SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHIFTING SCATTERED MATERIAL TOWARDS A BARRIER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and systems for shifting scattered material towards a barrier. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for pushing livestock feed within reach of livestock enclosed within a pen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a method and system for feeding animals, such as cattle and other domesticated animals that are penned into enclosures such as a dairy barn, or a cowshed.

Animal feeding practices known in the art involve piling food next to a barrier (e.g. a concrete barrier) that is part of a fence or other confinement means separating the animals from the care taker. The confined animals, according to known practice, may reach a portion of food which is piled outside of the pen in which the animals are kept.

However, because the animals are confined access to the food is limited by the animal's bulk, some sections of the piled food typically remain out of reach to the confined animals. Furthermore, food may be pushed away from the animal by the movement of the animals head while eating. Consequently, there is a need to move the food back closer to the animal and the fence. Thus, the food needs periodic attention - by collecting, by removing or by bringing the out-of-reach portion of food closer to the confined animals.

It is noted that once the portion of food within reach has been eaten, the animals have to wait until a farmer will provide them with another portion of food, before the animals can continue feeding. This interruption to the feeding

process, may result in the animals not eating the desired amount unduly reducing milk production.

Additionally, redistributing the animal feed is labor intensive. A farmer typically has to continuously attend to the feeding of the animals, by raking or otherwise bringing the out-of-reach food closer to the barrier, either manually or using machinery such as a tractor. Often, there is also a need to clean and remove leftovers.

Previous systems addressing these issues include United States Patent

Application Number 2007/227455A, titled "Feed Straightening Apparatus for Livestock Barn and Method for Operating the Same" to Hiroki Sumiya.

However, this describes a self-contained unit which is expensive to run and maintain.

There remains a need for reliable and inexpensive means for moving animal feed within reach of confined livestock and the present invention addresses this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to providing a material-shifting system for shifting scattered material closer to a barrier. The system comprises at least one push-head coupled to a shuttle and at least one driving unit for driving the shuttle along a rail such that the push-head pushes the scattered material towards the barrier.

Preferably, the driving unit comprises a remote motor coupled to the shuttle via a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism may comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a cable- drive, a rope-drive, a chain-drive, wires, links, rollers and sprockets.

Optionally, the driving unit is coupled to a plurality of the shuttles for moving scattered material in more than one location. Typically, the driving unit drives the shuttle selectably in either direction along the rail.

According to some embodiments, the push-head is coupled to the shuttle via a supporting arm. Such a supporting arm may be rotatably coupled to the

push-head via a first connecting-pin perpendicular to the rail. The system may further comprise a restraint for restricting movement of the push-head about the second connecting-pin. Optionally, the restraint has an adjustable length. Variously, the restraint is selected from at least one of a group consisting of a chain, a cable, a wire, and a rope.

In further embodiments, the supporting arm is rotatably coupled to the shuttle via a second connecting-pin parallel to the rail. Optionally, at least one obstacle is provided along the rail such that when the shuttle reaches the obstacle the supporting arm is rotated about the second connecting-pin thereby raising the push-head.

In various embodiments, the push-head comprises at least one of the group comprising: a scraper, a blade, a comb, a brush, a toothed wheel, a chain and a shovel. Typically, at least one push-head is interchangeable for at least one alternative push-head. Optionally, a plurality of push-heads are coupled to the shuttle.

In preferred embodiments, at least one shovel coupled to the shuttle for scraping dirt off the rail.

In accordance with another embodiment the invention is directed to providing an apparatus for pushing livestock feed within reach of livestock enclosed within a pen incorporating the abovedescribed system.

Optionally, the driving mechanism comprises an automatic stop mechanism for stopping the motion of the shuttle in response to at least one of the following conditions:

• a signal is received from an extremity sensor indicating that the shuttle has reached an extremity of the rail;

• an obstruction is detected along the rail, and

• the system overheats.

It is according to still a further embodiment of the invention to teach a method for shifting material, scattered over a surface, closer to a barrier, the method comprising the steps: step (a) - providing at least one shuttle; step (b) - providing at least one push-head;

step (c) - coupling the shuttle to a driving unit; step (d) - coupling at least one the push-head to the shuttle, and step (e) - driving the shuttle such that the push-head travels over the surface thereby pushing scattered material towards the barrier.

Alternatively, step (c), of coupling the shuttle to a driving unit, follows step (d), of coupling the push-head to the shuttle.

Optionally, step (c) of coupling the shuttle to a driving unit comprises the following substeps: step (c1) - providing a remote motor; step (c2) - coupling the motor to a transmission mechanism, and step (c3) - coupling the shuttle to the transmission mechanism. In embodiments where a plurality of push-heads are provided and a first push-head is pre-coupled to the shuttle, step (d), of coupling at least one the push-head to the shuttle, may further comprise the following substeps: step (d1) - removing the first push-head; step (d2) - selecting at least a second push-head, and step (d3) - coupling the second push-head to the shuttle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of

the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings: Fig. 1a and 1b represent schematic views of a feeding area of a cowshed equipped with a single feed shifting system and two feed shifting systems, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 2a and 2b are respectively side view and top view representations of a traveling unit of a feed shifting system in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 2c is a schematic representation of a traveling unit fitted with a cleaning head according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2e shows oblique and side views of the cleaning head;

Fig. 3 shows schematic representations of various push-heads for shifting animal food in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 4a and 4b are respectively oblique view and side view representations of a feed shifting system in a raised configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 5a-e are various schematic representations of a shuttle mounted upon a rail for use with feed shifting systems according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and

Fig. 6 is a flowchart representing a method for moving scattered material closer to a barrier according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND FIGS

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

It will be appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub- combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. Reference is made to Fig. 1a and 1b representing schematic views of a cowshed 10 equipped with a feed shifting system 100 according to embodiments of the invention. The feed shifting system 100 is configured to shift scattered animal feed 120 closer to a barrier 140 so that it may be reached by a feeding cow 110. Accordingly, the system 100 includes at least one traveling unit 200 mounted to a rail 130. The rail 130 is attached to the barrier 140 and the traveling unit 200 includes a shuttle 210 configured to slide along the rail 130 and a push-head 220. The push-head 220 is angled such that, as the traveling unit 200 moves over a surface 145, scattered feed 120 is pushed towards the barrier 140.

It will be appreciated that the environment in which feed shifting system 100 is used is by its nature messy. Scattered material such as the animal feed 120 may easily damage working parts of the traveling unit 200 particularly the mechanical moving parts. This is particularly problematic in prior art raking devices, such as that described in United States Patent Application No. 2007/227455A to Hiroki Sumiya, referred to hereinabove. In Sumiya's system, a motorized engine is incorporated into a traveling unit which travels through the feed. Furthermore, in Sumiya's system a mechanical piston, carried by the traveling unit, is used to generate an active pushing movement. Thus Sumiya's system requires continual maintenance in order to prevent dirt and feed debris from entering the moving parts and damaging the motor or the piston. In contradistinction to the prior art, in embodiments of the present

invention, easily damaged elements are typically situated remotely from the scattered material being shifted.

It is a particular feature of certain embodiments of the current invention that a driving unit 170 is provided for driving the shuttle 210 along the rail 130. Typically, the driving unit 170 includes a remote motor 172, coupled to the shuttle 210 via a transmission mechanism 174 such as a cable-drive, a rope- drive, a chain-drive or the like. Other mechanisms, for example using combinations of wires, links, rollers and sprockets may alternatively be employed as suits requirements. Typically, the transmission mechanism moves the shuttle 210 in either direction along the rail 130. Variously the transmission mechanism may be connected to the shuttle 210 itself or alternatively to another part of the traveling unit 200. By locating the motor 172 remotely, it is less susceptible to damage from dirt or feed debris than if it is mounted upon the traveling unit 200 itself. A further advantage of a remote motor 172 is that it may be used to pull multiple traveling units 200A, 200B located at different locations around of a cowshed as seen in Figure 1b.

Although the embodiment of the invention described hereinabove relates to a remote motor, it is noted that where required, an onboard motor may be additionally or alternatively mounted upon the traveling unit 200 itself.

Optionally, the rail 130 may be of different shapes and may be located in different locations in relation to barrier 140 and/or in relation to surface 145. Indeed in some embodiments of the invention, the barrier 140 itself may serve as the rail 130. Reference is now made to Figs. 2a and 2b respectively side view and top view representations of a traveling unit 200 of a feed shifting system 100 according to a particular embodiment of the invention. The traveling unit 200 includes a shuttle 210, a rail 130, a bar 245, a push-head 220, and a supporting arm 230. The shuttle 210 is configured to slide along the rail 130 approximately in parallel to the barrier 140 of an animal pen, the rail 130 is fastened to the barrier 140 by a bar 245. Optionally, the bar 245 may be replaced by several

disconnected plates along the barrier 140. The supporting arm 230 is connected on one side to the shuttle unit 210 and on another side to a push- head 220 which is angled to push animal food closer to barrier 140.

Optionally, the shuttle 210 is configured to slide along the rail 130 in both directions, and the push-head 220 pushes animal food towards the barrier 140 when the shuttle 210 is driven in either direction. The push-head 220 is conveniently pivotally coupled to the supporting arm 230, via a first connecting-pin 222 and fastened by two holding pins 223. The push-head 220 is thus free to rotate about the first connecting-pin and the push-head 220 is typically substantially symmetrical in relation to the two directions, this facilitates the pushing of scattered material in either direction.

In some embodiments, a restraint 250 is provided for confining the movement of the push-head 220 around the first connecting-pin 222. The restraint 250 may be a chain, a cable, a wire, a rope or similar means. Optionally the effective length of the restraint 250 may be changed in order to change the opening angle 255 of the push-head 220 with respect to the supporting arm 230. Different angles may be preferred for different types of food.

Optionally the supporting arm 230 is connected to the shuttle 210 via a second connecting-pin 240. Thus the supporting arm 230 is free to rotate upwards and downwards. It is noted that a slight upward movement during sliding may be desired when a large pile of food is being shoved by push- head 220. Although a Y-shaped supporting arm 230 is represented in the drawings, other configurations of the supporting arm may be preferred as required.

Figs. 2c shows a traveling unit 200 fitted with a cleaning head 260. The cleaning head 260 is shown in greater detail in Figs. 2d and 2e showing oblique and top views of the cleaning attachment respectively. The cleaning head 260 includes a wiper 262, a roller 264 and a pair of connecting pins 266A, 266B.

The wiper 262 is configured to remove debris from the feeding surface 145. Typically the wiper 262 consists of a strip of flexible material such as

rubber, alternatively the wiper 262 may incorporate brushes or the like for dislodging residue from the feeding surface 145. The connecting pins 266A,

266B may be used to connect the cleaning head 260 to the traveling unit 200.

Optionally the cleaning head 260 is coupled directly to the push head 220, alternatively the cleaning head 260 may be coupled to other elements of the traveling unit 200. The roller 264 is configured to slide along the barrier 140 as the cleaning head 260 is drawn by the traveling unit 200.

Although embodiments of the invention are described hereinabove in relation to a feed-shifting system for moving animal feed closer to an animal pen, other embodiments may be used to move other scattered materials in other applications. Advantageously, various push-heads 220 may be implemented with various embodiments of the invention to suit the nature of the scattered material to be moved.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 illustrating various options for use as the push-head 220 these include:

• a scraper or a blade 310 (operating similarly to a bulldozer blade or to a squeegee blade) for scraping sticky material, such as leftover food,

• a rake-like apparatus or a brush-like apparatus 320 (including either at least one fixed brush, or one or more rotatable brushes),

• an apparatus including multiple toothed wheels 330, and

• an apparatus including multiple suspended chains 340 or cables. Optionally a bar (not shown) may be connected to the suspended ends of multiple chains or cables. In some embodiments the push-head 220 may be exchangeable between such units to suit requirements. For example for cleaning the feeding surface 145, for sweeping heavy or light food or such like.

Reference is made to Figs. 4a and 4b illustrating respectively oblique view and side view representations of a feed shifting system, according to another embodiment of the invention. With particular reference to Fig. 4a, the traveling unit 200 is shown configured to slide along a diagonal ramp 410. It is noted that movement along the ramp 410 causes the supporting arm 230 to

rotate about the second connecting-pin 240 via which it is coupled to the shuttle 210. In this manner the traveling unit 200 is raised.

Referring now to Fig. 4b the diagonal ramp 410 and the push-head 220 are folded upward into a lifted configuration. It is noted that the lifted configuration conveniently frees up floor area for other operations when traveling unit 200 is not in use. Optionally, the ramp 410 may be a metal pipe along which the supporting arm slides although other variations and materials may be preferred.

Optionally, switching sensors may be installed in the feed shifting system 100 for stopping the motor when the traveling unit 200 reaches an extremity of the rail 130. Furthermore, protective sensors may be provided for cutting off power to the motor in case of a hazard such as a fault, a very large obstacle on the track, the motor overheating or such like.

Reference is now made to Figs 5a-e showing schematic representations of a shuttle 210 for use with feed shifting systems according to various embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5a shows a top view of the shuttle

210, Fig. 5b represents a section through the shuttle 210 as viewed from the side of the supporting arm 230, Fig. 5c is a side view of the shuttle 210,

Fig. 5d is a section through the shuttle 210 and the rail as viewed in line with the rail and Fig. 5e is a section similar to 5d showing one of shovels 520.

The shuttle 210 is configured to ride along a rail 130 mounted to a barrier 140 via a supporting plate 245. The shuttle 210 includes a frame 511 , a set of guide wheels 51 OA-D, 530A-F and two shovels 520A, 520B.

The shovels 520A, 520B are attached to both ends of the shuttle so as to remove debris from the rail as the shuttle travels along in either direction. Two vertical guide wheels 510A, 510B rest upon the upper surface of the rail 130 and two vertical guide wheels 510C, 510D rest upon the lower surface of the rail 130, to facilitate movement of the shuttle 210 along the rail. Horizontal guide wheels 530A-F are optionally provided for further support to the shuttle 210 and to further facilitate movement of the shuttle 210 along the rail 130.

Conveniently, the shuttle 210 is slidably mounted onto a T-shaped rail 130 that is connected to the supporting plate 245, which is bolted to the

barrier 140. The supporting arm 230 is rotatably coupled to shuttle 210 via a connecting-pin 546 through a hinge 240 connected to the shuttle 210 via hinge plates 542. The above described embodiment is provided as an illustration only, it will be clear to a person who is skilled in the art that other implementations of shuttle 210 are possible.

Advantageously, a timing mechanism may be used to control operation of the feed shifting system 100, thus automatically raking food at known time intervals. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention, operation of feed shifting system 100 is substantially continuous. According to other embodiments of the invention, the feed shifting system 100 is configured to operate at predetermined intervals for predetermined time durations. According to still other embodiments of the invention, the feed shifting system 100 includes or is connected to one or more sensors for enabling timing operation of feed shifting system 100. Reference is now made to Fig. 6 showing a flowchart representing a method for moving scattered material closer to a barrier according to another embodiment of the invention. The method includes the steps: providing at least one shuttle - step (a), providing at least one push-head - step (b) coupling the shuttle to a driving unit - step (c), coupling at least one push- head to the shuttle - step (d), and driving the shuttle such that said push-head travels over a surface thereby pushing scattered material towards the barrier - step (e).

The order in which the steps of the method are executed may vary according to requirements. In particular it is noted that step (c) may follow step (d) such that the push-head is coupled to the shuttle before the shuttle is coupled to the driving unit, for example by mounting the shuttle to the rail.

Typically, step (c) of coupling the shuttle to a driving unit comprises the substeps: providing a remote motor - step (c1), coupling the motor to a transmission mechanism - step (c2), and coupling the shuttle to the transmission mechanism - step (c3).

Where more than one push-head is provided and a first push-head is already coupled to said shuttle, step (d) of coupling the shuttle to a driving unit

may comprise these substeps: removing the first push-head - step (d1), selecting a second push-head - step (d2), and coupling the second push- head to the shuttle - step (d3).

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

In the claims, the word "comprise", and variations thereof such as "comprises", "comprising" and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.