Hay dispenser
US5345893A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 18, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K5/0291
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dispenser for storing and dispensing food, such as hay, to an animal at predetermined intervals utilizes a linear force device, such as a solenoid, to operate the dispensing mechanism. The dispenser generally comprises a housing, a plurality of spaced superimposed shelves hingedly supported by the housing defining a plurality of contiguously stacked bins for supporting animal food above the ground, a latch assembly including a latch rod for supporting the shelves, and an activation mechanism coupled to the latch rod. The activation mechanism includes a battery, a solenoid having a shaft, a timer for activating the solenoid, shaft biasing means and a conversion mechanism coupling the shaft to the latch rod such that linear movement of the shaft in a first direction rotates the rod for dispensing food and such that movement of the shaft in a second direction does not rotate the rod.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.