Drop-delivering Patents (Class 119/72.5)
  • Patent number: 11974554
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device (100), in particular for watering animals, in particular laboratory animals, such as small rodents or the like, said device (100) comprising a main body (101) which defines a longitudinal cavity (1011) for the passage of watering liquids, said longitudinal cavity (1011) being in communication with the outside through a delivery (1002) and a discharge (1001) for introducing said liquids in said longitudinal cavity (1011) and discharging said liquids from said longitudinal cavity (1011) respectively, a valve body (105) and an annular shape elastic sealing element (120) arranged inside said longitudinal cavity (1011), said valve body (105) comprising a stem with a first portion (106) which extends through said annular sealing element (120) and a flange-shaped head (107), wherein said flange-shaped head (107) is kept pressed against said annular sealing element (120) by means of an elastic thrust element (130), and wherein said stem can switch between a first closing position, in which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: TECNIPLAST S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Bernardini, Alfredo Campiotti, Andrea Maggio
  • Patent number: 11484009
    Abstract: A water nipple controlled by the animal has a valve seat inside a housing. The valve member has an elongate valve shaft providing a forward end at the circular discharge mouth for operation by the animal. A resilient body on the valve member defines a convoluted or serpentine water flow path for flow of water along the flow path through the housing with the flow path defining a rate of flow of the water. A resilient ring is mounted on the valve shaft spaced the valve seat and the forward end with an outside edge of the resilient ring adjacent to and spaced from the inside surface of the housing so as to define an annular channel therebetween through which the water passes so that the resilient ring restricts direct flow of water from the valve seat to the discharge mouth to prevent excess squirting of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventors: Tom McAdams, Ethan Hofer, Lucien Dnestrianschii
  • Patent number: 11399515
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device (100), in particular for watering animals, in particular laboratory animals, such as small rodents or the like, said device (100) comprising a main body (101) which defines a longitudinal cavity (1011) for the passage of watering liquids, said longitudinal cavity (1011) being in communication with the outside through a delivery (1002) and a discharge (1001) for introducing said liquids in said longitudinal cavity (1011) and discharging said liquids from said longitudinal cavity (1011) respectively, a valve body (105) and an annular shape elastic sealing element (120) arranged inside said longitudinal cavity (1011), said valve body (105) comprising a stem with a first portion (106) which extends through said annular sealing element (120) and a flange-shaped head (107), wherein said flange-shaped head (107) is kept pressed against said annular sealing element (120) by means of an elastic thrust element (130), and wherein said stem can switch between a first closing position, in which
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: TECNIPLAST S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pietro Bernardini, Alfredo Campiotti, Andrea Maggio
  • Patent number: 11039599
    Abstract: A freeze-resistant watering device has a nipple or ball valve, a heat pipe, a sleeve in tight thermal contact with the nipple, a water-tight connection to a liquid containing container or supply pipe, and an outer shield enclosing an insulating space or insulation material. This device thermally couples a watering nipple or ball valve to a container or supply pipe via a thermal conduction path including bends so that the nipple or ball valve maintains at a temperature that is near the temperature of the liquid in the container or supply pipe. Further, the use of one or more freeze-resistant watering devices with a thermally insulated container in a watering unit with an insulated container or supply pipe provides drinking water to animals, and in particular, birds in sub-freezing and in hot weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Inventor: Jeffry Golden
  • Patent number: 10598685
    Abstract: A portable device for use in hunting. The portable device uses ultrasonic vibrations to discharge a scented vapor stream into the atmosphere. The vapor stream can carry a scent for attracting animals and/or disguising human scent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Arcus Hunting, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel A. Ferrara, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10426136
    Abstract: This invention relates to a feed system for delivering liquid feed to animals. The system includes a feed apparatus having at least one liquid feed source, and at least one at least common supply line connected to the liquid feed source. A plurality of animal feeding stalls are connected to the at least one common supply line along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Calf Smart Limited
    Inventor: Ben Stanley Neal
  • Patent number: 10349635
    Abstract: A freeze-resistant watering nipple assembly comprising a watering nipple valve, a heat pipe, a sleeve in tight thermal contact with the nipple, a water-tight connection to a liquid containing container or supply pipe, and an outer shield enclosing an insulating space and/or insulation material is described, which thermally couples a watering nipple to a container or supply pipe via a sufficiently good thermal conduction path so that the nipple can be maintained at a temperature that is near the temperature of the liquid in the container or supply pipe. Further, the use of one or more freeze-resistant watering nipple assemblies with a thermally insulated container is described so that the unit comprising the nipple assembly or assemblies and the insulated container provides drinking water to animals, and in particular, birds in sub-freezing and in hot weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffry Golden, Jeffery Lewis
  • Patent number: 10293196
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow rate measurement device (1) for a fire extinguishing apparatus (2) for detecting the flow rate of extinguishing agent or fresh water, comprising a control element (9) arranged on a control rod (11), which control element (9) has a substantially conical section (22), and furthermore comprising a housing (25) surrounding the control element (9), the control element (9) being received in the housing (25) so as to be displaceable in the axial direction (31) of the control rod (11). The control element (9) further comprises a cylindrical subsection (23) which is positioned downstream of the conical section (22) as viewed in the flow direction (15) of the fluid to be measured, in which cylindrical subsection (23) of the control element (9) there is furthermore provided at least one recess (27) which interrupts the shell surfaces (28, 29) of the conical section (22) and the cylindrical subsection (23) of the control element (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Rosenbauer International AG
    Inventor: Hannes Hammer
  • Patent number: 10244901
    Abstract: A hand cleaner fluid dispenser, including a reservoir for containing hand cleaner fluid to be dispensed; a dispenser outlet for discharge of the hand cleaner fluid from the reservoir; and a discharge mechanism operable to discharge a drop of the hand cleaner fluid from the dispenser outlet when activated. A levitator device is incorporated into the hand cleaner fluid dispenser, and is operable to levitate the drop of hand cleaner fluid at a position where the drop is accessible to be taken by a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: OP-Hygiene IP GmbH
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Albrecht Lang, Siegfried Steltenkamp, David Duncan, Valery Ten
  • Patent number: 10086166
    Abstract: A gas flow valve assembly. The assembly includes a cylindrical housing and a resiliently-biased valve supported substantially centrally within the housing. In the default or “off” condition, the resilient bias causes the valve to be seated on a valve seat shutting off axial flow of gas through the valve housing. When the patient breathes, negative pressure is applied to one side of the valve effective to sufficiently overcome the resilient bias imposed on the valve to move the valve off the valve seat axially (or otherwise open in another direction) within the housing, thereby allowing flow of gas through both the valve seat and the valve housing, and into the breathing circuit connected thereto. When the patient's breathing pauses and begins to exhale, the valve bias returns the valve to its default or off condition shutting off flow of gas through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Sedation Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Ramses Nashed
  • Patent number: 9888668
    Abstract: A portable fresh water supply apparatus for providing continuous fresh water to an animal when a caregiver is absent includes a reservoir capable of receiving and dispensing fresh water and a water supply line in fluid communication with the reservoir. A shut-off valve is located within the reservoir and is in fluid communication with the water supply line. A water drain line is in fluid communication with the reservoir, and an over-flow drain valve is located exterior of the reservoir as well as in fluid communication with the water drain line. In this manner, when a water level inside the reservoir reaches a threshold level, the shut-off valve is automatically toggled between open and closed positions and thereby selectively supplies fresh water from the water supply line to an interior of the reservoir. The overflow drain line diverts excess water away from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventors: Jerry Coleman, Robert Griffin
  • Patent number: 9814213
    Abstract: An animal watering valve preferably includes a valve body, a valve stem, a retention plug, a stem o-ring and a compression spring. A valve bore is formed in the one end of the valve body to receive the valve stem. A plug bore is formed in the opposing end of the valve body. The valve stem preferably includes a sealing base, an actuation end, a plug end and a spring flange. An o-ring groove is formed in the sealing base to receive the stem o-ring. The retention plug preferably includes a threaded portion, a rotation flange and a stem portion. A stem bore is formed through the retention plug. The stem bore is sized to loosely receive the plug end of the valve stem. The plug end is inserted into the compression spring. The retention plug is threaded into the plug bore to retain the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: LANE INDUSTRIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy E. Lane, James Buchanan
  • Patent number: 9732882
    Abstract: A cage-mounted fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a water source, such as a fluid bag or an automatic water system, to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: HYDROPAC/LAB PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Rodney E. Gerringer, Lynn B. Irwin, Edward K. Eldreth
  • Patent number: 9635838
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Birthright Nutrition Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Vignes, Justin J. Vignes
  • Patent number: 9605762
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high-pressure valve for use in an installation for the high-pressure treatment of products in a high-pressure chamber, wherein the products, acted on by a high-pressure medium, are treated at a pressure of up to 10 000 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: UHDE HIGH PRESSURE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Nünnerich, Wilfried Knauf, Peter Weber
  • Patent number: 9433190
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Edstrom Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Paul S. Johnson, Randal S. Knurr, Peter Steven Planton, Russell F. Kuzniar
  • Patent number: 9392773
    Abstract: An actuating means (25) for an animal drinker, the actuating means configured in such a way that the valve pin (14) is liftable by the actuating means (25) in order to open the drinking valve (12), preferably on a rectilinear longitudinal center axis (19) of the valve pin (14). In this way, one-sided wearing down of the drinking valve (12), in particular of the valve pin (14) and/or of a sealing surface (17) of the housing (13), is avoided. As a result, the useful life of the drinking valve (12) is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Lubing Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Timothy Shawn Willis, Charles Ollin Willis, Jr., Barry Dustin Hicks
  • Patent number: 9295804
    Abstract: A mouthpiece for controlled delivery of a breathing gas including oxygen, preferably an increased ratio of oxygen with respect to ambient air, to the respiratory tracts of a user which includes a valve having two modes; a closed default mode, which substantially impedes any flow of the breathing gas through the valve; and an active open mode, which allows for a substantial flow of the breathing gas through the valve, wherein the open mode can be activated by the user manipulating the valve with his/her mouth. Such a valve may be used in a device for delivery of breathing gas and in an apparatus for controlled delivery of the breathing gas to the respiratory tracts of a user. A method for controlled delivery of the breathing gas to the respiratory tracts of a user may include operating the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: RESMED R&D GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Schätzl
  • Patent number: 9265231
    Abstract: A portable poultry waterer is provided having a manifold with a connector placed on the back surface to attach the manifold to a water storage vessel. The connector extends outward in a substantially perpendicular fashion to the manifold. Holes are placed into the manifold to accept a plurality of longitudinally spaced poultry nipples. One or more holes are placed into the manifold to accept a clean out plug(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: ChickenWaterer.com, LLC
    Inventor: H. Mark Delman
  • Patent number: 9247712
    Abstract: An on-demand feed actuator includes a sealing portion disposed within a feed reservoir and connected to a downwardly extending stem portion protruding a distance past a discharge opening. The sealing portion includes a first component and a second component that are adjustable relative to each other in order to define an overall static dimension of the sealing portion. A spring biases the first and second components away from each other while permitting the first and second components to be compressible relative to each other in response to movement of the actuator by the animal to provide the first and second components with a corresponding combined overall dynamic dimension that is less than the combined overall static dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Rausch
  • Patent number: 9137969
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water container structure, which is a container combination for an animal to drink water and comprises a containing unit, for water to be added, at an upper end and a receiving unit for the animal to drink the water with its mouth at a lower end. A plurality of grooves, spaced up and down, are concaved at two corresponding sides at a predetermined height of the containing unit at the upper end for two projecting portions extending inward at an upside of the receiving unit at the lower end to insert in. A water dispensing amount of the container combination is controlled by installing and screwing the water dispensing device of the containing unit and the upper end on the receiving unit at the lower end by hand to allow to predetermined control of the water dispensing amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ing Dah Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wang-Jyun Ho
  • Patent number: 8904962
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: CTB, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Allen Orgill, Christopher Richard Roes, Roger Steven Kiphart, Grant Alexander White
  • Patent number: 8904961
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Francis Alves
  • Publication number: 20140318465
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of treating poultry hatchlings in a hatchling tray. The method comprises of providing a soft gel form capable of being dispensed through a spray nozzle, providing a spray dispensing apparatus, the apparatus being capable of delivering a predetermined volume of the gel as a plurality of small beadlets through a plurality of nozzles, placing the hatchling tray containing the hatchlings beneath the nozzles of the dispensing apparatus, dispensing the predetermined volume of the soft gel containing the therapeutic agent as small beadlets into the hatchling tray and allowing the hatchlings to consume the beadlets. The present invention is also directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a therapeutic agent in a soft gel into a hatchling tray of poultry hatchlings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: VETECH LABORATORIES INC.
    Inventor: Eng-Hong Lee
  • Patent number: 8844467
    Abstract: A drinking valve for automatic water feeding systems for animals includes a valve stem that is responsive to licking at the outlet of the valve by an animal, to open and close a valve seat and thereby control flow of drinking water to the outlet of the valve. The valve seat is constructed with low-cost reliable arrangement including stationary but compressible elastomeric seal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald D. Folkerts, Jr., Timothy E. Lane
  • Patent number: 8813682
    Abstract: Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Mainini, Greg Gillis
  • Patent number: 8631765
    Abstract: Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher E. Mainini, Greg Gillis
  • Publication number: 20140000524
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Allen Orgill, Christopher Richard Roes, Roger Steven Kiphart, Grant Alexander White
  • Patent number: 8534226
    Abstract: A supply line for the water supply to poultry house drinkers is triangular in shape with the drinkers secured to a bottom surface around a drinking nipple by a quick-attach rotational movement. The triangular line has a top fin which provides additional bending strength and may have an internal fin to limit movement of the drinking nipple valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: PTN Limited
    Inventors: Stephen John Cottam, Franciscus Maria Wilhelmus Ermerins
  • Publication number: 20130206074
    Abstract: A cage-mounted fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a water source, such as a fluid bag or an automatic water system, to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8499719
    Abstract: An automated system for the distribution of substances to animal containment devices in an animal housing facility. The present invention also relates to a dosing device of substances, such as solid or liquid feed, which is part of said system, and to the method for dispensing feed implemented by said system. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for automated dispensing of substances to animal containment devices in an animal housing facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Tecniplast S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Brocca, Giovanni Frangelli
  • Patent number: 8448604
    Abstract: A flow control device is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container. An exemplary control mechanism includes an inner cap member, an overcap member, and a ball captured therebetween. The overcap member is adapted for axial translation relative to the inner cap member, thereby facilitating one-handed manipulation. Adapters may be provided to facilitate mounting of the disclosed flow control device relative to containers of differing geometry. A releasable locking mechanism may be provided to prevent the flow control device from becoming inadvertently operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Medialore, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Pappas
  • Publication number: 20130125824
    Abstract: A easily removable platform like structure with various access holes and openings that is located above a water supply that provides a path to the water to allow the passage and support of devices to treat water and maintain a predefined water level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Barry Lee Farris
  • Patent number: 8408408
    Abstract: Nipple assemblies including nipples which attach to a threaded nipple adapter which can be attached to feeding containers with threaded spouts are disclosed. Mounting tools are also disclosed, to aid in attaching the elastic nipples to the adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Richard H. Dumm
  • Patent number: 8371244
    Abstract: A water bottle for pets comprises a stainless steel canister, a liquid dispenser, a removable screw cap. The canister is used for containing water and has a closed end and an open end. Threads are positioned near the open end of the canister. The removable dispenser has threads for engaging the threads near the open end of the canister and a pet-operable drink valve. The removable screw cap selectively covers and uncovers the pet-operable drink valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Krasner
  • Patent number: 8316802
    Abstract: An animal cage box has a grommet for passing a watering conduit through a box side wall. The grommet is removably attachable at an opening through the side wall, using a non-round configuration by which the grommet is aligned for insertion into a non-round opening, and turned to hold the grommet in place. A flange on the grommet body rests against one face of the side wall. The non-round configuration includes one or more tabs that can be cut from the flange and are displaced axially by a distance equal to the side wall thickness. A hinge flap that can be grasped in the fingers helps to hold, align, insert or remove and twist the grommet relative to the side wall. The disclosed arrangement further minimized the cost of using inexpensive disposable cage boxes because relatively expensive grommets, for example of stainless steel, can be cleaned and reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Thoren Caging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Hallock
  • Patent number: 8291865
    Abstract: A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
  • Patent number: 8186303
    Abstract: A multiple station feeding apparatus for nursing young domestic pets, providing a hands-free feeding means thereof, is herein disclosed. The apparatus comprises an angled textile covered base ramp upon which the pets stand or lie in a linear arrangement. At the top of the ramp is a bottle holding panel which supports standard pet feeding bottles by inserting them through a circular opening in the frame and securing the bottles with a slip-on locking panel. At this point the pets can feed in much the same arrangement as would be found when nursing from their mother. When completed, the bottles are easily removed and cleaned. These features provide for a rapid simultaneous feeding of pets compared thereto feeding pets individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Margaret A. Willis
  • Patent number: 8127716
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nipple drinker formed by; a) the body of the nipple (1) which has multiple sections including an upper section formed by a dome (9) having a central circular groove (10), three hollow cylindrical sections (11) of different diameters, which are stepped one under another, and a lower frusto-conical section (12), the inner surface of which is provided with a small circular flange (13); a tubular pin (2) having a lower solid cylindrical portion (14); c) two spheres (3 and 6); d) two maximum-precision washers (4 and 7); e) a hollow, cylindrical inner seal holder (5), the upper outer portion of which is provided with a washer (15), leaving a space between the two portions of 0.3 mm, in which the washer (4) is housed; and f) a cylindrical outer seal holder (8), the lower portion of which is provided with a small frusta-conical section (16) that is inclined slightly by 17° towards the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Edgar Orozco Osorio
  • Patent number: 8087386
    Abstract: The automated vaccination system enables an operator to effectively vaccinate large numbers of poultry by motivating the poultry to congregate, and then spraying a vaccination solution in the area of the congregated poultry. In the preferred embodiment, drinking water is withheld from the poultry. The drinking water is then restored so that the poultry congregate around the drinking line. As the poultry gather around the drinking line, a spray bar sprays vaccination solution around the poultry so that the poultry inhale the vaccination solution and are successfully vaccinated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Joseph L. Purswell, Scott L. Branton, Edward F. Todd
  • Patent number: 7937836
    Abstract: A method of assembling a valve assembly for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal can include coupling an upper member having a piercing member to a base having a base fluid channel. The method can also include disposing a stem member at least partially within the base fluid channel and disposing a sealing member in the base fluid channel. The sealing member preferably has a flow aperture and a sealing member bottom surface, and facilitates sealing of the flow apertures when the sealing member bottom surface abuts a top surface of the stem member. The method can further include disposing a spring element within the base fluid channel, wherein a portion of the spring element abuts the lower surface to apply a biasing force to the stem member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
  • Publication number: 20100313817
    Abstract: A water bottle for pets comprises a stainless steel canister, a liquid dispenser, a removable screw cap. The canister is used for containing water and has a closed end and an open end. Threads are positioned near the open end of the canister. The removable dispenser has threads for engaging the threads near the open end of the canister and a pet-operable drink valve. The removable screw cap selectively covers and uncovers the pet-operable drink valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mark KRASNER
  • Publication number: 20100282174
    Abstract: A flow control device is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container. An exemplary control mechanism includes an inner cap member, an overcap member, and a ball captured therebetween. The overcap member is adapted for axial translation relative to the inner cap member, thereby facilitating one-handed manipulation. Adapters may be provided to facilitate mounting of the disclosed flow control device relative to containers of differing geometry. A releasable locking mechanism may be provided to prevent the flow control device from becoming inadvertently operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: MEDIALORE, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Pappas
  • Patent number: 7814863
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing liquid feed to livestock deliver the liquid feed to a feeding station at a temperature below that of the mother's natural milk to encourage use of the liquid feed by the young as a supplement and not a replacement. A second reservoir expands the capacity of the system without increasing the size of the mixing reservoir. The second reservoir is equipped with selectively operable refrigeration and heating elements to facilitate cooling of the liquid feed or heating of a cleaning solution. A peroxide doser introduces small quantifies of peroxide to clean the liquid feed and prevent gorging. Orifices through which feed is discharged at feeding stations decrease in cross sectional area along the circulation line in the direction of flow to counteract variation in discharge flow rates caused by a pressure differential in the liquid feed along the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: John Hare, Gerard Grant Coyston
  • Patent number: 7810787
    Abstract: An animal watering valve has an elastomeric diaphragm disposed in a bore of a housing upstream of a valve seat and having apertures formed therethrough for the passage of water. A valve stem has a head clamped between the diaphragm and the valve seat and a tail that is laterally deflectable to move the valve stem head relative to the diaphragm from a seated position. Upon moving it to an unseated position, the valve stem head pivots relative to the valve seat to permit water to flow out of the valve. At least portions of the flow aperture outlets in the diaphragm are located radially inwardly of and axially upstream of the upstream surface of the valve stem head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Edstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100218726
    Abstract: The present invention is an animal and pet water bottle cap dispenser device, used in combination with a water bottle with a bottle top to dispense water to an animal or pet. The device has a flanged attachment sleeve, a flanged vertical middle sleeve and a dispersion ball that is set on the top surface of the vertical middle sleeve as water from the bottle runs internally through the sleeves and around the sides of the dispersion ball to the animal or pet for dispersed drinking. There is also a second cap, that is threadedly and removably integral with the middle sleeve, for covering the dispersion ball and the device, while the device is not in use. The device can be easily disassembled, separated, sterilized, sanitized and reassembled for sterilized or sanitary pet or animal usage, is dishwasher safe and is choke-free.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Hope Bari Adams
  • Publication number: 20100175624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a nipple drinker formed by; a) the body of the nipple (1) which has multiple sections including an upper section formed by a dome (9) having a central circular groove (10), three hollow cylindrical sections (11) of different diameters, which are stepped one under another, and a lower frusto-conical section (12), the inner surface of which is provided with a small circular flange (13); a tubular pin (2) having a lower solid cylindrical portion (14); c) two spheres (3 and 6); d) two maximum-precision washers (4 and 7); e) a hollow, cylindrical inner seal holder (5), the upper outer portion of which is provided with a washer (15), leaving a space between the two portions of 0.3 mm, in which the washer (4) is housed; and f) a cylindrical outer seal holder (8), the lower portion of which is provided with a small frusta-conical section (16) that is inclined slightly by 17° towards the centre.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Edgar Orozco Osorio
  • Publication number: 20100126588
    Abstract: A system intermittently feeding liquid to animal cages has a duct feeding liquid to liquid dispensers for the animals. Each dispenser includes: a lower portion with a liquid dispensing pipette for supplying liquid to the animals, an upper portion having a liquid flow rate adjuster in fluid flow relationship with liquid in the duct, and a buffer between the pipette and flow rate adjuster. The duct includes a valve responsive to a signal so that, during normal operation, with animals in the cages, the valve intermittently feeds liquid in the duct to the dispensers. The volume of liquid fed via the duct to the dispensers during each intermittent liquid feed depends on: time interval between adjacent feeds, flow rates of the flow rate adjusters, volumes of the buffers, and the buffers never being filled with the liquid so an airspace is always in the buffers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: René Jeanrot
  • Publication number: 20100116213
    Abstract: The present teachings provide liquid delivery devices that can be adaptive to animals' natural drinking habit, can be used for efficiently feed liquid to animals, and can be easily carried by animal owners. The present teachings also provide devices and equipments that include the liquid delivery devices as described herein. The present teachings further provide methods for preparing and using the liquid delivery devices and the devices and equipments that include the liquid delivery devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Ryan Joseph CAHILL
  • Patent number: 7707967
    Abstract: An adjustable water supply pipe has a pair of bite nozzles at a bottom end and a wall bracket holding the pipe vertical but allowing the height of the pipe to be adjusted. The bracket has a wall plate with top and bottom plates bent outwardly to define two aligned openings for the pipe. The top plate has a slot which holds the pipe fixed in the upstanding position but with a mouth at one side to release the pipe to an inclined position. The bottom plate is inclined to the horizontal such that the upstanding pipe is jammed against sides of the opening and such that the inclined pipe is free to slide longitudinally. The top plate includes fingers which cooperate with a locking ring on the pipe to hold the pipe upright and the slot is shaped to hold a non-circular portion of the pipe against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Crystal Spring Colony Farms Ltd.
    Inventor: Jonathan Kleinsasser