System and method for uniformly delivering feed rations to the feedbunks of animal pens in a feedlot
US5878402A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N13/383
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to the feedbunks associated with animal pens. The system includes a feed delivery vehicle having a feed storage compartment and a scale. The function of the scale is to weigh the amount of feed in the storage compartment at sampled time intervals, and produce a first data signal indicative of the weight of the feed at these sampled time intervals. The vehicle also has a ground speed radar unit which measures the true ground speed of the vehicle at sampled time intervals as the vehicle travels alongside of the feedbunk, and produces a second data signal indicative of the vehicular speed at these sampled time intervals. A computer aboard the vehicle processes the first and second data signals along with information regarding the length of the feedbunk and produces a control signal as the vehicle travels alongside the feedbunk. A feed dispensing mechanism aboard the vehicle, includes an electronically-controlled hydraulic pump that dispenses the assigned amount of feed ration into and along the feedbunk in response to the production of the control signal such that, for each foot travelled by the feed delivery vehicle a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.