Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This Application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/684,146, filed on Mar. 9, 20007, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Administering Micro-Ingredient Feed Additives to Animal Feed Rations”, which is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/856,095, filed on May 28, 2004, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Administering Micro-Ingredient Feed Additives to Animal Feed” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,240,807. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for adding micro-ingredients to feed rations for animals such as livestock, and more particularly, to a product collection tank used in a system for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to a feed ration. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Providing animals with various dietary supplements and medications such as vitamins, minerals, enzymes, hormones, and antibiotics is a common and well known practice in the livestock and poultry industries. The manner in which these supplements are mixed together and added to a consumptive fluid carrier such as water is disclosed in a number of patents, including the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,889,443; 4,815,042; 4,733,971; and 5,219,224. 
     In these references as well as many others, it is known to utilize automated systems which dispense discrete amounts of micro-ingredients, mix the micro-ingredients, and then deliver the micro-ingredients to a feed ration, typically in a slurry mixture form. The prepared slurry may be fed directly to the animals, or may be added to the animal feed rations using mixing or spraying methods. 
     One step in traditional approaches of manipulating micro-ingredients which can be eliminated is the mixing of the multiple micro-ingredients prior to addition of the micro-ingredients to a feed ration. Feed rations are typically stored in large batch-feed mixers prior to delivery of the rations to a feed truck which then distributes the feed to bunk feeders for consumption by animals. It has been found through various trials that mixing of the feed ration which inherently takes place at the batch feed mixers is adequate for also mixing and dispersing micro-ingredients throughout the feed ration. By requiring use of a mixer within a micro-ingredient dispensing system, the mixer itself is an additional piece of equipment which must be maintained and cleaned, and adds to the overall cost and complexity of the system. 
     Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by a review of the accompanying drawings taken along with the detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Several drawings have been developed to assist with understanding the invention. Following is a brief description of the drawings that illustrate the invention and its various embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view comprising one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the product collection tank shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a plan view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a plan view of the device shown in  FIG. 3  with a flush ring; 
         FIG. 6  is a detail cross-sectional view of a portion of the flush ring shown in  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIGS. 7A-7E  are side elevation views of the device shown in  FIG. 2  during various intervals of an example cycle; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view a modification of the device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIGS. 10-14  are side elevation views of modifications of the device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 15A  is a front elevation view of the device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIGS. 15B-15E  are front elevation views of modifications of the device shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic view comprising another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view comprising a yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     While the following disclosure describes the invention in connection with those embodiments presented, one should understand that the invention is not strictly limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, one should understand that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and that in certain instances, the disclosure may not include details which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of the system  10  of the present invention which is specifically designed for storing, dispensing, measuring, and delivering micro-ingredients from an initial location where each of the micro-ingredients are stored, to a desired location such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Initially, the micro-ingredients are stored in one or more storage bins  12 . The bins may have an open upper end  14  or a closed upper end having a reclosable lid (not shown). Means are provided for dispensing the micro-ingredients from the bins  12  to a weigh hopper  24  as shown in  FIG. 1 . One manner in which the micro-ingredients may be dispensed from the bins is by use of an auger  20  which is powered by a motor  16 . One of the motors  16  and a portion of the corresponding bin  12  is broken away in  FIG. 1  to view the auger  20 . A drive belt  18  would transfer rotation from the motor  16  to the auger  20  which would rotate to transfer a desired amount of micro-ingredient from the bin  12 , through discharge tube  22 , and into the weigh hopper  24 . The speed and duration for operation of the auger  20  would be controlled as by a control unit  25  which would be programmed for operating the auger  20  as further discussed below. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a pair of storage bins  12  which dispense their micro-ingredients into a weigh hopper  24 , which then in turns drops its contents into a single product collection tank  30 . However, in addition to a pair of storage bins  12  dispensing into one product collection tank  30 , it is contemplated that a single product collection tank  30  may also receive micro-ingredients from a single storage bin, or from more than two storage bins. For example, four, six or eight storage bins may provide micro-ingredient products into a single product collection tank  30 . It is also contemplated within this embodiment to provide a plurality of weigh hoppers (not shown) for a plurality of storage bins depending upon the types and quantities of micro-ingredients which are required to be routinely delivered to a feed ration. For the configuration shown in  FIG. 1 , micro-ingredients may be dispensed either simultaneously or sequentially into the weigh hopper, again depending upon the micro-ingredients to be delivered. The weigh hopper  24  provides an indication of the weight of the micro-ingredients which have been added thereto, and the weigh hopper also electrically communicates with control unit  25 . 
     The control unit controls the operation of the augers  20  by comparing weighed amounts of the dispensed micro-ingredients to desired amounts, and then operating the augers with the correct speed and duration to satisfy a particular needed quantity of the micro-ingredients. Once the desired amount of one or more micro-ingredients are delivered to the weigh hopper  24  and the weight(s) have been confirmed by the scales  26  of the weigh hopper, the micro-ingredient(s) may be released from the weigh hopper as by discharge valve  28  which allows the micro-ingredient(s) to fall directly into the product collection tank  30 . The micro-ingredient(s) would then remain within the product collection tank until such time the micro-ingredients were to be delivered to the feed ration by cycling the pumping system interconnected to the product collection tank  30 , as discussed below. 
     At least one, and more preferably two, conveyance pumps  32  are connected in series to the outlet  42  of the product collection tank  30 . The conveyance pumps  32  are used in conjunction with transport piping  34  to convey the micro-ingredients from the product collection tank  30  to the desired location, such as an animal feed mixer  40  which may contain a particular feed ration. The conveyance pumps  32  may be constant or variable speed pumps with equal or different capacities. In one embodiment, the applicant has successfully used 1.5 horsepower centrifugal pumps. 
     The control unit  25  may be in the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC) which essentially operates as a computer with software which can be programmed to control each of the components or elements in the system. As well understood by those skilled in the art, the PLC is capable of operating a wide array of output devices such as the motor(s)  16 , conveyance pumps  32  and flush ring pump  36  that is used to supply a conveyance or carrier fluid such as water to the product collection tank  30 . In addition, the PLC is capable of receiving numerous inputs which monitor the system, such as scale(s)  26 . Various electrical control lines  44  illustrate that each of the components are either controlled by control unit  25  or provide input to the control unit  25 . 
     A carrier fluid or water source  48  is shown with one or more liquid lines  50  which connect to the flush ring  38 , thereby providing the desired flow of water to the product collection tank  30  during cycling of the conveyance pump  32 . As used herein, the term “water” is interchangeable with “carrier fluid,” which typically comprises potable water. 
     The weigh hoppers and scales may be eliminated in favor of a different means by which to measure the dispensing of micro-ingredients. For example, as shown in  FIG. 16  one additional way in which the micro-ingredients may be weighed is by load cells  29  which may be positioned under the storage bins  12  and mounted on platforms (not shown). The load cells  29  would provide weight measurement by a signal sent to the control unit  25 . With the use of load cells  29 , the measured amounts of micro-ingredients would be calculated by loss in weight of the storage bins  12  as the micro-ingredients are dispensed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , in lieu of measuring the dispensed amount of micro-ingredients as by load cells, each auger  20  could be precisely calibrated to dispense the desired quantity of micro-ingredients. According to this method, a calibration would take place for each of the augers  20  to ensure that operating the augers  20  at a particular speed and duration corresponded to dispensing of a known amount of a micro-ingredient. Volumetric metering of micro-ingredients in this fashion is suitable for those micro-ingredients which are delivered in greater quantities, as it is much more difficult to accurately meter smaller quantities of micro-ingredients. For both the loss in weight and volumetric metering methods, the micro-ingredients can be dispensed directly into the product collection tank  30 . Thus, there is no need for any type of hopper or other intermediate structure thereby further simplifying the system. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , a first embodiment of a product collection tank  30  used in system  10  is shown. The product collection tank  30  comprises a funnel-like portion  52  that defines a progressively decreasing cross section downward. For the embodiments shown and described herein, the funnel-like portion  52  is a frustro-pyramidal configuration; however, this is exemplary and not meant to limit the present description. Thus, it should be understood that the term “funnel-like portion” includes shapes other than frustro-pyramidal, including pyramidal shapes, as well as conical and frustro-conical shapes, etc. The upper portion of the product collection tank  30  preferably includes an extension portion  58  that provides additional capacity or volume to the product collection tank  30 . For the embodiments shown herein, in plan view the extension portion  58  has substantially vertical sidewalls  60 . The geometric cross-sectional shape will typically vary to match that of the funnel-like portion. Thus, extension portion  58  may have a substantially square or rectangular shape, as shown in the Figures, or may have a circular or other shape. In one embodiment, the funnel-like portion  52  has a height H of about 8.5 inches, a length L of about 20 inches, and a width W of about 15 inches; however, other dimensions are within the scope of the invention. The product collection tank  30  may further include a mounting structure, such as framing  62 , which construction will be known to those skilled in the art. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the frustro-pyramidal shaped funnel-like portion  52  includes sloping surfaces  54   a - 54   d , where sloping surface  54   a  further includes a flush chamber  56 . The flush chamber  56  leads to outlet  42 . As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the flush chamber  56  includes substantially vertical sidewalls  64  that are triangular in shape. In addition, the flush chamber  56  includes a substantially vertical endwall  66 . For the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the endwall  66  is substantially co-planar with the vertical sidewall  60  located above the endwall  66 . For one embodiment, the flush chamber width W FC  is about 1.5 inches, where the product collection tank has a length L of 20 inches and a width W of 15 inches; thus, the flush chamber occupies about 10% of the width. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side elevation view of the product collection tank  30  is shown. For the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the flush chamber  56  is a 3-dimensional notched region in the sloping surface  54   a  of the funnel-like portion  52 . For the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 1-4 , the flush chamber  56  has a flush chamber bottom surface  68  that is both planar and sloping. More particularly, the flush chamber bottom surface  68  slopes from the center or truncated portion  70  of the bottom of the funnel-like portion  52  toward the side-positioned outlet  42 . The flush chamber bottom surface  68  slopes downward toward the outlet  42  at a bottom angle φ of between about 0.1 to 45 degrees, and more preferably at an angle of between about 1 to 10 degrees, and more preferably yet, at an angle of about 8 degrees. This preferred angle allows the carrier fluid or water to flush the product from the tank. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , in a separate aspect of the invention, a flush ring  38  is connected to the product collection tank  30 . The flush ring  38  preferably provides uneven flow distribution. More particularly, greater flow is preferably provided to a rear portion of the product collection tank  30 . In addition, supplemental water is sprayed onto the sidewalls  64  of the flush chamber  56 . In general, the flush ring  38  serves to provide the carrier fluid or flush water to the product collection tank  30 . The water injected into the product collection tank  30  from the flush ring  38  serves to wash product material from the interior surfaces of the product collection tank  30 , and, in combination with the conveyance pumps  32 , serves to convey, transfer or propel the product from the product collection tank  30  when the water reaches the outlet  42 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the flush ring  38  may take several forms; however, a perforated PVC pipe or other metal or plastic piping is suitable, provided the material type is checked for compatibility with products flushed though the product collection tank  30 . As noted, the flush ring  38  preferably provides uneven flows to the product collection tank  30 . For purposes of discussion, the product collection tank  30  can be divided into two lateral portions: (1) a front portion  72  that is defined herein as the side of the product collection tank  30  with the flush chamber  56  and the outlet  42 ; and (2) a rear portion  74  that is defined herein as the side of the product collection tank  30  opposite the flush chamber  56  and the outlet  42 . The flush ring  38  may be continuous (not shown) and extend around the entire interior perimeter of the product collection tank  30 , or the flush ring  38  may be discontinuous as shown in  FIG. 5 , wherein the flush ring  38  is divided into a flush ring front portion  38 A and a flush ring rear portion  38 B. Preferably, more water is provided to the rear portion  74  than the front portion  72  of the product collection tank  30 . One means for providing the uneven flows is to increase the size of the perforations in the area to receive more flow. More particularly, the flush ring front portion  38 A can provide water to the front portion  72  of the product collection tank  30  using perforations that are approximately one-half the diameter of the perforations within the flush ring rear portion  38 B, which provides water to the rear portion  74  of the product collection tank  30 . Thus, for constant input flows being provided to both the flush ring front portion  38 A and flush ring rear portion  38 B, more flow is being provided to the rear portion  74  of the product collection tank  30  than is being provided to the front portion  72  of the product collection tank  30 . The uneven distribution of water assists in washing the product from the rear portion  74  of the product collection tank  30  toward the flush chamber  56  and outlet  42  located on the front portion  72  of the product collection tank  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a cross section through part of the flush ring front portion  38 A is shown.  FIG. 6  illustrates a first perforation  76  that provides flow directed to the sidewalls  60  of the extension portion  58 . Arrows A 1  depict the typical flow direction of the water passing though first perforations  76 . Arrows A 1  show that the water initially strikes and flows down along the interior surface of the sidewalls  60  of the extension portion  58 , and then the water flows down the interior surface of the sloping faces of the funnel-like portion  52  of the product collection tank  30 . As noted above, the first perforations  76  of front flush ring portion  38 A are one-half the diameter (that is, ¼ the opening area) of the first perforations located on the rear flush ring portion  38 B. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the cross section view of first flush ring  38 A also depicts second perforations  78  that direct water streams toward the interior of sidewalls  64  of the flush chamber  56 . Preferably, the first flush ring  38 A includes at least one second perforation  78 , and more preferably, the first flush ring  38 A includes about 4 to 12 second perforations  78 , and more preferably yet, the first flush ring  38 A includes about 8 second perforations  78 , where about 4 perforations  78  are directed toward each of the two sidewalls  64  of the flush chamber  56 . 
     Arrows A 2  depict the typical flow direction of the water passing though second perforations  78 . Preferably, the first perforations are separated from the second perforations  78  by a perforation angle θ, where θ is sufficient in size to direct the streams of water toward the target surfaces. In one embodiment, θ is about 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the rear flush ring portion  38 B does not have second perforations  78 ; however, supplemental perforations in the rear flush ring portion  38 B providing projecting streams toward the flush chamber  56  are contemplated. The flush ring  38  is preferably attached to the product collection tank  30  using hardware (not shown). 
     Although not shown, a plurality of flush rings could be provided, with a first flush ring providing sidewall rinse water and a second flush ring with separate perforations solely directed toward the flush chamber  56 . In addition, nozzles (not shown) could be used in conjunction with the flush ring(s). Thus a variety of flush rings and related components are contemplated and encompassed by the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A-7E , a series of drawings are provided for illustrating the product collection tank  30  in use. Referring to  FIG. 7A , before receiving product from the weigh hopper  24 , the product collection tank  30  contains a quantity of backfill water  80 . This is the water that remains in the product collection tank  30  after the system  10  has cycled. The product collection tank  30 , therefore, has backfill water  80  both within the bottom of the funnel-like portion  52  and the flush chamber  56 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7B , the product collection tank  30  is shown with product, such as one or more micro-ingredients added to the backfill water  80 . For the present example, four different product layers are shown. Thus, the current example would involve a first bin  12  proving a first product P 1  to the weigh hopper  24 , which in turn dumps the first product P 1  into the product collection tank  30 . Depending upon the characteristics and the consistency of the first product P 1 , some of it may float and some may sink within the backfill water  80 . Subsequent to the first product P 1  being dumped into the product collection tank  30 , a second bin  12  provides second product P 2  to the weigh hopper  24 , which in turn dumps the second product P 2  into the product collection tank  30 . Since the bins are typically aligned along the length of the weigh hopper  24 , and therefore, along the length of the product collection tank  30 , the layers of product are typically observed to be stratified, but not uniform. For a total of four products, the third and fourth bins are adding the third product P 3  and fourth product P 4 , respectively to the product collection tank  30 . Thus, as shown in  FIG. 7B , the layers of products P 1 -P 4  are typically stratified and uneven, and somewhat submerged, but also floating in the backfill water  80 . Since some of the products P 1 -P 4  are submerged in the backfill water  80 , the water level in the product collection tank  30  is typically higher after the addition of product than before adding the product. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7C , in one method of use, the conveyance pumps  32  are turned on before adding water to the product collection tank  30  through the flush ring  38 . Thus, the conveyance pump  32  initially draws-down the backfill water  80  from the product collection tank  30 , together with a quantity of the product P 1 -P 4 . Since the product P 1 -P 4  is stratified, the first product P 1  tends to be flushed from the product collection tank  30  first. However, the distribution of product that is flushed from the product collection tank  30  also depends on where it was dropped into the product collection tank  30  from the weigh hopper  24 . Product within the flush chamber  56  which leads to the outlet  42  is also flushed during the initial draw-down. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7D , after a few seconds, the flush ring pump  36  is activated by the control unit  25  to provide water to the product collection tank  30  through the flush ring  38 . Note that a flush ring pump may not be necessary if a water storage tank with sufficient head and a controllable valve is instead interconnected to the flush ring  38  and the control unit  25 . Further note that while  FIGS. 7A-7E  illustrate the example of the water entering the product collection tank  30  from the flush ring after the conveyance pumps have started, the present invention also encompasses activating the flush ring before or simultaneous to activating the conveyance pumps. The water from the flush ring tends to wash product down the sloping surfaces  54   a - 54   d  of the funnel-like portion  52 . The flush ring water carries product into the flush chamber  56 , which is then conveyed out the outlet  42  and conveyed to the feed mixer  40 . As shown in  FIG. 7D , the last layers of product P 3  and P 4  added to the product collection tank  30  tend to be the last product in the product collection tank  30  during the cycling to flush the product from the product collection tank  30 . The sloping surfaces  54   a - 54   d  of the funnel-like portion  52  also tend to hold the product back and away from the outlet  42 . Thus, the flush ring water gradually moves product into the flush chamber  56  from the central area of the funnel-like portion  52  of the product collection tank  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7E , the flush ring  38  continues to add water and the conveyance pumps  32  continue to pump the flush water and the product from the product collection tank  30  until all of the product P 1 -P 4  is removed from the product collection tank  30 . For the present invention, a normal pump cycle period typically spans 40 to 60 seconds, but may be shorter or longer depending upon the amount of fluid or water desired to pass through to the feed mixer  40 . In addition, the cycle period is can be adjusted to properly flush the amount of product within the product collection tank  30  that needs to be conveyed to the feed mixer  40 . The cycle time can be adjusted by the operator of the apparatus using the control unit  25 . During the pump cycle, approximately 2 pounds per second of water is being conveyed from the product collection tank  30  and is carrying the product with it. 
     In summary, the product collection tank  30  typically initially contains some amount of backfill water  80  (although the tank could cycle even without the presence of backfill water because the flush ring would eventually add sufficient water to prime the pumps). After dry micro-ingredient(s) have been weighed and transferred into the product collection tank  30 , the pumps  32  are activated. Once the conveyance pumps  32  are activated, water is then added by way of the flush ring  38 , which rinses the product down to the flush chamber  56 , which is then conveyed out the outlet  42 . The configuration of the flush chamber  56  controls the gradual process of flushing product though the outlet, while at the same time not allowing a large quantity of product to suddenly clog the outlet. In addition, if the water source providing water to the flush ring  38  is turned off or is otherwise interrupted, the product tends to stay within the central area of the funnel-like portion  52 , and the somewhat moist ball or mass of product is not sucked into the transport piping  34  and/or one or more of the conveyance pumps  32 . 
     Instead, the product simply sits in the center of the funnel-like portion away from the outlet  32 . The conveyance pumps  32  may run during this occurrence, but a large and troublesome mass of moist and packable product is not in the direct vicinity of the outlet to get sucked into the transport piping  34  and/or conveyance pumps  32 . Thereafter, when water availability is returned to the system  10 , water is added to the product collection tank  30  by the flush ring  30  and the pumps  32  flush the product out of the product collection tank  30 . Therefore, the present invention reduces the amount of down time for the system, and also reduces the amount of servicing time necessary to remove clogs from the transport piping  34  and/or conveyance pumps  32 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , in a modification to the current embodiment, perspective and side elevation views of a product collection tank  30  is shown, wherein the flush chamber  56  has a substantially flat flush chamber bottom surface  82 . More particularly, the substantially flat flush chamber bottom surface  82  is substantially the same elevation as the elevation of the bottom of the funnel-like portion  52 . For the frustro-pyramidal configuration of the funnel-like portion  52  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the bottom truncated portion  70  is substantially the same elevation as the substantially flat flush chamber bottom surface  82 . Furthermore, the bottom elevation of the outlet  42  is also substantially the same elevation as the entire length of the substantially planar and substantially flat flush chamber bottom surface  82 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , in another modification to the current embodiment, a side elevation view of a product collection tank  30  is shown, wherein the flush chamber  56  has a shortened flush chamber bottom surface  84 . More particularly, for the configuration of the flush chamber  56  shown in  FIG. 10 , the flush chamber bottom surface  84  is sloping and shorter than the flush chamber bottom surface  68  shown in  FIG. 4 . For the configuration shown in  FIG. 10 , the outward sloping endwall  86  is not substantially vertical, but rather, it slopes up and outward from the bottom of the outlet  42  toward the top of the funnel-like portion  52  until it intersects the bottom of the extension portion  58  of the product collection tank  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , in still another modification to the current embodiment, a side elevation view of a product collection tank  30  is shown, wherein the flush chamber  56  has an extended flush chamber bottom surface  88 . More particularly, for the configuration of the flush chamber  56  shown in  FIG. 10 , the extended flush chamber bottom surface  88  is sloping and longer than the flush chamber bottom surfaces  68  and  84  shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 10 , respectively. For the configuration shown in  FIG. 11 , the inward sloping endwall  90  is not substantially vertical, but rather, it slopes up and inward from the bottom of the outlet  42  toward the top of the funnel-like portion  52  until it intersects the bottom of the extension portion  58  of the product collection tank  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , in yet another modification to the current embodiment, a side elevation view of a product collection tank  30  is shown, wherein the funnel-like portion  52  substantially comprises a pyramidal shape, such that there is not a flat surface to the bottom of the funnel-like portion  52 . Instead, the product collection tank  30  has a substantially pointed bottom  92  with a sloping flush chamber bottom surface  68  that extends from the pointed bottom to the outlet  42 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , in still a further modification to the current embodiment, a side elevation view of a product collection tank  30  is shown, wherein the product collection tank  30  outlet is a substantially vertical outlet  94 . It is to be understood that the outlet may be situated at variety of angles relative to and including horizontal. For example, the outlet may be positioned at an angle of 45 from down from horizontal. Such modifications are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , in yet a further modification to the current embodiment, a side elevation view of a product collection tank  30  is shown, wherein the flush chamber has a curved shape with a non-linear end piece  96  that is continuous and comprises a curved flush chamber bottom surface and a curved endwall. Thus, it is to be understood that the flush chamber  56  may take on a variety of shapes, and these are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15A , a front elevation view of the product collection tank  30  of  FIG. 1  is shown, wherein the flush chamber bottom surface  68  is substantially planar and wherein the sidewalls  64  are substantially vertical. Referring now to  FIGS. 15B and 15C , modifications to the current embodiment are shown wherein the flush chamber bottom surface  98  is V-shaped ( FIG. 15B ), and wherein the flush chamber bottom surface  100  is curved ( FIG. 15C ). Referring now to  FIGS. 15D and 15E , in still further possible modifications to the current embodiment, the sidewalls  102  can be substantially planar but sloping ( FIG. 15D ), or the sidewalls  104  can be curved ( FIG. 15E ). Thus, it is to be understood that the flush chamber  56  and its components may take on a variety of shapes, and these are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. 
     Finally, it is also to be understood that the various modifications presented above may in some cases be combined. For example, the product collection tank may have a pointed bottom with a substantially flat but shortened flush chamber bottom surface. Other combinations of the modifications are possible and not listed, but will be understood by a person skilled in the art. The other possible combinations are within the scope of the present invention. 
     While the above description and the drawings disclose and illustrate numerous alternative embodiments, one should understand, of course, that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains may make other modifications and other embodiments employing the principles of this invention, particularly upon considering the foregoing teachings. Therefore, by the appended claims, the applicant intends to cover any modifications and other embodiments as incorporate those features which constitute the essential features of this invention.