Abstract: This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for watering livestock using a livestock waterer, a water source, and a waterer valve system for replenishing water in a water reservoir of the livestock waterer. A valve housing can be affixed to the water reservoir and coupled to a plunger. A cam can be pivotably coupled to the valve housing and one end of a float arm. A float component can be coupled to the opposite end of the float arm. Water from the water supply can enter the valve housing and exit an orifice in the valve housing along first and second side spouts. The float component can have a generally flat bottom and move vertically along with the water level within the water reservoir. As the float component moves vertically, the float arm pivots the cam. The cam can move the plunger in the valve housing to stop water flow.

Abstract: A nipple valve including a valve body with an outside surface in which are ground at least one semi-circular indentation which serves as a tool grip. The semi-circular indentation is formed in the shape of a trough with oppositely disposed open ends to permit a wrench to be placed and retained in position on the valve body during installation or removal of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals. A second swinging embodiment includes a suspension bracket which extends up from the vertical axis of the supply line for connection with a chain so that the waterer will hang straight.

Abstract: An animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals.

Abstract: An animal waterer drinking well apparatus is utilized with an animal waterer having a cover with one or more circular openings formed therein. The apparatus comprises a circular drinking well having an outwardly extending lip at the upper end thereof and which is adaptable to be inserted into one of the openings. A plurality of slots are formed in arcuately spaced relation in the circular wall of the well slightly below the lip, and a flexible ring having arcuately spaced projections, is inserted into the slots. The projections combine with the lip to embrace circumferential portions of the cover about the opening and secure the well to the cover. An annular, inwardly extended collar is formed integral with the well and is spaced below the arcuately spaced slots; and a circular float having a diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the well is adapted to seat upwardly against the collar due to water pressure within the well below the float to form a seal.

Abstract: An animal trough waterer and novel trough heater and thermostat arrangement are disclosed. The waterer includes a trough surrounded by an insulated housing. Attached to the bottom wall of the trough is a bracket which holds the heater in place against the trough. The bracket provides a slideway in which the thermostat is carried in any one of a range of positions. By adjusting the location of the thermostat to the heater, the water can be maintained at a relatively low but even temperature, and heater energy consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: An improved animal waterer which prevents ice formation and saves energy through the combination of a top cover, drink tube, and a novel drink float. Minimizing the water surface exposed to the air reduces heat transfer from the water to the air. A drink float allows an animal to drink freely and prevents heat loss. The combination further saves energy, hinders ice formation and inhibits contaminants from entering the water supply. A waterer housing corner guard inhibits the formation of loose animal hair contaminants.

Abstract: An improved corner wear guard that protects water troughs and will not become sharp when exposed to the rubbing motion of large animals, Further, the corner wear guard will not damage an animal's hide. This results in more valuable hides for the leather market. Additionally, the corner wear guard inhibits the formation of loose animal hair contaminants in the water troughs.

Abstract: A recirculating animal waterer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the waterer includes a supply conduit which extends from a remote water source underground at a level below the frost line to a first junction located inside a waterer stand. A first nipple extends from that first junction and terminates outside the stand. A cross-over conduit extends from the first junction to a remote second junction, also located inside the waterer stand. A second nipple extends from that second junction to a point outside the stand. A return conduit extends from the second junction back to the first junction. This return conduit includes a heatable section. A heater is mounted adjacent the supply conduit heatable section. If desired, a thermostat can be located adjacent the second junction to provide intermittent heater operation. In another embodiment, additional nipples extend from the stand, and water conduits provide an endless, recirculating flow of water past each nipple.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating an animal waterer of a type having an enclosed housing with a plurality of nipple valves extending outwardly of the housing for allowing animals to drink directly therefrom. The heat sink coupling is disposed interiorly of the housing and is connected to a water supply line at one end and a nipple valve at the opposite end. A rigid heater and a control means for such heater contacts the coupling; and heat is supplied to the coupling when the heater is activated. The control means senses the temperature at the outer surface of the coupling in the vicinity of the seating surface of the nipple valve and activates and deactivates the heater based on such temperature.

Abstract: A U-shaped heating element is attached to a bracket having an elongated back portion and ear portions joined normal to each end of the back portion. The ear portions extend to the same side of the back portion, and each ear portion has a plurality of perforations formed therethrough and a V-shaped recess formed in the extended free end thereof. The heating element is affixed to the back portion and disposed on the same side of the back as the ear portions. Plastic pipe is received in the V-shaped recesses of the ear portions, and springs hold the bracket to the pipe.

Abstract: An animal watering device of a type having an enclosed housing with a plurality of nipple valves extending from the sides of the housing for allowing animals such as hogs to drink directly therefrom. A base plate having radially outwardly extending flanges thereon is disposed on the housing surrounding each of the nipple valves for the purpose of forcing the animal watering therefrom to align itself in the same general direction that the valve extends from the housing thereby preventing substantial water loss, undesirable water spillage and allowing more animals to efficiently use the waterer than has heretofore been achievable.

Abstract: A valve of a type for use particularly in animal waterers. A valve body having a passageway extending therethrough has a valve stem disposed in the passageway. The valve stem has an enlarged portion on one end thereof having longitudinal slots therein and a valve head on the other end thereof for cooperation with a valve seat located at one end of the passageway of the valve body. A screen having perforate sides and an imperforate end is connected to the valve body and encompasses the valve head. A cylindrically shaped member is positioned inside of the screen and is sealed at one end thereof to the valve body and at the other end to the imperforate end of the screen. A single small hole passes through the cylindrical member at a place on the cylinder whereby the valve head must move past it during opening and closing thereof to thereby keep the opening from being closed due to the build-up of foreign particles or mineral deposits thereon.