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

Abstract: A pet dish apparatus includes a dish-shaped base unit which has a first dish lock portion in the form of an annular groove on an inside surface of the dish-shaped base unit and includes a dish member received in the dish-shaped base unit. The dish member includes a second dish lock portion in the form of an annular tongue on the outside surface of the dish member which is engageable with the first dish lock portion annular groove. The dish member is received in the dish-shaped base unit in a nesting manner. An annular peripheral top ring extends outward from a dish wall of the dish member. Two dish-shaped base units can be connected together with an annular peripheral top ring in a form of a figure-eight.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively transporting one of animal feed and cleaning products from a source via a feed line to a removal location is made possible by selectively feeding in a pulsed manner a gaseous medium.

Abstract: A continuous watering device for small pets producing minimal noise and splashing, the watering device having a lower container for holding water and a submersible pump to pump water via a diverter tube into an upper reservoir. Water is filtered inside and flows from the upper reservoir onto a smooth and curved ramp, which supports the water as the water slides downward and into the lower container. The diverter contains a lower portion and an upper portion where lower portion connects to the pump and the upper portion directs the water inside the upper reservoir. The upper portion is angularly displaced from the diverter lower portion to direct water inside the upper reservoir bottom area to reduce turbulence and noise and to efficiently direct water through the filter.

Abstract: A watering insert [18] for chick transport trays [1A, 1B] utilizes a plurality of watering nipples [17] connected to, and communicating with, a central water tank [27]. The insert utilizes a support surface [44] along the periphery [50] of the insert for supporting the insert in the open top of the tray at a height sufficient to allow chicks to activate the watering nipples. The water tank comprises an upper removable portion [28] and a lower portion [30] containing the nipples. A vented fill cap [21] allows convenient filling of the insert tank and provides a vacuum break when the nipples are activated.

Abstract: Watering trough for animals provided at the base of its tank with an emptying opening. Said 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 said portion being equal to the depth of said recess.

Abstract: A drinking fountain is designed for use by a pet and is formed of water container and a spout structure. The spout structure includes a spout tube, a hollow seat, and a ball. The spout tube is in communication with the water container and is provided in the inner wall with two locating projections between which the hollow seat is located. The hollow seat is provided in the inner wall with an annular stop edge. The ball is movably disposed in the seat such that the ball is stopped and supported by the annular stop edge, and that the ball is partially exposed through the bottom end of the spout tube so as to enable the ball to be licked by the pet, thereby resulting in the passage of water through the bottom end of the spout tube.

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

Abstract: 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.

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

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a bird feeder that is formed of two vessels with detachable connectors between. The two vessels include a reservoir that stores feeding material and a feeding vessel with openings allowing birds to feed.

Abstract: A device (10) for use in increasing milk flow from a feeder bottle (B). The device (10) includes a shaft (11) adapted for entry into a correspondingly shaped hole (H) in the feeder bottle (B). The device further includes a retention element for retaining the device in the hole (H) and a channel element (13), formed in a wall of the shaft (11). The shaft element (11) is movable such that it can, in a first position, seal the hole (H) closed and, in another position (illustrated), permit airflow into the feeder bottle (B) via the channel element (13).

Abstract: A watering insert [18] for chick transport trays [1A, 1B] utilizes a plurality of watering nipples [17] connected to, and communicating with, a central water tank [27]. The insert utilizes a support surface [44] along the periphery [50] of the insert for supporting the insert in the open top of the tray at a height sufficient to allow chicks to activate the watering nipples. The water tank comprises an upper removable portion [28] and a lower portion [30] containing the nipples. A vented fill cap [21] allows convenient filling of the insert tank and provides a vacuum break when the nipples are activated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a bird feeder that is formed of two vessels with detachable connectors between. The two vessels include a reservoir that stores feeding material and a feeding vessel with openings allowing birds to feed.

Abstract: A pet collar includes a fluid compartment for containing clean drinking water for the pet, and a storage compartment for containing a collapsible or foldable water bow. The collar can be filled with water and fastened around the animal's neck. When the animal is thirsty, the water bowl can be removed from the storage compartment. The collar fits into the water bowl and supports the sidewalls of the water bowl. The water can then be let out from the fluid compartment to fill the water bowl.

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.

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

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

Abstract: Facilities and methods for providing an ice and frost free facility at or above ground level for a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, animal drinking water and surfaces at or above ground level include fluid reservoirs and conduits partially above and partially below a ground frost line with a water conduit passing through the reservoirs and conduits and with means to direct flow of fluid within the reservoirs and conduits utilizing the difference in temperatures of the earth above and below the frost line. An induced Bernoulli effect aids in the proper flow of the fluid.

Abstract: A continuous watering device for small pets which produces minimal noise and splashing, the watering device having a lower container for holding water, a submersible pump to pump water to an elevated height, a upper reservoir to clean the water as it enters the reservoir, and a smooth and curved ramp to support water as it slides downward and into the lower container. The continuous watering device uses flowing water to attract small pets and to provide clean water by continuously circulating the water thereby reducing the growth rate of bacteria and fungus.

Abstract: In the gradient controller according to the invention, the value arrangement (32) has a valve pin (33) closing as a result of its own weight. Springs are therefore unnecessary. The valve pin (34) can be guided directionally so as to be capable of being moved up and down, thus ensuring that the gradient controller has a high degree of reliability. Also provided is an insert part (37) which can be taken out of the gradient controller and in which the valve pin (34) is capable of being moved up and down and is secured against falling out. The insert part (37) and the valve pin (34) thereby form a unit which can be taken as a whole out of the gradient controller, specifically both for maintenance purposes and for exchanging the valve pin (34) for one with a different weight, with the result that it is possible in a simple way to change the pressure compensation ratio of the gradient controller.

Abstract: A pet carrier comprises a container having side walls, a base and a top portion defining a space for receiving a pet. The container has at least one handle attached to it for carrying the container. An adjustable opening is provided in the container, and a padded material is formed along at least a portion of the edge of the opening. A pliable strip is provided in the opening to regulate the size and shape of the adjustable opening. Water dispensing may provided in or on the pet carrier.

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

Abstract: A drinking apparatus for pets includes a mounting device for mounting, the mounting device having a C-shaped feeder holder and a positioning groove of T-shaped cross section disposed in the C-shaped feeder holder on the middle, and a water feeder mounted in the C-shaped feeder holder and adapted to provide a supply of water to pets, the water feeder having a peripheral top flange supported above the C-shaped feeder holder, and two locating rods of T-shaped cross section selectively engaged into the positioning groove.

Abstract: A drinking apparatus for pets includes a mounting device for mounting, the mounting device having a C-shaped feeder holder and a positioning groove of T-shaped cross section disposed in the C-shaped feeder holder on the middle, and a water feeder mounted in the C-shaped feeder holder and adapted to provide a supply of water to pets, the water feeder having a peripheral top flange supported above the C-shaped feeder holder, and two locating rods of T-shaped cross section selectively engaged into the positioning groove.

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.

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

Abstract: A drinking water facility for animals includes an elongate tank with an open upper end at or above ground level extending to a closed end below ground frost line with a water inlet source into the tank below the frost line. A pipe located within the tank serves as a conduit to cause a constant current through the pipe and exterior to pipe to prevent freezing of water in the tank. An induced Bernoulli effect aid in the proper circulation of water.

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

Abstract: A container (10) for the single feeding of animals includes flexible attachment element (28), and an anchor element (16) on the container (10) cooperates with the flexible attachment element (28) to facilitate mounting of the container (10) to a fixture or structure (R).

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

Abstract: A pet drinking device has a bottle having a threaded mouth, a cover engaging with the threaded mouth, a gasket, a sealing ring, a ball, a washer, and a sleeve. The sleeve has an inner thread and a through hole. The cover has a main body having an inner threaded portion, a tube connected to the main body, and the tube has a threaded end. The gasket is inserted in the main body of the cover. The sleeve engages with the threaded end of the tube. The sealing ring is disposed between the sleeve and the threaded end of the tube. The washer is inserted in an end of the sleeve. The ball is inserted in the through hole of the sleeve.

Abstract: A watering device for use with an open basin includes a tank structure, a support structure and a nozzle. The tank structure is supported by the support structure and encloses a reservoir. Fluid flow through the nozzle is controlled by a surface seal between the nozzle and the open basin. When the watering device is overturned, it pivots about certain edges of the nozzle and tank structure until it lands in a stable rest position. The nozzle is then located above the water level in the reservoir so that the fluid cannot drain from the reservoir.

Abstract: A poultry drinker system includes a number of drinker runs each including a selector valve, a drinker line control valve and a drinker line having a plurality of drinkers. The selector valve applies to the corresponding drinker line control valve either an intermediate control pressure or a relatively high inlet pressure. Control pressure is derived from inlet pressure by an adjustable pressure reducing controller. In the absence of control pressure, a low pressure is applied to the drinker line control valves. Each drinker line control valve includes a proportional relay valve that is closed when low pressure is applied to the drinker line control valve and is open when intermediate pressure is applied to the drinker line control valve. When open, the proportional relay valve supplies to the corresponding drinker line a low pressure outlet flow proportional to control pressure.

Abstract: Water bowl for pets with a water retaining vessel having a bowl shape, a cooling disk, a device for retaining the cooling disk to the bottom of the bowl, a device for easily removing the cooling disk, and a non-skid ring at the bottom of the bowl, the cooling disk being comprised of a rigid shell and having a freezable material within the shell so that the disk can be brought to a low temperature in a standard freezer compartment of a refrigerator and then placed in said bowl to keep said water cool on hot days.

Abstract: An automatic flush water distribution system for use in an evaporative cooling system includes a water distribution pipe adapted to be connected to a source of pressurized water. The pipe has a plurality of water distribution ports formed therein and a vertical flush pipe is connected at a first end to the water distribution pipe in liquid communication therewith. The flush pipe includes a second lower end and contains at least one valve seat and at least one buoyant float valve located therein between the valve seat and the water distribution pipe.

Abstract: A method of providing domestic animals with liquid food which passes from a storage tank, in particular a mixing tank of an automatic drinker via a suction line to a suckling point, the quantity of liquid food removed is to be determined ahead of the suckling point.

Abstract: A pet watering device for automatically providing water to a pet, such as a dog, from a source of water under pressure. The pet watering device includes a water supply conduit having a first end which is operably connected to a faucet and a second end which is disposed remote from the faucet to allow a discharge of the water therefrom. A valve is in the water supply conduit for being opened to allow the water to flow through the water supply conduit and closed to prevent the flow of the water therethrough. The water supply conduit includes a mounting element for mounting the second end at a selected position for allowing the pet to drink the water therefrom. A sensor is for sensing the presence of the pet near the second end of the water supply conduit. The sensor is operably connected to the valve to cause the valve to be opened after the pet is sensed moving near the second end and to be closed after the pet is no longer being sensed near the second end.

Abstract: An assembly for adjusting the vertical height of a pipe in an animal waterer includes a bracket for securing the assembly to pen gating and a locking portion for locking the pipe at a particular height. The bracket includes a plurality of retaining loops having an arch portion with a pin protruding inwardly therefrom. The locking portion, having a locked position and an unlocked position, urges the pipe to engage the pins of the retaining loops in the locked position. In the unlocked position, the locking portion allows the pipe to move away from the pins so that the pipe may slide for height adjustment.

Abstract: This food dish for pets is to prevent vermin or insects from reaching the food in a pet food dish, because many pets refuse to eat food, which is infested with insects or vermin. This dish is formed so it contains water and pet food. To prevent insects or vermin from reaching the food, the food dish is formed with barriers in the forms of a small cup, which may contain detergent or other chemicals poisonous to insects. These barriers are positioned so they require the insects or vermin have to swim over the detergent or other poison to reach the food. This has the effect of killing the insect before it can infest the food.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for a drinking system for birds or other animals that includes a housing and first and second engaging members for engaging the elongated supports for the fluid supply conduit of the drinking system. The first engaging member includes a pair of ends, each end including a plurality of flexible fingers extending generally parallel to the fluid supply conduit. The second engaging members are adapted to engage the flanges of the elongated supports. The pressure regulator includes a valve element and the housing desirably defines a valve bore for receiving the valve element. The valve element desirably includes a circular seal having a peripheral edge that extends radially inwardly and that includes a lip for sealing the valve bore when the valve element is in the closed position.

Abstract: A device for providing water to young birds and fowl. The waterer is attached to a cage for the birds and includes a bottle which can be detached for cleaning or replacement and reattached when full without any spillage. The device also includes a removable piece for the prevention of drowning of certain types of game birds.

Abstract: The invention is a covered pet bowl for use by an animal with a nose having a bowl with a perimeter, a lid with a lip attached and a hinge attached to the bowl and the lid so that the animal may, with the animal's nose against the lip, releasably lift the lid. The hinge can hold the bowl lid open at a plurality of selected heights above the perimeter so that the lid is not in contact with the bowl perimeter. The hinge allows the lid to be opened further by pressure under the lid from one of the plurality of selected heights to a larger opening. Upon the animal releasing the lip, the lid returns to one of the plurality of selected heights. The hinge includes an opening regulation means for maintaining the arc from the bowl to the lid lip to less than 60 degrees to allow gravity to re-close the lid to the at least one user selected opening after the lid is released from the larger opening.

Abstract: A three piece pet food/water dish that gives the appearance of a single pet dish having a bottom ground engaging diameter having a greater diameter than the exterior of the top edge. The dish invention includes a bottom, center and top bowls. The bottom bowl has inwardly sloping sides and an interior cavity has an upwardly projecting solid triangular cross-sectional shaped stem. The center bowl has round sides with a diameter less than the interior cavity diameter of the bottom bowl has a downwardly projecting hollow triangular cross-sectional shaped stem which mateably interlocks about the upwardly projecting solid stem in the bottom bowl. The center bowl also has an upwardly projecting hollow triangular cross-sectional stem in the interior cavity. The top bowl has inwardly sloping sides has a downwardly projecting solid triangular cross-sectional shaped stem which mateably fits into and interlocks with the upwardly hollow stem in the center bowl. The top bowl being used for pet food and drinking water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of water using ozone, and more particularly to an ozone-based water purification system for use in animal houses and the like. In the embodiment described herein, the water treatment system comprises a main holding or contact tank, a relatively small re-circulation pump, an ozone generator, and an ozone injector. Normal operation of this water treatment system involves the receipt of raw or untreated water from a pressurized water main, such as that typically provided by a public water works system. This raw or untreated water is held in the contact tank at or near the pressure of the supplying water main. Actuation of the ozonation re-circulation loop causes water to be drawn from the contact tank by the re-circulation pump and passed through the adjacent venturi-type ozone injector.

Abstract: Combination pet water bottle and bowl with a molded plastic vessel capable of retaining water or other liquid having one flat wall and an opposing parallel second wall having a bowl shaped depression integral to the second wall, a replaceable and removable cap integral to the vessel to enable the user to fill the vessel with water or the like, a spring biassed water sealing valve assembly comprised of a resilient stopper and a slidable valve stem that allows water to pass from the inside of the vessel to the bottom of the bowl by use of a pull handle located at the top of the valve stem external to the vessel body, a means of locating the valve assembly so that the vessel can be blow molded using common molding techniques without the need to glue or weld two vessel halves together, and a molded in device for attaching a shoulder strap to the vessel.