Sow feeding system
US9854785B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 13, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K5/0275
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for individually feeding sows within a snuggery includes entry, feeder station and exit assemblies. The entry assembly includes an entry gate module for individually admitting a sow therein. The exit assembly includes an exit gate module. The feeder station assembly includes at least one feed dispenser for dispensing a selected amount of feed into a trough and a carrier for supporting said trough. The carrier is displaceable between an extended position wherein the trough is positioned within the snuggery to permit access by a sow and a retracted position wherein the trough is inaccessible to the sow and the trough is positioned for filling by the feed dispenser. Feed may be dispensed in individualized rations to the sow under the control of a computer-driven controller. Movement of the sow within the snuggery may be controlled by sequentially illuminating regions of the snuggery, under the control of the controller.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.