Patent Publication Number: US-2022232800-A1

Title: Smart hopper and feeder assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/140,442, filed on Jan. 22, 2021, titled SMART HOPPER AND FEEDER ASSEMBLY, naming Gavin Harsh and Kolin Scheele as inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in the entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to animal husbandry, and more particularly to feeding devices for livestock. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Livestock, such as cattle, are typically fed at least one per day. To maximize animal health and growth it may be desirable to selectively control the amount of feed provided to an animal based on the animal&#39;s feeding habits and needs. Furthermore, the ability to monitor animal feeding habits may provide insight on which animals are not eating enough. Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a device, system, and method that selectively control feed output to livestock. 
     SUMMARY 
     An autonomous feeding device is described, in accordance with one or more illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding device includes a bin defining an interior chamber for holding a feed. In another illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding device includes a tray configured to receive the feed from the bin. In another illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding device includes an auger disposed within a bottom portion of the interior chamber. In another illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding device includes a motor coupled to the auger. In another illustrative embodiment, the motor is configured to rotate the auger for dispensing the feed from the bin to the tray. In another illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding device includes an identification unit disposed at or above a height of the tray. In another illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding device includes one or more processors and memory. In another illustrative embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to execute a set of program instructions stored in the memory. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructs are configured to cause the one or more processors to receive a signal indicative of an identification tag from the identification unit. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructs are configured to cause the one or more processors to determine an animal associated with the identification tag is eligible for feeding based on a feed history associated with the identification tag and a feed schedule of a feed routine. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructs are configured to cause the one or more processors to cause the motor to rotate the auger for an amount of time in response to determining the animal associated with the identification tag is eligible for feeding. In another illustrative embodiment, the amount of time is based on an output feed amount of the feed routine. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructs are configured to cause the one or more processors to update the feed history. 
     An autonomous feeding system is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding system includes a server including a feed history and a feed routine. In another illustrative embodiment, the feed history is associated with an identification tag of an animal. In another illustrative embodiment, the feed routine includes a feed schedule and an output feed amount. In another illustrative embodiment, the autonomous feeding system includes a plurality of autonomous feed devices. In another illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of autonomous feed devices include a bin defining an interior chamber for holding a feed. In another illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of autonomous feed devices include a tray configured to receive the feed from the bin. In another illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of autonomous feed devices include an auger disposed within a bottom portion of the interior chamber. In another illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of autonomous feed devices include a motor coupled to the auger. In another illustrative embodiment, the motor is configured to rotate the auger for dispensing the feed from the bin to the tray. In another illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of autonomous feed devices include an identification unit disposed at or above a height of the tray. In another illustrative embodiment, each of the plurality of autonomous feed devices include one or more processors and memory. In another illustrative embodiment, the one or more processors are configured to execute a set of program instructions stored in the memory. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to receive the feed history and the feed routine from the server. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to receive a signal indicative of the identification tag from the identification unit. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to determine an animal associated with the identification tag is eligible for feeding based on the feed history associated with the identification tag and the feed schedule. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to cause the motor to rotate the auger for an amount of time in response to determining the animal associated with the identification tag is eligible for feeding. In another illustrative embodiment, the amount of time is based on the output feed amount. In another illustrative embodiment, the set of program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to cause the server to update the feed history. 
     A method for autonomously feeding livestock animals is described, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the method includes receiving a signal indicative of an identification tag from an identification unit. In another illustrative embodiment, the method includes determining an animal associated with the identification tag is eligible for feeding based on a feed history associated with the identification tag and a feed schedule of a feed routine. In another illustrative embodiment, the method includes causing a motor to rotate an auger for an amount of time in response to determining the animal associated with the identification tag is eligible for feeding. In another illustrative embodiment, feed is dispensed from a bin to a tray in response to rotating the auger. In another illustrative embodiment, the amount of time is based on an output feed amount of the feed routine. In another illustrative embodiment, the method includes updating the feed history. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The numerous advantages of the disclosure may be better understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying figures in which: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a side profile view of an autonomous feed device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a top view of the device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a side section view of the device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1D  illustrates a side profile view of the device with stall panels optionally removed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1E  illustrates a top view of the device with stall panels optionally removed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1F  illustrates a front view of the device with stall panels optionally removed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1G  illustrates a rear perspective view of the device with a right-side stall panel in a stowed position and a left-side stall panel in a deploy position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1H  illustrates a partial rear perspective view of the device with a right-side stall panel in a stowed position and a left-side stall panel in a deploy position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1I  illustrates a partial rear perspective view of a spout lid of the device, when the spout lid is in an open position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1J  illustrates a partial perspective view of an access panel of the device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1K  illustrates a partial perspective view of a stall panel coupler of the device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1L  illustrates a partial perspective view of an RFID reader of the device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1M  illustrates a partial perspective view of a motor cover of the device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1N  illustrates a cross-section view of the device including a scale, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1O  illustrates a top-view of the device including a second bin, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1P  illustrates a rear view of the device including a second bin, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a simplified schematic view of an autonomous feeding system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a simplified graphical user interface of a feed routine, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a simplified graphical user interface of an RFID tag database, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of the device depicting an exemplary feeding of an animal, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of the system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a top view of the system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a simplified graphical user interface of a feed routine of the system, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram of a method for autonomously livestock feeding animals, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure has been particularly shown and described with respect to certain embodiments and specific features thereof. The embodiments set forth herein are taken to be illustrative rather than limiting. It should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes and modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Reference will now be made in detail to the subject matter disclosed, which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1A-5 , an autonomous feeding device  100 , an autonomous feeding system  200 , and a method  500  for autonomously feeding livestock animals are disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to the autonomous feeding device  100  for selectively dispensing feed to a livestock animal, by an RFID tag associated with the animal. The device  100  may include a bin  102 . The autonomous feeding device  100  may be filled with animal feed and placed at a location which is accessible by the animal. The autonomous feeding device  100  may have a feed routine enabled on a controller. The RFID tagged animal may approach the autonomous feeding device  100  and be dispensed a preset amount of feed from the bin  102 , according to the feed routine. The autonomous feeding device  100  may additionally include one or more stall panels  112  to prevent more than one animal from feeding at a time. In this regard, each animal may be fed a preset amount of feed autonomously. The autonomous feeding device  100  may further log the feeding in a feed history associated with the animal&#39;s RFID tag number. The feed history may then be used to controlling future feedings. Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to the autonomous feeding system  200 . The autonomous feeding system  200  may include one or more of the devices  100 . 
       FIGS. 1A-1P  illustrates the autonomous feeding device  100  (also referred to as a hopper), in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the device  100  may include the bin  102 , an auger  104  within a bottom portion of the bin  102 , the motor  106  connected to the auger  104 , a tray  108 , an RFID reader  110 , and one or more stall panels  112 . The device  100  may further include a trailer  114 , on which one or more components of the device  100  are mounted. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes a bin  102 . The bin  102  may include one or more wall defining a top opening. By the top opening, the bin  102  is configured to receive feed. The one or more walls may also define an interior chamber  152  (see  FIG. 1C ). By the interior chamber  152 , the bin  102  is configured to hold the feed. Feed held by the bin  102  may then be funneled to a bottom portion of the bin  102  by gravity. The walls of the bin  102  may include a taper which may provide a normal force on the feed, pushing the feed inwards in a funneling fashion, such that the bin  102  may be considered a wedge-shaped bin. The bin  102  may be supported by one or more leg members  124 . The bin  102  may also include a lid  144 , which covers the top opening. For example, the lid  144  may include a four-bar linkage assembly for holding the lid  144  open or closed. Feed may be loaded into the bin  102  by the top opening. The top opening may then be covered by the lid, to secure the feed when transporting the device  100 , and protect the feed from rain water. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes the auger  104 . The bin  102  may be configured to receive the auger  104  within and along the bottom portion of the interior chamber  152  of the bin (see  FIG. 1C ). As the auger  104  is rotated, blades of the auger  104  may transport feed along the bottom of the bin. As may be understood, the auger  104  may include any suitable auger for conveying feed or other bulk material. The device  100  may also include the spout  116 . The auger  104  may convey feed from the bin  102  to the spout  116 . The spout  116  may be disposed on a bottom edge of the bin  102 . The spout  116  may include an angled portion for directing the feed towards the tray  108 . 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes the tray  108 . The tray  108  may be configured to receive feed from the bin  102 . For example, the tray  108  may receive the feed from the bin  102  by way of the spout  116 . The tray  108  may be coupled to the leg members  124 , such that the tray  108  is disposed below the spout  116 . The tray  108  may include a variety of shapes, such as a square tray or a semi-circular tray. The tray  108  may be at a suitable height and angle from which a livestock animal may eat. For example, the tray  108  may be set at an angle relative to horizontal, thereby causing the feed to be gravity fed to a position closest to the livestock. 
     In embodiments, the bin  102  includes an auger shield  150 . The auger shield  150  may be located within the bin  102  above the auger  104 . The auger shield  150  may span a length and a width of the auger  104  or some portion of the length and width of the auger  104 . By spanning at least, a portion of the length and width, the auger shield  150  may bear a portion of the feed weight in the bin  102 . Such feed weight may then be transferred by the auger shield  150  to the walls of the bin  102 , thereby reducing a weight on the auger  104 . Reducing a weight of feed on the auger  104  may further improve the rate of feed dispensed by the auger  104  (e.g., by preventing feed from being jammed in the auger  104 , as the auger  104  conveys feed to the spout  116 ). The auger shield  150  may be connected to the bin  102  by one or more brackets. The walls of the bin  102  may include a taper above the auger shield  150 . In this regard, material held by the bin  102  is funneled down to and around the auger shield  602  by gravity. As may be understood, the auger shield  150  may be installed in a variety of configurations to shield the auger  104  from a portion of feed weight held by the bin  102 . In embodiments, the auger shield  150  includes one or more bends. The auger shield  150  may include the one or more bends by a metal brake. The bend of the auger shield  150  may be concave or convex relative to the top of the bin  102 . When the auger shield  150  is concave relative to the bin  102 , a portion of the feed in the bin  102  may become trapped within the concave portion of the auger shield. The discussions of a concave and a convex auger shield are not intended to be limiting. In this regard, the auger shield  150  may be flat (e.g., with no bends). Such a flat auger shield may be connected to the bin  102  parallel to the ground or at an angle to relative to the ground. The ends of the auger shield  150  may also come to a triangle, square, semi-circle or other suitable shape (not depicted). 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes a spout lid  118 . The spout lid  118  may be configured to cover the spout  116 . By covering the spout  116 , The spout lid  118  may prevent feed from flowing to the tray  108 . The spout lid  118  may be configured to cover the spout  116  by pinning the spout lid  118  to one or more holes of the spout  116 . In this regard, the spout lid  118  may cover the spout  116  when the bin  102  is transported. The ability to cover the spout  116  by the spout lid  118  may be advantageous in providing an ability to pre-load the bin  102  with feed before reaching the feeding destination. The spout lid  118  may be oriented in a substantially vertical direction when in the closed position. The spout lid  118  may also be configured to be in an open position, such that an opening of the spout  116 . When the opening of the spout  116  is uncover, feed may then flow from the spout  116  to the tray. In this regard, the spout lid  118  may be in the open position when feeding the animals. For example,  FIG. 1I  depicts the spout lid  118  in the open position, such that an opening of the spout  116  is not covered by the spout lid  118 . 
     In embodiments, the device  100  include a trailer  114 . The trailer  114  may include a frame member  126  coupled to the bin  102 . The trailer  114  may also include one or more wheels  130  coupled to the frame member  126 . For example, the wheels  130  may be coupled to the frame member  126  by an axle, or the like. The leg members  124  may be coupled to the frame member  126 . The trailer  114  may also include a hitch  128 . The hitch  128  may include any suitable hitch, such as, but not limited to, a ball hitch, a pintle hook, a lunette ring, and the like. By connecting the hitch  128  to a vehicle, the trailer  114  may transport the bin  102  to various locations. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes one or more stall panels  112 . The stall panels  112  may be coupled to one or more of the bin  102 , the trailer  114 , or the leg members  124 . For example, the stall panels  112  may be coupled to the one or more of the bin  102 , the trailer  114 , or the leg members  124  by a pivotable connection  120 . When connected to the pivotable connection  120 , the stall panels  112  may extend from the rear of the bin  102  and be disposed adjacent to the tray  108 . By being disposed adjacent to the tray  108 , the stall panels  112  may be configured to restrict access to the tray for preventing multiple livestock from eating out of the tray  108  at the same time (e.g., only one animal at a time). The ability to prevent multiple livestock from feeding at the same time may increase a likelihood that each animal may eat the output feed without competition. The pivotable connection  120  may thus allow an angle of the stall panels  112  relative to the tray to be adjusted. The ability to adjust the angle of the stall panels  112  relative to the tray  108  may be advantageous in accommodating animals of differing widths. The pivotable connection  120  may include a number of pin holes, by which the stall panel  112  may be pinned to the pivotable connection  120 . The stall panel  112  may thus be pinned to any one of the pin holes of the pivotable connection  120 . The pivotable connection  120  may also include one or more of a knuckle joint, a hinge, a clevis rod end, and the like. 
     In embodiments, the stall panels  112  includes one or more telescoping legs  122 . For example, the one or more telescoping legs  122  may telescope by having a square tube which fits inside of another square tube. Each of such square tubes may include a plurality of holes, such that a pin may be used to secure the square tubes together. In this regard, the telescoping legs  122  may telescope between a down position and an up position, wherein a weight of the stall panels  112  is supported by the telescoping legs  122  in the down position, thereby preventing the stall panels  112  from pivoting relative to the tray  108 . Although the stall panels  112  are described as including telescoping legs  122 , this is not intended as a limitation on the present disclosure. In embodiments, the device  100  includes a stall panel coupler  146  (see  FIG. 1K ). The stall panel coupler  146  may couple the stall panels  112 , thereby preventing the stall panels  112  from pivoting relative to the tray  108 . The stall panel coupler  146  may include two pieces of tube which is pinned or otherwise fastened together. In this regard, a length of the stall panel coupler  146  may be adjustable depending on the relative angles of the stall panels  112  (e.g., for accommodating animals of differing widths). 
     In embodiments, the stall panels  112  may be detached from the pivotable connection  120 . By detaching the stall panels  112  from the pivotable connection  120 , the stall panels  112  may be stored in a stowed position. While in the stowed position, the stall panels  112  may be disposed alongside the bin  102 , with a portion of the stall panels  112  fitting over a wheel of the trailer  114  on which the device  100  is mounted. This configuration may be suitable for transporting the device  100  over local, state, and federal highways. The stall panels  112  may be held in the stowed position by one or more panel holder brackets  136 . The panel holder brackets  136  may be coupled to the leg members  124 . For example, the panel holder brackets  136  may be coupled to a side of the leg members  124  which is perpendicular to where the tray  108  is coupled. The stall panels  112  may also be secured in the stowed position by one or more pins  138 . Upon reaching the feed location, the stall panels  112  may be attached to the pivotable connection  120 , thereby extending along the tray  108 . For example,  FIGS. 1G and 1H  depicts the stall panel  112  on the right side detached from the pivotable connection  120  and stowed in the panel holder brackets  136 .  FIGS. 1G and 1H  further depicts the stall panel  112  on the left side attached to the pivotable connection  120 . As may be understood, the stall panels  112  of the left side and right side may be provided in the same configuration (e.g., either both stowed, or both deployed), such that  FIGS. 1G and 1H  are not intended to be limiting. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes one or more panel support members  132 . A first end of the panel support member  132  may be pivotably connected to the stall panel  112 . The pivotably connection may constrain the stall panel  112 , thereby preventing the stall panel  112  from pivoting. A second end of the panel support member  132  may be pivotably connected to the a pivotable connection  134 . The pivotable connection  134  may be similar to the pivotable connection  120 . However, the pivotable connection  120  may be disposed between the pivotable connection  134  and the tray  108 . By the pivotable connection  120  and the pivotable connection  134 , an angle of the stall panel  112  may be adjustable. The ability to adjust the angle of the stall panel  112  may be advantageous in configuring the device  100  for animals with different widths to eat from the tray  108 . For example, different species of animals may include different widths. By way of another example, different breeds of animal may include different widths. By way of another example, animals may include different widths depending upon age or sex. In a similar manner to the stall panel  112 , the panel support member  132  may be unpinned from the pivotable connection  134  and stowed in a stowed configuration along a side of the bin  102  (e.g., above the wheels  130 ). 
     Although the device  100  has been described as including one or more of the stall panel  112  and the panel support members  132 , this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. As depicted in  FIG. 1D-1F , the device  100  may not include the stall panel  112  and the panel support members  132 . However, it is contemplated that the stall panels  112  may be advantageous in preventing competition for feed in the tray  108 . 
     In embodiments, the bin  102  includes an access panel  140  or clean-out panel. The access panel  140  may be disposed below the auger  104 . The access panel  140  may be configured to provide access to the interior chamber  152  of the bin  102 . In particular, a human operator may stand below the bin  102  and access a bottom portion of the interior chamber  152  by the access panel  140 . The ability to access the bottom portion of the interior chamber  152  from the underside of the bin  102  may be advantageous in servicing the auger  104 , such as to clean the auger  104  or perform other routine maintenance. The access panel  140  may include any suitable mechanism for coupling and uncoupling to the bin  102 , such as, but not limited to, toggle clasps  142 . 
     In embodiments, the auger  104  is connected to the motor  106 . The motor  106  may have a speed controlled by one or more controllers (e.g., controller  202 ). A controlled rotation rate of the auger  104  may correspond to a rate of feed flow. The motor  106  may be powered by a power source, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The motor  106  may be a variable speed or uniform speed. The use of a variable speed motor may allow the controller  202  to selectively adjust the auger  104  speed. The variable speed motor may include an adjustable speed drive, such as, but not limited to, a variable belt drive or a motor drive. For example, the motor drive may be used to selectively control an electricity provided to the motor  106  at any given time, in accordance with motor drive&#39;s known in the art. In this regard, the motor  106  may be used to provide control a rate of the auger, depending on the type of feed stored in the bin  102  (e.g., for corn, cubes, distillers, etc.). As may be understood, the motor  106  may include any electric motor known in the art. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes a motor housing  154 . The motor housing  154  may house the motor  106  (see  FIG. 1M ). The motor housing  154  may then provide a coupling between the motor  106  and one or more of the bin  102  or the trailer  114 . 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes an identification unit, such as, but not limited to, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader  110 . The RFID reader  110  may include any RFID reader, such as, but not limited to, a passive reader active tag (PRAT), an active reader passive tag (ARPT), or an active reader active tag (ARAT). The RFID reader  110  may read an identification tag, such as, but not limited to, an RFID tag which is tagged to an ear of an animal  226 . The RFID reader  110  may generally be disposed at or above the tray  108 . In this regard, the RFID tag, which is commonly fixed to an ear of the animal, will be generate an RFID tag reading when the head of the animal is disposed at the tray  108 . The RFID reader  110  may then provide such RFID tag reading to a controller (e.g., controller  202 ). The controller  202  may then control the motor  106  to selectively rotate the auger  104  based on the RFID reading from an RFID reader  110 . In this regard, feed may be autonomously dispensed to the tray  108  based on the RFID tag readings. In embodiments, the RFID reader  110  is coupled to one or more of the bin  102  or the leg members  124 . As depicted in  FIG. 1L , the RFID reader  110  is coupled to the bin  102  by one or more curved slots  148 . The curved slots  148  may provide an ability to adjust an angle of the RFID reader  110 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1N , the device  100  may include one or more of a scale  156  or an actuator  158 . The scale  156  may be provided in a flow path of feed from the bin  102  to the tray  108 . For example, the feed may be provided from the spout  116  to the scale  156 . In embodiments, the scale  156  includes one or more sensors (e.g., sensor  209 ). By the one or more sensors, a weight reading of the scale  156  may be received for determining an amount of feed on the scale  156 . The amount of feed on the scale may similarly correspond to an amount of feed dispensed from the bin  102 . In embodiments, the actuator  158  may be coupled to the scale  156 . The actuator  158  may include any actuator known in the art, such as, but not limited to, a cylinder. Once the sensor readings from the scale  156  indicates a desired amount of feed has been dispensed from the bin  102 , the actuator  158  may be engaged to lift the scale  156 . By lifting the scale  156 , a gravitational force may pull the feed from the scale  156  into the feed tray  108 . Thus, actuator  158  may be controlled based on data from the scale  156 , and in particular, the feed output may be selectively controlled according to one or more feed schedules. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 1O-1P , the device  100  may include multiple bins. The device  100  may include the bin  102  and a bin  102   a . The bin  102   a  may be disposed in an upper corner of the bin  102 . The bin  102   a  may be gravity fed such that feed in the bin  102   a  is pulled to a lower portion of the bin  102   a . The device  100  may further include an auger  104   a  disposed within the bottom portion of the bin  102   a . The device  100  may further include a motor  106   a  coupled to the auger  104   a  and configured to rotate the auger  104   a  for dispensing feed from the bin  102   a . In the configuration depicted, feed from the bin  102   a  may travel to the scale  156  by way of a chute  160  or may be dispensed directly to the tray. The ability to dispense the feed from the bin  102   a  to the scale  156  by way of the chute  160  may be advantageous in measuring a weight of the feed dispensed. The chute  160  may include a number of configurations, such as, but not limited to disposed within the walls of the bin  102  or disposed outside of the walls of the bin  102 . Providing the chute  160  within the walls of the bin  102  may be advantageous in minimizing structural modifications performed on the bin  102 . However, providing the chute  160  within the walls of the bin  102  may reduce a capacity of the bin  102 . The bin  102   a  may also include a scale (not depicted) which is not shared with the bin  102 , for measuring the weight of feed output from the bin  102   a.    
     The device  100  may generally include any number of bins, such as, two or more bins. For example, a first bin may include a first type of feed and a second bin may include a second type of feed. As may be understood, the types of feed may include, but are not limited to, cubes or dry roll corn. The types of feed may also include a feed additive, such as, but not limited to a supplemental buffer (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, magnesium oxide, or the like). Each of the bins  102  may output the feed to the tray  108 . Feed may then be selectively output from the bins  102  based on a selected feed ratio (e.g., grass, grain, and/or supplemental buffer treatment) from the bins  102 . In this regard, a rancher may selectively control the ratios of feed output. The ability to selectively control the ratio of feed output may be advantageous in allowing a rancher to accommodate livestock according to health conditions associated with the livestock. Although the bins  102  are described as including different types of feed or feed with different types of treatments, this is not intended as a limitation of the present disclosure. The bins  102  may also include the same type of feed, such that one or more of the bins  102  may act as a reserve bin, or the like. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a simplified schematic view of an autonomous feeding system  200 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The autonomous feeding system  200  may include one or more of the autonomous feeding devices  100 , a network  212 , one or more servers  214 , and one or more user devices  224 . In embodiments, the device  100  may include a controller  202 . The controller  202  may be communicatively coupled to one or more of the motor  106 , the RFID reader  110 , or the sensor  209 . The controller  202  may include one or more processors  204  and memory  206 . 
     The one or more processors  204  of the controller  202  may include any processor or processing element known in the art. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the term “processor” or “processing element” may be broadly defined to encompass any device having one or more processing or logic elements (e.g., one or more micro-processor devices, one or more application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) devices, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs)). In this sense, the one or more processors  204  may include any device configured to execute algorithms and/or instructions (e.g., program instructions stored in memory). In one embodiment, the one or more processors  204  may be embodied as a desktop computer, mainframe computer system, workstation, image computer, parallel processor, networked computer, or any other computer system configured to execute a set of program instructions, as described throughout the present disclosure. Moreover, different subsystems of the device  100  or system  200  may include a processor or logic elements suitable for carrying out at least a portion of the steps described in the present disclosure. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the embodiments of the present disclosure but merely as an illustration. Further, the steps described throughout the present disclosure may be carried out by a single controller or, alternatively, multiple controllers. Additionally, the controller  202  may include one or more controllers housed in a common housing or within multiple housings. In this way, any controller or combination of controllers may be separately packaged as a module suitable for integration into the device  100 . Further, the controller  202  may analyze data received from the sensor  209  and feed the data to additional components within the device  100  or external to the device  100 . 
     The memory  206  may include any storage medium known in the art suitable for storing program instructions executable by the associated one or more processors  204 . For example, the memory  206  may include a non-transitory memory medium. By way of another example, the memory  206  may include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a magnetic or optical memory device (e.g., disk), a magnetic tape, a solid-state drive and the like. It is further noted that memory  206  may be housed in a common controller housing with the one or more processors  204 . In one embodiment, the memory  206  may be located remotely with respect to the physical location of the one or more processors  204  and controller  202 . For instance, the one or more processors  204  of controller  202  may access a remote memory (e.g., server), accessible through a network (e.g., internet, intranet and the like). 
     In embodiments, a user interface  208  is communicatively coupled to the controller  202 . The user interface  208  may include, but is not limited to, one or more desktops, laptops, tablets, and the like. In another embodiment, the user interface  208  includes a display used to display data of the device  100  to a user. The display of the user interface  208  may include any display known in the art. For example, the display may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) based display, or a CRT display. Those skilled in the art should recognize that any display device capable of integration with a user interface  208  is suitable for implementation in the present disclosure. In another embodiment, a user may input selections and/or instructions responsive to data displayed to the user via a user input device of the user interface  208 . 
     In embodiments, the processors  204  may be configured to execute a set of program instructions maintained on the memory  206 . In this regard, the one or more processors  204  of controller  202  may execute any of the various process steps described throughout the present disclosure. For example, the set of program instructions may cause the processor to receive a signal associated with an RFID tag  210  from the RFID tag reader  110 , determine an animal associated with the RFID tag  210  is eligible for feeding, and/or control the motor  106  to rotate the auger for an amount of time in response to determining the animal associated with the RFID tag  210  is eligible for feeding. The controller  202  may determine the animal associated with the RFID tag  210  is eligible for feeding comparing a feed routine  228  (see  FIG. 2B ) with a feed history  236  (see  FIG. 2C ) associated with the RFID tag  210 . The controller  202  may also update the feed history  236  with the current feeding. 
     The controller  202  may control the motor  106  in a number of configurations. These configurations are merely intended to provide examples and are not intended to be limiting. In embodiments, the controller  202  causes the motor  106  to rotate the auger  104  for a fixed amount of time and/or at a fixed preset revolutions per minute (RPM). In embodiments, the controller  202  uses a feed-forward control to determine how long and/or at what speed to cause the motor  106  to rotate the auger  104 . The bin  102  may be configured to dispense a variety of feed types, including, but not limited to, cubes or dry roll corn. The memory  206  may include data indicative of a current feed type loaded in the bin  102 . The memory  206  may also include a pre-set speed and/or duration at which to operate the motor  106  for the given feed type. In this regard, cube feed may require a longer run-time for the motor  106  to cause the auger  104  to deploy a similar weight of feed, as compared to dry roll corn feed. Similarly, the motor may be run at a higher RPM to dispense the cube feed for the same amount of time, as compared to dry roll corn feed. Thus, the controller  202  may selectively control the motor  106  by feed-forward control to accommodate for the type of feed in the bin  1022 . In embodiments, the controller  202  uses feed-back control to determine how long and at what speed to cause the motor  106  to rotate the auger  104 . Such feed-back control may be based on one or more sensor readings. For example, the device  100  includes one or more sensors  209 . The one or more sensors  209  may be configured to measure various data, including, but not limited to, a feed weight in the bin  102  or a feed weight in the tray  108 . Such sensors  209  may then provide the sensor data to the controller  202 . By measuring a weight of feed in the tray  108  and/or a weight of feed in the bin  102 , a feedback loop may be established with the controller  202 . In this regard, the controller  202  may accurately dispense an output feed amount  232  by a feedback loop. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes the sensor  209 . The sensor  209  may provide a signal indicative of feed weight in the bin  102  or the tray  104 . The sensor  209  may be a pressure sensor or weight sensor located within the bin  102 , the spout  116 , or the tray  104 . For example, the sensor  209  may provide sensor readings of the scale  156 . The sensor  209  may provide the pressure or weight measurement (e.g., bin feed weight  234 ) to the controller  202 . For example, the sensor  209  may determine when feed is added to the bin  102  or when feed is dispensed from the bin  102 . The controller  202  may then display the bin feed weight  234  based on the weight measurement. In this regard, a user  220  may determine whether to add more feed to the device  100  by the user device  224 , without having to go to the device  100  and look at the amount of feed in the bin  102 . Similarly, when an animal has been fed by the device  100  or when feed has been added to the bin  102 , the weight sensor may determine a new weight measurement, and update the bin feed weight  234 . The readings from the sensor  209  may also be used by the controller  202  for dispensing a select amount of feed in a feed-back loop, or the like. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes a camera  211 . For example, the camera  211  may be configured to record each feeding. The device  100  may then store the image and/or video data in memory (e.g., memory  206  or memory  218 ) for storage and playback at a later date. 
     The system  200  may also include the server  214 . The server  214  may include a processor  216  and a memory  218 . The server  214  may be communicatively coupled to the controller  202  by way of a network  212 . The server  214  may also include a cloud-based architecture. For instance, it is contemplated herein that the server  214  may include a hosted server and/or cloud computing platform including, but not limited to, Amazon Web Services (e.g., Amazon EC2, and the like). In this regard, device  100  may include a software as a service (SaaS) configuration, in which various functions or steps of the present disclosure are carried out by a remote server. 
     The system  200  may also include the user device  224 . The user device  224  may be communicatively coupled to the controller  202  by way of the network  212 . The user device  224  may include any user devices known in the art including, but not limited to, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, smart watches, personal computers, and the like. In embodiments, a user  220  may be associated with the user device  224 . It is contemplated herein that the user device  224  may be configured to execute applications (e.g., “apps”) configured to allow the user  220  (e.g., farmhand, rancher, etc.) to view, adjust, or modify one or more characteristics of device  100 , such as a feed history or a feed routine. 
     The controller  202 , the server  214 , and the user device  224  may be configured to communicate via the network  212 . The network  212  may include any wireline communication protocol (e.g., DSL-based interconnection, cable-based interconnection, T9-based interconnection, and the like) or wireless communication protocol (e.g., GSM, GPRS, CDMA, EV-DO, EDGE, WiMAX, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi protocols, RF, Bluetooth, and the like) known in the art. By way of another example, the network  212  may include communication protocols including, but not limited to, radio frequency identification (RFID) protocols, open-sourced radio frequencies, and the like. Accordingly, an interaction between the controller  202 , the server  214 , and/or the user device  224  may be determined based on one or more characteristics including, but not limited to, cellular signatures, IP addresses, MAC addresses, Bluetooth signatures, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and the like. 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates a simplified graphical user interface of an exemplary feed routine  228  of the system  200 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The feed routine  228  may include at least one of a feed schedule  230 , an output feed amount  232 , and a bin feed weight  234 . The bin feed weight  234  may be determined by the sensor  209 . One or more of the feed schedule  230  and the output feed amount  232  may be set by the user  220  (e.g., by the user device  224 , by the user interface  208 , by the server  214 , etc.). As depicted in  FIG. 2B , the feed schedule  230  and the output feed amount  232  may be set by a dropdown arrow, although this is not intended to be limiting. It is contemplated that a number of graphical control elements may be suitable for setting the feed schedule and the output feed amount  232 , such as, but not limited to, a checkbox, a radio button, a textbox, a radio button, a slider, a list (e.g., a drop-down list), a scrollbar, and the like. The feed schedule  230  is set to once per day. If the animal has eaten during the current day, the controller  202  may determine that the animal is not eligible for feeding. The animal&#39;s feeding eligibility may reset at midnight. Such a once per day feeding schedule described is not intended to be limiting. In this regard, the feed schedule  230  may include, but is not limited to, multiple times per day, once a day, two times per day, or 6 times per week. In this regard, the user  220  may selectively control the times an animal is allowed to feed. The output feed amount  232  is set to one pound. When the controller determines the animal is eligible for feeding, the controller may active the auger to dispense the one pound of feed. The amount of feed is not intended to be limiting. In this regard, the output feed amount user  220  may selectively control the amount of feed to be dispensed per feeding. 
     The feed routine  228  may be stored in one or more of the memory  206  or the memory  218 . The feed routine  228  may also be accessible by the user  220 . In this regard, the user  220  may view the bin feed weight  234 , change the feed schedule  230 , and/or change the output feed amount  232 . For example, the user  220  may access such information by the user device  224 . By way of another example, the user  220  may access such information by the user interface  208  of the device  100 . By way of another example, the user  220  may access such information by a web browser (e.g., where the information is accessible by a hypertext transfer protocol) with an internet network connection to the server  214 . 
     In embodiments, the controller  202  is configured to selectively disburse feed based on one or more parameters of the feed routine  228 . The parameters may include, but are not limited to, an animal age, animal sex, animal genetics, amount of feed remaining, or weather conditions (e.g., current weather or future weather). In this regard, the amount of feed disbursed may be tailored based on a number of factors associated with each animal. 
       FIG. 2C  illustrates a simplified graphical user interface of a RFID tag database  235  of the system  200 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID tag database  235  may include a plurality of RFID tags  210   a - 210   c . The database  235  may be maintained on the memory  206  or memory  218 . Each RFID tag  210   a - 210   c  may have an associated feeding history  236 - 236   c . As discussed previously, the controller  202  may receive a signal associated with an RFID tag  210  from the RFID reader  110 . The controller  202  may compare the signal associated with the RFID tag  210  to each of the RFID tags  210   a - 210   c  in the RFID tag database  235 . As may be understood, any suitable comparison method may be used to perform the comparison, such as, but not limited to, a lookup table operation. Upon finding a matching RFID tag, the controller  202  may access the feed history  236  associated with the RFID tag  210  received from the RFID tag reader  110 . One or more parameters of the RFID tag database  235  may be compared with one or more parameters of the feed routine  228  for determining the appropriate amount of feed to dispense, such as, but not limited to, the animal age, animal sex, animal genetics, or weather conditions. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  may be configured to read and store unknown RFID tags in the RFID tag database  235 . These unknown RFID tags may then be displayed to the user  220  (e.g., by way of the user interface  208 , the user device  224 , or the web browser). By such display, the user  220  may be notified of a neighbor&#39;s animal being mixed with the herd. Furthermore, feed expenses may be reduced. 
     Table 1 illustrates an exemplary feed history  236   a  associated with RFID tag  210   a  of the system  200 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The feed history  236   a  may include various data, such as, but not limited to, prior feeding dates  238 , feeding times  240 , feeding durations  242 , an amount of feed dispensed  244 , and an amount of feed eaten  246 . When the animal is disbursed feed, the controller  202  may be configured to update one or more fields of the feed history  236 , such as, but not limited to, the date  238 , time  240 , feed duration  242 , feed dispensed  244 , and feed eaten  246 . As may be understood, the controller  202  may update the feed history  236  in any suitable manner, such as, but not limited to, storing the updated feed history  236  in the memory  206  and/or transmitting the one or more signals to the server  214 , causing the server to update the feed history  236  in the memory  218 . 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 DATE 
                 TIME 
                 DURATION 
                 DISPENSED 
                 EATEN 
               
               
                 (238) 
                 (240) 
                 (242) 
                 (244) 
                 (246) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Sep. 28, 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 2020 
               
               
                 Sep. 27, 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 2020 
               
               
                 Sep. 26, 
                 12:02 P.M. 
                 62 SECONDS 
                 1 POUND 
                  .9 POUNDS 
               
               
                 2020 
               
               
                 Sep. 25, 
                  8:53 P.M. 
                 77 SECONDS 
                 1 POUND 
                 1 POUND 
               
               
                 2020 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In embodiments, the controller  202  is configured to determine the feed duration  242  based on the amount of time during which the animal is at the feed tray  108 . For example, the RFID reader  110  may continuously read the RFID tag  210  while the animal is at the tray  108 . Such RFID tag reading may be provided to the controller  202 . The controller may then update the feed duration  242  field of the feed history  236 . 
     In embodiments, the controller  202  is configured to determine the feed dispensed  244  based, at least, in part on the output feed amount  232 . In embodiments, the controller  202  is configured to determine the feed dispensed  244  based, at least, in part on the sensor readings from the sensor  209 . Based on the weight of feed dispensed to the tray  104  and a weight of left after the animal has left, the controller  202  may calculate an amount of feed eaten by the animal  246  and update the feed history  236 . Furthermore, the controller  202  may account for the amount of feed remaining in the tray  108  when dispensing feed to the next animal. In embodiments, the controller  202  is configured to determine the feed dispensed  244  based, at least in part, on the feed history  236 . The controller  202  may determines the animal has missed a feeding based on the feed history  236 . For example, the animal may not be fed for several feeding periods (e.g., September 27 th  and September 28 th ). By the missed feedings, the animal may be eligible for extra feed. In response to determining the missed feedings, the controller may increase the output feed amount. The controller  202  may then run the motor  106  for additional time or at an increased RPM to provide such extra feed to the animal  226 . 
     Thus, the controller  202  may maintain the various fields of the feed history  236 , including, but not limited to, the date  238 , the time  240 , the feed duration  242 , the feed dispensed  244 , and the feed eaten  246 , as the livestock animal is fed by the device  100 . 
     In embodiments, the controller  202  may update the feed history  236  if the signal associated with the RFID tag  210  is not dispensed feed during the feed schedule  230 . If the animal has not eaten during the feed schedule  230 , the controller  202  may provide an indication that the animal has missed a feeding. For example, table 1 includes several “N/a” values, indicating the animal associated with the RFID tag  210  has not eaten in two days. In embodiments, the controller  202  may update the feed history  236  if the signal associated with RFID tag  210  has been sensed multiple times during the feed schedule  230 . In this regard, the animal may be trying to get more food than allotted. The ability to automatically notate missed feedings and extra feed attempts may be advantageous in reporting and diagnosing various health problems associated with the livestock animal. 
     At least one of the RFID tag database  235  or the feed history  236  may be accessible by or otherwise displayed to the user  220 . For example, one or more of the RFID database  235  or the feed history  236  may be displayed to the user  220  by one or more of the user interface  208 , the user device  224 , or the web browser. The ability to display one or more of the RFID tag database  235  or the feed history  236  may allow the user  220  to determine whether an animal has missed one or more feedings. In this regard, the user  220  may determine that the animal associated with RFID tag  210   a  has missed feedings on September 27 and September 28, for example. Such missed feedings may indicate that something is wrong with the animal, such that the user  220  should check on the animal. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes multiple of the bins  102  and also includes sensors  209  (or scales) for each bin  102 . Each of the sensors  209  may measure an amount of feed which is dispensed from the associated bin. The sensor readings may then be provided to the controller  202  for selectively dispensing feed according to a recipe (e.g., by a feed-back loop, or the like). For example, a first bin may include a first type of feed and a second bin may include a second type of feed. By the sensors  209  for each of the associated bins, the controller  202  may selectively output feed from each of the bins according to the feed routine. In this regard, the controller  202  may determine how much feed to output from each bin based on one or more of the feeding history, animal age, animal sex, animal genetics, amount of feed remaining the tray, weather conditions, and the like. For example, a rancher may identify an animal as being in an acidosis state. The feed routine  228  for the animal may be updated to indicate the animal is to receive a specific feed recipe. The specific feed routine may include a higher ratio of fiber to grain and/or additional feed which has been treated with a supplemental buffer. The controller  202  may then selectively dispense the ratio of feed (e.g., grass, grain, and/or supplemental buffer treatment) from the bins based on the sensor readings. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary feeding of an animal is disclosed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , RFID tag  210   a  is read by the RFID tag reader  110 . The RFID tag reader  110  may provide a signal associated with the RFID tag  210  to the controller  202 . The controller  202  may then determine a current date (September 29 in this example) and time. The controller  202  may also determine the feed history  236   a  associated with the RFID tag  210  (e.g., by way of the RFID tag database  235 , see  FIG. 2C ). The controller  202  may also determine a feed schedule  230  (e.g., by way of the feed routine, see  FIG. 2B ). The exemplary feeding schedule is daily, with one pound of feed to be dispensed. The controller  202  may then compare the feed schedule  230 , the current date and time, and the most recent feeding contained in the feed history  236  to determine whether the animal is eligible for feeding. In the example depicted, the animal is eligible for feeding, because the feed schedule  230  is once per day and the RFID tag  210   a  associated with the animal has no feed entries for the current date, such that the animal has not eaten in the last day. After determining an eligibility for feeding, the controller  202  may activate the motor  106  to rotate  302  the auger  104 , thereby causing the auger  104  to dispense feed from the bin  102  to the tray  108  (e.g., cubed alfalfa  304 ). 
     Table 2 illustrates a feed history for the animal  226  associated with RFID tag  210   a , updated based on the current feeding. The feed history  236  may be updated with data from the current feeding, such as, the date  238 , time  240 , duration  242 , feed dispensed  244 , and feed eaten  246 . Thus, the controller  202  may maintain a feed history  236   a  for the animal associated with the RFID tag  210   a . In this example, three pounds of feed has been dispensed to compensate for the previously missed feedings. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 DATE 
                 TIME 
                 DURATION 
                 DISPENSED 
                 EATEN 
               
               
                 (238) 
                 (240) 
                 (242) 
                 (244) 
                 (246) 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Sep. 29, 
                 10:01 A.M. 
                 153 SECONDS  
                  3 POUNDS 
                 2.3 
                 POUNDS 
               
               
                 2020 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Sep. 28, 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 2020 
               
               
                 Sep. 27, 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
                 N/A 
               
               
                 2020 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
            
               
                 Sep. 26, 
                 12:02 P.M.     
                 62 SECONDS 
                 1 POUND 
                 .9 
                 POUNDS 
               
               
                 2020 
               
               
                 Sep. 25, 
                  8:53 P.M. 
                 77 SECONDS 
                 1 POUND 
                 1 
                 POUND 
               
               
                 2020 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
       FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of the autonomous feeding system  200  in accordance with one or more embodiments of present disclosure. In embodiments, the autonomous feeding system  200  may further include a plurality of the devices  100   a - 100   c  (e.g., multiple hoppers). The plurality of devices  100   a - 100   c  may communicate with the server  214 , by the network  212 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Similarly, the plurality of devices  100   a - 100   c  may communicate with the user device  224 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The plurality of devices  100   a - 100   c  may also communicate with other by way of the network  212  (e.g., by one or more of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a hardline connection, etc.). Such communication between devices  100   a - 100   c  may include an asymmetric communication and control scheme (e.g., a primary and secondary configuration). In this regard, device  100   a  may be considered the primary device which controls the secondary devices  100   c . Alternatively, the plurality of devices  100   a - 100   c  may include a symmetric communication and control scheme. In this regard, each of the devices  100   a - 100   c  may have processing and control functionality. 
     Any number of devices  100  may be included in the autonomous feeding system  200 . Furthermore, such devices  100  may be located within a close proximity (e.g., within an acre) or may be connected over a distance (e.g., across hundreds of acres or more). Thus, the number and configuration of the devices  100   a - 100   c  is not intended to be limiting. The plurality of devices  100   a - 100   c  may also share a common RFID tag database  235  with feed histories  236   a - 236   c . The devices  100   a - 100   c  may share the RFID tag database  235  by at least one of communication with the server  214 , the user device  224 , or between the devices  100   a - 100   c . By sharing the RFID tag database, each of the plurality of devices  100   a - 100   c  may be configured to provide the animals a desired level of feed without overfeeding. In this regard, an animal (e.g., animal  226 ) may be fed at the first device  100   a . The device  100   a  may update the feed history  236  associated with animal  226 . If the animal  226  visits any of the devices  100   a - 100   c  before the animal is eligible for feeding, the devices  100   a - 100   c  will determine the ineligibility based on the updated feed history. The sharing of a common RFID tag database will thereby prevent the animal  226  from going between the devices  100   a - 100   c  and overfeeding. 
     In embodiments, the devices  100   a - 100   c  may include the same feed type. In embodiments, the devices  100   a - 100   c  may contain different types of feed. For example, the device  100   a  may include a feed with a supplemental buffer. Only cattle with acidosis may eat from the supplemental buffer. Non-acidosis cattle may eat from devices which are not treated with the supplemental buffer (e.g., devices  100   b ,  100   c ). 
       FIG. 4B  illustrates atop view of the autonomous feeding system  200 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The plurality of devices  100   a - 100   c  may also be configured to feed a plurality of animals (e.g., animals  226   a - 226   c ) simultaneously. 
       FIG. 4C  illustrates a simplified graphical user interface of the feed routine  228 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The feed routine  228  may include bin feed weights  234   a - 234   c  associated with the devices  100   a - 100   c . In embodiments, the feed routine  228  may also include a warning indicator  402 . The warning indicator  402  may indicate a weight of feed in the bin is below a threshold amount (e.g., zero pounds).  FIG. 5  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  500  for autonomously feeding livestock animals, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiments and the enabling technologies described previously herein in the context of the autonomous feeding device  100  and the autonomous feeding system  200  should be interpreted to extend to the method  500 . It is further noted, however, that the method  500  is not limited to the architecture of the autonomous feeding device  100  or the autonomous feeding system  200 . 
     In a step  510 , a signal associated with an RFID tag is received. For example, a controller of an autonomous feeding device may receive the signal from an RFID reader (e.g., RFID reader  110 ). 
     In a step  520 , the signal associated with the RFID tag is compared to RFID tags stored in an RFID tag database. As may be understood, any suitable comparison method may be used to perform the comparison, such as, but not limited to, a lookup table operation. Upon finding a matching RFID tag, a feed history associated with the RFID tag may also be looked up. If the comparison finds no matching RFID tag in the database, the unknown RFID tag may be stored and/or a notification may be sent to a user equipment. 
     In a step  530 , a determination is made regarding whether the animal associated with the RFID tag is eligible for feeding. The eligibility determination may be based on one or more of the feed schedule of the feed routine, the feed history associated with the RFID tag, and the current date or time. For example, the feed schedule may include a daily feed schedule, such that the animal is only to be fed once per day. If the feed history of the animal together with the current day indicates the animal has not eaten within the last day, the animal may be eligible for feeding. 
     In a step  540 , a motor is caused to rotate an auger. The motor may rotate the auger for an amount of time in response to determining the animal associated with the RFID tag is eligible for feeding. In this regard, if the animal is eligible for feeding, feed may be dispensed from the bin to the tray in response to such rotation of the auger. The amount of time in which the motor rotates the auger may be based on the output feed amount of the feed routine. In this regard, by turning the motor for the select amount of time, a select weight of feed may be dispensed to the tray. Similarly, if the RFID tag is unknown or if the animal is not eligible for feeding, the motor may not be engaged, such that no feed is dispensed. 
     In a step  550 , the feed history associated with the animal is updated. The feed history may be updated in response to causing the motor to rotate the auger. Similarly, a number of fields of the feed history may be updated such as, but not limited to, the date, time, feed duration, feed dispensed, and feed eaten. 
     All of the methods described herein may include storing results of one or more steps of the method embodiments in memory. The results may include any of the results described herein and may be stored in any manner known in the art. The memory may include any memory described herein or any other suitable storage medium known in the art. After the results have been stored, the results can be accessed in the memory and used by any of the method or system embodiments described herein, formatted for display to a user, used by another software module, method, or system, and the like. Furthermore, the results may be stored “permanently,” “semi-permanently,” temporarily,” or for some period of time. For example, the memory may be random access memory (RAM), and the results may not necessarily persist indefinitely in the memory. 
     It is further contemplated that each of the embodiments of the method described above may include any other step(s) of any other method(s) described herein. In addition, each of the embodiments of the method described above may be performed by any of the systems described herein. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1A-5 , the device  100  for autonomously feeding animals is disclosed. Although the bin  102  is depicted with a wedge-shaped design, this is not intended as a limitation on the present disclosure. For example, the bin  102  may include a conical-shaped bin. 
     Although the device  100  is depicted as including one of the trays  108 , this is not intended as a limitation on the present disclosure. It is contemplated that the device  100  may include that the device  100  may include one or more trays  108 . The addition of trays  108  may be provided by extending a length of the device  100 . In this regard, each tray  108  of the device  100  may provide a spot or station in which an animal may receive feed. As depicted, the tray  108  may be disposed behind the device  100 , relative to the transport direction. Where the device  100  includes multiple of the trays  108 , such trays may be oriented on a side of the device  100 , relative to the transport direction (e.g., by rotating one or more components ninety degrees relative to transport). 
     In embodiments, the device  100  includes a power source. For example, the power source may include a connection to a utility grid (e.g., single phase 120 V AC, three phase 208 V AC, etc.). By way of another example, the power source may include a battery power source, a solar power source (e.g., a photovoltaic cell, a concentrated solar power source, an integrated solar combined cycle, a photovoltaic diesel system, a thermoelectric system, etc.) or a generator including a combustion engine (e.g., natural gas, diesel, gasoline, etc.) which rotates an alternator to generate an electric current and/or one or more batteries. Such power source may provide power to various components of the device  100 , including, but not limited to, the auger  104 , one or more sensors, or the controller  202 . 
     In embodiments, the RFID reader is configured to read an RFID signal in a low frequency band. RFID systems occupy several frequency bands, such as a low frequency band (e.g., between 125 and 134 kHz). This low frequency band is typically used for the identification of animals, due to a relatively low RFID tag cost. Such low frequency animal tags may be passive tags. The passive tags may not contain a power source. The passive tags may include an antenna which creates a magnetic field under the presence of a radio wave (e.g., from the RFID reader  110 ). The use of a RFID system in the low frequency band is not intended as a limitation on the present disclosure. For example, the device  100  according to the present disclosure may be equipped to read a variety of RFID frequencies, such as, but not limited to, a high frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz) or an ultra-high frequency (e.g., 433 MHz). Similarly, the use of a passive RFID tag is not intended to be limiting. For example, the RFID tag  210  may include an active tag or a battery-assisted passive tag. In this regard, the RFID system may be at least one of a passive reader active tag (PRAT) system, an active reader passive tag (ARPT) system, or an active reader active tag (ARAT) system at a suitable radio frequencies band. 
     In embodiments, the memory  206  may include data associated with animal data other than the animal&#39;s feed history. Such data may include, but is not limited to, age, animal weight, gender, breed, or health status (e.g., the presence of acidosis). In this regard, the controller  202  may include one or more program instructions to take the animal&#39;s feed history and the other animal data to calculate an amount of feed to dispense. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  is configured to be transported by the trailer  114 , and includes one or more stall panels  112  which is pivotable for transport and feeding. However, this is not intended as a limitation on the present disclosure. For example, the device  100  may be configured to be a stationary feeder. Such stationary feeder may be moved by a forklift and include one or more fixed stall panels  112 . 
     In embodiments, one or more components of the device  100 , such as, but not limited to, the stall panels  112  may include tubing (mechanical or structural) or angle iron. Such tubing may include, but is not limited to, square tubing, rectangular tubing, circular tubing, or custom tubing. Such angle iron, but is not limited to, 90-degree angle, I-bar, T-bar, or U-channels. Furthermore, such components may include one or more materials known in the art, such as, but not limited to aluminum or steel. It is envisioned that where one or more of the components is a steel material, said component may be cold-forged, hot-forged, heat treating (e.g. annealing, quenching, tempering, etc.), surface treated, or treated with any other process to selectively adjust the material properties of the component, thereby improving strength and corrosion resistance. 
     The bin  102  may include any material known in the art. For example, the bin  102  may include material, such as, but not limited to, plastic (e.g., acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), acrylics, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc.); metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, or stainless steel, or composite materials. Furthermore, the bin  102  may be designed with several considerations, including, but not limited to, capacity and feed flow rate. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  is configured for feeding cattle. For example, a height of the tray  108  and a width between the stall panels  112  may be selected based on a typical size of such cattle. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to only cattle feeding applications. For example, a variety of livestock animals, such as, but not limited to, sheep, goats, and pigs may be tagged with an RFID tag (e.g., RFID tag  210 ). As such, a device  100  according to the present disclosure may be configured to provide feed to such animal. In this regard, one or more components of the device  100 , such as a height of the tray  108  or a distance between the side panels, may be adjusted based on the type of animal to be fed. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  may include a plurality of augers  104  connected to a plurality of motors  106 . The plurality of augers  104  may be located side-by-side along a bottom of the bin  102 . In this regard, the augers  104  may be a smaller diameter as compared to the use of a single auger. 
     In embodiments, the device  100  may include a fly sprayer (not depicted). The fly sprayer may be located above the stall panels  112 . The fly sprayer may be configured to spray an anti-fly spray on the animal  226 . When the RFID tag of the animal  226  is read by the RFID reader  110 , the fly sprayer may be engaged. The controller  202  may also be configured to determine whether the animal  226  is eligible to be sprayed by the fly sprayer. In this regard, the RFID tag database  235  may also include a list of dates on which the animal  226  was sprayed with the anti-fly spray by the device  100 . Similarly, the controller  202  may be configured to spray the anti-fly spray according to a routine (e.g., once per week), which may be set by the user device  224 . The anti-fly spray may be housed within one or more tanks (not depicted). The one or more tanks may be disposed near the motor  106  with a hose (not depicted) running from the tank to the fly sprayer. 
     One skilled in the art will recognize that the herein described components operations, devices, objects, and the discussion accompanying them are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Consequently, as used herein, the specific exemplars set forth and the accompanying discussion are intended to be representative of their more general classes. In general, use of any specific exemplar is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components, operations, devices, and objects should not be taken as limiting. 
     As used herein, directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” “upper,” “upward,” “lower,” “down,” and “downward” are intended to provide relative positions for purposes of description, and are not intended to designate an absolute frame of reference. Various modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those with skill in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments 
     The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “connected,” or “coupled,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “couplable,” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. 
     With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations are not expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. 
     Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” and the like). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, and the like” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, and the like). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, and the like” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, and the like). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     Although particular embodiments of this invention have been illustrated, it is apparent that various modifications and embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure. It is believed that the present disclosure and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components without departing from the disclosed subject matter or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form described is merely explanatory, and it is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the claims appended hereto.