Abstract: A hummingbird feeder having a cover portion and a bottom portion of a base, as well as a nectar reservoir, is disclosed. The cover portion includes a reservoir coupling region, a feeding region, and a first mating region. The reservoir coupling region is configured to be coupled to the nectar reservoir. The feeding region is configured to accommodate a beak of a hummingbird to access nectar. The a bottom portion includes a second mating region, which is configured to mate with the first mating region of the cover portion. Preferably, the bottom portion further includes a retaining wall located within an outer ridge of the bottom portion. The retaining wall retains liquid within an inner region of the bottom portion and restricts liquid from flowing to an outer region of the bottom portion, providing easier maintenance and less mechanical force on the cover portion during feeder use. The reservoir optionally contains a wide opening for easy maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of filling a nectar bird feeder. The bird feeder includes a base with a nectar reservoir and an extension member that downwardly depends from the bottom surface thereof. A hanger is connected to the base and extends upwardly therefrom. A cover, which is releasably attached to the base, has a central aperture to receive the hanger therethrough. The cover is removed from the base and placed on a support surface. The base is then placed on the cover with the extension member being positioned through the aperture so it can be movably positioned so it is level for filling of the reservoir of the base with nectar. After filling, the base is removed from the cover and the cover is reattached to the base.

Abstract: Apparatus and for providing controlled addition of a first aqueous solution having a first concentration of an aqueous chemical species at a first flow rate to a second aqueous solution having a second flow rate to provide a diluted first solution of a desired selected concentration of the chemical species, the apparatus having a second solution sensor to obtain data on the second solution selected from the second flow rate and the temperature of the second solution; a first solution sensor to obtain data on the temperature of the first solution; a pump to effect addition of the first solution to the second solution to provide the diluted first solution; and a CPU (i) to receive the data selected from the second flow rate and temperature data from the second solution sensor; (ii) to receive the temperature sensing data on the first solution from the first solution sensor; (iii) to effect algorithmic treatment of the data from the first and second sensor, to provide pump control data; and (iv) to control t

Abstract: A birdcage watering device is provided with a no-spill valve and method of attachment. The watering device comprises a valve attached to a water chamber comprising an extended leg such that when the watering device is completely assembled the valve may be displaced to fill trough. Particularly, the extended leg of the valve produces an angled opening to permit flow of water from the water chamber without clogging or getting “stuck” in the valve opening. The water chamber is easily removed for refilling and the valve is designed to prevent the spilling of water during the process. A method of attachment is also described that allows the device to be on the outside of the birdcage while being secured from the inside of the cage, thus allowing for easy refilling of the water chamber of the device.

Abstract: A pet feeder includes a base and a lid, the base defining a bowl and the lid defining a reservoir. The base and lid are connected by a hinge, such that the lid can be retained in an open position. Solid food or liquid flows from the reservoir, through a valve, into the bowl. In the case of liquid, the supply of liquid in the bowl is continuously replenished due to the flow of liquid, by gravity, into the bowl. In another embodiment, the feeder may include a single base and separate bowls and separate lids, so that the feeder may provide both solid food and liquid simultaneously. When the lid is closed, the pet feeder becomes a compact structure that can be easily stored and transported.

Abstract: A system and method for a bird feeder is disclosed. The feeder includes a feed reservoir positioned under a shade. The shade has a diameter that is at least twice as large as the diameter of the feed reservoir and located above the feed reservoir such that the shade substantially covers the reservoir thereby limiting the impingement of direct sunlight on the reservoir. By limiting the amount of direct sunlight received by the reservoir the freshness of the feed can be more efficiently maintained.

Abstract: A removable cap assembly having a cap, a stopper and a sipper tube. The cap has a curved side wall which has an inner and outer surface. From this wall extends a top portion. A boss extends perpendicularly from the top portion. The boss has a bottom portion and a top portion. A circumferential rib extends perpendicularly from the top portion of the boss. The boss and rib define an opening in the cap. A stopper is provided that is dimensioned to seal the opening of the cap. The stopper is maintained in the cap by the boss and circumferential rib. The stopper includes a disc-shaped base and a cylindrical wall portion that extends therefrom. Additionally, a first groove that is dimensioned to receive the bottom portion of the boss is positioned in the base around the wall portion. Also, a second circumferential groove is positioned in the top portion of the wall portion. This second, groove is dimensioned to receive the rib. The stopper has a hole for receiving a sipper tube.

Abstract: An improved pet waterer is disclosed. The pet waterer has a tray for holding a fluid. Extending upwardly from tray is a container for dispensing fluid to the tray. The container has a base and one or more sidewalls extending from the base and having a top edge on the sidewalls. The top edge of the sidewall forms the opening in the container opposite the base. The container has a removable lid covering the opening in the container. The lid has an orifice for passing fluid from the container to the tray.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a liquid level within a receptacle such as a Christmas-tree stand water basin or a pet's water dish includes: a) a liquid reservoir adapted to be positioned above a height of a liquid holding basin of the receptacle, where the reservoir includes an open upper end and a lower end, where the open upper end includes a threaded, cylindrical outer surface and the lower end includes a reservoir outlet orifice; b) a cap including a cylindrical wall having an enclosed top end and an open bottom end, where the cylindrical wall includes a threaded inner surface from gauging with a threaded outer surface of the liquid reservoir; c) a valve assembly provided approximate the reservoir outlet orifice of the reservoir and operatively coupled to the cap to open the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded downwardly on the reservoir to a valve-open height below an actuating height an operative to close the reservoir outlet orifice when the cap is threaded upwardly to a valve-closed heigh

Abstract: A large capacity animal feeding and watering device having a serving tray (52) and a removable storage container (48) seated axially within the tray so as to deliver food or water to a serving dish (60). The tray has a number of removable wheels mounted thereunder which enables the device to be highly moveable by the user even when heavy and filled to capacity. The top of the container has a filling aperture (34) of sufficient size to enable access by an adult human hand to the interior of the container to fill or to clean. The same manufacturing molds are used in the production of both the feeding and watering device thereby reducing production costs. The container and the tray are designed to nest closely within other like components thereby decreasing the volume occupied in shipping and storage thus reducing costs.

Abstract: A bird feeder perch assembly for removable attachment to a bird feeder, the assembly having a locating member for locating and removably engaging a body of the bird feeder, a perch and pivoting mechanism for allowing the perch to pivot relative to the locating member, such that in use when attached to a bird feeder body the perch may pivot from a retracted position in which it is substantially flush with the bird feeder body to an extended position in which the perch projects outwardly from the bird feeder body such that a bird may rest upon the perch.

Abstract: A self cleaning birdbath with a bowl (10) which is shaped for easy cleaning and fixed to a support pole (14) that has a water supply pipe (13) inside it, connected to a gear driven lawn sprinkler (12) with a converter nozzle (11), that will produce a cleaning water jet (15) aimed downward into the bowl (10) which quickly empties the bowl (10) then the cleaning water jet (15) strikes the water holding surface of the bowl (10) directly and pressure washes it, the entire water holding surface of the bowl (10) is cleaned as the gear driven lawn sprinkler (12) rotates a full 360 degrees for as long as is needed for satisfactory cleaning. When the cleaning is done the water pressure is reduced so the water coming from the converter nozzle (11) will not have enough inertia to go over the rim, the bowl (10) will refill until the water is turned off.

Abstract: A bird bath that can be coupled to a reservoir. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a bird bath that includes a coupling portion and a basin portion. The coupling portion is configured to be coupled to a water reservoir. The basin portion is configured to receive water from the reservoir to function as a bird bath. The basin portion includes one or more basins that are sized to accommodate at least one bird.

Abstract: A system for accepting fluid from a source supply, then ejecting it along a substantially non-radial laterally oriented locus such that the fluid enters a cup with a mixing effect but with only minimal splashing, typically including a restriction element frame which substantially bisects the cup serves to control access thereto and a float based automatic flow restricting element; and methodology for its use in the liquid feeding of animals such as piglets.

Abstract: A water dispensing device, an associated kit and a method of using same are disclosed for use in hydrating a pet such as a dog or cat. The water dispensing device includes a base unit slidably attached to a storage vessel. The base unit includes the interconnected constituents of a housing; a frame wall; and a door. The storage vessel includes the interconnected constituents of a flip top; a hollow body; and a hollow outlet port. The kit includes the unattached elements of the device. The method of using same includes the steps of adjoining, affixing, closing, grabbing, joining, letting, obtaining, opening, plugging, pouring, pushing, and releasing.

Abstract: A water tray drinker for pigs comprising a tray wherein the water compartment thereof is divided into water compartment portions by divider walls of different heights. An adjustable valve water supply mechanism is positioned above the tray for automatically filling one or more of the compartment portions of the tray depending upon the vertical adjustment of the adjustable valve water supply.

Abstract: An animal feeding station for domesticated pets includes a base provided with a contoured top surface that has receptacles formed therein for receiving and storing food and liquid. The present invention further includes imitation palm trees threadably engageable with the base. Shelter is provided by a cone-shaped canopy including an access hatch. The canopy is attached to the palm trees via spaced support tabs and can be removed therefrom during routine cleaning. Furthermore, shelter is provided with a wall consisting of elongated posts extending between the base and the canopy in a substantially arcuate path. The base is also provided with a notch so that an animal can readily access their food without having to step onto the top surface of the base.

Abstract: A feeder assembly has a collapsible shade to selectively shield a feed container. The shade is operable from an extended position to a collapsed position and positioned such that, when extended, the shade substantially covers the feed container thereby limiting the impingement of direct sunlight or rain on the feed container. By limiting the amount of direct sunlight or rain impinged on the feed container, the freshness of the feed can be more efficiently maintained.

Abstract: A pet watering system which includes a refillable reservoir for holding water. A base is provided that holds the reservoir and receives water therefrom. Secured to the front of the base is a bowl which receives water from the base. A pump circulates water between the base and the bowl. A well is associated with the base, into which water is received from the base before being circulated into the bowl.

Abstract: A weatherproof pet feeder (12) has an enclosure (14) pivotally mounted to a feeder base (16) by a hinge (18). Latches (22) secure the enclosure (14) in a downward position on the feeder base (16). The feeder base (16) as two bowl sockets (34, 36). The bowl socket (34) has an electric heater coil (58) for heating a water bowl (38). The feeder base (16) is raised above a ground surface on support legs (44). The support legs (44) have mounting feet (46), tubular leg sections (72) and insecticide bands (96). The support legs (44) are sealed on lower ends by nipples (48) for containing weighting material which prevents the weatherproof feeder (12) from being overturned. The feeder base (16) has tie down loops (52) and the mounting feet (46) have apertures (86) for receiving stakes (88) for securing the weatherproof pet feeder (12) to the ground surface.

Abstract: An animal water trough having a cover structure which fits within the trough and preferably adapted to float on the surface of trough water to substantially cover the whole water surface area. Receptacles or channels are provided in the cover. Apertures, which communicate with the water trough, are provided in the channel walls to convey water from the trough into the receptacle or channel. Preferably, a substance dispenser is located in the cover, which feeds substances into the trough water.

Abstract: A pair of pet waterers, a pair of pet feeders or a pet feeder and a pet waterer adapted to be packaged together in a manner that reduces the volume occupied by the combination compared to if they were packaged separately. The pet feeder has a feed receptacle for storing feed. A first end of the feed receptacle when placed in a first tray occupies only a portion of the tray. The pet waterer has a water receptacle for storing water. A first end of the water receptacle when placed in a second tray occupies only a portion of the tray. A second end of the feed receptacle is adapted to be received by the second tray and a second end of the water receptacle is adapted to be received first tray.

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

Abstract: A water tray drinker for pigs comprising a tray wherein the water compartment thereof is divided into water compartment portions by divider walls of different heights. An adjustable valve water supply mechanism is positioned above the tray for automatically filling one or more of the compartment portions of the tray depending upon the vertical adjustment of the adjustable valve water supply.

Abstract: A removable cap assembly having a cap, a stopper and a sipper tube. The cap has a curved side wall which has an inner and outer surface. From this wall extends a top portion. A boss extends perpendicularly from the top portion. The boss has a bottom portion and a top portion. A circumferential rib extends perpendicularly from the top portion of the boss. The boss and rib define an opening in the cap. A stopper is provided that is dimensioned to seal the opening of the cap. The stopper is maintained in the cap by the boss and circumferential rib. The stopper includes a disc-shaped base and a cylindrical wall portion that extends therefrom. Additionally, a first groove that is dimensioned to receive the bottom portion of the boss is positioned in the base around the wall portion. Also, a second circumferential groove is positioned in the top portion of the wall portion. This second, groove is dimensioned to receive the rib. The stopper has a hole for receiving a sipper tube.

Abstract: A liquid container combination has a container for retaining a liquid and a strainer disposed within the container. The container has generally vertical side walls and a top wall opening. The strainer is typically disposed below the water level within the container.

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

Abstract: A water agitation system for use with a water retention structure, such as a bird bath or livestock water trough, includes a motor operatively connected to a drive shaft, and a blade assembly extending outwardly from the drive shaft. The motor is operable to rotate the blade assembly in order to impart motion to water retained within the water retention structure.

Abstract: Apparatuses that are removably attached to containers that can be used to water pets. The containers can take the form of standard water bottles. An embodiment of the apparatuses includes a base cap removably attachable to such a container, the base cap having a base cap flow aperture; and a flow activation member removably attachable to the base cap, the flow activation member having a triggering mechanism and a flow activation member flow aperture. Other embodiments are included.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self cleaning humming bird feeder equipped to protectively store sugared nectar and contaminated feed tank from insect infestation. The feeder including a feeding cup jacketed within a contaminated feed trap emptying onto a contaminated feed holding tank, a feed reservoir and a pump for pumping nectar to the feeding cup. Cleansing of the feed cup may be accomplished by pumping and overflowing excess sugared nectar into the feed cup causing it to spill over with contaminates onto the contaminated feed trap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable cap and bottle assembly having a cap having a curved side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface where the inner surface has at least two threads disposed thereon. A bottle is provided having a mouth portion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface has at least two threads disposed thereon corresponding to the threads disposed on the inner surface of the side wall of the cap, so that when the cap is screwed on to the mouth of the bottle, a compression seal is formed along an entire circumference of the cap and the bottle with less than a full turn of the cap.

Abstract: An artificial nursing system for use by an infant animal is disclosed. The nursing system comprises a feeding bottle, a nipple and a sleeve. The feeding bottle has a top end and a bottom end, the top end of the feeding bottle is attached to the nipple. A sleeve envelopes the feeding bottle, the sleeve comprises a first section made from an elastic material, wherein the elastic material constricts around the feeding bottle and a second section fixedly attached to the first section, the second section is made from a scent accepting fabric and surrounds the nipple. The first and second sections allow the infant animal to grip the feeding bottle and nipple and the constriction of the first section of the sleeve attaches the sleeve to the feeding bottle.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated water pressure regulator switchable between an operating mode and a flushing mode by changing the relative positions of the water inlet port and the valve in the regulator. By moving the port to a position in which the valve cannot close the inlet port, water at full line pressure enters the watering system to flush the system. A mounting bracket is also disclosed which independently suspends the regulator and a support pipe from a cable in the poultry house such that the regulator can be removed from the watering system without affecting the support pipe.

Abstract: A combination system for ozonating the air and water provided to an animal confinement house, such as a poultry house, to provide breathing air and drinking water with less viruses, bacteria and contaminants to the growing animals, such as poultry, using an air ozonation system to provide ozonated air to the animal confinement house and a water ozonation system to provide ozonated water to the animal confinement house, preferably utilizing a single ozone reactor to provide ozone to both the air ozonation system and the water ozonation system.

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

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder which includes a reservoir comprising a contiguous elastomer and an output port, and liquid hummingbird food disposed in that reservoir. The hummingbird feeder further includes a fluid conduit comprising an elastomer, a first end, and a second end, where that first end can be releaseably attached to the output port.

Abstract: A terrarium water dish for use with an animal terrarium including a rectangular configuration having an internal length, width, and height. The terrarium water dish includes a front wall, an opposite parallel rear wall, an end wall and a hill portion joining the front wall and the rear wall. The hill portion includes a first edge, a second edge, a crest, a first incline between the first edge and the crest, and a second incline between the second edge and the crest. A water zone for holding water is located between the second incline, the front wall, the rear wall, and the end wall. The water zone includes a floor. The terrarium water dish includes a width substantially equal to the internal width of the animal terrarium.

Abstract: A bird feeder to be suspended from a support structure is provided, including a hanger member and a feeder member. The hanger member includes a bracket piece that engages the support structure and a frame piece connected thereto that forms an opening for receiving the feeder member. The feeder member has a body with an interior defining a reservoir and a mouth communicating with the interior. The feeder member also includes an outwardly extending flange structure operative to engage the frame piece, which may be shaped as four lobes configured as petals of a flower. The bird feeder may include a tube member with a hollow portion extending into the reservoir, which may be shaped to resemble the pistil of a flower. In addition, a fluid transport device, such as a wick, may be received by the hollow portion to facilitate the bird's access to the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder comprising a two-part housing and a vessel unit supported by the housing. The vessel unit may be prefilled with a sugar and water solution. Once the sugar and water solution has been emptied from the vessel unit, the two housing pieces may be separated, the empty vessel unit removed, and a full new vessel unit placed inside the housing. Alternatively, the vessel unit may be refilled.

Abstract: Watering trough for animals provided at the base of its tank with an emptying opening. The emptying opening is of large diameter (between 90 and 120 mm) and is closed by a monobloc plug in two portions, a first portion which closes the emptying opening and a second screw-threaded portion, which engages in a screw-thread disposed in the wall of a recess hollowed out in the wall of the tank; the height of the portion being equal to the depth of the recess.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing the sequential delivery and timed release of measured amounts of additives to the water supply of livestock or plants is disclosed. The invention uses a direct injection method to meter and deliver fresh and accurate dosages of additives to a supply of water through the use of a timing mechanism operably attached to a flow control valve.

Abstract: A portable animal fluid dispenser (10) including a reservoir (12) and a container (14) detachably mounted to a side wall (22A) of the reservoir (12). The container (14) has an outlet in fluid communication with a passage (24) in the side wall (22A) and a closure (34) removably coupled to the passage (24). A carrier (16) is provided to attach the carrier (16) to an article worn by a person, for example a belt.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated water pressure regulator switchable between an operating mode and a flushing mode by changing the relative positions of the water inlet port and the valve in the regulator. By moving the port to a position in which the valve cannot close the inlet port, water at full line pressure enters the watering system to flush the system. A mounting bracket is also disclosed which independently suspends the regulator and a support pipe from a cable in the poultry house such that the regulator can be removed from the watering system without affecting the support pipe.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence of an electrical path on a pet accessory includes a first contact disposed on a probe, and a second contact disposed in a spaced apart arrangement relative to the first contact. An activation device is responsive to the presence of an electrical path or lack thereof between the first and second contacts. The activation device provides an indication of the state of the electrical path between the first and second contacts. The device preferably includes a pet dish and the probe extends into the dish to indicate a desired level for liquid in the dish, and the indication of state is performed by at least one of an audio message, a visual effect and a mechanical motion.

Abstract: A removable cap assembly having a cap, a stopper and a sipper tube. The cap has a curved side wall which has an inner and outer surface. From this wall extends a top portion. A boss extends perpendicularly from the top portion. The boss has a bottom portion and a top portion. A circumferential rib extends perpendicularly from the top portion of the boss. The boss and rib define an opening in the cap. A stopper is provided that is dimensioned to seal the opening of the cap. The stopper is maintained in the cap by the boss and circumferential rib. The stopper includes a disc-shaped base and a cylindrical wall portion that extends therefrom. Additionally, a first groove that is dimensioned to receive the bottom portion of the boss is positioned in the base around the wall portion. Also, a second circumferential groove is positioned in the top portion of the wall portion. This second, groove is dimensioned to receive the rib. The stopper has a hole for receiving a sipper tube.

Abstract: A free standing, portable support system stand for a liquid dispensing bottle having a dispensing apparatus being angularly disposed from the body, the dispensing apparatus having a tube with a pet/animal activated mechanism, a support base having a supplemental lower plate and a vertical member, the lower edge of the vertical member being coupled to the horizontal rectangular plate. A bottle retaining brace includes a horizontal resting plate coupled to the vertical member of the support base. The resting plate has a receiving end with a first recess with an annular recess. The receiving end of the resting plate has a semilunar recess adjacent to an exposed edge, such that both the first recess and the annular recess coincide with the semilunar recess. The bottle retaining brace has a horizontal support member coupled to the vertical member of the support base at a position superior to the resting plate.

Abstract: An extended hummingbird feeder tube is provided which has a tubular shaft length of at least about six times the length of the internal diameter of the tubular shaft, and which extends to substantially a bottom portion of an upright reservoir to facilitate efficient and effective feeding for hummingbirds. Preferably, the hanging, upright tube has an annular lip which can take the form of various flower blossoms in order to replicate the external and internal characteristics of a typical flower.