Patents Assigned to Lextron, Inc.
-
Patent number: 7972055Abstract: A method and system are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives wherein controlled access is provided to the bins or containers that store the micro-ingredients prior to delivery thereby preventing inadvertent errors in adding incorrect micro-ingredients to a feed ration as well as to provide a measure of security to prevent tampering with the micro-ingredients in the bins. A micro-ingredient delivery system typically includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. Each bin may have a locking device thereby restricting access to the bin, along with a switch indicating whether the bin access cover is open or closed. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to lock or unlock the locking devices based upon authorizations provided to access the bins in accordance with the particular operating parameters and requirements of the delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: John E. Adent, Steve R. Freeman
-
Publication number: 20110120071Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: LEXTRON, INC.Inventors: Steve Freeman, Wes Byers, Mike Van Lith, Dean Nordhues, Chad Greiman
-
Patent number: 7900556Abstract: Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Steve Freeman, Wes Byers, Michael Van Lith, Dean Nordhues, Chad Greiman
-
Patent number: 7900557Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Steve Freeman, Wes Byers, Michael Van Lith, Dean Nordhues, Chad Greiman
-
Publication number: 20110015784Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: LEXTRON, INC.Inventors: Steve FREEMAN, Wes BYERS, Michael VAN LITH, Dean NORDHUES, Chad GREIMAN
-
Patent number: 7870840Abstract: A cattle management system and method for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations. Some significant functionality of the present invention includes the ability to track the location of each individual animal by utilizing unique identification data for each animal, recording all monitored events that take place at each location during the animal's production cycle, and reporting the events and locations as required to government entities, financial institutions, and other entities within the cattle industry.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Neal Valencia, Michael A. Ackerman, Jim Carisch
-
Patent number: 7867532Abstract: A system and method are provided for flaking grains. The system and method provide for an automated system to minimize manual intervention, yet optimize a steam flaking process. A calibration technique may be included to assist in automatic adjustment of system parameters to account for less than optimal operating conditions. Control of the system may occur from a remote location wherein a user is provided an interface, and a user's computer communicates with an industrial controller such as a PLC, through the Internet or a private network. The PLC is typically located at the site where the grain is to be processed. The PLC may receive various system inputs and generate system control outputs in accordance with programs installed on the PLC, or through some selected manual intervention as controlled by the user at the remote location.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Steve R. Freeman, Charles H. Hoff
-
Publication number: 20100220548Abstract: A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Applicant: LEXTRON, INC.Inventors: Steven R. FREEMAN, Charles H. HOFF
-
Patent number: 7762714Abstract: A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Steve R. Freeman, Charles H. Hoff
-
Patent number: 7744269Abstract: A method and system are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives wherein controlled access is provided to the bins or containers that store the micro-ingredients prior to delivery thereby preventing inadvertent errors in adding incorrect micro-ingredients to a feed ration as well as to provide a measure of security to prevent tampering with the micro-ingredients in the bins. A micro-ingredient delivery system typically includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. Each bin may have a locking device thereby restricting access to the bin, along with a switch indicating whether the bin access cover is open or closed. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to lock or unlock the locking devices based upon authorizations provided to access the bins in accordance with the particular operating parameters and requirements of the delivery system.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: John E. Adent, Steve R. Freeman
-
Patent number: 7743699Abstract: An automated system and method are provided for application of inoculant products onto forage material. Real time data measurements are taken for relative humidity and moisture content of the forage material in order to timely adjust the dispense rate of the inoculant applied to the forage material. Data gathering capabilities are provided with this system controller to enable an operator to view, adjust, and record various production records, as well as detailed information as to the amounts of inoculant applied. The components associated with the system of the present invention includes an inoculant bin or container including a dispense auger which dispenses a controlled amount of inoculant which is then conveyed to the intake opening of the baling machine the forage material enters the machine. The control system includes various sensors positioned at the intake opening of the baling machine which measures moisture content, and optionally the mass or volume of the incoming forage material.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Steve Freeman, Wes Byers, Michael Van Lith, Dean Nordhues, Chad Greiman
-
Patent number: 7689434Abstract: A computer network and method for feeding animals in a feedlot, in which discretion and direct control over the various suboperations of the feed ration assignment and delivery process are distributed among the individual operators in the system, while the feedlot manager is capable of indirectly monitoring the performance of the various suboperations through use of a satellite based global positioning system.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: J. Sam Cureton, Thomas Pavlak, James Carisch, Michael A. Ackerman, Arlen Anderson
-
Publication number: 20100017024Abstract: A method and system are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives wherein controlled access is provided to the bins or containers that store the micro-ingredients prior to delivery thereby preventing inadvertent errors in adding incorrect micro-ingredients to a feed ration as well as to provide a measure of security to prevent tampering with the micro-ingredients in the bins. A micro-ingredient delivery system typically includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. Each bin may have a locking device thereby restricting access to the bin, along with a switch indicating whether the bin access cover is open or closed. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to lock or unlock the locking devices based upon authorizations provided to access the bins in accordance with the particular operating parameters and requirements of the delivery system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2009Publication date: January 21, 2010Applicant: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: John E. ADENT, Steve R. FREEMAN
-
Patent number: 7543549Abstract: A cattle management system and method are provided for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations. Some significant functionality of the present invention includes the ability to track the location of each individual animal by utilizing unique identification data for each animal, recording all monitored events that take place at each location during the animal's production cycle, and reporting the events and locations as required to government entities, financial institutions, and other entities within the cattle industry.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Neal Valencia, Michael A. Ackerman, Jim Carisch
-
Patent number: 7537375Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Hoff, Steve R. Freeman
-
Patent number: 7448944Abstract: An animal carcass lift device is especially adapted for use with animal carcass incinerators or cremators found at various agricultural locations. The lift device takes advantage of two rotation points in order to precisely manipulate an attached animal carcass so that it may be conveniently loaded within the incinerator. The lift device includes a power assist mechanism such as a winch to raise or lower the animal carcass.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Allan C. Baumler, Steven J. Steffen
-
Patent number: 7441515Abstract: A cattle management system and method are provided for managing numerous routine and non-routine management activities. The system and method incorporate a data processing system wherein comprehensive data is gathered and maintained on each individual animal as well as on selected groups of animals. Preferably, a central database is used which allows enhanced functionality with respect to not only data entry and data transfer, but also with respect to providing system generated management recommendations.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Steven Renz, James Carisch
-
Patent number: 7410078Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Hoff, Greg Moore
-
Publication number: 20070159918Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2007Publication date: July 12, 2007Applicant: LEXTRON, INC.Inventors: Charles Hoff, Steve Freeman
-
Patent number: 7240807Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Lextron, Inc.Inventors: Charles H. Hoff, Greg Moore