Abstract: A watering disc for use in a nipple assembly of a watering line system has an outer rim portion and an upper surface extending inwardly from said outer rim portion to an aperture provided through a center of the watering disc. The upper surface defines a plurality of separators and a plurality of individual compartments in an alternating manner about a circumference of the watering disc. The plurality of separators generally extend from proximate the center of the watering disc to the outer rim portion in order to define each individual compartment between the outer rim portion and two adjacent separators. Each individual compartment is substantially formed in a concave manner and are configured to receive and retain water from the watering line system. The watering disc is formed of plastic and has reflective particles integrally formed therein for attracting poultry to the watering disc.

Abstract: An animal water supply system includes disposable containers such as plastic bags that can be supplied in bulk in sterile form and filled under a change hood or other sanitary environment using a filling machine located in the sanitary environment. The containers preferably comprise plastic bags configured to be suspended from a hanger of a bag filling machine. The machine's hanger is preferably configured to support a plastic bag during both bag filling and the subsequent insertion of a watering valve into the bag. The bag is further configured to permit its placement in or on a conventional cage while protecting the tearable material of the bag from the animal. If desired, a liner can be provided to further protect and support the bag or other container on a wire bar lid.

Abstract: A pet watering device is shown with down spouts from an enclosed container for water. The enclosed container has a removeable top with a spring loaded door therein for refilling the container. Each down spout has a ball and seat valve at the lower end thereof which the pet can push with its tongue to get water. The enclosed container is mounted in a frame that may be adjusted vertical. One way of adjusting is with telescoping legs. Another way of adjusting is with a slot hooking over a wall mounted upward channel.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism/device is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. 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.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention are suitable for mounting to, or being an integral part of, an animal enclosure such that the height of a valve-controlled liquid outlet may be adjusted according to the changing needs of growing animals. The adjustable liquid delivery assemblies comprise an elongated rail, a liquid delivery unit having at least one liquid delivery head slideably engaged with the elongated rail, a flexible liquid delivery tube for connecting a liquid delivery head to a liquid source, and a means for securing the liquid delivery unit at a selected position on the elongated rail. The liquid delivery system may further comprise a retaining rail.

Abstract: A scent lure is configured as a reusable container with two separate compartments, one for a scent wick and one for a disposable heating element. The compartments are separated by a common dividing wall and are independently accessible for ease of use. The separate compartments allow the heating element to be removed and/or replaced without contact with the scent wick and vice versa. Preferably, the heating compartment has vents to facilitate continued activation of a heating element during use. The vents are preferably configured to provide a chimney effect that creates a heated air flow over the sent wick for enhancing the lure's effectiveness.

Abstract: A watering disc for use in a nipple assembly of a watering line system has an outer rim portion and an upper surface extending inwardly from said outer rim portion to an aperture provided through a center of the watering disc. The upper surface defines a plurality of separators and a plurality of individual compartments in an alternating manner about a circumference of the watering disc. The plurality of separators generally extend from proximate the center of the watering disc to the outer rim portion in order to define each individual compartment between the outer rim portion and two adjacent separators. Each individual compartment is substantially formed in a concave manner and are configured to receive and retain water from the watering line system. The watering disc is formed of plastic and has reflective particles integrally formed therein for attracting poultry to the watering disc.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for oral administration of a fluid source, preferably administration to an individual in need thereof, and methods for use of said device. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is used to administer colostrum to newborn calves, on order to generate higher levels of passive immunity in the calves than may be gained either from natural suckling or bottle feeding of colostrum. The fluid or liquid source according to the invention is preferably selected from the group consisting of milk, artificial milk substitutes, and colostrum. Liquid obtained from a domestic animal, including a bovine species.

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 flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the overcap defines an angular geometry and a pair of balls are positioned therewithin.

Abstract: An animal water feeder having an improved flow control nozzle. The flow is controlled by the animal engaging a movably confined ball at the terminus of the nozzle. A portion of the ball is exposed. The nozzle assembly includes a tube extending downwardly from the feeder. The tube includes a valve, an actuator having at least one water passage therein an engaging pin positioned adjacent thereto, and the ball. Movement of the ball opens the valve to release water which flows past the actuator to the terminus of the tube.

Abstract: A method of forming a valve assembly for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal can include forming, in an injection molding machine, an upper member having a piercing member and a connecting member. The upper member has a fluid channel defined therethrough; and forms, in an injection molding machine, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough. The base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The method can further include forming, in an injection molding machine, a stem member designed and dimensioned to be disposed in part within the base fluid channel. The stem member has an actuation portion extending through a spring element. The stem member has a top portion having a lower surface.

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.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the fluid bag to facilitate the providing of the fluid to the caging system. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise an upper member having a piercing member and a connecting member, the upper member having a fluid channel defined therethrough, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough, wherein the base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a spring element disposed within the base fluid channel and a stem member disposed in part within the base fluid channel, wherein a portion of the spring element abuts the stem member to apply a biasing force.

Abstract: An assembly (2) for dispensing a liquid (4) from a container (6, 54, 58) to the mouth (8) of an animal, on demand of the animal. The assembly comprises a sealed container at least partially filled with the liquid and a valve arrangement (22). The valve arrangement comprises a first tube portion (24) adapted to pierce a portion (14) of the container to receive the liquid from the container, a second tube portion (28) adapted with an end to be used by the animal, and a valve adapted to be actuated by the animal to permit the flow of the liquid from the container to the end of the second tube portion.

Abstract: A drinker for a watering system of a poultry house comprising a housing having a side wall, a top, and a bottom defining a valve chamber having an inner surface and a floor. A valve seat is formed in the chamber above the outlet port; and a valve member received within the chamber to be movable between a first closed position and a second position opened position. A trigger pin passes through the outlet and has a head with a cavity in the top surface. The cavity has a shape different from the shape of the valve member. The drinker elements are sized such that the distance between the valve seat and the chamber floor is greater than the height of the pin head. Additionally, the valve member is sized such that when the valve member is in its closed position, the valve member is does not contact the pin head.

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 hummingbird feeder and kit including a solution reservoir, a feeding assembly, and a coupler for unreleasably coupling said feeding assembly to said solution reservoir. The reservoir includes either a dissolvable solid or a premixed feed solution. The unreleasable coupling between the reservoir and the feeding assembly prevents the subsequent re-use of the hummingbird feeders, minimizing the user's contact with bacteria-infested feeding solution and the spread of disease among birds.

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 water bottle feeder for pet dogs operated by contact thereagainst of the pet, the bottle being supported on a stand that uses the water in the bottle as ballast to counteract any tipping as may be caused by the pet contact, and supports the bottle at selected heights to facilitate feeding to dogs in all popular domesticated species classifications.

Abstract: A pet fountain includes a spout projecting from a reservoir, and a tap fastened at one end to the spout and provided at the other end with an opening via which a flow of water is discharged. The tap is provided with a steel ball space in communication with the spout and the opening, and a washer retained in a groove located in proximity of the opening, and a guide edge located between the groove and the steel ball space. A steel ball is movably disposed in the steel ball space such that the steel ball comes in contact with the washer, and such that the steel ball is partially extended out of the opening. The guide edge serves to prevent the steel ball from being inseparably arrested by the washer. The guide edge has a predetermined height which determines the rate of the flow of water discharged via the opening.

Abstract: A pet drinking fountain includes a water reservoir, a spout, a muzzle fastened to the outer end of the spout, and a stop ball movably disposed in the hollow interior of the muzzle such that the stop ball is partially emerged from an opening of the muzzle. The spout is provided in the longitudinal through hole with an air tube which is provided with an air passage and is smaller in diameter than the longitudinal through hole of the spout. The air tube is located in the spout such that the air passage of the air tube is in communication with the muzzle and the water reservoir, and such that the air tube and the inner wall of the longitudinal through hole of the spout form therebetween a water passage in communication with the water reservoir and the muzzle.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A suck device for feeding favorite domestic animals includes a bottle containing the water, a lid engaged a neck of the bottle, an oblique pipette extended outward from a bottom of the lid communicating with the bottle and having an outlet in free end, a ball movably disposed into the oblique pipette and normal stopping the outlet. It is characterized in that a water guiding pipe of predetermined length movably disposed into the oblique pipette having a lower end stopped against the ball and an upper end reaching to the water interface in the lid by which the water from the bottle can be smoothly and continuously flow out when the animal lick and sucks the outlet of the oblique pipette.

Abstract: A heated animal nurser is provided to assist young animals in nursing and feeding, and can be for use with kittens, puppies, and similar animals.

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 water dispenser for small animals or pets is disclosed. The dispenser comprises a base seat, a pad body, a trigger rod, a rim pad, a press tube and a clip. The trigger rod is slanting, and a gap is formed between the rim bottom and the pad which allows water to flow for drinking by any small animal kept in a cage.

Abstract: A pet drinking aid includes a cap defining an axial passage therewithin. Preferred embodiments of the cap include securing means for detachably securing the cap to a fluid container and an inwardly directed flange. The securing structure may include helical threads, an elastomeric sleeve or the like. The cap further includes a ball positioned within the axial passage of said cap and, in a preferred embodiment a biasing structure mounted relative to the cap within the axial passage. The biasing structure advantageously engages the ball to bias the ball toward the inwardly directed flange. The ball is preferably captured within the axial passage between the inwardly directed flange and the biasing structure, and the ball is capable of rotatable movement and limited axial movement against the bias of the biasing structure. The biasing structure may include a compression spring, a foam member or the like.

Abstract: A nipple valve including a valve body with an outside surface in which are ground at least one semi-circular indentation which serves as a tool grip. The semi-circular indentation is formed in the shape of a trough with oppositely disposed open ends to permit a wrench to be placed and retained in position on the valve body during installation or removal of the valve.

Abstract: A flow control mechanism is provided for regulating the flow of fluid from a container or vessel, e.g., a plastic bottle containing a fluid such as water or the like. The flow control mechanism may be advantageously employed in a variety of applications where it is desired to dispense and/or access fluids in a controlled manner, e.g., applications wherein a liquid, colloidal system, suspension or the like is to be dispensed/accessed in a controlled manner. The flow control mechanisms are particularly advantageous as animal/pet drinking aids that provide animals/pets with convenient and controlled access to fluid refreshment, e.g., when away from a home-based water bowl. An exemplary control mechanism includes a cap member, overcap and ball captured therebetween. The cap member may be secured to a fluid-containing vessel and used to regulate or control the flow of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A pet drinking aid is disclosed that includes a cap defining an axial passage therewithin. Preferred embodiments of the cap include securing means for detachably securing the cap to a fluid container and an inwardly directed flange. The securing means may include helical threads, an elastomeric sleeve or the like. The cap further includes a ball positioned within the axial passage of said cap and, in a preferred embodiment, biasing means mounted relative to the cap within the axial passage. The biasing means advantageously engages the ball to bias the ball toward the inwardly directed flange. The ball is preferably captured within the axial passage between the inwardly directed flange and the biasing means, and the ball is capable of rotatable movement and limited axial movement against the bias of the biasing means. The biasing means may include a compression spring, a foam member or the like.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the fluid bag to facilitate the providing of the fluid to the caging system. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise an upper member having a piercing member and a connecting member, the upper member having a fluid channel defined therethrough, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough, wherein the base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a spring element disposed within the base fluid channel and a stem member disposed in part within the base fluid channel, wherein a portion of the spring element abuts the stem member to apply a biasing force.

Abstract: A pet fountain includes a water reservoir, and a spout connected with a water discharging end of the water reservoir. The water reservoir is provided in a ventilation end with a through hole, and an elastic ventilation block. The elastic ventilation block is provided with a fitting portion, and a projection extending from the fitting portion which is fitted airtightly and removably into the through hole of the ventilation end and is provided with a ventilation hole. The projection is extended into the interior of the water reservoir and is provided with a slit in communication with the ventilation hole of the fitting portion.

Abstract: A device for delivering liquid to livestock, said device comprising a container (1) for liquid, said container being suspendable within a livestock feeding area, and having a plurality of nipples (10), arranged on a lower surface of said container, such that livestock can drink liquid from within the container via the nipples.

Abstract: A field watering device for game birds, particularly quail, is provided, which has a body for holding water, a ground anchor portion for securely fixing the body into the ground, and at least one water dispensing nipple for dispensing water from the body to the game birds. The field watering device uses conventional water dispensing nipples such as used to dispense water to the young birds in their commercial pens. When the young birds are released into the wild, the birds have an enhanced survival rate using the field watering device, since they are accustomed to obtaining water from the nipples. Without the field watering device, there is a higher loss of birds due to their unfamiliarity with natural water sources.

Abstract: A field watering device for game birds, particularly quail, is provided, which has a body for holding water, a ground anchor portion for securely fixing the body into the ground, and at least one water dispensing nipple for dispensing water from the body to the game birds. The field watering device uses conventional water dispensing nipples such as used to dispense water to the young birds in their commercial pens. When the young birds are released into the wild, the birds have an enhanced survival rate using the field watering device, since they are accustomed to obtaining water from the nipples. Without the field watering device, there is a higher loss of birds due to their unfamiliarity with natural water sources.

Abstract: A pet drinking device includes a water container, a spout seat, and a retainer. The spout seat is detachably fastened to a water outlet of the water container and is provided with at least one in-cage spout and one out-cage spout. The retainer is used to hold securely the spout seat and to fasten the pet drinking device to a pet cage such that the in-cage spout is located in the pet cage and that the out-cage spout is extended out of the pet.

Abstract: A liquid feeding nipple is disclosed for feeding liquids to fowl having a hollow housing, a valve seat insert located in the housing, the valve seat insert having a first liquid passage, a housing cap on a second end of the housing, the housing cap having a second liquid passage, and a valve member movably located within the housing so as to be movable between a closed position, in which liquid communication between the first and second liquid passages is prevented, and an open position which enables liquid communication between the first and second liquid passages. The liquid feeding nipple also has a trigger pin with a head in contact with the valve member and a stem extending from the housing. The stem has a first flow control portion adjacent to the head and a second flow control portion adjacent to the first flow control portion such that the cross-sectional area of the second flow control portion is less than that of the first flow control portion.

Abstract: A water shut-off structure of the drinking device for a pet is formed of a water outlet, a spout tube, a washer, and a steel ball. The water outlet is fastened at the inner end to a water container of the drinking device. The spout tube is fastened at the inner end to the outer end of the water outlet and is provided at the outer end with a discharge port. The spout tube is provided in the inner wall of the outer end with a stop ring. The washer is conical in form and is disposed in the spout tube such that the washer is confined by the outer end of the water outlet and the stop ring of the spout tube. The steel ball is movably received in the conical washer to allow or prevent the passage of water.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing the water supply manifold assures adequate alignment of the apertures at each water supply location by forming a single through-hole entirely through the header tube at each water supply location for the insertion of a water supply tube through the thus-formed apertures in the header tube. A preferred method includes forming a plurality of through-holes completely through a piece of a cylindrical tube stock at axially-spaced locations along the tube stock, thereby forming a header tube having at least two rows of apertures in which each aperture is aligned with another, circumferentially opposed aperture. A supply tube is inserted through a pair of circumferentially opposed apertures such that opposed ends of each supply tube protrude beyond said header tube. A fitting is mounted over each end of said supply tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a bottle to a pet cage is which includes a spring and a bottle. The spring has a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms protruding outwardly from a pair of spaced loops. The first pair of arms has a first connecting member extending inbetween to defined a first bottle receiving space. The second pair of arms has a second connecting member extending inbetween to defined a second bottle receiving space. The bottle is adapted to fit within and extend between the first bottle receiving space and the second bottle receiving space. The biasing force of the spring forces the bottle securely against the bars.

Abstract: System apparatus for determining the volume of a potable liquid ingested by a small laboratory animal over an extended period of time is provided with a liquid dispensing section that has a liquid delivery tube and sipping tube combination, that retains a drop/droplet of the potable liquid in a position accessible to the animal, and that replaces each drop/droplet of liquid ingested by the animal with a succeeding drop/droplet of liquid, counting the total number of drops/droplets ingested by the animal over an extended period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for dripping fluid to attract birds. The invention comprises a reservoir having an orifice and a tube extending therefrom. A valve is attached to the tube. The reservoir is filled with fluid which in turns passes through the orifice and tube, while the valve regulates the flow rate of the fluid through the tube. The invention has a receptacle beneath the tube to collect the fluid and a hanging mechanism for hanging the invention at the desired location.

Abstract: A dispensing device which controls a rate and an amount of discharge of a substance which may be used to treat animals for any number of reasons. The dispensing device has a tank including a top, a bottom and a cover. A movable piston is positioned within the tank, and the movable piston separates the tank into an upper chamber being above the movable piston and a lower chamber being below the movable piston. The dispensing device also includes a dispenser in fluid communication with the tank, and a dispensing head in fluid communication with the dispenser. The dispensing head further includes a plurality of apertures near an outer diameter of the dispensing head.

Abstract: A water supply manifold can be manufactured easily and inexpensively while simultaneously providing an improved connection of manifold components to one another. The water supply manifold, or at least each section thereof, includes (1) a header tube that is configured to extend longitudinally along a support surface such as a shelf and (2) fittings that are mounted on the header tube in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment in which the water supply manifold is intended for use in an animal water supply system, two opposed fittings may be provided on opposite sides of the header tube at each water supply location so as to permit two rows of cages to be mounted back-to-back on each shelf of a cage and rack system. In this case, a single supply tube may extend completely through the header tube at each water supply location and receive a respective fitting at each of two outlet ends thereof.

Abstract: A water tank for supplying water to a caged animal includes a cylindrical container having an open upper end and a threaded lower neck opening. The upper opening is provided with a hinged, flip-top closure for easy filling, the closure being open to ambient air pressure. Joined to the lower neck opening is a dispenser assembly that includes a threaded cap received on the threaded neck, and dispenser tube extending obliquely from the bottom of the cap. Within the dispenser tube, a stainless steel valve assembly is secured, and a valve stem assembly extends to the lower opening of the dispenser tube. An animal may use its tongue to depress the valve stem assembly and cause a small amount of water to flow gravitally from the tank through the tube to the animal. The displaced liquid is replaced by air flowing into the non-sealed top opening, so that there is no retrograde air flow through the valve assembly to introduce contaminants.

Abstract: A water feed device for small animal rearing apparatus has a water feed member (2) and a closing valve (5) operated by the water feed member (2). The water feed member (2) is sheathed in a sheathing pipe (3) so that a thin annular space (M) is formed between the water feed member (2) and the sheathing pipe (3). The sheathing pipe (3) is disposed coaxially in a protective pipe (4) so that a thick annular space (N) is formed between the sheathing pipe (3) and the protective pipe (4). When a small animal touches a fore end portion (2a) of the water feed member (2) projecting from the extremity of the sheathing pipe (3), the valve (5) is opened to permit water flow along the water feed member (2) toward the fore end portion (2a) to enable the small animal drink water.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a bottle to a pet cage is in the form of a kit which includes a spring and a bottle. The spring has a first pair of arms and a second pair of arms protruding outwardly from a pair of spaced loops. The first pair of arms has a first connecting member extending inbetween to defined a first bottle receiving space. The second pair of arms has a second connecting member extending inbetween to defined a second bottle receiving space. The bottle is adapted to fit within and extend between the first bottle receiving space and the second bottle receiving space. The biasing force of the spring forces the bottle securely against the bars.

Abstract: Drinking valves (11) are usually screwed into water supply lines (10). This type of connection involves relatively high outlay. The invention proposes a drinking valve (11) which has a casing (12) consisting of an acceptance part (14) and a connecting part (15), a snap-in connection (48) being arranged between the acceptance part (11) and the connection part (15). This snap-in connection (48) makes it possible to push the acceptance part (14) and the connecting part (15) simply and rapidly together. The connecting part (15) can be fastened to the water supply line (10) in some other manner, and in fact permanently if necessary, because the connecting part (15) can remain on the water supply line (10) for repair to the drinking valve (11) by simply releasing the snap-in connection (48).