Abstract:
A feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink or both as feed to animals in metered portions. The metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing the feed. An entrance door provides access to the feed unit. A feed supplying device supplies a predetermined amount of feed to the feed unit for the animal which is to be fed at the feed unit as determined by an animal identification device which is disposed at the feed unit and detects an identifying transponder on the relevant animal. The feed unit and therefore the feed therein is measured by its angular displacement relative to the device otherwise. Specifically, rolls are provided to measure the amount of pivoting or rotation relative to the device otherwise. The device also includes deterrence elements such as a loudspeaker or a light or an electrical current in lieu of or in additions to the entrance door to deter animals from attempting to consume feed at the feed unit when it is undesirable that the particular animal be permitted to consume feed at the feed unit.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink or both in metered portions to an animal, which feed metering device is provided with a feed unit for receiving fodder or drink or both, an entrance opening to the feed unit, and a feed supplying device for supplying a controlled amount of fodder or drink or both to the feed unit. Such a feed unit may include an manger or feeding trough, or a unit provided with a nipple such as may be provided for calves. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Such feed metering devices, for cows, for example, are generally known. However, a disadvantage of known feed metering devices is that ascertaining whether fodder or drink or both remain in the feed unit after an animal has visited same can only be determined in a cumbersome manner. Such a determination of the remnants may inter alia be an indication of the health condition of the animal; for, when an animal unexpectedly takes a smaller amount of fodder or drink or both, this may indicate that the animal is ill. Moreover, it is undesirable that, when an animal leaves a certain amount of fodder or drink or both in the feed unit, such remnants will be available for the next animal without being taken into account. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing, it is one of the objectives of the present invention to provide a feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink or both in metered portions to an animal, by means of which the amount of fodder and or drink or both which may be left in the feed unit for the next animal can be determined in a simple but reliable manner. 
   For that purpose, in accordance with the invention, a feed metering device of the above described type is characterized in that the feed metering device is provided with means for weighing the fodder or drink or both, present in the feed unit, by the feed unit being fastened pivotably or rotatably or by a combination thereof to the feed metering device for the purpose of co-operating with the weighing means. Thus it is possible to determine how much fodder or drink, or both, is consumed by a particular animal. On the basis thereof the amount of fodder or drink or both consumed by an animal can be determined over a course of time and accordingly the health condition of an animal can be deduced. 
   Preferably the feed metering device according to the invention is further provided with an animal identification device for recognizing a particular animal that the feed unit. In this situation by an “animal that visits the feed unit” is meant an animal that can be provided fodder or drink, or both, by the device. Thus the conditions are such that it is possible for the feed supplying device to supply a predetermined amount of feed to the feed unit with the aid of data from the animal identification device; 
   The means for weighing the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit are preferably connected to the feed supplying unit for supplying an amount of fodder or drink, or both, to the feed unit based on data both from the animal identification device and the weighing means. 
   The means for weighing the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit may comprise a feed unit which is pivotable about a hinge pin, the degree of pivotability, that is the angular displacement of the feed unit, being determined by the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, and a device for determining the degree of pivotability of the feed unit and also for deducing, from the degree as so determined, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit. The degree of pivotability of the feed unit thus depends on the amount of fodder or drink, or both, in the feed unit. The more fodder or drink, or both, the more the unit pivots. The exact correlation between the degree of pivotability and the amount of fodder or drink, or both, can previously be determined by means of simple calibration tests. 
   A compact construction of the feed metering device obtained when the device for determining the degree of pivoting of the feed unit and the deducing, from the degree as so determined, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, is integrated in the animal identification device. 
   When the device for determining the degree of pivoting of the feed unit and for deducing, from the degree as so determined, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit comprises a measuring roll which is in contact with the feed unit from this it is possible to determine from the degree of rotation of the roll the degree of pivoting and thus the amount of fodder or drink, or both, in the feed unit. 
   Alternatively or additionally, a device for determining the degree of pivoting of the feed unit and for deducing, from the degree as so determined, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, may include a load sensor, the feed unit bearing on the load sensor. The load sensor is thus preferably included in the animal identification device. 
   In order to be able to measure even a small difference in weight, in a preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention, the hinge pin on one hand and the load sensor or the measuring roll, or both, on the other hand, are located at a small distance or distances from each other. 
   In order to prevent for example the load sensor from being damaged in the event of a defect, a safety supporting bracket is provided for the feed unit. 
   A preferred embodiment of a feed metering deivice according to the invention is characterized in that the means for weighing the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit comprises a movable feed unit, a motor for moving the feed unit, a device for measuring the resulting magnitude of the torque which is developed during movement, and for deducing, from the magnitude of the torque so measured, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both present in the feed unit. The magnitude of the torque generated by the movement of the feed unit depends on the amount of fodder or drink, or both, in the feed unit. Also in this situation, an exact correlation between torque and amount of fodder or drink, or both, can previously be determined by means of simple calibration tests. 
   A compact feed metering device is obtained when the motor for moving the feed unit and the device for measuring the magnitude of the torque during movement and for deducing, from the magnitude of the torque measured, the weight of the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit, are integrated with the animal identification device. 
   A mechanically simple but accurate construction is obtained when the motor for moving the feed unit drives a torque roll, said torque roll being in contact with the feed unit. 
   A preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention is characterized is that the feed metering device is provided with means for deterring an animal that wishes to use the feed unit. Because the animal identification device is able to recognize a particular animal, said device is particularly appropriate for being used to deter an animal that wishes to use the feed unit at an inappropriate point of time by correctly controlling deterring means. A disadvantage of the known feed metering device is that an animal quickly learns where the fodder or drink, or both, can be obtained, and regularly goes to the feed metering device and puts its head into the feed unit, even when it has recently received its ration of fodder or drink, or both. This disturbs the feeding of the other animals. Animals that are not eligible for visiting the feed unit are usually chased away manually, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Alternatively, the use of entrance gates that regulate the flow of animals towards the feed metering device is known. However, these entrances gates are expensive and do not adequately promote the desired movements of the animals; moreover, entrance gates are regularly damaged because the animals lean against them with their full weight. Sometimes the entrance gates even cause the animals to be injured. The preferred embodiment of the feed metering device with deterring means offers a satisfactory solution to these problems. 
   The feed metering device may be extremely compact when the means for deterring an animal are at least partially integrated in the animal identification device. Alternatively, the means for deterring an animal may be constituted by separate means. 
   Preferably the means for deterring an animal utilize data from the animal identification device. 
   The means for deterring an animal preferably includes a loudspeaker for producing sounds which afright the animals involved. Certain animals are highly sensitive to certain sounds, so that a loudspeaker is very appropriate for deterring such animals. Moreover, such a loudspeaker may be used for producing calming or stimulating sounds when an animal uses the feed metering device correctly. 
   Alternatively or additionally, the means for deterring an animal may include a lighting device for emitting an animal-frightening light. In particular when a plurality of feed metering devices are disposed side by side, the use of frightening light is desirable, as the light can be directed in such a manner that its effect is limited to one particular feed metering device. 
   The means for deterring an animal may include a voltage emitting device for emitting an animal-frightening electric voltage. Sound and light have proved to be effective for deterring unwanted animals, but have the disadvantage of being observable at greater distances from the relevant feed metering device. Animals that undesirably visit a feed metering device often make contact with the feed metering device, usually with their noses. By linking with a voltage emitting device precisely those components of the feed metering device that are regularly touched by the animals, it is possible to deter a particular animal very locally. 
   If, in spite of the deterring means, an animal attempts to use the feed unit, a preferred embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention is characterized in that the means for deterring an animal includes a closing means that is movable across the entrance opening of the feed unit. In this matter the contents of the feed unit are made inaccessible to a particular animal. 
   The closing means may be formed by a separate component, but is preferably constituted by the feed unit itself, which is designed as a movable one. As a result thereof the number of components is limited and the feed metering device can be manufactured more economically. 
   In order to prevent fodder or drink, or both, from falling from the feed unit in certain positions of the feed unit, the latter comprises a wall portion for catching such feed. Said wall portion can also function as a feed guide means for fodder or drink, or both, that is supplied by the feed supplying device to the feed unit. 
   According to an embodiment of deterring means for a feed metering device in accordance with the invention, a simple but reliable embodiment of such deterring means is characterized in that the closing means rotates about an axis, the closing means being driven by a motor that is controlled by the animal identification device. The motor preferably drives a roll which contacts the closing means. An extremely compact construction is obtained when the motor and the roll are included in the animal identification device or when the feed unit bears on the animal identification device by means of the roll, or when such arrangements are combined. 
   According to the invention, the means for deterring an unwanted animal and the means for measuring the amount of fodder or drink, or both, in the feed unit can be combined so that the roll for driving the feed unit to function as a closing means and the torque roll used for measuring the torque comprise one roll. 
   In order to be able accurately to perform animal identification and to obtain at the same time a compact construction, a feed metering unit according to the present invention is characterized in that the animal identification device is disposed in the vicinity of a location below the entrance opening. 
   According to the invention, the means for deterring an animal are at least partially integrated in the means for weighing the fodder or drink, or both, present in the feed unit. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be explained hereinafter in further detail with reference, by way of example, to the drawing in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic side elevational view in partial section of a first embodiment of the feed metering device according to the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a view similar to  FIG. 1  which shows a second embodiment of a feed metering according to the invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a view similar to  FIGS. 1 and 2  which shows a third embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a view similar to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  3  which shows a fourth embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 5  is a view similar to  FIGS. 1 through 4  which shows a fifth embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows schematically a first embodiment of a feed metering device  1  according to the invention. Feed metering device  1  distributes fodder or drink, or both, which for the sake of simplicity will hereinafter be denoted as “feed”, although it will be clear that fodder or drink, or both, is meant, in metered portions to an animal, and is provided with a feed unit  10  for containing feed. An entrance opening  11  makes feed unit  10  accessible to an animal, for example but not exclusively, a cow. An animal identification device  12 , known per se, is preferably disposed in feed metering device  1 . Device  12  recognizes a particular animal that approaches feed unit  10  and wishes to use it. A feed supplying device  13  supplies an amount of feed to feed unit  10 , with the aid of data from animal identification device  12 , the feed entering feed unit  10  via a valve provided for such purpose and a chute  14 . 
   Thus it is possible for feed metering device  1  to recognize a particular animal, such as a particular cow, for example by means of a transponder fitted to or on the cow. Feed supplying device  13  is controlled in a manner well known in the art which is controlled by software that ensures that the right amount of feed is distributed to the relevant cow. 
   According to the invention, the feed metering device may be provided with means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit. With the aid of said weighing means it is possible to determine how much feed is consumed by a particular animal, and at the same time whether and to what extent remaining feed is present in the feed unit. The means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit are preferably connected to the feed supplying device for supplying an amount of feed to the feed unit with the aid of data both from the animal identification device and the weighing means, so that the amount of feed left by the previous animal can be taken into account. 
   In the first embodiment of the feed metering device according to the invention, as schematically shown in  FIG. 1 , the means for weighing the feed present in feed unit  10  comprises feed unit  10 , as such, which is pivotable about a hinge pin  17 . The degree of pivotability is determined by the weight of the feed present in feed unit  10 . A device  18  is provided for determining the degree of pivotability of feed unit  10  and for deducing therefrom the weight of the feed present in feed unit  10 . Device  18  for determining the degree of pivotability of the feed unit  10 , comprises a measuring roll  19  which is in contact with the feed unit. From the degree of rotation of roll  19  the degree of pivotability and thus the amount of feed in feed unit  10  can be determined. 
   Due to the fact that device  18  and roll  19  for determining the degree of pivotability of feed unit  10  is integrated with the animal identification device  12 , a compact construction of the feed metering device is obtained. Alternatively, device  18  and roll  19  may be located outside the animal identification device. 
   In the second embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention, as shown schematically in  FIG. 2 , a device  201  for determining the degree of pivotability of a feed unit  20  and for deducing therefrom the weight of the feed present in the feed unit  20  may alternatively or additionally comprise a load sensor  202 . In the embodiment shown, feed unit  20  bears on the load sensor  202  via a supporting arm  203 . Feed unit  20  pivots about a hinge pin  204 . Load sensor  202  is preferably included in the animal identification device  22 . 
   In the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , even small differences in weight can be measured due to the fact that hinge pins  17  and  204  and measuring roll  19  and load sensor  202 , respectively, are located at small distances from each other. 
   In order to prevent the measuring roll, the load sensor or a similar mechanism from being damaged under the circumstances such as when an animal forcibly pushes the manger downwardly there may be provided in both embodiments safety supporting brackets  101  ( FIG. 1 ) and  205  ( FIG. 2 ) for supporting feed units  10  and  20  respectively. 
   In the third embodiment of a feed metering device according to the invention, as shown schematically in  FIG. 3 , the means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit comprises a movable feed unit  30 . Feed unit  30  is moved in a reciprocating manner by a motor  38  by which a roll  39  is driven. As a result of this movement there occurs a torque, the magnitude of which is determined by a device  301  for measuring the magnitude of the torque. Device  301  deduces the weight of the feed present in the feed unit from the determinations of torque. The exact correlation between torque and amount of feed can previously be determined by means of simple calibration tests. 
   The embodiment according to  FIG. 3  has a compact construction due to the fact that motor  38  for moving feed unit  30  and device  301  for measuring the magnitude of the torque during movement and for deducing, from the magnitude of the torque measured, the weight of the feed present in feed unit  30 , are integrated with animal identification device  32 . 
   The feed metering device according to the invention may be provided with means for deterring an animal that wishes to use the feed unit at an undesired point of time with the aid of data from the animal identification device. This makes it possible to deter animals that are not eligible for being fed, in a simple, efficient and relatively inexpensive manner, from putting their heads into the feed unit. 
   In the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the means for deterring an animal includes a loudspeaker  16  for producing an animal-frightening sound. Alternatively or additionally, the means for deterring an animal may include a lighting device  15  for emitting an animal-frightening light. In particular when a plurality of feed metering devices are disposed side by side, the use of frightening light is desirable, as this light can be directed in such a manner that its effect is limited to one particular feed metering device. 
   In the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the means for deterring an animal includes a closing means  25  that is movable across the entrance opening  21 . When closing means  25  is moved across entrance opening  21 , the contents of feed unit  20  are made inaccessible to a particular animal. In the embodiment shown, closing means  25  is constituted by a vessel-like element which is capable of rotating about an axle  26 . Said axle  26  may be driven by a motor, which motor is controlled with the aid of data from animal identification device  22 . 
   Additionally, there may be provided a voltage emitting device for emitting an animal-frightening electric voltage to closing means  25 . Animals that undesirably approach the feed metering device  2  will often make contact with it. In particular they will touch closing means  25  with their noses. By linking voltage emitting device  27  precisely to those components of the feed metering device that are regularly touched by the animals, it is possible to deter a particular animal locally. Thus it is also possible to use such a voltage emitting device  27  independently of a closing means. This second embodiment of a feed metering device  2  according to the invention also comprises a feed supplying device  23  and a chute  24  for the feed. 
   The feed metering devices described may be extremely compact in which means for deterring an animal are integrated with the animal identification device. Alternatively, the means for deterring an animal may be separate. 
   The third embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  the closing means comprises feed unit  30  itself, which is designed as a movable one. In the embodiment shown feed unit  30  is rotatably disposed about an axis  36 , which may be the axis of an axle driven by a motor, said motor being controlled by the animal identification device. 
   In order to prevent, in the position in which feed unit  30  closes entrance opening  31 , feed from falling from feed unit  30 , feed unit  30  comprises a wall portion  35  for catching remaining feed. Said wall portion  35  can also act as a feed guide means for feed that is supplied to feed unit  30  via the chute  34  of feed supplying device  33 . 
   The second and third embodiments provide simple but reliable constructions due to the fact that their closing means rotate about axes, the closing means being rotated by a motor which is controlled by the animal identification device. Moreover, to provide, in addition to a simple but reliable construction, also a compact construction, rolls  29  and  39  are preferably driven by motors  28  and  38  respectively, wherein rolls  29  and  39  contact closing means  25  and feed unit  30 , respectively. In the third embodiment feed unit  30  thus bears on animal identification device  32  via roll  39 . 
   An extremely compact construction is obtained when motors  28  and  38  and rolls  29  and  39  are respectively included in the relevant animal identification devices  22  and  32 . 
   Although for roll  39  a separate torque roll, may be substituted, roll  39  preferably functions as a drive of the closing means in this situation constituted by feed unit  30  itself; as well as a torque roll or a measuring roll, respectively, in the alternative case in which feed unit  30  is moved by axle  36  which is driven by a motor, the torque can also be measured, of course, via said motor. 
   The fourth embodiment of a feed metering device  4  according to the present embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , comprises means for deterring an animal that wants to use the feed unit  40 , with the aid of data from the animal identification device  42 , as well as means for weighing the feed present in the feed unit  40 . 
   The deterring means are constituted by a separate closing means  46  which is rotatable about an axle  45 . Closing means  46  is rotated by a roll  47  which is capable of contacting closing means  46  (as will be explained hereinafter). Roll  47  is driven by a motor  48  which is controlled by animal identification device  42 . 
   In this embodiment the weighing means are constituted by feed unit  40  which is rotatable about shaft  49 . Feed unit  40  can be brought into contact with roll  47 , and is subjected to a reciprocating motion by correctly controlling motor  48  that drives roll  47 . By the movement of feed unit  40  a torque is generated that can be measured by a torque measuring device  401 . 
   In the situation shown in  FIG. 4 , roll  47  makes contact with feed unit  40 , the latter being caused to move for determining the amount of feed present in feed unit  40 . After an animal has consumed the feed, the amount of remaining feed can be determined by torque measurement. Then roll  47  is controlled by motor  48  in opening  41 . A catching element  402  on feed unit  40  moves closing means  46  along with it until closing member contacts roll  47 . Thereafter the roll  47  controls closing means  46  in such a manner that the latter covers the entire entrance opening  41 . As a result of the fact that feed unit  40  is no longer in contact with roll  47 , feed unit  40  falls back to the starting position whereupon feed can be added by a feed supplying device  43  via a chute  44 . 
   The fifth embodiment of a feed metering device according to the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 5 , differs from that of a  FIG. 4  by the position of a hinge pin  59  about which the feed unit  50  rotates. Hinge pin  59  is positioned close to a roll  56  for driving feed unit  50  and measuring the torque, for measuring very small differences in the amount of feed. There is also provided a stop  58  preventing superfluous movement of feed unit  50 . Closing means  55  for closing the entrance opening  51  pivots about an axle  57 . 
   For the purpose of being able accurately to perform the animal identification functions and to obtain at the same time a compact construction, a feed metering device according to the present invention is characterized in that the animal identification device is disposed below the entrance opening or in the vicinity thereof. 
   Although the invention has been described on the basis of an animal identification device,  12 ,  22 ,  32 ,  42  and  52  which may be provided with weighing or determining means, or both, and which is relatively stationary, it is also possible to dispose the animal identification device together with a weighing or deterring means, or both, on a movable feed unit. 
   Although I have disclosed the preferred embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of other adaptions and modifications within the scope of the following claims.