WO2006031924A2

WO2006031924A2 - Automated dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2006031924A2
Application number: PCT/US2005/032823
Authority: WO
Inventors: Norbert A. Lewandowski; Warner Funes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-09-14
Filing date: 2005-09-14
Publication date: 2006-03-23
Anticipated expiration: 2007-03-14
Also published as: WO2006031924A3

Abstract

This invention provides an appliance for dispensing a material and preferably dispensing solid, dry, particulate materials automatically. It can provide precision dispense or feeding capability with programmable control over dispense volumes, dispense times, and uniformity of dispense across the device. The dispenser can be modified in dimension and shape and is useful for feeding animals.

Description

AUTOMATED DISPENSER CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial Number 60/609,860 filed September 14, 2004, Titled: Automated Dispenser, by Norman Lewandowski, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Feeding animals, especially large number of animals is time consuming and is usually supervised by an owner. During times of owner absence, feeding is generally via utilization of standard hopper systems, pre- measured dispensing systems, 'an auger driven hopper system or by assigning responsibility to a third party who generally is not as knowledgeable in how to feed the animal(s).

[0003] The standard hopper feeding mechanisms provide a continuous amount of feed that does not allow for regulating the amount of feed consumed by animals. Over an extended absence of human control, the animals will gorge themselves while feed is abundant and starve themselves if feed is depleted. Feed from a hopper system is generally thrown out of the container. In some cases this feed can become soiled and may be eaten if hopper is depleted of feed which is not healthy for the animals.

[0004] Current auger driven hopper systems do not deliver feed uniformly across an extended feeder length. A system that uses pre-measured trays to dispense food has limitations on the length of time and amount that animal can be fed. Other feeders, such as fish feeders, spread feed in a random pattern. [0005] U.S. Pat. No. 1,993,445 (Hemstreet), discloses a hopper feeder distributing feed across a long feeder minimizing waste. Although it delivers feed evenly over a rectangular feeder, it does not offer control over the amount or timing of the feed dispensed.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,827,404 (North) discloses an automated apparatus with a solenoid powered sweeper that scatters controlled amounts of feed or material off a platform onto which loose dry feed pours from a hopper. A timer is used to increase or decrease the solenoid activation frequency for controlling the amount of material dispensed.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,200 (Shay) discloses an automated animal feeder comprising a hopper which fills a chamber that pivots from a closed to open dispense mode via a solenoid activation of a spring pull action. The chamber lip may get jammed if residual feed, for example very small grain type material like bird seed, is dispensed. The spring action of the mechanism can be noisy which can startle animals.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,595 (Stevens) discloses an apparatus utilizing a slide mechanism for dispensing fluent materials such as fish food from a hopper. The slide mechanism has a cavity which is filled and released depending on its sliding position. The amount of feed is controlled by time of operation. It would be difficult to provide a precise amount of feed for a changing number of animals. This apparatus does not allow for an even distribution of material over an elongated feeder for many animals.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,790 (Batson) discloses an automated dog feeder dispensing measured amounts of dry feed into a feeding dish by conveyor belt. Feed rests on the conveyor belt and is dropped by timer activation and is controlled by time of operation. The use of belts is not desirable because they can become worn and frayed and require alignment. This apparatus does not allow for even distribution of material over an elongated

feeder for many animals. [0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,203 (Chiappetti) discloses an automated animal feeding apparatus utilizing a revolving plate with receptacles for receiving material from the interior of the housing. As the plate or cylinder with a slot rotates below the food in the compartment of the housing, the material is dropped from the slot when it is outside the housing and refills when inside the housing which stores the material. The compartment does not provide protection to the feed that is dispensed.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,343 (Cole) discloses an automated feeding system used to raise domestic birds and animals on a commercial basis. The invention consists of a pan for containing the feed which is supplied via a tube and conveyor system of delivering the feed. The annular feeding area is not shielded to protect the feed.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,529 (Ramirez) discloses an automated programmable dispenser for delivery of different amounts of feed or material. The feed is controlled by timing an auger driven mechanism to deliver a set amount of feed. Although the programming allows for delivery of multiple drops, it does not provide for an even distribution of feed over an elongated feeder for many animals. A limited amount of protection is provided to the dispensed feed.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,309,864 (Harmsen) discloses a feeding apparatus for animals particularly feeding livestock in a plurality of individual feeding stalls. Feed is delivered by a hopper controlled by a jack screw device that travels along a rail. The apparatus has capability of following a tract to each individual stall and delivering desired amount of feed. The amount of feed dispense is controlled by time of engaging the drive mechanism. The track system limits the use of this apparatus to barns and other structure.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,596,946 (Bryant) discloses a hopper-trough feeding device consisting of an inverted conical shaped hopper and circular trough dish which to capture the feed. This apparatus does not offer any control over the amount of feed provided to the animals and would not prevent animals from overeating by limiting or timing the dispense of feed.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,229 (Halford) discloses an automatic fish feeder for positioning adjacent a fish pond for distributing fish feed into the pond at predetermined time intervals. The automatic fish feeder includes a feed hopper with a bottom opening and a feed auger rotatably mounted in the feed hopper. A motor is provided for rotating the feed auger to move feed in the hopper towards the bottom opening. A switch is electrically connect to the motor. The switch has a timer for controlling activation and deactivation of the motor with switch after first and second predetermined amounts of time respectively. The device has limited ability to accurately control the amount of feed dispensed and does not dispense feed along a series of feeder slots where individual animals can eat.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,486 (Vaags) discloses an animal feeder system comprised of a mobile unit suspended from a track. The mobile unit has an on board computer to control the mixing of multiple feeds dispensed by variable speed augers. The mix is blended and dropped via a discharge chute into a trough. The apparatus has limited capability to distribute food evenly over an elongated feeder and the need for a track limits its installation and locations where it can be used.

[0017] GB 993,293 (Henning) discloses an animal feeding appliance having a hopper storage of feed that fills cavity trays on a beam that is reciprocated through a rack and pinion controlled by motor and timer. This appliance delivers a set amount determined by the cavity into a receiver. It is designed to deliver the feed into a small receiving feeder and does not allow for precision feeding or even distribution over an elongated feeder for many

animals.

[0018] SU 742,308 discloses an animal feeding apparatus utilizing a hopper which deposits feed on a conveyor belt that runs underneath the hopper capturing amounts of material. The apparatus does not provide the precision control or even distribution to deliver feed evenly over an elongated feeder for many animals.

[0019] FR 2,598,593 (Gonet) discloses a feed dispenser that utilizes an Archimedes screw accepting various size grading. Control is achieved by varying the speed of rotation of the screw. The apparatus does not provide the precision control or even distribution of material evenly over an elongated feeder for many animals.

SUMMARY

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus or appliance for automatically dispensing a material uniformly along a perimeter or a length of a container that receives an amount of the material from a hopper. Preferably the device is used for dispensing feed to an animal or animals automatically. The apparatus provides precision feeding capability with programmable control over feeding times and the amount of feed. One embodiment the dispenser is an automated feeder that can be used for feeding racing pigeons. Racing pigeons require feeding at specific times during the day and a very specific amount of feed to control their weight for racing. Other embodiments of this invention are applicable to many other aspects of feeding animals from all types of aviary birds, aquatic, and farm animals.

[0021] In one embodiment, a hopper or container with sloped walls holds the material to be dispensed, for example an animal feed, is attached to dispenser or feeder box. The hopper can supply the material via gravity through a sloped or funnel like shape to a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism can include a rotatable member- with slot or cavity for the material received from the hopper and moved by rotation along a length or perimeter of another container. The rotatable member can have an axis of rotation is located off center from a vertical line dividing the feeder box or dispenser. The dispensing mechanism can have a portion of the rotatable member located in the hopper and the remaining portion located in the feeder box or dispenser. An edge of the hopper closest to the rotatable member may be positioned to prevent leakage and jamming of material. Optionally, the edge of the hopper closest to the dispense tube is offset by a distance and a flexible brush, skirt, or other flexible flap used to prevent material leakage and jamming of material. The hopper can be of sufficient size and volume to store and deliver material like animal feed for extended period of time, and its size can be determined based on the overhang it provides to the feeder box or dispenser, whether it provides a stable mounting, as well as the amount of material and number of dispenses for a particular duration of time such as a race, a week, or other time period. Aspects of the apparatus such as the dimensions of the hopper, the dispenser, the number and size of material dispense or feeder cuts in a feeder box, rotatable member dimensions such as diameter, cavity or slot length and number, can change depending on the application.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device can be used as a programmable animal feeder. The device can include a hopper, dispensing mechanism, feeder box, and programmable electronics. The combination permits delivery of variable amounts of feed or other material with precision and repeatability in a uniform manner across a portion, a length, or a portion of the perimeter, or all of the perimeter of the dispenser. The dispenser can deliver feed at desired times and provide unassisted feeding for extended periods of time.

[0023] In one embodiment, the hopper or container that holds the material, for example a feed, is attached to feeder box and will supply the material, such as but not limited to a grain, seed, pellet, any combination of these, or other types of feed, via gravity through a sloped or funnel like shape to a dispensing mechanism that can include a rotatable member with slot or cavity for feed. The rotatable member located between the hopper and feeder, it prevents feed from flowing freely from the hopper to the feeder box except when it is rotated whereby it distributes feed from the hopper into the feeder box. The hopper will be of sufficient size and volume to store and deliver feed for extended period of time, and its size can be determined based on the overhang it provides to the feeder, a stable stance, as well as the amount of feed and number of feedings for a particular duration of time such as a race, a week, or other time period.

[0024] The dispensing mechanism can include a rotatable member having hollow volumes along its length to accept a specific amount of material from the hopper and then deliver the material to one or more outlets in the dispenser or feeder box. In one embodiment, the dispensing mechanism consists of a hollowed tube with specific inside diameter or machined cavity with dimensions that can be used to deliver a precise amount of a material like animal pellet feed. The dimensions of the rotating hollow tube that makes up the dispense tube of the feeder mechanism enable the delivery of the desired amount of feed with repeatability and provides flexibility to feed a varying number of animals. In a non- limiting example, the dispense or feeder mechanism will rotate and capture feed from hopper and continue to rotate until completing a drop of a material like animal feed into the feeder box. The feed is distributed evenly across a width and length of the feeder box. The rotation of the dispensing mechanism can be driven by a device capable of doing work, for example but not limited to, a motor, a spring, compressed gas, or an engine, which can be activated by programmable electronics to rotate the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism can be initiated by sensors that detect the presence of animals near the feeder box. The program can be coded to allow multiple numbers of rotations to deliver a precise amount (mass, volume, caloric content) of material or feed for each time setting. The program can be modified to accommodate for example the number of animals being fed, to optimize feed consumption, or to control dispense timing. Multiple dispense time settings per day with

different feed amounts are possible.

[0025] The rotatable member or dispense tube consists of a member with an axis of rotation and a cavity that can be sized to deliver a precise amount of material to the dispenser or feeder box. For example, the shape (includes opening, volume, depth, and length) of the hollowed portion of the cavity provides adequate clearance for largest material or feed size to enter and exit the cavity without getting stuck inside the cavity. A portion of the rotatable member is located in the hopper. The dispensing tube or rotatable member with the cavity will rotate and drop feed without jamming or leaking into the dispenser. This may be accomplished by using an optional sweeper, for example a brush sweep, that is positioned at the sides of the hopper funnel making contact with the dispense tube over the entire length of the rotatable member with the cavity. A brush sweep conforms to the irregular feed and material shapes in the rotatable member or dispensing tube as it passes through the brush on its way to dropping the material in the dispenser or feed box. The brush seals the loose feed from leaking from the hopper into the dispenser. Other soft materials that can be used for the sweeper include but are not limited to flexible plastics, rubber, and other textiles. The sweeper can also serve as a shield to prevent animal from interfering with operation of the rotating member.

[0026] The feeder box or dispenser (124) receives material from the rotating member (130) and can have a number of cuts or slots (110) for distributing the material. As an animal feeder, the feeder box (124) as shown in FIG. 1 A and FIG. 1 B can be designed and constructed to accommodate most sizes and species of animal and can be designed to feed varying number of animals. The feeder box or dispenser (124) can be but is not limited to a rectangular or a box like shape with individual slot openings or cuts (110) for dispensing material or for an animal or multiple animals to feed. Slots may be on one or more sides of the dispenser. The feeder box and cuts may be tailored for a specific targeted animal. Multiple feeder boxes and one or more hoppers can be connected in multiple units (in a linear, non-linear, or closed shape) to accommodate additional animals while being controlled by individual controllers or by a master programmer or controller. Units connected in series can drop feed at the same time based on a master controller.

[0027] Programmable electronics can allow a user to set the number of rotations (drops) of the rotating dispense tube for a number of specified times. This can be used to dispense a pre-determined amount of feed for the number of animals being fed or to dispense a specified volume of material to the slots of the dispenser. The program provides flexibility and precision unique to each user, for example it can be used in a feeding program to advantageously reduce feed waste and enables control over the weight of animals by controlling the amount of feed material dispensed. By controlling the number of drops rather than the time of operation, the user can achieve a much more precise feed delivery.

[0028] Electronics provided in the present invention can include a safety switch to prevent activation if the hopper lid is open as well as circuit breaker for protection. The electronics can also include signal lights, an infrared signal, or other indicators to present the state of the device to a user. Device states may include but are not limited to, the unit is on, the unit is operating, the unit is jammed, the hopper or dispense box is empty or full, the rotatable member is in a fault position (rotatable member cavity did not rotate from hopper to dispenser or feeder box). Power can be via alternating current or direct current.

[0029] Advantageously, the dispenser of the present invention is capable of distributing material or feed across the length of the hopper uniformly. Current auger driven hopper systems do not deliver feed evenly or uniformly across an extended feeder length. Unlike augers used in some feeders, embodiments of the present invention can accurately control the amount of feed dispensed and can be used to dispense feed along a series of feeder slots where individual animals can eat. In embodiments of the present invention, uniformity of material or feed drop across the entire length of the feeder is accomplished by the rotatable member with one or more slotted volumes or cavities along its length. Where the rotatable member is a tube, preferably the hollowed portion of the tube is the same or substantially the same as the length as the feeder. The hollowed portion of the dispense tube can run the entire length of the tube providing a uniform amount of material or feed at any point along the length and or width of the dispenser or feeder box. As the rotatable member or dispense tube rotates and drops feed from the hopper, the feed is dropped equally across the entire length of the feeder box. Since the hollowed tube has a defined volume, the amount of feed that is dropped is repeatable.

[0030] Advantageously embodiments of the present invention are not limited in the amount of material that can be delivered during a single drop. By modifying the number of rotations, a variable amount of material can be dispensed. A feed system that uses pre- measured trays to dispense food has limitations on the length of time and amount material that animal can be fed.

FIGURES

[0031] FIG. l(A) is a view of the dispenser in an embodiment of the present invention with feeder box cuts or dispense cuts (110) for access on the feeder box or dispenser (124),. The device can include a hopper lid (114), hinge for the lid (118), lid overhang for electrical box (112), sweeper (122), hopper (116) and rotating member (130) with cavity (138) that holds material (not shown). FIG. l(B) is a side view of the dispenser showing position of the rotating dispense tube member (130), feeder box (124), hopper with slopped side walls (116) and hopper lid (114). [0032] FIG. 2(A) is a view of components used in embodiments of the invention illustrating a structure for doing work (dispenser motor (230)) that can rotate the rotatable member (212) and sweeper (214); FIG. 2(B) is a view of the dispenser with cut out openings (210) in the dispense container with attached casing for electronics (216) ; FIG. 2(C) is a view of the dispenser with hopper (204) and sensor lights (208); FIG. 2(D) is an assembled dispenser showing a hopper top cover (224), programmable controller display (220) in electronic box (216).

[0033] FIG. 3(A-C) illustrated various aspects of the dispenser tube or rotatable member (300); (A) diagonal view of the rotatable member (300) with one or more slots (312) each having a defined volume to accommodate material from hopper (not shown) and ends (322) that can couple to a motor or other device capable of doing work to rotate the member (300); (B) illustrates a non-limiting cross section of hollowed tube or rotatable member

including the angles (310) and (320) from the diameter center line which can be used to

describe the opening (330); and (C) cross section of a machined cavity in a solid tube (326) that can be used as a rotatable member in a dispense mechanism in an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] FIG. 4 (A-C) illustrates the dispenser or feeder box; (A) illustrates a configuration for the end of the dispense container illustrating a feature for holding the

dispense tube. The diagram illustrates angle (408) for the container angle that connects to the

hopper which can be varied to increase flow of material from the hopper into the cavity of the rotatable member, (412) is the width of the slot (424) for the rotatable member and can be varied to accommodate larger or smaller volume rotatable members, (416) is the distance to the mounting points from the center of the slot (424), the height (428) of the dispense tube slot (424), and (432) is the height from the bottom of the slot (424) to the feeder box bottom and is chosen to provide clearance between the feeder box bottom and the rotatable member; (B) is an illustration of the end housing showing cut out for optional manual switch (456), cut out for optional signal light (460), cut out for programmable controller (464) and cut out for optional electrical cord (452); (C) illustrate feeder cuts (448) in the dispenser, and an end of the dispenser showing attachment points (420) for electronic box, and attachment points in a flange for hopper (444).

[0035] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a hopper (500) showing a lid (508) with hinge (516) and an overhang (504) which may be used to cover the electronics and controller housing illustrated in FIG. 4(B); side panel (520) shows sloped sides for gravity feed; also illustrated are attachment holes (512) for sweeper or brush.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an illustration of electronics which can be used to control the rotatable member with a cavity in embodiments of the preset invention; power (632) can controlled by a switch (608) and feed to various buses (636) and (628) where it can be used to energize one or more signal lights (612), time delay relay (616), micro switch (620); power from the buses can also be used to energize a motor (640) coupled to rotatable member (not shown); the motor (640) can be coupled to a timer (624) that can be used to control the transfer of a precise amount feed or other material from the hopper to the dispenser or feeder box.

[0037] FIG. 7 is a flow chart describing the operation of the controller (704) with the motor (708) which is coupled to the feeder or rotatable member (712) and feeder slave (716); the state of the rotatable member as determined by a sensor can be feed back to the controller (720) and used by the controller (704) to control the motor (708).

[0038] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a non-limiting embodiment of the control program operating the dispenser; an input of the dispense times and number of drops per dispense time (804) can be input to the controller and in step (808) a timer is activated by the controller to start the program; the motor is activated (812) to rotate the rotatable member to and transfer a precise amount of material from the hopper and distribute it evenly to the dispenser; the program determines if enough material was transferred from the hopper to the dispenser (820), if not the number of drops decreases by one (828) and control passes (816) to step (812), if enough material was deposited, the timer sensor activates an off switch to complete program (836), and the motor stops making anymore dispenses (840) using the rotatable member until the timer reaches the next start time at which time control passes back to step (808).

[0039] FIG. 9 is a cross section of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the off center positioning of the rotatable member or dispense tube within a portion of the hopper and an embodiment of a structure to protect animals from the rotatable member.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross section of an embodiment of the invention illustrating the off center positioning of the rotatable member or dispense tube within a portion of the hopper and an embodiment of a structure to protect animals from the rotatable member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Before the present compositions and methods are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular molecules, compositions, methodologies or protocols described, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0042] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an "animal" is a reference to one or more animals and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred methods, devices, and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0043] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

[0044] This invention provides an appliance or device for dispensing a material, for example a feed to an animal or a plurality of animals automatically. It can provide precision dispensing of an amount of material that may contain a variety of sizes, shapes, and density, like an animal grain of pellet feed. The device can be programmed to control dispense time or feeding times and the amount of material or feed dispensed. While the specification and drawings make reference to a device that can be used to deliver feed to aviary birds, the device, its operation, dispense application, and animals can vary. The feeder box or dispenser can be modified in dimension and shape for other animals or applications.

[0045] One embodiment of the present invention is a programmable dispenser. The device may be used as a programmable animal feeder. The programmable device may be used as a stationary feeder for controlled feeding of animals in captivity that feed on almost any dry feed. The programmable feeder can include a hopper or other container for holding the material, a dispensing mechanism that captures a specific volume of material from the hopper and delivers it to a dispenser or a feeder box, and programmable electronics. The device can deliver variable amount of dry material like animal feed with precision and repeatability, deliver material or feed uniformly across the length or perimeter of a feeder box or dispenser, deliver the material at desired times and provide unassisted dispensing or feeding for extended periods of time. In a preferred embodiment the device is used for variety of animals to provide controlled unassisted programmable precision feeding.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1 a container or hopper (116) is attached above the feeder box (124). The hopper (116) can supply via gravity through a sloped surface or walls, preferably funnel design, sufficient material such as a grain or pellet type feed to a dispensing mechanism that includes a rotatable member (130). The rotatable member (130) is located between the hopper (116) and feeder box (124) and is used to distribute material like a feed from the hopper (116) to the dispenser or a feeder (124). The hopper (116) can be sized to provide a volume of material like a feed sufficient to deliver feed for an extended period of time. Preferably the hopper is sized to provide at least 14 days of unassisted dispensing for feeding animals. The size of the hopper can be determined by calculating the maximum weight of feed required per animal per day multiplied by the maximum number of animals that the feeder is designed to feed multiplied by the number of days that the feeder is expected to run without refilling. For example, the volume of the hopper container (cubic inch) = [ feed (ounces) per animal per day x number animals x targeted number days] divided by ( weight of feed -ounces /cubic inch).

[0047] An optional hopper level indicator, for example (208) as shown in FIG. 2, can be coupled to a level sensor (not shown) and used to indicate the amount of material in the hopper (204) or notify the user when additional material should be placed into the hopper. The indicator can be but is not limited to a visual indicator, a mass sensor, or a level sensor.

[0048] In one embodiment, the hopper can be sized to provide about 2 weeks feed based on a maximum of 1.5 ounces of feed per animal per day in a 20 animal feeder. In various illustrations the hopper is shown having a pentagonal shape, however the dimensions of the hopper can be a variety of shapes as long as it transfers feed to the rotatable member, and preferably provides a stable structure that fits over the feeder without tipping the feeder over. The apparatus can be free standing in some embodiments. In some embodiments legs or skids can be used to stabilize the device or it can be mounted to a wall or other structure. The hopper (904) can be designed slightly larger than the feeder box or dispenser (944), as shown in FIG. 9 so as to create an overhang (948). The overhang can be used to protect the dispensed material from such contaminants as animal waste, water, or other animals from entering into the feeder section. Various sized overhangs may be used and attached separately to the hopper. For example the top (908) may be sized to provide additional overhang.

[0049] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the sloped portions (924) and (916) of the hopper (904), preferably have a funnel design that facilitate gravity flow of feed to the rotatable member (940). The side pieces (924) and (916) of the funnel unit can have a tight tolerance fit around the feeder tube or rotatable member with a cavity (940) to act as a sweep to prevent feed from leaking around the feeder tube as it rotates. The angles of the sweep side and end pieces are designed to funnel feed to the feeding tube as shown in detail in FIG. 9. The side pieces (924) and (916) can have an optional brush or flexible wiper (928) made from polymeric material to allow any feed that protrudes from the dispensing tube to pass through the attachment. The wiper or brush material (928) will flex from the pressure of the feed in the rotating tube against the side brush piece until the feed passes through the sweep and has released its drop into the feeder box (944).

[0050] Feeder box or dispense container (400) as illustrated in FIG. 4 (A) and FIG 4(C) can be configured to accommodate most species of material and preferably feed for an animal or varying numbers of animals. It can be constructed as a receptacle for the hopper and is of similar dimension so that the hopper fits on the top of the feeder. The top of the dispense container or feeder box (400) is open so the hopper funnel will fit inside the feeder. The hopper can be fixtured to attachment point in the flange (444) by screws, or secured using a weld or adhesive to the dispenser. The feeder box or dispenser (400) has individual cut out animal openings or slots (448) for feeding or it can have an open trough (not shown). The bottom of the feeder can have a raised lip around the entire perimeter to serve as a pan for catching, holding and limiting splashing when the feeding mechanism drops feed. The feeder unit is not restricted to rectangular shape or configuration shown. The feeder or dispenser slots (448), their spacing, and the size of the dispenser (400) can be designed specifically for any targeted animal. The example of FIG. 4(C) shows a rectangular feeder box with 20 animal openings cut, (10 per side) for feeding aviary birds. The feeder box (400) can have cut out openings with or without plugs located on the bottom corners or removable side panel to facilitate emptying any excess feed when cleaning the feeder. The feeder preferably holds the rotatable member in a slot (424).

[0051] The dispensing mechanism can include a rotatable member having one or more slots, cavity, or recesses in the member that can accept material or feed from the hopper. The slot or cavity in the member can be formed along one or more portions, and preferably the entire length of the rotatable member. The rotatable member has an axis of rotation. The cavity or slot may be of different sizes, shapes, or volumes as shown by the non-limiting examples of FIG. 3 and FIG. 9. The cavity or slot may be on several sides of the rotatable member along its axis of rotation. Preferably the slot is continuously formed parallel to the axis of rotation of the member; however the slot can be formed into separated cavities along the member. In some embodiments, the member is a tube or cylinder as shown in FIG. 3(A) and FIG. 3B. In this embodiment, the rotatable member consists of a hollow tube with a cavity across the entire length FIG. 3(A). The slot is of adequate dimension in width to allow the material or feed to fill the tube via gravity as it rotates through the hopper. The rotatable member having the slot or cavity can be mounted and coupled to a motor, for example by end spindles (322) as shown in FIG. 3(A). Other suitable structures can be formed on the ends of the rotatable member for mounting it so that it accepts material from the hopper and can be couple to a device that does work and can rotate the member.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 1 the side pieces of the hopper (116) with sweeper(s) (122) are in proximity to the edges of the rotatable member (130) sufficient to permit rotation while minimizing or preventing leakage or passage of material or food to the dispenser (124). The side pieces are shaped to direct the material like a feed into the slot (138) of the rotatable member (130). The dispensing mechanism can accommodate various sizes of feed or material including mixtures of various sizes such as grains or pellets without jamming and minimizing passage or leaking of material from the hopper (116) into the dispenser (124). As the rotatable member (130) moves to make a complete rotation, the slit opening (138) will be facing downward toward the feeder where gravity will cause the feed to drop into the feeder unit. The inside diameter dimension of the slot or cavity (138) in the rotatable member (130) is sized to hold a specific amount of feed material identified as the correct amount to provide flexibility and precision in delivering the required amount of material or amount of feed for a varying number of animals. In one embodiment the rotatable member with the slot can be rotated in either direction to facilitate the uniform distribution of material or feed to both sides of the dispenser container. In a most preferred embodiment the rotatable member will dispense the feed material evenly across the entire bottom of feeder so animals can eat equally from both sides. In some embodiments, as shown for example in FIG. 9, the even distribution of material in the dispenser can be achieved where the rotatable member is mounted off center to a vertical line bisecting the dispenser and positioned to move feed from the hopper to the dispenser upon rotation of the rotatable member. The offset of the rotatable member with respect to the vertical line bisecting the dispenser can be modified depending upon the speed of rotation, the height of the rotatable member from the dispenser bottom, the shape and size of the cavity, as well as the type of feed.

[0053] An operator can use electronic programmer to specify number of rotations or drops by the rotatable member to provide the required material or feed to the dispenser. In the case of a feeder this program can be adjusted to provide the required amount of feed no matter how many animals are being fed. The rotatable member and its cavity can vary in size or dimension depending on the targeted number of dispense slots and material to be delivered or the number of animals to be fed. It is advantageous to have a small enough load or volume in the dispense tube to be able to meet the precise minimum and maximum material dispense requirements. The rotatable member tube can be configured in various ways to accomplish the same end. As an example, a larger tube could be used and sectioned into various smaller sections to have multiple loads of feed in the one tube. The feed is distributed evenly across the entire length of the feeder for equal portion distribution to all animals feeding.

[0054] The dispensing mechanism (rotatable member with slot or dispensing tube) can be mounted between the hopper and dispenser and rotated. The dispensing mechanism may be driven, rotated or positioned between the hopper and dispenser, by motor directly, or through belts or gears or a combination of these. The motor or engine can be activated by programmable electronics and will rotate or position the feeder dispensing tube. A complete cycle consists of one drop of feed. An example of the dispense cycle is illustrated in FIG. 8. The program allows multiple positions of the tube or multiple numbers of rotations to deliver the desired amount of feed for each time setting. The dispensing tube will stop rotating once it reaches the set stop point.

[0055] Programmable electronics are illustrated in FIG. 6. These can include components that will allow a user to set number of rotations (drops) of dispensing mechanism for a number of specified times for each day of the week in-order to dispense the desired amount of material or to dispense feed of a desired amount for the number of animals being fed. Electronics are set into box that may be attached to the feeder as shown in FIG. 2. Program allows flexibility and precision unique to users feeding program eliminating waste, providing control over the weight of animals and allowing for feeding at desired times during day for each day of the week. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a controller (704) activates the motor or other driver (708) which will drive the rotatable member or feeder tube (712). Feeder tube or rotatable member (712) will make a rotation for each signal returning the rotatable member to its initial set point when complete. A step motor can be customized and changed to accommodate other rotation sequences and is not confined to one complete revolution per drop.

[0056] The program can be coded to allow multiple numbers of rotations to deliver a precise amount which can be but is not limited to a mass, volume, caloric content, or nutritional content of material or feed for each time setting. The program can be modified to accommodate for example the number of animals being fed, to optimize feed consumption, or to control dispense timing. Multiple dispense time settings per day with different feed amounts are possible. The device can deliver materials having different types of sizes, density, and shapes with a consistency where the standard deviation is less than about 10%, and in some embodiments less than about 5% of the mean dispense. In some embodiments the amount of material dispensed can be precise to less than about 5% and in some embodiments less than about 2% of the target dispense amount. The same consistency and precision could be achieved with feeders run in tandem. The consistency in the filling of the cavity in the rotatable dispense member and the prevention of leakage of the feed around the rotatable dispense member provide the precision and consistency. [0057] A schematic diagram of electronics which can be used to control the dispense tube is shown in FIG. 6. The electronics may include a manual mode switch (608) to activate feed dispense without controller program as well as a sensor lights (612) to indicate unit status such as but not limited to "activated", unit "operating" and unit "trouble". Other optional elements in the circuit can include a circuit breaker to sense surge in voltage for auto shut off and a safety switch to prevent running if the lid of the hopper is open. The dispense units can be connected in series. Connections for slave units to operate off master unit and controlled by master unit. Power can be from alternating current, direct current, battery, or solar panels.

[0058] The cross section of one embodiment of a device of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 9. The device can include a hopper (904) that holds animal feed or other material and directs the animal feed to a rotatable member (940) with cavity (920). The hopper (904) provides an overhang (948) for one or more slots in a feeder box (944) used to feed animals. The hopper has an opening between the side (916) and (924) for the rotatable member (940). The rotatable member (940) can be mounted in the hopper (904) or feeder box (944). The rotatable member (940) has a cavity (920) that accepts animal feed from the hopper. The rotatable member (940) is mounted off center to a vertical line (912) bisecting the feeder box (944). The rotatable member (940) is positioned to move feed from the hopper (904) to the feeder box (944) and distribute it evenly in the feeder box (944) upon a complete cycle of the rotatable member (940).

[0059] Evenly distributed refers to amounts of material or feed in the dispenser or feeder box in which the volume of the material is more or less evenly distributed along the length and width (and radially in some embodiments) so that animals feeding from different feeder box slots or material removed from different portions of the dispenser are within about 20%, preferably within about 15% and more preferably within about 10% of each other. [0060] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the hopper (904) or other container that holds a material. The hopper (904) is attached to a dispenser box or a feeder box (944) with one or more slots (not shown). The hopper (904) can supply the material via gravity through a sloped or funnel like shaped sides (916) and (924) to a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism can include a rotatable member (940) with slot or cavity (920) along a portion or all of its length for the material. The dispensing mechanism may further include a device that can do work or apply a force that can be used to rotate member (940) and a controller to regulate the movement of the rotatable member (940). The rotatable member (940) may further include structures such as but not limited to spindles, gears, flanges, vanes or other that can be used to couple, directly or indirectly, the rotating member (940) to a device that rotates it. The axis of rotation of the dispense tube member (940) can be located in the dispenser (944) to allow for the drop of material from the member (940) to be distributed about the middle of the dispenser floor (944).

[0061] In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of the rotatable member (940) can be located off center from a vertical line (912) dividing the dispenser or feeder box (944) as illustrated in FIG. 9 to allow for a drop of feed to be distributed, and preferably evenly distributed, about the middle region of the bottom of the dispense or feeder box (944). The bottom of the dispense chamber or feeder box (944) can be concave or convex, preferably it is essentially flat. As the rotatable member (940) rotates, the feed may begin to drop as soon as it clears the hopper edge (924) or the optional sweeper (928). The dispensing mechanism can have a portion of the rotatable member (940) located in the hopper and the remaining portion located in the feeder box or dispenser (944). The edged of the hopper (916) and (924) closest to the rotatable member (940) may be positioned to prevent leakage and jamming of material. The edge of the hopper (916) may be flanged as illustrated by non- limiting structure (932) which can have a size and shape which serves as a seal for material leakage from the hopper (904) and or can act as a shield for all or a portion of the rotatable member (940). Optionally, an edge of the hopper (924) is offset by a variable distance and a flexible sweeper, brush, skirt, or other flexible flap (928) used to prevent leakage and jamming of material between the rotatable dispense tube (940) and hopper edge (924). The hopper (904) can have a lid (908) and can be of sufficient size and volume to store and deliver feed for extended period of time. The size of the hopper (904) can be modified to provide a sufficient overhang (948) to protect animals and or dispensed feed. The hopper (904) and feeder box or dispenser (944) together can provide a self standing unit that provides enough volume to hold an amount of feed to meet the number of feedings for a particular duration of time such as a race, a week, or other time period. The rotatable member (940), by being slightly off center and small enough in diameter can drop and distribute the feed in the middle of the feed box (944). This can facilitate feeding by animals from both sides of the feeder box (944). Embodiments of the present invention can use the sweeper (928) to avoid or significantly reduce jamming of feed with the hopper (904). Further, positioning of the dispense tube (940) within a portion of the hopper (904), for example any portion of the rotatable member (940) above an imaginary line (936) extending from the hopper side (924), can be used to reduce or eliminate material leakage from the hopper.

[0062] In another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 10, the side pieces of the hopper (1024) and (1016) with sweeper(s) (1028) can be in proximity to the edges of the rotatable member (1040) sufficient to permit rotation while minimizing or preventing leakage or passage of material or food from the hopper (1004) to the dispenser (1044). The side pieces can be shaped to direct the material like a feed into the slot (1020) of the rotatable member (1040). The rotatable member can accommodate various sizes of feed or material including mixtures of various sizes such as grains or pellets without jamming and minimizing passage or leaking of material from the hopper (1004) into the dispenser (1044). In addition, flange extension 1032 of side wall (1016) is can be extended and can act as a shield to prevent animal(s) access to open cavity (1020) of rotatable member (1040) upon its return rotation to the hopper 1004. The shield can prevent animals from interfering with the operation of the rotatable member as well as preventing access to the hollowed cavity after feed is dropped. The structure (932) can serve as a safety device for the feeding animals as well as functionally minimizing or eliminating leakage and/or jamming of the rotatable member. The design of the shield (1032) is not limited the specific shape or current depiction of shield (1032) as shown in FIG. 10 as long as the configuration allows for an adequate seal against material leakage around the rotatable member (1040) and blocks or limits access to the rotatable member upon its return rotation. In some embodiments the shield (1032) can extend to at least the lowest portion (1052) of the rotatable member (1040).

[0063] The sweeper, for example a brush sweep, can be used to prevent or eliminate material leakage from the hopper and prevent or eliminate jamming of material between the rotatable member and hopper. The sweeper (928) in FIG. 9 or (1028) in FIG. 10 will seal yet flex when an irregular shaped pellet type feed passes. In FIG. 9 for example, the rotatable member (904) is positioned inside the hopper to prevent or eliminate jamming when pellet type feed fills the cavity (920). Positioning the rotatable member slightly off center allows feed to fall from the cavity (920) into the middle of the feeder box (944). As rotatable member (940) rotates the feed begins to drop as soon as it clears the brush sweep (928).

[0064] Various aspects of the present invention will be illustrated with reference to the following non-limiting examples. EXAMPLE 1

[0065] This example illustrates the operation of an embodiment of the present invention where feed is dispensed to animals.

[0066] Feeder was used to provide daily feed requirements for 40 animals kept in captivity. Since feeders had maximum of 20 slots per feeder, two feeders were connected in series (one master unit and one slave unit) providing total of 40 openings which allows at least one opening for each animal. Total feeding program was 60 ounces of feed per day requiring two 30 ounce feedings: 1^st feeding at 8:00 am and 2^nd feeding at 6:00 pm. Master feeder program was set for 5 drops of 3 ounce per drop which also programs the slave unit to provide 5 drops. Total number of drops per feeding was equal to 10 drops x 3 ounces or 30 ounces. Total feed delivered for each day was 60 ounces.

EXAMPLE 2

[0067] In this prophetic example, an embodiment is illustrated wherein an identification tag associated with an animal is read by a sensor on the automated feeder and causes a predetermined amount of feed to be dispensed for that animal.

[0068] Multiple feeders could be connected in series. Each feeder having a tailored mix of feed would be placed in separate sections or pens but would remain connected to the master controller. Animals could be fed at same schedule by master controller while receiving a different feed mixture.

[0069] Feeder could have remote access to re-program feeder via telephone or computer. Feeder could have visual camera attachment for observing animals feeding from remote computer. Feeder sensor could identify problem and notify owner via telephone or text message of a problem. EXAMPLE 3

[0070] In this example, the device of the present invention is used to dispense a multi- component material that is an animal feed across a dispenser which was configured to act as a feeder.

[0071] As an example, the dispenser was rotated one complete revolution and the amount of feed dropped was weighed to determine actual weight of the drop. This was repeated an additional seven times for a total of eight successive measurements. A target drop of 3 ounces of a mixed grain, the grain consisting of 10 different types and sizes of grain with different weight density resulted in the following drops of feed: 2.7 oz, 3.0 oz, 3.1 oz, 3.0 oz, 3.1 oz, 2.9 oz, 3.0 oz and 2.8 oz. The 3 ounce drops were spread uniformly over the entire base of the feeder.

[0072] The results show that the device can deliver materials having different types of sizes, density, and shapes where the standard deviation (0.14) is less than 5% of the mean dispense (2.95 oz)and that the amount of material dispensed can be within 2% of the target dispense of 3 ounces. This same consistency and precise amount would be recognized whether feeders were run and tested individually or if feeders were run in tandem. The consistency in the filling of the cavity in the rotatable dispense member and the prevention of leakage of the feed around the rotatable dispense member provide the precision.

[0073] The results show that the apparatus can be used to provide control of a precise amount of material and an even distribution of material over an elongated feeder for feeding many animals.

[0074] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other versions are possible. This invention provides an appliance for dispensing a material and preferably dispensing feed to an animal or animals automatically. It provides precision feeding capability with programmable control over feeding times and the amount of feed. Although the examples and FIGs. are directed to a design for dispensing feed to aviary birds, the present invention is not limited to the particular design in the drawings nor is its use limited to providing feed to birds. The dispenser can be modified in dimension and shape for most any animal. Therefore the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description and the preferred versions contain within this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A self standing device for dispensing a material comprising:

a hopper that holds the material to be dispensed and directs the material by gravity to a rotatable member; said hopper providing an overhang to a dispenser connected to the hopper; the dispenser receives material dropped by the rotatable member and has one or more slots to distribute the material;

a rotatable member positioned between the dispenser and hopper, the rotatable member has a cavity to accept a precise amount of material from the hopper; upon rotation the rotatable member drops the material into the dispenser;

a motor coupled to the rotatable member; and

a controller connected to the motor which sets the position of the cavity of the rotatable member between hopper and the dispenser and controls the number of rotations of the rotatable member.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the rotatable member evenly distributes material into dispenser.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the rotatable member cavity deliver a repeatable amount of material to the dispenser by multiple rotations.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the rotatable member can rotate multiple numbers of times and at different times of the day.

5. The device of claim 1 including one or more sweepers contacting the rotating member to prevent leakage between hopper and dispenser.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a shield to prevent contact or interference with the rotatable member.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller rotates the rotatable member to distribute different amount of material into the dispenser at different times.

8. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more sensors to determine the state of the device and one or more visual indicators that enable a user to monitor the state of the device.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein multiple units can be monitored by central control panel.

10. An apparatus comprising one or more of the devices of claim 1 connected in series and controlled by a master controller.

11. A device comprising:

a hopper that holds animal feed and directs the animal feed to a rotatable member, the hopper provides an overhang for one or more slots in a feeder box used to feed animals, the hopper has a opening for the rotatable member;

the rotatable member has a cavity, the cavity of the rotatable member accepts animal feed from the hopper; said rotatable member mounted off center to a vertical line bisecting the feeder box and positioned to move feed from the hopper to the feeder box upon rotation of the rotatable member.

12. The device of claim 11 further comprising a sweeper.

13. The device of claim 11 further comprising a motor coupled to the rotatable member.

14. The device of claim 11 further comprising a controller connected to the motor which sets the position of the cavity of the rotatable member and controls the number of rotations of the rotating member.

15. The device of claim 11 that delivers a precise amount of animal feed to the feed box by one or more rotations of the rotatable member.

16. The device of claim 11 wherein the rotatable member can rotate multiple number of times and at different times of the day as programmed by the controller, the controller dispensing a different total amount of animal feed at different times.

17. The device of claim 11 including one or more sweepers contacting the rotating member that prevent leakage between hopper and dispenser.

18. The device of claim 11 further comprising a shield that prevents an animal from contacting the rotating member.

19. The device of claim 11 comprising one or more devices for dispensing a material, the devices controlled by a single controller.

20. The device of claim 11 further comprising one or more sensors.

21. The device of claim 11 wherein the feed is evenly distributed in the feeder box.