Abstract: An improved intake cup apparatus for use in an automated feeding system of the type utilizing feed supply conduits and feed conveyors providing troughs to present feed to caged poultry and the like. The improved intake cup properly meters and directs feed from the supply conduits to the feed conveyors and assures the conveyors will not become over-filled. The physical structure of the improved intake cup apparatus comprises a cup body having openings formed therein to receive feed from a supply conduit and allow a helical auger-like element of the feed conveyor to pass through the cup body and collect feed therefrom. Collection of feed by the auger-like element as it proceeds through the cup is restricted however, by an open-sleeve member partially surrounding the auger within the cup body and a restrictor plate partially covering the remaining auger access. Certain void areas are also created adjacent the auger and thereby assure overfilling will not occur.

Abstract: A feeding system for delivering feed to troughs associated with rows of animal confinement cages is disclosed. The system comprises mobile hopper means for carrying a load of feed past troughs associated with each row of animal confinement cages. Delivery means extend from the hoppers; these delivery systems each receive feed from the hopper and deposit the feed in the feed troughs. The delivery sub-systems include a tube extending from a hopper and hopper conveyor toward a distal tube end at the trough. A shoe is attached to the tube at the distal end so as to support that tube distal end at the location spaced above the trough bottom. A grader blade is pivotally attached to the shoe in such a position as to be located behind the tube when the shoe and tube are moving in a forward direction along the trough.