US 11627242

US patent 11627242, titled "Self-contained bird feeder with camera and streaming video," was filed on June 10, 2015, and issued on April 11, 2023. The inventor is Frederick Perkins. The original assignee was listed as "Individual," and as of October 29, 2024, the current assignee is WOODSTREAM CORPORATION.

The abstract describes a system and method for improved, self-contained bird feeders capable of providing streaming video through a novel design.

Plain-language overview of the independent claim:

• Claim 1: This patent claims a bird feeder that is a complete, standalone unit designed to send detailed pictures over a wireless network. This feeder includes:
  • A main enclosure (feeder housing).
  • A base for the feeder (feeder bottom).
  • An opening on the feeder's base where birds eat (feed port).
  • A camera placed inside the feeder, positioned to capture images of birds at the feed port.
  • A computer located inside the feeder's enclosure.
  • An internal power source.
  • A WiFi adapter also located inside the feeder's enclosure.

Litigation Search:
As of April 26, 2026, the patent has a history of litigation. The patent family is noted to have litigation. A US case (1:24-cv-01236) was filed in the Delaware District Court. Additionally, a PTAB case (IPR2026-00141) was filed, though it was "Not Instituted - Procedural". A review of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's May 2026 scheduled cases did not reveal any direct dockets explicitly listing patent 11627242.