Compressed straw material
US8181602B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K1/0155
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Bedding material for livestock is produced by extruding straw through a conventional cubing system rather than a conventional pellet mill. The cubing process generates friction in turn changing the properties of the straw making the straw particles highly absorbent. The cubing process allows for greater particle size in the finished product as compared to pellets produce in a conventional pellet mill. The process involves the following: shredding the straw to proper size, cubing the straw into cubes and flakes, cooling, storing and packaging. The cubing process requires 40% less energy based on throughput of finished product, thus making the material more affordable to larger farming operations. Some other properties include a higher bulk density than large conventional bales or wood shavings, less dust when applying, a pasteurized product, easier to handle and spread compared to straw bales, wood shavings and sawdust.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.