Charles Joseph Hoff

US Patent:

7240807, Jul 10, 2007

Filed:

May 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/856095

Inventors:

Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US
Greg Moore - Evans CO, US

Assignee:

Lextron, Inc. - Greeley CO

International Classification:

G01F 11/00

US Classification:

222 77

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

US Patent:

7325967, Feb 5, 2008

Filed:

Jul 31, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/633463

Inventors:

Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US
Steve R. Freeman - Greeley CO, US

International Classification:

B01F 15/02
B01F 3/12
B01F 5/00

US Classification:

366141, 3661561, 3661632, 3661731

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

US Patent:

7410078, Aug 12, 2008

Filed:

Mar 9, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/684146

Inventors:

Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US
Greg Moore - Evans CO, US

Assignee:

Lextron, Inc. - Greeley CO

International Classification:

G01F 11/00

US Classification:

222 1, 222 56, 222 77, 222148, 366141

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

US Patent:

7537375, May 26, 2009

Filed:

Feb 16, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/676123

Inventors:

Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US
Steve R. Freeman - Greeley CO, US

Assignee:

Lextron, Inc. - Greeley CO

International Classification:

B01F 15/02

US Classification:

366141, 3661632

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

US Patent:

7762714, Jul 27, 2010

Filed:

Jun 7, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/422803

Inventors:

Steve R. Freeman - Windsor CO, US
Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US

Assignee:

Lextron, Inc. - Greeley CO

International Classification:

G01G 11/14
B01F 15/02

US Classification:

3661522, 222 1, 177 4, 177 66, 141 1, 141 83, 73434

Abstract:

A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.

US Patent:

7867532, Jan 11, 2011

Filed:

Sep 28, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/864390

Inventors:

Steve R. Freeman - Windsor CO, US
Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US

Assignee:

Lextron, Inc. - Greeley CO

International Classification:

A23P 1/00

US Classification:

426231, 426621, 426511, 700 83

Abstract:

A system and method are provided for flaking grains. The system and method provide for an automated system to minimize manual intervention, yet optimize a steam flaking process. A calibration technique may be included to assist in automatic adjustment of system parameters to account for less than optimal operating conditions. Control of the system may occur from a remote location wherein a user is provided an interface, and a user's computer communicates with an industrial controller such as a PLC, through the Internet or a private network. The PLC is typically located at the site where the grain is to be processed. The PLC may receive various system inputs and generate system control outputs in accordance with programs installed on the PLC, or through some selected manual intervention as controlled by the user at the remote location.

US Patent:

8079750, Dec 20, 2011

Filed:

May 11, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/777395

Inventors:

Steven R. Freeman - Windsor CO, US
Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US

Assignee:

Animal Health International, Inc. - Greeley CO

International Classification:

G01G 11/14
B01F 15/02

US Classification:

3661522, 141 1, 141 83

Abstract:

A system and method are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives or supplements to feed rations. The amount of each particular micro-ingredient to be delivered to a feed ration may be determined by a bulk density measurement. Alternatively, bulk density measurement may be used in combination with existing weight measurement and volumetric metering methods for multiple micro-ingredients. Delivery by bulk density requires determination of a bulk density value along with use of a dispensing device that dispenses a calculated amount of the micro-ingredient ration. The dispensing calculation may be achieved by analysis of delivery time, pulse count, or some other quantitative measure such as magnitude. Use of bulk density as a measurement technique eliminates the requirement for use of scales in the micro-ingredient delivery system.

US Patent:

8496135, Jul 30, 2013

Filed:

Jun 26, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/147298

Inventors:

Charles H. Hoff - Bellvue CO, US
Greg Moore - Evans CO, US

Assignee:

Animal Health International, Inc. - Greeley CO

International Classification:

B67C 11/00

US Classification:

222 1, 222 56, 222 77, 222413, 222462, 220567

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.