Abstract: An automatic pet feeding device includes a grain storage bin including a grain leaking member formed at a lower portion thereof and connected with a pushing granary, the pushing granary arranged below the grain storage bin and including a grain delivery member, and a grain pusher slidably arranged between the pushing granary and the grain storage bin; the grain pusher configured to push pet food in the pushing granary out of the grain delivery member, and open or close the grain leaking member and the grain delivery member. The feeding device provides that pet food can flow out of the grain delivery member through the grain pusher, and both the grain leaking member and the grain delivery member can be sealed at the same time, to prevent insects and ants from entering inside the feeding device from the grain delivery member, to breed bacteria and endanger health of pets.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder includes a food container, a feeder body, and a bottom shell in sequence from top to bottom. A food-container bottom shell in communication with the food container is arranged at a bottom of the food container, and a bottom of the food-container bottom shell is a food supply passage having a gradually narrowing opening. A food releasing assembly is arranged on a side of the food supply passage, and a sliding passage for reciprocating movement of the food releasing assembly is arranged on a sidewall of the food-container bottom shell. A feeder main shell is arranged below the food supply passage, and a food exit assembly is arranged inside the feeder main shell. The food exit assembly includes a food pushing member matching with a food outlet and configured to move in a reciprocating manner below the food supply passage.

Abstract: The automated fish-feeding device comprises a feeder mechanism and a controller. The automated fish-feeding device may be adapted to dispense fish food to fish in an aquarium in the absence of a user. As a non-limiting example, the automated fish-feeding device may dispense the fish food while the user is on vacation. The feeder mechanism may dispense a plurality of seaweed sheets, frozen fish food cubes, or both in accordance with a predetermined schedule. The feeder mechanism may comprise a refrigeration unit for chilling the frozen fish food cubes and a pump to thaw an individual frozen fish food cube using aquarium water before dispensing the individual frozen fish food cube. The automated fish-feeding device may be packaged in an aquarium-mount enclosure that hangs on the side of the aquarium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feed dispenser for horses which comprises a main housing (1), having a loading opening (2) and a discharge opening (3), and an actuation element (7) for a horse, wherein an endless screw (4) rotatable in a drive direction about its longitudinal axis is provided in the main housing (1) and is drive-connected via a driver (5), which runs freely counter to the drive direction, to the actuation element, which is movable counter to the force of a return spring (6) between an idle position and an actuation position. In order to design a feed dispenser of the described kind so that chunky animal feed can be used, regardless of its shape or size, without having to be pre-processed in advance, it is proposed that the endless screw (4) has a peripheral screw blade (20) forming cutting faces (19) for comminuting chunky material, and/or that the main housing (1) has an auxiliary cutter.

Abstract: A feeder assembly for dispensing feed to wildlife and other animals. The assembly includes a hopper, such as a conventional gravity-feed hopper. The assembly includes a broadcast feeder that sprays feed from a spinning tray driven by a motor. The feeder housing includes domed plates above and below the tray to direct the spray of feed peripherally and prevent varmints from operating the tray manually. The feeder housing may include an attachment plate to attach the feeder to the inside or outside of the bottom of the hopper. The housing may include a collar that is threadedly connectable to a downwardly extending neck on the attachment plate so the housing can be easily connected to and disconnected from the hopper. A chute control plank in the neck of the housing opens and closes the chute to allow removal of the feeder from the hopper without spilling feed.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal feeder augmentation apparatus, system and method of operation thereof. The apparatus provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder including a controller coupled to an actuator, where the controller provides power access from a battery to at least two communication modules, namely a low-power communications module and at least a first higher-power communications module. The low-power communication module includes a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used. The first higher-power communications module includes a cellular telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module. The controller is coupled to the low-power communications module, and to the first higher-power communications module.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing animal feed. An inlet tube in an upper region receives feed from a container and a dispensing tube intersecting the inlet tube defines an opening along a lower surface through which the feed can pass. A feed drive assembly, comprising radial vanes, rotates within the dispensing tube. Regions between vanes receive and hold feed from the inlet tube. Two switches activate a motor when either is closed, and the motor turns the feed drive assembly. A pivotable arm extends downwardly from the dispenser such that a force applied thereto (by an animal wandering below the dispenser) closes one of the switches to supply power to the motor or to a controller controlling operation of the motor. Rotation of the motor and thereby rotation of the feed drive assembly moves a region holding feed into alignment with the opening causing feed to be dispensed through the opening.

Abstract: A smart feeder includes a food storage chamber and a rotating push plate mechanism. The food storage chamber conveys food to the rotating push plate mechanism through a conveying device, and the rotating push plate mechanism is configured to rotate and hit the food. The rotating push plate mechanism includes a rotating push plate, a first driving mechanism and a food passage. The food passage is in communication with an outlet of the food storage chamber, and the rotating push plate is rotatably installed inside the food passage. The first driving mechanism is configured to drive the rotating push plate to rotate. The food passage includes an outlet segment and a hitting cavity, and the outlet segment is tangent to the hitting cavity. The hitting cavity is in communication with the outlet of the food storage chamber. The rotating push plate is rotatably installed in the hitting cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-stuck pet feeder, which includes a shell and a top cover, the shell has in a cavity. Its bottom of the shell is provided with an outlet. The upper part of the cavity is provided with a grain storage chamber, the lower part of the cavity is provided with a driving mechanism. The lower part of the grain storage chamber is provided with a rotor. The rotor includes a shaft and a main body arranged on the shaft, the side wall of the main body is uniformly distributed with blades. The grain storage chamber is provided with a grain-out channel below the blades, which communicates with the outlet. The driving mechanism is connected with the rotor and drives it to rotate, and the grain stored in the grain storage chamber is transported to the grain-out channel and fed through the outlet.

Abstract: A pet interaction device is described. In some examples, the device includes a housing having an opening, and a treat dispenser configured to deliver a treat to a shelf within the housing or other target area visible from the outside by a pet that looks through the opening. The device also includes a camera having a lens that is oriented to provide the camera with a view from the inside of the housing outwards through the opening. The treat dispenser delivers a treat onto the shelf where it is visible to the pet through the opening, such that the camera will have a view of the pet as it gazes at the treat on the shelf.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a feeding apparatus, which includes an ejection mechanism, a motion sensor and a control module. The ejection mechanism includes a motor unit and a push rod unit. When the motion sensor detects the movement of the push rod unit, the motion sensor sends a motion signal. The control module includes a driving unit and a timing unit. The driving unit drives the motor unit turning forward and turning reverse. The timing unit stores a predetermined time. When the timing unit receives an action signal, the timing unit starts timing and sends a forward signal to the driving unit to drive the motor unit turning forward. When the timing unit determines that it has exceeded the predetermined time without receiving the action signal, the timing unit sends a reverse signal to the driving unit to drive the motor unit turning reverse.

Abstract: A collapsible game feeder apparatus having a feed cavity supported by three or more collapsible leg members wherein the leg members include a fixed member with respect to the feed cavity and a collapsible member that collapses about a pivot point with respect to the fixed member. The fixed member extends below a feed distributor when the apparatus is configured in the collapsed mode such that the feed distributor is protected from the ground and general stresses and strains. The game feed may also be provided with one or more straps enabling easy transportation by a single user to and from remote game areas.

Abstract: A food and water dispensing assembly for pets including a food dispensing assembly, a water dispensing assembly, a storage assembly and a water draining assembly is disclosed. The food dispensing assembly holds and stores food. It continuously dispenses food in order to avoid food supplies getting low. The water dispensing assembly holds and stores water. It continuously dispenses water in order to avoid water levels ever declining. Thereby allowing the pet to be fed and provided water even when unsupervised. The water draining assembly is essential as it prevents overflow of water from the water assembly to ever occur. Any overflow of water in the system is disposed of through the water draining assembly, which aids in avoiding water damage that may result from water overflow due to a structural failure of the water dispensing system or otherwise. The water draining assembly is crucial to prevent emergency situations from arising.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding device for poultry such as cocks, comprising an elongated feed transporting element with at least a bottom wall, a feed trough provided underneath it and parallel to it with a bottom, upright side walls and an at least partially open upper side, a feed transporting device for transporting feed through the feed transporting element, and a displacing device for moving the feed transporting element and the feed trough in a vertical direction relative to one another between a filling position and a feeding position, wherein the feed transporting element is provided on its underside with a plurality of passages for feed and a plurality of individual metering units provided at a distance from one another on the underside of the feed transporting element, each of which connects to one passage of the plurality of passages and each of which is configured for metering an individual, predetermined portion of feed received from the feed transporting element into the feed trough.

Abstract: A game feeder having a recessed game feed spinner plate, which discharges game feed through a relatively narrow opening. The spinner plate is rotated by an electric motor, which is housed in a protective enclosure within the game feeder, along with the battery and timer, and protected from animals. The narrow discharge opening minimizes feed loss by animals accessing the spinner plate. The game feeder may sit on the ground, or may be mounted on a support such as a pole or tree with mounting hooks and a bracket, and when mounted is especially resistant to feed loss or feeder damage by bears, feral hogs and the like.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder includes a base, a feed auger, a food container connected to the base, and a food dish connected to the base. The feed auger is disposed for rotating movement within the base. The base is configured to receive food from the food container through an opening and delivery food to the food dish using the feed auger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit (116) for a game or fish feeder (100). The control unit (116) is mounted on the feeder (100) and comprises: means (130) for controlling the powering of a drive unit (110) of said feeder (100) for controlled output of feed from the feeder (100); a wireless transmitter (138) arranged to communicate over a wireless network (146) with a remote unit (140); a sensor (132; 134) for measuring a parameter of the feeder (100); and means (124) for determining whether a measured parameter value provided by said sensor (132; 134) fulfills a predetermined condition in order to detect an action-requiring state of the feeder (100). In response to a detected action-requiring state, the wireless transmitter (138) is triggered to send a notification to said remote unit (140).

Abstract: The present invention relates to dissolvable containers for animal feed micro-ingredients, and methods for using such dissolvable containers to prepare an animal feed mixture. Ingredients required in very small amounts with respect to the rest of the components in an animal feed, i.e., micro-ingredients, can be pre-measured and sealed within the dissolvable containers, which can be made from a water-soluble polymer film, then added to the other feed components when the complete animal feed is being prepared.

Abstract: An automatic feeding device for animals is described herein. The automatic feeding device includes a hopper and a dispenser. The hopper includes a bulk container for storing feed and a feed outlet. The dispenser includes an enclosure containing a power source, an electric motor, and a controller. The dispenser also includes dispensing means connected to the electric motor and configured to dispense feed received from the feed outlet when the electric motor is energized. The controller can be configured to energize the electric motor according to a schedule based at least in part on a selection of at least one astronomical event and at least one corresponding offset time.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal feeder augmentation apparatus, system and method of operation thereof. The apparatus provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder including a controller coupled to an actuator, where the controller provides power access from a battery to at least two communication modules, namely a low-power communications module and at least a first higher-power communications module. The low-power communication module includes a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used. The first higher-power communications module includes a cellular telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module. The controller is coupled to the low-power communications module, and to the first higher-power communications module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for electrolessly sprinkling animal feed. The apparatus comprises a housing, a mount for a liquid reservoir with a mechanically actuatable spray head, and a transmission element. The transmission element is movably mounted in the housings and configured to be moved by a conveying system. The transmission element comprises a section actuating the spray head, said section being configured to transmit movement of the transmission element to the spray head. The invention further relates to a liquid reservoir, a system, and a use of the liquid reservoir.

Abstract: An animal feeder for use in an electronic animal feeding system comprising a computer controller, a feed storage, a feed delivery system, and at least one feeding station comprising the feeder, a bowl and an identifier, the feeder comprising a reservoir for receiving feed and comprising an agitator for agitating the feed inside the reservoir and a dosage tray, a motor assembly comprising a motor actuatable by the computer controller, the motor rotating the agitator and the dosage tray such that the dosage tray receives a pre-determined dosage of feed from the reservoir, the motor assembly further comprising a detector detecting the rotation of the dosage tray and communicating a rotation status to the computer controller, and a funnel assembly comprising an upper funnel transferring feed from the reservoir to the bowl, wherein an alarm is activatable by the computer controller if a blockage is detected by the detector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various aspects of animal feeders and animal feeding systems. In one aspect, the animal feeding system includes: (1) a container for receiving feed therein, (2) a sensor, (3) a controller, (4) a communications module coupled with the controller and configured for both short-range and long-range communication with at least one user interface and the at least one sensor, (5) a dispenser for dispensing feed, and (6) a gate connected with a motor, the gate for controlling the flow of food from the container to the dispenser, the gate controlled by a motor, wherein the controller is configured to automatically regulate feeding times according to the location of the animal feeding system and the corresponding sunrise and sunset times of the location.

Abstract: A pet monitoring and feeding system including having a dispenser, the dispenser having: a main body; a bowl provided about a base portion of the main body; a cavity configured to selectively receive the bowl; one or more dispenser sensors being configured to provide proximity data regarding environmental or pet parameters about the dispenser; and one or more food receptacles. The system further including a wireless transponder that could worn as a pendant or incorporated into a collar having one or more collar sensors that is configured to interact with the one or more sensors of the dispenser and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry being configured to receive sensor data from both the dispenser sensors and the collar sensors, the processing circuitry being configured to determine an appropriate portion size of a particular food being contained in the one or more food receptacles and activate the dispenser so as to dispense a selectively measured portion of the particular food.

Abstract: A chewable pet-entertainment device that includes a treat cage and a first body portion removably coupled to the treat cage. A second body portion is operatively coupled to the treat cage. The first body portion and the second body portion together conceal the treat cage. A timer is disposed in at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. Responsive to the timer measuring a set period of time, the first body portion opens relative to the second body portion allowing access to the treat cage.

Abstract: Coating apparatuses and methods are provided for direct coatings with various shapes. The coating apparatus includes a die body with one or more bores. One or more cams are pivotally mounted within the bores and have one or more recessed areas formed into the respective peripheral surfaces thereof. The one or more cams are rotatable within the die body to dynamically, independently vary the width or shape of the respectively dispensed one or more fluid coatings.

Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a housing, at least one food receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store food and comprising an inlet opening for receiving food and an outlet opening for releasing food, at least one supplement receptacle coupled to the housing, configured to receive and store at least one supplement, a food dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one food receptacle, configured to dispense food, a supplement dispensing mechanism coupled to the at least one supplement receptacle and configured to dispense supplement from the at least one supplement receptacle, a control system coupled to the housing and connected to the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms, the control system configured to control the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms so that a desired amount of food and supplement are dispensed, and a power source coupled to the control system and the food and supplement dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: A wild game feeder for safely feeding game that uses an inverted cone-shaped device to disperse the feed once the feed is expelled through the dispenser hole, that can be suspended from any structure.

Abstract: The pet enrichment device comprises a housing, a microcontroller, a treat dispenser, an interface device, and a detection device. The pet enrichment device provides automated training by displaying videos and/or projecting audio via the interface device. The detection device captures, analyzes, and tracks the specific movement and specific positions of the animal. If a command is performed correctly, the treat dispenser may dispense an edible object.

Abstract: A flow-through discharge assembly having a rotatable tube section and an opening through which product is discharged and a positioning apparatus for rotating the tube section between operation and non-operational conditions. When the tube is positioned in an operational orientation, grain exits through the opening for discharge from the assembly. When the tube is returned to a non-operational condition, the tube opening is blocked and grain is prevented from exiting through the opening. The tube opening may be a single elongated opening or may include multiple tube openings through which product is discharged. A method of using a rotary discharge assembly to control grain flow within a grain handling system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Monitoring systems and methods for tracking movement of one or more animals in an enclosure, such as a fish tank, include introducing various stimuli, such as food, light, and auditory stimuli, and tracking the movement of the animals in response to these stimuli. Movement patterns of the animals can be determined and analyzed from data obtain from cameras that record images/videos of the relevant portions of the enclosure.

Abstract: An automated livestock feeder consists of a feeder body, a plurality of supports, an actuating mechanism, a control system, and a power source. The feeder body has an internal feed reservoir, a dispenser aperture, a dispenser door, a fill aperture, and a fill door. The actuating mechanism is engaged with the dispenser door to open and close the dispenser door over the dispenser aperture in order to dispense livestock feed from the feed reservoir into a trough. The control system can be programmed to automatically dispense feed at pre-programmed times or intervals.

Abstract: A game feeder having a recessed game feed spinner plate, which discharges game feed through a relatively narrow opening. The spinner plate is rotated by an electric motor, which is housed in a protective enclosure within the game feeder, along with the battery and timer, and protected from animals. The narrow discharge opening minimizes feed loss by animals accessing the spinner plate. The game feeder may sit on the ground, or may be mounted on a support such as a pole or tree with mounting hooks and a bracket, and when mounted is especially resistant to feed loss or feeder damage by bears, feral hogs and the like.

Abstract: A feeding trough for poultry farming includes automatic dispensing of feed from a vertically displaceable horizontal dispensing tube, formed by just three pieces. One of the pieces is a plate formed in one piece with a ring which in a lowered position of the bell-like housing opens a crown of apertures and in a raised position of the bell-like housing closes the crown of apertures so as to reduce the amount of feed transferred to the plate. The feed trough is also configured to facilitate periodic rinsing thereof.

Abstract: An animal feeder for the feeding of animals in a remote location. The trough of the feeder has a retractable cover controlled by an actuator that is programmable to open the trough to allow feeding and close the trough to prevent feeding over desired intervals.

Abstract: The temperature measurement device includes a thermography 20 for measuring a temperature distribution of a predetermined range in a non-contact manner; a calibrator 21 including at least one heater 30 able to generate heat to a preset temperature; thermistors 32a to 32d provided on installation points on the calibrator 21, and measuring temperatures at the installation points, the installation points having different temperatures; and a controller 22 for calibrating a first temperature measurement result obtained from a temperature distribution of a range covering an object (an eye E of a calf C) measured by the thermography 20, based on temperature differences between a second temperature measurement result obtained from a temperature distribution of a range covering the calibrator 21 measured by the thermography 20 and a third temperature measurement result obtained from a temperature distribution of the calibrator 21 measured by the thermistors 32a to 32d.

Abstract: A frozen food aquarium feeder controls the melting and dispersion of frozen aquarium food. The feeder includes a rotatable first cylindrical column having a floor/ceiling including a set of passages and a rotatable second cylindrical column having a ceiling/floor including a matching set of passages. The cylindrical columns are assembled with an interference fit to a round bracket allowing each cylindrical column to be rotated with respect to the round bracket. The floor/ceiling of the first cylindrical column may reside against the ceiling/floor of the lower column, and the cylindrical columns may be positioned to provide a desired overlap between the passages to control the passage of melted food from the first cylindrical column to the second cylindrical column. The feeder may be positioned with the first cylindrical column extending above the aquarium water line, and ports in walls of the cylindrical columns may be positioned to intercept aquarium currents.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention could be an automated animal feed dispenser and method, the automated animal feed dispenser comprising a three-wall cabinet generally forming a hollow interior and further defining a feed delivery slot that connects to an angled slide located within the hollow interior; a set of vertically-stacked and spaced-apart drop shelves support animal feed located within the hollow interior, each drop shelf hingedly connects to the cabinet; a set of latches supported by the cabinet, each latch comprises a motorized automotive door lock that controls the drop of a respective drop shelf; a latch control system operates the latches to drop the drop shelves in a timed and sequenced manner that allows dropped drop shelves to successively overlay one another to create a progressively angled slide that empties down upon the angled slide.

Abstract: A transportable pet care center includes (1) a canister having a plurality of dispensing sections for proving food, water, medicine, treats, toys, and such like to a pet (2) an electronics dashboard for providing interaction with the pet via localized entertainment and network interaction with the owner, (3) adjustable trays for receiving materials from the dispensing sections, (4) a base try for providing stability and capturing items that fall from the trays, and (5) and extendable handle with wheel assembly for easy transport.

Abstract: A feeding station for at least one animal, said feeding station comprising at least one supply hopper having a food product; a food dispensing unit having means for dispensing controlled portions of said food product; a weigh hopper for receiving said food product from said food dispensing unit; a hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform for receiving said food product from said weigh hopper; and a hemi-frustoconical sweeping member comprises at least one compartment to contain said food product on hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform; said hemi-frustoconical sweeping member rotatable on a top surface of said hemi-circular disc-shaped feeding platform to remove unconsumed food product off said feeding platform after a feeding event.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aquaponics system with minimal outflows of waste. A stream of waste water from aquatic animals is mineralized in a waste conversion unit having algae and bacteria located on multiple horizontal plates through which the stream of waste water flows. The stream of waste leaving the waste conversion unit passes through troughs upon which plants are hydroponically grown by absorbing the mineralized waste. The water leaving the troughs is returned to the tank holding the aquatic animals and the cycle is repeated. The system may be augmented with an air source, a light source, and a nutrient source in the waste conversion unit to further enhance the breakdown of the animal waste. Additionally, floating trays may be utilized in the troughs to support a wide range of plants hydroponically grown in the troughs.

Abstract: A gravity flow feeder is disclosed having a vertically arranged, canister, funnel, chute, and trough arrangement wherein feed contained within each canister is allowed to flow down, aided by gravity, to settle within a feed trough. Use of a timing mechanism and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder allows for the articulation of a closeable access to open or close the trough in order to protect the feed contained from the elements and scavenging animals and condition the timing of animal arrival at the feeder. Any number of feed containing canisters may be implemented in order to provide for mixing of various types of feed within the trough for maintenance of a balanced diet for desired animals.

Abstract: A livestock feeder is provided with a feed discharge assembly for dispensing a premeasured amount of feed into the trough of each feeding stall. The livestock feeder includes individual feeding stalls wherein the same amount of feed is dispensed for each animal such that the feeding of each animal may be monitored and controlled. Indicator lights may be provided to attract the livestock to the individual feeding stalls during feeding periods.

Abstract: An animal feeder has a hopper body adjustably mounted on a mounting base for directing feed material in a selected direction. The mounting base includes a pair of ground support elements pivotally mounted on a lateral support plate with a pair of pivot bolts, and further including a locking bolt that enables the lateral support plate to be pivotally adjusted with respect to the pair of ground support elements. The hopper body is rotatably mounted on the lateral support plate via a center bolt. A feed dispensing mechanism discharges the feed material through a feed discharge aperture, in a direction that is adjusted via the positioning of the adjustment base.

Abstract: A game feeder having a recessed game feed spinner plate, which discharges game feed through a relatively narrow opening. The spinner plate is rotated by an electric motor, which is housed in a protective enclosure within the game feeder, along with the battery and timer, and protected from animals. The narrow discharge opening minimizes feed loss by animals accessing the spinner plate. The game feeder may sit on the ground, or may be mounted on a support such as a pole or tree with mounting hooks and a bracket, and when mounted is especially resistant to feed loss or feeder damage by bears, feral hogs and the like.

Abstract: A smart bowl system includes one more food and water smart bowls that each has a processor, memory, and a bowl weight sensor. The smart bowls communicate with a cloud server and one or more caretaker computing devices. The caretakers can input physical information for the pet including weight. The smart bowl system can determine the healthy weight range for the pet and determine a recommended feeding schedule. The smart bowl system can remind the caretakers to feed the pet, monitor the quantity of food and water that are placed in the smart bowls and the consumption of the food and water by the pet and transmit reports to the caretaker's computing device(s). The smart bowl system can maintain the recommended feeding schedule to keep the pet within the healthy weight range or adjust the feeding schedule to bring the pet's weight within the healthy weight range.

Abstract: An animal feeder for the feeding of animals in a remote location. The trough of the feeder has a retractable cover controlled by an actuator that is programmable to open the trough to allow feeding and close the trough to prevent feeding over desired intervals.

Abstract: Suction teat arrangement for an automatic feeder for feeding livestock, in particular calves, with a suction teat holder, which has a suction teat receiver for receiving a suction teat, a fastening device for fastening the suction teat holder on a feed stand and a supply connection for connection with a supply line, a valve, with which a liquid supply from the supply line to the suction teat can be released and blocked, and a branch connection for connection with a branch line, characterized in that the valve and the branch connection are integrated into the suction teat holder.

Abstract: Animal sustenance-dispensing stations described herein may be capable of supplying food or water to animals, of controlling electrical loads that prevent liquid sustenance freeze-up or overheating and other loads that help sanitize the sustenance, that illuminate the station, or that generate sounds; of acquiring and processing data from a variety of sensors both internal and external to the station, and of reporting both raw and processed data. They may also be capable of wirelessly communicating with other stations, or with non-station devices over wireless communication networks to facilitate reporting of sensor and other data, and to support configuration of station controller operational and reporting behavior. Station configurations may facilitate monitoring of video and audio activity of nearby animals, tagged animals visiting the station, weather conditions in the station's vicinity, station food or water supply levels, and other parameters according to the sensors of a given embodiment.

Abstract: Enhanced methods and systems for human-pet communication are described. Example embodiments provide an Internet Canine Communication System (“ICCS”). The ICCS facilitates remote communication and interaction with between a dog and its owner, caretaker, trainer, family member, or the like. The ICCS may include a base station or similar device that is configured to deliver treats to a dog and to transmit audio/visual communication between the dog and a remote client device operated by a human user. The ICCS may also facilitate training the dog to utilize the ICCS to communicate with the user, such as by answering calls from or initiating calls to the remote client device of the user.