A method for autonomously controlling a feed mixing vehicle, a vehicle having an autonomous controller, a computer program for carrying out the method, and a corresponding control device. The vehicle has a chassis, working elements for carrying out partial tasks, scanners and/or sensors for transmitting data, and at least one computer for controlling all the processes. The scanner/sensor acquires spatial data of the surroundings and generates therefrom a 3D map of the current geometry of the surroundings. The current geometry of the surroundings is placed in relationship with an area that is basically released to be traveled on by the autonomous vehicle, with the result that the navigability of the travel path of the autonomous vehicle can be checked, and in the case of detected non-navigability the travel path can be adapted autonomously to the requirements of the situational spatial surroundings and can be replaced by an alternative travel path.

A ground level gravity wildlife feeder assembly, components thereof, and associated methods. The wildlife feeder comprises a base assembly including a base, a feed director, and a plurality of selectively moveable gates configured to permit or restrict feed from exiting the base. The wildlife feeder comprises a hopper assembly configured to hold a supply of feed material and is supportably connected to the base.

The invention relates to a feed dispenser for horses which comprises a main housing (1), having a loading opening (2) and a discharge opening (3), and an actuation element (7) for a horse, wherein an endless screw (4) rotatable in a drive direction about its longitudinal axis is provided in the main housing (1) and is drive-connected via a driver (5), which runs freely counter to the drive direction, to the actuation element, which is movable counter to the force of a return spring (6) between an idle position and an actuation position. In order to design a feed dispenser of the described kind so that chunky animal feed can be used, regardless of its shape or size, without having to be pre-processed in advance, it is proposed that the endless screw (4) has a peripheral screw blade (20) forming cutting faces (19) for comminuting chunky material, and/or that the main housing (1) has an auxiliary cutter.

The invention relates to a feed dispenser for horses which comprises a main housing (1), having a loading opening (2) and a discharge opening (3), and an actuation element (7) for a horse, wherein an endless screw (4) rotatable in a drive direction about its longitudinal axis is provided in the main housing (1) and is drive-connected via a driver (5), which runs freely counter to the drive direction, to the actuation element, which is movable counter to the force of a return spring (6) between an idle position and an actuation position. In order to design a feed dispenser of the described kind so that chunky animal feed can be used, regardless of its shape or size, without having to be pre-processed in advance, it is proposed that the endless screw (4) has a peripheral screw blade (20) forming cutting faces (19) for comminuting chunky material, and/or that the main housing (1) has an auxiliary cutter.

The present development is a pet toy with a hidden cavity for a treat or similar enticement for the pet. The hidden cavity is preferably enclosed within a plunger-type device so the pet must extract the plunger to retrieve the treat.

A loader bucket has material spreaders on opposing sides of the loader bucket to spread material from within the loader bucket received through discharge openings in the rear wall of the bucket from an auger located in the bottom of the bucket. Each material spreader includes a spinner formed with blades to spread the material received through the discharge openings. The material spreaders are positioned below the apex of the V-shaped bucket and operable within a path of distribution that includes an interior boundary member oriented with a forward end closer to the center of the bucket than the rearward end to provide a distribution forwardly and laterally of the bucket. A low baffle mounted at the bottom periphery of the spinner blades forces material upwardly into a fluffy pattern. A high baffle provides a second boundary limit for the distribution of material.

A control system for mixing materials for livestock feed including a container that receives the materials, agitators that mix the materials in the container, a driveline that drives the agitators at an output speed with an output torque, a power source that provides an input speed at an input torque, a continuously variable transmission that connects the driveline and the power source and having a hydrostatic loop to provide a speed ratio between the input speed and the output speed, a plurality of sensors positioned between the power source and the agitators that provides mixing signals commensurate to mixing parameters, and an electronic control unit configured to receive the mixing signals, extract mixing parameter values from the mixing signals, and actuate the continuously variable transmission and adjust the speed ratio based on the mixing parameter values to enhance efficiency of the mixing of the materials.

In one embodiment, a bale processor includes a hopper for receiving baled material, a discharge opening for outputting chopped material, and primary and secondary rotors. The primary rotor has an axis of rotation and a rotatable flail to chop the material from the bale received in the hopper. The secondary rotor is rotatable to chop the material after being chopped by the primary rotor, and the secondary rotor is offset from the primary rotor such that the primary rotor is between the secondary rotor and the discharge opening. The flail includes a pivot tube for rotating about the axis, first and second hammers secured to the pivot tube, and a paddle. The paddle is positioned between and secured to the first and second hammers to generate airflow when the first and second hammers are rotated at an operating speed, thereby increasing a throw distance of the chopped material.

An apparatus for the portion wise dispensing of animal feed as reward or training aid and methods of use. An exemplary apparatus including an oblong handle, with a rear opening for inserting rod shaped animal feed, a front opening for leaving out, dispensing, or exposing the animal feed, a transport mechanism which comprises a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel which serves as a counter wheel, wherein the animal feed can be transported by rotating the first drive wheel forward as well as backward, and laterally arranged spring elements that prevent animal feed from falling from the apparatus.

An apparatus for the portion wise dispensing of animal feed as reward or training aid and methods of use. An exemplary apparatus including an oblong handle, with a rear opening for inserting rod shaped animal feed, a front opening for leaving out, dispensing, or exposing the animal feed, a transport mechanism which comprises a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel which serves as a counter wheel, wherein the animal feed can be transported by rotating the first drive wheel forward as well as backward, and laterally arranged spring elements that prevent animal feed from falling from the apparatus.