AUTOMATIC PET FEED DISPENSER

Abstract

Automatic pet food dispenser (10) comprising: a cabinet having a food dispensing opening (16) and including at least two food retention compartments (14a-b), a first pivoting shelf (20a) pivoting between a first position to block an opening in a first compartment (14a), the second position no longer blocking the opening of the first compartment, a second pivoting shelf (20b) pivoting between a first position to block an opening in a second compartment (14b), the second position no longer blocking the opening of the second compartment (14b), a first electrically actuated release mechanism (30a) on the first shelf (20a) releasably fixing the first shelf (20a) in the first position, a second electrically actuated release mechanism (30b) on the second shelf (20b) releasably fixing the second shelf (20b) in the first position,a first electrical microswitch (26a) located under the first shelf (20a).

Description

Title of the invention: AUTOMATIC ANIMAL FOOD DISPENSER

[0001] The present invention relates to an animal feed dispenser, capable of automatically dispensing animal feed.

[0002] CONTEXT

[0003] Several automatic feeding systems are known, designed to distribute food rations in a programmed manner. Some of these systems include rotating shelves or timer-controlled hatches. Many of these systems aim to reduce the time required to ensure the supply of food, for example, the time spent distributing rations, the time spent traveling to and from the place of food distribution, etc., and to ensure constant availability of food throughout the day, in order to promote natural feeding behavior and better livestock management.

[0004] In US 2004 / 0216681 A1, an automatic pet food dispenser is described, comprising pivoting shelves in a cabinet, which are released from bottom to top in response to an activation signal sent by a controller to the solenoid devices that hold the shelves. The control system uses a timer to send activation signals to the solenoid devices and order the release of food from specific shelves.

[0005] In US 10398128 B2, a pet food dispenser with pivoting shelves is described. The shelves are controlled sequentially by a sequencing circuit, which sends an electric current to individual motorized latches holding the shelves. Also described is the use of a switch connected to an electrical latch control system. The switch acts as a reset button for the sequencer, indicating the status of the shelves.

[0006] In US 2005 / 0213266 A1, another pet food dispenser comprising several shelves is described. This apparatus comprises a timer device and a counting / logic sequencing circuit controlling the locking solenoids, allowing each shelf to pivot.

[0007] In US6405674 B1, a pet food dispenser with pivoting shelves is described. The shelves pivot downward at regular intervals by a lever activated by a vertical rotary trigger mechanism, driven by an electric motor.

[0008] Known food dispensers with multiple compartments are either electronically simple, but limited in loading and random management of the dispensers, or electronically complex, designed with multi-channel sequencers, each channel controlling a rotating shelf of the dispenser. Although the latter version can control each rotating shelf individually from the multi-channel sequencer, loading and random management of the dispensers can be complicated depending on the interface presented to the user.

[0009] From the above, it is evident that there are margins for improvement, and the invention aims to solve, or at least alleviate, the aforementioned problems as well as others.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved animal feed dispenser.

[0012] The invention is defined by the appended independent claims. Additional features and advantages of the concepts disclosed herein are set forth in the following description, and will be partially obvious from the description or will be recognized by the application of the disclosed technologies. The features and advantages of the concepts may be realized and obtained by means of the devices and combinations particularly set forth in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosed technologies will become more clearly apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or will be recognized by the application of the disclosed concepts.

[0013] Specifically, an animal feed dispenser according to a first aspect of the invention comprises:

[0014] - a cabinet with a food dispensing opening and at least two food storage compartments,

[0015] - a first pivoting shelf, which can pivot between a first and a second position, the first pivoting shelf being arranged, in the first position, to block an opening in a first compartment, and the first pivoting shelf being removed from the position of blocking the opening in the first compartment when in the second position, thereby allowing communication between the first compartment and the food dispensing opening,

[0016] - a second pivoting shelf, which can pivot between a first and a second position, the second pivoting shelf being arranged, in the first position, to block an opening in a second compartment, and the second pivoting shelf being removed from the position blocking the opening in the second compartment when it is in the second position, thus allowing communication of the second compartment with the first compartment,

[0017] - a first electrically controlled trigger mechanism, arranged on the first shelf to releasably secure the first shelf in the first position,

[0018] - a second electrically controlled trigger mechanism, arranged on the second shelf to releasably secure the second shelf in the first position,

[0019] - a first electric micro switch, arranged on the first shelf, the first An electrical microswitch connects a control line to the first electrically controlled trigger mechanism when the shelf is in the first position, and the first electrical microswitch connects the control line to the second electrically controlled trigger mechanism when the shelf is in the second position.

[0020] An advantage of the arrangement of the electrically controlled trigger mechanisms and the first electrical microswitch, which changes the signal path of the control line, is that the release of the pivoting shelves can be controlled using simple electronics, for example, a single control channel can be used to control the pivoting of at least two shelves.

[0021] An additional advantage is that interaction with the food dispenser by the user becomes intuitive. For example, if a person wishes to refill emptied food compartments before all compartments are empty, the user simply needs to return the emptied shelf to the first position and refill it with food, automatically, this compartment becomes part of the food release program without the user having to do more than refill the compartment. Thus, the dispenser allows arbitrary loading of the food holding compartments by using a simple electronic configuration and allowing intuitive user interaction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control line is arranged to carry a release signal from a control unit.

[0023] In still other embodiments, the first electrical microswitch comprises an input connector 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 release mechanism when the first shelf is in the second position. The advantage of implementing the microswitch arrangement in this manner is that it allows the use of relatively simple control electronics, e.g. example, the use of a single control channel. This advantage is also supported by certain embodiments where the second output of the first switch is connected to the second electrically actuated release mechanism via a second electrical microswitch disposed under the second shelf.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cabinet includes a number X of food holding compartments, where X can be any number from 2 to 20, and the pet food dispenser further includes pivoting shelves, each pivoting between a first and a second position, each pivoting shelf in the first position being arranged to block an opening between two adjacent compartments, each pivoting shelf in the second position being removed from obstructing the opening between two adjacent compartments allowing communication between the two adjacent compartments, electrically actuated release mechanisms being provided at each pivoting shelf for releasably securing each pivoting shelf, electrical micro switches, each disposed on a pivoting shelf, each electrical micro switch connecting a signal line from an electrical micro switch under a shelfpivoting shelf closer to the food dispensing opening to the electrically actuated release mechanism of the corresponding pivoting shelf when the corresponding pivoting shelf is in the first position and each electrical switch connecting the signal line from an electrical microswitch under a pivoting shelf closer to the food dispensing opening to the electrically actuated release mechanism of a pivoting shelf located further from the food dispensing opening when the pivoting shelf is in the second position. The advantages discussed above become even more evident in embodiments having additional food holding compartments. Another advantage of the invention is that it is easily scalable. The number of compartments can even be increased without requiring replacement of the control signal generator, e.g., a generatortimer or a sequence controller, as the number of compartments increases.

[0025] In some embodiments, the electrical micro switch disposed under the swivel shelf number X connects a signal line from the electrical micro switch under the swivel shelf number X-1 to the electrically actuated release mechanism of the swivel shelf number X when the swivel shelf number X is in the first position and the electrical micro switch disposed under the swivel shelf number X connects the signal line from the electrical micro switch under the swivel shelf number Xl to a terminal disposed on the terminal of the pet feeder to connect the signal line to a second pet feeder. An advantage of this implementation is that it allows for an increase in the number of consecutive feed releases without having to reset or reload the system. This feature allows the feeding process to continue with a second feeder when the last compartment of a first feeder has released the food stored there.

[0026] In some embodiments, the pet feeder also includes a parallel control signal output terminal connected to the control line for connecting the control line to a second pet feeder. The advantage of this is that the same timing signal can be used for simultaneous and parallel control of multiple pet feeders, for example, feeders for different individuals that are to be fed according to the same feeding schedule.

[0027] In some embodiments, each electrical microswitch is mounted in the cabinet such that the switch toggles between the first output connector and the second output connector when the corresponding shelf is pivoted to the second position. The electrical microswitch may be a lever-type limit switch.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the pet food dispenser further comprises a braking device disposed between each pivoting shelf and the cabinet to slow the movement of the shelf from the first position to the second position when it is released. An advantage of providing this braking device is that the change of signal to the next release mechanism does not occur until the release signal of the currently controlled shelf is completed, thereby preventing the next release mechanism from also being triggered by the same release signal. The braking device may be a gas spring.

[0029] According to another aspect of the invention, an animal feed dispensing system comprises an animal feed dispenser as described above, and a control unit configured to send an activation signal according to a predetermined schedule to the control line of at least one animal feed dispenser. The control unit may be a digital sequence controller. The sent activation signal may include an electrical pulse of less than one and a half seconds.

[0030] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, it is to be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given for the purpose of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the invention will become obvious to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. Thus, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular component parts of the apparatus described or the steps of the methods described, as such apparatus and method may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is intended to describe particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claim, the articles "a," "an," "the," "the," and "the" are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a sensor" or "the sensor" may include more than one sensor, and so on. Furthermore, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to describe how the embodiments described above are implemented, as well as to define other advantages and features of the disclosure, a more detailed description is provided below, illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is understood that these drawings represent only exemplary embodiments of the invention and should therefore not be considered limiting in scope. The examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and precision using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] [Fig.l] is a schematic perspective view of a food dispenser, according to certain embodiments of the invention, open for loading and with all the pivoting shelves in the initial position,

[0034] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective view of the food dispenser of the [Fig.l], with two pivoting shelves in the initial position and a third pivoting shelf in the open position,

[0035] [Fig.3] is an electrical diagram of the control of the rotating shelves, according to certain embodiments of the invention,

[0036] [Fig.4] is a diagram of a micro switch in the neutral position, that is to say when the shelf is in first position,

[0037] [Fig.5] shows two food dispensers in a possible environment and connected in series, according to certain embodiments of the invention,

[0038] [Fig.6] shows two food dispensers in a possible environment and connected in parallel, according to certain embodiments of the invention.

[0039] In addition, in the figures, like references designate like or corresponding parts in the different figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Certain embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the inventive concept. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the specification and applying the methods disclosed herein. The embodiments shown are provided by way of example in order to make this disclosure complete and exhaustive and to fully convey the scope of the inventive concept. The claims are to be construed to encompass all equivalents of the present inventive concept that are apparent to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, different embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0041] The invention relates to an automatic feed dispenser for animals, mainly for horses, aimed at improving feeding efficiency and comfort, while allowing feeding at regular intervals. For example, hay or silage is made available to the animal at controlled time intervals and in separate portions.

[0042] The food dispenser, also called an automatic dispenser, is designed for versatile use, both indoors and outdoors, thus offering great flexibility for various environments. In addition, it can be used in areas without access to electricity by integrating a battery rechargeable by a solar panel as a power source. This feature allows the dispenser to be used autonomously in places without an electrical connection, thus increasing its operational flexibility and adaptability to various environments.

[0043] Referring now to [Fig. 1], which shows a feed dispenser 10 with an open door 12, revealing three feed storage compartments 14a-c within the dispenser 10. The feed dispenser 10 may include any number of storage compartments 14a-c. In some embodiments, each storage compartment 14a-c is designed to hold approximately 150 liters of straw, hay, or silage per compartment. However, the size of the storage compartments 14a-c may vary depending on the type of animal to be fed and / or the amount of feed required for each meal. Feed is filled into the closed compartments 14a-c via the open door 12. Each compartment has a pivoting shelf 20a-c, which may pivot between a first position (also referred to as the closed position) and a second position (also referred to as the open position).Each shelf 20a-c is pivotally attached to a wall 22 of the dispenser 10. All shelves 20a-c of [Fig.l] are in the first position, i.e., in the closed position. A closed compartment is a compartment 14a-c where the shelf 20a-c of the compartment is in the first position. An opening of . The feed distribution opening 16 is equipped with a slope 18 and is located in the lower part of the dispenser 10. The lowest closed compartment 14a opens at a specific time and delivers the food to the dispensing opening 16. The opening 16 may optionally be equipped with bars and / or a housing to keep the food in the feeding area and allow the animals to take the food only in small quantities. The frame of the dispenser 10 is compact, the door 12, the outer walls 22 and a waterproof roof 24 form a cabinet providing protection against rain, dust or dirt. Each compartment 14a-c is equipped with a microswitch sensor 26a-c which is activated when the shelf 20a-c of the compartment 14a-c pivots to the second position and comes into contact with the sensor of the switch 26a-c.A digital sequence controller 28 activates the release of the lowest closed compartment at a predefined time by sending a release signal via a control line (not shown in [Fig.l]), connected to electrically controlled latches 30a-c, each retaining a shelf 20a-c and releasing the corresponding shelf upon receipt of the release signal. The digital sequence controller 28 may be arranged on the dispenser 10, in a separate control room or in a control cabinet.

[0044] Each shelf 20a-c also has a gas spring 32a-c, placed between the shelf 20a-c and the wall 22 of the distributor 10, to reduce the speed once the corresponding shelf 20a-c is released and pivots to the open position, thus ensuring a smooth transition between the closed position and the open position of the shelf 20a-c, and giving sufficient time for the electrical signal before the microswitch 26a-c is activated by the pivoting shelf 20a-c. The gas spring 32a-c can be any type of damper. This damper can operate in any direction, not only in the extension direction, but also in the compression direction, for example, an inverted gas spring, a traction spring or a compression spring.

[0045] The control system of the dispenser 10 can be connected to the electrical network. Optionally, electricity can be provided by a solar panel rechargeable battery 34 combined with solar panels 36, thus allowing operation in areas without an electrical network or other energy infrastructure. An electrical terminal 38 for connecting additional food dispensers in series is provided on the dispenser 10, and an electrical terminal 40 for connecting other dispensers in parallel is also provided on the dispenser 10. Two external electrical terminals allow for series or parallel connections to other dispensers, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0046] In [Fig.2], the pet food dispenser of [Fig.l] is shown, with a shelf 20a tilted into the open position, coming into contact with the microswitch sensor 26a while the gas spring 32a is deployed. In a scenario where the compartment containing the shelf 20a is released and tilted into this position, any food that would have been stored in the compartment 14a will fall into the area of ​​the dispensing opening 16.

[0047] [Fig. 3] shows a diagram of the internal mechanisms and electrical connections of the automatic food dispenser, according to certain embodiments of the invention. The dispenser may be controlled by a single-channel digital sequence controller 28, equipped with a pulse mode, i.e., the digital sequence controller 28 sends a pulse of a predefined duration. The digital sequence controller 28 may be powered either by the conventional electrical network or by a solar panel rechargeable battery 34, connected to solar panels 36 for solar charging. In certain embodiments of the invention, the pulse time in the digital sequence controller 28 is predefined at 1.5 seconds.

[0048] In pulse mode, users can set different desired trigger times for each pulse sent, thereby releasing a shelf with each pulse. At the predetermined time, the digital sequence controller 28 sends a one and a half second pulse and transmits a signal via a control line 60 to the electrical locking system 62.

[0049] The electrical locking system 62 comprises electrically controlled locks 30a-c, for example solenoids or motors, and microswitches 26a-c. Each microswitch 26, see [Fig. 4], is arranged to switch an input terminal C ("Common") between an output terminal NC ("Normally Closed") and an output terminal NO ("Normally Open") when subjected to an external force, for example in the present invention, when the shelf is tilted to the second position and interacts with the microswitch 26. The microswitch diagram in [Fig. 4] shows a microswitch in the neutral position, i.e., when no pressure is exerted or when the shelf is in the first position.

[0050] Referring to [Fig. 3], the control line 60 of the digital sequence controller 28 is connected to the input terminal C of the micro switch 26a located under the lowest shelf 20a. The output terminal NC of the micro switch 26a is connected to the electronic lock 30a, and the output terminal NO of the micro switch 26a is connected to the input terminal C of the micro switch 26b located under the next shelf 20b, counting from the bottom. The output terminal NC of the micro switch 26b is connected to the electronic lock 30b, and the output terminal NO of the micro switch 26b is connected to the input terminal C of the micro switch 26c located under the next shelf 20c, the top shelf in [Fig. 3]. The output terminal NC of the micro switch 26c is connected to the electronic lock 30c, and the output terminal NO output of micro switch 26c is connected to electrical terminal 38, configured to connect subsequent food dispensers in series with the current dispenser, i.e. when the last shelf 20c of dispenser 10 is in the open position, the control signal to release a shelf is transmitted via the electrical interlock system 62 of the current dispenser 10 to the control line of another dispenser, where the next signal will release the first shelf of that dispenser.

[0051] Thus, when all shelves 20a-c of dispenser 10 are in the first position, indicating that the dispenser is fully loaded with pet food, electric latch 30a, associated with the lowest shelf 20a and lower storage compartment 14a, is triggered to release shelf 20a in response to the pulse signal sent via control line 60, and gravity will swing shelf 20a from the first to the second position. In the open position, the shelf interacts with switch 26a, thereby connecting control line 60 to the next switch 26b awaiting the next time signal. Then, when the next signal or pulse is sent, the next shelf is released and swings to the open position, delivering the food through dispensing opening 16.

[0052] Each compartment is therefore equipped with a microswitch sensor 26a-c to detect its locked or released state, i.e., the first or second position of the corresponding shelf 20a-c. When the shelf 20a-c of a compartment 14a-c tilts, it physically contacts the switch sensor 26a-c, thereby switching the microswitch from “Normally Closed” (NC) to “Normally Open” (NO). This allows the next electrical signal to pass through the microswitch from “Common” (C) to “Normally Open” (NO).

[0053] Each compartment is equipped with one or more inverted gas struts or dampers 32a-c to slow down the descent, ensuring that it takes longer than the control pulse, for example 1.5 seconds, for the compartment to reach the microswitch 26a-c. This allows the electrical signal for the shelf release to be switched before the swinging shelf reaches the corresponding switch and the control line signal to be switched to the next switch and the next electrical lock.

[0054] The sensors also serve as a protective measure for the electric lock, preventing prolonged electrical activations that could damage the solenoid. This can occur when the shelf touches the microswitch sensor, stopping the signal by interrupting the connection between "common" (C) and "normally closed" (NC). This protective measure effectively prevents the solenoid from overheating in the event of an error in setting the pulse interval exceeding one and a half seconds.

[0055] It is noted that users have the flexibility to use the vending machine in various configurations. It can be used as a stand-alone dispenser or in series by connecting the terminal to a subsequent dispenser. Multiple dispensers can also be connected in parallel by plugging in the dispenser terminal. This terminal is directly connected to the control line and will therefore simply transmit the control signal when sent.

[0056] By implementing the electrical interlock system connecting the micro switches and locks as described above, the shelves and / or compartments can be reloaded before all the shelves are emptied without a user having to reset a controller or make other adjustments to the system. A shelf is put back in sequence by simply moving it back to the first position for loading. The micro switch is then reset to send the next signal arriving at the micro switch to the corresponding electrical lock. Thus, resetting and reloading the dispenser becomes intuitive and simple due to these features. In addition, the system can be operated with a single timing channel, which can be advantageous from an economic and / or complexity standpoint.

[0057] In Figures 5 and 6, the versatile operating capabilities of the system are illustrated. [Fig.5] shows sequential operation, where two or more dispensers are interconnected in series using the terminal of one dispenser and connecting to the control signal line of the other dispenser. In this configuration, the top shelf sensor of the operating dispenser controls the lowest latch of the next vending machine. This sequential configuration is particularly useful in situations where the owner must ensure a continuous supply over an extended period, such as during his absence on weekends.

[0058] [Fig.6] demonstrates parallel operation, where two or more dispensers can operate simultaneously. To enable the operation, a cable can be plugged into the parallel terminal of one dispenser and connected to the control signal line of another dispenser. As a result, the corresponding compartments in both dispensers open simultaneously, thus allowing the simultaneous feeding of several animals, each served by a dedicated dispenser.

[0059] A person skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments of the invention are not exclusively limited to the instances described above but may have variations that remain within the limits defined by the accompanying claims. Therefore, the design and functionality of the dispenser, for example, may differ from the configurations previously described.

[0060] It should be noted that the replenishment door need not be forward-facing, as previously illustrated. Rather, it may be located to the side or even from above, providing increased flexibility in dispenser design and adaptability to various operational scenarios. Such modifications are well within the scope of the claims of the invention and the skill of those skilled in the relevant art.

[0061] It will be appreciated by an expert in the field that the shelves are not necessarily limited to three or four in number, as visualized in the figures. There may be as many compartments as will fit within the volume of the vending machine. In some embodiments, the number of compartments may vary from 2 to 20.

[0062] It will also be appreciated by an expert in the field that the solution is applicable to feeders that differ from the four-corner feed structure shown in the figures.

[0063] It will be appreciated by an expert in the field that the solution according to the invention is applicable to the feeding of animals other than horses.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the device allows for precise timing and sequencing of the feed compartments, providing a unique ability to reset the system before all compartments are completely depleted. This allows for convenient refilling at any time of day. Notably, the digital sequence controller constantly activates the release of the lowest closed compartment. The integration of the microswitch sensors with the electrical interlock system, strategically connected to a lock, allows for the automatic release of the correct shelf when indicated by the sequence controller. Thus, flexibility and versatility in the feeding process are increased, operational efficiency is improved, and customization of feeding schedules is facilitated.

[0065] A notable aspect of certain 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 controller has the ability to control multiple compartments, simplifying setup and reducing costs. For example, only one cable with two lines is required to connect the control unit to the automated dispenser. This simplified approach is more cost-effective compared to using a multi-channel sequence controller, which would require a separate cable with two lines per channel. The improvement in design not only increases the efficiency and flexibility of the system but also offers significant cost savings in its implementation.

[0066] Since the number of compartments is not connected to the number of channels of a sequence controller, different numbers of compartments can be configured depending on the owner's needs. The only limitation on the number of compartments is the size of the cabinet housing the compartments and the required size of each individual compartment.

[0067] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the invention provides versatile usage options, allowing for stand-alone use as well as parallel or series connections to other dispensers of the same composition. In a parallel configuration, multiple dispensers may be interconnected to facilitate simultaneous feeding. The invention allows for sequential feeding over an extended period of time by connecting the dispensers in a staggered manner. This flexibility of use provides adaptability to different feeding scenarios, meeting various needs and preferences. The parallel and series connections enhance convenience and provide users with multiple options for efficient and suitable feeding solutions.

[0068] Additionally, the adaptive refill functionality operates smoothly even when multiple feeders are interconnected, providing a significant advantage. This benefit is particularly important for individual users who seek flexibility in their feeding schedules, eliminating the need to consistently refill at the same time each day. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where feeders serve a multitude of animals belonging to different owners, each with distinct feeding habits, as is often encountered in settings such as livery stables. The invention's ability to facilitate independent refilling of each feeder within the interconnected system meets the specific dietary needs of each animal. This ensures the provision of optimal nutrition and improves the overall efficiency of the feeding process.

[0069] The various embodiments described above are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. For example, the principles described herein may be applied to any pet food dispenser. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the disclosed invention without following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. Claims An automatic animal feeder (10) comprising: A cabinet having a food dispensing opening (16) and including at least two food retaining compartments (14a-b), a first pivoting shelf (20a) pivotable between a first and a second position, the first pivoting shelf (20a) in the first position being arranged to block an opening in a first compartment (14a), the first pivoting shelf (20a) in the second position, no longer blocking the opening of the first compartment, (14a) allows communication between the first compartment (14a) and the food dispensing opening (16), a second pivoting shelf (20b) pivotable between a first and a second position, the second pivoting shelf (20b) in the first position being arranged to block an opening in a second compartment (14b), the second pivoting shelf (20b) in the second position, no longer blocking the opening of the second compartment (14b),allows communication of the second compartment (14b) with the first compartment (14a), a first electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30a) disposed on the first shelf (20a) for releasably securing the first shelf (20a) in the first position, a second electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30b) disposed on the second shelf (20b) for releasably securing the second shelf (20b) in the first position, a first electrical microswitch (26a) disposed under the first shelf (20a), wherein the first electrical microswitch (26a) connects a control line (60) to the first electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30a) when the shelf is in the first position and the first electrical microswitch (26a) connects the control line (60) to the second electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30b) when the shelf is in the second position, the first electrical microswitch (26a) comprising:, an input connector (C) connected to the control line (60), a first output connector (NC) connected to the first electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30a) when the first shelf (20a) is in the first position, and a second output connector (NO) connected to the second electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30b) when the first shelf is in the second position.

2. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control line (60) is arranged to carry a release signal from a control unit (28).

3. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to claim 1, wherein the second output (NO) of the first micro switch (26a) is connected to the second electrically operated trigger mechanism (30b) via a second electrical micro switch (26b) disposed on the second shelf (20b).

4. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the cabinet includes a number X of food holding compartments (14a-c), X being any number from 2 to 20, and the automatic pet feeder (10) further comprising: pivoting shelves (20a-c) each pivotable between a first and a second position, each pivoting shelf (20a-c) in the first position being arranged to block an opening between two adjacent compartments, each pivoting shelf (20a-c) in the second position being removed from blocking the opening between two adjacent compartments allowing communication between the two adjacent compartments, electrically operated trigger mechanisms (30a-c) arranged on each pivoting shelf (20a-c) for releasably securing the respective pivoting shelf, electrical micro switches (26a-c),each disposed under a pivoting shelf (20a-c), where each electrical micro switch (26a-c) connects a signal line from an electrical micro switch (26a-c) under a pivoting shelf closer to the food dispensing opening (18) to the electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30a-c) of the corresponding pivoting shelf when the corresponding pivoting shelf is in the first position and where each electrical micro switch (26a-, c) connects the signal line of an electrical micro switch (26a-c) under a pivoting shelf (20a-c) positioned closer to the food dispensing opening (16) to the electrically actuated trigger mechanism (30a-c) of a pivoting shelf positioned further from the food dispensing opening (16) when the pivoting shelf (20a-c) is in the second position.

5. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to claim 4, wherein the electric micro switch (26a-c) provided under the swivel shelf number X connects a signal line of the electric micro switch under the swivel shelf number X-1 to the electrically operated trigger mechanism (30a-c) of the swivel shelf number X when the swivel shelf number X is in the first position and wherein the electric micro switch (26a-c) provided under the swivel shelf number X connects the signal line of the electric micro switch (26a-c) under the swivel shelf number Xl to a terminal (38, 40) provided on the pet feeder for connecting the signal line to a second pet feeder.

6. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to any one of claims 1-5, further including a parallel control signal output terminal (40) connected to the control line (60) for connecting the control line to a second pet feeder (74).

7. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein each electrical micro switch (26a-c) is mounted in the cabinet such that the micro switch toggles between the first output connector and the second output connector when the corresponding shelf (20a-c) has pivoted to the second position.

8. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a braking device (32a-c) disposed between each pivoting shelf (20a-c) and the cabinet for slowing the movement of the shelf (20a-c) from the first position to the second position when released.

9. The automatic pet feeder (10) according to claim 8, wherein the braking device (32a-c) is a gas cylinder.

10. The automatic pet feeder according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the micro switch (26a-c) is a limit micro switch.

11. An automatic pet food dispenser system comprising: a pet food dispenser (10) according to any one of claims 1-10, and a control unit (28) configured to send an activation signal according to a predetermined schedule to the control line (60) of at least one pet food dispenser (10).

12. The automatic pet feeder system of claim 11, wherein the control unit (28) is a digital sequence controller.

13. The automatic pet feeder system of any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the activation signal sent comprises an electrical pulse of less than one and a half seconds in duration.

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