US 12,253,405 B2
Weighing of animals
Heiner Lehr, Vilanova i la Geltru (ES)
Assigned to Farm Robotics and Automation SL, Vilanova i la Geltru (ES)
Appl. No. 17/759,656
Filed by Farm Robotics and Automation SL, Vilanova i la Geltru (ES)
PCT Filed Jan. 25, 2021, PCT No. PCT/EP2021/051618
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Jul. 28, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/151837, PCT Pub. Date Aug. 5, 2021.
Claims priority of application No. 20154997 (EP), filed on Jan. 31, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0054534 A1, Feb. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. G01G 17/08 (2006.01); A01K 29/00 (2006.01)
CPC G01G 17/08 (2013.01) [A01K 29/00 (2013.01)] 21 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A device for monitoring the weight of animals in an animal housing facility, the device comprising:
a support surface configured so that at least one of the animals can stand on the support surface, in operation of the device;
a force sensor, connected to the support surface, for measuring a force indicative of a weight of the animal or animals on the support surface, in operation of the device;
a rail system actuator for suspending the device from a rail or track of a rail system and to propel the device, when controlled accordingly, along the rail or track when operably attached thereto; and
a processor,
wherein the processor is adapted for:
controlling the rail system actuator to move the actuator to a target position in the animal housing facility;
receiving a signal from the force sensor indicative of a weight of the animal or animals on the support surface when the support surface is located at the target position; and
determining a weight measurement of an individual animal based on the signal.