Feeding method using a flexible heat treatment and storage bag
OwnerRichard H. Dumminventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Flexible, collapsible, liquid-tight containers are described. The containers are typically formed of sheet material and having a pouring or dispensing spout with closure for same. The sheet material is preferably a laminate having at least three layers, including a central, heat-conductive layer, an outer layer of a polymer resistant to physical damage and an inner layer of a thermoplastic polymer which can be fused to another inner layer to seal the edges of the bag. Dispensing fixtures such as a nipple assembly and an esophageal feeder are described, and can be used in feeding calves and other young animals. Processes of heat treating liquids in the containers, including the pasteurizing of dairy products, are described. Methods of using the containers for feeding animals are also described.
Claims19
A method of feeding a calf comprising:
- removing a screw cap from a flexible, liquid-tight, heat-conductive bag, the bag including:
- two or more walls, the two or more walls including a heat-conductive laminate comprising an inner thermoplastic polymer layer, a middle metal foil layer, and an outer polymer layer;
- heat sealed edges formed where the inner thermoplastic layers of the heat-conductive laminate are thermally bonded together;
- a threaded spout to which the screw cap is configured to removably couple;
- dry solids contained within the bag;
- adding liquid to the dry solids contained in the bag;
- and
- feeding bag contents to a calf by dispensing the bag contents through the threaded spout.
A method of feeding a young animal comprising:
- feeding a liquid or slurry to a young animal from a flexible, liquid-tight, heat-conductive container, the container including:
- two or more container walls, the two or more container walls including a heat-conductive laminate comprising an inner thermoplastic polymer layer, a middle metal foil layer, and an outer polymer layer;
- heat sealed edges residing along at least three sides of the container, the heat sealed edges being formed where the inner thermoplastic layers of the heat-conductive laminate are thermally bonded together;
- a threaded spout;
- affixing a feeding fixture to the threaded spout, the feeding fixture being selected from the group consisting of a nipple assembly and a feeding tube;
- and
- inverting the container and dispensing the liquid or slurry through the feeding fixture to the young animal.
A method of feeding a calf comprising:
- removing a cap from a flexible, liquid-tight, bag, the bag including:
- two or more walls comprising a polymer, the two or more walls meeting to form heat sealed edges;
- a spout configured to removably couple to the screw cap;
- and
- bag contents selected from the group consisting of dry solids and colostrum;
- affixing a feeding fixture to the spout, the feeding fixture being selected from the group consisting of a nipple assembly and a feeding tube;
- feeding bag contents to a calf by dispensing the bag contents through the feeding fixture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.