Aquaculture feed dispensing and distributing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a feed dispensing and distributing apparatus (1) which distributes one portion at the time evenly over an aquaculture cage using a rotationally connected distributing unit, said apparatus comprising a feed portion container (2), a portion dispenser (3), a feed guiding tube (5), a weighing device (4) adapted to determine the weight of feed that has not been released from the feed portion container (2) and the feed guiding tube (5), a rotational feed distributer (6) comprising a rotating disc portion (11), radial blades (12), and a rotary actuator (7) for driving the rotational feed distributer, and a computing device (8), wherein the computing device (8) regulates the speed of the rotational feed distributer (6) during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed that has not been released onto the rotational feed distributer (6). A method for dispensing and distribution feed over an aquaculture cage comprises releasing feed from the feed portion dispenser (2) into the portion guiding structure (10), releasing the feed onto the rotational feed distributer (6), determining the weight of the not-released feed, and regulating the speed of the rotational feed distributer (6) in relation to the weight of the feed.

Description

[0001] Aquaculture feed dispensing and distributing device.

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a device and system for dispensing and distributing feed particles in aquaculture cages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device and method for even and gentle distribution of feed pellets for over-water feed distribution in land-based aquaculture systems.

[0004] Introduction

[0005] The use of aquaculture is an important industry today for supplying food in communities all over the world as an alternative to commercial fishing involves the farming of aquatic organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, or aquatic plants. Aquaculture farms for aquatic livestock such as fish, crustaceans, or aquatic plants exist for freshwater and saltwater species and rely on a controlled environment where feeding, water replacement and cleaning are of great importance. Aquaculture fish farming is based on raising fish in tanks on land, fishponds, or ocean enclosures (sea cages). While offshore aquaculture has been the prevailing method in salmon farming, land-based aquaculture is a growing approach, as it addresses the challenges and the shortcomings in offshore farming such as escapes with the risk of contaminating natural salmon stocks in their natural habitat, contamination of local environment around sea cages, and eliminates the factor of parasites such as sea lice. Land-based fish farming use constant water circulation, filtering and monitoring of the conditions in the fish cages to ensure optimal balance of environmental parameters for promoting optimal growth and fish health.

[0006] Farming fish, such as salmon requires regulated feeding while the salmon grows to a desired size. On an industrial scale, where the fish farms do have a large number of cages, automatic feeding system are used to feed the fish in predetermined quantities every day based on number and size of fish in each cage. Feeding systems can be based on tubing for under-water distribution of feed into cages and for sea-cages systems exist for depth-controlled feeding. In land-based aquaculture systems feeding is mostly based on over-water feeding methods, where the feed is in the form of pellets.

[0007] The challenges in dispensing and distributing feed pellets include overfeeding, or underfeeding the fish, wasted feed that is distributed over area of the aquaculture cage where the fish may avoid or have a difficulty reaching, damage of feed pellets due to harsh distribution methods and devices, and obtaining desired distribution in the cage.

[0008] CN219593408 U discloses an over-water batch feeder for aquaculture feeding with a disperse and discharge mechanism positioned under a feed box below, where disperse discharge system uses a rotational feed delivery mechanism having a blowing feed cylinder connected with a fan for blowing feed through feeding tubes.

[0009] CN115053850 A discloses an aquaculture over-water feeder on a floating base comprising a feed box and drying mechanisms for removing water vapor in the feed box and a rolling mechanism for preventing pellet feed from caking due to the influence of moisture. The floating feed dispenser uses outfeed channels to drop the feed into the aquaculture as it floats on the water.

[0010] CN 112544532 A discloses a feed spreader with a metering device from a stock bin where a weight cell measures the feed in the stock bin. A volume-based feeding mechanism with a scraper and a screw conveyor portioning device conveys a portion of feed onto the periphery of a disc with rotating blades for distribution over an aquaculture cage.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention relates to feed dispensing and feed distribution in aquaculture systems, providing an apparatus, system and method for gentle and even distribution of feed pellets in overwater aquacultures. The present invention solves shortcomings in prior art systems of feed management relating to reducing costs due to imprecise portioning, inconsistent distribution, damaging pellets and precise distribution over aquaculture cages. The invention provides a feed dispensing and distributing apparatus which distributes one portion at the time evenly over an aquaculture cage or over certain area of a circular aquaculture cage using a rotationally connected distributing unit. The device further comprises a portioning unit having a feed portion container and a weighing device for ensuring a correct portion size and for determining real-time amount of feed in the buffer unit during dispensing of feed. The portioning unit has a release mechanism for dispensing the feed portion onto the distributing apparatus / unit. The rotationally connected distributing unit comprises radial distributing members arranged on partially flat surface, where the apparatus releases the feed portion onto the rotating distributing portion. The apparatus further comprises a computing device which may regulate the speed of the rotating distributing portion for even distribution over the whole cage or a portion of the cage.

[0013] Most land-based aquaculture cages are circular in shape and a constant current circulating the water in the cage. The fish generally seek to swim against the water current and to go to the edge of the aquaculture cage there the current will be strongest and also with the highest concentration of oxygen. The fish will avoid the centre of the cage where the current is less and therefore will prefer to swim against ain the main current generated in the cage between the outer edge of the cage and the centre of the cage. Feed pellets slamming on the outer wall of the cage and near the centre of the cage are therefore less likely to be consumed by the fish and may sink to the bottom of the cage and / or dissolve and thereby are wasted and will contribute to bacterial growth followed by increased need of oxygen input, increased release of carbon dioxide and ammonia. The solution provided by the present invention provides a solution of distributing feed over a circular cage where the feed is distributed over the area where the fish swim. This is obtained by one of more of the features of the apparatus and method of the present invention including the gradual descend of feed onto a rotational distribution unit, the regulation of the speed of the rotational distribution unit, the correlation of the speed of the rotational distribution unit and the amount of feed in the dispensing unit, and the size and shape of the disc of the rotational distribution unit as well as the number of blades, and the shape or angle of the blades arranged on the disc of the rotational distribution unit.

[0014] Another problem of prior art feeding devices for aquaculture cages is the damaging of pellets due to harsh distribution methods and devices, but broken pellets or debris is difficult or impossible to distribute and therefore go to waste. The solution provided here in involves release of feed from a container without pushing or conveying with means like screw conveyors, gradual dispensing from the feed portion container through the guide pipe and an elevated structure of the disc of the distribution unit providing a gentler receipt of feed pellets and preventing bouncing of the pellets during the release.

[0015] The solutions mentioned above all aid to better feed management leading to reducing costs due to imprecise portioning, inconsistent distribution, damaging pellets and precise distribution over aquaculture cages.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention an apparatus is provided for dispensing and distributing feed over an aquaculture cage, where the apparatus comprises a feed portion container for holding a portion of feed, a portion dispenser positioned at an out-feed opening of the feed portion container for releasing the portion of feed, a feed guiding tube, and a rotational feed distributer comprising i) a rotating disc portion, ii) one or more radial blades extending from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion, and iii) a rotary actuator for rotating the rotating disc portion. The apparatus further comprises a weighing device for providing weight information on the amount of feed in the feed portion container and the feed guiding tube, and a computing device, where the computing device regulates the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed that has not been released from the feed guiding tube onto the rotational feed distributer.

[0017] According to the invention the feed portion container, the portion dispenser and the feed guiding tube form a dispenser unit of the apparatus of the invention.

[0018] The apparatus may further comprise an in-feed device or structure, where the in-feed device may be a tube or a hopper, and where the in-feed device further comprises a dispenser, such as a valve.

[0019] According to the invention the in-feed device or in-feed structure refers to a system or combination of transfer devices and feeders which transfer feed to one or more apparatus of the present invention for feed dispensing and distributing in an aquaculture. The in-feed device may comprise a network of channels or tubes for conveying feed to feed dispensing and distributing devices, where the channels or tubes may comprise dispensers for dispensing feed into the feed portion container of the apparatus of the present invention. In systems for feeding a plurality of aquaculture cages, a control computer may control the transfer and dispensing of the in-feed device into feed portion containers of feed dispensing and distributing devices positioned over each cage in such a system. The control computer may regulate timing, and the amount of feed dispensed for each cage over a period of time based on the number and / or size of animals in each cage, as well as time of day.

[0020] According to the invention the guiding tube and the rotational feed distributer, including the rotating disc portion, the one or more radial blades and iii) the rotary actuator form a distribution unit of the apparatus of the invention.

[0021] In the present context the term "dispenser unit" refers to the upper part of the apparatus of the present invention performing a release of a single portion of feed onto the distribution unit of the feed dispensing and distributing device of the invention. The dispenser unit may comprise one or more components for dispensing a portion of feed onto the distribution unit of the apparatus to provide gradual release of feed, where the amount of feed that has not been dispensed from the dispenser unit can be determined. A real-time monitoring of the amount of feed not dispensed or the amount of feed in the dispenser unit may determine the speed of the distribution unit during operation of the apparatus.

[0022] In the present context terms "the amount of feed in the dispenser unit" and "the amount of feed that has not been dispensed onto the rotational feed distributer" may be defined as all feed particles applying a weight force or gravitational force onto peripheral structures of the dispenser unit, or until the feed particles are "free-falling" from the dispenser unit. The circumference of the out-feed opening of the feed portion container may be wider than the out-feed opening of the feed guiding tube to facilitate gradual release of feed onto the distribution unit of the apparatus of the invention.

[0023] According to the invention the distribution unit and the dispenser unit are independent components, such that there is no structure connecting the two units together. This arrangement allows a free 360° distribution of feed without any hinder, which reduces even distribution nor damages pellets during distribution.

[0024] According to the invention the guiding tube is a part of both the dispenser unit and the distribution unit of the apparatus of the invention as it contributes to the weight determination of feed that has not been dispensed onto the rotational feed distributer as well as providing a gradual release of a portion of feed onto the rotational feed distributer.

[0025] In the present context the term "distribution unit" refers to the lower part of the apparatus of the present invention performing a distribution of a single portion of feed onto the rotational distribution components of the feed dispensing and distributing device of the invention. The distribution unit may comprise one or more components for distribution a portion of feed, based on how much of the weight of the portion of feed has been distributed already. A real-time monitoring of the amount of feed not dispensed or the amount of feed in the dispenser unit may determine the speed of the distribution unit during operation of the apparatus. The distribution unit may comprise a feed guiding structure or tube, a rotational feed distributer and an actuator for driving or rotating the rotational feed distributer, where the rotational feed distributer may comprise a rotatable disc-shaped component with three-dimensional structures and one or more radial blades for enabling even distribution of a portion of feed over the whole aquaculture cage. The size of the disc, the shape of the three-dimensional structure of the disc and the number, shape and angle of the radial blades may be altered to determine the area of the aquaculture cage where the feed is distributed.

[0026] The feed portion container of the apparatus may serve as the receptacle for a single feed portion and / or as a buffer device for a feed portion.

[0027] The portion dispenser may seal the out-feed opening of the feed portion container in a closed position, and the portion dispenser may form an exit opening in an open position.

[0028] The portion dispenser may comprise movable parts for forming the adjustable opening at the out-feed opening of the feed portion container, where the movable parts of portion dispenser for forming the adjustable opening at the out-feed opening of the feed portion container may comprise at least partially transversally parts. The portion dispenser may be positioned between the feed portion container and the feed guiding tube.

[0029] The feed guiding tube and the portion guiding structure may be formed as a single unit.

[0030] The portion dispenser may be operated by a dispenser actuator, where the dispenser actuator may be a motor or an actuator such as a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuator. The actuator may be controlled by a computing device.

[0031] The portion dispenser may be a valve, where the valve may allow the weighing device to determine the amount of feed in the feed portion container at each time during dispensing a portion of feed.

[0032] The portion dispenser may form an adjustable opening of the feed portion container weighing device, wherein the mechanical parts of the portion dispenser forming the adjustable opening are lateral structures.

[0033] In some embodiments, the weighing device determines the amount of feed in the feed portion container and resting on the lateral structures of the mechanical parts of the portion dispenser forming the adjustable opening at each time during dispensing a portion of feed.

[0034] According to the invention the portion dispenser is positioned between the bottom portion, or the outfeed opening, of the feed portion container and the in-feed opening of guiding tube or the portion guiding structure. The portion dispenser may be a valve, where the valve may comprise movable parts in the form of two blades connected to a rotational axle to form an adjustable opening at the out-feed opening of the feed portion container. The two blades are in a transversal position when the valve is closed and may be in a partially transversally position when the valve is adjustably opening to determine the amount of feed being dispensed per time unit. The transversal position of the blades may allow the weighing device to determine the amount of feed in the dispenser unit per time unit, such as real-time weight determination, as the feed sits in the feed portion container and at least partially on the blades of the valve.

[0035] The weighing device may be a load cell.

[0036] The weighing device may provide weight information or weight data on the amount of feed in the feed portion container.

[0037] The weighing device may provide continuous or real-time weight information or weight data on the amount of feed that has not been dispensed onto the rotational feed distributer. The weighing device may provide continuous or real-time weight information or weight data on the amount of feed applying a weight force or gravitational force onto peripheral structures of one or more of the feed portion container, the portion dispenser, the feed guiding tube and the portion guiding structure.

[0038] The weighing device may provide weight information or weight data on the amount of feed in the feed portion container before and during dispensing a portion of feed from the feed portion container.

[0039] The feed portion container, the portion dispenser, weighing device, the feed guiding tube, and the portion guiding structure form a dispenser unit of the apparatus 1.

[0040] The feed portion container and the portion dispenser may be formed as a single unit.

[0041] The apparatus may comprise a portion guiding structure.

[0042] The portion guiding structure may be positioned between the portion dispenser and feed guiding tube. The portion guiding structure may be funnel shaped.

[0043] The portion dispenser may be positioned between the feed portion container and the portion guiding structure.

[0044] The portion guiding structure may be a part of the feed guiding tube.

[0045] The feed guiding tube may have a funnel shaped portion connecting to the dispenser unit.

[0046] The feed guiding tube directs the feed to descend onto the centre of the rotational feed distributer.

[0047] The feed guiding tube comprises a downward extending tubular shape. The downward extending tubular shape portion of the feed guiding tube may have at least one diagonal extending portion to detect feed particles which are not are "free-falling" from the dispenser unit.

[0048] The feed guiding tube may comprise a funnel shaped upper portion connecting to the dispenser unit and the opening of the feed portion container, and lower tube portion directing the feed to descend onto the centre of the rotational feed distributer. This provides a decrease in the diameter from the opening of the feed portion container to the opening of the guiding tube for gradual release of feed onto the disc.

[0049] The feed portion container, the portion dispenser, weighing device, the feed guiding tube, and the portion guiding structure form a dispenser unit of the apparatus of the present invention. The rotational feed distributer may further comprise a rotating disc portion and one or more radial (distributing structures) blades extending from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion.

[0050] The one or more radial blades may be arranged at an angle between 0° and 180° in relation to the surface of the rotating disc portion, or at an angle between 0° and 90° in relation to the surface of the rotating disc portion where the one or more radial blades may be arranged on the surface of the rotating disc portion through attachment structures on the rotating disc portion. The attachment structures on the rotating disc portion may comprise one or more attachment structures for each radial blade in a radial direction from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion, where the attachment structures on the rotating disc portion may comprise a recess, an opening or a slit in the rotating disc portion. Furthermore, the one or more radial blades may comprise engagement structures to engage with the one or more attachment structures on the rotating disc portion. The rotating disc portion may comprise a plurality of attachment structures for altering the position and / or number of radial blades attached to the rotating disc portion.

[0051] The rotating disc portion may further comprise an elevated structure in the centre part of the rotating disc portion for guiding the feed towards the edge of the rotating disc portion, where the elevated structure in the centre part of the rotating disc portion may comprise a sloping or declining surface from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion. The sloping or declining surface of the elevated structure in the centre part of the rotating disc portion partially and radially may cover the surface of the rotating disc portion, and the remaining surface of the rotating disc portion may substantially flat towards the edge of the rotating disc portion. The elevated structure in the centre part of the rotating disc portion comprises may be a conical structure.

[0052] The rotating disc portion and the one or more radial blades of the rotational feed distributer are arranged to have a free 360° distribution of feed.

[0053] The rotary actuator may be a motor.

[0054] The rotational feed distributer, including the rotating disc portion, the one or more radial blades, and the rotary actuator form a distribution unit of the apparatus of the present invention.

[0055] The distribution unit is arranged underneath the dispenser unit of the apparatus, where the distribution unit and the dispenser unit are independent components. This allows a free60° distribution of feed over an aquaculture cage. The computing device may regulate the operation of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed not dispensed onto the rotational feed distributer.

[0056] The computing device may regulate the operation of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the dispenser unit.

[0057] The computing device may regulate the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed not dispensed onto the rotational feed distributer.

[0058] The computing device may alter the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed not dispensed onto the rotational feed distributer.

[0059] The computing device may regulate the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed in the dispenser unit.

[0060] The computing device may regulate the degree of opening of out-feed opening of the feed portion container by the portion dispenser during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed in the dispenser unit.

[0061] The computing device may determine the amount of feed in the feed portion container prior to release into the feed guiding tube.

[0062] The computing device may send feedback signal to an in-feeding mechanism if the amount of feed delivered to the feed portion container is not correct or is not within a predetermined weight range.

[0063] The apparatus may be adapted to dispense and distribute feed in the form of particles, such as pellets.

[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention a method is provided for dispensing and distributing feed over an aquaculture cage, where the method comprises: a) releasing a portion of feed from a feed portion container by a portion dispenser positioned at an out-feed opening of the feed portion container into a portion guiding structure of a feed guiding tube positioned below the portion dispenser, b) releasing the portion of feed from the feed guiding tube onto a rotational feed distributer, wherein the rotational feed distributer comprises a rotating disc portion, one or more radial blades extending from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion, and a rotary actuator for driving the rotational feed distributer, c) determining the weight of feed that has not been released from the feed portion container, the portion guiding structure and the feed guiding tube by a weighing device, d) regulating the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed by the computing device in relation to the weight of the feed that has not been released onto the rotational feed distributer.

[0065] According to another aspect of the present invention a method is provided for operating the apparatus according to the present invention, where method comprises the steps of: a) determining that a predetermined size of a feed portion has been released into the feed portion container, by determining the weight of the feed in the feed portion container using the weighing device, b) initiating rotation of the rotational feed distributer at a first speed, c) releasing the feed portion from the feed portion container by adjusting the opening from the feed portion container by the portion dispenser onto the rotational feed distributer, d) regulating the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed by the computing device.

[0066] The speed of the rotational feed distributer may be regulated and / or altered during the distribution of a portion of feed by the computing device, or the speed of the rotational feed distributer may be regulated and / or altered from the first speed to a second speed during the distribution of a portion of feed by the computing device. Furthermore, the change of speed of the rotational feed distributer may be a change from the first speed to a second speed, where the change of speed of the rotational feed distributer from the first speed to the second speed may be a gradual change.

[0067] The speed of the rotational feed distributer may be regulated and / or altered from the first speed to a second speed during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed portion not dispensed onto the rotational feed distributer, or the speed of the rotational feed distributer may be regulated and / or altered from the first speed to a second speed during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed portion in the feed portion container, the feed guiding tube and the portion guiding structure. In the method of the present invention, the following conditions may have to be met before releasing the feed portion from the feed portion container by opening the portion dispenser: i) the predetermined size of a feed portion has been released into the feed portion container, and ii) the first speed of the rotational feed distributer has been reached.

[0068] According to another aspect of the present invention a system is provided for aquaculture feed dispensing and distributing, where the system comprises i) one or more feed dispensing and distributing apparatus of the present invention, ii) one or more cages, where at least one feed dispensing and distributing apparatus is positioned centrally over each of the one or more cages, iii) a feed distribution structure, iv) an in- feed device further comprising a dispenser, and v) a control unit, where the feed distribution structure is connected to or includes an in-feed device for each feed dispensing and distributing apparatus.

[0069] In the present context the term "cage" refers to an aquaculture cage, pen or tank, being fixed, floating, submersible and submerged structures, or any other structure for holding aquatic animals during one or more stages of aquaculture farming. The cage may be for land based or for off-shore aquaculture farming.

[0070] The one or more cages may be a circular aquaculture cage for fish farming, where the one or more cages may be adapted for land-based fish farming, or for offshore-based fish farming.

[0071] The feed distribution structure may be a tube structure, where the tube structure may comprise one or more dispensers positioned centrally over or connected to each of the one or more feed dispensing and distributing apparatus for each fish cage of the system.

[0072] The in-feed device may be a hopper, where the hopper may be connected to the feed distribution structure, and the hopper may further comprise a dispenser.

[0073] The system may be an automatic feeding system for dispensing and distributing feed for aquaculture systems, where the computing device may regulate the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of a portion of feed evenly over the fish cage.

[0074] The apparatus of the present invention may be calibrated during set-up as well as at different times after set-up. The calibration of the apparatus may depend on geographical location of the aquaculture farm using the feed dispensing and distributing device of the invention. The calibration of the apparatus may depend on feed residues or dirt accumulating in the feed portion container and the portion dispenser over time. The system may signal for requesting cleaning of one or more components of the feed dispensing and distributing device of the invention. Such signal may be generated at regular time intervals or based on data relating to the degree of calibration needed over time.

[0075] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention an apparatus is provided for feed dispensing and distributing in an aquaculture, where the apparatus comprises a dispenser unit and a weighing device, where the dispenser unit further comprises a feed portion container and a portion dispenser forming an adjustable opening at the out-feed opening of the feed portion container. The weighing device determines the amount of feed in the distributing unit at each time during dispensing a portion of feed. The apparatus further comprises a distribution unit and a computing device, where the distribution unit further comprises a feed guiding tube, a rotational feed distributer, and a rotary actuator for driving the rotational feed distributer. The feed guiding tube directs the feed from the feed portion container onto the rotational feed distributer, and the computing device regulates the speed of the rotational feed distributer during the distribution of the portion of feed in relation to the amount of feed in the distributing unit at each time during dispensing a portion of feed.

[0076] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The skilled person will understand that the drawings, described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

[0078] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention.

[0079] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention.

[0080] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a distribution unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] FIG. 4 is an explosive view of a dispensing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] FIG. 5 are graphs showing distance and even spreading of feed pellets.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a graph showing spreading distance of feed pellets.

[0084] FIG. 7 is a drawing of feed pellets in relation to the distribution unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0085] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described, referring to the figures. These examples are provided to provide further understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope.

[0086] Figure 1 shows an apparatus 1 for feed dispensing and distributing in an aquaculture according to the fourth aspect of the invention. The apparatus 1 has a dispenser unit comprising a feed portion container 2, a valve 3 and a load cell 4, a dispenser actuator 9, and a portion guiding structure 10. The feed portion container 2 may serve as a receptacle for a single feed portion or as a buffer device for a feed portion, where the bottom part of the feed portion container 2, has an outfeed opening connected to the portion dispenser 3. The portion dispenser 3 is a valve in this aspect, where the valve is adapted to release a portion of feed at the out-feed opening of the feed portion container and is operated by the dispenser actuator 9. The dispenser actuator 9 is a motor in this aspect. Below the valve the portion guiding structure 10, which in this aspect is a funnel shaped enclosure is adapted to guide the feed into the feed guiding tube 5 of the distribution unit. The weighing device 4 is connected 19 to the portion guiding structure 10 and to the feed guiding tube 5 to detect the weight of the feed in the dispenser unit, i.e. the feed that has not been dispensed onto the distribution unit.

[0087] The distribution unit is positioned below the dispenser unit, where the distribution unit, in common with the dispenser unit, comprises the feed guiding tube 5. The feed guiding tube 5 has a downward extending tubular shape, where the downward extending tubular shape portion of the feed guiding tube 5 has at least one diagonal extending portion 23 to support feed particles which are not are "free-falling" from the dispenser unit. The distribution unit further comprises a rotational feed distributer 6, and a rotary actuator 7 for driving the rotational feed distributer 6. and a computing device (microcontroller) 8. The feed guiding tube 5 is a tubular structure and is adapted to direct the feed from the funnel shaped portion guiding structure 10 onto the rotational feed distributer 6. The rotational feed distributer 6 is driven by the rotary actuator 7. The rotary actuator 7 is a motor in this aspect. The rotational feed distributer 6 has rotating disc portion 11 two radial blades 12 serving as distributing structures, extending from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion 11. The rotating disc portion 11 further comprises an elevated structure in the centre part of the rotating disc portion for guiding the feed towards the edge of the rotating disc portion. The elevated structure comprises a sloping or declining surface from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion covering the surface of the rotating disc portion, but the remaining surface of the rotating disc portion is substantially flat towards the edge of the rotating disc portion. In this aspect the elevated structure in the centre part of the rotating disc portion is a conical structure. The computing device 8 regulates the speed of the rotational feed distributer / spreader 6 during the distribution of a portion of feed.

[0088] Figure 2 shows the rotational feed distributer 6 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2 in relation to the distributing structures. The rotational feed distributer 6 in this embodiment has two radial blades 12, where one radial blade is mounted on the rotating disc portion 11, but the other is shown unmounted above the rotating disc portion. The drawing shows attachment structures 13 on the rotating disc portion 11 for mounting the blades onto the rotating disc portion, where in this embodiment there are two attachment structures for each radial blade 12 in a radial direction from the centre part of the rotating disc portion 11 towards the edge of the rotating disc portion 11 in the shape of slit in the rotating disc portion 11. The drawing shows a plurality of attachment structures 13 for several blades, which allows for changing the distribution capabilities of the distribution unit. The blades 12 comprise engagement structures 14 in the form of elongated protrusions to engage with the slit shaped attachment structures on the rotating disc portion 11. The drawing also shows the conical shaped elevated structure 15 in the centre part of the rotating disc portion declining towards the edge of the rotating disc portion covering the surface of the rotating disc portion and being continued by the substantially flat surface 16 towards the edge of the rotating disc portion.

[0089] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a dispenser unit of the present invention, where the individual components of the dispenser unit and the portion dispenser are shown in an explosive view. The portion dispenser 3 is positioned between the bottom portion (the outfeed opening) of the feed portion container 2 and the in-feed opening of the funnel shaped portion guiding structure 10. The portion dispenser 3 in this embodiment is a valve, where the valve comprises movable parts in the form of two blades 17 connected to a rotational axle 18 to form an adjustable opening at the out-feed opening of the feed portion container 2. The two blades 17 are in a transversal position when the valve 3 is closed and may be in a partially transversally position when the valve 3 is adjustably opening to determine the amount of feed being dispensed per time unit. The transversal position of the blades 17 allows the weighing device to determine the amount of feed in the dispenser unit per time unit (real-time weight determination) as the feed sits in the feed portion container and at least partially on the blades 17 of the valve 3.

[0090] Figure 4 outlines a system of the present invention for feeding one or more aquaculture cages. In Fig. 4A a circular aquaculture cage 20 is shown with a feed dispensing and distributing apparatus 1 according to the invention centrally positioned over the cage 20. In this embodiment the in-feeding device 21 is a hopper adapted to deliver feed pellets 22 into the feed portion container 2 of the feed dispensing and distributing apparatus 1. Figure 4B shows a similar circular aquaculture cage 20 as in Fig. 4A, with a feed dispensing and distributing apparatus 1 centrally positioned over the cage 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4B, the in-feeding device 21 is a pipe structure adapted to deliver feed pellets 22 into the feed portion container 2 of the feed dispensing and distributing apparatus 1.

[0091] Figure 5 shows graphs for distance and even spreading of feed pellets using an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, where the rotating disc portion of the rotational distribution unit is flat. The graphs show spreading distance from the centre to the edge of an area corresponding to an aquaculture cage (A) and even spreading over the area corresponding to an aquaculture cage (B) at different speed of rotation. The flat disc was not able to reach full distance of spreading using the flat disc and about 87% of even spreading.

[0092] Figure 6 shows a graph for spreading distance from the centre to the edge of an area corresponding to an aquaculture cage, where the rotating disc portion of the rotational distribution unit has a conical elevated structure in the centre of the disc. This experiment tested discs with two different diameters and at two different heights over an area corresponding to an aquaculture cage. The graphs shows that the larger disc has an increased spreading distance when the discs are positioned at the same height over an area corresponding to an aquaculture cage. Furthermore, the experiment shows that by increasing the distance over an area corresponding to an aquaculture cage, the distribution unit was able to reach longer distance spreading feed. An all cases a 100% even spreading was obtained as compared to the flat disc experiment in Fig. 5B. The figure shows that the invention can be used to provide the intended even spreading of feed over the area of a circular aquaculture cage of different diameters. The intended even spreading of feed over cages of different diameters can be controlled or regulated by different actions, such as by the rotating speed of the disc, and / or with the size or diameter of the disc and / or by the distance or hight of the rotating disc above the water surface in the cage.

[0093] Figure 7 shows the distribution unit of the invention and feed particles 22 being released from the feed portion container 2 and through the portion guiding structure 10 into the feed guiding tube 5. The figure also shows the weighing device 4 arranged by a connector 19 to the portion guiding structure 10 and to the feed guiding tube 5. The surfaces of the components of the distribution unit being in contact with the feed particles 22 before they are released onto the distribution unit are shown as thick lines of these components as feed portion container surface 2a, portion guiding structure surface 10a and feed guiding tube surface 5a. The weight force or gravitational force of the feed particles 22a onto these surfaces 2a, 5a and 10a is detected by the weighing device as being feed particles, which have not been released onto the distribution unit. When the feed particles are free-falling particles 22b and descending onto the distribution unit, they do not apply a weight force or a gravitational force onto components of the dispensing unit. This feature allows the computing device 8 to determine the weight of the feed that has not been released from feed portion container 2, the portion guiding structure 10 and the feed guiding tube 5 onto the distribution unit.

[0094] As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms are to be construed as also including the plural form and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Thus, it should be noted that as used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0095] Throughout the description and claims, the terms "comprise", "including", "having", and "contain" and their variations should be understood as meaning "including but not limited to", and are not intended to exclude other components.

[0096] The present invention also covers the exact terms, features, values and ranges etc. in case these terms, features, values and ranges etc. are used in conjunction with terms such as about, around, generally, substantially, essentially, at least etc. (i.e., "about 3" shall also cover exactly 3 or "substantially constant" shall also cover exactly constant).

[0097] The term "at least one" should be understood as meaning "one or more", and therefore includes both embodiments that include one or multiple components. Furthermore, dependent claims that refer to independent claims that describe features with "at least one" have the same meaning, both when the feature is referred to as "the" and "the at least one".

[0098] It will be appreciated that variations to the foregoing embodiments of the invention can be made while still falling within the scope of the invention can be made while still falling within scope of the invention. Features disclosed in the specification, unless stated otherwise, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Thus, unless stated otherwise, each feature disclosed represents one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0099] Use of exemplary language, such as "for instance", "such as", "for example" and the like, is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and does not indicate a limitation on the scope of the invention unless so claimed. Any steps described in the specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0100] All the features and / or steps disclosed in the specification can be combined in any combination, except for combinations where at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus 1 for dispensing and distributing feed over an aquaculture cage, the apparatus comprising:- a feed portion container 2,- a portion dispenser 3 positioned at an out-feed opening of the feed portion container,- a feed guiding tube 5,- a weighing device 4, wherein the weighing device 4 is adapted to determine the weight of feed that has not been released from the feed portion container 2 and the feed guiding tube 5, and- a rotational feed distributer 6 comprising o a rotating disc portion 11, o one or more radial blades 12 extending from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion 11, and o a rotary actuator 7 for driving the rotational feed distributer, and- a computing device 8, wherein the computing device 8 regulates the speed of the rotational feed distributer 6 during the distribution of a portion of feed in relation to the weight of the feed that has not been released onto the rotational feed distributer 6.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feed guiding tube 5 directs the single portion of feed from the feed portion container 2 onto the centre of the rotating disc portion 11 of the rotational feed distributer 6.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the in-feed opening of the feed guiding tube 5 has a larger circumference than the out-feed opening of the feed guiding tube 5.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the feed guiding tube 5 has a downward extending tubular shape, and wherein the downward extending tubular shape portion of the feed guiding tube 5 has at least one diagonal extending portion 23 to support feed particles 22 which are not are "free-falling" from the dispenser unit.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotating disc portion 11 further comprises an elevated structure 15 in the centre part of the rotating disc portion, and wherein the elevated structure 15 forms a sloping or declining surface from the centre part of the rotating disc portion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the elevated structure in the centre part of the rotating disc portion comprises a conical structure.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises a portion guiding structure 10 positioned between the portion dispenser 3 and the in- feed opening of the feed guiding tube 5.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the portion guiding structure 10 is funnel shaped.

9. The apparatus according to claims 7 or 8, wherein the portion guiding structure 10 and the feed guiding tube 5 are formed as a single component.

10. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feed portion container 2, the portion dispenser 3, the portion guiding structure 10, and the feed guiding tube 5 form a dispenser unit.

11. The apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotational feed distributer 6, including the rotating disc portion 11, the one or more radial blades 12 and iii) the rotary actuator 7 form a distribution unit.

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

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

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the weighing device provides continuous weight information on the amount of feed that has not been released from feed portion container 2 and the feed guiding tube 5 during dispensing a portion of feed onto the rotational feed distributer 6.

15. A method for dispensing and distributing feed over an aquaculture cage, wherein method comprises: a) releasing a portion of feed from a feed portion container 2 by a portion dispenser 3 positioned at an out-feed opening of the feed portion container 2 into a portion guiding structure 10 of a feed guiding tube 5 positioned below the portion dispenser 3, b) releasing the portion of feed from the feed guiding tube 5 onto a rotational feed distributer 6, wherein the rotational feed distributer 6 comprises a rotating disc portion 11, one or more radial blades 12 extending from the centre part of the rotating discportion towards the edge of the rotating disc portion 11, and a rotary actuator 7 for driving the rotational feed distributer, c) determining the weight of feed that has not been released from the feed portion container 2 and the feed guiding tube 5 by weighing device 4, d) regulating the speed of the rotational feed distributer 6 during the distribution of a portion of feed by the computing device 8 in relation to the weight of the feed that has not been released from feed portion container 2 and the feed guiding tube 5.

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