Patent ID: 7972055

Claim:
A method of controlling access to bins used in a micro-ingredient delivery and mixer system, said method comprising the steps of: providing a bin for housing micro-ingredients therein, said bin comprising an opening for receiving the micro-ingredients, and a cover removably placed over said opening; providing a locking device integrated with said bin for locking said cover with respect to said opening of said bin; providing a controller communicating with said locking device; providing the micro-ingredients to be placed in the bin; scanning a barcode incorporated on packaging containing at least one of said micro-ingredients, said barcode providing data that identifies the micro-ingredient; recording information from said barcode in said controller; determining whether said barcode information entered matches an authorized ingredient to be placed in said bin; actuating said locking device by said controller based upon the barcode data, wherein if a micro-ingredient is authorized for said bin, said locking device is opened, and if said, micro-ingredient is not authorized, said locking device remains in a locked position; and selectively mixing the micro-ingredients in a mixer prior to delivery of the micro-ingredients to a feed ration.