Abstract: A system for the controlled distribution of food for feeding animals, which includes a plurality of concentric circular sections with feeders for animals, a self-propelled central pivot machine arranged in a center of concentric circular sections, the self-propelled machine having a pivot base and a main head; a first pivoting span connected to the pivot base and at the proximal end of which the main head is arranged, while at the distal end a food discharge head is arranged; a main pipe that moves food to the main head and from the latter to the food discharge head and to the respective feeders arranged in the circular concentric sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing feed for animals, includes a first container for storing at least one liquid; a second container for storing at least one dehydrated feed; a mixing chamber; a first dosing system configured to dose and transfer a first predetermined amount of the at least one liquid to the mixing chamber; a second dosing system configured to dose and transfer a second predetermined amount of the at least one dehydrated feed to the mixing chamber; a mixer, arranged at least temporarily in the mixing chamber, for stirring and mixing the at least one liquid with the at least one dehydrated feed during a mixing phase, so as to form a feed ration in paste form; and a dispenser, arranged to dispense the feed ration in paste form from the mixing chamber into a container, for dispensing during a dispensing phase.

Abstract: An automated animal feeder is disclosed having a storage area with a top at one end and the second feeding into a dispensing module containing a dispensing tube. An auger, connected to a support and motor, extends into the second opening of the storage area. Preferably the auger support is movable along the dispensing module to vary a distance between the length of the auger at the proximal opening of the dispensing tube. A programmable control panel controls the motor and can have a display screen, speaker and programming members, or the control panel can be controlled by remote control. Power can be from at least one from the group of replaceable battery, rechargeable battery, solar or electricity, power the control panel and motor. A deflection tab extends into the dispensing tube, spaced from the auger, to prevent the accumulation food on the auger.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a dispenser system includes: providing a housing including a front side; coupling a mechanism to the front side of the housing, the mechanism including a drive system and a storage unit; and connecting a circuit to the mechanism configured to dispense a consumable product contained in the storage unit after a remote command is received by the circuit.

Abstract: A method and system that controls pet access to various different locations and/or objects. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides an automated system whereby pets wearing an ID tag are allowed access to various locations and/or objects, such as food contained within a feeder dish for example, while a sensor system, responding to the presence of other animals or people, causes the device to close preventing unauthorized access thereto. The feeder further includes one or more sensors using ultrasonic, infrared technology or both in combination for the identification of both tagged and non-tagged animals or children. Further embodiments employ the system to control access to litter boxes, pet toys, pet watering systems, pet gate access, pet containment systems or pet doors.

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: An animal feeder for mounting to a tree includes a feed storage bin having a bottom opening positioned to deposit feed on to a dispersion disc positioned within a cowling to distribute feed through a directional opening in the cowling by rotating the disc with a timer controlled motor mounted below it and a gripper for mounting on a tree.

Abstract: A device catering for the dietary needs of animals. Feed is stored in a hopper and distributed at intervals to the animal's feeding receptacle via an internal dispensing mechanism using a flexible rotor sealing against the walls of a housing to both meter the feed and seal against contamination. The quantities and delivery times may be set by the user. An optional weighting system can be provided to increase accuracy of delivered feed amounts. Optionally, the device may include a water delivery system. Water is provided by a plumbed domestic connection and is available to the animal at all times, except during the automatic change cycle. A pump is utilized to change the water several times a day, in an attempt to remove any contaminants that may affect the water quality that is required to be dispensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a game feeder that successfully dispenses powdered forms of grain such as rice bran. The invention adds a semi-flexible cable that attaches by one end to the center of a spinning member of an existing feeder's dispensing mechanism. The cable extends upward through the center of the feed hopper so that the opposite end of the cable is located within a hollow center of the feed made within the feed hopper as the feed is loaded into the feed hopper. The flexible member preferably has a weight attached at its terminal end so that the cable and weight are swung around within the feed hopper as the spinning member rotates providing enough stirring action to the feed to cause it to move downward within the hopper, through the bottom opening of the hopper and to the automated feed dispersing mechanism.

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: 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 device for feeding animals, includes a frame with a feed holder for a feeding site for an animal. The frame is provided with a restricting device for restricting in at least two opposite lateral directions a dwelling space for an animal using the feeding site. The device is also provided with a distancing mechanism for keeping animals located outside the dwelling space at a distance from the restricting device.

Abstract: An animal feed mechanism includes a manually operated slide valve interposed between a set of upper agitators and a set of lower screw conveyors. In some examples, two upper agitators are installed within a plastic funnel, and two lower screw conveyors are disposed within a metal auger housing. Each screw conveyor includes an auger driven by its own separate motor. Thus, there are two motors for rotating the two augers. The two motors can be energized individually to selectively rotate either auger or to rotate them concurrently. In some examples, a transmission coupling the two augers to the two agitators conveys power to rotate both agitators regardless of whether either one or both motor driven augers are operating.

Abstract: A corner assembly for a tube conveyor system comprises a housing defining a wheel receiving area and a flow path with ports at opposite ends of the flow path. A wheel rotatably received in the wheel receiving area comprises a rim having an upper surface and a lower surface; a pair of spaced apart channels formed in at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rim; and at least one flapper pivotally mounted to the wheel inside of the rim. The flapper is freely movable between a position in which it is aligned with a wall of one of the channels and a position in which it is aligned with a wall of the other of the channels. Thus, when the wheel rotates, the flapper will sweep any material in the wheel receiving area towards and through one of the channels and into the flow path.

Abstract: An pet food dispensing device includes a dispenser, an outer case, a pet food container, a slant guide, a driving device, and dispensing spouts. The dispenser includes a shaft, a dispensing disc, a rectangular push-out plate, a semi-circular plate and a stirrer. The dispensing disc includes top and bottom layers, which are positioned adjacently. The top layer of the dispensing disc includes one or more bumps on the top surface. The rectangular foam push out plate turns counter-clockwise dispensing pet food from the upper portion of semi-circular plate towards slant guide. The stirrer of the pet food dispenser includes a first flap extended from the first edge of the bottom layer of the dispensing disc, and the first flap is bent downwardly below the horizontal plane.

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: A corner assembly for a tube conveyor system comprises a housing defining a wheel receiving area and a flow path defining an angle and having ports at opposite ends of said flow path. A wheel is rotatably received in the wheel receiving area. The wheel comprises a rim having an upper surface and a lower surface; at least one pair of spaced apart channels formed in at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rim; and at least one flapper pivotally mounted to said wheel inside of said rim. The flapper is freely movable between a first position in which the flapper is aligned with a wall of one of the channels and a second position in which the flapper is aligned with a wall of the other of the channels. Thus, when the wheel rotates, the flapper will sweep any material in the wheel receiving area towards and through one of the channels and into the flow path.

Abstract: A treat dispensing system to dispense treats to animals, includes a treat dispenser controlled by a user controller. The treat dispenser includes a housing having an interior and at least one aperture to dispense treats. A treat advancer advances a treat from a storage area to a chute, for example via an actuator, controlled by an advancer controller. The advancer controller is controlled by a treat dispenser controller, which is in turn controlled by the user controller. The user controller may comprise a remote control, cordless telephone, cellular telephone, PDA, network connected desktop or laptop computer. The treat dispenser controller may include a camera and loudspeaker. The user can remotely initiate the advancer to align the treat storage with the chute so that a treat held within the treat storage area is dispensed via the aperture to the external environment.

Abstract: A motorized wildlife feeder provides a reliable flow of powdery feeds, such as rice bran, from a hopper to the ground. The hopper is partially formed by a funnel with a unique, eight-sided shape. The unique shape of the funnel is believed to provide reliable flow of powdery feeds, whereas typical funnels with round sides tend to plug when such feeds are used. Vibrators attached to the hopper assist the flow of feed from the hopper into a trough, where an auger moves the feed to a downspout and onto the ground.

Abstract: A control assembly for use in a feed delivery assembly comprises a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber between said inlet and outlet. The chamber is opened in a plane parallel, but radially offset from, an axis of the inlet and outlet. A tube member is removably receivable in the chamber. The removable tube member includes a tube having a length sufficient to span a distance between the inlet and outlet tubes. At least one infrared emitter and at least one infrared receiver are mounted on the tube member tube and are positioned to be opposed to each other such that the receiver will receive and detect light from the emitter. The emitter and receiver are operatively connected to a controller. The controller emits a signal when it is determined that the light from the emitter to the receiver is interrupted.

Abstract: A plant (1) for distributing material with a substantially fluid behaviour for feeding animals, comprising a pipe (2) for conveying the material, elements (3, 4) for dragging the material, which are slidably housed within the conveying pipe (2), motor means (5) associated to the dragging elements (3, 4) to slide them within the conveying pipe (2), a plurality of openings (6) for the outflow of the material, which are obtained in the conveying pipe (2) and to each one of which there is associated a respective conduit (7) for supplying and containing the material and a raceway (10) which is arranged beneath the conveying pipe (2) and the conduits (7) and which is open on the top to allow animal access thereto.

Abstract: An adjustable feeder attachable to a feed hopper includes a base plate that is connected to a motor. A series of recessions are evenly spaced along the outer edge of the base plate, and a plurality of arms are evenly disposed about outer edge of said base plate corresponding to the recessions. Each arm has a proximal end connected to the base plate and a distal end pivotable about the proximal end from a confined position proximate the base plate to an extended position away from the base plate. When the arms are in the confined position, the feeder is easily stored and transported. When the arms are in the extended position, the feeder is connectable to the bottom surface of the feed hopper, with a funnel attached to said base plate being positioned proximate a dispersing aperture in said feed hopper. Feed will travel through the funnel to a spin plate connected to the motor for the spin plate to distribute feed to the area surrounding the feeder.

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 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: A wildlife feeder with a control box assembly for engaging a bottom wall of a hopper of a wildlife feeder is provided, the bottom wall having a hopper feed dispensing opening. The hopper is supported on a multiplicity of legs above the ground. The assembly includes a motor with a drive shaft, and a spinner mounted near a removed end of the drive shaft. A control box having a control box housing is provided with an upper wall, the upper wall having an opening to allow the drive shaft to project substantially vertically therethrough. A hopper engagement plate is provided for engaging the bottom wall of the hopper adjacent the hopper feed dispensing opening. The hopper engagement plate has a base with a feed opening therethrough. The hopper engagement plate has walls with a multiplicity of legs depending therefrom. The feed opening of the base is located substantially below the hopper feed dispensing opening.

Abstract: An pet food dispensing device includes a dispenser, an outer case, a pet food container, a slant guide, a driving device, and dispensing spouts. The dispenser includes a shaft, a dispensing disc, a rectangular push-out plate, a semi-circular plate and a stirrer. The dispensing disc includes top and bottom layers, which are positioned adjacently. The top layer of the dispensing disc includes one or more bumps on the top surface. The rectangular foam push out plate turns counter-clockwise dispensing pet food from the upper portion of semi-circular plate towards slant guide. The stirrer of the pet food dispenser includes a first flap extended from the first edge of the bottom layer of the dispensing disc, and the first flap is bent downwardly below the horizontal plane.

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 food dispenser for dispensing dry food, the food dispenser comprising: a food receiving module for receiving the food; a metering module for metering a quantity of the food to dispense, the metering module including an impeller having at least one arm defining a vane, the impeller being rotatably mounted in the metering module, the metering module also including a power drive unit operatively coupled to the impeller for selectively rotating the impeller; a discharge module operatively coupled to the output port for receiving the food from the output port and dispensing the food; an impeller rotation detector operatively coupled to the impeller for detecting a rotation of the impeller when the power drive unit is used to rotate the impeller. The metering module is configured and sized to discharge a predetermined quantity of the food when the impeller rotates over a predetermined rotation angle.

Abstract: A directional control unit having a fan blade and a counter-weighted door. The fan blade is powered by a motor that spins the fan blade which disperses feed within the directional control unit and causes the counter-weighted door to open. The feed is then distributed solely through the counter-weighted door for distribution in preferably a single, predetermined direction and, at the same time, keeping varmints from getting into the control unit and stealing the feed.

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: A device for dispensing and distributing food for aquatic fauna, which can be fitted in aquariums or containers for holding live fish, but also in tanks for turtles and terrariums in general or similar, this device comprising a tank and means for pushing the food towards an outlet, in which the tank (11) is positioned in a substantially horizontal direction and houses a pusher-mixer (12 which occupies the internal space of the tank and consists of a shaft (17), equipped with a plurality of sloping blades (18) all facing in the same direction as the direction in which the food is pushed towards the dispensing outlet (13), and in which this dispensing outlet (13) presents a substantially vertical opening for the discharge of the food in a horizontal direction.

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: 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 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: 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 feed metering device for distributing feed (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 that receives said feed from a feed supplying device, and which is rotatable about an axis. The amount of feed provided by the feed supplying device to the feed unit is governed by data from an animal identification device that identifies the animal that will consume the feed in the feed unit and a weighing device which determines the amount of feed remaining from the last feeding in the feeding unit and any added thereto by the magnitude of torque on a motor which rotates the closing device for the entrance opening of the feeding unit via a contacting roll.

Abstract: A game feeder utilizes an improved feed dispensing mechanism that allows feed to enter the feed dispensing mechanism from the side. A game feeder utilizing the improved feed dispensing mechanism prevents access to the feed through the feed dispensing mechanism thereby eliminating the need to keep the game feeder out of the reach of wild animals.

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: A fish feeder having an inner tray sliding within an outer tray. The trays are provided with holes which, when brought into alignment, allow feed to drop from the inner tray through the outer tray and on to a spreader, whereby the food is evenly distributed across the surface of water. The inner tray is driven by pneumatic actuation to reduce noise and precisely control the amount of feed dropped upon each actuation. Means are provided for reducing the ingress of food particulate between the trays, which would otherwise act to increase friction and decrease the efficiency and repeatability associated with food delivery.

Abstract: An animal feeder having a hopper from which an electrically powered motor dispenser discharges feed to inclined surfaces into a feeding trough, has a rain sensing device attached to it and exposed to receive rain. The rain sensing device is installed in the electrical circuit of the motor. Rain causes the sensing device to break the circuit thereby disengaging the motor from its power source until the sensing device no longer is affected by the rain and the circuit is restored and the motor returned to operability.

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: 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 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for preparing and distributing cattle feed, including a chassis carrying a tank with side walls, at least one of which has a flap for distributing the feed, said tank having shredding and mixing means consisting of at least one substantially horizontal screw.