Feed grain conditioning apparatus
US4898092A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 1988 |
| Grant date | Feb 6, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB02B1/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.