Abstract: An apparatus for feeding animals includes a hopper to store animal feed and a motor-driven spinner beneath the hopper, that radially spreads feed dropping from an opening in a bottom of the hopper. A timer control unit provides timer control of the motor, and includes an antenna that receives signals from a remote controller for remotely initiating a feed dispersal event and for remotely turning on a light on the feeder to selected levels of brightness including turning the light off. The apparatus may include a distribution adapter that has a first position, in which feed from the spinner is broadcast outwardly to an area surrounding the apparatus, and a second position, in which feed from the spinner is deflected downward to be distributed into troughs associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: A system for providing nourishment to pets is provided. The system includes a base component and an electrically operated platform including a scale configured to move along one or more vertical shafts which brings one or more reservoirs positioned on the platform to various levels of height. The system further includes an affixed mount configured to retain a computing device which controls components of the system, particularly the movement of the platform along the one or more vertical shafts and the taking and storage of weight data of the nourishment.

Abstract: A deer feeder chute assembly is provided. The device may include a baseplate that may be attached to an aftermarket barrel or other container for holding animal feed. The baseplate may include a feed chute which may include a flange at one end for attachment to a chute opening in the baseplate. The flange and baseplate may include mounting apertures that cooperate with fasteners to attach the feed chute to the baseplate. A wall of the feed container may be interposable between the flange and the baseplate thereby attaching the chute assembly to the feed container. Openings may be made in the wall of the feed container to allow feed to communicate with the feed chute.

Abstract: A wildlife baiting assembly for attracting game to a desired location includes a cylinder that has a top and a bottom, which both are open. The cylinder is tapered proximate to the bottom and defines a cone and a reservoir. A base that is coupled to the cylinder is positioned to elevate the cylinder above a surface upon which the base is disposed. A battery, which is rechargeable from a plurality of solar cells, is coupled to the cylinder. A disbursing unit, which is coupled to the cylinder and positioned below the cone, is operationally coupled to the battery. A plurality of sensors is coupled to the cylinder and is configured to detect motion proximate to the cylinder. The disbursing unit is configured to broadcast the feed that drops from the cylinder to an area proximate to the base, at specified intervals and for specified lengths of time.

Abstract: Game feeding systems and methods are disclosed for feeding of large, medium, and small game such as bear, deer, and turkey. The system may be provided in a single configuration or configured for conversion between two or more configurations for use with various game. In one configuration, a feeder portion rests on the ground secured to an immovable object such as a tree. In another configuration, a feeder portion is elevated from ground by removable legs. In another configuration, a feeder portion is hung from a fixed overhead structure. A controller manages a spin plate for the distribution of game feed. Game may access feed through access holes in a feeder portion or from the ground after falling through a feeding grate in an extended configuration. A wheeled transport portion may be used for transporting a feeder portion to predetermined locations using tow capable vehicles such as an UTV.

Abstract: A deer feeder includes an upper enclosure, a collapsible middle sleeve, a bottom enclosure, and a feed distribution mechanism. At least three support members may be attached to the upper enclosure for holding the deer feeder in a vertical position. The upper enclosure, collapsible middle sleeve, and bottom enclosure may form a feed storage area that is rainproof. The feed storage area may be made rainproof by attaching a top opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an inner wall of the upper enclosure and a bottom opening of the collapsible middle sleeve to an outer wall of the bottom enclosure. The feed distribution mechanism may include an auger for removing feed from the feed storage area and/or a centrifugal force mechanism for dispersing feed around the deer feeder.

Abstract: A feed distributor used in fish ponds with feed supplied from below and thrown circumferentially comprises a feed-supplying mechanism, a feed-throwing mechanism and a feed-conveying mechanism by which feed supplied from said feed-supplying mechanism is delivered to said feed-throwing mechanism; the feed-supplying mechanism has a hopper which connects with a feed container above and a feed conveyor below. The feed-throwing mechanism has a launching disc with a sealed top, feed outlets in its circumference and a feed inlet below. The launching disc is disposed on a hollow shaft with an inner hole opposed to said feed inlet. The feed-throwing mechanism is disposed in pond and the feed supplying mechanism settles on a bank, feed is sucked into the feed-throwing disc and thrown circumferentially under negative pressure caused by rotation of the launching disc, and has a low crushing rate.

Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed container containing animal feed for use in spreading the animal feed onto the ground over which the animal feeder is positioned. A housing moves between open and closed positions, wherein the closed position, the housing is positioned so that it substantially encloses a motorized animal feed dispenser positioned in proximity to a hole in the feed container through which the animal feed passes from the container. In the closed position, the sides of the housing completely block the dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. In an open position, the housing is positioned so that the motorized animal feed dispenser is exposed for dispensing of the animal feed onto the ground. Also, in the closed position, physical access from outside of the housing to the animal feed residing on the animal feed dispenser and through the hole is prevented.

Abstract: An improved automated animal feeder or feeding apparatus comprises a substantially water-resistant housing having at least one closable port. A feed distributor is located in the housing and configured to distribute feed to the exterior of the housing through the port. An opening in an upper end of the housing is configured to admit feed to the housing and to the feed distributor through gravity. A drive arrangement is disposed in the housing and coupled to the feed distributor and to the closeable port to selectively actuate the feed distributor and selectively open and close the closeable port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game feeder that may be operated by weak or weakened operators for low costs. In one embodiment, the disclosed game feeder comprises: a base with stabilizing legs; a yoke with uprights and a back support extending upwardly from the base; a lifting arm pivotally positioned above the yoke so that said arm extends forward and rearward; an operating jack extending upwardly from the base and connected to the rear end of the lifting arm for pivoting the lifting arm on the yoke; and a barrel with a distributor which are positioned at the front end of the lifting arm. Practically, an operator of the game feeder may suitably lower the barrel, provide feed to a receptacle of the barrel, raise the barrel, and activate the distributor to spread the feed to the ground area near the game feeder.

Abstract: A feeder system comprising a directional automatic feeder; a feed container positioned above the directional automatic feeder; a cavity below the feed container; a structure surrounding the directional automatic feeder, the feed container, and the cavity in which the structure anchored securely to the ground is taught. The use of such feeders is also taught.

Abstract: There are generally two styles of modern bird feeders: the tubular feeder with a tubular reservoir and several perches attached to the tubular reservoir at various positions around the reservoir, and the more traditional rectangular bin style with one or two feeding stations. These bin feeders are constructed to feed only general bird seed of mixed variety and are not selectively configurable to feed a specific small seed like thistle. The disclosed bin feeder includes removable and repositionable bin sidewalls with appropriately shaped upper and lower longitudinal edges to exclusively provide appropriate openings for thistle feed along one of the longitudinal edges or an appropriate opening for generally larger seed along the other of the longitudinal edges.

Abstract: A pellet dispersing blade assembly includes an assembly coupling; a pellet broadcasting blade drivingly engaged for rotation by the assembly coupling, the pellet broadcasting blade having a plurality of blade projections; and a pellet dispersing shall drivingly engaged for rotation by the assembly coupling. The pellet dispersing shaft may include a main shaft segment carried by the assembly coupling, a terminal shaft segment extending from the main shaft segment, the terminal shaft segment oriented at an angle relative to the main shaft segment and forming a terminal end of the pellet dispersing shaft and a single shaft bend between the main shaft segment and the terminal shaft segment.

Abstract: The present invention is a game feeder that employs a confined auger to convey game feed from a hopper to a desired feed location. In this invention, the auger's flightings protect unreleased stored feed from the reach of animals.

Abstract: An integral animal feeder and bumper assembly for dispensing animal foodstuff from a vehicle includes an impact member to fend off blows to the vehicle, a hopper to store therein a quantity of substantially granular foodstuff such as, for example, feed corn, and a dispenser to selectively discharge from the hopper foodstuff contained in the hopper. The hopper is substantially contained with the extents of the impact member and/or the aesthetic coverings thereof. In this manner, assembly is adapted to function as a road feeder with little or no interference with other features of the vehicle configuration such as, for example, utilization of the tailgate and/or towing hitch, legal display of the license plate associated with the vehicle, access to the rear area of the vehicle and the like.

Abstract: A game feeder can include a housing having a cavity, an input aperture, and an output aperture; a base attached to the housing; a spreader below the output aperture; and a motor, attached to the feeder and the spreader, and configured to rotate the spreader. A feeder can include a varmint guard disposed below the output aperture, such that the spreader is between the guard and housing, to minimize interference and/or damage to the spreader or feeder by a varmint. A base can be provided as a single piece or base components configured to securely connect together to form the base.

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: 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: Animal feeders that are resistant to depletion of the feed hopper due to undesired feeding by small birds and small animals as well as related methods are described. Exemplary feeders preferably comprise an enclosure surrounding a feed distributor and that comprises first and second portions. The enclosure prevents small birds and small animals from accessing the feed distributor and includes a gap through which the feed distributor directs feed. Moreover, the present invention provides animal feeders that eliminate the potential for feed to jam the feed distributor thereby allowing smaller, more economical motors to be used.

Abstract: The purpose is to provide a feeding sheet and a method of feeding baby birds, from which suitable raising of the baby birds can be attained where the baby birds eat more food. The feeding sheet (1) according to the present invention is configured such that the color of the feeding sheet (1) to be installed on a floor (3) for raising baby birds (5) is made different from the color of food (2), and the method of feeding baby birds is configured such that the color of the feeding sheet (1) to be installed on the floor (3) in a raising area is made different from the color of the food for raising.

Abstract: A broadcast dispenser for use in dispersing an animal feedstuff includes an inlet channel separating in interior space from a spreader leading to an exterior space. The inlet channel includes a flexible gasket about a central orifice and a motor and gate assembly is arranged over and about inlet channel. The motor and gate assembly includes an electric motor having affixed thereto a spreader blade, where the spreader blade is disposed within the spreader on the opposite side of the central orifice from the motor. A gate, which is adapted to lower and raise into and out of sealing engagement, respectively, with said central orifice is provide. In order to accommodate the positioning of the spreader blade with respect to the motor, the gate has an opening in a lower portion thereof and the motor is affixed to the spreader blade through the provided opening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for feeding a pet in a manner that engages the pet and provides stimulation and exercise. Exemplary apparatus for dispensing animal food include a food hopper for containing animal food operatively connected to a food handler that launches a portion or ration of the animal food away from the unit in response to detecting a triggering action of the animal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game feeder that may be operated by weak or weakened operators for low costs. In one embodiment, the disclosed game feeder comprises: a base with stabilizing legs; a yoke with uprights and a back support extending upwardly from the base; a lifting arm pivotally positioned above the yoke so that said arm extends forward and rearward; an operating jack extending upwardly from the base and connected to the rear end of the lifting arm for pivoting the lifting arm on the yoke; and a barrel with a distributor which are positioned at the front end of the lifting arm. Practically, an operator of the game feeder may suitably lower the barrel, provide feed to a receptacle of the barrel, raise the barrel, and activate the distributor to spread the feed to the ground area near the game feeder.

Abstract: The removable multipurpose adapter can be used to facilitate the refilling process of large wildlife feeders. A bag of feed is dropped onto an elongate blade positioned in the adapter accomplishing two tasks almost simultaneously. First the elongate blade instantly opens the bag and the feed promptly falls from the bag if properly manipulated, without spillage. The adapter may be formed from a truncated funnel defining an inlet and an outlet. An elongate slot may be formed in the adapter to allow placement of the adapter on wildlife feeders that are raised and lowered with a wire rope which is not detached during the refilling process. The elongate blade may be offset from the center of the adapter to avoid tearing pieces of the bag which can jam the distribution assembly if allowed to fall into the feeder. The removable multipurpose adapter may be formed from a single piece or it may be formed from multiple parts.

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 feed carrier receptacle for use in a rotary feed dispensing mechanism, which includes a box, a feed loading opening, and separation partitions. The feed loading opening is formed in the box. The separation partitions are arranged inside the box and every adjacent separation partitions and an inside surface of the box form a feed compartment, which communicates the feed loading opening and is provided with a feed discharge opening and a brush adjacent to the feed discharge opening When put into rotation, the feed loaded in the receptacle is generally rotated in unison therewith to move toward the feed discharge openings and is subject to a frictional force as contacting the brush so that the feed, when passing through the brush, is caused to rotate by itself and thus may fly over a long distance. This increases the distribution range of feed.

Abstract: A vacuum-based filling device allows a user to transfer quantities of heavy or difficult to manage materials from a dependent position into a delivery system or storage container at a higher elevation or less accessible position. This allows the person filling the delivery system or storage container to remain at a safe and convenient location while operating the vacuum-based filling system. For example, in the case of a feeder for animals, the user is able to fill the storage portion of the feeder from ground level without having to climb a ladder or other unsafe device in order to elevate the feed and place it into the feeder. The vacuum-based filling device uses a motor to create a vacuum within the storage container via a hose connected between the vacuum motor and storage container. Another hose is coupled between the storage container and a container holding the feed. The vacuum created within the storage container draws the feed from its container into the storage container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for feeding a pet in a manner that engages the pet and provides stimulation and exercise. Exemplary apparatus for dispensing animal food include a food hopper for containing animal food operatively connected to a food handler that launches a portion or ration of the animal food away from the unit in response to detecting a triggering action of the animal.

Abstract: A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.

Abstract: A sow feeder includes a feed storage hopper comprising an upper funnel, an intermediate feed discharging tube, and a ring fixedly secured under the feed discharging tube; a feed transport mechanism comprising a cylindrical solid post having a diameter less than inner diameters of both the ring and the feed discharging tube, and a base having a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the ring; a hollow fastening mechanism releasably secured to the post passing through the ring and the feed discharging tube; and a feed collection container releasably secured to the feed discharging tube to dispose below the base. Feed material in the feed storage hopper is adapted to discharge into the feed collection through the feed discharging tube by lifting the base.

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 improved animal feeder with an insertable feed restrictor. An example embodiment includes: a barrel into which animal feed may be deposited, the barrel including a slotted lip with a plurality of notches at an upper opening of the barrel; and a feed restrictor configured for removable insertion into the opening of the barrel, the feed restrictor including a round side surface including a plurality of nubs, the feed restrictor including a plurality of feed access holes arranged on a lower surface of the feed restrictor, the feed restrictor being configured to float on top of the animal feed deposited in the barrel, the feed restrictor being further configured to freely spin laterally in the barrel, the feed restrictor being further configured to lock into the barrel when the plurality of nubs on the feed restrictor are mis-aligned with the plurality of notches on the slotted lip of the barrel.

Abstract: Animal feeders that are resistant to depletion of the feed hopper due to undesired feeding by small birds and small animals as well as related methods are described. Exemplary feeders preferably comprise an enclosure surrounding a feed distributor and that comprises first and second portions. The enclosure prevents small birds and small animals from accessing the feed distributor and includes a gap through which the feed distributor directs feed. Moreover, the present invention provides animal feeders that eliminate the potential for feed to jam the feed distributor thereby allowing smaller, more economical motors to be used.

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: An automatic animal feeder, comprises a barrel, spinner plate, and control unit. Barrel is free standing large container for storing the feed. The bottom of the barrel forms a funnel for conducting the food into a spinner plate. A spinner plate is disposed directly below the funnel of the barrel. An elongated shaft extends vertically upward through the spinner plate and into the funnel of the barrel. A control unit containing an operationally timer is positioned below the spinner plate. The timer is set to come on at predetermined intervals throughout the day. When the timer in the control unit comes on, the shaft rotates within the funnel thereby facilitating the conduction of the feed into the spinner plate.

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: A method for dispersing feed that includes the steps of providing a feed apparatus configured to contain feed, the feed apparatus having a hopper body with a base, a feed sheet mounted below the base, a powered fan blade coupled with the hopper body, and at least one window disposed between an outer edge of the hopper body and an outer edge of the feed sheet. The feed sheet is mounted below the base in order to provide distribution of feed to a predetermined wildlife, such that the at least one window, the base, and the feed sheet are configured to provide a feed stream in all radial directions as the powered fan blade rotates.

Abstract: A spreader (100) for spreading material, which in one embodiment comprises an upper bracket (120), a shaft (140), a return spring (160), a lower bracket (180), first and second sets of chain links (200a and 200b), and a spreader plate (220). The upper and lower brackets (120 and 180) are preferably aligned in the same vertical plane. The first and second chain links (200a and 200b) are located on opposite sides of the spreader (100) and on either side of the shaft (140). Upon rotation of the spreader (100) the first and second sets of chain links (200a and 200b) experience a centrifugal force sufficient to cause the spreader plate (220) to move down the shaft (140) and upon ceasing rotation the spreader plate (220) returns to a default position proximate to the top of the shaft (140).

Abstract: A feed dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper to contain feed and a large sheet of metal adjustably attached below the base of the hopper. The base of the hopper has small openings to allow for feed to fall from the hopper to the sheet of metal below the hopper. The feed dispensing apparatus also comprises a motor and a fan blade which operate to disperse feed through the gap between the base of the hopper and the sheet of metal. The gap between the base of the hopper and the sheet of metal is adjustable in order to ensure that a specific type of varmint cannot gain access to the feed in the hopper.

Abstract: An animal feeding device for feeding animals, including wildlife, is disclosed. The animal feeding device includes a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment inside the first storage compartment. Both storage compartments have openings on the upper ends thereof. The first and second storage compartments have feed assemblies engaged to the lower end thereof, to provide a first feed from a first storage compartment to a first feed assembly, and a second feed from a second storage compartment to a second feed assembly. In this manner, two different types of feed may be poured into one device, but kept separate, a first feed, for example, in a first storage compartment, and a second feed in a second storage compartment. Moreover, a first and second feeding assembly can be engaged with the first or second storage means and below the first and second storage means to gravity feed the first feed to the first feed assembly and the second feed to the second feed assembly.

Abstract: A dispenser-tube deer feeder having a feeder tube (1), a feeder lid (2), a feeder wall (3) and a feeder floor (4) has at least one dispenser tube (5) sized to receive a deer snout, but not larger animal snouts. The dispenser tube is extended laterally from the feeder tube proximate the feeder floor. A dispenser (13, 18, 19) in conveyance communication from the feeder tube to the dispenser tube can be structured for allowing select constituencies of granular or liquid feed to be dispensed into the dispenser tube for deer to eat. A positioner (29, 30, 31,) is provided for positioning the dispenser tube a predetermined distance above a ground surface for access by deer but not shorter animals with snouts the same size or smaller than deer snouts. At least one positioner attachment (10, 25) is provided for attaching the feeder tube to a central post, a side post or an overhanging tree or structure.

Abstract: A multi-finger spinner having a plurality of fingers, each finger having a bend between the first and second ends. The multi-finger spinner is powered by a motor that spins the multi-finger spinner which distributes feed in a long and narrow area and in one direction. The spinner is installed within a feeder and below a hopper so that when feed falls from the hopper, the spinner will spin and distribute the feed.

Abstract: A tank of the spreading device is rotated by a driving device. The tank contains a number of side boards, each of which is composed of a static plate and a door plate hinged to the static plate. The hinge joining the door and static plates has an elastic element preventing the door plate from being opened outward. When the tank is rotated at a high speed, a centrifugal force on the feedstuff inside the tank is strong enough to push the door plates open and the feedstuff is thereby automatically cast out. By varying the speed of the tank's rotation, the feedstuff could be cast for various distances, thereby achieving efficient and effective distribution of the feedstuff.

Abstract: A portable livestock feeding apparatus and related methods for efficiently distributing livestock feed are disclosed and described. The livestock feeding apparatus includes at least one conveyor system, a cutting mechanism, a mixing system, and a dispensing system. The conveyor system transports the livestock feed from a receiving end of the conveyor system to a dispensing end of the conveyor system where the cutting mechanism and mixing system are located. The cutting mechanism is configured to substantially horizontally cut the livestock feed along at least two independent cutting zones. The mixing system is located between the cutting mechanism and the dispensing end of the conveyor system and mixes and loosens the livestock feed. Following the mixing system, the dispensing system can dispense the livestock feed from the apparatus.

Abstract: A feed dispensing apparatus comprising a hopper to contain feed and a large sheet of metal adjustably attached below the base of the hopper. The base of the hopper has small openings to allow for feed to fall from the hopper to the sheet of metal below the hopper. The feed dispensing apparatus also comprises a motor and a fan blade which operate to disperse feed through the gap between the base of the hopper and the sheet of metal. The gap between the base of the hopper and the sheet of metal is adjustable in order to ensure that a specific type of varmint cannot gain access to the feed in the hopper.

Abstract: A tank of the spreading device is rotated by a driving device. The tank contains a number of side boards, each of which is composed of a static plate and a door plate hinged to the static plate. The hinge joining the door and static plates has an elastic element preventing the door plate from being opened outward. When the tank is rotated at a high speed, a centrifugal force on the feedstuff inside the tank is strong enough to push the door plates open and the feedstuff is thereby automatically cast out. By varying the speed of the tank's rotation, the feedstuff could be cast for various distances, thereby achieving efficient and effective distribution of the feedstuff.

Abstract: An animal feeder has a container for being filled with animal feed which is pushed by a platform toward an open end of the container. The open end of the container is very large and thus is not blocked even when used with large feed such as apples. The platform is connected to a screw, which is turned by a motor. The motor is controlled in a timely manner with a programmable timer.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus that will allow the conversion of feeders of the prior art to be converted to feeders that feed a controlled amount onto a plate that keeps feed off of the ground, and converted back again without having to remove the existing motor and spinner of the prior art. There are many people who use spinning distributors to feed grain to wildlife. Many of these persons would like to keep the grain off of the ground and feed specialized pelleted feeds that can dissolve on the ground. This device allows these people to use this apparatus with existing spin type feeders, but to also convert them into a multi purpose unit and back again in seconds with out modification to the existing spin unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a feeding device (10) for dispensing bales of material from a vehicle. The feeding device (10) includes a body (12) having a surface for receiving a plurality of said bales thereon. The surface has a first end (12a) and a second end (12b) and is configured such that the plurality of bales are arranged in at least one row extending at least partially between the first and second ends (12a, 12b). A pusher (18) is slidably mounted to the surface and moveable between a first position proximal the first end (12a) and a second position proximal the second end (12b). A driving mechanism is provided and is controllable to move the pusher (18) between the first and second positions. Such movement of the pusher (18) from the first position to the second position applies a pushing force to the bales arranged in at least one row such that the bales in that row are progressively dispensed from said second end (12b) of the surface.

Abstract: The feed dispenser unit is designed for attachment to a vertical rotating shaft of a control unit of an animal feeder and has a base plate, a plurality of upright walls, and a shaft attachment member. The base plate is for receiving and holding feed that has been released from the animal feeder. The feed is further supported inside the unit with a plurality of upright walls. The upright walls are hingedly disposed around the periphery of the base plate, creating a substantially enclosed unit with only top access for feed from the animal feeder storage unit of hopper. The shaft attachment member is disposed below the base plate for attaching the base plate to the rotating shaft of the control unit. When the rotating shaft rotates, the base plate spins, forcing the upright walls into a substantially horizontal position due to centrifugal force, allowing the feed to be dispensed.