US3613641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic electric hog feeder
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-03-26
•
Granted: 1971-10-19
•
Expires: 1990-03-26
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for dispensing feed to animals automatically, including large and small pigs, and with control means for operating the mechanism intermittently to maintain a supply of feed ready for consumption.
Inventors
- 👤 Petrus Jacobus Geerlings
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:42
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K5/00; A01K5/02; A01K5/025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
173 words
A feeder for animals comprising a bulk feedbin having an upright axis and wall structure defining a lower circular discharge opening, a relatively flat floor located beneath and in generally parallel relation to said discharge opening, said floor having a periphery substantially equally spaced from the discharge opening and providing for substantially uniform discharge around such floor, a trough around the periphery of said floor for receiving feed discharged and falling by gravity from said floor, agitation means operatively associated with said floor, a shaft disposed axially within said bin, one of said floor and agitator means being connected to said shaft to be driven thereby for discharging feed, means for driving said shaft, and means for controlling the operation of said driving means subject to the contents of said trough, said means for controlling the operation of said driving means including feedactuated switch means carried by said one of said floor and agitator means, said switch means mounted to engage feed in said trough and responsive to the height of the feed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
173 words
A feeder for animals comprising a bulk feedbin having an upright axis and wall structure defining a lower circular discharge opening, a relatively flat floor located beneath and in generally parallel relation to said discharge opening, said floor having a periphery substantially equally spaced from the discharge opening and providing for substantially uniform discharge around such floor, a trough around the periphery of said floor for receiving feed discharged and falling by gravity from said floor, agitation means operatively associated with said floor, a shaft disposed axially within said bin, one of said floor and agitator means being connected to said shaft to be driven thereby for discharging feed, means for driving said shaft, and means for controlling the operation of said driving means subject to the contents of said trough, said means for controlling the operation of said driving means including feedactuated switch means carried by said one of said floor and agitator means, said switch means mounted to engage feed in said trough and responsive to the height of the feed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said agitator means includes at least one sweep arm which extends beyond the periphery of said floor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said agitator means is fixed to said shaft adjacent said floor for sweeping grain from said floor into said trough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said floor is fixed to said shaft to rotate therewith, and cooperating fixed arms of a configuration to discharge feed outwardly beyond the periphery of said floor into said trough.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The structure of claim 1 and a cover having a series of selectively operable doors for said trough with means whereby said covers may be supported in raised position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
47 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said switch means includes a paddle swingably mounted on one of said floor and agitator means connected to said shaft, electric contact means carried by said paddle, and means for limiting movement of said paddle in at least one direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure of claim 6 in which said switch means includes a mercury switch having a freely movable globule of mercury.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure Of claim 1 in which said driving means includes a variable speed motor means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The structure of claim 1 including time control means for controlling the timing and duration of said means for driving said shaft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-10-18 | 1975-04-19 | 1975-10-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-18 | 1979-04-19 | 1979-10-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-18 | 1983-04-19 | 1983-10-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |