Abstract:
A dispensing system ( 200 ) for chewable pet toys ( 100 ) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display ( 220 ) and keypad ( 400 ) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor ( 315 ). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker ( 320 ), vibration emanates from a vibrator ( 328 ), light emanates from a light source ( 325 ), and odor emanates from an odor generator ( 327 ). Toys are dispensed down a ramp ( 225 ), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet&#39;s behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule. Multiple, simultaneous dispensations or jackpots reward the pet and maintain the pet&#39;s level of interest in the dispensing system. The various stimuli along with the dispensing-time modes prevent habituation and keep the pet interested, contented, and stimulated.

Description:
[0001]    This invention is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/944,951, filed on Sep. 1, 2001. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates to pet toy dispensers, in particular those which dispense toys containing food and otherwise amuse and alert a pet by providing various physical stimuli.  
           [0004]    2. Prior Art—Challenging and Automated Feeding Systems  
           [0005]    When left alone, animals frequently become discontented, bored, and hungry. This is cruel to the animals and leads to behavior problems such as barking, digging, and destructive activities on the part of canines and different problems with other animals. Some prior-art schemes have addressed the problem of unattended feeding of animals.  
           [0006]    Hamilton, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,815 (1999), shows a boredom-reducing feeding device for caged animals comprising various food-sequestering devices, such as a brush and a dipstick-tube. Hamilton&#39;s device presents various challenges to a caged animal such as a primate, but does not delay or space feedings, as is desirable for pets.  
           [0007]    Riba, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,341 (1975), shows a machine for feeding a pet when the owner is absent. An alarm clock is used to open a door and eject a platform with a pet dish. Only a single feeding event occurs while the owner is absent.  
           [0008]    Mazzini, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,702 (1976) shows a periodic feeder with a series of rotatable compartments for dispensing the food as the compartments rotate past a hole. Mazzini&#39;s system provides more opportunities for feeding than Riba, but it does not address the issue of stress experienced by the animal when it is left alone.  
           [0009]    While providing food is desirable, this alone does not provide adequate care for a pet. Riba and Mazzini both teach food-dispensing events that occur at fixed intervals, either with respect to the last event or with respect to the time of day. This allows the animal to become habituated to the feeding event, and thus the automatic feeders do not reduce boredom between events nor provide any relief for a pet&#39;s separation anxiety.  
           [0010]    Watson, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,027 (2001) shows an automatic training device that dispenses food, toys, or other rewards, typically on a fixed time interval as long as undesired behavior is not detected. If undesired behavior, such as barking, is detected, rewards are withheld until the undesired behavior is no longer detected. This device can be effective for targeting specific undesired behaviors but requires the incorporation of behavior detectors, which can be complex, expensive, and overly specific.  
           [0011]    In addition, Watson&#39;s device may automatically adjust the time interval between regular reward dispensations for the purpose of rationing the available rewards over a given overall time period. This adjustment to the time interval is not designed to increase the pet&#39;s interest in the device nor relieve the pet&#39;s anxiety at the beginning or the end of the pet owner&#39;s absence, when behavior problems for the isolated pet are the most severe.  
           [0012]    3. Prior-Art—Food-Filled Toys-FIG. 1  
           [0013]    Pet chew toys that may be filled with food to be extracted by the pet are well known. Examples of these chew toys are sold under the trademarks Kong by Bounce, Inc. of Golden, Colo., USA, and Rhino by Nylabone, a division of T. F. H. Publications of Neptune City, N.J., USA. Such a toy is also shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,947,061 (1999) and 6,129,053 (2000) to Markham et al. This toy has various recesses in its outer surface, as well as a hollow interior. Food treats are deposited in the recesses and interior. Various levels of difficulty in removing the treats are achieved, depending upon the location, density, solubility, adhesion, and so forth, of the food treats and the shape of toy.  
           [0014]    A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the Kong toy is shown in FIG. 1. The body of toy  100  is made of a rugged, semi-elastic material, such as rubber. It is hollow with a first hole  105  at one end (bottom end in drawing) and a second hole  110  at the other end (top end in drawing). The hardness of the rubber comprising toy  100  is about 100 durometer units. A dog&#39;s bite can slightly deform toy  100 , but not flatten it. Toy  100  is available in various sizes suitable for dogs of different sizes. A typical size is 14 cm long and 8 cm in diameter, at the widest point. The wall thickness is typically 1.5 cm. The diameter of hole  105  at the bottom of toy  100  is typically 1 cm, while the diameter of hole  110  at the top is typically 3.2 cm.  
           [0015]    Food  130  of various kinds is stuffed into cavity  140  of toy  100 . Food  130  can be dry or wet dog food, fruits, cheese, meat, eggs, peanut butter, and the like. It can be hot, cold, or frozen.  
           [0016]    Hole  110  is the primary entrance and exit for food  130 . An “appetizer” tidbit  160  (shaped like a bone) projects from hole  110  to entice the dog to begin eating the contents of toy  100 .  
           [0017]    Food-filled pet chew toys are frequently used to distract and entertain pets prior to an extended absence. The pet&#39;s owner typically fills the toy with food and hands the toy to the pet prior to the owner&#39;s departure. This is effective in keeping a pet&#39;s interest for up to an hour in extracting the food from the chew toy. However, once the food is extracted the remaining time of the pet&#39;s isolation is without entertaining stimulation. In the case of a ten-hour absence, as may be expected when a pet owner leaves for work in the morning, this translates to a nine-hour isolation with no entertaining stimulation.  
           [0018]    4. Objects and Advantages  
           [0019]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the invention are to provide an improved system for feeding a pet, to alleviate boredom, and to reduce stress for the pet while the pet&#39;s owner is absent, including the times at the beginning and at the end of an owner&#39;s absence when an isolated pet&#39;s anxiety is often the highest. Other objects are to provide a system that amuses and entertains the pet by dispensing toys, providing auditory, visual, tactile, and olfactory stimuli at various random intervals to prevent habituation to any one event, or at predetermined intervals biased to reduce separation anxiety without requiring the use of behavior detectors.  
           [0020]    Further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and the accompanying drawings.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0021]    In accordance with the invention, an apparatus and method are provided which dispense food-filled toys at random, unpredictable intervals or at biased predetermined intervals. Within a selected set of random interval dispensations, jackpots, or multiple dispensations of food-filled toys, can occasionally occur at a single dispensation event to further reinforce the pet&#39;s interest in the device. Predetermined intervals are biased such that the dispensations occur more frequently after the owner leaves and before the owner returns, when a pet&#39;s separation anxiety is the highest. In addition, the system emits sounds, odors, vibrations, and visible signals at random intervals or at predetermined intervals in conjunction with food-filled toy dispensation. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS  
     Figures  
       [0022]    [0022]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior-art toy stuffed with food.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a feeding and entertainment system according to the present invention, with a closed lid.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 2 with the lid open.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIGS. 4 through 9 show the display and keypad of the system of FIG. 2 at various stages of data entry.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 shows the display of the system of FIG. 2 at one time during operation.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIGS. 11A through 11D are a flowchart showing the process of entering data and running the system of FIG. 2.  
                                                 DRAWINGS-Reference Numerals                                100   Toy   130   Food       105   Hole   140   Cavity       110   Hole   160   Appetizer       200   Dispensing system   330   Tray       205   Lid   331   Tray       210   Thumbscrews   332   Tray       215   Frame   333   Tray       220   Display   334   Tray       221   Cut-out portion   335   Tray       225   Ramp   340   Conveyor belt       300   Threaded shaft   345   Pulley       305   Battery power pack   350   Pulley       310   Power switch   400   Keypad       315   Microprocessor   405   Key       320   Loudspeaker   410   Key       324   Motor   415   Key       325   Light source   420   Key       327   Odor generator       328   Vibrator                  
 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     Preferred Embodiment—Dispensing Apparatus—FIGS.  2  and  3   
       [0028]    [0028]FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a dispensing system  200  according to the invention ready for use. System  200  is covered by a lid  205  which is secured in place by two hand-turned thumbscrews  210  (only one is visible in this view), and is secured to a frame  215 , partially visible in this view. An alphanumeric display  220  is visible through a cutout portion  221  of lid  205 . Food-filled chew toys  100  through  100 ′″″ (FIG. 3) are dispensed from within system  200  by rolling or tumbling down a ramp  225 , as explained below. System  200  is preferably 41 cm wide, 46 cm deep, and 30 cm high.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of system  200  with lid  205  open. Threaded shafts  300  (only one is visible in this view) normally hold lid  205  in the closed position, when engaged by thumbscrews  210  (FIG. 2). System  200  contains a battery power pack  305 , typically containing four “C”-size batteries (not shown). When power switch  310  is in the “ON” position, power pack  305  energizes a microprocessor  315 , display  220 , a loudspeaker  320 , a motor  324 , a light source  325 , an odor generator  327 , and a vibrator  328 . A keypad  400  with buttons or keys  405  (SCROLL UP),  410  (SCROLL DOWN),  415  (ENTER), and  420  (START) communicates between the user (not shown) and microprocessor  315 .  
         [0030]    Microprocessor  315  contains a program (described below) with timer software and instructions for selectively activating all elements in system  200 .  
         [0031]    Food-filled chew toys  100  through  100 ′″″ rest on trays  330  through  335 . Trays  330 - 335  are attached to and supported by conveyor belt  340 . Belt  340  passes over pulleys  345  and  350 . Motor  325  causes belt  340  to move over pulleys  345  and  350 . Each toy  100  may be approximately 14 cm long and 8 cm in diameter and may contain approximately {fraction (1/16)} liter of food for a typical medium-size dog of 20 kg. Of course the size and internal volume of the toy  100  should be modified for larger or smaller pets.  
         [0032]    Operation—Preferred Embodiment—FIGS. 4 through 11D  
         [0033]    When the system is energized, instructions (described below) are entered into the memory (not shown) of microprocessor  315  by pressing keys  405  (SCROLL UP),  410  (SCROLL DOWN),  415  (ENTER), and  420  (START) on keypad  400 . During entry of instructions, programming (described below) in microprocessor  315  causes its responses to these keystrokes to be displayed on display  220 . These instructions enable and modify various commands stored in the memory of microprocessor  315 . Pressing key  405  (SCROLL UP) causes display  220  to scroll upward through various options. Pressing key  410  (SCROLL DOWN) causes display  220  to scroll downward through various options. In the presently preferred embodiment, the three timing options available are “MANUAL”, “RANDOM”, and “BMOD” (described below). If RANDOM is displayed and the user wishes to select MANUAL, then the user presses key  405  (SCROLL UP) once and display  220  shows MANUAL. If instead user had pressed key  410  (SCROLL DOWN) twice, the selection MANUAL would still appear, and so forth.  
         [0034]    Acting upon commands from microprocessor  315  (FIG. 3), motor  325  moves belt  340 , display  220  changes, loudspeaker  320  emits sounds, light source  325  emits light, odor generator  327  emits odors, and vibrator  328  vibrates. In addition, programming in microprocessor  315  determines the times at which these various events occur. The times are selected from among three timing modes, which are as follows:  
         [0035]    Description of the Timing Modes  
         [0036]    Random—In the RANDOM mode, the user chooses the total number of toys  100  to be dispensed and the time period over which the total number of toys  100  will be dispensed. The program stored in the memory of microprocessor  315  automatically causes motor  325  to advance belt  340  the width of one tray  330 - 335  at random times throughout a selected time period, dispensing one toy  100  per event. At certain dispensation events, the program stored in the memory of microprocessor  315  automatically causes motor  325  to advance belt  340  the width of two trays  330 - 335 , dispensing two toys  100  to provide a jackpot.  
         [0037]    The RANDOM timing mode is used because the animal will stay interested in the long term if it can not memorize a pattern of dispensation of toys  100 . A pet&#39;s interest is further maintained by occasionally providing a jackpot of two toys  100  dispensed at a single dispensation event.  
         [0038]    Behavior Modification (BMOD)—In the BMOD mode, the number of toys  100  is preset at six. The user selects a time period between 4 hours (4:00) and 9 hours 50 minutes (9:50). The program stored in the memory of microprocessor  315  causes system  200  to dispense toys  100  according to the schedule in Table I. Times are measured after the user presses key  415  (START).  
                   TABLE 1                       TOY DISPENSED   TIME OF DISPENSING                   Toy #1 (100)    10 minutes after START key 415 is pressed       Toy #2 (100′)    40 minutes after START key 415 is pressed       Toy #3 (100″)   100 minutes after START key 415 is pressed       Toy #4 (100″′)   100 minutes prior to end of time period       Toy #5 (100″″)    40 minutes prior to end of time period       Tpy #6 (100″″′)    10 minutes prior to end of time period                  
 
         [0039]    Many behavior problems occur shortly after a separation (e.g., the pet&#39;s owner leaves for work), and shortly before an expected return (e.g., the pet&#39;s owner returns from work). This mode distributes toys  100  at these intervals to ameliorate such problems.  
         [0040]    Manual—In the MANUAL mode, the user selects the number of toys  100  and the time delay for the dispensing of each toy  100 . For example, the user may choose to dispense six total toys  100  according to the schedule in Table II.  
                   TABLE 2                       TOY DISPENSED   TIME OF DISPENSING                   Toy #1 (100)   1 hour 10 minutes after START key 415 is           pressed       Toy #2 (100′)   2 hours 40 minutes after START key 415 is           pressed       Toy #3 (100″)   3 hours 0 minutes after START key 415 is           pressed       Toy #4 (100″′)   4 hours 50 minutes after START key 415 is           pressed       Toy #5 (100″″)   5 hours 20 minutes after START key 415 is           pressed       Toy #6 (100″″′)   6 hours 30 minutes after START key 415 is           pressed                  
 
         [0041]    Considerations for the Pet Owner in Selecting a Timing Mode  
         [0042]    If the goal of the owner is to feed and entertain a pet throughout an extended absence, and the pet either exhibits few behavior problems or behavior problems which are not characteristically exhibited at the beginning or end of an owner absence, the RANDOM mode should be selected. The RANDOM mode dispenses toys dispersed over an overall time period, but at unpredictable intervals that reinforce a pet&#39;s interest by variable reinforcement. The RANDOM mode also incorporates the occasional multiple dispensation, or “Jackpot” to further reinforce interest. This variable reinforcement works to capture a pet&#39;s interest much as slot machines capture human interest.  
         [0043]    If the owner finds that a pet exhibits separation related behavior problems, such as barking, scratching, and inappropriate soiling, then the BMOD (Behavior Modification) mode should be selected. Separation related behavior problems typically occur at the beginning and the end of an owner absence, and these are the periods that the BMOD mode dispenses toys  100 . These toy  100  dispensations can serve to distract the pet with non-destructive entertainment at the times of peak anxiety.  
         [0044]    If the owner would like dispensations to occur at specific times during a day, for example 3:05 PM, then the MANUAL mode should be used. The MANUAL mode is useful to schedule dispensations for specific times when external events occur which may disturb or excite a pet, such as the known arrival of a delivery person or a scheduled (and noisy) garbage pickup. The MANUAL mode is also useful to arrange the repeated simultaneous dispensing of multiple toys  100 , as in the case in which it is desired to dispense two toys  100  at three selected times for the purpose of providing sufficient toys for a two-dog household.  
         [0045]    Operation of Keypad  400  and Display  220 —Entry of Instructions—FIGS.  5  Through  9   
         [0046]    When system  200  is first energized, the program in microprocessor  315  presents the user with a selection and a choice. “RANDOM”, for random timing mode, is displayed. This is the “main screen”, or starting point of the program. The user can press START key  420  to begin execution of a previously established program sequence. Alternatively, the user can press ENTER key  415  to cause the program in the memory of microprocessor  315  to edit the program sequence.  
         [0047]    Selecting the timing mode—FIG. 5—To edit the program sequence, the User presses ENTER key  415 . Then the user presses up-arrow or down-arrow keys,  405  and  410  respectively, to select the desired timing mode, RANDOM, BMOD, or MANUAL. When the desired timing mode is shown on display  220 , the user presses ENTER key  415 . In the present example, RANDOM has been selected.  
         [0048]    Selecting the number of toys to be dispensed—FIG. 6—Display  220  now shows the timing mode, RANDOM, and the number of toys  100  to be dispensed. Up and down-arrow keys  405  and  410  are pressed, causing display  220  to increment and decrement the value shown adjacent “# TOYS” shown on display  220 . Numbers between 1 and 6 can be selected. If up-arrow key  405  is pressed when # TOYS equals 6, then # TOYS rolls over to  1 . Similarly, if down-arrow key  410  is pressed when # TOYS equals 1, then # TOYS rolls over to 6. Once the desired number of toys  100  is displayed, the user presses ENTER key  415 . The number of toys  100  to be dispensed in MANUAL mode is selected with the same method as in RANDOM mode.  
         [0049]    In the BMOD mode, only six toys  100  are allowed. If the user has previously selected BMOD, # TOYS is automatically set to 6, loudspeaker  320  beeps twice, and the user is prompted to enter a time period.  
         [0050]    Selecting the time period for RANDOM and BMOD modes—FIG. 7—After the selection of timing mode and number of toys  100  to be dispensed, display  220  then shows a time period over which the toys  100  are to be dispensed.  
         [0051]    When the RANDOM mode has been selected, time periods from one hour (1:00) to 9 hours 50 minutes (9:50) are available. When BMOD has been selected, time periods from 4 hours (4:00) to 9 hours 50 minutes (9:50) are available.  
         [0052]    The user presses up and down-arrow keys  405  and  410  to select the desired time period. When the desired time period is shown on display  220 , the user presses ENTER key  415  once to accept it.  
         [0053]    Selecting the time period for MANUAL mode—FIGS. 8 and 9—After the MANUAL timing mode and number of toys  100  are selected, display  220  appears as shown in FIG. 8. The time indication shows the delay between the pressing of START key  420  and dispensing of the first toy  100 . The delay time is adjusted by pressing up and down-arrow keys  405  and  410 , and selected by pressing ENTER key  415  once.  
         [0054]    After ENTER key  415  has been pressed, display  220  updates to show the time indication for toy  100 ′. The delay time for toy  100 ′ is the time delay between dispensing of toy  100 ′ and the pressing of the START key  420 , and is selected as above. The process is continued until times have been selected for all toys to be dispensed.  
         [0055]    Monitoring the progress through the selected settings—FIG. 10—Lid  205  (FIG. 2) is closed while system  200  is operating. Cut out portion  221  in lid  205  allows the user to view progress through the various selections on display  220 .  
         [0056]    An example of a progress indication on display  220  is shown in FIG. 10. The timing mode is RANDOM, the # TOYS is five, the elapsed TIME from the start of the program is six hours, and the number of TOYS LEFT to dispense is two.  
         [0057]    After all toys are dispensed, or if there has been an error in operation, display  220  will return to the original main screen.  
         [0058]    Program Flow Chart—FIGS.  11 A Through D—Setting up System  200  for RANDOM Mode Operation.  
         [0059]    When system  200  (FIG. 3) is energized, the program in microprocessor  315  begins at BEGIN (block  1100 , FIG. 11A). After starting, the program automatically enters the RANDOM mode of operation (block  1105 ). Then the program waits for a keystroke (block  1110 ). When a keystroke on keypad  400  is detected, the program checks to see which of keys  405  through  420  was pressed. If START key  420  was pressed (block  1115 ), the previously stored program is run (block  1120 ). If up-arrow key  405  was pressed (block  1125 ), then the program enters the next mode of operation (e.g. MANUAL) (block  1130 ) and displays “MANUAL” on display  220  (block  1135 ). If down-arrow key  410  was pressed (block  1140 ), then the program enters the prior mode of operation (e.g. BMOD) (block  1145 ) and displays “BMOD” on display  220  (block  1150 ). In this example, up and down-arrow keys  405  and  410  are pressed until the RANDOM mode of operation is displayed.  
         [0060]    When ENTER key  415  is pressed (block  1155 ), the program remains in the RANDOM mode of operation and waits for the next keystroke. If a keystroke is detected (block  1110 ), but none of keys  405  through  420  was pressed, an error condition exists (block  1160 ) and the program returns to BEGIN ( 1100 ), awaiting further instructions.  
         [0061]    When the next keystroke is detected (block  1165 , FIG. 11B), the program again tests to see which of keys  405 ,  410 ,  415 , and  420  was pressed. If START key  420  is detected (block  1170 ) at this point, this keystroke is ignored, since it is not a usable instruction. The program then waits for another keystroke (block  1165 ). If the next keystroke is from up-arrow key  405  (block  1175 ), then the number of toys is incremented (block  1180 ) and displayed on display  220  (block  1185 ). The program then waits for another keystroke (block  1165 ). If the next keystroke is from down-arrow key  410  (block  1190 ), then the number of toys is decremented (block  1195 ) and displayed on display  220  (block  1200 ). The program then waits for another keystroke (block  1165 ). In incrementing # TOYS, the program rolls over from six toys to one. In decrementing # TOYS, the program rolls under from one toy to six, as described above.  
         [0062]    After the desired number of toys is displayed, the user presses ENTER key  415 . Again, if a keystroke is detected (block  1165 ), but none is found, an error condition exists (block  1210 ), and program execution returns to BEGIN (block  1100 ).  
         [0063]    The next step is to enter the overall time for all dispensations. When the next keystroke is detected (block  1215 , FIG. 11C), it is decoded as before. A START key-press is ignored at this point, since it is again not a usable instruction. Pressing up-arrow key  405  (block  1225 ) increments (block  1230 ) and displays (block  1235 ) the first time value. Pressing down-arrow key  410  (block  1240 ) decrements (block  1245 ) and displays (block  1250 ) the first time value. Pressing and decoding ENTER key  415  (block  1255 ) causes the program to advance to the next step—waiting for another keystroke.  
         [0064]    At this point, randomly distributed dispensation times are generated (block  1265 , FIG. 11D), as follows:  
         [0065]    Step  1 : A fixed time interval is calculated by dividing the overall time entered above by the total number of toys entered above. For example, if the pet will be alone for six hours and the system contains six toys, the time interval is one hour.  
         [0066]    Step  2 . A random number generator, well known to those skilled in the art of computer programming, is used to generate one random number between zero and one for each toy. These are RND I , . . . , RND N . For example for six toys, RND 1 =0.20, RND 2 =0.35, RND 3 =0.70, RND 4 =1.00, RND 5 =0.00, RND 6 =0.64. As an alternative to a random number generator, an array (not shown) of numbers between zero and one can be stored in memory of a microprocessor  315 , the array being a large set of numbers, for example two-hundred numbers, which can be used sequentially as required. Eventually, the set of numbers will be exhausted, at which point the array recycles and numbers are again selected from the beginning of the array. Any repetitions in program dispensations would be well spaced, for example more than 30 programs apart, effectively precluding memorization of any given program sequence by the pet.  
         [0067]    Step  3 . Beginning when the user presses “START” (block  1263 ), toys will be dispensed at times T 1 , . . . , T 6 , measured from when the user presses the START key  420  and determined according to the following formula:  
           T   N =( N −1)(Interval)+( RND   N )(Interval).  
         [0068]    Thus:  
         [0069]    T 1 =(0)(1)+(0.20)(1)=0.2 hour  
         [0070]    T 2 =(1)(1)+(0.35)(1)=1.35 hours  
         [0071]    T 3 =(2)(1)+(0.70)(1)=2.7 hours  
         [0072]    T 4 =(3)(1)+(1.00)(1)=4.00 hours  
         [0073]    T 5 =(4)(1)+(0.00)(1)=4.00 hours  
         [0074]    T 6 =(5)(1)+(0.64)(1)=5.64 hours  
         [0075]    Note that because the generation of random numbers is biased toward selecting “1.00” and “0.00”, occasionally a jackpot results in which two toys are dispensed at the same time. In the example above, toy  4  and toy  5  are scheduled to dispense at the same time.  
         [0076]    System  200  now expects a START command. If any key other than START  420  is pressed (block  1263 , FIG. 11D), program control returns to BEGIN (block  1100 ). If START key  420  is pressed, then a time counter (not shown) increments and displays the time which has elapsed since the pressing of START key  420 . The program selects the first value from the array of time values calculated above and waits (block  1280 ) until the current time equals the first time value.  
         [0077]    When the time value equals the time interval since pressing START key  420 , a toy  100  is dispensed. Motor  324  (FIG. 3) is activated for a time sufficient to advance belt  340  a distance sufficient to tilt tray  330  enough to cause toy  100  to roll or tumble down ramp  225 . At this time, speaker  320  can emit sounds, odor generator  327  can emit odors, light source  325  can emit light or project an image, and vibrator  328  can vibrate. All of these supplementary stimuli are used to entertain the pet.  
         [0078]    After the first toy  100  is dispensed, the TOY # is incremented and displayed (block  1290 ) on display  220 . The program then checks to see if the last of toys  100  has been dispensed. The number of the current toy  100  to be dispensed is compared with the number entered above. If the last toy has not been dispensed, the program returns to block  1275  to continue the dispensing and stimulating process. When two dispensing times are equal, one toy is dispensed immediately following the previous dispensed toy, resulting in a jackpot. If the last toy has been dispensed, program control goes to block  1264  and then returns to BEGIN (block  1100 ) and the dispensing and stimulating process terminates.  
       CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE  
       [0079]    Accordingly the reader will see that, according to the invention, I have provided a superior dispenser for a pet toy. The novel dispenser uses randomized or predetermined intervals in dispensing toys, and accompanies the toys with a variety of stimuli, including sound, vibrations, light, and odors. A pet cannot memorize the randomized intervals and become habituated to the dispensation events. Thus the pet will remain interested between events. Interest is increased further with the addition of the occasional jackpot in which multiple toys are dispensed at a particular dispensation event.  
         [0080]    Alternatively, the pet&#39;s behavior can be modified through controlled timing of dispensations. Predetermined intervals are biased such that the dispensations occur more frequently after the owner leaves and before the owner returns, when a pet&#39;s separation anxiety is the highest. This has the effect of mitigating separation anxiety and providing alternatives to destructive behaviors at the times when the pet&#39;s anxiety is the strongest.  
         [0081]    While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but as exemplifications of the presently preferred embodiments thereof. Many other ramifications and variations are possible within the teachings of the invention. For example, the dispensing system can dispense toys that contain medications that the animal must consume in order to reach the food treat inside the toy. Although the embodiment shown dispenses six toys, other embodiments can dispense more or fewer toys. The system frame and cover can be made of sheet metal, plastic, or wood, or a combination of materials. The system can be made to attach to a tabletop to discourage pets from digging into the area where the toys are staged prior to dispensing. It can be for non-canine pets, such as felines, horses, apes, and the like. The time intervals given are exemplary and can be changed to much shorter or longer intervals, even days or weeks if the pet owner is to be away on a trip. The dispenser can dispense individual pieces of food, without an accompanying toy. The toys can be without a comestible and/or can be varied in shape and operation from the exemplary toy shown. For example, the toy may be spherical, cubical, or bone-shaped with suitable food apertures. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples given.