Animal Food Mixer Patents (Class 366/603)
  • Patent number: 8960995
    Abstract: A mixer/feeder wagon (1) for mixing and dispensing batches of animal feed comprises a device (50) for monitoring operation of the mixer/feeder wagon (1) and for determining instants during a mixing cycle during which ingredients of the animal feed are to be loaded into the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) within which a paddle mixer (17) is rotatable for mixing the ingredients of the batch of animal feed therein. Load sensors (9) produce signals indicative of the current weight of the ingredients in the mixing compartment (14) which are read by a microprocessor (55) of the device (50). A proximity sensor (38) counts the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Salford Engineering Limited
    Inventors: John Joseph McCurdy, Oliver Thomas O'Neill, Hugh McNab Kerr, Jérôme Jean-Yves Eon, Seth Daniel Wareing, Timothy John Penfare
  • Patent number: 8960997
    Abstract: A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ganado Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Bachman, Michael E. Hubbert
  • Patent number: 8960996
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a mixing regime for use in the preparation of an animal feed in which a main computer is programmed to store a master list of ingredients which are available to farmers and from which a farmer can select a specific set of ingredients for the preparation of animal feed. The main computer is programmed to store the ingredients in a look-up table cross-referenced with standard mixing periods to which the respective ingredients should be subjected during the mixing regime to produce an animal feed. Additionally, the look-up table contains mixing factors by which the standard mixing periods may be altered in order to take account of non-standard conditions, such as variations of the ingredients, the proportion of the particular ingredient, the average size or weight of the animals and the mixing apparatus and condition thereof in which the animal feed is to be mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Salford Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Hugh McNab Kerr, John Joseph McCurdy, Jérôme Jean-Yves Eon, Seth Daniel Wareing, Timothy John Penfare
  • Patent number: 8770826
    Abstract: A gearbox is provided having an integrated breather system. The output shaft of the gearbox has integrated therein a breather bore with a top port in the top end of the output shaft and a bottom end in the side of the output shaft. The top end is in communication with the atmosphere while the bottom end is in communication with the inner oil reservoir of the gearbox. By incorporating the breather directly into the output shaft, air locking is reduced or even prevented. Further, the distance between the maximum and minimum oil fill levels is increased thereby allowing for a reduction in accidental over or under filling of the gearbox. In addition, accidental spillage of oil into the environment is reduced as the top breather port exists on top of the gearbox and may optionally include a breather line extending further upward. The reduction in air locking allows for increased accuracy in oil filling as well as reduced maintenance on the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob Tamminga, Gavin Mills
  • Patent number: 8657485
    Abstract: An agricultural mixer includes a hydraulic drive system. The mixer includes an automatic jam-resolving feature, whereby if an auger becomes jammed, the drive system will cause the auger to rotate in a reverse direction for a period of time to resolve the jam. The hydraulic drive system will maintain a speed of rotation of the auger at a relatively constant rate during mixing while choosing an efficient displacement setting for the hydraulic motor. The auger is maintained at a constant speed during a discharge mode by maintaining the motor in a maximum displacement setting. A clean-out mode is provided wherein the auger is rotated at a maximum speed to aid in cleaning out the last remaining feed mixture in the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Roto-Mix, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney R. Neier, Allin L. Butcher, James E. Shafer, Ross M. Groening
  • Patent number: 8414181
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing material, such as a biomass or fodder for cattle, comprises a container having a bottom and an upright wall, and at least one mixing element comprising an upright column and a mixing blade attached to the column. A front edge of the mixing element at least is proximate to the bottom of the container. The mixing element with its column is rotatably mounted in the container and can be coupled to a drive unit. The mixing blade comprises an element which is rotatably supported on a carrier that is fixed to the column. A part of the circumferential edge of the rotatable element may form the front edge and the part of the outer edge of the mixing blade that joins said front edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Trioliet Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Cornelis Hendricus Liet
  • Patent number: 8408485
    Abstract: A mixer attachment for use with a skid steer. In one embodiment, the mixer attachment includes a mixing tub with a circumferential wall extending between a floor and a rim to define an interior compartment for holding a quantity of material. An auger may be provided that mixes the materials and is driven by a hydraulic drive unit. In some embodiments, one or more material retarders extend into the interior compartment to impede movement of the material within the interior compartment. A discharge chute allows discharge of material from the interior compartment. The mixing tub is movable between a scooping position and a mixing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A. Milam, Max D. Meyer, Austin M. Carrothers, Robert L. Haecker
  • Patent number: 8342738
    Abstract: A mixer includes a housing having one or more augers therein. The augers are turned so that they lift the material being mixed upwardly. Fixed on the side walls, which include baffles, are one or more deflectors which impart a downward motion on the mixture being mixed so that the mixture is tumbled upwardly by the augers and downwardly by the deflectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Roto-Mix, LLC
    Inventors: Rodney R. Neier, Allin L. Butcher, Ross M. Groening, Conway B. Price
  • Patent number: 8210071
    Abstract: A fluid drive system for vertical mixer tubs is provided. Rotational power from the power take-off of a tractor or other suitable vehicle is increased in rotational speed by an input gearbox. The input gearbox is, in turn, coupled to a fluid coupler that locks up when the input rotational speed reaches an optimum speed. The output of the fluid coupler is coupled to an output gearbox that reduces the rotational speed of the fluid coupler. The output of the output gearbox is connected to the drive mechanism of the mixer tub auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Supreme International Limited
    Inventor: Jack Hendriks
  • Patent number: 8177419
    Abstract: An animal feed mixer includes a housing forming first and second chambers. An upper auger and a lower auger are mounted in one of the chambers and a rotor is mounted in the other of the chambers. The rotor includes a plurality of arm assemblies that are staggered with respect to one another, that overlap one another in length, and that have paddles affixed to the outer ends of radially extending arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Roto-Mix, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Neier, Rodney R. Neier, Gregory R. Reimer
  • Patent number: 7967502
    Abstract: A vertical mixer assembly for mixing a bulk material is disclosed. The vertical mixer assembly comprises a floor having an upper surface; at least one wall extending from the floor and having an interior surface and an upper edge; the floor and the at least one wall defining an open topped mixing chamber having a general tub-shape suitable for receiving the bulk material; at least one vertical auger positioned in the mixing chamber for mixing the bulk material, the auger having a flight suitable for mixing the bulk material upon operation of the auger; an opening in the mixing chamber for allowing egress of the bulk material, the opening having a wall portion and a floor portion; and a door assembly. The door assembly allows for more consistent unloading of the mixed bulk material and for quicker unloading of the mixed bulk material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventor: Jakob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 7938575
    Abstract: A food mixer (1) with a container (3) with side walls (3a) and a bottom (3) is described. The food mixer (1) contains a mixing screw (5) rotating about an axis (5?) extending essentially perpendicularly to the bottom (3b). A support surface (7d) is assigned to the mixing screw and strokes over the bottom (3b) with a leading edge (7a), a flow guiding body (8, 108, 208, 308, 408) projecting upwards from the support surface (7d). To improve and facilitate in a constructionally simple manner a measuring out process, it is suggested to provide the flow guiding body (8, 108, 208, 308, 408) with a guiding surface (10, 210, 310) essentially facing radially outwards which is provided with a point (9) directed to the leading edge (7a) and resting on the support surface (7d) and extends with an increasing height (h) above the support surface (7d) backwards in the sense of rotation (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Trioliet Mullos B.V.8
    Inventor: Cornelis Hendricus Liet
  • Patent number: 7874720
    Abstract: An interference knife apparatus is provided for use with an environmental material mixer. The mixer includes a tub housing at least one auger with blades mounted on the auger flight. The apparatus includes a post rotatably mounted on the outer sidewall of the mixer tub. The post can include one or more knives extending therefrom. Rotating the post moves the knives in and out of the mixer tub through access slots extending through the mixer's sidewall. The combination of the knives and the auger blades provides a “scissors-like” cutting action for cutting the environmental material during auger rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Supreme International Limited
    Inventor: Jack Hendriks
  • Patent number: 7566166
    Abstract: An animal feed mixer includes a housing forming first and second chambers. An upper auger and a lower auger are mounted in one of the chambers and a rotor is mounted in the other of the chambers. The rotor includes a plurality of arm assemblies that are staggered with respect to one another, that overlap one another in length, and that have paddles affixed to the outer ends of radially extending arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Roto-Mix, LLC.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Neier, Rodney R. Neier, Gregory R. Reimer
  • Patent number: 7507016
    Abstract: An auger for a vertical livestock feed mixer having an open-top mixing tub is provided. The auger includes two flights to draw in feed components from the bottom of the mixer tub and move them to the top. The trailing edge of the upper auger flight includes an upraised portion to deflect feed components towards the sidewalls of the feed mixer. The leading edge of the lower auger flight includes a kicker plate on the topside of the flight to deflect feed components towards the centre of the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Supreme International Limited
    Inventors: Joel Joseph Huberdeau, Jack Hendriks
  • Patent number: 7347614
    Abstract: A multiple auger vertical mixer with a drive system comprised of a powered driving means and a first gearbox with multiple output shafts. The output shafts supply rotational power for at least two final driven gearboxes which drive the augers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kuhn North America, Inc.
    Inventors: George B Cicci, Claude McFarlane
  • Patent number: 7347615
    Abstract: A mixer (1) is described, in particular a feed mixer, has a mixing chamber (3), which is provided with a discharge opening (6) for the mix. A mixing screw (7), driven about a vertical rotating axis (7a), is accommodated in the mixing chamber (3). Furthermore, a rotary driven device (10) is provided for the smoothing of the discharge of the mix at the lower section of the mixing screw (7), and that moves across the discharge opening (6). To further smooth the discharge of the mix, a device (10) has a guide plate (11) with a surface (11a) on which the mix deposits to increase the action of the centrifugal force on the mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Trioliet Mullos B.V.
    Inventor: Nicolaas van der Plas
  • Patent number: 7347616
    Abstract: A vertical feed mixer apparatus has a container for the reception of feed. The container includes a floor, a wall extending away from the floor such that the wall is disposed above the floor. The wall has a top opening disposed remotely from the floor to define an enclosure for feed received through the top opening. The container has a discharge opening in the wall adjacent to the floor. There is at least one auger disposed within the enclosure. The auger includes an auger core with an axis of rotation extending substantially vertically through the floor. The auger has a helical flighting secured to and disposed around the auger core. The auger has at least one swept kicker secured to the auger core or flighting, disposed adjacent to the floor, and configured to discharge the feed through the discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Kuhn North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Albright
  • Patent number: 7341372
    Abstract: Described is a feed mixer comprising a mixing container for receiving feed, at least one mixing tool rotatingly arranged in the mixing container, a drive mechanism for driving the mixing tool, an automatically shiftable transmission which is connected to the drive mechanism and has a low shifting stage for a first speed and at least one higher shifting stage for a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed, a control mechanism for shifting the transmission, a mechanism for detecting the weight of the feed to be mixed, and a mechanism for comparing the detected weight with a predetermined limit value for at least the higher shifting stage, which is connected to the control mechanism such that a driving of the mixing tool via the higher shifting stage is only possible if the detected weight does not exceed the limit weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Trioliet Mullos B.V.
    Inventor: Nicolaas Van Der Plas
  • Patent number: 7322537
    Abstract: Truck for shredding and mixing products for zootechnical use having, on a chassis with wheels that is self-propelled or towed, a container that is substantially shaped like an inverted frustum, is open in an upper region and contains shredding and mixing elements which have at least two adjacent rotating screw feeders with substantially vertical axes arranged at staggered levels on corresponding staggered bottom regions of the container, each screw feeder having an external profile that lies on a substantially conical imaginary surface and at which shredding cutters are mounted, contrast cutters substantially shaped like circular sectors being hinged to the internal wall of the container by their respective vertices in a vertical arrangement in substantially radial positions and being insertable and removable trough appropriately provided slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Tiziano Faccia
  • Publication number: 20070297284
    Abstract: An animal feed mixer includes a housing forming first and second chambers. An upper auger and a lower auger are mounted in one of the chambers and a rotor is mounted in the other of the chambers. The rotor includes a plurality of arm assemblies that are staggered with respect to one another, that overlap one another in length, and that have paddles affixed to the outer ends of radially extending arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: ROTO-MIX, LLC
    Inventors: BENJAMIN R. NEIER, RODNEY R. NEIER, GREGORY R. REIMER
  • Patent number: 7165880
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus is disclosed for mixing and discharging livestock feed. The mixer includes a container for the reception of feed, with a floor and a wall extending away from the floor such that substantially all of the wall is disposed above the floor. The wall and floor define an enclosure for the feed received through the top opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, and the auger has an axis of rotation extending substantially vertically through the floor. The wall also includes a first side and a second side positioned on opposing sides of the enclosure, each of the sides being disposed at dissimilar angles relative to the floor. An undercarriage includes a hitch which is offset from the centerline of the floor in the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Kuhn Knight Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Albright
  • Patent number: 7153020
    Abstract: A mixer wagon includes a mixing chamber having a bottom, a fill opening larger than the bottom, and a wall. A work tool is provided in the mixing chamber for sweeping over a work area on the bottom. The wall is provided at its side with a flattening defined by curved portions, the flattening having assigned thereto a discharge opening which is closable by a slide. The flattening encloses with the mixing chamber bottom a first inclination angle that is smaller than a second inclination angle enclosed by the curved portion with the bottom. A comfortable lateral discharge of the fodder is combined with a thorough mixing by providing that in the vicinity of the bottom the slide and the curved portion of the wall on the discharge opening follows the shape of the circumference of the work area, and the opening and closing path P extend at an angle that is substantially equal to or larger than the larger inclination angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Trioliet Mullos B.V.
    Inventor: Nicolaas Van Der Plas
  • Patent number: 7118268
    Abstract: A fodder mixing wagon including a fodder mixing container equipped with at least one vertical auger above the bottom region, and including an undercarriage having a chassis and ground wheels, is provided with an active adjusting system for adjusting the fodder distribution within the mixing container in at least two opposed directions being substantially parallel to the bottom region, the adjusting system being equipped with at least one sensor arrangement for detecting either the actual fodder weight distribution within and/or the inclination of the mixing container. The adjusting system allows to actuate actuators for adjustable counter blades provided in the mixing container and/or mixing container/slanting devices, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Trioliet Mullos B.V.
    Inventor: Nicolaas Van Der Plas
  • Patent number: 7040801
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus is disclosed for mixing and discharging livestock feed. The mixer includes a container for the reception of feed, with a floor, and a wall extending away from the floor such that substantially all of the wall is disposed above the floor. The wall and floor define an enclosure for the feed received through the top opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, and the auger has an axis of rotation extending substantially vertically through the floor. The auger also includes an upper core which is not concentric with the axis of rotation, so that the flighting and attached knives are closer to the enclosure during one portion of the auger rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Kuhn Knight Inc.
    Inventors: Ric Joranlien, Thierry Krier
  • Patent number: 7028933
    Abstract: A mixing machine consists of a hopper having a main chamber within its housing with a rotary member, a secondary chamber having a bottom worm conveying the material from one end of the mixing machine to the other end thereof, until collapsing with a loop found on its front portion and generating a material bubble; an upper worm to remove the material bubble and carrying it up to the middle part of the machine. At the middle part of the machine, the material is forced by a loop system having an upper worm to move towards the rotor area, such that the material is actually moving towards the back portion of the machine, completing a mixing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Tormex Industrias, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Javier Villarreal Maiz
  • Patent number: 7028932
    Abstract: A machine including a container fitted with a base that extends between lateral walls and end walls. The base partially covers (i) a mixing rotor and (ii) a feed auger which moves products in the skip either in a closed circuit or in a circuit towards a distributing chute. A transfer screw is mounted on top of the feed auger. The transfer screw can include cutting members in the form of sectioning parts. The sectioning parts co-operate with teeth which are disposed on a beam. The teeth can be positioned as necessary either on a beam located in the container or on one or more beams located on the lateral wall. Similarly, the feed auger can also include sectioning parts that co-operate with teeth if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Lucas G
    Inventors: Gerard Lucas, Jean-Claude Retaillaud
  • Patent number: 7004617
    Abstract: A vertical mixer is disclosed for mixing feed materials and the like. The apparatus includes at least two augers which rotate around two respective vertical axes. The augers are dissimilar relative to each other, providing an improved mixing performance. The dissimilarity can include, but is not limited to, direction of rotation and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kuhn Knight Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Albright, Tim Osterhaus
  • Patent number: 6983902
    Abstract: A truck for shredding and mixing products for zootechnical use, of the type that comprises, on a chassis (11) with wheels (12) that is self-propelled or towed, a container (13) that is substantially shaped like an inverted frustum, is open in an upper region and contains shredding and mixing means (14) which comprise at least two adjacent rotating main screw feeders (15, 16), each having an external profile (17) that lies on a substantially conical imaginary surface and at which shredding cutters are mounted. Contrast cutters (20) substantially shaped like circular sectors are hinged to the internal wall of the container (13) by means of their respective vertices in a vertical arrangement in substantially radial positions and can be inserted and removed through appropriately provided slots. Auxiliary screw feeders (18, 19), suitable to avoid the formation of stagnation regions, are arranged between the main screw feeders (15, 16), in the regions adjacent to the walls of the container (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: Tiziano Faccia
  • Patent number: 6969191
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted herein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that is closable by a door. The door is constructed to be opened and closed by hydraulic cylinder connected in parallel to a linkage. The linkage includes two or more elongate members pivotally connected to one another, and the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected between the elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 6929394
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted therein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that includes part of the floor and is closable by a door. The door includes a segment that is part of the floor when the door is in a closed position. The auger is sized and shaped to partially extend through the opening when the door is open during part of each rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 6923393
    Abstract: The feed mixer of the present invention includes two upper horizontal augers having flighting thereon. Below and between the two upper augers is a rotor having helical paddle segments thereon. The two upper augers and the rotor all rotate in the same direction, but the two upper augers force material in one direction and the lower rotor forces material in the opposite direction. Knives on the outer edges of the upper augers and on the helical segments of the rotor act upon the hay to cut it and facilitate its mixing with other feed ingredients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: J-Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Neier, Rodney R. Neier, Gregory R. Reimer, Brent H. Whitaker, Mark T. Cooksey, Celso Luis Casale
  • Patent number: 6905238
    Abstract: A vertical mixer is disclosed for mixing feed materials and the like. The apparatus includes at least two augers which rotate around two respective vertical axes. The augers are dissimilar relative to each other, providing an improved mixing performance. The dissimilarity can include, but is not limited to, direction of rotation and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Kuhn Knight Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Albright, Tim Osterhaus
  • Patent number: 6890092
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a set of wheels on each side of the mixer that is automatically adjustable for variation in the terrain where the mixer is used. Each set is rotatable about a pivot point. Preferably, weight bars provide the pivot point for each set of wheels. There is a further weight bar in the tongue of the mixer. The weight bars automatically determine the weight of materials within the mixer on an intermittent or continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Publication number: 20040252583
    Abstract: A mixer (1) is described, in particular a feed mixer, which comprises a mixing chamber (3), which is provided with a discharge opening (6) for the mix. A mixing screw (7), driven about a vertical rotating axis (7a), is accommodated in the mixing chamber (3). Furthermore, a rotary driven device (10) is provided for the smoothing of the discharge of the mix, the said device being provided at the lower section of the mixing screw (7), assigned to the discharge opening (6). To further smooth the discharge of the mix, it is suggested that the device (10) contains a guide plate (11) with a deposition surface (11a) for the mix to increase the action of the centrifugal force on the mix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Trioliet Mullos B.V.
    Inventor: Nicolaas Van Der Plas
  • Patent number: 6817752
    Abstract: An auger device of a vertical mixer is disclosed for mixing animal feed. The auger device includes a core having a first and a second end and flighting which is secured to the core so that in operation of the mixer, when the auger device rotates, the animal feed is mixed. The flighting includes a first portion which is disposed helically around the core such that the feed is urged by the first portion in a direction from the first towards the second end of the core. Additionally, a second portion is disposed helically around the core such that the feed is urged by the second portion in the direction from the first towards the second end of the core. Also, the second portion is interposed between the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: KuhnKnight INC
    Inventor: Corey Tolle
  • Publication number: 20040179426
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed and the like. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation which extends through the housing. The mixer apparatus further includes a further auger which is disposed within the enclosure, the further auger having a rotational axis disposed approximately parallel and spaced from the axis of rotation of the auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: William S. Knight
  • Patent number: 6769802
    Abstract: A body (1) for cutting and mixing wagons for plant products is disclosed, comprising a base (2) with a plurality of walls (3a, 3b, 3c) defining a room (4) adapted to receive the plant products to be cut and mixed through one or more screws arranged inside the body (1). The walls (3a, 3b, 3c) are removably connected to each other and to the base (2) through connection means (7, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Giuseppe Loppoli
  • Publication number: 20040136264
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed and the like. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation which extends through the housing. A final driven wheel is disposed within the housing, the final driven wheel being rotatable about the axis of rotation. The final driven wheel is drivingly connected to the auger so that when the final driven wheel is rotated within the housing, the auger is rotated therewith within the enclosure. The final driven wheel and the auger together as a unit are removable and replaceable relative to the housing and enclosure respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher Albright, Ric Joranlien, Claude McFarlane
  • Patent number: 6752530
    Abstract: A mixer for preparing feedstuffs and mixing pre-shredded forage with various feedstuffs and seed products for animal feeding, comprising a container body which internally accommodates a cylindrical helical feeder rotatably supported by the heads of the container body for the advancement of the products to be mixed. A recirculation scroll is provided inside the region delimited by the feeder and is suitable to impart to the products to be mixed a movement in the opposite direction with respect to the feeder. A tubular element is further provided for containing at least a central portion of the recirculation scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Seko SpA
    Inventor: Egidio Pecis
  • Publication number: 20040090860
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted therein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that includes part of the floor and is closable by a door. The door includes a segment that is part of the floor when the door is in a closed position. The auger is sized and shaped to partially extend through the opening when the door is open during part of each rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Publication number: 20040071045
    Abstract: An auger device of a vertical mixer is disclosed for mixing animal feed. The auger device includes a core having a first and a second end and flighting which is secured to the core so that in operation of the mixer, when the auger device rotates, the animal feed is mixed. The flighting includes a first portion which is disposed helically around the core such that the feed is urged by the first portion in a direction from the first towards the second end of the core. Additionally, a second portion is disposed helically around the core such that the feed is urged by the second portion in the direction from the first towards the second end of the core. Also, the second portion is interposed between the first portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Corey Tolle
  • Publication number: 20040017729
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has plexi-glass sight windows located in a side wall of the mixing chamber. The windows extend generally vertically between a top and bottom of the mixing chamber and provide visual access to an interior of the chamber from outside the mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Publication number: 20040008575
    Abstract: A vertical mixer is disclosed for mixing feed materials and the like. The apparatus includes at least two augers which rotate around two respective vertical axes. The augers are dissimilar relative to each other, providing an improved mixing performance. The dissimilarity can include, but is not limited to, direction of rotation and size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: KUHN KNIGHT INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Albright, Tim Osterhaus
  • Publication number: 20030235109
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container has a housing and a wall extending away from the housing, the wall defining an opening disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation extending through the housing. Additionally, a substantially horizontally disposed drive pinion is provided which intermeshes with a final driven wheel which is driven by the drive pinion and disposed substantially horizontally within the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: William S. Knight
  • Patent number: 6663275
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed and the like. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation which extends through the housing. The mixer apparatus further includes a further auger which is disposed within the enclosure, the further auger having a rotational axis disposed approximately parallel and spaced from the axis of rotation of the auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: William S. Knight
  • Publication number: 20030223308
    Abstract: An auger for vertical mixers includes a forward angled leading edge. The leading edge includes an inner portion, which may or may not be aligned with a radial line extending from the axis of rotation of the auger. The leading edge also includes an outer portion adjacent to the inner portion, which is angled forward of the radial line and extends forward of the inner portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: KUHN KNIGHT INC.
    Inventor: William S. Knight
  • Patent number: 6572260
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus for mixing materials such as feed is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the materials. The container has a base and a wall extending away from the base, the wall defining an opening disposed remote from the base for the reception therethrough of the materials. The arrangement is such that the base and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the materials received through the opening. An auger is rotatably disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation extending through the base. A driven wheel is drivingly connected to the auger, the driven wheel being disposed on an opposite side of the base relative to the auger. A drive connected to a main source of power, the drive being drivingly connected to the driven wheel so that when the drive rotates, the auger is rotated within the enclosure for mixing the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Kuhn Knight Inc.
    Inventor: William S. Knight
  • Patent number: 6572257
    Abstract: An electronic device that is attached to a mixing machine for calculating the weight of the material being mixed and the number of auger revolutions that has occurred during the mixing process, and a method therefor. The electronic device can display the weight and auger revolutions, and store such information in the device memory or an external memory. The data relating to mixing a particular batch of ingredients can be stored in the memory and used to determine operator productivity and mixer maintenance schedules. An alarm alerts the mixer operator when a predetermined number of revolutions has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Digi-Star, LLC
    Inventor: Jerome A. Bump
  • Publication number: 20030072215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the vertical mixing of gaseous, liquid, powdery and/or pasty products using, for example, a hollow shaft (2) and inner shaft (3) arranged in a housing, whereby paddle-shaped mixing tools (4) are provided on the hollow shaft (2) and on the inner shaft (3) there is provided a discharge device (9) arranged below an outlet (8) of the mixer (1). The mixer (1) is thereby completely filled in the operating state and the product (11) and additives are pressed onto the inner wall of the housing by means of the mixing tools (4). The product flows continuously downwards under the force of gravity and acts against the partly backward-conveying paddles. The continuous product flow is regulated using a rotary slide valve (9) provided at the outlet (8). The mixer (1) is especially suitable as a dosing device and/or for lubicating extruder and/or expander products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Heinz Binder, Andrea Hermsmeyer, Philipp Hanimann