Abstract: Systems and methods for providing nutritional and other products to animals are provided. Generally, the invention provides a dispensing system comprising an activity monitoring device, and a dispensing device comprising a processor programmed to receive a communication generated by the activity monitoring device. The processor controls the dispensing device to dispense a nutritional or other product in response to the communication from the activity monitoring device. The activity monitoring device can be attached to an animal and communicate with the dispensing device information regarding the nutritional requirements of the animal.

Abstract: A bird feeder generally in the form of hopper feeder that is coupled with a water reservoir. The hopper feeder generally includes a seed reservoir that receives and holds bird seed, which is dispensed to the birds by way of feeding stations. The hopper further provides a liquid reservoir for dispensing drinking water to visiting birds.

Abstract: Described is a fluidic consumable dispensing device for reliably and consistently dispensing uniform animal consumables. More specifically, the device dispenses animal consumables having the viscosity of a fluid such that the consumables are not broken or malformed and do not become oriented within the device such that they clog the flow of consumables from the device.

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.

Abstract: A drinking-water level alarm lamp for being placed in a water feeder is disclosed. The drinking-water level alarm lamp includes a watertight casing including therein a lamp, a rolling ball tilt switch, a battery and a weight. When the water feeder contains drinking water, the drinking-water level alarm lamp half floats above the water in virtue of inner space of the watertight casing and the weight. When the water feeder contains no drinking water, the drinking-water level alarm lamp lies at a bottom of the water feeder. The drinking-water level alarm lamp uses presence and absence of the drinking water in and from the water feeder to change a position of the drinking-water level alarm lamp, so that the rolling ball tilt switch in the drinking-water level alarm lamp is accordingly switched to turn on or off the lamp.

Abstract: A water bottle has a main body section and a dispensing mechanism. A tapering section is between the main body section and the water dispensing mechanism. A support base includes a horizontal lower plate and a vertical upper plate, a pair of laterally spaced top holes and at least one pair of vertically aligned, laterally spaced additional holes. A bottle retainer has a vertical component. The vertical component has a pair of bolts. The bolts extend rearwardly from the vertical component. The bolts are spaced the same distance between the holes. A pair of horizontal components extend forwardly from the vertical component. Each of the horizontal components have an opening to receive the main body portion of the bottle. A rotation abater is secured to the bottle retainer with an angled face to contact the water bottle there adjacent.

Abstract: A top-filling watering system configured to provide water to livestock, includes a water basin having an upstanding wall, and a reservoir securely mounted to the water basin. The reservoir includes a top wall integrally formed with a circumferential wall defining an open end connected to an interior cavity defined between the top wall and the circumferential wall. A filling opening is formed through the top wall. The filling opening is configured to allow water to be filled into the interior cavity. Another reservoir is capable of nesting within the interior cavity when the reservoir is not securely mounted to the water basin.

Abstract: A bottle cap for fitting on a mouth of a bottle to form a bird feeder is disclosed. The bottle cap comprises a first chamber with a opening for receiving the mouth of the bottle, wherein the bottle cap snaps onto the mouth of the bottle. A second chamber is provided with a closed bottom. A sealing ring is located between the first and second chambers so as to provide a seal between the bottle cap and the mouth of the bottle when the bottle cap is snapped onto the mouth of the bottle, wherein liquid is free to move between the first and second chambers. At least one feeding port is provided in a side wall of the second chamber.

Abstract: An animal watering system including a water tank, interior container and base for connecting to a bowl. The interior container fluidly connects the water tank and the base/bowl. The interior container in addition to supplying water from the water tank to the bowl, also receives water from the bowl as it circulates. The interior container includes a filter to filter the water as it leaves the water tank and enters the bowl and as it flows from the bowl into the interior container.

Abstract: An installation with animal enclosures includes a nipple assembly with a feeding nipple for dispensing liquid feed to animals in the installation, where a single feeding nipple is pivotable between at least two animal enclosures, the nipple assembly including the feeding nipple mounted on a pivot, which pivot is biased to maintain the feeding nipple in a neutral position between the extremes of a range of pivotability.

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

Abstract: A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin.

Abstract: A convenient, inexpensive, durable, refillable, specialized dog toy which can be made of various materials and have various aesthetic designs. The toy is a self-contained water source, or reservoir, for use where a messy dog bowl would be inappropriate. As the dog bites down upon the toy, in a particular location; water seeps out through tiny valves. The outside of the toy may be a superficial art form, perhaps including but not limited to, imitation bones, steaks, or burgers. The outside may be composed of rubber, plastic, vinyl, latex, or a cloth, denim or furry exterior. The toy may even be made of wood or substances which are edible to a dog. A fill cap is provided by which water can be added to the reservoir. A carrying cord may be provided on the outside by which the toy can be carried by dog or human without compressing out any of the water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of various grass-growing devices. In one nonlimiting embodiment, for example, a device for growing grass in a container that provides water to a household pet is disclosed. The device includes a basket that is configured for insertion into the container. The basket comprises one or more apertures that allow for fluid movement through the basket. The device further includes a seed-holding unit. The seed-holding unit of this embodiment comprises a housing in which one or more grass seeds can be placed.

Abstract: The present invention may include a bird feeder for feeding a bird which may include a base member including a container for nectar, a cover member to cover the base member including an opening adapted to allow the bird feed the nectar, a support member to support the base member, a pole member to connect to the support member. The cover member may include an upward extending facet member, and the upward extending facet member may include a inward inclined wall and a central aperture to allow the bird to access the nectar. The cover member may include a central aperture to cooperate with the support member, and the cover member may include a perch member to allow the bird to perch on the cover member. The base member may include a first ant moat, and the base member may include a divider member to divide the container of the base member. The base member may include a central aperture to cooperate with the support member.

Abstract: A supply line for the water supply to poultry house drinkers is triangular in shape with the drinkers secured to a bottom surface around a drinking nipple by a quick-attach rotational movement. The triangular line has a top fin which provides additional bending strength and may have an internal fin to limit movement of the drinking nipple valve.

Abstract: A water drinking container for animals is provided with which the temperature of water placed therein can be suppressed over a long period of time, especially during a period of high air temperature, to make water readily drinkable for a dog or other animal to weak from heat and make it easy for the animal to weather the heat by adequate hydration, the water drinking container being simple in arrangement, being available inexpensively, and including: a water container, having an upwardly-open, water containing recess; a cold reserving material, contained in a bag or a plastic case; and a cold reserving material container, holding the cold reserving material in a state of contact with a bottom rear surface of the water containing recess of the water container.

Abstract: Container for holding liquid for a pet to drink includes a generally round and hollow lower container portion having for retaining a first portion of such liquid. A generally round ledge portion connected to and formed integrally with said lower container portion and extending outwardly from an upper edge of the lower container portion is provided. A bottom surface of he ledge portion being adapted to rest on a surface surrounding such vehicle cup holder. Also provided is a generally round hollow container upper portion connected, adjacent a bottom edge thereof, to and formed as a single piece with the ledge portion adjacent an outer perimeter thereof. The upper portion includes a wall portion extending upwardly from said bottom edge thereof for a second predetermined height and having each of a third predetermined inner and outer diameter which is greater than a predetermined inner and outer diameter adjacent the outer perimeter of the ledge portion.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for providing fluids to or venting gas from animals which feature a tube and a sheath in which the sheath covers the tube as the tube in inserted into the oral cavity and esophagus.

Abstract: A water hydration system for providing clean, fresh drinking water for animals and emptying the old water from which the animals had been drinking on a predetermined sequence and schedule.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing liquid feed to livestock deliver the liquid feed to a feeding station at a temperature below that of the mother's natural milk to encourage use of the liquid feed by the young as a supplement and not a replacement. A second reservoir expands the capacity of the system without increasing the size of the mixing reservoir. The second reservoir is equipped with selectively operable refrigeration and heating elements to facilitate cooling of the liquid feed or heating of a cleaning solution. A peroxide doser introduces small quantifies of peroxide to clean the liquid feed and prevent gorging. Orifices through which feed is discharged at feeding stations decrease in cross sectional area along the circulation line in the direction of flow to counteract variation in discharge flow rates caused by a pressure differential in the liquid feed along the line.

Abstract: A liquid nectar hummingbird feeder has a reusable base with a feeding basin that receives a disposable cartridge containing a pre-filled volume of liquid nectar. The cartridge has a single bottleneck opening at a lower end which is initially sealed by a breakable seal in the form of a film layer of foil, coated paper stock, plastic or the like. The base includes a cartridge mounting and opening structure adapted to secure and open the cartridge bottleneck opening by rupturing the film layer seal to allow liquid nectar to flow from the cartridge into the feeding basin.

Abstract: A nectar feeder for birds has a body member with a base and a lid. The base has an open top end and a side wall. The lid is interfittingly engaged with the top end of the base. A hinge connects the lid to the base to allow movement of the lid relative to the base. The lid has a support extending from an upper surface of the lid. At least one feed port, preferably three, is defined through the lid. The feed port and the support are substantially aligned on the same horizontal plane. A latch is attached to the upper surface of the lid to prevent movement of the lid relative to the base. A moat optionally extends about the periphery of the body member.

Abstract: A method of promoting efficient water drinking by animals uses any one of a number of container embodiments. A first embodiment of container contemplates five sub-chambers separated from one another by parallel partitions, with each partition having a small weep hole near its bottom to equalize water level in each sub-chamber. Each sub-chamber has an elongated length dimension and a width that is relatively narrow and designed to approximate the width of an animal's tongue. When an animal is drinking water from one of the sub-chambers of this embodiment, as the tongue is lapping, the sides of the tongue are close to the inner walls of the sub-chamber, thereby precluding some of the water resting on the tongue from falling off the tongue as the water is lifted into the animal's mouth. In this way, the efficiency of drinking using the lapping technique is enhanced.

Abstract: A simple device for use with nectar type bird feeders that effectively prevents ant and other insect contamination. In several embodiments, the device uses a disposable media that is coated with a non-drying adhesive. In application the device is either placed interposed between the nectar feeder and the feeder support or is adapted to securely fit over the feeder support. The insects (primarily ants) are prevented from contaminating the feeder as they will not cross the non-drying adhesive barrier. The replaceable adhesive media inserts and/or peel away layers can be very conveniently replaced as they become contaminated or dust covered. Alternatively (for ultimate consumer convenience) the device may be made completely disposable with the non-drying adhesive applied directly to the device interior surface(s).

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

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a cradle for attachment to a jar of jelly or jam, and one or more perches that are disposed near the opening of the jar when the cradle is attached to the jar so a bird may light on a perch and feed from the jar. The bird feeder may include a flower portion with a circular opening for attracting birds, and may also include one or more connector loops for hanging the bird feeder with the attached jar. The perches may be straight, curved, U-shaped or any other suitable configuration.

Abstract: A Portable Pet Water Bowl Tote. The bowl and assembly provides a pet owner with a portable source for water that also functions as the pet's drinking bowl. The tote has a carrying strap that will allow the device to be comfortably carried over the owner's shoulder or alternatively strapped around their waist. The container has a hinged lid that can be closed to seal against the rim of the bowl portion of the container in order to provide a water-tight water reservoir. The lid has a fill throat and cap so that the reservoir can be filled (or emptied) without opening the lid. Finally, a variety of pouches or pockets may be dispersed on the outer face of the lid so that the user has convenient storage locations for snacks, bags or other items.

Abstract: An improved drinking system having a water source capable of delivering water through water supply pipes, watering stations fluidly connected to the water supply pipes, and at least one light source optically connected to at least one of the watering stations. Also provided is a method for selectively distributing water to animals within a farm facility utilizing illuminated watering stations.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, low-maintenance, water-saving automated animal watering device (10) is provided which includes a watering tank (12) moveable between a lower, water-full condition and an upper, water-low condition. Preferably, one end of the tank (12) is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft (64), while the other end of the tank is biased upwardly via a lower lift spring (72). The device (10) also has a water fill assembly (16) operably coupled with tank (12) to selectively fill the tank (12) when needed, and a drain valve assembly (18) also coupled with tank (12) in order to completely drain the tank (12) on a periodic basis. A control assembly (20) is coupled with at least the tank (12) and drain valve assembly (18), and is operable to actuate the drain valve assembly (18) after a predetermined number of movements of the tank (12) between the elevated and lowered positions thereof.

Abstract: A single-serving, liquid or water filled, disposable container, particularly suited to provide portable refreshment for pets during walking or exercising. The device includes an integrated clip, particularly suited for easy attachment and removal from a pet's leash, pet owner's belt loop, fanny-pack, pocketbook, exercising equipment, etc. To provide pet refreshment, the device is unclipped from its tether, and a peel-back lid reveals the liquid, provided in a flat-bottomed container, suitable for placement on ground or floor. When the pet has consumed the liquid, the device can be discarded. The intention is for the device to be provided in multi-packs, and that all materials used can be recycled. The container size and serving portion are intended to be enough to provide refreshment, but must be lightweight enough to not hinder either the pets or owners movement during walking or exercising.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide an improved pet watering device having an easily removable debris filter. For example, the device, in some examples, has a base portion separated into a bowl and a water storage section. The filter is selectively placeable in a channel connecting the bowl and the water storage section. In further embodiments, the device includes a water dispensing portion having a spout. At least one flow guide extends along the spout and helps guide water off the spout to reduce water braiding, which may reduce noise and splashing associated with the stream of water falling from the spout. Yet further embodiments provide a pet watering device that may be easily assembled and disassembled. In one example, the upper and lower portions of the watering device are connectable with a mating tab and slot structure.

Abstract: Improvements in pet care or animal hydration are disclosed. According to the broadest aspect the invention is an electronic pet automated watering system, to be known as EPAWS, used in the pet or animal care, which includes a housing that contains the electronics, a water solenoid valve and vessel for filling with water. The electronically controlled water solenoid valve that is operated by a capacitive proximity sensor to fill and monitor the water level in the vessel, the housing that connects to the either, a residential or commercial water supply with a power source of 110 volts A/C (Alternating Current). Connect the housing to the vessel, a safety switch is provided to ensure the housing and vessel are connected. Once the water supply is connected and the water supply valve is opened, the housing is plugged into an A/C outlet, a switch is provided in the housing to turn the EPAWS system on or off.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a solar panel power source for illuminating a reservoir of liquid hummingbird food so that the hummingbird can find it at night. The solar panel itself preferably hangs below the feeder in a flexible manner so that it can collect the maximum amount of sunlight and swing in the breeze. An LED attached to the solar power source is positioned to illuminate the liquid reservoir from within the reservoir. The parts that comprise the feeder are easily disassembled for washing and cleaning.

Abstract: A coded pet specific proximity sensor incorporates a specific coded sensor or transmitter which is removably worn by or attached to a pet. The sensor limits or encourages access of the pet to certain pet items, such as feeding dishes, pet doors, litter boxes, pet toys, pet beds, etc. These pet items comprises corresponding tags which read when the pet is in proximity of them. The sensors can be preprogrammed to let pets access these items at certain times of day only or they can be individually coded to let only certain pets access them in multiple-pet homes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water bowl for animals, particularly pets such as cats and dogs. The water comprises a reservoir wherein the basin for accessing the water is formed within the centre of the reservoir. Water flow from the reservoir to the basin is controlled by a valve assembly.

Abstract: A dog feeder and dog waterer is provided wherein the dog feeder and dog waterer may be moved individually from operative positions to stored positions and which may be detachably secured together when in their stored or transport positions to enable the feeder and waterer to be carried as a unit and to add stability of the same during transport or storage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for watering animals generally include a container having an inner recess. A pump directs water from the inner recess of the container through a fluid column, which may contain filter medium. One or more spouts are located at a terminal end of the fluid column and direct the water in one or more streams back to the inner recess of the container. The spouts may be associated with one of various spout plates that can be interchanged with one another and adjusted to orient the streams of water. Some embodiments employ a restrictor plate that may be variably positioned within the flow of water. Other embodiments provide a variable speed pump that incrementally adjusts the rate of flow.

Abstract: An improved structure of a feeder for supplying water and pet food is disclosed. Therein, a base has a shifting space adjacent to a side of a bowl settled in the base so as to receive a dispensing controller. A container unit equipped with a hopper and a water supplier is provided on top of the dispending controller. The dispensing controller can be shifted in the shifting space so that an opening limit is formed when projections formed on two rear ends of the dispensing controller abut against blocks provided bilaterally in the shifting space, and a closing limit is formed when a groove of the dispensing controller abuts against a stop plate formed at a rear section of the shifting space. Thus, the container unit can be easily opened to dispense pet food or closed to not dispense pet food.

Abstract: This invention is directed to troughs and more particularly to pre-cast or molded troughs made of plastic, fiberglass or other appropriate material and utilizing a novel shape whereby the trough rests on it's natural tipping point using a novel pair of stabilizers made to rest on the ground and fit into corresponding cavities on the underside of the trough to maintain an upright and stable position until tipping is desired. The unique shape makes possible the slight backward tipping of the trough, done easily by one person, so the stabilizers can be kicked away and the trough tipped forward to empty, clean and/or refill.

Abstract: A combination liquid container and pet drinking bowl in which the bowl is formed of a plastic sheet secured to the container. The sheet may be flexed into two distinct positions. In a first stored position, the sheet is form-retaining and lies against a portion of the container. In a second operative position, the sheet provides a form-retaining bowl extending longitudinally from the container and may be filled with liquid from said container.

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, wherein 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.

Abstract: A bottle with a hose for dispensing liquid for animal or human consumption in a sanitized and convenient manner is disclosed. The bottle includes a hose that has one end connected to the bottom of the bottle with a length sufficient to wrap around the circumference of the bottle multiple times. A lever-actuated valve with a spout is connected to the other end of the hose for dispensing liquid into a tray and/or directly to an animal for consumption. The tray can be a base portion of the bottle, the cap of the bottle, or attached separately to the bottle or hose. Alternatively, multiple trays are included with the bottle. The lever-actuated valve may also be attached to a y-connector allowing for multiple spouts to dispense liquid simultaneously to multiple trays and/or directly to animals. A hose attachment secures the lever actuated valve end of the hose to the bottle.

Abstract: A dog drinking device has a trapezoidal water container with a top cover. A rotatable round drum made of plastic or stainless steel is rotatably mounted in the water container. A plurality of transverse grooves formed on the round surface of the drum. A top portion the round surface of the drum is exposed through a rectangular access opening of the cover. A long ear dog may drink the water by standing at the narrower front end of the device with its ears falling on the outside of two forward converging sides of the trapezoidal shape water container and licking the water carried to the exposed round surface of the drum by the transverse grooves without water splashing on its face and floor area around the device or to its ears to cause potential ear infection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an innovative hummingbird feeder. The feeder of the present invention is comprised of a main body, a stopper for the main body and several feeding port assemblies. The present invention allows the consumer to engage stoppers at each feeding port assembly, these stopper prevent spillage during refilling of the nectar reservoir. Additionally, the feeding port assemblies allow access to hummingbirds but prevent access by pests, while presenting a flower-like appearance to the birds.

Abstract: An artificial nipple for an experimental animal can include a replaceable duct in a nipple and a structure that prevents liquid from accumulating in the nipple except in the nipple tip and the duct. The artificial nipple can be configured to prevent liquid from accumulating by filling the nipple with an elastic member or by forming the nipple with an elastic member integrally with an outer wall of the nipple.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder sized to be held in the hand of a user, the feeder being attached to a non-porous surface via a suction type cup and positioned such that hummingbirds have access to the nectar within the feeder. The cup has a wire member that functionally holds the feeder and allows it to be removed and held in the hand of a user when desired.