Animal husbandry – Feeding device – With watering devices
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-14
2001-02-27
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3644)
Animal husbandry
Feeding device
With watering devices
C119S061520
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192831
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention concerns an automatic feeder for pigs, including piglets and porkers, comprising a dry-feed supply and a water supply which are led to a feeding trough.
Automatic feeders with both dry-feed supply and water supply are known in different configurations.
A commonly-known type of automatic feeder comprises a trough with a raised part with a so-called feeding plateau on which the dry-feed can lie when led out via a supply pipe.
Extending around this feeding plateau there is a water chamber, which means that the pigs have access both to the dry-feed and water, Under normal conditions, however, there is no possibility of the formation of wet-feed, the reason being that the dry-feed and the water fall down into separate compartments, Therefore, with this type of automatic feeder the pigs have access only to dry-feed and clean water.
A second type of automatic feeder comprises a trough to which both the feed-stuff and the water are fed via a supply pipe down to one compartment. Consequently, with this type of automatic feeder the pigs only have access to wet-feed-stuff.
Moreover, where both of these types of feeders are concerned, a leaking drinking-water valve will result in a continuous supply of water, and herewith a soaking of all the dry-feed, the consequence being that the pigs have access neither to dry-feeds nor wet-feeds. Moreover, the feed-stuff gets ruined by the constant supply of water.
THE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages and drawbacks of the known automatic feeders, and according to the invention this is achieved when the feeding trough comprises a raised dry-feed platform to which the feed-stuff is led, a lower-lying chamber and a water chamber lying at the same level to which the water is supplied, and where between the chamber and the water chamber there is provided a separating wall which is of such a height that the water can run over and down into the chamber, where it can soften the dry-feed to become wet-feed.
In a surprisingly simple manner, the automatic feeder achieved hereby is one where the animals have constant access to both fresh dry-feeds on the feeding platform, suitable soaked wet-feed and fresh and clean drinking water.
This ensures calm conditions around the feeding trough, in that the animals are able to satisfy their feeding and drinking needs, and this applies to both porkers and piglets. There is hereby ensured an optimum growth and well-being for the animals.
As disclosed in claim
2
, by placing the feeding platform centrally surrounded by a wet chamber, and with the wet chamber outermost, continuous access is ensured to both dry and wet-feed and clean water.
There will not be any risk that this division will be disturbed by overflow or behaviour on the part of the animals.
As disclosed in claim
3
, by letting the water chamber comprise two chambers, the extent of the trough and herewith the feeding and drinking possibilities are improved for ensuring calm conditions around the trough.
As disclosed in claim
4
, by configuring both the feed-stuff supply and the water supply in an adjustable manner, both supplies can be adjusted in accordance with the type of feed and the feeding and drinking requirements.
As disclosed in claim
5
, by configuring a raised part under the water valve, unintentional water supply is avoided, in that the animals are prevented from activating the valve with their feet.
As disclosed in claim
6
, by configuring the raised dry-feed platform as a truncated cone under the supply pipe, the feed-stuff will be able to be supplied at a rate at which it is eaten from the side surface of the cone. In addition to ensuring fresh feed, this also prevents the absorption of moisture and herewith possible clump formations and interruption of the feed supply.
As disclosed in claim
7
, by configuring the trough with an outer raised edge, trough wall, and providing an overflow from the wet-feed chamber, the wet-feed is protected against being ruined, in that possible surplus water will run away, which can occur in connection with a leaking water valve.
By moulding the trough in one piece as disclosed in claim
8
, the trough can be brought to abut closely against the floor, hereby preventing the collection of dirt under the trough and making the cleaning work easier.
Finally, as disclosed in claim
9
, it is expedient to provide the automatic feeder with a water regulator, in that the consistency of the wet-feed can hereby be controlled.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 229074 (1973-11-01), Cuprak
patent: D. 326742 (1992-06-01), Tart
patent: 4337728 (1982-07-01), Van Gilst et al.
patent: 4825811 (1989-05-01), O'Kelley
patent: 5447119 (1995-09-01), Rasmussen
patent: 5979360 (1999-11-01), Tharp
patent: PR 172474 B1 (1998-09-01), None
patent: 0 206 636 A1 (1986-10-01), None
A/S L. Frandsen
Coleman Sudol Sapone P.C.
Poon Peter M.
Sapone William J.
Shaw Elizabeth
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