Abstract: An automated animal feeder may store at least two different varieties of animal feed and automatically dispense a desired amount of feed at specified times of the day. Feed, stored in storage bins, gravitates to a conveying mechanism which transfers the feed to the feeding station. The conveying mechanism, which comprises almost all of the moving parts of the apparatus, is an integrated unit which is easily removed from the housing of the apparatus for maintenance. The volume of feed may be regulated by adjustable panels which control the volume of feed which is transported to the feeding station.

Abstract: A wildlife feeder according to example forms of the invention includes a storage unit, a removable top cap, an internal funnel, a removable feed dispensing drawer, a removable perforated feed/storage drawer, a locking feed valve, a internal feed dispenser, a programmable timer, external wheels, external handle attachment and ground anchor brackets. In another aspect, the wildlife feeder includes an external surface having the texture and/or appearance of a natural tree bark. In yet another aspect, the wildlife feeder includes a dispensing subassembly, the dispensing subassembly comprising a motor, at least one battery for powering the motor, a paddle wheel driven by the motor, and a programmable timer for controlling operation of the motor.

Abstract: A method for enabling the dispensation of feed to large four-legged game, the method including the steps of providing an apparatus as further described herein, burying the bottom end portion of the apparatus at a depth so that the restricted opening is disposed at least two feet above ground level, placing feed into the elongated hollow member of the apparatus such that the feed contacts the primary internal support member and is retained in the elongated hollow member, and dispensing feed through the restricted opening of the apparatus when the feed is dislodged by agitation from large four-legged game.

Abstract: A sectional animal feeder including an external frame assembly having a base, a series of adjustable spaced openings, and a series of panels. The sectional feeder further includes a movable internal frame assembly having a series of spaced openings, a series of panels and a drive system adapted to engage and move the internal frame assembly relative to the external frame assembly between a closed and opened position. A safety gating assembly may be mounted to the external frame assembly and may include a biased gate adapted to engage the animal during the moving of the movable internal frame assembly to a closed position. The sectional feeder also includes a Pavlovian response signal system having a timed auditory signal. The activation of the drive assembly moves the movable internal frame assembly whereby the series of spaced openings align with the series of adjustable space opening of the external panel and coincides with the timed auditory signal allowing access to the feeder.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This invention is a water and pet food dispenser equipped with a non-power consumption water dispenser and a power consumption pet food dispenser. The water dispenser siphons water from a storage container to a water feeding bowl. Pet food is dispensed from a storage container by vibration, utilizing the weight and time sensing components to control pet food to be dispensed in the exact quantity at the exact time as predetermined. The exact quantity is monitored by a weighing scale and the exact time is controlled by a timer. The feeding cycle repeats as soon as the electrical timer turns on electrical power supply.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A food dispenser (10) with particular application to delivering a controlled amount of food material (11) in particulate or powdered form to fish and other aquatic animals, and also a method of delivery of such material. The food dispenser comprises a receptacle (12) for holding the food material and shutter means (14) located at a lower end of the receptacle. In its open position, the shutter provides a passageway (16) from the receptacle past the shutter for delivery of the food material. A dispersing unit (50) supplies an air flow for dispersing the food material. A flexible mounting bracket (60) enables vibration of the dispenser during operation to assist the flow of the food material.

Abstract: The animal feeder has an elevated container, a food distributor and a collector around the distributor. Feed placed in the container exits through the container lower opening and falls onto the distributor spinner plate. When activated, the spinner plate throws the feed into a bin of the collector. The feed falls from the collector bin into a conduit, where it travels to a trough. The collector is removably coupled to the feeder to allow the feeder to dispense feed either on the ground (without the collector) or into the collector trough. The length of the conduit is adjustable to allow the trough to bear on the ground. The collector bin is provided with a transparent hatch to allow access to the distributor.

Abstract: An automatic livestock feeder system is disclosed. A vertical lifting means lifts feed allowing livestock to feed through feed bars. An electronic timer allows for automatic feeding on a timed schedule in a standalone mode. Livestock are feed automatically based on a timed schedule or an event based schedule. Historical livestock feeding habits are recorded and stored remotely.

Abstract: A device for, at predefined times, opening bordered areas to deposited fodder for feeding horses, cattle, sheep, goats, lambs, game, fish farms etc. includes a flexible opening mechanism which is kept closed by a turnable counterstay. This closing counterstay is kept in a closed position with a settable timer. This timer allows the counterstay to turn to an open position after a certain time period. Whereby the fodder device is opened.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for an animal food house are disclosed herein. The present invention house is for small animals and includes a housing. The front section of the housing may have a vertical opening and a protruding barrier. This protruding barrier overhangs and blocks a portion of the vertical opening and may preventing large animals from observing or accessing the vertical opening. The food house may have a transparent window on at least one of the side sections of the housing. There may also be a food opening and a water opening on the top section of the housing for providing nutrients to the animal. A feeding tube extends through the food opening into the housing and a water holder extends through the water opening into the housing.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder is provided for feeding pets predetermined quantity of food or medication at predetermined times while the owner is absent or otherwise engaged. The pet feeder comprises a base, a feeding bowl with pie shaped divisions, a timer module, a bowl cover, handle to bowl cover and locking mechanism to hold the entire unit in place. A timer is provided with voice recording facility and also initiates programmed feeding schedules. The programming of the timer determines when the feeder cover is indexed so that the pet may have access to the food provided in it. This programming can be done through the timer interface RF or IR remotes and or through an USB port interface to a computer.

Abstract: Method and system for feeding aquatic animals. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including submerging, at least partially, a chamber in a water reservoir, the chamber comprising a bladder comprising food for aquatic animals, periodically pumping water from the water reservoir into the chamber, exterting, by the pumping, a force on the bladder, and thereby dispensing the food into the water reservoir.

Abstract: A digital, automatic feeder for aquarium and pond animals for positioning above an aquarium tank or pond for distributing a pre-measured amount of feed into the tank or pond on a pre-determined schedule. The feeder includes a digital system and display that allows users to input either a schedule of feed amounts and days/dates, or input a variety of tank conditions and allow the system to select an appropriate schedule and amounts of food.

Abstract: A digitally programmable product dispenser having a motor operationally connected to a spinner wherein said product from a product hopper is distributed along a plurality of feed channels. The product distribution may be onto a spinner and the spinner distributes the product along a plurality of feed channels. The motor can be actuated, by a digital timer, programmed to run at predetermined intervals throughout the day, as well as operate for a predetermined amount of time, therefore, economically distributing the feed in position where more then one member of wildlife and/or livestock can be fed.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly distributing materials is disclosed, it consists of a container for storing materials, the container has an exit formed at its bottom, under the container, a feeding device is installed opposite to the exit of the container, the feeding device pushes material flows out of the exit of container to a distributing disk. The distributing disk has surface slopes downward from a top conical center portion with a circular furrow formed surrounding the disk. A controller is electrically connected to the driving motor to set up activation time of the apparatus, so that at pre-determined time, the material flows from the exit of container into the feeding device, and then pushed out of the feeding device and evenly lands along the distributing disk and then on its furrow. By this, the object for even distribution of feed at set amount and time to supply feed to birds and the animals is achieved.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: This invention is a water and pet food dispenser equipped with a non-power consumption water dispenser and a power consumption pet food dispenser. The water dispenser siphons water from a storage container to a water feeding bowl. Pet food is dispensed from a storage container by vibration, utilizing the weight and time sensing components to control pet food to be dispensed in the exact quantity at the exact time as predetermined. The exact quantity is monitored by a weighing scale and the exact time is controlled by a timer. The feeding cycle repeats as soon as the electrical timer turns on electrical power supply.

Abstract: A remote control wildlife feeder has an antenna and a receiver which receives a signal transmitted by a transmitter. The receiver includes a microprocessor, a relay having a positive electrical output, and a relay having a negative electrical output. A power supply provides power to operate the microprocessor and the relays. The antenna is connected by a line to the microprocessor. An internal timer is included in the microprocessor which is usable in the receiver. The RF signal arrives along a line from the antenna to the internal timer and, if the timer permits, to a filter. The feeder also includes a power supply, a motor, and a feeder mechanism.

Abstract: A deer conditioning system uses a feeder that has a lid that automatically opens at a specified time, namely the start of hunting hours, and closes at a specified time, the end of hunting hours. When the lid is open, the system dispenses a deer pleasing stimuli so as to attract deer, the deer being rewarded by the contents of the feeder for responding to the stimuli. Alternately, in a typical always open feeder, either a deer attracting stimuli dispenser is provided and is programmed to release stimuli during hunting hours or a deer repulsing stimuli dispenser is provided and programmed to release stimuli during non-hunting hours upon motion being detected proximate the feeder via a motion detector, or both types of dispensers are provided and appropriately programmed.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder of for feeding pets predetermined quantity of food or medication at predetermined times while the owner is absent or otherwise engaged is disclosed. The pet feeder comprises a base, a feeding bowl with pie shaped divisions, a timer module, a bowl cover, handle to bowl cover and locking mechanism to hold the entire unit in place. A timer is provided with voice recording facility and also initiates programmed feeding schedules. The programming of the timer determines when the feeder cover is indexed so that the pet may have access to the food provided in it. This programming can be done through the timer interface RF or IR remotes and or through an USB port interface to a computer.

Abstract: A major appliance or cabinet unit integrates an automatically refillable water bowl including a liquid level sensor and an electrical or mechanical valve in fluid communication with a source or water. In the preferred embodiment the appliance is a refrigerator freezer with plumbing to an ice maker or other accessory to which the bowl can interconnect, though the invention is equally applicable to other appliances such as non-combined refrigerators and freezers, stoves, ranges, dishwashers, trash compactors, and cabinet units. Various optional accessories are disclosed, including a fan for drying water spilled from the bowl. The fan may be used for another purpose in the appliance, as in a condensing unit, or may be provided separately. A sensor may be included to disable the fan in the presence of a pet. The appliance preferably includes a cavity into which the bowl is situated, along with an optional light for illuminating the cavity.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An automatic animal feeder has a food hopper connected to a feeding trough. Bulk animal food loaded into the hopper transfers into the feeding trough. A lid covers the feeding trough, preventing access to the animal food. An automated drive mechanism having a timer opens the lid, thereby allowing access to the animal food in the feeding trough, at pre-set intervals. The automatic animal feeder can be used to train wild game to feed during certain desired periods, such as daylight hours.

Abstract: An improved feed dispenser is programmable to allow for a desired feeding schedule. When a feeding interval begins, a dispersion wheel begins operating. A separate spinner plate is used to block feed from the dispersion wheel, and begins operating to allow feed to the dispersion wheel only after a delay of several seconds after the dispersion wheel begins operation. In addition, the dispersion wheel is operated for another period of several seconds after the spinner plate ceases operation in order to clear the mechanism and prevent blockage.

Abstract: An animal feeder which generates sensorially perceivable indicia upon the coincidence an alteration in food or water conditions and the proximity of a person to the animal feeder.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically supplying both food and water to an animal according to a predefined schedule input into a timer wherein food is introduced into a food ring mounted on a rotatable carousel from a feed hopper and the rotation of the carousel being controlled by the timer. Water is introduced also at timed intervals through spray nozzles for several purposes, namely, to premoisten pelletized food prior to it being eaten and to clean the food ring subsequent to food consumption or removal of any leftover food, which food removal takes place by gravity. Water is also introduced into a drinking bowl for the pet to consume. Periodically, according to the input schedule, the water is automatically drained and subsequently the bowl is refilled.

Abstract: A method for automatically calibrating the control system of a device for providing domestic animals with a feed. The feed or the constituents thereof are discharged from supply containers (2.1-2.5) into a mixing container (1) which is connected to an area (3) from which the animals can take the feed. The time at which the feed or at least one of its constituents is added is predetermined in the control system and the time required for a certain quantity (volume and/or weight) of the feed or of a certain constituent of the feed to reach the mixing container (1) is determined automatically at intervals. In the event that the desired quantity is modified, the time which is predetermined in the control system is also modified.

Abstract: An automatic animal feeder includes a housing has a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral wall having an opening therein. A plurality of food delivery assemblies is positioned in the opening. Each of the food delivery assemblies includes a food drawer slidably positioned in the opening. The drawer is selectively extended inwardly or outwardly of the housing when a rod threadably coupled thereto is rotated. A motor is mechanically coupled to the driving rod. A processor is mounted in the housing and is electrically coupled to each of the food delivery assemblies for selectively turning on the motors. A first time control is electrically coupled to the processor for selectively inputting a time and date when each of a selected one of the food trays will be extended outwardly from the housing. A cooling assembly is mounted in the housing for selectively cooling an interior of the housing.

Abstract: A wild game feeding apparatus includes a support structure, a food distributor, and a collapsible reservoir. The reservoir is made collapsible in order to minimize the size of the apparatus for ease of storage and transport. Wild game feed, such as corn, wheat, or other particulate food is loaded into the collapsible container, whence it exits out of the bottom of the container and contacts the distributor. The distributor includes a rotating plate for distributing the food in a limited radius from the feeder apparatus. Optionally, the apparatus may include a control mechanism including a timer, to actuate operation thereof at specific time intervals which are pre-set by a user.

Abstract: An animal feeding device includes a housing having a front opening directed toward a food dish, a paddle device rotatably received in the housing with a shaft and having a number of blades to dispense the food through the opening of the housing and into the food dish when the paddle device is rotated relative to the housing. A motor is coupled to the paddle device to rotate the paddle device to dispense a predetermined quantity of the food into the food dish, preferably in a predetermined time interval by a timer. The paddle device includes a partition extended from the shaft, and perpendicular to the shaft, to separate the blades into two parts.

Abstract: An animal feeder system comprises a mobile feeder suspended from an overhead track. The track can conveniently be made from pipe bent into a desired configuration. The mobile feeder has an on-board computer controller and a computer-controlled motor which can drive the mobile feeder to feed drops located along the track. The mobile feeder has a number of feed compartments which each hold a feed ingredient. The ingredients are dispensed simultaneously by variable speed augers. A customized blend of feed ingredients is dispensed at each feed drop. The animal feeder system can automatically track the amount of feed consumed at each feed drop and can run unattended. Applications include feeding swine, horses, chickens, fish, cattle and other animals which are reared in captivity.

Abstract: An automated livestock feeder for storing and dispensing food such as hay or granular feed in a feed container, to an animal at predetermined intervals utilizes a tray control flange which releases a feed tray on which feed sets. At a predetermined feeding time a motor rotates the flanged latch thereby releasing the tray to rotate from a storage position to a dispense position. The invention generally comprises a housing containing a feed tray supported by the housing defining a compartment for supporting and protecting feed, and a tray control flange for supporting each feed tray. The activation mechanism includes an electrical power source, a timer relay/mechanical switch, and an electrical motor.

Abstract: An automated livestock feeder for storing and dispensing food such as hay or granular feed in a feed container, to an animal at predetermined intervals utilizes a tray control flange which releases a feed tray on which feed sets. At a predetermined feeding time a motor rotates the flanged latch thereby releasing the tray to rotate from a storage position to a dispense position. The invention generally comprises a housing containing a feed tray supported by the housing defining a compartment for supporting and protecting feed, and a tray control flange for supporting each feed tray. The activation mechanism includes an electrical power source, a timer relay/mechanical switch, and an electrical motor.

Abstract: The bird feeder is a unique new birdcage attachment which provides bird owners the ability to automatically feed their birds at timed intervals. The unit could be manufactured in various sizes and colors and would consist of a hopper for storing birdseed, an exit funnel on the bottom, a user programmable electronic timing device, and a clear viewing panel on the side to determine when the seed reservoir had been depleted. The automatic feeder would also feature clamps or clips to make it easily attachable to the side of a birdcage. When the unit was enabled for feeding, birdseed would flow from the hopper, through the chute which would feature a motor driven rotating mill to ensure that the seed does not clump together, and out the exit funnel which is located above the bird's seed tray. The feeder would rely on battery power to drive the timer mechanism and the motor.

Abstract: A system for moving feeders and/or drinkers within a livestock house that has a plurality of items suspended from the ceiling of the livestock house. The system includes structure for supplying feed and/or water to the feeders and/or drinkers, respectively, structure for adjusting a height of the feeders and/or drinkers relative to a floor of the livestock house, and structure for transversely moving the feeders and/or drinkers within the livestock house. Operation of the different structures of the system within the livestock house does not interfere with the items suspended from the ceiling of the livestock house.

Abstract: A feeder device for feeding animals with food product includes a housing divided into a plurality of compartments with individual pivotable bottom walls and an operating system mounted on the housing to control opening of the bottom walls to release the food product contained therein. The operating system includes a locking mechanism located adjacent each bottom wall to releasably secure it in a closed position. An opening mechanism successively activates the locking mechanisms and opens the bottom walls. A timer device including an electronic controller and a limit switch electrically coupled to the opening mechanism controls the operation of the latter at the beginning of a pre-determined time interval. The limit switch is activated by the opening mechanism and stops operation of the opening mechanism during the pre-determined time interval.

Abstract: An automatic feeding apparatus for pets includes a housing with an elevated bottom plate. A slide is mounted below an opening in the bottom plate and located above a food pan for pets. A hopper is mounted in the housing and above the bottom plate for receiving food particles. A dispense plate is rotatably supported between the bottom plate and the hopper. The dispense plate includes at least one hole for receiving a dispense cylinder therein. The food particles enter a through-hole of the dispense cylinder via a feed outlet of the hopper when the dispense cylinder is moved to a position below the feed outlet. The food particles in the dispense cylinder falls into the food pan via the opening of the bottom plate and the slide when the dispense cylinder is moved to a position above the opening of the bottom plate.

Abstract: A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator (328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus and particularly a feeding apparatus capable of feeding pet fish or pets randomly or at a selected time interval. It includes a case and a control dock housed in the case. A first control button and a second control button are provided to selectively activate the motor on the control dock to operate at a selected time interval or randomly, thereby a feed box is driven to rotate synchronously. When the feed discharge outlet faces downwards, feeds are poured into a tank to feed the pet fish or pets. The control dock also has a main gear which has an axle coupling with a cam. The cam will trigger a microswitch to stop motor operation when reaches a selected location to achieve timer or random feeding for the pet fish or pets.

Abstract: An animal feeding device (25) is disclosed comprising a hopper (34) for storing a volume of flowable animal food particulate and having a discharge aperture (38). A directing structure (47) is arranged substantially inside of the hopper (34) to create a void or urging area (62) around the discharge aperture (38) into which the food particulate is inhibited from freely flowing. An urging member (63, 64, 65, 66, or 67) is adapted to movably engage and urge food adjacent the urging area (62), into the urging area (62), and into the discharge aperture (38) wherein gravity urges the food to exit the hopper (34) and travel through a conveying structure (40) to a receptacle (46) from which an animal may feed. The inventive device for, and method of, dispensing the food to an animal provides superior resistance to bridging, pinched, jammed, or crushed of the food and, therefore, provides trustworthy economical operation.

Abstract: An animal feed support stand includes a plurality of elongated support legs. A protective housing is mounted on the legs, and defines an open bottom adapted for receiving an above-ground feed container for storing and dispensing animal feed. A carriage carries the feed container. A hoist cable moves the carriage vertically between a lowered fill position, whereby the feed container is located beneath the protective housing for filling, and a raised feed-dispensing position, whereby the feed container is located within the protective housing for dispensing feed to a ground surface below.

Abstract: A livestock feeder including a first cylindrical wall structure having a plurality of head stocks extending upwardly and inwardly therefrom to a cone-shaped hood. A flexible curtain extends downwardly from the hood around the upper ends of the head stocks. A second wall structure is positioned outwardly of the first wall structure and is vertically movable from a lower position to an upper position by means of an electric motor operatively connected thereto. When the second wall structure is in its lower position, the animals may feed from the feeder. When the second wall structure is in its upper position, the animals do not have access to the feed within the feeder.

Abstract: An animal feeder system comprises a mobile feeder suspended from an overhead track. The track can conveniently be made from pipe bent into a desired configuration. The mobile feeder has an on-board computer controller and a computer-controlled motor which can drive the mobile feeder to feed drops located along the track. The mobile feeder has a number of feed compartments which each hold a feed ingredient. The ingredients are dispensed simultaneously by variable speed augers. A customized blend of feed ingredients is dispensed at each feed drop. The animal feeder system can automatically track the amount of feed consumed at each feed drop and can run unattended. Applications include feeding swine, horses, chickens, fish, cattle and other animals which are reared in captivity.

Abstract: The Programmable Hay-Forage Feeder takes a whole bale, (round, rectangular, Square), optionally two or more bales, of grass, alfalfa, or grass-alfalfa mix hay or forage and works similar to a hay baler in reverse. It will break apart and release small quantities of hay from the bale and automatically dispense the forage into a feed tub for a horse or animal to consume over time, based on a programmed schedule. The hay/forage is placed into the bale chute, which is raised by a winch. A motor and programmable controller control the activity of the forage being raked and released in the gravity fed bale chute into the feeder tub. The controller has a stop, start, pause, and reset function to enable the unit to stop when not in use. This allows for a new, mechanized, time-released method of feeding hay/forage to horses and giving animals a more natural feeding alternative.

Abstract: A timer produces a signal on an output at lunar transit time and at one half daily lunar cycle past lunar transit time. The timer is connected to a feeder to distribute feed to wild or domestic animals such as mammals, fish or birds. The timer includes a crystal oscillator and means for counting the oscillations.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and automatically dispensing a desired quantity of animal feed onto a feed dish. The apparatus includes a hopper for storing a quantity of animal feed; a receptacle for receiving animal feed from the hopper; an impeller positioned adjacent the face surface of the receptacle; a motor for rotating the impeller when activated to cause the impeller to sweep animal feed from the face surface of the receptacle; a switch for activating and deactivating the motor; a timer mechanism for causing the switch to activate the motor after a set period of time has elapsed; and a control mechanism for causing the switch to deactivate the motor after the impeller has rotated a pre-set amount.

Abstract: A motorized pet food feeder having a food storage bin with a top and a bottom, the bottom having an opening. A bowl with a back, front, and a bottom is provided which has a housing extending from the back of the bowl. The housing is adapted to removably receive the bottom of the food storage bin. A motor is mounted to the housing that has a rotatable shaft, and an auger is mounted to the rotatable shaft so that its free end extends substantially to above the back of the bowl. A tube is mounted to the housing and encloses the auger, the tube having an open end, coinciding with the free end of the auger and a portion of the tube being cut away to expose from above less than the full diameter of the auger. The cut away portion of the tube is aligned with the opening in the bottom of the food storage bin so that gravity feeds pet food from the food storage bin through the cut-away opening in the tube to the auger which, when rotating, moves the food out the open end of the tube into the bowl.

Abstract: A food dispenser including a feed hopper for storing therein animal food, a food dish for serving thereon the animal food to an animal, weighing apparatus including a load cell placed intermediate the food hopper and the food dish, a dispensing device operative to dispense food from the weighing apparatus to the food dish, and a controller in electrical communication with the load cell and the actuator, which controls dispensation of the animal food to the food dish.