Watering Or Liquid Feed Device Patents (Class 119/72)
  • Patent number: 8366642
    Abstract: A management program for the benefit of a companion animal can maintain, enhance or improve the health and well-being of the companion animal. The management program can include recommendations for dietary modification, supplement administration, weight loss/management plans, physical activity recommendation, veterinary intervention and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: The IAMS Company
    Inventors: Allan John Lepine, Dennis Richard Ditmer, Lori Lee Halsey, John Russell Burr
  • Publication number: 20130014701
    Abstract: A pet bowl water cooling system includes a bowl, a pump for removing water from the bowl, a heat transfer device, and a conduit adapted to carry the water to the heat transfer device, to carry cooled water back to the bowl. The heat transfer device can include a metal coil submersed in a relatively cool liquid medium. Preferably, the bowl includes a float valve to allow water to flow into the bowl when the float valve is activated. In an embodiment, the liquid medium includes water in a water reservoir of an evaporative cooler. In an embodiment, the evaporative cooler includes a housing that is disposed between studs of a wall. The dog bowl can be mounted on an interior wall or an exterior wall. In an embodiment, the evaporative cooler is disposed within a wall of a dog house and the dog dish is mounted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Gass, Jon Shrader
  • Patent number: 8347818
    Abstract: The hummingbird liquid feeder includes a base, a liquid tray attached to the base, a flange that fits inside the liquid tray, and a liquid container that rotatingly engages the liquid tray in a fill mode to permit filling without removing or inverting the liquid container while preventing spillage and alternately in a feed mode to permit the flow of the nectar into a moat for access thereto through feeding ports in the base and featuring a vertically-oriented stabilization member centrally disposed on the liquid tray that receives a support post pole disposed on a plate to stabilize and support the device during windy and inclement weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Cowger, Patrick D. Cowger
  • Patent number: 8347825
    Abstract: A leash module including a retention opening configured to receive and retain a used pet waste bag that has been closed via a tied knot, and a bowl portion configured to receive and retain water for drinking by a pet. The leash module is configured to be removably coupled to a leash assembly. The retention opening includes a bag receipt opening sized and dimensioned to allow for insertion of the tied knot of the used pet waste bag, and a bag retention opening extending from the bag receipt opening, the bag retention opening being narrower than the bag receipt opening and being sized and dimensioned to prevent passage of the tied knot of the used pet waste bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Sammy Lopez, Nicole Lopez
  • Publication number: 20120318201
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for a pet includes a reservoir for a fluid and a fluid delivery assembly connected to the reservoir. The fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid release roller, a housing encasing the fluid release roller, and an engagement surface mated with the fluid release roller to create a fluidic seal in response to static pressure upon the fluid release roller from the fluid. The fluidic seal is released to allow a flow of the fluid in response to dynamic pressure applied to the fluid release roller by a pet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: PET PEEVE SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jason Sanders
  • Patent number: 8333168
    Abstract: A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottleneck extension at its other end, and a liquid tray having a well adapted to receive the bottleneck extension and at least one feeding port. The sidewall of the well is provided with at least one drain hole and the sidewall of the bottleneck extension with at least one port. The container and bottleneck extension are rotatable within the well to selectively align and misalign the port with the well drain hole to respectively open and close the drain hole upon rotation of the container. In an alternate embodiment, the bottleneck extension is fitted with a collar rotatable with the container. The collar is received in the liquid tray well and includes at least one port. A liquid flow path is formed in the liquid tray for each feeding port to reduce the volume of nectar in the tray at any given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Vaughn, Jr., Christopher J. Kamery, Robert Theodore Cruz, Andrew Gauker
  • 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: 8316799
    Abstract: An installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal, such as a calf. The installation comprises one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, and one or more vehicles that are autonomously displaceable, controlled by a microprocessor or the like, between one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, each vehicle comprising a drinking nozzle, such as a flexible teat, which is movably mounted relative to the remaining part of the displaceable vehicle, and a height adjusting device for adjusting a height of the drinking nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Maasland N.V.
    Inventor: Karel Van Den Berg
  • Publication number: 20120285390
    Abstract: A drinker system for delivering water to animals comprising: a central pressure regulator; drinker lines with drinker nozzles; pressure reduction valve devices providing an outlet pressure proportional to the pressure set by the central pressure regulator; each valve device comprising: a housing defining a relatively high pressure zone and a relatively low pressure zone; a relatively small area diaphragm in the relatively high pressure zone; a relatively large area diaphragm in the relatively low pressure zone, and rigidly connected to the small area diaphragm; a flow regulating valve through which liquid can flow from the relatively high pressure zone to the relatively low pressure zone; and an internal by-pass mechanism for allowing liquid to flow from the valve device inlet to the valve device outlet bypassing the flow regulating valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Oded Katz, Yonatan Bernat
  • Patent number: 8291862
    Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a liquid container with a a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin. An insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented. Movement of the insert between the two positions is effected by pushing the liquid container toward the basin (the closed position) and by pulling the liquid container away from the basin (the open position). Each movement of the insert has an associated “snap” or gives positive physical feedback which the user can feel that assures the user that the desired fluid flow or fluid sealed position has been achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Gauker, Marko Konstantin Lubic, William R. Vaughn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8286590
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeding station includes a first hollow body having a closed end and an openable end, the first hollow body for receiving and for containing a liquid for consumption, one or more openings extending through at least one wall of the first hollow body for enabling consumption of the liquid contained therein, and a second hollow body having a closed or a sealed end and an open end, the second hollow body for receiving and containing a liquid. The second hollow body is disposed between the first hollow body a point of origin of insects attempting to access the liquid in the first hollow body, the liquid contained in the second hollow body functioning as a barrier preventing the insects from accessing the liquid contained in the first hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Heidi Sundquist
  • Publication number: 20120255496
    Abstract: An animal feeder to feed animal may include a hollow housing being substantially kidney shaped and the hollow housing may having a concave section being defined by a first concave surface and a pair of opposed convex surfaces. The animal feeder may include a feeding device to feed the animals, and the animal feeds from the feeding device within the concave section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Kathryn M. Federico, Sharon O. Vigne
  • Patent number: 8276541
    Abstract: An illuminated bird feeder, such as a hummingbird feeder, includes a housing portion for holding a quantity of liquid, a hanger portion associated with the housing portion for suspending the hummingbird feeder from a support, and a feeder portion with at least one artificial feeding flower fluidly connected to the housing portion. At least one light emitting member in the form of a fluorescent-doped optical fiber is associated with the at least one artificial feeding flower for sighting the hummingbird feeder in low light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: TruGlo, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul LoRocco, Jeff Frey
  • Publication number: 20120222625
    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 to disperse drinking. There is also a second cap that is threadedly and removably integral with the middle sleeve, to cover 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: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Hope Adams
  • Publication number: 20120216751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a watering device for animals and a method of producing the same, including a base unit defining a bowl portion, a housing portion disposed in the base unit and including an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid communication with the bowl portion, a dispensing unit proximate the outlet port to dispense water from the housing portion to the bowl portion via the outlet port such that water flows around the bowl portion to the housing portion via the inlet port, and a filtering unit interposed between the outlet port and the inlet port to filter the water flowing from the bowl portion to the housing portion via the inlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Sean Rowe
  • Publication number: 20120216750
    Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a generally upstanding liquid container with a large opening at its top end that is closed and sealed by a removable top or cap. The cap has a two-part construction including an outer shell and an inner sealing member. The inner sealing member includes a sealing element in the form of a vertically elongated, reinforced sealing ring that is received within the top of the container with a friction fit to automatically form a cork-type seal when the outer shell is threaded onto the container. Unthreading of the outer shell pulls the sealing ring out of engagement with the container to remove the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Robert T. Cruz, Marko Konstantin Lubic
  • Publication number: 20120210942
    Abstract: A portable drinking device for pets being suitable for use when travelling includes a rigid wall structure, a water outlet passage, a water outlet valve and a removable closure element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Philipp Wacker
  • Patent number: 8205575
    Abstract: A particulate collector configured to engage a container proximate to the container perimeter and which can disengage from the perimeter of the container to collect particulate accumulated in an amount liquid in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Larry P. Nicastle
  • Patent number: 8196549
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Merial Limited
    Inventor: John Seagraves
  • Patent number: 8197116
    Abstract: The Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Device consists of a container that is divided proportionately to allow for the precise measuring of the recommended sugar to water ratios used for nectar type bird and butterfly feeders. The device is adapted for supporting a movable or removable divider that separates the container into proportionate volumes, 4 to 1, 6 to 1, and 9 to 1 that correspond to the commonly recommended sugar to water ratios for hummingbird, oriole, and butterfly nectar feeders. The device allows for the water and sugar compartments to be filled to the same “line of sight” level to facilitate the making of precise nectar sugar to water ratios. Once the sugar and water compartments are filled to the same level, the divider is moved or removed to allow for mixing. In the preferred embodiment of the Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Devices, the container divider can be used as a stirring implement and lid to cover the container during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Arnold G. Klein
  • Publication number: 20120137978
    Abstract: A pet leash handle includes a hollow housing formed with a grip opening, and having a spring loaded wind up reel rotatably mounted within the housing on which a leash is wound which may be unwound against the resistance of a wind up spring, said leash extending out of said housing via a guide opening therein. An elongated water bowl is detachably mounted along a lower side of the housing in which a water bottle is nested. A bag storage cavity is provided within the housing above the lower side of the housings and a release button operates a mechanism which locks or releases the wind up reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Derrick McBounds
  • Publication number: 20120132145
    Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a liquid container with a a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin. An insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented. Movement of the insert between the two positions is effected by pushing the liquid container toward the basin (the closed position) and by pulling the liquid container away from the basin (the open position). Each movement of the insert has an associated “snap” or gives positive physical feedback which the user can feel that assures the user that the desired fluid flow or fluid sealed position has been achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Gauker, Marko Konstantin Lubic, William R. Yaughn, JR.
  • Patent number: 8166917
    Abstract: Animal-activated feeding systems and methods. The systems include a self-sealing valve assembly that, responsive to activation of a feed-flow activation member by an animal, selectively delivers a flow of the liquid feed to a vessel for consumption by the animal. The valve body further includes a valve member, which is configured to selectively obstruct the feed flow path, and a feed-flow activation member coupled to the valve member. The feed-flow activation member and valve member are selectively positionable between at least a sealed position and a range of activated positions. The valve assembly may include a buoyant activation restriction member adapted to restrict at least further or subsequent activation of the valve assembly responsive to the level of liquid feed in the vessel. The valve assembly may be configured to dispense the feed in a confined stream and/or in a generally horizontal or lateral direction into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Welbourne Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen B. Welbourne
  • Patent number: 8156894
    Abstract: A bird feeder configured to provide a liquid phase food and a gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The bird feeder further includes a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment operbaly coupled each having an interior volume configured to store a liquid phase food. The first storage compartment further includes a plurality of apertures facilitating access to the liquid phase food stored therein. A gelatinous phase food assembly is further included and attached to the bird feeder proximate the first storage compartment. The gelatinous phase food assembly further includes four containers operable to store and dispense gelatinous phase food to a plurality of birds. The four containers are supported by an inner support ring and an outer support ring. A cover extends over the bird feeder functioning the protect the gelatinous food assembly from environmental elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Kensell Krah
  • Patent number: 8151731
    Abstract: An animal feeder 10 comprises a container 11 into which liquid feed for a young animal can be placed. A mounting arrangement 12 coupled to the container is of a construction which, in use, enables the container 11 to be attached to an element of a structure such as a rail of a fence. At the lowermost part of the container 11 is a teat mounting 13 which has at least first and second teat mountings 19 and 20. The first teat mounting 19 has a different orientation relative to the container 11 to that of the second teat mounting 20. As a result an end user of the feeder can select one of the teat mountings 19 and 20 for the mounting of a teat P depending on whether the end user wants the teat P to project away from or through the fence on which the container is mounted. A bung or blanking plug 24 is used to seal the other teat mounting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Peach Teats Limited
    Inventor: Robert Dymock McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20120079988
    Abstract: A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottleneck extension at its other end, and a liquid tray having a well adapted to receive the bottleneck extension and at least one feeding port. The sidewall of the well is provided with at least one drain hole and the sidewall of the bottleneck extension with at least one port. The container and bottleneck extension are rotatable within the well to selectively align and misalign the port with the well drain hole to respectively open and close the drain hole upon rotation of the container. In an alternate embodiment, the bottleneck extension is fitted with a collar rotatable with the container. The collar is received in the liquid tray well and includes at least one port. A liquid flow path is formed in the liquid tray for each feeding port to reduce the volume of nectar in the tray at any given time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: William R. Vaughn, JR., Christopher J. Kamery, Robert Theodore Cruz, Andrew Gauker
  • Patent number: 8146533
    Abstract: According to the invention, an apparatus for providing a frozen edible substance to an animal is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a container, a support element, a securing element, and a mounting element. The container may be configured to receive an edible substance and contain the edible substance during freezing of the edible substance, but be removable from the substance afterwards. The support element may be configured to receive and support the edible substance after freezing. The securing element may be configured to couple with the edible substance during freezing and secure the edible substance to the support element. The mounting element may be configured to couple with the support element and secure the support element to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Lisa L. Beltezore, Caroline A. Shengle
  • Patent number: 8146535
    Abstract: A thermally controlled drinking water system for animals having a thermally insulated cabinet containing a water reservoir, a water bowl, a vapor-compression refrigeration water-cooling system, and an electric water heating system, maintains the drinking water at an optimal temperature in both hot weather and freezing weather conditions. The reservoir stores at least five days of water and automatically maintains the water bowl in a constantly filled condition through a water supply conduit and visual indicator indicates when the reservoir water level is getting low. The evaporator coil of the cooling system is engaged with the water bowl in heat exchange relation and electrical heating elements are engaged in heat exchange relation with the water bowl and reservoir. Cooling and heating operations are controlled by an ambient air temperature sensor on the cabinet exterior and a water temperature sensor on the side wall of the water bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Edward C. Neumann
  • Patent number: 8147119
    Abstract: The Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Device consists of a container that is divided proportionately to allow for the precise measuring of the recommended sugar to water ratios used for nectar type bird and butterfly feeders. The device is adapted for supporting a removable divider that separates the container into proportionate volumes, 4 to 1, 6 to 1, and 9 to 1 that correspond to the commonly recommended sugar to water ratios for hummingbird, oriole, and butterfly nectar feeders. The device allows for the water and sugar compartments to be filled to the same “line of sight” level to facilitate the making of precise nectar sugar to water ratios. Once the sugar and water compartments are filled to the same level, the divider is removed to allow for mixing. In the preferred embodiment of the Convenience Nectar Mixing and Storage Devices, the container divider can be used as a stirring implement and lid to cover the container during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Arnold Gregory Klein
  • Publication number: 20120067290
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of supplying liquid consumable substances to animals using a dispenser device, including storing a volume of viscous fluid in a storage chamber of the dispensing device, capturing a roller ball in a flanged opening at an open end of the dispensing device such that a first surface of the roller ball communicates with the storage chamber, communicating at least a portion of the stored volume to the first surface such that a quantity of the stored volume adheres to the first surface, and exposing a second surface of the roller ball to an animal's tongue such that when the animal licks the second surface, the roller ball rotates with respect to the flanged opening to deliver at least a portion of the adhered quantity to the animal as a reward for a desired exhibited behavior of the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher E. MAININI
  • Publication number: 20120060762
    Abstract: The hummingbird liquid feeder includes a base, a liquid tray attached to the base, a flange that fits inside the liquid tray, and a liquid container that rotatingly engages the liquid tray in a fill mode to permit filling without removing or inverting the liquid container while preventing spillage and alternately in a feed mode to permit the flow of the nectar into a moat for access thereto through feeding ports in the base and featuring a vertically-oriented stabilization member centrally disposed on the liquid tray that receives a support post pole disposed on a plate to stabilize and support the device during windy and inclement weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Kimberly L. Cowger, Patrick D. Cowger
  • Patent number: 8117991
    Abstract: A pet water dispenser having a system of water pumps to circulate water, a water bowl containing a temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the water in the bowl, an ultra violet light and a filter to purify and clean the circulating water, an in-line water heater and a thermoelectric cooling plate to keep the water at a desired temperature, water jets inside the bowl to spray water against the inside of the bowl to clean hair and debris from the bowl, a rotating drain disc in the bowl which periodically opens to permit emptying of old water from the water bowl and closes to permit filling of the bowl with fresh water, a digital controller to permit a pet owner to control the operation of the dispenser and the temperature of the water presented in the bowl to the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Sandra Civitillo
  • Publication number: 20120031342
    Abstract: The instant invention describes a drinking container for dispensing limited amounts of a liquid to an animal, generally comprising a top portion constructed and arranged to engage a bottom portion, and a bottom portion. The bottom portion has a first end and a second end defined by a bottom wall. Linking the first end of the bottom portion to the bottom wall is a side wall, thereby defining a liquid reservoir for holding a liquid. Engagement of the top portion with the bottom portion defines a drool preventing container constructed and arranged for providing an animal access to a limited amount of liquid stored within the reservoir for holding a liquid, thereby preventing or limiting drool formation as said animal drinks therefrom. The drool preventing container further contains an animal access chamber having a main body defined by a first end linked to an opening centrally positioned along the top portion, and a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Charles T. Whitney
  • Patent number: 8104431
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a self-filling and self-draining watering device. The invention discloses an apparatus comprising a first compartment containing a bowl accepting fluid from an inlet opening, the fluid being continuously drained from the bowl, a second compartment, proximate the bowl, housing a reservoir proximate the bowl which temporarily retains continuously drained fluid, a pump actuated by a float switch to discharge fluid from reservoir, and a sensor detecting a movement, triggering a flow of fluid into the bowl. Additionally, the invention discloses a method comprising providing an apparatus having a first compartment and a reservoir, connecting the inlet supply line to an inlet line which transports fluid into the bowl, continuously draining the fluid into the reservoir, discharging fluid from the reservoir with a pump, providing a sensor to activate a solenoid valve to allow fluid into the bowl, and enclosing the bowl and reservoir in an outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Klenotiz
  • Patent number: 8100085
    Abstract: A liquid hummingbird feeder is provided with a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, and a valve mechanism adapted to close the bottom opening to enable the liquid container to be filled through the sealable top opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: John Stone, Oliver McLachlan, David Harting
  • Publication number: 20120012062
    Abstract: A device capable of diverting, redirecting, and collecting fresh water from a faucet to a pet for drinking The device includes a plurality of elbows and a reservoir with a faceplate or a reservoir connected to the faucet by use of a connection piece. The device includes extensions which allow the user to position the reservoir at a desired height and distance from the faucet. The device further includes a plurality of designs for the reservoir and faceplate that allow for different water flows from which the pet can drink. The chosen reservoir and faceplate can be changed by the user. A method for having multiple reservoirs and faceplates connected to a single faucet allowing multiple pets to drink at a time is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: Misty Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110315087
    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: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
  • Publication number: 20110308472
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and mitigating leakage currents is disclosed. The data acquisition system records data from multiple monitoring locations over extended periods of time to identify stray voltage and/or leakage currents present at the monitoring location. The data is processed to identify trends in the stray voltage and/or leakage currents and to suggest methods for mitigating the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Jesse Straubhaar
  • Publication number: 20110308471
    Abstract: A miniature size bird feeder that includes a feed holder; a cap or cover over the feed holder; means for releasably attaching the cap or cover to the feed holder and an attachment means for supporting the feed holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: DROLL YANKEES, INC.
    Inventors: Betsy P. Puckett, Marco Wo
  • Publication number: 20110290188
    Abstract: A leash assembly includes a housing comprising a handle portion. The housing includes a dispensing opening and a retention opening. The leash assembly further includes a leash at least partially contained within the housing, one end of the leash being secured within the housing. The dispensing opening is configured to provide access to an unused pet waste bag contained within the housing, and the retention opening is configured to retain a used pet waste bag. A method of disposing of pet waste includes walking a dog utilizing a leash assembly; causing pet waste to be contained within a pet waste bag, thereby transitioning the pet waste bag from an unused state to a used state; closing the pet waste bag by tying a knot in the pet waste bag; and retaining the pet waste bag via engagement of the knot with a retention opening of the leash assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Sammy Lopez, Nicole Lopez
  • Publication number: 20110277691
    Abstract: A hummingbird feeding station includes a first hollow body having a closed end and an openable end, the first hollow body for receiving and for containing a liquid for consumption, one or more openings extending through at least one wall of the first hollow body for enabling consumption of the liquid contained therein, and a second hollow body having a closed or a sealed end and an open end, the second hollow body for receiving and containing a liquid. The second hollow body is disposed between the first hollow body a point of origin of insects attempting to access the liquid in the first hollow body, the liquid contained in the second hollow body functioning as a barrier preventing the insects from accessing the liquid contained in the first hollow body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Heidi Sundquist
  • Patent number: 8056508
    Abstract: A hand feeding system for small animals, such as kittens, uses a syringe that has a nursing nipple removably attached to the hub end of the syringe. Either a scratch pad is interposed directly between a shoulder of the syringe and the nipple or a plate is so interposed such that the plate is removably attached to a freestanding stand that has a scratch pad located thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Paige Bryan, Mark Bryan
  • Patent number: 8056509
    Abstract: A drinker system having a pressure regulator that receives water at its inlet and provides water at a predetermined pressure at its outlet. At least one drinker is connected to the outlet of the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is moveable between a lower position and an upper position relative to the drinker. When the pressure regulator is moved to its upper position relative to the drinker, the drinker receives a higher pressure than the predetermined pressure at the outlet of the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is connected to the drinker with a four bar linkage having a pair of bars that are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the bars is pivotally connected to the drinker at one end and the opposite ends of the bars are pivotally connected to the pressure regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ziggity Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Hostetler
  • Patent number: 8056510
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Edstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Handley, Randal S. Knurr
  • Publication number: 20110265727
    Abstract: A water valve for an animal waterer which can be assembled, disassembled and repaired without the use of tools. The float arm pivots upon the valve body about an integral trunnion bar to permit selective engagement of the valve seal with the valve seat. A cover member overlies the valve body and retains the float arm to the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Nelson Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Warren Fackler, Joseph Robinson
  • Patent number: 8047159
    Abstract: A pet bowl includes a unitary housing having a front portion and a rear portion. The housing defines an internal chamber having a bottom wall upon which the housing sits in a first/dispensing orientation and a rear wall upon which the housing sits in a second/storage orientation. The housing also includes a first receptacle formed at the rear portion and a second receptacle formed at the front portion. A fluid flow port defined in the housing provides fluid communication between the internal chamber and the second receptacle. A handle is formed by a sidewall of the second receptacle defining a first lip, and a groove in the bottom wall defining a second lip. The housing may further include a transition wall angled from the bottom wall and rear wall, the housing configured to sit on the transition wall in a third/draining orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: TNT Products LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Charles Hewson, Thomas Anthony Nomina, Donald Joseph Suriani
  • Publication number: 20110239949
    Abstract: A safety hummingbird feeder having a substantially cylindrical reservoir, an elongate feeding tube, and a cap. The reservoir has a reduced surface area and is intended to hold a limited amount of liquid sugar solution to reduce or eliminate spoilage and molding. The feeding port tube is made of soft, flexible material and may include a plurality of slits configured to prevent a withdrawing hummingbird from injuring its bill. The hummingbird feeder maximizes safety for a feeding humming bird by reducing or eliminating intestinal injury commonly caused by ingestion of spoiled and/or molded liquid sugar solution and the flexible feeding port tube minimizes the risk of bill injury for a retreating hummingbird.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: James Paul Abbott
  • Patent number: 8028356
    Abstract: A water controlling valve includes an outer sheet, an end cap and a control valve group. The control valve group is disposed between a flowing bore in the outer sheet and a water bore in the end cap. The water controlling valve is connected with the outlet of a water tube. When the control valve group is pushed upwards, the water bore in the end cap and the flowing bore in the outer sheet are closed in a predetermined sequence, then the water in the tube will not flow out. When the control valve group is pushed downwards, the flowing bore in the outer sheet and the water bore in the end cap are opened, then the water will flow out. When the water is stopped, the occurring positive or negative pressure wave is lowered, and then the vibration and the raspy noise will be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Highplus International Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yu-Yueh Kao, Chih-Hung Kao
  • Patent number: 8028658
    Abstract: A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to attach to the liquid container and adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid. The liquid tray includes a bottom port passing through the liquid tray and vertically aligned with the bottom opening, and a valve mechanism adapted to selectively couple the bottom port of the liquid tray to the bottom opening for filling purposes, or to close the bottom port and couple the bottom opening to the liquid tray for supplying liquid from the liquid container to the liquid tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: John Stone, Oliver McLachlan, David Harting
  • Patent number: 8011323
    Abstract: A liquid bird feeder provides a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottleneck extension at its other end, and a liquid tray having a well adapted to receive the bottleneck extension and at least one feeding port. The sidewall of the well is provided with at least one drain hole and the sidewall of the bottleneck extension with at least one port. The container and bottleneck extension are rotatable within the well to selectively align and misalign the port with the well drain hole to respectively open and close the drain hole upon rotation of the container. In an alternate embodiment, the bottleneck extension is fitted with a collar rotatable with the container. The collar is received in the liquid tray well and includes the at least one port. A liquid flow path is formed in the liquid tray for each feeding port to reduce the volume of nectar in the tray at any given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: William R. Vaughn, Jr., Christopher J. Kamery, Robert Theodore Cruz, Andrew Gauker