Abstract
A method and an apparatus for application of chemical treatment to livestock provide a combination chemical roller applicator and livestock sprayer with a gateway to a livestock resource area. A roller applicator imparts a liquid treatment to the nose and face of an animal after lifting a flap attached to the roller. A pump conveys chemical from a reservoir to the roller and sprayer nozzles. The apparatus secures to an existing fence or gate.
Claims
1. An apparatus for application of chemical treatment to livestock comprising: a. a frame defining a gateway for livestock; b. a reservoir for the chemical treatment, a pump, and an electronic control supported on the frame; c. a combination lifting flap and roller applicator supported on the frame; d. sprayer nozzles supported on the frame; and e. a switch initiated by the lifting flap when the livestock enters the gateway and said switch causing the electronic control to initial release of the chemical treatment on the livestock through combination of the roller application and the sprayer nozzles.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention of a new combination method and apparatus for application of chemical treatment to livestock that includes a roller applicator and sprayer system.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front view of the invention of FIG. 1, showing the application of a chemical to livestock.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the invention of FIG. 1 showing the application of a chemical to livestock.
[0033] FIG. 4A is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1 showing the application of a chemical to livestock as the animal approaches the roller applicator.
[0034] FIG. 4B is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1, showing the application of a chemical to livestock via the roller applicator and spray nozzles as the animal passes through the gateway.
[0035] FIG. 5A is a cut-away side view of the invention of FIG. 1, showing the various aspects and features of the exemplary embodiment of the reservoir holding tank with the float switch in on position.
[0036] FIG. 5B is a cut-away side view of the invention of FIG. 1, showing the various aspects and features of the exemplary embodiment of the reservoir holding tank with the float switch in off position.
[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing the method for the combination roller applicator gateway and livestock sprayer shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] The following description provides the reader with a better understanding of the invention. The description does not limit the invention concerning any element, not otherwise limited by the claims.
[0039] The present invention discloses an apparatus and method that provides a combination roller applicator gateway and livestock sprayer. The combination unit transfers a chemical treatment from a liquid reservoir 12 contained in the unit to an animal 10. Chemical transfers using sprayer nozzles 52, 54, 56 and a roller applicator 40 of a roller lift flap 41 while an animal passes through a gateway to a watering or feeding area.
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an apparatus per an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus includes a frame with legs 18 with an overhead support body and upper deck unit 16 that holds the reservoir holding tank 12 and other components. The frame forms the exterior front side, rear side, and opposing left side and right side with legs 18 of the self-contained unit, and the frame mounts to a selected position for access by animals, such as an existing fence or gate. In FIG. 1 the rear legs 18 of the frame as shown attached to an existing fence or gate poles by straps 19. The legs include square members extending vertically and downward from the support body upper deck unit 16. Whereby, the legs extend to the ground, a mat, or another flat surface to rest.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows an assembly of the apparatus, self-contained unit parts, and installation of the fence. As shown, the unit 2 mounts to the selected position by installation on the posts. The legs 18 attach by straps 19 or other suitable devices to the fence posts. Alternatively, the legs may be secured to the ground. Alternatively, the legs may secure to a mat comprising a sheet or structure below the apparatus.
[0042] The self-contained unit, as shown in the figures, includes a powered control 26 and pump system 28 contained on the overhead support component deck unit 16 of the apparatus. The system includes a combination of electronic control 26, pump 28, and battery 30. The power source is shown in FIG. 1. It includes the battery. In one embodiment, the battery is rechargeable and recharges through a solar panel 20 connected as the power source. The battery connects to the electronic control 26 and the pump 28 to operate the components for dispensing chemical treatment when actuated by an animal 10 via the lift flap 41.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4A, and 4B, the self-contained unit 2 includes a gateway opening; the animal pushes a lifting flap 41 upward for passage through the gateway to a watering resource, feeding resource, or another desirable resource. When the animal pushes the lifting flap, the movement of the flap moves and initiates a switch 46 that actuates the electronic control 26 that controls the pump and timing of chemical treatment. Alternatively, cameras or other electronic sensors means may determine entry of the animal into the gateway to initiate the electronic control sequence programmed. Upon actuation by the movement of the flap, the electronic control may initiate a timing mechanism in the electronic control 26 to measure and control the duration of a spray of chemicals for treatment of the animal and initiates dispensing of chemicals to the roller applicator 40 of the roller component.
[0044] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a float switch 62 in the reservoir of the holding tank 12 that controls the flow of chemicals. The float switch turns off the flow when chemical levels fall below the required levels. A pressure regulator 22 further controls the flow of chemicals from the reservoir via a pressure regulator connecting line 23.
[0045] FIGS. 1-4A/B illustrate the sprayer and roller components of the self-contained unit in more detail. Several spray nozzles 52, 54, and 56 are situated about the gateway of the apparatus for application to several areas of the animal's body. A tube 45 connects each nozzle to the pump 28 controlled by the electronic control 26. Each tube transfers chemical from the chemical reservoir 12 to the respective nozzle as determined by actuation by the animal and the control system. The lifting flap entrance design includes a movable hanging flap 41. The flap holds the roller applicator 40. The flap design limits the visibility of the nozzles situated above the animal while the animal enters the gateway head-first to pass. The design prevents the animal from seeing spray emanate from the nozzle and prevents the development of fear of the spray by the animal. The nozzles dispense a spray of chemical treatment to the shoulders, back, chest, and sides of the animal not covered by the roller applicator.
[0046] A roller component including the roller applicator 40 attaches near the bottom of the lifting flap 41, whereby the roller applicator is contacted by the animal 10 after the animal proceeds to lift the flap to pass. The roller component includes an axial member 43 for the roller applicator to rotate on as the animal moves the flap further into the open position. Fluid from the chemical and water reservoir dispenses onto the roller applicator via transfer from the reservoir by a tube 44. Like the other tubes for the sprayer nozzles, the amount of fluid dispensed onto the roller applicator depends upon how the electronic control is programmed to activate the pump. As the animal lifts the flap, the animal's nose and bridge of the nose contacts the roller applicator and causes the roller to rotate or press against the animal's skin to deliver treatment to the animal's nose or face and back.
[0047] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the invention provides a new and novel combination lift flap with roller applicator and livestock sprayer with improved features to make the application of insecticide to livestock more convenient. The apparatus includes spray nozzles about the gateway frame of the apparatus, a roller applicator, and a reservoir with pumps for conveying insecticide. The entire apparatus includes a combination of the roller applicator and sprayer into a unit with the insecticide reservoir and pump system contained therein. The spray nozzles may be situated on sides of the gateway formed by the legs of the apparatus. A roller applicator may be provided on the lifting flap of the gateway to impart chemical, such as insecticide, to the animal. The legs of the apparatus may attach to existing poles of a fence for convenient installation.
[0048] In the method of FIG. 6, a method is schematically illustrated for a combination roller applicator and livestock sprayer. In a first step for setting up a roller applicator and sprayer unit, the combination unit has legs attached to an overhead component deck unit. Next, the apparatus is positioned between gate posts and secured to gate posts at the entrance to a livestock watering/feed area as determined as a location for the treatment of animals. A flap is attached to the entry side of the deck unit. A solar panel collector collects energy and transfers power to a charge a battery or solar battery system on the combination unit. In a sixth step, a chemical and water reservoir provides a treatment tank, and the treatment tank is filled with fluid by adding measured active ingredients to the holding tank and adding water to the tank. An air pump circulator is turned on for five minutes to mix ingredients with the water thoroughly. The pressure switch is engaged. The livestock approach the gate for the passage for water or food. The livestock passes through the lifting flap to engage the spray switch. The spray treatment is delivered along the length of livestock as the animal passes. After livestock exit the gateway, the lifting flap returns to its original position, thereby disengaging the switch. These steps set up the roller/sprayer to provide rolled and spray treatment of animal livestock with chemicals for controlling pests.
[0049] Another embodiment includes an automatic sensor camera. The camera films livestock that approaches the sprayer while the animal gets sprayed and as the animal exits the sprayer. The control system is programmable to come on a set time and turn off at a specific time. For example, the system may turn on for three days and remain off for four days of a week. The schedule of operation may repeat itself if desired. The programmable controller may include an electronic system for keeping records of each animal as they go through the sprayer and get sprayed. The electronic control may include further controls and communication modules to turn on or off the sprayer by phone or computer. The control may send messages comprising information about pests, including when flies or other external parasites reach a certain number on the animal body. Information may be communicated to the operator by phone or computer. The control may provide automatic operation and turn on and spray the animal when a certain number of flies or other external parasites are on the animal. As the animal goes through the sprayer, the control may be programmed to give the animal a stress test. For example, as the animal goes through the sprayer, it may perform a heat test on the animal. The control may further include communication by phone or computer to turn on or off the sprayer and set the time to spray and the time to stop spraying. The control may further include communication and measure devices to send automatic messages by phone or computer when the tank gets low or to transmit chemical levels. The control may be automatically set to spray individual animals when flies reach a certain number on the animal or keep the unit turned off when the number of pests does not reach the required number. For example, out of three animals, the first one that has over the set number to be sprayed will cause the unit to turn on and spray the animal. Other animals that do not meet the set number of pests may not cause the sprayer to operate and spray the animals.
[0050] These and other embodiments are disclosed by the annotation and figures included in this specification. Further, other embodiments may be apparent to those skilled in the art and within the scope of the invention.
