An apparatus and system for poultry feeding

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for poultry feeding The apparatus (100) comprises a body (200) having an inlet (210) for receiving a conveying means (C); at least one wall (220); a feed conduit (300) having a upper end (310) for receiving feed from the conveying means (C) and a lower end (320) facing at least two container fragments (400); the container fragments (400) vertically moveable through at least a part of the wall (220) between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2) wherein each container fragment (400) is adjacent to each other collectively defining a feed container (F) having an upper opening facing the lower end (320) in any position between the first position (P1) in which an inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned closest to the lower end (320) and the second position (P2) in which the inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned farthest from the lower end (320); wherein the container fragments (400) are also moveable through at least a part of the wall (220) between the second position (P2) and a third position (P3) wherein in the third position (P3) the container fragments (400) are spaced apart such that the container fragments (400) no longer define the feed container (F).

Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR POULTRY FEEDING

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and system especially for poultry feeding.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Poultry refers to domesticated birds that are raised for their meat, eggs, and feathers. With the expansion of poultry farming, poultry houses have increased in size, necessitating the efficient feeding, management, and maintenance of large flocks. Common poultry types include chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, as well as other birds like quail, pheasants, and guinea fowl.

[0006] In the state of the art, poultry feeders are used to distribute feed across large poultry houses according to flock size. These feeders are typically supplied from a central feed silo and dispense feed to the poultry at a fixed rate. As the poultry mature and their feed consumption increases, feeders must be capable of adjusting to deliver feed at higher rates. However, most feeders in the current state of the art lack this adaptability and cannot regulate the feed rate based on demand. Although certain feeders allow for manual rate adjustments, they require individual calibration for each feeder within the poultry house which increases the risk of contamination through repeated handling.

[0007] Given the aforementioned limitations of existing feeders, there is a need for an apparatus for poultry feeding enabling feed rate regulation. Furthermore, there is a need for a system comprising multiple such apparatuses enabling simultaneous feed rate regulation across all units in response to the varying consumption demands of the flock.

[0008] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] The accompanying drawings are given solely for the purpose of exemplifying an embodiment of the invention which will be explained in detail hereinafter: Figure 1 is a front view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a drive line and a positioning arm wherein the container fragments are adjacent to each other defining a feed container at a first position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 is a front view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a drive line and a positioning arm wherein the container fragments are adjacent to each other defining a feed container at a second position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 is a front view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a drive line and a positioning arm wherein the container fragments are spaced apart such that the container fragments no longer define the feed container at a third position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a drive line, a positioning arm and a feed tray, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a wall, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 is a front view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a feed tray connected to the container fragments by connecting elements wherein the container fragments are adjacent to each other defining a feed container at a first position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 is a front view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a feed tray connected to the container fragments by connecting elements wherein the container fragments are adjacent to each other defining a feed container at a second position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 is a front view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a feed tray connected to the container fragments by connecting elements wherein the container fragments are spaced apart such that the container fragments no longer define the feed container at a third position, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 9 is an exploded view of an apparatus suitable for poultry feeding with a feed tray, connecting elements and a hanger, in one exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0019] 100. Apparatus

[0020] 200. Body

[0021] 210. Inlet

[0022] 220. Wall

[0023] 221. Guiding route

[0024] 222. Linear path segment

[0025] 223. Curved path segment

[0026] 224. Slit

[0027] 300. Feed conduit

[0028] 310. Upper end

[0029] 320. Lower end

[0030] 400. Container fragments

[0031] 410. Slider

[0032] 420. Connecter means

[0033] 421. Bracket

[0034] 422. Pins

[0035] 430. Pin seat

[0036] 440. Fulcrum seat

[0037] 500. Positioning arm

[0038] 510. Fulcrum point

[0039] 520. Load arm

[0040] 521. Connector hole

[0041] 530. Force arm

[0042] 540. Head part

[0043] 550. Slot C. Conveying means

[0044] F. Feed container

[0045] Pl. First position

[0046] P2. Second position

[0047] P3. Third position

[0048] T. Feed tray L. Drive line E. Connecting element Y. Vertical axis X. Horizontal axis

[0049] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus (100) suitable for poultry feeding. The apparatus (100) comprises a body (200) having an inlet (210) for receiving a conveying means (C). The apparatus (100) further comprises at least one wall (220); a feed conduit (300) having an upper end (310) for receiving feed from the conveying means (C) and a lower end (320) facing at least two container fragments (400); the container fragments (400) vertically moveable through at least a part of the wall (220) between a first position (Pl) and a second position (P2) wherein each container fragment (400) is adjacent to each other so as to collectively define a feed container (F) having an upper opening facing the lower end (320) in any position between the first position (Pl) in which an inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned closest to the lower end (320) and the second position (P2) in which the inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned farthest from the lower end (320); wherein the container fragments (400) are also moveable through at least a part of the wall (220) between the second position (P2) and a third position (P3) wherein in the third position (P3) the container fragments (400) are spaced apart in order for dispensing feed inside the feed container (F). In other words, in the third position (P3) the container fragments (400) are spaced apart such that the container fragments (400) no longer define the feed container (F) in order for dispensing the feed inside the feed container (F). In the embodiments of the invention, the apparatus (100) suitable for poultry feeding comprises the body (200) having the inlet (210). The inlet (210) has a suitable shape for receiving the conveying means (C) which transports feed to the apparatus (100). When the conveying means (C) is assembled into the inlet (210), the apparatus (100) may be held by the conveying means (C) and thus be positioned within a space inside a feed house. The apparatus (100) comprises at least one wall (220), and preferably two walls (220). At least a part of the wall (220) may extend below the inlet (210). A part of the walls (220) may also define a part of the inlet (210) wherein the walls (220) may be removably attached to the body (200). The apparatus (100) comprises the feed conduit (300) having the upper end (310) and the lower end (320). The feed conduit (300) may be in a tubular form. After the assembly of the conveying means (C) to the inlet (210), the upper end (310) is physically connected to a dispensing opening of the conveying means (C) in order for receiving feed from the conveying means (C). The lower end (320) faces the container fragments (400). The lower end (320) may extend through at least a part of the wall (220). The apparatus (100) may comprise any number of container fragments (400) as long as they collectively define a complete feed container (F). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, number of the container fragments (400) may be four each forming one fourth of a complete feed container (F). The container fragments (400) are vertically moveable through at least a part of the wall (220) between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2). During any transition between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2), the container fragments (400), especially an open edge of base parts of each container fragments (400), remain adjacent to each other. The adjacent container fragments (400) collectively define a complete feed container (F). The defined feed container (F) has the upper opening facing the lower end (320) in any position between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2) allowing an inner section of the feed container (F) to store feed from the feed conduit (300) connected to the conveying means (C) via the upper end (310). In the first position (Pl), the inner base of the defined feed container (F) is positioned closest to the lower end (320). In the second position (P2), the inner base of the defined feed container (F) is positioned farthest from the lower end (320). The container fragments (400) are also moveable through at least a part of the wall (220) between the second position (P2) and the third position (P3). During a transition starting from the second position (P2) and ended at the third position (P3), the container fragments (400), especially the open edge of base parts of each container fragments (400), begin to separate from their adjacent location and to create an opening on a base of the defined feed container (F) for discharging the feed stored inside the defined feed container (F). At the third position (P3) of the container fragments (400), open edge of base parts of each container fragments (400) are spaced farthest apart and the biggest opening on the base of the defined feed container (F) is created such that the container fragments (400) no longer define the feed container (F).

[0051] In the embodiments of the present invention, the expression "the container fragments (400) no longer defining the feed container (F)" means that the two container fragments (400) have moved away from each other or opened to a position that no longer forms an enclosed space capable of holding feed. In this state, the container fragments (400) no longer serve as a cohesive unit for storing or containing feed, but instead allow the feed to be dispensed or released, creating an opening or pathway for the feed to move out of previously defined feed container (F).

[0052] A conventional conveying means (C) comprises an elongated tubular trough inside of which a screw is positioned for transferring feed through the tubular trough. In the embodiments of the present invention, contours of the inlet (210) and the upper end (310) of the feed conduit (300) are adapted to align with the contour of the trough.

[0053] The feed rate, in other words the feed volume to be discharged from the apparatus (100) depends on the amount of feed stored inside the defined feed container (F). When the conveying means (C) begins to transfer feed to the feed conduit (300) from the connected upper end (310), the transferred feed begins to be stored inside the defined feed container (F). When the stored feed level reaches the lower end (320) inside the feed container (F), the feed transfer from the feed conduit (300) to the feed container (F) halts. Thus, the distance between the lower end (320) and the inner base of the feed container (F) determines the amount of feed stored inside the feed container (F) which is the feed rate of the apparatus (100). The distance between the lower end (320) and the inner base of the feed container (F) can be adjusted by positioning the container fragments (400) at and between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2). When the container fragments (400) are in the first position (Pl), the inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned closest to the lower end (320) providing the lowest feed rate for the apparatus (100). When the container fragments (400) are in the second position (P2), the inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned farthest to the lower end (320) providing the highest feed rate for the apparatus (100). The container fragments (400) can also be positioned in an intermediate position between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2) providing an adjustable feed rate between the lowest feed rate and the highest feed rate for the apparatus (100).

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the container fragments (400) are swingable with respect to each other such that the container fragments (400) are swung and spaced apart from each other during a transition from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3). In this embodiment, during the transition from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3), the container fragments (400) are swung at different trajectories which creates the opening on the base of the feed container (F) to discharge the feed stored inside the feed container (F).

[0055] In one embodiment of the invention, each container fragment (400) comprises at least one slider (410); a guiding route (221) on the wall (220) for each slider (410) having a vertical linear path segment (222) by which the container fragments (400) are linearly guided between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2). A variation of this embodiment, guiding route (221) has a curved path segment (223) by which the container fragments (400) are guided so as to swing. The slider (410) may be in a form of a protruding disk and the guiding route (221) may be in a form of a groove or a slit (224). The slider (410) is positioned in the guiding route (221) and follow the guiding route (221) at least part of the vertical linear path segment (222) and the curved path segment (223) during the vertical motion of the container fragments (400). In the embodiments of the invention, the wall (220) may be extending through an inner side of the container fragments (400) (see Fig. 1-4, 6-9) or an outer side of the container fragments (400). In the embodiments where the wall (220) is extending through the inner side of the container fragments (400), the slider (410) is positioned on an inner part of the container fragments (400) and the guiding route (221) is positioned on an outer surface of the wall (220) (see Fig. 1-4, 6-9). In the embodiments where the wall (220) is extending through the outer side of the container fragments (400), the slider (410) is positioned on an outer part of the container fragments (400) and the guiding route (221) is positioned on an inner surface of the wall (220).

[0056] In the embodiments of the invention, the terms "vertical" and "vertically" refer to a vertical axis (Y) which passes through substantially a center of a hollow inside the feed conduit (300) and which is also substantially orthogonal to the conveying means (C) assembled to the inlet (210) (see Fig. 3). The terms "horizontal" and "horizontally" refers to a horizontal axis (Y) which is substantially orthogonal to a center of a hollow inside the feed conduit (300) and which is also substantially parallel to the conveying means (C) assembled to the inlet (210) (see Fig. 3).

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) for poultry feeding comprises two walls (220) between which the feed conduit (300) is located; wherein there are two container fragments (400) in a form of a half feed container (F) rotatably connected by a connecter means (420) from upper parts close to each other (see Fig. 1-4, 6-9). In this embodiment, two container fragments (400) are preferably in the form of a half cuboid with an open top side. The two container fragments (400) are able to rotate in opposite directions from their upper parts close to each other. In this way, the two container fragments (400) are able to close (defining the feed container (F) (see Fig. 1-2 and 6-7)) and open (no longer define the feed container (F) (see Fig. 3 and 8)) like a clamshell. The connecter means (420) provides that the relative positions of the upper parts of the two container fragments (400) always stay the same during the transition of the two container fragments (400) between the first position (Pl), the second position (P2) and the third position (P3).

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) for poultry feeding comprises at least a slit (224) on the wall (220) in which a part of the connecter means (420) is slidably positioned. The slit (224) preferably extends vertically on the wall (220). The connecter means (420) and the slit (224) hold the container fragments (400) together with the walls (220). In one alternative of this embodiment, the connecter means (420) comprises a bracket (421) with two pins (422) each of which is rotatably connected to a pin seat (430) on the container fragments (400) wherein the pin (422) is positioned inside the slit (224). The pin (422) vertically slides inside the slit (224) during the transition of the two container fragments (400) between the first position (Pl), the second position (P2) and the third position (P3).

[0059] In one embodiment of the invention, the slit (224) may be formed through the vertical linear path segment (222). In this embodiment, the pin (422) may follow whole part of the vertical linear path segment (222). During the transitions between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2), the pin (422) and the slider (410) both follow the vertical linear path segment (222). However, during the transitions between the second position (P2) and the third position (P3), the pin (422) follows the vertical linear path segment (222) and the slider (410) follows the curved path segment (223).

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus (100) for poultry feeding comprises a positioning arm (500) for moving the container fragments (400) between the first position (Pl), the second position (P2) and the third position (P3). In one alternative of this embodiment, the positioning arm (500) is in a form of a lever arm having at least one fulcrum point (510) positioned in a fulcrum seat (440) on the wall (220), at least one load arm (520) connected to the connecter means (420) and a force arm (530) for connecting a drive line (L). In this embodiment, the load arm (520) is rotatably connected to the connecter means (420). The load arm (520) and force arm (530) form a L-shaped corner of which the fulcrum point (510) is positioned. Thus, any vertical displacement of the force arm (530) is inversely transferred to the load arm (520). Vertical displacement of the force arm (530) in the upward direction moves the container fragments (400) from the first position (Pl) towards the second position (P2) and / or the third position (P3). Vertical displacement of the force arm (530) in the downward direction moves the container fragments (400) from the third position (P3) towards the second position (P2) and / or the first position (Pl). The fulcrum seat (440) should extend horizontally providing a horizontal move to the fulcrum point (510) which compensates horizontal displacements of the load arm (520). In applicable embodiments, the load arm (520) has a connector hole (521) receiving the pins (422) for connecting the load arm (520) to the connecter means (420). In one further alternative of this embodiment, the force arm (530) has a head part (540) comprising a slot (550) for receiving at least one drive line (L) which is attached to the slot (550) such that the head part (540) and the drive line (L) move together at a horizontal direction for receiving driving force at horizontal direction from the drive line (L) and the head part (540) moves at a vertical direction independent from the drive line (L) wherein the slot (550) slides over drive line (L). In this embodiment, the drive line (L) provides a horizontal driving force to the head part (540) along the horizontal axis (X) which moves the head part (540) in the same axis. By this way, the head part (540) moves the container fragments (400) through any transition between the first (Pl), second (P2), and third (P3) positions. However, during this driving force, the head part (540) displaces along both the horizontal axis (X) and vertical axis (Y). Since vertical displacement of the drive line (L) may not be desirable, the head part (540) is configured to slide over the drive line (L) via the slot (550). Thus, the vertical movements of the force arm (530) are compensated that maintains the drive line (L) in a stable horizontal position.

[0061] The present invention also relates to a system for poultry feeding according to any disclosed embodiment of the apparatus (100) for poultry feeding. A preferred embodiment of the system for poultry feeding comprises a plurality of apparatus (100) for poultry feeding.

[0062] Embodiments of the system for poultry feeding further comprises the conveying means (C) seated in the inlet (210) of each apparatus (100) connected to the upper end (310) for dispensing feed to the feed container (F) through the feed conduit (300). The conveying means (C) has openings connected to each upper end (310) wherein the conveying means (C) pours feed into the feed conduit (300) via openings.

[0063] One embodiment of the system for poultry feeding comprises a feed tray (T) lying below the container fragments (400) of each apparatus (100). The feed dispensed from the container fragments (400) is poured into the feed tray (T) in which the poultry eat. In this way, a ground of the poultry house and feed isolated preventing the feed from contamination.

[0064] One embodiment of the system for poultry feeding comprises the drive line (L) for providing a driving force to the positioning arm (500) of each apparatus (100). One embodiment of the system for poultry feeding comprises at least one connecting element (E) connecting the feed tray (T) to the container fragments (400) of each apparatus (100). In this embodiment, the feed tray (T) is also acting as the positioning arm (500). An upward and downward movements of the feed tray (T) are directly transferred to the container fragments (400) providing the transitions of the container fragments (400) between the first position (Pl), the second position (P2) and the third position (P3). In this embodiment, there is no need for the positioning arm (500) in the form of the lever arm in order to position transitions of the container fragments (400).

[0065] In the system for poultry feeding, for feeding the poultry, firstly the feed rate of all apparatus (100) is adjusted. This adjustment can be made by either providing a driving force to the positioning arm (500) or providing upward / downward motion to the feed tray (T) with the connecting element (E). After adjusting the feed rate wherein the container fragments (400) are set at a position in or between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2) and form the feed container (F), the conveying means (C) begins to transfer the feed to the feed conduit (300). The feed is poured from the upper end (310) to the lower end (320). The feed leaving the lower end (320) begins to be stored in the feed container (F). When the stored feed level reaches the lower end (320) inside the feed container (F), the feed transfer from the feed conduit (300) to the feed container (F) halts. At this stage, all apparatus (100) is loaded with desired feed rate. The conveying means (C) stops transferring the feed to the feed conduit (300). Then, the container fragments (400) are set to the third position (P3) by providing a driving force to the positioning arm (500) or providing downward motion to the feed tray (T) with the connecting element (E). The container fragments (400), especially open edge of base parts of each container fragments (400), are spaced apart from their adjacent location. An opening on the base of the feed container (F) is created which discharges the feed stored inside the feed container (F) onto a ground of the poultry house or the feed tray (T). The following poultry feeding starts with adjusting the feed rate of all apparatus (100).

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus (100) for poultry feeding comprising a body (200) having an inlet (210) for receiving a conveying means (C) characterized by at least one wall (220); a feed conduit (300) having an upper end (310) for receiving feed from the conveying means (C) and a lower end (320) facing at least two container fragments (400); the container fragments (400) vertically moveable through at least a part of the wall (220) between a first position (Pl) and a second position (P2) wherein each container fragment (400) is adjacent to each other and collectively defines a feed container (F) having an upper opening facing the lower end (320) in any position between the first position (Pl) in which an inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned closest to the lower end (320) and the second position (P2) in which the inner base of the feed container (F) is positioned farthest from the lower end (320); wherein the container fragments (400) are also moveable through at least a part of the wall(220) between the second position (P2) and a third position (P3) wherein in the third position (P3) the container fragments (400) are spaced apart in order for dispensing feed inside the feed container (F).

2. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 1, wherein container fragments (400) are swingable with respect to each other such that the container fragments (400) are swung and spaced apart from each other during a transition from the second position (P2) to the third position (P3).

3. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 2, wherein each container fragment (400) comprises at least one slider (410); a guiding route(221) on the wall (220) for each slider (410) having a vertical linear path segment (222) by which the container fragments (400) are linearly guided between the first position (Pl) and the second position (P2).

4. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 3, wherein the guiding route (221) has a curved path segment (223) by which the container fragments (400) are guided so as to swing.

5. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to any of the preceding claims, comprising two walls (220) between which the feed conduit (300) is located; wherein there are two container fragments (400) in a form of a half container rotatably connected by a connecter means (420) from upper parts close to each other.

6. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 5, comprising at least a slit (224) on the wall (220) in which a part of the connecter means (420) is slidably positioned.

7. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 6, wherein the connecter means (420) comprises a bracket (421) with two pins (422) each of which is rotatably connected to a pin seat (430) on the container fragments (400) wherein the pin (422) is positioned inside the slit (224).

8. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the slit (224) is formed through the vertical linear path segment (222).

9. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a positioning arm (500) for moving the container fragments (400) between the first position (Pl), the second position (P2) and the third position (P3).

10. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 9, wherein the positioning arm (500) is in a form of a lever arm having at least one fulcrum point (510) positioned in a fulcrum seat (440) on the wall (220), at least one load arm (520) connected to the connecter means (420) and a force arm (530) for connecting a drive line (L).

11. The apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to claim 10, wherein the force arm (530) has a head part (540) comprising a slot (550) for receiving at least one drive line (L) which is attached to the slot (550) such that the head part (540) and the drive line (L) move together at a horizontal direction for receiving driving force at horizontal direction from the drive line (L) and thehead part (540) moves at a vertical direction independent from the drive line (L) wherein the slot (550) slides over drive line (L).

12. A system for poultry feeding comprising at least one apparatus (100) for poultry feeding according to any of the preceding claims; the conveying means (C) seated in the inlet (210) of each apparatus (100) connected to the upper end (310) for dispensing feed to the feed container (F) through the feed conduit (300).

13. A system for poultry feeding according to claim 12, comprising a feed tray (T) lying below the container fragments (400) of each apparatus (100).

14. A system for poultry feeding according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising the drive line (L) for providing a driving force to the positioning arm (500) of each apparatus (100).

15. A system for poultry feeding according to claim 13 or claim 14, comprising at least one connecting element (E) connecting the feed tray (T) to the container fragments (400) of each apparatus (100).

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