Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a poultry feed management system that is capable of automating preparation of poultry feed for poultry animals, ensuring efficiency in feeding and feature to evaluate the health conditions of the animals and determining their specific feed requirements accordingly dispenses an appropriate amount of feed tailored to the animal's health, promoting overall well-being.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In everyday farming, feeding poultry animals has often been a manual and time-consuming task. Farmers have to measure and pour different types of feed into containers, and also provide water, all done by hand. This process was repetitive and prone to mistakes, especially when trying to keep track of the right amount of feed for each animal. There was also no easy way to mix different ingredients like grains or vegetables with water, which meant more work and less efficiency. Furthermore, monitoring the health of the animals and ensuring they got the right amount of food at the right time was a challenge. This manual approach was not only labour-intensive but also lead to inconsistent feeding, which affects the health and productivity of the poultry.

[0003] In the early days of poultry farming, feeding was a manual process. would typically distribute raw feed such as grains, vegetables, or scraps by hand. Water was also provided manually in open containers or troughs. This method was straightforward but required considerable time and effort, especially for large farms. So, people also use feeders, such as gravity-fed troughs, as these hold large amounts of feed that slowly drop into the trough as the birds consumed it. Similarly, waterers with automatic valves were introduced to ensure a steady supply of water without needing constant attention. While these feeders provided some automation, they were often not adjustable or responsive to the specific needs of the animals. For instance, waterers overfill or underfill depending on the design. Also, these feeders didn’t allow for efficient mixing of different types of feed or water, which is critical for a balanced diet.

[0004] US6314909B1 discloses about an invention that includes a poultry feeding system for a shed housing a flock of birds includes a female feeding line, a male feeding line, and a feed supply system which includes a weigh bin for supplying feed to the female feed line, and a weigh bin for supplying feed to the male feed line. An array of weighing cells for automatically weighing and identifying at least some of the individual birds of the flock, is arranged about the shed and data provided by the weighing cells is processed by first computer system to average the overall weight of the flock in the shed. Data from the first computer system is processed by second computer system to calculate the ration of feed for the shed for a predetermined time interval to maintain optimum productive weight of the birds. A control system activates the feeding system at a predetermined time to supply the determined ration of feed.

[0005] US20040025796A1 discloses about an invention that includes a feeder assembly for feeding birds of all kinds is provided in three separate embodiments. The feeder assembly of each embodiment is configured to provide for the welfare of birds as they feed from the feeder assembly by allowing the birds' breasts to conform to a rim member of the feeder assembly. The feeder assembly of two embodiments also provides for a lower feed gate to provide feed into a pan member of the feeder assembly. The lower feed gate is always open and can be raised or lowered as desired. The feeder assembly of one of the embodiments also provides for an upper feed gate to provide feed into the pan member of the feeder assembly. The upper feed gate can be opened or closed, and, when open, can adjust the height at which feed flows through the upper feed gate.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed to feed for poultry animals, however the existing systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to preparation and dispensing of feed for poultry animals in accordance to the health condition of poultry animals.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of providing an automated facility for preparing poultry feed for animals and features to continuously monitor the health of poultry animals and calculates specific feed requirements of the animals to dispense the right amount of feed based on the animal’s condition, to promote optimal health.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing a facility to prepare poultry feed for poultry animals in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of assessing health conditions of poultry animals and determine requirement of poultry feed.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of dispensing an estimated amount of poultry feed to the poultry animal as per the health conditions to improve health of the animal.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a poultry feed management system that facilitates automated preparation of poultry feed for animals, in accordance to health conditions of the animals and determine the appropriate amount of feed to dispense the exact amount of feed needed, improving the animals' health.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a poultry feed management system, comprises of a housing installed with multi-sectioned chamber stored with raw feeds of varying types, a touch interactive display panel is arranged on the housing for enabling a user to give input preferences for food type, select between different feed options, a microcontroller linked with the display panel that processes the input commands and estimates an amount of raw feeds to be utilized for feeding poultry animals, a first motorized iris lid is installed with each of the chambers to dispense a regulated amount of raw feeds within a cylindrical container installed inside the housing, each section of the chamber is connected with the container via a feeding chute integrated with a screw conveyor assembly, a vessel stored with poultry water installed inside the housing and integrated with a second motorized iris lid to dispense the poultry water inside the container via a hollow tube integrated between the vessel and container, and a heating unit coupled with a temperature sensor is installed on inner portion of the container to heat the container and achieve required boiling temperature, facilitating mixing of the raw feeds with the poultry water.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises of a Scotch Russell Linkage assembly integrated between the housing and container to tilt the container to transfer the boiled ingredients over a spiral screw press installed inside the housing to force out excess water from the boiled ingredients, excess water is drained through an inbuilt outlet, and remaining feed is compacted and moved forward along the screw press and gradually over a hopper provided underside the screw press, a receptacle stored with multiple BSF (Black Soldier Fly) larvae installed inside the housing, a bottom portion of the receptacle is integrated with a motorized gate to open for transferring the larvae inside the hopper, a motorized mixing unit is installed inside the hopper to mix the larvae with the feed, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed within designated space configured to house poultry animals for capturing multiple images of the poultry animals, a thermal sensor is installed within the spaces and synced with the imaging unit to continuously monitor various physical factors to detect potential health issues in the poultry animals, and a third motorized iris lid integrated with a bottom portion of the hopper to open for transferring an optimum amount of feed over a network of conduits attached with the hopper, the conduits serving as a passage for transferring feed into the poultry spaces.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a poultry feed management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a poultry feed management system that is capable of an automated facility for preparing poultry feed, capable of assessing poultry health and determining requirement of feed for the animals and based on the determined requirement, accordingly dispenses the correct amount of feed to enhance the animal's health.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a poultry feed management system is illustrated, comprises of a housing 101 installed with multi-sectioned chamber 102, a touch interactive display panel 103 arranged on the housing 101, a first motorized iris lid 104 installed with each of the section of chambers, a cylindrical container 105 installed inside the housing 101, each section of the chamber 102 is connected with the container 105 via a feeding chute 106 integrated with a screw conveyor assembly 107, a vessel 108 installed inside the housing 101, a second motorized iris lid 109 integrated in the vessel 108, a hollow tube 110 integrated between the vessel 108 and container 105, a heating unit 111 coupled with a temperature sensor is installed on inner portion of the container 105.

[0023] Figure 1 further illustrates a Scotch Russell Linkage assembly 112 integrated between the housing 101 and container 105, a spiral screw press 113 installed inside the housing 101, a hopper 114 provided underside the screw press 113, a receptacle 115 installed inside the housing 101, a bottom portion of the receptacle 115 is integrated with a motorized gate 116, a motorized mixing unit 117 installed inside the hopper 114, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 118 installed within designated space, a third motorized iris lid 119 integrated with a bottom portion of the hopper 114, a network of conduits 120 attached with the hopper 114,

[0024] The present invention includes a housing 101 incorporating various components associated with the system, developed to be positioned on a ground surface of a poultry. The housing 101 is arranged with multi-sectioned chamber 102 positioned inside the housing 101. Each of the sections of the chamber 102 are stored with raw feeds of varying types for making a poultry feed for poultry animals as per requirement. The raw feeds include but not limited to pulses, grains, vegetables etc. The poultry animals include but not limited to chicken, birds, ducks, hens etc.

[0025] A user is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the housing 101 to activate the system for associated processes of the system. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the system for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the linked components.

[0026] After the activation of the system, the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 103 installed over the housing 101 for providing input regarding preferences for food type, select between different feed options When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 103 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 103 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 103 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0027] As per the user’s input, the microcontroller evaluates an amount of raw feeds to be utilized for feeding poultry animals. A cylindrical container 105 is installed inside the housing 101 connected with the each of the sections of the chamber 102 by means of a feeding chute 106. In accordance to the determined quantity of the raw materials, the microcontroller actuates a first motorized iris lid 104 installed in base portion of each of the sections of the chamber 102 to dispense required quantity of raw materials into the feeding chute 106.

[0028] Each of the first iris lid 104 of the section of the chamber, mentioned herein, consists of a ring in bottom configured with multiple slots along periphery, multiple number of blades and blade actuating ring on the top. The blades are pivotally jointed with blade actuating ring and the base plate are hooked over the blade. The blade actuating ring is rotated clock and antilock wise by a DC motor embedded in ball actuating ring which results in opening of the holes to dispense the raw feeds into the feeding chute 106 for preparing feed.

[0029] A weight sensor is installed with the chambers to monitor weight of the raw feeds left in each of the sections of the chamber. The weight sensor used herein is a kind of a transducer. The weight sensor depends on the conversion of a load into an electronic signal. The signal is a change in voltage or current otherwise a frequency on the basis of load and the signal is sent to the microcontroller for processing in order to monitor weight of the raw feeds left in each of the sections of the chamber. As soon as the microcontroller evaluates the monitored weight matches with the evaluated amount, the microcontroller de-actuates the first iris lids 104 to stop the dispensing of the feeds into the chute 106.

[0030] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates a screw conveyor assembly 107 for transferring the dispensed raw materials into the container 105. The screw conveyor assembly 107 works by using a rotating screw arrangement to transfer dispensed raw materials into the container 105. When raw feed is released from the chute 106 through the motorized first iris lid 104 s, the microcontroller activates a direct current (DC) motor to rotate for powering the screw conveyor. The spiral screw inside the conveyor moves the raw materials along the conveyor path toward the container 105. As the screw rotates, the screw conveyor pushes the raw feed along the chute 106, ensuring a continuous and controlled flow of materials into the container 105, thereby perform efficient and consistent transfer of raw materials into the container 105.

[0031] The hosing is arranged with a vessel 108 positioned inside the housing 101 for storing poultry water. The base portion of the vessel 108 is integrated with a second motorized iris lid 109. The vessel 108 is connected with the container 105 by means of a hollow tube 110. The working of the second motorized iris lid 109 is similar to the working of the first motorized iris lid 104 as mentioned above. The microcontroller actuates the second motorized iris lid 109 to dispense required amount of poultry water into the container 105 via the hollow tube 110.

[0032] Post dispensing of the raw materials into the container 105, the microcontroller actuates a heating unit 111 coupled with a temperature sensor, installed on inner portion of the container 105 to heat the container 105. The heating unit 111 consists of a coil such that as current is passed through the coil, the coil becomes hot and produces heat energy. This heat energy of the heating unit 111 is transferred to the wire thereby heating the container 105. The heating unit 111 is actuated by the microcontroller in order to regulate the temperature of the heating unit 111 required for achieving required boiling temperature, for facilitating boiling and mixing of the raw materials feeds with the poultry water.

[0033] The temperature sensor monitors the boiling temperature of the feed. The temperature sensor used herein, is composed of two type of metal wire joint together when the sensor experiences a heat then a voltage is generated in the two terminal of the temperature sensor that is proportional to the temperature and the signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller calibrates the voltage in terms of temperature from the received signal of the temperature sensor in order to monitor the temperature of the container 105.

[0034] The microcontroller evaluates the detected temperature with the threshold temperature value pre-fed in the linked database. The microcontroller accordingly regulates the actuation of the heating unit 111 to boil and prepare the feed at optimal temperature up to a pre-determined time duration by the microcontroller.

[0035] A Scotch Russell Linkage assembly 112 is integrated between the housing 101 and container 105. Post making of the feed, the microcontroller actuates the Scotch Russell Linkage assembly 112 to transfer the feed content from the container 105 into a spiral screw press 113 installed inside the housing 101. The screw press 113 is integrated with an inbuilt outlet.

[0036] The Scotch Russell Linkage assembly 112 functions by converting rotational motion into linear motion to tilt the container 105 and transfer feed content into the spiral screw press 113. When activated by the microcontroller, the assembly’s linkage arrangement conceives a tilting movement that pivots to cause the container 105 to tilt at a precise angle. This tilting action allows the feed content inside the container 105 to flow smoothly into the spiral screw press 113. Once the feed is transferred in the press 113, the spiral screw arrangement is simultaneously actuated by the microcontroller to moves the feed forward.

[0037] The spiral screw press 113 works by using a rotating screw arrangement to apply pressure to the feed, compacting the feed and extracting excess water. As the feed enters the press 113, the spiral screw rotates, moving the feed material along a defined path. The screw’s helical shape forces the feed into a smaller area, increasing pressure and forcing out excess moisture. This process continues as the feed is compacted and moved through the press 113. The remaining solid feed is then pushed forward, while the excess water is expelled through an inbuilt outlet of the container 105, ensuring that the feed is properly processed and ready for the next stage. The compacted feed is pushed by the screw press 113 and moved forward along the screw press 113 and gradually transferred over a hopper 114 provided underside the screw press 113.

[0038] A receptacle 115 is installed inside the housing 101. The receptacle 115 is stored with multiple BSF (Black Soldier Fly) larvae. The bottom portion of the receptacle 115 is integrated with a motorized gate 116 and that is actuated by the microcontroller to open for transferring the larvae inside the hopper 114.

[0039] The motorized gate 116 works by utilizing a motor-driven arrangement to control opening and closing movements of the receptacle 115. When activated by the microcontroller, the motor rotates a shaft or gear connected to the gate 116. This rotation moves the gate 116, by sliding operation. The opening of the gate 116 allows the desired amount of material such as BSF larvae to flow into the hopper 114. The motor ensures precise control over the gate 116 's position, allowing for the controlled dispensing of materials, and then automatically closes once the set amount has been dispensed.

[0040] Post dispensing of transferring the larvae inside the hopper 114, the microcontroller actuates a motorized mixing unit 117 installed inside the hopper 114 to mix the larvae with the feed. The mixing unit 117 works by using a motor-driven arrangement to combine materials, such as feed and BSF larvae, within the designated area of the hopper 114. When activated, the motor rotates a set of blades or paddles inside the mixing unit 117. These blades or paddles stir the feed contents, ensuring uniform distribution and thorough mixing of the ingredients. The rotating motion moves the materials around the hopper 114, allowing them to blend together efficiently. The mixing unit 117 ensures that the larvae and feed are evenly combined, providing a consistent mixture for poultry feeding.

[0041] Post making of the feed, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 118 integrated on the designated space of the housing 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the housing 101 to determine presence of poultry animals. The imaging unit 118 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 118 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller to determine presence of poultry animals.

[0042] A thermal sensor is installed within the spaces and works in synced with the imaging unit 118 to continuously monitor various physical factors of the animals. The thermal sensor continuously monitors the physical factors of animals by detecting infrared radiation emitted from their bodies. As the animals move or interact within the range, the thermal sensor captures changes in their body temperature, which are indicative of various physical conditions, such as fever or stress. The sensor converts the temperature data into an electrical signal, which is then processed by the microcontroller.

[0043] The microcontroller evaluates the data of the thermal sensor to detect potential health issues in the poultry animals. Based upon the detected health condition of the animals, the microcontroller actuates a third motorized iris lid 119 integrated with a bottom portion of the hopper 114 to open for transferring an optimum amount of feed over a network of conduits 120 attached with the hopper 114. The connected conduits 120 serve as a passage for transferring feed into the poultry spaces for making available feed to the animals with the health issues.

[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the poultry spaces are positioned in front of cage of each poultry animal, the imaging unit 118 works in sync with a temperature sensor on the feeding conduits 120. The imaging unit 118 constantly monitors the following physical factors to detect health issues such as feather health, eye condition and body temperature. The microcontroller evaluates the feather health of the poultry animal via the imaging unit 118 for signs of bald patches, ragged feathers, or excessive feather loss, which indicate malnutrition, parasites, or other health concerns. The eye condition is also examined by the imaging unit 118 for any swelling, discharge, or abnormal coloration, of eyes of the poultry which relates to infections or respiratory issues. The temperature sensor continuously checks the poultry animal’s body temperature. The normal body temperature of poultry animal is between 41°C and 42°C. If the temperature exceeds 42°C, the microcontroller flags, the poultry animal as a potential fever, signaling a health problem. The microcontroller sends alert over a computing unit of a caretaker via a communication module regarding ill health conditions of the poultry animals and requirement of prompt action for preventing health hazard.

[0045] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0046] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the housing 101 with the multi-sectioned chamber 102 stores varying types of raw feeds, and the touch interactive display panel 103 allows users to input preferences for food type and select from different feed options. The microcontroller, linked to the display panel 103, processes the input commands and estimates the required amount of raw feeds. Each chamber 102 is equipped with the first motorized iris lid 104, actuated by the microcontroller, to dispense the required amount of raw feed into the cylindrical container 105 through the feeding chute 106 integrated with the screw conveyor assembly 107. The vessel 108 containing poultry water is also housed within the housing 101, with the second motorized iris lid 109 that the microcontroller controls to dispense water into the container 105 via the hollow tube 110. The heating unit 111, coupled with the temperature sensor, ensures the water reaches the necessary boiling temperature for feed and water mixing. The Scotch Russell Linkage assembly 112, activated by the microcontroller, tilts the container 105 to transfer the boiled mixture over the spiral screw press 113, forcing out excess water, while the remaining feed is compacted and moved through the hopper 114. The motorized gate 116 releases BSF larvae into the hopper 114, where the motorized mixing unit 117 combines them with the feed. Additionally, the imaging unit 118 and thermal sensor monitor the health of the poultry animals, and based on detected health conditions, the microcontroller opens the third motorized iris lid 119 to dispense the optimal amount of feed through the conduit network into the poultry spaces. The weight sensor in each chamber 102 ensures the proper amount of raw feed is dispensed, deactivating the first iris lids 104 once the desired weight is achieved.

[0047] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A poultry feed management system, comprising:

i) a housing 101 installed with multi-sectioned chamber 102 stored with raw feeds of varying types, wherein a touch interactive display panel 103 is arranged on said housing 101 for enabling a user to give input preferences for food type, select between different feed options;

ii) a microcontroller linked with said display panel 103 that processes said input commands and estimates an amount of raw feeds to be utilized for feeding poultry animals, wherein a first motorized iris lid 104 is installed with each of said chambers and actuated by said microcontroller to dispense a regulated amount of raw feeds within a cylindrical container 105 installed inside said housing 101, each chamber 102 is connected with said container 105 via a feeding chute 106 integrated with a screw conveyor assembly 107;

iii) a vessel 108 stored with poultry water installed inside said housing 101 and integrated with a second motorized iris lid 109 that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense said poultry water inside said container 105 via a hollow tube 110 integrated between said vessel 108 and container 105, wherein a heating unit 111 coupled with a temperature sensor is installed on inner portion of said container 105 to heat said container 105 and achieve required boiling temperature, facilitating mixing of said raw feeds with said poultry water;

iv) a Scotch Russell Linkage assembly 112 integrated between said housing 101 and container 105 actuated by said microcontroller to tilt said container 105 to transfer said boiled ingredients over a spiral screw press 113 installed inside said housing 101 to force out excess water from said boiled ingredients, wherein excess water is drained through an inbuilt outlet, and remaining feed is compacted and moved forward along said screw press 113 and gradually over a hopper 114 provided underside said screw press 113;

v) a receptacle 115 stored with multiple BSF (Black Soldier Fly) larvae installed inside said housing 101, a bottom portion of said receptacle 115 is integrated with a motorized gate 116 that is actuated by said microcontroller to open for transferring said larvae inside said hopper 114, wherein a motorized mixing unit 117 is installed inside said hopper 114 to mix said larvae with said feed; and

vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 118 installed within designated space configured to house poultry animals for capturing multiple images of said poultry animals, wherein a thermal sensor is installed within said spaces and synced with said imaging unit 118 to continuously monitor various physical factors to detect potential health issues in said poultry animals, based on said detected health condition, said microcontroller actuates a third motorized iris lid 119 integrated with a bottom portion of said hopper 114 to open for transferring an optimum amount of feed over a network of conduits 120 attached with said hopper 114, said conduits 120 serving as a passage for transferring feed into said poultry spaces.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is installed with each said sections of the chamber 102 to monitor weight of said raw feeds and as soon as said monitored weight matches with said evaluated amount, said microcontroller deactivates said first iris lid 104 s.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said raw feeds, includes but not limited to pulses, grains and vegetables.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said system for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said system.