SENSING MAT FOR AN ANIMAL TREATMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

A system that incorporates spraying logic onto a sensor mat to detect and apply various liquids onto the feet of an animal. Each sensor in the sensor mat actuates at least one predetermined spray nozzle application of the medicinal fluid. The system is designed so that each hoof triggers at least two sensors, with each sensor activating at least one spray nozzle. All of the electronic components are located away from the mat and a controller control spraying and timing. Stop bars prevent the mat from compressing beyond a predetermined distance to prevent sensor failure. The sensors have a triple moisture prevention configuration.

Claims

1. A method of automatically detecting individual animals and accommodating different treatments by increasing the frequency of treatments, duration of nozzle on time, and/or different chemical compositions within a sensing area for an animal treatment system, the method comprising the steps of: sensing an animal's foot via pressure sensors, load cells, and/or non-contact sensors; activating one or more predetermined spray nozzles via a controller configured to receive an output from the sensing area; identifying an individual animal; and supplying a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions to the one or more predetermined spray nozzles depending upon identification of the individual animal.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein identifying comprises detecting an object on the individual animal.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the object is a magnet attached to a leg of the individual animal.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein if more than one magnet is detected then the one or more predetermined spray nozzles apply a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the object is a wireless device on the individual animal.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the wireless device is located in an ear tag.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the wireless device is an RFID system.

8. The method of claim 5 wherein the wireless device is an RFID system.

9. The method of claim 5 wherein if the individual animal requires a plurality of treatments then the one or more predetermined spray nozzles apply a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions.

10. The method of claim 1 wherein if the individual animal requires a plurality of treatments then the one or more predetermined spray nozzles apply a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions.

11. A sensing area for an animal treatment system comprising: a plurality of spray nozzles, each spray nozzle configured to spray a fluid to a specific portion of the sensing area; a plurality of sensors sensing an animal's foot via pressure sensors, load cells, and/or non-contact sensors; and a controller configured to identify an individual animal, to receive an output from the plurality of sensors and to send a signal to activate one or more predetermined spray nozzles, and to supply a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions to the one or more predetermined spray nozzles depending upon the individual animal.

12. The sensing area of claim 11 wherein said controller detects an object on the individual animal.

13. The sensing area of claim 12 wherein the object is a magnet is attached to a leg of the individual animal.

14. The sensing area of claim 13 wherein if more than one magnet is detected then the one or more predetermined spray nozzles apply a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions.

15. The sensing area of claim 12 wherein said controller detects a wireless device on the individual animal.

16. The sensing area of claim 15 wherein the wireless device is located in an ear tag.

17. The sensing area of claim 16 wherein the wireless device is an RFID system.

18. The sensing area of claim 15 wherein the wireless device is an RFID system.

19. The sensing area of claim 15 wherein if the individual animal requires a plurality of treatments then the one or more predetermined spray nozzles apply a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions.

20. The sensing area of claim 11 wherein if the individual animal requires a plurality of treatments then the one or more predetermined spray nozzles apply a different treatment frequency, duration, and/or chemical compositions.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, incorporated herein form a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the presently claimed invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

In the drawings:

[0022] FIG. 1A shows a first embodiment of the animal treatment system.

[0023] FIG. 1B shows a blow up of a spray nozzle.

[0024] FIG. 2A shows a portion of the mat without hoof compression.

[0025] FIG. 2B shows a portion of the mat with hoof compression.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows the preferred spray pattern and location on a hoof.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the preferred mat.

[0028] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the preferred mat system.

[0029] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the mat system of FIG. 4.

[0030] FIG. 6B shows a close up of the tubing and electrical wiring of the mat system of FIG. 6A.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a top view of the mat system of FIG. 4.

[0032] FIG. 8 shows a top view of the entire runway of the treatment system including the mat system of FIG. 4.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the method of detecting and compensating for failed sensor(s).

[0034] FIG. 10 shows the system for activating a specific spraying regime.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Logical Sensor Mat for Applying Liquids

[0035] As used in this disclosure, the term foot means not only the terminal part of a vertebrate animal's leg, but also the hoof, the pad, the pastern, the dewclaw, the hock, and the portion below the knee or hock on an animal such as a domestic bovine. Although the examples discussed in this disclosure are limited to dairy cows, the claimed invention includes treatment of any type of animal.

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a typical system installation. In this embodiment a center section 11 separates the front portion of the mat from the rear portion of mat. Spray nozzles 16 are located in front spray manifold 46, both front and rear of center section 11, and rear spray manifold 48, as shown. Liquid holding reservoir 50 is connected to front spray manifold 46, center section 11, and rear spray manifold 48 to provide the liquid sprayed onto hooves 12. FIG. 4 is a second embodiment of the mat system; however, it does not have center section 11 of FIG. 1. Both of these embodiments operate similarly. In mat 10, the compression of the foot or hoof 12 activates sensors 14 (14a-14i) by depression and limits the depression by load bearing bars and whereas pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i) and spray nozzles 16 are placed at the correct spacing and angle to provide the spray coverage necessary.

[0037] Mat 10 as shown in the figures is configured for dairy cows. In the preferred embodiment, plunger 32 comprising a rubber material is selected with an optimal rigidity and compressibility to activate pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i) while maintaining the integrity of the mat. When downward pressure is exerted on plunger 32, this provides downward force to press against top contact 20 that ultimately makes contact with bottom contact 22, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this embodiment, mat 10 has nine (9) pressure sensors, 14a through 14i, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6A. Each pressure sensor 14 (14a-14i) runs along the length of mat 10, as shown. Spacing 18 between each mat is optimized preferably so that each hoof 12 comprising width W52 compresses at least two pressure sensors. Pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i) essentially are switches, that when depressed by a weight bearing hoof 12, establishes contact between top contact plate 20 and bottom contact plate 22 that in turn activates corresponding spray nozzles 16. Each pressure sensor 14 (14a-14i) is configured to activate at least two spray nozzles, a first nozzle 16 aimed towards the front of the hoof 54, and a second nozzle 16 aimed at the rear of the hoof 56. Thus, when hoof 12 with width W52 depresses at least two pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i), at least four spray nozzles 16 are activated, spraying the specific hoof 12 with two nozzles 16 and 16 aimed at the front of hoof 54 and two nozzles 16 and 16 aimed at the rear of hoof 56 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0038] The elasticity or compressibility of the material for plunger 32 should be optimized for the weight bearing or force exerted upon it. For example, a full-grown male bovine can weigh up to 3000 pounds and have a vertical jump of 3 feet or more landing with a force of over 20,000 psi. In the first embodiment and second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a thickness and type of compressible material for plunger 32 needs to be selected based on these criteria. Attached to top contact plate 20 and bottom contact plate 22 can be valve assemblies for allowing the flow of the treatment liquid to hoof 12. Once the downward force is removed when the animal steps off pressure sensor 14 (14a-14i), the contact is opened and the spray is stopped.

[0039] In a second embodiment as shown in FIGS. 4, 6A, and 6B, the active electronic components are located away from the caustic, liquid fluids in the mat system. Shown in FIGS. 4 and 6A are the preferred mat system. FIG. 4 is for illustrative purposes only to show the configuration of the wiring and tubing connections. Typically all of the wiring and tubing are configured to run on a single side of the footpad 130, 132. Wiring to pressure sensors 112 run within raceway 124 up half pipe 126 to junction box 118. Spray nozzle wires 114 also run within raceway 124 up half pipe 126 to junction box 118. Tubing 134 for carrying liquids for spraying are affixed to nozzles 16 and run within raceway 124 up half pipe 126 to valve box 120. Junction box 118 can be hard wired or wirelessly connected to controller 136, such as a computer. Junction box 118 supplies AC current to pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i) via wiring to pressure sensors 112 to detect whether contact has been made between plates 20 and 22. Once contact has been detected, controller 136 initiates predetermined valves related to predetermined pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i) (as described above) open to allow fluid to flow to specific spray nozzles 16.

[0040] A timer 138 can also be utilized to turn on and/or turn off the spray, if desired. The controller can also operate as a timer. A delay in activating and deactivating the spray nozzles are included due to the compression properties of the elastomers. In the alternative, instead of the sensors described above, load cells can be utilized to detect pressure of the animal's foot and to activate the spray regime as discussed above. Alternative embodiments can include the placement of laser, ultra-sonic, photo electric, sensors parallel at a predetermined spacing to allow position of the hoof to be determined and sprayed. Other types of sensors can also be used such as vibration sensors, tube pressure sensors, or tube flow sensors.

[0041] Another feature in the presently claimed invention are load bearing or stop bars 34 that are disposed next to each side of each pressure sensor 14 (14a-14i), running along length of sensor 28. Stop bars 34 are designed to prevent contraction of pressure sensors beyond a predetermined distance 36, no matter the amount of downward pressure that is applied. Stop bars 34 prevent damage to pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i) and lessen the amount of compressible material required to protect firm flexible tube 134 (if necessary), top 20, and bottom contact plates 22. Height of stop bars 38 should correspond to the distance required for achieving contact between the top contact plate 20 and bottom contact plate 22, hereinafter predetermined distance 36. Stop bars 34 are preferably constructed from any type of rigid material, again depending on the force exerted by the animals being treated.

[0042] Preferably, a top cover 40 is disposed on top of all pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i), as shown, for additional protection of pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i), which keeps debris and moisture away from pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i). Top cover can be constructed from a compressible or highly elastic material, such as rubber. By using a compressible material for top cover 40, the thickness of plunger 32 can be lessened.

[0043] Additionally, footpad or mat 10, 100, with the activation switches or pressure sensors 14 (14a-14i) has to prevent failure of activation switch 14 (14a-14i) due to the immersion of the mats to harsh chemicals and other liquids. This includes outer rim compression with bonding adhesives, double encapsulation of each switch or sensor 14 (14a-14i) in flexible a waterproof liner, and switch material made from stainless spring steel, such as 300 grade stainless steel, to prevent corrosion.

[0044] Another feature that is disclosed is to connect controller 136 that can pick up failed sensors and patch spray patterns, and output AC current to the switches to avoid corrosion and then pick up an analog signal so that a threshold can be determined to detect a short caused by water. An example of a mat system that detects and provides protocols for corrective action is provided below. Controller 136 converts 24 v DC to 3.2 AC volts with analog inputs. Thus, dry switch contacts 20, 22, typically register 0 volts. Flooded or wet switch contacts 20, 22, typically register 1.1-1.8 volts. Software or firmware adjusts the float to call no contact up to 0.4 volts. So even if the switch is flooded, a metal to metal contact registers 3.1-3.2 Volts. By using AC, corrosion is not induced and avoids corrosion of switch 14 (14a-14i).

[0045] When 100 cows walk over mat 10, 100, each sensor 14 (14a-14i) must be activated a predetermined number of times. If it is not then the program in controller 136 considers this a failed switch. Since load bearing bars 34 limit the number of switches 14 (14a-14i) that a cow can activate, it has been determined that there must be at least two switches 14 (14a-14i) on 90% of the time and three switches on 10% of the time.

[0046] Since the system is designed so that a single hoof activates at least two sensors or switches, a method to determine if a switch failure has occurred is provided. For example, if the following configuration of sensors, both operational and not working is as follows:

[0047] 1 good

[0048] 2 bad

[0049] 3 good

[0050] 4 good

[0051] 5 good

[0052] 6 good

[0053] 7 bad

[0054] 8 bad

[0055] 9 good

[0056] If a cow steps on sensors 1 14a and 2 14b and only sensor 1 14a registers, the program in controller 136 knows that sensor 2 14b should be activated as well so the program opens 2 valves to spray on nozzles corresponding to sensor 1 14a and sensor 2 14b. In the scenario of two bad side by side sensors, sensors 8 14h and sensor 9 14i, which represent potential to miss or not see a hoof, the system would inactivate the corresponding spray nozzles. Although this second tier spray operation is not as efficient as if all of the sensors are working, this allows for continued operation of the system instead of ceasing operation for replacement or repair of the failed sensors. This system allows a sensor mat partial failure and still can operate as intended.

[0057] The preferred method for detecting and compensating for failed sensor(s) is shown in FIG. 9, a flowchart describing the method. Initially, the method begins with a start 150. As previously indicated the system requires a predetermined number of sensor activations to set a threshold. Thus, the method provides for the computer or controller to count the number of times each sensor is activated 152. If a predetermined number of activations are reached 154, yes 156 on the flowchart, the system continues. If the predetermined number has not been reached, no 158 on the flowchart, the system continues counting the number of activations 152. If the number is reached, yes 156, the next step is to identify any failed sensors 160. If there are no failed sensors, no 182 on the flowchart, the system continues to end 180. If one failed sensor 162 is detected, the system then determines whether if the adjacent sensor to the failed sensor activated 166. If the adjacent sensor activated 168 the nozzles connected to the failed sensor are activated 170. The system then goes to end 180. If the adjacent sensor did not activate 170, the system presumes that more than one sensor has failed so the sensors are deactivated 172 and the corresponding nozzles are deactivated. The system then goes to end 180.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a top view of mat system 10. Top cover 40 protects sensors (not shown) from debris and liquids when cows traverse mat 10 for treatment by spray nozzles 16. Bumpers 140 keep the cows on mat 10 and can contain raceway as previously described. FIG. 8 shows the entire treatment system 148. Entry runway 142 is provided for entry of cows onto the system. Entry runway 142 preferably is eight foot (8) in length to allow for 2 or 3 cows before entering onto mat 10. Treatment mat 10 is typically about 8 feet in length to accommodate a single cow. Once the cow is treated, it exits onto exit runway 144 which can also have a fly sprayer 146 which provides an additional fly spray treatment to each cow. Fly sprayer 146 is typically about six feet (6) from the end of treatment mat 10.

Topical Anti-Inflammatory/Vaso Dilator

[0059] During acidosis, brought on by slug feeding bovines, acidic levels change and trigger histamine reactions within its body, one of the points sensitive to this change are in its hooves. During those changes, capillaries reacting to histamines constrict to stop blood flow and release microphages and other white blood cells to counter what the animal's body is reading as a forging invasive organism. This leads to swelling in a space where a stiff horn wall surface does not allow expansion. As swelling starts, the swelling leads to compression and hemorrhaging of the cells on the micro level, leading to laminitis, lameness, white line disease, abscess, and ulcers on the macro level

[0060] It was discovered in the field that the frequent use of topical anti-inflammatory/vaso dilation could successfully prevent this condition to a large degree. Therefore, a solution of 1.5%-7.5% of magnesium sulfate in water was used in the field test. Although this disclosure discusses magnesium sulfate and a well-known anti-inflammatory solution can be used. The number of treatments applied by a hoof trimmer to correct laminitis issues to a herd of 3,200 cows was as follows: [0061] In 2011, untreated animals required 462 surgical operations that were performed to remove large amounts of the cow's foot so that the blood and inflammation could drain and then a block was adhered to the treated foot to remove the pressure from the surgical site over a 5-month period. [0062] In 2013, using the disclosed topical anti-inflammatory treatment in the same herd, only 237 cows required surgical operations described above for a similar 5 months period. [0063] Thus, a difference of 48.7% between untreated cows to treated cows.

Identification for Treatment of Specific Animals

[0064] In dairy herds, there are different hoof problems that exist which only affect a small number of animals in a herd at any given time; typically, the number would be 30-100 incidents per 1,000 cows. A footbath is common for the prevention of these diseases, meaning only after the cow has a lesion of 4 mm or larger will these prevention methods be ineffective. After that, a stronger and more concentrated formula must be used to cure these diseases. Typically, these cows are introduced into the herd when they start their first lactation or during non-lactating periods, and then re-introduced into the herd. During these times, preventative hoof treatments stop and re-infection can and does occur. This system gives the producer the ability to tag or choose an animal that the system will recognize and alter its normal preventative function to an effective treatment function. This can be seen in FIG. 10. A tag 42 can be placed on an animal for this special treatment. Tag 42 can be a transmitting sensor recognized by receiver 43 causing a computer or controller to initialize the treatment system for actuation upon hoof pressure on the mat as disclosed above. Tag 42 can be a microchip using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or any other well-known system. The tag 42 can also be visual or audio, whereby a user can manually initiate the treatment system. The system can have a first tag embodiment, a second tag embodiment or a combination of both.

[0065] The first embodiment is a magnet on an ankle band 200 or other body attachment system. This magnet force is picked up by metal detector 202 connected to computer or controller 136 and is used to activate a specific treatment regime. There can be a plurality of holding reservoirs 50, 50, 50, 50, each containing the specific treatment liquid. Using more than one magnetic leg band 200 could offer a plurality of choices of treatment.

[0066] The second embodiment is using existing RFID systems on ear tags 204 of the cows, or the like. When ear tag 204 is read by detector 206 it is checked by computer 136 to determine if that specific cow needs treatment and what type of treatment is required. Computer 136 makes the determination and selects the valves connected to the selected holding reservoir 50 to spray the hooves that actuate the sensors as described above.

[0067] Either of these embodiments can be controlled by controller 136, which includes an application on a smart phone or s smart pad or computer.

[0068] The two alternative modes of treatment in these embodiments are for extra treatment regimens for cows with specific problems such as digital dermatitis or bacterial infections.

In an alternative embodiment, is dispensing of other treatment fluids, such as a topic anti-inflammatory out of a separate manifold system so the chemicals do not mix and are ready for spraying independent of the main system for the treatment of laminitis.

[0069] Another benefit of this treatment on dairy animals is stress that can induce worse problems such as laminitis, abscesses, ulcers, and white line, but can be prevented by allowing the treatment to be done without disrupting the animal's normal eating routine.

[0070] Without this system, an animal that has an infection needs to be sorted out of their pen, and placed in a pen where a hoof trimmer comes and cuts away the lesion, then applies a concentrated topical powder, and then wraps the hoof. During this time, the animal is under stress, in a strange area, with strange cows, which are seeking to establish a new social order, causing the cows to reduce feeding until the order is established. By the time this happens, the treatment has been done and the animal is moved back to their original pen, and the process repeats itself anew, to a smaller degree, setting up a situation for slug feeding that can lead to acidosis and the accompanying laminitis. Thus, the claimed invention provides for tagging only the animals that require treatment and applying the medicinal fluid only to these animals.

[0071] Although the claimed invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the presently claimed invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above, are hereby incorporated by reference.