Abstract: A pet liquid feeding appliance includes an appliance body and multiple feeding assemblies installed at an outer end of the appliance body. The appliance body defines a discharge port for use in conjunction with the feeding assembly, and is further provided with a feeding trough. The feeding assembly includes a fixing piece and a nipple installed at one end of the fixing piece. Both ends of the nipple are each provided with a clamping slot. The fixing piece is provided with a clamping column for use in cooperation with the nipple. The fixing piece and the nipple are detachably connected to each other. One end of the clamping column is provided with a hook, and one end of the fixing piece is provided with a liquid outlet. By providing multiple feeding assemblies, multiple pets can drink together at the same time.

Abstract: A system for feeding farm animals comprises two milk tanks and a drawing line. The two milk tanks are configured to receive a stored full milk quantity and the drawing line comprises two drawing line portions each comprising a drain valve and each connected to one of the two milk tanks. A preparing unit is configured to prepare a liquid ration and a connecting line configured to connect the drawing line with the preparing unit. a cleaning unit comprises at least one cleaning agent container configured to receive a cleaning agent, and a cleaning agent supply apparatus configured to supply cleaning agent from the cleaning agent container to the two milk tanks. A control is configured to actuate the cleaning unit, the preparing unit, and each drain valve to guide the cleaning agent guided from one of the two milk tanks through the connecting line into the preparing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for shipping or storage of Li-ion batteries comprises a sealable outer bag fabricated from heat-resistant, permeable fabric, a first flexible thermal runaway shield (“TRS”) fabricated from low-permeability film configured to line a first inside surface of the outer bag, a second flexible TRS fabricated from low-permeability film configured to line a second inside surface of the outer bag, and at least one Li-ion battery configured to be disposed between the first flexible TRS and the second TRS of the sealable outer bag to provide a sealed outer bag.

Abstract: The invention provides a powder dispenser comprising a tube of circular cross-section; an auger extending axially through the tube; and a disc-shaped distributor extending laterally to the axis of the tube and partially closing the tube, wherein the disc-shaped distributor comprises a central ring and arms extending radially therefrom, characterised in that, the central ring has a radius of between 55%-90% of the internal radius of the tube; at least one of the arms extends to no more than 1 mm from the internal wall of the tube; and wherein there is a distance defined by a circular arc concentric with the tube between each arm at a distance of 1 mm from the tube wall of between 30%-65% of the internal radius of the tube.

Abstract: Animal feeding teats are often removed from a feeding receptacle for cleaning or for re-use on a larger receptacle. A nipple end of the teats is typically designed for use in a specific orientation to aid the suckling of a young animal, and therefore the teats need to be fitted to the feeding receptacle correctly. The animal feeding teat has a rectangular connection feature in a base end of the teat that is designed to mate with a similarly shaped feature on a feeding receptacle. It is considered important that the connection feature has only one or two lines of symmetry, so that the teat can only be fitted in one or two orientations relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A livestock sucking device or pacifier has a nipple with a shaft and a base. A weighted member is connected to a lower surface of the base. The weighted member has a partially spherical wall that forms an enclosed chamber. A weight is disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a feeding system (1) for infants comprising a bottle (2) for storing and releasing a fluid, at least one sensor (10, 20, 30) arranged in or at the bottle (2) for measuring one or more bottle parameters, a data processing unit (12, 22, 32) for processing the measured bottle parameters to generate an advice related to at least one bottle parameter, and an indicator (13, 23, 33) for issuing said advice to a user of the feeding system (1).

Abstract: The nursing device is for use with livestock. The nursing device is for use with one or more living cats. The nursing device is for use with a liquid feeding formula (hereinafter formula) for use with livestock. The nursing device is specifically for use with a formula for use with a living cat. The nursing device includes a feline shell, a fluid handling system, and an electrical system. The feline shell is a puppet that resembles a cat. The feline shell contains the fluid handling system and the electrical system. The fluid handling system: 1) contains the formula; and, 2) distributes the formula to the one or more living cats. The electrical system: 1) heats the formula; and, 2) creates audible sounds intended to soothe the one or more living cats.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a volume variation of liquid received in a bottle includes a bottle sleeve and a weight detecting module. A first accommodating space, a second accommodating space and a first opening are formed on the bottle sleeve. The first opening is communicated with the first accommodating space. The bottle sleeve is elastic. An inner diameter of at least one portion of the first accommodating space is less than an outer diameter of the bottle. The bottle sleeve holds the bottle when the bottle is inserted into the first accommodating space via the first opening. The weight detecting module is disposed inside the second accommodating space to measure weights of the bottle and the liquid at different time points and to determine the volume variation of the liquid according to a difference of the weights of the bottle and the liquid at different time points.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting s a thermal or hydronic expansion tank relative to a hot water heater comprises a rigid bracket adapted to be secured to the tank and to the hot water heater. The bracket provides support for the tank adjacent to the pipe nipple. The tank and the bracket are interconnected for securing the tank to the bracket. In one aspect, the bracket comprises a base, and an end wall at each end of the base. The end walls are adapted for engaging and supporting the tank, wherein one of the end walls engages the tank adjacent the pipe nipple and the other of the end walls engages the tank past the midpoint of the length of the tank from the base.

Abstract: A water supply for an animal feeder includes a valve member on a nipple controlled by the animal connected to a water supply duct for supplying water to the valve member. A regulator is provided for controlling a flow rate and the nipple controls the flow rate by defining a housing through which the water passes with a resilient cylindrical body mounted in the housing. The resilient body defines a convoluted or serpentine water flow path therethrough or thereon for flow of water along the flow path through the housing with the flow path defining a rate of flow of the water. The housing has an adjustment member for adjusting application of pressure to the resilient body to change an amount of compression of the resilient body so as to distort the water flow path and change the rate of flow. The serpentine path is also of increased length to restrict the flow.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a flexible, non-metal, hose-type manifold line having a plurality of circular apertures and a plurality of injection molded plastic saddle fittings each configured to fit into an aperture. Each cage location may comprise two apertures opposite one other and two saddle fittings fit thereto. The saddle fittings may further comprise a U-shaped portion configured to fit around the flexible manifold line, an inward-facing protrusion sized and configured to penetrate and seal to an aperture, and one or more ribs to seal the aperture and/or grip the flexible manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding animals with a feedstuff, in particular with a liquid feedstuff from an automatic feeder, wherein the feedstuff is suppliable optionally via a component (7.1 to 7.3) of an output device (1.1, 1.2), wherein the component (7.1 to 7.3) and/or the output device (1.1, 1.2) include means for temperature control.

Abstract: A feeding nipple comprising a dome-shaped crown having a convex-shaped outer surface and a lower region which is concentrically formed with the convex-shaped outer surface and which extends therefrom to form a shelf, wherein the crown provides a surface whereby an animal may knead on the feeding nipple while the animal is feeding from the nipple. The crown comprises a diameter sufficiently sized so as to prevent the nipple from being inhaled by the animal. The feeding nipple further comprises a collar which is contiguously formed with the lower region and which is recessed relative thereto. A mount is contiguously and concentrically formed with the collar and comprises a diameter that assists in securing the feeding nipple to a fluid source. A transverse interior wall is transversely positioned within an opening centrally formed through lower region, wherein transverse interior wall assists in securing the feeding nipple to a fluid source.

Abstract: A feeding nipple comprising a dome-shaped crown having a convex-shaped outer surface and a lower region which is concentrically formed with the convex-shaped outer surface and which extends therefrom to form a shelf, wherein the crown provides a surface whereby an animal may knead on the feeding nipple while the animal is feeding from the nipple. The crown comprises a diameter sufficiently sized so as to prevent the nipple from being inhaled by the animal. The feeding nipple further comprises a collar which is contiguously formed with the lower region and which is recessed relative thereto. A mount is contiguously and concentrically formed with the collar and comprises a diameter that assists in securing the feeding nipple to a fluid source. A transverse interior wall is transversely positioned within an opening centrally formed through lower region, wherein transverse interior wall assists in securing the feeding nipple to a fluid source.

Abstract: A plug insert matingly fits into the open lower end of a feed tube in a gilt or sow stall. The plug includes an inlet for receiving feed from the tube and an outlet for discharging feed onto the floor of the stall. The inlet and outlet are offset from one another. An axle extends through the plug, with spokes on the lower outer end of the axle, an anti-bridge bar on the upper end of the axle, and one or more fins on the central portion of the axle. Discharge of the seed is controlled by the gilt or sow as she rotates the spokes on the forward end of the plug, thereby rotating the fins or spiral flighting to carry feed from the inlet to the outlet. This self-feeding system eliminates or minimizes feed waste while providing an appropriate feeding program for the gilt or sow.

Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a body having one or more fabric pieces defining a closed space, and a bed. The body has a base and an opposing end. A flap is attached to the body and has a free end, with the flap defining openings proximal to the free end. Pockets are adjacent to the body and have open ends alignable with the flap openings. Fluid vessels occupy the pockets.

Abstract: An adaptor fitting 10 by which an animal feeding teat can be mounted to a feeder F. The adaptor 10 has a first section 11 to which the feeding teat can be fitted. A second section 12 is engagable with the first section 11. The first and second sections 11 and 12 are, in use, engagable through an opening O in the wall W of a feeder F such that the first and second sections are respectively located at the outer and inner sides of the wall W. The second section 12 has a sealing part 26 that, upon relative movement between the first and second sections 11 and 12 during fitment of the adaptor to the wall W, engages into the material from which the wall W is made. This creates a seal around the opening O in the wall W.

Abstract: A nursing system includes a fluid delivery module mounted to a portion of a human body. The fluid delivery module is coupled to a fluid source via a channel. A feeding recipient latches-on to a portion of the delivery module to draw fluid from the fluid source, thereby simulating conventional breastfeeding.

Abstract: Flexible, collapsible, liquid-tight containers are described. The containers are typically formed of sheet material and having a pouring or dispensing spout with closure for same. The sheet material is preferably a laminate having at least three layers, including a central, heat-conductive layer, an outer layer of a polymer resistant to physical damage and an inner layer of a thermoplastic polymer which can be fused to another inner layer to seal the edges of the bag. Dispensing fixtures such as a nipple assembly and an esophageal feeder are described, and can be used in feeding calves and other young animals. Processes of heat treating liquids in the containers, including the pasteurizing of dairy products, are described. Methods of using the containers for feeding animals are also described.

Abstract: A venting arrangement for a feeding teat closure 10 that can be fitted to or form part of a feeder. The closure 10 includes an opening 12 with which a mounting part of a feeding teat can engage in a substantially sealed manner. The venting arrangement includes at least one aperture 21 in the opening 12 and at least one recess 22 that creates a break in the seal between the teat mounting part and a sealing surface 19 of the opening 12 whereby air can vent through the combination of the break formed by the recess 22 and the aperture(s) 12.

Abstract: Nipple assemblies including nipples which attach to a threaded nipple adapter which can be attached to feeding containers with threaded spouts are disclosed. Mounting tools are also disclosed, to aid in attaching the elastic nipples to the adapters.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for supplying feed to an animal, which is provided with a frame, with propulsion mechanism disposed thereon, feed supplier for supplying feed and navigator connected to the propulsion mechanism with a sensor for forming an image of an observation area, wherein the sensor comprises: a source of radiation for emitting modulated electromagnetic radiation, a receiver device for radiation reflected by an object, comprising a matrix with rows and columns of receivers, an optical device and sensor image processor configured to determine for the receivers a phase difference between the emitted electromagnetic radiation and the reflected electromagnetic radiation in order to calculate a distance from the receiver to the object. Through use of the unmanned vehicle device an excellent and reliable navigation is possible, so that, for example, milk can be conveyed efficiently from a milking implement to a calf.

Abstract: Flexible, collapsible, liquid-tight containers are described. The containers are formed of heat-conductive sheet material and having a pouring or dispensing spout with closure for same. The sheet material is preferably a laminate having at least three layers, including a central, heat-conductive layer, an outer layer of a polymer resistant to physical damage and an inner layer of a thermoplastic polymer which can be fused to another inner layer to seal the edges of the bag. Dispensing fixtures such as a nipple assembly and an esophageal feeder are described, and can be used in feeding calves and other young animals. Processes of heat treating liquids in the containers, including the pasteurizing of dairy products, are described.

Abstract: An installation with animal enclosures includes a nipple assembly with a feeding nipple for dispensing liquid feed to animals in the installation, where a single feeding nipple is pivotable between at least two animal enclosures, the nipple assembly including the feeding nipple mounted on a pivot, which pivot is biased to maintain the feeding nipple in a neutral position between the extremes of a range of pivotability.

Abstract: An installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal, such as a calf. The installation comprises one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, and one or more vehicles that are autonomously displaceable, controlled by a microprocessor or the like, between one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, each vehicle comprising a drinking nozzle, such as a flexible teat, which is movably mounted relative to the remaining part of the displaceable vehicle, and a height adjusting device for adjusting a height of the drinking nozzle.

Abstract: A multiple station feeding apparatus for nursing young domestic pets, providing a hands-free feeding means thereof, is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises an angled textile covered base ramp upon which the pets stand or lie in a linear arrangement. At the top of the ramp is a bottle holding panel which supports standard pet feeding bottles by inserting them through a circular opening in the frame and securing the bottles with a slip-on locking panel. At this point the pets can feed in much the same arrangement as would be found when nursing from their mother. When completed, the bottles are easily removed and cleaned. These features provide for a rapid simultaneous feeding of pets compared thereto feeding pets individually.

Abstract: An animal feeder 10 comprises a container 11 into which liquid feed for a young animal can be placed. A mounting arrangement 12 coupled to the container is of a construction which, in use, enables the container 11 to be attached to an element of a structure such as a rail of a fence. At the lowermost part of the container 11 is a teat mounting 13 which has at least first and second teat mountings 19 and 20. The first teat mounting 19 has a different orientation relative to the container 11 to that of the second teat mounting 20. As a result an end user of the feeder can select one of the teat mountings 19 and 20 for the mounting of a teat P depending on whether the end user wants the teat P to project away from or through the fence on which the container is mounted. A bung or blanking plug 24 is used to seal the other teat mounting.

Abstract: An improved nipple for feeding liquids to newborn and young bovine calves and other mammals. A horizontal flat portion of an upper end of the nipple has a downward curving periphery that merges into a vertical portion of a barrel at an exterior radius of 9 to 10 mm and an interior radius of 6.5 to 7.5 mm. The thickness of a wall of the upper end of the nipple is between 5 and 10% less than the thickness of the wall of the barrel. The flat portion of the upper end of the nipple 1 has a diameter in the range of 5 to 7 mm, which is about 20 to 25% of the inner diameter of the barrel. A bump-out may be formed on a base of the nipple to aid in removing and replacing the nipple on a bottle.

Abstract: Assemblies in accordance with the invention can lead to an exceptionally easy to use, safe, and convenient system and method of applying a fixed dosage of chemicals to which a user might wish to avoid contact, such as parasiticides. In the present invention, a fluid, such as a pesticide or parasiticide, glue, solvent, lubricant, medicament and the like is loaded into a fluid reservoir and the reservoir sealed. The reservoir can be attached to a cap-applicator structure which is in an inactive configuration. In the inactive configuration, a piercing tip remains poised over the reservoir in an inactive configuration without forming an opening in the reservoir. The cap-applicator can have a sharp intsernal piercing tip capable of piercing the reservoir when the assembly is converted into an active configuration. This will allow the user to dispense the liquid out of the reservoir through the applicator.

Abstract: A calf feeding bottle comprising a lower opening for connecting to a drinking teat, an upper opening for filling the feeding bottle and a lid for closing the upper opening, the lid being designed so that it may be pushed open by a filling device and is automatically closed again when the filling device is removed from the feeding bottle.

Abstract: A hand feeding system for small animals, such as kittens, uses a syringe that has a nursing nipple removably attached to the hub end of the syringe. Either a scratch pad is interposed directly between a shoulder of the syringe and the nipple or a plate is so interposed such that the plate is removably attached to a freestanding stand that has a scratch pad located thereon.

Abstract: A livestock nursing nipple provides a base portion defining a reservoir neck orifice and having a generally triangular reservoir neck engaging lip, an annular accordion joint structurally interconnects the base portion with an axially extending elongated nipple to absorb deflection forces and deformation forces exerted on the nipple during use, the nipple defining a fluid channel between the base portion and a terminal end defining a fluid outlet.

Abstract: An installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal, such as a calf. The installation comprises one or more feed loading places (1) and one or more feed unloading places (2-5), and one or more vehicles (9) that are autonomously displaceable, controlled by a microprocessor or the like, between one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, each vehicle comprising a drinking nozzle (10), such as a flexible teat.

Abstract: An animal feeder 10 comprises a container 11 into which liquid feed for a young animal can be placed. A mounting arrangement 12 coupled to the container is of a construction which, in use, enables the container 11 to be attached to an element of a structure such as a rail of a fence. At the lowermost part of the container 11 is a teat mounting 13 which has at least first and second teat mountings 19 and 20. The first teat mounting 19 has a different orientation relative to the container 11 to that of the second teat mounting 20. As a result an end user of the feeder can select one of the teat mountings 19 and 20 for the mounting of a teat P depending on whether the end user wants the teat P to project away from or through the fence on which the container is mounted. A bung or blanking plug 24 is used to seal the other teat mounting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a suckling system wherein suckling of calves can be automatically performed and weaning stress of newborn calves can be minimized. The suckling system for calves with minimal weaning stress, includes a suckling unit and a milk feed unit to feed milk to calves, and a control module to control the units, wherein the suckling unit comprises a weight scale, and the control module measures the weight of calves and controls a feed amount of the milk feed unit, based on the weight. The milk feed unit uniformly supplies milk set to the temperature of the mother's milk to calves, the height of the teat member is controllable to a level suitable for calves, and after feeding, the teat member and the milk feed unit are automatically cleaned.

Abstract: A surrogate nurser for mammal infants, such as kittens and puppies or other infants without the ability to nurse from their mother for any reason is described that includes a furry exterior to provide the feel of the mother. Inside the surrogate is a reservoir with a flat bottom that houses a milk substitute that flows through protrusions that align with holes in the surrogate wherein the protrusions are equipped with nipples that allow the infants to suckle. The head of the surrogate includes a simulated heartbeat and in the case of cats, a simulated purring sound. Both the purring sound and the heartbeat are controlled by switches found on the head of the surrogate. The head is removable for easy cleaning of the body of the surrogate without damaging the electronics found in the head.

Abstract: An artificial nipple for an experimental animal can include a replaceable duct in a nipple and a structure that prevents liquid from accumulating in the nipple except in the nipple tip and the duct. The artificial nipple can be configured to prevent liquid from accumulating by filling the nipple with an elastic member or by forming the nipple with an elastic member integrally with an outer wall of the nipple.

Abstract: A device for nursing animals is provided, generally having a form and size to simulate the mother of an animal that is to nurse from the device. The simulated animal nursing device has a body or torso area that defines a back, an underbelly and an opening that leads into an internal cavity. Holes or apertures extend through the underbelly of the body section. Nursing bottles having nursing nipples are positioned in inverted positions and supported within the internal cavity of the body section. The nursing nipples extend through the apertures, so that nursing animals can access the nipples and have a desirable nursing environment.

Abstract: A feeding mouthpiece has a body and a tube. The body is hollow, a resilient material and has two ends, a teat and a seal. The teat is formed on one end of the body, has an opening and corresponds to a mouth of young. The seal is formed on the other end of the body and has a sealing surface. The tube is formed through and protrudes from the sealing surface of the seal, is tapered to a transverse ridge and has an outer surface, a proximal end, two gables and an air valve. The air valve is a slit and may be formed along the transverse ridge or longitudinally on the outer surface of the tube. When the feeding mouthpiece is mounted with a bottle, the air valve prevents leakage and is easily cleaned without tearing or breaking the feeding mouthpiece.

Abstract: An improvement to a nursing system for baby animals including a soft cylinder or rope-like extension detachably affixed to fabric sleeve or toroidal donut shaped ring surrounding a nipple-topped nursing bottle. The soft-cylinder or rope-like extension may be formed into a platform for the nipple-topped nursing bottle to enable baby animals to obtain liquid from the nipple-topped nursing bottle without assistance. Alternatively, the soft cylinder or rope-like extension provides a resting place for the baby animals or a series of surfaces on which the baby animal may climb to position itself where it can obtain liquid from the nipple-topped nursing bottle.

Abstract: A device for feeding a liquid to an animal includes a nipple member (6), a reservoir (14) for the liquid (13), a passage (15) having an extension between the reservoir (14) and the nipple member (6), a feeding member (16, 19) arranged to allow a supply of liquid through the passage (15) to the nipple member (6), and a control member (7, 11, 18) arranged to control the activation of the feeding member (16, 19). The control member is arranged to detect the presence of a part of the animal in a predetermined position and to initiate activation of the feeding member (16, 19) when the part of the animal is detected in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A feeding station for dispensing food or water to small animals. The feeding station having two support members at an angle to one another, and a plurality of apertures in said support members in sets of upper and lower cooperating apertures. A bottle having an angular configuration is adapted to be inserted in said apertures in the support members. The angle or bend in the bottle abuts against one of the support members preventing the bottle from “falling out” of the feeding station. The bottle are further retained in the housing by abutting against the other support member and a resilient strap from above, which permits the lamb or other small animal t o “bunt” the bottle to simulate natural feeding. The feeding station is adapted to mounted on a vertical member and feed more than one small animal at a time.

Abstract: A method for automatically calibrating the control system of a device for providing domestic animals with a feed. The feed or the constituents thereof are discharged from supply containers (2.1-2.5) into a mixing container (1) which is connected to an area (3) from which the animals can take the feed. The time at which the feed or at least one of its constituents is added is predetermined in the control system and the time required for a certain quantity (volume and/or weight) of the feed or of a certain constituent of the feed to reach the mixing container (1) is determined automatically at intervals. In the event that the desired quantity is modified, the time which is predetermined in the control system is also modified.

Abstract: An artificial nursing system for use by an infant animal is disclosed. The nursing system comprises a feeding bottle, a nipple and a sleeve. The feeding bottle has a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the feeding bottle is attached to the nipple. A sleeve envelopes the feeding bottle, the sleeve comprises a first section made from an elastic material, wherein the elastic material constricts around the feeding bottle and a second section fixedly attached to the first section, the second section is made from a scent accepting fabric and surrounds the nipple. The first and second sections allow the infant animal to grip the feeding bottle and nipple and the constriction of the first section of the sleeve attaches the sleeve to the feeding bottle.

Abstract: A heated animal nurser is provided to assist young animals in nursing and feeding, and can be for use with kittens, puppies, and similar animals.

Abstract: A device for use in increasing milk flow from a feeder bottle. The device includes a shaft adapted for entry into a correspondingly shaped hole in the feeder bottle. The device further includes a retention element for retaining the device in the hole and a channel, formed in a wall of the shaft. The shaft is movable such that it can, in a first position, seal the hole closed and, in another position (illustrated), permit airflow into the feeder bottle via the channel.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a feed apparatus for automatic milk feeding of young animals comprising a feed supply device (6, 6b, 43) comprising a milk line (23, 23b, 23c) connectable to said feed supply device and further connectable to a milking machine (14) arranged for milking of a plurality of animals, wherein said milk line is adapted to automatically transport milk from at least a selected one of said plurality of milk producing animals to said feed supply device. The invention relates further to an arrangement comprising the feed device and to a method for milk feeding of young animals.

Abstract: A device for use in increasing milk flow from a feeder bottle. The device includes a shaft adapted for entry into a correspondingly shaped hole in the feeder bottle. The device further includes a retention element for retaining the device in the hole and a channel, formed in a wall of the shaft. The shaft is movable such that it can, in a first position, seal the hole closed and, in another position (illustrated), permit airflow into the feeder bottle via the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for verifying the state, especially the state of health, of mammals, especially agricultural working animals, which suckle from a teat. Run-out sensors for determining values, such as resistivity measurements, temperature values of the animal and/or the foodstuff, pH determination, gas measurements from the pharynx and stomach, are allocated to the teat.