Abstract: A system for aerating liquid within a liquid retention structure including a liquid delivery tube in fluid communication with a gas exchange chamber and a pump. The gas exchange chamber includes an air inlet and a gas outlet. The pump is configured to pump liquid within the liquid retention structure through the liquid delivery tube and into the gas exchange chamber so that harmful gases contained within the liquid escape from the liquid and exit through the gas outlet. Fresh air enters into the gas exchange chamber through the air inlet and is absorbed into the liquid within the gas exchange chamber.

Abstract: A deicing system configured to heat fluid within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming includes a sensing unit and a heating element. The sensing unit is configured to detect a change in at least one of capacitance and resistivity. The heating element is configured to heat the fluid. The sensing unit operates to deactivate the heating element when the sensing unit detects the change in at least one of capacitance and resistivity.

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: A system for cooling water within a pet bowl includes a porous container defining a water retaining cavity therein, wherein water within the water retaining cavity passes through the porous container and wicks to an outer surface of the porous container. The portion of the water that wicks to the outer surface evaporates, thereby cooling the water within said water retaining cavity.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an electrical outlet including a power output adapted to provide electricity to an electrically coupled device, a switch adapted to activate and deactivate the power output, a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature, and a control unit in communication with the switch and the temperature sensor. The control unit is adapted to control the power output using the switch based at least in part on the 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 of the heating element, 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 heating element includes a heating coil and a plate. The plate includes one or more fins. 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, 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: 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.

Abstract: A system for aerating liquid within a liquid retention structure including a liquid delivery tube in fluid communication with a gas exchange chamber and a pump. The gas exchange chamber includes an air inlet and a gas outlet. The pump is configured to pump liquid within the liquid retention structure through the liquid delivery tube and into the gas exchange chamber so that harmful gases contained within the liquid escape from the liquid and exit through the gas outlet. Fresh air enters into the gas exchange chamber through the air inlet and is absorbed into the liquid within the gas exchange chamber.

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 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: A deicing system configured to heat fluid within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming includes a sensing unit and a heating element. The sensing unit is configured to detect a change in at least one of capacitance and resistivity. The heating element is configured to heat the fluid. The sensing unit operates to deactivate the heating element when the sensing unit detects the change in at least one of capacitance and resistivity.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing system including a receptacle and a liquid level sensor. The receptacle includes a base integrally formed with lateral walls defining a cavity therebetween and configured to receive and retain a liquid. The liquid level sensor is positioned on the receptacle. The liquid level sensor determines the level of liquid within the receptacle based on a location of the liquid in relation to the liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A water agitation system configured to be positioned within a water retention structure configured to receive and retain water, includes a housing having a drive shaft extending downwardly therefrom; at least one upright member connected to a cross beam that is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the drive shaft; and at least one buoyant stirrer that slidably engages an upright member. The buoyant stirrers are configured to move relative to the upright members in response to a level of water within the water retention structure.

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.