IP Library › Patent Application 12898838
Patent Application
App. No. 12/898,838

Animal Feeder System with Remote Communication

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
12/898,838
Abstract

A game-animal (or other animal) feeding unit in combination with electronic sensors that monitor the status of the feeding unit. Among its features is a feed volume sensor that monitors the quantity of feed in its unit and wirelessly transmits that information to a distant location. The invention can dispense feed at programmed intervals, communicate feeder jams and battery-charge status. An optional GPS can provide location information of the unit.

Claims (29)

1 . An remote animal feeding unit comprising: feed supply, power supply, and feed dispenser, said unit dispensing animal feed at predetermined intervals; said unit also including a feed-level monitor electrically coupled to a wireless transmitter that communicates feed level information to a location remote from said feeding unit.

2 . The remote animal feeding unit of claim 1 further comprising a solar panel and rechargeable battery.

3 . The remote animal feeding unit of claim 1 wherein said unit communicates wirelessly by cellular telephone or satellite.

4 . The remote animal feeding unit of claim 1 further comprising a GPS receiver.

5 . The remote animal feeding unit of claim 1 further comprising a processor.

6 . The remote animal feeding unit of claim 1 wherein said unit also communicates information related to battery charge.

7 . A unit for providing feed to animals comprising, in combination:

a feed supply;

a feed quantity sensor measuring said feed supply;

a battery;

a motor powered by said battery;

a feed dispersion device mechanically coupled to said motor;

a timer;

wherein, when said timer indicates a particular time, said motor is activated from said battery to run said feed dispersion device dispensing feed;

and wherein, information from said feed quantity sensor is transmitted wirelessly to a remote location.

8 . The unit of claim 7 further comprising a solar panel charging said battery.

9 . The unit of claim 7 wherein information concerning battery charge state is also transmitted wirelessly to said remote location.

10 . The unit of claim 7 wherein said information is transmitted by cellular telephone or by satellite signal.

11 . The unit of claim 7 further comprising a GPS.

12 . A method of feeding animals remotely comprising:

placing a feed dispenser unit at a remote location;

causing said feed dispenser unit to dispense feed at particular times or particular intervals;

wirelessly transmitting feed quantity information from said feed dispenser to a second location.

13 . The method of claim 12 wherein said feed dispenser contains a processor.

14 . The method of claim 12 wherein said feed dispenser contains a feed-level sensor and a battery charge sensor; and

wireless transmitting battery charge information from said feed dispenser to said second location.

15 . The method of claim 12 wherein said feed dispenser contains a GPS and can be interrogated from said second location as to said feed dispenser's location.

16 . The method of claim 12 wherein said transmitting is by cellular telephone or satellite signal.

17 . The method of claim 12 wherein said feed dispenser can be interrogated as to feed level from said second location.