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.