Aquaculture feed dispensing and spreading device

Abstract

The present invention provides a feed dispensing and spreading device (1) that uses a rotary-connected spreading unit to evenly spread feed in portions above an aquaculture cage at a time. The device includes a feed measuring container (2), a measuring dispenser (3), a feed guide tube (5), a weighing device (4) (the weighing device (4) is adapted to determine the weight of feed not yet released from the feed measuring container (2) and the feed guide tube (5), a rotary feed spreader (6) (the rotary feed spreader (6) includes a rotating disk portion (11), radial blades (12) and a rotary actuator (7) for driving the rotary feed spreader), and a computing device (8), wherein the computing device (8) adjusts the speed of the rotary feed spreader (6) during the spreading of feed portions based on the weight of feed not yet released onto the rotary feed spreader (6). A method for dispensing and spreading feed above an aquaculture cage is also provided, comprising: releasing feed from a feed dispensing container (2) into a dispensing guide structure (10), releasing feed onto a rotary feed spreader (6), determining the weight of feed not yet released, and adjusting the speed of the rotary feed spreader (6) according to the weight of the feed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus and system for dispensing and spreading feed pellets in aquaculture cages. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for uniformly and gently spreading feed pellets above the water surface in land-based aquaculture systems. Background Technology

[0002] Aquaculture is a vital industry today, providing food to communities worldwide as an alternative to commercial fishing. It involves the cultivation of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, or aquatic plants. Aquaculture farms for aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, or aquatic plants exist in both freshwater and saltwater species and rely on controlled environments that are crucial for feeding, water changes, and cleaning. Fish farming is based on raising fish in onshore tanks, ponds, or marine enclosures (ocean cages). While offshore aquaculture has long been the dominant method in salmon farming, land-based aquaculture is an increasingly important approach because it addresses the challenges and limitations of offshore farming, such as the risk of escaped fish contaminating natural salmon populations in their natural habitats, pollution of the local environment surrounding offshore cages, and the elimination of parasites like sea lice. Land-based fish farming employs continuous water circulation, filtration, and monitoring of cage conditions to ensure the optimal balance of environmental parameters required for optimal growth and fish health.

[0003] Farmed fish (such as salmon) require controlled feeding as they grow to the desired size. On an industrial scale, fish farms employ numerous net cages and automated feeding systems that feed the fish daily according to a predetermined amount based on the number and size of fish in each cage. These feeding systems can be based on pipes that distribute feed underwater into the cages; for offshore cage systems, depth-controlled feeding systems exist. In land-based aquaculture systems, feeding is mostly done above the water surface, where the feed is in pellet form.

[0004] Challenges in feed pelleting and spreading include overfeeding or underfeeding fish, wasted feed spread into aquaculture cage areas that fish may avoid or have difficulty reaching, feed pellet damage due to rough spreading methods and equipment, and achieving the desired spreading effect in the cages.

[0005] CN219593408 U discloses a batch feeder on the water surface for feeding aquaculture, which has a dispersion discharge mechanism below the feed box. The dispersion discharge mechanism uses a rotary feed conveying mechanism and has a blower feed cylinder connected to a fan for blowing feed through the feed pipe.

[0006] CN115053850 A discloses a feed dispenser for aquaculture, mounted on a floating base. The feed dispenser includes a feed bin, a drying mechanism for removing water vapor from the feed bin, and a rolling mechanism for preventing pelleted feed from clumping due to moisture. When floating on the water surface, this floating feed dispenser uses a discharge channel to drop feed into the aquaculture water.

[0007] CN 112544532 A discloses a feed spreader with a metering device, the metering device being derived from a storage bin, in which feed is measured by a weighing sensor. A volume-based feeding mechanism, equipped with a scraper and a screw conveyor, delivers feed portions to the periphery of a disc with rotating blades for spreading over aquaculture net cages. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention relates to feed dispensing and spreading in aquaculture systems, providing an apparatus, system, and method for gently and uniformly spreading feed pellets above the water surface in aquaculture. This invention addresses shortcomings in existing feed management systems related to reducing costs associated with inaccurate dispensing, uneven spreading, pellet damage, and precise spreading above aquaculture cages. The invention provides a feed dispensing and spreading apparatus that uses a rotary-connected spreading unit to uniformly spread feed in portions over an aquaculture cage or a specific area of ​​a circular aquaculture cage. The apparatus further includes a dispensing unit with a feed measuring container and a weighing device for ensuring correct dispensing and determining the real-time amount of feed in a buffer unit during feed dispensing. The dispensing unit has a release mechanism for releasing feed portions onto the spreading apparatus / unit. The rotary-connected spreading unit includes radial spreading members arranged on a partially flat surface, onto which the apparatus releases feed portions. The apparatus also includes a computing device that adjusts the speed of the rotary spreading portion to achieve uniform spreading over the entire cage or a portion thereof.

[0009] Most land-based aquaculture cages are circular, and the water flow within them is a constant circulation. Fish typically seek to swim against the current and towards the edges of the cage, where the current is strongest and the oxygen concentration is highest. Fish tend to avoid the center of the cage because the current is weaker there, and therefore prefer to swim against the main current generated between the edges and the center. Consequently, feed particles that impact the outer walls of the cage and near the center are unlikely to be ingested by the fish, and may sink to the bottom and / or dissolve, thus being wasted and promoting bacterial growth, which in turn increases the demand for oxygen input and the release of carbon dioxide and ammonia. The solution provided by this invention offers a method for spreading feed above a circular cage, wherein the feed is spread over the area where the fish swim. This is achieved through one or more features of the apparatus and method of this invention, including the gradual falling of feed onto a rotating spreading unit, adjustment of the speed of the rotating spreading unit, the correlation between the speed of the rotating spreading unit and the amount of feed in the dispensing unit, and the size and shape of the rotating spreading unit disc, as well as the number, shape, or angle of the blades arranged on the rotating spreading unit disc.

[0010] Another problem with existing feeding devices is that the rough spreading methods and devices cause pellet damage, but the broken pellets or debris are difficult or impossible to spread, thus resulting in waste. The solution presented in this paper involves releasing feed from the container without using pushing or conveying methods such as screw conveyors, through gradual dispensing via guide tubes and the raised structure of the spreading unit disc, thereby providing gentler support for the feed pellets and preventing pellets from bouncing during release.

[0011] The above solutions all contribute to better feed management, thereby reducing costs caused by inaccurate rationing, uneven distribution, pellet damage, and precise distribution above aquaculture cages.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for dispensing and spreading feed above an aquaculture cage. The apparatus includes: a feed measuring container for holding a portion of feed; a feed dispenser disposed at the outlet of the feed measuring container for releasing the portion of feed; a feed guide tube; and a rotary feed spreader comprising: i) a rotating disk portion; ii) one or more radial blades extending from the center of the rotating disk portion to its edge; and iii) a rotary actuator for driving the rotating disk portion to rotate. The apparatus further includes: a weighing device for providing weight information regarding the amount of feed in the feed measuring container and the feed guide tube; and a calculating device, wherein the calculating device adjusts the speed of the rotary feed spreader during feed dispensing based on the weight of feed not yet released from the feed guide tube onto the rotary feed spreader.

[0013] According to the present invention, the feed measuring container, the feed dispenser, and the feed guide tube constitute the dispensing unit of the device of the present invention.

[0014] The device may also include a feeding device or feeding structure, wherein the feeding device may be a pipe or a hopper, and wherein the feeding device further includes a dispensing device, such as a valve.

[0015] According to the present invention, a feeding device or feeding structure refers to a system or combination of a conveying device and a feeder for transporting feed to one or more devices for aquaculture feed dispensing and spreading. The feeding device may include a network of channels or pipes for transporting feed to the feed dispensing and spreading device, wherein the channels or pipes may include a dispensing device for dispensing feed into a feed dispensing container of the device of the present invention. In a system for feeding multiple aquaculture cages, a control computer can control the conveying and dispensing of feed from the feeding device to the feed dispensing container of the feed dispensing and spreading device located above each cage in the system. The control computer can adjust the timing and amount of feed dispensed to each cage over a period of time based on the number and / or size of animals in each cage and the time of day.

[0016] According to the present invention, the guide tube and the rotary feed spreader (including a rotating disk portion, one or more radial blades, and iii) a rotary actuator) constitute the spreading unit of the device of the present invention.

[0017] In this document, the term "dispensing unit" refers to the upper part of the device of the present invention, which performs the operation of releasing single portions of feed onto the spreading unit of the feed dispensing and spreading device of the present invention. The dispensing unit may include one or more components for dispensing feed portions onto the spreading unit of the device to provide a gradual release of feed, wherein the amount of feed not yet dispensed from the dispensing unit can be determined. Real-time monitoring of the amount of undispensed feed or the amount of feed in the dispensing unit determines the speed of the spreading unit during device operation.

[0018] In this document, the terms "amount of feed in the dispensing unit" and "amount of feed not yet released onto the rotary feed spreader" can be defined as all feed particles subject to gravity or attraction on the outer structure of the dispensing unit, or until the feed particles "free fall" from the dispensing unit. The circumference of the feed measuring container outlet may be larger than the circumference of the feed guide tube outlet to facilitate the gradual release of feed onto the spreading unit of the device.

[0019] According to the present invention, the spreading unit and the dispensing unit are independent components with no connecting structure between them. This arrangement allows for unobstructed 360° free spreading of feed, thus not reducing the uniformity of spreading or damaging the pellets during the spreading process.

[0020] According to the present invention, the guide tube is both part of the dispensing unit and the spreading unit of the device, because it helps to determine the weight of feed that has not yet been released onto the rotary feed spreader, and provides the function of gradually releasing feed portions onto the rotary feed spreader.

[0021] In this document, the term "spreading unit" refers to the lower part of the device of the present invention, which performs the operation of spreading a single portion of feed onto the rotating spreading component of the feed dispensing and spreading device of the present invention. The spreading unit may include one or more components for spreading a portion of feed based on the spread portion of that feed weight. Real-time monitoring of the undispensed feed amount or the amount of feed in the dispensing unit determines the speed of the spreading unit during device operation. The spreading unit includes a feed guiding structure or guide tube, a rotary feed spreader, and an actuator for driving or rotating the rotary feed spreader, wherein the rotary feed spreader may include a rotatable disc-shaped component with a three-dimensional structure and one or more radial blades for uniformly spreading the feed portion across the entire aquaculture cage. The size of the disc, the shape of the disc's three-dimensional structure, and the number, shape, and angle of the radial blades can be varied to determine the area of ​​the aquaculture cage where the feed is spread.

[0022] The feed measuring container of the device can be used as a container for a single serving of feed and / or as a buffer for feed portions.

[0023] The feed dispenser can seal the outlet of the feed dispensing container in the closed position, and can also create an outlet opening in the open position.

[0024] The portioning dispenser may include a movable part for forming an adjustable opening at the outlet of the feed portioning container, wherein the movable part of the portioning dispenser for forming the adjustable opening at the outlet of the feed portioning container may include at least a portion of a transverse part.

[0025] The feed dispenser can be installed between the feed dispensing container and the feed guide tube.

[0026] The feed guide tube and the portioning guide structure can be formed as a single component.

[0027] The dispensing device can be operated by a dispensing actuator, which can be an electric motor or an actuator such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuator. This actuator can be controlled by a computing device.

[0028] The feed dispenser may be a valve, wherein the valve allows a weighing device to determine the amount of feed in the feed dispensing container at each moment of dispensing the feed portion.

[0029] The portioning dispenser can form an adjustable opening for the feed portioning container weighing device, wherein the mechanical component of the portioning dispenser that forms the adjustable opening is a lateral structure.

[0030] In some embodiments, the weighing device determines the amount of feed in the feed dispensing container and on the lateral structure of the dispensing mechanism that forms the adjustable opening at each moment of feed dispensing.

[0031] According to the invention, a feed dispenser is disposed between the bottom portion (i.e., the outlet) of the feed dispensing container and the inlet of a guide tube or dispensing guide structure. The feed dispenser may be a valve, wherein the valve may include movable parts in the form of two blades connected to a rotating shaft to form an adjustable opening at the outlet of the feed dispensing container. When the valve is closed, the two blades are in a lateral position; when the valve is adjustablely opened, the two blades may be in a partially lateral position to determine the amount of feed dispensed per unit time. The lateral position of the blades allows a weighing device to determine the amount of feed in the dispensing unit per unit time (e.g., real-time weight determination), because at this time the feed is located in the feed dispensing container and at least partially on the valve blades.

[0032] The weighing device can be a weighing sensor.

[0033] Weighing devices can provide weight information or weight data about the amount of feed in a feed measuring container.

[0034] Weighing devices can provide continuous or real-time weight information or weight data about the amount of feed that has not yet been released onto a rotary feed spreader.

[0035] Weighing devices can provide continuous or real-time weight information or weight data regarding the amount of feed that is subjected to gravity or attraction to the periphery of one or more components of a feed measuring container, feed dispenser, feed guide tube, and feed guiding structure.

[0036] The weighing device can provide weight information or weight data about the amount of feed in the feed measuring container before and during feeding.

[0037] The feed dispensing unit of device 1 consists of a feed measuring container, a feed dispenser, a weighing device, a feed guide tube, and a feed guiding structure.

[0038] Feed measuring containers and measuring dispensers can be formed as a single component.

[0039] The device may include a mass guiding structure.

[0040] The portioning guide structure can be installed between the portioning dispenser and the feed guide tube. The portioning guide structure can be funnel-shaped.

[0041] The portion dispenser can be positioned between the feed portion container and the portion guide structure.

[0042] The portioning guide structure can be part of the feed guide tube.

[0043] The feed guide tube may have a funnel-shaped portion that connects to the dispensing unit.

[0044] The feed guide tube directs the feed to the center of the rotary feed spreader for it to fall.

[0045] The feed guide tube includes a downwardly extending tubular portion. The downwardly extending tubular portion of the feed guide tube may have at least one obliquely extending portion for supporting feed particles that have not “free-fall” from the dispensing unit.

[0046] The feed guide tube may include a funnel-shaped upper portion that connects to the dispensing unit and the feed measuring container opening, and a lower tube portion that guides the feed to fall towards the center of a rotary feed spreader. This provides a gradually decreasing diameter from the feed measuring container opening to the guide tube opening, allowing the feed to be gradually released onto the disc.

[0047] The feed measuring container, the feed dispenser, the weighing device, the feed guide tube, and the feed guiding structure constitute the dispensing unit of the device of the present invention.

[0048] A rotary feed spreader may also include a rotating disc portion and one or more radial (spreading structure) blades extending from the center of the rotating disc portion to its edge.

[0049] One or more radial blades may be arranged at an angle between 0° and 180° relative to the surface of the rotating disk portion, or at an angle between 0° and 90° relative to the surface of the rotating disk portion, wherein the one or more radial blades may be arranged on the surface of the rotating disk portion via attachment structures on the rotating disk portion. The attachment structures on the rotating disk portion may include one or more attachment structures arranged radially for each radial blade from the center of the rotating disk portion to the edge of the rotating disk portion, wherein the attachment structures on the rotating disk portion may include recesses, openings, or slits in the rotating disk portion. Furthermore, the one or more radial blades may include engagement structures for engaging with the one or more attachment structures on the rotating disk portion. The rotating disk portion may include multiple attachment structures for varying the position and / or number of radial blades attached to the rotating disk portion.

[0050] The rotating disc portion may further include a raised structure located at the center of the rotating disc portion for guiding feed toward the edge of the rotating disc portion. The raised structure at the center of the rotating disc portion may include a surface that slopes or slopes downwards from the center of the rotating disc portion toward the edge of the rotating disc portion. The sloped or sloped surface of the raised structure at the center of the rotating disc portion may partially and radially cover the surface of the rotating disc portion, and the remaining surface of the rotating disc portion toward the edge may be substantially flat. The raised structure at the center of the rotating disc portion may be a conical structure.

[0051] The rotating disc portion and one or more radial blades of the rotary feed spreader are arranged to achieve free 360° spreading of feed.

[0052] A rotary actuator can be a motor.

[0053] A rotary feed spreader (including a rotating disc portion, one or more radial blades, and a rotary actuator) constitutes the spreading unit of the device of the present invention.

[0054] The spreading unit is located below the feeding unit, and the spreading unit and the feeding unit are independent components. This allows for free 360° spreading of feed above aquaculture cages.

[0055] The calculation device can adjust the operation of the rotary feed spreader based on the weight of feed that has not yet been released onto the rotary feed spreader during the feed distribution process.

[0056] The calculation device can adjust the operation of the rotary feed spreader according to the weight of the dispensing unit during the feed distribution process.

[0057] The calculation device can adjust the speed of the rotary feed spreader based on the weight of feed that has not yet been released onto the rotary feed spreader during the feed distribution process.

[0058] The calculation device can adjust the speed of the rotary feed spreader based on the weight of feed that has not yet been released onto the rotary feed spreader during the feed distribution process.

[0059] The calculation device can adjust the speed of the rotary feed spreader according to the weight of the feed in the dispensing unit during the feed distribution process.

[0060] The calculation device can adjust the opening of the feed dispensing device to the feed dispensing container outlet based on the weight of the feed in the dispensing unit during the feed dispensing process.

[0061] The computing device can determine the amount of feed in the feed measuring container before the feed is released into the feed guide tube.

[0062] If the amount of feed delivered to the feed measuring container is incorrect or outside the predetermined weight range, the computing device can send a feedback signal to the feeding mechanism.

[0063] The device is suitable for dispensing and spreading feed in particulate form (such as pellets).

[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for distributing and spreading feed above an aquaculture net cage is provided, the method comprising: a) The feed is dispensed from the feed measuring container into the feed guiding structure located below the feed guide tube via a measuring dispenser installed at the feed measuring container outlet. b) Release the feed from the feed guide tube onto the rotary feed spreader. The rotary feed spreader includes a rotating disk portion, one or more radial blades extending from the center of the rotating disk portion to its edge, and a rotary actuator for driving the rotary feed spreader. c) Determine the weight of feed that has not yet been released from the feed measuring container, measuring guide structure, and feed guide tube using a weighing device. d) During the spreading of this portion of feed, the speed of the rotary feed spreader is adjusted by a calculation device based on the weight of feed that has not yet been released onto the rotary feed spreader.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating the apparatus of the present invention is provided, the method comprising the following steps: a) By using a weighing device to determine the weight of the feed in the feed measuring container, it is determined that a predetermined amount of feed has been released into the feed measuring container. b) Start the rotation of the rotary feed spreader at the first speed. c) By adjusting the opening of the feed measuring container through the measuring device, feed portions are released from the feed measuring container onto the rotary feed spreader. d) The speed of the rotary feed spreader is adjusted by the calculation device during the spreading of the feed portion.

[0066] The speed of the rotary feed spreader can be adjusted and / or changed by a computing device during the spreading of feed, or the speed of the rotary feed spreader can be adjusted and / or changed from a first speed to a second speed by the computing device during the spreading of feed. Furthermore, the change in the speed of the rotary feed spreader can be a change from the first speed to the second speed, wherein the change in the speed of the rotary feed spreader from the first speed to the second speed can be a gradual change.

[0067] The speed of the rotary feed spreader can be adjusted and / or changed from a first speed to a second speed during the feeding of feed portions, based on the weight of feed portions not yet released onto the rotary feed spreader; or the speed of the rotary feed spreader can be adjusted and / or changed from a first speed to a second speed during the feeding of feed portions, based on the weight of feed portions in the feed portion container, feed guide tube, and feed portion guide structure.

[0068] In the method of the present invention, the following conditions may need to be met before releasing feed portions from the feed portion container by opening the portion dispenser: i) a predetermined amount of feed portions have been released into the feed portion container, and ii) the rotary feed spreader has reached a first speed.

[0069] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for feeding and spreading feed in aquaculture is provided, the system comprising: i) one or more feed feeding and spreading devices of the present invention, ii) one or more net cages, wherein at least one feed feeding and spreading device is centrally disposed above each net cage, iii) a feed distribution structure, iv) a feeding device further comprising a portioning dispenser, and v) a control unit, wherein the feed distribution structure is connected to or includes the feeding device of each feed feeding and spreading device.

[0070] In this document, the term "cage" refers to an aquaculture cage, enclosure, or pond, which is a fixed, floating, submersible, or submersible structure, or any other structure used to contain aquatic animals in one or more stages of aquaculture. The cage can be used for land-based or offshore aquaculture.

[0071] One or more net cages may be circular aquaculture net cages used for fish farming, wherein one or more net cages may be suitable for land-based fish farming or offshore fish farming.

[0072] The feed distribution structure can be a tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure may include one or more feed dispensing and spreading devices centrally positioned above or connected to one or more feed dispensing and spreading devices in each fish cage in the system.

[0073] The feeding device may be a hopper, which may be connected to a feed distribution structure, and the hopper may also include a portioning dispenser.

[0074] This system can be an automatic feeding system for dispensing and spreading feed in aquaculture systems, wherein a computing device can adjust the speed of the rotary feed spreader during the spreading of feed to ensure that the feed is evenly spread above the fish cages.

[0075] The device of this invention can be calibrated at the time of setup and at different times after setup. The calibration of the device may depend on the geographical location of the farm using the feed dispensing and spreading device of this invention. The calibration of the device may also depend on the accumulation of feed residue or dirt in the feed measuring containers and dispensers over time.

[0076] The system can issue a signal requesting cleaning of one or more components of the feed dispensing and spreading device of the present invention. This signal can be generated at regular time intervals or based on data related to the required degree of calibration over time.

[0077] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, an apparatus for feed dispensing and spreading in aquaculture is provided. The apparatus includes a dispensing unit and a weighing device, wherein the dispensing unit further includes a feed measuring container and a dispensing device forming an adjustable opening at the outlet of the feed measuring container. The weighing device determines the amount of feed in the distribution unit at each dispensing time. The apparatus also includes a spreading unit and a calculating device, wherein the spreading unit further includes a feed guide tube, a rotary feed spreader, and a rotary actuator for driving the rotary feed spreader. The feed guide tube guides feed from the feed measuring container to the rotary feed spreader, and the calculating device adjusts the speed of the rotary feed spreader according to the amount of feed in the distribution unit at each dispensing time during the spreading of the feed portion. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings described below are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this teaching in any way.

[0079] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the device according to the present invention.

[0080] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the device according to the present invention.

[0081] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a dispensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 4 is an exploded view of a dispensing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figure 5 It is a chart that shows the distribution distance and uniformity of feed pellets.

[0084] Figure 6 It is a chart that shows the distance the feed pellets are distributed.

[0085] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of feed pellets relative to the spreading unit. Detailed Implementation

[0086] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These examples are provided to further understand the invention and not to limit its scope.

[0087] Figure 1A device 1 for feed dispensing and spreading in aquaculture according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is shown. The device 1 has a dispensing unit comprising a feed measuring container 2, a valve 3, a weighing sensor 4, a dispensing actuator 9, and a dispensing guide structure 10. The feed measuring container 2 can be used as a container for single portions of feed or as a buffer for feed portions, wherein the bottom portion of the feed measuring container 2 has a discharge port connected to the dispensing device 3. In this aspect, the dispensing device 3 is a valve adapted to release feed portions at the discharge port of the feed measuring container and is operated by the dispensing actuator 9. In this aspect, the dispensing actuator 9 is an electric motor. Below the valve, the dispensing guide structure 10 (in this aspect, a funnel-shaped housing) is adapted to guide feed into a feed guide tube 5 of the spreading unit. The weighing device 4 is connected 19 to the dispensing guide structure 10 and the feed guide tube 5 to detect the weight of feed in the dispensing unit, i.e., feed not yet released onto the spreading unit.

[0088] A spreading unit is disposed below the dispensing unit, wherein the spreading unit and the dispensing unit together include a feed guide tube 5. The feed guide tube 5 has a downwardly extending tubular shape, wherein the downwardly extending tubular portion of the feed guide tube 5 has at least one obliquely extending portion 23 for supporting feed particles that have not "free-fall" from the dispensing unit. The spreading unit also includes a rotary feed spreader 6, a rotary actuator 7 for driving the rotary feed spreader 6, and a computing device (microcontroller) 8. The feed guide tube 5 is a tubular structure adapted to guide feed from a funnel-shaped dispensing guide structure 10 onto the rotary feed spreader 6. The rotary feed spreader 6 is driven by the rotary actuator 7. In this respect, the rotary actuator 7 is an electric motor. The rotary feed spreader 6 has a rotating disk portion 11 and two radial blades 12 as spreading structures, the radial blades extending from the center of the rotating disk portion 11 towards the edge of the rotating disk portion 11. The rotating disc portion 11 also includes a raised structure located at the center of the rotating disc portion for guiding feed towards the edge of the rotating disc portion. This raised structure includes a surface that slopes or slopes down from the center of the rotating disc portion towards the edge and covers the surface of the rotating disc portion, but the remaining surface of the rotating disc portion facing the edge is substantially flat. In this respect, the raised structure located at the center of the rotating disc portion is a conical structure. The calculation device 8 adjusts the speed of the rotary feed spreader / spreader 6 during feed distribution.

[0089] Figure 2 Showing Figure 1 and Figure 2The illustrated embodiment shows the rotary feed spreader 6 relative to the spreading structure. In this embodiment, the rotary feed spreader 6 has two radial blades 12, one of which is mounted on the rotating disk portion 11, while the other is shown unmounted and suspended above the rotating disk portion. The figure shows attachment structures 13 on the rotating disk portion 11 for mounting the blades to the rotating disk portion, wherein, in this embodiment, for each radial blade 12, two attachment structures are provided in the radial direction from the center of the rotating disk portion 11 to the edge of the rotating disk portion 11, in the form of slits in the rotating disk portion 11. The figure shows multiple attachment structures for several blades, thereby changing the spreading capacity of the spreading unit. The blade 12 includes an engagement structure 14 in the form of an elongated protrusion for engaging with the slit-shaped attachment structure on the rotating disk portion 11. The figure also shows a tapered protrusion 15 located at the center of the rotating disk portion, which descends toward the edge of the rotating disk portion and covers the surface of the rotating disk portion, and continues to a generally flat surface 16 toward the edge of the rotating disk portion.

[0090] Figure 3 An embodiment of the feeding unit of the present invention is shown, wherein the various components of the feeding unit and the dispensing device are shown in an exploded view. The dispensing device 3 is disposed between the bottom portion (discharge port) of the feed dispensing container 2 and the inlet of the funnel-shaped dispensing guide structure 10. In this embodiment, the dispensing device 3 is a valve comprising two movable parts in the form of blades 17 connected to a rotating shaft 18 to form an adjustable opening at the discharge port of the feed dispensing container 2. When the valve 3 is closed, the two blades 17 are in a lateral position; when the valve 3 is adjustablely opened, the two blades 17 can be in a partially lateral position to determine the amount of feed dispensed per unit time. The lateral position of the blades 17 allows a weighing device to determine the amount of feed in the feeding unit per unit time (determined by real-time weight), since the feed is located in the feed dispensing container and at least partially on the blades 17 of the valve 3 at this time.

[0091] Figure 4 outlines the system of the present invention for feeding one or more aquaculture cages. Figure 4A The image shows a circular aquaculture cage 20, with the feed dispensing and spreading device 1 according to the invention centrally positioned above the cage 20. In this embodiment, the feeding device 21 is a hopper adapted to convey feed pellets 22 into the feed measuring container 2 of the feed dispensing and spreading device 1.

[0092] Figure 4B Showing with Figure 4A A similar circular aquaculture cage 20 has a feed dispensing and spreading device 1 centrally positioned above it. Figure 4BIn the embodiment shown, the feeding device 21 is a tubular structure suitable for conveying feed pellets 22 into the feed dispensing and spreading device 1 feed measuring container 2.

[0093] Figure 5 The graph shows the feed pellet dispersion distance and uniformity obtained using the apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rotating disk portion of the rotating spreading unit is flat. The graph shows the dispersion distance from the center to the edge of the area corresponding to the aquaculture cage at different rotation speeds (A), and the uniformity of spreading over the area corresponding to the aquaculture cage (B). When using a flat disk, the complete dispersion distance was not achieved, and the uniformity of spreading was approximately 87%.

[0094] Figure 6 A graph showing the distribution distance from the center to the edge of the area equivalent to an aquaculture cage is displayed, where the rotating disk portion of the rotating spreading unit has a conical protrusion at the center of the disk. The experiment tested two disks of different diameters at two different heights above the area equivalent to the aquaculture cage. The graph shows that when the disks are positioned at the same height above the area equivalent to the aquaculture cage, larger disks have a greater distribution distance. Furthermore, the experiment shows that by increasing the distance relative to the area equivalent to the aquaculture cage, the spreading unit can spread to a greater distance. In all cases, with... Figure 5 Compared to the flat disc experiment shown in Figure B, both experiments achieved 100% uniform distribution. This figure demonstrates that the present invention can be used to achieve the desired uniform distribution in areas of circular aquaculture cages of different diameters. The desired uniform distribution on cages of different diameters can be controlled or adjusted in various ways, such as by the rotation speed of the disc, and / or the size or diameter of the disc, and / or the distance or height of the rotating disc above the water surface of the cage.

[0095] Figure 7 The figure shows the spreading unit of the present invention, and feed particles 22 released from the feed measuring container 2 and entering the feed guide tube 5 via the measuring guide structure 10. The figure also shows a weighing device 4 disposed on the measuring guide structure 10 and the feed guide tube 5 via a connector 19. Before the feed particles 22 are released into the spreading unit, the surfaces of the spreading unit components that come into contact with them are shown in bold as the feed measuring container surface 2a, the measuring guide structure surface 10a, and the feed guide tube surface 5a. The weighing device identifies the gravity or attraction of the feed particles 22a detected on these surfaces 2a, 5a, and 10a as feed particles that have not yet been released onto the spreading unit. When the feed particles fall onto the spreading unit as free-falling particles 22b, they do not exert gravity or attraction on the components of the dispensing unit. This feature enables the computing device 8 to determine the weight of feed that has not yet been released from the feed measuring container 2, the measuring guide structure 10, and the feed guide tube 5 onto the spreading unit.

[0096] As used herein (including the claims), unless the context otherwise requires, the singular form of a term should be understood to include the plural form as well, and vice versa. Therefore, it should be noted that, as used herein, the singular forms “an,” “a,” and “the” include plural references unless the context explicitly states otherwise.

[0097] Throughout the specification and claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and variations thereof should be understood as “including but not limited to,” and are not intended to exclude other components.

[0098] The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values ​​and ranges when these terms, features, values ​​and ranges are used in conjunction with terms such as about, approximately, generally, substantially, essentially, at least, etc. (i.e., “about 3” should also cover exactly 3, or “substantially constant” should also cover exactly constant).

[0099] The term "at least one" should be understood to mean "one or more," and therefore includes embodiments comprising one or more components. Furthermore, dependent claims referencing an independent claim that describes a feature as "at least one," whether that feature is referred to as "the" or "the at least one," have the same meaning.

[0100] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, the features disclosed in the specification may be replaced by alternative features for achieving the same, equivalent, or similar purposes. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, each disclosed feature is merely one example among a series of equivalent or similar features.

[0101] The use of exemplary terms such as “for example,” “for instance,” and “in other words” is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not imply a limitation on the scope of the invention, unless otherwise defined by the claims. Any steps described in the specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0102] All features and / or steps disclosed in the specification can be combined in any way, except for combinations of features and / or steps that are at least partially mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the invention apply to all aspects of the invention and can be used in any combination.

Claims

1. A device (1) for distributing and spreading feed above an aquaculture cage, the device comprising: Feed measuring container (2); A portioning dispenser (3) is installed at the outlet of the feed portioning container (2); Feed guide tube (5); Weighing device (4), wherein the weighing device (4) is adapted to determine the weight of feed that has not yet been released from the feed measuring container (2) and the feed guide tube (5); Rotary feed spreader (6), comprising: Rotating disk section (11). One or more radial blades (12) extending from the center of the rotating disk portion (11) toward the edge of the rotating disk portion (11), and A rotary actuator (7) is used to drive the rotary feed spreader (6); and A computing device (8) wherein, during the spreading of feed portions, the computing device (8) adjusts the speed of the rotary feed spreader (6) according to the weight of the feed that has not yet been released onto the rotary feed spreader (6).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The feed guide tube (5) guides a single portion of feed from the feed measuring container (2) to the center of the rotating disk portion (11) of the rotary feed spreader (6).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The circumference of the feed inlet of the feed guide tube (5) is greater than the circumference of the feed outlet of the feed guide tube (5).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The feed guide tube (5) has a downwardly extending tubular shape, and wherein the downwardly extending tubular portion of the feed guide tube (5) has at least one obliquely extending portion (23) for supporting feed particles (22) that have not "free-fall" from the dispensing unit.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating disk portion (11) further includes a protrusion structure (15) located at the center of the rotating disk portion, wherein the protrusion structure (15) forms a surface that slopes or slopes from the center of the rotating disk portion toward the edge of the rotating disk portion.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The protrusion (15) located at the center of the rotating disk portion includes a conical structure.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The device also includes a portioning guide structure (10), which is disposed between the portioning dispenser (3) and the feed inlet of the feed guide tube (5).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The portioning guide structure (10) is funnel-shaped.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The portioning guide structure (10) and the feed guide tube (5) are formed as a single component.

10. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The feed measuring container (2), the measuring dispenser (3), the measuring guide structure (10), and the feed guide tube (5) constitute a feeding unit.

11. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rotary feed spreader (6) forms a spreading unit, wherein the rotary feed spreader (6) includes the rotary disk portion (11), the one or more radial blades (12) and the rotary actuator (7).

12. The apparatus according to claims 10 and 11, wherein, The spreading unit and the dispensing unit are independent components.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The weighing device is arranged in the dispensing unit.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, During the dispensing of feed portions to the rotary feed spreader (6), the weighing device (4) provides continuous weight information about the amount of feed that has not yet been released from the feed portion container (2) and the feed guide tube (5).

15. A method for distributing and spreading feed above an aquaculture cage, comprising: a) Feed portions are released from the feed portion container (2) into the portion guiding structure (10) of the feed guide tube (5) located below the portion dispenser (3) via the portion dispenser (3) located at the outlet of the feed portion container (2). b) The feed portion is released from the feed guide tube (5) onto the rotary feed spreader (6), wherein the rotary feed spreader (6) includes a rotating disk portion (11), one or more radial blades (12) extending from the center of the rotating disk portion to the edge of the rotating disk portion (11), and a rotary actuator (7) for driving the rotary feed spreader (6). c) The weight of the feed that has not yet been released from the feed measuring container (2) and the feed guide tube (5) is determined by the weighing device (4). d) During the spreading of the feed portion, the speed of the rotary feed spreader (6) is adjusted by the calculation device (8) according to the weight of feed that has not yet been released from the feed portion container (2) and the feed guide tube (5).

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