Automatic feeding system, device and method
US7895973B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 16, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K11/006
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention addresses the problem of how to separately regulate the food intake of multiple animals using the same feeder with the goal of maintaining healthy weight for all. The invention provides a means to prevent access to the feeder by animals that have exceeded their allowance (as dictated by programmable profiles) as well as preventing unauthorized animals (such as excluded pets, wild animals or animals on a special diet). The methods can be applied to a broad range of feeders: for domestic pets, livestock, zoo animals and other managed animals. The invention is particularly well suited to dry food gravity feeders. The invention details electronic and electro-mechanical embodiments of devices intended for the described purpose.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.