Patent ID: 7175103
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. An improved feeder apparatus, comprising: a storage hopper having a lower opening, the storage hopper adapted to hold a volume of feed pellets; a spinner plate mounted below the storage hopper lower opening, wherein the spinner plate is mounted on a vertical shaft, wherein feed pellets are allowed to drop below the spinner plate when the spinner plate is rotating, and wherein feed pellets are blocked from dropping below the spinner plate when the spinner plate is not rotating; a first motor coupled to the spinner plate shaft, wherein the first motor, when energized, causes the spinner shaft and spinner plate to rotate about an axis defined by the shaft; a paddle wheel mounted on a shaft, wherein the paddle wheel is adapted to throw feed pellets away from the feeder apparatus when rotated about the paddle wheel shaft; a second motor connected to the paddle wheel shaft, wherein the second motor, when energized, causes the paddle wheel shaft and paddle wheel to rotate about an axis defined by the paddle wheel shaft, wherein the paddle wheel rotates at a relatively high rpm relative to the spinner plate; a funnel system having a first opening below the spinner plate for catching feed pellets, and having a second opening allowing feed pellets to drop into the paddle wheel; and a controller connected to the first and second motors for selectively energizing the first and second motors.