Automatic feeder for pets and other animals
US4722300A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 1986 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 10, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K5/0291
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A programmable automatic feeder for pets and other animals dispenses a measured amount of food at a predetermined time. A digital clock control mechanism, including an adjustable portion control knob, controls the energization of a battery-operated motor. The motor drives an eccentric weight to vibrate a vibrating conveyor pan attached to the motor. The vibrating conveyor pan is resiliently mounted on a fixed plate secured within the housing, and the vibrating conveyor pan is disposed below the open bottom portion of a hopper disposed within the housing. When the vibrating conveyor pan is vibrated, the food is dispensed rearwardly off the pan and into a curved chute. The food falls down the chute and is accessible to the animal through an opening in the front wall of the housing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.