Abstract: A computing system classifies each of a plurality of media units as either having or not having a characteristic of interest by testing the media units using a plurality of non-human animals. The testing comprises, for each of the media units and responsive to detecting a non-human animal at a location, sending the media unit to a media output device perceivable by the non-human animal from the location. The testing further comprises, for each of the media units, determining the classification of the media unit as either having or not having the characteristic of interest based on data derived, at least in part, from an input sensor configured to accept input from the non-human animal while the non-human animal is at the location.

Abstract: An automatic pet feeder, comprising a bowl with a plurality of compartments, a cover and a sensor, the bowl being rotated relative to the cover to sequentially expose each the compartments, the bowl having location regions detectable by the sensor, each location region having a first edge and a second edge, the motor being driven at a first speed until the first edge is detected, and the motor being driven at a second, slower speed until the second edge is detected, stopping the motor.

Abstract: The present abstract refers to an utility model patent application for a dosing dispenser (1), belonging to the field of equipments for dosing and timing the dispensing of animal feed, comprising: a cabinet (2) with compartment (3) that houses the hopper (6) whose outlet (7) opens to a compartment (4) with a vertical outlet pipe (10) and that houses a batch dosing dispenser (20) comprising: a dosing chamber (21); movable carriage (24) whose top wall (25) and bottom wall (26) slide on walls (8) and (9) and between these is mounted the dosing chamber (21) whose upper inlet (22) and lower outlet (23) remain against the walls (8) and (9) and the wall (25) constitutes the closing drawer (28) of the lower outlet (7); the dosing device (20) also comprises a drive mechanism (30) that moves the carriage (24) between the position in which the inlet (22) aligns with the lower outlet (7) of the hopper (6) and the outlet (23) is closed against the bottom wall (9) and position in which the outlet (23) aligns with the outle

Abstract: An automatic interactive pet food bowl includes a base; a bowl; a sensor that activates a retractable cover to protect contents of the automatic interactive pet food bowl; LEDs; a rotational energy connecting element a motor; a cover; a key pad; a solar paneling material; a small LED screen; a video screen; BLUETOOTH or WIFI; a camera; an outer housing; and a water level indicator sensor.

Abstract: An animal interaction device is provided that includes a food access component which allows and disallows access to at least a portion of the food. In various embodiments, the allowing and disallowing of access to at least a portion of the food is dependent upon the animal's condition. A method is also provided such that the device above is provided to an animal, one or more indicators are optionally activated, the animal's first condition is sensed via one or more sensors, and based upon the animal's condition, the previously protected food is made accessible, and subsequently the protected food is made available again based upon the animal's second condition. A system is also provided for automatically interacting with an animal including at least one animal interaction device each of which comprises an initial interaction algorithm to automatically interact with the animal. Other aspects of the invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices that may be used to help young children stay in bed or their room until it is time to get up. The device may be configured as a clock. The clock may be programmable to have a duration of a nap time, or a time when the child is able to get up. A visual countdown timer may be provided with the device (e.g., on the clock face), which may include a graphical representation of the remaining fraction of time before “get up” time. The visual countdown timer may not include number indicia, but rather includes a graphic (e.g., ring extending about the perimeter of the clock face), which gradually diminishes as the predetermined “get up” time is approached. A reward drawer may also be provided, which automatically unlocks at the “get up” time, and provides the child with a prize.

Abstract: Animal feeders are disclosed that include housings resilient to specific species, feed compartments resilient to selected species, a protected region in the housing, a barrier between the protected region and the feed compartment, an access door, a species recognition device, an access door actuator, a controller, and an arm projecting through the housing or the barrier.

Abstract: The automated pet food dispensing machine is an automated device that is adapted for use with cans. The automated pet food dispensing machine is further adapted for use with animals. The automated pet food dispensing machine stores and opens canned food for animals. The automated pet food dispensing machine further dispenses the canned food to make it available for consumption by an animal. The automated pet food dispensing machine comprises a housing, a mechanism, and a scheduler.

Abstract: An automatic pet wet canned food dispenser robot has a robotic arm comprised of mechanical elements and motors, a can opener and a programmed microprocessor. The programmed microprocessor guides the robotic arm to grasp a food can and utilize the can opener to open the can and invert it and shake out the food contents into a bowl for a pet at predetermined times setup by the pet owner whose presence is not required at time of feeding.

Abstract: A system for individually feeding sows within a snuggery includes entry, feeder station and exit assemblies. The entry assembly includes an entry gate module for individually admitting a sow therein. The exit assembly includes an exit gate module. The feeder station assembly includes at least one feed dispenser for dispensing a selected amount of feed into a trough and a carrier for supporting said trough. The carrier is displaceable between an extended position wherein the trough is positioned within the snuggery to permit access by a sow and a retracted position wherein the trough is inaccessible to the sow and the trough is positioned for filling by the feed dispenser. Feed may be dispensed in individualized rations to the sow under the control of a computer-driven controller. Movement of the sow within the snuggery may be controlled by sequentially illuminating regions of the snuggery, under the control of the controller.

Abstract: An alarm clock device is provided that includes a cup portion and a component housing. The component housing is coupled to a lower edge of the cup portion. The component housing includes a circuit board, a micro controller mounted on the circuit board, an orientation sensing component in communication with the micro controller and detecting movement of the alarm apparatus, and a speaker in communication with the micro controller emitting an audible alarm at a time designated by a user. A light ring is in communication with the micro controller and coupled to the alarm clock device between the cup portion and the component housing. The light ring illuminates the cup portion at the time designated by the user.

Abstract: Pets require regular and controlled amounts of food and water for their best health. A single entry feeding zone ensures that only one pet can feed at a time. The single entry feeding zone contains a food bowl into which food may be dispensed. A sensor determines which pet is currently present and denies access to food if no authorized pet is present. A detection mechanism determines the amount of food each identified pet has consumed in order to manage pet diet and denies access to food if the pet has consumed the allotted amount of food. Network functionality provides remote data tracking, correlates pet feeding behavior across multiple feeders if present, and allows a pet owner to remotely adjust parameters of the feeder or view the pet through a camera.

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.

Abstract: A chewable pet-entertainment device. The chewable pet-entertainment device includes a first body portion and a second body portion operatively coupled to the first body portion. At least one of the first body portion and the second body portion define an internal cavity. The chewable pet-entertainment device includes a timer mechanism disposed in at least one of the first body portion and the second body portion. Responsive to the timer mechanism measuring a set period of time, the first body portion opens relative to the second body portion allowing access to the internal cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding livestock is presented. The method includes feeding livestock using a mobile feed preparation apparatus (300) comprising a processor (410) and a first non-transitory computer readable medium (420) in communication with the processor (410), wherein the mobile feed preparation apparatus (300) can dispense a plurality of feed rations, each feed ration comprising a base feed and at least one of a plurality of feed additives. The method includes dispensing from the mobile feed preparation apparatus a first feed ration comprising the base feed and a first feed additive, wherein the dispensed first feed ration comprises a dispensed amount of the first feed additive.

Abstract: An audio trapping lure includes a housing defining an interior area for containing electronic components including a processor, a daylight sensor, a body heat sensor, cell phone transmission capabilities, and a speaker. The audio trapping lure includes digital sound files of the distress cries of prey of a predator to be hunted or trapped. Under the control of programming, the processor causes predetermined distress cries to be emitted through the speaker at predetermined intervals of time and for a predetermined duration. The audio trapping lure is activated only when the daylight sensor indicates it is dark. The audio trapping lure is deactivated when the body heat sensor detects the proximity of a heat source, indicating the predator has already been trapped. The cell phone text function is activated upon the deactivation of the device by the body heat sensor indicating an animal has been trapped.

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.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which can comprise a plurality of activities, which can comprise automatically detecting the presence of a bird in a housing. The housing can be adapted to substantially surround the bird. The housing can define an aperture adapted for the bird to enter and exit the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides remotely programmable, automated, multi-meal pet feeding apparatuses for use by pet owners and caretakers. Such apparatuses may include a communications module for connection to a communications network such as the Internet. The apparatuses may also include a built-in webcam to monitor a pet's feeding activity and environment.

Abstract: An animal feed dispenser includes a feeding tube for receiving a predetermined amount of animal feed from a spinner disk located at the bottom of an outlet in a housing. The feeding tube includes at least one opening through which animals may access the interior of the feeding tube. The opening may be closed by a movable closure flap so as to restrict access to the feeding tube. The motor for rotating the spinner disk and an actuator for moving the closure flap may be controlled by a suitable timer mechanism.

Abstract: A pet food dispenser comprising a lid and a hopper bin. The lid fits over a loading opening of the hopper bin. A main section includes a base, and the main section includes a base cover having a hopper funnel and a hopper recess. An auger assembly has an intake opening and an output opening, and the auger assembly is removably cradled in the hopper recess. When the auger assembly is operating, an auger blade is formed as a helical screw that drives articles from the intake opening to the output opening. A motor mount has a motor, and the motor is mechanically connected to the auger assembly to drive the auger assembly. The motor mount is connected to the base. A microprocessor controls actuation of the motor.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosed subject matter, an automatic feeder comprising a feed bin for storing bulk material, a trough for dispensing the feed to livestock, and a vein assembly positioned horizontally between the feed bin and the trough for transferring the bulk feed from the feed bin to the trough is provided. The vein assembly comprises a vein tube that houses a rotatable vein shaft and flexible wipers affixed as spokes to the shaft that form vein compartments for the feed. A motor assembly with a programmable timer rotates the vein shaft within the vein tube thereby transferring feed from the feed bin, to the vein compartments, and then to the trough.

Abstract: An intelligent doghouse full-automatic processor includes a cage bracket module, and an automatic excrement treating device, a feeding module, a water feeding module, a snack feeding module, a disinfection and heat preservation device and a video/audio module which are arranged on the cage bracket module as well as an automatic door control module, a host computer control module, a network communication module, a background control service module, a terminal use program and the like. With the modules, an owner can remotely monitor an intelligent doghouse, perform video/audio conversation with a pet dog and control and manage the eating and drinking, defecation and entering and exiting cage of the pet dog, disinfection of the cage and temperature regulation of air inside the cage by a computer or a mobile phone through a network browser. Moreover, parameters of the intelligent doghouse can be set through network.

Abstract: A pet food server for dispensing pet food from a recently opened can at preselected intervals of time where the pet food feeder includes a cylindrical member, a sliding panel for holding an unopened can of pet food located within the cylindrical member, and an electric can opener located on a pedestal for lowering the can opener to the top of the can of unopened pet food to cut the lid from the can and then raising the can opener to its initial position. An electro-magnet is attached to the can opener for lifting the lid off the can of pet food as the can opener is raised to its initial position, and the sliding panel is moved with the can of open pet food through an opening in the cylindrical member for a pet to feed.

Abstract: A device is described for training a wild bear to be at a particular location on a regular daily schedule that matches the hunter's hours. The device provides multiple food enclosures, a scent dispenser, and a timer. The timer causes one of the food enclosures to be opened at each set interval, and dispenses a scent to signal the bear that “dinner is served”. The food enclosure which is opened will preferably only remain open for a limited time interval, for exemplary purposes one hour, so that the wild bear must be present at the scheduled time. Consequently, food is accessible only for one hour each day. The food enclosures are configured to allow a varied diet to be provided for the bear to keep him interested.

Abstract: An animal feeder and animal feeding system is provided that utilizes radio frequency identification technology to permit animals selective access to food. The animal feeder includes a universal base containing all of the necessary control electronics including a radio frequency transceiver and antenna. A given number of pre-defined codes are associated with sets of removable dishes and transponders. The transponders are arranged for attachment to an animal. All dishes and transponders in a given set are associated with the same code and can be used interchangeably. The dishes are sized and shaped to be fit into the base, and while a given dish is disposed in the base, the dish communicates or programs the control electronics with the pre-defined code associated with the dish. Therefore, when an animal wearing a transponder from the same set as that dish approaches the animal feeder, the control electronics recognize the animal and open a lid to permit access to the food contained within the dish.

Abstract: The invention relates to an animal exercise device, which is designed to challenge the natural instincts of animals, in particular dogs and cats, when hunting for food or toys. According to the invention, the food and toys are displayed and then disappear before the animal has caught them. The animal finally receives the food, but only after expending a certain amount of energy, thus mirroring nature.

Abstract: An interactive feeding device and method for animals. The device (10) includes an actuator (12) activatable by an animal, a container (18), a chute (20), a motor (14), a delivery mechanism (16) driven by the motor (14) to control passage of food from the food container (18) to the chute (20), and a controller device to operate the motor (14) subsequently to the actuator (12). The food delivery mechanism (16) preferably includes an upper (42) and lower (46) plates having upper and lower openings centered about the chute axis (48), and a disc (50) having an aperture (56) and being pivotally mounted between the plates. The aperture (56) of the disc (50) controls the passage of food from the container (18) to the chute (20) upon pivoting of the disc (50). The method includes the steps of receiving a request from an animal, providing a value of a parameter concerning the animal, retrieving a profile based on the value; and generating a command to the delivery mechanism using the profile.

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 feed metering device for distributing feed, that is fodder or drink, or both, in metered portions to an animal. The device comprises a feed unit for receiving and containing said feed which includes an entrance opening and receives said feed from a feed supplying device. The amount of feed provided by the feed supplying device to the feed unit is governed by data from an animal identification device which identifies the animal that will consume feed in the feed unit and a weighing device that determines the amount of feed remaining from the last feeding in the feed unit. Deterring devices include animal deterring means which may be a loudspeaker produce an animal frightening sound or a light producing element comprising an animal frightening light. Also a safety bracket is provided for the feed unit to prevent injury to the feed unit in the event that an animal feeding therefrom pushes the feed unit downwardly with force or the like.

Abstract: An automatic pet food dispensing device having a container that stores pet food, a circular pipe attached below the container, a dispenser rotatably received in the circular pipe, a motor that rotates the dispenser, and one or more dispensing spouts connected to the circular pipe is provided. The dispenser includes a shaft with a rectangular cross section and two or more circular dispensing discs fixed to the shaft, and each of the dispensing discs has an arc recess positioned opposite of each other. The dispensing discs have evenly spaced grooves cut out around the circumference of each disc and evenly spaced convex bumps slightly protruding upward.

Abstract: A mobile food dispenser includes a shell, a controller, at least one drive motor for moving the dispenser across a surface in response to direction from the controller, at least one sensor configured to detect the presence of an animal, and at least one compartment including a hatch mechanism for controlling an animal's access to the interior of the compartment, wherein the hatch mechanism is actuated by the controller, and wherein the controller is configured to move the dispenser and actuate the hatch mechanism to stimulate an animal, in response to a detected presence of the animal.

Abstract: A feed metering apparatus for supplying a consumable substance to a feeding trough for consumption by an animal, such as a dairy cow, while at least one further animal that has voluntary access to the same trough to consume a consumable substance therefrom is waiting for the animal at the feeding trough to depart. The feeding trough has an entrance opening which can be closed by a closing member. The apparatus intermittently supplies a quantity of a consumable substance to the feeding trough. The feeding trough has a weighing mechanism for continuously weighing the amount of the consumable substance in the feeding trough. A control mechanism is provided for closing the feeding trough's opening and there is a timing component.

Abstract: A feed distribution system with feed dispensers (20), dispenser trays (22) of which have a convex edge (27) with successive edge areas (61) which have a relatively large radius of curvature and edge areas (62) which have a relatively small radius of curvature; a suitable shape in this connection is an elliptical shape a triangular shape, a hexagonal shape. The invention provides improved animal welfare, inter alia through a larger feeding space and also larger living space when the birds are not feeding. The invention further provides improved economic efficiency for the breeder, inter alia by reduced costs per bird.

Abstract: A pet care center with refrigerated automatic feeder. A carousel type food tray is divided into a plurality of pie shaped containers, with an adjacent pair of containers made accessible to a pet, and the others maintained in a refrigerated condition in a refrigerated compartment of the pet care center. A tray for receiving animal waste is attachable to the refrigerated compartment.

Abstract: A device for automatically supplying a predetermined amount of at least one sort of feed to an animal in a period having a predetermined length. The device is provided with a feeding parlour, with an animal identification system for identifying an animal present at the feeding parlour, and with a computer for controlling the device for automatically supplying the at least one sort of feed to the feeding parlour. The computer is suitable for determining the sub-period between the last supply of feed to an animal and the momentary point of time when the animal is identified by the animal identification system at the feeding parlour. The computer controls the device in such a way that, during the momentary visit of the animal to the feeding parlour, there is supplied to the animal a feed balance, the size of the feed balance depending on the determined sub-period.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically supplying predetermined amounts of feed to animals over a predetermined period which may be a period of time such as 24 hours or based on other occurrences such as the number of animals that are being fed. Each animal feeds at a trough in a feeding area wherein the animal is identified and which may be provided in a preferably circular feeding column or available to an animal in a milking compartment. A plurality of feed types are provided for each animal wherein the amounts and types are computer controlled and take into consideration a number of factors such as the nutrition needs of the particular animal, its preferences in feed types, whether the animal involved is in a lactation period, the milk yield of the animal, the season of the year, the weather, and the physical profile of the animal being fed.

Abstract: Pet owners in multi-pet households often find it difficult to ensure that each of their pets eats an dequate, but not excessive, amount of food each day. In addition, in those households where less than all of the pets are on a special diet, and/or where a number of the pets are on different special diets, pet owners must often resort to monitored feedings to ensure that each pet eats only the food which is intended for that pet. Monitored feedings are not only inconvenient and time consuming, they can often lead to behavioral problems in the pet, such as anorexia and competitive eating syndrome. The present invention addresses these problems by providing a pet feeding system which allows only the intended pet to have access to food stored in the dish intended for that pet, and prevents all pets in the household from eating food which is not intended for them.

Abstract: An Automatic Dry Pet Food Dispenser releases measured quantities of dry pet food at pre-determined timed intervals over a several day period. The housing encloses a hopper, covered with a lockable lid. Underneath the hopper, a trough is pivotally mounted to the housing at its rear end. A front support of the trough is provided by a camshaft with several equally spaced cams, driven by a motor mechanism. The slope of the trough combined with its oscillating movement about the horizontal axis, caused by the rotating camshaft ensure the discharge of the material through the open front end of the trough into an external container. A timer controls the food quantity released at a single cycle and the schedule of operation.