Weight dependent, automatic filling dosage system and method of using same

Abstract

A weight dependent, automatic filling dosage system including a pump, controlled by a minicomputer, in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir. A connecting tube provides fluid communication between the pump and a syringe assembly. The syringe assembly includes a gun body having a handle assembly and a barrel for receiving fluid. A fluid inlet passes through the plunger assembly. The handle assembly is connected to a shaft attached to the plunger assembly. The system includes devices for weighing and restraining the subject. The method of medicating subjects with varying doses of various substances includes the steps of weighing the subject and sending a weight signal to the computer. The computer calculates the required dosage to be administered to the subject according to its weight. A dosage signal is sent to the pump to fill the syringe with the proper dosage. Once filled, the dosage is administered to the subject.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority from Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 266,193, filed on Feb. 2, 2001. Applicant hereby incorporates by reference Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 266,193 in its entirety.[0002] Not applicable.[0003] 1. Field of the Invention[0004] The present invention relates generally to a system and method adapted to dispense various amounts of various substances to a variety of subjects, and more particularly relates to a system and method adapted to dispense various dosages of various medications to a variety of subjects, typically animals.[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art[0006] It is often desirable to treat large numbers of individuals or animals, referred to generally as subjects, with a substance, such as a medication or other material, with speed, efficiency, accuracy, and accurate maintenance of records. Oftentimes, the amount of the substance to be administered to the subject is based upon the weight of the subject. Generall...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Such a procedure can be time intensive, particularly when the number of subjects to be treated is great and the weight of the subjects vary.

Failure to properly treat the animals can result in significant losses to the rancher or feedlot or other party responsible for the livestock.

In both of these cases, unnecessary expense is incurred.

In the case of the over-medicated livestock, the additional cost is from the unneeded, excessive amount of medication being administered while at the same time increasing tissue residue thereby increasing time until slaughter.

In the case of the under-medicated livestock, the additional cost results from having to re-medicate the animal additional times, loss in performance, and significantly increased mortality.

The size of the problem in the cattle feeding industry is substantial.

Many of these calves have had only minimal, or sometimes no, vaccinations at home so they are serologically naive.

Some of the calves have not received proper nutrition prior to weaning, resulting in immune incompetency.

The added stress of weaning, hauling, and being "marketed" while at the same time being exposed to massive doses of pathogenic organisms can lead to resultant sickness and possible death loss.

By far, the greatest losses in life and production are from respiratory disease.

Processing and treating sick calves is a labor intensive and costly procedure with some antibiotics costing up to $1.00 per cubic centimeter (cc).

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