FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[SECTION 10]
1. AN APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING THE FAT CONTENTS OF MILK AND RELATED PRODUCTS
2. (a) PROLATE PROMPT EQUIPMENTS PVT. LTD.; a company incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
(b) having office at 9C Khodiyar Estate,Opp. Bhagwat Petrol Pump,Gota, Ahmedabad
(c) An Indian Company.
The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.


ORIGINAL
295/MUM/2000

GRANTED
27-7-2004

This invention relates to An apparatus for determining the fat contents of milk and related products.
The present apparatus used for determining the fat contents of milk and related products are not fully automatic and either they are manual or automatic to some extent only. The milk related liquid which is to be tested for its fat contents, an accurate measure quantity is required. In the present available analyzers this sample is either taken by pipette or by semi-automatic instruments and therefore, there are chances of error. Moreover, in the present available apparatus for fat testing, homogenization is also not made in proper fashion and therefore, it amounts to erroneous results. Crushing of fat globules is also very important part in determination of fat content. Particularly when there are many more samples to be tested, it requires complete cleaning from the inner side of the fat testing apparatus. If it is not properly cleaned, the apparatus does not give correct report. In addition when many more samples are to be tested in limited time it requires more automation and higher speed without
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compromising of accuracy thereof. Generally this fat testing apparatus is being used by non-technical person so the apparatus should be very simple to use and should be user friendly. This apparatus is generally used in a rural area where there are chances of shortage of electricity.
The present invention has its object to provide an apparatus for milk testing which takes in samples accurately, automatically; which homogenize the sample with bottle thoroughly , crushes fat globules properly, simple to use, gives accurate and reliable results. Additionally it should work in tough condition and should have battery backup.
The apparatus as per the invention comprises a mixing unit including of two pistons, one sucking the milk or sample where second sucks the solution during 'milk in' process in adjustable accurate quantity of sample and solution. The adjustable pistons sucking the milk automatic where chances of error are nil. Moreover, the exact quantity of solution as desired is sucked by
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adjustable piston. Thus when once volume of milk and solution are adjusted, then during all repetition of sucking of milk and solution remains constant without error during entire operation. The same way 'mix out' process emits, the exact quantity of thoroughly mixed milk and solution ready for further operation. When this mixed solution is placed in motorized homogenizing pump, the solution is sucked number of times as programmed which is passed through a small aperture where it is crushed by a small ball under heavy pressure resulting into very small globules of fat of the sample which ultimately goes into curette where a light is passing through the cuvette. The opacity created in the cuvette by fat globules when compared with standard solution and the ratio of opacity to fully transparent standard solution decides the percentage of fat in the sample calculated by algorithm operation of the programmed system.
The present invention will be described with greater Specificity and clarity with reference to the following Drawings, in which:
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Fig 1 is layout of the machine;
Fig 2 is Top view and Side view of mixing
motor and gear assembly;
Fig 3 is Top view of mixing motor assembly;
Fig 4 is Top view and top view of wheel and
screw mechanism;
Fig 5 is Top view and side view of cover plate
in mixing unit;
Fig 6 is Mechanism of homogeneous unit;
Fig 7 is Cross sectional view of homogeneous
piston assembly;
Fig 8 is Cross sectional view of homogeneous
piston assembly and ball valve;
Fig 9 is Layout for bulb, glass and photocell
assembly;
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Fig 10 is Block diagram of PCB;
Fig 11 is Flowchart of CPU program when proximity signal is received ;
Fig 12 is Flowchart at power ON;
Fig 13 is Flowchart at power ON in continuation with Fig 12;
To initiate the process of fat testing, a solution of which the fat is to be determined is taken into a sample bottle 66 which is placed at the sample bottle holder 82
"V,
premises in such a way that a lower end 65 of pipette 64 is dipped into the sample. Now when the sample bottle 66 is inserted at sample bottle premises, there is a pair of sensors 78 & 79 which generates signal for the micro-controller which initiate the D.C. motor 11 The shaft of the motor is connected with a warm 14 which is coupled with warm gear 15 in the gear-box 12. When motor motes, the warm and warm gear also rotates at a speed and torque commanded by the gear
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ratio. On gear spindle 16 a wheel 21 is mounted consisting of one out-center pin 36. The distance is fixed from the center as per the requirements by the length of the stroke. The out-center pin 36 moves inside the slot bar 31 which is mounted on the wheel 21. To get smooth and axial movement two bushes are fitted on the assembly in addition to supporting rod 25 connected with the slot bar which also supports the slot bar during its movement with connecting rod 23 a piston 19 is fixed which flushes in and out in a big syringe 17. Similarly with a connecting rod 24 a piston 20 attached stroking in and out in a small syringe 18. These rods 23 & 24 pass through bushes inside the slot bar 31 and supporting plate 26. There is a collar 27 mounted on connecting rod 23 and one collar 28 mounted on connecting rod 24 which travel with connecting rods. There is an adjustable collar 29 mounted on rod 23 which can be adjusted as per the requirement of the desired volume of solution while adjustable collar 30 is mounted on a connecting rod 24 which can be adjusted as per the requirement of volume of solution under test The collar 28 is mounted on the connecting rod 24 on one side of the slot bar 31
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while the adjustable collar 30 is mounted on the other side of the slot bar 31.Similarly adjustable collar 27 is mounted on the connecting rod 23 on one side of the slot bar 31,while collar 29 is mounted on the other side of the slot bar 31. When axial movement of the slot bar 31 is in backward direction, the piston and connecting rod stars moving when slot bar 31 touches the collar 29 or collar 30 fitted on the connecting rods 23 and 24 on the right side. Now for rest of the movement the slot bar 31, the connecting rods 23 and 24, collar 29 and 30 and the piston also travels in backward direction. The slot bar 31 does not touch both the collars 29 and 30 at the same position, the slot bar 31 touches the collar 29 on the connecting rod 24. When the slot bar 31 touches the collar 29, the traveling of big piston 19 starts. After traveling some distance the slot bar 31 touches the collar 30 on small connecting rod 24. Until now only big piston 19 was traveling in backward direction. This is how different length of movement for big and small pistons are achieved which amounts to suction of more volume of solution in big syringe 17 than in
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small syringe 18. This fixes up the ratio of two different solution by adjusting different volumes as per the requirement by fixing the location of collars on either of the connecting rods. A proximity switch 32 is mounted on the gear plate 13 near supporting plate 26. The proximity switch 32 senses the metal part. When metal comes near the proximity switch 32 it generates a type of low level signal otherwise it generates high level signal. On the wheel 21, an adjustable bolt 33 is fitted and when it comes near proximity switch 32, the proximity switch generates low level signal which is sent to micro-controller system which ultimately generates break and stop signals. These signals when passed through the power transistors and other connected electronic circuits for level shifting, stop the motor instantly with solid breaking. When the motor stops, the backward movement of pistons 19 and 20 also stops, which has already sucked the testing solution in syringe 18 and solution in syringe 17 in required proportion. This is a process of sucking of testing solution or may be the milk and solution which is called milk in process. When milk in process is completed the sample bottle is removed from the
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holder 82. Now the process of mix out' commences. A small beaker 67 is placed under the pipette 64 near sample bottle holder 82, which gives signal to the micro-controller through the pair of Infrared sensors 78 & 79. The micro-controller generates start signal which rotates the motor ultimately resulting in the rotation of wheel in the same direction. Due to the slot in slot bar 31 and out-center pin 36, the slot bar 31 travels in the forward direction which results in forward movement of piston 19 and piston 20 simultaneously ejecting out the solution from syringe 17 and 18. When piston 19 pushes the solution outward, in syringe 17 the non-return valve 59 does not allow the solution to go back to reservoir 55 and therefore, through valve 62 goes through the heating assembly 1 which ultimately goes into small beaker 67 through tube 61 and tube 63 as mis is the only passage available to the solution during ejecting out process. The volume of solution is the exact volume sucked in syringe 17 predetermined by adjusting collars 27& 29. The volume of solution from syringe 17 travels into stainless still tube coil 60 fitted in aluminum heater block. During the process of milk in' solution from
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heating assembly 1 can not enter into syringe 17 because of the presence of non-return valve 62 and at the time of milk in' process the solution from a container 55 enters via tube 58 passing through non¬return valve 59. The milk which was sucked during milk in' process in syringe 18 is ejected out due to force applied by piston 20. The non-return valve 62 does not allow this milk to travel towards stainless still tube coil 60 and the only passage available for milk is tube 63 and pipette 64. The volume of milk ejected is equivalent to volume sucked in decided by collar 28 & 30. Thus during this mix out process a desired ratio of quantity of milk and solution is collected in the beaker 67 which is used for homogenization. When the wheel 21 rotates pushing the piston for ejecting out the solution it contains and when bolt 34 fitted on wheel 21 comes near proximity switch again stops the motor as similar to the process of milk in process. During the first half revolution of the wheel 21 milk in' process is completed while during the rest of half revolution mix out process is over. Now the mixture collected of milk and solution is kept on the stainless steel beaker holder plate 83. Infrared sensors 80 & 81
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fitted on the beaker holder plate 83 sense the obstacle in the path and generate the signal to micro-controller to activate start commands to the DC motor 37. The motor 37 is coupled with the gear box 38 which consists worm 39, warm wheel 41, spur gear 40, out-center drive gear 42, out-center cam 43, piston assembly 44 and self lubricating bush 45. As motor 37 rotates worm 39 attached on motor shaft rotates warm wheel 41 which in turn rotates spur gear 40 mounted on warm wheel 41 and to gear spindle 48. Spur gear 40 drives the out-center gear 42 and cam 43 mounted on out-center gear 42 and spindle 47. The cylindrical portion in front of the gear box contains the piston assembly 44, self lubricating bush 45 and cylinder 46. Piston assembly 44 consists of spring casing 49, return spring 50, spring support collar 51, piston 52, ball 53 and "O" ring 54. When cam rotates during the first half cycle, the spring 50 releases its tension due to the out-center design of the cam which generates force to the spring casing 49 to move backward and therefore, piston 52 consisting "O" ring 54 tightly holding the cylinder 46 also moves backward. The result of backward movement of the piston 52 creates vacuum
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and ultimately suction of mixture from beaker 67 into cylinder 46 through non-return valve 69. During the other half cycle of cam, the cam forces the piston assembly 44 forwards. The mixture which was in the cylinder 46 is forced with pressure to the homogenization unit 9. The homogenization unit 9 consists of ball valve which contains a ball 71 and valve seat 70. The small piston 72 seals the inner wall of the ball valve. One end of the piston 72 is in contact with ball 71 while the other end is in contact with a tensioned spring 73. The tension of the spring 73 can be adjusted by a screw 75. The mixture is forced to pass through a very small aperture between valve seat 70 and the ball 71 pressurized very heavily, resulting into crushing of fat globules into very small size of globules. This homogenized mixture having tiny fat globules will be forced to reach in cuvette glass 3 through small diameter pipe 76. The above procedure is repeated three times for removing remained previous homogenized mixture in the cuvette 3 and pipe 76 to get perfect result These three time procedure is controlled by micro-controller. The metal "L" clamp fitted on cam spindle rotates in accordance
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with the cam. Proximity switch mounted or gear box 38 which senses the rotation of the "L" clamp. The micro-controller counts the number of rotations of the "L" clamp with the help of proximity switch. When desired number of rotations are completed the micro¬controller generates break and stop command to the motor to stop instantly. The mixture coming out from the homogeneous unit is sent to a thin gap on cuvette glass 3. Due to the uniform gap on cuvette throughout its size, uniform layer of film is formed on the cuvette. The opacity depends on the value of the fat of the milk and as the fat amount is higher the opacity is higher which restricts the light coming from the bulb 8 which holds the sample milk layer. Display of the fat is done holds the sample milk layer. Display of the fat is done by the Central Processing Unit and some analog/ digital circuits. A washer 84 is placed near photocell for concentrating light to fall on desired area of photo cell
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Power supply section
Mains A.C. voltage is stepped down by a step down isolation transformer. The two diodes and capacitors convert this A.C. voltage into unregulated DC voltage. The power supply printed circuit board and power transistors convert this unregulated DC voltage into regulated DC voltage. Now the regulated DC voltage does not change even if there is fluctuation in mains voltage. Battery is also provided and which is being charged by this regulated DC voltage so when there is a failure of mains voltage the entire unit automatically shifts to battery through the logic and when the main resumes supplying of voltage then the unit shifts to mains from battery and the battery is being charged during continuity of mains. There is no break in between power failure and its resume.
Micro-controller card
The +12v supply generated from the power supply unit is first converted into +5v suitable for micro-controller and other peripheral circuits. The current generated by
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the photocell is first converted into voltage and then the voltage is amplified. Voltages to frequency converter circuit converts this voltage signal into frequency, which is measured by the CPU using its time clock. The initial reading displayed during 'wash' condition is the starting reading for reference as zero. By pressing "zero" switch, the initial reading is made "0.00" if it is less then "0.40" otherwise the CPU shows error massage. "Repeat" switch once pressed, clears the last display digit, gives fat display accuracy to 0.1% rather then 0.01% . Just after three revolution of motor in homogenous unit, a new mixture has arrived in the glass cuvette 3 and the reading will be updated. By pressing "repeat" second time, it shows the last display. The sample bottle holder, where the sample bottle is to be kept in between a pair of infrared sensors mounted on it. Under normal conditions when the place is empty, the light generated by the transmitter directly reaches to the receiver, but when there is an obstacle like sample bottle, the light from the transmitter can not CPU using other electronic circuit which generates two different types of signals,
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low and high. In case when Auto/Manual switch is in
the manual position, the sensor signal does not reach to
the CPU, then keyboard switch Milk in can be used
mixout
to do the same function. At this moment the CPU generates a start command for mixing motor through power transistors for increasing the current capacity. As the motor rotates the proximity switch generates a level transmission when a screw on the wheel comes near it. This proximity switch signal, after conversion is sent to the CPU, which in turn generates "break and stop" command. The driver circuit converts this command into suitable level for the motor.
Fixed reference generator circuit generates fixed constant DC voltage for the bulb. Temperature controller circuit is closed loop & works as a heater. The comparator generates on and off command of heater by comparing a reference signal and the feedback signal after amplification from RTD. The RTD is connected on the heater block and as the temperature increases its resistance also increases.
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We Claim:
1. An apparatus for determining the fat contents of milk and related products said apparatus comprising :
(a) A mixing unit consists of two sets of
adjustable pistons and syringes to
command milk in and mix out operation,
lights, sensor, motor connected with a
warm gear and ultimately with a set of piston of syringe, assembly consisting of heating assembly and solution reservoir and solutions reservoir and directional valve;
(b) A homogenized unit consist of motor,
synchronized gear, cam spindle, O-ring,
ball valve and tension spring, assembly of
proximity switch, micro - controller
generated braking devise, a cuvette glass
and arrangement of photo intensity
measurement device and connection with
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central processing unit with digital circuit;
A power supply unit consists of
converting and regulating device from AC
to DC voltage, connected with battery
through logic for uninterrupted power
supply to the entire apparatus;
A micro controller card to control and regulate the entire functions of the apparatus.
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein sample is sucked by placing sample container control by infrared device.
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a set of two adjustable pistons are placed in two different size syringes.
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4. An apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 3 wherein milk sample is sucked in a syringe in exact required quantity as pre-determined.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 3 wherein exact required volume of solution is predetermined by the adjustable collars, is sucked in a syringe from solution reservoir.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the arrangement of one way valve not allowing solution to go back to reservoir when mix out.
7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the arrangement of one way valve not allowing solution to go into syringe when milk in.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1 where in an arrangement of a set of pistons with connecting rod slot bar, wheel, adjustable bolt and proximity switch to generate signals for stop of the motor.
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An apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 8 wherein pistons in one small syringe and one in big syringe to suck solution and milk.
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein an arrangement of Infrared sensors generates the signals for moving the pistons to suck the solution in syringe, when obstructed to the first time and to move the piston to eject the solution from syringe when obstructed second time.
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a heating assembly provided to maintain the temperature of the solution coming from reservoir to constant temperature.
An apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 8 wherein two connecting rods connected with two pistons travel unequal distance simultaneously to suck in different volume in two different syringes as adjusted as per requirement.
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An apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 8 wherein a supporting rod connected with the slot bar.
An apparatus according to claim 1 and claim 8 where in arrangement of adjustable collars mounted on rods on one side and slot bar on other side.
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein infrared sensors give start command to the DC motor and the said motor is coupled with gear box which consist of warm wheel, spur gear, out center drive gear, out center cam, piston assembly and bush.
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 and claim 15 wherein Piston assembly consists of spring casing, return spring, spring support collar piston, ball and "O" ring.
An apparatus according to claim 1 where the micro controller card counts the number of rotation of "L" clamp with the help of proximity switch.
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18. An apparatus substantially as described with reference to and shown in the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 30th day of March, 2000
Dr. Rajesh H. Acharya Advocate & Patent Agent Authorized patent agent of the applicant