IES20090681A2

IES20090681A2 - Mixer feeder apparatus

Info

Publication number: IES20090681A2
Authority: IE
Inventors: Thomas Foley; Colin Henry Mathews
Original assignee: Salford Engineering Ltd
Priority date: 2008-09-09
Filing date: 2009-09-09
Publication date: 2010-04-14
Also published as: WO2010029525A1

Abstract

A mixer feeder wagon (1) comprises a container (8) defining a mixing compartment (12) within which a mixing rotor (15) having mixing paddles (42) is rotatably mounted. Axially spaced apart support hoops (66) located in the mixing rotor (15) support fodder material of a bale (67) in an open mouth (35) of the mixing compartment (12) above the mixing rotor (15). Portions (68) of fodder material depend downwardly into the mixing rotor (15) between the support hoops (66) and are engaged by the paddles (42) as the mixing rotor (15) rotates, and are urged into engagement with an elongated fodder engaging blade (69) extending along a first side edge (30) of the open mouth (35) by the mixing paddles (42). The blade (69) severs the depending portions (68) from the remainder of the fodder material supported above the mixing rotor (15). Transverse support tines (92) extending across the open mouth (35) also support the fodder material above the mixing rotor (15) with portions (99) depending between the transverse support tines (92) into the mixing rotor (15) to be engaged by the mixing paddles (42) and severed by the fodder engaging blade (69). Bale engagement members (120) may be located above the open mouth (35) for supporting the bale (67) above the open mouth (35)with central and end portions (104,105) depending downwardly from the bale (67)to in turn be supported by the support hoops (66) and the transverse support tines (92). <Figure 1>

Description

The present invention relates to mixer feeder apparatus, and in particular, though not limited to mixer feeder apparatus for mixing animal feed comprising fibrous fodder material and nutritional ingredients. The mixer feeder apparatus according to the invention may be provided as a trailable mixer feeder wagon, a self-powered mixer feeder wagon, a fixed mixer feeder wagon, or the like.

Mixer feeder apparatus, such as mixer feeder wagons for mixing animal feed which io include fibrous and other fodder materials and nutritional ingredients are known, for example, such mixer feeder wagons are disclosed in British Patent Specification No. GB-A-2,139,911, European Patent Specification No. EP-A-0,427,438, and PCT Published Application Specification No. WO 96/32836.

These mixer feeder wagons are particularly suitable for mixing animal feed which comprise fibrous fodder material, and in particular, straw with other nutritional ingredients which may also be fibrous materials such as hay and silage, as well as nutritional and other additives in concentrated form, and other such ingredients. These mixer feeder wagons include a container mounted on a chassis which is earned on two or more rotatably mounted ground engaging wheels, and the chassis terminates in a forward hitch suitable for coupling to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle. The container defines a hollow interior region, which in turn forms a mixing compartment within which the fibrous fodder material and other ingredients are mixed to form the animal feed, and a dispensing compartment from which the mixed animal feed is discharged from the mixer feeder wagon. The container defines an upwardly facing open mouth for accommodating fodder material into the mixing compartment.

A mixing rotor of paddle type construction is rotatably mounted in the mixing 30 compartment, and as the mixing rotor rotates, the paddles of the mixing rotor mix the fibrous fodder and other materiais to form a homogenously mixed animal feed. The dispensing compartment typically extends longitudinally along the side of the mixing compartment and is isolated therefrom by an isolating plate during mixing ofthe « 0906 81 fodder material in the mixing compartment. The isolating plate is operable between a closed state isolating fhe dispensing compartment from the mixing compartment and an open state communicating the dispensing compartment with the mixing compartment. On completion of mixing, the isolating plate is urged into the open state permitting the mixing compartment to communicate with the dispensing compartment. With the isolating plate in the open state as the mixing rotor rotates, the mixed animal feed is urged by the paddles of the mixing rotor from the mixing compartment into the dispensing compartment. An auger located in the dispensing compartment urges the animal feed along the dispensing compartment and discharges the mixed animat feed through a dispensing outlet.

In the mixer feeder wagon of published PCT Specification No. WO 96/32836, a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart blades are located in the base of the mixing compartment, which co-operate with the paddles for chopping the fibrous fodder material, and in particular, for chopping straw.

While such mixer feeder wagons are particularly suitable for mixing fibrous fodder material, a slight disadvantage of such mixer feeder wagons arises when the fibrous fodder material is loaded into the mixing compartment through the upwardly facing open mouth in the form of a relatively large bale of the material, for example, a relatively large cylindrical bale of diameter of approximately 1 metre, of the type commonly referred to as a round bale, or a large parallelepiped bale of the type commonly referred to as a large square bale, Where the bale of fodder material is relatively large, the mixing rotor can become overloaded with the sheer volume of fibrous fodder material being loaded into the mixing compartment through the open mouth. Various attempts have been made to overcome this problem, including recommending that where the fodder material is in the form of a relatively large round or square bale, the bale should be initially opened and broken into smaller portions, and the smaller portions fed sequentially into the mixing compartment In European Patent Specification No. EP-A-0,427,483 bale support bars are located in the open mouth extending transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the mixing rotor. The bale support bars extend partly across the open mouth, and partly IE Ο 9 ο 6 S1 support the bale of fibrous fodder material, with portions of the bale depending downwardly for engagement by the paddles of the mixing rotor as the mixing rotor rotates. This thus reduces the load on the mixing rotor. A longitudinally extending blade is provided on a longitudinally extending side ofthe open mouth towards which the paddles of the mixing rotor advance as the mixing rotor rotates. The paddles of the mixing rotor urge the depending portions of the fodder material against the blade to thereby sever the depending portions of the fodder material from the baie. In the mixer feeder wagon of European Patent Specification No. EP-A-0,427,483 the support bars extend from the same longitudinally extending side ofthe open mouth io as that on which the longitudinally extending blade is located.

However, while the mixer feeder wagon of European Patent Specification No. EP-A-0,427,483 does to some extent alleviate the problem associated with relatively large bales being loaded into the mixer feeder wagon, it does not completely overcome the problem. Large quantities of the fodder from the relatively large bales are still simultaneously drawn into the mixing compartment by the mixing rotor, which tends to lead to temporary overloading ofthe mixing rotor in the mixing compartment There is therefore a need for a mixer feeder wagon which addresses the problem of overloading of the mixing rotor of such mixer feeder wagons.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a mixer feeder wagon, and the invention is also directed towards mixer feeder apparatus which minimises the risk of overloading the mixing rotor.

According to the invention there is provided a mixer feeder apparatus comprising a container defining a hollow interior region which forms a mixing compartment within which animal feed is mixed, the container defining an upwardly facing open mouth to the mixing compartment for accommodating constituent material of the animal feed therethrough to the mixing compartment, a mixing rotor rotatable in the mixing compartment about a longitudinally extending main rotational axis for mixing the animal feed therein, the mixing rotor comprising at least one fodder engaging IE Ο 9 Ο 6 8 1 element and at least one support element defining a peripherai support edge extending in a generally circumferential direction relative to the main rotational axis for engaging and supporting the fodder material in the open mouth with portions of the fodder material depending downwardly into the mixing rotor for engagement by the at least one fodder engaging element as the mixing rotor rotates.

Preferably, the peripherai support edge of each support element is of arcuate shape of radius such that each support element supports the adjacent fodder material at a radius from the main rotational axis which is approximately half the maximum io diameter of a cylinder described by the outer periphery of the mixing rotor.

Advantageously, the peripheral support edge of each support element is of radius which is approximately equal to half the maximum diameter of a cylinder described by the outer periphery of the mixing rotor.

In one embodiment of the invention the peripheral support edge defined by each support element is of width in an axial direction relative to the main rotational axis in the range of 5mm to 400mm. Preferably, the peripheral support edge defined by each support element is of width in an axial direction relative to the main rotational axis in the range of 10mm to 100mm. Advantageously, the peripheral support edge defined by each support element is of width in an axial direction relative to the main rotational axis of approximately 20mm.

Preferably, each support element extends completely around the mixing rotor.

Advantageously, each support element is configured as a hoop, Ideally, the hoop of each support element defines a central axis, which coincides substantially with the main rotational axis.

In one embodiment of the invention the radial depth of the hoop of each support element lies in the range of 10mm to 400mm. Preferably, the radial depth of the hoop of each support element lies in the range of 50mm to 100mm.

Advantageously, the radial depth of the hoop of each support element is approximately 80mm.

IE 0 90 6 81 In one embodiment of the invention the mixing rotor comprises at least one pair of the support elements spaced apart from each other axially along the mixing rotor. Preferably, the mixing rotor comprises four of the support elements spaced apart axially along the mixing rotor. Advantageously, the support elements are located axially spaced apart in axially spaced apart pairs along the mixing rotor, and the spacing between the support elements ofthe respective pairs is similar.

In another embodiment of the invention the support elements are located in a generally central area of the mixing rotor towards a midpoint thereof intermediate respective axially opposite ends of the mixing rotor. in a further embodiment of the invention the axial spacing between adjacent ones of the support elements lies in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm. Preferably, the axial spacing between adjacent ones ofthe support elements lies in the range of 200mm to 600mm. Advantageously, the axial spacing between adjacent ones of the support elements is approximately 400mm.

In another embodiment ofthe invention the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing rotor and the closest one of the support elements thereto lies in the range of 100mm to 4,000mm. Preferably, the axial spacing between each axial end ofthe mixing rotor and the closest one ofthe support elements thereto lies in the range of 500mm to 2,500mm.

In one embodiment ofthe invention the mixing rotor is of paddle type construction and each fodder engaging element comprises a mixing paddle. Preferably, each mixing paddle ofthe mixing rotor extends in a direction generally axially of the main rotational axis ofthe mixing rotor. Preferably, the mixing rotor comprises a rotor shaft defining the main rotational axis ofthe mixing rotor, and each mixing paddle is carried on at least one carrier member extending from the rotor shaft in a general radial direction.

In one embodiment of the invention at least two miring paddles are provided spaced IE Ο 9 Ο 6 81 apart circumferentially around the main rotational axis. Preferably, three mixing paddles are spaced apart circumferentially around the main rotational axis of the mixing rotor. Advantageously, the mixing paddles are equi-spaced apart around the main rotational axis of the mixing rotor.

Preferably, the outer peripheral edge of each mixing paddle defines a cylinder of maximum diameter described by the mixing rotor.

In another embodiment of the invention each support element comprises a plurality io of segments, each segment extending between a corresponding pair of adjacent ones of the mixing paddles.

Preferably, the peripheral support edge of each support element is stepped intermediate adjacent pairs of the mixing paddles, the radius of the peripheral support edge of each support element adjacent the step increasing from the leading one of the corresponding pair of the mixing paddles to the trailing one of the corresponding pair of the mixing paddles in the direction of rotation of the mixing rotor.

Advantageously, the step in the radius of the peripheral support edge of each support element occurs substantially midway between the leading mixing paddle and the trailing mixing paddle of the adjacent pair of the mixing paddles.

Advantageously, the step change in the radius of the peripheral support edge of each support element is ramped.

In one embodiment of the invention the radial depth of the step change in the peripheral support edge of each support element lies in the range of 5mm to 200mm. Preferably, the radial depth of the step change in the peripheral support edge of each support element lies in the range of 10mm to 80mm. Advantageously, the radial depth of the step change in the peripheral support edge of each support element is approximately 30mm. in one embodiment of the invention the mixing paddles are configured on the mixing IE Ο 9 Ο 6 81 rotor as a forward set of mixing paddles and a rearward set of mixing paddles, the mixing paddies of the forward set being slightly angled relative to the main rotational axis to impart a component of motion to the material engaged by the mixing paddles of the forward set thereof in a general direction from the forward axial end of the mixing compartment towards the middle of the mixing compartment, and the mixing paddles of the rearward set of mixing paddles being angled slightly relative to the main rotational axis to impart a component of motion to the material engaged by the mixing paddles of the rearward set thereof in a general direction from the rearward axial end of the mixing compartment towards the middle of the mixing compartment io Preferably, an elongated longitudinally extending fodder engaging blade extends in a generally axial direction adjacent a side edge of the open mouth towards which the mixing rotor advances across the open mouth as the mixing rotor rotates, the mixing rotor being co-operable with the fodder engaging blade for severing the depending is portions of the fodder material from the fodder material supported by the at least one support element as the mixing rotor rotates.

Advantageously, the fodder engaging elements co-operate with the fodder engaging blade as the mixing rotor rotates for sequentially urging the depending portions of the fodder material into engagement with the fodder engaging blade for severing the respective depending portions of the fodder materia! from the fodder material supported by the support elements.

In one embodiment of the invention a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart cutting blades extend into the mixing compartment for co-operating with the mixing rotor for chopping fibrous fodder material into relatively short lengths. Preferably, a plurality of corresponding radial slots extend radially into each fodder engaging element of the mixing rotor from longitudinally extending peripheral edges thereof for accommodating the cutting blades therethrough as the mixing rotor rotates.

In another embodiment of the invention an abutment element is provided on the container adjacent the open mouth and extending longitudinally relative to the side edge of the open mouth towards which the mixing rotor advances as the mixing rotor IE 0 90 6 8 1 rotates for abutting and retaining the fodder material in the open mouth against the action ofthe mixing rotor. Preferably, the abutment element is pivotal between an operative state extending upwardly from the container above the open mouth and an inoperative state extending across a portion of the open mouth. Advantageously, an urging means is provided for urging the abutment plate between the operative and inoperative states. tn one embodiment of the invention a pair of spaced apart transversely extending bale engagement members extend transversely relative to the main rotational axis io across the open mouth above the mixing rotor for supporting a large bale of fodder material with portions of the fodder material depending downwardly from the bale for engagement by the at least one bale support element. in another embodiment ofthe invention each bale engagement member is axially spaced apart from a corresponding one of opposite end edges defining respective axial opposite ends of the open mouth a distance in the range of 100mm to 4,000mm. Preferably, each bale engagement member is spaced apart from the corresponding one ofthe opposite end edges defining the respective opposite axial ends of the open mouth a distance in the range of 500mm to 2,500mm. In one embodiment of the invention each bale engagement member is spaced apart from the corresponding one ofthe opposite end edges defining the respective opposite axial ends ofthe open mouth a distance in the order of 1,250mm.

In another embodiment of the invention the bale engagement members are spaced apart from each other a distance in the range of 400mm to 4,000mm.

Advantageously, the bale engagement members are spaced apart from each other a distance in the range of 500mm to 2,500mm. Preferably, the bale engagement members are spaced apart from each other a distance in the order of 1,250mm. 3C Advantageously, the bale engagement members extend across the open mouth from the longitudinal side edge thereof from which the mixing rotor recedes as the mixing rotor rotates.

IE 0906 81 In another embodiment of the invention at least two transverse support tines extend at least partly across the open mouth in a direction transversely of the rotational axis for supporting a part of a bale of fodder material above the mixing rotor with parts of the fodder material depending downwardly into the mixing rotor, one of the transverse support tines being located towards one axial end of the mixing compartment, and spaced apart axially therefrom, and the other of the transverse support tines being located towards the other axial end of the mixing compartment and axially spaced apart therefrom.

Preferably, two sets of transverse support tines are provided at respective axially opposite ends of the mixing compartments, the transverse support tines of the respective sets being spaced apart from each other.

In one embodiment of the invention the transverse support tines of each set thereof are spaced apart from each other an axial distance in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm. Preferably, the transverse support tines of each set thereof are spaced apart from each other an axial distance in the range of 200mm to 600mm. Advantageously, the transverse support tines of each set thereof are spaced apart from each other an axial distance in Ihe order of 300mm.

In another embodiment of the invention the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing compartment and the closest one of the transverse support tines lies in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm. Advantageously, the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing compartment and the closest one of the transverse support tines lies in the range of 200mm to 600mm. Preferably, the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing compartment and the closest one of the transverse support tines is in the order of 300mm.

In one embodiment of the invention the ones of the transverse support tines which are closest to the support elements are spaced apart from the corresponding closest one of the support elements an axial distance which lies in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm. Preferably, the ones of the transverse support tines which are closest to the support elements are spaced apart from the corresponding closest one of the IE Ο 9 ο 6 8 J support elements an axial distance which lies in the range of 200mm to 600mm. Advantageously, the ones of the transverse support tines which are closest to the support elements are spaced apart from the corresponding closest one of the support elements an axial distance which is in the order of 300mm.

Preferably, the transverse support tines extend across the open mouth from the longitudinal side edge thereof from which the mixing rotor recedes as the mixing rotor rotates. io Advantageously, each set of transverse support tines comprises at least two transverse support tines.

In one embodiment of the invention a dispensing compartment is formed in the hollow interior region communicable with the mixing compartment, through which mixed animal feed from the mixing compartment is dispensed. Advantageously, a dispensing means is provided in the dispensing compartment for urging mixed animal feed along the dispensing compartment for dispensing therefrom. Preferably, the dispensing compartment is selectively communicable with the mixing compartment for receiving mixed animal feed therefrom.

In another embodiment of the invention an isolating means is provided between the mixing compartment and the dispensing compartment for selectively isolating the mixing compartment from the dispensing compartment.

Preferably, the dispensing means comprises a dispensing auger located in the dispensing compartment for urging mixed animai feed along the dispensing compartment and through a dispensing outlet.

In one embodiment of the invention the container is mounted on a chassis carried on at least two ground engaging wheels.

In another embodiment of the invention the mixer feeder apparatus is adapted for hitching to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle.

IE Ο 9 Ο 6 81 The advantages of the invention are many. The provision of the support elements in the mixing rotor for supporting the fodder material which may be in the form of a bale or otherwise with portions of the fodder material depending downwardly into the mixing rotor ensures that the fodder engaging elements engage only the depending portions ofthe fodder material, which may then be urged against the longitudinally extending fodder engaging blade for severing from the remainder ofthe fodder material or bale of fodder material as the case may be. In this way, the fodder material is delivered into the mixing compartment sequentially in relatively small l o amounts of substantially consistent size as the depending portions of the fodder material are sequentially accommodated into the mixing compartment, thereby avoiding overloading ofthe mixing rotor, and in particular minimising the power requirement of the mixer feeder apparatus during both loading of the apparatus and mixing of the animal feed therein. By minimising the power requirement of the mixer feeder apparatus, the power requirement of a towing vehicle to tow and to operate the mixer feeder apparatus when the apparatus is configured as a towable mixer feeder wagon is similarly minimised, and thus, the mixer feeder wagon is suitable for towing and operating by a relatively wide range of towing vehicles.

Additionally, by sequentially delivering the depending portions of the fodder material into the mixing compartment, mixing of the ingredients is significantly enhanced, and the final mixed animal feed is homogenously mixed with the various ingredients and concentrates evenly dispersed throughout the animal feed. Furthermore, by sequentially delivering the fodder material into the mixing compartment sequentially in the form of the depending portions, the time required to homogenously mix the animal feed is significantly reduced over and above the time which would be taken to produce a homogenously mixed batch of animal feed if the fodder material of an entire bale of fodder material were to be simultaneously delivered into the mixing compartment.

Additionally, the provision of the support elements in the mixing rotor enables the mixer feeder apparatus to handle a wide range of fodder and other ingredients of animal feed, and in particular, the provision of the support elements in the mixing IE Ο 9 Ο δ 81 rotor enables the mixer feeder apparatus to handle materials of both dry matter content and wetter type materials. The provision of the support elements in the mixing rotor ensures that wetter materials are supported above the mixing rotor with depending portions thereof depending into the mixing rotor, which are thus sequentially severed from the bulk of the wetter material supported by the support elements. Thus, even with wetter material which would, in general, require a considerably higher power requirement during both loading and mixing of the wetter material, the power requirement is maintained relatively low, and is similarly minimised by virtue ofthe fact that such wetter material is loaded into the mixing io compartment in relatively small portions sequentially. This, thus, minimises the power requirement during loading, and also during mixing of the wetter materials.

Additionally, the provision of the abutment element extending longitudinally along the side edge ofthe open mouth towards which the mixing rotor advances in conjunction with the support elements of the mixing rotor acts to retain and stabilise the bale of material in the open mouth above the mixing rotor. The abutment element and the support elements on the mixing rotor co-operate to retain and stabilise the bale in the open mouth above the mixing rotor.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a mixer feeder wagon according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a front end elevational view of the mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1 with a portion of the mixer feeder wagon removed, Fig. 3 is a rear end elevational view of the mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1, IE Ο 9 Ο 6 8 1 Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1 from the opposite side to that of Fig. 4, Fig. 6 is a transverse cross-sectional ended elevational view of the mixer 5 feederwagon of Fig. 1 on the line Vl-VI of Fig. 5, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1, Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the detail of Fig. 7 of the mixer feeder 10 wagon of Fig. 1, Fig. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional end elevational view of the detail of Fig. 7 on the line IX - IX of Fig. 8 of the mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1, is Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 7 with portions of the detail of Fig. 7 removed, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the detail of Fig. 7, Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the detail of Fig, 11, Fig. 13 is a top end view of the detail of Fig. 11, Fig, 14 is an enlarged side view of the detail of Fig. 11, Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a portion of the mixer feederwagon of Fig. 1, in use, Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic end elevational view of the portion of Fig. 15 of the 30 mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1 in use, and Fig. 17 is a diagrammatic end elevational view similar to Fig. 16 also showing the mixer feeder wagon of Fig. 1 in use.

IE 0 9 0 6 8 1 Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a mixer feeder apparatus according to the invention, which in this embodiment of the invention is a mixer feeder wagon indicated generally by the reference numeral 1., for mixing and dispensing animal feed, and in particular, animal feed which includes fibrous material such as straw, as well as other fibrous fodder materials, for example, hay, silage and the like. Such animal feed, in general, also includes other nutritional materials, as well as nutritional and other additives in concentrated form. The mixer feeder wagon 1 is particularly suitable for mixing fibrous fodder material when provided in the form of large round or large square bales. Such large round bales are of cylindrical shape and typically of diameter in the order of 1.2 metres, and of axial length in the order of 1,2 metres. Such large square bales are of parallelepiped shape, and typically are of dimensions of the order of 2 metres by 1 metre by 1 metre.

The mixer feeder wagon 1 comprises a chassis 2 which is carried on a pair of rotatably mounted ground engaging wheels 3. A forward portion of the chassis 2 terminates in a tow hitch 5 for hitching the mixer feeder wagon 1 to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle.

A container 8 of steel plate material is mounted on the chassis 2 on four load cells 9, two load cells 9 being located to the front of the container 8 and two load cells to the rear of the container 8 on opposite sides thereof, for facilitating weighting the contents of the container 8. The container 8 defines a holiow interior region 10 which forms a mixing compartment 12 and a dispensing compartment 14 communicating with the mixing compartment 12. A mixing rotor 15 is rotatably mounted in the mixing compartment 12 about a longitudinally extending main rotational axis 16 for mixing animal feed in the mixing compartment 12, A dispensing auger 17 rotatably mounted in the dispensing compartment 14 about a longitudinally extending secondary rotational axis 18 dispenses mixed animal feed from the dispensing compartment 14 through a dispensing outlet 19. The secondary rotational axis 18 of the dispensing auger 17 extend parallel to the main rotational axis 16 of the mixing rotor 15, IE 0 9 Ο 6 81 The container 8 comprises an arcuate bottom wall 20 and a first side wall 21 extending upwardly from one side of the bottom wail 20. The other side of the bottom wall 20 defines with a second side wali 22 of the container 8 a longitudinally extending communicating opening 24 through which the dispensing compartment 14 communicates with the mixing compartment 12 for receiving animal feed therefrom, A front end wall 25 and a spaced apart rear end wall 26 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 20 between the first and second side walls 21 and 22 closes the respective opposite ends ofthe container 8.

The first side wall 21 extends upwardly from the bottom wall 20 to a location 27, and extends upwardly inwardly from the location 27 to a location 28, from where it extends upwardly to a location 29. An arcuate wail 31 extends from the location 28 and terminates in a longitudinally extending first side edge 30. The arcuate wall 31 extends between the front and rear end walls 25 and 26, and is secured to and supported along the first side edge 30 by a longitudinally extending reinforcing member 32, which is carried on support bars 41 extending from the first side wall 21 at the location 29. The second side wall 22 extends upwardly outwardly from a location 34 and terminates in a longitudinally extending second side edge 33. The first and second side edges 30 and 33 define with the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 an upwardly facing open mouth 35 to the mixing compartment 12 for accommodating fodder material and other ingredients of the animal feed therethrough into the mixing compartment 12 for mixing therein. An outer side wall 36 and an intermediate side wall 37 extending between the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 form the dispensing compartment 14. The intermediate side wall 37 is partly of arcuate shape and extends between the bottom wall 20 and the outer side wali 36.

An isolating plate 38 for selectively isolating the dispensing compartment 14 from the mixing compartment 12 is slideable in pairs of guide tracks 39 mounted on the respective front and rear end walls 25 and 26, and is slideable between an upper closed state (not shown) closing the communicating opening 24, thereby isolating the dispensing compartment 14 from the mixing compartment 12 for facilitating mixing ofthe animal feed in the mixing compartment 12, and a lower open state (£ 0 9 0 6 8 1 illustrated in Fig. 6 for facilitating communication between the dispensing compartment 14 and the mixing compartment 12 for accommodating mixed animal feed into the dispensing compartment 14 from the mixing compartment 12 for dispensing therefrom. A longitudinally extending slot 40 between the bottom wall 20 and the intermediate side wall 37 accommodates the isolating plate 38 into the hollow interior region 10 from the open state to the closed state. An hydraulically powered ram (not shown) is provided for urging the isolating plate 38 between the open and the closed states.

The mixing rotor 15 is of paddle type construction comprising a plurality of fodder engaging elements provided by mixing paddles 42 of steel plate material. The mixing paddles 42 are arranged in two sets 43, namely, a forward set 43a and a rearward set 43b. Each set 43 of mixing paddies 42 comprising three mixing paddles 42, which are equi-spaced apart circumferentially around the main rotational axis 16 of the mixing rotor 15, Each mixing paddle 42 is carried on a support bar 44 of box section steel extending between a pair of spaced apart radial carrier members 45 which extend radially from a main rotor shaft 46 also of steel. The main rotor shaft 46 is rotatably carried in bearings 47 in the front and rear end walls 25 and 26, and is rotatable about the main rotational axis 16 in the direction of the arrow A.

Each mixing paddle 42 extends substantially longitudinally of the main rotational axis 16, although slightly angled relative to the main rotational axis 16 to produce a slight augering type action for gradually urging the animal feed longitudinally along the mixing compartment 12. The mixing paddles 42 of the forward set 43a thereof are appropriately angled for urging the animal feed longitudinally along the mixing compartment 12 in a general direction from the front end wall 25 towards the centre of the mixing compartment 12. While the mixing paddles 42 of the rearward set 43b thereof are appropriately angled for urging the animal feed longitudinally along the mixing compartment 12 from the rear end wall 26 towards the centre of the mixing compartment 12. However, the urging action imparted to the animal feed from the forward end wall 25 and the rear end wall 26 to the centre of the mixing compartment 12 by the mixing paddles 42 is relatively gentle, since it is only the animal feed which is engaged by the mixing paddles 42 and the animal feed ΙΕ ο 9 ο β δ ι adjacent thereto, to which the longitudinal component of motion is imparted.

The bottom wall 20 is of curvature which defines a centre of radius which coincides with the main rotational axis 16 of the mixing rotor 15. The mixing paddles 42 define respective outer peripheral edges 48 which describe a cylinder as the mixing rotor 15 rotates, the diameter of the cylinder so described being such that the clearance between the peripheral edges 48 of the mixing paddles 42 and the bottom wall 20 is constant at approximately 15mm as the mixing rotor 15 rotates.

Wiper elements 50 of a flexible resilient sheet plastics material are attached to trailing faces 51 of the support bars 44 of the respective mixing paddles 42, and extend the length of the mixing paddles 42 for wiping the bottom wall 20 as the mixing rotor 15 rotates for ensuring ingredients of the feed which fall to the bottom wall 20 are mixed into the animal feed, and also for urging the mixed animal feed from the mixing compartment 12 to the dispensing compartment 14 for dispensing thereof.

The dispensing auger 17 comprises an auger shaft 58 of steel which is rotatably carried in bearings 59 in the front and rear end walls 25 and 26, A single auger flight 60 also of steel extends the length of the auger shaft 58 for urging mixed animal feed along the dispensing compartment 14 in the direction of the arrow B as the dispensing auger 17 is rotated in the direction of the arrow C, see Figs. 5 and 6.

A gearbox 54 is mounted on the front end wall 25 and comprises an input drive shaft 55, which is adapted for coupling to a drive transmission shaft (not shown) for transmitting drive to the gearbox 54 from a power take-off shaft of a tractor towing the mixer feeder wagon 1. A drive transmission means comprising a first chain and sprocket drive 53 transmits drive from the gearbox 54 to the auger shaft 58 for rotating the auger shaft 58 in the direction of the arrow C. The first chain and sprocket drive 53 also includes an intermediate sprocket 61 fast on an intermediate shaft 62 which is rotatably carried on the front wail 25, A second chain and sprocket drive 63 from the intermediate shaft 62 drives the main rotor shaft 46 for rotating the mixing rotor 15 in the direction of the arrow A. The first and second chain and IE 0 90 6 8 1 sprocket drives 53 and 63, respectively, are appropriately geared for driving the mixing rotor 15 and the dispensing auger 17 at appropriate relative rotational speeds.

The curvature of the arcuate portion of the intermediate side wail 37 defines a centre of radius which coincides with the secondary rotational axis 18 about which the dispensing auger 17 is rotatable, so that the dispensing auger 17 co-operates with the intermediate side wall 37 for urging the mixed animal feed along the dispensing compartment 14 as the dispensing auger 17 rotates. io Returning now to the mixing rotor 15, the mixing rotor 15 comprises four axially spaced apart support elements 65 formed by respective support hoops 66 for supporting a relatively large round or square bale 67 of fodder material in the open mouth 35, or a portion of a relatively large round or square bale 67 ofthe fodder material in the open mouth 35 as will be described below, and as is illustrated in Figs. 15 to 17. The support elements 65 support either the bale 67 or a portion thereof just above the mixing rotor 15 with portions 68 of the fodder material of the bale 67 depending downwardly from the bale 67 between the support hoops 66 so that only the depending portions 68 between the support hoops 66 are engaged by the mixing paddles 42 as the mixing rotor 15 rotates, see Figs. 15 to 17.

An elongated longitudinally extending fodder engaging blade 69 is mounted adjacent the first side edge 30 ofthe open mouth 35 on the reinforcing member 32. The fodder engaging blade 69 extends longitudinally along the first side edge 30 of the open mouth 35 from the front end wall 25 to the rear end wall 26 and defines a longitudinally extending cutting edge 70 which is directed into the open mouth 35 and faces the mixing paddles 42 as the mixing paddles 42 advance across the open mouth 35 as the mixing rotor 15 rotates in the direction of the arrow A. The cutting edge 70 ofthe fodder engaging blade 69 is located to co-operate with the mixing paddles 42 as the mixing paddies 42 advance towards the cutting edge 70 for sequentially severing the depending portions 68 of the fodder material engaged by the respective mixing paddies 42 from the bale 67 as the mixing paddles 42 sequentially approach the fodder engaging blade 69, see Figs. 15 to 17. As the IE Ο 9 Ο 6 8 ί respective depending portions 68 of fodder material are severed from the bale 67, the depending portions 68 fall into the mixing compartment 12 where they are mixed with material already in the mixing compartment 12.

The support hoop 66 of each support element 65 defines a central axis which coincides with the main rotational axis 16 of the mixing rotor 15, and is formed in three arcuate segments 71 of steel. Each arcuate segment 71 extends between an adjacent pair of the mixing paddles 42 and defines a centre of radius which coincides with the main rotational axis 16 about which the mixing rotor 15 is io rotatable. Each segment 71 of each support hoop 66 extends between a leading end 72 and a trailing end 73. The leading end 72 of each segment 71 is secured to the adjacent mixing paddle 42 by a leading mounting bracket 75, which is welded to the support bar 44 of the corresponding mixing paddle 42, see Figs. 7 and 10. A screw 76 and nut (not shown) secures the leading end 72 of each segment 71 to the leading mounting bracket 75. A bore 78 through the leading end 72 of each segment 71 accommodates the screw 76, and an adjustment slot 79 in the leading mounting bracket 75 accommodates the screw 76 for facilitating adjustable mounting of the leading end 72 of each segment 71 to the adjacent mixing paddle 42. The trailing end 73 of each segment 71 terminates in a trailing bracket 80 for engagement with a corresponding trailing mounting bracket 81 secured to a leading face 82 of the adjacent mixing paddle 42. Bores 83 and 84 through each trailing bracket 80 and each trailing mounting bracket 81, respectively, accommodate screws (not shown) for securing the brackets 80 and 81 together, and in turn for securing the trailing end 73 of the corresponding segment 71 to the adjacent paddle 42.

The arcuate segments 71 of each support hoop 66 define a circumferentially extending outer peripheral support edge 88 which engages the bale or the fodder material thereof as the mixing rotor 15 rotates. The peripheral support edge 88 of each segment 71 is stepped up at 90 from the leading end 72 to the trailing end 73, so that the diameter of the outer peripheral support edge 88 of each support hoop 66 is greater between the step 90 and the trailing end 73 of each arcuate segment 71 than between the step 90 and the leading end 72 of each arcuate segment 71. The IE Ο 9 0 6 8 1 diameter of the outer peripheral support edge of each support hoop 66 between the step 90 and the trailing end 73 of each arcuate segment 71 is substantially similar to the diameter of the cylinder described by the outer peripheral edges 48 of the respective mixing paddles 42. Thus the step 90 in each arcuate segment 71 causes the outer peripheral support edge 88 to lift the fodder material of the bale 67 which is being supported on the respective support hoops 66 as the next advancing mixing paddle 42 is approaching, so that the supported portions ofthe fodder material adjacent the support hoops 66 is lifted to clear the advancing mixing paddle 42 but with the depending portion 68 of the fodder material being ready for engagement with the advancing mixing paddle 42.

In order to provide a smooth transition of the outer peripheral support edge 88 adjacent the step 90, the step 90 is ramped. The diameter of the outer peripheral support edge 88 of each support hoop 66 between the leading end 72 and the step 90 of each arcuate segment 71 is approximately 60mm less than the diameter ofthe outer peripheral support edge 88 between the step 90 and the trailing end 73 of each arcuate segment 71.

In this embodiment ofthe invention, the axial width w ofthe outer peripheral support edge 88 of each support hoop 66 is approximately 20mm, and the radial depth D of each arcuate segment 71 between the step 90 and the trailing end 73 is approximately 80mm, while the radia! depth d of each arcuate segment 71 between the step 90 and the leading end 72 is approximately 50mm, see Figs. 12 and 13.

This thus gives the step change in the diameter of the support hoops 66 where the diameter is stepped at 90 of approximately 60mm. The support hoops 66 are located on the mixing rotor 15 in a generally central location, see Fig. 8. This is desirable since bales 67 of fodder material are normally loaded onto the mixer feeder wagon 1 centrally in the open mouth 35 substantially midway between the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 thereof. In this embodiment of the invention the axial spacing between the support hoops 66 along the mixing rotor 15 is approximately 400mm, and the spacing between the front end wall 25 and the closest support hoop 66 is approximately 1500mm, while the spacing between the rear end wall 26 and the closest support hoop 66 is also approximately 1500mm, IE Ο 9 Ο 6 8 1 Accordingly, the support hoops 66 act to support the bale 67 or the fodder material thereof in the open mouth 35 above the mixing rotor 15 with portions 68 of the fodder material depending between adjacent ones of the support hoops 66 and between the support hoops 66 and the front and rear end walls 25 and 26. Thus, as the mixing rotor 15 rotates the mixing paddles 42 sequentially engage the respective depending portions 68 of fodder material and urge the depending portions 68 into engagement with the fodder engaging blade 69, which are severed from the supported fodder material. io Two sets of spaced apart transverse bale support tines 92 extend transversely partly across the open mouth 35 from the second side wall 22 adjacent an upper portion 93 thereof for supporting the bale 67 of fodder material or portions thereof in the open mouth 35 above the mixing rotor 15 between the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 and the support hoops 66. Each set of transverse support tines 92, in this embodiment of the invention, comprises three support tines 92. Each support tine 92 is of steel and is coupled to the upper portion 93 of the second side wall 22 by a corresponding mounting bracket 94. The mounting brackets 94 pivotally carry the corresponding support tines 92 about respective pivot pins 95. A shock absorbing member 97 of resilient plastics material mounted on each mounting bracket 94 acts between the corresponding transverse support tine 92 and the mounting bracket 94 for absorbing shocks. Slots 98 extending radially inwardly into the mixing paddles 42 from the outer peripheral edges 48 thereof accommodate the transverse support tines 92 as the mixing rotor 15 rotates. Since the transverse support tines 92 extend from the second side wall 22, they extend across the open mouth 35 from the second side edge 33 thereof, which is the side edge of the open mouth 35 from which the mixing paddles 42 recede across the open mouth 35 as the mixing rotor 15 rotates, In this embodiment of the invention each transverse bale support tine 92 terminates short of the first side edge 30 of the open mouth 35 a distance of approximately 240mm. The axial spacing between the transverse support tines 92 of each set is approximately 300mm. The axial spacing between the front end wall 25 and the ffi Ο 9 Ο 6 81 closest one of the transverse support tines 92 is approximately 300mm, and the axial spacing between the rear end wall 26 and the closest one of the transverse support tines 92 is approximately 300mm. The axial spacing between the ones of the transverse support tines 92 which are closest to the support hoops 66 and the corresponding closest one of the support hoops 66 is approximately 300mm. The transverse support tines 92 support end portions of the bale 67 of fodder material which are not supported by the support hoops 66 with portions 99 of the fodder material ofthe bale 67 depending downwardly between the transverse support tines 92 and between the transverse support tines 92 and the front and rear end waits 25 io and 26 and between the adjacent ones of the support hoops 66. The depending portions 99 are sequentially engaged by the mixing paddles 42 as the mixing rotor 15 rotates, and are severed from the bale 67 by the co-operating action between the mixing paddles 42 and the fodder engaging blade 66, in similar fashion as the depending portions 68 which depend between the support hoop 66 are severed from the bale 67.

While in this embodiment of the invention each set of transverse support tines 92 comprises three support tines 92, the number of support tines 92 in each set will vary depending on the overall length of the mixing compartment 12, as well as on the number of support hoops 66. In general, the number of support tines 92 in each set will be such as to provide an axial spacing between adjacent support tines 92 of approximately 300mm and an axial spacing between the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 and the respective closest support tines 92 of approximately 300mm, and an axial spacing between the respective ones of the support tines 92 which are closest to the support hoops 66 and the corresponding closest support hoops 66 of approximately 300mm. Although, needless to say, the 300mm axial spacings may vary depending on the overali length ofthe mixing compartment 12.

In this embodiment ofthe invention a pair of spaced apart bale engagement members 100 of steel releasably mounted on mounting members 101 and 102 extend partly transversely across the open mouth 35 spaced apart above the mixing rotor 15 for supporting particularly large cumbersome bales of fodder material above the mixing rotor 15. The mounting members 101 and 102 are mounted on adjacent IE 0 9 0 6 8 1 corresponding ones of the transverse support tines 92 and extend upwardly therefrom. The engagement members 100 in this embodiment of the invention are axially spaced apart from each other a distance of approximately 1,200mm, and are axially spaced apart from the adjacent front and rear end walls 25 and 26 a distance of approximately 1,400mm. However, the axial spacing between the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 and the closest one of the engagement members 100 will vary depending on the overall length of the nixing compartment 12. Each engagement member 100 extends across the open mouth 35 in a direction from the second side edge 33 of the open mouth 35 towards the first side edge 30 thereof, and terminates short of the first side edge 30 a distance of approximately 250mm.

It has been found that by providing the engagement members 100 axially spaced apart as described above, and axially spaced apart from the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 as described above, the engagement members 100 are suitabie for supporting the central portion of a relatively large bale 67 of fodder material with a central portion 104 and end portions 105 of the fodder material of the bale 67 depending downwardly. The central depending portion 104 of the bale 67 is located above the central portion of the mixing rotor 15, and is supported on the support hoops 66 of the mixing rotor 15, see Fig. 15. The depending end portions 105 of the bale 67 are located above and are supported on the transverse support tines 92. Thus, in the case of a relatively large cumbersome bale, the bale may be supported on the engagement members 100 with the central depending portion 104 and the depending end portions 105 depending downwardly from the bale and supported on the support hoops 66 and the transverse support tines 92, respectively, The support hoops 66 support the centra! depending portion 104 with the depending portions 68 depending between the support hoops 66 for engagement by the mixing paddles 42, which in turn co-operate with the fodder engaging blade 69 for severing the depending portions 68 from the central depending portion 104 of the bale 67. The depending end portions 105 of the bale 67 are supported on the transverse support tines 92 with the depending portions 99 depending between the transverse support tines 92 and between the transverse support tines 92 and the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 and the adjacent support hoops 66 for engagement by the mixing paddies 42, which in turn co-operate with the fodder engaging blade 69 for severing /£ 0 9 0 6 8 1 the depending portions 99 from the depending end portions 105.

Where the bale engagement members 100 are not required, the bale engagement members 100 and the mounting brackets 101 and 102 are disengaged from the corresponding transverse support tines 92 and removed. In the absence of the baie engagement members 100, the bale of fodder material is directly supported on the support hoops 66 of the mixing rotor 15 and on the transverse support tines 92.

An abutment element, in this embodiment ofthe invention an abutment plate 108 is io mounted on the container 8 adjacent the first side edge 30 of the open mouth 35 for abutting, retaining and stabilising a relatively large bale in the open mouth 35 against the action ofthe mixing paddles 42 as the mixing rotor 15 rotates in the direction of the arrow A. The abutment piate 108 is mounted in respective guide tracks 109 mounted on the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 adjacent the top thereof, and is operable between an operative state illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 with the abutment plate 108 extending in a generally upwardly direction adjacent the first side edge 30 ofthe open mouth 35, and an inoperative state (not shown) with the abutment plate 108 extending substantially horizontally and partly across the open mouth 35 from the first side edge 30 thereof, A pair of hydraulic rams 110 are provided at the respective opposite ends of the abutment piate 108 for urging the abutment plate 108 between the operative and inoperative states. A pair of linkage members 111 coupled between the abutment plate 108 and the guide tracks 109 at the respective opposite ends of the abutment plate 108 controls the movement of the abutment plate 108 between the operative and inoperative states.

A longitudinally extending carrier bar 118 extends between and is secured to the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 by mounting members 119. The carrier bar 118 is located adjacent the second side edge 33 of the open mouth 35, and carries a retaining panel 120 of a flexible resilient plastics material adjacent the second side edge 33 of the open mouth 35 for retaining the fodder material of the bale 67 in the open mouth 35. The retaining panel 120 extends upwardly outwardly from the second side edge 33 of the open mouth 35 adjacent the upper portion 93 of the second side wall 22 to thereby prevent fodder material supported on the i I IE 0 9 0 6 8 1 engagement members 100, the transverse support tines 92 and the support hoops 66 from spilling over the second side wall 22.

Front and rear end panels 121 and 122 of flexible resilient material extend upwardly from the front and rear end walls 25 and 26, respectively, above the open mouth 35, and act to minimise, and in most cases prevent loss of fodder material from a bale supported on the engagement members 100, the transverse support tines 92 and the support hoops 66 over the front and rear end walls 25 and 26. io Indeed, it has been found that the provision of the abutment plate 108 on the first side edge 30 of the open mouth 35, the retaining panel 120 on the second side edge 33 of the open mouth 35 and the front and rear end panels 121 and 122 together act to minimise, and in most cases prevent loss of fodder material from a bale supported on the engagement members 100, the transverse support tines 92 and the support hoops 66 during rotation of the mixing rotor 15.

A plurality of longitudinally spaced apart chopping blades 125 are secured to the bottom wall 20 and extend radially inwardly into the mixing compartment 12 and cooperate with the mixing paddles 42 for chopping the fibrous materia!, and in particular, for chopping straw into relatively short lengths. Radially inwardly extending slots 126 which extend into the mixing paddles 42 from the corresponding peripheral edges 48 thereof as well as the slots 98 in the mixing paddles 42 accommodate the chopping blades 125 through the mixing paddles 42 as the mixing paddles 42 pass over the chopping blades 125. The chopping blades 125 as well as being longitudinally spaced apart, are aiso circumferentiaily staggered for minimising the load on the mixing rotor 15 during chopping of the fibrous material by the chopping blades 125. The co-operating action of the blades 125 with the mixing paddles 42 chop the fibrous material into desirable lengths.

In use, with the bale engagement members 100 mounted on the mixer feeder wagon 1, the isolating plate 38 in the closed state, the abutment plate 108 in the operative state and the mixing rotor 15 rotating in the direction of the arrow A, the mixer feeder wagon 1 is ready for receiving the first large bale 67 of fodder material. The bale 67 IE 0 90 6 8 1 of fodder material, which typically is straw, hay or silage, is lifted by suitable handling equipment, for example, a forklift or the front end loader of a tractor, onto the bale engagement members 100 above the open mouth 35, and is supported on the engagement members 100 with the central portion 104 and the end portions 105 of the fodder material depending downwardly between the engagement members 100 and at either end ofthe bale engagement members 100. The central and end depending portions 104 and 105 ofthe bale 67 from the engagement members 100 are supported on the support hoops 66 and on the transverse support tines 92, respectively. io The central depending portion 104 is supported on the support hoops 66 ofthe mixing rotor 15 with depending portions 68 extending into the mixing rotor 15 between the support hoops 66, for engagement with the mixing paddles 42. The depending end portions 105 are supported on the transverse support tines 92 with the depending portions 99 thereof depending between the transverse support tines 92 and the transverse support tines 92 and the front and rear end walls 25 and 26 and the adjacent support hoops 66. The depending portions 99 from the transverse support tines 92 also depend into the mixing rotor 15 for engagement with the mixing paddles 42.

As the mixing rotor 15 rotates in the direction of the arrow A, and as the mixing paddles 42 sequentially advance towards the fodder engaging blade 69 with corresponding depending portions 68 and 99 of the fodder material engaged by the mixing paddles 42, the mixing paddles 42 co-operate with the fodder engaging blade 69 for severing the depending portions 68 and 99 from the respective central depending portion 104 and the depending end portions 105 ofthe bale 67, see Figs. 15 to 17. The severed depending portions 68 and 99 of the fodder material fall downwardly into the mixing compartment 12 under gravity and are mixed with the material already in the mixing compartment 12.

As the depending portions 68 and 99 ofthe fodder material are progressively severed from the central and depending portions 104 and 105 of the bale 67, the dragging action of the mixing paddles 42 on the central and end depending portions IE 0 9 0 6 81 104 and 105 pulls further portions of the fodder material downwardly from the central and end depending portions 104 and 105 to form further depending portions 68 and 99 for engagement by the next following respective mixing paddles 42. As the depending portions 68 and 99 of fodder material are progressively severed from the bale 67, the bale 67 gradually disintegrates, and the remaining portions of the disintegrating bale are eventually entirely supported on the support hoops 66 of the mixing rotor 15, and the transverse support tines 92. The mixing paddles 42 continuously and progressively sever the depending portions 68 and 99 of the fodder material depending between the support hoops 66 and the transverse support tines io 99 until all the fodder material of the bale 67 is in the mixing compartment 12.

Should it be desired to load a second, third and more bales into the mixer feeder wagon 1, the bales are sequentially loaded onto the bale engagement members 100 when the fodder material of the previous bale is no longer supported on the engagement members 120.

The co-operating action between the chopping blades 125 and the mixing paddles 42 chop the straw and other fibrous fodder material into relatively short length in the range of 20mm to 60mm.

When all the fodder material has been loaded into the mixing compartment 12, mixing continues until the straw and other fibrous material has been chopped into desired lengths, and the fodder material and other nutritional matter, and any nutritional concentrates and additives have been thoroughly and homogenously mixed.

When the animal feed has been thoroughly and homogenously mixed and is ready for dispensing from the mixer feeder wagon 1, the isolating piate 38 is lowered into the open state for communicating the dispensing compartment 14 with the mixing compartment 12. As the mixing rotor 15 rotates in the direction of the arrow A, animal feed is urged from the mixing compartment 12 into the dispensing compartment 14, and the action of the dispensing auger 17 urges the animal feed axially along the dispensing compartment 14, and in turn out through the dispensing IE 0 90 6 81 outlet 19.

While the support elements have been described as being formed by support hoops, any other suitable support elements may be provided in the mixing rotor. Indeed, in certain cases, the support elements may be of disc construction with openings formed therethrough to facilitate axial movement of the material being mixed in the mixing compartment, in order to produce a homogenously mixed animal feed. Additionally, while the outer peripheral support edge of each support hoop has been described as being of stepped diameter, this in certain cases may not be necessary, io and in certain cases, the diameter of the outer peripheral support edge may be constant.

While the support hoops have been described as being axially spaced apart specific distances, the support hoops may be axially spaced apart any suitable distances, and the axial spacing between the support hoops will largely depend onthe size of the mixing compartment and the length of the mixing rotor, as well as on the number of support hoops being provided. Needless to say, any suitable number of support hoops may be provided. Additionally, support hoops may be provided axially spaced apart along the entire axial length of the mixing rotor, instead of being located in the central portion only. Indeed, it is envisaged that where the mixing rotor is provided with support hoops axially spaced apart along the entire length of the mixing rotor, the transverse support tines may be omitted.

It will also be appreciated that the number of transverse support tines and the axial spacing therebetween, as well as the axial spacing of the support tines from the front and rear end walls may be suitably chosen, depending on the size of the mixing compartment and the length of the mixing rotor.

It is also envisaged that the support hoops may be provided of other radial depth and diameters, and the diameter of the peripheral support edge of each support hoop may in certain cases be greater than the diameter of the cylinder described by the outer peripheral edges of the mixing paddles, or less than the diameter of the cylinder described by the outer peripheral edges of the mixing paddles. It will of IE 0 9 0 6 81 course be appreciated that the axial width of the peripheral support edge of each support hoop may be greater than or less than that described, and will be of a suitable width for supporting either a bale or depending portions of a bale just above the mixing rotor.

While the mixer feeder wagon has been described as comprising a pair of bale engagement members which are mounted above the open mouth, it will be appreciated that in certain cases, depending on the size and material ofthe bale, the bale engagement members may not be required. io While the mixing rotor has been described as comprising two sets of mixing paddles, whereby each set comprises three mixing paddles, the mixing rotor may be provided with any number of sets of mixing paddles, from one upwards, and each set of mixing paddles may comprise more or less than three mixing paddles. In certain cases, it is envisaged that two mixing paddles per set may be sufficient, and it is also envisaged that the number of mixing paddles per set may be different from set to set.

Additionally, while the mixing rotor has been described as comprising the mixing paddles slightly angled relative to the main rotational axis of the mixing rotor, while this is desirable, it is not essential. The mixing paddles may extend parallel to the main rotational axis ofthe mixing rotor.

While the mixer feeder apparatus has been described as being a mixer feeder wagon, the mixer feeder apparatus may be any type of apparatus, for example, the mixer feeder apparatus may be a fixed apparatus, which would be secured and mounted on a fixed bed. Alternatively, the mixer feeder apparatus may be provided as a self propelled wagon, with its own inboard power unit.

Claims

1. A mixer feeder apparatus comprising a container defining a hollow interior region which forms a mixing compartment within which animal feed is mixed, the container defining an upwardly facing open mouth to the mixing compartment for 5 accommodating constituent materiai of the animal feed therethrough to the mixing compartment, a mixing rotor rotatable in the mixing compartment about a longitudinally extending main rotational axis for mixing the animai feed therein, the mixing rotor comprising at least one fodder engaging element and at least one support element defining a peripheral support edge extending in a generally io circumferential direction relative to the main rotational axis for engaging and supporting the fodder material in the open mouth with portions of the fodder material depending downwardly into the mixing rotor for engagement by the at least one fodder engaging element as the mixing rotor rotates. 15

2. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which the peripheral support edge of each support element is of arcuate shape of radius such that each support element supports the adjacent fodder material at a radius from the main rotational axis which is approximately half the maximum diameter of a cylinder described by the outer periphery of the mixing rotor.

3. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the peripheral support edge of each support element is of radius which is approximately equal to half the maximum diameter of a cylinder described by the outer periphery of the mixing rotor.

4. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the peripheral support edge defined by each support element is of width in an axial direction relative to the main rotational axis in the range of 5mm to 400mm. 30 5. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding ciaim in which the peripheral support edge defined by each support element is of width in an axial direction relative to the main rotational axis in the range of 10mm to 100mm. IE 0 9 0 6 81 6. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the peripheral support edge defined by each support element is of width in an axial direction relative to the main rotational axis of approximately 20mm.

5. 7. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each support element extends completely around the mixing rotor.

6. 8. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which each support element is configured as a hoop. io

7. 9. A mixer feeder wagon as claimed in Claim 8 in which the hoop of each support element defines a central axis, which coincides substantially with the main rotational axis. 15

8. 10. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 or 9 in which the radial depth ofthe hoop of each support element lies in the range of 10mm to 400mm.

9. 11. A mixer feeder apparatus as ciaimed in any of Claims 8 to 10 in which the radial depth ofthe hoop of each support element lies in the range of 50mm to 20 100mm.

10. 12. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 8 to 11 in which the radial depth of the hoop of each support element is approximately 80mm. 25

11. 13. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mixing rotor comprises at least one pair of the support elements spaced apart from each other axially along the mixing rotor.

12. 14. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the 30 mixing rotor comprises four of the support elements spaced apart axially along the mixing rotor.

13. 15. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the IE 090681 support elements are located axially spaced apart in axially spaced apart pairs along the mixing rotor, and the spacing between the support elements of the respective pairs is similar.

14. 16. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the support elements are located in a generally central area of the mixing rotor towards a midpoint thereof intermediate respective axially opposite ends of the mixing rotor.

15. 17. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the axial spacing between adjacent ones of the support elements lies in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm.

16. 18. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the axial spacing between adjacent ones of the support elements lies in the range of 200mm to 600mm.

17. 19. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the axial spacing between adjacent ones of the support elements is approximately 400mm.

18. 20. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing rotor and the closest one of the support elements thereto lies in the range of 100mm to 4,000mm.

19. 21. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing rotor and the closest one of the support elements thereto lies in the range of 500mm to 2,500mm.

20. 22. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mixing rotor is of paddie type construction and each fodder engaging element comprises a mixing paddle.

21. 23. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 22 in which each mixing IE 09H81 paddle ofthe mixing rotor extends in a direction generally axially of the main rotational axis ofthe mixing rotor.

22. 24. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 22 or 23 in which the mixing 5 rotor comprises a rotor shaft defining the main rotational axis of the mixing rotor, and each mixing paddle is carried on at least one carrier member extending from the rotor shaft in a general radial direction.

23. 25. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 24 in which at io least two mixing paddles are provided spaced apart circumferentially around the main rotational axis.

24. 26. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 25 in which three mixing paddles are spaced apart circumferentially around the main rotational axis of 15 the mixing rotor.

25. 27. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 26 in which the mixing paddles are equi-spaced apart around the main rotational axis of the mixing rotor.

26. 28. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 27 in which the outer peripheral edge of each mixing paddle defines a cylinder of maximum diameter described by the mixing rotor. 25

27. 29. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 28 in which each support element comprises a plurality of segments, each segment extending between a corresponding pair of adjacent ones ofthe mixing paddles.

28. 30. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 29 in which the 30 peripheral support edge of each support element is stepped intermediate adjacent pairs of the mixing paddles, the radius ofthe peripheral support edge of each support element adjacent the step increasing from the leading one of the corresponding pair ofthe mixing paddles to the trailing one ofthe corresponding pair IE 0 90 6 8 1 of the mixing paddles in the direction of rotation of the mixing rotor.

29. 31. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 30 in which the step in the radius of the peripheral support edge of each support element occurs substantially 5 midway between the leading mixing paddle and the trailing mixing paddle of the adjacent pair of the mixing paddles.

30. 32. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 30 or 31 in which the step change in the radius of the peripheral support edge of each support element is io ramped.

31. 33. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 32 in which the radial depth of the step change in the peripheral support edge of each support element lies in the range of 5mm to 200mm.

32. 34. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 33 in which the radia! depth of the step change in the peripheral support edge of each support element lies in the range of 10mm to 80mm. 20

33. 35. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 30 to 34 in which the radial depth of the step change in the peripheral support edge of each support element is approximately 30mm.

34. 36. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 22 to 35 in which the 25 mixing paddles are configured on the mixing rotor as a forward set of mixing paddles and a rearward set of mixing paddles, the mixing paddles of the forward set being slightly angled relative to the main rotational axis to impart a component of motion to the material engaged by the mixing paddles of the forward set thereof in a general direction from the forward axial end of the mixing compartment towards the middle of 30 the mixing compartment, and the mixing paddles of the rearward set of mixing paddies being angied slightly relative to the main rotational axis to impart a component of motion to the material engaged by the mixing paddles of the rearward set thereof in a general direction from the rearward axial end of the mixing IE Ο9® 6 81 compartment towards the middle of the mixing compartment,

35. 37. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which an elongated longitudinally extending fodder engaging blade extends in a generally 5 axial direction adjacent a side edge of the open mouth towards which the mixing rotor advances across the open mouth as the mixing rotor rotates, the mixing rotor being co-operable with the fodder engaging blade for severing the depending portions of the fodder material from the fodder material supported by the at least one support element as the mixing rotor rotates. io

36. 38. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 37 in which the fodder engaging elements co-operate with the fodder engaging blade as the mixing rotor rotates for sequentially urging the depending portions of the fodder material into engagement with the fodder engaging blade for severing the respective depending 15 portions of the fodder material from the fodder material supported by the support elements.

37. 39. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart cutting blades extend into the mixing 20 compartment for co-operating with the mixing rotor for chopping fibrous fodder material into relatively short lengths.

38. 40. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 39 in which a plurality of corresponding radial slots extend radially into each fodder engaging element of the 25 mixing rotor from longitudinally extending peripheral edges thereof for accommodating the cutting blades therethrough as the mixing rotor rotates,

39. 41. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which an abutment element is provided on the container adjacent the open mouth and 30 extending longitudinally relative to the side edge of the open mouth towards which the mixing rotor advances as the mixing rotor rotates for abutting and retaining the fodder material in the open mouth against the action of the mixing rotor. IE 0 9 0 6 81

40. 42. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 41 in which the abutment element is pivotal between an operative state extending upwardly from the container above the open mouth and an inoperative state extending across a portion of the open mouth.

41. 43. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 42 in which an urging means is provided for urging the abutment plate between the operative and inoperative states.

42. 44. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a pair of io spaced apart transversely extending bale engagement members extend transversely relative to the main rotational axis across the open mouth above the mixing rotor for supporting a large bale of fodder material with portions of the fodder material depending downwardly from the bale for engagement by the at least one bale support element.

43. 45. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 44 in which each bale engagement member is axially spaced apart from a corresponding one of opposite end edges defining respective axial opposite ends of the open mouth a distance in the range of 100mm to 4,000mm.

44. 46. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 45 in which each bale engagement member is spaced apart from the corresponding one ofthe opposite end edges defining the respective opposite axial ends ofthe open mouth a distance in the range of 500mm to 2,500mm.

45. 47. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 44 to 46 in which the bale engagement members are spaced apart from each other a distance in the range of 400mm to 4,000mm. 30

46. 48. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 44 to 47 in which the bale engagement members are spaced apart from each other a distance in the range of 500mm to 2,500mm. /£ 0 90681

47. 49. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 44 to 48 in which the bale engagement members are spaced apart from each other a distance in the order of 1,250mm. 5

48. 50. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 44 to 49 in which the bale engagement members extend across the open mouth from the longitudinal side edge thereof from which the mixing rotor recedes as the mixing rotor rotates.

49. 51. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least io two transverse support tines extend at least partly across the open mouth in a direction transversely of the rotational axis for supporting a part of a bale of fodder material above the mixing rotor with parts of the fodder material depending downwardly into the mixing rotor, one of the transverse support tines being located towards one axial end ofthe mixing compartment, and spaced apart axially 15 therefrom, and the other of the transverse support tines being located towards the other axial end of the mixing compartment and axially spaced apart therefrom.

50. 52. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 51 in which two sets of transverse support tines are provided at respective axially opposite ends ofthe 20 mixing compartments, the transverse support tines of the respective sets being spaced apart from each other.

51. 53. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 52 in which the transverse support tines of each set thereof are spaced apart from each other an axial distance 25 in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm.

52. 54. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 52 or 53 in which the transverse support tines of each set thereof are spaced apart from each other an axial distance in the range of 200mm to 600mm.

53. 55. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 52 to 54 in which the transverse support tines of each set thereof are spaced apart from each other an axial distance in the order of 300mm. (Ε Ο 9 Ο 6 81

54. 56. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 55 in which the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing compartment and the closest one of the transverse support tines lies in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm.

55. 57. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 56 in which the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing compartment and the closest one of the transverse support tines lies in the range of 2Q0mm to 600mm. io

56. 58. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 57 in which the axial spacing between each axial end of the mixing compartment and the closest one of the transverse support tines is in the order of 300mm.

57. 59. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 58 in which the 15 ones of the transverse support tines which are closest to the support elements are spaced apart from the corresponding closest one of the support elements an axial distance which lies in the range of 100mm to 1,000mm.

58. 60. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 59 in which the 20 ones of the transverse support tines which are closest to the support elements are spaced apart from the corresponding closest one of the support elements an axial distance which lies in the range of 200mm to 600mm.

59. 61. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 60 in which the 25 ones of the transverse support tines which are closest to the support elements are spaced apart from the corresponding closest one of the support elements an axial distance which is in the order of 300mm.

60. 62. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 61 in which the 30 transverse support tines extend across the open mouth from the longitudinal side edge thereof from which the mixing rotor recedes as the mixing rotor rotates.

61. 63. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 62 in which each IE 0 9 0 6 8 1 set of transverse support tines comprises at least two transverse support tines.

62. 64. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding ctaim in which a dispensing compartment is formed in the hollow interior region communicable with the mixing compartment, through which mixed animal feed from the mixing compartment is dispensed.

63. 65. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 64 in which a dispensing means is provided in the dispensing compartment for urging mixed animal feed along the dispensing compartment for dispensing therefrom.

64. 66. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in Claim 64 or 65 in which the dispensing compartment is selectively communicable with the mixing compartment for receiving mixed animal feed therefrom.

65. 67. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 66 in which an isolating means is provided between the mixing compartment and the dispensing compartment for selectively isolating the mixing compartment from the dispensing compartment.

66. 68. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 64 to 67 in which the dispensing means comprises a dispensing auger located in the dispensing compartment for urging mixed animal feed along the dispensing compartment and through a dispensing outlet.

67. 69. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim In which the container is mounted on a chassis carried on at least two ground engaging wheels.

68. 70. A mixer feeder apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mixer feeder apparatus is adapted for hitching to a tractor or other suitable towing vehicle.