Abstract: A watering system for turkeys includes a channel assembly and a pipe assembly covered and supported by the channel assembly. A hangar is wrapped around the channel assembly and the pipe assembly and is secured to itself above the channel assembly. The hangar is secured to an assembly for raising of lowering the watering system. The hangar is also wrapped and secured around a previously installed anti-roost wire. Nipple assemblies are connected to the pipe assembly and provide the turkeys with access to the water within the pipe assembly when the birds trigger the nipple assemblies. Catch cup assemblies are secured to the channel assembly and have first and second catch basins. The first catch basin is provided below one of the nipple assemblies and the second catch basin is provided below an adjacent nipple assembly. The catch basins are thus positioned to catch water from the nipple assemblies.

Abstract: A stem for a watering nipple for use in supplying water to poultry is provided. At least a portion of the stem is hollow and formed of coiled material in a manner similar to that of a coiled spring such that the stem has a number of turns and minuscule gaps provided between adjacent turns. Upon actuation of the nipple, a water-tight seal is broken such that a portion of the water is directed to flow through the hollow interior of the stem, and preferably directly into the mouth of the poultry. Some water, though, will flow along the outer surface of the stem. Where the coiled material is provided, this water will either be drawn into the hollow interior of the stem through the minuscule gaps, or this water will adhere to the outer surfaces of the stem to attract and allow poultry to drink the water thereon.

Abstract: A stem for a watering nipple for use in supplying water to poultry is provided. At least a portion of the stem is hollow and formed of coiled material in a manner similar to that of a coiled spring such that the stem has a number of turns and minuscule gaps provided between adjacent turns. Upon actuation of the nipple, a water-tight seal is broken such that a portion of the water is directed to flow through the hollow interior of the stem, and preferably directly into the mouth of the poultry. Some water, though, will flow along the outer surface of the stem. Where the coiled material is provided, this water will either be drawn into the hollow interior of the stem through the minuscule gaps, or this water will adhere to the outer surfaces of the stem to attract and allow poultry to drink the water thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides a stem for a watering nipple for use in supplying water to poultry. The stem is hollow and formed of coiled material in a manner similar to that of a coiled spring such that the stem has a number of turns and minuscule gaps provided between adjacent turns. Upon actuation of the nipple, a water-tight seal is broken such that a majority of the water is directed to flow within the stem and directly into the mouth of the poultry. Some water, though, will flow along the outer surface of the stem. This water will either be drawn into the stem through the minuscule gaps, such that it will flow directly into the poultry's mouth, or this water will adhere to the outer surfaces of the stem to attract poultry and allow poultry to drink the water thereon.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a drinking system for birds or other animals that includes a housing and first and second engaging members for engaging the elongated supports for the fluid supply conduit of the drinking system. The first engaging member includes a pair of ends, each end including a plurality of flexible fingers extending generally parallel to the fluid supply conduit. The second engaging members are adapted to engage the flanges of the elongated supports. The pressure regulator includes a valve element and the housing desirably defines a valve bore for receiving the valve element. The valve element desirably includes a circular seal having a peripheral edge that extends radially inwardly and that includes a lip for sealing the valve bore when the valve element is in the closed position.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a drinking system for birds or other animals that includes a housing and first and second engaging members for engaging the elongated supports for the fluid supply conduit of the drinking system. The first engaging member includes a pair of ends, each end including a plurality of flexible fingers extending generally parallel to the fluid supply conduit. The second engaging members are adapted to engage the flanges of the elongated supports. The pressure regulator includes a valve element and the housing desirably defines a valve bore for receiving the valve element. The valve element desirably includes a circular seal having a peripheral edge that extends radially inwardly and that includes a lip for sealing the valve bore when the valve element is in the closed position.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a drinking system for birds or other animals that includes a housing and first and second engaging members for engaging the elongated supports for the fluid supply conduit of the drinking system. The first engaging member includes a pair of ends, each end including a plurality of flexible fingers extending generally parallel to the fluid supply conduit. The second engaging members are adapted to engage the flanges of the elongated supports. The pressure regulator includes a valve element and the housing desirably defines a valve bore for receiving the valve element. The valve element desirably includes a circular seal having a peripheral edge that extends radially inwardly and that includes a lip for sealing the valve bore when the valve element is in the closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically providing a preset, metered amount of horse feed to a stall. The apparatus includes a storage hopper and an auger transport assembly, which are both disposed upon a wall of the stall. The method includes rotating the auger and thereby delivering feed from the storage hopper to a location inside the stall.

Abstract: The watering nipple, constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, comprises a body having a water delivering channel therein. The water delivering channel has an inlet and an outlet, and defines a path of water flow. A pin having a head and a stem is disposed within the water delivering channel, with the stem protruding beyond the outlet. The pin is capable of movement within the water delivering channel so as to open and close the outlet. An enlarged body, having an extension and a knob, is connected to the stem. The knob has a horizontal surface which confronts the valve body thereby increasing the surface area capable of retaining water. A pin and a movable element are included within the water delivering channel in some constructions. The pin is able to close the inlet under the influence of the movable element.

Abstract: A feeding device comprises an element operable with a feed conveyor for dispersing food to an organism. The element comprises an upper chamber for receiving food and a lower chamber for dispersing food. The upper chamber is connected to the conveyor for receiving food therefrom. The upper chamber is also connected to the lower chamber so that food in the upper chamber can flow into the lower chamber. A valve is mounted for shifting between a filling position for allowing food to flow into the lower chamber, and a dispersing position for allowing dispersion of the food from the lower chamber while preventing food from flowing from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.

Abstract: A watering assembly for controllably dispensing water from a supply source into a drinking cup mounted on an animal watering apparatus and formed to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter on the top of the valve and induce and enhance agitating flow patterns created by water being discharged from the watering assembly. The watering assembly has a valve which is at least partially disposed within the cup and has a regulating portion which is activated by an animal forceably contacting the valve. Once activated, water flows from the valve and is directed downwardly into the cup by a deflector member whereupon the water flows over a flow directing portion of the valve which enhances the agitating flow patterns to thoroughly mix the water with any sedimentation which may have accumulated in the cup. Enhanced flow patterns created by the flow directing portion of the valve thoroughly mix the water in the cup preventing sedimentation build-up in blind areas or still areas.

Abstract: A hanger device integrally molded of plastic for a watering system for use in animal husbandry which facilitates the assembly of a watering system without the need for fasteners or tools. The hanger member is a vertically oriented beam member having a top end and a bottom end, the top end of which is attached to a flexible cord to suspend the watering system above a surface, the bottom end of which is formed with a pipe supporting portion to support a water pipe at the lowermost end of the hanger. Positioned generally in between the top and bottom ends of the hanger are a anti-roost wire bore and a support member bore. The anti-roost member bore provides insulated suspension of the electrified anti-roost wire between the hanger members and the support member bore provides a bore through which a structural support member projects over the entire length of the system.