Abstract: A solar pet water dispenser, comprising a solar cell assembly, a water storage assembly, a water pumping assembly, a temperature control assembly, a living body sensor, a first control assembly and an induction switch, wherein the water storage assembly is provided with a water storage tank and a water holding lid which are hinged connected with the water storage tank; the water pumping assembly is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet, the first water inlet is connected with the water storage cavity, the first water outlet is connected with the water storage lid; the living body sensor is arranged on the water storage tank; at an input end of the first control assembly is connected the solar cell assembly, at an output end thereof is connected the water pumping assembly and the temperature control assembly, and at a control end thereof the living body sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water supplier for a pet and a control method thereof, that is, a water supplier for a pet that operates a thermoelectric element by sensing the temperature of water stored in a water tub through a water temperature sensor, operates a warning unit by sensing the level of the water stored in a water tub through a water level sensor, operates a pump by sensing a pet within a predetermined distance range through a proximity sensor, and cuts power or keeps the inclination of a water dispenser horizontal by sensing the inclination of the water tub through a gyro sensor, and a method of controlling the water supplier.

Abstract: A high throughput process for delivering a semi-firm gel for supplying vaccines, nutritive substances and other similar material to animals, such as poultry chicks. The material is delivered in a non-absorbent semi-firm gel that is easily consumable which results in higher material uptake. The semi-firm gel is formed by interactions occurring between a solution containing an alginic acid crosslinking agent with a gel containing alginic acid.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering digestible products to hatchling fowl includes a controller and a metered delivery mechanism, the metered delivery mechanism electrically coupled to the controller and configured to deliver a pre-defined quantity of digestible products to the container. The digestible product includes an edible and digestible semisolid material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flushing device that can be connected to a potable water system for flushing at least one water line (4), the flushing device comprising a flushing valve (8), a control line (24) that is connected to the flushing valve (8) in a controlling manner and a control device (22) that controls a position of the flushing valve (8) via the control line (24) in a time-dependent manner and/or in a manner depending on a water temperature and/or in a manner depending on a water consumption. In order to comply with the hygiene requirements for a potable water system and to enable efficient flushing, the flushing device according to the present invention is adapted to control the flushing process in a manner depending on the water pressure.

Abstract: A drop tube for providing food to an animal in a milking stable, the drop tube configured to receive food from a food container arranged vertically above the drop tube and to deliver the received food into a food manger, the drop tube including a tubular connection section to connect to a food container, a tubular mid-section with a first end connected to the connection section, and a tubular end section connected to a second end of the tubular mid-section, the tubular end section having a centre axis and presenting an opening in a tubular wall portion of the tubular end section, and the tubular end section has an end wall which is intersected by the centre axis of the tubular end section.

Abstract: A bird feeder 13 that includes a hopper 23, 25 for providing a supply of food or fluid for a bird, a receptacle 15 for waste food or fluid, and a hopper support 35. The hopper includes a storage compartment 27, 29 for a supply of food or fluid for a bird, and a tray 31, 33 into which food or fluid from the storage compartment can flow. The hopper support 35 is configured to support the hopper 23, 25 in such a position that food or fluid can flow from the storage compartment 27, 29 to the tray 31, 33, and so that waste food or fluid can pass into the receptacle 15. The hopper 23, 25 is removable from the feeder 13 for cleaning or for replenishing the supply of fluid or food in the storage compartment 27, 29.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering digestible products to hatchling fowl includes a controller and a metered delivery mechanism, the metered delivery mechanism electrically coupled to the controller and configured to deliver a pre-defined quantity of digestible products to the container. The digestible product includes an edible and digestible semisolid material.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder is provided that includes a nectar container removably coupled to a feeding basin having at least one feed port opening therein and a feed port assembly fitted within the feed port opening. The feed port assembly includes an elastomeric feed port and a feed port accessory. The elastomeric feed port is preferably one molded piece including an ornamentally-shaped head having a diameter greater than the feed port opening and a plug sized to fit snugly within the opening. The outer surface of the plug has at least two ribs longitudinally spaced from one another to enable the feed port to be secured to the basin in at least two different positions including an intermediate position in which the feed port accessory is mounted on the plug and secured between the head and the upper surface of the basin adjacent the feed port opening.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser may include a container having an upper opening, a pump provided in the container, a pipe through which liquid discharged from the pump is transferred, a top plate having an upper surface over which liquid flows, a filter assembly provided below the top plate, a base provided below the container, and a thermoelectric element provided in the base to cool the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A high throughput process for delivering a semi-firm gel for supplying vaccines, nutritive substances and other similar material to animals, such as poultry chicks. The material is delivered in a non-absorbent semi-firm gel that is easily consumable which results in higher material uptake. The semi-firm gel is formed by interactions occurring between a solution containing an alginic acid crosslinking agent with a gel containing alginic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatically drinking device for pets, which includes a water storage tank with an opening, a drinking water tray arranged on the opening of the water storage tank, and a pump with lamp fixed in the water storage tank; the top face of the drinking water tray is depressed down to form a sink, the sink is provided with a spray jet which is connected with the outlet of the pump with lamp through a water pipe; the lower end of the drinking water tray is provided with a water filtering structure in the water storage tank; the water filtering structure comprises a filtering plate, a filtering box contained in the filtering plate and a nylon net arranged between the filtering plate and the filtering box, which has the advantages of simple structure, diverse functions and low processing cost.

Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.

Abstract: A directional flow current transducer is used as a transient stray voltage detector including a first transducer providing an output signal indicating the magnitude of stray current carried by a new grounding wire, and a second, separate transducer providing an output signal indicating the direction of the stray voltage (for either direct and/or alternating stray voltages). The new grounding wire might be between an equi-potential plane of a concrete platform for watering livestock and a grounding bus bar for grounding the service bond of the main electrical service panel, at a significant distance from the watering platform. The output of the directional flow current transducer is recorded, stored and analyzed as a function of time. Preferably by allowing comparison with the output of a second directional flow current transducer, the system allows transient, directional and locational stray voltage/stray current problems to be better identified, understood and addressed.

Abstract: A container cap with integrated straw includes a cap body which carries a drinking straw and is attachable to a beverage container. The container cap engages a neck of the beverage container in a watertight seal to prevent spillage of the beverage from the beverage container during use. A cap retainer can embrace the container cap for enhancing the watertight fitting of the container cap against the neck of the beverage container. The drinking straw can include a distal closed end that opens in the event of user aspiration on the straw. The distal closed end can be provided on the straw or on a disconnectable straw extension.

Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.

Abstract: An Oriole bird feeder having a nectar reservoir with a base and a tapered port, and preferably a tapered port/perch assembly, is provided. The bird feeder allows Orioles and other similarly sized members of the Icterid family of birds to land on the perch and access the nectar in the reservoir base while, due to the diminishing taper of the opening in the tapered port, simultaneously preventing average sized Italian, Carniolan and Caucasian honey bees from entering the reservoir base through the port to obtain the nectar where they subsequently become trapped and perish.

Abstract: A hinged water valve (26) for use in a watering (38, 46) system (50) of a poultry house includes rigid sight tubes (20) connected with hinged water valves (26). Each hinged valve (26) includes a valve body (28) with a valve cap (30) hinged to the valve body (28) with at least one hinge pin. The valve (26) permits flow of water into the sight tube (20) when the sight tube (10) is in its upright operational condition but prohibits flow of water toward the sight tube (20) when the sight tube (20) is pivoted to a substantially horizontal cleaning condition. An internal plunger (32) interacts with an internal seat (36) of the valve body (28) in a sealing manner. A biasing spring (40) urges the plunger (32) into contact with the internal seat (36) of the valve body (28) but with the valve cap (30) in the upright condition, the stem (50) forces the plunger (32) away from the internal seat (36) opening a flow passage (41).

Abstract: A construction material tube strap cap includes a base comprising a first and second tab that defines a respective first and second aperture, where the base is dimensioned to fit over a nozzle of a construction material tube. An upper section attached to the base. The upper section comprises a top surface and a bottom surface and is dimensioned to provide a seal around the nozzle with a predetermined volume surrounding the nozzle. An elastic strap is positioned through the first and second apertures defined in the first and second tabs in the base. The elastic strap has a length and an elasticity that cause the first and second tabs to flex inward toward the nozzle.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a valve or sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The feeding basin includes an upwardly extending cylindrical well that receives the lower end of the liquid container, and the valve or sealing mechanism includes a float valve associated with the well. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.

Abstract: A liquid hummingbird feeder is provided with a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, and a valve mechanism adapted to close the bottom opening to enable the liquid container to be filled through the sealable top opening.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder that is easier to maintain and reduces food spoilage includes a feed pod support adapted to hold a hummingbird feed pod that proportionally resembles the thickening part of the stem of an actual-size flower, a flower top or cover for the pod, an elongated stem that is attached to the feed pod support, a ‘feeding’ perch adapted to provide a hummingbird with a place to rest while extending its beak through a feeding hole in the flower top, a ‘high’ perch to provide a hummingbird with a place to perch while not feeding, and wherein the feed pod can be either of the type that allows for a single-use or, with refilling, multiple uses.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having a disposable, single-use feed pod containing a liquid hummingbird food and a feeder assembly including a feed pod support for positioning the feed pod in a desired orientation. The feed pod is supported and oriented in the feed pod support and keeps liquid food for touching the hummingbird feeder other that the feed pod. The hummingbird feeder can include an access cover with a port located generally in the center thereof through which the hummingbird can access the hummingbird food. The access cover engages the feed pod and includes a projection that can pierce the top of the feed pod where access can be had to the food by a hummingbird through the port. The feeder can also have no access cover, in which case a port is provided in the top of the feed pod. Multiple feeder assemblies and feed pods can be configured together.

Abstract: A solar-powered lighting/illumination fixture for hanging flower planters or potted flowers comprises a body that can be affixed through a central opening or the like to the hanging hardware of the planter. The lighting fixture has solar cells that charge internal batteries during daylight hours and drive lights that illuminate the planter during nighttime hours. The fixture can also be affixed with a spoke that will allow it to be supported in the ground to provide pathway lighting. The lighting is provided through LEDs which also may accommodate light filters that can provide different colors to change the mood of the setting, as well as being provided with an adapter to fit most hanging planters in the market and also provided with an attaching mechanism that allows the height of the lighting fixture above the planter to be adjusted.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a valve or sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The feeding basin includes an upwardly extending cylindrical well that receives the lower end of the liquid container, and the valve or sealing mechanism includes a float valve associated with the well. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A nectar feeder for birds. The nectar feeder has a container for storing nectar feed. A base tray is attached to the container and connected in fluid communication with the container. A float is positioned between the container and the base tray. A ball is positioned on the float. The ball regulates the fluid communication between the container and the base tray. In operation, the nectar feed flows through the container and into the base tray until the float rises to a level where the ball prevents fluid from flowing into the base tray.

Abstract: A water drinking device for pets, includes a cup including a bottom, and a wall extending upwardly from the bottom and defining an inner hollow constructed so that a bottle with water can be received in the inner hollow and held in it and thereafter removed from the inner hollow of the wall for pouring water from the bottle into the inner hollow to allow a pet to drink water from it, and the wall is transversely stretchable and contractible such that when a bottle with a transverse dimension that is greater than a transverse dimension of the inner hollow is inserted into the latter, the wall stretches transversely outwardly, and upon removal of the bottle from the inner hollow the wall contracts back to its initial transverse size, and the wall is also constructed so that the cup is insertable into a cup holder of a vehicle.

Abstract: A liquid hummingbird feeder is provided with a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, and a valve mechanism adapted to close the bottom opening to enable the liquid container to be filled through the sealable top opening.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and mitigating leakage currents is disclosed. The data acquisition system records data from multiple monitoring locations over extended periods of time to identify stray voltage and/or leakage currents present at the monitoring location. The data is processed to identify trends in the stray voltage and/or leakage currents and to suggest methods for mitigating the same.

Abstract: Probiotic compositions that comprise one or more bacteria species in spore form, a thickener to form a stabilized suspension and to preferably act as a prebiotic, one or more acids or salts of acids, and optionally a water activity reducer. A system for delivering probiotic compositions by gravity feed or non-contact pump to a point of consumption by a plant or animal, preferably in conjunction with acidified drinking water, comprising a collapsible container with attachable tubing that prevent contamination of the probiotic composition within the container. Delivery may be actuated in response to a timer, motion detector, fluid level sensor, RFID tag, or other mechanism to periodically or continuously dispense a dosage of probiotic composition directly to the soil surrounding a plant or to the water or feed for an animal. A method for increasing beneficial bacteria in an animal's GIT comprises adding probiotics to acidified drinking water.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to apparatus and systems for feeding livestock, particularly to nipple-actuated feeding stations which include a nipple insert assembly having an internal valve system actuable by a nipple and insertable into an insert assembly having a normally-closed internal valve system and connectible to a pressurized feed line. Inserting the nipple assembly into the insert assembly opens the insert assembly valve system and subsequent nipple actuation discharges fluid from the pressurized feed line. The nipple assembly may be removed from the insert assembly without depressurizing the feed line or manipulating other process conditions. A plurality of insert assembly and nipple assembly pairings may be positioned throughout one or more pressurized feed lines to form a feeding system, and the flow rates of each individual feeding station may be manually or automatically controlled.

Abstract: A system for creating a plurality of sheltered stalls around feeding ports of a hummingbird feeder. The sheltered stalls may be formed by generally V-shaped members having opposed curved wings, one stall being formed beneath abutting wings of two abutting generally V-shaped members. The generally V-shaped members may be supported on mounting hooks which are either integral with or removable from the hummingbird feeder. The sheltered stalls and mounting hooks are red. The system may include the hummingbird feeder. The system deters dominant males from preventing use of the hummingbird feeder by competing hummingbirds.

Abstract: A method of operating a container system for providing a hydrating liquid solution to a pet includes: providing a front side including a peripheral seal, the front side coupled to a back side and to peripheral sides for containing the hydrating liquid solution; and breaking the peripheral seal to expose the hydrating liquid solution from a top of the container system.

Abstract: The present invention will provide a water bottle holder which is convertible into a bowl-shaped water receptacle. Furthermore, the present invention will eliminate the need for an owner to carry a water bottle and a cumbersome water bowl when taking his or her dog for a walk. This is accomplished by utilizing a water bottle carrying sleeve which doubles as a water bowl.

Abstract: A pump module for a recirculating pet fountain having a module housing in which a pump is received in which a filter can also be removably received. The module includes a perforate intake formed in a surface of the housing located adjacent to and generally facing toward a bottom of a fountain basin in which the module is removably mounted helping to keep debris and the like from entering the module and plugging the filter. In one embodiment, the intake is a perforate grate integrally formed in a generally downwardly facing surface of the housing and the module is configured so water enters through the intake and flows upwardly through the filter before entering the pump. The downwardly facing surface of the module housing is configured so some intake perforations are closer to the basin bottom than others helping ensure at least one perforation remains under water and substantially unplugged.

Abstract: A breather cap assembly is provided which is configured to be connected to a stand-tube used in a watering system. When the watering system is in normal operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to allow for air to flow between the outside the assembly and the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to minimize the introduction of foreign material from outside the breather cap assembly into the stand-tube. When the watering system is in flushing operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to seal off the stand-tube in order to minimize the possibility of water leaving the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly further also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to collect and retain a majority of any water that does leave the stand-tube during a flushing operation.

Abstract: An overhead hanging bird waterer can deliver water to birds in a sanitary manner. The overhead hanging bird waterer comprises a main unit covered by an upper cap. The upper cap allows for the water to flow into the main unit and also covers the main unit to prevent debris from entering the main unit. The main unit is mechanically coupled to a support hanger. The support hanger is hung from hanger support. The main unit is further mechanically coupled to a nipple pipe arm and is mechanically coupled to nipples which comprise a nipple stem. The water flows from the main unit through a drain pipe through the nipple pipe arm into the nipples. This enables the birds to obtain the water from the nipples by pushing the nipple stem up or 360 degrees sideways in any direction with minimum water spilling creating enhanced sanitation and better quality produce.

Abstract: A pet drinking fountain assembly having a pump forming part of a fountain mounting arrangement that includes a lift tube coupling a cover to the pump coupled to a lower basin by a mount. The mount and lift tube attenuate pump noise and vibration by providing isolation from the basin and cover and can function as dampeners. In a preferred embodiment the pump is part of a pump module that includes a module housing to which the pump is attached by another noise-attenuating mount. Each mount is formed by one or more suction cups with the cups and lift tube made of vibration dampening material, such as a resilient vibration dampening or isolating material that can be an elastomeric material. The module includes a lift tube coupling discharge that registers in fluid flow communication with a pump outlet and can include a ring or bushing therebetween providing additional noise attenuation.

Abstract: This patent application relates to water dispensing apparatus. One example includes a container receiving portion configured to receive a water container. This example also includes a water presentation portion configured to receive water from the container receiving portion for consumption by an animal.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for use in dispensing feed formula to hummingbirds or other animals. This may be accomplished by providing a feeder having a reservoir for holding ready to consume and preservative free nectar formula for hummingbirds. The feeder may have an opening that is configured to couple to a dispensing member for delivering the formula to hummingbirds. The feeder may be adapted to be supported by a support holding device or to be free-standing for maintaining the feeder in an orientation for dispensing formula.

Abstract: The suspended bee/bird watering device has a first embodiment specifically designed for dispensing drinking and cooling water to bees. A second embodiment is specifically designed for dispensing drinking and cooling water to birds. Both embodiments employ common features, such as a support rod, suspension hooks, insulated water reservoir, and dish-like container. Both embodiments are designed to be suspended from a support, such as a tree limb or wall. The first embodiment employs a porous, fibrous dispensing structure that allows the water to drip (in minimal amounts) from the reservoir into the dish. The second embodiment incorporates an elongate tube having an opening therein for conveying water from the reservoir to the dish.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder that includes a flower petal shaped attractive structure attached to the hollow body of the feeder around a feeding hole and a removable, replaceable, and non-bulky feeding tube designed to be removably placed within the feeding hole.

Abstract: An animal drinker allowing for the circulation of the water in the animal drinker. To this end, the animal drinker has two parallel pipe strings (23, 24) that form a water circuit ensuring a constant movement of water, namely that water flows continuously through the pipe strings (23, 24) even when no water has been removed at the drinking valves (20) over an extended period of time.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a valve or sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The feeding basin includes an upwardly extending cylindrical well that receives the lower end of the liquid container, and the valve or sealing mechanism includes a float valve associated with the well. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A pivotal cover assembly for a poultry drinker includes a sleeve that fits over the top of a drinker. Connected to the sleeve and extending upwardly from the drinker is a primary support. Pivotally connected to the primary support, in spaced relation to the drinker, is a cover member.

Abstract: An animal watering valve that includes a housing having an internal bore having an upstream inlet and a downstream outlet. The housing includes a downstream guard and an upstream cap. The valve is actuated by deflecting a valve stem, located in the bore and accessible by the animal, to open a valve within the housing. The valve may be located in a valve cartridge retainable in the housing in a snap-fit manner. A bite-resistant shield cooperates with the valve stem to act as a barrier that prevents an animal from forcing materials between the valve stem and the guard and lodging the valve stem in its deflected or actuated position.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.