Animal husbandry – Feeding device – Timer-controlled
Patent
1983-01-27
1985-01-08
Chamblee, Hugh R.
Animal husbandry
Feeding device
Timer-controlled
119 3, A01K 6102
Patent
active
044921829
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of Invention and Prior Art
This invention is related to a method and device for feeding animals in accordance with that defined in the preambles of appended claims 1 and 3 respectively.
This prior art is disclosed in e.g. the Swedish patent specification No. 309 338. However, the food supply member thereof is formed by a tube portion protruding into the conduit, said tube portion allowing introduction of food into the conduit when no airflow occurs therein. The food volume remains in the conduit until feeding is required, at which time a valve is opened and an air flow admitted into the conduit so that the food volume is moved forwardly in the short conduit and distributed over an adjacent fish basin. Due to the periodic distribution of food in the conduit, the length thereof must be very limited since it may otherwise be clogged. Thus, when several feed locations are present, it is necessary to provide a separate food container in connection with each feed location, which is costly and considerably increases the work required for handling the food. Another disadvantage is that the dosage of food into the conduit probably will be less accurate. This particularly applies if the food has a large grain size or tendency to agglomerate. The technique according to the Swedish patent may in such cases be difficult to use. For wet food it is surely inadequate.
Summary of the Invention
The object of the present invention is to reduce the disadvantages discussed above associated with the prior art.
This object is obtained by the features defined in the characterizing portions of claims 1 and 3 respectively. By such a successive introduction of food into the transport conduit while maintaining an air flow therein, the risk for clogging of the conduit is minimized and at the same time a very good accuracy regarding food dosage may be obtained. The continuous introduction of food into the fluid flow enables food transport from a central food store to feed locations situated at great distance from the store. Reliable and constant operation is furthermore obtained in that the fluid flow in the conduit is actively used for evacuating the cells. This is particularly important with sticky or wet food.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to the appended drawings, a specific disclosure of an example of an embodiment of the invention will follow hereinafter.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the device according to the invention;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are graphs illustrating the feeding;
FIG. 4 is a partially sectional view illustrating a rotor and a housing therefor included in the device;
FIG. 5 is a view from the left of FIG. 4 and illustrating the lower portion of the housing;
FIG. 6 is a view along line VI--VI in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view in larger scale illustrating the rotor and its housing adjacent to a fill opening;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a view of a plan path selector;
FIG. 10 is a section along line X--X in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic partially sectional view illustrating an alternative embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a section along line XII--XII in FIG. 11 and
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a lower portion in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The device in FIG. 1 includes a central food store or food container 1, from which a food supply member 2 is adapted to supply food into a conduit 3. A pump 4 is arranged to cause fluid to flow through conduit 3 to a number of feed locations 5 and carry along the food on passage through supply member 2.
The feed locations 5 are constituted by four net bags for fish. These net bags are located in lakes or water courses spaced from the shore. However, it is preferred that components 1, 2 and 4 are located on the shore while conduit 3 possibly constructed as a flexible hose partially may run on the bottom of the lake or water course and, ashore, be digged into the ground. Along conduit 3, path selectors 7 are provided for diverting fluid/food flowing in
REFERENCES:
patent: 3526210 (1970-09-01), Burton
patent: 3528588 (1970-09-01), Moore
Wensman Britta
Wensman Gunnar
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