US 4,061,111 AGranted

Automatic chinchilla sander and cleaner

OwnerCharles A. Smithinventor

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Abstract

This invention consists of an automatic device used in the raising of chinchillas to allow the animals to sand themselves in a bath of sand, and at the same time to clean said sand from the animal feces. The device consists of a stationary, vertical, circular box having a screen therein which rotates on an inner and outer central shafts pinned together when rotation is required. One position of the screen prevents the animal from entering the device, and another position allows the animal to enter and reach the sand. After a predetermined sanding time, the screen reverses itself, scoops up and discharges the animal, and sifts the sand clean of feces, and returns it to its original location. A clutch is provided to allow rotation when the screen limits are reached. Power is supplied manually, or by a speed reduced motor. And the periods and duration of sanding is controlled by an electric timing device where a motor is used. A quick attachment and release coupling is provided for joining several of the devices together.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A device for sanding chinchillas or similar furbearing animals, comprising in combination a circular container having an open entrance in its curved wall for the entry and discharge of an animal therethrough, and containing a sand mixture in the bottom thereof;

a screen, located within said container for screening said sand and discharging said animal, which rotates upon a central shaft, said shaft consisting of an inner solid shaft and an outer hollow shaft;
a press fitted pin running through both said shafts for connecting or disconnecting said outer shaft to or from said inner shaft;
a speed reducer for rotating said screen;
upper and lower stop means within said container for locating said screen in an animal entry position and an animal discharge position;
clutch means for connecting said inner shaft to said speed reducer;
coupling means for connecting said inner shaft on one device to the inner shaft of another similar device;
and a removable partition located between the outer shaft and the bottom of said entrance, within the circular container, and slidably supported and held between a pair of U-shaped tracks which are attached to the side walls of the container, to prevent the animal from by-passing the screen entering or being discharged by said screen.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.