Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the degree of blending of the constituents of a mixture being churned in a blender involves placement of a dielectric properties sensor in a wall of the blender. In that such sensors respond to moisture content, density and temperature of the ingredients, when the sensor output reaches a steady-state, it is indicative of arrival of a homogenous mix.

Abstract: A device (10) for use in monitoring or measuring properties of a moving bed (11) of particulate material includes a sled (12) that rides or floats on the top surface (15) of the moving bed (11). A mounting structure (14) holds the sled (12) stationary with respect to the linear movement of the particulate bed (11), but permits movement of the sled (12) in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the bed (11), such as up and down when the bed (11) is moving horizontally. The sled (12) can carry on board sensors (76) to monitor the particulate material properties. Other sensors (72, 54) can be located remote from the sled (12) such as a sensor (54) to indicate displacement of the sled (12) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the moving bed (11). In one embodiment, the device includes a flume-like collector that directs particulate material through a sampling cell comprised of parallel side walls (47, 48) with the sensor sled (12) located between the sidewalls.

Abstract: A device (10) for use in monitoring or measuring properties of a moving bed (11) of particulate material includes a sled (12) that rides or floats on the top surface (15) of the moving bed (11). A mounting structure (14) holds the sled (12) stationary with respect to the linear movement of the particulate bed (11), but permits movement of the sled (12) in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the bed (11), such as up and down when the bed (11) is moving horizontally. The sled (12) can carry on board sensors (76) to monitor the particulate material properties. Other sensors (72, 54) can be located remote from the sled (12) such as a sensor (54) to indicate displacement of the sled (12) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the moving bed (11). In one embodiment, the device includes a flume-like collector that directs particulate material through a sampling cell comprised of parallel side walls (47, 48) with the sensor sled (12) located between the sidewalls.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor housing or mounting apparatus for positioning in a free flowing stream of particulate matter in order to accomplish on-line measurement of a physical property of the material such as moisture content. The housing has an inlet nozzle, a mid-section or sensing chamber, and a discharge section. The inlet nozzle has flow deflector plates that intercept a sample of material from the process stream from a single plane and channel it to the sensing chamber. A sensor is embedded in the walls of the sensing chamber and positioned to sense the material property of the passing sample. A discharge nozzle extends from the sensing chamber and has a constricted discharge opening in order to regulate flow through the sensing chamber. The discharge nozzle has a pair of downwardly convergent deflector plates such that the flow of particulate matter is restricted in a single vertical plane that is perpendicular to the vertical plane referenced by the inlet section.

Abstract: A method for the heat processing of foodstuff to improve the palatability thereof. A oven housing defines an oven chamber having a material inlet and a material outlet. A tubular structure extends between the material inlet and the material outlet for carrying the foodstuff during the cooking process. The tubular structure is preferably comprised as a bank of interconnected augers. Control of the speed of the auger assembly determines the duration during which the foodstuff is subject to the heat processing. A fluid conduit system provides heated gases to the oven housing for purposes of heat processing or cooking the foodstuff. A blower is connected to the fluid conduit for moving the gases. A heater module provides heated gases to the fluid conduit and controls the temperature thereof. A moisture conditioning apparatus can be used to control the moisture content of the incoming foodstuff thereby controlling all of the process variables for the heat processing of foodstuff.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat processing of foodstuff to improve the palatability thereof. The apparatus includes an oven housing defining an oven chamber having a material inlet and a material outlet. A tubular means extends between the material inlet and the material outlet for carrying the foodstuff during the cooking process. The tubular means is preferably comprised as a bank of interconnected augers. Control of the speed of the auger assembly determines the duration during which the foodstuff is subject to the heat processing. A fluid conduit system provides heated gases to the oven housing for purposes of heat processing or cooking the foodstuff. A blower is connected to the fluid conduit for moving the gases. A heater module provides heated gases to the fluid conduit and controls the temperature thereof. A moisture conditioning apparatus can be used to control the moisture content of the incoming foodstuff thereby controlling all of the process variables for the heat processing of foodstuff.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing grain by raising the moisture content of the grain relative to a target level. As the grain is moved through a processing area, the moisture content and the mass flow of the grain are measured. Each measurement is converted to an electronic signal and the signals are fed to a programmable controller which blends the two signals and produces a single output control signal that is fed to a proportional control valve. The control valve acts responsive to the control signal to adjust the amount of moisture added to the grain at a wetting station. An additive such as a surfactant can be metered into the water supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically increasing the moisture content of seed grain up to a target moisture content preparatory to planting in order to promote early germination of the seed grain. The apparatus includes a hopper for holding untreated seed grain, a grain conveying means for transfer of the grain from the hopper past a moisture sensing station, a seed grain wetting station, a mixing area, and a discharge chute for discharge of treated seed grain. The moisturizing medium can be water alone or water mixed with other suitable ingredients such as nutrients or a surfactant. At the moisture sensing station, the moisture of the untreated seed grain is continuously monitored. A calibrated moisture sensor generates an electronic signal proportionate to the moisture content of the seed grain. This signal is used to control the application rate of the wetting mixture.

Abstract: A method of increasing the moisture content of seed grain and of feed grain to raise the moisture content to an approximate target moisture content prepatory to planting in the case of seed grain and in order to increase the patentability to the animal in the case of feed grain. According to the method, as grain is moved from a first location toward a second location, the moisture of the grain is continuously measured with a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor generates a control signal which is used to regulate the rate of addition of moisture to the grain at a location downstream of the moisture sensor. The moisture content of the grain measured by the moisture sensor is compared to a target moisture content level and control adjustments are made accordingly in order to regulate the rate of application or moisture to the passing grain.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the moisture content of feed grains to a relatively constant target level. As the grain is transported into, or within the feed manufacturing process, a sample is diverted through a continuous flow moisture sensor. The sensor generates an electronic signal proportional to the moisture content of the grain. This signal is used to control the application rate of a surfactant--water mixture, or of water alone. The water may be either in the form of steam or, as a hot or cold liquid. The grain then enters a mixing or contact chamber, into which the water is metered at a rate that is proportional to the moisture content of the incoming grain. The treated grain will have a relatively constant moisture content, eliminating one of the largest variables in the manfuacturing of livestock feeds.