Abstract: An energy free animal waterer includes a base unit having an upstanding tube in which a ballast connected to a cable moves for normally pivoting a closure valve upwardly into engagement with an access opening in a top unit mounted on the base unit. The mechanism for opening and closing the closure valve is totally independent of the water in the reservoir and the top unit such that freezing of the water will not render the closure valve inoperative and the unit may be easily assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A heated water vessel for providing drinking water for animals is provided which has a first exterior rubber container and a second rubber interior container wherein the second container is nested within the first, forming an enclosed air pocket between the first and second container. The two containers are sealed together with a breakable adhesive in order to allow the separation of the containers if necessary. An electric self-regulating heating cable is wrapped around the outer surface of the second container and in contact therewith in order to prevent the water within the inner container from freezing over during subfreezing temperatures. The enclosed air pocket does not contain any foamed or other type of insulation.

Abstract: An improved animal waterer which provides a cover having a depending polygonal basin with ports in the sidewalls of the basin. The cover overlies a water container such that the basin engages water in the container. A float which glides vertically along a pair of guides allows an animal to depress the float angularly while preventing removal of the float from the basin. A sloped, ribbed bottom of the container facilitates draining and cleaning of the container.

Abstract: An animal trough waterer and novel trough heater and thermostat arrangement are disclosed. The waterer includes a trough surrounded by an insulated housing. Attached to the bottom wall of the trough is a bracket which holds the heater in place against the trough. The bracket provides a slideway in which the thermostat is carried in any one of a range of positions. By adjusting the location of the thermostat to the heater, the water can be maintained at a relatively low but even temperature, and heater energy consumption can be reduced.

Abstract: A floating electric water heater for heating livestock watering tanks which maintains the watering tank substantially ice free during low temperatures, thereby providing access to water by a plurality of animals. More particularly, the heater includes a housing supporting an electric heating element for immersion in water to be heated and to a device in the housing for monitoring and regulating operation of the heating element. The device in the housing comprises a temperature responsive switch, which is located in the housing out of contact with the water, and a thermal conductor having both a first end affixed in a thermally conductive manner to a portion of the heating element immersible in the water and a second end affixed in a thermally conductive manner to the temperature responsive switch.

Abstract: A nipple type animal watering device is disclosed having an adjustable flowrate, and freeze protection. The flow is adjusted by a screwdriver depression and turning the trigger and without removing or disassembling the nipple. The freeze protection is due to the nipple/trigger relationship and the selection of materials for the nipple and valve body such that a warmer valvebody is easier to maintain.

Abstract: An animal activated watering fountain in which intake and shut-off valves are located below the frost line to allow for year round use. That is, the fountain is not subject to freezing. The fountain is characterized by a hydrant or drain-back valve which can be activated to maintain the level of the water either below such frost line, i.e. freezing weather, or at the top of the water feed line, i.e. milder weather.

Abstract: An insulated water container comprises an enlarged, open-topped receptacle member formed of a thermal insulating material and defining a substantial interior volume, a given depth and a given cross-sectional area at the open top thereof and a cover member formed of a thermal insulating material and of cross-sectional dimensions similar to the open top of the receptacle member for providing a closure for the same. The cover member defines an access opening therethrough, over a minor fractional portion of the area thereof.

Abstract: The hog waterer of this invention includes a center top wall portion with downwardly and oppositely extending wall portions. A pair of lids are pivoted to the center portion for closing an access opening in each of the sloping wall portions. The bottom face of the lid includes a downwardly extending tapered semi-cylindrical closure member which due to a loose pivot connection is self-centering in the access opening. The diameter of the closure member is sufficiently large to space the lid from the sloping top wall portion to prevent any ice build up on the sloping top wall portion from interfering with the closure member from sealing the water in the reservoir tank from the cold outside atmosphere.

Abstract: An energy free animal waterer of a type having an insulated container for holding water, a supply conduit for supplying water under pressure to the container and a valve connected to the supply conduit for maintaining the water in the container substantially at a predetermined level. An insulated lid is sealingly attached to the top of the container and has a pair of openings therein each large enough to permit an animal to extend its mouth therethrough for the purpose of drinking water from the container. A first closure is disposed within the container below the lid for selectively sealingly closing the first opening and a second closure is disposed within the container, below the lid for selectively sealingly closing the second opening. A flexible length member extends between and is rotatably attached to the first and second closure members at each end of the length.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus having a tank for storing a supply of water. The tank has a top wall having a first tubular baffle surrounding an opening for accommodating a float valve assembly operable to supply water to the tank chamber. A second tubular baffle surrounds a drinking well. The first and second baffles are spaced from the walls of the housing to allow water to circulate about the baffles to minimize the freezing of the water in the float valve assembly and the drinking well. A closure associated with the drinking well minimizes the freezing of the water in the drinking well. The cover is a movable open float located within the drinking well. A second form of the cover is a pivotal lid that is moved by the animal to an open position to provide access to the drinking well.

Abstract: A livestock watering system is provided which is adapted to selectively circulate water in a basin in response to temperature differentials of the water in a lower reservoir portion of the basin and an upper drinking portion of the basin utilizing a thermal-siphon phenomenon. The livestock watering system comprises a housing, a basin supported by the housing (the basin being divided into an upper drinking portion and a lower reservoir portion), a flow control valve operably connected to a pressurized water source for maintaining a substantially constant level of water in the basin, a heating element adapted to selectively heat the water in the lower reservoir portion of the basin, and a temperature sensing assembly for sensing the temperature of the water in the basin. The temperature sensing assembly is operably connected to the heating element for selectively activating the heating element between one of an on mode and an off mode in response to the temperature of the water in the basin.

Abstract: A livestock watering device which includes a bucket-like container, including side walls and a bottom wall, for holding a quantity of water. A conduit, including an inlet and an outlet, forms a closed loop communicating through the side walls of the container above the bottom wall thereof. The conduit extends in the closed loop below the bottom wall of the container, and a flow-through heater is provided in the conduit for heating water therein and effecting flow of water out of the container through the outlet, through the closed-loop conduit, and back into the container through the inlet. The heater effects the water flow by heat transfer without a pump.

Abstract: An improved animal waterer which prevents ice formation and saves energy through the combination of a top cover, drink tube, and a novel drink float. Minimizing the water surface exposed to the air reduces heat transfer from the water to the air. A drink float allows an animal to drink freely and prevents heat loss. The combination further saves energy, hinders ice formation and inhibits contaminants from entering the water supply. A waterer housing corner guard inhibits the formation of loose animal hair contaminants.

Abstract: A watering container for birds having spaced inner and outer walls integrally molded from plastic with electrical heating elements contacting the inner wall controlled so that energy is provided to the heating elements is progressively increased with the fall of ambient temperature below freezing.

Abstract: An improved corner wear guard that protects water troughs and will not become sharp when exposed to the rubbing motion of large animals, Further, the corner wear guard will not damage an animal's hide. This results in more valuable hides for the leather market. Additionally, the corner wear guard inhibits the formation of loose animal hair contaminants in the water troughs.

Abstract: A water heater (10 or 70) for a stock watering tank includes a first (20 or 72) housing portion of molded aluminum, and a second (62 or 94) housing portion of plastic. An electric heating element (12 or 74) is molded into the first housing portion. One of the housing portions includes a cavity (36 or 99). A thermostatically controlled switch (50) is inserted into the cavity and is bonded to the first housing portion.

Abstract: An improved livestock watering system is provided which is adapted to selectively circulate water between a reservoir and a drinking basin in response to the temperature of the water in the drinking basin so as to prevent water in the drinking basin from freezing during low temperature conditions, and to cool the water in the drinking basin during high temperature conditions. The livestock watering system comprises a housing, a drinking basin supported by the housing, a reservoir disposed within the ground so as to be positioned below the frostline of the ground, and a water circulation assembly for selectively circulating water between the reservoir and the drinking basin. A flow control valve, disposed in a lower portion of the drinking basin, is connected to a pressurized water source such that a substantially constant level of water is maintained in the drinking basin.

Abstract: An apparatus for watering animals having an enclosed housing with a reservoir of water disposed therein. A cup-shaped member is disposed on an upward part of such housing for receiving the mouth of an animal to be watered, and an opening is disposed in the cup-shaped member which has a draw tube attached thereto. The draw tube extends from such opening down into the water in the reservoir for permitting an animal having its mouth in such cup-shaped member to suck water from the reservoir, through the draw tube and through the opening and into its mouth, whereby the water in the reservoir will constantly be made available for drinking, but will be isolated from outside ambient temperatures and dirt.

Abstract: A watering container for domestic animals having spaced inner and outer walls integrally molded from plastic with electrical heating elements contacting the inner wall controlled so that energy provided to the heating elements is progressively increased with the fall of ambient temperature below freezing.

Abstract: The animal watering tank of the present invention includes a top, a bottom, and a sidewall of double-walled construction filled with insulative material. The top of the tank includes a dome portion which provides an air chamber for housing the water inlet valve of the tank. A water access opening in the top of the tank is normally closed by a buoyant spherical float. An animal desiring a drink can obtain water by pushing downwardly on the float with his head such that the float rolls away from the opening along a converging track attached to the interior surface of the top of the tank so as to present water to the animal. When the animal is finished drinking, the float naturally rolls back into thermally sealing engagement with the access opening. Drainage means and overflow pipes are also provided in the tank.

Abstract: An insulating assembly is provided for animal waterers. The insulating assembly includes a large sheet of flexible, closed-cell foam material preferably at least as large as the largest top opening of an animal waterer with which the insulating assembly is to be used. The insulating sheet is cut to the shape of the opening of the waterer, but preferably slightly smaller so as to leave a gap between the edges of the sheet and the side walls of the waterer. An opening is cut in an intermediate portion of the insulating sheet through which water can enter from below the sheet for access to the animals when they push the insulating sheet down into the water with their noses. A plurality of weights are provided which are connected by lines to the sheet, preferably extending up through the sheet and washers thereabove and then being tied in knots. The lines are long enough so that the weights can rest on the bottom of the waterer when it contains water at the maximum level.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus has a thermal insulated tank having a water storage chamber. An upright tubular member located in the chamber has openings in its opposite ends to permit thermal circulation of the water in the chamber. Animal actuated water dispensing nipples mounted on the tank are surrounded with thermal insulated housings. Thermal insulated covers mounted on the housings with flexible sheets cover the outer ends of the nipples.

Abstract: A freeze-proof livestock watering device comprising an open-topped drinking reservoir having insulated side walls and a heat conductive bottom panel constructed and arranged to produce a very low-cost operation by incorporating a combination of low-volume turbulence-producing jets and apparatus for providing a heat transfer relationship between the bottom of the drinking reservoir and the above-freezing, sub-frost level ground temperatures. A float valve is also provided to maintain a minimum water level while the livestock are drinking from the pan, and an overflow drain is provided to maintain a maximum water level during inactive periods of use. A thermostatic control valve may be provided to control the discharge of water through the jets in accordance with the water temperature in the pan, and a protective hood is provided over the float valve and drain outlet to prevent freezing thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to freeze protected livestock watering assemblies in general, and more specifically to a watering device, which incorporates a dual activated variable flow water supply valve structure, which is operatively connected to an apertured float arm to progressively increase the volume of water supplied to a drinking receptacle in proportion to the degree of depression of the float arm actuator.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus including a thermo insulated tank having a water chamber supplied with water with a water pipe extended to the upper portion of the chamber and a float valve mounted on the pipe to maintain a preselected water level in the chamber. A top wall mounted on the tank provides a pair of animal drinking openings. Covers pivoted on the top wall close the openings. A pair of baffles extend downwardly from the inside surface of a top wall. The baffles are located on opposite sides of the float valve and extend across the water chamber. Opposite ends of the baffles engage the tank side walls. The lower edges of the baffles are normally below the surface of the water to isolate the float valve and water pipe outlet from the drinking openings so that cold ambient air does not move across the surface of the water to the vicinity of the float valve to prevent the float valve from freezing in cold weather.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus including a tank having a water chamber enclosed by a top wall. A pair of drinking openings are located in the top wall and are closed respectively by a pair of covers. Water inlet to the water chamber comprises a water pipe extended to the upper portion of the chamber and having a float valve to maintain a preselected water level in the chamber. A pair of baffles extend downwardly from the inside surface of the top wall and isolate the float valve and water pipe outlet from the drinking openings such that when one or more of the covers are open, cold ambient air does not move across the surface of the water to the vicinity of the water inlet. Water coming in the water inlet is thus maintained at a relatively warmer temperature for a longer time. In periods of warmth, the water in the water chamber is maintained at a cooler temperature for a longer period of time.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus including a sidewall portion and an end portion forming a unitary structure, the sidewall portion including an inner wall section and an outer wall section spaced therefrom, insulating material disposed between the inner wall section and the outer wall section, electrical heating mechanism disposed throughout a major portion of the insulating material between the inner wall section and the outer wall section, and mechanism for connecting the heating mechanism to an electrical power source.

Abstract: A livestock waterer is described which is automatically heated through use of geothermal energy within the earth. Working fluid is housed within a reservoir below the surface of the earth, is heated to evaporation by geothermal heat, is transferred to a condensation chamber adjacent a water container, whereupon condensation of said working fluid occurs transferring heat to the water within the water container. Condensed working fluid is returned to the reservoir. An insulating lid is shown which allows demand use of the waterer by livestock and aids in the retention of heat within the water supply.

Abstract: An aquarium heater including a housing and a tube depending therefrom. An electric heating element is disposed in the bottom portion of the tube and a thermostatic control chassis is disposed in the upper portion of the tube. The control chassis includes two opposing housing sections matingly engaged in a nesting relationship to form a cylindrical housing unit which snugly fits into the tube and supports a bimetallic thermostatic switch together with associated circuitry and lead wires such that the thermostatic circuit elements are maintained securely positioned within the tube. The housing includes a gasket situated between a lip of the tube and the bottom wall of the housing, and a locking ring which clamps the rim of the tube in place. The tube is thereby held securely to the housing independently of the control chassis.

Abstract: An energy saver control system for prevention of water freezing in an outdoor tank, such as a stock tank, which involves a conventional type of water level control valve to maintain a selected level of water in the tank, and an electrical switch which is controlled by the pressure which is in the water line leading to the water level control valve. Means are provided to control the rate of water flow into the tank to a selected low value, sufficient for prevention of freezing of the surface of the water in the tank. When water is flowing into the tank the electrical heater is cut off. The electrical switch is controlled by the pressure in the water line leading to the water level control means.

Abstract: An animal watering system with automatic protection from electrical power failure, over heating, water supply failure, or restriction and air build-up in the system consisting briefly of a closed loop recirculating water system buried beneath the frost line, a water pump recirculating the water, an electrical heater in the recirculation system, an air storage tank, an air supply line connecting the air storage tank with the recirculating water supply line, a normally closed valve in the air line connecting the air storage tank and the circulating water line, a normally closed drain valve in the recirculating water line, a normally open valve in the line supplying water to the recirculating distribution line and a control circuit for closing the supply valve and opening the drain valve and the air valve in the event of electrical power failure. The system may also include an air vent for automatically purging air from the system so that the water pump may operate efficiently.

Abstract: A livestock watering device includes a liquid supply tank having an access opening in its top and an outlet opening in its lower end. A removable lid hermetically closes the access opening and an automatic feed means transfers liquid through the outlet opening to a collecting vessel arranged therebeneath in response to liquid consumption from the vessel. An electric heating element is attached to the lid and extends into the tank and is immersed in the liquid therein. The heating element comprises a resistance heating foil inserted between two concentric tubes sealably connected together to electrically isolate the foil from the liquid in the tank. The tubes define a tubular structure having a first open end removably secured to the lid and a second open end spaced above the bottom of the tank whereby the liquid in the tank is heated by contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular structure.

Abstract: An aquarium heater including a housing and a tube depending therefrom. An electric heating element is disposed in the bottom portion of the tube and a thermostatic control chassis is disposed in the upper portion of the tube. The control chassis includes two opposing housing sections matingly engaged in a nesting relationship to form a cylindrical housing unit which snugly fits into the tube and supports a bimetallic thermostatic switch together with associated circuitry and lead wires such that the thermostatic circuit elements are maintained securely positioned within the tube. The housing includes a gasket situated between a lip of the tube and the bottom wall of the housing, and a locking ring which clamps the rim of the tube in place. The tube is thereby held securely to the housing independently of the control chassis.

Abstract: A recirculating animal waterer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the waterer includes a supply conduit which extends from a remote water source underground at a level below the frost line to a first junction located inside a waterer stand. A first nipple extends from that first junction and terminates outside the stand. A cross-over conduit extends from the first junction to a remote second junction, also located inside the waterer stand. A second nipple extends from that second junction to a point outside the stand. A return conduit extends from the second junction back to the first junction. This return conduit includes a heatable section. A heater is mounted adjacent the supply conduit heatable section. If desired, a thermostat can be located adjacent the second junction to provide intermittent heater operation. In another embodiment, additional nipples extend from the stand, and water conduits provide an endless, recirculating flow of water past each nipple.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus has an exterior housing with a water pipe disposed therein leading from a below ground source of water under pressure to an above ground outlet valve mechanism which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A longitudinally extending electric heating element disposed within the housing in immediate heat exchange relationship with one side of the water pipe continually supplies heat to the pipe to prevent freezing of the water therein. Thermal insulation surrounds the heating element and pipe. A circuitous passageway, provided within the heated portion of the pipe by means of an open-ended tubular member disposed therein, causes continuous water circulation in the pipe for preventing build-up of heat at the water outlet valve of the watering device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating an animal waterer of a type having an enclosed housing with a plurality of nipple valves extending outwardly of the housing for allowing animals to drink directly therefrom. The heat sink coupling is disposed interiorly of the housing and is connected to a water supply line at one end and a nipple valve at the opposite end. A rigid heater and a control means for such heater contacts the coupling; and heat is supplied to the coupling when the heater is activated. The control means senses the temperature at the outer surface of the coupling in the vicinity of the seating surface of the nipple valve and activates and deactivates the heater based on such temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for using solar energy to melt ice at low ambient temperatures, particularly adapted for use in livestock watering systems, is disclosed. A solar energy collector of structure described herein gathers and transmits heat into ice which has formed in a watering receptacle at ambient air temperatures of freezing or below.

Abstract: An automatic livestock waterer having a concrete housing. Formed within the upper portion of the housing is a trough which is adapted to hold water. A well spaced away from said trough is also formed within said housing. A float control element for regulating the water level in the trough is coupled to a plumbing element mounted in said well, and which is connected to the water source, providing a conduit for the water from the water source to the float. The housing contains a service aperture adjacent to the well for servicing the control elements and plumbing elements. A hood extends over and around the float and associated heating element.

Abstract: A U-shaped heating element is attached to a bracket having an elongated back portion and ear portions joined normal to each end of the back portion. The ear portions extend to the same side of the back portion, and each ear portion has a plurality of perforations formed therethrough and a V-shaped recess formed in the extended free end thereof. The heating element is affixed to the back portion and disposed on the same side of the back as the ear portions. Plastic pipe is received in the V-shaped recesses of the ear portions, and springs hold the bracket to the pipe.

Abstract: A heated stock tank with insulated walls and a drinking trough on a side is surrounded by a larger stock tank to protect it from livestock. The heated stock tank has a steel plate above the water. Copper tubes depending from the plate are immersed in the water within the heated tank. A transparent covering is over the heated tank. A vertically oriented mirror is mounted on a heated tank wall. The mirror directs additional sunlight through the transparent covering to the steel plate. The heat energy in the steel plate is conducted through the copper tubes into the water. In addition, the transparent covering produces a "hothouse" effect by trapping the heated air beneath the transparent covering.

Abstract: A stock watering device for preventing water therein from freezing during cold weather and for keeping the water therein cool during hot weather. The device includes an insulated tank, an insulated cover portion, a float valve for maintaining water within the tank at a predetermined level and a drinking well provided in the cover portion for providing drinking access. The drinking well includes a lower continuous edge extending below the predetermined level of water to form an effective seal between the interior of the insulated tank and the ambient weather conditions.

Abstract: An animal watering apparatus of a type having an inlet pipe connected to a source of water under pressure and an outlet valve which can be actuated by an animal to release water directly into the animal's mouth. A tubular casing is disposed around the water supply pipe. A conduit is disposed along side the water supply pipe within the casing and has a heating element therein for preventing the freezing of the watering apparatus. Still another conduit is disposed within the casing for allowing a power supply cord to be connected to the heating element. The casing being filled with an insulation material such a urethane foam. A baffle structure is provided in the water supply line for causing the water within the water supply line to continually circulate and thereby prevent a buildup of heat in the water which the animals are drinking and furthermore distributing the heat from the heating element along the entire water supply pipe so as to insure that it does not freeze.

Abstract: An electrically heated fluid coupling apparatus having an electrical resistance heating element positioned inside a hollow heating conduit which runs along the side of the fluid conduit, which conduit is connected at its lower end to the fluid source. Positioned opposite the hollow heating conduit along the fluid conduit is a power cable conduit carrying the power cable which connects to the heating element at the top of the apparatus and near the bottom of the apparatus travels away therefrom to be connected to a source of electrical energy. A casing is positioned about the apparatus and thermal insulation fills the area between the casing and the internal components.

Abstract: An immersion water heater particularly suitable for use in connection with animal watering buckets includes a housing fixed to an end of an electrical conduit and locatable on the bottom of a watering bucket. A U-shaped metallic sheathed heating element projects from the housing into a protective shield comprising plates secured to opposite sides of the heating element by spool-shaped insulator posts received between the legs of the heating element. A temperature sensing member is attached has one end attached to the heating element exteriorly of the housing and a second end extending into the housing. A thermostat and a thermofuse are located in the housing in heat exchange engagement with the second end of the temperature sensing member, whereby in the absence of water around the heating element and temperature sensing member, heat is rapidly transmitted from the heating element through the member to the thermostat and thermofuse to deenergize the heating element.

Abstract: An improved electric heating system for removable application to the bottoms of stock watering tanks. It consists of a substantially rigid heater element connected in series with a surface thermostat, for energization from a suitable electrical source. The element is forced into heat transfer relation with the outside of the bottom of said tank, and is rigidly connected to a thermostat bracket which simultaneously provides good heat transfer from the tank to the thermostat.

Abstract: The invention comprises electrically heated cylinders to be placed immersed in the bottom of a tank of water. The heated cylinder is electrically heated by an electric heating element mounted within the heating cylinder. The heated cylinder has means to support the cylinder with one end slightly higher than horizontal from the other end. The upper end of the heating cylinder has radially directed outlet hole means directing water from within the cylinder out of the cylinder back into the water in the tank in at least three different directions. The three different directions are in a path laterally outward from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder in at least approximately 90 degree intervals to one another. The upper end of the cylinder has closure means to cause water within the cylinder to be directed out radially directed outlet means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stock watering trough that is kept covered at all times when not in use by a pair of floating lid sections hingedly attached on opposite sides of a transversely-extending support therefor. The lid sections each have a crowned configuration that results in the marginal edges thereof being immersed below the level of the water upon which they float. A thermostatically-controlled immersion heater, float-actuated shut-off valve and overflow drain are all located within a protected area beneath the lids between a pair of oppositely-inclined stops for the latter. These lid sections cooperate with one another and said stop to define shields interposed between the aforementioned working parts and the drinking animals. The exposed surfaces of the trough including the lids are formed from a smooth, easily-cleaned light-colored plastic material laminated to a dark-colored backing impregnated with a heat-reflective substance, preferably ablated mica.

Abstract: A livestock watering system comprising an underground water storage tank having a pump means connected thereto for pumping water therefrom. A first water line extends from the pump to a vertically disposed riser pipe positioned in the ground and extending upwardly to ground level. A waterer housing is positioned over the upper end of the riser pipe and has an interior compartment formed therein which communicates with the upper end of the riser pipe. A second water line is connected to the first line and extends upwardly through the riser pipe and into the interior compartment of the housing. A nipple water valve means is connected to the upper end of the second water line and has nipple valve members extending outwardly through the housing to permit the livestock to obtain water. A third water line is connected to the valve means and extends downwardly through the interior compartment and the riser pipe.

Abstract: A self contained rectangular fiberglass watering trough supportable by hangers and mountable on a platform or pedestal and defining a water holding cavity containing a novel detachable cover over a part of the cavity covering a valve means for controlling water flow into the cavity.