Deer feeder power control and distribution system
View Patent ↗The invention provides an animal feeder augmentation apparatus, system and method of operation thereof. The apparatus provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder including a controller coupled to an actuator, where the controller provides power access from a battery to at least two communication modules, namely a low-power communications module and at least a first higher-power communications module. The low-power communication module includes a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used. The first higher-power communications module includes a cellular telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module. The controller is coupled to the low-power communications module, and to the first higher-power communications module.
1. An animal feeder augmentation apparatus that provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder, comprising:
a controller providing power access from a battery to at least two communication modules;
a low-power communication module comprising a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used;
a first higher-power communications module comprising a telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module;
the controller coupled to the low-power communications module;
the controller also coupled to the first higher-power communications module; and
the low-power communications device is deactivated when the first higher-power communications device is active.
2. An animal feeder augmentation apparatus that provides for the controlled dispensing of animal feed from an animal feeder, comprising:
a controller providing power access from a battery to at least two communication modules;
a low-power communication module comprising a low-energy radio for substantially continuous operation when the animal feeder is being used;
a first higher-power communications module comprising a telecommunications device for operation when the animal feeder needs to send or receive data outside of the range of the low-power communications module;
the controller coupled to the low-power communications module;
the controller also coupled to the first higher-power communications module; and
an animal feeder, the animal feeder having:
a feed storage tank having an opening for dispensing feed,
a dispensing system comprising a dispenser coupled to the opening, and an actuator coupled to the dispenser, the actuator opens and shuts the dispenser to selectively allow feed to flow from the food storage tank;
the feed storage tank is coupled to a scatter plate via the dispensing system; and
the dispensing system comprises a power source coupled to each of the controller, the low-power communications device, the first high-power communications device, and the actuator that is coupled to the dispenser.
3. A method of dispensing animal feed from an animal feeder having a controller, a low-power communications module, and a higher-power communications module, the method implemented via software maintained in the power controller, the method comprising:
maintaining animal feeder communications to and from other animal feeder devices through a low-power communications module;
determining that there is a need for animal feeder communications to animal feeder devices that are beyond the range to communicate through the low-power communications module;
activating a higher-power communications module;
temporarily activating the higher-power communications module;
determining that the animal feeder no longer needs to communicate to devices that are beyond the range to communicate through the low-power communications module; and
deactivating the higher-power communications module.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising actuating an actuator that articulates a feed dispenser.