Animal-controlled Supply Patents (Class 119/75)
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Patent number: 11849711Abstract: Disclosed are a pet water dispensing device, a pet drinking and eating disc, a water dispenser, and a pet food supply method. The pet water dispensing device includes a base and a water supply valve, a drinking and eating disc accommodating cavity is formed on at least one side surface of the base, the water supply valve corresponding to the drinking and eating disc accommodating cavity is disposed on the base, the water outlet end of the water supply valve communicates with the drinking and eating disc accommodating cavity, when the extension end of the valve rod of the water supply valve is configured to be driven by the pet drinking and eating disc placed at the drinking and eating disc accommodating cavity, the water supply valve is switched from a closed state to an open state.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Inventor: Dahong Lu
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Patent number: 11503801Abstract: An automatic animal feeder includes a bowl, a base unit which accepts the bowl, a lid which may be closed to cover the bowl and prevent access to it, or opened about a hinge to allow access to the bowl, a lid control mechanism capable of keeping the lid closed, or opening the lid, the bowl including a profile on its outer surface, on the side furthest from lid hinge, and a base unit including a corresponding profile on its inner surface. The bowl profile and the base profile interlock when the bowl is positioned in the base unit, such that the side of the bowl with the profile is constrained against being lifted substantially vertically.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Inventors: Christopher Peter Kirk, Jeremy Oates
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Patent number: 11267687Abstract: An automatic animal watering assembly includes a base that has a bowl section therein and a receiver section. A container is removably inserted into the receiver section of the base. The container contains water and the container releases the water into the bowl section. The container has an opening extending through a top end of the container for filling the container. A plug is movably positioned within the container. The plug is positionable in a closed position and an open position. A lid is hingedly coupled to the top end of the container. A lever is pivotally coupled to the container and the plug rests on the lever. The lever lifts the plug when the lever is lifted and the lever lowers the plug when the lever is lowered. The lever is in mechanical communication with the lid such that the lid lowers and lifts the lever.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Inventor: Michael Goodman
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Patent number: 10624311Abstract: A water dispenser including a body and a water outlet mechanism, the body includes a base and a supply pipe inside of the body, multiple mounting grooves set on the side of the base; the water outlet mechanism arranged on the base, including a diversion component including a diversion pipe and a diversion valve installed in a pipeline of the diversion pipe; an end of the diversion pipe is connected to the supply pipes, the other end of the diversion pipe extending into the mounting groove; a linkage component, an inner end of that connected to the valve, an outer end of that extending into the mounting groove; when the outer end of the linkage component suffers an inward force, making the valve move to conduct the water inlet chamber and the diversion chamber; and a resetting component that connects the base and the linkage component.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Inventors: Jiang Wu, Tyler Ayers, Luis Saldana
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Patent number: 10271526Abstract: A breather cap assembly configured to be connected to a stand-tube used in a watering system. When the watering system is in normal operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to allow for air to flow between the outside the assembly and the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to minimize the introduction of foreign material from outside the breather cap assembly into the stand-tube. When the watering system is in flushing operation, the breather cap assembly is configured to seal off the stand-tube in order to minimize the possibility of water leaving the stand-tube. The breather cap assembly further also provides for structure which acts as a baffle to collect and retain a majority of any water that does leave the stand-tube during a flushing operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: CTB, Inc.Inventors: Michael Allen Orgill, Christopher Richard Roes, Roger Steven Kiphart, Grant Alexander White
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Patent number: 9615541Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, an improved nipple water valve includes a nipple housing, a deflector, an annular seal, a nipple stem, a resilient element, and an orifice housing portion, assembled such that the deflector deflects water exiting the valve toward an internal surface of the nipple housing, thereby reducing spray. The deflector is also arranged to restrain movement of the nipple stem in a direction toward the deflector and to permit movement of the nipple stem away from the deflector to aid operation of the nipple water valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: HOG SLAT INC.Inventors: William Thomas Herring, II, Timothy Glenn King
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Patent number: 9587518Abstract: A fan mounting assembly has a mount, a ball member, and a support. The support is disposed within a vertical opening of the ball member and is coupled to the ball member. The mounting assembly may further comprise a wedge driven between an interior surface of the ball member and an exterior surface of the support in order to prevent movement of the support within the ball member. The mount has a mounting portion and a socket portion. The socket portion has a tapered interior surface. The tapered surface may have a constant angle. The ball member and support are disposed within the socket portion such that an outer surface of the ball member rests upon the tapered surface of the socket portion. The tapered surface may have features configured to prevent rotation of the ball member within the socket portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: DELTA T CORPORATIONInventor: Richard A. Oleson
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Publication number: 20140109836Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a liquid container with a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin. An insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: WOODSTREAM CORPORATIONInventors: Andrew GAUKER, Marko Konstantin LUBIC, William R. VAUGHN, JR.
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Patent number: 8622022Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Kenneth Robert HeppInventors: Kenneth Robert Hepp, Thomas J. Green
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Patent number: 8607737Abstract: A watering fountain having a first valve assembly coupled to a pressurized water supply, including a check valve configured to restrict water flow under pressurized water conditions. The fountain includes a second valve assembly selectably coupleable to the first valve assembly and including a disabling structure, a valve, a drain port, a flexible diaphragm, a diaphragm actuator, and a quick connect valve. The watering fountain also includes a fluid conduit extending upwardly from the second valve assembly. The fountain includes an activator rod extending upwardly from the second valve assembly inside the fluid conduit. The watering fountain includes a basin extending upwardly from the fluid conduit. The fountain includes an activator plate operationally coupled to the activator rod and disposed within the basin.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Inventor: Alden O. Forbes
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Publication number: 20130319339Abstract: A method of providing an automatically refreshed water supply for pets is provided by diverting the water from water supply of a toilet to a water dispenser accessible to the pet and returning excess water to the toilet. The water may be diverted from the flush cycle of a toilet to an exterior dish which fills to a predetermined level and then overflows into the toilet. The invention provides an adapter for a toilet system to create an automatically refreshed water supply for pets which comprises means to divert water from each flush cycle of a toilet to an exterior dish which fills to a predetermined level and then overflows into the toilet, and alternatively a mechanism for triggering the replacement water flow by sensing of the motion or weight of the pet. Thus the system can be pet-triggered for the toilet flush and/or flow of replacement water to the pet dish, or continuous water flow as long as the pet is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: December 5, 2013Inventor: Mohammad Ghasemi Chaleshtari
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Publication number: 20130298839Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature devices and methods for administering medicaments to subjects and, in particular, molecular iodine to animals in drinking water for the treatment of oral bad breath and disease. An exemplary device comprises a source of medicament in a fluid, measuring means, an administration switch and a water reservoir means. The measuring means is in fluid communication with said source of medicament for measuring an aliquot of medicament corresponding to a dose for the treatment of a disease. The measuring means is also in communication with a water reservoir means and releases the aliquot into the water reservoir means upon signal activation. The administration switch means is in signal communication with the measuring means and upon activation by a subject produces an activation signal received by the measuring means. The water reservoir means is for receiving the aliquot and forming an aqueous solution of medicament.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: James C. Richards
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Patent number: 8534226Abstract: A supply line for the water supply to poultry house drinkers is triangular in shape with the drinkers secured to a bottom surface around a drinking nipple by a quick-attach rotational movement. The triangular line has a top fin which provides additional bending strength and may have an internal fin to limit movement of the drinking nipple valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: PTN LimitedInventors: Stephen John Cottam, Franciscus Maria Wilhelmus Ermerins
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Patent number: 8522717Abstract: A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Woodstream CorporationInventors: James S. Carter, Bryan Krueger
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Patent number: 8464660Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing drinking water and/or entertaining to pets. The apparatus includes a base engaged with a container, a reservoir, and a pump for pumping liquid from the container into the reservoir when the container is upright. The pump may be selectively activated by the animal to pump liquid from the container into the reservoir. A ball may be provided at least partially within the reservoir to rotate relative to the reservoir when licked by the animal to operate the pump and draw liquid from the container, through a fluid conduit, and into the reservoir. Liquid from the reservoir may adhere to an outer surface portion of the ball and thereby become accessible to and drinkable by the animal when the outer surface portion of the ball is rotated from an initial position within the liquid in the reservoir to a second position accessible to the animal's tongue.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Maria Louise Valeriano
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Publication number: 20130019809Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems related to water containers for household pets that have a mechanism for circulating water. For example, one embodiment disclosed herein is a water container for pets comprising: a bowl region on an upper surface of the water container, the bowl region comprising one or more apertures in fluid communication with an interior region of the water container; a pump outlet region on the upper surface of the water container, the pump outlet region comprising a pump outlet aperture, the pump outlet region being located adjacent to the bowl region and joined to the bowl region by a channel configured to transport fluid from the pump output aperture into the bowl region; and a water circulating system, the water circulating system comprising a pump configured to pump water from the interior region of the water container to the pump outlet aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventors: Scott D. McCallum, Daniel S. McCallum
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Patent number: 8291861Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Inventors: Kenneth Robert Hepp, Thomas J. Green
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Publication number: 20120152174Abstract: A liquid hummingbird feeder is provided with a liquid container having a sealable top opening and a bottom opening, a liquid tray adapted to immerse the bottom opening in liquid, and a valve mechanism adapted to close the bottom opening to enable the liquid container to be filled through the sealable top opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2012Publication date: June 21, 2012Inventors: John STONE, Oliver McLachlan, David Harting
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Patent number: 8166917Abstract: Animal-activated feeding systems and methods. The systems include a self-sealing valve assembly that, responsive to activation of a feed-flow activation member by an animal, selectively delivers a flow of the liquid feed to a vessel for consumption by the animal. The valve body further includes a valve member, which is configured to selectively obstruct the feed flow path, and a feed-flow activation member coupled to the valve member. The feed-flow activation member and valve member are selectively positionable between at least a sealed position and a range of activated positions. The valve assembly may include a buoyant activation restriction member adapted to restrict at least further or subsequent activation of the valve assembly responsive to the level of liquid feed in the vessel. The valve assembly may be configured to dispense the feed in a confined stream and/or in a generally horizontal or lateral direction into the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Welbourne Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Stephen B. Welbourne
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Patent number: 8127716Abstract: The invention relates to a nipple drinker formed by; a) the body of the nipple (1) which has multiple sections including an upper section formed by a dome (9) having a central circular groove (10), three hollow cylindrical sections (11) of different diameters, which are stepped one under another, and a lower frusto-conical section (12), the inner surface of which is provided with a small circular flange (13); a tubular pin (2) having a lower solid cylindrical portion (14); c) two spheres (3 and 6); d) two maximum-precision washers (4 and 7); e) a hollow, cylindrical inner seal holder (5), the upper outer portion of which is provided with a washer (15), leaving a space between the two portions of 0.3 mm, in which the washer (4) is housed; and f) a cylindrical outer seal holder (8), the lower portion of which is provided with a small frusta-conical section (16) that is inclined slightly by 17° towards the center.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventor: Edgar Orozco Osorio
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Patent number: 8104431Abstract: The invention relates generally to a self-filling and self-draining watering device. The invention discloses an apparatus comprising a first compartment containing a bowl accepting fluid from an inlet opening, the fluid being continuously drained from the bowl, a second compartment, proximate the bowl, housing a reservoir proximate the bowl which temporarily retains continuously drained fluid, a pump actuated by a float switch to discharge fluid from reservoir, and a sensor detecting a movement, triggering a flow of fluid into the bowl. Additionally, the invention discloses a method comprising providing an apparatus having a first compartment and a reservoir, connecting the inlet supply line to an inlet line which transports fluid into the bowl, continuously draining the fluid into the reservoir, discharging fluid from the reservoir with a pump, providing a sensor to activate a solenoid valve to allow fluid into the bowl, and enclosing the bowl and reservoir in an outer shell.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Inventor: Kenneth Klenotiz
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Patent number: 8069818Abstract: Drinking troughs for in particular poultry feature drinking valves arranged at regular intervals along a water supply line, with each drinking valve being assigned a water-collecting bowl (14). The water-collecting bowls (14) are usually made of plastic. The water-collecting bowls (14) are cleaned with agents that contain aggressive substances, which are capable of damaging the plastic of the water-collecting bowls (14). The invention is a water-collecting bowls (14) with a respective insert (17) made of a resistant material, thus making the water-collecting bowl (14) resistant to aggressive liquids, in particular cleansing agents.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Lubing Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Markus Von der Assen, Egon Schumacher
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Patent number: 7975649Abstract: A livestock waterer for use in frigid climates includes a lid which floats on the surface of the water in each basin of the waterer. The lid is hollow with a convex upper surface and with baffle walls depending from the underside of the lid. The baffle walls interrupt wave action on the surface of the water created by depression of the lid into the water when an animal presses down on the lid to gain access to the water. The floor of each basin is provided with an integrally formed mounting post to support a heater within the basin. The baffles walls prevent exhaustion of water within the basin thereby preserving submersion of the heater at all times.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Inventor: Ruhl A. Barker
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Publication number: 20110088628Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that may be used for providing drinking water and/or entertaining to pets, such as while the pet is travelling away from home, riding in a car, and/or in a pet carrier during a long car ride, airplane ride, bus ride, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus generally includes a base configured for engagement with a container. The apparatus may further include a reservoir and a pump in fluid communication with the reservoir, for pumping liquid from the container into the reservoir when the container is upright and the base is engaged to the container. The apparatus may be configured to allow the pump to be selectively activated by the animal to pump liquid from the container into the reservoir. An elongate fluid conduit may be operatively associated with the pump and be in fluid communication with the reservoir. The elongate fluid conduit may have a sufficient length to extend into a liquid within the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventor: Maria Louise Valeriano
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Patent number: 7861671Abstract: A liquid birdfeeder includes a generally upstanding container having a large opening at its top end and a bottleneck opening at its lower end. A quarter-turn removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end to seal the top end opening. The lower bottleneck opening is screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin having a plurality of feeding ports. An actuator rod extends longitudinally through the container and is operatively connected to a biased sealing mechanism which selectively seals or opens the bottleneck opening. When the removable cap is screw-threaded onto the top end opening, the cap depresses the actuator rod causing the biased sealing mechanism to move to an open position which allows liquid to flow out from the container into the feeding basin.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Woodstream CorporationInventors: James S. Carter, Bryan Krueger
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Patent number: 7810787Abstract: An animal watering valve has an elastomeric diaphragm disposed in a bore of a housing upstream of a valve seat and having apertures formed therethrough for the passage of water. A valve stem has a head clamped between the diaphragm and the valve seat and a tail that is laterally deflectable to move the valve stem head relative to the diaphragm from a seated position. Upon moving it to an unseated position, the valve stem head pivots relative to the valve seat to permit water to flow out of the valve. At least portions of the flow aperture outlets in the diaphragm are located radially inwardly of and axially upstream of the upstream surface of the valve stem head.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Edstrom Industries, Inc.Inventor: Paul S. Johnson
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Publication number: 20100229799Abstract: An animal feeder which is adapted to simultaneously dispense feed and liquid onto a feed material receiving member.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Joey Rey Brehmer, John Philip O'Mara, Jamie Charles Brehmer
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Patent number: 7779787Abstract: A valve system for accepting fluid from a source supply at an upper end thereof, and ejecting it into a liquid container located below the valve system, including a fluid ejection limiting float element control located at the lower end of the valve system, to limit the amount of fluid which can be ejected.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Welbourne Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Stephen B. Welbourne
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Publication number: 20100193066Abstract: A water vessel for providing water to livestock animals in tie stalls is described. The vessel features a sensor for providing water in response to a sensed presence of a livestock animal's head within the vessel. As water is provided to the vessel, the livestock animal is compelled to lift their head and thereby withdrawing their head from the region sensed by the sensor. In this way, the depth of water in the vessel is maintained within a predetermined range. The vessel also comprises a rim that is disposed sufficiently above the predetermined range of water levels that the livestock animal is compelled to lift their head in a substantially vertical fashion in order to withdraw their head from the vessel. This serves to reduce the spillage of water from the vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventor: Andrew Kenny
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Publication number: 20100175625Abstract: The invention relates generally to a self-filling and self-draining watering device. The invention discloses an apparatus comprising a first compartment containing a bowl accepting fluid from an inlet opening, the fluid being continuously drained from the bowl, a second compartment, proximate the bowl, housing a reservoir proximate the bowl which temporarily retains continuously drained fluid, a pump actuated by a float switch to discharge fluid from reservoir, and a sensor detecting a movement, triggering a flow of fluid into the bowl. Additionally, the invention discloses a method comprising providing an apparatus having a first compartment and a reservoir, connecting the inlet supply line to an inlet line which transports fluid into the bowl, continuously draining the fluid into the reservoir, discharging fluid from the reservoir with a pump, providing a sensor to activate a solenoid valve to allow fluid into the bowl, and enclosing the bowl and reservoir in an outer shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Kenneth Klenotiz
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Patent number: 7707967Abstract: An adjustable water supply pipe has a pair of bite nozzles at a bottom end and a wall bracket holding the pipe vertical but allowing the height of the pipe to be adjusted. The bracket has a wall plate with top and bottom plates bent outwardly to define two aligned openings for the pipe. The top plate has a slot which holds the pipe fixed in the upstanding position but with a mouth at one side to release the pipe to an inclined position. The bottom plate is inclined to the horizontal such that the upstanding pipe is jammed against sides of the opening and such that the inclined pipe is free to slide longitudinally. The top plate includes fingers which cooperate with a locking ring on the pipe to hold the pipe upright and the slot is shaped to hold a non-circular portion of the pipe against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Crystal Spring Colony Farms Ltd.Inventor: Jonathan Kleinsasser
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Publication number: 20100064977Abstract: A livestock waterer for use in frigid climates includes a lid which floats on the surface of the water in each basin of the waterer. The lid is hollow with a convex upper surface and with baffle walls depending from the underside of the lid. The baffle walls interrupt wave action on the surface of the water created by depression of the lid into the water when an animal presses down on the lid to gain access to the water. The floor of each basin is provided with an integrally formed mounting post to support a heater within the basin. The baffles walls prevent exhaustion of water within the basin thereby preserving submersion of the heater at all times.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventor: Ruhl A. Barker
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Patent number: 7677531Abstract: The present invention relates to improved fluid valves actuable by a non-axial movement of an actuation stem. The non-linear actuable valves embodied in the present invention maintain pressure containment through a novel approach over the prior-art. The exemplary embodiments teach improved non-linear actuable valves that reduce the chances for seal extrusion, particularly at elevated retaining pressure, while keeping the component count low, and are capable of functioning under both high and low pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Inventors: Anthony Scott Hollars, Thomas F. Janecek
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Publication number: 20100043716Abstract: A water dispenser provides a water retaining bowl extending from a reservoir and defining a spring-loaded valve to dispense liquid, preferably fresh water or melted ice, into the bowl. The bowl also defines a threaded rod extending from the opposite end of the device to extend into the reservoir. The threaded rod receives a nut and washer to abut against the spring and hold the device against an outer wall of the reservoir. In use, a pet laps down against the bowl, thereby releasing water into the bowl. In this manner, the natural instinct of the pet is employed to operate the dispensing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2009Publication date: February 25, 2010Inventor: Michael D. Klanke
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Publication number: 20090320765Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a generally upstanding reservoir bottle or liquid container with a large opening at its top end that is closed and sealed by a removable top or cap. The bottom of the bottle or container has a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin that has a plurality of feeding ports. A tubular insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented. Movement of the insert between the two positions is effected by pushing the liquid container toward the basin (the closed position) and by pulling the liquid container away from the basin (the open position).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Andrew Gauker, Marko Konstantin Lubic, William R. Vaughn, JR.
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Publication number: 20090223458Abstract: An adjustable water supply pipe has a pair of bite nozzles at a bottom end and a wall bracket holding the pipe vertical but allowing the height of the pipe to be adjusted. The bracket has a wall plate with top and bottom plates bent outwardly to define two aligned openings for the pipe. The top plate has a slot which holds the pipe fixed in the upstanding position but with a mouth at one side to release the pipe to an inclined position. The bottom plate is inclined to the horizontal such that the upstanding pipe is jammed against sides of the opening and such that the inclined pipe is free to slide longitudinally. The top plate includes fingers which cooperate with a locking ring on the pipe to hold the pipe upright and the slot is shaped to hold a non-circular portion of the pipe against rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventor: Jonathan Kleinsasser
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Publication number: 20080314327Abstract: An animal feeder includes a feed reservoir having a cavity for holding a feed material, and a feed dispensing assembly coupled to the feed reservoir. The feed dispensing assembly includes a check valve to allow selective access to the feed material. The check valve inhibits feed leakage from the feed reservoir during pressure fluctuations within the feed reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Kenneth Robert Hepp, Thomas J. Green
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Patent number: 7430988Abstract: An animal actuated drinking fountain has an electronic circuit for operating a pump to supply water to an animal. The fountain has a housing with a container for holding the water. A pump receives water from the container and has an upward directed discharge port for creating a fountain of water. A light emitter and light sensor are positioned so a beam of pulsed light is positioned above the surface of the water in the container. When the animal interrupts the beam of pulsed light, electronic circuitry causes the pump to turn on and create a fountain of water for the animal to drink.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2005Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Leon PerlsweigInventors: Leon Perlsweig, Hertsel Corech
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Patent number: 7243611Abstract: A drinking trough having a drinking valve assigned to a water-supply line, the drinking valve having a valve pin that moves in order to discharge water; a water-collecting bowl assigned to the respective drinking valve; an actuating means or elongated actuating end of the valve pin extending from the valve pin to a water-accommodating hollow of the water-collecting bowl, the actuating means being movable between an actuated position to an unactuated position; and a starter body assigned to the respective water-collecting bowl, in which the starter body actuates the actuating means by moving the actuating means to the actuated position when water in the water-collecting bowl reaches a certain lower level, whereby the moving of the actuating means to the actuated position actuates the valve pin so as to allow water to flow from the drinking valve into the water-collecting bowl, and when the water in the water-collecting bowl reaches a certain higher level, the actuating means moves to the unactuated position, wType: GrantFiled: November 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Lubing Maschinenfabrik LudwigInventors: Egon Schumacher, Wolfgang Meyer
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Patent number: 7132611Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for registering weight and/or water content of fit and sick individuals, where the apparatus includes a weighing cell including at least two electric conducting plates on which is applied a voltage from a power supply, and that the at least two electric conducting plates are disposed with mutually opposite faces and with adjustable spacing, so that an individual or a well-defined part of the individual may be placed between the at least two electric conducting plates. and a measuring unit including means for registering the change in capacity between the at least two electric conducting plates and means for converting the capacity change into a numerical number which is correlated with the weight and/or the water content of the individual.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Capamo ApSInventors: Morten Gregaard, Paul Erik Skifter, Carsten Simonsen
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Patent number: 7098421Abstract: The invention is a transferred or non-transferred plasma arc torch for use in a fuel gas generator system for generating electricity from waste, wherein the torch includes a torch housing, electrodes (one in a transferred torch, two in a non-transferred torch), a tubular sleeve member, a coolant flow path, a vortex mechanism, and a power supply circuit connected to the rear and front electrodes that generates an arc that is adapted to extend axially from the rear electrode through the vortical flow of gas and to an attachment located on the bore of the front electrode, and wherein the electrodes are metal coated in order to protect from wear during use.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Inventor: Joseph Frank Pierce, Jr.
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Patent number: 7051676Abstract: An animal water feeder having an improved flow control nozzle. The flow is controlled by the animal engaging a movably confined ball at the terminus of the nozzle. A portion of the ball is exposed. The nozzle assembly includes a tube extending downwardly from the feeder. The tube includes a valve, an actuator having at least one water passage therein an engaging pin positioned adjacent thereto, and the ball. Movement of the ball opens the valve to release water which flows past the actuator to the terminus of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Brian S. Deshaies
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Patent number: 6986324Abstract: A method of forming a valve assembly for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal can include forming, in an injection molding machine, an upper member having a piercing member and a connecting member. The upper member has a fluid channel defined therethrough; and forms, in an injection molding machine, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough. The base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The method can further include forming, in an injection molding machine, a stem member designed and dimensioned to be disposed in part within the base fluid channel. The stem member has an actuation portion extending through a spring element. The stem member has a top portion having a lower surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
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Patent number: 6983721Abstract: A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including; providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
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Patent number: 6981469Abstract: A system for accepting fluid from a source supply, then ejecting it along a substantially non-radial laterally oriented locus such that the fluid enters a cup with a mixing effect but with only minimal splashing, typically including a restriction element frame which substantially bisects the cup serves to control access thereto and a float based automatic flow restricting element; and methodology for its use in the liquid feeding of animals such as piglets.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Welbourne Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Stephen B. Welbourne
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Patent number: 6959664Abstract: A swine feeder for use in feeding individually housed gestating swine. The feeder includes a hollow tube containing feed. The tube controls the amount of feed by having its lower, angled end contained within a feeding tube that is moveable by the individual sow to discharge the feed only when the sow applies a force to the feeding tube. The feeder may be connected to a supply of feed, and typically, the feeder is attached to the individual crate of each sow such that a limited amount of feed is dispersed into the sow's feeding area, usually a trough.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Inventors: Karl Keuter, Arlin Karsten
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Patent number: 6938578Abstract: Known drinking troughs with drinking valves (21), which are assigned to a water-supply line (20), and water-collecting bowls (24) assigned to said drinking valves are problematic when it comes to supplying young chicks automatically with water. Known drinking troughs have proven unsuitable for young turkey chicks. The invention proposes a drinking trough which is also suitable for young turkey chicks. This drinking trough is distinguished in that valve pins for opening the drinking valves (21) are assigned elongate, tubular actuating levers (25). The actuating levers (25) facilitate the opening of the drinking valves (21). Moreover, by way of the tubular actuating levers (25) extending into the water-collecting bowls (24), the water passing out of the drinking valves (21) is directed specifically into he water-collecting bowls (24), as a result of which splashing of water is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Lubing Maschinenfabrik Ludwig Bening GmbH & Co.Inventor: Egon Schumacher
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Patent number: 6901881Abstract: A drinker for a watering system of a poultry house comprising a housing having a side wall, a top, and a bottom defining a valve chamber having an inner surface and a floor. A valve seat is formed in the chamber above the outlet port; and a valve member received within the chamber to be movable between a first closed position and a second position opened position. A trigger pin passes through the outlet and has a head with a cavity in the top surface. The cavity has a shape different from the shape of the valve member. The drinker elements are sized such that the distance between the valve seat and the chamber floor is greater than the height of the pin head. Additionally, the valve member is sized such that when the valve member is in its closed position, the valve member is does not contact the pin head.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: The GSI Group, Inc.Inventors: Eugene B. Pollock, James M Adermann
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Patent number: 6848393Abstract: Described is a water distribution system (1) with a continuous main line (10). Drinking cups (20) are placed on drinking segments (11) of the main line (10). Between the drinking segments (11) the main line (10) has intermediate segments (13), which are situated at a higher level than the drinking segments (11). The drinking cups are situated at a level suitable for drinking, and the intermediate segments are situated at a level suitable for allowing the birds to pass through unhindered underneath them. The complete line system can be cleaned by means of flushing, and has no dead-end branches. Top edges (22) of the drinking cups (20) are advantageously fixed to vertically directed line segments (13). The water distribution system (1) is modular.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Roxell, N.V.Inventor: Christophe Roger Antoon Debonne
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Publication number: 20040211366Abstract: Apparatuses that are removably attached to containers that can be used to water pets. The containers can take the form of standard water bottles. An embodiment of the apparatuses includes a base cap removably attachable to such a container, the base cap having a base cap flow aperture; and a flow activation member removably attachable to the base cap, the flow activation member having a triggering mechanism and a flow activation member flow aperture. Other embodiments are included.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: RJ Product Development Inc.Inventors: Joseph M. Jarke, Keith H. Gausmann, Jeffrey W. Mulhausen