Patent ID: 8042736

Claim:
A tracking system for bulk materials comprising: at least one funnel-shape container that receives a bulk material that has different physical properties, wherein said bulk material forms an upper free surface in said funnel-shape container that can be subsequently covered upon receipt of additional bulk material and wherein the bulk material mixes while flowing through said funnel-shape container and drains therefrom at a container exit; a plurality of identifiable tags placed in the material; a recording system that detects physical properties of the bulk material, wherein said recording system associates said physical properties with at least one said identifiable tag; a first reader positioned to monitor locational placement of said plurality of identifiable tags on said upper free surface, said first reader generating initial location entry data; a second reader positioned proximal said container exit so as to read said identifiable tags passing therethrough, said second reader generating exit data; and a controller connected to said recording system to monitor said plurality of identifiable tags and associated physical properties of the bulk material, said controller receiving said initial location entry data and exit data and generating a mixing flow model based on said entry and exit data to determine the flow of the bulk material through said funnel-shape container, wherein said controller uses said mixing flow model to predict the composition and different physical properties as the bulk material flows from said container exit.