Prior art

Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 11627242

Under 35 U.S.C. § 102, a patent claim is anticipated if every element of the claimed invention is disclosed, either expressly or inherently, in a single prior art reference, arranged or combined in the same way as recited in the claim, and that disclosure is enabling.

Here are the prior art references cited in US patent 11627242, along with their publication/filing dates, brief descriptions, and a discussion of which claims they potentially anticipate:

1. US20120233649A1 - Feeder Cam

• Full Citation: US20120233649A1, "Feeder Cam"
• Publication/Filing Date: Published September 13, 2012 (Filed March 9, 2011)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a feeder cam system for observing wildlife, particularly birds, at a feeding station. It includes a camera, a housing for the camera, a mounting means to attach the camera to a feeder, and a system for transmitting images from the camera. The system can be self-contained and transmit images wirelessly.
• Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference potentially anticipates Claim 1 of US11627242.
  • It describes a "feeder" (implied bird feeder, as it refers to observing wildlife/birds at a feeding station) with a "built-in camera" (camera in a housing attached to a feeder).
  • It mentions a "computer" (implied for image transmission and control).
  • It includes an "internet connection" and transmits images wirelessly, which implies a "WiFi adapter."
  • The camera is "aligned with a feeding station to observe feeding birds" (comparable to "aligned with the feed port to observe feeding birds").
  • The system can be "self-contained," implying an "internal power source."

2. US20160156989A1 - Bird photo booth

• Full Citation: US20160156989A1, "Bird photo booth"
• Publication/Filing Date: Published June 2, 2016 (Filed November 7, 2012)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a bird photo booth system that includes a bird feeder, a camera positioned to photograph birds at the feeder, and electronics for capturing and potentially transmitting images. It focuses on creating an optimal environment for bird photography.
• Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference potentially anticipates Claim 1 of US11627242.
  • It explicitly mentions a "bird feeder" and a "camera positioned to photograph birds at the feeder" (comparable to "camera internally mounted...aligned with the feed port to observe feeding birds").
  • The "electronics for capturing and potentially transmitting images" suggests a "computer," "internal power source," and "WiFi adapter" for wireless transmission.
  • The "bird photo booth" concept implies a self-contained unit.

3. US9137974B2 - Systems, devices, and/or methods for feeding birds

• Full Citation: US9137974B2, "Systems, devices, and/or methods for feeding birds"
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued September 22, 2015 (Filed December 27, 2012)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system that includes a bird feeder, sensors to detect birds, and a camera to capture images or video. It also discusses processing and transmitting the captured media.
• Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference potentially anticipates Claim 1 of US11627242.
  • It clearly describes a "bird feeder" and a "camera to capture images or video" of birds at the feeder.
  • The "processing and transmitting the captured media" implies a "computer," "internal power source," and "WiFi adapter" for wireless transmission and internet connectivity.
  • The system is designed for "feeding birds," suggesting the presence of a "feed port" and "feeder housing/bottom."

4. US20140355446A1 - Network Assisted Bonding

• Full Citation: US20140355446A1, "Network Assisted Bonding"
• Publication/Filing Date: Published December 4, 2014 (Filed May 31, 2013)
• Brief Description: This patent application primarily focuses on network-assisted bonding for media transmission, particularly live streaming video. While not directly a bird feeder, its broad claims regarding cameras and streaming over networks could be relevant.
• Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference does not directly anticipate the specific combination of elements found in Claim 1 of US11627242 as it is not a bird feeder. It provides a generic method for streaming video over a network, which is a functional aspect rather than a structural component of a bird feeder with a camera. Therefore, it's less likely to anticipate Claim 1 under 35 U.S.C. § 102, which requires every element of the claimed invention to be identically shown.

5. US20150373945A1 - Smart Animal Feeder

• Full Citation: US20150373945A1, "Smart Animal Feeder"
• Publication/Filing Date: Published December 31, 2015 (Filed June 26, 2014)
• Brief Description: This patent application describes a smart animal feeder that includes a camera, a communication module (e.g., WiFi), and a processing unit to capture and transmit images or video of animals being fed. It specifically mentions an "animal feeder" which can encompass a bird feeder.
• Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference potentially anticipates Claim 1 of US11627242.
  • It describes an "animal feeder" with a "camera" and a "communication module" (e.g., WiFi, comparable to "WiFi adapter") and a "processing unit" (comparable to "computer").
  • The camera is for capturing images/video of animals "being fed" (implying a feed port).
  • The "smart animal feeder" implies a self-contained unit with an "internal power source."

6. US9247719B1 - Flying animal feeder control, monitoring, and reporting system

• Full Citation: US9247719B1, "Flying animal feeder control, monitoring, and reporting system"
• Publication/Filing Date: Issued February 2, 2016 (Filed October 19, 2014)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system for controlling, monitoring, and reporting activity at a flying animal feeder. It includes a camera, a controller, and communication capabilities for remote access and data transfer.
• Potential Anticipated Claims: This reference potentially anticipates Claim 1 of US11627242.
  • It explicitly describes a "flying animal feeder" (which includes bird feeders) with a "camera," "controller" (comparable to "computer"), and "communication capabilities" (implying "internet connection" and "WiFi adapter").
  • The system for "monitoring" activity at the feeder implies observing feeding animals at a feed port.
  • It would require an "internal power source" for operation.