Patent Publication Number: US-7584716-B2

Title: Pan breeder feeder

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
   This patent application claims the benefit of domestic priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/725,358, filed Oct. 11, 2005, and entitled “Pan Breeder Feeder”. U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/725,358 is hereby incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention generally relates to the field of feeder assemblies used for feeding livestock, specifically poultry. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   As the broiler breeder market worldwide is followed and tracked, growing changes to the size of the building have been found, such that the buildings are becoming wider and longer. It has further been found that more birds are being placed in these new, larger buildings (higher stocking density) as a greater amount of ventilation, cooling, and automated ventilation controls are being utilized. The dilemma this has created is related to being able to provide sufficient feed space for the birds, but to not take up floor space with feeding equipment. The broiler breeder layer house disposition of feeding system has been dominated by the chain trough-type feeder for years because of its low cost, familiarity, simplicity, and complacency of the integrators to change. 
   For the broiler breeder pullet (rearing) house, the pan feeder has been the accepted feeder of choice because of feed savings, improved bird uniformity, less stress on the birds, and less mortality, which relates to better performance in the layer house. Most integrator breeder production people recognize they could improve performance and attain feed savings in the broiler breeder house based on the results they have experienced in the pullet houses and from breeder layer houses that have pan feeders. In reference to the trend change of making the houses or buildings larger, the wider building size offers the opportunity for the pan feeding system as typical round feeders generally offer 30% more feeding space over a trough-type feeder. However, it has been recognized that these typical round pan feeders may not offer sufficient feeder space for the future unless additional feeder lines are placed into the house, which would invariably increase the system cost, and would also take up valuable floor space. 
   This trend has been recognized in the industry such that pan feeders have been developed which will feed up to sixteen (16) birds per pan, compared to the customary system that will handle fourteen (14) birds per pan. By having a feeder pan that can feed a greater number of birds, there will not be the requirement to add more feeder lines to the breeder house. Another scenario is the replacement/upgrade feeder market where chain feeders will be replaced by pan feeders to improve bird performance and efficiency. Thus, fewer feed pans will be able to be placed in the older/conventional houses for a cost saving to the producer. 
   Of all of the major poultry equipment companies in the world, only one, Roxell Nev., is known to have been progressive in this area by designing a pan feeder specifically for broiler breeders. Specifically, Roxell Nev. is the assignee of U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,178 and manufactures and sells the Kixoo® Feeder. The &#39;178 patent discloses and claims a feeder dispenser having a dispenser tray which is non-circular in shaped, and which has a circumferential edge with first edge area which have a relatively large radius of curvature and second edge area which have a relatively small radius of curvature, as well as guide means for guiding feed from a horizontal feed conveyor pipe to the dispenser tray. The Kixoo® Feeder meets this description of the &#39;178 patent as the Kixoo® Feeder is generally elliptical in configuration. The Kixoot Feeder has also met with much interest and much sales in the marketplace, but the Kixoo® Feeder does have its drawbacks. 
   While the Kixoo® Feeder increased the number of birds which can feed from the feeder from fourteen (14) to sixteen (16), it would obviously be more desirable to feed even more birds from a single feeder if possible, without causing other detriment within the poultry house. Also, as the Kixoo® Feeder is generally elliptical and thus elongated, problems have arisen with regard to feed flow to the outer limits of the feed pan through the single drop tube member. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Briefly, and in accordance with the foregoing, the invention provides a feeder assembly for use in a feed distribution system having a feed supply conduit. The feeder assembly includes a pan member, which is preferably elongated in configuration, in a shape of either two intersecting circles or an oval, such as a racetrack configuration or an elliptical configuration. The feeder assembly also includes first and second fill ports for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit and for providing feed onto a base portion of the pan member. Each fill port provides feed to a separate portion of the base portion of the elongated pan member. The fill ports are defined through an outer grill member which is operatively associated with the pan member. Like the pan member, the outer grill member has a rim member which is preferably elongated in configuration, in a shape of either two intersecting circles or an oval, such as a racetrack configuration or an elliptical configuration. 
   First and second drop tube members are associated with the first and second fill ports, respectively, in order to direct feed flowing through the first and second fill ports through first and second lower feed gates and onto the pan member. The first and second drop tube members can be raised and lowered to adjust the height of the first and second lower feed gates. In one embodiment, the first and second drop tube members are each provided with a brood or upper feed gate to allow feed to flow onto the pan member and be provided at a raised level compared to that which can be provided through the lower feed gates. A feed gate blocker can be moved, preferably manually, to block feed from flowing through the brood gate, if desired. 
   The outer grill member defines a plurality of apertures therethrough through which birds can eat the feed presented on the base portion of the pan member. The feeder assembly provides first and second inner grill members therein which can be rotated to partially mask the apertures through the outer grill member in order to effectively change the width of the apertures. The inner grill members are connected to one another by interlocking fingers such that rotation of one of the inner grill members causes rotation of the other inner grill member in the opposite direction. The inner grill members are rotated by a dial member which is secured to the outer grill member and which, upon rotation thereof between predetermined positions, causes rotation of the one inner grill member, which in turn causes rotation of the other inner grill member in the opposite direction. 
   The feeder assembly also provides an outer ring member which is positioned around and engaged with the outer grill member. The outer ring member can be manipulated to move the outer ring member either upwardly or downwardly to partially mask the apertures through the outer grill member in order to effectively change the height of the apertures. 
   The longitudinal length of each feeder is provided at an angle, preferably 45 degrees, relative to the longitudinal length of the feed supply conduit, such that the feeder assemblies minimize the amount of floor space in a poultry house. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are described in detail hereinbelow. The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a pan member which incorporates features of a first embodiment of a feeder assembly of the invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom plan view of the pan member; 
       FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the pan member; 
       FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the pan member; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the pan member taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the pan member taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of an outer grill member which incorporates features of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the outer grill member; 
       FIG. 9  is a first side plan view of the outer grill member; 
       FIG. 10  is a second side plan view of the outer grill member; 
       FIG. 11  is a front plan view of the outer grill member; 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the outer grill member taken along line L-L, of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the outer grill member taken along line W-W of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of a feed supply conduit securement member which incorporates features of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of the feed supply conduit securement member; 
       FIG. 16  is a side plan view of the feed supply conduit securement member; 
       FIG. 17  is a front plan view of the feed supply conduit securement member; 
       FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the feed supply conduit taken along line  18 - 18  of  FIG. 17 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a top plan view of an inner grill member which incorporates features of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 20  is a first side plan view of the inner grill member; 
       FIG. 21  is a second side plan view of the inner grill member; 
       FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view of the inner grill member taken along line  22 - 22  of  FIG. 19 ; 
       FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of the inner grill member taken along line  23 - 23  of  FIG. 20 ; 
       FIG. 24  is front side view of a drop tube member which incorporates features of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 25  is a first side plan view of the drop tube member; 
       FIG. 26  is a second side plan view of the drop tube member; 
       FIG. 27  is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube member taken along line  27 - 27  of  FIG. 24 ; 
       FIG. 28  is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube member taken along line  28 - 28  of  FIG. 26 ; 
       FIG. 29  is a side view of an outer ring member which incorporates features of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 30  is a front side view of the outer ring member; 
       FIG. 31  is top view of the outer ring member; 
       FIG. 32  is a cross-sectional view of the outer ring member taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG. 31 ; 
       FIG. 33  is a top view of a dial member which incorporates features of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 34  is a bottom view of the dial member; 
       FIG. 35  is a front view of the dial member; 
       FIG. 36  is a first side view of the dial member; 
       FIG. 37  is a second side view of the dial member; 
       FIG. 38  is a cross-sectional view of the dial member taken along line  38 - 38  of  FIG. 33 ; 
       FIG. 39  is a top view of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly connected to the feed supply conduit; 
       FIG. 40  is a bottom view of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly connected to the feed supply conduit; 
       FIG. 41  is a side view of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly connected to the feed supply conduit; 
       FIG. 42  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly taken along line  42 - 42  of  FIG. 39 ; 
       FIG. 43  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly taken along line  43 - 43  of  FIG. 39 ; 
       FIG. 44  is identical to  FIG. 43 , but shows feed flowing through the lower feed gate of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 45  is a top view of a plurality of adjacent feeder assemblies of the first embodiment connected to the feed supply conduit; 
       FIG. 46  is identical to  FIG. 45 , but shows poultry feeding from each of the feeder assemblies; 
       FIG. 47   a  illustrates a positioning of the dial member relative to the outer grill member to provide the smallest width of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly of the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 47   b  illustrates the smallest width of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly and the largest height of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly of the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 48   a  illustrates a positioning of the dial member relative to the outer grill member to provide a middle range width of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly of the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 48   b  illustrates the middle range width of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly and the middle range height of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly of the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 49   a  illustrates a positioning of the dial member relative to the outer grill member to provide the largest width of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly of the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 49   b  illustrates the largest width of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly and the smallest height of the apertures through which the poultry eat feed from the feeder assembly of the first embodiment; 
       FIG. 50  illustrates a partial view of the first embodiment of the feeder assembly showing the engagement of the fingers of the inner grill members and the engagement of the cam post member of the dial member with one of the inner grill members; 
       FIG. 51  is a back side view of a drop tube member which incorporates features of the second embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 52  is a front side view of the drop tube member; 
       FIG. 53  is a side view of the drop tube member; 
       FIG. 54  is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube member taken along line  54 - 54  of  FIG. 51 ; 
       FIG. 55  is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube member taken along line  55 - 55  of  FIG. 53 ; 
       FIG. 56  is a top view of the drop tube member; 
       FIG. 57  is a front view of a brood gate blocker which incorporates features of the second embodiment of the feeder assembly; 
       FIG. 58  is a side view of the brood gate blocker; 
       FIG. 59  is an opposite side view of the brood gate blocker; 
       FIG. 60  is a bottom view of a masking portion of the brood gate blocker; 
       FIG. 61  is a cross-sectional view of the brood gate blocker; 
       FIG. 62  is a top view of the second embodiment of the feeder assembly connected to the feed supply conduit; 
       FIG. 63  is a side view of the second embodiment of the feeder assembly connected to the feed supply conduit; 
       FIG. 64  is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the feeder assembly connected to the feed supply conduit, showing the brood gate blocker in a position to prevent feed from flowing through the upper brood gate; 
       FIG. 65  is identical to  FIG. 64 , but shows the brood gate blocker in a position to allow feed, as illustrated, to flow through the upper brood gate; 
       FIG. 66  is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube member and the brood gate blocker with the brood gate blocker in a position to allow feed to flow through the upper brood gate; 
       FIG. 67  is a cross-sectional view of the drop tube member and the brood gate blocker with the brood gate blocker in a position to prevent feed from flowing through the upper brood gate; 
       FIG. 68  is a top plan view of a pan member which incorporates features of a third embodiment of a feeder assembly of the invention; 
       FIG. 69  is a top plan view of a grill member which incorporates features of the third embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention; 
       FIG. 70  is a top plan view of an outer ring member which incorporates features of the third embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention; 
       FIG. 71  is a top plan view of a pan member which incorporates features of a fourth embodiment of a feeder assembly of the invention; 
       FIG. 72  is a top plan view of a grill member which incorporates features of the fourth embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention; and 
       FIG. 73  is a top plan view of an outer ring member which incorporates features of the fourth embodiment of the feeder assembly of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS 
   While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated. 
   A first embodiment of the feeder assembly  100  which incorporates features of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-50 ; a second embodiment of the feeder assembly  700  which incorporates features of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 51-67 ; a third embodiment of the feeder assembly  800  which incorporates features of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 68-70 ; and a fourth embodiment of the feeder assembly  900  which incorporates features of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 71-73 . 
   Structure of the Feeder Assembly  100   
   Attention is invited to the first embodiment of the feeder assembly  100  which is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-50 . The illustrated feeder assembly  100  desirably is adapted to be used in connection with a poultry feed distribution system that includes a feed supply conduit  102 . Desirably, the poultry feeder system includes a plurality of feeder assemblies  100 , which can be vertically adjusted to either rest on the ground or be suspended above the ground by raising or lowering the feed supply conduit  102  or by other suitable means. The feeder assemblies  100  are preferably utilized in poultry houses used for housing and feeding poultry which are to be bred, commonly referred to as breeders. The feeder assemblies  100  are specifically designed to allow for the female breeders to eat therefrom, but to prevent the male breeders from eating therefrom. It is to be understood, however, that other types of animals and poultry could also be fed with the feeder assemblies  100  of the invention. 
   The illustrated feeder assembly  100  generally includes a pan member  104 , an outer grill member  184 , first and second feed supply conduit securement members  374 ,  374 ′, first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′, first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482 ′, an outer ring member  526 , and a dial member  568 . 
   Pan Member  104   
   Attention is now directed to the pan member  104 , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . The pan member  104 , in a preferred embodiment, is generally formed in a shape of two intersecting circles as will be described in more detail herein. 
   The pan member  104  includes first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′ which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first upstanding cone portion  106  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second upstanding cone portion  106 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second upstanding cone portion  106 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The first upstanding cone portion  106  extends from a top end  108  thereof, which preferably comes to a point, to a bottom end  110  thereof, which is preferably circular and defined about a center line C 1 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . The center line C 1  extends through the pointed top end  108  of the first upstanding cone portion  106 . A diameter of the first upstanding cone portion  110  preferably increases from the top end  108  to the bottom end  110 . The diameter of the first upstanding cone portion  106  at the bottom end  110  thereof is preferably approximately 4.05 inches. A straight line distance between the center line C 1  and the center line C 1 ′ is preferably approximately 6.0 inches such that a straight line distance between the bottom ends  110 ,  110 ′ is preferably approximately 1.95 inches. 
   The pan member  104  includes first and second base portions  112 ,  112 ′ which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first base portion  112  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second base portion  112 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second base portion  112 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). The first base portion  112  has an inner feeding surface  114  and an outer feeding surface  116  separated by an inner rim member  118 . 
   The inner feeding surface  114  extends radially outwardly from substantially all of the bottom end  110  of the first upstanding cone portion  106  relative to the center line C 1  to the inner rim member  118  such that the inner feeding surface  114  has first and second ends  120 ,  122  and is generally C-shaped. The first and second ends  120 ,  122  connect an inner edge of the inner feeding surface  114  to an outer edge of the inner feeding surface  114 . The inner edge is defined at the connection to the bottom end  110  of the first upstanding cone portion  106  and thus is preferably provided at a radial distance of approximately 2.025 inches from the center line C 1 . The outer edge is preferably provided at a radial distance of approximately 3.37 inches from the center line C 1  such that the inner feeding surface  114  preferably has a width of approximately 1.345 inches. 
   The inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′ are generally C-shaped, and not entirely circular, because an upstanding portion  128  of the pan member  104  is provided which extends between the first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′. The upstanding portion  128  has a top end  130  thereof, which preferably comes to a point, and is defined about a center line C 2 . The center line C 2  extends through the pointed top end  130  of the upstanding portion  128  and is provided generally equidistantly between the center lines C 1 , C 1 ′ along a longitudinal reference line L 1 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
   The upstanding portion  128  defines first, second, third and fourth top edges  132 ,  134 ,  136 ,  138  which extend outwardly from the pointed top end  130 . The first top edge  132  extends angularly downwardly to the first upstanding cone portion  106  along the longitudinal reference line L 1  and the second top edge  134  extends angularly downwardly to the second upstanding cone portion  106 ′ along the longitudinal reference line L 1 . The third and fourth top edges  136 ,  138  extend angularly downwardly to the connections of the inner rim member  118  to the inner rim member  118 ′ in opposite directions of one another along a lateral reference line L 2 , which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal reference line L 1 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Each of the third and fourth top edges  136 ,  138  are thus provided between the first and second top edges  132 ,  134 . 
   The upstanding portion  128  further defines first, second, third and fourth surfaces  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146 . The first surface  140  is provided between the first and third top edges  132 ,  136  and extends downwardly from the top end  130  to the first end  120  of the inner feeding surface  114 . The second surface  142  is provided between the first and fourth top edges  132 ,  138  and extends downwardly from the top end  130  to the second end  122  of the inner feeding surface  114 . The third surface  144  is provided between the second and fourth top edges  134 ,  138  and extends downwardly from the top end  130  to the first end  120 ′ of the inner feeding surface  114 ′. The fourth surface  146  is provided between the second and third top edges  134 ,  136  and extends downwardly from the top end  130  to the second end  122 ′ of the inner feeding surface  114 ′. Each of the surfaces  140 ,  142 ,  144 ,  146  are preferably curved, and are preferably curved in a convex manner. 
   The inner rim member  118  extends radially outwardly from the inner feeding surface  114  relative to the center line C 1  to the outer feeding surface  116 . The inner rim member  118  has first and second ends  148 ,  150  and is generally C-shaped. The first and second ends  148 ,  150  connect an inner edge of the inner rim member  118  to an outer edge of the inner rim member  118 . The inner edge is generally defined at the connection to the outer edge of the inner feeding surface  114  and, thus, is preferably provided at a radial distance of approximately 3.37 inches from the center line C 1 . The outer edge is preferably provided at a radial distance of approximately 4.32 inches from the center line C 1  such that the inner rim member  118  preferably has a width of approximately 0.95 inches. 
   The inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′ are generally C-shaped, and not entirely circular, because the first end  148  of the inner rim member  118  connects to the second end  150 ′ of the inner rim member  118 ′ along the lateral reference line L 2 . Likewise, the second end  150  of the inner rim member  118  connects to the first end  148 ′ of the inner rim member  118 ′ along the lateral reference line L 2 . Thus, the inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′ are generally collectively formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. The first and second ends  148 ,  150 ;  148 ′,  150 ′ of the inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′ also connect to the upstanding portion  128 . 
   The outer feeding surface  116  extends radially outwardly from the inner rim member  118  relative to the center line C 1  to a first outer rim member  152  of the pan member  104 . 
   The outer feeding surface  116  has first and second ends  154 ,  156  and is generally C-shaped. The first and second ends  154 ,  156  connect an inner edge of the outer feeding surface  116  to an outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116 . The inner edge is generally defined at the connection to the outer edge of the inner rim member  118  and, thus, is preferably provided at a radial distance of approximately 4.32 inches from the center line C 1 . The outer edge is preferably provided at a radial distance of approximately 6.15 inches from the center line C 1  such that the outer feeding surface  116  preferably has a width of approximately 1.83 inches. 
   The outer feeding surfaces  116 ,  116 ′ are generally C-shaped, and not entirely circular, because the first end  154  of the outer feeding surface  116  connects to a second end  156 ′ of the outer feeding surface  116 ′ along the lateral reference line L 2 . Likewise, the second end  156  of the outer feeding surface  116  connects to the first end  154 ′ of the outer feeding surface  116 ′ along the lateral reference line L 2 . Thus, the outer feeding surfaces  116 ,  116 ′ are generally collectively formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. 
   The pan member  104  further includes the first and second outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first outer rim member  152  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second outer rim member  152 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second outer rim member  152 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The outer rim member  152  extends upwardly from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116  to a top edge  158 . The outer rim member  152  preferably extends upwardly and outwardly from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116  to the top edge  158 , and further preferably curves upwardly and outwardly, preferably in a concave manner, from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116  to the top edge  158 . Thus, the outer rim member  152  preferably extends radially outwardly from the outer feeding surface  116  relative to the center line C 1 . 
   The outer rim member  152  has first and second ends  160 ,  162  and is thus generally C-shaped. The top edge  158  of the outer rim member  152  separates an inner surface  164  of the pan member  104  from an outer surface  166  of the pan member  104 . The top edge  158  of the outer rim member  152  at the inner and outer surfaces  164 ,  166  of the pan member  104  is preferably provided at a radial distance of approximately 6.53 inches and approximately 6.59 inches from the center line C 1 , respectively. 
   The outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ are generally C-shaped, and not entirely circular, because the first end  160  of the outer rim member  152  connects to the second end  162 ′ of the outer rim member  152 ′ along the lateral reference line L 2 . Likewise, the second end  162  of the outer rim member  152  connects to the first end  160 ′ of the outer rim member  152 ′ along the lateral reference line L 2 . Thus, the top edges  158 ,  158 ′ of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ are generally collectively formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. Tab members  167 ,  167 ′ may extend outwardly from the outer surface  166  of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′. 
   The inner surface  164  of the inner rim member  118  is preferably raised above the inner surfaces  164  of the inner and outer feeding surfaces  114 ,  116  in order to separate the inner and outer feeding surfaces  114 ,  116  for purposes which will be discussed in further detail hereinbelow. The top edge  158  of the outer rim member  152  is preferably provided at a height which is higher than the inner surface  166  of the inner rim member  118 , and the top ends  108  of the first upstanding cone portion  106  is preferably provided at a height which is higher than the top edge  158  of the outer rim member  152 . The top end  130  of the upstanding portion  128  is preferably provided at a height which is higher than the inner surface  166  of the inner rim member  118 , but which is lower than the height of the top edge  158  of the outer rim member  152 . 
   The first base portion  112  of the pan member  104  preferably includes a plurality of fin members  168  which separate the inner feeding surface  114  into a plurality of feeding pockets  170 . Each fin member  168  generally extends from the first upstanding cone portion  106 , along the inner feeding surface  114 , to the inner rim member  118 . The first base portion  112  is illustrated as having eight (8) fin members  168  separating the inner feeding surface  114 , but it is to be understood that more or less fin members  168 , as desired, could be provided. 
   The first base portion  112  of the pan member  104  preferably includes a plurality of fin members  172  which separate the outer feeding surface  116  into a plurality of feeding pockets  174 . Each fin member  172  generally extends from the inner rim member  118 , along the outer feeding surface  116 , to the first outer rim member  152 . The first base portion  112  is illustrated as having three (3) fin members  172  separating the outer feeding surface  116 , but it is to be understood that more or less fin members  172 , as desired, could be provided. 
   Along a line T 1  which is tangent to the outer surfaces  166 ,  166 ′ of both the first and second outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′, first and second hook members  175 ,  175 ′ extend outwardly from the outer surfaces  166 ,  166 ′ of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The first hook member  175  extends outwardly from the outer surface  166  of the outer rim member  152 , and the second hook member  175 ′ extends outwardly from the outer surface  166 ′ of the outer rim member  152 ′. 
   A plurality of reinforcement/support members  176 ,  176 ′ extend inwardly from the inner surfaces  164 ,  164 ′ of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′. The reinforcement/support members  176 ,  176 ′ extend from proximate the connection of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ to the base portions  112 ,  112 ′ to top ends  177 ,  177 ′ thereof which are provided proximate the top edges  158 ,  158 ′ of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′. Notches  178 ,  178 ′ are provided in the top ends  177 ,  177 ′ which define shelf portions  179 ,  179 ′ of the reinforcement/support members  176 ,  176 ′. Each of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ is preferably provided with five (5) reinforcement/support members  176 ,  176 ′ where one (1) of the five (5) reinforcement/support members  176 ,  176 ′ is provided along the longitudinal reference line L 1 . Each of the five (5) reinforcement/support members  176 ,  176 ′ are provided generally equidistantly from one another. 
   Each outer rim member  152 ,  152 ′ also has a flange  180 ,  180 ′ which extends outwardly from the outer surfaces  166 ,  166 ′ thereof from the first ends  160 ,  160 ′ thereof to the second ends  162 ,  162 ′ thereof, except for where the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ are provided. The flanges  180 ,  180 ′ are provided at a predetermined distance below the top edges  158 ,  158 ′ and provide top surfaces or top ledges  181 ,  181 ′, bottom surfaces  182 ,  182 ′, and outer edges  183 ,  183 ′. 
   Thus, from the foregoing and from a study of  FIGS. 1-6  illustrating the pan member  104 , it is apparent that the pan member  104  is generally formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. Each of the intersecting circles is preferably equal in diameter, which is approximately thirteen inches. The pan member  104  has at least one (1) plane of symmetry (not taking into account the placement of the fin members  168 ,  168 ′ or the fin members  172 ,  172 ′), whether mirror symmetry (identical or mirror image on either side of plane of symmetry) or two-fold rotational symmetry (shape returns to the same shape after rotation through 180 degrees). The axis of symmetry of the pan member  104  is taken along the lateral reference line L 2 . If the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ were not provided on the pan member  104 , the pan member  104  would have an infinite number of axes of symmetry, all of which would extend through the center reference line C 2 , including an axis of symmetry of the pan member  104  taken along the longitudinal reference line L 1 . It is further envisioned that the pan member  104  could be formed in the shape of three or more intersecting circles, as desired, in keeping with the principles of the invention, such that the pan member  104  would have planes of multi-fold rotational symmetry (for instance, if three intersecting circles provided, three-fold rotational symmetry such that the shape would return to the same shape after rotation through 120 degrees). 
   Outer Grill Member  184   
   Attention is now directed to the outer grill member  184 , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13 . 
   The outer grill member  184  includes a rim member  186 , a spoke assembly  188 , and a top member  190 . The spoke assembly  188  is connected at a lower end thereof to the rim member  186  and at an upper end thereof to the top member  190 . The rim member  186 , the spoke assembly  188  and the top member  190  are all preferably integrally formed. The outer grill member  184  is preferably elongated such that a length of the outer grill member  184 , which is defined along line L-L of  FIG. 7  where the length of the outer grill member  184  is at its largest, is larger than a width of the outer grill member  184 , which is defined along lines W-W and W′-W′ of  FIG. 7  where the width of the outer grill member  184  is at its largest. 
   The rim member  186 , in a preferred embodiment, is generally formed in a shape to match the shape in which the top edges  158 ,  158 ′ of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ of the pan member  104  are formed, preferably in a shape of two intersecting circles, such that the rim member  186  has a first portion  192  which is generally C-shaped in configuration and has first and second ends  194 ,  196 , and a second portion  192 ′ which is generally C-shaped in configuration and has first and second ends  194 ′,  196 ′. The first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ are preferably identical to one another, with the first end  194  of the first portion  192  being connected to the second end  196 ′ of the second portion  192 ′, and with the second end  196  of the first portion  192  being connected to the first end  194 ′ of the second portion  192 ′. As the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ are identical to one another in configuration, only the first portion  192  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second portion  192 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second portion  192 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The first portion  192  of the rim member  186  has a side rim portion  198  including an inner wall  200  and a plurality of outer walls  202 . 
   The inner wall  200  has an inner surface  204  and an outer surface  206 . The inner wall  200  is preferably arcuate or C-shaped in configuration and extends from the first end  194  to the second end  196 . The inner wall  200  extends upwardly from a bottom edge  208  of the side rim portion  198  to a top rim portion  210  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186 . The bottom edge  208  is preferably planar. 
   The outer walls  202  are formed as a plurality of spaced-apart projecting portions which extend outwardly from the outer surface  206  of the inner wall  200  from the first end  194  to the second end  196 . Each outer wall  202  extends upwardly from the bottom edge  208  of the side rim portion  198  to the top rim portion  210 . Each outer wall  202  has first and second ends  211 ,  212  which are connected to the outer surface  206  of the inner wall  200 . From the first end  211 , each outer wall  202  has a first surface  214  which curves outwardly from the outer surface  206  of the inner wall  200 , preferably in a concave manner, to a second surface  216 . From the second end  212 , each outer wall  202  has a third surface  218  which curves outwardly from the outer surface  206  of the inner wall  200 , preferably in a concave manner, to a fourth surface  220 . From the first surface  214 , the second surface  216  curves outwardly, preferably in a convex manner, to a fifth surface  222 . From the third surface  218 , the fourth surface  220  curves outwardly, preferably in a convex manner, to the fifth surface  222 . The fifth surface  222  extends preferably straight between the third and fourth surfaces  218 ,  220 . 
   Preferably, from the first end  194  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186 , the side rim portion  198  begins with half of an outer wall  202 , such that only half of the fifth surface  222  is provided. When viewed from the side, the inner wall  200  and the outer walls  202  appear to be provided in alternating configuration about the arced perimeter of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  to another half of an outer wall  202  provided at the second end  196  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186 . In a preferred embodiment, nine (9) outer walls  202  are provided, and two (2) half outer walls  202  are provided. 
   Thus, the half fifth surface  222  of the half outer wall  202  provided on the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  at the first end  194  thereof will be joined to the half fifth surface  222 ′ of the half outer wall  202 ′ provided on the second portion  192 ′ of the rim member  186  at the second end  196 ′ thereof, but the half fifth surfaces  222 ,  222 ′ will be angled relative to one another because of the rim member  186  being formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. Likewise, the half fifth surface  222  of the half outer wall  202  provided on the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  at the second end  196  thereof will be joined to the half fifth surface  222 ′ of the half outer wall  202 ′ provided on the second portion  192 ′ of the rim member  186  at the first end  194 ′ thereof, but the half fifth surfaces  222 ,  222 ′ will be angled relative to one another because of the rim member  186  being formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. The two intersecting circles defining the rim member  186  preferably have equal diameters. 
   The top rim portion  210  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  extends inwardly from the side rim portion  198 . The top rim portion  210  is formed of a plurality of concave surfaces  224 , and a plurality of generally flat surfaces  226 . The concave surfaces  224  and the flat surfaces  226  are provided in an alternating configuration from the first end  194  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  to the second end  196  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186 . 
   Each concave surface  224  is connected to the outer surface  206  of the inner wall  200  between adjacent outer walls  202 , and each flat surface  226  is connected to one of the outer walls  202 . Thus, in a preferred embodiment, nine (9) concave surfaces  224  are provided, eight (8) flat surfaces  226  are provided, and two (2) half flat surfaces  226  are provided. The connection between the concave surfaces  224  and the outer surface  206  of the inner wall  200 , and the connection between the flat surfaces  226  and the outer walls  202 , is preferably rounded or smoothed to define a rounded rim portion  228  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186 , such that there are not sharp edges defined between the top rim portion  210  and the side rim portion  198 . 
   The first portion  192  of the rim member  186  further includes a sealing member  230  which extends generally straight downwardly from the top rim portion  210  to an end  232  thereof. The sealing member  230  is spaced from the inner surface  204  of the inner wall  200  at a generally constant distance from the first end  194  to the second end  196 . The sealing member  230  preferably does not extend as far downwardly from the top rim portion  210  as does the inner wall  200  and, thus, does not extend to the bottom edge  208  of the side rim portion  198 . 
   The first portion  192  of the rim member  186  also includes an extension  234  which extends outwardly from one of the outer walls  202 , preferably the first full outer wall  202  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  proximate to the first end  194  thereof. A slot  236  is provided between the extension  234  and the bottom edge  208  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  and/or between the fifth surface  222  of the outer wall  202  of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186 . In a preferred embodiment, the fifth surface  222  of the outer wall  202  has a notch  238  cut therein from the bottom edge  208  to aid in access to the slot  236 . The purpose for the slot  236  will be discussed in further detail herein. 
   The first portion  192  of the rim member  186  further includes a pair of tongue extensions  240 . Each tongue extension  240  extends downwardly from the bottom edge  208  of the inner wall  200 , between where two adjacent outer walls  202  connect to the inner wall  200 . Each tongue extension  240  defines inner and outer surfaces  242 ,  244  and an outer edge  246  which connects the inner and outer surfaces  242 ,  244 . The outer edge  246  is generally arcuate in configuration, but can be configured in any shape desired. Each tongue extension  240  has a wedge-shaped flange  248  extending inwardly from the inner surface  242  thereof proximate to the connection of the bottom edge  208  of the inner wall  200 . Each wedge-shaped flange  248  has a flat surface  250  which extends inwardly generally perpendicularly to the inner surface  242  and which is generally parallel to, and which may be planar with, the bottom edge  208  of the inner wall  200 . Each wedge-shaped flange  248  also has an angled surface  252  which extends angularly downwardly and outwardly from the flat surface  250  back to the inner surface  242  of the tongue extension  240 . Each tongue extension  240  is preferably provided with a little flexibility relative to the inner wall  200  such that the tongue extension  240  can be flexed inwardly and/or outwardly relative to the inner wall  200  as desired. One of the tongue extensions  240  is preferably provided generally opposite where the extension  234  is provided, and the other one of the tongue extensions  240  is provided generally equidistantly between where the extension  234  and the other tongue extension  240  are provided, namely along a longitudinal center of the rim member  186 . More or less tongue extensions  240  may be provided on the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  as desired. 
   The first portion  192  of the rim member  186  further includes a pair of elongated apertures  254  provided through the rounded rim portion  228 . Each elongated aperture  254  is provided above where the wedge-shaped flanges  248  of the tongue extensions  240  are provided in order provide visibility of the wedge-shaped flanges  248  through the elongated apertures  254 . 
   The spoke assembly  188  includes a first set of spoke members  256 , a second set of spoke members  258 , and a ring member  260 . The ring member  260  has inner and outer surfaces  262 ,  264 , and upper and lower edges  266 ,  268 . The inner and outer surfaces  262 ,  264  are curved, preferably in a convex manner, from the lower edge  268  to the upper edge  266  such that the lower edge  268  is preferably generally planar with the bottom edges  208 ,  208 ′ of the rim member  186 , and such that the upper edge  266  if not preferably planar with the lower edge  268 . The ring member  260  is generally formed in the shape of two intersecting circles, but the intersection of the two circles is generally rounded in an opposite direction relative to the remainder of the ring member  260 . Thus, the ring member  260  has first and second arcuate portions  270 ,  272  which are provided opposite one another, and third and fourth arcuate portions  274 ,  276  which are provided opposite one another, and which connect the first and second arcuate portions  270 ,  272  together. 
   The first set of spoke members  256  include a plurality of individual spaced-apart spoke members  256 . Each spoke member  256  extends from the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ of the side rim portions  198 ,  198 ′ to the lower edge  268  of the ring member  260 . Preferably, each spoke member  256  has first, second, third and fourth portions  278 ,  280 ,  282 ,  284 . Preferably, each first portion  278  curves, preferably in a convex manner, inwardly and upwardly from one of the flat surfaces  226 ,  226 ′ of the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ to the second portion  280 . The second portion  280  extends angularly upwardly and inwardly from the first portion  278  to the third portion  282 . The third portion  282  curves, preferably in a concave manner, inwardly and upwardly from the second portion  280  to the fourth portion  284 . The fourth portion  284  extends angularly upwardly and inwardly from the third portion  282  to the lower edge  268  of the ring member  260 . Thus, the ring member  260  is provided above and inward of the rim member  186 . A width of the spoke members  256  is generally increased from the connection to the ring member  260  to the connection to the rim member  186 . Preferably, eighteen (18) spoke members  256  are provided, but the two spoke members  256  which extend upwardly from the connections of the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186  are thicker in width than the remainder of the spoke members  256 . Thus, apertures  286  are provided between each adjacent spoke members  256  and between the rim member  186  and the ring member  260 . Preferably, eighteen (18) apertures  286  are provided through the outer grill member  184 . 
   The second set of spoke members  258  include a plurality of individual spaced-apart spoke members  258 . Each spoke member  258  extends from the upper edge  266  of the ring member  260  to the top member  190 . Preferably, each spoke member  258  has first, second, third and fourth portions  288 ,  290 ,  292 ,  294 . Preferably, each first portion  288  curves, preferably in a concave manner, upwardly and inwardly from the upper edge  266  of the ring member  260  to the second portion  290 . The second portion  290  extends angularly upwardly and inwardly from the first portion  288  to the third portion  292 . The third portion  292  curves, preferably in a convex manner, inwardly and upwardly from the second portion  290  to the fourth portion  294 . The fourth portion  294  extends generally straight inwardly from the third portion  292  to an outer edge  296  of the top member  190 . Thus, the top member  190  is provided above and inward of the ring member  260 . Each spoke member  258  is preferably generally aligned above one of the spoke members  256 . If desired, material can be removed from between adjacent spoke members  258  in order to reduce the amount of material used to  5  form the outer grill member  184 , to reduce the cost of manufacturing the outer grill member  184 , and to allow for visibility through the outer grill member  184 , so long as the amount of material removed does not violate the integrity of the outer grill member  184 . 
   A plurality of reinforcing members  298  are provided on the outer grill member  184 . Each reinforcing member  298  extends outwardly from the spoke members  256 ,  258  and from the ring member  260 . Each spoke member  256  has at least one reinforcing member  298  extending outwardly therefrom, but the two spoke members  256  provided above the connection of the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186  preferably have two reinforcing members  298  extending outwardly therefrom. Thus, there are preferably twenty (20) reinforcing members  298 . Preferably all of the reinforcing members  298 , except for two of those provided above one of the connections of the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186 , extend beyond the connection of the spoke members  258  and the top member  190 , and onto the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 , but these reinforcing members  298  preferably do not extend far enough on the top member  190  such that they contact one another. Some of the reinforcing members  298  which extend onto the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  may extend further off of the top member  190  than some of the other reinforcing members  298  for reasons which will be discussed in further detail herein. 
   At least one of, and preferably four of, the reinforcing members  298  have a plurality of notches  300  cut therein along the portion thereof which extends from the fourth portion  284  of the spoke members  256 . The notches  300  are preferably provided on the four reinforcing members  298  which are adjacent to the spoke members  256  that are adjacent to the spoke members  256  having two reinforcing members  298  provided thereon. The reinforcing members  298  having the notches  300  preferably have notches  300  which are evenly spaced apart from one another along the height of the reinforcing member  298 , and the notches  300  preferably number six (6). The purpose for the notches  300  will be discussed in further detail herein. Each of the reinforcement members  298  has an enlarged portion  301  provided below where the notches  300  would be, or are, provided thereon, and above the connection to the rim member  186 . 
   The top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  has interior and exterior surfaces  302 ,  304  which are both preferably generally planar with one another and with the bottom edges  208 ,  208 ′ of the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184 . The interior and exterior surfaces  302 ,  304  are connected to one another by the outer edge  296  of the top member  190 . 
   The top member  190  has first and second apertures  306 ,  306 ′ provided therethrough. Each aperture  306 ,  306 ′ is generally elongated in configuration, preferably in a racetrack configuration, but any other configuration for the apertures  306 ,  306 ′ is acceptable, but preferably the apertures  306 ,  306 ′ are provided in some oval or elliptical configuration, namely the racetrack configuration. The first and second apertures  306 ,  306 ′ are preferably provided separated from, and parallel to, one another, but are preferably provided at an angle relative to the line L-L, preferably at a forty-five (45) degree angle relative to the line L-L. Each aperture  306 ,  306 ′ has first and second opposite end portions  308 ,  310 ;  308 ′,  310 ′ provided along the length thereof. The first aperture  306  is provided through the top member  190  such that the first opposite end portion  308  is provided at the intersection of the line L-L and line W-W, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . The second aperture  306 ′ is provided through the top member  190  such that the first opposite end portion  308 ′ is provided at the intersection of the line L-L and the line W′-W′, as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . From the first opposite end portions  308 ,  308 ′, the remainder of the first and second apertures  306 ,  306 ′ extends outwardly therefrom, in opposite directions, to the second opposite end portions  310 ,  310 ′. 
   The first aperture  306  is formed as a part of a first fill port  312  defined by the top member  190 , and the second aperture  306 ′ is formed as a part of a second fill port  312 ′ defined by the top member  190 . The first fill port  312  is defined by the first aperture  306 , a first feed pipe supporting base  314 , and a first feed directing extension  316 . Likewise, the second fill port  312 ′ is defined by the second aperture  306 ′, a second feed pipe supporting base  314 ′, and a second feed directing extension  316 ′. As the first fill port  312  and the second fill port  312 ′ are identical to one another in configuration, other than being reversed in positioning on the top member  190 , only the first fill port  312  will be described hereinbelow in detail with the understanding that the description of the second fill port  312 ′ would be identical, except as otherwise noted. Reference numerals denoting elements of the second fill port  312 ′ will be denoted with a prime (′) to differentiate from the reference numerals denoting elements of the first fill port  312 . 
   The first feed pipe supporting base  314  is generally U-shaped in configuration such that it has a first base leg  318 , and second and third extending legs  320 ,  322  which extend outwardly, in the same direction, from opposite ends of the first base leg  318  to free ends  324 ,  326  thereof, such that a first opening  328  of the first fill port  312  is defined, at the top thereof. The second opposite end portion  310  of the first aperture  306  is in communication with, and is generally provided directly below, the top opening  328  of the first fill port  312 . The first, second and third legs  318 ,  320 ,  322  are preferably integrally formed with the top member  190  and are positioned on the exterior surface  304  thereof. Top surfaces of the second and third extending legs  320 ,  322  are configured in a concave manner such that the elongated feed supply conduit  102  can be supported on the concave top surfaces of the second and third extending legs  320 ,  322 . The lowest point of the concavity of the top surfaces of the second and third extending legs  320 ,  322  is preferably positioned at or above the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190 . The top surface of the first base leg  318  is generally planar with the top surfaces of the second and third extending legs  320 ,  322  at their free ends  324 ,  326 . First and second apertures  330 ,  332  are provided through the top surface of the first base leg  318  at the ends thereof, and third and fourth apertures  334 ,  336  are provided through the top surfaces of the second and third extending legs  320 ,  322  at their free ends  324 ,  326 , the purpose of which will be discussed in further detail herein. 
   The first feed directing extension  316  is generally wedge shaped in configuration. The first feed directing extension  316  is preferably integrally formed with the top member  190  and is positioned on the interior surface  302  of the top member  190  around the first aperture  306 . The first feed directing extension  316  has a ramp portion  338  which enlarges the depth of the first aperture  306  from the second portion  310  thereof to the first portion  308  thereof. The first feed directing extension  316  also defines a second opening  340  of the first fill port  312 , at the bottom thereof. The bottom opening  340  is in communication with, and is positioned generally directly below, the first portion  308  of the first aperture  306 , next to a lower end of the ramp portion  338 , such that were any liquid or solid placed on the ramp portion  338 , the liquid or solid would tend to move down the ramp portion  338  toward the bottom opening  340 . The bottom opening  340  is thus offset from the top opening  328  of the first fill port  312 . 
   The top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  has a third aperture  342  provided therethrough which is generally circular in configuration, and which defines an aperture wall  344  through the top member  190 . The third aperture  342  is preferably provided proximate to the first base leg  318  of the first feed pipe supporting base  314 , and generally proximate to the first portion  308 ′ of the second aperture  306 ′ through the top member  190 . An arcuate portion of the aperture wall  344  which is provided most proximate to the spoke members  256  has a plurality of notches  346  provided therein which extend from the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190  to the interior surface  302  of the top member  190 . The notches  346  are generally equally spaced apart from one another and, preferably, ten (10) notches  346  are provided. Of course, it is to be understood, that the number of notches  346  can be varied as desired, for purposes which will be discussed in detail herein. 
   The exterior surface  304  has a plurality of indicators  348  provided thereon between the arcuate portion of the aperture wall  344  of the third aperture  342  and the connection of the outer edge  296  of the top member  190 . The number of indicators  348  is directly related to the number of notches  346  provided and, as such, the corresponding notch  346  is provided along the same radial line as is the corresponding indicator  348  relative to a center of the third aperture  342 . The indicators  348  are preferably numbers which indicate a width, preferably in millimeters, of the apertures  286  provided between adjacent spoke member  256 , which can be changed as desired, as will be discussed further in detail hereinbelow. Preferably, the numbers of the indicators  348  are forty-one (41) to fifty (50). 
   The top member  190  has fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh apertures  350 ,  352 ,  350 ′,  352 ′ provided therethrough, where the fourth and fifth apertures  350 ,  352  are associated with the first fill port  312  and where the sixth and seventh apertures  350 ′,  352 ′ are associated with the second fill port  312 ′. The sixth aperture  350 ′ is identical to the fourth aperture  350  and the seventh aperture  352 ′ is identical to the fifth aperture  352  and, therefore, only the configuration and positioning of the fourth and fifth apertures  350 ,  352  will be described in detail herein. The fourth aperture  350  is generally rectangular in configuration, but the sides thereof may be slightly curved if desired, and is positioned next to the first portion  308  of the first aperture  306  and proximate to the free end  324  of the second extending leg  320  of the first feed pipe supporting base  314 . The fifth aperture  352  is generally rectangular in configuration, but the sides thereof may be slightly curved if desired, and is positioned next to the first portion  308  of the first aperture  306  and proximate to the free end  326  of the third extending leg  322  of the first feed pipe supporting base  314 . Thus, the fifth aperture  352  is provided opposite the fourth aperture  350 , across the first portion  308  of the first aperture  306 . The sides of the apertures  350 ,  352  which are not next to the first portion  308  of the first aperture  306  have notches  354 ,  356  provided therein. 
   The top member  190  has eighth and ninth apertures  358 ,  358 ′ provided therethrough, where the eighth aperture  358  is associated with the first fill port  312  and where the ninth aperture  358 ′ is associated with the second fill port  312 ′. The ninth aperture  358 ′ is identical to the eighth aperture  358  and, therefore, only the configuration and positioning of the eighth aperture  358  will be described in detail herein. The eighth aperture  358  is generally circular in configuration and is positioned outwardly from the first portion  308  of the first aperture  306 , generally equidistantly from the fourth and fifth apertures  350 ,  352 . 
   Proximate to the outer edge  296  of the top member  190 , a plurality of support flanges  360 ,  360 ′ extend downwardly from the interior surface  302  of the top member  190 . Each support flange  360 ,  360 ′ has a first portion  362 ,  362 ′ which extends straight downwardly from the top member  190  to a free end  364 ,  364 ′ thereof. Each support flange  360 ,  360 ′ also has a second portion  366 ,  366 ′ which is generally wedge-shaped and which extends outwardly from the first portion  362 ,  362 ′ proximate to the free end  364 ,  364 ′. The wedge-shaped second portion  366 ,  366 ′ defines a support ledge  368 ,  368 ′ thereon. Preferably, four (4) support flanges  360  are provided and four (4) support flanges  360 ′ are provided. The support flanges  360  are provided proximate the first fill port  312  and the support flanges  360 ′ are provided proximate the second fill port  312 ′. Each of the support flanges  360  are provided generally equidistantly from one another about a circle having its center at the intersection of lines L-L and W-W and three (3) of the four (4) are spaced generally equidistantly from the outer edge  296  of the top member  190 . Each of the support flanges  360 ′ are provided generally equidistantly from one another about a circle having its center at the intersection of lines L-L and W′-W′ and three (3) of the four (4) support flanges  360 ,  360 ′ are spaced generally equidistantly from the outer edge  296  of the top member  190 . If desired, tenth and eleventh apertures  370 ,  370 ′ may be provided through the top member  190  generally above where the three (3) of the four (4) support flanges  360 ,  360 ′ are provided in order to allow visibility of the wedge-shaped second portions  366 ,  366 ′ for purposes which will be discussed in detail herein. The one (1) support flanges  360 ,  360 ′ which are not spaced generally equidistantly from the outer edge  296 , but rather are provided next to, and separated from, one another. If desired, a twelfth aperture  372  may be provided through the top member  190  generally above where the one (1) support flanges  360 ,  360 ′ are provided in order to allow visibility of the wedge-shaped second portions  366 ,  366 ′ for purposes which will be described in detail herein. The twelfth aperture  372  is preferably rectangular in configuration. The twelfth aperture  372  is provided generally equidistantly between the third extending leg  322  of the first feed pipe supporting base  314 , and between the third extending leg  322 ′ of the second feed pipe supporting base  314 ′. The twelfth aperture  372 , however, does not extend parallel to the third extending legs  322 ,  322 ′, but rather extends at an angle relative to the third extending legs  322 ,  322 ′, preferably at a forty-five (45) degree angle as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
   Other apertures not described may be provided through the top member  190  as desired either for the purposes of removal of material, such that less material is used in making the outer grill member  184 , or for the purpose of allowing for dust removal from within the outer grill member  184 , or both. 
   Feed Supply Conduit Securement Members  374 ,  374 ′ 
   First and second feed supply conduit securement members  374 ,  374 ′ are provided, which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first feed supply conduit securement member  374  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). The first feed supply conduit securement member  374  is associated with the first fill port  312  and the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ is associated with the second fill port  312 ′. 
   The first feed supply conduit securement member  374 , as best illustrated in  FIGS. 14-18 , has first and second portions  376 ,  378 . The first portion  376  is generally wedge-shaped such that a top surface thereof extends generally angularly upwardly from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. The first portion  376  is configured to be positioned on the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190  around the first portion  308  of the first aperture  306 . First and second apertures  379 ,  380  are provided on opposite sides of the first portion  376  on opposite sides of the first aperture  306   
   The second portion  378  extends from the second end of the first portion  376  proximate to or at a top thereof. The second portion  378  is a generally elongated arcuate member having first and second generally planar ends  381 ,  382  and upper and lower arcuate surfaces  384 ,  386  extending therebetween. The second portion  378  is connected to the first portion  376  generally at or proximate to the first planar end  381 . The first planar end  381  is preferably not continuous such that the lower arcuate surface  386  of the second portion  378  is connected to an inner surface  390  of the first portion  376 . An aperture  392  is provided through the second portion  378  generally equidistantly between the first and second planar ends  381 ,  382 . 
   The first feed supply conduit securement element  374  further includes a roost extension  394  extending upwardly from the upper arcuate surface  384  of the second portion  378  to an upper edge  396  thereof. The roost extension  394  defines an aperture  398  therethrough which is in communication with the aperture  392  through the second portion  378  as the roost extension  394  extends upwardly from the upper arcuate surface  384  around the aperture  398 . The roost extension  394  is configured at or around the upper edge  396  thereof to have a roost wire (not shown) secured thereto, for purposes which are known in the art. 
   The first feed supply conduit securement element  374  further includes first, second, third and fourth extensions  400 ,  402 ,  404 ,  406 . The first and second extensions  400 ,  402  extend downwardly from opposite sides of the first planar end  381  and the third and fourth extensions  404 ,  406  extend downwardly from opposite sides of the second planar end  382 . 
   Inner Grill Members  408 ,  408 ′ 
   Attention is now directed to the first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′. The first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first inner grill member  408  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second inner grill member  408 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second inner grill member  408 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The first inner grill member  408 , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 19-23 , has a first arcuate ring portion  410  having first and second ends  412 ,  414 , upper and lower edges  416 ,  418 , and inner and outer surfaces  420 ,  422 . The lower edge  418  is preferably planar from the first end  412  to the second end  414 . The inner and outer surfaces  420 ,  422  extend upwardly from the lower edge  418  to the upper edge  416  and are generally perpendicular to the planar lower edge  418 . 
   The first inner grill member  408  has a second arcuate ring portion  424  having first and second ends  426 ,  428 , upper and lower edges  430 ,  432 , and inner and outer surfaces  434 ,  436 . The lower edge  432  is preferably generally planar from the first end  426  to the second end  428 , and is generally parallel with the planar lower edge  418  of the first arcuate ring portion  410 . 
   The first inner grill member  408  has a top portion  438  defining top and bottom surfaces  440 ,  442 , inner and outer walls  444 ,  446 , an outer edge  448  and a lower edge  450 . The inner wall  444  is defined by an aperture  452  extending through the top portion  438 , and extends from the top surface  440  to the lower edge  450 . The aperture  452  is preferably generally circular in configuration such that the inner wall  444  is preferably generally cylindrical in configuration. The lower edge  450  connects the inner and outer walls  444 ,  446  and is generally planar to the lower edge  418  of the first arcuate ring member  410 . The outer wall  446  extends upwardly from the lower edge  450  to the bottom surface  442 . The bottom surface  442  extends outwardly from the outer wall  446  to the outer edge  448 , which connects the bottom surface  442  to the top surface  440 . The top and bottom surfaces  440 ,  442  are preferably planar with the lower edge  450 , and with the lower edge  418  of the first arcuate ring member  410 . 
   A plurality of spaced-apart spoke members  454  extend from the upper edge  416  of the first arcuate ring portion  410  to the lower edge  432  of the second arcuate ring portion  424 , such that a plurality of apertures  456  are provided between the first and second arcuate ring portions  410 ,  424  and adjacent spoke members  454 . Each spoke member  454  is generally formed of first, second, third and fourth portions  458 ,  460 ,  462 ,  463 . The first portion  458  is curved, preferably in a concave manner, inwardly and upwardly from the upper edge  416  of the first arcuate ring portion  410  to the second portion  460 . The second portion  460  is angled inwardly and upwardly from the first portion  458  to the third portion  462 . The third portion  462  is curved, preferably in a concave manner, inwardly and upwardly from the second portion  460  to the fourth portion  463 . The fourth portion  463  extends generally straight upwardly from the third portion  462  to the lower edge  432  of the second arcuate ring portion  424 . Thus, the first arcuate ring portion  410  is formed at a larger diameter than is the second arcuate ring portion  424 . A width of each spoke member  454  is also increased from the connection thereof to the second arcuate ring portion  424  to the connection thereof to the first arcuate ring portion  410 . The upper edge  416  of the first arcuate ring portion  410 , between adjacent spoke members  454 , is preferably curved, preferably to have a concave portion between convex portions which extend to the adjacent spoke members  454 . Preferably, ten (10) spoke members  454  are provided such that nine (9) apertures are provided between adjacent spoke members  454 . The spoke members  454  provided at the first and second ends  412 ,  414 ;  426 ,  428  of the first and second arcuate ring members  410 ,  424  may be reduced in width compared to the remainder of the spoke members  454 , if desired. 
   A plurality of spaced-apart spoke members  464  extend from the upper edge  430  of the second arcuate ring portion  424  to the bottom surface  442  and the outer wall  446  of the top portion  438 , such that a plurality of apertures  466  are provided between the second arcuate ring portion  424 , the top portion  438 , and adjacent spoke members  464 . Each spoke member  464  is generally formed of first, second and third portions  468 ,  470 ,  472 . The first portion  468  is curved, preferably in a convex manner, inwardly and upwardly from the upper edge  430  of the second arcuate ring portion  424  to the second portion  470 . The second portion  470  is angled inwardly and upwardly from the first portion  468  to the third portion  472 . The third portion  472  is curved, preferably in a convex manner, inwardly and upwardly from the second portion  470  to the outer edge  448  of the top portion  438 . A width of each spoke member  464  is also increased from the connection thereof to the second arcuate ring portion  424  to the connection thereof to the top portion  438 . Preferably, ten (10) spoke members  464  are provided such that nine (9) apertures  466  are provided between adjacent spoke members  464 . The spoke members  464  provided at the first and second ends  426 ,  428  of the second arcuate ring member  424  may be reduced in width compared to the remainder of the spoke members  464 , if desired. The spoke members  464  are preferably generally aligned with the spoke members  454 . 
   The outer wall  446 , which the spoke members  464  connect, is generally preferably cylindrical in configuration. The outer wall  446 , however, does have a plurality of finger-like elements  474  extending outwardly therefrom generally equidistantly between where the two (2) end spoke members  464  connect to the outer wall  446 . The finger-like elements  474  are preferably rounded and preferably number four (4), although more or less could be provided as desired, such that three (3) notches  476 , which are preferably rounded, are provided between the finger-like elements  474 . 
   The outer edge  448  is generally C-shaped in configuration between the two (2) end spoke members  464  such that the outer edge  448  is generally arcuate in configuration to match the curvature of the inner and outer walls  444 ,  446 . From the connection of each of the end spoke members  464  to the outer wall  446 , however, the outer edge  448  extends outwardly to a line which is tangent to the outer wall  446  where the finger-like elements  474  are provided. An aperture  478  is provided through the top portion  438  from the top surface  440  thereof to the bottom surface  442  thereof between one of the end spoke members  464  and the finger-like elements  474 . The aperture  478  is generally elongated in configuration, having a length which is larger than its width, and is preferably formed in a race-track configuration, but may be formed in any other elliptical or oval configuration as desired. The length of the aperture  478  extends generally normal to the outer wall  446 . 
   The inner grill member  408  may preferably have a plurality of notches  480  formed in the outer surface  436  of the second arcuate ring portion  424 . Each notch  480  is preferably provided next to, and on one side of, the connection of the spoke members  454 ,  464  to the second arcuate ring portion  424 . The notches  480  assist in the stacking of inner grill members  408 , in order to provide a smaller package for shipping, thus saving costs. 
   Drop Tube Members  482 ,  482 ′ 
   Attention is now directed to the first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482 ′. The first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482 ′ are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first drop tube member  482  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second drop tube member  482 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second drop tube member  482 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The first drop tube member  482 , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 24-28 , has upper and lower edges  484 ,  486  and an aperture  488  extending therethrough from the upper edge  484  to the lower edge  486  thereof. The aperture  488  defines an inner wall  490  of the first drop tube member  482 , which also has an outer wall  492 . The first drop tube member  482  is preferably configured to have cylindrical and conical portions such that the upper and lower edges  484 ,  486  are preferably circular in configuration. An inner diameter of the aperture  488  at the lower edge  486  is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the aperture  488  at the upper edge  484 . 
   The first drop tube member  482  has first and second extension members  494 ,  496  which extend upwardly from the upper edge  484  to free ends  498 ,  500 . The first and second extension members  494 ,  496  are positioned opposite one another and are identical in configuration to one another. The first and second extension members  494 ,  496  have inner and outer surfaces  502 ,  504 ;  506 ,  508 . The inner surfaces  502 ,  506  are preferably flush with the inner wall  490  and the outer surfaces  504 ,  508  are preferably flush with the outer wall  492 . The outer surfaces  504 ,  508  of the first and second extension members  494 ,  496  have serrated portions  510 ,  512  proximate to the free ends  498 ,  500  thereof. 
   The first drop tube member  482  has first and second flange members  514 ,  516 . The first flange member  514  extends outwardly from the outer surface  504  of the first extension member  494  and from the outer wall  492 , and the second flange member  516  extends outwardly from the outer surface  508  of the second extension member  496  and from the outer wall  492 , such that the first and second flange members  514 ,  516  are positioned opposite one another. The flange members  514 ,  516  extend downwardly from the serrated portions  510 ,  512  toward the lower edge  486 , but preferably do not extend to the lower edge  486 . Each of the flange members  514 .  516  have a plurality of notches  518 ,  520 , preferably five (5) notches, cut therein, although it is to be understood that more or less notches  518 ,  520  could be provided as desired. The notches  518 ,  520  are preferably provided on the flange members  514 ,  516  outwardly of the outer surfaces  504 ,  508  of the extension members  494 ,  496 , and not outwardly of the outer wall  492 . 
   The first drop tube member  482  further includes first and second cutouts  522 ,  524  therethrough. The first cutout  522  is provided from the upper edge  484 , between where the first and second extension members  494 ,  496  are provided, and extends downwardly toward the lower edge  486  in a generally curved manner. The second cutout  524  is provided from the lower edge  486 , and extends upwardly toward the first cutout  522 , in a generally triangular manner. The purpose for the first and second cutouts  522 ,  524  will be described in further detail herein. 
   Outer Ring Member  526   
   The feeder assembly  100  includes an outer ring member  526 , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 29-32 . The outer ring member  526  has an upstanding member  528  having inner and outer surfaces  530 ,  532  and upper and lower edges  534 ,  536 . The upstanding member  528  is generally formed in the shape of two intersecting circles, but the intersection of the two circles is generally rounded in an opposite direction relative to the remainder of the upstanding member  528 . Thus, the upstanding member  528  has first and second arcuate portions  538 ,  540  which are provided opposite one another, and third and fourth arcuate portions  542 ,  544  which are provided opposite one another, and which connect the first and second arcuate portions  538 ,  540  together. 
   The upper edge  534  is generally planar. The lower edge  536  at the third and fourth arcuate portions  542 ,  544  is generally planar and are generally parallel with the upper planar edge  534 . The lower edge  536  at the first and second arcuate portions  538 ,  540  is generally formed of, in series, a first edge portion  546  which is generally planar with the lower edge  536  at the third and fourth arcuate portions  542 ,  544 , a second edge portion  548  which is formed by a notch, preferably rectangular in configuration, which extends upwardly toward the upper edge  534 , a third edge portion  550  which is generally planar with the first edge portion  546 , and a fourth edge portion  552  which is generally curved upwardly toward the upper edge  534  and then downwardly to another one of the first edge portions  546 . The lower edge  536  at each of the third and fourth arcuate portions  542 ,  544  is connected to the first edge portion  546  at one end thereof and to the third edge portion  550  at the other end thereof. Preferably, each of the first and second arcuate portions  538 ,  540  has ten (10) second edge portions  548  and nine (9) fourth edge portions  552 . 
   The upstanding member  528  has a plurality of track members  554  extending from each of the second edge portions  548  of the lower edge  536  straight upwardly to the upper edge  534 . Each track member  554  defines a slot  556  along the height thereof. 
   The upstanding member  528  has a plurality of tab members  558  extending therethrough such that an inner tab portion  560  of each tab member  558  extends inwardly from the inner surface  530  thereof and such that an outer tab portion  562  of each tab member  558  extends outwardly from the outer surface  532  thereof. The inner tab portions  560  extend through selected track members  554 , thus breaking up the slot  556  into first and second portions. The tab member  558  is configured to be flexible such that movement of the outer tab portion  562  in an upward direction causes downward movement of the inner tab portion  560 . Preferably, four (4) tab members  558  are provided, with two (2) of the tab members  558  being provided on the first arcuate portion  538  of the upstanding member  528  and the other two (2) tab members  558  being provided on the second arcuate portion  540  of the upstanding member  528 . 
   The outer ring member  526  further has a generally continuous flange member  564  which extends outwardly from the outer surface  532  of the upstanding member  528  proximate to the upper edge  534  thereof, and above where the outer tab portions  562  extend. The flange member  564  extends outwardly to an outer edge  566  thereof. The outer edge  566  of the flange member  564  is preferably formed in a racetrack configuration, but can be formed in any other suitable oval or elliptical shape, other than the racetrack configuration, as desired. 
   Dial Member  568   
   The feeder assembly  100  includes a dial member  568 . The dial member  568  includes a cylindrical disc portion  570  having upper and lower circular surfaces  572 ,  574  and an outer edge  576  which connects the upper and lower surfaces  572 ,  574 . The dial member  568  further includes an alignment member  578  which extends outwardly from the outer edge  576  and which is also preferably connected to the upper surface  572 . The alignment member  578  is generally configured in an arrow shape such that a free end  580  thereof generally comes to a point. 
   The dial member  568 , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 33-38 , includes a plurality of arcuate wall members  582  which extend downwardly from the lower surface  572  of the disc portion  570  to free ends  584  thereof, inward of the outer edge  576 . A wedge-shaped flange  586  extends outwardly from an outer surface  588  of each of the arcuate wall members  582  at the free ends  584  thereof. Each wedge-shaped flange  586  has a first surface  590  which extends angularly outwardly and upwardly from the free end  584 , and a second surface  592  which extends horizontally back to the outer surface  588 . The second surface  592  acts as a support ledge. Preferably, four (4) arcuate wall members  582  are provided and are generally positioned in the outline of a circle, such that gaps  594  are provided between adjacent arcuate wall members  582 . One of the arcuate wall members  582  has a flange member  596  extending outwardly therefrom toward the outer edge  576  which is in alignment with the pointed free end  580  of the alignment member  578 . 
   The dial member  568  includes a cam post member  598 , which has a generally cylindrical outer surface  600 , extends downwardly from the lower surface  572  of the disc portion  570  to a free end  602  thereof. The free end  602  is provided at a further distance from the lower surface  572  than are the free ends  584  of the arcuate wall members  582 . The cam post member  598  preferably has an aperture  604  extending therein from the free end  602 , but the aperture  604  preferably does not extend all the way to the lower surface  572 . The cam post member  598  is not provided at a center of the lower circular surface  572  of the disc portion  570 , but rather is preferably offset from the center of the lower circular surface  572 . As viewed in  FIG. 34 , the cam post member  598  is offset upwardly toward the alignment member  578 , and to the left. 
   The dial member  568  may include wedge-shaped reinforcing members  606  which connect the lower surface  572  of the disc portion  570  to the outer cylindrical surface  600  of the cam post member  598 . Preferably, four (4) wedge-shaped reinforcing members  606  are provided which are equidistantly separated from one another about the cam post member  598 . The wedge-shaped reinforcing members  606  do not extend to the free end  602  of the cam post member  598 , and preferably do not extend as far from the lower surface  572  as do the free ends  584  of the arcuate wall members  582 . 
   Operation of the Feeder Assembly  100   
   Assembly of the Feeder Assembly  100   
   In order to utilize the feeder assembly  100 , the individual parts of the feeder assembly  100  must first be assembled to that as best illustrated in  FIGS. 39-50 . It should be noted that the assembly of the individual parts of the feeder assembly  100  may take place in any order as desired and, as such, may take place in an order different than as described hereinbelow. 
   The outer grill member  184  is secured to the pan member  104  by inserting the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ through the slots  236 ,  236 ′ provided between the extensions  234 ,  234 ′ and the bottom edges  208 ,  208 ′ of the side rim portions  198 ,  198 ′. The provision of the notches  238 ,  238 ′ provided through the fifth surfaces  222 ,  222 ′ of the outer walls  202 ,  202 ′ facilitates the insertion of the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ through the slots  236 ,  236 ′. 
   With the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ inserted through the slots  236 ,  236 ′, the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  and the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ of the pan member  104  are moved toward one another until the top edges  158 ,  158 ′ of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ are positioned against the ends  232 ,  232 ′ of the sealing members  230 ,  230 ′ of the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186 , in order to provide a seal between the pan member  104  and the outer grill member  184 . 
   Prior to the sealing between the pan member  104  and the outer grill member  184 , the top surfaces  181 ,  181 ′ and then the outer edges  183 ,  183 ′ of flanges  180 ,  180 ′ are moved against the angled surfaces  252 ,  252 ′ of the wedge-shaped flanges  248 ,  248 ′ on the tongue extensions  240 ,  240 ′ of the rim member  186 , until the wedge-shaped flanges  248 ,  248 ′ are positioned below the flanges  180 ,  180 ′ with the bottom surfaces  182 ,  182 ′ of the flanges  180 ,  180 ′ being positioned against the flat surfaces  250 ,  250 ′ of the wedge-shaped flanges  248 ,  248 ′ and with the outer edges  183 ,  183 ′ of the flanges  180 ,  180 ′ being generally positioned against the inner surfaces  242 ,  242 ′ of the wedge-shaped flanges  248 ,  248 ′. Thus, the pan member  104  and the outer grill member  184  are releasably secured to one another by the interaction between the flanges  180 ,  180 ′ and the wedge-shaped flanges  248 ,  248 ′, and by the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ being secured within the slots  236 ,  236 ′. The elongated apertures  254 ,  254 ′ provided through the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186  allow for visual inspection of the interaction between the flanges  180 ,  180 ′ and the wedge-shaped flanges  248 ,  248 ′. The pan member  104  may be removed from its securement with the outer grill member  184  by pulling the tongue extensions  240 ,  240 ′ outwardly such that the interaction between the flanges  180 ,  180 ′ and the wedge-shaped flanges  248 ,  248 ′ is removed, and thereafter removing the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ from the slots  236 ,  236 ′. 
   The first drop tube member  482  is secured to the outer grill member  184  by inserting the first and second extension members  494 ,  496  through the fourth and fifth apertures  350 ,  352  provided through the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 . The first and second flange members  514 ,  516  extend into the notches  354 ,  356  provided in the fourth arid fifth apertures  350 ,  352 . The notches  518 ,  520  provided on the first and second flange members  514 ,  516  allow for the top member  190  to be positioned in one of each of the notches  518 ,  520  in order to hold a position of the first drop tube member  482  relative to the top member  190 . 
   Likewise, the second drop tube member  482 ′ is secured to the outer grill member  184  by inserting the first and second extension members  494 ′,  496 ′ through the sixth and seventh apertures  350 ′,  352 ′ provided through the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 . The first and second flange members  514 ′,  516 ′ extend into the notches  354 ′,  356 ′ provided in the sixth and seventh apertures  350 ′,  352 ′. The notches  518 ′,  520 ′ provided on the first and second flange members  514 ′,  516 ′ allow for the top member  190  to be positioned in one of each of the notches  518 ′,  520 ′ in order to hold a position of the second drop tube member  482 ′ relative to the top member  190 . 
   The first cutout  522  of the first drop tube member  482  is positioned and configured such that the first drop tube member  482  can be positioned around the ramp portion  338  of the first feed directing extension  316  of the first fill port  312  defined in the outer grill member  184 , such that the second, lower opening  340  of the first fill port  312  opens into the aperture  488  provided through the first drop tube member  482 . Likewise, the first cutout  522 ′ of the second drop tube member  482 ′ is positioned and configured such that the second drop tube member  482 ′ can be positioned around the ramp portion  338 ′ of the second feed directing extension  316 ′ of the second fill port  312 ′ defined in the outer grill member  184 , such that the second, lower opening  340 ′ of the second fill port  312 ′ opens into the aperture  488 ′ provided through the second drop tube member  482 ′. 
   The second cutout  524  of the first drop tube member  482  is positioned and configured such that the first drop tube member  482  can be positioned over the first and second surfaces  140 ,  142  and the first edge  132  of the upstanding portion  128  of the pan member  104 . Likewise, the second cutout  524 ′ of the second drop tube member  482 ′ is positioned and configured such that the second drop tube member  482 ′ can be positioned over the third and fourth surfaces  144 ,  146  and the second edge  134  of the upstanding portion  128  of the pan member  104 . 
   The first drop tube member  482  is positioned such that the first upstanding cone portion  106  extends upwardly into the aperture  488 . A first lower feed gate G- 1  is defined between the lower edge  486  of the first drop tube member  482  and the inner feeding surface  114  of the pan member  104 . Likewise, the second drop tube member  482 ′ is positioned such that the second upstanding cone portion  106 ′ extends upwardly into the aperture  488 ′. A second lower feed gate G- 1 ′ is defined between the lower edge  486 ′ of the second drop tube member  482 ′ and the inner feeding surface  114 ′ of the pan member  104 . 
   The first inner grill member  408  is positioned inside of the outer grill member  184 , with the first arcuate ring portion  410  being positioned generally inside of the first portion  192  of the rim member  186  and generally above the first base portion  112  of the pan member  104 . The lower edge  450  of the top portion  438  is positioned against and on top of the support ledges  368  of the wedge-shaped second portions  366  of the support flanges  360  extending downwardly from the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  such that the flanges  360  support the top portion  438 , and thus the first inner grill member  408 . The tenth apertures  370  provided through the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  allow for visual inspection of the engagement of the support flanges  360  with the top portion  438 . The lower edge  418  of the first arcuate ring portion  410  is also positioned against and on top of the shelf portions  179  defined by the notches  178  of the reinforcement/support members  176  of the pan member  104  such that the reinforcement/support members  176  support the first arcuate ring portion  410 , and thus the first inner grill member  408 . The first end  412  of the first arcuate ring portion  410  is provided proximate to the first end  160  of the outer rim member  152 , and the second end  414  of the first arcuate ring portion  410  is provided proximate to the second end  162  of the outer rim member  152 . The apertures  456  provided through the first inner grill member  408  are configured to be generally in alignment and communication with the apertures  286  provided through the outer grill member  184 . 
   Likewise, the second inner grill member  408 ′ is positioned inside of the outer grill member  184 , with the first arcuate ring portion  410 ′ being positioned generally inside of the second portion  192 ′ of the rim member  186  and generally above the second base portion  112 ′ of the pan member  104 . The lower edge  450 ′ of the top portion  438 ′ is positioned against and on top of the support ledges  368 ′ of the wedge-shaped second portions  366 ′ of the support flanges  360 ′ extending downwardly from the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  such that the flanges  360 ′ support the top portion  438 ′, and thus the second inner grill member  408 ′. The eleventh apertures  370 ′ provided through the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  allow for visual inspection of the engagement of the support flanges  360 ′ with the top portion  438 ′. The lower edge  418 ′ of the first arcuate ring portion  410 ′ is also positioned against and on top of the shelf portions  179 ′ defined by the notches  178 ′ of the reinforcement/support members  176 ′ of the pan member  104  such that the reinforcement/support members  176 ′ support the first arcuate ring portion  410 ′, and thus the second inner grill member  408 ′. The first end  412 ′ of the second arcuate ring portion  410 ′ is provided proximate to the first end  160 ′ of the outer rim member  152 ′, and the second end  414 ′ of the first arcuate ring portion  410 ′ is provided proximate to the second end  162 ′ of the outer rim member  152 ′. The apertures  456 ′ provided through the second inner grill member  408 ′ are configured to be generally in alignment and communication with the apertures  286  provided through the outer grill member  184 . 
   With the first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ being supported by the reinforcement/support members  176 ,  176 ′ of the pan member  104 , the fingers  474  provided on the outer wall  446  of the top portion  438  of the first inner grill member  408  are configured to be positioned within the notches  476 ′ provided between the fingers  474 ′ that are provided on the outer wall  446 ′ of the top portion  438 ′ of the second inner grill member  408 ′. Likewise, the fingers  474 ′ of the second inner grill member  408 ′ are configured to be positioned within the notches  476  provided between the fingers  474  of the first inner grill member  408 . The interengagement of the fingers  474 ,  474 ′ of the first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ effectively secures the first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ together and allows for rotation of the second inner grill member  408 ′ upon rotation of the first inner grill member  408 , or vice versa. The twelfth aperture  372  through the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  allows for visual inspection of the interengagement of the fingers  474 ,  474 ′. 
   The arcuate wall members  568  of the dial member  568  are inserted into the third aperture  342  of the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  such that a portion of the lower circular surface  574  of the cylindrical disc portion  570  provided between the outer edge  576  and the arcuate wall members  582  is positioned on the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190 . The outer surface  582  of each of the arcuate wall members  568  are configured to act against the aperture wall  344  of the third aperture  342 . The flange member  596  provided on one of the arcuate wall members  568  is configured to be positioned within one of the notches  346  defined in the aperture wall  344 , and upon rotation of the dial member  568 , is configured to be repositioned in any one of the other notches  346  defined in the aperture wall  344 . Depending upon which notch  346  the flange member  596  is positioned in, the alignment member  578  of the dial member  568  is configured relative thereto to be pointing at one of the indicators  348  provided on the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190 . 
   With the arcuate wall members  582  inserted into the third aperture  342 , the cam post member  598  of the dial member  568  is also inserted into the third aperture  342  and is fit within the aperture  478  of the first inner grill member  408 , thus effectively securing the dial member  568  to the first inner grill member  408 . 
   The outer ring member  526  is positioned around the fourth portions  284  of the spoke members  256  of the outer grill member  184 . The outer ring member  526  is secured to the outer grill member  184  by positioning the reinforcing members  298  extending outwardly from the fourth portions  284  of the spoke members  256  into the slots  556  defmed by the track members  554  of the upstanding member  528  of the outer ring member  526 . The tab members  558  of the outer ring member  526  are aligned with those reinforcing members  298  having the notches  300  provided therein. The inner tab portions  560  of the tab members  558  are configured to be positioned in any one of the notches  300  provided along the reinforcing members  298  in order to secure the outer ring member  526  to the outer grill member  184 . The outer tab portions  562  are configured to be moved upwardly to release the inner tab portions  560  from extending into the notches  300 , in order to allow for upward or downward movement of the outer ring member  526  relative to the outer grill member  184 . 
   With the feeder assembly  100  thus formed , the feeder assembly  100  is configured to be secured to the feed supply conduit  102 , which has a plurality of apertures (not shown) provided therethrough along a bottom thereof. The feeder assembly  100  is positioned below the feed supply conduit  102  such that one of the apertures of the feed supply conduit  102  is provided above the first top opening  328  of the first fill port  312  and such that another one of the apertures of the feed supply conduit  102  is provided above the first top opening  328 ′ of the second fill port  312 ′. As such, feed flowing through the feed supply conduit  102  is allowed to flow out of the feed supply conduit  102  through the apertures, and into the first top openings  328 ,  328 ′ of the first and second fill ports  312 ,  312 ′. 
   The feed supply conduit  102  is positioned to rest on the curved top surfaces of the second and third extending legs  320 ,  322  of the first feed pipe supporting base  314 , between the free ends  324 ,  326  of the second and third extending legs  320 ,  322  and the first base leg  318  of the first feed pipe supporting base  314 . Likewise, the feed supply conduit  102  is positioned to rest on the curved top surfaces of the second and third extending legs  320 ′,  322 ′ of the second feed pipe supporting base  314 ′, between the free ends  324 ′,  326 ′ and the first base leg  318 ′. 
   The first feed supply conduit securement member  374  is configured to secure the feed supply conduit  102  in place relative to the first fill port  312 . The first portion  376  of the first feed supply conduit securement member  374  is positioned on and against the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 . The lower arcuate surface  386  of the second portion  378  of the first feed supply conduit securement member  374  is positioned over and against the feed supply conduit  102 . The first, second, third and fourth extensions  400 ,  402 ,  404 ,  406  extending downwardly from the second portion  378  of the first feed supply conduit securement member  374  are configured to be inserted into, and secured within, the first, second, third and fourth apertures  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336  of the first feed pipe supporting base  314 . The securement of the first feed supply conduit securement member  374  to the first feed pipe supporting base  314  thus secures the feed supply conduit  102  to the feeder assembly  100  such that feed flowing through the feed supply conduit  102  can be moved into the first top opening  328  of the first fill port  312 . The first and second extension members  494 ,  496  of the first drop tube member  482  extend through the first and second apertures  379 ,  380  of the first feed supply conduit securement member  374 . 
   Likewise, the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ is configured to secure the feed supply conduit  102  in place relative to the second fill port  312 ′. The first portion  376 ′ of the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ is positioned on and against the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 . The lower arcuate surface  386 ′ of the second portion  378 ′ of the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ is positioned over and against the feed supply conduit  102 . The first, second, third and fourth extensions  400 ′,  402 ′,  404 ′,  406 ′ extending downwardly from the second portion  378 ′ of the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ are configured to be inserted into, and secured within, the first, second, third and fourth apertures  330 ′,  332 ′,  334 ′,  336 ′ of the second feed pipe supporting base  314 ′. The securement of the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′ to the second feed pipe supporting base  314 ′ thus secures the feed supply conduit  102  to the feeder assembly  100  such that feed flowing through the feed supply conduit  102  can be moved into the first top opening  328 ′ of the second fill port  312 ′. The first and second extension members  494 ′,  496 ′ of the second drop tube member  482 ′ extend through the first and second apertures  379 ′,  380 ′ of the second feed supply conduit securement member  374 ′. 
   Thus, with the positioning of the first and second feed pipe supporting bases  314 ,  314 ′, the feed supply conduit  102  extends at an angle relative to a longitudinal length of the feeder assembly  100 , and thus relative to the longitudinal length of the pan member  104  and thus relative to the longitudinal length of the outer grill member  184 . Preferably, the feed supply conduit  102  extends at a forty-five degree angle relative to the longitudinal length of the feeder assembly  100 , but it is to be understood that the feeder assembly  100  could be configured such that the feed supply conduit  102  extends at another angle relative the longitudinal length of the feeder assembly  100  as desired. 
   Unique Shape of the Feeder Assembly  100   
   The pan member  104  and the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  are both uniquely shaped in the form of two intersecting circles, such that the feeder assembly  100  is uniquely shaped in the form of two intersecting circles. Round/circular feeders have been used for years in connection with the feeding of various types of poultry as it has been found that such a configuration was capable of providing an appropriate amount of feed to birds feeding therefrom, and provided sufficient space for a desired number of birds, namely fourteen (14), to feed therefrom in a comfortable manner. 
   The feeder assembly  100  incorporates the well-known and desired features of the round/circular prior art feeders, essentially combining two such round/circular feeders together. Thus, the feeder assembly  100  has all of the same advantages provided as do round/circular prior art feeders, but allows for more birds to comfortably feed therefrom, namely eighteen (18) such birds, without taking up too much more of the valuable floor space in the poultry house. A typical system has a building size of forty-two (42) feet by five hundred (500) feet which houses 11,872 birds. With the round/circular prior art feeders, this typical system would require approximately 848 round/circular prior art feeders to provide adequate feeding for each of the birds within the poultry house. With this new intersecting circle configuration of the feeder assembly  100 , however, this same typical system would require only approximately 658 feeder assemblies  100  to provide adequate feeding for each of the birds within the poultry house. Of course, it is to be understood that the actual number of feeder assemblies  100  required for a specific poultry house will depend on bird density, building size, and the configuration of the feed supply conduit  102 , e.g., the length and number of holes provided for providing feed to the feeder assemblies  100 . 
   Thus, by using the concept of round/circular prior art feeders, and expanding on same by basically merging two round/circular prior art feeders, the use of the feeder assemblies  100  will drastically reduce the amount of feeders required for a typical system. This reduction in the amount of feeder assemblies  100  has also been found to increase the amount of available feed space within the poultry house (that portion of the poultry house not covered by feeders), by up to 30%. This increased feed space results in a number of benefits to the birds in the poultry house and to the grower which include, but are not limited to, better uniformity in the birds, less mortality to the birds, more eggs per hen, less stress to the birds, freedom of movement for the birds within the poultry house, and improved hatchability. 
   It should be noted that, if desired, the shape of the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′, the outer feeding surfaces  116 ,  116 ′ and the inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′ of the first and second base portions  112 ,  112 ′, as well as the shape of the top edges  158 ,  158 ′ of the first and second outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ may be slightly altered as illustrated in  FIG. 1   a . As illustrated in  FIG. 1   a , the first and second base portions  112 ,  112 ′ and the first and second outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ are still generally formed in the shape of two intersecting circles, but the connections between the first and second base portions  112 ,  112 ′ and the connections between the first and second outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ are generally rounded or curved, thus providing a generally smooth transition between the first and second base portions  112 ,  112 ′ and the first and second outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′. Such an intersecting circle configuration of the pan member  104  as illustrated in  FIG. 1   a  provides for all of the same advantages as does the intersecting circle configuration of the pan member  104  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-6 . In view of the slight alterations to the first and second base portions  112 ,  112 ′ and the first and second outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′, the configuration of the upstanding portion  128  would also have to be slightly altered as illustrated in  FIG. 1   a.    
   Likewise, if the pan member  104  is altered as illustrated in  FIG. 1   a , the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  would also have to be generally altered to match the shape in which the top edges  158 ,  158 ′ of the outer rim members  152 ,  152 ′ of the pan member  104  are formed. As such, the connections described between the first and second portions  192 ,  192 ′ of the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  are generally rounded or curved as illustrated in  FIG. 7   a . Such an intersecting circle configuration of the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  as illustrated in  FIG. 7   a  provides for all of the same advantages as does the intersecting circle configuration of the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  illustrated in  FIGS. 7-13 . 
   Double Fill Ports  312 ,  312 ′ 
   The feeder assembly  100  is advantageously provided with double fill ports  312 ,  312 ′, as opposed to a single fill port as has been used in every other feeder assembly of the prior art. For the round/circular prior art feeders, a single fill port was all that was needed to provide a consistent amount of feed across the feeding surface of the pan. Where the shape and configuration of the feeder assemblies is generally elongated (length greater than width), however, a single fill port does not adequately provide a consistent amount of feed across the feeding surface of the pan. Those portions of the pan which are provided at a further distance from the fill port will not receive as much feed, or receive feed on a consistent basis, as will those portions of the pan which are provided at a closer distance from the fill port. As noted in the Background, the Kixoo® Feeder, which is an elongated feeder, has encountered such problems in the field as it has only a single fill port. 
   The double fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ of the feeder assembly  100  overcome the problems of providing adequate and consistent feed across the feeding surface of the pan member  104 . The first double fill port  312  provides adequate and consistent feed across the first base portion  112  of the pan member  104 , much like a single fill port of a round/circular feeder would provide adequate and consistent feed across the feeding surface of the pan, and the second double fill port  312 ′ provides adequate and consistent feed across the second base portion  112 ′ of the pan member  104 , also much like a single fill port of a round/circular feeder would provide adequate and consistent feed across the feeding surface of the pan. 
   The double fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ are also advantageously configured such that the second bottom openings  340 ,  340 ′ of the fill ports  312 ,  312 ′, through which feed is delivered onto the pan member  104 , are positioned generally directly over the first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′ of the pan member  104  such that the feed can flow around the conical/cylindrical portions of the first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′ in an even and consistent manner. 
   The double fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ are also advantageously configured such that the first top openings  328 ,  328 ′ of the fill ports  312 ,  312 ′, through which feed is received from the feed supply conduit  102 , are not positioned generally directly over the second bottom openings  328 ,  328 ′, but rather are offset therefrom, such that each of the first and second fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ can receive feed from a single feed supply conduit  102 , as opposed to two side by side feed supply conduits. 
   The double fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ are also advantageously configured to be set at an angle, preferably forty-five degrees, relative to a longitudinal length of the feeder assembly  100 . By the double fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ being set at an angle, the feeder assemblies  100  provided along the length of the feed supply conduit  102  are also set at an angle, preferably forty-five degrees, relative to the feed supply conduit  102 . By being set at such an angle, the feeder assemblies  100  are distanced from one another to provide appropriate space therebetween for birds to feed from adjacent feeder assemblies  100 , but also do not take up as much of the valuable floor space of the poultry house as if the feeder assemblies  100  were set up with the longitudinal lengths of the feeder assemblies  100  not being at an angle relative to the feed supply conduit  102 , or were set up with the longitudinal lengths of the feeder assemblies  100  being at a ninety (90) degree angle relative to the feed supply conduit  102 . It should be noted, however, that if desired, the double fil ports  312 ,  312 ′ could alternatively be configured such that the feeder assemblies  100  were set up with the longitudinal lengths of the feeder assemblies  100  not being at an angle relative to the feed supply conduit  102 . 
   Capability of Effectively Changing a Width of the Apertures  286  through which Birds Eat Feed Presented on the Pan Member  104   
   Birds access and eat the feed presented on the pan member  104  by inserting their heads through the apertures  286  provided through the outer grill member  184 . In many instances it is desired to have the apertures  286  provided at a width such that only certain birds within a poultry house, e.g., hens, can directly access the feed and such that other certain birds within the poultry house, e.g., roosters, cannot directly access the feed. This is because it may be important to feed the roosters different amounts and/or types of feed than the hens. As the roosters are typically larger than the hens, or at a minimum have larger heads than the hens, the feeder assembly  100  can be configured such that the width of the apertures  286  can effectively be changed to ensure that the hens within the poultry house can directly access the feed through the apertures  286  and to ensure that the roosters within the poultry house cannot directly access the feed through the apertures  286 . 
   The effective changing of the width of the apertures  286  is performed by the rotational movement of the inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ relative to the outer grill member  184 . The inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ may be moved rotationally left or right relative to the outer grill member  184  and held in position by the interlocking of the fingers  474 ,  474 ′. By rotating the inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ relative to the outer grill member  184 , the spoke members  454 ,  454 ′ may either be aligned with the spoke members  256  of the outer grill member  184 , such that the width of the apertures  286  is unchanged, or the spoke members  454 ,  454 ′ may be misaligned with the spoke members  256  of the outer grill member  184  such that the spoke members  454 ,  454 ′ are masking a portion of the apertures  286 , thus effectively changing the width of the apertures  286 . 
   The inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ can be rotated relative to the outer grill member  184  by rotating the dial member  568  such that the alignment member  578  is aligned with different indicators  348  on the exterior surface  304  of the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 . Rotation of the dial member  568  causes the cam post member  598  to rotate. Rotation of the cam post member  598  causes the cam post member  598  to cam against the inner grill member  408  causing the inner grill member  408  to rotate. Rotation of the inner grill member  408  causes the inner grill member  408 ′ to rotate in the opposite direction because of the meshing of the fingers  474 ,  474 ′. 
   The dial member  598  may be rotated such that the alignment member  578  is aligned between the ten (10) indicators  348  to effectively provide ten (10) different widths of the apertures  286  through which the birds can access feed on the pan member  104 . When the desired width is selected, i.e., at the desired indicator  348 , the dial member  598  is released. 
   In a preferred embodiment, a largest width W 3  of the apertures  286  is fifty (50) millimeters, as illustrated in  FIGS. 49   a  and  49   b , and a smallest width WI of the apertures  286  is forty-one (41) millimeters, as illustrated in  FIGS. 47   a  and  47   b .  FIGS. 48   a  and  48   b  illustrate a middle range width W 2  of the apertures  286  at forty-five (45) millimeters. 
   Capability of Effectively Changing a Height of the Apertures  286  through which Birds Eat Feed Presented on the Pan Member  104   
   Birds access and eat the feed presented on the pan member  104  by inserting their heads through the apertures  286  provided through the outer grill member  184 . In many instances it is desired to have the apertures  286  provided at a height such that only certain birds within a poultry house, e.g., hens, can directly access the feed and such that other certain birds within the poultry house, e.g., roosters, cannot directly access the feed. This is because it may be important to feed the roosters different amounts and/or types of feed than the hens. As the roosters are typically larger than the hens, or at a minimum have larger heads than the hens, the feeder assembly  100  can be configured such that the height of the apertures  286  can effectively be changed to ensure that the hens within the poultry house can directly access the feed through the apertures  286  and to ensure that the roosters within the poultry house cannot directly access the feed through the apertures  286 . 
   The effective changing of the height of the apertures  286  is performed by the vertical movement of the outer ring member  526  relative to the outer grill member  184 . The outer ring member  256  may be moved upwardly or downwardly on the reinforcing members  298  of the outer grill member  184  and secured in position by securing the inner tab portions  560  of the tab members  558  within the appropriate notches  300  defined in the reinforcing members  298 . The fourth edge portion  552  of the upstanding member  528  of the outer ring member  526  is curved to provide more room for the hens to access the feed through the apertures  286 . By moving the outer ring member  526  downwardly toward the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184 , the outer ring member  526  is masking a portion of the apertures  286 , thus effectively changing the height of the apertures  286 . 
   The outer ring member  526  can be moved by pushing down on the outer tab portions  562  of the tab members  558  such that the inner tab portions  560  are not positioned in securement within the notches  300  of the reinforcing members  298 . The outer ring member  526  may then be moved upwardly or downwardly between the six (6) notches  300  to effectively provide six (6) different heights of the apertures  286  through which the birds can access feed on the pan member  104 . When the desired height is selected, i.e., at the desired notch  300 , the outer tab portion  562  is released such that the inner tab portion  560  will be positioned in securement within the appropriate notch  300 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, a largest height H 3  of the apertures  286  is three (3) inches (77 millimeters), as illustrated in  FIGS. 47   a  and  47   b , and a smallest height H 1  of the apertures  286  is two and a quarter (2.25) inches (57 millimeters), as illustrated in  FIGS. 49   a  and  49   b .  FIGS. 48   a  and  48   b  illustrate a middle range height H 2  of the apertures  286  at two and one-half (2.5) inches. 
   Adjustable First and Second Lower Feed Gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′ 
   The heights of the first and second lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′ can each be independently adjusted, as desired, by the grower. As illustrated in  FIG. 44 , feed flows through the lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′ to provide a low level of feed in the feeder assembly  100 . 
   Adjustment of the height of the first lower feed gate G- 1  is preferably performed by gripping the serrated portions  510 ,  512  of the first drop tube member  482  and forcing the serrated portions  510 ,  512 , and thus the first and second extension members  494 ,  496 , toward one another. As such, the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  is prevented from being positioned in one of each of the notches  518 ,  520 , such that the first drop tube member  482  can be moved upwardly or downwardly as desired. The first drop tube member  482  can be positioned to provide a desired height of the first lower feed gate G- 1  by aligning the top portion  190  with the desired notches  518 ,  520 . As the first drop tube member  482  has six (6) separate spaced-apart notches  518 ,  520 , the first lower feed gate G- 1  can be adjusted between six (6) separate heights. 
   Likewise, adjustment of the height of the second lower feed gate G- 1 ′ is preferably performed by gripping the serrated portions  510 ′,  512 ′ of the second drop tube member  482 ′ and forcing the serrated portions  510 ′,  512 ′, and thus the first and second extension members  494 ′,  496 ′, toward one another. As such, the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  is prevented from being positioned in one of the each of the notches  518 ′,  520 ′, such that the second drop tube member  482 ′ can be moved upwardly or downwardly as desired. The second drop tube member  482 ′ can be positioned to provide a desired height of the second lower feed gate G- 1 ′ by aligning the top portion  190  with the desired notches  518 ′,  520 ′. As the second drop tube member  482 ′ has six (6) separate spaced-apart notches  518 ′,  520 ′, the second lower feed gate G- 1 ′ can be adjusted between six (6) separate heights. 
   If desired, the first and second lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′ may be provided at the same height, or, if desired, the first and second lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′ may be provided at different heights. 
   First and Second Upstanding Cone Portions  106 ,  106 ′ 
   The first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′ are configured to extend upwardly within the apertures  488 ,  488 ′ of the first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482 ′ in order to force feed flowing into the apertures  488 ,  488 ′ from the first and second fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ to flow downwardly and outwardly around the first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′ and out of the first and second lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′. The top ends  108 ,  108 ′ of the cone portions  106 ,  106 ′ are preferably pointed and are preferably positioned directly below a middle of the second bottom opening  340 ,  340 ′ of the first and second fill portions  312 ,  312 ′ such that feed is generally dispersed evenly about the cone portions  106 ,  106 ′. 
   Inner and Outer Feeding Surfaces  114 ,  114 ′;  116 ,  116 ′ 
   The inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′ are provided as the main eating areas of the feeder assembly  100  as the feed is moved out through the lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′ and onto the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′. The fin members  168 ,  168 ′ help control the feed level and control raking of the feed on the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′. The inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′ are raised above the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′ in order to try and keep as much of the feed on the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′ as possible, but is not raised to such a height that the birds have trouble eating the feed presented on the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′. The outer feeding surfaces  116 ,  116 ′ are provided to hold any feed that is pulled out of the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′ and over the inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′, with the birds also able to eat the feed which has been moved to the outer feeding surfaces  116 ,  116 ′ 
   Bird Welfare Features of the Feeder Assembly  100   
   The structure of the feeder assembly  100  also provides for the overall welfare of the birds as they are feeding from the feeder assembly  100  by being configured in such a manner that when the birds feed from the feeder assembly  100 , the feeder assembly  100  does not cause as many detrimental physical effects to the birds, thus reducing the stress caused to the birds and, depending on the type of birds feeding from the feeder assembly  100 , providing for a reduction of bird condemnation. Detrimental physical effects to the birds&#39; front sides, such as bruising, can potentially cause health problems or stress for the birds and can potentially cause the birds to eat less than the poultry grower would desire as the birds would become uncomfortable resting their front sides or breasts against the pan or grill members. The detrimental physical effects could also cause bird condemnation because after the removal of the birds&#39; feathers, depending on the type of birds feeding from the feeder assembly  100 , visual inspection of the birds&#39; front sides can detect the detrimental physical effects thereon and, for instance the effect on the color of the meat which is known to be a healthy color, thus possibly reducing the quality of grade given to the birds. Obviously, the lower quality of grade that is given to the birds, the less commercially valuable the birds become to the poultry grower. The feeder assembly  100  helps to prevent the foregoing by the configuration of the outer grill member  184  on both the rim member  186  and the spoke assembly  188 . 
   The top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ and the rounded rim portions  228 ,  228 ′ of the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  help to prevent the detrimental physical effects of the birds&#39; front sides. The top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ have the concave surfaces  224 ,  224 ′ to provide extra room for the birds&#39; front sides to be positioned on or against when the birds eat feed from the pan member  104 . The concave surfaces  224 ,  224 ′ also more closely match the shape of the birds&#39; front sides such that the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ will not be forced against the birds&#39; front sides in such an extreme manner that could potentially cause detrimental physical effects to the birds&#39; front sides when the birds lean in to the feeder assembly  100  to eat the feed on the pan member  104 . The rounded rim portions  228 ,  228 ′ allow for a generally smooth transition from the side rim portions  198 ,  198 ′ to the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ such that the rim member  186  will not be forced against the birds&#39; front sides in such an extreme manner that could potentially cause detrimental physical effects to the birds&#39; front sides when the birds lean in to the feeder assembly  100  to eat the feed on the pan member  104 . 
   The spoke members  256  help to further prevent detrimental physical effects on the birds&#39; front sides by being set back on the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ and by being configured to extend inwardly from the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′. Such configuration allows the birds to more easily reach the feed within the pan member  104  such that the birds need not force their front sides as hard against the outer grill member  184  in order to reach the feed presented on the pan member  104 . 
   The outer walls  202 ,  202 ′ of the rim member  186  also provide for comfort of the birds during eating as the outer walls  202 ,  202 ′, and the spoke members  256  which extend upwardly from the top portions  210 ,  210 ′ above the outer walls  202 ,  202 ′, create separate eating compartments for the birds, namely eighteen (18) such eating compartments. The provision of the separate eating compartments allows the birds to eat feed from the pan member  104  without much, if any, contact with the birds eating in adjacent feeding compartments, thus adding to the birds&#39; comfort in feeding from the feeder assembly  100 . 
   Thus, the configuration of the outer grill member  184  helps assist in the overall health and comfort of the birds, as the outer grill member  184  is designed to be comfortable to the birds which leads to the birds staying longer at the feeder assembly  100  and, consequently, eating more feed. 
   Shallow/Deep Pan Depth 
   It is an advantage that the feeder assembly  100  has both the capabilities of a shallow pan depth for young birds to have access to the feed in the pan member  104 , and a deep pan depth for older birds to feed from the pan member  104 . 
   The shallow and deep pan depths are provided by the rim member  186  of the outer grill member  184  when the feeder assembly  100  is positioned on the feeding surface. The concave surfaces  224 ,  224 ′ of the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ of the rim member  186  provide for the shallow pan depth. Young birds can see over the concave surfaces  224 ,  224 ′ to see the feed and be attracted thereto. The young birds can also climb into the pan member  104  at the concave surfaces  224 ,  224 ′ such that they can eat the feed provided within the pan member  104 . The flat surfaces  226 ,  226 ′ of the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ of the rim member  186  provide for the deep pan depth. The deep pan depth is provided for the feeding of older, larger birds as this depth helps to prevent the larger birds from raking the feed presented in the pan member  104 , or building high feed levels within the pan member  104 , such that the amount of wasted or contaminated feed is minimized. Thus, the flat surfaces  226 ,  226 ′ provide such a benefit when the feeder assembly  100  is utilized to feed larger birds. 
   Thus, feeder assembly  100  provides for the functionality of both a shallow pan depth feeder assembly necessary for younger birds and for a deep pan depth feeder assembly which is desirable for older, larger birds such that the poultry grower need not have two sets of feeder assemblies, one with a shallow pan depth and one with a deep pan depth. The shallow/deep pan depths also require no work of any kind by the poultry grower or vertical movement of the feeder assembly  100  to be effected. The pan depths are naturally provided by use of the feeder assembly  100 , with only the size of the bird defining which pan depth the birds utilize. Thus, the top rim portions  210 ,  210 ′ of the rim member  186  vary in vertical height relative to the first and second base portions  112 ,  112 ′ of the pan member  104  without the need to adjust any portion of the feeder assembly  100 . 
   Reduction of Birds Raking Feed within the Feeder Assembly  100   
   The positioning of the fin members  168 ,  168 ′ which extend upwardly from the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′ of the pan member  104 , and the positioning of the fin members  172 ,  172 ′ which extend upwardly from the outer feeding surfaces  116 ,  116 ′ of the pan member  104 , as well as the provision of the inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′ between the inner feeding surfaces  114 ,  114 ′ and the outer feeding surfaces  116 ,  116 ′, helps to reduce the amount of feed presented in the pan member  104  which the birds are capable of raking as the raking of feed can potentially cause the feed to become contaminated. Thus, because the birds cannot rake feed presented in the pan member  104  as freely as they could in some pan members of the prior art, the birds cannot rake the feed out of the pan member  104  onto the feeding surface of the poultry house where the feed will come into contact with waste and dirt, thus contaminating the feed. 
   Thus, the provision of the fin members  168 ,  168 ′,  172 ,  172 ′ and the inner rim members  118 ,  118 ′ within the pan member  104  provides a number of advantages and benefits to the overall growth and health of the birds, and to the poultry grower&#39;s costs and expenses involved in growing the birds. 
   Prevention of Material Buildup in the Feeder Assembly  100   
   The outer grill member  184  and the first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′ have a plurality of apertures provided therethrough in order to allow dust, feed or other material to flow therethrough to prevent the buildup of excess material in the feeder assembly  100  which could potentially cause problems to the feeder assembly  100 . 
   Cleaning of the Feeder Assembly  100   
   The feeder assembly  100  can be easily cleaned by the poultry grower. Prior to the cleaning of the feeder assembly  100 , the poultry grower can pull the tongue extensions  240 ,  240 ′ of the outer grill member  184  outwardly such that the pan member  104  is no longer supported by the tongue extensions  240 ,  240 ′. Thereafter, the hook members  175 ,  175 ′ of the pan member  104  are allowed to rotate within the slots  236 ,  236 ′ defined by the extensions  234 ,  234 ′, such that the pan member  104  can be suspended from the outer grill member  184 . Thus, once the pan member  104  is suspended from the outer grill member  184 , the poultry grower can commence cleaning of the feeder assembly  100  as the suspending of the pan member  104  from the outer grill member  184  allows the poultry grower to easily access all parts of the feeder assembly  100 . 
   With the pan member  104  suspended, the first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482 ′, and the first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′, may also be removed from securement with the outer grill member  184  to allow for more thorough cleaning of the feeder assembly  100 . 
   Anti-Roosting Feeder Assembly  100   
   The feeder assembly  100  deters roosting thereon by the birds by providing the roost extensions  394 ,  394 ′ on the first and second feed pipe securement members  374 ,  374 ′. As discussed, the roost extensions  394 ,  394 ′ are configured at or around the upper edges  396 ,  396 ′ thereof to have a roost wire (not shown) secured thereto. Also, some of the reinforcement members  298  which extend onto the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  may extend further off of the top member  190  than some of the other reinforcing members  298  in order to prevent roosting on the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184  by the poultry feeding from the feeder assembly  100 . 
   Stacking of Pan Members  104   
   The tab members  167 ,  167 ′ on the pan member  104  assist in the stacking of pan members  104  on top of one another, which assists in the shipping of pan members  104 . 
   Structure of the Feeder Assembly  700   
   Attention is invited to the second embodiment of the feeder assembly  700  which is illustrated in  FIGS. 51-67 . The illustrated feeder assembly  700 , like the feeder assembly  100 , desirably is adapted to be used in connection with a poultry feed distribution system that includes a feed supply conduit  102 . Desirably, the poultry feeder system includes a plurality of feeder assemblies  700 , which can be vertically adjusted to either rest on the ground or be suspended above the ground by raising or lowering the feed supply conduit  102  or by other suitable means. The feeder assemblies  700  are preferably utilized in poultry houses used for housing and feeding poultry which are to be bred, commonly referred to as breeders. The feeder assemblies  700  are specifically designed to allow for the female breeders to eat therefrom, but to prevent the male breeders from eating therefrom. It is to be understood, however, that other types of animals and poultry, including chickens, turkeys and ducks, could also be fed with the feeder assemblies  700  of the invention. 
   The feeder assembly  700  is identical to the feeder assembly  100  except that the configuration of the first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482 ′ has been altered (thus identified as  482   a ,  482   a′ ), and that first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ are provided. As such, the remainder of the feeder assembly  700  will not be described in detail herein with the understanding that the configuration and positioning of the elements of the pan member  104 , the outer grill member  184 , the first and second feed supply conduit securement members  374 ,  374 ′, the first and second inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′, the first and second drop tube member  482 ,  482 ′, the outer ring member  526 , and the dial member  568  have not changed, unless noted otherwise. 
   First and Second Drop Tube Members  482   a ,  482   a′   
   Attention is directed to the first and second drop tube members  482   a ,  482   a′ . The first and second drop tube members  482   a ,  482   a′  are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first drop tube member  482   a  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second drop tube member  482   a′  would be identical. As such, the elements of the second drop tube member  482   a′  are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The first drop tube member  482   a , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 51-56 , has upper and lower edges  484   a ,  486   a  and an aperture  488   a  extending therethrough from the upper edge  484   a  to the lower edge  486   a  thereof. The aperture  488   a  defines an inner wall  490   a  of the first drop tube member  482   a , which also has an outer wall  492   a . The first drop tube member  482   a  is preferably configured to have cylindrical and conical portions such that the upper and lower edges  484   a ,  486   a  are preferably circular in configuration. An inner diameter of the aperture  488   a  at the lower edge  486   a  is preferably larger than the inner diameter of the aperture  488   a  at the upper edge  484   a.    
   The first drop tube member  482   a  has first and second extension members  494   a ,  496   a  which extend upwardly from the upper edge  484   a  to free ends  498   a ,  500   a . The first and second extension members  494   a ,  496   a  are positioned opposite one another and are identical in configuration to one another. The first and second extension members  494   a ,  496   a  have inner and outer surfaces  502   a ,  504   a  ;  506   a ,  508   a . The inner surfaces  502   a ,  506   a  are preferably flush with the inner wall  490   a  and the outer surfaces  504   a ,  508   a  are preferably flush with the outer wall  492   a . The outer surfaces  504   a ,  508   a  of the first and second extension members  494   a ,  496   a  have serrated portions  510   a ,  512   a  proximate to the free ends  498   a ,  500   a  thereof. 
   The first drop tube member  482   a  has first and second flange members  514   a ,  516   a . The first flange member  514   a  extends outwardly from the outer surface  504   a  of the first extension member  494   a  and from the outer wall  492   a , and the second flange member  516   a  extends outwardly from the outer surface  508   a  of the second extension member  496   a  and from the outer wall  492   a , such that the first and second flange members  514   a ,  516   a  are positioned opposite one another. The flange members  514   a ,  516   a  extend downwardly from the serrated portions  510   a ,  512   a  toward the lower edge  486   a , but preferably do not extend to the lower edge  486   a . Each of the flange members  514   a ,  516   a  have a plurality of notches  518   a ,  520   a , preferably five (5) notches, cut therein, although it is to be understood that more or less notches  518   a ,  520   a  could be provided as desired. The notches  518   a ,  520   a  are preferably provided on the flange members  514   a ,  516   a  outwardly of the outer surfaces  504   a ,  508   a  of the extension members  494   a ,  496   a , and not outwardly of the outer wall  492   a.    
   The first drop tube member  482   a  further includes first and second cutouts  522   a ,  524   a  therethrough. The first cutout  522   a  is provided from the upper edge  484   a , between where the first and second extension members  494   a ,  496   a  are provided, and extends downwardly toward the lower edge  486   a  in a generally curved manner. The second cutout  524   a  is provided from the lower edge  486   a , and extends upwardly toward the first cutout  522   a , in a generally triangular manner. 
   The first drop tube member  482   a  further includes an opening  704 , which is generally rectangular in configuration, provided therethrough from the outer wall  492   a  to the inner wall  490   a , such that the opening  704  is in communication with the aperture  488   a . The opening  704  is provided opposite and below the first cutout  522   a . Upper and lower edges  706 ,  708  and opposite side edges  710 ,  712  are defined by the opening  704 . 
   The first drop tube member  482   a  further includes first and second guide extensions  714 ,  716 . The first guide extension  714  extends outwardly from the outer wall  492   a  proximate to one side edge  710  of the opening  704  and the second guide extension  716  extends outwardly from the outer wall  492   a  proximate to the other side edge  712  of the opening  704 . Each guide extension  714 ,  716  preferably extends from proximate the lower edge  708  of the opening  704  upwardly, past the upper edge  706  of the opening  704 , to the upper edge  484   a  of the first drop tube member  482   a . Each guide extension  714 ,  716  also provides a slot  718 ,  720  therein, respectively, such that the slots  718 ,  720  face one another. 
   First and Second Brood Gate Blockers  702 ,  702 ′ 
   Attention is directed to the first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′. The first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first brood gate blocker  702  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second brood gate blocker  702 ′ would be identical. As such, the elements of the second brood gate blocker  702 ′ are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The first brood gate blocker  702 , which is best illustrated in  FIGS. 57-61 , has a generally rectangular masking portion  722  which has upper, lower and opposite side edges  724 ,  726 ,  728 ,  730  and inner and outer surfaces  732 ,  734 . A wedge-shaped flange member  736  extends outwardly from the outer surface  734 . The flange member  736  extends between the side edges  728 ,  730  and proximate the lower edge  726 . The wedge-shaped flange  736  has a first surface  738  which is parallel to the lower edge  726  and which extends outwardly from the outer surface  734 , a second surface  740  which extends upwardly from the first surface  738  which is generally parallel to the outer surface  734 , and a third surface  742  which is angled upwardly and inwardly from the second surface  740  to the outer surface  734 . A flange member  744  extends inwardly from the inner surface  732  proximate to the upper edge  724  and is generally provided equidistantly between the side edges  728 ,  730 . The masking portion  722  is generally curved from the side edge  728  to the side edge  730 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 60 . 
   The first brood gate blocker  702  also has a generally tube-shaped member  746  which extends upwardly from the upper edge  724  of the masking portion  722  to a top end  748  thereof. The tube-shaped member  746  has a cylindrical notch  750  provided therein proximate to the top end  748 . 
   Operation of the Feeder Assembly  700   
   Assembly of the Feeder Assembly  700   
   The feeder assembly  700  is illustrated in  FIGS. 62-67  and the assembly of the feeder assembly  700  is identical to the assembly of the feeder assembly  100  described hereinabove except as noted hereinbelow and, therefore, description of the assembly  700  will not be repeated hereinbelow. 
   Attention is invited to  FIGS. 66 and 67  which illustrate the securement/positioning of the first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ with the first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482 ′. The first brood gate blocker  702  is positioned such that the opposite side edges  728 ,  730  of the masking portion  722  are slidable within the slots  718 ,  720  of the first and second guide extensions  714 ,  716  of the first drop tube member  482   a . The tube-shaped member  746  is positioned to be below, within or extending through the eighth aperture  358  of the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 . Likewise, the second brood gate blocker  702 ′ is positioned such that the opposite side edges  728 ′,  730 ′ of the masking portion  722 ′ are slidable within the slots  718 ′,  720 ′ of the first and second guide extensions  714 ′,  716 ′ of the second drop tube member  482   a′ . The tube-shaped member  746 ′ is positioned to be below, within or extending through the ninth aperture  358 ′ of the top member  190  of the outer grill member  184 . 
   Opening and Closing of the Brood Gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′ 
   The openings  704 ,  704 ′ provided through the first and second drop tube members  482   a ,  482   a′  define upper or brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′ of the feeder assembly  700 . Feed flowing into the first and second drop tube members  482 ,  482   a′  from the first and second fill ports  312 ,  312 ′ can flow out of the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′, as opposed to, or in addition to, the lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′, and onto the base portions  112 ,  112 ′ of the pan member  104  in order to present high levels of feed on the base portions  112 ,  112 ′, as illustrated in  FIGS. 65 and 66 . Feed is assisted in flowing through the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′ by the upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′. High levels of feed in the pan member  104  are beneficial because smaller birds in the poultry house are able to see the feed in the pan members  104  and, thus, are attracted thereto, which leads to the smaller birds eating the feed within the pan member  104 . As the birds grow older/larger, however, it is unnecessary to provide high levels of feed in the pan member  104 , as illustrated in  FIG. 65 , because the birds have learned where the feed is presented, and also are large enough that they can reach down into the pan member  104  to eat feed which is presented at a lower level, e.g., through the lower feed gates G- 1 , G- 1 ′. Thus, it is beneficial to have the capability to present high levels of feed in the pan member  104 , but also beneficial to stop the presentation of high levels of feed in the pan member  104 . 
   The first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ provide the capability to present and prevent high levels of feed in the pan member  104 . The first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ can be positioned such that the masking portions  722 ,  722 ′ either mask the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′, as illustrated in  FIGS. 64 and 67 , or do not mask the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′, as illustrated in  FIGS. 65 and 66 . In order to mask the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′, the tube-shaped members  746 ,  746 ′ of the first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ extending through the top portion  190  of the outer grill member  184  are pushed downwardly until the first surfaces  738 ,  738 ′ of the wedge shaped flanges  736 ,  736 ′ are positioned against the lower edges  708 ,  708 ′ of the opening  704 ,  704 ′ defining the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′, such that the mask portions  722 ,  722 ′ mask the openings  704 ,  704 ′, thus closing off the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′. In this position, the flange members  744 ,  744 ′ are positioned below the upper edges  706 ,  706 ′ of the openings  704 ,  704 ′ in order to prevent the first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ from being moved out of position masking the openings  704 ,  704 ′, unless subjected to extreme force. In order to unmask the brood gates G- 2 , G- 2 ′, the tube-shaped members  746 ,  746 ′ are pulled upwardly so that the flange members  744 ,  744 ′ are moved around the upper edges  706 ,  706 ′ of the openings  704 ,  704 ′, thus allowing for the mask portions  722 ,  722 ′ to be removed from masking the openings  704 ,  704 ′. The first and second brood gate blockers  702 ,  702 ′ are moved upwardly, within the slots  718 ,  720 ;  718 ′,  720 ′, until the lower edges  726 ,  726 ′ of the masking portions  722 ,  722 ′ are able to rest on the outer walls  492   a ,  492   a′  of the first and second drop tube members  482   a ,  482   a′.    
   Structure of the Feeder Assembly  800   
   Attention is invited to the third embodiment of the feeder assembly  800  which is illustrated in  FIGS. 68-70 . The illustrated feeder assembly  800  desirably is adapted to be used in connection with a poultry feed distribution system that includes a feed supply conduit  102 . Desirably, the poultry feeder system includes a plurality of feeder assemblies  800 , which can be vertically adjusted to either rest on the ground or be suspended above the ground by raising or lowering the feed supply conduit  102  or by other suitable means. The feeder assemblies  800  are preferably utilized in poultry houses used for housing and feeding poultry which are to be bred, commonly referred to as breeders. The feeder assemblies  800  are specifically designed to allow for the female breeders to eat therefrom, but to prevent the male breeders from eating therefrom. It is to be understood, however, that other types of animals and poultry, including chickens, turkeys and ducks, could also be fed with the feeder assemblies  800  of the invention. 
   The feeder assembly  800  is identical to the feeder assembly  100  except that the general shape of configuration of the pan member  104 , the outer grill member  184  and the outer ring member  526  have been altered (thus identified as  104   a ,  184   a ,  526   a ) from being generally in the shape of two intersecting circles to a racetrack shape. As such, the remainder of the feeder assembly  800  will not be described in detail herein with the understanding that the configuration and positioning of the other elements of the feeder assembly  100  have not changed, unless noted otherwise. 
   Pan Member  104   a    
   Only the main differences between the pan member  104   a  and the pan member  104  will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that in view of the main differences between the pan member  104   a  and the pan member  104 , that other minor differences are provided as well. It is to be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the minor differences to be made based on the main differences to the pan member  104   a.    
   The pan member  104   a  is illustrated in  FIG. 68  and includes first and second base portions  112   a ,  112   a′  which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first base portion  112   a  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second base portion  112   a′  would be identical. As such, the elements of the second base portion  112   a′  are denoted with a prime (′). The first base portion  112   a  has an inner feeding surface  114   a  and an outer feeding surface  116   a  separated by an inner rim member  118   a.    
   The inner feeding surface  114   a  extends generally outwardly from the bottom end  110  of the first upstanding cone portion  106  to the inner rim member  118   a . An outer edge of the inner feeding surface  114   a  is generally formed in a shape of half a racetrack such that the outer edge has first and second portions which are separated from one another, but parallel to one another, and a third portion which is semi-circular in configuration and which connects the first and second portions together. 
   The inner feeding surfaces  114   a ,  114   a′  are separated from one another by an upstanding portion  128   a  which slopes or curves downwardly from a pointed top end  130   a . The upstanding portion  128   a  also extends between the first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′. 
   The inner rim member  118   a  extends generally outwardly from the inner feeding surface  114   a  to the outer feeding surface  16   a . The inner rim member  118   a  is generally formed in a shape of half a racetrack such that inner and outer edges of the inner rim member  118   a  each have first and second portions which are separated from one another, but which are parallel to one another, and third portions which are semi-circular in configuration and which connect the first and second portions together. The inner rim members  118   a ,  118   a′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of a whole racetrack. 
   The outer feeding surface  116   a  extends generally outwardly from the inner rim member  118   a  to a first outer rim member  152   a  of the pan member  104   a . The outer feeding surface  116   a  is generally formed in a shape of half a racetrack such that inner and outer edges of the outer feeding surfaces  116   a  each have first and second portions which are separated from one another, but which are parallel to one another, and third portions which are semi-circular in configuration and which connect the first and second portions together. The outer feeding surfaces  116   a ,  116   a′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of a whole racetrack. 
   The pan member  104   a  further includes the first and second outer rim members  152   a ,  152   a′  which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first outer rim member  152   a  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second outer rim member  152   a′  would be identical. As such, the elements of the second outer rim member  152   a′  are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The outer rim member  152   a  extends upwardly from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116   a  to a top edge  158   a . The outer rim member  152   a  preferably extends upwardly and outwardly from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116   a  to the top edge  158   a , and further preferably curves upwardly and outwardly, preferably in a concave manner, from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116   a  to the top edge  158   a.    
   The outer rim member  152   a  separates an inner surface  164   a  of the pan member  104   a  from an outer surface (not shown) of the pan member  104   a . The top edge  158   a  is generally formed in a shape of half a racetrack such that the top edge  158   a  has first and second portions which are separated from one another, but which are parallel to one another, and a third portion which is semi-circular in configuration and which connects the first and second portions together. The top edges  158   a ,  158   a′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of a whole racetrack. 
   First and second hook members  175   a ,  175   a′  extend outwardly from the outer surfaces (not shown) of the outer rim members  152   a ,  152   a′  proximate to and below the connections of the first and second portions of the top edges  158   a ,  158   a′.    
   Thus, from the foregoing and from a study of  FIG. 68  illustrating the pan member  104   a , it is apparent that the pan member  104   a  is generally formed in the shape of a racetrack. Like the pan member  104 , the pan member  104   a  has at least one (1) plane of symmetry and, if the hook members  175   a ,  175   a′  were not provided on the pan member  104   a , the pan member  104   a  would have an infinite number of axes of symmetry (not taking into account the placement of the fin members  168   a ,  168   a′  or the fin members  172   a ,  172   a′ ). 
   Outer Grill Member  184   a    
   Only the main differences between the outer grill member  184   a  and the outer grill member  184  will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that in view of the main differences between the outer grill member  184   a  and the outer grill member  184 , that other minor differences are provided as well. It is to be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the minor differences to be made based on the main differences to the outer grill member  184   a . The outer grill member  184   a  is illustrated in  FIG. 69 . 
   The rim member  186   a , in a preferred embodiment, is generally formed in a shape to match the shape in which the top edges  158   a ,  158   a′  of the outer rim members  152   a ,  152   a′  of the pan member  104   a  are formed, preferably in a shape of a whole racetrack, such that the rim member  186   a  has first and second portions  192   a ,  192   a′ , where each portion  192   a ,  192   a′  is generally formed in a shape of half a racetrack such that each portion  192   a ,  192   a′  each have first and second portions which are separated from one another, but which are parallel to one another, and third portions which are semi-circular in configuration and which connect the first and second portions together. The first and second portions  192   a ,  192   a′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of a whole racetrack. 
   The first portion  192   a  of the rim member  186   a  has a side rim portion  198   a  including an inner wall  200   a  and a plurality of outer walls  202   a.    
   The inner wall  200   a  has an inner surface (not shown) and an outer surface  206   a . The inner wall  200   a  is formed in the shape of half a racetrack such that the connection of the inner walls  200   a ,  200   a′  forms a whole racetrack. 
   The ring member  260   a  of the spoke assembly  188   a  is generally formed in the shape of a racetrack, as opposed to the ring member  260  which is generally formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. 
   Outer Ring Member  526   a    
   Only the main differences between the outer ring member  526   a  and the outer ring member  526  will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that in view of the main differences between the outer ring member  526   a  and the outer ring member  526 , that other minor differences are provided as well. It is to be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the minor differences to be made based on the main differences to the outer ring member  526   a . The outer ring member  526   a  is illustrated in  FIG. 70 . 
   The upstanding member  528   a  of the outer ring member  526   a  is generally formed in the shape of a racetrack such that the outer ring member  526   a  can be positioned around, and movable relative to, the spoke members  256   a  and the reinforcing members  298   a  of the outer grill member  184   a , such that the outer ring member  526   a  can effectively change the height of the apertures  286   a  provided through the outer grill member  184   a.    
   Unique Shape of the Feeder Assembly  800   
   The pan member  104   a  and the rim member  186   a  of the outer grill member  184   a  are both uniquely shaped in the form of a racetrack, such that the feeder assembly  800  is uniquely shaped in the form of a racetrack. The feeder assembly  800  incorporates the well-known and desired features of the round/circular prior art feeders, essentially generally combining two such round/circular feeders together and bridging the gap between the two such round/circular feeders. Thus, the feeder assembly  800  has all of the same advantages as are generally described in connection with the feeder assembly  100  or the feeder assembly  700 . 
   As the pan member  104   a , the outer grill member  184   a  and the outer ring member  526   a  have been described and illustrated herein, drawings of the feeder assembly  800  as a whole have not been provided as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the configuration of the feeder assembly  800  as a whole based on the drawings and descriptions of the altered pan member  104   a , the outer grill member  184   a  and the outer ring member  526   a.    
   Structure of the Feeder Assembly  900   
   Attention is invited to the fourth embodiment of the feeder assembly  900  which is illustrated in  FIGS. 71-73 . The illustrated feeder assembly  900  desirably is adapted to be used in connection with a poultry feed distribution system that includes a feed supply conduit  102 . Desirably, the poultry feeder system includes a plurality of feeder assemblies  900 , which can be vertically adjusted to either rest on the ground or be suspended above the ground by raising or lowering the feed supply conduit  102  or by other suitable means. The feeder assemblies  900  are preferably utilized in poultry houses used for housing and feeding poultry which are to be bred, commonly referred to as breeders. The feeder assemblies  900  are specifically designed to allow for the female breeders to eat therefrom, but to prevent the male breeders from eating therefrom. It is to be understood, however, that other types of animals and poultry, including chickens, turkeys and ducks, could also be fed with the feeder assemblies  900  of the invention. 
   The feeder assembly  900  is identical to the feeder assembly  100  except that the configuration of the pan member  104 , the outer grill member  184  and the outer ring member  526  have been altered (thus identified as  104   b ,  184   b ,  526   b  ) from being generally in the shape of two intersecting circles to an elliptical or football shape. As such, the remainder of the feeder assembly  900  will not be described in detail herein with the understanding that the configuration and positioning of the other elements of the feeder assembly  100  have not changed, unless noted otherwise. 
   Pan Member  104   b    
   Only the main differences between the pan member  104   b  and the pan member  104  will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that in view of the main differences between the pan member  104   b  and the pan member  104 , that other minor differences are provided as well. It is to be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the minor differences to be made based on the main differences to the pan member  104   b.    
   The pan member  104   b  is illustrated in  FIG. 71  and includes first and second base portions  112   b ,  112   b′  which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first base portion  112   b  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second base portion  112   b′  would be identical. As such, the elements of the second base portion  112   b′  are denoted with a prime (′). The first base portion  112   b  has an inner feeding surface  114   b  and an outer feeding surface  116   b  separated by an inner rim member  118   b.    
   The inner feeding surface  114   b  extends generally outwardly from the bottom end  110  of the first upstanding cone portion  106  to the inner rim member  118   b . An outer edge of the inner feeding surface  114   b  is generally formed in a shape of half an ellipse or football such that the outer edge has first and second portions which are separated from one another, and a third portion which connects the first and second portions together. Each of the first, second and third portions are curved with the first and second portions having a relatively large radius of curvature and the third portion having a relatively small radius of curvature, which is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first and second portions. 
   The inner feeding surfaces  114   b ,  114   b′  are separated from one another by an upstanding portion  128   b  which slopes or curves downwardly from a pointed top end  130   b . The upstanding portion  128   b  also extends between the first and second upstanding cone portions  106 ,  106 ′. 
   The inner rim member  118   b  extends generally outwardly from the inner feeding surface  114   b  to the outer feeding surface  116   b . The inner rim member  118   b  is generally formed in a shape of half an ellipse or football such that inner and outer edges of the inner rim member  118   b  each have first and second portions which are separated from one another, and a third portion which connects the first and second portions together. Each of the first, second and third portions are curved with the first and second portions having a relatively large radius of curvature and the third portion having a relatively small radius of curvature, which is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first and second portions. The inner rim members  118   b ,  118   b′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of an ellipse or a football. 
   The outer feeding surface  116   b  extends generally outwardly from the inner rim member  118   b  to a first outer rim member  152   b  of the pan member  104   b . The outer feeding surface  116   b  is generally formed in a shape of half an ellipse or football such that inner and outer edges of the outer feeding surface  116   b  each have first and second portions which are separated from one another, and a third portion which connects the first and second portions together. Each of the first, second and third portions are curved with the first and second portions having a relatively large radius of curvature and the third portion having a relatively small radius of curvature, which is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first and second portions. The outer feeding surfaces  116   b ,  116   b′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of an ellipse or a football. 
   The pan member  104   b  further includes the first and second outer rim members  152   b ,  152   b′  which are identical to one another in configuration and, therefore, only the first outer rim member  152   b  will be described in detail with the understanding that the description of the second outer rim member  152   b′  would be identical. As such, the elements of the second outer rim member  152   b′  are denoted with a prime (′). 
   The outer rim member  152   b  extends upwardly from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116   b  to a top edge  158   b . The outer rim member  152   b  preferably extends upwardly and outwardly from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116   b  to the top edge  158   b , and further preferably curves upwardly and outwardly, preferably in a concave manner, from the outer edge of the outer feeding surface  116   b  to the top edge  158   b.    
   The outer rim member  152   b  separates an inner surface  164   b  of the pan member  104   b  from an outer surface (not shown) of the pan member  104   b . The top edge  158   b  is generally in a shape of half an ellipse or football such that the top edge  158   b  has first and second portions which are separated from one another, and a third portion which connects the first and second portions together. Each of the first, second and third portions are curved with the first and second portions having a relatively large radius of curvature and the third portion having a relatively small radius of curvature, which is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first and second portions. The top edges  158   b ,  158   b′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of an ellipse or a football. 
   First and second hook members  175   b ,  175   b′  extend outwardly from the outer surfaces (not shown) of the outer rim members  152   b ,  152   b′  proximate to and below the connections of the first and second portions of the top edges  158   b ,  158   b′.    
   Thus, from the foregoing and from a study of  FIG. 71  illustrating the pan member  104   b , it is apparent that the pan member  104   b  is generally formed in the shape of an ellipse or a football. Like the pan member  104 , the pan member  104   b  has at least one (1) plane of symmetry and, if the hook members  175   b ,  175   b′  were not provided on the pan member  104   b , the pan member  104   b  would have an infinite number of axes of symmetry (not taking into account the placement of the fin members  168   b ,  168   b′ or the fin members  172   b ,  172   b′ ). 
   Outer Grill Member  184   b    
   Only the main differences between the outer grill member  184   b  and the outer grill member  184  will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that in view of the main differences between the outer grill member  184   b  and the outer grill member  184 , that other minor differences are provided as well. It is to be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the minor differences to be made based on the main differences to the outer grill member  184   b . The outer grill member  184   b  is illustrated in  FIG. 72 . 
   The rim member  186   b , in a preferred embodiment, is generally formed in a shape to match the shape in which the top edges  158   b ,  158   b′  of the outer rim members  152   b ,  152   b′  of the pan member  104   b  are formed, preferably in a shape of an ellipse or a football, such that the rim member  186   b  has first and second portions  192   b ,  192   b′ , where each portion  192   b ,  192   b′  is generally formed in a shape of half an ellipse or football such that each portion  192   b ,  192   b′  has first and second portions which are separated from one another, and a third portion which connects the first and second portions together. Each of the first, second and third portions are curved with the first and second portions having a relatively large radius of curvature and the third portion having a relatively small radius of curvature, which is smaller than the radius of curvature of the first and second portions. The first and second portions  192   b ,  192   b′  are connected to one another to generally be formed in the shape of an ellipse or a football. 
   The first portion  192   b  of the rim member  186   b  has a side rim portion  198   b  including an inner wall  200   b  and a plurality of outer walls  202   b.    
   The inner wall  200   b  has an inner surface (not shown) and an outer surface  206   b . The inner wall  200   b  is formed in the shape of half an ellipse or football such that the connection of the inner walls  200   b ,  200   b′  forms an entire ellipse or football. 
   The ring member  260   b  of the spoke assembly  188   b  is generally formed in the shape of an ellipse or a football, as opposed to the ring member  260  which is generally formed in the shape of two intersecting circles. 
   Outer Ring Member  526   b    
   Only the main differences between the outer ring member  526   b  and the outer ring member  526  will be described in detail herein, with the understanding that in view of the main differences between the outer ring member  526   b  and the outer ring member  526 , that other minor differences are provided as well. It is to be understood that those of ordinary skill in the art would understand the minor differences to be made based on the main differences to the outer ring member  526   b . The outer ring member  526   b  is illustrated in  FIG. 73 . 
   The upstanding member  528   b  of the outer ring member  526   b  is generally formed in the shape of a racetrack such that the outer ring member  526   b  can be positioned around, and movable relative to, the spoke members  256   b  and the reinforcing members  298   b  of the outer grill member  184   b , such that the outer ring member  526   b  can effectively change the height of the apertures  286   b  provided through the outer grill member  184   b.    
   Shape of the Feeder Assembly  900   
   The pan member  104   b  and the rim member  186   b  of the outer grill member  184   b  are both shaped in the form of an ellipse or a football, such that the feeder assembly  900  is shaped in the form an ellipse or a football. The feeder assembly  900  thus incorporates the beneficial features of an elliptical pan member  104   b  and an elliptical feeder assembly  900  which are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,786,178 and which is embodied in the Kixoo® Feeder manufactured and sold by Roxell N. V. Otherwise, the feeder assembly  900  has all of the same advantages as are generally described in connection with either the feeder assembly  100  or the feeder assembly  700 . 
   It should be noted that because of the elliptical shape of the pan member  104   b  and the outer grill member  184   b , the configuration of the inner grill members  408 ,  408 ′, if included in the feeder assembly  900 , would have to be slightly altered such that they could rotate within the outer grill member  184   b  as desired. 
   As the pan member  104   b , the outer grill member  184   b  and the outer ring member  526   b  have been described and illustrated herein, drawings of the feeder assembly  900  as a whole have not been provided as one of ordinary skill in the art would understand the configuration of the feeder assembly  900  as a whole based on the drawings and descriptions of the altered pan member  104   b , the outer grill member  184   b  and the outer ring member  526   b.    
   It is to be understood that while the configuration of the feeder assemblies  100 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  have been described and illustrated to be elongated and in the shape of two intersecting circles, a racetrack configuration, or an elliptical configuration, that the feeder assembly of the invention may be of any other alternative configuration as desired, such as three or more intersecting circles, or any oval shape other than the racetrack configuration and the elliptical configuration (as the racetrack and elliptical configurations described and illustrated herein are considered to both be oval in configuration). 
   Also, it is further to be understood that regardless of the shape of the feeder assemblies, whether circular, elongated or other and in the shapes described and illustrated with regard to the first, second and third embodiments described and illustrated, or any other shape, the invention is intended to include any feeder assembly, other than trough type feeder assemblies, where multiple individual and separate feeder assemblies, of the type generally described herein, are provided along one or more feed supply conduits, where each feeder assembly has two or more separate fill ports for receiving feed from the feed supply conduit(s). 
   It is also further to be understood that, if desired, the feeder assemblies  100 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  may be provided without the outer ring members  526 ,  526   a ,  526   b , respectively, if it is not desired to change the height of the apertures  286 ,  286   a ,  286   b  provided through the outer grill members  184 ,  184   a ,  184   b . Likewise, it is also further to be understood that, if desired, the feeder assemblies  100 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  may be provided without the inner ring members  408 ,  408 ′ and the dial member  568 , if it is not desired to change the width of the apertures  286 ,  286   a ,  286   b  provided through the outer grill members  184 ,  184   a ,  184   b.    
   While preferred embodiments of the invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the foregoing description and the appended claims.