System for metering feed in feed lines
AssigneeFeedlogic Corporation
InventorsDrew Ryder, Neal Tovsen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method for measuring feed flow, feed is moved through a flexible pipe using a flexible auger operably positioned within the pipe. Feed flow through a metered section (309) of the flexible pipe is metered using a feed meter (304) attached to the flexible pipe. The feed meter includes load cell (312) configured to detect strain induced by feed mass within the metered section (309). Metering feed includes providing a measure of mass flow of the feed, using the load cell (312), when the feed moves through the metered section (309).
Claims8
A method for monitoring movement of livestock feed through a flexible auger feed line system that includes a flexible pipe and a flexible auger operably positioned within the flexible pipe, the method comprising:
- monitoring feed flow through a metered section of the flexible pipe using a feed meter attached to the flexible pipe, wherein the feed meter includes a load cell configured to detect strain induced by feed mass within the metered section, and wherein monitoring feed flow includes using a process implemented by the feed meter that is attached to the flexible pipe to:
- determine a measure of mass flow of the livestock feed, using the load cell, when the feed moves through the metered section;
- and
- determine a feed line status including:
- determine that the metered section is empty based on the measured mass flow of the livestock feed;
- determined that the metered section is full of feed based on the measured mass flow of the livestock feed;
- or
- determine that the feed is bridged based on the measured mass flow of the livestock feed;
- and
- communicating information, including the determined feedline line status, pertaining to the measure of mass flow of the livestock feed from the feed meter that is attached to the flexible pipe to a communication hub, that is configured to communicate with the feed meter, and communicating feed flow data from the communication hub and to another device other than the communication hub and the feed meter.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.