Patent ID: 12213499

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Chopping and/or cutting roughage feed sources are important components to control the particle size. The chop or cut is a key component, because not only does it increase or decrease the efficiency of the roughage feed sources, it is also virtually impossible to meet all of the nutritional needs of livestock without the ability to blend feed sources. With a roughage feed source, it is generally required to cut or chop the feed source in order to blend it.

There is equipment that cuts, chops, or processes the roughages, so each roughage is in the particle size that can be blended together and create rations to meet livestock nutritional needs. For example, there are roughage grinders, cutters, choppers, and processors which are designed to cut, chop, or process roughage and try to obtain the correct particle size when feeding roughages. However, they do not allow for the blending of roughages, and they do not provide producers the ability to blend roughages to create cost-efficient rations without involving more time, labor and equipment to actually blend the roughages and other feed sources and to dispense the ration to the livestock.

Total Mix Ration (TMR) apparatuses are designed to blend large amounts of concentrate and/or silage while simultaneously chopping and/or cutting, and blending it with small amounts of a single type of roughage to create a cost-efficient balanced ration for dispensing to the livestock as well. The TMR apparatus eliminates many steps and pieces of equipment. They are sometimes used to blend different types of roughage, because there is not another option. However, they do not blend two different types of roughage very well, since virtually every different class of roughage requires a different amount of chopping, cutting, or processing to reach its optimum particle size. The TMR mixer does not have the ability to chop or cut each roughage feed source individually to obtain its optimum particle size, so there is a lot of efficiency lost from one, if not both, of the roughage feed sources when TMR mixers are utilized. The TMR mixers not only lack the ability to chop, cut, or process each roughage to its individual optimum particle size, it also does not blend two roughages very well.

TMRs also require a lot of time to set up to cut, chop, and blend the feed sources before the ration can be fed. Another problem with TMRs is that once the ration has been created and is being dispensed to a certain class of livestock, it cannot be changed on the go to feed different cuts, chops, or blends to different classes of livestock. The different classes of livestock have different nutritional requirements and different particle size requirements, such as younger livestock versus older or sheep versus cattle, requiring users of the TMRs to stop and reset the TMRs for the now required cut, chop or blend.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,001 to Patterson, herein incorporated by reference, discloses a machine adapted to be towed by a tractor and powered by the PTO and hydraulic power system of the tractor for transporting, processing and blending two different types of roughage of substantial size and weight into a desired ratio for a more efficient and economical nutritional balance and better palatability as well as dispensing the ratio to livestock. This improved machine is characterized by two independently hydraulically driven floor chains that are each capable of carrying a large bale (or bales) of roughage through a series of vertically aligned shredders at different rates of speed. This produces a blend of differing types of roughage consistent with the desired nutritional component considered most economical and efficient for the particular livestock being fed. The processed ration is dropped onto a conveyor chain and immediately delivered into feed bunks for livestock consumption. The shredders and conveyor chain are mechanically driven. The variable speed of one hydraulically driven floor chain is controlled by a flow control divertor, while the speed of the other hydraulically driven floor chain remains constant.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,710 to Patterson, herein incorporated by reference, discloses a roughage processing and dispensing apparatus including a mobile frame defining a floor section for supporting a plurality of bales of roughage, a shredder section in which the bales are shredded, a discharge section for discharging roughage shredded in said shredder section and a bin for particulate feed material; a shredder disposed in the shredder section; a first conveyor for moving at least one of the bales into the shredder means at a given speed; and a conveyor system arranged to receive from the shredder the shredded content of the one bale, and to transport the content to the discharge section. Also included is an auxiliary conveyor for moving the feed material to the discharge section at a selected rate; a drive mechanism operable to provide simultaneous movement of the first conveyor, the auxiliary conveyor and the conveyor system; and a control system for varying the given speed relative to the selected rate.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,910,649 to Patterson, herein incorporated by reference, discloses a mobile apparatus for combining and dispensing different livestock feeds including roughage, particulate matter and liquids. A control system provides and weighs selected ratios of combined feed sources to establish a desired ration.

When processing different roughages, there is a significant benefit to increase the efficiency or utilization of the roughage feed source by chopping, cutting, or processing it to the optimum particle size for the class of livestock being fed. Different roughages may need different amounts of chopping, cutting, or processing to reach their preferred particle size. When the roughage is in the proper or optimum particle size for the class of livestock being fed, it may reduce the tonnage needed by up to, e.g., 30% or, in other words, increase the efficiency by up to, e.g., 30%. Additional advantages regarding roughage source and particle size in finishing diet is disclosed in Shain, Drew et al., “Roughage Source and Particle Size in Finishing Diet” (1996). Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports. 490, which is herein incorporated by reference.

Currently, there is not an apparatus in existence that can chop, cut, or process different roughages to different particle sizes at the same time. The roughages are cut, chopped, or processed individually in varying amounts and then blended together.

Embodiments in the present disclosure allow individual chopping, cutting, or processing of the different types of roughages being utilized, thus allowing the producer or operator the ability to cut, chop, or process each different roughage feed source to its optimum particle size for maximum efficiency for the class of livestock being fed.

When feeding roughage to livestock, the ability to accomplish the correct cut, chop, or process on the roughage to obtain its correct particle size can increase the feeding efficiency of the roughage by up to 30%. When feeding roughage to livestock, not enough or too much cutting, chopping, or processing can limit the feeding efficiency of the roughage. The amount of cutting, chopping or processing to obtain the correct particle size will vary from roughage to roughage. The ability to vary the amount of cutting, chopping, or processing according to each roughage's individual optimum particle size requirements will substantially increase feeding efficiency.

In an embodiment, a roughage processing apparatus may consist of two separate sets of cutters, choppers, beater bars, drums with knives or flails, and/or other mechanism that provide for cutting, chopping, and/or processing roughage. These two independent sets of cutting, chopping, or processing devices may be independently controlled so as to give the producer the ability to run one set at an increased or decreased rate, speed, or velocity, in relation to the other set. This allows the producer to cut, chop, or process one type of roughage more when it requires more cutting, chopping or processing to reach its preferred particle size, in relation to another type of roughage which may need less cutting, chopping, or processing to reach preferred particle size. When the operator has the ability to vary the cut, chop or process on each roughage individually and obtain the optimum particle size on each roughage, simultaneously, the feed efficiency of both roughages can be significantly increased.

Reference will now be made in additional detail to an embodiment of the present invention, example of which is illustrated in the accompanying figures.

FIGS.1A-1Dillustrate views of an exemplary apparatus for roughage processing according to an embodiment;FIG.1Aillustrates a perspective view of the apparatus;FIG.1Billustrates a left side view of the apparatus;FIG.1Cillustrates a right side view of the apparatus; andFIG.1Dillustrates a back view of the apparatus.

Referring toFIGS.1A-1D, roughage processing apparatus100may be mounted on a frame or bed of a truck105and/or other vehicles according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, roughage processing apparatus100may include a truck or other motorized portion105, wheels117, left platform110, right platform109, left chains111, right chains112, left driving mechanisms101and103, right driving mechanisms102and104, left drums106, right drums108, left cutting mechanisms107, right cutting mechanisms115, left platform gearbox123, right platform gearbox124, left platform motor125, right platform motor126, discharge conveyor121, and discharge conveyor motor122.

In an embodiment, roughages of different types (e.g., two different types of roughages) may be processed by the two sides of roughage processing apparatus100. For example, roughage of one type (e.g., roughage type A) may be processed by the left side of the roughage processing apparatus100, and roughage of another type (e.g., roughage type B) may be processed by the right side of the roughage processing apparatus100. The left side of the roughage processing apparatus100may include the left platform110, left chains111, left driving mechanisms101and103, left drums106, left cutting mechanism107, left platform gearbox123, and left platform motor125. The right side of the roughage processing apparatus100may include the right platform109, right chains112, right driving mechanisms102and104, right drums108, right cutting mechanism115, right platform gearbox124, and right platform motor126.

In a further example with respect to the left side of the roughage processing apparatus100, roughage type A may be positioned on the left platform110and may be moved by the left chains111towards the left cutting mechanism107. The left cutting mechanism107may cut, chop, or otherwise process, by knives, flails, and/or other mechanisms that are positioned on left drums106, resulting in processed roughage type A. In an embodiment, the left drums106may be driven or powered by or through left motor and/or mechanism103(e.g., chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism), which may be powered or driven by left motor and/or mechanism101(e.g., motors, further chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism). In combination, the left mechanisms101and103may operate to vary and control the output speed, velocity, and/or power sent through the left mechanism103to control the left drums106. In an embodiment, the left chains111may be driven at a speed that complements the speed of the left drums106(e.g., and complements the cutting speed of the left cutting mechanism107).

With respect to the right side of the roughage processing apparatus100, roughage type B may be positioned on the right platform109and may be moved by the right chains112towards the right cutting mechanism115. The right cutting mechanism115may cut, chop, or otherwise process, by knives, flails, and/or other mechanisms that are positioned on right drums108, resulting in processed roughage type B. In an embodiment, the right drums108may be driven or powered by or through right mechanism104(e.g., chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism), which may be powered or driven by right mechanism102(e.g., motors, further chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism). In combination, the right mechanisms102and104may operate to vary and control the output speed, velocity, and/or power sent through the right mechanism104to control the right drums108. In an embodiment, the right chains112may be driven at a speed that complements the speed of the right drums108(e.g., and complements the cutting speed of the right cutting mechanism115).

In an embodiment, the left side and the right side of the roughage processing apparatus100may be operated independently and concurrently. In an embodiment, the left side and the right side may be driven at different speeds (e.g., the left chains111are driven at a different speed than the right chains112, and the left drums106are driven at a different speed than the right drums108). In such an arrangement, the left side and the right side may be used for cutting different types of roughages at desirable respective speeds for the types of roughages (e.g., roughage type A and roughage type B) concurrently.

Therefore, the speed, velocity, or power of left mechanism101and the speed, velocity, or power output of right mechanism102may be independently controlled, allowing for simultaneous control of the speed, velocity, or power delivered to left drums106by or through left mechanism103to left cutting, chopping, or processing mechanisms107, which can be significantly different than the speed, velocity, or power delivered to right cutting, chopping, or processing device115positioned on right drums108by or through right mechanism102/104. The independent control allows the operator to cut, chop or process type A roughage, positioned on left floor chains111residing on and supported by left platform110and powered by left gear box or mechanism123which is powered or driven by left motor or mechanism125, significantly different than type B roughage, positioned on right floor chains112which is residing on and supported by right platform109and powered by right gear box or mechanism124, which is powered or driven by right motor or mechanism126. This allows the operator to cut, chop or process roughage type A positioned on left floor chain111residing on left platform110to an efficient and/or desirable particle size, while simultaneously cutting, chopping, or processing roughage type B positioned on right floor chain112residing on right platform109to an efficient and/or desirable particle size concurrently, even though roughage type A that is positioned on left floor chains111and roughage type B that is positioned on right floor chains112may need substantially different amounts of cutting, chopping or processing to reach their correct particle size for the most efficient livestock utilization.

In an embodiment, discharge conveyor121, which may be powered by discharge motor or mechanism122, provides a mechanism of dispensing the roughage to the livestock after being cut, chopped, or processed to the proper particle size. For example, discharge conveyor121may be positioned at an end of the drums106and108where processed roughages (e.g., roughage type A and roughage type B after passing through the cutting mechanisms107and115and drums106and108) are expected to be released from the drums106and108, concurrently. The discharge conveyor121may be positioned to drive along the sides of the release points of the drums106and108(e.g., perpendicular to the release points of the drums106and108), when driven by the discharge motor122. As the discharge conveyor121is driven, the processed roughages move along on the discharge conveyor121(e.g., towards the side of the roughage processing apparatus100) and may be released for collection (e.g., a feed collection bin). As the processed roughages move along the discharge conveyor121, additional processed roughages may be further released from the drums106and108onto different locations of the discharge conveyor, thereby aiding in the mixing of the processed roughages (e.g., roughage type A and roughage type B).

In an embodiment, the left platform110and the right platform109may be formed from an integrated piece of platform or may be separate platforms.

In an embodiment, the roughage processing apparatus100may include one or more additional sets of platforms, chains, driving mechanisms, drums, cutting mechanisms, platform gearboxes, and platform motors. These additional sets may be positioned in parallel orientation with the right and left sets and may be driven at different speeds for the processing of additional types of roughages. In an embodiment, the discharge conveyor121may be used to move the discharge from these additional sets.

FIGS.2A-2Dillustrate views of an exemplary apparatus for roughage processing according to an embodiment;FIG.2Aillustrates a perspective view of the apparatus;FIG.2Billustrates a left side view of the apparatus;FIG.2Cillustrates a right side view of the apparatus; andFIG.2Dillustrates a back view of the apparatus.

Referring toFIGS.2A-2D, roughage processing apparatus200may be mounted on or form the frame or bed of a trailer according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, roughage processing apparatus200may include trailer216, hoses and/or wirings218, hitch220, support230, wheels217, left platform210, right platform209, left chains211, right chains212, left driving mechanisms201and203, right driving mechanisms202and204, left drums206, right drums208, left cutting mechanisms207, right cutting mechanisms215, left platform gearbox223, right platform gearbox224, left platform motor225, right platform motor226, discharge conveyor221, and discharge conveyor motor222.

In an embodiment, roughages of different types (e.g., two different types of roughages) may be processed by the two sides of roughage processing apparatus200. For example, roughage of one type (e.g., roughage type A) may be processed by the left side of the roughage processing apparatus200, and roughage of another type (e.g., roughage type B) may be processed by the right side of the roughage processing apparatus200. The left side of the roughage processing apparatus200may include the left platform210, left chains211, left driving mechanisms201and203, left drums206, left cutting mechanism207, left platform gearbox223, and left platform motor225. The right side of the roughage processing apparatus200may include the right platform209, right chains112, right driving mechanisms202and204, right drums208, right cutting mechanism215, right platform gearbox224, and right platform motor226.

In a further example with respect to the left side of the roughage processing apparatus200, roughage type A may be positioned on the left platform210and may be driven by the left chains211towards the left cutting mechanism207. The left cutting mechanism207may cut, chop, or otherwise process, by knives, flails, and/or other mechanisms that are positioned on left drums206, resulting in processed roughage type A. In an embodiment, the left drums206may be driven or powered by or through left mechanism203(e.g., chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism), which may be powered or driven by left mechanism201(e.g., motors, further chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism). In combination, the left mechanisms201and203may operate to vary and control the output speed, velocity, and/or power sent through the left mechanism203to control the left drums206. In an embodiment, the left chains211may be driven at a speed that complements the speed of the left drums206(e.g., and complements the cutting speed of the left cutting mechanism207).

With respect to the right side of the roughage processing apparatus200, roughage type B may be positioned on the right platform209and may be driven by the right chains212towards the right cutting mechanism215. The right cutting mechanism215may cut, chop, or otherwise process, by knives, flails, and/or other mechanisms that are positioned on right drums208, resulting in processed roughage type B. In an embodiment, the right drums208may be driven or powered by or through right mechanism204(e.g., chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism), which may be powered or driven by right mechanism202(e.g., motors, further chains, gears, transmissions, and/or other mechanical or other mechanism). In combination, the right mechanisms202and204may operate to vary and control the output speed, velocity, and/or power sent through the right mechanism204to control the right drums208. In an embodiment, the right chains212may be driven at a speed that complements the speed of the right drums208(e.g., and complements the cutting speed of the right cutting mechanism215).

In an embodiment, the left side and the right side of the roughage processing apparatus200may be operated independently and concurrently. In an embodiment, the left side and the right side may be driven at different speeds (e.g., the left chains211are driven at a different speed than the right chains212, and the left drums206are driven at a different speed than the right drums208). In such an arrangement, the left side and the right side may be used for cutting different types of roughages at desirable respective speeds for the types of roughages (e.g., roughage type A and roughage type B) concurrently.

Therefore, the speed, velocity, or power of right mechanism201and the speed, velocity, or power output of right mechanism202may be independently controlled, allowing for simultaneous control of the speed, velocity, or power delivered to left drums206by or through left mechanism203to left cutting, chopping, or processing mechanisms207, which can be significantly different than the speed, velocity, or power delivered to left cutting, chopping, or processing device215positioned on left drums208by or through right mechanism204. The independent control allows the operator to cut, chop or process type A roughage, positioned on left floor chains211residing on and supported by left platform210and powered by left gear box or mechanism223which is powered or driven by left motor or mechanism225, significantly different than type B roughage, positioned on right floor chains212which is residing on and supported by right platform209and powered by right gear box or mechanism224, which is powered or driven by right motor or mechanism226. This allows the operator to cut, chop or process roughage type A positioned on left floor chain211residing on left platform210to an efficient and/or desirable particle size, while simultaneously cutting, chopping, or processing roughage type B positioned on right floor chain212residing on right platform209to an efficient and/or desirable particle size concurrently, even though roughage type A that is positioned on left floor chains211and roughage type B that is positioned on right floor chains212may need substantially different amounts of cutting, chopping or processing to reach their correct particle size for the most efficient livestock utilization.

In an embodiment, discharge conveyor221, which may be powered by discharge motor or mechanism222, provides a mechanism of dispensing the roughage to the livestock after being cut, chopped, or processed to the proper particle size. For example, discharge conveyor221may be positioned at an end of the drums206and208where processed roughages (e.g., roughage type A and roughage type B after passing through the cutting mechanisms207and215and drums206and208) are expected to be released from the drums206and208, concurrently. The discharge conveyor221may be positioned to drive along the sides of the release points of the drums206and208(e.g., perpendicular to the release points of the drums206and208), when driven by the discharge motor222. As the discharge conveyor221is driven, the processed roughages move along on the discharge conveyor221(e.g., towards the side of the roughage processing apparatus200) and may be released for collection (e.g., a feed collection bin). As the processed roughages move along the discharge conveyor221, additional processed roughages may be further released from the drums206and208onto different locations of the discharge conveyor, thereby aiding in the mixing of the processed roughages (e.g., roughage type A and roughage type B).

In an embodiment, the left platform210and the right platform209may be form from an integrated piece of platform or may be separate platforms.

In an embodiment, the roughage processing apparatus200may include one or more additional sets of platforms, chains, driving mechanisms, drums, cutting mechanisms, platform gearboxes, and platform motors. These additional sets of be positioned in parallel orientation with the right and left sets and may be driven at different speeds for the processing of additional types of roughages. In an embodiment, the discharge conveyor221may be used to move the discharge from these additional sets.

In an embodiment, hoses, driveline, or sprockets and chains and/or wirings218may include one or more of mechanism of conveying mechanical or electrical power to the roughage processing apparatus200(e.g., from the vehicle or other machine that is towing the roughage processing apparatus200). For example, the hoses, driveline and/or wirings218may transfer mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and/or a combination of these and other mechanisms to power the roughage processing apparatus200. The hitch220may be used to connect and tow the roughage processing apparatus200by the vehicle or other machine. The support230(e.g., a stand) may be deployed to support the roughage processing apparatus200when independent or further support is needed (e.g., when the roughage processing apparatus200is not in tow).

In an embodiment, a roughage processing apparatus may be stationary (e.g., mounted and/or fixed on a platform or ground and/or incorporated as a part of another machine (e.g., part of a process chain)) instead of movable as incorporated into a truck or other vehicles or a trailer. In a further embodiment, a roughage processing apparatus could utilize electrical or other power source (e.g., through power cables) or may include its own power source (e.g., incorporated onto the unit itself).

In an embodiment, the mechanism used to chop the roughage may also have several different configurations depending on the mechanism used to cut, chop, or processes the roughage. For example, there could be one large drum with knives or flails for each roughage being cut chopped or processed; or there could be several different smaller drums or beater bars; or a combination of knives and flails and round or square tubes used to support the knives, flails, or other mechanism of cutting, chopping, or processing the roughage. The system could also incorporate a cutter bar for the knives, flails, or the cutting, chopping, or processing mechanism to pass through.

The cutting, chopping, or processing devices could be powered or driven by many different mechanisms, from belts and pulleys to chains and sprockets, to hydraulic motors, to direct drivelines and gears. In varying configurations, the mechanism powering the cutting, chopping, or processing mechanism speed, velocity or power may be controlled independently of the second set of cutting, chopping or processing devices. The ability to independently vary and control the speed, velocity, or power of two different cutting, chopping, or processing devices positioned in close proximity to each other, simultaneously, lets the operator vary the cut, chop, or processing of two different types of roughage being moved into each of the cutting, chopping, or processing devices. The mechanism to vary the speed, velocity, or power of the cutting, chopping, or processing devices can also have many different configurations. The mechanism could be hydraulically driven and vary the speed, velocity, and power by changing the hydraulic flow and pressure, or it could be mechanically driven with the speed, velocity, and power able to be changed by a transmission type gearbox, or various combinations of mechanical and hydraulic mechanisms.

When the operator has the ability to vary the cut, chop, or processing amount for two or more different types of roughage being cut, chopped, or processed simultaneously, he can maximize the efficiency of both roughages simultaneously, even though each requires a radically different cut, chop, or processing to meet its particular optimum particle size for the class of livestock being fed.

In operation, in an embodiment, the producer or operator may have two separate mechanisms of cutting chopping or processing two different types of roughages. The two separate mechanisms may have individual controls that will allow the producer or operator to adjust the cut or chop of the roughage to obtain the optimum cut or chop to provide for maximum efficiency of each roughage being blended in the ration, even when the two different roughages require radically different amounts of cutting, chopping or processing to reach their optimum particle size for maximum efficiency.

An additional advantage of having separate cutting, chopping, or processing devices for each of the different roughages being cut, chopped, or processed is to have the mechanisms of chopping attached and supported by the same platform supporting the roughage. In an embodiment, the platform could be further supported by weight scales (e.g., weigh cells), or other mechanism that provides a manner of determining weight, providing a more accurate weight of the roughage being cut, chopped, or processed into the ration being blended and fed to the livestock.

It is noted that if the mechanism for cutting, chopping, or processing the roughage is not supported on the same platform as the roughage, the cutting or chopping process may lift the roughage (e.g., through an application of force by the chopping mechanism on the roughage), which may transfer at least a portion of the weight of the roughage to the support and/or other mechanisms supporting the cutting or chopping mechanism. Therefore, if substantially all of the weight of the roughage residing on the platform is not supported by the platform and thus by the weigh cells supporting it, there may be an effect on the accuracy of the weight being indicated by the weigh cells. It is further noted that if the mechanism for cutting, chopping, or processing the roughage is not supported on the same platform as the roughage, the cutting or chopping process may exert downward pressure on the roughage (e.g., through an application of force by the chopping mechanism on the roughage), which may also be an effect on the accuracy of the weight being indicated by the weigh cells. In such situations, the operator may need to halt the cutting, chopping, or processing and let the cutting, chopping, or processing device spin free of the roughage to obtain an accurate weight. When the cutting, chopping, or processing mechanism that is cutting, chopping, or processing the roughage is 100% supported by the same platform supporting the roughage, all of which is supported by weigh cells, a consistent accurate weight is obtainable without having to stop and allow the cutting, chopping or processing device to spin free from the roughage to eliminate any deflection, supporting, or lifting of the roughage. If the operator does not need to halt the cutting, chopping or processing to obtain an accurate weight, benefits may include reduced time and increased accuracy of the weight being obtained.

When the cutting, chopping, or processing mechanism is supported on the same platform supporting the roughage which is supported by weigh cells, this eliminates the possibility for the cutting or chopping process to cause a deflection and thus an inaccurate scale reading. It therefore creates moment to moment consistent accuracy of the scale system throughout the whole cutting or chopping process while in motion. In an embodiment, with a moment to moment, in motion, accurate reading throughout the cutting and chopping process, it may determine accurately and/or precisely the weight (e.g., how many pounds) of roughage being cut, chopped or processed. For example, one may use the right and left platforms for each increment of forward movement of the right and left floor chains while still in motion for the determination. This may allow for quicker (e.g., substantially real-time) corrections of incorrect blends, increasing efficiency and reducing time that may be lost to stopping the device to weigh the roughages.

In another possible embodiment, the speed of movement of each side of the floor (e.g., through controlling the right and left floor chains may be computer-controlled for further accuracy, efficiency, automation, and other benefits). For example, a computer program may be used to calculate the necessary floor speed of each side and the correct knife speed of each side, to create the desired blend and particle size of the roughages on each side to meet the nutritional needs of the livestock being fed. The computer program may store and use known or pre-determined feed blends (e.g., particle sizes of the output feed blend for a particular type of livestock, based on age, gender, and/or other factors) based on known information to calculate the control parameters (e.g., speed of the floor chains, speed of knives, and/or other parameter) that generate the resulting feed blend with the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the computer program may also include sensors that monitor various conditions (e.g., moisture, roughage sizes, particle sizes of the resulting feed blend) and use such reading from the sensors as an active feedback to further control and/or fine tune the control parameters. In an additional embodiment, the computer program may use machine learning and/or other techniques to further automate and fine tune the control.

In an embodiment, the computer program may further incorporate the ground speed and length of bunks to be filled, along with the roughage particle size desired, the amount of each different type of roughage to be fed per head of livestock, the number of livestock to be fed, and/or other factors to further increase consistency and efficiency. For example, if we are able to acquire an accurate in motion, roughage weight, for the amount of roughage which is being cut, chopped, or processed off of the platform and onto the discharge conveyor, at a given floor chain speed, all of the other parameters for automations can be acquired or calculated, which in turn creates the possibility for automation, in varying degrees and at different or even all points in the process).

Further possibilities/embodiments may include the option for the computer controls to be programed to start the various functions of the apparatus in a certain order and in a ramp up fashion to allow for less wear and tear on the machine, requiring less horse power during start up, and provide a more constant blending of feed sources. The computer could also have sensor feedback built into the system that would depict when problems were about to happen by detecting excessive pressure being required to run the knives indicating they were about to stall out and so the computer might stop or slow down the floors in order to avoid a problem such as, jams or breakage of components.

Another possible embodiment might have warnings show on the control screen if a problem with one of the systems is about to happen or has happened allowing the operator to make adjustments to fix or avoid the problem.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatuses substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included a description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.