Abstract: A water supply for caged birds includes a water outlet actuated by the birds for drinking purposes. A V-shaped channel below the outlet serves to catch spillage adjacent the outlet and the upper marginal edges of the channel form a barrier to one side of the water outlet for the birds to approach the outlet with its neck substantially horizontal or inclined downwardly.

Abstract: A poultry watering valve includes a housing including a body and cap defining a recess with a valve seat at its upstream end. A unitary seal member in the chamber includes a valve member portion urged by a spring against the downstream side of the valve seat. The seal member also includes a restrictor pin extending in an inlet bore upstream from the valve seat and a shank carring an operating stem extending through the valve outlet. The cap may be detached from the body for access to the seal member and spring without removing the body from the water supply conduit.

Abstract: A drinking mechanism which includes a trough, the trough having a generally upwardly opening mouth when in an in-use position, brackets for suspending the trough from a support structure in the in-use position, the trough being movable by the rotation of the brackets to a non-use position at which the mouth is no longer in the generally upwardly opening position but instead opens generally downwardly, and the bracket also holding the trough in its non-use position thereby preventing the interior of the trough from becoming filled with debris when associated with poultry or similar small animals. Preferably, the drinking mechanism is suspended by the brackets from a conventional watering system which includes a water pipe and a plurality of drinkers having nipples which can be actuated by the beaks of birds or similar animals.

Abstract: A nipple drinker for poultry or the like has a body constructed of thermoplastic acetal (e.g. DELRIN.RTM.) so as to minimize the amount of metal utilized while providing excellent longevity. The drinker includes a valve seat, valve pin, and ball all of metal, such as stainless steel. The head of the valve pin typically is essentially flat, in which case the height of the head is about 1.7 mm when the annular spacing between the circumferential periphery of the head and the valve seat is between about 0.07-0.08 mm. Each and every drinker is individually tested for the integrity of the valve seal, the integrity of an O ring seal, and to determine the amount of water it delivers. Accepted drinkers are classified according to the number of drops of water they will deliver per unit time in use based upon the testing.

Abstract: A height-adjustable watering system which includes a watering pipe connected to a source of water and carrying a plurality of drinkers, brackets for suspending the water pipe, each bracket having a pair of arms for clampingly embracing the water pipe, and a clip secured by tongues and grooves to the arms to prevent the water pipe from inadvertently or accidentally being removed from the clamping arms.

Abstract: In a water supplying system for small animal cages, a main pipe connected to a water supply source, and branch pipes connected to the main pipe are made of a transparent, flexible material such as silicone resin. These main pipe and branch pipes are detachable to be disassembled for cleaning and sterilization whereby multiplication of bacteria in these pipes can be prevented.

Abstract: A nipple type animal watering device is disclosed having an adjustable flowrate, and freeze protection. The flow is adjusted by a screwdriver depression and turning the trigger and without removing or disassembling the nipple. The freeze protection is due to the nipple/trigger relationship and the selection of materials for the nipple and valve body such that a warmer valvebody is easier to maintain.

Abstract: A somewhat flattened inverted water bottle has oppositely slanted surfaces at the lower end which face away from each other. An inverted cap engages at a mouth opening in one of the surfaces and has a water dispensing tube which extends outwardly and downwardly from that surface. The bottle seats in an open centered angled seat portion of a support frame which has segments that extend under the bottle at each side of the cap in contact with the slanted surfaces. A pivotable bail clasps an upper region of the bottle against the frame. Clamp elements enable quick securing of the dispenser to any of a variety of upright surfaces which may be of either mesh or solid construction. The bottom may be seated in either of two opposite orientations at one of which the dispensing tube extends backwardly into an opening in the supporting structure and at the other of which the tube extends outwardly from the supporting structure.

Abstract: A bottle for dispensing water or other liquids to caged animals may be formed of economical, easily fabricated materials such as plastic without being susceptible to damage from gnawing when placed inside the cage. The bottle is suspended from an overhead support and simply swings away in the manner of a pendulum in response to impacts from teeth or claws. The bottle has a continuous, smooth, rounded outer surface which keeps the animal from gripping the bottle in a manner that would enable gnawing.

Abstract: An inexpensive poultry watering system allows water to be supplied under very low pressure (e.g. a 2 inch head) to nipples or similar water dispensers, without the use of a regulator. Relatively high pressure water is fed into a float box, with a float valve assembly in the box valving the water as it flows into the float box, to establish a level of water in the box. An outlet opening from the box is connected to an elongated (e.g. 8 foot-10 foot) conduit which has the nipples, or other water dispensers, spaced along it. The conduit is suspended by conventional hangers, The float box needs no additional support, being connected to the conduit by a short pipe section and collar. A ballast/support pipe may be mounted above the conduit. The plastic float box has an anti-roost ridge at the apex of its top, and its bottom is sloped from the inlet toward the outlet.

Abstract: A trough drinker is provided which is detachably secured to the exterior of the supply line separately from and operably associated with a detachable trigger drinker or nipple drinker. The trough drinker includes a vertically extending stem, an elongated housing disposed about the stem and closely separated therefrom, a trough portion extending about the circumference of the housing for retaining water, a base skirt radially extending from the lower portion of the stem, an annular flange extending from the upper portion of the housing, and a spring biasing arrangement to move the flange upward when a predetermined level of fluid is present in the trough. The trigger drinker or nipple drinker is longitudinally offset from the trough drinker along the supply line such that the upward movement of the flange causes the trigger drinker or nipple drinker to be actuated and fluid to flow into the trough over the exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: A nipple waterer consists of a valve body including a base with exterior and interior bosses projecting in opposite directions from that base. A pair of spring fingers project from that base generally parallel to each other and to the interior boss. These fingers are provided with interior cylindrical recesses for engaging the cylindrical exterior of a water pipe; and the pipe is provided with a radial hole to receive the interior boss which communicates with the interior of the pipe. A bore extends axially through the two bosses and the intervening base and defines a valve chamber. A cap, secured to the exterior boss, is provided with a central hole and defines a valve seat. A valve closure member consists of a headed stem, with the stem projecting through the hole and the cap to be actuated by an animal to unseat the closure member.

Abstract: A water container for pets includes a plastic drinking bottle having a drinking tube extending therefrom and a metal enclosure for supporting and protecting the drinking bottle. The enclosure is formed with a rear panel, a pair of side panels and a pair of front panels defining a vertically extending slot between them. Attached to the side panels are a pair of bottom panels which also form a slot therebetween for receiving the drinking tube. The upper end of the enclosure is open for receiving and providing access to the drinking bottle. Apertures are formed in the rear panel for cooperation with hooks or hangers for supporting the enclosure and drinking bottle in a cage for a small animal. Flanges can be formed on the bottom panels to extend downwardly from the slot between the bottom panels to prevent rotation of the drinking tube.

Abstract: A poultry watering cup valve for controlling the flow of water from a water feed line to a poultry watering cup includes, generally, a substantially hollow valve housing extending from the watering cup for engaging the water feed line, and an improved valve seal positioned within the feed line and over the end of the valve housing opposite the watering cup. A shaft extending through the valve housing supports the valve seal adjacent a valve inlet aperture. In one preferred form, the valve seal includes an integral O-ring which can prevent fluid flow from the feed line through the valve inlet aperture. In another preferred form, the valve seal is provided a second integral O-ring which, like the first O-ring, can also prevent fluid flow from the feed line through the valve inlet aperture.

Abstract: A trough drinker is provided which is detachably secured to the exterior of the supply line separately from and operable associated with a detachable trigger drinker. The trough drinker includes a vertically extending stem, an elongated housing disposed about the stem and closely separated therefrom, a trough portion extending about the circumference of the housing for retaining water, a base skirt radially extending from the lower portion of the stem, an annular flange extending from the upper portion of the housing, and a spring biasing arrangement to move the flange upward when a predetermined level of fluid is present in the trough. The trigger drinker is longitudinally offset from the trough drinker along the supply line such that the upward movement of the flange causes the trigger drinker to be actuated and fluid to flow into the trough over the exterior surface of the housing. The trigger drinker is separately detachable from the supply line without removing the trough drinker.

Abstract: A water line, made up of joined sections of PVC pipe, may have any desired length. The pipe is suspended from drops at ten (10) foot intervals for example. The pipe is partially supported in plastic drop hangers having insulating and elastic properties. The drop hangers have an aperture at the upper end for connection to a drop, a laterally opening recess at the lower end to receive the pipe in snap-in relation, and a laterally opening recess intermediate its ends for receiving a metal conduit in snap-in relation. The metal conduit is formed as a continuous line and functions as a part of an electric circuit. Plastic support hangers have corresponding laterally opening recesses for the pipe and conduit. The support hangers are used as needed between the drop hangers to maintain the pipe in non-sagging relation relative to the conduit or to support a shocker wire. The pipe carries spaced animal operated drinker valves, which may be mounted in drinker cups.

Abstract: A height-adjustable watering system which includes a watering pipe connected to a source of water and carrying a plurality of drinkers, a stabilizing element positioned above and along the water pipe, an anti-roosting element positioned along and above the stabilizing element, a plurality of brackets each having arms for receiving therebetween the anti-roosting element, the stabilizing element and the water pipe, a flexible suspension cord secured to at least selective one of the brackets, and a quick-release clamp associated with the suspension cords for readily varying the height of the system from a supporting surface to vary the height of the overall watering system as the poultry, small animals or the like grow.

Abstract: An improved cage assembly for confining animals having a watering manifold for mounting on an aperture in the cage allowing the confined animals to be supplied with water from an outside watering system. The watering manifold allows the cage assembly to be disconnected from and reconnected to the outside watering system without destroying the integrity of the biologically micro-isolated cage from the environment whenever the cage assembly is removed for handling, treating or observing the animals.

Abstract: A height-adjustable watering system which includes a watering pipe connected to a source of water and carrying a plurality of drinkers, a stabilizing element positioned above and along the water pipe, an anti-roosting element positioned along and above the stabilizing element, a plurality of brackets each having arms for receiving therebetween the anti-roosting element, the stabilizing element and the water pipe, a flexible suspension cord secured to at least selective one of the brackets, and a quick-release clamp associated with the suspension cords for readily varying the height of the system from a supporting surface to vary the height of the overall watering system as the poultry, small animals or the like grow.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a nipple particularly adapted for feeding liquid to fowl and/or small animals, the nipple including a housing having an insert defining a passage through which liquid is adapted to pass from an upstream portion to a downstream portion thereof, a valve in the passage defined by at least one peripheral valve seat and a metallic spherical ball normally resting upon the peripheral valve seat, a stem defined by a head and a pin, the pin having a cylindrical outer surface housed within the downstream passage portion, the downstream passage portion including a frusto-conical outlet surface defined in part by an axial outermost major diameter and an axially innermost minor diameter, the insert further including an annular seat upon which the head normally rests, a flow-control surface between the annular seat and the minor diameter of the frusto-conical outlet surface, the flow-control surface defining with the pin cylndrical outer surface a generally annular flow-control channel throug

Abstract: A valved discharge member for use with the water supply system for use with cages of fowl and small animals, wherein a valve element in the member engages two spaced valve seats and is unseated by movement laterally and upwardly of a pin extending through a discharge opening and projecting below the housing.

Abstract: A drinking valve (40) for supplying animals with water. This valve has an actuating member (46) accessible to the animal which when actuated opens a flow path for the liquid through the drinking valve (40). In the non-actuated position the flow path through the drinking valve (40) is completely closed and in the position of maximum actuation the flow path is strongly restricted or completely closed. In the intermediary position the drinking valve (40) yields the amount of water which the flow path is intended to produce. The actuating member (46) is connected to main closing valve (47, 49) which in turn actuates a secondary restricting or closing valve (53, 54).

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a nipple particularly adapted for feeding liquid to fowl and/or small animals, the nipple including a housing in which is press-fit a relatively thick walled machined metallic insert defining a passage through which liquid is adapted to pass from an upstream portion to a downstream portion thereof, a valve in the passage defined by a pair of peripheral valve seats and a metallic spherical ball normally resting upon the peripheral valve seats, the first peripheral valve seat is upstream from the second peripheral valve seat and has a diameter less than the diameter of the spherical ball but greater than the diameter of the second peripheral valve seat, a stem defined by a head and a pin, the stem having a concave surface within which is fully seated the spherical ball, and a surface of the insert upstream from the first peripheral valve seat being operative for both centering the metallic ball relative to both the first and second peripheral valve seats and for preventing the est

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a nipple particularly adapted for feeding liquid to fowl and/or small animals, the nipple including a housing having an insert defining a passage through which liquid is adapted to pass from an upstream portion to a downstream portion thereof, a valve in the passage defined by at least one peripheral valve seat and a metallic spherical ball normally resting upon the peripheral valve seat, a stem defined by a head and a pin, the pin having a cylindrical outer surface housed within the downstream passage portion, the downstream passage portion including a frusto-conical outlet surface defined in part by an axial outermost major diameter and an axially innermost minor diameter, the insert further including an annular seat upon which the head normally rests, a flow-control surface between the annular seat and the minor diameter of the frusto-conical outlet surface, the flow-control surface defining with the pin cylindrical outer surface a generally annular flow-control channel throu

Abstract: A watering device for fowl and small animals having a two-part telescopically interfitting housing and interlocking hooks on the housing parts which are provided with elements to accommodate interlock and release thereof by relative rotation of the housing parts when telescoped. The interlock hooks releasably resisting relative rotation of housing parts when the interlock hooks are operatively engaged. One housing part has a projecting externally screw threaded inlet tube for sealing threaded fit and anchorage in an aperture of a water supply conduit.

Abstract: A cylindrically hollow housing has an inlet at its upper end and an outlet at the lower end. A valve seat having a primary bore extending axially through its center is located in the housing dividing it into an upper and a lower chamber communicating through the primary bore. A ball is freely located in the upper chamber and an operating lever extends axially through the outlet opening. The lever has a flanged head closing the outlet. The lever is resiliently biased in a first position wherein the head closes the outlet and is movable into a second position wherein the outlet is open for the passage of fluid. The valve is arranged so that when the lever is in the first position the primary bore is open for fluid flow and when the lever is in the second position the ball occludes the primary bore.

Abstract: This animal watering valve is designed to enable the animal to obtain its own water within its mouth, by biting on it. Primarily, the valve includes a main body which is threaded into a water source pipe, and the main body includes an activating shaft or stem in its bore, which is normally seated by a coil spring. It further includes a rivet which acts as a trigger for urging the shaft or stem angularly off of its seat, to enable water to flow into the mouth of the animal.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for a livestock watering bowl. The valve mechanism is mounted in a water inlet line in the bowl and is adapted to be actuated by an animal to control the flow of water into the bowl. The valve mechanism includes a body provided with an inlet connected to the water line and having a central chamber connected through an inlet passage to the inlet. The inlet is adapted to be opened and closed by a valve member carried by a plunger that extends axially through the inlet passage and the central chamber and terminates in a button that projects outwardly from the opposite end of the body. The portion of the plunger located within the inlet passage has a non-circular cross section to provide a clearance between that portion of the plunger and the inlet passage, while the portion of the plunger located within the central chamber is formed with a laterally extending shoulder.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a nipple particularly adapted for feeding liquid to fowl and/or small animals, the nipple including a housing in which is press-fit a relatively thick walled machined metallic insert defining a passage through which liquid is adapted to pass from an upstream portion to a downstream portion thereof, a valve in the passage defined by a pair of peripheral valve seats and a metallic spherical ball normally resting upon the peripheral valve seats, the first peripheral valve seat is upstream from the second peripheral valve seat and has a diameter less than the diameter of the spherical ball but greater than the diameter of the second peripheral valve seat, a stem defined by a head and a pin, the stem having a concave surface within which is fully seated the spherical ball, and a surface of the insert upstream from the first peripheral valve seat being operative for both centering the metallic ball relative to both the first and second peripheral valve seats and for preventing the est

Abstract: A valved discharge member for use with the water supply system for use with cages of fowl and small animals, wherein a valve element in the member engages two spaced valve seats and is unseated by movement laterally and upwardly of a pin extending through a discharge opening and projecting below the housing.

Abstract: A water dispenser for feeding small animals comprises a support casing supplied with water, a water feed tube supported at its upstream end by the support casing and extending into a cage for the small animals to terminate at the downstream end, a poppet valve provided within the support casing to control water flow into the water feed tube, and a guard tube fixedly supported by the support casing and extending into the cage so as to encompass the water feed tube. The guard tube terminates short of the downstream end of the water feed tube. The free end part of the guard tube supports therebelow a drip trough having a bottom wall sloping downward from the inside of the cage toward the outside of the same, whereby water dripping from the downstream end of the feed tube is caught by the trough and flows to the outside.

Abstract: A cage for small animals has on a wall thereof a mounting plate fixed thereto over an opening in the wall and a holding tube inserted through the mounting plate and fixed thereto with an inclination such that the spout of a water dispenser can be inserted from outside the cage through the holding tube and be thus held in a simple yet securely mounted state with the dispensing end thereof inside the cage. The cage also has a latch device comprising a ring-shaped catch fixed to outer face of a wall and projecting outward and a flexible coil spring fixed at its ends to the free edge of a door to form a closed loop, which is forced under tension to slip around the catch, over-riding the round lobe thereof.

Abstract: A nipple valve-type waterer is provided for a live stock watering system. This nipple valve comprises a generally cylindrical, tubular valve body of greater diameter than a tubular, water delivery manifold. The tubular valve body is provided in two valve body halves which interfit in surrounding relation with the manifold. The manifold is provided with a pair of coaxially aligned through openings, while a through axial bore in each tubular valve body half is coaxially aligned with one of these manifold through openings as the valve body halves are fitted in surrounding relation to the manifold. The nipple valve also provides a flow path for guiding water from the supply manifold to and through the valve body, and seals are carried in the valve body for preventing leakage between the manifold and the valve where they interfit.

Abstract: A center flow animal waterer for coupled engagement to a pressured water supply and comprised of a valve-nipple-boot assembly retained within a body having a downstream flow restriction for limiting flow and having an upstream orifice restricting the supply of water to protect the boot which yieldingly supports the valve and nipple for angular displacement from a seat on the boot.

Abstract: An animal bite valve for dispensing water on demand which is formed with a lever operated by the animal. The valve is opened by either pushing the valve inwardly longitudinally or by tilting. The lever is formed with an annular non-flexible flange which bears against a non-flexible annular land as a fulcrum. Sealing is effected by a flexible cup seal which rests upon a valve seat and is lifted therefrom by the tilting of the valve member.A spring retainer member mounted on the lever downstream of the valve seat is formed with a slotted disc which disrupts the stream flow and deflects the flow outwardly toward the inside wall of the housing, which function serves to restrict, limit, and control the flow discharge velocity.A baffle inserted in the downstream flow portion of the housing, formed with a plurality of pockets causes further water turbulence and further reduction in fluid flow velocity and directs the water into the mouth of the animal.

Abstract: A nipple-type waterer having a resilient elastomeric plug which functions both as the spring and as the orifice member for regulating flow through the device. The elastomeric plug bears against the head of the valve stem and is threadably seated within the housing and adjustably positioned for varying the resilient closing force imposed on the valve stem. The usual O-ring creates the main seal between the housing and the outer side of the valve stem head. The elastomeric plug also has an annular sealing ridge thereon which creates a second area of sealed engagement with the rear side of the valve stem head.

Abstract: A valve body has a larger bore and a smaller bore defining a transverse valve seat; and a plug closes the larger bore, the inner end confronting the valve seat and defining a radially enlarged valve chamber. The valve closure member comprises an enlarged head seating on the valve seat and an integral stem projecting from the discharge end of the valve. The plug has an axial recess opening toward the valve seat; and a control member comprises an enlarged head and an integral stem. A helical biasing spring is received over the control member stem; and the stem and spring are received within the plug recess to permit free axial movement over the valve closure member and free compression and expansion of the spring. The control member, which engages the closure member head to seat the closure member, has small lateral clearance with associated parts to severely restrict lateral movement of the control member and of the spring.

Abstract: A watering device for pet animals is disclosed, wherein a sucking pipe is attached to a hermetically sealed water-container, through a suction port of which a pet animal can water any time it likes. Loaded into the sucking pipe is a leak-preventing plug which is provided with a through hole communicating with the water container. With such an arrangement, the pet animals can draw the water in the water container through the through hole of the leak-preventing plug. The leak-preventing plug has on its outer circumferential surface a plurality of collars with the object of hermetically sealing the gap between itself and the sucking pipe.

Abstract: A springless nipple waterer valve includes a valve body in which a valve member is positioned with a valve head in bearing engagement with the apex portion of an abutment member at one end of the valve body. A valve seat is located in the valve body and the valve member has a valve head. A resilient sealing member is positioned between the valve head and the valve seat so that the bearing engagement of the abutment member with the valve member normally prevents fluid flow through the valve. However, the valve member is actuable by an animal pressing thereon to pivot the valve head about the apex portion of the abutment member, thereby permitting fluid flow through the valve. To vary the amount of flow through the valve, the valve member is adjustable to provide high or low rates of flow.

Abstract: A watering or drinking device for small animals includes a drinking valve operable by an animal and a hanger bracket attacheable anywhere on a wire cage. The device includes an actuating pin held within the valve cavity by a flexible retainer plug. The lower portion of the retainer plug is seated on a shoulder provided in the valve cavity and prevents liquid to pass through the valve. Lateral pivotal movement or axial movement of the actuating pin which is seated on a second shoulder provided in the valve cavity and in contact with the retainer plug, will cause the lower portion of the retainer plug to be unseated from the said shoulder and allow liquid to pass through the valve. The wing clip of the valve-bracket has a vertical slit and allows the device to fit either between two vertical wires of a wire cage or over one vertical wire of a wire cage. The wing clip includes horizontal recesses to embrace a horizontal wire of a wire cage to hold the valve-bracket securely in a desired position on a wire cage.

Abstract: A method of measuring the liquid consumption of a laboratory animal is disclosed which does not involve passage of an electric current through its body. Instead, a drinking station is established within which the end of a drinking tube is located. The tube is supplied from a reservoir and a meniscus of liquid is present at its end. A photo-electric source and a photo-electric cell are provided as companion units. The beam emanating from the source is directed so that, en route to the cell, it passes the distal end of the tube. The tube and the beam are adjusted with respect to each other so that the beam of light is broken only when the animal is drinking, whether it is of a species which drinks by licking or by sucking. Output of the cell is linked to a counter thus enabling liquid consumption to be monitored.An apparatus for measuring the liquid consumption of a laboratory animal is also disclosed. This apparatus comprises a plate which generally defines a planar perimeter of a drinking station.

Abstract: A nipple waterer having a tiltable spring biased valve, the valve seat being a plastic ring held in position by a stainless steel washer. The inlet to the nipple waterer having an adjustable orifice. The valve seat, valve, spring, and adjustable orifice being held in assembled relationship by a retaining ring connected to the inlet of the waterer.

Abstract: A water dispenser for feeding small animals comprising a casing supplied with water under positive pressure and having an outlet at its downstream part, a valve for controlling water feed disposed in the outlet, and a water feed tube. The valve comprises an elastic valve seat member having an annular disk portion constituting the valve seat and a cylindrical portion formed coaxially and integrally with the disk portion and a poppet valve normally closed against the valve seat and fixed to the upstream end of the feed tube, which, upon being nudged and moved at its downstream end by a small animal, opens the poppet valve to permit water from a supply to enter the cylindrical portion of the valve and then into the feed tube. A flow control rod with transverse comb-cut grooves is inserted in the feed tube to prevent excessive rushing of water therethrough.

Abstract: An animal bite valve for dispensing water on demand which is formed with a lever operated by the animal. The valve is opened by either pushing the valve inwardly longitudinally or by tilting. The lever is formed with an annular non-flexible flange which bears against a non-flexible annular land as a fulcrum. Sealing is effected by a flexible cup seal which rests upon a valve seat and is lifted therefrom by the tilting of the valve member.A baffle inserted in the downstream flow portion of the housing, directs the water into the mouth of the animal. Curved portions in the baffle cause a portion of the water to swirl, create turbulence and reduce velocity.

Abstract: In a water dispenser for feeding small animals comprising a casing, water supply means having an outlet, valve means for controlling water feed disposed in the outlet, and a water feed tube, the valve means comprises: an elastic valve seat member having an annular disk portion constituting the valve seat and a cylindrical portion formed coaxially and integrally with the disk portion; a poppet valve normally closed against the valve seat and fixed to the upstream end of the feed tube, which, upon being nudged and moved at its downstream end by a small animal, opens the poppet valve to permit water from the supply means to enter the cylindrical portion of the valve and then into the feed tube; and a coil spring fitted in compressed state around the cylindrical portion to elastically reinforce the same.

Abstract: A nipple operated animal liquid valve having a valve body defining a passage through which liquid passes to be dispensed by the valve, and a passage closure selectively operable to close the passage, the closure having a nipple which may be operated by an animal to operate the valve.

Abstract: A valved discharge member for use with the water supply system for use with cages of fowl and small animals, wherein a valve element in the member engages two spaced valve seats and is unseated by movement laterally and upwardly of a pin extending through a discharge opening and projecting below the housing.

Abstract: A drinker line consists of an assembly of prefabricated drinker sections of standardized construction. Each section includes a length of PVC pipe with a PVC pipe coupling attached to one end. A stiffening support consists of strips of sheet metal broken along its longitudinal center line to form a 60.degree. V-shaped cross section. The stiffening support includes a support bar of that construction, disposed contiguous to the pipe with the pipe partially nesting in the channel of the support, and the bar being slightly shorter than the pipe to allow for mounting of couplings at both ends of the pipe. A short bridging bar of the same stiffening construction is nested with the support bar at the coupling end of the pipe in overlapping relation with the support bar, and extending beyond the coupling end of the assembly for nesting relation with the support bar of an adjacent drinker section after assembly.

Abstract: An improved valve device for self-service watering of animals which delivers water through a pivotal, control member which includes a flared housing permitting greater movement of the control member and results in improved trouble free operation.

Abstract: A watering or drinking device for small animals includes a drinking valve member actuatable by the animal, an adjustable flow control valve member responsive to actuation of the drinking valve member to limit maximum flow from the device, and a mechanism for adjusting the position of the flow control valve member to fully closed, partially open, or fully open positions. The device includes upper and lower threadedly interconnected hollow fittings having a resilient, compressible apertured diaphragm entrapped in a space therebetween. The upper and lower fittings include upper and lower valve seats, respectively, cooperating with the upper and lower valve members, respectively and the lower valve member has an actuator stem extending downwardly through the hollow lower fitting.