Temperature-controlling Patents (Class 119/73)
  • Patent number: 11957116
    Abstract: An animal watering device is provided that is automatically fillable for providing water to animals, such as horses or other livestock. Animal watering device includes a base, a trough positioned within the base for storing water, and a water filling assembly coupled with the trough to control a water level within the trough. A ring can be positioned about an upper surface of the trough to protect the upper surface of the trough. A disc can be positioned within the trough to cover a portion of water filling assembly positioned within the trough, while allowing water to flow through the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Mindy M. Cook
  • Patent number: 11793162
    Abstract: A freeze-resistant watering device has a nipple or ball valve, a heat pipe, a sleeve in tight thermal contact with the nipple, a water-tight connection to a liquid containing container or supply pipe, and an outer shield enclosing an insulating space or insulation material. This device thermally couples a watering nipple or ball valve to a container or supply pipe via a thermal conduction path including bends so the nipple or ball valve maintains a temperature near that of the liquid in the container or supply pipe, and also provides a means for thawing the watering device with heat from the liquid in the container or supply pipe. The use of one or more freeze-resistant watering devices with a thermally insulated container in a watering unit with an insulated container or supply pipe provides drinking water to animals, and in particular, birds in sub-freezing and in hot weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffry Golden
  • Patent number: 11744227
    Abstract: An animal water dispenser apparatus has a container with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and a water hose connected to the inlet opening. The inlet opening is positioned below the outlet opening. The water hose is adapted to pass fresh water into an interior of the container. The outlet opening is adapted to allow water from the interior of the container to be released outwardly of the container. A fresh water source can be connected to the water hose so as to pass fresh water under pressure through the water hose and into the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Tim McDonald
  • Patent number: 11490591
    Abstract: An intake valve and a drain system are located in the lower portion of a stanchion or outer pipe which is preferably dimensioned so that these structures can be located below the frost line underground so as not to be subject to freezing. The intake valve structure includes a body which fits tightly within the stanchion and which has a central bore which receives, at its uppermost end, the lower end of the conduit. The lower end of the bore can be fitted with a metal fitting and a guide washer. The improvements to the prior art include a second drain over the top of the bowl via indents. A concave collar under the bowl guides the water-carrying pipe. A new flapper has a boot type pressure point and a metal pivot assembly. A new valve is overmolded using a hard plastic interior and a soft plastic top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Michael John Stradiot
  • Patent number: 11337405
    Abstract: A self-watering, self-draining water fountain includes a drinking reservoir mountable in a housing unit. The water fountain incorporates a variety of overflow protection features to address water overflow. The fountain also includes various complementary attachment features enabling the drinking reservoir to releasably mount to the housing unit. An arrangement of complementary convex and concave features incorporated into the drinking reservoir and housing unit facilitates guided location and positioning of the drinking reservoir onto a seat of the housing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventor: David M. Dinger
  • Patent number: 11160250
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser may include a water tank having a wall opened at an upper side, a pump provided inside the water tank, a water supply pipe connected to the pump to transfer water, a water supply plate provided at a position higher than the wall of the water tank and having a water supply hole communicating with the water supply pipe and an upper surface over which water supplied from the water supply hole flows, and a water guide formed within the opening of the wall of the water tank and spaced apart from and below the water supply plate. The water guide may have a hole to discharge the water dropped from the water supply plate to the water tank and to filter the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hyunsun Yoo, Jaehung Chun, Yousook Eun, Joogyeom Kim, Sungkyung Kim, Myongsun Kim
  • Patent number: 11122773
    Abstract: A drinking bowl (100) for domestic animals comprises a collecting basin (1), a removable container (2), a filtering element (3) which is arranged so as to close an opening (20) of the removable container (2) and a ventilation pipe (4) which extends between opposite ends of the removable container (2) and which opens inside the removable container (2) at a first end (41, 42) and downstream of the filtering element (3) at a second end (41, 42). The second end (41, 42) further comprises a widened portion (420) which is capable of channeling a flow of liquid inside the ventilation pipe (4) for introducing liquid inside the removable container (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: LAICA S.P.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Moretto
  • Patent number: 10941962
    Abstract: A heating system component for a heating system for heating a fluid medium is provided. The heating system component includes: a carrier unit comprising a wet side, wherein said wet side corresponds to a surface of said carrier unit configured to be in contact with said fluid medium; and a heating unit. The heating unit may be coupled to the carrier unit via soldering, laser welding, gluing, ultrasonic welding, and/or friction welding. The carrier unit may comprise aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Bleckmann GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gernot Teufl
  • Patent number: 10467930
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image-replaceable functional advertisement apparatus that includes a base having a plate shape, a shade formed of a flexible material and coupled to a top of the base along a periphery of the base, the shade including an image mounting surface to which an image is attached, a lighting column mounted in an upright position on a side of an upper surface of the base surrounded by the shade, and a cover that covers an open top of the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: COCOON DESIGN Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Young Jun Kwon
  • Patent number: 10383310
    Abstract: There is provided a heated livestock waterer having a heater chamber, a heater disposed in the heater chamber that, in operation, generates at least heated gas, and a water reservoir having at least one sidewall that is in thermal communication with the heater chamber, the water reservoir having an animal watering section and a covered section covered by a lid, the lid and the covered section defining an air space that is in fluid communication with the heater chamber via an air passage, the air space having a vent to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: CAP Solar Pumps Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Wright
  • Patent number: 10334665
    Abstract: Provided is an immersion heater including: a flange; a heat generation tube bent in a U-shape and having both lengthwise ends passing through the flange in an upward direction; a sensor rod having one end passing through the flange in the upward direction; a cap coupled to the flange to cover an end of the heat generation tube and an end of the sensor rod protruding from a top surface of the flange; a power wire having one end inserted into the cap and connected to a power terminal of the heat generation tube; a sensor wire having one end inserted into the cap and connected to a sensor terminal of the sensor rod; and silicone filled in the cap and including a plurality of hardened layers with a time difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: KD HEATER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gikyung Kim
  • Patent number: 10117417
    Abstract: An automatic animal watering system including a basin having an interior wall defining a water holding trough, and an outer wall; a non-contact water level sensor built into the interior wall; a drain located in a lower portion of the basin; and electronic circuitry, power source and a solenoid valve contained in a protected space between the inner and outer walls of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: PEGASUS UNLIMITED, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony L. Colica
  • Patent number: 9723812
    Abstract: An elevated feeding tray apparatus includes a tray riser and a tray. The tray riser includes an elevated base and a plurality of legs attached to the elevated base; the elevated base defining a one of a top outer edge and a top inner edge, a portion of the one of the top outer edge and the top inner edge of the tray riser at the rear end of the tray riser higher than the one of the top outer edge and the top inner edge of the tray riser at the front end of the tray riser; each of the plurality of legs including an attachment portion proximate to the tray and a foot portion distal from the attachment portion. The tray includes a tray separately removable from the tray riser, the tray including a bowl, the bowl defining a feeding cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: ACT 3 VENTURES INC.
    Inventors: Patricia M. Jones, Michael Haddad, Daniel W. Rossborough, Sr., Daniel W. Rossborough, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9609847
    Abstract: An animal watering device includes a trough for holding water, a water conduit system in fluid communication with the trough and arranged to be connected to a water supply, an electric power consuming water level control system including a controller and at least one water level sensor arranged to sense a water level in the trough, and an electric power unit is provided. The electric power unit includes an electric generator and an electrically chargeable unit. The water level control system is connected to the electrically chargeable unit. The electric generator is connected to the water conduit system. The electric generator is arranged to be driven by water from the water supply and to charge the electrically chargeable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: DELAVAL HOLDING AB
    Inventors: Hans Van Der Poel, Nicolas Tillet
  • Patent number: 9249897
    Abstract: The double action float valve is connected to a single pipe and a tank and controls both the filling and discharge of the tank. The double action float valve utilizes a valve body, a heavy filling obturator positioned within the valve body, a light inverse obturator positioned within the heavy filling obturator, and a float connected to the heavy filling obturator. When the inflow pressure from the pipe is greater than the outflow pressure of the tank, the tank is filled until the float reaches a predetermined level. When the outflow pressure of the tank is greater than the inflow pressure, the double action float valve is automatically reconfigured to discharge the fluid from the tank into the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Hugo Antonio Munoz Acosta
  • Patent number: 9149020
    Abstract: A self regulated feeder for a footbath for animals may include a hollow container for a source of fluid, an outlet passageway to connect the hollow container with the footbath, an air return passageway to connect the hollow container to ambient air to return air to the hollow container, and a differential valve to restrict the returning air to the hollow container. The fluid may include air, and the fluid may include a liquid having a disinfect agent. The self regulated feeder may include a flush passageway to flush the footbath, and the air return passageway may be connected to a liquid trap container to prevent fluid from the footbath from reaching the hollow container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventor: Roderick John Murphy
  • Patent number: 8875659
    Abstract: An animal drinker allowing for the circulation of the water in the animal drinker. To this end, the animal drinker has two parallel pipe strings (23, 24) that form a water circuit ensuring a constant movement of water, namely that water flows continuously through the pipe strings (23, 24) even when no water has been removed at the drinking valves (20) over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Lubing Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Egon Schumacher, Wolfgang Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140261206
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FOERSTER TECHNIK GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Foerster
  • Publication number: 20140158059
    Abstract: A poultry watering device with a water container with an attached bail, with a centering notch in the center of the bail. The water container has a passage for a heater cord to extend out of said water container. The water container has a removable lid which may be domed, conical, or flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: SUSAN ANN HASBROUCK, Stuart Drew Watkins
  • Patent number: 8674268
    Abstract: The heated water bucket includes a rubber bodied bucket with an integrated heating unit fitted to the bottom of the bucket. The heating unit covers the entire bottom of the bucket acting as a false “bottom” so that the heating unit does not appear as a foreign object within the bucket. The heating unit is held to the bottom of the bucket by a peripheral flange that extends radially around the inside of the bucket sidewall. The rubber construction of the bucket itself makes the invention more durable, but also improves the bucket's thermal insulation properties, making it more efficient than conventional heated plastic buckets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Benjamin T. Clark, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140053781
    Abstract: The present invention is a pet water fountain that includes a solar panel with a rechargeable battery, a quantity of water consumed by a pet that is heated by the solar panel to prevent bacteria and algae growth, a plurality of water spouts and valves that disperse the water heated, a filter and pump that includes a central filter and a water pump system and a reservoir area that includes a warming element. The pet water fountain also includes a water bottle that contains water that is treated by the filter and pump, a stainless steel bowl that contains the dispersed water, a plurality of rubber feet that are evenly positioned underneath the stainless steel bowl and a j-shaped cleaning tool utilized to clean the pet water fountain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Cynthia Lewis
  • Patent number: 8651056
    Abstract: A pet bowl water cooling system includes a bowl, a pump for removing water from the bowl, a heat transfer device, and a conduit adapted to carry the water to the heat transfer device, to carry cooled water back to the bowl. The heat transfer device can include a metal coil submersed in a relatively cool liquid medium. Preferably, the bowl includes a float valve to allow water to flow into the bowl when the float valve is activated. In an embodiment, the liquid medium includes water in a water reservoir of an evaporative cooler. In an embodiment, the evaporative cooler includes a housing that is disposed between studs of a wall. The dog bowl can be mounted on an interior wall or an exterior wall. In an embodiment, the evaporative cooler is disposed within a wall of a dog house and the dog dish is mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Gass, Jon Shrader
  • Patent number: 8651065
    Abstract: An animal water tank that is heated to prevent freezing. The tank has a bottom with at least one upwardly extending sidewall to define sides of the tank. A tunnel defining a watertight channel extends across the tank. The tunnel has a top, sides, and a bottom. Ends of the tunnel terminate at openings in sides of the tank. A burner assembly in the tunnel produces heat from a combustible fuel to heat the tunnel. Openings in sides of the tank are covered by fin plates having fins obliquely angled downward to form louvered openings. Access panels cover the fin plates and extend vertically up the sidewalls of the tank to form chimneys that allow combustion gasses from the burner to draft upwardly out of the tank. Insulation may be added to sides of the tank to retain heat in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventors: Lloyd F. Eash, Allen Yoder
  • Patent number: 8607737
    Abstract: A watering fountain having a first valve assembly coupled to a pressurized water supply, including a check valve configured to restrict water flow under pressurized water conditions. The fountain includes a second valve assembly selectably coupleable to the first valve assembly and including a disabling structure, a valve, a drain port, a flexible diaphragm, a diaphragm actuator, and a quick connect valve. The watering fountain also includes a fluid conduit extending upwardly from the second valve assembly. The fountain includes an activator rod extending upwardly from the second valve assembly inside the fluid conduit. The watering fountain includes a basin extending upwardly from the fluid conduit. The fountain includes an activator plate operationally coupled to the activator rod and disposed within the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Alden O. Forbes
  • Patent number: 8464661
    Abstract: An automated animal watering apparatus having an inlet-outlet aperture disposed within a recessed repository, a first water sensor, a second water sensor, a combined pipe with an inlet portion and an outlet portion; the inlet portion operationally connected to an extant faucet, the outlet portion operationally communicating with an extant drainage; a heater plate, a temperature sensor, a drain pump, and a central processing unit controlling the device; wherein the central processing unit operationally communicates with the sensors, inlet valve, and drain pump, to maintain a water level within the repository, a water temperature between determined norms, and engages a preprogrammed flushing cycle by alternately activating and deactivating the drain pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Theresa J. Dunn, Sylas B. Ashton, Seth J. Ashton
  • Patent number: 8336496
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Phillip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 8270822
    Abstract: To provide an aircraft use water heater that operates by an aircraft power source of an AC variable frequency mounted in an aircraft, that is small, light-weight, safe, and low power consumption, and that can supply warm water stably. In an aircraft use water heater composed of a tank section for heating liquid stored therein and a controlling section for controlling the heating of the liquid by an aircraft power source, a bottom face of the tank section has a baffle plate and, liquid flowing in the tank section collides against the baffle plate to flow in a different direction parallel to the bottom face and is upwardly moved, while being heated, in the vicinity of a helical coil-type heater and is taken out through a liquid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi Sasaki, Seiichi Tomiyama
  • Publication number: 20120192797
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIED PRECISION INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: THOMAS K. REUSCHE, PHILLIP E. CHUMBLEY
  • Publication number: 20120192796
    Abstract: The apparatus disclosed and claimed herein comprises a weather cap, a heat source located within said weather cap, a bird feeder, and a suspension device for attaching said bird feeder to said weather cap in proximity to said heating element. The method disclosed and claimed herein comprises providing hummingbird food in a hummingbird feeder, providing a source of heat, transferring the heat to the hummingbird food in the hummingbird feeder such that the food will be kept liquid in an environment where said food would normally become solid, through heat conduction, heat radiation, heat convection or any combination of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Robert John Saunders, Dolores Marie Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8176874
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 8146535
    Abstract: A thermally controlled drinking water system for animals having a thermally insulated cabinet containing a water reservoir, a water bowl, a vapor-compression refrigeration water-cooling system, and an electric water heating system, maintains the drinking water at an optimal temperature in both hot weather and freezing weather conditions. The reservoir stores at least five days of water and automatically maintains the water bowl in a constantly filled condition through a water supply conduit and visual indicator indicates when the reservoir water level is getting low. The evaporator coil of the cooling system is engaged with the water bowl in heat exchange relation and electrical heating elements are engaged in heat exchange relation with the water bowl and reservoir. Cooling and heating operations are controlled by an ambient air temperature sensor on the cabinet exterior and a water temperature sensor on the side wall of the water bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Edward C. Neumann
  • Patent number: 8117991
    Abstract: A pet water dispenser having a system of water pumps to circulate water, a water bowl containing a temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the water in the bowl, an ultra violet light and a filter to purify and clean the circulating water, an in-line water heater and a thermoelectric cooling plate to keep the water at a desired temperature, water jets inside the bowl to spray water against the inside of the bowl to clean hair and debris from the bowl, a rotating drain disc in the bowl which periodically opens to permit emptying of old water from the water bowl and closes to permit filling of the bowl with fresh water, a digital controller to permit a pet owner to control the operation of the dispenser and the temperature of the water presented in the bowl to the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Sandra Civitillo
  • Publication number: 20110107974
    Abstract: A system for insulating a conventional stock tank configured to retain drinking water for an animal. The system includes at least one insulating member configured to secure to the conventional stock tank. The at least one insulating member is configured to trap air between the at least one insulating member and one or both of a retaining wall of the conventional stock tank or a surface within a water-retaining cavity of the conventional stock tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7934469
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Maasland N.V.
    Inventor: Karel Van Den Berg
  • Publication number: 20100313815
    Abstract: A water drinking container for animals is provided with which the temperature of water placed therein can be suppressed over a long period of time, especially during a period of high air temperature, to make water readily drinkable for a dog or other animal to weak from heat and make it easy for the animal to weather the heat by adequate hydration, the water drinking container being simple in arrangement, being available inexpensively, and including: a water container, having an upwardly-open, water containing recess; a cold reserving material, contained in a bag or a plastic case; and a cold reserving material container, holding the cold reserving material in a state of contact with a bottom rear surface of the water containing recess of the water container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Yasushi Maeda
  • Patent number: 7814863
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing liquid feed to livestock deliver the liquid feed to a feeding station at a temperature below that of the mother's natural milk to encourage use of the liquid feed by the young as a supplement and not a replacement. A second reservoir expands the capacity of the system without increasing the size of the mixing reservoir. The second reservoir is equipped with selectively operable refrigeration and heating elements to facilitate cooling of the liquid feed or heating of a cleaning solution. A peroxide doser introduces small quantifies of peroxide to clean the liquid feed and prevent gorging. Orifices through which feed is discharged at feeding stations decrease in cross sectional area along the circulation line in the direction of flow to counteract variation in discharge flow rates caused by a pressure differential in the liquid feed along the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: John Hare, Gerard Grant Coyston
  • Publication number: 20100206237
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a watering system configured to provide water to livestock. The system includes a water basin defining a trough configured to retain water, a reservoir mounted to the water basin, wherein the reservoir is configured to receive and retain water above the water basin. A water path is defined from the reservoir to the trough, wherein water within the reservoir is configured to pass into the water basin through gravity. A first heating element configured to heat water within the reservoir. A second heating element is configured to heat water within the trough, wherein the second heating element is separate and distinct from the first heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Patent number: 7762211
    Abstract: The pet feeding and watering apparatus provides pet food and water in the same cabinet. The apparatus provides constant temperature control of the chilled water, with auto recirculation and filtration, thereby preventing algae and bacterial growth. The vertical guide float assembly ensures correct water level within the water reservoir. The adjustable thermostat senses water warmth and initiates operation of the switched valve and the chiller with pump. The apparatus also provides a fingertip controlled feeding assembly. The feeding assembly is removable by a human but not by a pet, which is a key factor, as many pets are playfully destructive of such items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin M. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7735455
    Abstract: A ground supported poultry fountain includes a basin with an annular drinking trough, a bell shaped reservoir detachable mounted atop the basin and a heating element affixed to the bottom of the basin. The heating element covers the bottom surface of the basin under the reservoir and along the inner wall of the drinking trough. The heating element prevents the water in the reservoir, as well as the water in the trough from freezing when ambient temperatures drop below freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Farm Innovators, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin T. Clark, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100116214
    Abstract: Drinkers for animals are usually configured as having a single elongate pipe string (24) in which a plurality of drinking valves are screwed in. The drinking valves (20) can operated by the animals themselves to cover their water needs. When no water is being removed by the animals at the drinking valves (20) the water in the pipe string (24) stands still. This has a negative impact on water quality, particularly in warmer climates, leading to a sharp increase of germs in the water, for example. This can result in diseases among the animals. The invention proposes the circulation of the water in the animal drinker. To this end, the animal drinker has two parallel pipe strings (23, 24) which form a water circuit ensuring a constant movement of water, namely that water flows continuously through the pipe strings (23, 24) even when no water has been removed at the drinking valves (20) over an extended period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Egon Schumacher, Wolfgang Meyer
  • Publication number: 20100064977
    Abstract: A livestock waterer for use in frigid climates includes a lid which floats on the surface of the water in each basin of the waterer. The lid is hollow with a convex upper surface and with baffle walls depending from the underside of the lid. The baffle walls interrupt wave action on the surface of the water created by depression of the lid into the water when an animal presses down on the lid to gain access to the water. The floor of each basin is provided with an integrally formed mounting post to support a heater within the basin. The baffles walls prevent exhaustion of water within the basin thereby preserving submersion of the heater at all times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ruhl A. Barker
  • Publication number: 20090241848
    Abstract: An animal waterer may be provided. The animal waterer may comprise a reservoir for containing a water supply, a sediment container located in the reservoir and in fluid communication with the water supply, and a drinking container located in the sediment container. The drinking container may comprise at least one opening in fluid communication with the water supply. The animal waterer may also comprise a valve in fluid communication with the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis Bryant
  • Publication number: 20090217881
    Abstract: A water container for pets or other animals which has a container or reservoir for holding a supply of water. The container is secured to a bowl or tray into which the reservoir will feed water. The reservoir usually has only a single opening or orifice for the water to be released into the tray this orifice is usually placed in the tray such that water flows out of the reservoir into the tray until an equilibrium is reached between the level of the water in the tray and the remaining water in the reservoir. As the pet drinks water from the tray additional water is released from the reservoir to refill the container until a new equilibrium is achieved. This continues until all the water is removed from the reservoir and flows into the tray. The reservoir has double wall structure with an insulator between the walls to keep the water in the reservoir cool and, therefore, appealing to the pet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Chambers
  • Publication number: 20090120370
    Abstract: A water drinking container for animals is provided with which the temperature of water placed therein can be suppressed over a long period of time, especially during a period of high air temperature, to make water readily drinkable for a dog or other animal to weak from heat and make it easy for the animal to weather the heat by adequate hydration, the water drinking container being simple in arrangement, being available inexpensively, and including: a water container, having an upwardly-open, water containing recess; a cold reserving material, contained in a bag or a plastic case; and a cold reserving material container, holding the cold reserving material in a state of contact with a bottom rear surface of the water containing recess of the water container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Yasushi Maeda
  • Patent number: 7438873
    Abstract: A scent lure is configured as a reusable container with two separate compartments, one for a scent wick and one for a disposable heating element. The compartments are separated by a common dividing wall and are independently accessible for ease of use. The separate compartments allow the heating element to be removed and/or replaced without contact with the scent wick and vice versa. Preferably, the heating compartment has vents to facilitate continued activation of a heating element during use. The vents are preferably configured to provide a chimney effect that creates a heated air flow over the sent wick for enhancing the lure's effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Warmkraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald C. Saxon, Jeremiah Parker, Mark Mattox
  • Publication number: 20080230009
    Abstract: A device and method designed to provide a continuous supply of liquid to livestock is presented. The one-piece device comprises a storage tank and a drinking bowl. The storage tank can have a filling access hole for filling the tank. The tank can have at least one drinking bowl access hole which allows access from the tank to the bowl. Both the filling access hole and the drinking bowl access holes can be opened and closed. While filling, the drinking bowl access hole can be closed. After filling, the filling access hole can be closed and the drinking bowl access hole can be opened allowing liquid to flow from the tank into the bowl. Gravity and air pressure within the tank maintain a constant liquid level in the bowl while simultaneously preventing liquid from overflowing the bowl. A heating element can be placed into the tank to prevent freezing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Cory Michael Craig
  • Patent number: 7423243
    Abstract: A fluid heating system includes a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir, and a heating control system configured to heat fluid retained within the fluid reservoir. The heating control system includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor positioned on or within the fluid receptacle, a heating element configured to heat fluid within the fluid reservoir, and a power switch disposed within an electrical path between the heating element and the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the heating element through the power switch based on the fluid temperature detected by the fluid temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley
  • Publication number: 20080196670
    Abstract: This water feeder includes a heating element interposed between the fluid reservoir and a heater base. The fluid reservoir is press fit onto a heater base, which includes a bottom tray and an upright back. The heating element includes a length of electrical resistance heating wire affixed to a sheet of pliable thermal conductive foil. The heating element covers both the inside of the base tray to contact the bottom of the fluid reservoir and the inside face of the base back to contact the back wall of the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Benjamin T. Clark
  • Patent number: 7285760
    Abstract: A bucket including a bottom section and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom to define an interior region. The bottom section has a compartment located therein. The bottom section further includes a door that may be moved between a first position that allows access to the compartment and a second position that closes the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James R. McHugh
  • Patent number: 6915761
    Abstract: A weatherproof pet feeder (12) has an enclosure (14) pivotally mounted to a feeder base (16) by a hinge (18). Latches (22) secure the enclosure (14) in a downward position on the feeder base (16). The feeder base (16) as two bowl sockets (34, 36). The bowl socket (34) has an electric heater coil (58) for heating a water bowl (38). The feeder base (16) is raised above a ground surface on support legs (44). The support legs (44) have mounting feet (46), tubular leg sections (72) and insecticide bands (96). The support legs (44) are sealed on lower ends by nipples (48) for containing weighting material which prevents the weatherproof feeder (12) from being overturned. The feeder base (16) has tie down loops (52) and the mounting feet (46) have apertures (86) for receiving stakes (88) for securing the weatherproof pet feeder (12) to the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Glenda Gail Campbell