Apparatus, systems and methods for dispensing animal feed

Abstract

An apparatus 300 for dispensing animal feed comprising a feed delivery conduit 301 connected to a feed supply, and a container 310 defining a volume for receiving feed and comprising a feed outlet 320

Description

The present invention relates to apparatus, systems and methods for dispensing animal feed. The invention has particular applications in dispensing pelletized fish feed. Background to the invention Within industrialised agriculture, there are number of industries in which animal feed needs to be transported from a central storage location to a number of individual animal enclosures. Such industries can include the feeding of livestock and poultry, as well as aquaculture industries, such as the farming of fish in onshore and offshore enclosures. For industrial fish farming, a number of systems already exist which enable fish feed to be transported from a main storage location to different fish enclosures. Such systems commonly provide a means for controlling the quantity and timing of the fish feed that is transported to these different enclosures. To achieve this, these systems typically first transport fish feed from the main storage location to a second smaller container, where the feed is contained and sometimes weighed before being output to the different enclosures. NL2031508 describes a mariculture feeding device for a marine facility in which main material storage hoppers for storing feed material are connected to multiple small hoppers. A negative pressure generating unit is connected to the top of the small hopper to suck feed material into the interior of the small hopper. This negative pressure generating unit, along with a discharge valve, an adjustable breathing valve, and a feeding valve, enable the transfer of material between the main storage hoppers and the small hoppers. A positive pressure supplying unit and material discharger are connected to the bottom of the small hopper to transfer the feed material in the small hopper to a cultivation tank. CN108513940B describes a pellet feed delivery system for high-density industrialized aquaculture for delivering feed from a storage device to a breeding box. Initially, a certain amount of feed is sucked from the storage device into a feeding channel through the operation of a vacuum generator, a first feed solenoid valve, and a regulating solenoid valve. Next, compressed air is sprayed into the feeding channel, and a two-way solenoid valve and a three-way solenoid valve are operated, so that feed passes into a feed distribution circuit and into a specific breeding box. In order to prevent the pellet feed from being broken due to the large injection force, a pressure-relieving type buffer or elastic damping type buffer is included in the system. NO345708 describes a feeding system for moving feed particles from a feed silo to a feeding pipe. Measuring cells measure the weight of feed as it is led from the feed silo to a box. A valve on the bottom of the box allows the feed particles to be dropped into a container when it is empty of liquid. The container has a fluid inlet and outlet, comprising an inlet and outlet valve, respectively. The inlet and outlet valves, along with a number of other valves in the system are operated, together with a feed pump, to drive fluid through the container inlet and flush the feed particles from the container to the feeding pipe. Whilst known systems attempt to solve different issues associated with the transport and dosing of fish feed to different enclosures, these systems are typically complex and expensive due to their reliance on large numbers of valves, as well as the associated wiring and control systems. In addition, in industrial fish farming applications, fish feed is commonly transported in the form of feed pellets. The presence of multiple valves and stages can cause damage to the pellets, breaking them down into a fine powder or dust. This breakdown of pellets can contaminate different components within the fish feed transport systems and the fish enclosures. As a result, fish feed can be lost, and additional cleaning and filter systems may be required for removing accumulated powder. Additionally, for offshore fish enclosures, if feed is released in the form of a powder, it may spread beyond the boundaries of the fish enclosures and into the wider environment. Summary of the invention It is amongst the aims and objects of the invention to provide an improved apparatus, system and / or method of use for dispensing animal feed, which is an alternative to the methods and apparatus described in the prior art, and / or which addresses one or more of the problems of known apparatus and methods. It is amongst the aims and objects of the invention to provide an apparatus, system and method of use for dispensing animal feed, which obviates or mitigates one or more drawbacks or disadvantages of known apparatus and methods. It is amongst the aims and objects of the invention to provide an apparatus, system and method of use for dispensing animal feed, which, in comparison to known apparatus and methods, reduces or minimises damage caused to the animal feed. Further objects and aims of the invention will become apparent from the following description. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for dispensing animal feed, the apparatus comprising: a feed delivery conduit configured to be connected to a feed supply; and a container defining a volume for receiving animal feed and comprising a feed outlet; wherein the apparatus has a first mode of operation in which the conduit bypasses the container, and a second mode of operation in which the conduit has a conduit outlet to the container; wherein the apparatus is operable to be changed between its first and second modes by a controllable mechanism which moves a portion of the conduit between first and second positions. The feed delivery conduit may comprise a first end configured to receive feed from the feed supply and a second end located downstream of the container. The animal feed may comprise feed for the feeding of livestock and poultry. In a preferred embodiment the animal feed comprises fish feed. The animal feed may comprise particulate, powdered or pelletized feed material. In a preferred embodiment the animal feed comprises fish pellets. The feed delivery conduit may extend through a first and a second wall of the container. The first and / or second wall may be side walls of the container. The first and second walls of the container may be opposing walls of the container. The portion of the conduit which is movable between the first and second positions may be configured to divert animal feed into the container. The portion of the conduit which is movable between the first and second positions may be configured to divert animal feed from the bypass and into the container. The portion of the conduit which is movable between the first and second positions may comprise a redirectable portion. In the first mode of operation the redirectable portion may be in the first position. In the second mode of operation the redirectable portion may be in the second position. In the first position the feed delivery conduit may be in the form of a continuous conduit extending through the container from the first wall of the container to the second wall of the container. In the second position, the redirectable portion of the feed delivery conduit may be redirected and may provide the conduit outlet to the container. In the first mode of operation, the apparatus may be configured to transport animal feed from the first end of the feed delivery conduit to the second end located downstream of the container, passing through both the first and the second walls of the container. In the second mode of operation, the apparatus may be configured to transport animal feed from the first end of the feed delivery conduit into the internal volume defined by the container. The apparatus may be configured such that the animal feed passes through the first wall of the container and through the conduit outlet to the container. The apparatus may be configured such that the animal feed does not pass through the second wall of the container and is not transported to the second end. The controllable mechanism may be pneumatically actuated. The controllable mechanism may comprise a pneumatic cylinder. The controllable mechanism may be connected to the redirectable portion. The controllable mechanism may be connected to a wall of the container. The controllable mechanism may be remotely actuated. The redirectable portion may comprise a flexible and / or compressible portion of conduit. The flexible and / or compressible portion of conduit may enable the movement of the conduit between the first and second positions. The flexible and / or compressible portion of conduit may enable the movement of the redirectable portion so that the conduit has the conduit outlet to the container. The feed outlet of the container may comprise a feed outlet valve. The feed outlet valve may be operable to be switched between an open and closed position. In the open position, feed contained within the container may be deposited from the container through the feed outlet. In the closed position, feed may not exit the container through the feed outlet. The feed outlet valve may be remotely actuated. The feed outlet valve may be a gate valve, such as a knife gate valve, and may have a corresponding valve actuator unit. In an alternative embodiment, the feed outlet valve may comprise a plug. The plug may be connected to the controllable mechanism and / or the redirectable portion of the conduit through a connecting piece. The connecting piece may comprise a wire and / or spring. A portion of the connecting piece may be comprised of the wire and a portion of the connecting piece may be comprised of the spring. The plug may be cone shaped. The plug may be formed from a polymer and / or plastic. The plug may be formed from a plastic composite. The plug may be operable to be changed between the open and closed positions through the connection piece connecting the plug to the controllable mechanism and / or the redirectable portion of the conduit. The container may contain a feed level switch or sensor to indicate when the internal volume of the container is filled with animal feed to a particular level. The feed delivery conduit may be formed partially or fully from stainless steel. The container may be formed partially of fully from stainless steel. The apparatus may be configured to transport and dispense dry animal feed. The apparatus may be configured to transport and dispense dry animal feed through the pressure differential created by a vacuum pump. The apparatus may be configured to transport and dispense animal feed without the need for a liquid fluid transport medium. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for dispensing animal feed, the apparatus comprising: a feed delivery conduit configured to be connected to a feed supply; and a container defining a volume for receiving an animal feed and comprising a feed outlet; wherein the apparatus has a first mode of operation in which the conduit bypasses the container, and a second mode of operation in which the conduit has a conduit outlet to the container; wherein the apparatus is operable to be changed between its first and second modes by a controllable mechanism which moves a portion of the conduit between first and second positions; and wherein the feed outlet comprises a feed outlet valve which is operable to be changed between an open and closed position through a connection with the controllable mechanism and / or the movable portion of the conduit. Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features according to the first aspect of the invention, or its embodiments, or vice versa. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for dispensing animal feed, the method comprising using the apparatus of the first or second aspects of the invention. Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa. According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for dispensing animal feed using an animal feed supply system, the method comprising: transporting animal feed through a feed delivery conduit from a feed supply towards a container comprising a feed outlet; operating the system in a first mode in which the conduit is configured so that the animal feed bypasses the container; and operating the system in a second mode of operation in which the conduit is configured so that the animal feed is dispensed into the container; wherein the conduit is changed between its first and second modes by a controllable mechanism which moves a portion of the conduit between first and second positions. Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features according to the first to third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal feed supply system, the animal feed supply system comprising: at least one apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; and a control system for operating the controllable mechanism of the at least one apparatus. The feed outlet of the container of the at least one apparatus may comprise a feed outlet valve. The feed outlet valve may be operable to be switched between an open and closed position. A vacuum pump may be connected to the feed delivery conduit of the at least one apparatus. The vacuum pump may provide the driving force for transporting animal feed through the feed delivery conduit and / or through the system. The control system may be operable to control the operation of the feed outlet valve and / or the operation of the vacuum pump. In the first mode of operation of the apparatus, the operation of the vacuum pump may contribute to the formation of a seal for the valve in the closed position. In the second mode of operation of the apparatus, the feed outlet valve may be in the open or closed position. When switching from the first to the second mode of operation, the operation of the vacuum pump may provide a pressure differential that maintains the valve in the closed position. The removal of the effects of the vacuum pump may allow the valve to switch from the closed to the open position. The animal feed supply system may comprise at least one feed supply connected to the at least one apparatus. The animal feed supply system may comprise at least one animal enclosure and the supply system may be configured to transport animal feed to the at least one animal enclosure. The at least one animal enclosure may be a fish enclosure. The animal feed supply system may be configured to transport animal feed between the at least one feed supply and the at least one animal enclosure. The animal feed supply system may comprise two or more apparatus which may be connected in parallel and / or which may be connected in series to one another. The system may be configured to transport and dispense dry animal feed. The system may be configured to transport and dispense dry animal feed through the pressure differential created by the vacuum pump. The system may be configured to transport and dispense animal feed without the need for a liquid fluid transport medium. Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features according to the first to fourth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa. According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided an animal feed supply system, the animal feed supply system comprising: - at least one apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention; - wherein the feed delivery conduit is configured to be connected to a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump may provide the driving force for transporting animal feed through the feed delivery conduit and / or the system. Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention may include one or more features according to the first to fifth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa. According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for dispensing a material, the apparatus comprising: a delivery conduit configured to be connected to a material supply; and a container defining a volume for receiving the material and comprising a material outlet; wherein the apparatus has a first mode of operation in which the conduit bypasses the container, and a second mode of operation in which the conduit has a conduit outlet to the container; and wherein the apparatus is operable to be changed between its first and second modes by a controllable mechanism which moves a portion of the conduit between first and second positions. The material may be a particulate, powdered or pelletized material. Embodiments of the seventh aspect of the invention may include one or more features according to the first to sixth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa. Brief description of the drawings There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which: Figure 1A is a schematic representation of a prior art apparatus for transporting and dispensing fish pellets; Figure 1B is a schematic representation of a prior art system for transporting and dispensing fish pellets; Figure 2A and Figure 2B are schematic representations of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing fish pellets, according to an embodiment of this invention; Figure 3A, 3B and 3B are schematic representations of an apparatus for transporting and dispensing fish pellets, according to an alternative embodiment of this invention; Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a system for transporting and dispensing fish pellets, according to an embodiment of this invention; Figure 5A is a plan view of an apparatus for opening bags of fish pellets; and Figures 5B and 5C are sectional view of an apparatus for opening bags of fish pellets. Detailed description of preferred embodiments Embodiments of the invention will be described in the context of a system for transporting fish pellets from a feed supply to an enclosure containing fish. This is by way of example only, and it will be appreciated that the invention in at least some of its aspects is applicable generally to the transport of animal feed to animal enclosures, such as for the feeding of livestock and poultry. It will also be appreciated that the invention is applicable more generally, in industries such as the pharmaceutical, food production, or manufacturing industries, for transporting particulate, powdered or pelletized material through conduits from a first location to a second location. Referring firstly to Figures 1A and 1B, there is shown schematically a prior art apparatus 100 and system 200 for transporting and dispensing fish pellets from a feed supply 201 to fish enclosures 203a and 203b. The system 200 comprises two identical apparatuses 100a and 100b (together 100) connected in series by a feed delivery conduit 101. However, it should be appreciated that any number of apparatus 100 may be connected together in system 200. The apparatus 100a and 100b are connected to a feed supply 201 at an upstream location and a vacuum pump 202 at a downstream location, and apparatus 100a and 100b are each associated with a respective fish enclosure 203a and 203b. The apparatus 100 comprises a feed delivery conduit 101 through which fish pellets are transported from the feed supply 201 to a dispensing container 110. Upstream of the container, the feed delivery conduit 101 branches into a bypass conduit 102 and a feed inlet conduit 103. The feed inlet conduit 103 is connected to the container 110, which has a container outlet 111 connected to a valve 121. The container 110 is connected to a feed outlet conduit 104, which connects to the bypass conduit 102. The bypass conduit 102, the feed inlet conduit 103, and the container outlet conduit 104 each contain a valve, indicated by reference numerals 122, 123 and 124, respectively. Each of the valves 121, 122, 123 and 124 is a knife gate valve with a corresponding valve actuator unit 131, 132, 133, and 134. In use, the vacuum pump 202 provides a pressure differential across system 200, creating a driving force for transporting fish pellets through the system 200 from the feed supply 201. With apparatus 100a and 100b connected in series, the system can be operated to fill either the container 110a or the container 100b with fish pellets at one time. This may be determined by an operator controlling the system, according to an automated feeding programme, in response to sensed or measured information from the system, or by a combination of some or all of the above. When container 110b of apparatus 100b is to be filled with feed for later delivery to the fish enclosure 203b, valves 123a and 124a of apparatus 100a are closed, and its valve 122a is open, allowing fish pellets to bypass the container 110a and pass through the bypass conduit 102 towards apparatus 100b. Valves 123b and 124b of apparatus 100b are open, and its valve 122b is closed, allowing the fish pellets to enter the container 110b through the feed inlet conduit 103. Valve 121b of apparatus 100b is also closed, allowing fish pellets to accumulate in the container 110b. Once the fish feed has accumulated in the container 110b in a sufficient quantity, the valves 123b and 124b can then be closed. When container 110a of apparatus 100a is to be filled with feed for later delivery to the fish enclosure 203a, valve 122b of apparatus 100b is open, and its valves 123b and 124b are closed, allowing the vacuum pump to draw on the feed supply via the conduit 101. In apparatus 100a, its valves 123a and 124a are open, and its valve 122a is closed, allowing the fish pellets to enter the container 110a through the feed inlet conduit 103. Valve 121a of apparatus 100a is also closed, allowing fish pellets to accumulate in the container 110a. Once the fish feed has accumulated in the container 110a in a sufficient quantity, the valves 123a and 124a can then be closed. At an appropriate time, valves 121 of apparatus 100a and 100b are opened, allowing fish feed to be delivered to the fish enclosures 203a and 203b respectively. The inventors have identified that in the prior art apparatus 100, the valve configurations can result in damage to the fish pellets, leading to the breakdown of the pellets into a fine dust or powder. This damage may occur due to the impact of pellets with the valve when in a closed mode, or may occur if pellets are crushed when a valve moves from an open to a closed position. The formation of the dust or powder is problematic as it can contaminate components within fish feed transport systems and can also contaminate the enclosures into which the fish feed is ultimately deposited. As a result, additional cleaning and filter systems may be required for removing accumulated powder and fish feed can also be wasted. Additionally, for offshore fish enclosures, if feed is released in the form of a powder, it may spread beyond the boundaries of the fish enclosures and into the wider environment. The valves also require control systems to control their operation and also require wiring between the control systems and the valves. Reducing the number of valves used in feed supply systems reduces the overall complexity of the system and its capital and operation cost. The inventive apparatus 300, shown schematically in Figures 2A and 2B, comprises a reduced number of valves and reduces the likelihood of the fish pellets becoming damaged during transport through fish feed transport systems. Apparatus 300 may be incorporated into the feed supply system 200, in the place of apparatus 100, as will be understood from the following description. Apparatus 300 comprises a feed delivery conduit 301 for transporting fish pellets through a container 310. The container 310 comprises a portion with a vertical wall 311 and a portion with an angled wall 312, where the angled wall 312 tapers towards a container outlet 320. The container outlet 320 is connected to a knife gate valve 321, with a respective valve actuator 322. The feed delivery conduit 301 enters the container 310 through a hole in the vertical wall 311 at a wall inlet 330 and exits the container 310 through a hole in the opposing wall of the container 310 through a wall outlet 331. Within the interior walls of the container 310, the feed delivery conduit 301 comprises a redirectable portion comprised of a deformable portion 340 connected to an angled conduit portion 341. The angled conduit portion 341 is configured to connect to a corresponding angled portion in the feed delivery conduit 301 such that the feed delivery conduit forms a continuous conduit which extends through the container 310 in a first mode of operation. A guide plate 342 is connected to the angled conduit portion 341. A piston bracket 350 is connected to the vertical wall 311 of the container 310 and a pneumatic piston 351 is connected between the piston bracket 350 and the angled conduit portion 341. In the first mode of operation shown in Figure 2A, fish pellets are transported through the feed delivery conduit 301. The feed pellets are initially transported through the portion of the feed delivery conduit 301 which passes through the wall inlet 330. The feed pellets then pass through the deformable portion 340, the angled portion 341, and then out of the container 310 through the portion of the feed delivery conduit which passes through the wall outlet 331. In a second mode of operation shown in Figure 2B, the pneumatic piston 351 shortens, pulling the angled conduit portion 341 in a downwards direction and also towards the side wall 311 of the container 310. The deformable portion 340 is able to compress and also bend, facilitating the downwards movement and rotation of the angled position 341. In this second mode of operation, feed pellets passing through the feed delivery conduit 301 will be directed into the interior of the container 310. Once a sufficient quantity of feed pellets has accumulated in the container 310, the pneumatic piston 351 will extend, resulting in the upward movement and rotation of the angled conduit portion 341. The guide plate 342 limits the movement of the angled conduit portion 341, when moving from the second to first mode of operation. The feed pellets will then be transported through the container 310, rather than being deposited on the interior of the container, as in the first mode of operation. The container 310 has the angled wall 312, which funnels the feed pellets towards the container outlet 320. The valve 321 is opened or closed, allowing the fish pellets to be deposited from the container and ultimately into a fish enclosure. Figures 3A to 3C illustrate an apparatus 400 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 400 is similar to apparatus 300, with like features indicated by like reference numerals incremented by 100. Similar to apparatus 300, apparatus 400 comprises a reduced number of valves to reduce the likelihood of the fish pellets becoming damaged during transport through fish feed transport systems. Apparatus 400 may also be incorporated into the feed supply system 200, in the place of apparatus 100, as will be understood from the following description. Apparatus 400 differs in that there is a different valve configuration at the container outlet 420. Instead of an electrically operated valve as in apparatus 300, apparatus 400 comprises a cone-shaped plug 460. The cone-shaped plug 460 is connected via a wire 461 to the pneumatic piston 351. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus may comprise a spring for connecting the cone-shaped plug 460 to the pneumatic piston 351. The angled wall 412 tapers towards the container outlet 420. At the container outlet 420, the apparatus may comprise an outlet seal 462 to assist in the formation of an effective seal between the plug 460 and the container 410. The outlet seal 462 may be in the form of a ring connected around the circumference of the container outlet 420 and may be formed from a rubber material. The apparatus 400 has a first mode and a second mode of operation, similar to apparatus 300. During the first mode of operation, in which the feed delivery conduit is in the form of a continuous conduit extending through the container 410, feed pellets are driven through the feed delivery conduit 401 under the action of a vacuum pump (not shown). In this first mode of operation, the cone-shaped plug 460 maintains contact with the outlet seal 462. The cone-shaped plug 460 is kept in place through the tension in the wire 461. In addition, when in the first mode of operation, the feed delivery conduit 401 is not fully air-tight and the pressure differential provided by the vacuum pump extends to the container 410, providing a force which contributes to maintaining the seal between the cone-shaped plug 460 and the container 410. In the second mode of operation, as shown in Figure 3B, the angled conduit portion 441 is moved by the pneumatic piston 451 to allow feed pellets to enter the container 410. The cone-shaped plug 460 maintains its seal with the container 410 under the action of the pressure differential created by the vacuum pump. Once a sufficient quantity of feed has accumulated in the container 410, the fish pellets may be deposited through the container outlet 420. This deposition is achieved through the removal of the effect of the vacuum pump, for example through the deactivation of the vacuum pump. Following the deactivation of the vacuum pump, the cone-shaped plug 460 will drop downwards, as show in Figure 3C, allowing feed pellets to be deposited through the container outlet 420. Once the fish pellets have been deposited through the container outlet 420, the apparatus 400 will then return to the first mode of operation shown in Figure 3A. This is achieved through the extension of the pneumatic piston 451, as described previously, and this extension of the pneumatic piston 451 will pull the cone-shaped plug 460 in an upwards direction so that a seal is generated between the cone-shaped plug 460 and the container 410. Figure 4 illustrates a piping and instrumentation diagram of a system 500 incorporating apparatus 400. The diagram shown is a simplified system and therefore it is appreciated that system 500 may comprise other system components. In Figure 4, apparatus 400 is incorporated into system 500. It is also appreciated that system 500 may incorporate apparatus 300 instead of or in addition to apparatus 400. System 500 comprises a feed supply 501 which is mounted on weighing elements for determining the quantity of feed in the feed supply 501. A vibratory feeder 510 is connected between the output of the feed supply 501 and a feed system input 511. The feed system input 511 leads to an input valve 512, which may be a gate valve such as a knife gate valve. Following the input valve 512, a series of conduits, which are configured to be under vacuum, lead to a vacuum pump 502. The vacuum pump 502 may be a frequency-controlled vacuum pump. The input valve 512 leads to a system input conduit 513, which branches into a conduit leading towards an upstream filter 530 and a conduit leading to an upstream branch location 514. At the upstream branch location 514, the conduit branches into a first parallel conduit 515 and a second parallel conduit 516. The first parallel conduit 515 leads to a first apparatus 400a and a second apparatus 400b, and the second parallel conduit 516 leads to a third apparatus 400c and a fourth apparatus 400d. Each of the apparatus 400 are connected to the first parallel conduit 515 or the second parallel conduit 516 via their respective feed delivery conduit 401, as will be understood with reference to Figures 3A to 3C. The container outlet 420 of each apparatus 400 is positioned for depositing feed into a feed deposit container 550. Each feed deposit container 550 comprises a weighing element for monitoring the quantity of deposited feed. A feed screw 551 transports feed pellets from the feed deposit container 550 to a fish enclosure (not shown). The first parallel conduit 515 and the second parallel conduit 516 also lead to a first parallel valve 520 and a second parallel valve 521, respectively, before meeting at a downstream branch location 517 and joining to form a downstream conduit 522. The downstream conduit leads to a dust collection unit 560 and a downstream filter 561, before then leading to the vacuum pump 502, which is connected to a muffler 562. When in operation dry fish pellets are initially loaded into system 500 at the feed supply 501. These pellets travel along the vibratory feeder 510, and are deposited into the feed system input 511. The input valve 512 is used to allow the feed to enter the system input conduit 513, and the weighing cells for the feed supply 501 allow the quantity of feed pellets entering the system input conduit 513 to be controlled. System 500 incorporates either apparatus 300 or 400, and these apparatus are intended to minimise any damage caused to the feed pellets when travelling through the system. However, some damage may still occur to the feed pellets and some dust may still be generated within system 500. Therefore, the dust collection unit 560 is incorporated into system 500 to help remove and collect any dust which forms through the system. Dry feed pellets are transported from the system input conduit 513 by the pressure differences caused by the operation of the vacuum pump 502. The upstream filter 530 allows for the entry of air into the conduits of system 500. The feed pellets are transported to the upstream branch location 514 and through the operation of the first parallel valve 520 and the second parallel valve 521, the feed pellets will either be transported through the first parallel conduit 515 or the second parallel conduit 516. When the first parallel valve 520 is in an open position, and the second parallel valve 521 is in a closed position, the feed pellets will be transported through the first parallel conduit 515, under the operation of the vacuum pump 502. In contrast, when the first parallel valve 520 is in a closed position, and the second parallel valve 521 is in an open position, the feed pellets will be transported through the second parallel conduit 516, under the operation of the vacuum pump 502. In the configuration where feed pellets are transported through the first parallel conduit 515, the feed pellets may be deposited into either the container 410 of the first apparatus 400a or the container 410 of the second apparatus 400b. In the circumstance where the feed pellets are deposited into the container 410 of the first apparatus 400a, this will be done through the operation and shortening of the pneumatic piston 451 of the first apparatus 400a, which will allow the feed pellets to drop into the container. Feed pellets can then be deposited from the container outlet 420 of the first apparatus 400a by the removal of the effect of the vacuum pump. During this process, the pneumatic piston 451 of the second apparatus 400b will remain in its extended position, and as a result the cone-shaped plug 460 of the second apparatus 400b will provide sealing for the container outlet 462 of the second apparatus 400b. The removal of the effect of the vacuum pump may be achieved by the opening of one of the valves positioned upstream of the vacuum pump 502, but downstream of the downstream branch location 517. The removal of the effect of the vacuum pump may also be achieved by the deactivation of the vacuum pump 502. When deposited from the container outlet 420, the feed pellets will then enter the feed deposit container 550a. Feed pellets can then be transported over a fish enclosure (not shown) by the feed screw 551 and deposited into the fish enclosure as required. In the configuration where feed pellets are transported through the first parallel conduit 515, the feed pellets may also be deposited into the container 410 of the second apparatus 400a. In this circumstance, the pneumatic piston 451 of the second apparatus 400b will be operated and shortened, allow the feed pellets to drop into the container of the second apparatus 400b. Feed pellets can then be deposited from the container outlet 420 of the second apparatus 400b by the removal of the effect of the vacuum pump. During this process, the pneumatic piston 451 of the first apparatus 400a will remain in its extended position, and as a result the cone-shaped plug 460 of the first apparatus 400a will provide sealing for the container outlet 462 of the first apparatus 400a. Feed pellets can also be deposited into the containers 410 of either the third and fourth apparatus 400c and 400d, through the approach which has been described for apparatus 400a and 400b, but through the operation of the pneumatic pistons 451 of the third and fourth apparatus instead. As the feed deposit containers 550 comprise weighing elements, the feed can be weighed at these locations. The weighing elements at both the feed deposit containers 550 and the feed supply 501 may be in communication so that if the quantity of feed at the feed deposit containers 550 is low, additional feed can be transported to the relevant feed deposit container 550. Through the operation of the aforementioned system components, feed pellets may be deposited from any one of the apparatuses 400a, 400b, 400c and 400d at one time. Therefore, using system 500, feed pellets can be transported from the central feed supply 501 and deposited into a specific fish enclosure, as required. Furthermore, system 500 enables the timing and quantity of fish pellets that are delivered to a particular fish enclosure to be controlled. The components of system 500, for example the valves, weighing elements, motors, pneumatic pistons 451, feed screws 551, vacuum pump 502, and vibratory feeder 510, may be connected to and controlled by a central control unit. This central control unit may enable control and atomisation of the transport of feed pellets through the system 500, so that feed pellets are delivered to each fish enclosure when required and in the quantity required. It is appreciated that system 500 may comprises any number of apparatuses, and that the apparatuses may be incorporated on to any number of conduits positioned in parallel or in series. It is also appreciated that the system 500 may incorporate two or more feed supply containers 501, which may be connected into a system with incorporates one or more vacuum pumps 502. Figures 5A to 5C are views of a new apparatus 600 for cutting and opening bags offish feed. Figure 5A is a plan view of apparatus 600. Figure 5B is a section view of apparatus 600 taken along the line A-A of Figure 5A, and viewed in a direction denoted by arrow X. Figure 5C is a section view of apparatus 600 taken along the line B-B of Figure 5A, and viewed in a direction denoted by arrow Y. Typically, a hole is cut into the bottom of bags of fish pellets so that the pellets can be emptied into the feed supply 501 and system 500. Fish pellet bags are typically made of a material such as plastic and have an inner and outer plastic lining. When using standard knifes, which typically cut into the bottom of a bag in a cross shape, the inventors have found that plastic threads from the linings of the feed bag become loose and will be deposited into the system 500, along with the feed pellets. The accumulation of these plastic threads in the system 500 can cause issues and they may be transported to and contaminate the fish enclosures. Apparatus 600 has been found to generate a reduced number of loose threads when cutting into a feed bag. The apparatus 600 comprises a blade 601 with a circular cross-section when viewed in plan view. The circular blade 601 is reinforced by a number of components. A reinforcement bar 605 extends between two opposing internal surfaces of the circular blade 601, and a reinforcement flange 610 extends around the external surface of the circular blade 601. Additionally, four iron reinforcement elements are positioned around the external surface of the circular blade 601. On one side of the circumference of the circular blade 601, the blade height decreases and forms a recessed portion 620. Towards the opposite side of the circular blade 601 circumference, the blade will gradually increase in height until a maximum height of the blade is reached. At the blade maximum height, there is a guiding spear 625 which extends from the bottom of the apparatus 600 and extends above the maximum height of the circular blade 601. When in use, a feed bag will be placed on top of the apparatus 600. The guiding spear will pierce the bottom of the bag initially, followed by the circular blade 601 which will then cut into the bag. First, the uppermost point of the blade 601 will cut into the feed bag. The final edge of the blade 620 which will cut into the feed bag is the recessed portion 620. The feed bag will subsequently open into the internal surface of the apparatus 600 and the circular blade 601. The circular blade 601 has a blade edge which can be replaced as required. The invention provides an apparatus for dispensing animal feed. The apparatus comprises a feed delivery conduit configured to be connected to a feed supply and a container defining a volume for receiving animal feed and comprising a feed outlet. The apparatus has a first mode of operation in which the conduit bypasses the container, and a second mode of operation in which the conduit has a conduit outlet to the container. The apparatus is operable to be changed between its first and second modes by a controllable mechanism which moves a portion of the conduit between first and second positions. Various modifications to the above-described embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention, and the invention extends to combinations of features other than those expressly claimed herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing animal feed, the apparatus comprising:a feed delivery conduit configured to be connected to a feed supply; and a container defining a volume for receiving animal feed and comprising a feed outlet;wherein the apparatus has a first mode of operation in which the conduit bypasses the container, and a second mode of operation in which the conduit has a conduit outlet to the container;wherein the apparatus is operable to be changed between its first and second modes by a controllable mechanism which moves a portion of the conduit between first and second positions.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feed delivery conduit comprises a first end configured to receive feed from the feed supply and a second end located downstream of the container.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the animal feed comprises pelletized fish feed.

4. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the conduit which is movable between the first and second positions is configured to divert animal feed from the bypass and into the container5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the feed delivery conduit extends through a first and a second wall of the container, and wherein the first and second walls are opposing side walls of the container.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein in the first position the feed delivery conduit is in the form of a continuous conduit extending through the container from the first wall of the container to the second wall of the container.

7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the conduit which is movable between the first and second positions comprises a redirectable portion, and wherein in the second position, the redirectable portion of the feed delivery conduit is redirected to provide the conduit outlet to the container.

8. The apparatus according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein in the first mode of operation, the apparatus is configured to transport animal feed from the first end of the feed delivery conduit to the second end located downstream of the container, passing through both the first and the second walls of the container.

9. The apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein in the second mode of operation, the apparatus is configured to transport animal feed from the first end of the feed delivery conduit into the internal volume defined by the container.

10. The apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the controllable mechanism comprises a pneumatic cylinder and the controllable mechanism is connected to the redirectable portion and the wall of the container.

11. The apparatus according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the redirectable portion comprises a flexible and / or compressible portion of conduit enabling the movement of the conduit between the first and second positions.

12. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the feed outlet of the container comprises a feed outlet valve which is operable to be switched between an open and closed position.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the feed outlet valve is a knife gate valve.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the feed outlet valve comprises a plug.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the plug is operable to be changed between the open and closed positions through a connection piece connecting the plug to the controllable mechanism and / or the redirectable portion of the conduit.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the connecting piece comprises a wire and / or spring.

17. The apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the plug is cone shaped.

18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is configured to transport and dispense dry animal feed.

19. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a vacuum pump is connected to the feed delivery conduit and provides the driving force for transporting animal feed through the feed delivery conduit.

20. A method for dispensing animal feed using an animal feed supply system, the method comprising:transporting animal feed through a feed delivery conduit from a feed supply towards a container comprising a feed outlet;operating the system in a first mode in which the conduit is configured so that the animal feed bypasses the container; andoperating the system in a second mode of operation in which the conduit is configured so that the animal feed is dispensed into the container;wherein the conduit is changed between its first and second modes by a controllable mechanism which moves a portion of the conduit between first and second positions.

21. An animal feed supply system, the animal feed supply system comprising: at least one apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 19; and a control system;wherein the control system is operable to control the operation of any of the controllable mechanism, the feed outlet valve, and / or the vacuum pump.

22. The animal feed supply system according to claim 21, wherein in the first mode of operation of the apparatus, the operation of the vacuum pump contributes to the formation of a seal for the valve in the closed position.

23. The animal feed supply system according to claim 21 or 22, wherein when switching from the first to the second mode of operation, the operation of the vacuum pump provides a pressure differential that maintains the valve in theclosed position, and wherein the removal of the effects of the vacuum pump allows the valve to switch from the closed to the open position.

24. The animal feed supply system according to any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the animal feed supply system comprises at least one animal enclosure and the supply system is configured to transport animal feed from the feed supply to the at least one animal enclosure.

25. The animal feed supply system according to claim 24, wherein the at least one animal enclosure is a fish enclosure.

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