Animal identification feed control system

• US 4,655,170 A
• Filed: 12/02/1985
• Issued: 04/07/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel R. Dasilva
• Original Assignee: Daniel R. Dasilva
• Inventors: DaSilva, Daniel R.
• Primary Examiner(s): NOT, DEFINED
• Application Number:
  US06/803,241
• Time in Patent Office: 491 Days
• Field of Search: 119/51 R, 340/870.31, 340/870.32, 338/32 H, 301/179, 301/180
• US Class Current: 119/51.02
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 11/006 Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals identification systems for access to feeding pens A01K1/0209; ear tags with electronic identification means A01K11/004
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 5/0275 with mechanisms for delivery of measured doses A01K5/0233 takes precedence

Abstract

An automatic feed system is disclosed for livestock which identifies each of a plurality of animals and selectively feeds certain animals while monitoring the feeding procedure. The system includes a magnetically encoded identification module worn about the animal'"'"'s neck operating in cooperation with a magnetic decoder fixedly secured at the front of a feeding bin or hopper. A multiplexer sequentially detects the signals generated by the decoder and processes the signals to a microprocessor via an amplifier signal conditioner and an analog to digital converter. The output of the microprocessor is operably coupled to a feed control and automatic gate for dispensing a predetermined amount of feed. A readout is available for animal record keeping and system review.

Claims

1. An animal identification feed control system comprising the combination of:

a magnetically encoded identification module carried on the animal;

a feed bin for holding a quantity of feed;

a magnetic decoder secured on said bin for detecting coded information carried on said identification module;

a microprocessor operably coupled to said decoder for receiving signals therefrom and for generating control signals in response thereto;

a feed control mechanism operably connected to said microprocessor and responsive to said control signals for dispensing feed into said bin;

said decoder is coupled to said microprocessor by a multiplex device for sequentially decoding detected magnetic signals from said encoded module;

said encoder module including a coaxial stack of washer permanent magnets arranged in fixed spaced apart relationship;

each of said magnetic field assigned a given binary number depending upon the polarity of the magnetic force field; and

the combination of said force fields defining a coded identification of a particular animal.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein:

said encoder module downwardly depends from the neck of the animal in loose swingable fashion; and

said bin having a V-shaped receptacle for orientating said module with respect to said decoder whereby said said module force field is detected by said decoder.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein:

said decoder includes a plurality of probes for detecting the magnetic force field of said module magnets; and

said decoder further includes a rotary switch for sequentially and serially.detecting said force fields.

4. The invention as defined in claim 3 wherein:

said decoder probes employ the Hall Effect process for deriving signal information from said module magnet force fields.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 including:

a record means operably connected to said microprocessor for recording information pertinent to the animal feeding procedure.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein:

signal conditioner means and an analog-to-digital converter are coupled in series between said rotary switch and said microprocessor.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein:

said feed bin includes a pair of converging sidewalls guiding the animal so that said module rests at the apex of said sidewalls immediately adjacent to said decoder.