Liquid heaters and vaporizers – Feeders – Automatic
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-17
2001-01-16
Ferensic, Denise L. (Department: 3749)
Liquid heaters and vaporizers
Feeders
Automatic
C122S013300, C122S014300, C122S412000, C119S051010
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173681
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an automated, mechanical liquid feed pre-heating system. Bulk nutrient feed for livestock is commonly stored in a refrigerated environment for convenience of storage and to prevent spoilage. The nutrient must be heated to a predetermined temperature prior to feeding however, to allow the nutrient to reach its desired viscosity and palatability. Various pre-heating and feeding systems have been used to accomplish this result. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,955 granted to Gonsalves. Gonsalves discloses a complex, automated multi tank system having a combination of structural features, including solenoid actuated control valves, float switch assembly and nipple means, which are not shown in the present invention. Further, the Gonsalves reference does not include the independent heated water access system disclosed herein.
The pre-heating system of the present invention provides a multi-purpose system wherein feed is pre-heated, hot water is accessed, and cleaning is easily accomplished. Chilled nutrient is placed in the pre-heater wherein the nutrient is heated to the desired feeding temperature and pumped to a mixing and distributing area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is drawn to a device for pre-heating liquid feed for veal calves, although it is to be understood that this device may have wider application. More specifically, the present invention is a pre-heater used to raise the temperature of liquid feed as it is being pumped from cold storage to a mixing tank prior to being fed to an animal.
The pre-heater of the present invention includes a stand-alone tank for heating water and a series of tubular fluid conduit coils. The water-heating tank is provided with a heating means. The fluid conduit coils include an inlet and an outlet for the liquid feed, a backflow conduit having an outlet for the hot water, and an inlet for the water source. Each inlet and outlet is further provided with valve shut-off means. The water tank is filled with water via an inlet on a water conduit. As the water contacts the heating element in the tank, it is heated to a predetermined temperature. The liquid feed conduit coil is immersed in the water tank, thereby taking on the temperature of the surrounding heated water. In use as a liquid nutrient pre-heater, nutrient concentrate is drawn from a cooled storage area into the feed concentrate coil in the pre-heating system. The feed concentrate moves through the warmed liquid feed conduit coil in the pre-heater. Transfer of heat occurs as the feed travels through the coil, and the liquid feed is warmed by the hot water surrounding the coils. The heated liquid feed exits the pre-heating system into a mixing tank where the feed is mixed with hot water to raise the temperature above a predetermined temperature. This predetermined temperature is dependent upon the chemical composition of the liquid feed. The liquid feed is then pumped to animal feeding devices. To ensure that all of the liquid feed has been removed from the pre-heater to the mixing tank, the liquid feed conduit coil is flushed by way of a backflow conduit section located intermediate the hot water outlet and the liquid feed conduit coil.
In addition to the preheating and flushing characteristics described above, the pre-heater is arranged to supply heated water externally of the system. This characteristic is of particular importance in a barn setting wherein washing and cleaning is desired.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1119391 (1914-12-01), Becker
patent: 3830203 (1974-08-01), Murphy
patent: 4175518 (1979-11-01), Reames, Jr.
patent: 4869232 (1989-09-01), Narang
Ferensic Denise L.
Ryan Kromholz & Manion S.C.
Wilson Gregory A.
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