GB1207459A - Portion dispenser, more particularly for feeding cattle - Google Patents

Abstract

1,207,459. Feeding animals. C. O. BROMARKER. 18 March, 1968, No. 12876/68. Heading A1M. [Also in Divisions B1, B8 and F2] A system for dispensing fluent solid material and/or liquid at spaced locations comprises at least one tubular container at each location, the or each container having associated therewith a flexible balloon connected through a pipe to a compressed gas source and which, when inflated, fills up the internal cross sectional area of the associated container. The length of pipe extending within the effective volume of the container is variable to vary the level of the balloon and thus the effective volume of the container. As illustrated containers 5, 17 for fluent solid material and water respectively are provided at one location. The container 5 is fed from hopper 1 by a motor driven auger 3, to fill the effective volume above the balloon 7. When the containers 5 at all the locations have been filled the drive of the auger is stopped either manually or automatically. The container 17 is fed via a supply pipe 18, and the water level therein may be controlled by a float valve. When material and liquid have been introduced into the containers, a valve 11 is actuated to vent the balloons 7, 25 to atmosphere. The liquid flows via holes 22 in a pipe 21, and the material is dispensed directly into a trough 15. The balloon may be spherical, and may be provided with gun shot (13) (Fig. 2, not shown) therein. The system may be automatically controlled by a timer or electric clock controlling the auger 3 and valve 11.