Plunger gate animal feeder attachment

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.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to animal-feeding devices used outdoors to feed livestock automatically or supplying food to game animals and more particularly to an animal feeder system with a plunger type gate for positively stopping feed from flowing out through an aperture.

2. Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 3,195,508 is a game and stock feeder that is automatically operable to spread a desired amount of feed at a predetermined time and for a pre-selected period. It uses a timing mechanism and does not require the presence of an operator.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,779,487 is an automated livestock feeder for storing and dispensing food such as hay or granular feed in a feed container to an animal at predetermined intervals. It utilizes a tray control flange which releases a feed tray. At a predetermined feeding time, a motor rotates the flanged latch thereby releasing the tray to rotate from a storage position to a dispense position. The activation mechanism includes an electrical power source, a timer relay/mechanical switch, and an electrical motor.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,722,300 is a programmable, automatic feeder for pets and other animals that dispenses a measured amount of food at a predetermined time. A digital clock control mechanism, including an adjustable portion control knob, controls a battery-operated motor. The motor drives an eccentric weight to vibrate a vibrating conveyor pan attached to the motor.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,086 is an automatic animal feeder comprising a housing defining a feeding reservoir therein. An inlet opening is provided for receiving feed in the reservoir. An outlet is associated with a motor-driven discharge device for conveying feed to a remote discharge outlet. An automatic timer controls a drive for operating the discharge device at predetermined time intervals and for predetermined time periods to thereby control the quantity of feed discharged at the remote discharge outlet during each of the time intervals.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,200 is an automatic animal feeder comprising a housing with a hopper for storing large amounts of dry food, and a food-delivery chamber positioned below for holding a fixed portion of dry feed received from the hopper. The food delivery chamber pivots at regular intervals from a loading position to a delivery position whereby the fixed portion of dry feed is discharged into an area accessible to an animal.

U.S. Patent Application #20080029034 is a method and apparatus for automatic feeding of animals with a food hopper connected to a feeding trough. Bulk animal food loaded into the hopper transfers into the feeding trough. A lid covers the feeding trough, preventing access to the animal food. An automated drive mechanism having a timer opens the lid, thereby allowing access to the animal food in the feeding trough, at pre-set intervals. The automatic animal feeder can be used to train wild game to feed during certain desired periods, such as daylight hours.

None of the prior art uses a plunger gate apparatus to prevent unintended dispersal of feed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a game or livestock feeding unit with remote communications. It is an object of this invention to provide a game-animal feeding unit in combination with electronic sensors that monitor the status of the feeding unit. Among its features is a volume sensor that monitors the quantity of feed in its unit and transmits that information to a distant location. Another object of this invention is to dispense feed at programmed intervals, and to communicate feeder jams and battery-life status. In addition, the unit prevents unwanted animals from accessing the feed inside the feeding unit. An optional GPS can be provided that can be interrogated or can report location.

It further relates to a game or livestock feeding unit with a plunger gate controlled by a solenoid. It is an object of this invention to provide a game-animal feeding unit that does not allow unintentional dispersal of feed. Many animals are able to learn that by spinning the spin-caster (or feed-dispersion mechanism) they can obtain feed from the feeding unit because the movement of the feed-dispersion mechanism allows feed to fall through the aperture in the bottom of the container. The present invention prevents unwanted animals from accessing the feed inside the feeding unit by closing the dispensing aperture. Thus, even if the spin-caster is turned, feed cannot exit the aperture.

Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be shown in the following description and accompanying figures.

Several drawings have been presented to aid in understanding the invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to what is shown in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an animal feeder with a feed stop in the form of a plunger gate apparatus that can prevent unintended dispersal of feed allowing the feeder to dispense feed on a predetermined schedule.

Referring toFIG. 1, the present invention is a game-animal feeder100that can include a feed drum or container102, that holds animal feed and solar panel106on the feed drum. The feed is anticipated to be grain, such as corn, pellets, cubes, or blocks, said feed tending to pour through an aperture in the feed container102. A feed-dispersion mechanism110is generally attached to the underside of the feed container102.

The feed dispersion mechanism110is in electric communication with the solar panel106(or other power source). An aperture (not shown) in the bottom of the feed container102allows feed (not shown) inside of the feed container102to exit the feed container102. The feed (not shown) gravity feeds through the feed drum aperture (not shown). Typically, the feed dispersion mechanism110(often a spin cast mechanism) is on a timer, or other activation means, that causes the feed dispersion mechanism110to spin. The timer is connected to said power source and when power is supplied the feed dispersion mechanism110spin while feed (not shown) falls through the feed drum aperture (not shown) which is dispersed by the spinning feed dispersion mechanism110. If the feed dispersion mechanism110is spun at a time other than intended, the game animal feeder100will disperse feed (not shown) at an unintended time. Thus, some non-game animals, such as raccoons, can learn to actively spin the feed dispersion mechanism110so that feed (not shown) is dispersed at an unintended time and the varmint can eat the feed (not shown).

The game-animal feeder100can include a volume sensor104on or in the feed drum102. A feed-dispersion mechanism110in combination with a data acquisition unit and remote communication module are generally attached to the underside of the feed drum102.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, an embodiment of the system is shown without the feed drum. The feed-dispersion mechanism110with a data acquisition unit and remote communication module includes a battery112and communication housing attached to a drive-unit housing118that is connected to a feed spreader116. The feed spreader116couples to a motor108and a funnel114. The feed-funnel114is shown connected to the underside of the feed drum. The feed-dispersion mechanism110is generally attached to the bottom portion of a feed drum102(FIG. 2); however, any other location is within the scope of the present invention. A solar panel106(FIG. 3) provides power to the unit and is connected with the unit via a power transmission line. A volume sensor104is normally attached to the unit.

Referring toFIG. 4, a detailed view of the embodiment illustrates various electronic and communication ports engaged with the housing118including an information port122, a power input124and a feed-level-sensor input120. A wireless interface113can also be seen.

FIG. 5is a cut-away view of the feed-dispersion mechanism combination110. The motor108is rotationally engaged with the feed-dispersion device116that is attached to the funnel114. The path from the funnel to the feed-dispersion device116is opened or closed by a slide gate128. The slide gate is controlled by a linear actuator126such that when power is supplied to it, the slide gate128can be either opened or closed. When the slide gate is in the open position, the feed dispersion device116can be rotated to disperse feed to the funnel. When there is no power, for whatever reason, the slide gate128is normally closed.

A circuit board113is equipped with the power and communication ports shown inFIG. 4. Communication and computing technology including a processor or central processing unit (CPU), a programmable logic controller (PLC) or the like are typically employed and not shown in detail, but are represented by circuit board113. Any processor, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, PLC or other computing device is within the scope of the present invention. A timer in the processor or on the circuit board113initiates the feed-dispersion process by sending power from the battery112, to the linear actuator126, thus opening the slide gate128and then supplying power to the motor108to rotate the feed dispersion device116that disperses feed from the funnel114.

Feed quantity information from the volume sensor104is supplied to the processor as often as necessary. A low-volume signal from the volume sensor104can shut down the feed-dispersion process and send a signal to a remote location via wireless communication technology. Alternatively, the feed quantity, battery charge and/or other parameters can be transmitted on a schedule or can be interrogated from a remote station.

The feed-dispersion mechanism combination110also includes a wireless communication module on the circuit board113or elsewhere. The wireless communications module can communicate with a remote location via cellular telephone, WiFi, satellite telephone or other satellite communications, or by any other wireless technique. The preferred communications technique is either cellular telephone or satellite telephone. The communications can be one direction from the feeder to the remote location to report acquired data, or it can optionally be bi-directional. Data can be optionally acquired regarding feed level, battery status, feed jams or any other acquired data parameter.

The feed-dispersion mechanism combination110can optionally contain a GPS receiver on the circuit card113or elsewhere that can be aware of the feeder's location. Bi-directional wireless communication can optionally interrogate the GPS as to location. This can be useful to determine if a remote feeder has been moved, etc. The system could report location periodically or upon interrogation.

Turning toFIGS. 6A-6B, an alternative embodiment of the present invention can be seen. This embodiment is a sliding gate valve attachment that can go inside an existing feeder to control the distribution of feed (typically corn) and keep critters from getting at the feed. This embodiment can also be used with the embodiments herein described. When used with existing feeders, the gate valve of the present invention can be held in place with magnets, or can be bolted in place.

Feeders of this type typically include a feed can215that holds feed with a lower port that allows feed to drop onto a spin cast220that spins and spreads the feed in the vicinity of the feeder. This embodiment of the invention includes a gate valve200that can be placed or attached over the feed exit port inside the feed container215. A battery box225is typically mounted below the feed container with a motor that drives the spin cast220. A baffle plate216can be optionally mounted above the gate valve200to take some of the weight of the feed off of the gate. The gate valve200is equipped with solenoids202that open the gate201against return springs203when an electrical current is applied.

The battery or batteries located in the battery box225can be standard 12 volt storage batteries. While these are preferred, any other types of batteries are within the scope of the present invention. The battery box225typically also contains a timer251that times when to dispense feed and how long. This timer251can control the spin cast220and the solenoids202. Typically, the timer251causes the gate201to open while the spin cast member220is rotating.

Turning toFIGS. 7A-7F, details of the sliding gate valve200can be seen.FIG. 7Ashows an embodiment of the gate valve200in the open configuration where feed can be dispensed. Solenoids202at each end of the device can linearly pull a pair of sliding gates201apart to open the portal204such that feed can exit.FIG. 7Bshows the gate valve200in a closed configuration. The closed gate201can be seen. The sliding gates and/or baffle plate are preferably made of metal; however, they can also be made of plastic or other rigid material. If made from metal, aluminum is preferred to avoid corrosion.

FIGS. 7C and 7Dshow a top view of the open and closed configurations respectively, whileFIGS. 7E and 7Fshow side views.

FIG. 8Ashows a top-down view of the gate valve200in the open configuration. Covers have been removed showing the return springs203in a compressed state (pushing against the solenoid202).FIG. 8Bis a section ofFIG. 8Aalong the section line shown inFIG. 8A. The relationship between the solenoids, return springs and sliding gates can be seen.

FIG. 8Cshows the same gate valve200asFIG. 8Ahowever, in the closed configuration. Here the return springs203can be seen in a relaxed state.FIG. 8Dis a section ofFIG. 8Ctaken along the section line shown inFIG. 8C. Again, the relationship between the solenoids, return springs and sliding gates can be seen.

InFIG. 9, an embodiment of the plunger gate312is shown installed inside the feed container102. The feed-dispersion mechanism110(not shown) is connected to a feed-dispersion mechanism110. The feed-dispersion mechanism110couples to a motor (not shown) and a funnel (not shown). The feed-funnel (not shown) is generally connected to the underside of the feed container102. The feed-dispersion mechanism110is generally attached to the bottom104of the feed container102; however, any other location is within the scope of the present invention. The feed container102is shown cut away in order to illustrate the positioning of the plunger gate312. The plunger gate312is positioned directly above the feed drum aperture (not shown), thus the housing is attachable to the feed container adjacent to the aperture. Because it is generally anticipated that feed drum aperture (not shown) will be centered in the feed drum bottom104, it is likely generally anticipated that the plunger gate312will be centered on the feed drum bottom104. The plunger gate312may be attached to the feed drum bottom104in the interior or exterior of the feed container102. It is anticipated the plunger gate312is also capable and may be attached to other areas of the feed container. Feed containers are known to come in varying shapes, such as having conical bottoms in order to encourage the feed to pour out of the aperture, or separate but associated funnels may be employed. Likewise, while it is more typical for the aperture to be located in the center of the feed container bottom, the plunger gate312can be positioned and attached anywhere the feed aperture is, regardless of the shape of the feed container. The positioning of the plunger gate312allows it to block feed (not shown) in the interior of the feed container102from exiting through the aperture (not shown) in the feed drum bottom104.

Referring toFIG. 10A, a detailed view of the embodiment illustrates the plunger320in a closed position. In one embodiment, the plunger gate312has a power connector324at the top of the top cap322. The power connector324allows for electronic communications with a power source such as the solar panel106. The top cap322is a generally hollow body that contains the internal components of the plunger gate312. The top cap322is held in place by the main housing326. Both the top cap322and the main housing326are elevated from the feed drum bottom104by at least one, but potentially multiple, support members328. The support members328are attached to the main housing326at a first end and to a base330at a second end. The base330is connected to the feed drum bottom104. There are multiple means by which the base330may be attached to the feed drum bottom104, such as by fasteners332(such as bolts, screws, or rivets), magnets, or adhesives. The support members328must allow feed to pass through them when the plunger320is in the open position. Extending from below the main housing326is the plunger320. The plunger320moves vertically in relation to the feed drum bottom104. When extended downwardly from main housing326, the plunger320engages the feed drum bottom104and closes the feed drum aperture (not shown). The plunger gate312must be positioned within the feed drum such that it is attached to the feed drum bottom104so that the plunger320is directly above the feed drum aperture. When the plunger320is extended, feed (not shown), such as corn, cannot flow outwardly from the interior of the feed container102to the feed dispersion mechanism110to be dispensed to the exterior of the game animal feeder100. This ends unintended feeding of non-game animals, and can reduce the speed at which feed is dispersed. Thus, feed is only dispensed at desired intervals when game animals are more likely to take advantage of it and feed is conserved. This makes the necessity of checking and refilling the game animal feeder100less often.

FIG. 10Bis a side view of plunger gate312. In this embodiment, the power connector324can be seen at the top of the top cap322. Holding the top cap322upright is the main housing326, the support members328and the base330. Base330is connected, in this embodiment, to the feed drum bottom104by fasteners332.FIG. 3Bshows the plunger320in the closed position. In the closed position, the plunger320extends downwardly from the top cap322and main housing326. It is generally anticipated that the feed aperture (not shown) will be circular; it is likewise anticipated that the plunger320will be circular. In any case, the plunger end334is sized and shaped such that when it is engaged with the feed drum bottom104and feed aperture (not shown), the feed aperture (not shown) is blocked from allowing feed (not shown) to exit the feed container102. In order to accomplish this, the plunger320may be slightly larger than the feed aperture (not shown), the same size as the feed aperture, or slightly smaller than the feed aperture, but large enough to block feed from exiting the feed aperture. While it is anticipated that the plunger320will be sized and shaped to match the feed aperture (not shown), this is not necessary so long as feed dispersal through the feed aperture is blocked when the plunger320is extended into the closed position. In order to better close the feed aperture, the first end of the plunger320may be shaped into a conical-like configuration in order to extend slightly through the feed aperture. This extension is the plunger end334. Along with more tightly sealing the feed aperture, the beveled shape of the plunger end334and the apex, the plunger tip336, of the plunger end334can help direct the plunger320into the feed aperture such that pressure from the feed within the feed container102does not dislodge or displace the plunger gate312and plunger320to the extent that when the plunger320is extended into the closed position the feed aperture is closed to dispersal of feed.

FIG. 10Cis a cross section of the plunger gate312along line A-A inFIG. 3B. In one embodiment, the plunger gate312receives power through the power connector324. The power connector324is in electronic communication with a solenoid340. The solenoid340is housed within the top cap322. The solenoid, as used herein, refers to a variety of transducer and motor devices that convert energy into linear motion, and may include an integrated device containing an electromechanical solenoid which actuates either a pneumatic or hydraulic or electromechanical plunger, where the plunger moves to either an open (retracted) or closed (extended) position. In this embodiment, the solenoid340, when activated, causes the plunger320to pull upwardly away from, and disengaging it from, the base aperture344and consequently from the feed aperture (not shown) in the feed drum bottom104. When the solenoid is activated by an electrical current from a power source, it causes the plunger320to disengage from the aperture and move, against the opposition of the return spring, to an open position that allows feed to exit from the feed container102. When the solenoid340is deactivated, the opposition of the return spring342against the plunger320acts to push the plunger320downwardly such that the plunger tip336passes through the base aperture344, and consequently through the feed aperture (not shown) in the feed drum bottom104, such that the plunger end334fills or engages the feed aperture in a closed position such that feed cannot flow through the feed aperture. The return spring342is attached to the plunger end334or plunger tip336. This may be accomplished by pin338.

FIG. 11Ais a perspective view of the plunger gate312in an open position. Game feeders100typically include a feed container102that holds feed with a feed aperture that allows feed to drop onto a spin cast of a feed-dispersion mechanism110that spins and spreads the feed in the vicinity of the feeder100. A power source, such as the solar panel106, is typically mounted on the feeder100with a motor that drives the feed-dispersion mechanism110. The plunger gate312is equipped with a solenoid340that opens the plunger320against return spring342when an electrical current is applied.

Power may be supplied by the shown solar panel106, batteries, or any other power source, all being within the scope of the present invention. The feeder100typically also contains a timer (not shown) that times when to dispense feed and how long. This timer (not shown) can control the feed-dispersion mechanism110and the solenoid340. Typically, the timer (not shown) causes the plunger320to open while the spin cast (not shown) is rotating. When the plunger320is open, corn can flow through a base aperture344in the base330. When the plunger gate312is positioned on the feed drum bottom104, the base aperture344should line up with the feed aperture (not shown) in the feed drum bottom104such that feed can flow through the two apertures. The base330may have a bevel346on its inner edge which can help the flow of feed. It is also advisable that the support members328be sized and shaped to allow for easy flow of the feed between the support members328. The length of the support members328can also be increased to allow for better flow of the feed when the plunger320is in the open position. However, the length of the plunger320and the corresponding sizes of the main housing326and top cap322must be adjusted in order to accommodate the longer plunger320.

FIG. 11Bis a side view of the plunger gate312in an open position. The base330is shown attached to the feed drum bottom104. The plunger tip336and between the support members328allows feed to travel through the base aperture344and the feed aperture (not shown). It is anticipated that the feed will be gravity fed. However, other feeding mechanisms may be applied.

FIG. 11Cis a side view of the plunger gate312, cut away along line A-A fromFIG. 4B. Details of the plunger gate312can be seen. In this embodiment, the plunger320is in the open position where feed can be dispensed. Solenoid340at the top of the plunger320can linearly pull the plunger320upwardly to open the base aperture344and the feed aperture (not shown) allowing the feed to exit. The top cap322, the main housing326, the support members328, and the base330of the plunger gate312can be made of plastics, metals, resins, or other rigid material sufficient to withstand the pressure within the feed-filled feed container102. It is preferable that the components of the plunger gate312be made from corrosion-resistant materials. For example, if made from metal, aluminum helps to avoid corrosion. In the open configuration, the return spring342is in a compressed state (pushing against the solenoid340) with the plunger320pulled upwardly. Power received from a power source into the power connector324which is in electronic communication with the solenoid340, causes the solenoid to pull the plunger320upwardly against the resistance of the return spring342. When power is discontinued, and the solenoid340stops pulling against the return spring342, the return spring342acts to move the plunger320back downwardly into the base aperture344and feed aperture (not shown). This figure shows the relationship between the solenoid340, the plunger320, and the return spring342.

It is preferred to mount the plunger gate312internally in the feed container102because the plunger gate312is not exposed to the elements. Even though it is preferred to mount the gate valve internally, it is within the scope of the present invention to mount it anywhere, so long as the plunger320closes the feed aperture (not shown) in the closed position, and allows feed to pass through the feed aperture (not shown) in the open position.

Several descriptions and illustrations have been provided to aid in understanding the present invention. One with skill in the art will realize that numerous changes and variations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations are within the scope of the present invention.