US4655170A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Animal identification feed control system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-12-02
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Granted: 1987-04-07
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Expires: 2005-12-02
Abstract
Abstract An automatic feed system is disclosed for livestock which identifies each of a plurality of animals and selectively feeds certain animals while monitoring the feeding procedure. The system includes a magnetically encoded identification module worn about the animal's neck operating in cooperation with a magnetic decoder fixedly secured at the front of a feeding bin or hopper. A multiplexer sequentially detects the signals generated by the decoder and processes the signals to a microprocessor via an amplifier signal conditioner and an analog to digital converter. The output of the microprocessor is operably coupled to a feed control and automatic gate for dispensing a predetermined amount of feed. A readout is available for animal record keeping and system review.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel R. DaSilva
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 08:11
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K11/00; A01K11/006; A01K5/00; A01K5/02; A01K5/0275
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
An animal identification feed control system comprising the combination of: a magnetically encoded identification module carried on the animal; a feed bin for holding a quantity of feed; a magnetic decoder secured on said bin for detecting coded information carried on said identification module; a microprocessor operably coupled to said decoder for receiving signals therefrom and for generating control signals in response thereto; a feed control mechanism operably connected to said microprocessor and responsive to said control signals for dispensing feed into said bin; said decoder is coupled to said microprocessor by a multiplex device for sequentially decoding detected magnetic signals from said encoded module; said encoder module including a coaxial stack of washer permanent magnets arranged in fixed spaced apart relationship; each of said magnetic field assigned a given binary number depending upon the polarity of the magnetic force field; and the combination of said force fields defining a coded identification of a particular animal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
An animal identification feed control system comprising the combination of: a magnetically encoded identification module carried on the animal; a feed bin for holding a quantity of feed; a magnetic decoder secured on said bin for detecting coded information carried on said identification module; a microprocessor operably coupled to said decoder for receiving signals therefrom and for generating control signals in response thereto; a feed control mechanism operably connected to said microprocessor and responsive to said control signals for dispensing feed into said bin; said decoder is coupled to said microprocessor by a multiplex device for sequentially decoding detected magnetic signals from said encoded module; said encoder module including a coaxial stack of washer permanent magnets arranged in fixed spaced apart relationship; each of said magnetic field assigned a given binary number depending upon the polarity of the magnetic force field; and the combination of said force fields defining a coded identification of a particular animal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein: said encoder module downwardly depends from the neck of the animal in loose swingable fashion; and said bin having a V-shaped receptacle for orientating said module with respect to said decoder whereby said said module force field is detected by said decoder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein: said decoder includes a plurality of probes for detecting the magnetic force field of said module magnets; and said decoder further includes a rotary switch for sequentially and serially.detecting said force fields.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein: said decoder probes employ the Hall Effect process for deriving signal information from said module magnet force fields.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as defined in claim 4 including: a record means operably connected to said microprocessor for recording information pertinent to the animal feeding procedure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein: signal conditioner means and an analog-to-digital converter are coupled in series between said rotary switch and said microprocessor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein: said feed bin includes a pair of converging sidewalls guiding the animal so that said module rests at the apex of said sidewalls immediately adjacent to said decoder.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1990-04-06 | 1990-10-06 | 1991-04-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-04-06 | 1994-10-06 | 1995-04-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-04-06 | 1998-10-06 | 1999-04-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |