IES80451B2 - An improved mixing and dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A mixing and dispensing apparatus for animal foodstuffs comprises an open-topped container (10) having a closeable dispensing outlet (15,115). A mixing means comprising a plurality of mixing paddles (35,37,52,54, 56,135,137,152,154,156,159) and at least one pair of dispensing paddles (39,47;42,45;139,147;142,145) mounted for rotation on a common axis on a common axis within the container (10). The dispensing paddles (39,47;42,45; 139,147;142,145) are arranged to discharge material in the container (10) through the dispensing outlet (15,115). Each paddle (35,37,39,42,45,47,52,54,56,135,137,139,142,145, 147,152,154,156,159) is fixed to a rotatable shaft (30,130) mounted along the longitudinal axis of the container (10) and comprises a support arm (32,132) and a plate at the end of the arm angularly disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The plates of the dispensing paddles (39,47;42,45;139,147;142,145) are arranged in oppositely facing pairs and the plates of the mixing paddles (35,37,52,54,56,135, 137,152,154,156,159) are disposed to urge material towards the dispensing paddles (39,47;42,45;139,147;142,145). A mixing paddle (54,56,154,156,159) having a cantilevered plate is disclosed, that is the paddle support arm (32,132) is connected to the plate at a point disposed from the center of the plate to prevent material build-up on the paddle.

Description

AN IMPROVED MIXING AND DISPENSING APPARATUS The present invention relates to a mixing and dispensing 5 apparatus and more particularly to a tractor drawn apparatus for mixing and dispensing feed for animals.

Traditionally, mixing and dispensing apparatus comprises an open topped container having an auger for mixing feed 1.0 material and for propelling the material to one end of the container where it is dispensed through an aperture in the side wall of the container. The feed material has a tendency to coagulate or clump resulting in uneven mixing and higher torque requirements from the auger.

Paddle type mixers attempt to overcome the disadvantages of known auger-based mixers. A paddle type mixer normally comprises a substantially cylindrical container having a driven shaft along the container's longitudinal axis.

Radial arms are provided along the shaft each of which is terminated with a paddle which may be set at an angle for improved mixing. While these arrangements provide adequate mixing for relatively fine grade material, they are unsuitable for dry material, coarse grade material or fibrous material which has to be broken down.

Typically, paddle type mixers and dispensers comprise an open-topped container, the container having a closeable dispensing outlet adjacent one end of the container and a mixing means comprising a plurality of mixing paddles rotatably mounted within the container and arranged to move material in the container towards the dispensing outlet, and at least one dispensing paddle rotatably mounted within the container and arranged to discharge material in the container through the dispensing outlet. - 2 S80451 The mixing and dispensing paddles are mounted on a rotatable shaft mounted in the container. Each mixing paddle comprises a plate fixed at one end of a radially projecting support arm, the mixing paddle plate being inclined at an angle of approximately 40° relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft. A dispensing paddle which also comprises a plate is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the shaft. 1.0 These arrangements of paddle type mixers and dispensers are not particularly suited for dry or coarse grade material and suffer from a number of distinct disadvantages. Firstly, there is a known problem with material build-up about the paddles, particularly when the load approaches the maximum capacity of the container.

Normally, bridging occurs between a paddle and its support arm. This is a particular problem with dry or coarsely chopped material. Secondly, dry or coarsely chopped material is unevenly discharged through the dispensing outlet. Often a large amount of material becomes jammed in and around the dispensing outlet. Thirdly, when such an apparatus is being loaded or filled, the dispensing paddle presents a straight face to which the loading material will adhere, consequently causing jamming between the wall of the container and the paddle when the material starts to bridge. Finally, the dispensing outlet discharges material at a relatively low discharge height; consequently a conveyor is usually required, adding significantly to the cost of the mixing and dispensing apparatus.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to alleviate the above disadvantages and to provide an improved paddle type mixing and dispensing apparatus.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a mixing and dispensing apparatus for animal foodstuffs and like material comprising an open-topped container having a closeable dispensing outlet, and a mixing means comprising a plurality of mixing paddles rotatably mounted within the container and at least one pair of dispensing paddles rotatably mounted within the container, the dispensing paddles being arranged to discharge material in the container through the dispensing outlet, each paddle being fixed to a rotatable shaft mounted along the longitudinal axis of the container and comprising a support arm and a plate angularly disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft, wherein the plates of the dispensing paddles are arranged in oppositely facing pairs to improve the rate of transfer of material through the outlet and the plates of the mixing paddles are disposed to urge material towards the dispensing paddles.

The open-topped container comprises a rounded base for housing the shaft, front and end walls and first and second side walls extending from the rounded base, the dispensing outlet being disposed in one of the side walls in a position corresponding to the dispensing paddles.

Preferably, the dispensing outlet is positioned at or adjacent the interface of the rounded base and said side wall.

The plates of the dispensing paddles are disposed at an angle of between 25° and 35° to the axis of rotation of the shaft to prevent jamming and to provide an even discharge through the dispensing outlet. This arrangement facilitates the use of a dispensing outlet disposed relatively high in the wall of the container. The angled plates provides sufficient lift to the material to carry it to a high dispensing outlet so that further elevation of the material is not always required.

The present invention further provides an improved mixing paddle for use with apparatus for mixing and dispensing animals foodstuffs and like material, the mixing paddle comprising a cantilevered plate, that is the paddle support arm is connected to the plate at a point disposed 1.0 from the centre of the plate. The cantilevered paddles prevent material build-up thereon as any material build-up is forced off by its own weight.

The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, two embodiments of mixing and dispensing apparatus according to the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of mixing and dispensing apparatus; Figure 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the apparatus of the first embodiment illustrating the paddles mounted to the rotating shaft; Figure 3 is a perspective view looking along the rotating shaft of the first embodiment showing the sequence and position of the paddles with respect to the shaft; Figure 4 is a phase diagram of the shaft of Figure 3 illustrating the positions of the paddles with respect to one another and the angles subtended therebetween; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of paddle positions with respect to one another, their sweeps and their position within the first embodiment of container; Figure 6 is a phase diagram similar to that shown in Figure 4 of a shaft suitable for use in a second embodiment of mixing and dispensing apparatus; and Figure 7 is a schematic representation similar to that shown in Figure 5 of paddle positions within the second embodiment of apparatus.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings which show the first embodiment and initially to Figure 1, a mixing and dispensing apparatus comprises an open-topped container 10 mounted on a wheeled chassis 12 for towing by a prime mover such as an agricultural tractor T. The container 10 has a substantially rectangular open top defined by a first side wall 13 including a dispensing outlet 15, a second side wall 16, an end wall 17, a front wall 18 and has a rounded base 19 housing a driven shaft 30. The dispensing outlet 15 has a door 20 mounted on the side wall 13 and is closeable under action of a hydraulic ram 21. A motor driven drum impeller 23 is provided to assist dispensing of material. The impeller 23 co-operates with the door 20 so that, when the outlet 15 is to be closed, the impeller 23 moves out of the path of the descending door 20. The outlet 15 is generally located off-centre along the side wall 13 at the top of the arcuate portion of the rounded base 19 to provide an elevated discharge point. A ramp 25 is formed in the side wall 13 from the rounded base 19 to the outlet 15 to improve the dispensing rate of dispensing paddles (described in more detail hereinafter) when the door 20 is open. A chute (not shown) is normally provided for dispensed material but a conveyor 27 may be attached to the outlet 15 for higher discharge.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shaft 30 has a series of paddles attached thereto, each paddle comprising a plate rigidly held to the shaft 30 by a supporting arm 32. The paddles are referred to by function, that is each paddle is either a mixing paddle or a dispensing paddle. The first paddle 35 is a mixing paddle which is provided with a rearwardly facing plate and is disposed on the shaft 30 adjacent the front wall 18 of the container to urge material from the front wall 18 towards the centre of the open-topped container 10. The second paddle 37 is not provided with a plate and is used to break up aggregated material. The third 39, fourth 42, fifth 45 and sixth 47 paddles are dispensing paddles arranged to urge material from the container 10 towards the dispensing outlet 15. These paddles are provided as opposing pairs (42,45 & 39,47), that is, their respective plates are oppositely facing to concentrate material along a path towards the dispensing outlet 15. The third 39 and fourth 42 paddles have rearward facing plates angled at 30° to the axis of rotation of the shaft and the fifth 45 and sixth 47 paddles have forwardly facing plates also angled at 30° to the axis of rotation of the shaft. Each of the plates of the dispensing paddles 39,42,45,47 is provided with a sweeping member 50 comprising a strip of flexible rubber material which contacts the rounded base 19 of the container 10 to ensure material is not allowed to aggregate on the rounded base 19 and to improve discharge along the ramp 25 to the dispensing outlet 15.

The seventh 52 and eighth 54 paddles are provided with forwardly facing plates to urge material towards the dispensing paddles 39,42,45,47. The plates of the seventh 52 and eights 54 paddles are disposed at an angle of 50° to the axis of rotation of the shaft. The seventh and Ί eight paddles 52,54 are held by their respective supporting arms 32 in a cantilever relationship so that material is not allowed to aggregate on the plate or the supporting arm. This arrangement also avoids the possibility of material bridging between the paddle plates and the walls of the container. The final paddle 56 again comprises a forwardly facing plate in a cantilever relationship therewith, the plate being angled at 40° to the axis of rotation of the shaft 30 and is disposed 1.0 adjacent the rear wall 17 of the container. Static knives 60 are attached to the inside of the first side wall 13 and are positioned so that the paddles 35,37,47,52,54,56 and knives 60 do not interfere with one another.

Referring now to Figure 4, a phase diagram illustrates the angular relationship between each of the paddles 35,37,39,42,45,47,52,54,56 about the shaft 30 viewed from the rear of the apparatus. Taking the first rearwardly facing paddle 35 as the starting point, the second paddle 37, which comprises a support arm only, is disposed at an angle of 195° to the first paddle, that is, the shaft 30 must rotate through 195° for the second paddle 37 to assume the position of the first paddle 35. The third paddle 39 is disposed at an angle of 295° from the second paddle 7 (the third paddle 39 must rotate through an angle of 295° to assume the position occupied by the second paddle 37 in Figure 4). Similarly, the fourth paddle 42 is disposed 270° from the third paddle 39, the fifth paddle 45 is disposed 180° from the fourth paddle 42, the sixth paddle 47 is disposed 90° from the fifth paddle 45, the seventh paddle 52 is disposed 230° from the sixth paddle 45, the eighth paddle 54 is disposed 270° from the seventh paddle 52 and the ninth paddle 56 is disposed 270° from the eighth paddle 54. The large angular displacements from one paddle to the next are selected to ensure efficient mixing and to prevent bridging of material between the paddles. This arrangement of paddles is particularly efficient at mixing and dispensing coarse feed material especially where long fibrous material is added to the feed.

With reference to Figure 5, the sweep of each plate corresponding to its respective paddle is shown schematically against the first side wall 13 which includes the dispensing door and knives 60. It will be seen that the dispensing paddles have overlapping sweep areas to increase the discharge rate through the dispensing outlet 15. The static knives 60 are arranged as follows: a first knife is disposed between the sweep of the first 35 and third 39 paddle; a second knife is disposed between the sweep of the sixth 47 and seventh 52 paddle; a third knife is disposed between the sweep of the seventh 52 and eighth 54 paddle; and a fourth knife is disposed between the sweep of the eighth 54 and ninth 56 paddles.

The arrangement shown is for a mixing and dispensing apparatus comprising an open-topped container having a longitudinal dimension of 3 metres. The plate of the first paddle 35 has a sweep of 480mm parallel to the axis of the shaft 30. Clearance of 10mm is also allowed between the first paddle plate and the front wall 18. 100mm clearance is allowed between the first paddle 35 and the third paddle 39. Similarly, 100mm clearance is allowed between the plates of the sixth paddle 47 and the seventh paddle 52. The combined sweep of the plates of the dispensing paddles is 810mm although each of the dispensing paddles has a plate 520mm long and disposed at an angle of 30° to the axis of rotation of the shaft 30. The plate of the seventh paddle 52 has a sweep of 425mra and a clearance of 80mm from the plate of the eighth paddle 54 which also has an identical sweep and is separated from the ninth paddle 56 by 80mm, the plate of the ninth paddle 56 having a sweep of 480mm and clearance from the end wall 17 of 10mm.

For larger containers, where the shaft 30 requires a greater longitudinal dimension, the lengths of the paddle plates and the spaces therebetween can be increased without altering the mixing and dispensing efficiency of the paddles. In any case, for containers having a shaft 30 of up to 5 meters in the length, the phase diagram, as illustrated in Figure 4, may remain identical.

Referring finally to Figures 6 and 7, the second embodiment of mixing and dispensing apparatus, which comprises an open-topped container, a wheeled chassis, a dispensing outlet 115, a rounded base 119 and side walls 113,116, front 118 wall and end wall 117 as before, is substantially identical to the first embodiment but has a greater longitudinal dimension. The shaft 130 of the second embodiment carries a series of ten paddles as follows: the first paddle 135 is a mixing paddle positioned adjacent the first wall and which is provided with a rearwardly facing plate angled at 50° to the axis of rotation of the shaft to urge material away from the front wall 118 towards the dispensing paddles; the second paddle 137 is also a mixing paddle having a rearwardly facing plate angled at 50° to the axis of rotation of the shaft 130; the third 139, fourth 142, fifth 145 and sixth 147 paddles are dispensing paddles arranged in opposing pairs consisting of the fourth 142 and fifth 145 paddles; and the third 139 and sixth 147 paddles, to urge material towards the dispensing outlet 115, the third 139 and fourth 142 paddles have rearwardly facing plates disposed at 30° to the rotational axis of the shaft 130 and the fifth 145 and sixth 147 paddles have forwardly facing plates disposed at 30° to the rotational axis of the shaft 130; the seventh 152 and eighth 154 paddles are mixing paddles provided with forwardly facing plates disposed at 50° to the rotational axis of the shaft 130; and the ninth 156, and tenth 159 paddles are further mixing paddles provided with forwardly facing plates disposed at 50° to the rotational axis of the shaft 130, these paddles having an overlapping sweep to ensure material is urged from the end wall 117 toward the dispensing paddles 139,142,145,147.

The eighth 154 and ninth 156 paddles are cantilever paddles, as described hereinabove with reference to the first embodiment, to prevent material aggregating on their respective support arms 132 and consequently prevent bridging. Optionally, at least one other mixing paddle 135,137,152,159 is configured as a cantilever paddle.

As shown in Figure 6, an alternative phase diagram illustrates a second set of angular relationships between the paddles 135,137,139,142,145,147,152,154,156,159 about the shaft 130. Taking the first rearwardly facing mixing paddle 135 as the starting point, the second paddle 137 is disposed at an angle of 180° to the first paddle, that is the shaft 130 must rotate 180° for the second paddle to assume the position occupied by the first paddle 135. The third paddle 139 is disposed at an angle of 135° from the second paddle 137. Similarly, the fourth paddle 142 is disposed 270° from the third paddle 139, the fifth paddle 145 is disposed 180° from the fourth paddle 142, the sixth paddle 147 is disposed 90° from the fifth paddle 145, the seventh paddle 152 is disposed 225° from the sixth paddle 147, the eighth paddle 154 is disposed 270° from the seventh paddle 152, the ninth paddle 156 is disposed 270° from the eighth paddle 154 and the tenth paddle 159 is disposed 270° from the ninth paddle 156. As before, the large angular displacement of each paddle from its neighbour on the shaft 130 is to ensure efficient mixing and to prevent bridging of material between the paddles.

The sweep of the plates corresponding to their respective paddles 135,137,139,142,147,152, 154,156, 159 is shown schematically in Figure 7 as they pass across the first side wall 113. Static knives 160 are provided between the sweeps of the first 134 and second 137 paddles, the second 137 and third 139 paddles, the sixth 147 and seventh 152 paddles and the eighth 154 and ninth 156 paddles.

The arrangement illustrated in Figure 7 is for an apparatus comprising an open-topped container having a longitudinal dimension of 4 metres. The sweep of the plate of the first paddle 135 extends over 500mm parallel to the axis of the shaft 130 and has clearances of 20mm from the front wall 118 at one end and 100mm from the second paddle 137 at the other end. 100mm clearances are also provided between the sixth 147 and seventh 152 paddles and the eighth 154 and ninth 156 paddles. The sweep of the plates of the second 137, seventh 152 and tenth 159 paddles each extend over 500mm parallel to the axis of the shaft 130. A clearance of 80mm is provided between the second 137 and third 159 paddles. The sweep of the plates of the dispensing paddles 139,142,145,149 together describe a path 820mm wide although each plate is 520mm long and disposed at an angle of 30° to the axis of rotation of the shaft 130 and overlaps the path swept by its neighbour. The plate of the eighth paddle 154 has a clearance of 20mm from that of the seventh paddle 152 and has a sweep of 425mm parallel to the axis of the shaft 130. The path swept by the plate of the ninth paddle 156 extends over 425mm and overlaps the path described by the plate of the tenth paddle 159 by 110mm. A clearance of 20mm is provided between the end wall 117 and the tenth paddle plate which has a sweep of 500mm.

As stated above, in relation to the first embodiment of mixing and dispensing apparatus, the lengths of the paddle plates and the clearances therebetween can be increased without significantly altering the mixing and dispensing efficiency of the apparatus.

In each of the embodiments shown above, the dispensing paddles and the dispensing outlet are disposed forwardly from the centre of the apparatus. It will be understood that by transposing the positions of the paddles along the shaft, the dispensing outlet may also be disposed rearwardly from the centre of apparatus. Additionally, by adjusting the angles of the paddles or transposed paddles, as the case may be, the direction of rotation of the shaft may be reversed to allow the discharge outlet be positioned along the second side wall 16,116.

It will of course be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only, and that various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope 5 of the invention.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS:

1. A mixing and dispensing apparatus for animal foodstuffs and like material comprising an open-topped container having a closeable dispensing outlet, and a mixing means comprising a plurality of mixing paddles and at least one pair of dispensing paddles rotatably mounted on a common axis within the container, the dispensing paddles being arranged to discharge material in the container through the dispensing outlet, each paddle being fixed to a rotatable shaft mounted along the longitudinal axis of the container and comprising a support arm and a plate at the end of the arm angularly disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of rotation of the shaft, wherein the plates of the dispensing paddles are arranged in oppositely facing pairs to improve the rate of transfer of material through the outlet and the plates of the mixing paddles are disposed to urge material towards the dispensing paddles.

2. A mixing and dispensing apparatus according to Claim 1, in which the open-topped container comprises a rounded base for housing the shaft, front and end walls and first and second side walls extending from the rounded base, the dispensing outlet being disposed in one of the side walls in a position adjacent to the dispensing paddles at or adjacent the interface of the rounded base and said side wall.

3. A mixing and dispensing apparatus according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the plates of the dispensing paddles are disposed at an angle of between 25° and 35° to the axis of rotation of the shaft so as to prevent jamming and to provide an even discharge through the dispensing outlet thereby facilitating the use of a dispensing outlet disposed relatively high in the wall of the container, the angled plates providing sufficient lift to carry material to the high dispensing outlet.

4. An improved mixing paddle for use with an apparatus for 5 mixing and dispensing animals foodstuffs and like material, of the type comprising a substantially cylindrical open-topped container having a driven shaft along the container's longitudinal axis, the shaft including mixing and dispersing paddles comprising radial 10 support arms terminating with a plate, the mixing paddle comprising a cantilevered plate, in which the paddle support arm is connected to the plate at a point disposed from the centre of the plate whereby material build-up thereon is prevented as any material build-up is forced off by its own 15 weight.

5. A mixing and dispensing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.