Abstract: A reusable drinking straw has a metal tubular body with a first cylindrical segment at one free end, a second cylindrical segment at the opposite free end and a corrugated segment between the first and second segments. The cross-section of the opening of the drinking end is smaller than the cross-section of the tubular body and is preferably oval-shaped.

Abstract: An animal drinking cup or bowl is provided which is constructed so that water being dispensed from a nipple drinker mounted by the cup or bowl will move to a location remote from the drinker actuator, encouraging the animal to drink from a remote pool of water, and thereby reducing water waste and spillage. A metal cup or bowl body mounts the nipple drinker so that the pin actuator is at a first location, and the cup or bowl body has a slanted bottom portion adjacent the first location and leading to a pool-defining portion at a second location remote from the first location. The second location is preferably sufficiently remote from the first location so that an animal (such as a piglet) using the drinking cup or bowl substantially cannot activate the pin when simultaneously drinking out of the pool-defining portion. The slanted bottom portion may make a substantially uniform angle of about 4-10.degree.

Abstract: A nipple drinker for poultry or the like has a body constructed of thermoplastic acetal (e.g. DELRIN.RTM.) so as to minimize the amount of metal utilized while providing excellent longevity. The drinker includes a valve seat, valve pin, and ball all of metal, such as stainless steel. The head of the valve pin typically is essentially flat, in which case the height of the head is about 1.7 mm when the annular spacing between the circumferential periphery of the head and the valve seat is between about 0.07-0.08 mm. Each and every drinker is individually tested for the integrity of the valve seal, the integrity of an O ring seal, and to determine the amount of water it delivers. Accepted drinkers are classified according to the number of drops of water they will deliver per unit time in use based upon the testing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid flow control apparatus that is particularly useful for adding a small amount of a first liquid per unit volume to a flow of a second liquid. One particular application is for medicators for adding a medicant to a water supply for farm animals. The invention allows the size of an orifice--which produces limited flow of water supply, and a pressure drop--to be changed in such a manner that flow of water need not be stopped nor need any parts of the apparatus be disassembled. Preferably a slide is mounted in a block to which flow pipe parts are connected, the slide having at least four differently sized orifices formed therein. O-ring seals disposed in contact with the slide in an interior cavity of the block, and surrounding connections of the pipe parts to the block, prevent leakage of flowing liquid. Also, a detent is provided for detenting the slide into each position in which an orifice is in alignment with the flow pipe parts.

Abstract: A collapsible box is manufactured simply and inexpensively, and can support hanging files in a secure manner. The box components are all constructed of plastic, and pivotal connections between all of the components (to provide for the collapsing and erecting action) are provided solely by plastic pivot pins integral with the plastic components, and pivot pin receiving openings formed in the plastic components. The pivotal elements snap together and are disassemblable, so that the container may be easily assembled together and may be taken apart without the necessity of removing accessory elements that have been specifically inserted to pivotally connect the components together. Metal bars for supporting hanging files are themselves supported by channel defining elements extending inwardly from end panels of the box. The channel defining elements have closed sides and a closed bottom, and a closed end defined by the end panel.

Abstract: An inexpensive poultry watering system allows water to be supplied under very low pressure (e.g. a 2 inch head) to nipples or similar water dispensers, without the use of a regulator. Relatively high pressure water is fed into a float box, with a float valve assembly in the box valving the water as it flows into the float box, to establish a level of water in the box. An outlet opening from the box is connected to an elongated (e.g. 8 foot-10 foot) conduit which has the nipples, or other water dispensers, spaced along it. The conduit is suspended by conventional hangers, The float box needs no additional support, being connected to the conduit by a short pipe section and collar. A ballast/support pipe may be mounted above the conduit. The plastic float box has an anti-roost ridge at the apex of its top, and its bottom is sloped from the inlet toward the outlet.

Abstract: A shroud is provided for a poultry drinker to protect the poultry drinker bell from contamination, and to enhance the versatility and functionality of the drinker. The shroud comprises a plastic bell adapted to be releasably mounted so that it is stationary with respect to the valve body and/or hanger for the drinker, and is exterior of the drinker bell. The shroud includes a generally concentric opening formed at the top, and has a substantially flat bottom. Releasable attachment of the shroud to the drinker is provided by a generally radially extending flange at the top opening, and/or by a collar substantially defining and concentric with the top opening. The shroud is particularly useful with poultry drinkers that can both stand and be suspended.

Abstract: A poultry drinker includes a headless bell with a replaceable cartridge assembly for operatively attaching the bell to a conventional valve and a stand or a ballast. A flat annular support surface at the headless top of the bell cooperates with an annular support surface of the cartridge assembly, and a nut engages external threads on a tubular body of the cartridge assembly to clamp the bell annular support between itself and the cartridge annular support. An internal shelf in the cartridge to operate the valve, water passage openings are formed in the tube above the shelf, and the tubular body is connected to the valve by threads or the like. A flange radially extending from the cartridge adjacent the cartridge annular support is received by a cutout in the bell annular support to prevent rotation between the bell and cartridge. A screw-threaded post operatively attached to the shelf and extending through the cartridge annular support member provides attachment to the stand or ballast member.

Abstract: A method of constructing a medicator, and the medicator so produced. Housing top and bottom portions are formed by injection molding plastic. A water flow conduit is formed integrally on the side of both the top and bottom portions, and a medicant flow conduit is similarly integrally formed on the sides of the top and bottom portions. The medicant flow conduit and the water flow conduit interconnect in the integral raised portion of the housing top portion, and surface manifestations are provided on the top and/or bottom portions for receipt of a flexible bladder between them in liquid-tight sealing relationship. Fastener receiving structures are formed around the peripheries of both the top and bottom portions for receipt of fasteners to clamp the top and bottom portions together. A drain hole is provided on the bottom of the bottom housing portion, and an air bleed hole and a medicant entry hole are provided on the top.