig is moved.

Preferably, there is provided a plurality of containers.

Preferably, the depositing device deposits a predetermined quantity of mixed ingredients at spaced apart locations.

Preferably, the ingredients are free flowing when in the unmixed state and are viscous when mixed and when being deposited.

Preferably, said containers are hoppers.

Preferably, the apparatus also comprises at least one metering device per ingredient for releasing required amounts of each ingredient to be mixed.

Preferably, the mixing device comprises mixing and transporting means (such as an Archimedean screw) for mixing the ingredients whilst transporting them to the depositing device.

Preferably, the depositing device moves from a closed collecting position to an open depositing position by way of a retraction and return system.

Preferably, said retraction and return system comprises elastic cords for retraction of the depositing device and a cam mechanism for the return of the depositing device, the depositing device being mounted on runners.

Preferably, the mixing device and cam mechanism are powered by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism

may be connected by gearing to an axle or wheel of the rig or may use alternative power sources such as a vehicle battery. The mixing device and the cam mechanism may be powered together or separately.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the apparatus of the present invention, with a deposit mechanism in the closed position; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of the apparatus of Fig. 1, the deposit mechanism in the open position; Figs. 3 to 6 are schematic views of cam means and the deposit mechanism of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a drive mechanism of the present invention; and Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1.

Figs 9 to 12 are schematic views of cam means and the deposit mechanism of an alternate embodiment; and

Figs 13 to 15 are schematic views of the drive mechanism of an alternate embodiment.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated an embodiment of mixing and depositing apparatus of the present invention (generally designated 1).

The apparatus 1 has a rig 40 having first and second hoppers attached (designated 11 and 12 respectively), a mixing apparatus 20 connected at the base 17 of the hoppers 11 and 12 and a depositing apparatus 30 connected to the mixing apparatus 20.

The rig 40 has a chassis 41 having an axle and wheel assembly 42 attached. A support frame 43 is connected to the chassis 41 to support the first and second hoppers 11 and 12, the mixing apparatus 20 and the depositing apparatus 30. The rig 40 is designed to be towed behind a vehicle (such as an All Terrain Vehicle ATV) at a connection point 44 and is adapted for cross-country use.

Alternatively, the rig 40 can be adapted to be mounted directly on the rear of a suitable vehicle.

The first and second hoppers 11 and 12 contain liquid binder (which can be a feed) and granular feed respectively, the liquid and granular feed (such as home grown cereal) remaining separated until mixing.

Alternatively, one hopper may be used, having a separating wall 16 to ensure that the liquid and granular feed remains separated until mixing.

The advantage of maintaining separation of the liquid and the feed is that each ingredient separately is free flowing and easily manipulated whereas when mixed, the resulting mixture is messy and difficult to handle, transport and deposit.

Metering devices are provided at the base 17 of the hoppers 11 and 12 between the hoppers 11 and 12 and the mixing apparatus 20.

When in a desired location for depositing, the metering devices which may be in the form of a ball valve 14 and a sliding valve 15 (or other suitable devices) release a desired amount of the liquid from the first hopper 11 by means of the ball valve 14 and releases a desired amount of the granular feed from the second hopper 12 by means of the sliding valve 15. The released contents of each hopper 11 and 12 enter the mixing apparatus 20 at spaced apart locations.

The rate at which the liquid and the granular feed are released into the mixing apparatus 20 are pre-set and user determined, each being controlled independently from one another by the metering devices to adjust the ratio of quantity of liquid to quantity of granular feed. Alternatively both are controlled together.

The metering devices are controlled by means of first and second levers 60a and 60b (best seen in Fig. 8), the first control lever 60a controlling the ball valve 14 and the second control lever 60b controlling the sliding valve 15.

The mixing apparatus 20 has a tube 21 being connected at a first end to the base 17 of the hoppers 11 and 12 by means of funnel attachments 22a and 22b (the metering devices being situated between the hoppers 11 and 12 and the funnel attachments 22a and 22b).

The granular feed enters the mixing apparatus at a first location adjacent the first end of the tube 21 and the liquid enters the tube at a second location, spaced apart from the first location towards a second end of the tube 21. Hence, the granular feed and liquid remain separated until they are within the mixing apparatus 20.

The tube 21 is provided with a mixing and transporting element such as an Archimedean screw 22 or auger (see Fig. 2) which runs from the first end of the tube 21 and continues through the second end of the tube 21. The tube 21 and Archimedean screw 22 are inclined at an angle with respect to ground level. Alternative mixing and transporting systems can be used and the mixing system may be horizontal

or at any angle in relation to the chassis 41.

The Archimedean screw 22 is driven by a drive mechanism 50 which is powered either directly by gearing connected to the axle or wheel 42 (best seen in Fig. 7) or alternatively by a power source such as that provided by a vehicle battery or the like.

In this embodiment (as is best seen in Fig. 7), the drive mechanism 50 comprises a traction wheel 51 adapted to removably contact the wheel assembly 42.

The traction wheel 51 is moved into and out of contact with the tyre 42a of one wheel of the wheel assembly 42 by means of a control lever 52.

When the traction wheel 51 is in contact with the tyre 42a, the movement of the tyre 42a causes the traction wheel 51 to turn thus transmitting power to gearing 53 by means of an axle 54.

In an alternative embodiment of the drive mechanism, the mechanism comprises an axle with a differential 61 and a"rattle clutch" (or partial slipdog) 62 (which is used to provide overload relief) and an engage/disengage mechanism acting on the clutch 62 through an adjustable tension spring 64.

A counter shaft 66 is driven by the movement of the wheels, and serves to drive the Archimedean screw 22 and also carries a sprocket 67 set to engage a circle of slots cut in the cam 33. This effects a simple reduction gearing to drive the cam 33, and a means

to pre-set the desired frequency of deposits by the apparatus by varying the gearing ratio.

The gearing 53 can be adapted to power the Archimedean screw 22 and/or cam means 33 (described below).

The drive mechanism 50 causes the Archimedean screw 22 to rotate thus drawing the liquid and feed through the tube 21. As the liquid and feed is drawn through the tube 21 it is mixed together such that at the end of the tube 21 the liquid and feed are mixed by a required amount. A relatively short length of Archimedean screw will achieve this required amount of mixing. This mixing results in the liquid acting to bind the feed together into a viscous mixture.

As the viscous mixture reaches the second end of the tube 21 the Archimedean screw 22 causes the mixture to be pushed out of the second end of the tube 21 and into a batching device 31 of the depositing apparatus 30, the Archimedean screw terminating within the batching device 31.

The batching device 31 has rollers which are mounted on runners 34 connected to the support frame 43 such that the batching device 31 can slide from a closed collecting position to an open depositing position.

The batching device 31 is held in the open depositing position by elastic cords 32 or the like (such as bungee cords), connected at one end to the batching

device 31 and at the other end to one end of the runners 34, nearest the first end of the tube 21.

Alternate means of holding the batching device 31 in the open depositing position may be used.

The batching device 31 is urged to, and held, in the closed collecting position by the cam means 33 connected to the batching device 31. The cam means 33 is driven by the drive mechanism 50 powered either directly by the gearing connected to the axle or wheel 42 or alternatively by a power source such as that provided by a vehicle battery or the like (as described above).

The cam means 33 is arranged to urge and hold the batching device 31 to/in the closed collecting position for a predetermined distance of travel of the rig 40.

The batching device 31 is connected to the cam means 33 by a connector 35 being connected at one end to the batching device 31 and at the other end to a rotatable wheel 36 which rests against the cam profile, such that as the cam 33 turns, the wheel 36 is moved by the cam profile to different locations on the cam profile which results in a movement of the batching device along the runners 34. An alternate embodiment of connector 35, wheel 36 and cam profile is also described below.

In one example, the cam means 33 is arranged to make one revolution every 3 metres that the rig 40 travels. Once the predetermined distance has been travelled the cam means 33 no longer urges/holds the batching device 31 to the closed collecting position and the elastic cords 32 act to move the batching device to the open depositing position.

In one example, the cam means 33 has an operating rim which extends around approximately % of the cam means 33 and accordingly applies an urging force during % of each rotation of the cam means 33.

The profile of the cam (best seen in Figs. 3,4a, 5 and 9 to 12) is adapted to urge and hold the batching device 31 from the open to the closed position (and vice versa by means such as the elastic cords 32) quickly and sharply which results in a compact batch being deposited which has the minimum of trailing (caused by the movement of the rig 40).

In an alternative embodiment, the batching device 31 is connected to the cam means 33 by a connector 35 which is connected at one end to the batching device 31. The connector 35 has a prong 35a extending angularly from the connector 35. Both the free end of the connector 35 and prong 35a are provided with a rotatable wheel (36a and 36b) which are adapted to rest against the alternate cam profile.

Using this embodiment of cam profile, connector 35 and prong 35a, a smoother and more efficient operation of the batching device 31 is achieved. It also allows for increased longitudinal travel of the batching device 31.

Figs 9-12 show the cam means 33 in operation moving the batching device 31 from the open depositing position to the closed collecting position.

Fig 9. shows rotatable wheel 36a engaging the cam profile whilst wheel 36b is not in an engaging position. At this point the batching device is in the open depositing position.

As the cam rotates, wheel 36a and prong 35a cause the batching device 31 to elevate towards a more advantageous position to allow wheel 36b to engage the cam profile. It also causes the batching device 31 to move towards the closed collecting position.

When the wheel 36b engages the cam, wheel 36a is no longer required.

As is best seen in Fig. 10, as point x passes stationery point a, and until point y passes point a, wheel 36b urges and holds the batching device 31 in the closed collecting position.

As wheel 36a is substantially offset from the centreline of the cam 33, the contact of the wheel

36a against the cam profile provides the vast majority of the movement of the batching device 31 from the open to the closed position, with the wheel 36b only being utilised for the final push to move the batching device 31 to the closed position and then hold it in this position.

In use, as point y passes point a, the batching device 31 returns sharply to the open position (as seen in Fig. 12) as the wheel 36b dis-engages with the cam profile.

This arrangement also enhances the feature of the batching device 31 moving from a closed to an open position quickly and sharply to result in a compact batch being deposited with the minimum of trailing.

Alternative means can be used to perform the same action as the cam means 33.

In use, as the rig 40 moves, the viscous mixture collects in the batching device 31 when in the closed collecting position, the arrangement of the cam means 33 and the elastic cords 32 causes the batching device 31 to open periodically, depositing appropriately sized batches of mixed feed onto the ground. For example, each deposit can be 5 kilograms in mass and spaced up to 10 metres apart. However, these amounts can be adjusted by adjusting the cam means 33 and the metering devices. The metering

devices can also be used to adjust the mixing ratios of the liquid and the feed.

Because of the viscous nature of the mixed feed, the deposited feed will not blow away and is easily eaten by livestock.

The cam means 33 then urges the batching device 31 closed thus preventing mixed feed from being deposited on the ground. The batching device 31 collecting the mixed feed for depositing.

One deposit is made for each revolution of the cam means 33. Alternatively, different cam profiles could be used to alter the rate and manner of deposit. For example the profile could be such as to allow the catching device 31 to remain open for a longer period of time thus allowing a trailing batch to be deposited.

The apparatus is intended for both outdoor and indoor use and can be used to feed all types of livestock.

The apparatus removes the need to use pelleted feed and allows a farmer to select cost effective materials which are easily handled in the unmixed state. This allows the farmer to use home grown feed as opposed to processed pelleted feed.

The apparatus also provides for the transporting of the feed materials to the livestock and then mixing of the feed prior to depositing which minimises the

difficulties in working with the viscous mixture ; the ingredients when kept apart are easily handled because they flow easily under gravity but when mixed the ingredients bind together to form a viscous mixture which will not blow away in the wind.

However, the viscous property makes the mixture very difficult to handle mechanically.

Whilst this embodiment describes apparatus used to mix two materials from two hoppers (that is liquid and feed) in alternative embodiments, any number of materials and hoppers can be used.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Mixing and depositing apparatus, the apparatus comprising a moveable rig; at least one container attached to the rig and adapted to receive ingredients to be mixed; a mixing device for mixing said ingredients; and a depositing device for depositing the mixed ingredients as the rig is moved.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the apparatus is provided with a plurality of containers.

3. Apparatus as claimed in either preceding claim, wherein the depositing device deposits a predetermined quantity of mixed ingredients at spaced apart locations.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the ingredients are free flowing when in the unmixed state and are viscous when mixed and when being deposited.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4 wherein said containers are hoppers.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus also comprises at least one metering device per ingredient for releasing required amounts of each ingredient to be mixed.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mixing device comprises mixing and transporting means for mixing the ingredients whilst transporting them to the depositing device.

8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the transporting means is an Archimedean screw.

9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depositing device moves from a closed collecting position to an open depositing position by way of a retraction and return system.

10. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said retraction and return system comprises elastic cords for retraction of the depositing device and a cam mechanism for the return of the depositing device, the depositing device being mounted on runners.

11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the mixing device and cam mechanism are powered by a drive mechanism.

12. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism is connected by gearing to an axle or wheel of the rig.

13. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the drive mechanism uses a power source such as a vehicle battery.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the mixing device and the cam mechanism are powered together.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the mixing device and the cam mechanism are powered separately.

16. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.