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The invention is claimed as follows:
1. A feeder for supplying feed to hogs and like animals, comprising the
combination of an immobile pan, a superstructure affixed over and to the
pan, threaded shaft means journaled by and extending upwardly from the
pan, rotor gate means disposed over the pan and threadedly attached to the
shaft means, and latch means carried by the superstructure for selectively
engaging the threaded shaft means to inhibit shaft means rotation when the
rotor gate means is rotated, the rotation of the rotor gate means about
the immobilized shaft means acting to raise and lower the rotor gate means
relative to the pan means and thereby adjust the size of at least one feed
delivery gate space defined between the rotor gate means and the pan.
2. A feeder according to claim 1 wherein said threaded shaft means includes
a shaft member journaled by and extending upwardly from the pan and a stop
pin extending from the shaft member for engagement by the latch means.
3. A feeder according to claim 2 wherein said latch means includes latch
pin means mounted for movement into a position to engage said stop pin,
and biasing means for normally urging the latch pin into a position in
which the latch pin will not engage the stop pin.
4. A feeder according to claim 1 wherein said superstructure includes grill
means affixed to the pan, and feed drop tube means affixed to the grill
means and supported above the pan.
5. A feeder according to claim 4 wherein said latch means includes a latch
pin mounting member carried by the feed drop tube means.
6. A feeder according to claim 4 including stopper valve means cooperable
with said feed drop tube means for holding feed within and alternatively
permitting feed to flow down the drop tube means and into said pan.
7. A feeder according to claim 6 including pull cord means attached to said
stopper valve means for drawing said stopper valve means into engagement
with said feed drop tube means.
8. A feeder according to claim 6 further including timer means for
operating the stopper valve means so as to deliver feed at at least one
pre-set time.
9. A feeder according to claim 8 wherein said timer means includes a double
switch time clock to operate the stopper valve means so as to halt the
delivery of feed at the end of a pre-set feed delivery time.
10. A feeder according to claim 1 further including water supply means
located above the pan means.
11. A feeder according to claim 10 wherein said water supply means is
further located adjacent said grill means.
12. A feeder according to claim 10 wherein said water supply means includes
at least one nipple waterer valve.
13. A feeder according to claim 10 wherein said water supply means includes
a plurality of nipple waterer valves, and a water supply conduit for
delivering water to said nipple waterers.
14. A feeder according to claim 1 wherein said rotor gate means includes
feed agitation means for encouraging even feed distribution within the
pan.
15. A feeder according to claim 14 wherein said feed agitation means
includes a plurality of paddle elements extending radially outwardly from
the rotor gate means.
16. A feeding system for supplying feed to hogs and like animals,
comprising the combination of a plurality of feeders, and a feed conveyor
adapted to deliver feed to each feeder, each feeder comprising an immobile
pan, a superstructure affixed over and to the pan, shaft means journaled
by and extending upwardly from the pan, rotor gate means journaled iover
the pan on the shaft means and latch means carried by the superstructure
for selectively engaging the shaft means to inhibit shaft means rotation
when the rotor gate means is rotated, the rotation of the rotor gate means
about the immmobilized shaft means acting to raise and lower the rotor
gate means relative to the pan means and thereby adjust the size of at
least one feed-delivery gate space between the rotor gate means and the
pan.
17. A feeding system according to claim 16 wherein said feeder latch means
include pin means mounted for movement into a position to engage and
immobilize the shaft means, and biasing means for normally urging the
latch pin into a position in which the latch pin will not engage and
immobilize the shaft means.
18. A feeding system according to claim 16 wherein each feeder includes
stopper valve means cooperable with a feed drop tube means for halting and
alternatively permitting the flow of feed along the drop tube means and
into lower portions of the feeder.
19. A feeding system according to claim 18 further including timer means
for operating each stopper valve means so as to simultaneously deliver
feed to each feeder at a given pre-set time.
20. A feeding system according to claim 19 including water supply means
located above each feeder unit for delivering, on demand, water to
consuming hogs.
21. A feeding system according to claim 19 further including water supply
means located above each feeder unit, and wherein said timer means
includes a double switch time clock to operate the stopper valve means so
as to halt the delivery of feed at the end of a pre-set delivery time
period, and to permit the initiation of water delivery and the termination
of water delivery at pre-selected times.
22. A feeder for supplying feed to hogs and like animals, comprising the
combination of an immobile pan, feed drop tube means supported above the
pan for receiving feed from a remote source and having a distal end above
the pan bottom, stopper valve means adapted to be alternatively urged in
an upward direction into engagement with the feed drop tube distal end for
holding feed within the feed drop tube means, and to be released
downwardly away from the drop tube means for permitting feed to flow down
the drop tube means and into the pan, rotor gate means disposed for
normally free rotation over the pan, and selectively actuatable means for
raising and lowering the rotor gate means relative to the pan so as to
adjust the size of at least one feed delivery gate space defined between
the rotor gate means and the pan.
23. A feeder according to claim 22 including grill means affixed to said
pan, said drop tube means being affixed to the grill means.
24. A feeding according to claim 22 including pull cord means attached to
said stopper valve means for drawing said stopper valve means into
engagement with said feed drop tube distal end.
25. A feeder for supplying feed to hogs and like animals comprising the
combination of an immobile pan, water supply means located above the pan
and adapted to dispense water down into the pan from at least one
predetermined location, the pan having a bottom defining a horizontal,
annular step which divides the pan into an inner, upper area for holding
dry feed, and an outer, lower area having its bottom below the upper area
bottom and being disposed directly below the water supply means for
holding wet feed.
26. A feeder according to claim 25 wherein the pan is round, and wherein
the dry feed holding are is located radially inwardly of the wet feeding
area.
27. A feeder for supplying feed to hogs and like animals comprising the
combination of an immobile pan, grill means affixed to the pan, the grill
means including an array of radially oriented rod members extending
downwardly to the pan from a position above the pan, adjacent rods
defining an individual feeding space into which a single hog can enter to
his shoulders, and discouraging each feeding hog from pushing his neighbor
away from the pan, and rotor gate means disposed for normally free
rotation over the pan, and selectively actuatable means for permitting the
rotor gate means to be raised or lowered relative to the pan so as to
adjust to the size of at least one feed delivery gate space defined
between the rotor gate means and the pan.
28. A feeder according to claim 27 including water dispensing means mounted
above every other feeding space defined by the grill means rods. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to apparatus for feeding hogs and like
apparatus, and more particularly concerns a hog feeder which is especially
adapted for use with a programmed hog feeding system and method.
Hog husbandry has been practiced by mankind for thousands of years. In the
relatively recent past, systematic, scientific attempts have been made to
raise hogs from sucklings or weaners to fully adult size as rapidly as
possible, and with the minimum amount of feed. In this way, the maximum
number of hogs are produced during a given period of time with minimum
feed and other expenses. Since feed costs presently represent
approximately 70% of the total cost of producing pork, the development of
feeding systems and methods which maximize feed efficiency without
sacrificing growth rate--or, indeed, which actually improve growth
rate--are of great benefit to hog husbandmen.
Several hog care plans call for specific quantities of feed to be provided
to hogs at specific intervals of time. These quantities of feed are less
than the hogs desire, or could consume. Under another feeding method, the
feed rations are delivered at specific moments, and permit the hogs to
consume the rations whenever they wish. Still another feeding method is
disclosed and claimed in U.S. Application Ser. No. 236,831 filed Feb. 23,
1981.
Normally, unlimited supplies of water are made available to growing hogs at
all times. Under some feeding plans, however, liquid is mixed with the
feed when it is delivered to form a gruel. Under other plans, drinking
water may be denied the animals at certain times.
When using preplanned methods of feeding and watering, it is helpful to
have feed delivery apparatus and feeder units which can easily,
inexpensively and quickly deliver the desired amounts of feed at the
desired times in the desired way, and which can also be operated to deny
feed to the consuming hogs when desired. Moreover, feeders are more
commercially attractive if the husbandman can adjust the maximum delivery
rate and amount of feed which the feeder can deliver. These feeders should
be of rugged construction, and should operate reliably for long periods of
time with but minimal care.
It will be understood that feeders previously designed for poultry and
relatively light weight animals cannot be directly adapted for use with
hogs, since hogs are heavier, smarter, and treat equipment in their
environment more aggressively. Moreover, since hogs are not fed on the
same sort of feeding plan as poultry, the requirements for ready feed
access, complete feed denial, and the rate of feed delivery are also
different.
It is the general object of the present invention to provide a feeder which
is especially adapted to feed hogs by a pre-determined feeding plan or
method. More specifically, it is an object to provide a hog feeder which
will quickly and reliably deliver feed at a given time, and which will
effectively halt the delivery of feed at other times.
Another specific object is to provide a hog feeder which is adjustable so
as to permit changes in the rate of flow of feed to consuming hogs
throughout the growth cycle of the animals. A related object is to provide
a mechanism for adjustment which is hidden so as to prevent the hogs from
playing with it.
Yet another object is to offer a feeder which provides water at a
convenient location for feeding hogs. An ancillary object is to provide
such a feeder which will cause spilled drinking water to fall into the
feed pan, thereby wetting some of the feed, making it more palatable, and
reducing feed dust. Other feed is retained in a dry state, however, to
provide a choice of feed to the hogs.
A further object is to provide a feeder which will effectively deliver
high-moisture corn and other relatively moist feeds as well as dry
granular rations.
Still another object is to provide a feeder which encourages each hog to
eat, and which provides inviting feeding spaces for the hogs. Each space
provided accommodates a single hog, and discourages him from pushing
neighboring hogs away from the feeder.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon
reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the
drawings. Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like
parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view showing, in somewhat schematic form, a
novel hog feeding system utilizing the novel hog feeders of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing in further detail the hog feeder
of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view in partial section showing in
further detail the hog feeder mechanism;
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view in partial section somewhat
similar to portions of FIG. 3 and showing the hog feeder apparatus in an
altered configuration;
FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing portions of the hog feeder
superstructure;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing in further detail portions of a feeder
latch mechanism;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the feeder and feedings hogs; and
FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the feeder and feeding hogs.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred
embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the
invention to this embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the
spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown in a somewhat schematic or outline
form a hog house 10 within which the novel feeder system 12 is installed.
Feed is supplied to the house from a remote source (not shown) by a feed
conveyor 13. Here, this feed conveyor includes an auger tube 14; within
the tube 14, an auger 15 is rotated by an electric motor 16 or other
convenient means. Feed is drawn to and past various dropout holes or
apertures (not shown) in the tube 14, where the feed falls down drop tube
mechanisms 17, 18 into the novel feeders 20, 21.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, water is supplied to the
animals at a convenient location just above the feed pan. To this end,
water is routed from a remote source (not shown) by a supply pipe 25 past
a shut off valve 26 to a header 27 and branch lines 28, 29. Located just
above the feeders are supply rings 30, 31 which are connected to the
branch lines 28, 29. Water can be obtained by the hogs from nipple valves
32 which extend from the supply rings 30, 31. Nipple valves of an
appropriate design can be obtained from any of several commercial sources.
As illustrated in FIG. 5 the nipple valves 32 extend into or over every
other hog feeding space defined by a grill 44. As explained in more detail
below, a hungry hog can enter each space defined by the grill 44 to obtain
feed. A thirsty hog can obtain water from a nipple which is located
directly above him, or over the immediately adjacent feeding space. As
shown in FIG. 8, a hog can easily reach directly up or up and over his
neighbor to drink from a nipple valve 32. Since each grill-defined hog
access space is narrow at the top, a hog who is reaching over his neighbor
can only get his nose adjacent the nipple valve; as he drinks he will not
disturb his eating neighbor.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the feed is made
available, and feed is denied, to the hogs at certain pre-selected times.
To this end, a timer 35--here, a double switch time clock--is provided at
a convenient location. A first interconnector 36 connects this time clock
to a pully system more fully described below, and a second interconnector
37 connects the time clock 35 to the water shut off valve 26.
As shown more particularly in FIG. 2, each feeder unit 20, 21 includes an
immobile pan 40, and a superstructure 41 affixed over and to the pan 40.
Preferably, the pan 40 is secured to the floor of the hog house 10 by
brackets or other suitable means (not shown) so as to prevent the hogs
from knocking the feeders about the misaligning the conveyors and other
apparatus.
In carrying out the invention, the pan 40 is formed with a novel stepped
bottom, as illustrated especially in FIGS. 2 and 4. Here, a lower cone
formation 41 formed in the center of the pan 40 leads upwardly to a
horizontal annular step 42. The step leads, in turn, to an inner and upper
cone portion 56. As shown particularly in FIG. 7, two generally distinct
feeding areas are thus defined--a first area D above the step 42 and a
second area W located radially outwardly from and below the step 42.
Because the nipples 32 extend radially beyond the step 42 to points over
the second feed repository area W, water dripping from the nipples will
fall into the second area W only, and will thus wet the feed in that area
W. Feed in the first area D, however, will remain generally dry. Thus,
both wet and dry feed are offered to the hogs. Feed consumption and hog
growth are encouraged by this arrangement.
The superstructure above the pan includes a grill 44 which can be formed
of, for example, galvanized steel rod welded to the pan 40 and oriented in
a downwardly extending radial pattern. In the illustrated embodiment, the
grill 44 establishes some ten feeding access spaces around the pan 40
which are shaped and spaced to permit the entrance passage of a hog's
whole head and neck to the pan 40. This grill design separates hogs from
one another at the shoulder, and encourages the hogs to assume radially
arrayed positions as indicated in FIG. 7. Each defined feeding space
discourages each hog from pushing his neighbor away from the pan. Thus,
each hog is encouraged to retain possession of an eating space at the
feeder unit. Each hog is also discouraged from claiming more than his
share of feed, or dragging feed out of the pan. The grill does not
obstruct the hog's view while he is eating and permits unobstructed
movement of air around the hog's head, yet the grill shape discourages the
hog from withdrawing or moving away from the feeder before the hog
finishes his meal.
As explained above, feed is delivered to the feeder unit 20, 21 through the
drop tube devices 17, 18. To receive and direct this feed, the feeder
superstructure 41 includes a drop tube element 46 affixed, as by weldments
47 or other convenient means, to the grill work 44 in a position to
receive feed from the upper drop tube devices 17, 18, and to direct this
feed downwardly into the pan 40.
It is another feature of the invention that a stopper plug 48 is carried
below the drop tube 46, on a plug control cable or pull cord 49. This
stopper element 48 can be a conical or ball-like element, or it can be
provided with some other suitable shape; it can be made of cast iron or
other material. As can be envisioned from FIG. 3 when the stopper element
48 is pulled upwardly by the pull cord 49, the stopper element 48 engages
and co-operates with a lower or distal end 50 of the drop tube element 46
so as to prohibit the flow of feed down the drop tube element and into the
pan. When, however, the pull cord 49 is released by the timer 35 and timer
cable drive 36, (FIG. 1) the stopper element 48 falls away from the drop
tube distal end 50 into the position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2 and
solid lines in FIG. 3. Feed is thus allowed to fall out of the drop tube
element 46 and into lower feed distribution portions of the feeder 20, 21.
As explained above, it is a feature of the invention that the feeder can be
adjusted to deliver varying amounts or rates of feed flow so as to
accommodate hogs of various sizes, or to accommodate hogs as they grow
from one size to another. To do this, the size of feed flow gate spaces A
and B shown in FIG. 4 can be adjusted. In accordance with this aspect of
the invention, and as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, a threaded shaft 54 is
journaled upon and extends upwardly from a stepped cone 56 forming part of
the pan 40. Here, a lower bearing 57 formed of nylon or other suitable
material is bolted or otherwise affixed to a lower portion of the pan 40,
and an upper bearing 58 is bolted or otherwise affixed below the crown
portion of the pan cone 56. Through these bearings 57 and 58, the shaft 54
extends. A set collar 59 is secured to the shaft 54 between the two
bearings 57 and 58 to prevent significant axial movement of the shaft 54.
Over this threaded shaft, a rotor gate assembly 60 is located. The
illustrated rotor gate assembly 60 includes an upper sleeve member 62
which extends downwardly to a first flange 63 terminating in a distal end
64. This distal end 64 forms, together with the pan cone 56, a first gate
A through which feed can pass.
Extending outwardly and downwardly from the flange 63, a rotor cone flange
or gate member 66 depends. This rotor cone flange 66 has a distal or lower
end 68 positioned for a contact with the pan 40, as shown in FIG. 3.
Alternatively, as will be explained, the distal end 68 can be moved or
located upwardly away from the pan 40 as shown in FIG. 4. Under these
circumstances, the space between this rotor cone flange end 68 and the pan
40 forms a second or lower feeding gate B through which feed can pass.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5, a plurality of paddle elements 70 extend
radially outwardly from the rotor gate member 66. It is a feature of the
invention that these devices encourage even feed distribution within the
pan. As the hogs feed, they engage the rotor gate member 66 and the paddle
elements 70, and rotate the device. As the device rotates, the paddle
elements 70 agitate the feed, thus encouraging even feed distribution
within the pan and mixing the feed constituents, even after the feed has
been delivered into the pan and is being consumed.
Now, when it is desired to alter the size of the feed gates A and B in
accordance with the invention, a latch pin 75 can be depressed from the
position shown in FIG. 3 so as to be located to engage a stop pin 76 which
is attached to and radially extends from the threaded shaft 54. As the hog
husbandmen depresses the latch pin 75 with one hand, he rotates the rotor
gate cone 66 with his other hand. For a portion of the first revolution of
the rotor gate element 66, the threaded shaft 54 and stop pin 76 turn
coangularly, as they do when the rotor gate element is being pushed about
by the hogs. However, when the stop pin 76 engages the depressed latch pin
75, the stop pin-latch pin interengagement inhibits stop pin rotation and,
consequently, inhibits further rotation of the threaded shaft 54.
It will be noted that a threaded through brace or block 78 is affixed to
the rotor gate element 66, and is screwed upon the threaded shaft 54 (FIG.
4). Consequently, the threaded shaft 54 is latched against rotation and
when the rotor gate element 66 is turned further, this relative motion of
the rotor gate element 66 over the immobilized threaded shaft 54 will
cause the rotor gate 66 to be raised or lowered axially upwardly or
downwardly along and over the shaft 54. In this way, the sizes of the gate
spaces A and B are adjusted or changed. A change in these gate sizes
correspondingly adjusts the rate at which feed can flow from the drop tube
46 into the pan 40 for consumption by the hogs.
Normally, however, the latch pin 75 does not engage the stop pin 76. To
insure this, a biasing element such a compressed coil spring 80 is carried
in a U-shaped latch pin mounting member 81 which is affixed, as by welding
or other convenient means, to the immobile drop tube element 46. (See
FIGS. 5 and 6). A cotter pin 82 extends through the latch pin 75 and is
engaged by the spring 80. The spring 80 thus urges the cotter pin 82 and
the latch pin 75 upwardly into a position in which the latch pin 75 will
not engage the stop pin 76.
To hide the latch assembly from the hogs, and to prohibit them from playing
with the latch and gates A and B, the sleeve structure 62 extends upwardly
around and over most of the latch pin 75. For convenience, this sleeve
structure 62 can be formed in two parts 83, 84 which are secured at
flanges 85 to one another by bolts 86.
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Description |
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