ANIMAL FEED DISPENSER

Abstract

The present invention relates to an animal feed dispenser (10) comprising a cabinet having a feed dispensing opening (16) and including at least two feed retaining compartments (14a-b), a first pivotable shelf (20a) pivotable between a first and a second position, the first pivotable shelf (20a) in the first position being arranged to block an opening in a first compartment (14a), the first pivotable shelf (20a) in the second position is removed from blocking the opening in the first compartment (14a) allowing communication from the first compartment through the feed dispensing opening (16), a second pivotable shelf (20b) pivotable between a first and a second position, the second pivotable shelf (20b) in the first position being arranged to block an opening in a second compartment (14b), the second pivotable shelf (20b) in the second position being removed from blocking the opening in the second compartment (14b) allowing communication from the second compartment through to the first compartment (14a), a first electrically actuated release mechanism (30a) being arranged at the first shelf (20a) to releasably fasten the first shelf (20a) in the first position, a second electrically actuated release mechanism (30b) being arranged at the second shelf (20b) to releasably fasten the second shelf (20b) in the first position, and a first electrical switch (26a) arranged at the first shelf (20a), wherein the first electrical switch (26a) is connecting a control line (60) to the first electrically actuated release mechanism (30a) when the shelf (20a) is in the first position and the first electrical switch (26a) is connecting the control line (60) to the second electrically actuated release mechanism (30b) when the shelf (20a) is in the second position. To be published with Fig. 3

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an enabled to automatically 5 dispense animal feed. BACKGROUND Several automatic feeding systems are known that are designed to release feed rations in a time-controlled manner. Some of these includes timer-controlled drop 10 shelves or trap doors. Many of these types of systems aim to reduce the time spent on making sure that the feed rations are provided, e.g., the time distributing the feed rations, time for traveling to and from the site where the feed rations are to be dis- tributed etc., and to ensure a consistent availability of food throughout the day, to promote natural feeding behavior and healthier husbandry. 15 In US 2004 / 0216681 Al there is described an animal feeder, including pivotally mounted shelves in a housing, released from bottom to top in response to an activa- tion signal from a controller being sent to solenoid devices holding the shelves. The controller system utilizes a time-controller to send activation signals to the solenoid devices, instructing the release of feed from specific shelves. 20 In US10398128 B2 there is described an animal feeder with dropping shelves controlled to drop in a sequenced manner controlled from a sequencer circuit that directs an electrical current to individual motorized latches holding the shelves. There is also described the use of a switch connected to an electric latch control system. The switch acts as a reset switch for the sequencer, indicating the status of 25 the shelves. In US 2005 / 0213266 Al another animal feeder including a plurality of shelves is described. This device includes a timing device and logic counting / sequencing cir- cuit controlling the latching solenoids, allowing each of the shelves to drop. In US6405674 B1 there is described an animal feeder having pivotable shelves 30 that are arranged to pivot down at timed intervals by retracting a lever that is acti- vated by an upwardly rotating trip mechanism on a vertical jackscrew rotated by an electric motor. In US 2007 / 0181513 Al there is described an automatic animal feeder including a housing with several feed compartments arranged in a rotatable drum. The drum 35 is driven by a motor and can be positioned so that each compartment is sequentially aligned with a dispensing opening to release feed. The position of the drum is de- tected by sensors providing feedback to a control unit, which operates the motor at predetermined intervals to rotate the drum to the next compartment, thereby ena- bling a timed and controlled dispensing of feed. Accordingly, known feeders having multiple compartments are either electroni- cally simple but limited in view of allowing arbitrary loading and managing of the feeders or electronically complicated being designed with multichannel sequencers having each channel controlling a drop shelf of the feeder. Even if the laffer version may control each drop shelf individually from the multichannel sequencer, arbitrary loading and managing of the feeders may be complicated any way depending on the interface presented to the user. From the above it is understood that there is room for improvements and the in- vention aims to solve or at least mitigate the above and other problems. SUMMARY One object of the present invention is to provide an improved . The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Additional features and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein are set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the described technologies. The features and advantages of the con- cepts may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the de- scribed technologies will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed concepts as set forth herein. More specific, according to a first aspect of the invention, an comprises a cabinet having a feed dispensing opening and including at least two feed retaining compartments, a first pivotable shelf pivotable between a first and a second position, the first pivotable shelf in the first position being arranged to block an opening in a first compartment, the first pivotable shelf in the second posi- tion is removed from blocking the opening in the first compartment allowing commu- nication from the first compartment through the feed dispensing opening, a second pivotable shelf pivotable between a first and a second position, the second pivotable shelf in the first position being arranged to block an opening in a second compart- ment, the second pivotable shelf in the second position being removed from block- 35 ing the opening in the second compartment allowing communication from the sec- ond compartment through to the first compartment, a first electrically actuated re- lease mechanism being arranged at the first shelf to releasably fasten the first shelf in the first position, a second electrically actuated release mechanism being ar- ranged at the second shelf to releasably fasten the second shelf in the first position, and a first electrical switch arranged at the first shelf, wherein the first electrical switch is connecting a control line to the first electrically actuated release mecha- nism when the shelf is in the first position and the first electrical switch is connecting the control line to the second electrically actuated release mechanism when the 5 shelf is in the second position. One advantage of the arrangement of the electrically actuated release mechanisms and having the first electrical switch changing a signal path of the control line as claimed is that the release of pivotable shelves may be controlled using simple electronics, e.g., a single control channel may be used to control the pivoting of the at least two shelves. An additional advantage is that the in- 10 teraction with the feed dispenser by the user becomes intuitive, e.g., if a person want to load emptied feed retaining compartments before all the feed retaining compart- ments are emptied the user simply have to return the shelf to the first position and load the feed retaining compartment and automatically the feed retaining compart- ment is part of the feed release schedule without the user having to do more than 15 refilling the compartment. Hence, the feed dispenser allows for arbitrary loading of feed retaining compartments using a simple electronic setup and allowing intuitive user interaction. In some embodiments the control line is arranged to carry a release signal from a control unit. 20 In yet some embodiments the first electrical switch comprises an input con- nector connected to the control line, a first output connector connected to the first electrically actuated release mechanism when the first shelf is in the first position, and a second output connector connected to the second electrically actuated re- lease mechanism when the first shelf is in the second position. The advantage of im- 25 plementing the switch arrangement like this is that it enables the use of relatively simple control electronics, e.g., the use of only one timing channel. This advantage is also supported by some embodiments wherein the second output of the first switch is connected to the second electrically actuated release mechanism via a second electrical switch arranged at the second shelf. 30 In some embodiments the cabinet includes X number of feed retaining com- partments, X being any number from 2 to 20, and the further comprises pivotable shelfs each pivotable between a first and a second position, each pivotable shelf in the first position being arranged to block an opening between two adjacent compartments, each pivotable shelf in the second position being re- 35 moved from blocking the opening between two adjacent compartments allowing communication between the two adjacent compartments, electrically actuated re lease mechanisms being arranged at each pivotable shelf to releasably fasten re- spective pivotable shelf, electrical switches, each arranged at a pivotable shelf, wherein each electrical switch is connecting a signal line from an electrical switch at a pivotable shelf closer to the feed dispensing opening to the electrically actuated release mechanism of the corresponding pivotable shelf when the corresponding pivotable shelf is in the first position and wherein each electrical switch is connecting the signal line from an electric switch at a pivotable shelf positioned closer to the feed dispensing opening to the electrically actuated release mechanism of a pivot- able shelf positioned further away from the feed dispensing opening when the pivot- able shelf is in the second position. The above discussed advantages become even more prominent in embodiments having additional feed retaining compartments. A further advantage of the invention is that it is easily scalable. The number of com- partments may even be increased without requiring replacing the control signal gen- erator, e.g., timing generator or sequence controller, as the number of compart- ments increases. In some embodiments the electrical switch arranged at pivotable shelf num- ber X is connecting a signal line from the electrical switch at pivotable shelf number X-1 to the electrically actuated release mechanism of the pivotable shelf number X when the pivotable shelf number X is in the first position and wherein the electrical switch arranged at pivotable shelf number X is connecting a signal line from the electrical switch at pivotable shelf number X-1 to a terminal arranged on the for connecting the signa! line to a second . One advantage of this implementation is further scalability where it increasing the num- ber of consecutive feed releases without having to reset or load the system. This feature makes it possible to have a second feed dispenser continue the feeding pro- cess when the last compartment a first feed dispenser has released the feed stored therein. In some embodiments the further includes a parallel control signal output terminal connected to the control line for connecting the control line to a second anima! feed dispenser. The advantage of this is that the same tim- ing signal may be used for simultaneous and parallel control of a plurality of s, e.g., feed dispensers for different individuals that are to be fed ac- cording to the same feeding schedule. In some embodiments each electrical switch is mounted in the cabinet so that the switch switches between the first output connector and the second output con- nector when the corresponding shelf has pivoted to the second position. The electri- cal switch may be a micro switch. According to some embodiments the further com- prises a braking device arranged between each pivotable shelf and the cabinet to slow down the movement of the shelf from the first position to the second position when released. One advantage of arranging this braking device is that the switch of the signal to the next release mechanism in turn is not completed until the signal for releasing the presently controlled shelf has ended and thereby avoiding that the next release mechanism also is triggered by the same release signal. The braking device may be a gas strut. According to another aspect of the invention an animal feed dispensing sys- tem comprises an as previously described, and a control unit configured to send an activation signal according to a predetermined schedule to the control line of at least one . The control unit may be a digital sequence controller. The activation signal sent may include an electrical pulse less than a second in duration. A further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Hence, it is to be understood that this inven- tion is not limited to the particular component parts of the device described or steps of the methods described as such device and method may vary. It is also to be un- derstood that the terminology used herein is for purpose of describing particular em- bodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a sensor" or "the sensor" may include several sensors, and the like. Furthermore, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to best describe the manner in which the above-described embodiments are implemented, as well as define other advantages and features of the disclosure, a more particular description is provided below and is illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, the ex- amples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a feed dispenser, according to some embodiments of the invention, open for loading and having all pivotable shelves in a first position, Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the feed dispenser of Fig. 1 having two pivotable shelves in the first position and a third pivotable shelf pivoted into a second position, Fig. 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of control circuitry for the pivotable shelves according to some embodiments of the invention, Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of the switch in a neutral position, i.e., when the shelf is in the first position. Fig. 5 depicts two feed dispensers in a possible environment and connected in series according to some embodiments of the invention, and depicts two feed dispensers in a possible environment and connected in Fig. 6 parallel according to some embodiments of the invention. Further, in the figures like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter, certain embodiments will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. K will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the inventive con- cept. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from considera- tion of the specification and practice disclosed herein. The embodiments herein are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept, and that the claims be con- strued as encompassing all equivalents of the present inventive concept which are apparent to those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept pertains. If nothing else is stated, different embodiments may be combined with each other. The invention relates to an automatic feed dispenser for animals, mainly horses, aimed at improving feeding efficiency and convenience and for feeding in regular in- tervals. For example, hay or ensilage is made available to the animal at time-con- trolled intervals and in separate portions. The feed dispenser, also referred to as feeder, is designed for versatile usage, both indoors and outdoors, providing flexibility for different environments. Addition- ally, it can be used in areas without access to electricity by incorporating a solar cell recharging battery as a power source. This feature allows the feeder to operate seamlessly in locations where electrical connections are unavailable, enhancing its operational flexibility and adaptability to various settings. Now referring to Fig.1 showing a feed dispenser 10 with an open door 12, show- 35 ing three feed retaining compartments 14a-c inside the feed dispenser 10. The feed dispenser 10 may include any number of feed retaining compartments 14a-c. In some embodiments the feed retaining compartment 14 a-c is designed to contain about 150 liters of straw per compartment, hay, or ensilage. However, the size of the feed retaining compartment 14a-c may vary depending on what kind of animal that are to be fed and / or how much feed the anima) require at each feeding time. The feed is filled into the closed compartments 14a-c through the open door 12. Each compartment has a pivotable shelf 20a-c which may be pivoted from a first position, also referred to as closed position, to a second position, also referred to as an open 5 position. Each shelf 20a-c is pivotably attached to a wall 22 of the feed dispenser 10. All the shelves 20a-c in Fig. 1 is in the first position, i.e., closed position. A closed compartment is to be interpreted as a compartment 14a-c where the shelf 20a-c of that compartment is in the first position A feed dispensing opening 16 is equipped 10 with a slide 18 and is located in the lower part of the feed dispenser 10. The lowest closed compartment 14a opens at a specified time and delivers feed to the feed dis- pensing opening 16. The opening 16 can optionally be equipped with bars and / or a box so that the feed remains in the feeding area and can only be plucked out by the animals in small quantities. The frame of the feeding dispenser 10 is compact, and 15 the door 12, the outer walls 22, and a waterproof roof 24 forms a cabinet that pro- vide protection against the ingress of rain, dust, or dirt. Each compartment 14a-c is equipped with a micro-switch sensor 26a-c arranged to switch when the shelf 20a-c of the compartment 14a-c is pivoted into the second position and come in contact with the switch sensor 26a-c. A digital sequence controller 28 activates the release 20 of the lowest closed compartment to a previously set time by giving a release signal via a control line, not shown in Fig. 1, connected to electrically controlled latches 30a-c each arranged to hold a shelf 20a-c and release corresponding shelf 20a-c upon receipt of the release signal. The digital sequence controller 28 may be ar- ranged at the feed dispenser 10 or at a separate control room or control cabinet. 25 Every shelf 20a-c also have a gas strut 32a-c arranged between the shelf 20a-c and the wall 22 of the feed dispenser to reduce the speed once a corresponding shelf 20a-c is released and pivoted into the open position, leading to a smooth transition between the closed and open position of the shelf 20a-c and giving enough time for the electric signa] to stop before the micro-switch 26a-c is activated by the pivoted 30 shelf 20a-c. The gas strut 32a-c may essentially be any kind of damper. And the damper may operate in any direction not only in the extending direction but alterna- tively in a compressing direction, e.g., a reverse gas strut, a traction gas spring or a compression gas spring. The control system of the feed dispenser 10 may be connected to the power grid. 35 However, as an option, electricity can be provided by a solar cel) recharging battery 34 combined with solar cells 36, allowing to operate in areas without power grid, electricity supply or any other energy providing wiring. An electrical terminal 38 for connecting subsequent feed dispensers in serial is arranged on the feed dispenser 10 and an electrical terminal 40 for connecting other feed dispensers in parallel is also arranged on the feed dispenser 10. Two external electrical terminals allow paral- lel or series connections to subsequent feeders, which will be explained in more de- tail below. In Fig. 2 the anima! feed dispenser of Fig. 1 is depicted having one shelf 20a piv- oted to the second position, making contact with the switch sensor 26a and extend- ing the gas strut 32a. Ina scenario where the compartment including the shelf 20a is released and pivoted into this position any feed that would have been stored in the feed retaining compartment 14a will fall down into the area of the feed dispensing opening 16. Fig. 3 shows a circuit diagram illustrating the internat mechanisms and electrical connections of the automatic feeder according to some embodiments of the inven- tion. The feeder may be operated by a single-channel digital sequence controller 28 equipped with a pulse mode, i.e., the digital sequence controller 28 sends out a pulse of predetermined length in time. The digital sequence controller 28 can be powered either by the conventional electricity grid or by a solar cell recharging battery 34 that is connected to solar cells 36 for solar charging purposes. In some embodiments of the invention the pulse time in the digital sequence controller 28 is preset to 1 second. Having the digital sequence controller 28 set to pulse mode, users have the pos- sibility to set different desired trigger times for the pulses to be sent and thereby re- leasing a shelf at each pulse. At the designated time, the digital sequence controller 28 is sending a pulse for 1 second, transmitting a signal through a control line 60 to the electric latch control system 62. The electric latch control system 62 includes electrically controlled Iatches 30a-c, e.g., solenoids, micro-switches 26a-c. Each micro-switch 26, see Fig. 4, is arranged to switch an input terminal C, "common", between output terminal NC, "normally closed", and output terminal NO, "normally open", when the switch is exposed to an outside force, e.g. in the present invention when the shelf is pivoted to the second position and thereby interacts with the micro-switch 26. Hence, the diagram of the switch in Fig. 4 is of a switch in neutral, i.e., when no pressure is applied, or the shelf is in the first position. Now referring to Fig. 3 again, the control line 60 from the digital sequence con- troller 28 is connected to the input terminal C of the switch 26a arranged at the low- est shelf 20a. The output terminal NC of the switch 26a is connected to the elec- tronic latch 30a and the output terminal NO of the switch 26a is connected to the in- put terminal C of switch 26b arranged at the next shelf 20b, counting from the bot- tom. The output terminal NC of the switch 26b is connected to the electronic latch 30b and the output terminal NO of the switch 26b is connected to the input terminal C of switch 26c arranged at the next shelf 20c, the topmost shelf in Fig. 3. The output terminal NC of the switch 26c is connected to the electronic latch 30c and the output terminal NO of the switch 26c is connected to the electrical terminal 38 con- figured for connecting subsequent feed dispensers in serial with the present feed dispenser, i.e. when the final shelf 20c in the feed dispenser 10 is in the second po- 5 sition, the control signa! for releasing a shelf is passed through the electric latch con- trol system 62 of the present feed dispenser 10 to connect to the control line of sn- other feed dispenser where the next release signa! will release the first shelf of that feed dispenser. Accordingly, if the feed dispenser 10 have all shelves 20a-c in the first position, in- 10 dicating that the feed dispenser is fully loaded with animal feed, the electric latch 30a associated with the lowest shelf 20a and the lowest feed retaining compartment 14a is triggered to release the shelf 20a in response to the pulse signa! sent via the control line 60 and gravity will make the shelf 20a pivot from the first position to the second position. At the second position the shelf will interact with the switch 26a 15 having the control line 60 connect to the next switch 26b in wait for the next timing signal. Then, when the next timing signal or pulse is sent the next shelf is released and pivots to the second position delivering feed through the feed dispensing open- ing 16. Hence, each compartment is equipped with a micro-switch sensor 26a-c to detect 20 its locked or released state, i.e., the first or second position of the corresponding shelf 20a-c. When a shelf 20a-c of a compartment 14a-c drops, it physically contacts the sensor switch 26a-c, and thereby switches the micro-switch from "normally closed" (NC) to "normally open" (NO). This allows the next electric signal to pass through the micro-switch from "common" (C) to "normally open" (NO). 25 In each compartment, one or several reverse gas struts or dumpers 32a-c are in- corporated to decelerate the descent, ensuring that it takes longer time than the ex- tent of the control pulse, e.g., 1 second, for the compartment to reach the micro- switch 26a-c, thereby permitting the electric signal to change from indicating release of shelf before the shelf that is pivoting reaches the corresponding switch and 30 switches the control line signal to the next switch and the next electric latch. The sensors also serve as a protective measure for the electric latch, preventing prolonged electric activations that could potentially damage the solenoid. This can occur as the compartment touches the micro-switch sensor, disrupting the signal flow by interrupting the connection between "the common" (C) and "the normally 35 closed" (NC). This protective measure effectively prevents burnout of the solenoid in the event of a mistakenly set pulse interval exceeding 1 second. Notably, users are provided with the flexibility to employ the automatic feeder in various configurations. It can be used as a standalone feed dispenser 10 or in series by connecting the terminal 38 to a subsequent feed dispenser. A plurality of feed dispensers 10 may also be connected in parallel by connecting to the terminal 40 in the feed dispenser. Terminal 40 is directly connected to the control line 60 and will therefore simply pass on the control signa! when it is sent. By implementing the electric latch control system 62 connecting switches 26a-c, e.g., micro-switches, and latches 30a-c as describe above the shelves 20a-c and / or the compartments 14a-c may be refilled before all the shelves are emptied without a user having to reset any controller or performing any other settings to the system. A shelf 20a-c is connected back into the sequence by simply raising the shelf to the first position for loading. Then the switch 26a-c is switched back to send the next signa! arriving at the switch to the corresponding electric latch 30a-c. Hence, the re- set and reloading of the feeder 10 becomes intuitive and simple due to at least these features. Moreover, the system may be operated using a single timer channel which may be advantageous from an economic perspective and / or from a complexity per- spective. In Figs 5 and 6 the versatile operation capabilities of the system is illustrated. Fig. 5 showcases sequential utilization, where two or more automatic feeders are inter- connected in a series using the terminal 38 of one feed dispenser 72 and connecting to the control signal line 60 of the other feed dispenser 74. In this configuration, the upper shelf 20c sensor of the working feeder controls the lowest latch of the next au- tomatic feeder. This sequential setup proves particularly useful in situations where the owner needs to ensure continuous feeding over an extended period, such as during their absence over the weekend. Fig. 6 demonstrates the parallel utilization, where two or more feed dispensers can work simultaneously. To enable operation, a cable can be plugged in to the par- alle) terminal 40 of one feed dispenser 72 and connected to the control signa! line 60 of another feed dispenser 74. Consequently, corresponding compartments in both automats are opening simultaneously, enabling the concurrent feeding of multiple animals, each served by a dedicated feeding dispenser 72, 74. A person skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments of the in- vention are not limited exclusively to the instances described earlier but may exhibit variations that fall within the boundaries defined by the accompanying claims. Con- sequently, the design and functionality of the feeder 10, for instance, may deviate from the previously outlined configurations. For instance, it is worth noting that the replenishment door 12 need not be re- stricted to the front-facing orientation, as depicted earlier. Instead, it may be situated on the side or even from above, offering enhanced flexibility in the feeder's design and adaptability to diverse operational scenarios. Such modifications remain well within the scope of the invention's claims and the competente of those skilled in the relevant field. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the openable and closable compartments 14a-c are not necessarily restricted to three or four in number, as vis- ualized in the figures. There can be as many compartments as fit within the volume of the automatic feeder. According to some embodiments the number of compart- 5 ments 14a-c may range from 2 to 20. It will also be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the solution is appli- cable to feed dispensers 10 differing from the four-cornered feeding structure pre- sented in the figures. It will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the solution according to 10 the invention is applicable to the feeding of other animals than horses. According to some embodiments, the arrangement enables precise timing and sequencing of feeding compartments, offering a unique capability to reset the sys- tem prior to complete depletion of all compartments. This allows for convenient refill- ing at any time of the day. Notably, the digital sequence controller consistently acti- 15 vates the release of the lowest closed compartment. The integration of micro-switch sensors with the electric latch control system, strategically connected to a latch, en- ables the automatic release of the correct shelf when indicated by the sequence controller. Hence, the flexibility and versatility in the feeding process is increased, the operational efficiency is enhanced and customization of feeding schedules is en- 20 abled. A notable aspect of some embodiments of the invention is that the compartments are not dependent on individual channels or specific timings of the digital sequence controller. Instead, the digital sequence controller triggers the release of the lowest closed compartment each time. This means that the single-channel digital sequence 25 controller has the ability to control multiple compartments, simplifying the setup and reducing costs. For instance, only a single cable with two lines is necessary to con- nect the control unit to the automated feeder. This streamlined approach proves to be more cost-effective compared to the utilization of a multiple-channel sequence controller, which would require a separate cable with two lines per channel. The de- 30 sign enhancement not only enhances the efficiency and flexibility of the system but also offers significant cost savings in its implementation. As the number of compartments is not connected to the number of channels of a sequence controller, different numbers of compartments can be set up depending on the owner's needs. The only limitation on the number of compartments is the size 35 of the cabinet housing the compartments and the required size of each individual compartment. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the invention provides versatile usability options, allowing for standalone usage as well as parallel or series connec- tions to other feeders of the same composition. In a parallel configuration, multiple feeders can be interconnected to facilitate simultaneous feeding. The invention ena- bles sequential feeding over an extended duration by connecting the feeders in a cascading manner. This flexibility in usage offers adaptability to different feeding scenarios, accommodating various needs and preferences. By supporting standalone, parallel, and series connections, the invention enhances convenience and provides users with multiple options for effective and tailored feeding solutions. Further, the adaptable refilling feature seamlessly functions even when multiple feeders are interconnected, offering a significant advantage. This advantage extends beyond individual users who seek flexibility in their feeding schedules, eliminating the requirement to refill consistently at the same time of day. It proves especially beneficial in scenarios where the feeders serve a multitude of animals under differ- ent ownerships, each with distinct feeding habits, as often encountered in settings like livery stables. The invention's capacity to facilitate independent refilling of each feeder within the interconnected system caters to the specific dietary requirements and schedules of individual animals. This ensures the provision of optimal nutrition and enhances the overall efficiency of the feeding process. The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. For example, the principles herein may be applied to any anima) feed dispenser. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the pre- sent invention without following the example embodiments and applications illus- trated and described herein, and without departing from the scope of the present disclosu re. OCTROOIEISEN 1. Een dierenvoerdispenser (10) omvattende: - een kast met een voerafgifteopening (16) en minstens twee voederretai- nercompartimenten (14a-b), - een eerste draaibare plank (20a) die draaibaar is tussen een eerste en a second position, where the first turntable board (20a) is in the first position designed to block an opening in a first compartment (14a), and in the second position removed from blocking the opening in the first compar- timent (14a) whereby communication from the first compartment (14a) via the feed dispensing opening (16) is possible, - a second rotating shelf (20b) that rotates between a first and a second position, where the second rotating board (20b) is in the first position designed to block an opening in a second compartment (14b), and in the second position removed from blocking the opening in the second com- compartment (14b) through which communication from the second compartment (14b) to the first compartment (14a) is possible, - a first electrically powered unlocking mechanism (30a) that is set up on the first board (20a) to the first board (20a) in the first position to detach, - a second electrically powered unlocking mechanism (30b) that is set up on the second board (20b) to the second board (20b) in the first position to detach, and - a first electrical switch (26a) which is installed on the first shelf (20a), where the first electrical switch (26a) connects a control line (60) with the first electrically powered unlocking mechanism (30a) when the shelf is in the first position and the first electrical switch (26a) the control line (60) connects with the second electrically driven unlocking ling mechanism (30b) when the board is in the second position. The first- ste electrical switch (26a) includes: - an input connector (C) connected to the control line (60), - a first output connector (NC) connected to the first electrical powered release mechanism (30a) when the first shelf (20a) is in is in the first position, and - a second output connector (NO) connected to the second elek- electric powered release mechanism (30b) when the first shelf is in the second position. 2. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to claim 1, where the control line (60) is configured to carry a release signal from a control unit (28). 3. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to conclusion 1, where the second out- feed (NO) of the first switch (26a) is connected to the second electrical powered unlocking mechanism (30b) via a second electric switch cellar (26b) which is fitted out on the second shelf (20b). 4. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to one of the conclusions 1-3, in which the cabinet comprises an X number of feeder container compartments (14a-c), where X a is a number from 2 to 20, and the animal feed dispenser (10) further includes: - swivel shelves (20a-c) each of which can be rotated between a first and a second position, where each rotating board (20a-c) is arranged in the first position to block an opening between two adjacent compartments, and each swivel shelf (20a-c) in the second position removed from the blocking opening between two adjacent compartments allowing communication between between the two adjacent compartments is possible, - electrically activated unlocking mechanisms (30a-c) placed at each rotating shelf (20a-c) to respectively loosen each rotating shelf to set, - electrical switches (26a-c), each placed at a rotating shelf (20a-c), where each electrical switch (26a-c) connects a signal line from a electrical switch (26a-c) with a swivel board closer to the feed dispenser ning (16) to the electrically activated unlocking mechanism (30a-c) of the corresponding swivel shelf when the corresponding swivel shelf is in the first position and where each electrical switch (26a-c) the connects signal line from an electrical switch (26a-c) at a rotating shelf (20a-c) positioned closer to the feed dispensing opening (16) towards the electrically driven activated release mechanism (30a-c) of a rotating shelf gepositio- further away from the feed release opening (16) when the swivel board (20a-c) is in the second position. 5. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to claim 4, where the electric switch (26a-c) placed at swivel shelf number X connects a signal line 35 from the electrical switch at swivel shelf number X-1 to the electrical activated release mechanism (30a-c) of the rotating shelf number X when the rotating shelf number X is in the first position and where the electrical switch (26a-c) placed at swivel shelf number X a sig- needle line connects from the electrical switch (26a-c) at turntable number X-1 to a connection (38, 40) placed on the animal feed dispenser for the Connecting the signal line to a second animal feeder. 6. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to one of the conclusions 1-5, further comprising a parallel control signal output terminal (40) connected to the control line (60) for connecting the control line to a second die- automatic feeder (74). 7. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to one of the conclusions 4-6, where each electrical switch (26a-c) in the cabinet is mounted so that the switch switches between the first output connector and the second output connector wan- down the corresponding board (20a-c) turns to the second position. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to one of the conclusions 1-3, further 8. includes a braking mechanism (32a-c) arranged between each turntable (20a-c) and the cabinet to the movement of the board (20a-c) from the first position to to delay the second position when it is released. The animal feed dispenser (10) according to claim 8, where the remmecha- 9. nisme (32a-c) is a gas spring. animal feed dispenser according to one of claims 1-5, where the 10. switch (26a-c) is a microswitch. 11. An animal feed dispenser consisting of: - an animal feeder (10) according to one of the claims 1-10, and - a control unit (28) configured to an activation signal to be sent according to a predetermined schedule to the control line (60) of at least one animal feed dispenser (10). 12. The animal feed dispenser according to claim 11, where the control unit 30 heid (28) is a digital sequence controller. 13. The animal feed dispenser according to one of the claims 11-12, whereby it transmitted activation signal an electrical pulse of less than a second in Includes duration of 35. • Ol ot, 9L B3£ c193 cioc qbL 0oc.--Y7 31. 0171. 93 173 01. £9

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