Feed metering device
View Patent ↗A feed metering device for distributing fodder and/or drink in metered portions to an animal. The feed metering device is provided with a feed unit for containing fodder and/or drink, an entrance opening to the feed unit, and a feed supplying device for supplying an amount of fodder and/or drink to the feed unit. The feed metering device is provided with a closing means that is movable across the entrance opening in order to deter an animal visiting the feed unit from taking fodder and/or drink. The closing means rotates about an axis, the closing means being driven by a roll that contacts the closing means, which roll is driven by a motor.
1. A feed metering device for distributing fodder or drink, or both, in metered portions to an animal, which feed metering device comprises a feed unit for containing fodder or drink, or both, an entrance opening to said feed unit, a feed supplying device for supplying an amount of fodder or drink, or both, to said feed unit, a closing means that is movable across said entrance opening in order to deter an animal visiting said feed unit from taking fodder or drink, or both, therefrom, said closing means being rotatable about an axis and driven by a roll which is provided to contact said closing means, said roll being driven by a motor, said closing means being movable about said axis so as to close said entrance opening by moving upwardly relative thereto, said feed unit having a catching element thereon which contacts and moves said closing means until said closing means contacts said roll whereupon said roll controls said closing means to cover said entrance opening entirely and said feed unit is no longer in direct contact with said roll so that said feed unit falls back into its original position for receiving fodder or drink, or both, from said feed supplying device.
2. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said axis is horizontal.
3. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 1 , comprising weighing means.
4. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 3 , which comprises a torque measuring device.
5. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 4 , wherein said torque measuring device is operatively associated with said roll and said motor that drives said roll.
6. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 5 , wherein said feed unit is subjected to a reciprocating motion by controlling said motion to generate a torque which is measurable by said torque measuring device.
7. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 5 , wherein said weighing means is operationally associated with a pivot means about which said feed unit is rotatable.
8. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 7 , wherein said feed unit is subjected to a reciprocating motion by controlling said motor to generate a torque which is measurable by said torque measuring device.
9. A feed metering device in accordance with claim 6 , wherein said weighing means is operationally associated with a pivot means, said feed unit being rotatable about said pivot means.