Abstract: The present invention provides a bird feeder apparatus for providing a readily available supply of feed for birds. The apparatus comprises a telescopic-operational assemblage, a shroud assembly, and a hopper assembly. The telescopic-operational assemblage provides a nonlinear, geometrically-based closure mechanism for effectively closing the bird feeder when a large load is placed upon the shroud assembly such as when a squirrel attempts to gain access to feed outlets of the hopper assembly by positioning itself upon the apparatus. Further, the apparatus provides a partitioned, selectively removable (drop out-type) hopper for enabling easy refills; a feed-level status flag assembly for indicating to the user whether the hopper assembly is full or empty; and at least one surround perch assembly for accommodating birds of various sizes.

Abstract: A pet feeder includes a base and a lid, the base defining a bowl and the lid defining a reservoir. The base and lid are connected by a hinge, such that the lid can be retained in an open position. Solid food or liquid flows from the reservoir, through a valve, into the bowl. In the case of liquid, the supply of liquid in the bowl is continuously replenished due to the flow of liquid, by gravity, into the bowl. In another embodiment, the feeder may include a single base and separate bowls and separate lids, so that the feeder may provide both solid food and liquid simultaneously. When the lid is closed, the pet feeder becomes a compact structure that can be easily stored and transported.

Abstract: Bird feeding apparatus comprising a main body that provides access to bird food and a base member having a plurality of shedding faces which are inclined so that a bed of food particles in the main body settling under gravity is shed towards feeding ports located proximal the periphery of the base; where each shedding face has at least two mutually inclined substantially flat surfaces that together form a valley the floor of which descends as it approaches the periphery of the base.

Abstract: A multi-tier feeder which is comprised of a plurality of mesh feeder bodies stacked one upon the other in a collapsible fashion and which include even feed baffle plates positioned therein in a vertically spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a plurality of adjustable control levers which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to set the vertical height adjustment of the feed gates. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.

Abstract: A cleaning system for a livestock feeding device which unclogs blockage without the need for a workman to enter the feed dispensing area. The system includes at least two swiping arms which are positioned at a lower area of the feed system. The system is environmentally advantageous since workman entry into a hazardous area is reduced. The swiping arms are activated by an external motor which is turned on upon sensing of a clogged or blocked condition of the feed. The system applies to the feeding of hogs, livestock or other dispensing mechanisms.

Abstract: A collapsible feeder for birds, squirrels and the like comprising a plastic feeder body having a base and rim at the lower end thereof and a cover selectively closing the upper end thereof. The feeder body has a plurality of collapsible corrugations defining annular members that allow the body to extend and contract into extended and collapsed positions. The lower end of the feeder body is provided with feed outlets to enable feed within the feeder body to pass outwardly therethrough onto the base inwardly of the rim. The feeder body may also have a plurality of small openings or feeding stations formed in the corrugations to enable birds or the like to gain access to the feed within the feeder body. Preferably, the feeder body defines an inverted frusto-conical shape, but may have a frusto-conical shape as well as other shapes.

Abstract: An animal feeder primarily for squirrels comprises an elongated, tubular hopper that sequentially discharges husked ears of corn, and a lower, aligned cob discharge orifice that drops depleted corn cobs from the feeder. The vertically oriented hopper is sized to slidably contain one or more husked ears of corn which drop through it in response to gravity. A feeding tray suspended beneath the hopper initially contacts ears of corn when they drop from the hopper. An animal access region is formed between the hopper and the tray. Portions of ears temporarily occupying this region are exposed to squirrels for eating. A cob discharge orifice formed in the tray beneath the hopper bottom is sized to automatically discharge empty corn cobs from the feeder after the ears are reduced in diameter by corn depletion.

Abstract: A manually operated dog treat dispensing machine capable of dispensing dog treats one at a time. The dispenser consist of a rectangular housing with a hinged housing door and hinged capital that serves as a food supply reservoir which is gravity fed into a spring loaded spindle chamber mounted on an axel and hand crank. Treats exit the dispenser through a chute output consisting of a hinged chute lid, two side walls and a base block. A retaining plate mounted in the end of the chute lid and adjacent to the spindle chamber acts as a stop preventing dispensing of more than one dog treat at a time. The dispenser can also function using a magazine that is inserted inside the rectangular housing area once the rear interior wall is changed out to accommodate the depth of the magazine. Magazine stop tabs at the base of the magazines along with the retaining plate mounted on the chute lid prevent the dispenser from dispensing more than one dog treat at a time.

Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a plurality of adjustable control levers which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to set the vertical height adjustment of the feed gates. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.

Abstract: A water dispensing device, an associated kit and a method of using same are disclosed for use in hydrating a pet such as a dog or cat. The water dispensing device includes a base unit slidably attached to a storage vessel. The base unit includes the interconnected constituents of a housing; a frame wall; and a door. The storage vessel includes the interconnected constituents of a flip top; a hollow body; and a hollow outlet port. The kit includes the unattached elements of the device. The method of using same includes the steps of adjoining, affixing, closing, grabbing, joining, letting, obtaining, opening, plugging, pouring, pushing, and releasing.

Abstract: A swine feeder for use in feeding individually housed gestating swine. The feeder includes a hollow tube containing feed. The tube controls the amount of feed by having its lower, angled end contained within a feeding tube that is moveable by the individual sow to discharge the feed only when the sow applies a force to the feeding tube. The feeder may be connected to a supply of feed, and typically, the feeder is attached to the individual crate of each sow such that a limited amount of feed is dispersed into the sow's feeding area, usually a trough.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device (1) for automatic feeding of animals, preferably pigs. The device comprises a dispensing unit (2) over a feed plate (4) below a hopper (13). In order to achieve a simple feeding device enabling precise regulation of an amount of feed for adjusting the device to animals of different sizes, the dispensing unit (2) comprises a tubular duct (7) the upper end of which having an area which is greater than the area of the outlet (12) of the hopper (13). In the hopper, a disc-shaped element (8) enabling outflow of feed (33) from the disc-shaped element to the inner (31) of the duct (7). Thus there will be no risk of humidity absorption from feed on the feed plate (4) to the feed in the hopper (13). The feed outflow occurs at an intermediate space (34) between the disc-shaped element and the hopper and in an intermediate space (10) between the disc-shaped element and the inner wall (11) of the duct when the animals exert a lateral pressure (35) on the dispensing unit (2).

Abstract: A livestock feeding assembly including a hopper and a manger interconnected by a frame, the manger being divided into a central area for dry feed and two lateral areas for water, the three transversal areas being separated by two transversal partitions, the central area having raised portion with a stepped edge, at least the lowest step having a slightly concave section.

Abstract: A collapsible feeder for birds, squirrels and the like and comprises a feeder body including a base and a rim. A series of hollow body segments of graduated diameters extend upwardly from the base within the rim to form a feeder body. The segment of smallest diameter is joined to the base and has a plurality of feed outlet openings formed therein to enable feed from within the feeder body to pass outwardly therefrom onto the base inwardly of the rim. A feeder lid is removably positioned on the upper end of the segment of greatest diameter when the feeder body is in the extended position. The body segments include means for yieldably maintaining the feeder in its straight extended position for filling and hanging.

Abstract: A pair of pet waterers, a pair of pet feeders or a pet feeder and a pet waterer adapted to be packaged together in a manner that reduces the volume occupied by the combination compared to if they were packaged separately. The pet feeder has a feed receptacle for storing feed. A first end of the feed receptacle when placed in a first tray occupies only a portion of the tray. The pet waterer has a water receptacle for storing water. A first end of the water receptacle when placed in a second tray occupies only a portion of the tray. A second end of the feed receptacle is adapted to be received by the second tray and a second end of the water receptacle is adapted to be received first tray.

Abstract: A pet feeder for dispensing a supply of pet food includes a food dish and a food storage reservoir. The food storage reservoir is disposed adjacent the food dish and is adapted for holding a supply of the food. A top wall and a floor define the reservoir. The food dish is defined by a sidewall and a floor and has an open top to allow pets access to the food dish. The reservoir floor and the food dish floor form a continuous and downwardly sloping floor to gravitally direct pet food from the storage reservoir into the food dish. An agitator is disposed inside the reservoir. The agitator includes an arm secured to a disc for stirring the food to reduce food stagnation inside said reservoir. A food level sensor is further included in the reservoir to alert the user when the food level in the reservoir is empty or is approaching empty.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a housing including a bottom wall and a peripheral wall. A cover is removably positionable over an opening defined by an upper edge of the peripheral wall for selectively opening or closing the housing. Each of a pair of mounts is positioned on the peripheral wall. A funnel is positioned in the housing and includes a spout extending outwardly through the bottom wall. A plate has an upper side that has a central area having a raised portion thereon. Each of a plurality of rods has a first end attached to the bottom wall and a second end attached to the plate such that the spout is vertically aligned with the raised portion. A limb mounting assembly includes a pair of male couplers for attaching to the mounts and a tether for selectively hanging the housing.

Abstract: An animal feeder has a hopper for storing pieces of food. The bottom of the hopper has an opening accessible by an animal. The opening is smaller than a piece of food, but large enough for the animal to gnaw the food through the opening. The hopper has a surface adjacent the opening, to receive fallen gnawed food and hold the fallen gnawed food in a position accessible by the animal for eating. The hopper engages a mounting bracket. The bracket has a lip which partially covers the receiving surface of the hopper to physically limit the animal from leaning on the hopper and to prevent the hopper from tipping back so far that it falls off the conical mount. A conical mount transmits a downward force from the conical bottom surface to a sensor, but does not transmit an upward force or moment to the sensor.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder comprising a two-part housing and a vessel unit supported by the housing. The vessel unit may be prefilled with a sugar and water solution. Once the sugar and water solution has been emptied from the vessel unit, the two housing pieces may be separated, the empty vessel unit removed, and a full new vessel unit placed inside the housing. Alternatively, the vessel unit may be refilled.

Abstract: A static feeder system for supplying feed aggregate to animals and birds. A constant and controlled amount of protein pellets, grain, seeds, etc., is supplied to multiple feed stations within an environmentally protected bulk container. A bulk container is used as the primary storage hopper and appropriate cut-outs are made on the base periphery of the container equal to the number of feed stations desired. A single piece of material is inserted to provide the sealed walls and the base shape for each feed station on the drum periphery. The base absorbs and distributes the bulk load from the hopper and funnels it to the drum base. The base component and the multiple funnel component moldings to form a two component assembly which provides internally protected feed pockets that control the quantity and shape of the emerging feed aggregate flowing from the bulk container.

Abstract: A birdfeeder is made up of two subassemblies, one of them having a protective top and a lock rod extending downward from the center of the top and the other having a base with a cavity for receiving and holding bird feed, along with a reservoir, a tubular support member attached to the base and a locking mechanism attached to a reservoir wall and to the tubular support member. The lock rod, which extends only partially down the tubular support when engaged, has a groove near its lower end for receiving a spring-biased rod from the locking mechanism, connecting the two subassemblies together. A space between the lower end of the lock rod and the base allows any feed that has been spilled into the top of the tubular member in the course of loading the reservoir to fall downward away from components of the locking mechanism. Openings may also be provided in the base or in the tubular support member at location near the bottom for the same purpose.

Abstract: A method of making a tubular member such as a bird feeder hopper having offset members extending integrally from the inside surface of the peripheral wall thereof into an internal cavity. A sheet-like member is initially formed with a plurality of wall sections interconnected by integral hinges and the offset members integrally formed on one surface thereof. The sheet-like element can then be folded or pivoted about the integral hinges to form the peripheral wall of the tubular member, with the offset members extending into the internal cavity defined thereby and the edge portions of the end sections secured as by heat sealing, complementary locking members, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A self-metering feed dispensing system including a feed supply hopper having an interior for receiving feed. The feed supply hopper has upper and lower portions, with the upper portion extending over the lower portion and being removably mounted on the lower portion for permitting access to the interior. The lower portion may comprise a pair of hopper sections each terminating at a bottom of the lower portion in an outlet with an opening. The hopper sections may each have a perimeter wall converging toward the outlet and diverging away from the outlet. Optionally, the system may include a feed delivery tube extending downwardly from the feed supply hopper and having an upper end being in fluid communication with interior of the feed supply hopper and having a lower end, and a feed trough below the feed del very tube for holding feed delivered by the feed delivery tube.

Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a plurality of adjustable control levers which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to set the vertical height adjustment of the feed gates. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.

Abstract: An autonomus, weatherproof device is capable of providing dry feed material to game animals. This device provides minimal feed “on demand” as the target animal makes contact with the device actuator. Vents in the device alert animals to the presence of the food by releasing continuous scent. A key feature of the device is an internal baffle that mitigates the gravity-fed pressure of a large feed column upon the actuator. The device can be sized to contain any suitable feed material and physically located to encourage or discourage nontarget animals from foraging. While the present invention is designed for hunters to attract game animals, domestic animals could also be fed using such a device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel feeder that is used to attract agricultural animals to the feeder to enhance the animals' feeding behavior by providing a non-reflective feeder that is integrally formed with a plurality of reflective particles that attract the attention of the animals. Once the animals notice the reflective particles, the animals are drawn toward the feeder, thus encouraging them to find and eat the food in the feeder.

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

Abstract: A protective guard for a bird feeder is provided. The protective guard includes a substantially dome-shaped main body with a concave inner side, a convex outer side and an apex region. The main body includes a wire hanger receiving slot through the apex region of the main body. A circular wall downwardly depends from the concave inner side of the main body. The circular wall is located to surround the wire hanger receiving slot and is dimensioned to have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of a top cap of a bird feeder. The guard may be readily placed over and installed on a bird feeder by inserting a wire hanger of the bird feeder through the wire hanger receiving slot with the concave inner side of the main body resting on the upper surface of the top cap of the bird feeder thereby retrofitting the protective guard thereto. In addition, the guard may be connected to the bottom of a post mounted bird feeder to provide a squirrel baffle.

Abstract: An animal feeder for delivery of feed to at least one animal. The animal feeder includes a pair of opposed, downwardly sloping sidewalls and a pair of opposed endwalls coupled to the opposed, downwardly sloping sidewalls. The pair of opposed, downwardly sloping sidewalls and the pair of endwalls defining an opening. A dust cover covers at least a portion of the opening, such that opposed peripheral edges of the dust cover are supported by contact with opposed inside surfaces of the pair of opposed, downwardly sloping sidewalls, such that the dust cover reduces airborne particulates generated by receiving feed through the opening.

Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a plurality of adjustable control levers which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to set the vertical height adjustment of the feed gates. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a support structure and a container attached to the support structure. The container includes an inlet that receives feed and an outlet that delivers feed therefrom. The animal feeder further includes a feed station and a cover that seals the inlet of the container. The feed station includes a chute having an inlet attached to the outlet of the container and an outlet that delivers feed received from the container therefrom and a plurality of troughs attached at the outlet of the chute. The animal feeder still further includes a mount attached to the container and to the cover, wherein the mount permits the cover to move from a substantially horizontal closed position sealing the inlet of the container and pivot to a substantially vertical open position exposing the inlet of the container.

Abstract: A deer feeder adapted for hanging in a tree is provided. The feeder includes an upright tubular feed reservoir. A feeding port angles upwardly from and communicates with the feed reservoir proximate its bottom end. In a first embodiment of the feeder, a flexible support member such as a chain is connected to the reservoir proximate its top end and so as to be engageable with the tree to suspend the feeder therefrom and a cleat extends outwardly from the feed reservoir and engages the tree trunk in order to stabilize the feeder relative to the tree. In a second embodiment, the exterior surface of the feeder is corrugated so as to include a plurality of transverse ridges separated by grooves. The feeder is connected to a tree trunk by flexible securement members which encircle the feeder and engage the grooves on the exterior surface.

Abstract: An animal gate has an integrally formed water delivery tube to deliver low-pressure water to a water trough and an integrally formed food supply bin to deliver animal food to a food trough. Both water and food supplies in the respective troughs are maintained by static force. In an optional embodiment, the water supply can be shut off via valve, and the water trough can be purged via a sealable drain in the bottom of the water trough.

Abstract: An improved livestock feeder provided with an adjustable feed dispensing mechanism including control levers which are operatively connected to the feed metering gates to control the flow of feed to livestock. The dispensing mechanism features a plurality of adjustable control levers which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to set the vertical height adjustment of the feed gates. The dispensing mechanism includes a graduated scale corresponding to each of the index holes to provide a standard setting for the feeder which can be utilized by an animal producer to supply of feed flow at a given stage in the animal's life cycle to obtain a desired growth rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically milking animals, such as cows, wherein the milking parlor contains a feeding apparatus for providing, in particular, concentrate. The apparatus has at least one hopper for storing the feed and at least one metering unit for metering the feed from the hopper into at least one conveyor channel. From the conveyor channel, the feed is received by a manger. The feeding apparatus comprises several embodiments of cleaning devices for preventing the conveyor channel from collecting undesired substances that may contaminate or clog the channel or cause both problems. The cleaning device may be an air blower which blows air through perforations in the wall of the conveyor channel towards the manger, the perforations being in the form of lamellae. Also an air blower may move air through a channel which debouches proximate the manger.

Abstract: An autonomous, weatherproof device is capable of providing dry feed material to game animals. This device provides minimal feed “on demand” as the target animal makes contact with the device actuator. Vents in the device alert animals to the presence of the food by releasing continuous scent. A key feature of the device is an internal baffle that mitigates the gravity-fed pressure of a large feed column upon the actuator. The device can be sized to contain any suitable feed material and physically located to encourage or discourage nontarget animals from foraging. While the present invention is designed for hunters to attract game animals, domestic animals could also be fed using such a device.

Abstract: A collapsible feeder for birds, squirrels and the like is disclosed and comprises a feeder body including a base and a rim. A series of hollow body segments of graduated diameters extend upwardly from the base within the rim to form a feeder body. The segment of smallest diameter is joined to the base and has a plurality of feed outlet openings formed therein to enable feed from within the feeder body to pass outwardly therefrom onto the base inwardly of the rim. A feeder lid is removably positioned on the upper end of the segment of greatest diameter when the feeder body is in the extended position. The feeder lid is removably positioned on the upper end of the rim when the feeder body is in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A feed conveying system, in which a disk cable is not easily dislocated from a drive sprocket or get fatigued to break in a short period, and feed S returned does not disturb the operations of the drive sprocket and others, is provided. A cable inlet port is formed at the top end of a side wall and a cable outlet port is formed at the bottom end of a side wall. The drive sprocket is disposed at an upper one side portion within a housing, and a free pulley is disposed at a lower other side portion on a substantially same plane as the drive sprocket so to be freely movable in a horizontal direction, and a weight for applying a tensile force to the free pulley is disposed. A feed guide member, which has a drop frame section falling between the drive sprocket and the free pulley connected to a guide cylindrical section extending from the cable inlet port, is disposed. A drive device having the above component members is disposed in the feed conveying system.

Abstract: An automated cabinet for feed products comprises a closable cabinet having two compartments, wherein one expansive compartment contains a plurality of animal feed supporting shelves which pivot downward sequentially from one hinged end at timed intervals by retraction of a lever system activated by an upwardly rotating trip mechanism (in another compartment) on a vertical jackscrew rotated by an electric motor operated by a programmed timer. A partition separates the compartments, and supports the lever system for every shelf, and a cutoff switch system for the uppermost shelf.

Abstract: A bird seed collector is located beneath a bird seed feeder and is attached to the feeder for receiving seed dislodged from the feeder. A mesh barrier extends adjacent an open end of the collector permitting seed passage while barring entry of birds or rodents into the collector. A cross member in the collector receives a hook for feeder attachment. The barrier is shaped to occupy a cross sectional area of the downwardly convergent shaped collector which prevents tipping of the barrier. Engagement of the cross member and barrier additionally supports the barrier against displacement. The collector may be formed from flexible sheet material.

Abstract: A uniquely designed truncated prism shaped fly-through bird feeder (where birds can fly into and through the bird feeder) described. The bird feeder frame structure has a bottom and moveable roof structure rotatably attached to side support members between the roof and a base. The bird feeder base further includes a movable floor structure rotatably attached to said frame and a birdseed autofeeder structure. The roof can be raised for easy filling of the truncated prism shaped autofeeder mounted to one side of said frame. The autofeeder is rotatably and removably attached to said frame and can be rotated outwards away from said frame for easy emptying and removal and cleaning of transparent sides. The moveable floor can be rotated outwards and upside down for easy emptying and cleaning.

Abstract: The bird feeder of the present invention includes a dispenser suitable for receiving, holding and dispensing bird feed into a receptacle suspended below the dispenser. At least one of the dispenser and receptacle is at least partially collapsible to form a lower profile for storage or packaging.

Abstract: A wildlife feeder having a cap removably attached to a preferably cylindrical body having an exterior surface and an interior feed reservoir. A reflective decal and eye bolts may be secured to the wall of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is secured to a base assembly having a plate portion and a slide pedestal to dispense feed from within the feed reservoir through a feeder mouth.

Abstract: A feeding pan for automatic feed dispensers for poultry in general, which comprises a tray-shaped body connected to a duct for supplying feed which can be coupled to a supply tube. The duct ends with openings for delivery into the tray-shaped body which can be controlled by a rack arranged at preselectable heights, further elements for lifting the rack which can be actuated by the resting of the tray-shaped body on the ground being also provided.

Abstract: A feeding device (1) is intended for use for feeding piglets. The feeding device comprises a pivotally pipe (2) mounted on a frame in a position below a hopper (10). A control bar (15) extends through the hopper (10) and the pipe (2) and is fastened to the lower end of the pipe by means of a fitting (25). The control bar (15) is made of an elastically flexible material and may be displaced in a slide bushing (16) in order to adjust the elastic flexibility by adjusting the length of the free section (33) of the bar (15). The pipe (2) may thus be deflected when animals push to the lower end in order to eat fodder on a fodder plate (4). Subsequent to a deflection the pipe will take its neutral starting position. By suitable dimensioning of the bar (15) an elastic flexibility is achieved in an easy and simple way, whereby the feeding device may be adjusted to animals of different sizes and especially to piglets.