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 receiving food for animals, in particular food for household pets, having a basic part, has a stand and a bowl-like cavity shaped for receiving the food, and a bowl-like insert, which can be introduced into the basic part and has an opening and a base. There is provided on the stand of the basic part a fastening arrangement which extends at least over sub-regions of the outer circumference of the basic part and by means of which the insert, which, in the region of the outer circumference of the opening, has a flange-like collar extending at least over sub-regions of the cuter circumference of the opening, can be fastened on the basic part in the region of the collar.

Abstract: An animal watering system, such as a bird bath, incorporating a water reservoir, a means to automatically maintain the level of water in the reservoir by admitting fresh water thereto, an animal access basin positioned above the water reservoir whereby water overflowing the basin enters the reservoir, an air lift pump for transporting water from the reservoir to the basin by way of a fountain head and fountain catch basin, and an air compressor for providing a source of compressed air to operate the air lift pump.

Abstract: An animal watering system includes a storage device, that has a bottom, a top, a mouth located within the top, and a plurality of sides, and a drinking device that is designed to dispense a liquid and to receive the bottom of the storage device. The storage device includes a selectively openable and closable port system and a sealing mechanism for sealing the mouth of the storage device. A method of using an animal watering system is also provided. The method includes the steps of placing a first cap on an orifice in the storage device, filling the storage device with a liquid through a top of the storage device, sealing the top of the storage device, placing the storage device within the drinking device, and removing the first cap from the orifice.

Abstract: A vessel for use in providing water, primarily, although not exclusively, for cattle grazing on open range land in which the vessel is provided with an escape mechanism for small animals that might become trapped in the vessel during the course of searching for water, comprising steps, or the like, ascending from the bottom of the vessel to the top, such that a trapped animal might extricate itself by going up the steps.

Abstract: Watering valves (10) allow animals to cover their water requirements on their own accord. Accordingly, the animals actuate an actuating section (33) of a valve pin (13), which projects from a housing (12) of the watering valve (10), by either tilting or pushing up on the valve pin (13). Smaller and weaker animals, in particular chicks, are often incapable of tilting the valve pin (13) far enough to open the watering valve (10). On the other hand, the watering valve (10) must close reliably when the respective animal no longer actuates it. Conventional watering valves (10) achieve this only through such means which make it more difficult to actuate the watering valve (10).The watering valve according (10) to the invention has two valve seats (34, 35) in the interior of the housing (12). One valve seat each (34, 35) is assigned to the valve pin (13) as well as to an upper pin (14) arranged above the valve pin (13).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for the oral administration of a flowable material to an animal. The apparatus may be useable in artificial feeding or administration of medication to an animal, and in general includes a container to hold a predetermined amount of the liquid or flowable material to be administered. The container has a discharge opening through which the liquid is selectively discharged to a feeding tube selectively coupled to the discharge opening. The tube is in fluid tight relationship to receive liquid or flowable material discharged from the container, and has a predetermined length and a distal discharge end through which the material is transmitted. A nipple which can be associated with the tube is selectively positioned at a predetermined location relative to the distal end of the tube. The nipple is configured to limit the extent to which the tube can be inserted into the mouth of the animal and to facilitate proper administration of the material to the animal.

Abstract: A fish resuscitating apparatus includes a container of pressurized oxygen-rich fluid medium such as a gas or liquid. A valve controllably couples the fluid medium to a dispensing tip which is dimensioned to fit within the mouth of the fish. The dispensing tip is porous or perforated to allow the fluid to enter the mouth of the fish for aiding the fish in recovering from being caught. A kit of parts includes a container, a valve, and a plurality of tips of different dimensions, for use with different types of fish.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for a portable animal watering container having a fluid reservoir having a resealable opening for accessing liquid and where the container is capable of carrying a volume of liquid, an open receptacle coupled to and situated in the reservoir near the opening, the receptacle having apertures on its bottom surface permitting communication between an interior of the reservoir and the receptacle, and where the apertures permit entry of the liquid into the receptacle up to a low level, so as to minimize spillage of the liquid from the receptacle. In a preferred embodiment the receptacle has apertures sized to permit a small amount of liquid to enter the receptacle at any one time and has a tight lid to prevent water from escaping during transport of the container. In another preferred embodiment, the receptacle is shaped in a frusto-conical or generally cylindrical.

Abstract: A drinking bowl for household pets having an agitator is disclosed to prevent the water in the drinking bowl from remaining stagnant when a household pet is not drinking therefrom. The agitator may be an aerating device such as an air pump, a rotating impeller, or an acoustic or mechanical driver. The agitation may induce a circulation in the water so that debris floating therein can be collected. A backflow preventing device may also be included.

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 device for use on various nectar-type bird feeders, that prevents insect contamination. The device presents an effective physical barrier to the entry of insects, but is easily penetrated by the bill of a feeding bird. The device can be constructed to fit any of the currently available nectar feeder configurations or may be incorporated into feeders, specially adapted.

Abstract: An animal watering valve, of the type actuated by radially deflecting a valve stem, has a deflectable elastomeric boot which is less susceptible to sticking or clogging than movable shields but which at the same time prevents or at least inhibits bedding material or other foreign materials from being jammed against the valve stem and locking the valve in its open position. The boot is very pliable--being relatively thin and made from an elastomeric material having a hardness of only about 5 Durometer Shore A. The boot preferably is formed from a unitary elastic cup-shaped member including a cylindrical body portion, a peripheral ring disposed at the upstream end of the body portion and attaching the boot to an interior surface of the valve housing, and a membrane covering the downstream end of the body portion. A central aperture is formed in the membrane for receiving a tail of the valve stem.

Abstract: A waterer with an essentially vertical water pipe (2), having at least one water valve (3), a mounting unit (4) for mounting on an animal housing, grazing or feeding facility, and a height adjustment device (5) for adjusting the distance between the ground and the water valve (3), is designed in order to simplify the operation of the height adjustment device and to firmly secure the water pipe against rotating and sliding, such that the mounting unit (4) is provided with an angle section (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the water pipe (2), where the water pipe (2) is positioned against the two legs (7, 8) of the angle section (6) and the legs (7, 8) are connected by a clamping device (9) reaching around the water pipe (2), with which the legs (7, 8) and the clamping device (9) can be clamped to the water pipe (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a waterer to be mounted on an animal housing facility, which is provided with an essentially vertical feed delivery pipe (4), a vertical water pipe (2) and at least one water valve (3) fitted on the water pipe (2). It is characterised by a mounting unit (5), at least parially surrounding the feed delivery pipe (4), which can be firmly clamped to the feed delivery pipe (4), and a water pipe holder with a strap (6) and an angled leg (7) provided on the mounting unit (5), where the water pipe (2) lies against the strap (6) and the leg (7) in height-adjustable fashion, and with a height adjustment clamp (8) which surrounds the water pipe (2) and is connected to the strap (6) and the leg (7), with which the strap (6), the leg (7) and the height adjustment clamp (8) can be clamped against the water pipe (2).

Abstract: A poultry drinker system includes a number of drinker lines each supplied from a common high pressure water supply through a water pressure regulator. Each regulator includes a reference spring establishing a default minimum water pressure. A centralized remote control system provides regulated low pressure air to the water pressure regulators to augment the reference spring force and remotely adjust the water pressure in the drinker lines. The remote control system periodically applies higher pressure air to the water pressure regulators to increase water pressure and flow rates and sequentially flush the drinker lines. The remote control system includes a source of high pressure air, an air pressure regulator for supplying lower pressure air and a stack of 3-way valves for applying low or high pressure air to each water pressure regulator.

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 compact and hands-free portable animal watering or watering and feeding utensil, with all of its elements easily combined in a single unit which is easily separated for use. It includes a container (20) which holds water and utilizes a screw-on cap (22), and a removable and replaceable receptacle (21). The container and receptacle (20 and 21) are made so as to come apart and snap together by use of arms with projections (23), which form a part of the receptacle (21), and which fit into depressions with sockets (24) in the container (20). The combined unit also has a belt clip (26) for hands-free transportation. The unit also includes a portable bridge type bracket (28) which fits into the receptacle (28). The bracket (28) can be threaded to the container (20) and then inverted and attached (30 and 31) to the receptacle (21); the container (20) will put water in the receptacle (21) up to the level of the mouth 33 of the inverted container (20) as the water in the receptacle (21) is consumed.

Abstract: An improved splash and spill-resistant container for holding a fluid for consumption by an animal is disclosed. The container forms a cavity with a top access aperture which defines an inverted channel. A partition divides the cavity into first and second chambers. The partition curves downward from the periphery substantially to the floor of the container and is provided with a flow aperture, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. A valve is also provided to release air from the second chamber. After filling the container with a volume of fluid, the container may be subjected to lateral jarring or inverted without spilling the fluid contained therein.

Abstract: A selective nectar dispensing system for use with a bird feeder. The nectar dispensing system includes a pivot assembly which has a counterweight at one end and a feeding port restricting portion at another end. The pivot assembly is operable between a closed blocking position and an open feeding position. The counterweight normally biases the restricting portion to the closed blocking position and has a mass selected to both permit a feeding bird to move the restricting portion towards the open feeding position and to prevent movement of the restricting portion by an insect, thus providing selective access to the feeding port. The feeding port restricting portion is urged away from the feeding port against the force of the counterweight. Access to the feeding port is provided only when the feeding port restricting portion is urged away from the feeding port by the beak of a feeding bird in one embodiment and by the weight of the bird in another embodiment.

Abstract: An animal drinking device has a water container disposed on a water drawing device. A positioning clamp device clamps the water drawing device. The water container has an outer thread. The water drawing device has a hollow tube, an inner thread engaging with the outer thread, a hollow tube, a pipe connected to the hollow tube, a middle annular flange, a lower annular flange, and two elongated recesses. The pipe has an outlet receiving a ball. Two opposite semicircular plates are disposed on the pipe. The positioning clamp device has two opposite arms, an elastic neck, a push bar, and two protruded bars. Each opposite arm has a distal block. A support plate has a notch, two guide grooves, and two through holes. The protruded bars are inserted in the elongated recesses. Each distal block is inserted in the respective guide groove.

Abstract: A pet watering device is 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 though 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 movement 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 when the pet is sensed moving near the second end and to be closed after the pet is no longer sensed near the second end.

Abstract: A multiple hummingbird feeder includes a source of liquid suitable for feeding hummingbirds and a feeding station having at least one outlet adapted to dispense liquid to hummingbirds. A reservoir is connected to both the source of liquid and the feeding station. There is a valve in the reservoir for opening to the source of liquid when the level of liquid in the reservoir is below a preselected level.

Abstract: A method for orally administering medicaments to a plurality of animal drinking stations, and an apparatus for accomplishing the method. A medicament reservoir is separately connected to each of the drinking stations via tubes each of an identical predetermined diameter. Medicament is allowed to flow through each of the tubes to each drinking station. Substantially identical rate of medicament flow to each drinking station is insured by the identical predetermined diameter of each of the tubes.

Abstract: A fluid level controller which replaces fluid lost from a container thus maintaining the fluid level in the container. It is comprised of the following major pieces: an airtight reservoir (10) with cap (14), fill stem (12), feed lube (16), and tube attachment fittings (18a and 18b); several lengths of fluid conduit, (22a,b) and a u-bend (26) which form a siphon such that one end reaches into the bottom of reservoir (10) and the other reaches into the container below the desired fluid level; a length of conduit, (22c) which forms an air return line allowing air into reservoir (10); a stand (8) atop which sits the reservoir; a tubing clip (24); and a shut-off valve (20). The u-bend (26) allows the controller to preserve the initial prime of the system so that it only needs to be primed once. The shut-off valve (20) allows easy refilling of the controller once the fluid reservoir empties. These two features make the controller extremely easy to use.

Abstract: An improved splash and spill-resistant container for holding fluids for animal consumption is disclosed. The container forms a cavity with a top access aperture which defines an inverted channel. A partition divides the cavity into first and second chambers. The partition curves downward from the periphery substantially to the floor of the container and is provided with a flow aperture, thereby allowing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. A valve is also provided in the second chamber to release air from the second chamber and to allow the container to be emptied. After filling the container with a volume of fluid, the container may be subjected to lateral jarring or inverted without spilling the fluid contained therein.

Abstract: A water supply system and method for supplying water to a plurality of water utilization devices, particularly poultry drinkers, supported over a floor extending at a predetermined slope, includes a water supply conduit extending over and substantially parallel to the floor, and a plurality of pressure reducers in the water supply conduit at spaced intervals along its length. Each pressure reducer reduces the water pressure a predetermined amount according to the slope of the span of the water supply conduit from the respective pressure reducer to the next adjacent one upstream of the water supply conduit.

Abstract: A device for use on various nectar-type bird feeders, that prevents insect contamination. The device presents an effective physical barrier to the entry of insects, but is easily penetrated by the bill of a feeding bird. The device can be constructed to fit any of the currently available nectar feeder configurations or may be incorporated into feeders, specially adapted.

Abstract: A carrying case for pet accessories. The carrying case includes a container having at least one compartment accommodating a variety of pet accessories. The container includes a closure for selectively opening and closing the container to permit access to the at least one compartment. The carrying case also includes a picture frame mounted on the outer surface of the container and an identifying picture of a pet housed within the picture frame.

Abstract: A self filling, modular bird bath with an automatic fill valve operated by a float mechanism. The bath consists of single or multiple basin modules (25) attached to a hollow vertical support module (10). The support module contains an automatic fill valve (17) housed in a float chamber (12) which delivers water to the float chamber and thence by gravity flow to the interconnected basin modules. The fill valve is pre-set to maintain the desired water level in the float chamber, and hence, in the basin modules. When the water level in the float chamber is lowered by dissipation of the water in the basin modules via bird bathing activity or evaporation, downward float movement opens the fill valve which supplies the water required to restore the pre-set water level. The support module is engaged and supported by a bracket (15) attached to a ground stake (16). The support module is equipped with a standard garden hose fitting, which delivers pressurized potable water to the float chamber via a garden hose (18).

Abstract: A feeding tube includes a first end opposite a second end, and an interior. A first disc is mounted to the first end and has a first aperture there-through, the first aperture being aligned with the interior of the tube. A solid second disc has a diameter substantially equal to the first disc. A cap has a planar surface and a second aperture through the planar surface. A container has structure forming an opening and configured to removably receive the cap over the opening. The first disc is configured to cover the opening and to fit within the cap in parallel relationship to the planar surface. The container is filled with liquid bird food. The cap, the tube and the first disc may be arranged such that the container is sealed, and may also be arranged such that the feeding tube is directed outwardly from the container and a bird may feed from the tube.

Abstract: A drinking vessel is placed in a horse trailer. To prevent water from sloshing out of the vessel, an opening in the top of the vessel has a tube shaped shield extending into the vessel.

Abstract: A bowl for supplying drinking water to a pet. The inventive device includes a fluid reservoir having an open bowl projecting therefrom. A shared wall extends between the reservoir and the bowl and includes a fluid aperture directed therethrough. A valve assembly is mounted to the reservoir and can be manually operated to open and close the fluid aperture so as to permit transferring of fluid between the reservoir and the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention provides an animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals. A second swinging embodiment includes a suspension bracket which extends up from the vertical axis of the supply line for connection with a chain so that the waterer will hang straight.

Abstract: A restrictive access device for use on various nectar type bird feeders, which presents an effective physical barrier to the entry of insects, but which is easily penetrated by a bird's bill. The device consisting of a resilient access housing, configured in such a way so as to support, in a normally closed condition, an access insert, which effectively prevents insect entry, but which is easily penetrated by a bird's bill.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder for preventing bees from feeding and eliminating the leaking of a sugar water solution has a reservoir, cover and an overflow collector. The reservoir has an open end and a closed end for receiving the solution. The cover has an open end and a closed end for retaining the solution within the reservoir when the open end of the cover engages the open end of the reservoir. The cover has at least one internal orifice which permits the birds access to the sugar water solution. The overflow collector has an open end and a closed end for receiving an overflow of the solution within the reservoir when the open end of the collector engages the closed end of the cover. The collector has at least one external orifice which coincides with the internal orifice. Both internal and external orifices have a diameter which allows the passage of a hummingbird's beak, but not the head of a bee.

Abstract: An animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a drinking tray for use by small animals. The drinking tray has at least two fluid containment regions mounted on a common base, the fluid containment regions being separated one from another by elongate openings extending across the tray. In an aspect of the invention there is provided a drinking tray for use in a shipping container for transport of small animals, the shipping container being divided into sections by removable dividers. The drinking tray has a plurality of fluid containment regions mounted on a common base for providing stability. The tray is provided with openings for accepting the inserts which divide the shipping cartons into sections, the openings separating the fluid containment regions one from another such that each section of the shipping carton will be provided with a fluid containment region.

Abstract: The invention is a hummingbird feeder that is formed in three parts, a top including a cover and an ant inhibiting water filled moat; a globular reservoir that stores the nectar and a communication block and support for a plurality of feeding stations connected to a stem at the base of the globe. The three sections are threaded together and easily assembled and disassembled. The moat also serves as a water feeding station for small birds.

Abstract: A butterfly feeder feeds a wide variety of butterfly species by presenting a variety of feeding choices. The butterfly feeder housing is formed with an upper surface over a reservoir of nectar or other butterfly feeding liquid. Wicks extend through the upper surface and are immersed at one end in the nectar for drawing nectar above the upper surface on the wicks for surface feeding by butterflies drinking nectar from the surface of the wicks. Elongate feeding tubes also extend from the upper surface into the reservoir and nectar for feeding by tube feeders with long tongues. Spikes are formed on the upper surface to hold fermenting fruit. Holes are provided for further feeding options. The butterfly feeder is constructed so that it is easily disassembled and reassembled for cleaning.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a top wall and a bottom wall, the top and bottom walls being joined at their peripheries to define an enclosure constituting a reservoir. A feeding station is positioned in the top wall, the feeding station comprising a feed opening in the top wall. A cleaning opening is provided in the top wall. The cleaning opening is of sufficient size for enabling the cleaning of the reservoir. A cap selectively covers the cleaning opening, the cap being movable for exposing the cleaning opening when it is desired to clean the reservoir. In another embodiment, an upwardly extending boss formed in the bottom wall has a downwardly opening bore adapted to receive therein a member for mounting the feeder in an upright position. Alternatively, a hook adapter having a hook for hanging articles from the feeder is threadably attached to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder includes a flower member having a limited capacity fluid chamber associated with an angled hollow tubular calyx portion which is dimensioned to receive the upper end of a tubular support member. The limited capacity of the fluid chamber will tend to prevent the spoilage of the sugar solution that is introduced into the fluid chamber.

Abstract: The livestock watering tank includes a top, bottom and sidewall. The top wall has an opening for access to the water. The opening is closed by a float. The animal drinks by pushing the float down into the water with its mouth, causing the float to partially submerge so that water is exposed and may be drunk. The float rises back to its natural position after the animal finishes drinking. The float has a port for allowing water or other weighted substance to be introduced into it. The addition of the substance into the float generally neutralizes the buoyancy of the float with respect to the water in the tank, thereby decreasing the amount of force necessary for the animal to submerge the float for drinking.

Abstract: Pressure reducers (15) for animal watering troughs serve for reducing the water pressure of a water supply pipe which feeds the watering line to a defined, lower watering pressure. In contrast, water of a higher rinsing pressure is required for rinsing the animal watering troughs. For this purpose, the water supply pipe must be directly connected to the watering line via a bypass which bridges the pressure reducer (15).To avoid the bypass pipe, the pressure reducer (15) is constructed according to the invention in such a way that, by a suitable means, in particular a retaining device (47), the regulating device (46) of the pressure reducer (15) which reduces the water pressure is put out of operation in terms of functioning. The water from the water supply pipe can thus flow at non-reduced pressure through the pressure reducer (15) for rinsing the watering line.

Abstract: This invention provides a secure mount for pet enclosure feed bowls. The mounting structure or arm contains a vertically oriented receptacle hole which receives a shaft extending from the feed bowl. A step in the shaft sits on the surface of the mounting structure. Within the mounting structure is a detent comprised of a compression spring loaded pin, one end of the pin extending out of one end of the structure and terminating in a handle. The handle acts as a stop against the force of the compression spring orienting the other end of the pin into the receptacle hole impinging on the shaft to provide resistance to removal.

Abstract: A stock watering tank has side and end walls and a bottom adapted to rest upon a support surface, and a plurality of pocket indentations formed symmetrically about the base of the walls. A stake device is received in each pocket to hold down the tank against movement.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bottle holder are shown and described, each embodiment having an enclosure wall, with an open mouth and an open bottom, into which a disposable liner may be placed. The bottle holder has a lip around the open mouth, over which the open end of the liner is placed and onto which a nipple assembly is secured. The bottle holder also has a bottom support flap that may be pivoted across the open bottom and secured by a latch-means. This bottom support flap forms a temporary floor, which is especially useful for supporting large liquid volume, such as a two-quart calf feeding. Optionally, the bottle holder may be tapered and made stackable.

Abstract: A pet drinking dish including a steeped interior forming an interior shoulder, upon which rests a screen for preventing the consumption of animals, such as dogs, of pet hairs and dirt settling on the bottom of the dish.The dish also features a locking mechanism for the screen and a hollow interior for selectively weighting the drinking dish.

Abstract: Floor-watering systems for feeding water to animals such as poultry have at least one vent (22). This vent (22) has to be closed in order to flush the floor-watering system (10), so that a flushing pressure can build up which is higher than the watering pressure. In prior art floor-watering systems (10), the closure and opening of the vents (22) requires a substantial amount of time and effort. To provide a remedy in this respect, a water supply line (17) of the floor-watering system (10) is associated with at least one shut-off member (27) or the like which is actuable by a movement of the vent (22). As a result, the readily accessible and easily actuable vent (22) forms an actuating member for closing the shut-off member (27) or the like in a simple fashion. Consequently, no tools are required for the closure and opening of the vent (22).

Abstract: An animal feeder comprising a circular trough having a raised platform at its center which is positioned directly below the lower end of a vertically disposed feed supply tube. The raised platform includes a first inclined wall which terminates in a substantially vertically disclosed wall portion having a second inclined wall extending downwardly and outwardly from the lower end thereof. A U-shaped water receiving portion is provided at the lower end of the second inclined wall and has an outer side wall extending upwardly therefrom. A moisture sensor is mounted on the second inclined wall above the U-shaped water receiving portion to halt the flow of water to a water nozzle mounted on the second inclined wall, when moisture comes into contact with the moisture sensor. Divider panels are secured to the trough and the feed supply tube to define eating spaces and to import movement to the feed supply tube to prevent bridging of the feed.