COMPRISING SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 1 19(e) of United States provisional patent application no. 62/374,396 which was filed on August 12, 2016. The entirety of the aforementioned application is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of industrial vertical mixers. More particularly, it relates to a mechanically activated restrictor plate system for an industrial vertical mixer and to a vertical mixer comprising the mechanically activated restrictor plate system.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known in the art to use industrial vertical mixers, for example to prepare total mixed rations (TMR) for feeding livestocks. Such industrial vertical mixers typically include a tub having an open top, a closed bottom and a peripheral wall, and at least one motor-driven auger substantially centered in the tub and extending substantially vertically for rotation about a vertical axis. In several cases, the auger(s) is/are combined with serrated cutting blades for cutting long strands of forages, such as hay, into smaller lengths and therefore allows such materials to better mix with grains and other commodities, for example to prepare the desired TMR.

[0004] In order to further increase the ability to process and reduce the particle size of large packages of forages, it is known to provide the vertical mixer with movable restrictor plate assemblies to allow restrictor plates to extend through the peripheral wall of the tub and engage the material inside the tub. When configured in a restriction configuration (where the restrictor plate extends inside the tub), the restrictor plates restrict the movement of the material in the tub (and consequently increase the effect of the rotation of the auger on the material), thereby resulting in greater cutting action by the serrated cutting blades of the auger on the lengths of forages and other material to be cut.

[0005] Known restrictor plate assemblies however tend to suffer from several drawbacks. For example and without being limitative, in known restrictor plate assemblies, the restrictor plate needs to be manually moved between a restriction configuration (where the restrictor plate extends through the peripheral wall and inside the tub) and a non-restriction configuration (where the restrictor plate does not extend inside the tub). Such manual displacement between the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration (and vice-versa) requires that the operator is physically positioned next to the specific section of the TMR mixer and performs the required manipulation for moving the restrictor plate between the two configurations, which is inconvenient and time consuming. Hence, operators tend to often leave the restrictor plate in one of the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration, consequently reducing the efficiency of the restrictor plates.

[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for an improved restrictor plate system for an industrial vertical mixer and a vertical mixer comprising such a restrictor plate system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In accordance with a first general aspect, there is provided a restrictor plate system for an industrial vertical mixer including a tub with a tub wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a mixing chamber, with at least one restrictor plate aperture being defined in the tub wall between the outer surface and the inner surface thereof. The restrictor plate system comprises at least one restrictor plate assembly engageable with the tub of the vertical mixer. The at least one restrictor plate assembly comprises a restrictor plate, a restrictor plate actuator and a control system. The restrictor plate is engageable into a corresponding one of the at least one restrictor plate aperture of the peripheral wall of the tub and is configurable between a restriction configuration wherein at least a portion of the restrictor plate extends into the mixing chamber and a non-restriction configuration wherein the restrictor plate extends outside of the mixing chamber. The restrictor plate actuator is operatively connected to the restrictor plate and mechanically displaces the restrictor plate between the restriction configuration and the non- restriction configuration. The control system is operatively connected to the restrictor plate actuator. The control system receives a user input and generates a control signal, based on the user input, for controlling the restrictor plate actuator.

[0008] In an embodiment, the control system of the at least one restrictor plate assembly comprises a controller operatively connected to the restrictor plate actuator and an input device in data communication with the controller.

[0009] In an embodiment, the input device is configured to receive data relative to constituents of a feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber and the controller is configured to determine a restriction time period corresponding to an optimized length of time where the restrictor plate is to be maintained in the restriction configuration, based on the inputted data relative to constituents of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber.

[0010] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the restrictor plate actuator to automatically move the restrictor plate from the restriction configuration to the non-restriction configuration upon elapsing of the restriction time period.

[0011] In an embodiment, the input device is a remote input device and the control system further comprises a remote communication module allowing communication between the controller and the remote input device. [0012] In an embodiment, the restrictor plate actuator of the at least one restrictor plate assembly comprises a linear actuator configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

[0013] In an embodiment, the linear actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

[0014] In an embodiment, the at least one restrictor plate assembly further comprises a plate guide connected to the tub wall, the plate guide comprising guiding walls spaced apart from one another and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the tub wall, on opposed sides of the corresponding restrictor plate aperture. The restrictor plate comprises a pivoting section pivotally connected to the guiding walls of the plate guide.

[0015] According to another general aspect, there is also provided a vertical mixer. The vertical mixer comprises a tub and at least one restrictor plate assembly. The tub includes a tub wall defining a mixing chamber. The tub wall has an outer surface and an inner surface with at least one restrictor plate aperture defined between the outer surface and the inner surface. The at least one restrictor plate assembly is engageable with the tub of the vertical mixer and comprises a restrictor plate, a restrictor plate actuator and a control system. The restrictor plate is engageable into a corresponding one of the at least one restrictor plate aperture of the peripheral wall of the tub and is configurable between a restriction configuration wherein at least a portion of the restrictor plate extends into the mixing chamber and a non-restriction configuration wherein the restrictor plate extends outside of the mixing chamber. The restrictor plate actuator is operatively connected to the restrictor plate and mechanically displaces the restrictor plate between the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration. The control system is operatively connected to the restrictor plate actuator. The control system receives a user input and generates a control signal for controlling the restrictor plate actuator based on the user input. [0016] In an embodiment, the control system of the at least one restrictor plate assembly comprises a controller operatively connected to the restrictor plate actuator and an input device in data communication with the controller.

[0017] In an embodiment, the input device is configured to receive data relative to constituents of a feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber and the controller is configured to determine a restriction time period corresponding to an optimized length of time where the restrictor plate is to be maintained in the restriction configuration, based on the inputted data relative to constituents of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber.

[0018] In an embodiment, the controller is configured to control the restrictor plate actuator to automatically move the restrictor plate from the restriction configuration to the non-restriction configuration upon elapsing of the restriction time period.

[0019] In an embodiment, the input device is a remote input device and the control system further comprises a communication module allowing communication between the controller and the remote input device.

[0020] In an embodiment, the restrictor plate actuator of the at least one restrictor plate assembly comprises a linear actuator configurable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration.

[0021] In an embodiment, the linear actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

[0022] In an embodiment, the at least one restrictor plate assembly further comprises a plate guide connected to the tub wall, the plate guide comprising guiding walls spaced apart from one another and extending outwardly from the outer surface of the tub wall, on opposed sides of the corresponding restrictor plate aperture. The restrictor plate comprises a pivoting section pivotally connected to the guiding walls of the plate guide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent upon reading the following non-restrictive description of embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an industrial vertical mixer including a restrictor plate system, in accordance with an embodiment wherein the restrictor plate system includes two restrictor plate assemblies, and shown in the restriction configuration.

[0025] Figures 2a and 2b are close-up perspective views of a portion of one restrictor plate assembly, from outside of the tub, wherein Figure 2a shows the restrictor plate assembly in the restriction configuration and Figure 2b, shows the restrictor plate assembly in the non-restriction configuration.

[0026] Figures 3a and 3b are close-up perspective views of a portion of the restrictor plate assembly of Figures 2a and 2b, from inside the tub, wherein Figure 3a shows the restrictor plate assembly in the restriction configuration and Figure 3b, shows the restrictor plate assembly in the non-restriction configuration.

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a control system of the restrictor plate system, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are embodiments only, given solely for exemplification purposes.

[0029] Moreover, although the embodiments of the restrictor plate system for an industrial vertical mixer and the vertical mixer comprising such a restrictor plate system and corresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometrical configurations, as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations, may be used for the restrictor plate system for an industrial vertical mixer and for the vertical mixer comprising such a restrictor plate system, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as "above", "below", "left", "right" and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0030] Referring generally to Figures 1 to 3b, in accordance with one embodiment, there is provided an industrial vertical mixer 10 comprising a restrictor plate system 26.

[0031] For example and without being limitative, in the embodiment shown, the vertical mixer 10 is a total mixed rations (TMR) mixer used to prepare total mixed rations for feeding livestock. One skilled in the art would however understand that, in alternative embodiments, the vertical mixer 10 could be adapted for different purposes, such as straw cutting or the like. The vertical mixer 10 includes a tub 12 with a tub wall 14 having an outer surface 14a and an inner surface 14b. The inner surface 14b of the tub wall 14 defines a mixing chamber 16 having an open top and a closed bottom. The tub wall 14 has at least one restrictor plate aperture 34 defined therein, i.e. at least one through aperture extending between the outer surface 14a and the inner surface 14b of the tub wall and configured to receive a restrictor plate therein, as will be described in more details below. The mixing chamber 16 is configured to receive forages, grains, protein supplements, minerals, vitamins, or other feedstuffs to be mixed, in order to prepare a TMR. The vertical mixer 10 also includes at least one vertical auger 18, extending substantially vertically into the mixing chamber 16 and rotatable to mix the feedstuffs received in the mixing chamber 16. In the embodiment shown, two vertical augers 18 are provided and each include serrated cutting blades 19 for cutting the strands of forages as the vertical augers 18 are rotated. One skilled in the art will however understand that, in alternative embodiments, more or less than two vertical augers 18 can be provided. Moreover, the serrated cutting blades 19 can be positioned at other positions in the mixing chamber 16, rather than onto the vertical augers 18, or additional serrated cutting blades 19 can be positioned in the mixing chamber 16 in addition to the serrated cutting blades 19 of the vertical augers 18. For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment, the serrated cutting blades 19 (or the additional serrated cutting blades 19) can be stationary and be secured to the inner surface 14b of the tub wall 14.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, the industrial vertical mixer 10 is mounted onto a trailer chassis 20 for supporting the vertical mixer 10. In an embodiment, the trailer chassis is couplable to a motorized vehicle, such as, for example and without being limitative, a tractor (not shown), to allow displacement of the vertical mixer 10. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the industrial vertical mixer 10 can be free of trailer chassis 20 and be stationary, rather than easily displaceable.

[0033] The restrictor plate system 26 is provided and configured to selectively impede movement of the feedstuff being moved inside the mixing chamber 16. In the embodiment shown, the restrictor plate system 26 includes two restrictor plate assemblies 30 positioned at opposed ends of the mixing chamber 16. One skilled in the art will once again understand that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), more or less than two restrictor plate assemblies 30 can be provided and that the restrictor plate assemblies 30 can be positioned differently than in the embodiment shown, with regards to the mixing chamber 16.

[0034] Each one of the restrictor plate assemblies 30 being similar, only one restrictor plate assembly 30 will be described in more details below. One skilled in the art will however understand that the description can be applied to any other restrictor plate assembly 30 included in the vertical mixer 10. Each restrictor plate assembly 30 includes a restrictor plate (or shear plate) 32, a restrictor plate actuator 40, and a control system 50.

[0035] The restrictor plate 32 is extendable through a corresponding restrictor plate aperture 34 defined in the tub wall 14. The restrictor plate 32 is configurable between a restriction configuration (See Figures 2a and 3a) and a non-restriction configuration (see Figures 2b and 3b). In the restriction configuration, at least a portion the restrictor plate 32 extends through the restrictor plate aperture 34 and into the mixing chamber 16, to impede movement of the feedstuff being moved inside the mixing chamber 16. In the non-restriction configuration, the restrictor plate 32 extends outside of the mixing chamber 16. It will be understood that the restrictor plate 32 is also configurable in a plurality of intermediate configurations between the restriction configuration shown in Figures 2a and 3a and the non- restriction configuration shown in Figures 2b and 3b.

[0036] In the embodiment shown, to allow the restrictor plate 32 to be configured between the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration, a pivoting section 32a of the restrictor plate 32 is pivotally connected to a plate guide 36 connected to the tub wall 14. In the embodiment shown, the plate guide 36 includes guiding walls 37 spaced apart from one another and extending outwardly from the outer surface 14a of the tub wall 14, on opposed sides of the corresponding restrictor plate aperture 34. The rotating section 32a of the restrictor plate 32 is pivotally connected to the guiding walls 37 of the plate guide 36, for example and without being limitative, using a mechanical fastener such as, a nuts and bolts assembly, with the bolt extending through the guiding walls 37 of the plate guide 36 and the restrictor plate 32. In such an embodiment, the restrictor plate 32 is displaceable between the guiding walls 37 of the plate guide 36, upon pivoting of the pivoting section thereof, to be configured between the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration. [0037] In an embodiment, the restrictor plate 32 also includes a plate stopper 38 preventing displacement of the restrictor plate 32 beyond a predetermined position. In the embodiment shown, the plate stopper 38 includes a removable fastener 39, such as a nuts and bolts assembly or the like, extending through a stopper aperture 33 defined in the restrictor plate 32. The removable fastener 39 is engageable with the guiding walls 37 of the plate guide 36 when the restrictor plate

32 reaches the predetermined position beyond which displacement of the restrictor plate 32 should be prevented. In the embodiment shown, multiple stopper apertures 33 are provided along the restrictor plate 32, thereby allowing a user to engage the removable fastener 39 to the restrictor plate 32 at one of a plurality of positions, each corresponding to a predetermined position beyond which displacement of the restrictor plate 32 should be prevented. In other words, depending on the predetermined position beyond which the user wishes that displacement of the restrictor plate 32 be prevented, the user selectively engages the removable fastener 39 in a corresponding one of the multiple stopper apertures

33 and secures the removable fastener 39 to the restrictor plate 32. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the plate stopper 38 can also be embodied by different assemblies, such as fixed elongated members extending from the restrictor plate 32 and integral therewith.

[0038] One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the restrictor plate 32 can be displaced with regards to the tub wall 14 differently than by pivoting along a pivoting section 32a thereof. For example and without being limitative, the restrictor plate 32 can be translatable (i.e. the restrictor plate 32 being entirely displaceable in a given direction rather than pivoted) between the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration. Moreover, in another alternative embodiment, the restrictor plate assembly 30 can be free of plate guide 36.

[0039] The restrictor plate assembly 30 further includes a restrictor plate actuator 40 operatively connected to the restrictor plate 32 and mechanically displacing the restrictor plate 32 between the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration. In the embodiment shown, the restrictor plate actuator 40 includes a hydraulic cylinder 44 connected at a proximal end 44a to the plate guide 36 and at a distal end 44b, opposed to the proximal end 44a, to the restrictor plate 32. The hydraulic cylinder 44 is configurable between an extended configuration (see Figure 2b) and a retracted configuration (See Figure 2a). In the extended configuration, the distal end 44b of the hydraulic cylinder 44 is positioned the furthest away from the proximal end 44a and consequently drives the section of the restrictor plate 32 away from the outer surface 14a of the tub wall 14, thereby configuring the restrictor plate 32 in the non-restriction configuration. In the retracted configuration, the distal end 44b of the hydraulic cylinder 44 is positioned the closest from the proximal end 44a and consequently drives the section of the restrictor plate 32 closest to the outer surface 14a of the tub wall 14 to move the restrictor plate 32 through the restrictor plate aperture 34 and into the mixing chamber 16, thereby configuring the restrictor plate 32 in the restriction configuration. Once again, it will be understood that, in an embodiment, the restrictor plate actuator 40 can also be configured in a plurality of intermediate configurations between the extended configuration shown in Figure 2b and the retracted configuration shown in Figure 2a.

[0040] One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments, a linear actuator different from a hydraulic cylinder can be used for the restrictor plate actuator 40. For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment, the restrictor plate actuator 40 can include a mechanical linear actuator, a pneumatic linear actuator, a piezoelectric linear actuator, an electro-mechanical linear actuator or the like.

[0041] The control system 50 controls operation of the restrictor plate actuator 40, in order to displace the restrictor plate 32 between the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration. In an embodiment, the control system 50 receives a user input and controls the operation of the restrictor plate actuator 40 based on the user input. For example and without being limitative, in the embodiment shown, the control system 50 controls the hydraulic fluid pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 44 to configure the hydraulic cylinder 44 between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

[0042] In an embodiment, the control system 50 includes a controller 52 operatively connected to the restrictor plate actuator 40 and an input device 54 in data communication with the controller 52. In an embodiment, the user input is inputted using the input device 54. The controller 52 receives data from the input device 54, processes the data and generates a control signal based on the processed data. The generated control signal is subsequently transmitted to the restrictor plate actuator 40, such that control of the operation of the restrictor plate actuator 40 is performed through the control signal generated by the controller 52. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, the input device 54 can directly generate the control signal transmitted to the controller 52 and used by the controller 52 to control the operation of the restrictor plate actuator 40, based on the user input.

[0043] For example and without being limitative, in the embodiment shown, the controller 52 is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 44 by a hydraulic hose 56 and the control signal is provided through the hydraulic fluid pressure being modified in order to configure the hydraulic cylinder 44 between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration.

[0044] In an embodiment, the controller 52 can include a microprocessor, a microcontroller or any other device capable of receiving data from the input device 54, processing the data and generating a control signal based on the processed data.

[0045] In an embodiment, the input device 54 can be embodied by a user controlled control device (not shown) used by the user to impart the user input. In such an embodiment, the user input is received by the control device and data corresponding to the user input is transmitted from the control device to the controller 52, which in turn generates the control signal subsequently transmitted to the restrictor plate actuator 40, for control thereof. In the course of the present description, the term "user controlled control device" is used to define any device which allows a user to manually operate the device to provide an input indicative of the user intention of driving the restrictor plate 32 towards either one of the restriction configuration and the non-restriction configuration. For example and without being limitative, the user controlled control device can be a push button control device, a joystick, or any other device with controls allowing the user to impart a user command.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the input device 54 can be a device or a combination of devices allowing data relative to the different constituents of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber 16 to be entered (or inputted). For example and without being limitative, in such an embodiment, the input device 54 can be a control panel, a keyboard, or the like, allowing a user to manually enter the quantity of each constituent of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber 16 and used as user input. One skilled in the art will understand that, in an alternative embodiment, other devices such as a scale used in combination with a manual data entry device, allowing semi-automatized determination of the quantity of each constituent of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber 16 can also be used. In another alternative embodiment, a mechanism or device allowing automatized determination of the quantity of each constituent of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber 16 can also be used.

[0047] In embodiments where the input device 54 is a device allowing data relative to the different constituents of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber 16 to be entered, the data relative to the different constituents of the feedstuff provided in the mixing chamber 16 can be transmitted from the input device 54 to the controller 52. The controller 52 can subsequently process the data and determine an optimized length of time where the restrictor plate 32 should be maintained in the restriction configuration before being moved to the non-restriction configuration (i.e. a desired restriction time period), in order to obtain an appropriate mixing and/or processing of the ingredients (e.g. a mix of the ingredients having an appropriate consistency and/or texture).

[0048] In view of the above, in such an embodiment, the restrictor plate 32 is initially maintained in the restriction configuration. Once the restriction time period has elapsed (i.e. the length of time where the restrictor plate 32 should be maintained in the restriction configuration (as determined by the controller 52) has elapsed), the control signal generated by the controller 52 is transmitted to the restrictor plate actuator 40, to automatically move the restrictor plate 32 from the restriction configuration to the non-restriction configuration.

[0049] With reference to Figure 4, in an embodiment, the control system 50 includes a remote communication module 58 allowing communication between the controller 52 and a remote input device 54. For example and without being limitative, in an embodiment, the remote communication module 58 can be a radio- frequency communication device (such as, but without being limitative, a 2.4 GHz radio-frequency communication device) or the like, which allows wireless communication between the controller 52 and a remote input device 54. The remote communication module 58 thereby allows a user to remotely control the configuration of the restrictor plate 32.

[0050] One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments (as shown in Figure 1 ), the input device 54 can be connected to the controller 52 using other communication means, such as a communication cable, or the like.

[0051] Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above are intended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.