Abstract: A device (10′) for storing and dispensing feed (98) to an animal at predetermined times includes enclosure (12) including a plurality of compartments (16), each including a hinged downwardly opening bottom door (17) having a storage position for supporting feed (98) and an open position for dispensing feed (98), a latch assembly (120) including a latch (121) supporting its associated door (17), and a connector (142) for each compartment (16), movable from a storage position to a dispensing position. A connector release assembly (160) includes a trip (162) for disengaging each connector (142), including a movable ratchet bar (61) including cams (163) and rungs (63). Reciprocating assembly (70) includes solenoid (71) moving pull arm (73) for moving ratchet bar (61) and timer (101) for activating solenoid (71) at predetermined times. Down-stop (90) prevents reverse movement of ratchet bar (61). Up-stop (80) limits the upward movement of ratchet bar rung (63).

Abstract: A device (10′) for storing and dispensing feed (98) to an animal at predetermined times includes enclosure (12) including a plurality of compartments (16), each including a hinged downwardly opening bottom door (17) having a storage position for supporting feed (98) and an open position for dispensing feed (98), a latch assembly (120) including a latch (121) supporting its associated door (17), and a connector (142) for each compartment (16), movable from a storage position to a dispensing position. A connector release assembly (160) includes a trip (162) for disengaging each connector (142), including a movable ratchet bar (61) including cams (163) and rungs (63). Reciprocating assembly (70) includes solenoid (71) moving pull arm (73) for moving ratchet bar (61) and timer (101) for activating solenoid (71) at predetermined times. Down-stop (90) prevents reverse movement of ratchet bar (61). Up-stop (80) limits the upward movement of ratchet bar rung (63).

Abstract: A device 10 for storing and dispensing feed 98 to an animal at predetermined times includes enclosure 12 including a plurality of compartments 16, each including a hingedly attached, downwardly opening bottom door 17 having a storage position for supporting feed and an open position for dispensing feed, a latch assembly 20 associated with each compartment 16 including latch 21 supporting its associated door 17, and latch activation mechanism 40. Each latch 21, in its supported position, may rotate upward for upward re-setting passage of door 17. Latch activation mechanism 40 includes movable ratchet bar 61 including trips 64 for activating latches 21 and rungs 63. Reciprocating assembly 70 includes solenoid 71 for moving ratchet bar 61 and timer 101 for activating solenoid 71 predetermined times. Down-stop 90 prevents reverse movement of ratchet bar 61. Up-stop 80 limits the upward movement of ratchet bar rung 63. Right and left compartment latch assembly shafts 22, 32 are co-axial with one inside the other.

Abstract: A base member for attachment to a vehicle to be towed comprising elongate upwardly converging guide walls of equal length to slidably receive a drawbar therebetween for movement between retracted and advanced positions relative to the base member. The drawbar has a socket element at its forward end for coupling with a ball member on a towing vehicle and a sliding pivot pin at its rear end for guiding the drawbar along the length of the guide walls and permitting swinging of the drawbar laterally to position the socket element in alignment with the ball member without having to maneuver the towed or towing vehicle. The sliding pivot pin snaps into notches in the base member when the drawbar is moved into its retracted position to lock the drawbar in driving relation to the base member.