Abstract: A system and method for individualized feeding of animals, based on a mobile feeding device that continuously moves along a feeding trough. The method includes identifying each animal a number of times until a reliable identification is reached, dispensing individually customized combinations of multiple foods and additives, dragging unconsumed food left in the trough and measuring unconsumed food left by each individual animal, ordering animal arrival/exit to the trough by an endless curtain that enables/blocks access to the trough, with alternative options such as unconsumed food recovery and recycling, with an alternative configuration for animals accessing the trough in any order.

Abstract: A cage for housing laboratory animals, said cage includes a bowl and a cap or cover which may be positioned on said bowl in a removable manner, wherein the cap and the bowl, with the cap positioned on the bowl, define an internal space which is closed and not accessible from the outside, wherein in the internal space a feeder is positioned, adapted to contain food adapted to feed the laboratory animals, wherein the cage is equipped with first means adapted to detect the presence and/or quantity of food in the feeder.

Abstract: A system for treating livestock may include a ramp for containing dairy livestock and one or more mobile units configured to travel on the ramp, below the dairy livestock, and milk the dairy livestock. A mobile unit may be adapted to travel to a predefined location within a stall, and attach a milking equipment unit to the dairy livestock in the stall. A plurality of mobile units and a central management unit may be configured to dynamically cause at least some of the plurality of mobile units to each perform a portion of a treatment or task.

Abstract: According to embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a system for loading, mixing and transporting feed. The system includes a scoop assembly and a mixing tub that are movable overhead a series of storage bays. The scoop assembly may retrieve commodities from the storage bays and load measured quantities of the commodities into the mixing tub.

Abstract: An animal feeding vehicle includes a movement control system, a GPS receiver for generating a first set of parameters including location information, a proximity sensor for generating a second set of parameters including spatial information, a position sensor for generating a third set of parameters including motion information, a feeding system including a feeding control system for feeding animals based on a fourth set of parameters. A control unit receives the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters, and defines a first mode in which the user controls the movement control system and the feeding control system, and in which the control unit records data representing the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters; and a second mode in which the control unit controls the movement control system and the feeding system by comparing recorded data with the first, second, third, and fourth sets of parameters.

Abstract: A method of feeding an animal includes placing a food container containing animal food and closed with a cover in an animal feeding system, employing the animal feeding system to open the food container and to present the food to an animal for eating and employing the animal feeding system to re-close the food container.

Abstract: A portable solar powered illumination system has a housing adapted for transport using at least one pair of wheels coupled to an axle assembly. The housing has a rear facing wall that extends at a selected non-orthogonal angle with respect to a base of the housing. The rear facing wall supports a tri-fold solar panel assembly with first, second and third solar panels. The first solar panel is affixed to the rear facing side wall, and the second and third solar panels hingedly fold onto and away from the first solar panel between retracted and deployed positions. Energy collected by the solar panel assembly is stored by an energy storage device during the day and used by a light assembly for illumination at night. An elevation adjustment device establishes a rotational angle of the housing to maintain the deployed solar panels at a desired angle.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning trash containers after emptying of solid refuse by spraying a solution into inverted containers at a high pressure from a nozzle to remove the residue.

Abstract: A vehicle for displacing feed includes a frame with wheels having a plurality of elongate tread portions and grooves, a motor for moving the vehicle in a moving direction, and a material displacer to displace the material, when the vehicle moves in the moving direction, over the floor towards a first side with respect to said moving direction. At least a majority of the tread portions is arranged such that they extend, when in contact with the floor, in a direction that makes a sharp angle with the forward direction opposite said first side. Thus, diagonal tread portions are predominantly directed to one side to counteract a reaction force of the feed being displaced sidewardly by the vehicle.

Abstract: An automated animal feeder may have a pair of traditional pet bowls, one for food and one for water, and the water bowl may be physically lifted and dumped on a timed schedule as the water bowl may be mounted upon a hinged plate which swings up to empty the water bowl at programmed intervals controlled by a programmed logic controller, and the water bowl may be refilled whenever the weight of the bowl is light enough to indicate that the bowl is not full. Food may be metered by means of a portion control hopper located beneath the food supply hopper. The programmed logic controller (PLC) allows the timing of feeding and watering to be controlled by the user.

Abstract: A feed system (1) for the feeding of animals, comprising: a feed wagon (3), having: a holder (4), a dispensing device (5), a regulating unit (8), comprising a sending and receiving device (9), and being connected to a drive and control system, and a feed loading device (12), a feed site, a central control system (16) provided with a sending and receiving device (17) which is configured to communicate wirelessly with the sending and receiving device of the regulating unit, and comprising a memory in which are stored navigation data on the basis of which the feed wagon is capable of covering a route from the feed loading site to the feed site, and wherein the central control system transmits a packet of data comprising these navigation data to the regulating unit. The regulating unit regulates the drive and control system on the basis of that packet of data.

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: A feeding tool for dispensing pet food out of a pet food container includes an adapter having a first aperture. The adapter is configured to be coupled to a container of pet food. The feeding tool also includes an actuator coupled to the adapter. The actuator is movable between a first position and a second position. The feeding tool also includes a control member coupled to the actuator. The control member includes a second aperture. The feeding tool also includes a cap coupled to the actuator. The cap includes a third aperture. The first and second apertures are aligned with one another in the first position to allow food to pass from the container into the actuator, and the second and third apertures are aligned with one another in the second position to allow food to pass from the actuator out of the cap.

Abstract: An automatic feeding apparatus includes a reaction container, and two or more dosing containers installed above the reaction container and having a feeding end extending into the reaction container. The reaction container has a water inlet formed on a sidewall of the reaction container and a siphon draining device installed at the bottom of the reaction container for discharging a liquid from the reaction container to the outside. The reaction container includes a mixer that divides the reaction container into an upper-layer reaction area and a lower-layer reaction area. Therefore, a liquid and/or a powder in the dosing container flows into the mixer, and then flows into water through the lower-layer reaction area and the water inlet for dilution. If the water level of the lower-layer reaction area exceeds the siphon level, the mixed liquid will be discharged out of the reaction container by the siphon effect.

Abstract: A new device for the collection, storage, and selected delivery of livestock feed is provided. Such a device includes an internal system to simultaneously prevent caking or otherwise solidifying of such feed material as well as maneuver the same to a trough for dispensing on demand. Additionally, the device includes an auger component with a housing cap to selectively alter the rate of dispensing as well as provide a shut off mechanism if needed. Such a device thus may be driven to a feed source location and filled to any selected level, closed, and transported to any desired location to permit delivery thereof the stored feed. With the enclosed structure, as well, long-term storage may be achieved, thus effectively preventing rodent or other pest invasion, as well as providing a suitable moisture barrier for proper and effective storage. A system of feeding livestock with this device is also encompassed.

Abstract: An automated animal feeder may have a pair of traditional pet bowls, one for food and one for water, and the water bowl may be physically lifted and dumped on a timed schedule as the water bowl may be mounted upon a hinged plate which swings up to empty the water bowl at programmed intervals controlled by a programmed logic controller, and the water bowl may be refilled whenever the weight of the bowl is light enough to indicate that the bowl is not full. Food may be metered by means of a portion control hopper located beneath the food supply hopper. The programmed logic controller (PLC) allows the timing of feeding and watering to be controlled by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are disclosed, exemplified by an ultrasonic transceiver that is contained within a feed container. The ultrasonic transceiver transmits ultrasound and receives reflected ultrasound to determine a value for the level of feed in a feed container. The apparatus measures the time difference from the transmission of the ultrasound to the receipt of reflected ultrasound. From this information, the distance from the ultrasonic transceiver to the top of the feed in the feed container can be computed. The distance measurement can then be correlated with the level of feed in the container. The feed level is represented by a series of LEDs on the exterior of the feed container. The feed level can also be transmitted to an individual to remotely determine the level of feed in the feeder. A two-way connection enables a remote user to dispense feed and/or check the level of the feed.

Abstract: Animal feeders useful in feeding particular groups of animals are disclosed. Animal feeders described herein may, for example, include an electrically conductive exterior structure; a door; a door lock; a species recognition device; and an electric shock deterrent. Methods of feeding animals utilizing an electric shock deterrent are also disclosed.

Abstract: An animal feeder apparatus for remotely monitoring a level of feed is provided. The animal feeder apparatus comprises a feed dispenser component, a sensing component, and a transmitter. The animal feeder apparatus allows a user to receive an electronic message when the level of feed changes or when the position of the animal feeder apparatus is disturbed, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A method for positioning an individually metered out food portion on an animal cage arranged in a row of animal cages for fur animals, in particular mink, by means of a motorized feed cart having wheels, at least one driving wheel, and a feed container, the method including moving the feed cart along a row of animal cages, thereby turning the wheels of the feed cart, determining by means of the control unit that the feed cart has reached a given position corresponding to a given cage and a database of information related to at least positions of animal cages and desired size of food portions to each animal cage, controlling the feed cart to metering out the desired food portions at a suitable food delivering place at the given animal cage according to the information in the database, determining by means of the control unit and the database whether a medication should be provided at the given animal cage, and metering medication out according to the information in the database.

Abstract: The Remotely Controlled Feeding Station comprises; a support line, a platform suspended from the support line, a propulsion system configured to cause the platform to move along the support line the propulsion system affixed to said platform, and having an optional control system for commanding said propulsion system.

Abstract: An unmanned feed wagon including a ground-supported chassis, an electric drive for driving the chassis along a predetermined path of movement and a power supply for the electric drive, wherein the power supply includes a power rail following the predetermined path of movement and having a sliding contact which is connected to the electric drive.

Abstract: An automatic, all-weather, AC-powered feeder can be used to supply feed to a fish pond, for example. The feeder does not clog and can be set to dispense an exact amount of food periodically. The feeder includes a hopper for holding food, such as a granular fish food. A power feed auger can be powered by an electric motor to carry food from the auger, down a main pipe, to a dispensing hole. Therefore, the hopper is not required to be positioned over the pond, but, instead, only the main pipe is disposed over the pond to release food from the dispensing hole.

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: A gate valve unit that can be used with existing animal feeders that have a feed container and aperture in the feed container for allowing the feed to be dispensed. Generally, the feed is gravity fed through the aperture and contacts a spinning feed dispensing member throwing the feed about the animal feeder. The invention includes a plunger-type gate that is solenoid actuated and is closed by one or more return springs. The spinning member and the plunger gate can be actuated together by either a timer or by a wireless command from a remote location.

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 automated animal feeder may store at least two different varieties of animal feed and automatically dispense a desired amount of feed at specified times of the day. Feed, stored in storage bins, gravitates to a conveying mechanism which transfers the feed to the feeding station. The conveying mechanism, which comprises almost all of the moving parts of the apparatus, is an integrated unit which is easily removed from the housing of the apparatus for maintenance. The volume of feed may be regulated by adjustable panels which control the volume of feed which is transported to the feeding station.

Abstract: A material-shifting system for shifting scattered material, such as lifestock feed, closer to a barrier. The system includes at least one traveling unit having an angled push-head which is coupled to a shuttle. Preferably, the shuttle is driven along a rail by a remote driving. As the shuttle travels along the rail, the push head pushes material scattered over a surface towards the barrier.

Abstract: A material-shifting system for shifting scattered material, such as livestock feed, closer to a barrier. The system includes at least one traveling unit having an angled push-head which is coupled to a shuttle. Preferably, the shuttle is driven along a rail by a remote driving. As the shuttle travels along the rail, the push head pushes material scattered over a surface towards the barrier.

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: 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: A method for automatically feeding at least two animals wherein at least one feed dispenser is used which comprises at least one registration device, an electronic control unit, a feed container, a conveyor mechanism, a trough, said at least two animals being each provided with an information carrier containing data, wherein the method comprises the following steps: the information carrier is registered via registration device; the control unit activates the conveyor mechanism which advances feed to the trough, wherein said control unit activates the conveyor mechanism to the effect that the conveyor mechanism advances a varying amount of feed per time unit depending on the registered information carrier; said control unit stopping the conveyor mechanism when registration of information carrier is interrupted whereby dispensing of feed is stopped.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted feed hopper device has an enclosure upon a base, the enclosure having a V shape, at least one paddle mixer within the enclosure, a conveyor beneath the paddle mixer, an outlet proximate one end of the conveyor, a chain drive connected to the paddle mixer and the conveyor, and a hydraulic motor driving the chain drive through gearing. The device operates like a horizontal screw total mixed ration, but at a smaller scale. The invention accepts multiple grain products through its top and mixes them to blends suitable for livestock, except for roughage products which exceed the capacity of this device. The device dispenses its mixed feed through the outlet as it meters feed into feed bunks for the livestock.

Abstract: The Remotely Controlled Feeding Station comprises; a support line, a platform suspended from the support line, a propulsion system configured to cause the platform to move along the support line the propulsion system affixed to said platform, and having an optional control system for commanding said propulsion system.

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

Abstract: A material-shifting system for shifting scattered material, such as lifestock feed, closer to a barrier. The system includes at least one traveling unit having an angled push-head which is coupled to a shuttle. Preferably, the shuttle is driven along a rail by a remote driving. As the shuttle travels along the rail, the push head pushes material scattered over a surface towards the barrier.

Abstract: An automated system for the distribution of substances to animal containment devices in an animal housing facility. The present invention also relates to a dosing device of substances, such as solid or liquid feed, which is part of said system, and to the method for dispensing feed implemented by said system. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for automated dispensing of substances to animal containment devices in an animal housing facility.

Abstract: A gate valve unit that can be used with existing wild animal feeders that have a spinning feed dispensing member. The invention typically includes two flat plate sliding gates that are solenoid actuated and are pulled closed by return springs. The spinning member and the sliding gates can be actuated together by either a timer or by a wireless command from a remote location. The unit can be equipped with a rechargeable battery optionally charged from a solar panel.

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: An animal feeder apparatus for remotely monitoring a level of feed is provided. The animal feeder apparatus comprises a feed dispenser component, a sensing component, and a transmitter. The animal feeder apparatus allows a user to receive an electronic message when the level of feed changes or when the position of the animal feeder apparatus is disturbed, and a method of using the same.

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 poultry feeder is provided that may be fully charged with feed. In one embodiment, the feeder includes a feeder tower and a feeder pan assembly that is vertically moveable with respect to the pan. The feeder pan assembly is movable between a first closed position in which a bottom end of the feeder tower engages the feeder pan and a second open position forming a gap between the end of the tower and pan to dispense feed. Feed is precluded from entering the pan when the feeder pan assembly is in the first position. In one embodiment, the feeder pan assembly is operated between the two positions via a cable. An adjusting collar may be provided to regulate the amount of feed dispensed to the feeder pan.

Abstract: An improved animal feed dispenser is provided having a slow speed paddle wheel and a high speed distributor wheel. The high speed distributor wheel transports feed out of an opening in the device to spread it on the ground. The slow speed paddle wheel moves feed at a measured rate from a storage hopper and feeds it to the distributor wheel. A detachable mounting plate is used to attach the dispenser to a storage hopper, and is releasable therefrom without emptying the hopper of feed. The slow speed paddle wheel is formed from a material flexible enough to prevent feed jams caused by water absorption of the feed and other events.

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 system for handling animals includes: a movable series of modules to contain the animals; a plurality of stations at a first location in a facility, at least one station to communicate with at least one module, whereby substances may be dispensed to a module from a station and/or materials may be collected from a module by a station; a first transporter for transporting the series in a first direction and to transport a module from a second location in the facility to a first position between the first and second locations; a second transporter for transporting the series in a second direction and to transport a module from the first position to a second position nearer the stations; a source of a first motive force to move modules on the first transporter; and a source of a second motive force to move modules to the second transporter.

Abstract: Disclosed is 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 device provides positive reinforcement and treats for a domesticated animal urinating in a predetermined location. The positive reinforcement includes a message from the owner. A treat is exposed after the owner's message is played to further reward the animal. Absorbent paper is used at the predetermined location for collecting the urine and activating the voice and treat bowl. After a preset time, the used absorbent paper is removed and new absorbent paper is provided automatically. Another version includes a device that uses a single sheet of absorbent paper.

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: 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 insect feeder that allows membrane feeding with a membrane above a feeding medium.