Abstract:
Animal feeders useful in feeding particular groups of animals are disclosed. Animal feeders described herein may, for example, include an electrically conductive exterior structure; a door; a door lock; a species recognition device; and an electric shock deterrent. Methods of feeding animals utilizing an electric shock deterrent are also disclosed.

Description:
[0001]    Embodiments described herein have utility in the field of feeding animals and particular utility when it is desirable to feed particular groups of animals. Animal feeders described herein may, for example, comprise an electrically conductive exterior structure; a door; a door lock; a species recognition device; and an electric shock deterrent. In a related example, the door lock is arranged and configured to respond to an output from the species recognition device. In another related example, the electric shock deterrent is arranged and configured to respond to an output from the species recognition device. In a further related example, the electric shock deterrent is arranged and configured to deactivate in response to the presence of a particular species. In a still further related example, the particular species is a member of a class selected from wild boar, deer, bears, bats, raccoons, and pigeons. In a still further related example, the particular species is a species of wild boar. In a related example, the electric shock deterrent is arranged and configured to reactivate after a period of time in which there is no recognition of a particular species. In a related example, the door lock is arranged and configured to unlock in response to the presence of a particular species. In a related example, the door is arranged and configured to open in response to the presence of a particular species. In a still further related example, the door is arranged and configured to close after a period of time in which a particular species is not detected. In a further related example, the electrically conductive exterior structure is electrically connected to the electric shock deterrent. In a further related example, the species recognition device is a device capable of recognizing sounds unique to particular animal species. In a related example the animal feeder further comprises an intermittent feed dispenser and in a further related example the animal feeder further comprises a population controlling feed. 
         [0002]    A species specific feeding method described herein may, for example, comprise providing a feeder comprising an electric shock deterrent; activating the electric shock deterrent; delivering a shock to a first member of a first species; recognizing the presence of a member of a second species; deactivating the electric shock deterrent; allowing the member of the second species to feed at the feeder; and reactivating the electric shock deterrent. In a related example, the feeding method may further comprise placing a population control feed in the feeder. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0003]      FIG. 1  is a cut away view of the species specific feeder. 
           [0004]      FIG. 2  is a wiring diagram for the species specific feeder. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a door of the feeder. 
           [0006]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a door of the feeder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example 1 
     Feeder 
       [0007]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the feeder may be constructed in a configuration commonly used for feeding a targeted species. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the species being fed is wild boar and the basic structure of Feeder  10  is a modified hog or pig feeder. In the present embodiment, Feeder  10  is constructed from a commercially available twelve door hog feeder. Feeder walls  14  and other feeder components may be constructed of durable materials commonly used in feeding application such as galvanized steel. Feeder  10  has a Feeder interior cone  18  which directs Dispensed feed  30  to a position near Door  60 . Electronics within Electrical control box  34  regulate the operation of Feeder  10 . Electrical pulse charger  38  energizes Feeder  10  at times when electrical pulses are used as a feeding deterrent. Electrical pulse charger  38  is an electrical pulse generating device comparable to device is used in certain animal enclosures and is capable of delivering a brief, nonlethal, and deterrent shock to animals coming into contact with the electrical conductor energized by Electrical pulse charger  38 . Electrical pulse charger  38  may for example be the 5 Mile Battery Operated Solid State Charger sold as model number EDC5M-Z by Woodstream Corporation. In the present embodiment, Electrical pulse charger  38  is configured to energize substantially all of the perimeter of Feeder  10  such that Feeder walls  14  are energized and such that animals attempting to feed from Feeder  10  while energized would experience a deterrent shock. Auger  42  is situated atop Feed motor  46  and both Auger  42  and Feed motor  46  are situated below Barrel  54  such that the running of Auger  42  by actuation of Feed motor  46  causes the distribution of feed from undispensed feed  50  within Barrel  54  down Feeder interior cone  18  to a position adjacent to Door  60 . Auger  42  may be an adjustable and programmable timer feeder with a rotating feed slinger plate that disperses feed at pre-programmed times. Auger  42  may be powered by Battery  168 . Feed motor  46  is controlled from Electrical control box  34 . 
         [0008]    Barrel  54  is situated within the top of Feeder  10  such that it closely fits within Feeder top opening  56  with Barrel flange  58  resting on the top of Feeder  10  and such that Barrel  54  is held in a position such that Barrel discharge  55  is aligned with Auger  42  and Feed motor  46 . Barrels  54  may be replaced through a lifting mechanism including Barrel hoist chains  80 , Barrel hoist bar  84 , Barrel hoist line  88 , Barrel hoist pulley  92 , and Pulley crank  96 . Barrel hoist pulley  92  is supported by Tripod top stand  104  which is a part of Tripod  100 . 
         [0009]    In the present embodiment Doors  60  are attached to Feeder  10  by Door hinge  64 . Doors  60  may be locked closed by Door solenoid  72  which drives a pin in and out of U-bolt  216 . U-bolt  216  is situated on Door  60  opposite Door hinge  64 . At times when Door solenoid  72  is in the unlocked position Door gear motor  76  may drive Door  60  into an open position and then later drive Door  60  into a closed position. 
         [0010]    Electrical control box  34  contains one or more batteries (not shown) which receive power from Solar panel  112 . Those batteries then in turn provide power to the various electrical components within Feeder  10 . Solar panel  112  is held in position by Solar power stand  108 . 
         [0011]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  of the drawings, the species specific feeder may have Microphones  130  that pickup sounds from the area outside of, but near Feeder  10 . Audio from Microphones  130  is transmitted to sound and video card  138  where that sound is interpreted to determine if the audio captured by Microphones  130  is that of the desired species. In embodiments in which Microphones  130  are used without the assistance of video detection Sound and video card  138  would just be a sound card having the capability to identify species specific sounds. Optionally, Video detectors  134  may be used to capture video of the surroundings of Feeder  10 . Video detectors  134 , if used, are capable of identifying specific species and transmitting a signal upon the recognition of that specific species. Whether by audio or video, when Sound and video card  138  recognizes the presence of the relevant species near Feeder  10 , Sound and video card  138  sends a signal to First timer relay  142 . First timer relay  142 , upon receiving a signal that the relevant species is near Feeder  10 , shuts off power to Electrical pulse charger  38 , thereby eliminating the possibility of a deterrent electrical discharge when the relevant species comes into contact with Feeder  10 . In examples where only audio recognition is used Sound and video card  138  may be a sound card designed to recognize a species specific sound and capable of providing a signal to a relay in response to that species specific sound. Although First timer relay  142  deprives Electrical pulse charger  38  of power for a set period of time, if First timer relay  142  receives an additional signal from Sound and video card  138 , First timer relay  142  will reset the timer so that Electrical pulse charger  38  does not energize Feeder  10  while the relevant species is feeding. First timer relay  142  also sends signals to Second timer relay  146  at the same time that First timer relay  142  deprives Electrical pulse charger  38  of power. Upon receiving a signal from First timer relay  142  The second timer relay  146  both engages Door solenoid  72  unlocking Door  60  and engages Door gear motor  76  moving Door  60  into an open position. Door gear motor  76  may, for example, be a 12 V direct current parallel shaft gear motor with an output RPM of 1.5. Door solenoid  72  may be a 12 V tubular coil solenoid. Similarly, when the time expires in First timer relay  142  such that Electrical pulse charger  38  re-energizes Feeder  10 , a signal is sent to Third timer relay  150  which in turn both energizes Door gear motor  76  turning it in the opposite direction to close Door  60  and temporarily engages Door solenoid  72  locking Door  60  closed. Relays suitable for the above described operations include Magnecraft/Schneider Electric Item Number: TDRSRXP-12V and model number 1EJN6 available from Dayton Electric Manufacturing Co. 
         [0012]    Electrical pulse charger  38  is wired such that whenever power is supplied to Electrical pulse charger  38  Electrical pulse charger indicator light  39  is illuminated. Electrical pulse charger  38  is arranged and configured to be wired to a Grounding rod  180  with the other pulse terminal wired to Feeder  10 . 
         [0013]    Battery  168  supplies power to Sound and video card  138 , First timer relay  142 , Second timer relay  146 , and Third timer relay  150 . Battery  168  is charged by Solar regulator  160  which receives power from Solar panel  112 . Solar power indicator light  164  indicates when Battery  168  is being charged by Solar regulator  160 . 
         [0014]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  of the drawings, Door  60  is constructed to resist damage by tampering from animals and to function within the operational parameters described above. Door  60  rotates about Door hinge  64  and has a Reinforcing door under structure  212 . Door  60  may further have Reinforcing bars  204  that secure Door  60  from being compromised by bending such as may be caused by stronger animals such as bears. U-bolt nuts  220  secure U-bolt  216  (not shown) in place. 
         [0015]    Referring now to  FIG. 4  of the drawings, Door hinge  64  is a component of Door  60 . Reinforcing door under structure  212  is attached directly to Door  60 . U-bolt  216  is secured in place by U-bolt nuts  220  with U-bolt  216  serving as the component of Door  60  that is locked in place by Door solenoid  72  (not shown). Lifting of Door  60  is carried out by operation of Door gear motor  76  (not shown) which is both situated inside of Door gear motor housing  77  and configured to operate Door gear motor arm  78  which lifts Door  60 . 
       Example 2 
     Feeder Operation 
       [0016]    Feeder  10  as depicted in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, is placed in an area having both wild boar and other species. In the present example, it is desirable to control the population of wild boar without impacting the populations of other species. The body of Feeder  10  is positioned in an open area such that Tripod  100  is over Feeder  10 . Barrel  54  is positioned within Feeder  10  substantially as depicted in  FIG. 1  of the drawings. Barrel  54  may be filled and lowered into Feeder  10  such that Barrel flange  58  Meets the top of Feeder  10  using Barrel hoist pulley  92  and Pulley crank  96 . Once Feeder  10  is configured substantially as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the electrical system is placed into an initial operational mode in which Electrical pulse charger  38  is energized and Doors  60  are both closed and locked. Feed is distributed within Feeder  10  by Auger  42  on an intermittent and timed basis, which may be daily. Wild boar may be trained to consume the feed in Feeder  10  through the use of food that does not contain a population control composition. With feed being dispersed near Doors  60  wild boar sense the presence of the feed and approach Feeder  10  making sounds that are characteristic of either a wild boars feeding or a wild boar looking for food. Microphones  130  capture the sound and Sound and video card  138  recognizes the characteristic sounds. Upon recognizing the characteristic sounds, Sound and video card  138  signals to Door solenoid  72  and Door gear motor  76  to open Door  60  by way of First timer relay  142 , Second timer relay  146 , and Third timer relay  150 . At the same time that Door  60  begins to open, Electrical pulse charger  38  is deactivated based on a signal from Sound and video card  138  by way of First timer relay  142 . The wild boar feed at Feeder  10  unencumbered by either the doors or electrical shocks generated by Electrical pulse charger  38 . As the wild boar feed Sound and video card  138  continues to recognize the sound of the wild boars feeding and continues to reset the timer which ultimately acts to close the Doors  60 . After the wild boar have finished feeding, the sounds of the wild boars feeding will also cease. After Sound and video card  138  does not send any additional signals indicating that the wild boar are present for a period of time, that may be set within First timer relay  142 , Doors  60  close and Electrical pulse charger  38  re-energizes Feeder  10 . 
         [0017]    Species not set to be recognized by Sound and video card  138  are deterred from feeding at Feeder  10  in multiple ways. First, as Feeder  10  is continually energized by Electrical pulse charger  38 , when an unrecognized species such as a deer or bear touch Feeder  10  an electrical shock is delivered. The unrecognized species quickly learn not to search for food and Feeder  10  regardless of whether they can sense feed in Feeder  10 . Further, because Doors  60  are both reinforced and locked in the closed position absent the recognized species even powerful animals such as bears would be unable to access the feed. Both the shock deterrent and the sturdy locking doors are sufficient by themselves to deter animals other than wild boar from feeding at Feeder  10 . The redundant protection against feeding non-selected species strengthens the device&#39;s ability to feed only a particular species. 
         [0018]    As that term is used herein “population control composition” indicates any composition that may be delivered with or as feed that when consumed by a particular animal either has significant lethal potential or impairs the ability of that animal to reproduce. For example, sodium nitrite and sodium fluoroacetate would both be considered to be population control compositions. Upon initial placement of Feeder  10  the wild boar are allowed to feed on feed that does not contain any population control composition so that the population of wild boar become accustomed to feeding at Feeder  10 . During the period in which the wild boar are becoming accustomed to Feeder  10 , Feeder  10  may either be accessible as described above or may provide access to the feed without one or more of the species specific protections described above. After the wild boar population is accustomed to feeding at Feeder  10 , a population control composition may be added to the feeder in quantities suitable for the desired effect on the wild boar population. For example, a poison may be added to the feed to kill all of the wild boar that feed at Feeder  10 . In another example, a feed that inhibits the fertility of the wild boar may be administered such that the population of wild boar is controlled to a desirable level. The use of Feeder  10  may be on a continual basis or may be used on a short-term basis to eliminate a local population of wild boar. 
       Example 3 
       [0019]    The species targeted may for example be  Sus scrofa  commonly known as wild boar. In related examples, species in the family Suidae may be targeted for feeding either individually or as a group. 
       Example 4 
       [0020]    In a series of related examples, species other than wild boar may be controlled using a configuration comparable to the configuration described above. In each such instance the physical configuration of the feeder may take the form of a feeder commonly used to feed the species being targeted. Feeders having electrically conductive exteriors and doors that can be opened and closed in a secure automated way may be modified to operate in a manner comparable to Examples 2 and 3. Examples of species for which a comparable feeder may be constructed include: bear, deer, bats, raccoons, and pigeons. 
         [0021]    The above-described embodiments have a number independently useful individual features that have particular utility when used in combination with one another including combinations of features from embodiments described separately. There are, of course, other alternate embodiments which are obvious from the foregoing descriptions of the invention, which are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.