Abstract: A permanent magnet activated wrap spring clutch (10). A coil spring (32) surrounds an input hub (14) and an output hub (22) and is selectively engaged to wrap down upon the hubs for the transmittal of torque. In an unpowered, engaged condition of the clutch, a permanent magnet (40) attracts a control collar (38) attached to the spring into frictional engagement with a rotating input element (20). Rotation of the control collar causes the spring to wrap down from its somewhat oversized diameter at rest to grip the hubs. In a powered, disengaged condition of the clutch, an energized coil (44) causes the magnetic field of the permanent magnet to move away from the control collar, thereby removing the frictional engagement and allowing the spring to unwrap. The clutch provides torque transmittal without electrical power and ensures complete disengagement regardless of a low momentum or high drag on the output.

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.

Abstract: A locking cord connector assembly may include a male housing and a female housing. The male housing defines a male interior chamber configured to house one of a plug or outlet portion of an extension cord. The male housing includes male threads outwardly extending from an outer surface, and at least one tab. The female housing defines a female interior chamber configured to house the other of the plug or outlet portion of an extension cord. The female housing includes female threads inwardly extending from an interior surface. The at least one tab cooperates with a portion of the female housing to provide a ratcheting mechanism configured to maintain a secure connection between the male and female housings.

Abstract: An extension cordset assembly includes a receptacle and a sealing gasket. The receptacle includes a receptacle main body, a receptacle connecting interface and first and second spade mating holes extending into the receptacle main body from the receptacle connecting interface. The receptacle is configured to mate with a plug having a standard spade configuration. The sealing gasket is positioned on the receptacle connecting interface and includes first and second spade openings aligned with the first and second spade mating holes, respectively. The sealing gasket is configured to provide a water-resistant seal between the receptacle and the plug.

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.

Abstract: A system for preventing a deicer from being removed from a liquid receptacle includes a deicer, an anchoring assembly and a tether. The deicer includes a main body and a heating element. The heating element is configured to heat liquid within the liquid receptacle. The anchoring assembly is configured to be secured to or within the liquid receptacle. The tether has first and second ends. The first end is securely fastened to a portion of the deicer. The second end is securely fastened to the anchoring assembly. The anchoring assembly is configured to ensure that the deicer remains within the liquid receptacle.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming. The system may include a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, wherein the heating element is supported by the main body, and a concealing cover that is configured to hide the main body the said heating element from view. The concealing cover has a larger axial envelope than the main body and the heating element. The concealing cover may be shaped as a naturally existing object.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicing system configured to prevent ice from forming in a water containment vessel. The system includes a heating element configured to heat the water within the containment vessel, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heating element through an electrical path and may be configured to monitor water temperature. The second temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heating element through the electrical path and may be configured to monitor heating element temperature. At least one of the temperature sensors may include a reset button.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming, the system including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature of the water, a switch adapted to activate and deactivate the heating element, and a control unit in communication with the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the switch. The heating element is supported by the main body. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element using the switch based at least in part on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming including a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle, a heating element adapted to heat the water, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature, and a control unit in communication with the heating element and the temperature sensor. The heating element is supported by the main body. The temperature sensor is thermally connected to the heating element. The control unit is adapted to determine a temperature of the water based at least in part on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The control unit is adapted to control the heating element based at least in part on the determined temperature of the water.

Abstract: An electrical tool includes a main housing, an operative portion integrally connected to, and forming part of, the main housing, and a plug integrally connected to, and forming part of, the main housing. The plug comprising a base or main body, a plug connecting interface and first and second spades extending from the plug connecting interface. The first and second spades are in a standard configuration.

Abstract: A beaded lip protection and tamper-resistant device for canisters with caps is disclosed, as well as multiples of the same device joined together to form multiple-canister carriers that may be provided with one or more handles.

Abstract: An extension cordset assembly includes a receptacle and a sealing gasket. The receptacle includes a receptacle main body, a receptacle connecting interface and first and second spade mating holes extending into the receptacle main body from the receptacle connecting interface. The receptacle is configured to mate with a plug having a standard spade configuration. The sealing gasket is positioned on the receptacle connecting interface and includes first and second spade openings aligned with the first and second spade mating holes, respectively. The sealing gasket is configured to provide a water-resistant seal between the receptacle and the plug.

Abstract: A deicing system configured to heat water within a water receptacle includes a main body supporting a temperature sensor, a heating element, and a pump. The main body is positioned proximate a base of the water receptacle. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the temperature of the water. The heating element is configured to heat the water when a temperature of the water approaches a freezing point. The pump is configured to circulate the water within the water receptacle to prevent temperature gradients within the water.

Abstract: An extension cordset assembly includes a receptacle and a sealing gasket. The receptacle includes a receptacle main body, a receptacle connecting interface and first and second spade mating holes extending into the receptacle main body from the receptacle connecting interface. The receptacle is configured to mate with a plug having a standard spade configuration. The sealing gasket is positioned on the receptacle connecting interface and includes first and second spade openings aligned with the first and second spade mating holes, respectively. The sealing gasket is configured to provide a water-resistant seal between the receptacle and the plug.

Abstract: Improvements in integral carriers for carrying multiple containers by their necks are disclosed, the improvements comprising annular neck-engaging structures having circumferential ribs oriented on an inward bias forming an angle relative to horizontal from about 45° to about 65° that permits nesting of the carriers, and a centrally disposed longitudinal handle with an attachment configuration that promotes a balanced distribution of weight for ease in carrying and handling.

Abstract: A water agitation system for use with a water retention structure, such as a bird bath or livestock water trough, includes a motor operatively connected to a drive shaft, and a blade assembly extending outwardly from the drive shaft. The motor is operable to rotate the blade assembly in order to impart motion to water retained within the water retention structure. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an audio source may be provided, including a sound board and speaker.

Abstract: A fluid heating system configured to regulate a temperature of a fluid within a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor in electrical communication with the processing unit, and a heating element in electrical communication with the processing unit. The at least one fluid temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or both of the fluid receptacle and/or fluid retained within the fluid receptacle. The processing unit selectively activates and deactivates the heating element to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the fluid receptacle.

Abstract: An automatic liquid filling system including a liquid supply, a liquid-retaining structure, and a filling apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid supply and the liquid-retaining structure. The filling apparatus is configured to automatically supply liquid to the liquid-retaining structure when the liquid recedes below a low level that is based on a position of the filling apparatus in relation to the liquid-retaining structure.

Abstract: An electric braking or clutching device includes a housing; an armature having an axis and disposed at the housing, the armature and the housing defining a radial air gap therebetween; and a coil configured to generate, when energized, a magnetic field at the housing and armature, a flux path of the field extending from the coil into the armature, from the armature into the housing, and from the housing back to the coil, with the direction of the flux path from the armature into the housing being substantially radial in orientation.