| CLAIMS: 1 . A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus comprising at least one container having a vertical axis and a pair of orthogonal horizontal axes, the container comprising a wall defining a top opening and an interior and a mixing shaft rotatably mounted within the interior of the container, the mixing shaft being connected to a drive means; wherein the wall defines an upper section and a lower section of container and a base end of the container, the base end having at least one outlet opening through which the feed is dispensed under gravity; wherein the lower section of the side wall includes an arrangement configured for directing the feed to the outlet opening; wherein a shutter member sealingly closes the outlet opening, the shutter member being movable by a further drive means to controllably move the shutter to open and close the outlet opening the apparatus further comprising a tubular duct extending from the outlet opening of the container, the duct having an inlet opening arranged in sealed communication with the outlet opening for receiving feed from the container; the duct being substantially sealed except for a discharge opening provided in the duct remote the outlet openings of the container for discharging the feed to a desired location; and a transfer auger rotatably mounted along the interior of the duct for transferring the feed dispensed from the outlet opening of the container to the discharge opening, the transfer auger being connected to and driven by a motor; wherein the mixing shaft is mounted substantially horizontally along the interior of the or each container, the mixing shaft comprising mixing blades configured to mix the feed in the lower and the upper sections of the container. 2. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the apparatus comprises a pair of adjacently disposed containers and the tubular duct extends between the outlet openings of each container. 3. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the outlet opening is defined in a plane substantially transverse a vertical axis of the container. 4. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tubular duct extends below the lower section of the container. 5. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the arrangement configured for directing the feed to the outlet opening comprises a funnel shaped structure having a surrounding wall with an upper wider open end and a lower narrower open end, the lower narrower open end defining the outlet opening. 6. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outlet opening is defined by a lowermost downwardly facing portion of the container. 7. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the upper section of the container the wall is polygonal in a plane transverse the vertical axis of the container. 8. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the upper section of the container the wall is rectangular in a plane transverse the vertical axis of the container. 9. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the upper section of the container the wall is substantially vertical. 10. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in the lower section of the container the wall converges downwardly at least at a pair of opposing sides of the container. 1 1 . A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein in the lower section of the container the wall converges downwardly at a pair of opposing sides of the container and the wall is substantially vertical at another pair of opposing sides of the container. 12. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein in the lower section of the container the wall converges downwardly around the perimeter of the container. 13. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 10 to 12, wherein in the lower section of the container the wall is convex on the outside of the container and concave on the inside of the container at the sides of the container where the wall converges. 14. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 13, wherein in the lower section of the container the wall is curved at the sides of the container where the wall converges. 15. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the upper wider open end of the funnel shaped structure is sealingly attached to the base end of the container to receive the feed and direct the feed to the outlet opening. 16. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 and in Claim 12, wherein the funnel shaped structure is defined by the converging wall. 17. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 or Claim 16, wherein the outlet opening is defined by lowermost downwardly facing edges of the surrounding wall of the funnel shaped structure. 18. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mixing shaft comprises a plurality of blades for mixing the feed, the blades being spaced along the mixing shaft. 19. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 18, wherein the blades extend from the shaft towards the wall of the container and terminate short of the wall so as to provide a consistent mix without interfering with the wall. 20. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 18 to 19, wherein the blades are provided in the form of paddles. 21 . A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the duct comprises a substantially upwardly extending length remote the outlet opening of the or each container, so that the discharge opening of the duct is disposed elevated from the ground and a length of the transfer auger is disposed in the upwardly extending length of the duct. 22. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein a latch mechanism is provided configured to secure the upwardly extending length of the duct to the container. 23. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 or Claim 22, wherein the upwardly extending length of the duct extends laterally in relation to the duct. 24. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the motor of the transfer auger is arranged to move the or each shutter and a control means is provided operable to control selectively the operation of the or each shutter, so that the or each shutter can be opened or closed when required. 25. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the motor of the transfer auger is an hydraulic motor. 26. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a ram is provided for moving the shutter. 27. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the ram is an hydraulic ram. 28. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is mounted on a chassis and is connectable to a vehicle. 29. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the drive means of the mixer shaft is configured to be coupled with and driven by a drive mechanism of the vehicle. 30. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 28, wherein the drive means of the mixer shaft is coupled to the mixing shaft via a gear arrangement having a drive to mixer shaft ratio of 40 to 1 thereby minimising the power drawn from the drive. 31 . A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a vibrating mechanism is provided connected with the interior of the or each container for agitating the feed during dispensing thereby preventing blockage. 32. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vibrating mechanism is driven by the motor of the transfer auger. 33. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the operations of the transfer auger and the vibrating mechanism are synchronised so that the transfer auger and the vibrating mechanism are actuated simultaneously. 34. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a tank for storing and dispensing feed additives, such as molasses, fitted in the upper section of the container, the tank occupying an area less than the area of the top opening of the container. 35. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 34, wherein the tank is connected with the duct by a pipe and a pump is provided for propelling the feed additive from the tank into the duct. 36. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the pipe is connected with the duct at the discharge outlet so that the pipe opens into a downwardly directed portion of the duct for dispensing the feed additive directly to a desired location simultaneously with the feed dispensed from the container. 37. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 34 to 36, wherein the tank l-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped or O-shaped. 38. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a discharge port arranged in a sealed communication with a blower device provided at the base end of the container for direct discharge of mixed feed, the blower device comprising a means for drawing the mixed feed from the container and a means for blowing the mixed feed out of the device to the required location. 39. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a loading pipe for transferring feed ingredients into the container. 40. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a lifting device for lifting or lowering the duct. 41 . A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises more than one outlet openings and the duct comprises corresponding inlet openings arranged in sealed communication with the outlet opening for receiving feed from the container. 42. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a flexible cover is provided at the top opening of the container, the cover being spreadable substantially sealingly across the top opening of the container to cover the top opening and gatherable to uncover the top opening. 43. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 42, wherein a mechanism is provided for operating the cover remotely from the top opening. 44. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 43, wherein the mechanism for operating the cover comprises a ratchet. 45. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 42 to 44, wherein the cover is a reliable cover. 46. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the duct comprises a vent opening for adding feed supplements, the vent opening being provided intermediate the discharge opening of the duct and the outlet opening of the container, the vent comprising a cover for closing and opening the vent. 47. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in Claim 46, wherein the vent opening includes a receptacle suitably shaped for receiving the feed supplements. 48. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a compartment for storing feed supplements. 49. A feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein more than two containers are provided. |
The present invention relates to an animal feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus. Prior art feed mixing and dispensing apparatus comprises a conical container having a vertical mixing auger rotatably mounted inside the container and an outlet opening in the side wall near the base of the container for dispensing the mixed feed. A dispensing auger is often provided at the outlet opening to facilitate the discharge of the feed. The disadvantages of such a known apparatus include its limited capacity, limited mobility, lack of hygiene, unsuitability for storage and lack of control over the dispensing process.
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus having enhanced capacity and improved means of dispensing the mixed material.
The present invention provides a feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus comprising at least one container having a vertical axis and a pair of orthogonal horizontal axes, the container comprising a wall defining a top opening and an interior and a mixing shaft rotatably mounted within the interior of the container, the mixing shaft being connected to a drive means;
wherein the wall defines an upper section and a lower section of container and a base end of the container, the base end having at least one outlet opening through which the feed is dispensed under gravity; wherein the lower section of the side wall includes an arrangement configured for directing the feed to the outlet opening;
wherein a shutter member sealingly closes the outlet opening, the shutter member being movable by a further drive means to controllably move the shutter to open and close the outlet opening
the apparatus further comprising a tubular duct extending from the outlet opening of the container, the duct having an inlet opening arranged in sealed communication with the outlet opening for receiving feed from the container; the duct being substantially sealed except for a discharge opening provided in the duct remote the outlet openings of the container for discharging the feed to a desired location; and
a transfer auger rotatably mounted along the interior of the duct for transferring the feed dispensed from the outlet opening of the container to the discharge opening, the transfer auger being connected to and driven by a motor; wherein the mixing shaft is mounted substantially horizontally along the interior of the or each container, the mixing shaft comprising mixing blades configured to mix the feed in the lower and the upper sections of the container. The apparatus of the present invention is primarily designed for blending a coarse ration feed (commonly referred to in the art as a "blend") which is a mixture of cereals such as barley, wheat, rye etc., as opposed to a "diet ration" feed which is a mixture of cereal and forage such as straw, silage etc. Accordingly, the references to "feed" in the present description should be interpreted as referring to a "coarse ration" or "blend" unless otherwise stated.
Known mixing apparatuses with mixing augers inside are designed for mixing and dispensing diet ration feed and are not suitable for blending coarse ration as augers are not capable of provide a consistent blend and are prone to damage when mixing coarse ration.
The provision of the duct and its discharge opening remote the outlet opening of the container allows the discharge of the feed directly to a desired location, for example, a location where the feed is to be consumed, without the need for a separate loading/unloading vehicle, and, at the same time, reduces loss of feed during transfer.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pair of adjacently disposed containers and the tubular duct extends between the outlet openings of each container. The apparatus is superior over the prior art apparatuses in that it provides for considerable flexibility and convenience of the use of the containers. For example, it provides for a possibility for simultaneous mixing in one container and dispensing of mixed feed from the other container. Alternatively, while one container can be used for mixing and dispensing at a given time, the other container can be used for storing mixed feed, thereby eliminating the need for a separate storage arrangement. Furthermore, different feeds can be prepared in the containers. The shutters keep the outlet openings of the containers sealed when the feed is not being dispensed thereby minimising the risk of contamination of the interior of the container. A further advantage resides in that a single transfer auger mechanism is provided to discharge the feed from the container. The functions of blending, storing, transportation and dispensing are all combined in the apparatus of the present invention without the need for a second tractor or a separate grain storage structure. Furthermore, the provision of the arrangement for directing the mixed feed into the duct through the outlet opening provides for smooth flow of the mixed blend into the duct without the outlet opening becoming clogged and without the blend being stuck at various locations inside the container.
In one preferred embodiment, the outlet opening is defined in a plane substantially transverse a vertical axis of the container. Preferably, the outlet opening is defined by a lowermost downwardly facing portion of the container. Ideally, the tubular duct extends below the lower section of the container.
Advantageously, the arrangement for directing the feed to the outlet opening comprises a funnel shaped structure having a surrounding wall with an upper wider open end and a lower narrower open end, the lower narrower open end defining the outlet opening.
Preferably, in the upper section of the container the wall is substantially vertical and is preferably polygonal, more preferably, rectangular, in a plane transverse the vertical axis of the container. In an advantageous embodiment, in the lower section of the container the wall converges or tapers downwardly at least at a pair of opposing sides of the container. Preferably, in the lower section of the container the wall converges downwardly at a pair of opposing sides of the container and the wall is substantially vertical at another pair of opposing sides of the container. Alternatively, in the lower section of the container the wall converges or tapers downwardly around the entire perimeter of the container.
In a preferred embodiment, in the lower section of the container the wall is convex on the outside of the container and concave on the inside of the container at the sides of the container where the wall converges. Ideally, in the lower section of the container the wall is curved at the sides of the container where the wall converges.
In a preferred embodiment, the upper wider open end of the funnel shaped structure is sealingly attached to the base end of the container to receive the feed and direct the feed to the outlet opening. In another embodiment, the funnel shaped structure is defined by the converging or tapering wall.
Preferably, the outlet opening is defined by lowermost downwardly facing edges of the surrounding wall of the funnel shaped structure.
Ideally, the mixing shaft comprises a plurality of blades for mixing the feed, the blades being spaced along the mixing shaft. Advantageously, the blades extend from the shaft towards the wall of the container and terminate short of the wall so as to provide a consistent mix without interfering with the wall. The blades are preferably provided in the form of paddles.
Ideally, the motor of the transfer auger is arranged to move the or each shutter and a control means is provided operable to control selectively the operation of the or each shutter, so that the or each shutter can be opened or closed when required. Ideally a ram, preferably an hydraulic ram, is provided for moving the shutter.
Advantageously, the duct comprises a substantially upwardly extending length remote the outlet opening of the or each container, so that the discharge opening of the duct is disposed elevated from the ground and a length of the transfer auger is disposed in the upwardly extending length of the duct. This arrangement provides the advantage in that the feed can be discharged directly to a desired location, for example, a location at which the feed is consumed, in particular, where such a location is not easily accessible. Accordingly, loss of feed during transfer to the desired location is reduced significantly. Conveniently, a latch mechanism is provided configured to secure the upwardly extending length of the duct to the nearest container. Preferably, the upwardly extending length of duct extends laterally in relation to the portion of the duct at the outlet opening of the or each container. Preferably the motor of the transfer auger is an hydraulic motor.
Advantageously, the apparatus of the invention is mounted on a chassis and connectable to a vehicle, such as for example a tractor. Conveniently, the drive means of the mixer shaft is configured to be coupled with and driven by a drive mechanism of the vehicle. Preferably, the drive means of the mixer shaft is coupled to the mixing shaft via a gear arrangement having a drive to mixer shaft ratio of 40 to 1 thereby minimising the power drawn from the drive.
Preferably, a vibrating mechanism is provided connected with the interior of the or each container for agitating the feed. The vibrating mechanism assists the discharge and prevents blockage. The vibrating mechanism is preferably arranged to be driven by the motor of the transfer auger. Ideally, the operations of the transfer auger and the vibrating mechanism are synchronised so that the transfer auger and the vibrating mechanism are actuated simultaneously.
Conveniently, the container comprises a tank for storing and dispensing feed additives, preferably, liquid additives, such as molasses, fitted in the upper section of the container, the tank occupying an area less than the area of the top opening of the container. Ideally, the tank is connected with the duct by a pipe and a pump is provided for propelling the feed additive from the tank into the duct. Ideally, the pipe is connected with the duct at the discharge outlet so that the pipe opens into a downwardly directed portion of the duct for dispensing the feed additive directly to a desired location simultaneously with the feed dispensed from the container. The tank can be l-shaped, L-shaped, U-shaped or O- shaped or any desired shape which leaves a sufficient area of the top opening of the container open so that the interior of the container can be accessed for cleaning or maintenance and so that ingredients can be loaded into the container.
Conveniently, the container comprises a discharge port arranged in a sealed communication with a blower device provided at the base end of the container, preferably, outside the container for direct discharge of mixed feed by blowing, the blower device comprising a means for drawing the mixed feed from the container and a means for blowing the mixed feed out of the device to the required location.
Further conveniently, the container comprises a loading pipe for transferring feed ingredients into the container.
Preferably, the container comprises a lifting device for lifting or lowering the duct. In one embodiment, the container comprises more than one outlet openings and the duct comprises corresponding inlet openings arranged in sealed communication with the outlet opening for receiving feed from the container. Ideally a flexible cover is provided at the top opening of the container, the cover being spreadable substantially sealingly across the top opening of the container to cover the top opening and gatherable to uncover the top opening. Ideally, a mechanism, such as for example, a ratchet, is provided for operating the cover remotely from the top opening. Preferably, the cover is a reliable cover. The provision of the cover in combination with the shutter ensures that the feed remains fresh and uncontaminated during mixing, storage and transportation.
Advantageously, the duct comprises a vent opening for adding feed supplements, the vent opening being provided intermediate the discharge opening of the duct and the outlet opening of the container nearest to the discharge opening of the duct, the vent comprising a cover for closing and opening the vent. Preferably, the vent opening includes a receptacle suitably shaped for receiving the feed supplements.
Conveniently, the apparatus comprises a compartment for storing feed supplements.
It will be appreciated that more than two containers can be provided in the apparatus of the present invention.
The invention will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show by the way of example only, embodiments of a feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus according to the invention. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elevation of the feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus of the invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view from above of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the interior of the containers;
Figure 3 is an end elevation of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, showing the transfer auger;
Figure 4 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus of the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic side elevation of the apparatus of Figure 4 showing funnels for discharging the mixed feed from the interior of the apparatus;
Figure 6 is a plan view from above of the apparatus of Figures 4 and 5 showing the interior of the containers;
Figure 7 is a schematic plan view from above of the apparatus of Figures 4 to 6 showing funnels for discharging the mixed feed from the interior of the apparatus;
Figure 8 is an end elevation of the apparatus of Figures 4 to 7 showing a blower device and a loading pipe; and
Figure 9 is an end elevation of the apparatus of Figures 4 to 8 showing a pipe connecting a feed additive storage tank with the discharge opening of the tubular duct.
Referring to the drawings, one embodiment of the feed mixing, dispensing and storage apparatus 10 of the invention comprises at least a pair of adjacently disposed containers 1 1 . Each container 1 1 comprises a wall 51 defining a top opening 5 and an interior and a mixing shaft 30 rotatably mounted within the interior of the container 1 1 and extending horizontally along the interior of the container 1 1 . The mixing shaft 30 is connected to a drive means (not shown). The wall 51 defines an upper section 51 a and a lower section 50 of container 1 1 and a base end 1 1 1 . The base end 1 1 1 has at least one outlet opening 40 through which the feed is dispensed under gravity and a shutter member (not shown) sealingly closing the outlet opening 40. The outlet opening 40 is defined in a plane substantially transverse a vertical axis 300 of the container 1 1 the by a lowermost downwardly facing portion the base portion 1 1 1 of the container 1 1 . The shutter member is controllably movable and to open and close the outlet opening 40.
In the upper section 51 a of the container the wall 51 is substantially vertical and rectangular in a plane transverse the vertical axis 300 of the container 1 1.
The apparatus 10 further comprises a tubular duct 7 extending between the outlet openings 40 of each container 1 1 below the lower section 50 of the container 1 1 . The duct 7 has a corresponding inlet opening (not shown) arranged in sealed communication with each outlet opening 40 for receiving feed from each container 1 1. The duct 7 is substantially sealed except for a discharge opening 70 provided in the duct 7 remote the outlet openings 40 of the containers 1 1 for discharging the feed to a desired location. A transfer auger (not visible in the drawings) is rotatably mounted along the interior of the duct 7 for transferring the feed dispensed from the outlet openings 40 of the containers 1 1 to the discharge opening 70. The transfer auger is connected to and is driven by an hydraulic motor 19. The motor 19 of the transfer auger is also arranged to move the shutters and a control means is provided operable to control selectively the operation of the shutters, so that one or both shutters can be opened or closed when required or desired. An hydraulic ram 16 is provided for moving each shutter. The duct 7 comprises a substantially upwardly extending length 12 remote the outlet openings 40 of the containers 1 1 , so that the discharge opening 70 of the duct 7 is disposed elevated from the ground and a length of the transfer auger is disposed in the upwardly extending length 12 of the duct 7. Due to this arrangement, the feed can be discharged directly to desired location, for example, a location at which the feed is consumed, in particular, where such a location is not easily accessible. A latch mechanism 26 is provided for securing the upwardly extending length 12 of the duct 7 to the nearest container 1 1 . The upwardly extending length 12 of duct 7 extends laterally in relation to the portion of the duct 7 extending between the outlet openings 40 of the containers 1 1 for compactness and easy access to the desired discharge location.
The apparatus 10 is mounted on a chassis 60 and connectable to a vehicle (not shown), such as for example a tractor. The drive means of the mixer shaft 30 is configured to be coupled with and driven by the drive mechanism of the vehicle. The drive means of the mixer shaft 30 is preferably coupled to the mixing shaft 30 via a gear arrangement having a drive to mixer shaft ratio of 40 to 1 thereby minimising the power drawn from the drive means.
In the lower section 50, the wall 51 converges downwardly around the perimeter of the container 1 1 defining a funnel shaped structure with an upper wider end 510 forming part of the interior of the container 10 and a lower narrower open end 51 1 defining the outlet opening 40.struc The funnel shaped structure forms an arrangement for directing the feed to the outlet opening 40.
A vibrating mechanism 15 is provided connected with the interior of each container 1 1 for agitating the feed. The vibrating mechanism 16 is preferably arranged to be driven by the motor 19 of the transfer auger. The operations of the transfer auger and the vibrating mechanism 15 are synchronised so that the transfer auger and the vibrating mechanism 15 are actuated simultaneously. The mixing shaft 30 comprises a plurality of blades 31 for mixing the feed the blades 31 being spaced along the mixing shaft 30. The blades 31 extend from the shaft 30 towards the wall of the container 1 1 and terminate short of the wall 51 so as to provide a consistent mix without interfering with the wall 51. Although not apparent from the drawings, the blades 31 are provided in the form of paddles.
A reliable cover 27 is provided at the top openings 5 of the containers 1 1 . The cover 27 is spreadable substantially sealingly across the top openings 5 of the containers 1 1 to cover the top openings 5 completely. The cover 27 can be rolled back to uncover the top openings 5. A ratchet mechanism 25 is provided for operating the cover 5 remotely from the top openings 5. The provision of the cover 27 in combination with the shutters at the outlet openings 40 ensures that the feed remains fresh and uncontaminated during mixing, storage and transportation.
The duct comprises a receptacle 18 for adding feed supplements. The receptacle 18 is disposed intermediate the discharge opening 70 of the duct 7 and the outlet opening 40 of the container 1 1 nearest to the discharge opening 70 of the duct. The receptacle 18 comprises a cover 18a for closing and opening the receptacle. The provision of the receptacle 18 allows supplements to be added to the feed as the feed is being dispensed. A compartment 20 for storing feed supplements is attached to one of the containers 1 1 .
Referring to Figures 4 to 9, a more preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the invention is described wherein the apparatus is indicated generally by reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 is similar to the grab attachment 10 of Figures 1 to 3 and, accordingly, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 3 have been used to denote the same components of the grab attachment 100 for clarity and brevity. The differences of the arrangement of the apparatus 100 from the apparatus 10 are described below.
The apparatus 100 comprises a container 1 10. In the lower section 50 of the container 1 10, the wall 51 converges downwardly at a pair of opposing sides 120 of the container and the wall 51 is substantially vertical at another pair of opposing sides 103 of the container 1 10. The wall 51 is curved at the sides 120 and is convex on the outside of the container 1 10 and concave on the inside of the container 1 10. A funnel shaped structure 150 is provided at the base end 1 1 1 of the container 1 10 with an upper wider end 151 sealingly attached to the base end 1 1 1 of the container 1 10 to receive the feed and direct the feed to the outlet opening 40 and a lower narrower open end 152 defining the outlet opening 40. As shown in Figures 5 and 7, the container 1 10 comprises a pair of outlet openings 40 and the duct 7 comprises corresponding inlet openings arranged in sealed communication with the outlet openings 40 for receiving feed from the container 1 10.
The container 1 10 comprises a tank 200 for storing and dispensing feed additives, especially liquid additives such as molasses, fitted in the upper section 51 a of the container 1 10. The tank 20 occupies an area less than the area of the top opening 5 of the container 1 10 so that the container 1 10 accessed for cleaning or maintenance and so that ingredients can be loaded into the container 1 10. The tank 200 is connected with the duct 7 by a pipe 220 and a pump 230 is provided for propelling the feed additive from the tank 200 into the duct 7. The pipe 220 is connected with the duct 7 at the discharge outlet 70 so that the pipe 220 opens into a downwardly directed portion 770 of the duct 7 for dispensing the feed additive directly to a desired location simultaneously with the feed dispensed from the container 1 10. In Figure 6 the tank is L-shaped but it can also be I- shaped, U-shaped or O-shaped. The tank is fillable through a fill aperture 215. The container 1 10 also comprises a discharge port (not shown) arranged in a sealed communication with a blower device 250 provided at the base end 1 1 1 of the container 1 10 for direct discharge of mixed feed. The blower 250 device comprises a means for drawing the mixed feed from the container 1 10 and a means for blowing the mixed feed out of the device to the required location through a nozzle 251 .
The container 1 10 comprises a loading pipe 280 for transferring feed ingredients into the container 1 10, a lifting device 400 for lifting or lowering the duct and a venting aperture 260. The tank 200, the blower device 250, the loading pipe 280, the lifting device 400 and the vent aperture 260 can also be provided in the apparatus 10 of Figures 1 to 3.
It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the invention as defined in the appended claims.