Patent Abstract:
A device catering for the dietary needs of animals. Feed is stored in a hopper and distributed at intervals to the animal&#39;s feeding receptacle via an internal dispensing mechanism using a flexible rotor sealing against the walls of a housing to both meter the feed and seal against contamination. The quantities and delivery times may be set by the user. An optional weighting system can be provided to increase accuracy of delivered feed amounts. Optionally, the device may include a water delivery system. Water is provided by a plumbed domestic connection and is available to the animal at all times, except during the automatic change cycle. A pump is utilized to change the water several times a day, in an attempt to remove any contaminants that may affect the water quality that is required to be dispensed.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention is directed to the field of automatic animal feeding and watering devices. 
         [0003]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0004]    Animals cared for in a commercial setting, such as dogs owned by security companies, tend to benefit from multiple caretakers with sufficient human presence to ensure feed and water are delivered on time and in the quantities required. Pet owners, however, may not always be able to deliver this quality care either due to schedule or vacation. This poses a significant problem especially when the dog serves the dual purpose of being a pet and a guard of the property. 
         [0005]    It is not feasible to remove the dog and place him in a shelter or by a friend since the property remains unguarded. The alternative entails getting someone familiar with the animal to attend to its dietary needs on a daily basis. This can prove quite challenging especially if the dog is temperamental and dangerous. The other limitation of this approach is that it allows others to be familiar with the property guard and poses a security risk. 
         [0006]    Several patents have been filed to address the problem of animal feeding, however, they do fall short in one area or another. 
         [0007]    There are several approaches to the metering and delivery of dry food. One of the simplest means is a basic flap opening under a hopper that is actuated by a solenoid or motor as presented in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,733,634, 5,794,560 and 6,196,158. This system is simple but the likelihood of sealing the opening once it is opened is low since food pellets will inevitably become lodged between the sealing plate and hopper. In addition to this it is unlikely the same quantity of food will be reliably delivered when the hopper is full as opposed to nearly empty. 
         [0008]    Rotating slotted disks have found favor with some designers. They work on the principle that a specified amount of food is captured and transported per rotation. Good examples of this approach are presented in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,292,930, 4,324,203 and 6,427,628. These systems are relatively accurate but incur shear planes as they rotate. Should a food pellet become lodged at this interface two possible scenarios can occur; the pellet can be crushed or the mechanism can fail. Neither occurrence is of benefit with the consequences ranging from compromising the integrity and quantity of food delivered to a complete lack of food delivery and possible equipment damage. Should the food be crushed high vibration and wear on the equipment can be expected which will surely impact negatively on its useful life. 
         [0009]    Rotating blade systems have also been proposed utilizing inflexible blades that direct feed either inward as illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,020,980, 5,622,467 and 6,681,718 or outward, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,688. These systems do eliminate the shear planes previously described. They are, however, incapable of providing an effective vapor seal and as such allow atmospheric humidity to compromise the integrity of the stored feed. This lack of seal also allows vermin to get into the feed. 
         [0010]    Water pumps have been proposed to circulate water from a reservoir through filter media and into a consumption receptacle thereby improving the quality of water delivered to an animal. Good examples of this approach are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,762,211 and 6,928,954. While this method has its benefits it does not solve the problem of disposing of the organic particulate matter that collects in the water as an animal consumes. Instead of disposal the particulate matter is trapped in a filter and as such contaminates the water as it decomposes. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention described is a device catering for the dietary needs of animals. Feed is stored in a hopper and distributed at intervals to the animal&#39;s feeding receptacle via an internal dispensing mechanism using a flexible rotor sealing against the walls of a housing to both meter the feed and seal against contamination. The quantities and delivery times may be set by the user. An optional weighting system can be provided to increase accuracy of delivered feed amounts. 
         [0012]    Optionally, the device may include a water delivery system. Water is provided by a plumbed domestic connection and is available to the animal at all times, except during the automatic change cycle. A pump is utilized to change the water several times a day, in an attempt to remove any contaminants that may affect the water quality that is required to be dispensed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a frontal perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the lid cover open. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, taken perpendicular to the frontal face and through the centre line of the apparatus. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the feed delivery mechanism, of the present invention, excluding the hopper, chutes and weighting system, taken perpendicular to the frontal face and through the centre line of the hopper. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6   a  is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the feed delivery mechanism of the present invention, showing the rotor and associated housing components. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6   b  is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of the feed delivery system of the present invention, inclusive of the motor and chute to the weighting system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a fragmentary perspective view of the feed delivery system of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is cross-sectional view of the apparatus of the present invention, taken parallel to the frontal face and through the centre of the hopper exit. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the feed weighting system of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10   a  is an underside view of the weighting system of the present invention, with the release gate closed. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10   b  is an underside view of the weighting system of the present invention, with the release gate open. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11   a  is a side view of the weighting system of the present invention, as it would appear with no feed material present. 
           [0026]      FIG. 11   b  is a side view of the weighting system of the present invention, as it would appear when filled with feed material. 
           [0027]      FIG. 12   a  is a fragmentary perspective view of the present invention&#39;s weighting system&#39;s pivotal shaft and support bearings. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12   b  is a fragmentary perspective view of the present invention&#39;s weighting system&#39;s release gate showing the motor, coupling, limit switches and physical stop. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a fragmentary perspective view of the complete weighting system of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14   a  is a sectional view of the rotor of the present invention, perpendicular to its length depicting the deflection of the splines, as they rotate within the confines of the housing. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14   b  is a perspective view of the rotor of the present invention, illustrating the wiper fins that clean the mechanism&#39;s housing during regular operation. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is an overhead view of the watering system of the present invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the watering system of the present invention, taken parallel to the front face of the apparatus and through the centre line of the water bowl and feed receptacle. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  shows a modular electrical layout for the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  shows a modular plumbing layout for the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    Although a specific embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that such embodiments are by way of example only and merely illustrative of but a small number of the many possible specific embodiments which can represent applications of the principles of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Various changes and modifications, apparent to one skilled in the art, to which the present invention pertains, are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the present invention as further defined in the appended claims. 
         [0038]    For the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front  20  has an indented face to accommodate the animal during feeding. The feed  66  and water bowls  67  are located on a level platform created within the indented face. The chute shield  65  that covers the feed exit chute  64  (not shown) is visible. This piece is a finisher and serves in a solely aesthetic role. 
         [0039]    The top access cover  24  is shown in an open position. As such the user interface, inclusive of the liquid crystal display  75  and keypad  76 , is visible. One side of the cover latch  26 , used to secure the top access cover against the rubber seal  30 , is also visible. The force provided by the latch ensures a reliable seal is formed and maintained. This is important to ensure the integrity of the pelletized feed is not compromised due to exposure to the atmosphere. The cover latch  26  also allows the option to lock the device. Two sides of the hopper  31  are also visible from this angle. The open cover limit switch  81  is also indicated though it is barely visible due to scale. 
         [0040]    A rear perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention shows the electrical connection  77 , which utilizes a gland  78 , to facilitate safe cable penetration through the rear body panel  21 . The water supply connection  71  and drain connection  72  are also visible. The final items shown on the rear panel  21  are two part mounting brackets  27 ,  28 . 
         [0041]    One part of the wall mount bracket  27  mounts on to the rear body panel  21  while the other part  28  mounts on to a secure surface such as a wall. These mounting brackets  27 ,  28  ensure that the only way to move the device is by lifting, a task nearly impossible for any domestic animal. The hinges  23  for the top access cover  24  and the handles  25  are visible, as is the entire latch  26 , shown in a locked position. 
         [0042]    A cutaway perspective view of the apparatus of the present invention provides a good basis for understanding the spatial coordination between the independent systems and is best referenced as these systems are described in detail. 
         [0043]    In a section taken perpendicular to the front face  20 , the latch  26  is shown in a closed position securing the top access cover  24  against the rubber seal  30 , as mentioned previously. The liquid crystal display  75 , circuit board  80  and transformer  79  are also visible. The delivery mechanism housing top ring  32  is included to allow some compliance between the hopper  31  and delivery mechanism thus allowing some flexibility in manufacturing. This arrangement ensures no pelletized feed escapes even if there is a small gap. Due to scale many components in the delivery mechanism are not clearly visible and as such an enlarged view of this system is provided in  FIG. 5 . The delivery system motor  50  and delivery motor mount plate  48  are labeled to reference the system. The placement of the section avoids much of the components in the weighting system and as such those shown appear to be floating. 
         [0044]    For reference the scale pillow bearings  59  and scale release gate motor  57  are identified. The internal frame  83  was transected at several points and shows up as squares on the drawing. The water tank  68  is visible but this view provides little information. Finally it is noted that the bottom body panel  22  is shown with the frame bolted to it to transfer the weight of the supported components to the floor. 
         [0045]    An enlarged view of the present invention shows the sectioned feed delivery system, excluding the hopper  31  and delivery system chute  51 . Upon activation by the microprocessor controller  80  the delivery system motor  50  activates the rotor  39  via a rotor shaft  40  and three piece coupling system  45 ,  46 ,  47 . The first piece of the coupling  47  is attached to the delivery system motor  50  shaft. The other piece  45  is attached to the rotor shaft  40 . Mechanical coupling is achieved via a key  46 . This arrangement allows for easy separation of the coupling and facilitates assembly and disassembly. 
         [0046]    As is good practice, the rotor shaft  40  is supported at both ends by bushings  41 ,  42  which are in turn kept in position by housings  43 ,  44 . Lateral movement of the rotor shaft  40  is restricted by a small lip on the shaft that allows bushing  42  to function as a thrust bushing. Movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the thrust bushing internal to the delivery system motor  50 . The shape of the upper portion of the delivery system chute  51  allows it to form a seal against the curved portion of the mechanism&#39;s housing  34 . 
         [0047]    A sectional view taken parallel to the front of the device, through the centerline of the exit port of the hopper  31 , is provided in  FIG. 8 . This view transects the feed distribution and weighing mechanisms in a direction that facilitates an explanation of the principle of operation of these systems. The loading of feed is performed by opening the top access cover  24  and filling the hopper  31 . 
         [0048]    The pelletized feed is conveyed into the delivery mechanism via gravity flow, but will be restricted from flowing into the delivery system chute  51  by the sealing action of the flexible rotor  39  against the curved walls of the delivery mechanism housing  34 . Tests show the angle of the hopper  31  walls must be in excess of thirty five degrees to the horizontal and the hopper must be manufactured with a smooth finish, plastic being the material of choice, to ensure pelletized feed on the market will flow unassisted by vibration or any other means. The size of the exit from the hopper is also important and is preferably of the order of sixty five millimeters (approximately two and a half inches) to ensure free flow. 
         [0049]    Rotation of the flexible rotor  39 , by means of a delivery system motor  50  (not shown), moves an approximate quantity of feed per angular displacement to the bottom opening cut into the curved delivery mechanism housing  34 . The feed falls by gravity into the delivery system chute  51  which must be maintained at above thirty five degrees to the horizontal to guarantee movement of the pelletized feed. 
         [0050]    The delivered quantity per complete rotation is largely a factor of the geometry of the flexible rotor  39  and the curved portion of the mechanism housing  34 . Pellet size and packing due to weight from above are also factors that affect accuracy. To increase the accuracy a weighting system is included. 
         [0051]    The weighting system is based on the commonly used method of relating the extension of a spring to the force exerted once it is within its linear range. The scale basket  52  collects the feed via the delivery system chute  51 . In the initial stages the scale release gate  54  is kept closed so the feed fills the basket  52 . As this occurs, the basket  52  pivots about the scale pivot shaft  58  and with the weight of the feed being balanced by the force exerted by the extension of the scale counterbalance spring device  63  as illustrated in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b.    
         [0052]    To achieve reasonable accuracy the spring constant, k, of the scale counterbalance spring device  63  must be relatively low. This would not be very accurate if the scale counterbalance spring device  63  had to support the weight of the scale balance assembly (scale basket  52 , scale release gate actuator  57 , scale release gate  54  and other devices on that side of the scale pivot shaft  58 ). A counter balance  61  is included to solve this problem with weights  62  added to perfectly balance the system when the scale basket  52  is empty. 
         [0053]    The accuracy of the weighting system is also affected by the resistance to rotation at the scale pivot shaft  58 . Pillow bearings  59 , visible in  FIG. 9 , are specified to reduce the effects of friction. 
         [0054]    The angular rotation is directly related to the weight of the feed in the scale basket  52  hence measuring this attribute with a measuring device allows the circuit board with microprocessor controller  80  to calculate feed portions. An optical encoder  60  was chosen as the measuring device due to its accuracy. It is noted this can be replaced by a sensitive potentiometer. 
         [0055]    Once the desired amount of feed is measured the circuit board with microprocessor controller  80  turns off the power to the delivery system motor  50  and turns on power to the scale gate motor  57 . The scale gate motor  57  opens the scale release gate  54  until it comes in contact with the physical stop  55 . At that point a limit switch  56  is activated and the power to the scale gate release motor  57  is stopped. The system stays in this position for a short period of time to allow all the feed to fall from the scale basket  52  into the flared end of the feed exit chute  64 . 
         [0056]    Once this is complete, the power to the scale gate release motor  57  is reversed and the scale release gate mechanism  54  is closed. Upon reaching the closed position the scale release gate mechanism  54  is prevented from further motion due to the shape of one end of the scale basket  52 . At this point another limit switch  85  is activated and power to the scale gate release motor  57  is turned off. 
         [0057]    The open and closed positions of the scale release gate mechanism  54  and activation of the limit switches  56 ,  85  mentioned are illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Due to the action of the scale counterbalance spring device  63  the system will rebalance to the position status it was in prior to receiving feed. 
         [0058]    An exploded perspective view of the pivot shaft  58  depicts pillow bearings  59  and the optical encoder  60 . It is noted the scale shaft  58  is square in the central section to facilitate mounting on to the scale basket  52 . 
         [0059]    In an exploded perspective view of the scale gate release system inclusive of the scale gate motor  57 , scale gate motor plate  53 , the limit switches  56 ,  85  and their mounts, the scale release gate physical stop  55 , the scale gate motor coupling  84  and the scale gate  54  are visible. The scale release gate motor  57  is bolted on the scale motor mount plate  53  and is connected to the scale release gate  54  via a coupling  84 .  FIG. 13  provides an exploded perspective view of the entire weighting system with the two subsystems illustrated in  FIG. 12   a  and  FIG. 12   b  assembled. 
         [0060]    It may be argued that the scale release gate  54  creates the shear plane when closing, that the flexible rotor  39  sought to avoid. This is not so, however, since the scale release gate  54  allows all pelletized feed to fall before it closes; hence there is nothing to shear. Obviously this principle cannot work when the storage is the hopper  31 . 
         [0061]    The microprocessor controller on the circuit board  80  is programmed with a lookup table that allows it to compare the on time of the delivery system motor  50  with the estimated feed delivered. If there is significant variation between the expected delivery system motor  50  on time and appropriate feedback from the scale optical encoder  60  the system alerts the operator of an error. This would normally be due to a lack of feed in the hopper  31 , though it is possible that a motor or drive system failure would also result in triggering the alarm. 
         [0062]    The delivery system motor  50  requires high torque to overcome resistance and a low rotation speed to allow gravity to act on the pelletized feed when it reaches the opening in the curved delivery mechanism housing  34 . A motor with integrated gearing is ideal for this application. Similarly the scale gate motor  57  requires higher torque and lower revolutions per minute to perform its task and as such a motor with integrated gearing is also specified in this application. It is noted that a powerful solenoid could be used to activate the scale release gate  54  and would replace the need for the limit switches  56 ,  85  and physical stop  55 . 
         [0063]    The successful operation as described above is highly dependent on the flexibility of the rotor  39 . If the rotor  39  is too rigid, the feed pellets will become wedged between its blades and the curved portion of the curved mechanism housing  34 . 
         [0064]    In this scenario the feed pellets can be crushed, the delivery system motor  50  can stall or some component in the drive train can fail. This was actually tested with stainless steel blades. Under the test conditions the motor consistently stalled in less than one complete revolution. On the other hand if the impeller is too flexible, it will deflect due to the weight of the pelletized feed above it and it will allow some to pass through especially if the device is shaken. The desired flexibility is achieved partly by the shape of the rotor  39  blades and partly by the material it is fabricated from. It is also noted that the materials of choice must be of feed grade. Some types of rubber and flexible plastic seem to be best suited for this application. 
         [0065]      FIG. 14   a  is a sectional view of the mechanism housing taken perpendicular to the axis of the rotor shaft  40  and close to one end so the openings on the delivery mechanism&#39;s top plate  33  and curved plate  34  are not visible. The rotor  39  blades are curved and angled in a manner to allow them to flex easily when they are rotated in the anticlockwise direction. It is also noted that the tip of the rotor  39  blades are angled and largely flat so that they become perpendicular to the curved mechanism housing  34  when flexed as illustrated. 
         [0066]    The inherent resilience of the material and shape of the rotor  39  blade, allows it to wipe the curved mechanism housing  34 , in a similar manner to the action of a wiper blade on a windshield. A dashed line shows the diameter of the curved mechanism housing  34  extended into the vertical portion. This helps to illustrate the slight straightening of the rotor  39  blades and thus extension above the dashed line, as they become unrestrained. It is noted that six blades were chosen so at least two will be sealing the opening at the bottom of the curved mechanism housing  34  at all times. 
         [0067]    A perspective view of the rotor  39  alone, reveals that thin wiper style fins are included on each blade, as illustrated in  FIG. 14   b , to allow the rotor  39  to wipe the flat side walls of the mechanism housing  35 ,  36 . More importantly these fins ensure a thorough seal between the rotor  39  and mechanism housing  34  and thus prevent the intrusion of vermin and humidity; as such they are necessary to ensure the integrity of the pelletized feed stored in the hopper  31 . It is noted that the size of the rotor  39  was determined by the size in the exit port of the hopper  31  which is slightly above the minimum required for free flow of the pelletized feed, presently on the market, under gravity. 
         [0068]    A top down perspective view of the water system reveals that water is supplied via a plumbed mains connection  71  to the water tank  68  under the regulation of a float valve  69 . An overflow  73  is included and plumbed to the drain connection  72  to facilitate the safe discharge of water should the float valve  69  fail. The drain connection  72  is plumbed directly to a small water pump  74 . 
         [0069]    The discharge from this water pump  74  is elevated to a level above the water tank  68  to keep the water from flowing through the pump  74  and out the drain connection  72  via gravity. The drain connection  72  exits the device at a low level to facilitate gravity discharge from the overflow  73 . The plumbing connections described are represented in a modular format in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 16  provides a sectioned view of the water system taken through the centerline of the water  67  and feed bowls  66 . The tapered base of the water tank  68  assists in the funneling of feed particulate to the drain connection  72 . The small hole required to allow water to flow from the water tank  68  into the water bowl  67  is visible. The chute shield  65 , best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , is removable allowing the feed bowl  66  to be removed for cleaning. The water tank  68  is shaped in such a manner that a partitioned portion of it, that remains dry, forms a finisher to hide the internal mechanisms of the device when the feed bowl  66  is removed for cleaning. 
         [0071]    The wet compartment of the water tank  68  is sized as small as possible to accommodate the water bowl  67  and float valve  69 . This is important since the water is disposed of at least four times a day. The purpose of this is to minimize the feed particulate and other contaminants in the water that inevitably builds up as the animal consumes from the water bowl  67 . This approach is critical in providing a clean water supply to the animal thus ensuring good health. The cleaning process mentioned above involves the input solenoid valve  82  shutting off the mains water supply connection  71  while the water pump  74  empties the water tank  68 . 
         [0072]    After a fixed period of time, determined empirically, the water pump  74  is turned off and the solenoid valve  82  is opened to allow the water tank  68  to refill. The process is repeated to achieve best results and thus two discharges of the water represent one cycle. The cycle is repeated four times daily as mentioned previously. Of course, the electrical control of the solenoid valve  82  and water pump  74  occurs automatically via the microprocessor controller on the circuit board  80 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 17  provides a modular representation of the electrical system in the automatic animal feeding and watering device. The microprocessor controller on the circuit board  80  is the key element that makes the automatic functionality possible. User interface is achieved through the incorporation of a keypad  76  for input and a display  75  for feedback. Through this interface the user is guided to set the current date and time, feeding schedules and quantities. 
         [0074]    The microprocessor controller  80  utilizes the user settings and a lookup table, based on empirical data, to determine the angular displacement, as measured by the scale optical encoder  60 , that corresponds to the volume of food desired. 
         [0075]    The water pump  74  and solenoid valve  82  are also controlled by the microprocessor controller  80 . This action is automatic and requires no user setting. Power to the system is supplied by the mains via an electrical connection with a standard plug  77  and is regulated via a transformer  79  to the appropriate voltage for the microprocessor controller  80 . 
         [0076]    It is pointed out that although the present invention has been shown and described with reference to a particular embodiment, nevertheless various changes and modifications, apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, are deemed to lie within the purview of the invention and may be seen when taken together with the accompanying drawings and the Claims. 
         [0077]    Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention. 
       REFERENCE NUMBER LISTING 
       [0078]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 20 
                 Body, Front &amp; Sides 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 Rear Body Panel 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 Bottom Body Panel 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 Cover Hinge 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 Top Access Cover 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 Cover Handle 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 Cover Latch 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 Wall Mount Bracket, Device 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 Wall mount bracket, wall 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 Leveling feet 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 Rubber seal 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 Hopper 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 Delivery Mechanism housing top ring 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 Delivery Mechanism housing top 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 Delivery Mechanism housing curved 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 Delivery Mechanism housing opp. motor 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 Delivery Mechanism housing motor side 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 Delivery Mechanism bolts 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 Delivery Mechanism bolts spacer 
               
               
                   
                 39 
                 Rotor 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 Rotor shaft 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 Bushing 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 Thrust bushing 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 Bushing Housing 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 Thrust bushing housing 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 Rotor shaft coupling 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 Rotor shaft key 
               
               
                   
                 47 
                 Delivery Motor shaft coupling 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 Delivery Motor mount plate 
               
               
                   
                 49 
                 Delivery Motor mount plate bolts 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 Delivery System Motor 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 Delivery System Chute 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 Scale basket 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 Scale motor mount plate 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 Scale release gate 
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 Scale release gate physical stop 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 Scale release gate limit switches, activated when open 
               
               
                   
                 57 
                 Scale Release Gate Motor 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 Scale pivot shaft 
               
               
                   
                 59 
                 Scale pillow bearings 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 Scale optical encoder 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 Scale counter balance 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 Scale counter balance weights 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                 Scale counter balance spring 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 Food Exit Chute 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 Chute shield 
               
               
                   
                 66 
                 Feed bowl 
               
               
                   
                 67 
                 Water bowl 
               
               
                   
                 68 
                 Water tank 
               
               
                   
                 69 
                 Float valve 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 Water tank bottom connection 
               
               
                   
                 71 
                 Water supply connection 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 Water drain connection 
               
               
                   
                 73 
                 Overflow connection 
               
               
                   
                 74 
                 Water pump 
               
               
                   
                 75 
                 LCD display 
               
               
                   
                 76 
                 Keypad 
               
               
                   
                 77 
                 Electrical Connection and Plug 
               
               
                   
                 78 
                 Electrical connection gland 
               
               
                   
                 79 
                 Transformer 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 Circuit board with microprocessor controller 
               
               
                   
                 81 
                 Open cover switch 
               
               
                   
                 82 
                 Solenoid valve 
               
               
                   
                 83 
                 Internal frame 
               
               
                   
                 84 
                 Scale motor to release gate coupling 
               
               
                   
                 85 
                 Scale release gate limit switches, activated when closed

Technology Classification (CPC): 0