Title of Invention

SIMPLE PENDULUM FEED DISPENSER

Abstract

A Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser, FIG. 1/5, consists of the following components: 1. Cover/Lid, 2. Container, 3. Lug, 4. Legs, 5. Fastener-ll , 6. Neck, 7. Bottom plate, 8. Holding arms, 9. Fastener-Ill, 10. Plummer blocks, 11. Cross rods, 12. Hinge pin, 13. Hinge box, 14. Vertical rod, 15. Pendulum weight 16. Threaded socket nut, 17. Fas!ener-IV, 18. Floats, 19. Extension rod, 20. Actuator, 21. Fastener-I. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser has been visualized and made to feed fish as per its' demand, and for economic use of fish feed. The operating theory of the apparatus is as follows: Fish feed is put inside the container and covered by the lid. In normal condition due to the pendulum weight the bottom plate stays horizontal and prevents the feed from falling freely in the water. Whenever fish strikes/pokes the actuator the bottom plate tilts. The bottom plate tilts both ways, i.e. about x-axis & y-axis by virtue of the hinge and Plummer blocks. The gap generated in between the neck and bottom plate allows the feed to pour out. The bottom plate assumes its normal position whenever the external force applied by the fish is removed. The container is kept in vertical position either by fixing legs and floats to the lugs or by hanging it using the lugs (any other frame work as per user's choice).

Full Text

Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser The field of invention is pond aquaculture; the invented apparatus can be used by economically weaker section also. Its field extends to fish farming in all types of inland water body. Feed constitutes a major cost in aquaculture operations. Depending upon the culture system and species, the rate of feeding varies. Feeding trays, broadcasting feed manually and use of plastic bags for feeding purpose are common practices. All the above result in wastage of substantial amount of feed, which not only affects the cost benefit ratio but also creates environmental degradation of the ambient water. Object of invention is to minimize feed wastage and attaining a better feed conversion ratio (F.C.R.), which is of utmost importance from both environmental and economic point of view. To economize the use of fish feed a concept of an apparatus which can discharge an optimum amount of feed whenever a fish demands it, it was obvious that the equipment should consist of the following:- (i) a container to hold the fish feed (ii) a mechanism to release the fish feed as per demand (iii) an actuator to translate the demand of a fish to mechanical energy (force) (iv) to attract fish to the feeder (v) a frame work to hold the container and the releasing mechanism A Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser, FIG. 1/5, consists of the following components: 1. Cover/Lid, 2. Container, 3. Lug, 4. Legs, 5. Fastener-ll , 6. Neck, 7. Bottom plate, 8. Holding arms, 9. Fastener-III, 10. Plummer blocks, 11. Cross rods, 12. Hinge pin, 13. Hinge box, 14. Vertical rod, 15. Pendulum weight 16. Threaded socket nut, 17. Fastener-IV, 18. Floats, 19. Extension rod, 20. Actuator, 21. Fastener-I. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser has been visualized and made to feed fish as per its' demand, and for economic use of fish feed. The operating theory of the apparatus is as follows: Fish feed is put inside the container and covered by the lid. In normal condition due to the pendulum weight the bottom plate stays horizontal and prevents the feed from falling freely in the water. Whenever fish strikes/pokes the actuator the bottom plate tilts. The bottom plate tilts both ways, i.e. about x-axis & y-axis by virtue of the hinge and Plummer blocks. The gap generated in between the neck and bottom plate allows the feed to pour out. The bottom plate assumes its normal position whenever the external force applied by the fish is removed. The container is kept in vertical position either by fixing legs and floats to the lugs or by hanging it using the lugs (any other frame work as per user's choice). Brief description of the drawing: FIG. 1/5 shows the assembled view of the Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser where the component parts have been marked and numbered. FIG. 2/5 shows the shape of the container. FIG. 3/5 shows the items as follows: ITEM NO. 1 Hinge box assembly along with cross rods ITEM NO. 2 Pendulum weight ITEM NO. 3 Plummer blocks ITEM NO. 4 Vertical rod FIG. 4/5 shows the items as follows: ITEM NO. 1 Holding arm ITEM NO. 2 Leg ITEM NO. 3 Bottom plate FIG. 5/5 shows the items as follows: ITEM NO. 1 Flange (wielded to the bottom part of the container) ITEM NO. 2 Neck Detailed description of the preferred embodiments: The apparatus visualized and designed consists of the following parts: The purpose of the cover, item 1 of FIG. 1/5, is to protect fish feed (put in the container) from the environment (i.e., rain, dust, etc). It should fit snuggly over the rim of the container. Shape of the cover is slightly spherical (dome) with circular rim to sit over the container surface. Any water resistant material from powdered coated M.S. sheet to P.V.C. may be used, which will be governed by the purpose, function and shape. The purpose of the container, item 1 of FIG. 2/5, is to hold feed and preserve it for discharge as and when required. The function of the container is to hold fish feed of desired quantity. The container shape is cylindrical and symmetrical so that the weight of the feed should act vertically and along the axis. The conical bottom part is to facilitate the pouring out process of the fish feed. The conical part also helps to cut down the size of the bottom plate so that the quantity of fish feed pouring out of the container is limited. The size of the container may vary according to customer demand. The purpose of the lug, item 3 of FIG. 1/5, is to provide an extension of container from which the legs or a hanging attachment can be attached for supporting the apparatus. The function of the lug is to attach the holding parts to the container. The size of the lug depends on the part (leg) attached to it and also depends on the rigidity required. The purpose of the legs, item 2 of FIG. 4/5, is to connect the apparatus with the float. The function of the legs is to support the apparatus vertically on the pond water. The legs are fastened to equidistance lugs (4 nos.) by bolted fasteners. At the other end they are fixed with the floats. The shape or cross section of the legs is such that it should maintain its rigidity. It may be angular section, perpendicular section or tubular. At both end of the legs, plates are attached so that legs could be fastened to the container as well as to the floats. The length is enough to hold the end of vertical rod sufficiently above pond water. The purpose of the fastener-ll, item 5 of FIG. 1/5, is to temporarily join the neck with the container. The function of the fastener-ll is to hold the neck and other parts together. The fasteners should be strong enough to support the neck and the tilting mechanism with the actuator and should withstand externally applied forces arising out of its usage. The size of the bolted fasteners shall change according to the size of the apparatus. In the initial phases (while making the model) bolted fasteners with double nut have been used but in future, rivets or bolted fasteners with locking nuts (Nylock nuts) may be used as per requirement. The purpose of the neck, item 2 of FIG. 5/5, is to hold limited quantity of feed and discharge the feed as and when the bottom plate tilts and a gap is generated at its circumference. The neck holds the feed to be discharged; it is also attached to the main body of the container. The holding arms which support the Plummer blocks are also attached to the neck. The shape of the neck is a hollow cylinder; wall thick ness is enough so that it retains its shape and the holding arms fixed to it. The lower part of cylinder (opening) wall thickness shamphered so that the circular bottom plate can play both ways within the neck. The purpose of the bottom plate, item 3 of FIG. 4/5, is (a) to prevent fish feed from pouring out from the container in normal condition, and (b) when the bottom plate tilts to allow limited quantity of fish feed to pour out for feeding fish. The bottom plate stays horizontal in normal condition and when a force is applied on the actuator it tilts to allow feed to pass through the gap generated. The upper surface of the bottom plate is curved. It has the contour of a dome. It may be of solid construction or may be pressed out from a plate. It is threaded at the bottom so that the vertical rod can be attached to it. The material of the bottom plate may be steel, brass, white metal, or any synthetic nontoxic substance. The purpose of the holding arms, item 1 of FIG. 4/5, is to support the Plummer blocks. The function of the holding arms is to hold the Plummer blocks firmly with the help of fasteners. The other function is to maintain sufficient gap between the Plummer block centers so that the tilting mechanism along with the hinge box can operate property. The shape and size of the holding arms is such that they can support the Plummer blocks properly. A fixed center distance is maintained so that the tilting movement of the bottom plate is not hampered. The dimensions and length of the holding arms are such that it can support the tilting mechanism, along with hinge box, vertical rod, cross rod and actuator mechanism. The purpose of the fastener-Ill, item 9 of FIG. 1/5, is to temporarily join Plummer blocks firmly with the holding arms. The function of these fasteners is to hold Plummer blocks firmly with the holding arms. The size of the bolted fasteners shall change according to the size of the apparatus. In the initial phases (wtiile making the model) bolted fasteners with double nut have been used but in future, rivets or bolted fasteners with locking nuts (Nylock nuts) may be used as per requirement. The purpose of the Plummer blocks, item 3 of FIG. 3/5, is to allow the cross rod to rotate freely. The function of the Plummer block is to support the cross rod along with tilting mechanism and to act as bearings. The shape is functional and the size is according to the diameter of the cross rod. Any bearing material like brass, gun metal, Babbitt metal, Teflon or nylon can be used. The purpose of the cross rods, item 1 of FIG. 3/5, is to act as an extension of the hinge box in rotating. The cross rods are joined to the hinge box axially by welding. The hinge box along with the cross rods is supported by the Plummer blocks at both ends. The circular section cross rods rotates freely in the Plummer blocks and enable the vertical rod and the bottom plate to tilt. Cross rods are circular pins of suitable diameter strong enough to hold the mechanism. The purpose of the hinge pin, item 1 of FIG. 3/5, is to enable the vertical rod to tilt within the hinge box. The hinge pin, supported on both sides by hinge box wall holes which act as bearings, can rotate freely. The hinged pin is passed through a drilled hole in the vertical rod (or welded to it, if situation demands). When the external force (applied by the fish) acts, the hinge pin allows the vertical rod to tilt. To prevent axial movement of the hinge pin it is locked by wielding stoppers (washers) outside the hinge box. The hinge pin is of circular cross section and the size depends on the overall dimension of the apparatus as well as on its function. The purpose of the hinge box, item 1 of FIG. 3/5, is to hold the vertical rod and to facilitate the mechanism to tilt both ways. The function of the hinge box is to (a) support hinge pins, (b) support vertical rod, and (c) rotate along its axis. The hinge box is a fabricated rectangular box structure made of brass strip. The size of the hinge box depends on the allowable tilting of the bottom plate i.e. the rotation of the hinge pin along its axis and the centre distance of the Plummer blocks. The purpose of the vertical rod, item 4 of FIG. 3/5, is to link different parts of the mechanism. The vertical rod is threaded at the top to attach the bottom plate. The hinge pin is joined (by welding) at a predetermined length. The rod is attached with the pendulum weight and at the bottom to the actuator rod. The vertical rod along with the bottom plate tilts whenever a fish thrusts the actuator. The vertical rod is one of the main components of the apparatus. The rod is of circular cross section. The length of the rod is such that at the top end it is attached to the bottom plate and in the middle it is joined with hinge pin. It should also support the pendulum weight as well as be attached to the extension rod though socket nut. The purpose of the pendulum weight, item 2 of FIG. 3/5, is to govern the tilting movement of the vertical rod. The pendulum weight helps the vertical rod to assume its vertical position when stationary; and also helps it to come back to its normal position after tilting. The shape of the pendulum weight is cylindrical with a hole through it so that it can be attached to the vertical rod. The size of the pendulum weight depends upon the weight of the feed on the bottom plate, as well as the resistance of the water on the actuator. The purpose of the cylindrical socket nut, item 16 of FIG. 1/5, having internal thread is to join firmly the vertical rod with the extension rod. The shape and size of the nut is governed by the size of the vertical rod as well as the extension rod. The purpose of the fastener-IV, item 17 of FIG. 1/5, is to temporarily join the leg with the float. The function of the faster-lV is to prevent relative motion between neck and the float and also to attach total apparatus with the float. The size of the bolted fasteners shall change according to the size of the apparatus. In the initial phases (while making the model) bolted fasteners have been used but in future, rivets or bolted fasteners with locking nuts (Nylock nuts) may be used as per requirement. The purpose of the floats, item 18 of FIG. 1/5, is to support the apparatus vertically over the pond water. The shape and size of the float shall vary according to the weight of apparatus filled with fish feed. While making the working model 08" commercially available spherical floats have been used. The purpose of the extension rod, item 19 of FIG. 1/5, is to join the actuator with the vertical rod. The cross section of the extension and the length varies accordingly to the demand of the customer, i.e. it depends on the depth of the actuator underwater. The purpose of the actuator, item 20 of FIG. 1/5, is to attract fish. The function of the actuator is to (a) hold proper fish attractants, and (b) transmit the external force applied by the fish. The material of the actuator should be waterproof. The actuator is a hollow container with perforations. The material can either be stainless steel or transparent plastic (hard enough to retain its shape). It is attached to the actuator rod by wielding joint with the cap of the actuator. The purpose of fastener-l, item 21 of FIG. 1/5, is to temporarily join the leg with the container. The function of fastener-l is to prevent relative movement of container and the neck and hold them rigidly. The size of the bolted fasteners shall change according to the size of the apparatus. In the initial phases (while making the model) bolted fasteners with double nut have been used but in future, rivets or bolted fasteners with locking nuts (Nylock nuts) may be used as per requirement. I claim, 1. A Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser which relates to pond aquaculture and designed for feeding fish as per its demand, consisting of the parts a) Cover / Lid, item number 1 of Fig 1/5, is the cover for the container, and b) Container, item number 1 of Fig 2/5, is to hold the fish feed, and c) Lug, item number 3 of Fig 1/5, is to attach the holding parts to the container, and d) Legs, item number 2 of Fig 4/5, is to connect the apparatus with the float, and e) Fastener-ll, item number 5 of Fig 1/5, is to join the neck with the container, and f) Neck, item number 2 of Fig 5/5, is to limit the quantity of feed discharge, and g) Bottom Plate, item number 3 of Fig 4/5, is to control the amount of feed discharge, and h) Holding Arms, item number 1 of Fig 4/5, is to support the Plummer blocks, and i) Fastener-Ill, item number 9 of Fig 1/5, is to join the plummer blocks firmly with the holding arms, and j) Plummer Blocks, item number 3 of Fig 3/5, is to allow the cross rod to rotate freely, and k) Cross Rod, Hinge Pin & Hinge Box, item number 1 of Fig 3/5, are the components of the unique tilting mechanism, and i) Vertical Rod, item number 4 of Fig 3/5, is to link different parts of the mechanism, and m) Pendulum Weight, item number 2 of Fig 3/5, governs the tilting movement of the vertical rod, and n) Threaded Socket Nut, item number 16 of Fig 1/5, is to join the vertical rod with the extension rod, and o) Fastener-IV, item number 17 of Fig 1/5, is to join the leg with the float, and p) Floats, item number 18 of Fig 1/5, is to support the apparatus vertically over water, and q) Extension Rod, item number 19 of Fig 1/5, is to join the actuator with the vertical rod, and r) Actuator, item number 20 of Fig 1/5, is to attract fish and transmit the external force applied by the fish, and s) Fastener-I, item number 21 of Fig 1/5, is to join the leg with the container to prevent relative movement of container, is a mechanism of simple type, described by the accompanying drawings, Figures 1/5-5/5 wherein the tilting mechanism consists of a pendulum weight, item 15 of FIG. 1/5,attached to a vertical rod, item 12 of FIG 1/5, along with the hinge pin, item 12 of FIG. 1/5 and cross rods item 11 of FIG. 1/5, simply supported by two hinge boxes, item 13 of FIG. 1/5, play a unique role in the total system and the components of the mechanism shall be composed of any sturdy weather proof material such as fibre-glass reinforced plastics material or without limitation rolled metal sheeting and machined parts and moulded PVC or any such material that may currently exist or may exist at any time in the future. 2. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container, item 2 of FIG. 1/5, shall be of a cylindrical shape, with a conical lower portion with the diameter and length (L:D = 1), of the cylinder diameter ranging from 6 inches to 24 inches, shall hold and preserve the feed and efficiently discharge it as required. 3. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cover, item 1 of FIG. 1/5, shall fit tightly over the container to preserve the feed within the container and shall be of a dome-like shape to guide any environmental precipitation away from the container, item 1 of FIG. 2/5. 4. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the neck portion, item 6 of FIG. 1/5, shall be fitted immediately below the conical lower portion (governed by the angle of repose of the feed) of the container, item 1 of FIG. 2/5 and shall serve as a bottleneck to limit the amount of feed available for discharge at a time, and the diameter of the neck may vary, according to the opening of the conical portion, and the holding arms, item 8 of FIG. 1/5, shall be attached to the lateral outer surface of the neck and shall be located diametrically opposite each other. 5. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bottom plate, item 7 of FIG. 1/5 (diameter upto 6 inches) shall cover the base of the neck and, when in its equilibrium position, contain the feed within the neck and a vertical rod (diameter upto 18 millimeters) shall be attached to the bottom plate and also to the tilting mechanism, pendulum weight, item 15 of FIG. 1/5 and fish attractant below wherein the pendulum weight (upto 5 kilograms) shall hold the bottom plate in its equilibrium closed position at the base of the neck and the tilting mechanism shall allow the bottom plate to tilt, thereby creating a gap between the neck and bottom plate and allowing for the dispensation of feed, in parallel and perpendicularly to the axis of the holding arms and when the fish attractant is disturbed, the pressure shall cause the bottom plate to tilt and the pendulum weight shall return the plate to its closed position. 6. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tilting mechanism consists of (a) the hinge box, item 13 of FIG. 1/5, (b) the hinge pin, item 12 of FIG. 1/5, (c) the cross rods, item 11 of FIG. 1/5, and (d) the pendulum weight, item 15 of FIG. 1/5, and play a unique role in the total system in which the hinge box along with the hinge pin facilitates the vertical rod along with bottom plate at the top end and actuator at the bottom end to tilt about x-axis and the cross rods supported by the Rummer block, item 3 of FIG. 3/5, are attached to the hinge box and allows the vertical rod, along with its components, to tilt about y-axis and the movements can be limited by a simple arrestor pin attached to the cross-rods item 11 of FIG. 1/5. 7. The actuator, item 20 of FIG. 1/5, as claimed in claim 6, is a perforated container having cylindrical or spherical shape and is attached to the extension rod firmly by either welding or screwing and filled with fish attractant to attract fish and to guide the fish to poke / apply external force to it, which in turn shall transmit the force through extension rod to it and tilt the bottom plate, item 7 of FIG. 1/5. A Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser, FIG. 1/5, consists of the following components: 1. Cover/Lid, 2. Container, 3. Lug, 4. Legs, 5. Fastener-ll , 6. Neck, 7. Bottom plate, 8. Holding arms, 9. Fastener-Ill, 10. Plummer blocks, 11. Cross rods, 12. Hinge pin, 13. Hinge box, 14. Vertical rod, 15. Pendulum weight 16. Threaded socket nut, 17. Fas!ener-IV, 18. Floats, 19. Extension rod, 20. Actuator, 21. Fastener-I. The Simple Pendulum Feed Dispenser has been visualized and made to feed fish as per its' demand, and for economic use of fish feed. The operating theory of the apparatus is as follows: Fish feed is put inside the container and covered by the lid. In normal condition due to the pendulum weight the bottom plate stays horizontal and prevents the feed from falling freely in the water. Whenever fish strikes/pokes the actuator the bottom plate tilts. The bottom plate tilts both ways, i.e. about x-axis & y-axis by virtue of the hinge and Plummer blocks. The gap generated in between the neck and bottom plate allows the feed to pour out. The bottom plate assumes its normal position whenever the external force applied by the fish is removed. The container is kept in vertical position either by fixing legs and floats to the lugs or by hanging it using the lugs (any other frame work as per user's choice).

Documents:

58-kol-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-claims.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

58-kol-2005-granted-specification.pdf