Vertical Feed Mixer With In-Tub Magnet

Abstract

An auger for a vertical feed mixer with a lifting surface that is upwardly angled from an inner edge toward an outer edge. A fliting portion to form a part of an auger for a vertical feed mixer, the fliting portion including an outer edge that is positioned higher than a radially positioned inner edge. An auger for a vertical feed mixer that in rotation defines an hourglass shape. A magnet is included within the tub of the mixer.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vertical feed mixer for mixing feed, the mixer comprising:
 a tub for containing the feed, the tub including a bottom and a side wall encircling the bottom, the tub having an open end opposite the bottom such that feed can be added into the tub, and the side wall having a discharge opening therein to permit discharge of the feed;   a frame on which the tub is mounted, the frame including one or more axles to facilitate movement of the mixer;   an auger mounted generally vertically within the tub about a generally vertical shaft; and   a magnet mounted above the bottom of the tub and along the side wall within the tub such that the feed contacts the magnet, the magnet including a plurality of elongated protuberances spaced apart to define a recess therebetween.   
     
     
         2 . The mixer of  claim 1 , wherein the auger has a leading edge, and the magnet is mounted above a height of the leading edge. 
     
     
         3 . The mixer of  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is mounted at a position away from the discharge opening. 
     
     
         4 . The mixer of  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is mounted to the side wall adjacent the bottom of the tub. 
     
     
         5 . The mixer of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated protuberances are oriented substantially normal to a direction of feed flow produced by the auger. 
     
     
         6 . The mixer of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated protuberances are ramped-shaped. 
     
     
         7 . The mixer of  claim 1 , wherein the magnet is disposed along the side wall at a location where the side wall is curved. 
     
     
         8 . A vertical feed mixer for mixing feed, the mixer comprising:
 a tub for containing the feed, the tub including a bottom and a side wall encircling the bottom, the tub having an open end opposite the bottom such that feed can be added into the tub, and the side wall having a discharge opening therein to permit discharge of the feed;   a frame on which the tub is mounted, the frame including one or more axles to facilitate movement of the mixer;   an auger mounted generally vertically within the tub about a generally vertical shaft; and   a magnet mounted above the bottom of the tub and along the side wall within the tub such that the feed contacts the magnet, the magnet including an elongated protuberance having a side surface, an upper end surface, and a lower end surface, the side surface extending between and the upper and lower end surfaces, the elongated protuberance being disposed such that the side surface, the upper end surface, and the lower end surface are all exposed to contact by the feed.   
     
     
         9 . The mixer of  claim 8 , wherein the auger has a leading edge, and the magnet is mounted above a height of the leading edge. 
     
     
         10 . The mixer of  claim 8 , wherein the magnet is mounted at a position away from the discharge opening. 
     
     
         11 . The mixer of  claim 8 , wherein the magnet is mounted to the side wall adjacent the bottom of the tub. 
     
     
         12 . The mixer of  claim 8 , wherein the elongated protuberance is oriented substantially normal to a direction of feed flow produced by the auger. 
     
     
         13 . The mixer of  claim 8 , wherein the elongated protuberance is ramped-shaped, and the upper and lower end surfaces are triangular in shape. 
     
     
         14 . The mixer of  claim 8 , wherein the elongated protuberance is a first protuberance, the magnet further comprising a second elongated protuberance spaced apart from the first protuberance to define a recess therebetween.