Patent Description:
In today's livestock management, feeding a large number of animals precisely and rapidly is essential.

Such a demand in livestock feeding can be addressed with agricultural machinery that can receive large quantities of feed materials, e.g., hay and grains, mix uniformly these feed materials to obtain a homogenous feed mixture, transport and distribute this feed mixture to the livestock.

To this end, conventional livestock feed mixers that utilize an external source of power, e.g., a tractor, to mix the feed materials have been adopted. In such conventional livestock feed mixers, power requirements can be important and varied as physical characteristics of the feed materials, e.g., viscosity, mass, or volume, as well as mixing characteristics, mixing homogeneity or mixing time, can vary depending on a plurality of characteristics, e.g., livestock size and type, or weather conditions. Conventional mixers are known from document <CIT>.

Although such conventional livestock feed mixers are widely used, they present important drawbacks in managing power from the power source to the conventional livestock feed mixer. Notably, when more and more feed materials are added to the conventional livestock feed mixers, the power required by the conventional livestock feed mixer can quickly reach and even exceed the power limit of the power source. As a result, mixing has to be quickly and abruptly reduced or even stopped.

Thus, a control system for livestock feed mixer solving the aforementioned problem of power management is desired.

Accordingly, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a system to control a livestock feed mixer which overcomes the above-mentioned limitations. The control system of the present disclosure extends the range of available torque provided by the power source by incrementally adjusting, via a continuously variable transmission, a speed ratio between the power source and the livestock feed mixer to delay the point at which the power source is overcome by the torque demand of the livestock feed mixer.

According to claim <NUM>, a control system for mixing materials for livestock feed comprising a container which receives the materials, agitators which mixes the materials in the container, a driveline which drives the agitators at an output speed with an output torque, a power source which provides an input speed with an input torque, a continuously variable transmission that connects the driveline and the power source and an electronic control unit, wherein the continuously variable transmission includes a hydraulic actuator to adjust a speed ratio between the input speed and the output speed through a speed sensor, the hydraulic actuator includes a pump and motor mounted onto a hydrostatic loop that circulates a hydraulic fluid and provides variable flow of the hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic actuator adjusts the speed ratio between a minimum speed ratio and a maximum speed ratio by varying the flow of the hydraulic fluid between a minimum flow, corresponding to a full negative displacement and a maximum flow, corresponding to a full positive displacement, the hydraulic actuator sets a high default displacement when at least one of the agitators is started, the high default displacement being between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the full negative displacement, the hydraulic actuator gradually adjust from the high default displacement to reach a value of the speed ratio corresponding to an output target speed.

The materials, methods, and examples discussed herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words "a", "an", and the like include a meaning of "one or more", unless stated otherwise. The drawings are generally drawn not to scale unless specified otherwise or illustrating schematic structures or flowcharts.

<FIG> are cross sectional views of a livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> powered by a power source C-<NUM> and controlled by a control system A-<NUM> in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

The livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> includes a container B-<NUM> to receive materials <NUM>, e.g., hay and/or grains, agitators B-<NUM>, and a driveline B-<NUM> to transmit mechanical power from the power source C-<NUM> to the agitators B-<NUM>.

The power source C-<NUM> can be a tractor C-<NUM> with a power take-off C-<NUM>, as illustrated by first and second configurations in <FIG>, an internal combustion engine of a truck as illustrated by a third configuration in <FIG>, an electric motor, or any other type of source of power that can provide an input torque Tin.

The agitators B-<NUM> can be reels and/or augers placed substantially vertically, as illustrated in <FIG>, or placed substantially horizontally, as illustrated by the second and third configurations in <FIG>.

The control system A-<NUM> prevents the power source C-<NUM> from being overcome by the torque required by the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> to mix the materials <NUM>, e.g., stall, while extending the ability of the power source C-<NUM> to supply an increase demand of the input torque Tin to the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> due to mixing condition changes, e.g., addition of materials <NUM>, in the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of the control system A-<NUM>, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

The control system A-<NUM> can include an electric control unit A-<NUM>, an output unit A-<NUM> electronically connected to the electric control unit A-<NUM> to display key information to an operator <NUM>, an input unit A-<NUM> electronically connected to the electric control unit A-<NUM> to receive input information from the operator <NUM>, a continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> actuated by the electric control unit A-<NUM> and connecting the power take-off C-<NUM> of the power source C-<NUM> to the driveline B-<NUM> of the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>, and a plurality of sensors A-<NUM> to provide signals indicative of the characteristic parameters of the control system A-<NUM>, e.g., speed, torque, pump/motor displacement, and/or temperature.

The continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> transmits an input torque Tin from the power take-off C-<NUM> of the power source C-<NUM> to an output torque Tout for the driveline B-<NUM> of the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> and converts an input speed Win from the power take-off C-<NUM> into an output speed Wout for the driveline B-<NUM> to actuate the agitators B-<NUM>.

The continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> includes a hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> to adjust a speed ratio Rin/out between the input speed Win and the output speed Wout.

The hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can include a pump and motor mounted onto a hydrostatic loop that circulates a hydraulic fluid, e.g., oil, and provides variable flow of the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can adjust the speed ratio Rin/out between a minimum speed ratio Rmin and a maximum speed ratio Rmax by varying the flow of the hydraulic fluid between a minimum flow Fmin, corresponding to a full negative displacement Dmin, and a maximum flow Fmax, corresponding to a full positive displacement Dmax.

The speed ratio Rin/out can be adjusted by the electronic control unit A-<NUM> to provide values of the output speed Wout that follows operator instructions entered through the input unit A-<NUM> or that follows software instructions executed by a processor A-<NUM> including processing circuitry inside the electronic control unit A-<NUM> to control the input torque Tin.

The continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is characterized by a maximum output torque Tout max above which the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> may experience reduced life or failure. For example, the maximum output torque Tout max can corresponds to a maximum hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM>. The maximum hydraulic pressure can be between <NUM> bar and <NUM> bar, preferably between <NUM> bar and <NUM> bar which can correspond to a value of the maximum output torque Tout max between <NUM> and <NUM>, and preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The power take-off C-<NUM> is characterized by a maximum input torque Tin max above which the power source C-<NUM> fails to provide necessary torque to mix the materials <NUM>. For example, the maximum output torque Tout max can be between <NUM> and <NUM>, and preferably between <NUM> and <NUM>.

The plurality of sensors A-<NUM> can include a torque sensor A-<NUM>, e.g., a hydraulic pressure sensor placed on the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM>, to provide to the electronic control unit A-<NUM> torque signals indicative of values of the output torque Tout, a hydraulic fluid temperature sensor A-<NUM> to provide to the electronic control unit A-<NUM> temperature signals indicative of values of a temperature Temp of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM>, a speed sensor A-<NUM> to provide to the electronic control unit A-<NUM> speed signals indicative of values of the input speed Win, and a scale A-<NUM> to provide to the electronic control unit A-<NUM> mass signals indicative of values of a mass M of materials <NUM> in the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>.

The output unit A-<NUM> can be configured to display the key information to the operator <NUM> via a status bar A-<NUM>. The status bar A-<NUM> can include a service reminder icon A-<NUM>, a load factor icon A-<NUM>, a cold start icon A-<NUM>, a motor speed warning icon A-<NUM>, a decrease/increase speed icon A-<NUM>, and an overheat icon A-<NUM>.

The service reminder icon A-<NUM> can be configured to alert the operator <NUM> that a repair or a service is required. For example, the service reminder icon A-<NUM> can be displayed on the output unit A-<NUM> when a scheduled event, e.g., hydraulic fluid change, stored in a memory A-<NUM> and/or a database of the electric control unit A-<NUM>, is due in a service predetermined period of time. For example, the service predetermined period of time can be between <NUM> hour and <NUM> hours, and preferably between <NUM> hours and <NUM> hours.

The load factor icon A-<NUM> can be configured to indicate to the operator <NUM> that the materials <NUM> received in the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> generate a value of the output torque Tout that is substantially close or above the maximum output torque Tout max.

The cold start icon A-<NUM> can be configured to indicate to the operator <NUM> that the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is warming up before transmitting the desired output speed Wout to the driveline B-<NUM>.

The motor speed warning icon A-<NUM> can be configured to indicate to the operator <NUM> that software instructions are executed by the processor A-<NUM> to automatically adjust values of the speed ratio Rin/out.

The decrease/increase speed icon A-<NUM> is configured to instruct the operator <NUM> to decrease or increase the input speed Win of the power take-off C-<NUM>.

The overheat icon A-<NUM> is configured to alert the operator <NUM> that some elements of the control systems A-<NUM>, e.g., hydraulic fluid of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM>, are reaching and/or exceeding thresholds.

The input unit A-<NUM> is configured to receive the input information from the operator <NUM> and transmits the input information to the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. For example, the input system A-<NUM> can include push buttons, keyboard buttons, and/or touch screen sensitive icons A-<NUM> and the input information can include a value of an output target speed Wout target for the driveline B-<NUM> of the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>, a value for the maximum input torque Tin max available by the power source C-<NUM>, a value of the minimum speed ratio Rmin, a value of the maximum speed ratio Rmax, and a value for the maximum output torque Tout max that can be transmitted by the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM>.

Alternatively, the values of the maximum input torque Tin max, the minimum speed ratio Rmin, the maximum speed ratio Rmax, the maximum output torque Tout max can be selected from a list of default values stored in the memory A-<NUM> and/or database of the electric control unit A-<NUM>.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method for operating the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> through the control system A-<NUM>, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

In a step S1000, a value of the output target speed Wout target is manually entered by the operator <NUM> via the input system A-<NUM> or automatically selected from the list of default values, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>.

In a step S2000, it is determined if the value of the output target speed Wout target entered in the step S1000 is reachable. The reachability of the value of the output target speed Wout target can be determined with a value of the product between the input speed Win and the maximum speed ratio Rmax and a value of the product between the input speed Win and the minimum speed ratio Rmin that are measured and computed via the speed sensor A-<NUM> and through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. The value of the output target speed Wout target is determined as unreachable if the value of the product between the input speed Win and the maximum speed ratio Rmax is inferior to the value of the output target speed Wout target or if the value of the product between the input speed Win and the minimum speed ratio Rmin is superior to the value of the output target speed Wout target.

If the value of the output target speed Wout target is determined as reachable, the process goes to a step S3000. Otherwise, the process goes to a step S2500.

In the step S2500, the decrease/increase speed icon A-<NUM> is displayed on the output unit A-<NUM> by the electronic control unit A-<NUM> to instruct the operator <NUM> to increase or decrease the input speed Win of the power take-off C-<NUM>.

In the step S3000, it is determined if a warm up of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is required. The warm up requirement for the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is determined based on a value of the temperature Temp of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> that is measured via the hydraulic fluid temperature sensor A-<NUM> and the electric control unit A-<NUM>. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the value of the temperature Temp is compared to a temperature threshold Tempmin and the warm up requirement for the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is detected if the value of the temperature Temp is below the temperature threshold Tempmin.

If the warm up requirement for the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is detected the process goes to a step S3500. Otherwise, the process goes to a step S4000.

In the step S3500, the process is configured to protect the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> by preventing the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> from reaching the maximum speed ratio Rmax independently of the output target speed Wout target entered by the operator <NUM> in step S1000. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> between the minimum speed ratio Rmin and an intermediary speed ratio Rinter lower than the maximum speed ratio Rmax. The intermediary speed ratio Rinter can depend on the value of the temperature Temp of the hydraulic fluid measured in the step S3000. For example, the intermediary speed ratio Rinter can be constrained between a minimum speed ratio Rinter min when the temperature Temp is below a predetermined minimum temperature threshold Temp<NUM>, e.g., when the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> experienced a cold start, and a maximum speed ratio Rinter max when the temperature Temp is above the predetermined minimum temperature threshold Temp<NUM>. The minimum speed ratio Rinter min can correspond to the minimum flow Fmin being substantially zero or negligible.

In a step S3510, the process is configured to alert the operator <NUM> that the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> is warming up. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the cold start icon A-<NUM> is displayed on the output unit A-<NUM> by the electronic control unit A-<NUM> to indicate to the operator <NUM> that the output target speed Wout target may not be reached immediately.

In the step S4000, it is detected if the power take-off C-<NUM> is in a transient mode, e.g., a start-up mode or an accelerating mode. The transient mode of the power take-off C-<NUM> is detected based on a variation value of the input speed Win that is measured via the speed sensor A-<NUM> and the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the variation value of the input speed Win is compared to a variation threshold ΔW and the transient mode is detected if the variation value of the input speed Win is above the variation threshold ΔW.

If the transient mode for the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is detected the process goes to a step S4500. Otherwise, the process goes to a step S5000.

In the step S4500, the process is configured to protect the control system A-<NUM> and smooth the engagement between the power source C-<NUM> and the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to smoothly transition from the minimum speed ratio Rmin up to a speed ratio corresponding to the output target speed Wout target. For example, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can maintain the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> at the minimum speed ratio Rmin for a predetermined period of time such that the driveline B-<NUM> and the agitators B-<NUM> have a constant speed and then the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can gradually increase the speed ratio Rin/out up to a value corresponding to the output target speed Wout target. The predetermined period of time can be between <NUM> second and <NUM> seconds and preferably between <NUM> second and <NUM> seconds.

In addition, in the step S4500, the cold start icon A-<NUM> is displayed on the output unit A-<NUM> by the electronic control unit A-<NUM> to indicate to the operator <NUM> that the output target speed Wout target may not be reached immediately.

In the step S5000, it is detected if the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is overheating. The overheating of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is detected based on the value of the temperature Temp of the hydraulic fluid measured in the step S3000. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM> the value of the temperature Temp of the hydraulic fluid is compared to a first overheating temperature threshold Tempmax1 and the overheating of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is detected if the value of the temperature Temp of the hydraulic fluid is above the first overheating temperature threshold Tempmax1.

If the overheating of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is detected the process goes to a step S5500. Otherwise, the process goes to a step S6000.

In the step S5500, the process is configured to alert the operator <NUM> that the system needs to be stopped. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the output unit A-<NUM> displays warnings to the operator <NUM> to indicate that continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is overheating. In one example, for a value of the temperature Temp of the hydraulic fluid above the first overheating temperature threshold Tempmax1 but below a second overheating temperature threshold Tempmax2 that is higher than the first overheating temperature threshold Tempmax1, the output unit A-<NUM> can display the overheat icon A-<NUM> in a solid appearance and a first warning message to alert the operator <NUM> of the overheating of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM>, e.g., "Hydraulic Temperature Warning". In another example, for a value of the temperature Temp of the hydraulic fluid above the second overheating temperature threshold Tempmax2, the electronic control units A-<NUM> can display the overheat icon A-<NUM> in a flashing appearance and a second warning message to instruct the operator <NUM> to stop the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>, e.g., "Hydraulic Temperature Warning-Stop Machine Immediately.

In a step S5510, the process is configured to protect the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> by minimizing the hydraulic flow to prevent overheating and/or damaging the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to reduce and/or minimize the hydraulic flow. For example, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can actuate the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to have a value of the speed ratio Rin/out that is substantially equal to the minimum speed ratio Rmin.

In the step S6000, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to have a value of the speed ratio Rin/out that corresponds to the output target speed Wout target entered in the step S1000. Then the process goes to a step S7000.

In the step S7000, the process is configured to prevent the power source C-<NUM> to be overpowered, e.g., stall, while enabling the power source C-<NUM> to continuously increase the input torque Tin to match an increase of the output torque Tout as the materials <NUM> are added to the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>.

The step S7000, is further described in the following paragraphs and in <FIG>.

The process can be configured to have an alternative step to protect the control system A-<NUM> when the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> is started. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can set the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> at a high default displacement D<NUM> during a predetermined period of time and then the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can gradually adjust the high default displacement D<NUM> to reach a value of the speed ratio Rin/out corresponding to the output target speed Wout target. The high default displacement D<NUM> can be between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, and preferably between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, of the full negative displacement Dmin while the predetermined time can be between <NUM> and <NUM> seconds.

In addition, the process can be configured to have the alternative step overridden by crucial steps. For example, if in the step S3000 the warm up requirement for the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> is detected the process can override the alternative step with the step S3500.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method for controlling the input torque Tin of the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> through the control system A-<NUM>, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

In a step S7100, a value of the output torque Tout is measured through the torque sensor A-<NUM> and via software instructions executed by the processor A-<NUM> including processing circuitry inside the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. The electronic control unit A-<NUM> can be configured to receive torque signals, e.g., hydraulic pressure signals, generated by the torque sensor A-<NUM> and to convert the torque signals into the value of the output torque Tout required to mix the materials <NUM>.

In a step S7200, a value of the input torque Tin is calculated based on the value of the output torque Tout measured in step S7100 and the value of the speed ratio Rin/out that corresponds to the output target speed Wout target entered in the step S1000. For example, the value of the input torque Tin can be linearly dependent on the value of output torque Tout as Tin = M * Tout, where a slope M is equal to the inverse of the of the value speed ratio Rin/out.

In a step S7300, it is determined if a torque control is required through the value of the input torque Tin and via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. The torque control requirement is detected if the value of the input torque Tin calculated in the step S7200 is higher than a control input threshold Tin control. For example, the control input threshold Tin control can have a value between <NUM> % and <NUM>%, and preferably between <NUM>% and <NUM>%, of a value of the maximum input torque Tin max.

If the value of the input torque Tin is higher than the control input threshold Tin control the torque control requirement is detected and the process goes to a step S7400. Otherwise, the process goes back to the step S7100.

In the step S7400, a corrected input torque Tin corrected is calculated based on the value of the output torque Tout via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. For example, the corrected input torque Tin corrected can be linearly dependent on the output torque Tout as Tin corrected = (MC * Tout)+ b, where a corrected slope Mc and a corrected intersection b verifies that the corrected input torque Tin corrected is equal to the maximum input torque Tin max when the output torque Tout is equal to the maximum output torque Tout max and the corrected input torque Tin corrected is equal to the control input threshold Tin control when the output torque Tout is equal to the product between the control input threshold Tin control and the speed ratio Rin/out that corresponds to the output target speed Wout target.

In addition, in the step S7400, the load factor icon A-<NUM> can be displayed on the output unit A-<NUM> via software instructions executed by the processor A-<NUM> to indicate to the operator <NUM> that the materials <NUM> in the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> generate a value of the output torque Tout that is substantially close to the maximum output torque Tout max.

In a step S7500, it is determined if the torque control is possible based on the slope M and the corrected slope Mc via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. For example, the electronic control unit A-<NUM> can be configured to compare the slope M and the corrected slope Mc.

If the corrected slope Mc is lower than the slope M, the torque control is determined as possible and the process goes to a step S7600. Otherwise, the process goes back to the step S7100.

In the step S7600, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to follow the linear dependence of the corrected input torque Tin corrected with the output torque Tout established in the step S7400. For example, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> can actuate the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to increase or decrease the value of the output speed Wout by an predetermined increment δW. The predetermined increment δW can be between <NUM> % and <NUM>%, and preferably between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the output target speed Wout target.

In addition, in the step S7200, the motor speed warning icon A-<NUM> can be displayed on the output unit A-<NUM> via software instructions executed by the processor A-<NUM> to indicate to the operator <NUM> that the value of the speed ratio Rin/out is not adjusted to provide the value of an output target speed Wout target.

In a step S7700, the process pauses during a predetermined standby period Tstb sufficiently long such as the actuation of the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> performed in the step S7600 is reflected on the agitators B-<NUM>. For example, the predetermined standby period Tstb can be between <NUM> second and <NUM> seconds, and preferably between <NUM> second and <NUM> second. Then, the process goes back to the step S7100.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method for a quick batch start process performed by the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

In a step S100, the quick batch start process is initiated. The quick batch start process can be initiated manually by the operator <NUM> via the input system A-<NUM>, e.g., actuations of dedicated buttons and/or icons, and/or graphical user interface instructions, or by default, e.g., when the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> is started, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>.

In a step S110, a value of the output target speed Wout target can be manually entered by the operator <NUM> via the input system A-<NUM> or automatically selected from the list of default values, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>.

In a step S120, a value of the output torque Tout is measured through the torque sensor A-<NUM> and via software instructions executed by the processor A-<NUM> including processing circuitry inside the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. The electronic control unit A-<NUM> can be configured to receive torque signals, e.g., hydraulic pressure signals, generated by the torque sensor A-<NUM> and to convert the torque signals into the value of the output torque Tout required to mix the materials <NUM>.

In a step S130, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to rotate the agitators B-<NUM> with a start speed. The start speed value is lower than the value of the output target speed Wout target entered in the step S110 to save energy and wear of the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>. For example, the start value can be between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the value of the output target speed Wout target. The start speed values for different agitators of the livestock feed mixer can vary. A first agitator speed may be <NUM>% and a second agitator may be <NUM>%. The start speed of at least one agitator can be zero during this sequence as long as other agitators are rotating.

In a step S140, it is detected if a new batch of materials <NUM> is loaded into the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>. The detection of the loading of the new batch of materials <NUM> is performed by comparing the value of the output torque Tout measured in the step S <NUM> with an output torque start threshold value through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. The output torque start threshold can correspond to a minimum torque value that the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> generated.

If the value of the output torque Tout is larger than output torque start threshold value the loading of a new batch of materials <NUM> is detected and the process goes to a step S150. Otherwise, the process goes back to the step S130.

In the step S150, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to rotate the agitators B-<NUM> with a speed corresponding to the value of the output target speed Wout target entered in the step S110.

In a step S160, the quick batch start process is ended.

<FIG> is a flow chart of a method for a quick idle process performed by the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM>, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

In a step S200, a quick idle process can be manually initiated by the operator <NUM> via the input system A-<NUM>, e.g., actuations of a dedicated buttons, icons, and/or graphical user interface instructions.

In a step S210, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to rotate the agitators B-<NUM> with an idle speed value. The idle speed value is lower than the value of the output target speed Wout target to stabilize the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> and more precisely perform some operations.

The stabilization of the livestock mixer B-<NUM> can limit movement amplitudes of the materials M and enable the mass M of the materials <NUM> to be measured by the scale A-<NUM> with more accuracy e.g., with an accuracy below <NUM> % and preferably below <NUM>%.

In addition, the stabilization of the livestock mixer B-<NUM> can reduce the rate at which materials <NUM> are discharged from the livestock mixer B-<NUM>, e.g., from <NUM> pounds per second to <NUM> pounds per second, and enable the operator <NUM> to more precisely discharge a desired quantity of materials <NUM>.

For example, the idle speed value can be between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the value of the output target speed Wout target. The idle speed values for different agitators of the livestock feed mixer can vary. A first agitator speed may be <NUM>% and a second agitator may be <NUM>%. The idle speed of at least one agitator can be zero during this sequence as long as other agitators are rotating.

In a step S220, the process pauses during a predetermined idling period Tidle. The predetermined idling period Tidle is sufficiently long such that the scale A-<NUM> and the electronic control unit A-<NUM> can accurately measure the mass M of the materials <NUM> or to enable the operator <NUM> to precisely discharge the desired quantity of materials <NUM>, and sufficiently short such that the livestock feed mixer B-<NUM> is not damaged by a proportionally high amount of torque resulting from a relative low value of the idle speed value, e.g., relative to the output target speed Wout target. For example, the predetermined idling period Tidle can be between <NUM> second and <NUM> minute, and preferably between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds. The step S220 may maintain the step <NUM>, i.e., idling process, as long as a demand signal indicative of an idle demand is supplied by the operator <NUM> via the input system A-<NUM>, e.g., actuations of a dedicated buttons, icons, and/or graphical user interface instructions, to the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. However, if the demand signal is supplied for longer than a predetermined period of time Tmanual_idle the step S210 is stopped and the process moves directly to the step S230. Otherwise, the process maintains the step S210. For example, the predetermined period of time Tmanual_idle can be between <NUM> second and <NUM> seconds, and preferably between <NUM> seconds and <NUM> seconds.

In addition, the process may maintain the step S210 until an abnormal behavior of the idle process, e.g., high and/or rapid increase of the output torque Tout, is detected. For example, the abnormal behavior can be detected based on values of the output torque Tout that are measured via the torque sensor A-<NUM> and the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the values of the output torque Tout can be compared to a torque threshold Tidle and the abnormal behavior can be detected if values of the output torque Tout are above the torque threshold Tidle. In another example, the abnormal behavior can be detected based on variation values of the output torque Tout that are measured via the torque sensor A-<NUM> and the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. Through software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the variation values of the output torque Tout can be compared to a variation torque threshold ΔTidle and abnormal behavior of idling process can be detected if the variation values of the output torque Tout are above the variation torque threshold ΔTidle.

If the abnormal behavior is detected the step S210 is stopped and the process goes to the step S220. Otherwise, the process maintains the step S210.

In a step S230, via software instructions executed by the electronic control unit A-<NUM>, the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM> actuates the continuously variable transmission A-<NUM> to rotate the agitators B-<NUM> to reach a speed corresponding to the value of the output target speed Wout target entered in the step S110.

In a step S240, the quick idle process is ended.

In addition, the input unit A-<NUM> can include indications, e.g., visual icons, light signals, push/release buttons, to communicate to the operator <NUM> that the quick idle process is initiated and running. For example, the indications can include visual icons, light/sound signals, and/or push/release buttons turned on and/or depressed when the quick idle process is running and turned off and/or released when the quick idle process is ended.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a hardware diagram of an electronic control unit A-<NUM> for operating the control system A-<NUM>, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.

As shown in <FIG>, systems, operations, and processes in accordance with this disclosure may be implemented using the processor A-<NUM> or at least one application specific processor (ASP). The processor A-<NUM> may utilize a computer readable storage medium, such as the memory <NUM> (e.g.,, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, static memory, DRAM, SDRAM, and their equivalents), configured to control the processor A-<NUM> to perform and/or control the systems, operations, and processes of this disclosure. Other storage mediums may be controlled via a disk controller A-<NUM>, which may control a hard disk drive A-<NUM> or optical disk drive A-<NUM>.

The processor A-<NUM> or aspects thereof, in an alternate embodiment, can include or exclusively include a logic device for augmenting or fully implementing this disclosure. Such a logic device includes, but is not limited to, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic-array of logic (GAL), and their equivalents. The processor A-<NUM> may be a separate device or a single processing mechanism. Further, this disclosure may benefit form parallel processing capabilities of a multi-cored processor.

In another aspect, results of processing in accordance with this disclosure, e.g., the status bar A-<NUM>, may be displayed via the output unit A-<NUM>. The output unit A-<NUM> can include a display controller A-<NUM> that controls a monitor A-<NUM>. The monitor A-<NUM> may be peripheral to or part of the electronic control unit A-<NUM>. The display controller A-<NUM> may also include at least one graphic processing unit for improved computational efficiency.

Moreover, the output unit A-<NUM> and the input unit A-<NUM> may be merged together by having the monitor A-<NUM> provided with a touch-sensitive interface to a command/instruction interface.

Additionally, the electronic control unit A-<NUM> may include an I/O (input/output) interface A-<NUM>, provided for inputting sensor data from the plurality of sensors A-<NUM>, e.g., the torque sensor A-<NUM>, the hydraulic fluid temperature sensor A-<NUM>, and the speed sensor A-<NUM>, a position sensor, a gearbox temperature sensor and for outputting orders to actuators A-<NUM>, e.g., the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM>.

Further, other input devices may be connected to an I/O interface A-<NUM> as peripherals or as part of the controller A-<NUM>. For example, a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse A-<NUM> may control parameters of the various processes and algorithms of this disclosure, and may be connected to the I/O interface A-<NUM> to provide additional functionality and configuration options, or to control display characteristics. Actuators A-<NUM> which may be embodied in any of the elements of the apparatuses described in this disclosure such as the hydraulic actuator A-<NUM>, may also be connected to the I/O interface A-<NUM>.

The above-noted hardware components may be coupled to the network A-<NUM>, such as the Internet or a local intranet, via a network interface A-<NUM> for the transmission or reception of data, including controllable parameters to a mobile device. A central BUS A-<NUM> may be provided to connect the above-noted hardware components together, and to provide at least one path for digital communication there between.

The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of an object of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, an object of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claim 1:
A control system (A-<NUM>) for mixing materials (<NUM>) for livestock feed comprising a container (B-<NUM>) which receives the materials (<NUM>), agitators (B-<NUM>) which mix the materials (<NUM>) in the container (B-<NUM>), a driveline (B-<NUM>) which drives the agitators (B-<NUM>) at an output speed (Wout) with an output torque (Tout), a power source (C-<NUM>) which provides an input speed (Win) with an input torque (Tin), a continuously variable transmission (A-<NUM>) that connects the driveline (B-<NUM>) and the power source (C-<NUM>) and is actuated by an electronic control unit (A-<NUM>), wherein the continuously variable transmission (A-<NUM>) includes a hydraulic actuator (A-<NUM>) to adjust a speed ratio (Rin/out) between the input speed (Win) and the output speed (Wout) through a speed sensor (A-<NUM>), the hydraulic actuator (A-<NUM>) includes a pump and motor mounted onto a hydrostatic loop that circulates a hydraulic fluid and provides variable flow of the hydraulic fluid, the hydraulic actuator (A-<NUM>) configured to adjust the speed ratio (Rin/out) between a minimum speed ratio (Rmin) and a maximum speed ratio (Rmax) by varying the flow of the hydraulic fluid between a minimum flow (Fmin), corresponding to a full negative displacement (Dmin,) of the hydraulic actuator (A-<NUM>) and a maximum flow (Fmax), corresponding to a full positive displacement (Dmax) of the hydraulic actuator (A-<NUM>), the hydraulic actuator (A-<NUM>) configured to set the continuously variable transmission (A-<NUM>) at a high default displacement (D<NUM>) when at least one of the agitators (B-<NUM>) is started, the high default displacement (D<NUM>) being between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the full negative displacement (Dmin), the hydraulic actuator (A-<NUM>) gradually configured to adjust from the high default displacement (D<NUM>) to reach a value of the speed ratio (Rin/out) corresponding to an output target speed (Wout target).