Hopper And Trough Patents (Class 119/52.1)
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Patent number: 8074601Abstract: A feeder pan for poultry has a sunk bottom and an edge surrounding the bottom, the bottom being resiliently transformable and the edge being rigid. The bottom can be made of a relatively soft plastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, whereas the edge can be made of a relatively hard plastic, such as a polyolefin or a polyamide. The edge may present a profile and may present a closed section.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventor: Cornelius Antonius Wilehlmus Van de Ven
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Patent number: 8033248Abstract: A method of managing feed flow within a feeder from a feed supply conduit to a pan of said feeder is provided. The method includes the step of providing a feeder including a pan and a drop tube assembly where the assembly is configured to receive feed from the conduit, and where the assembly defines a feed gate through an outer wall thereof such that feed received from the conduit flows through the feed gate and into the pan. The method further includes the step of regulating a position of the feed gate in the outer wall of the assembly such that feed flow into the pan can be substantially controlled, such that the feed flow can be substantially directed into selected areas and at selected levels within the pan, and/or such that the position of the feed gate is variable relative to a distal end of the assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Theodore J. Cole, Lionel L. Kreger, James R. Kraft, Philip Wilfong
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Publication number: 20110239947Abstract: A sow feeder includes a feed storage hopper comprising an upper funnel, an intermediate feed discharging tube, and a ring fixedly secured under the feed discharging tube; a feed transport mechanism comprising a cylindrical solid post having a diameter less than inner diameters of both the ring and the feed discharging tube, and a base having a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the ring; a hollow fastening mechanism releasably secured to the post passing through the ring and the feed discharging tube; and a feed collection container releasably secured to the feed discharging tube to dispose below the base. Feed material in the feed storage hopper is adapted to discharge into the feed collection through the feed discharging tube by lifting the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2010Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: Jung Wei Chang
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Publication number: 20110220029Abstract: A wild bird feeder configured with perches and seed openings that are positioned to encourage certain sizes and species of birds and/or discourage certain sizes and species of birds. A wild bird feeder including a watering station and a feeding station. A wild bird feeder with a seed holder and a plurality of feeding stations vertically spaced apart on the seed holder. A diffuser mounted within the seed holder to define a seed collection point corresponding to at least one of the feeding stations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Mario A. Olmos, Eric Juergens, Charles E. Bain, Larry Sternal
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Patent number: 8015944Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a control lever which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to position the feed gate within the opening to adjust the amount of feed dispensed from the hopper. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Bondarenko, Bryan S. Shive, Leon S. Zimmerman, George S. Zimmerman, Anthony Martin, Harry R. Van Horn, II, Andrew Rausch
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Publication number: 20110192350Abstract: A squirrel-proof bird feeder and feed level control device is described. The bird feeder includes a vertically disposed inner housing member which is positioned within a vertically disposed outer housing member with each of the housing members including a plurality of vertically spaced-apart housing segments. The spacing of the housing segments divide feed openings therebetween. A combination feed level control and feed port device is positioned between each of the housing segments of the inner housing member so that feed ports are provided therebetween. The outer housing member has a plurality of feed openings formed therein which register with the feed ports of the combination devices when the outer housing member is in its first position. If a squirrel should move onto the outer housing member, the outer housing member moves downwardly with respect to the inner housing member so that the feed openings in the outer housing member do not register with the feed ports of the combination devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventor: Raymon W. LUSH
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Publication number: 20110107973Abstract: An animal feeder formed from assembling a corrugated tube to a base portion. The feeder has an orifice underneath a corrugation of the tube for exit of feed, thereby protecting the feed exit orifice from the effects of inclement weather. The animal feeder may have a weighting material added within the base to provide stability when free standing, or may be secured via straps to a fixed object such as a tree, selectively either at ground level or at an elevated level. The base is secured to the corrugated tube by flexible extensions that have protrusions that engage the inside of one of the ridges of the corrugations of the tube. Securing rings may alternately be utilized.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventor: Bryan Jenkins
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Publication number: 20110094447Abstract: The invention relates to a feed dispenser for birds with a wear-resistant pecking area. This feed dispenser comprises a dispensing pan with a raised mid-section, that is surrounded entirely by a base plate. This base plate is built up of a plastic base material and a substantially impenetrable contiguous layer of material that is more wear-resistant than the plastic base material, for example a more wear-resistant plastic or metal. This achieves the advantage that the base plate is protected from perforation by the birds' beaks.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2008Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: ROXELL N.V.Inventor: Philippe Hyppoliet Pia Maria Keirse
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Patent number: 7930994Abstract: A bird feeder provides a feed hopper constructed concentrically around a vertical central axis and having a plurality of feeding ports evenly distributed around the central axis, and a cable reel mounted to the feed hopper and adapted to store and provide a cable for supporting the bird feeder along the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Woodstream CorporationInventors: John Stone, Benjamin Beck, Thomas Hagerty, Douglas Marsden
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Patent number: 7913647Abstract: An animal food dispenser is disclosed. The animal food dispenser includes a base having a base interior and a dispensing slot communicating with the base interior. A food hopper having a hopper interior is provided on the base. A food opening is provided between the hopper interior and the base interior. A food tray pivotally mounted in the hopper adjacent to the food opening is pivotal between closed and opened positions. A water dispenser is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Inventor: Ja Kenny Martin
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Patent number: 7905200Abstract: An apparatus to dispense ice to pets left alone by owners for a period of time. The apparatus includes an ice compartment, a dispensing element to dispense ice when activated, and an activation element for activating the dispensation when any movement or heat is detected within a predetermined distance from the apparatus, or when a pressure switch is contacted. The number of times that ice is dispensed is no more than three times within a half hour. Ice may be made by the apparatus or deposited within an insulated compartment of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Inventors: Heidi M. Gaston, Thomas M Ohman, Jean-Michel Gaston
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Patent number: 7891317Abstract: An animal feeder for supplying a feed to an animal of choice for feeding the animal of choice in an unprotected environment such as the outdoors. The feeder comprising a base for support the feeder on a ground surface, a support frame extending upwardly from the base and a hopper supported by the frame. The hopper having a storage reservoir for storing a supply of feed with a feed entry opening that is closeable to prevent exposure to the outdoors. The hopper further including a feed chute below the reservoir having an upper region sealingly joined to the reservoir and a lower region below the upper region that is sealingly joined to a feeding chamber. The feeding chamber having a bottom surface wherein the feed supply can move from the reservoir into the feeding chamber and rest on the bottom surface based on gravity alone.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Inventors: Sean T. Bodenstab, Ronald W. Friesen
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Patent number: 7832356Abstract: A feeder for feeding animals at the weanling stage has a trough with two opposed outwardly inclined front walls over which the animals can reach for taking feed from the trough and a feed hopper for discharging feed downwardly onto a shelf above the trough. Water is supplied into the trough so that the animals may take the feed dry on the shelf or wet from the trough. Water is normally supplied through a first water supply line which has a series of nipples controlled by the animals. However, while the weanlings are very young the first water supply line is closed off and water is supplied from a second supply line which is managed by a timer and water level sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Crystal Spring Colony Farms LtdInventor: Jonathan Kleinsasser
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Publication number: 20100269756Abstract: A bird feeder for effectively deterring squirrels and other unwanted animals from accessing the bird feed deposited therein. The bird feeder includes a pair of feeder bins positioned at generally opposite ends of the feeder and a pivot device positioned approximately midway between and removably coupled with the pair of feeder bins.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventor: John F. Trout
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Patent number: 7819083Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a control lever which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to position the feed gate within the opening to adjust the amount of feed dispensed from the hopper. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Bondarenko, Bryan S. Shive, Leon S. Zimmerman, George S. Zimmerman, Anthony Martin, Harry R. Van Horn, II, Andrew Rausch
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Publication number: 20100258054Abstract: A bird feeder comprises a feed container, a connector having an open passage therethrough, a feeding tray, a funnel and a collection container. The feeding tray includes a sleeve into which the connector extends to provide a self refilling feed mound from which birds eat. Discarded seeds and seed hulls fall into the funnel and into the collection container. The feeding tray includes a disk located below an upper edge of the funnel to maximize collection of seed hulls and discarded seeds. In some embodiments, the feeding tray is pivotally attached to the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2009Publication date: October 14, 2010Inventor: Lester E. Frazier
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Publication number: 20100192863Abstract: The invention relates to a feeder pan for poultry, comprising a sunk bottom (8) and an edge (9) surrounding the bottom, the bottom being resiliently transformable and the edge being rigid. The bottom can be made of a relatively soft plastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, whereas the edge can be made of a relatively hard plastic, such as a polyolefin or a polyamide. The edge may present a profile and may present a closed section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: VAN DE VEN BEHEER B.V.Inventor: Cornelius Antonius Wilhelmus Van de Ven
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Publication number: 20100180825Abstract: An animal feeder includes a hopper above a shelf onto which feed can fall to be taken by the animal or dropped into a trough below the shelf. The height of the shelf is adjustable in a course movement to move the shelf from a low height for smaller animals to a raised height for the animal after they have grown. The shelf is also adjustable in fine movement to change the width of the opening through which the feed passes to control feed rate. The shelf is carried on straps which extend along the end walls of the hopper and are movable by an adjustment linkage defined by a plate carried on the end wall and a manually adjustable lever mounted for pivotal movement on the plate. The lever has two pivot positions on the plate providing the two course adjustments and two graduated scales for the fine adjustment each cooperating with a respective pivot position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Jonathan Kleinsasser
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Patent number: 7757903Abstract: A feeder for feeding bulk material into a high pressure conveying line. The feed assembly comprises a rotary feeder that has a material inlet for receiving bulk material from a low pressure source and a material outlet for discharging the bulk material into a higher pressure conveying line which is a source of leakage gas into the rotary feeder. The feeder has venting means to vent leakage gas through the material inlet without such leakage gas contacting the bulk material entering the feeder.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: FLSmidth A/SInventors: Louis S. Schwartz, Robert H. Lilly
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Patent number: 7730851Abstract: An animal feeder device comprises a trough to receive water and a feed shelf to support particulate feed thereon supported spaced above the trough for accommodating access to a head of one of the animals to the trough. A feed hopper directs feed onto the shelf through a plurality of discharge chutes corresponding to respective feeding stations along the trough. Water is supplied to the trough by a level control arranged to maintain water level in relation to the trough at a set point level.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Uplands Manufacturing Ltd.Inventors: Michael Waldner, Michael George Waldner, Robert Jake Waldner
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Publication number: 20100107983Abstract: A wildlife feeder having a hopper, a manifold, and a removed head at a removed end of the manifold. The hopper is designed to enclose particulate feed, such as corn, for dispensing through the manifold and head to wildlife. The head has a multiplicity of feed troughs and each feed trough has an angled top wall and an angled bottom wall, angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the manifold and a plane of a tabular floor of the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: Burnell Gates
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Publication number: 20100101498Abstract: A dog feeder and dog waterer is provided wherein the dog feeder and dog waterer may be moved individually from operative positions to stored positions and which may be detachably secured together when in their stored or transport positions to enable the feeder and waterer to be carried as a unit and to add stability of the same during transport or storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
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Publication number: 20100083905Abstract: An animal feeder includes a base, a feeding trough supported by the base, the feeding trough having an outer rim. A feed hopper is situated over the feeding trough to deliver feed to the feeding trough. A roof extends laterally at least over the feeding trough outer rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Inventors: Edward S. Robbins, III, Josef A. Boukal, Bryan F. Magee, John A. Morgan
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Publication number: 20100031890Abstract: A modular bird feeder system has a plurality of different modular bird feeder components which can be interchangeably connected based on user preference. All components are slideably mounted on a vertically standing pole. The slideable components include a feed filling funnel, an upper feed tray, a lower feed tray, a squirrel guard, and a feeder unit position adjustment handgrip which controls the upward and downward movement along the pole of the integral bird feeder unit which is assembled. An adjustable locking pin extending from the pole is used to maintain the bird feeder unit in the uppermost bird feeding position on the pole, regardless of which components are being used. When the pin is removed, the handgrip facilitates control of the bird feeder unit as it slides from its bird feeding position to a user-friendly, convenient feed filling position on the pole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventor: Peter S. Vosbikian
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Publication number: 20100031891Abstract: A device is provided for dispensing feed to feed troughs for animals such as cows. In one embodiment, the feed troughs are separate from the frame. Furthermore, the frame may be provided with a number of storage boxes for storing a supply of feed. The storage box has an outlet. The feed can be removed from the storage box via the outlet. The device furthermore comprises a conveying device for conveying feed from the storage boxes to respective feed troughs. The conveying device comprises a receptacle or container for temporarily accommodating feed. This receptacle is movable along a guide provided on the frame. The receptacle is movable from a position downstream of the outlet of the storage box to positions upstream of the respective feed troughs. The guide comprises at least two tracks, which extend substantially parallel to one another. As a result, a stable guide for the receptacle can be provided along which the receptacle is movable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: LELY PATENT N.V.Inventors: Howard SIE, Lucien Eliza Niels VOOGD, Karel VAN DEN BERG
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Publication number: 20090288607Abstract: A modular bird feeder system which is particularly adapted for an individual to assemble and maintain. The system includes at least one bird feeder and means to catch bird seed located below the bird feeders. The bird feeders are mounted onto a central pole. An animal deterrent device is positioned below the bird feeders to prevent squirrels and the like from reaching the bird feeders. The animal deterrent device is also mounted onto the central pole. A ballast member is positioned below the ground and the central pole is mounted through the center of the ballast member. A stake can be secured to the lower end of the central pole and assists in securing the bird feeder system to the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2008Publication date: November 26, 2009Inventors: William E. Held, Charlotte P. Held
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Publication number: 20090283046Abstract: A bird feeding port assembly (1) for mounting to a bird feed containment housing (2) through an opening in the wall of the housing (2), the assembly (1) defining a feeding area (4) having an opening to the housing (2), a support frame (3) which is adapted in use to secure the assembly (1) to the housing (2) such that the opening to the housing allows seed to flow into the feed area (4), and a closure member (9) which is moveable between a first extended position in which the closure member (9) extends outwardly from the outward side of the assembly (1) leaving the feeding area (4) open and a second retracted position in which the closure member (9) overlies the feeding area (4) and prevents access thereto. The feeding area (4) may comprise a bowl (4) that can project outwardly from, or be located within, the containment housing (2). The closure member (9) can pivot or slide between the first and second positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Applicant: CRANSWICK PET AND AQUATICS PLCInventor: Derek James Black
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Publication number: 20090260575Abstract: In a feeder for dispensing flowable feed material, such as potable liquids and particulate solids, to birds and other animals, in which a hopper supplies such feed material to an access port in a feeding station positioned below the hopper, a refilling feature permits facilitated replacement of feed stock, as necessary. A hopper, for example a feed containing reservoir, is mountably receivable on a feeder support structure, which, while mounted thereto, is pivotable between an inverted position, in which an opening therein is appropriately located to permit outflow of feed therethrough while actively providing feed material to the feeding station for animal access, and another position in which the reservoir opening is oriented to prevent outflow of feed, thereby permitting removal of the reservoir from the feeder for refilling, or replacement thereof with a pre-filled replacement reservoir, without significant spillage of the contents.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventor: Lawrence I. Wechsler
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Publication number: 20090241843Abstract: A pet feeding containment system adapted to hold food and water bowls comprises a base with at least one wall defining an interior space. The front section comprises a low portion and at least one high portion. The low portion provides a pet with access to food and water bowls, while the close proximity of the high portion to the pet's head and shoulders deters the pet from moving its head outside of the containment system while feeding. The containment system inhibits spills and contains those that occur, thus minimizing messes outside of the system. Another embodiment uses a filtering tray which is disposed above the base. The filtering tray has interstitial spaces that are sufficiently small to retain spilled food on the filtering tray but allow spilled water to pass through onto the base, thus enabling a pet owner to collect and re-use spilled food.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Fernando Becattini, JR., Fernando Becattini, SR.
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Patent number: 7587990Abstract: A feeder assembly is used in a feed distribution system having a feed supply conduit. The feeder assembly includes an elongated pan member. The feeder assembly includes first and second fill ports for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit and for providing feed onto a base portion of the pan member. Each fill port provides feed to a separate portion of the base portion of the elongated pan member. The fill ports are defined through an outer grill member having an elongated rim member which is operatively associated with the pan member. First and second drop tube members are associated with the first and second fill ports to direct feed flowing through the fill ports through first and second lower feed gates and onto the pan member. The drop tube members may have brood gates provided therethrough for providing a raised level of feed in the pan member.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Theodore J. Cole, Lionel L. Kreger, Charles R. Bird
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Patent number: 7578261Abstract: A pet sustenance device (30, 96) provided includes an upright container (32, 98) which holds a supply of pet sustenance, together with an underlying dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) is pivotally coupled to the associated container (32, 98) via connection structure (36, 104) permitting the dish (34, 102) to be selectively moved between a retracted position beneath the container (32, 98) and a pet-access position wherein the dish (34, 102) is pivoted away from the container (32, 98) and presents a sustenance cavity (90, 174). When the dish (34, 102) is in the swung-away pet-access position, the sustenance within the container (32, 98) flows under the influence of gravity into the dish (34, 102). The dish (34, 102) and container (32, 98) are configured to prevent communication therebetween when the dish (34, 102) is in the retracted position thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Bergan, LLCInventor: Orval Lee Fick
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Patent number: 7552697Abstract: A device for the feeding of poultry including a bowl device comprising a feed bowl, a cupola suspending the feed bowl, and a downpipe. The feed bowl is located beneath the downpipe and the cupola is formed from grid bars. The downpipe comprises an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder encompassing the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder is guided in a rotatable, a raisable and a lowerable manner on the inner cylinder. The bowl device includes at least one lifting stop for delimiting a lifting and lowering path of the bowl. The outer cylinder and the inner cylinder is comprised in each case of adjacent cylinder sections co-axial to each other, whereby face peripheral areas of the cylinder sections turned towards each other are connected to one another by bridging elements which bridge a gap area which corresponds to an interval distance between the cylinder sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Big Dutchman International GmbHInventor: Roland Busse
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Publication number: 20090159008Abstract: A nutrient dispensing apparatus for birds having a hanger and two interchangeable dispensers supported by the hanger. Each dispenser includes a bottle for holding liquid or solid nutrients, and at least one basin into which the liquid or solid nutrients, water and bird feed, for example, are made available to the birds. The user can change the configuration of the dispensers as desired to provide just liquid nutrients, just solid nutrients or both. The flow rates for dispensing of the nutrients are different for each nutrient alternative.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Romilly Humphries, William R. Vaughn, JR.
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Publication number: 20090126640Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a hopper for storing pieces of food is provided. The hopper includes an opening and a gate movable with respect to the hopper between an open position rendering the opening at least partially accessible to an animal and a closed position at least partially preventing access to the opening by an animal. A switch is coupled for activation by movement of the gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: May 21, 2009Applicant: RESEARCH DIETS, INC.Inventors: Edward A. Ulman, Jaroslaw Kockanek, Douglas S. Compton, Matthew R. Williams
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Patent number: 7530328Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a control lever which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to position the feed gate within the opening to adjust the amount of feed dispensed from the hopper. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: CTB IP, Inc.Inventors: Paul J. Bondarenko, Bryan S. Shive, Leon S. Zimmerman, George S. Zimmerman, Anthony Martin, Harry R. Van Horn, II, Andrew Rausch
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Patent number: 7523717Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus includes a food storage hopper which includes a top hopper portion and a bottom hopper portion. A food retainer assembly is attached to the bottom hopper portion, and the food retainer assembly includes a top retainer portion, a bottom retainer portion, and top-to-bottom connection means connected between the top retainer portion and the bottom retainer portion. The top retainer portion includes a top food passage channel, and the bottom retainer portion includes a bottom food passage channel. A timer-controlled food distribution assembly is attached to the bottom retainer portion in registration with the bottom food passage channel, and a stand is provided for supporting the food storage hopper, the food retainer assembly, and the timer-controlled food distribution assembly. The animal feeder apparatus of the invention can be used to attract wildlife at predetermined times that can coincide when a hunter or wildlife photographer is near.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Inventor: Christopher T. Nicholes
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Patent number: 7520247Abstract: A manually operated dog treat dispensing machine capable of dispensing dog treats one at a time, the dispenser having a rectangular housing with a hinged housing door and hinged capital that serves as a food supply reservoir which is gravity fed into a spring loaded spindle chamber mounted on an axel and hand crank. Treats exit the dispenser through a chute output consisting of a hinged chute lid, two side walls and a base block and a retaining plate mounted in the end of the chute lid and adjacent to the spindle chamber acts as a stop preventing dispensing of more than one dog treat at a time. The dispenser also can function using a magazine that is inserted inside the rectangular housing area. Magazine stop tabs at the base of the magazine along with the retaining plate mounted on the chute lid prevent the dispenser from dispensing more than one dog treat at a time.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Inventor: Jerry D. Rutledge
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Publication number: 20090078209Abstract: Feeding systems and methods relating to feeding of livestock use illumination to attract the livestock to feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Matthew Kroeker
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Patent number: 7506611Abstract: A collapsible feeder for birds, squirrels and the like and comprises a feeder body including a base and a rim. A series of hollow body segments of graduated diameters extend upwardly from the base within the rim to form a feeder body. The segment of smallest diameter is joined to the base and has a plurality of feed outlet openings formed therein to enable feed from within the feeder body to pass outwardly therefrom onto the base inwardly of the rim. A feeder lid is provided at the upper end of the segment of greatest diameter when the feeder body is in the extended position. The body segments include structure for yieldably maintaining the feeder in its straight extended position for filling and hanging. At least some of the body segments are comprised of a perforated metal material to enable the visual observation of the feed level within the feeder.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Inventor: Raymon W. Lush
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Patent number: 7490577Abstract: A portable water drinking device for pets adapted to be used with a conventional sports water bottle wherein the device includes a lapping pan and a clip assembly for carrying the water bottle in both an elevated serving position with respect to the pan and in a nested storage position. The clip assembly includes an extension arm portion operatively connected to and projecting from the pan and a gripping arm portion integrally formed with and projecting perpendicularly from the extension arm portion and defining a bifurcated end portion configured and sized to grip the neck of the bottle. The orientation of the clip assembly with respect to the pan is moveable so as to secure the water bottle in either the elevated inclined serving position or in the nesting storage position.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Inventor: Prodromos Pericles Stephanos
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Patent number: 7484475Abstract: An animal feeder is provided that includes a collapsible feedbox and a base for resting on a predetermined surface. The feedbox is configured to collapse as feed is distributed from the feeder. The feedbox is configured to collapse as the feed level is depleted thereby providing a visual indication of the feed levels within the feedbox.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Inventor: Richard C. Milliner
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Publication number: 20090000555Abstract: Feed dispenser for feeding birds, comprising a dispenser tray (1) having a centre section (2) which is raised relative to the bottom surface (3). The raised centre section interacts with a downpipe (7) in such a way that a supplied volume of feed (8) is distributed over the bottom surface of the dispenser tray. The centre section of the dispenser tray is joined to the bottom surface which blends into a rising outwardly directed side wall (4). The side wall ends in an outer edge. The dispenser tray comprises at least two steep wall sections in the side wall at different height levels relative to the bottom surface. The steep wall sections extend in a direction parallel to the outer edge. In the vertical direction, the side wall has a top (4c) and a bottom half (4d). The bottom half comprises at least two steep wall sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: ROXELL N.V.Inventors: Philippe Hyppoliet Pia Maria Keirse, Koen Debruyne, Sofie Els Johanna van Zele
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Publication number: 20080210172Abstract: An anti-squirrel bird feeder comprising a feed cylinder and an anti-squirrel carousel. The carousel is spring biased in an open position wherein feed opening in the feed cylinder may be accessed by birds resting on perches disposed on the carousel. Upon receiving a weight above a predetermined amount, the spring bias is overcome resulting in the carousel sliding down the cylinder until a shut-off flanges blocks access to the feed openings. The spring force at which the feeder will close may be made adjustable and the feed openings may empty into a trough having weep holes for removing water from the feed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventor: Jack P. Waikas
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Publication number: 20080202436Abstract: A feed storage vessel for an animal feeder, constituted of an inverted truncated cone-shaped hopper whose smaller lower base features a generally cylindrically-shaped end elongation, and of two lateral supporting sections, apparently identical to each other, each of which features a lower portion for its mutual connection to the other supporting section, both lower portions being intended to encircle the lower end elongation of the hopper and/or to act as a support for the aforementioned hopper, likewise each lateral supporting section featuring an essentially flat, vertical portion, intended to adopt a position on the same plane as the analogous portion of the other supporting section, a plane which comprises the imaginary axis of the hopper.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: ROTECNA, S.A.Inventor: Gener ROMEU GUARDIA
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Patent number: 7415941Abstract: An apparatus for feeding and providing water to animals, such as cows or goats, comprises a framework having a central axis. A plurality of reservoirs are connected to a framework in its upper aspects and feeding troughs are disposed below the reservoirs. At least one metering device for metering feed or drink or both to the feeding troughs is provided between the reservoirs and feeding troughs. Each feeding trough has a sensor for identifying an animal feeding at the feeding trough. The metering device which delivers feed or water or both to the feeding trough is controlled by a computer memory to deliver selected fodder from the reservoirs to each feeding trough in accordance for the nutritional needs of the animal which is at said trough. The control of the fodder relates both to the speed that the animal is eating and to data stored in the memory as to the nutrition needs of that animal.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Lely Research Holding AGInventor: Karel van den Berg
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Publication number: 20080190370Abstract: A wildlife feeder system is disclosed comprised of a first barrel having an open top and an open bottom, a second barrel having an open top and a substantially closed bottom (having orifices as necessary to dispense feed), said barrels being, for example, 30, 55 or 85 gallon steel barrels, the first barrel being axially coupled to the second barrel, the open tops of each barrel being conjoined, a lid adapted to cover the open bottom of the first barrel and rotatable lid handle mechanism adapted to couple the lid proximate the open bottom of the first barrel, a platform and leg support assembly adapted to be coupled circumferentially to the second barrel proximate the longitudinal center thereof, a ladder adapted to be coupled to the platform and leg support assembly, a plurality of removable legs adapted to be coupled to the platform and leg support assembly and a barrel coupling assembly comprising an inner ring (made of plastic or metal) and an outer ring clamp.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Michael Coady
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Publication number: 20080178816Abstract: Gravity flow animal feed dispensing apparatus includes feed supply tubes depending from a bottom wall of a feed storage hopper supported by a frame elevated above ground level. Feed dispensing tubes or a plate are connected to the feed supply tubes and flow control baffles and/or a flow control valve limit the dispensation of feed. A wildfowl embodiment of the apparatus includes an access control cage disposed about the feed dispensing member. The orientation of the feed supply tubes and dispensing tubes may be varied to provide access to feed by animals of various sizes and to provide for placement of the apparatus adjacent a confinement wall or fence.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Rick Meritt
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Publication number: 20080178815Abstract: Gravity flow animal feed dispensing apparatus includes feed supply tubes depending from a bottom wall of a feed storage hopper supported by a frame elevated above ground level. Feed dispensing tubes or a plate are connected to the feed supply tubes and flow control baffles and/or a flow control valve limit the dispensation of feed. A wildfowl embodiment of the apparatus includes an access control cage disposed about the feed dispensing member. The orientation of the feed supply tubes and dispensing tubes may be varied to provide access to feed by animals of various sizes and to provide for placement of the apparatus adjacent a confinement wall or fence.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventor: Rick Meritt
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Patent number: 7353772Abstract: A structure for feeding and watering animals, such as cows, goats or lamas which is provided with feeding troughs and comprises an imaginary vertical axis around which the feeding troughs are disposed at a fixed distance therefrom. The individual feeding troughs are overlapping whereby every other one is at a height above the two adjacent feeding troughs. The animals are able to position themselves side by side around the structure and to feed at the feeding troughs so that they are almost touching each other. The feeding troughs are substantially identical to each other and partitions are provided between adjacent feeding troughs so that the animals will not impede adjacent animals eating at an adjacent feeding trough or be able to eat fodder from an adjacent feeding trough. The number of feeding troughs in the disclosed structure is fourteen.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Lely Research Holding AGInventor: Karel van den Berg
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Patent number: 7228817Abstract: A device for feeding poultry kept in a barn, comprises at least one food supply tube (1) which is held above the floor of the barn such as to be able to be lowered or raised, with a series of branch openings, each provided with a dish device (2) hanging on the supply tube, comprising a dropping tube extending from the branch opening and a feeding dish (4) arranged below, the dropping tube with a spoked arrangement of lattice bars (5) forming the cup of the dish. The dropping tube comprises an inner cylinder (7) leading off from the branch opening and an outer cylinder (8) surrounding the inner cylinder, from which the dish hangs by means of the lattice bars, such as to be placed on the floor of the barn in the lowered state of the food supply tube. The outer cylinder runs on the inner cylinder such as to rotate, be raised or lowered and at least one stop is provided for limiting the raising and lowering stoke.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2002Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Big Dutchman International GmbHInventor: Roland Busse