Intelligent system and process for automated monitoring of microingredient inventory used in the manufacture of medicated feed rations
US5853244A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F2101/18
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system and process for use with programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing machinery. In the illustrative embodiment, the computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is coupled with a programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system. The programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system includes weight measuring mechanisms that are interfaced with a computer system programmed to continuously monitor the weight of microingredients stored on a plurality of inventory storage scales, as well as in a plurality of dispensing bins and tanks. The computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is programmed to perform a number of inventory monitoring functions including: automated detection of microingredient loss (e.g., spillage) after each inventory receiving operation and each dispensing bin and tank refilling operation; automated detection of microingredient-usage errors after each micro-batch production run; automated production of inventory reports when arbitrarily requested; and automated tracking of microingredients using the lot numbers of the microingredient supplier. In the p…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.