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 control lever which engage an array of indexing holes formed in the feeder to position the feed gate within the opening to adjust the amount of feed dispensed from the hopper. 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 hay feeder allows a horse to eat from the feeder at a controlled speed in order to help prevent choke as well as overeating. The feeder uses a receptacle that has one or more guide posts extending between a closed bottom and an open top. A plate has first openings that each receive a respective post in order to allow the plate to slide up and down within the receptacle, the plate also having a series of second openings. Hay is placed into the receptacle and the plate is positioned on top of the hay. The horse eats the hay through the series of second openings and the plate gravitationally falls with the depleting stock of hay guided downwardly along the posts.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for dispensing precise quantities of particulate medication to livestock, in particular sows during gestation. The apparatus includes a medication hopper having a lower discharge opening; a mechanically or electrically actuated measuring valve including a chamber having a volume corresponding to the volume of the desired medication dosage. The chamber is movable between a first position in which the chamber inlet is aligned with the hopper discharge opening and a second position for discharging medication from the chamber. A discharge conduit extends downwardly from the chamber discharge opening, and has outlet end positionable adjacent the area where the medication is to be dispensed. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes wheels and a counter.

Abstract: The feedstuff metering device comprises a body connected at the top to a conveyor pipe, carrying the feedstuff from a centralized system of storage silos and which has an inner cover adjustable in position in order to vary the measured quantity, and also a rotatable rod to effect the blocking and unblocking of the discharge cover, characterized in that the metering device is provided with an upper cover detachable for maintenance purposes and in that the actuating rod of the discharge cover is linked to a driver for rotating the same by means of an intermediate engagement and disengagement device which makes it possible to disable as required the discharge of a specific feeder of a battery of feeders. The body of the metering device carries on its outer part a clamp for the attachment of index cards and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with rotating feeder, having an animal activated feedwheel for spreading feed within a trough. A first stopper is connectable to, and extendable from, the feedwheel. The first stopper defines an orbit path when the feedwheel is rotated. A second stopper is connectable to and extendable from a stationary portion of the feeder and into the orbit path. When the first stopper engages the second stopper, the stoppers cooperate to limit rotation of the feedwheel to a single direction about the aperture axis.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a flower member having a limited capacity fluid chamber associated with an angled hollow tubular calyx portion which is dimensioned to receive the upper end of a tubular support member. The limited capacity of the fluid chamber will tend to prevent the spoilage of the sugar solution that is introduced into the fluid chamber.

Abstract: An automatic animal feeding apparatus having an exterior cabinet, a base member supporting the exterior cabinet, a water tank disposed within the exterior cabinet, and a food hopper disposed within the exterior cabinet and positioned adjacent to the water tank. A food bowl and a water bowl are positioned substantially on a top surface of the base member. In addition, there is a first pressure sensing mechanism for generating a first analog signal corresponding to the weight of the water bowl, and a second pressure sensing mechanism for generating a second analog signal corresponding to the weight of the food bowl.

Abstract: An improved feeder for a poultry house includes a distributor and trough assembly suspended in a manner that permits height adjustment and inversion for convenient cleaning between batches. The assembly is simple in design permitting assembly from a minimum number of standardized components.

Abstract: A weight actuated dispensing mechanism including a bracket adapted to be attached to a conveyor system and having an inlet opening therein for receiving material from the conveyor system, and an outlet opening for allowing the material to exit from the bracket by gravity. A valving mechanism is pivotally attached along an axis to the bracket for movement between a first position wherein the valve mechanism closes the outlet opening of the bracket and a second position wherein the valve mechanism is open to allow material to pass from the conveyor system, through the bracket, to a container disposed below the bracket. A projection on the valve mechanism is provided for automatically increasing the closing force on the valve mechanism as it closes. One end of a flexible line is attached to the valve mechanism and extends over the projection.