Abstract: In order to make possible, with a valve having a sleeve (110) provided with a valve seat (112) and with a valve activating tube (118) which supports a spring-biased valve body (114) which can be tipped away from the valve seat (112), a high water flow rate even under low water pressure, it is proposed, instead of a support of the valve body (114) on the valve seat (112) during valve opening, which inhibits water flow and causes wear, as is the case with a valve which closes with water pressure, to provide the sleeve (110) in a valve which closes against the water pressure with an axial, annular shoulder (133), the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the valve seat (112) and on which the frontal surface (162) of the tube (118) nearest the annular shoulder (133) is supported.

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: A chicken watering device solves the problem of leakage while still allowing easy actuation of the trigger by a bird by utilizing a coil spring having a spring coefficient of one to two pounds per inch of displacement and prevents jamming of the device by feed, cage waste and the like through use of a conical portion positioned along the inlet conduit and surrounding the trigger.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for a livestock watering bowl. The valve mechanism is mounted in a water inlet line in the bowl and is adapted to be actuated by an animal to control the flow of water into the bowl. The valve mechanism includes a body provided with an inlet connected to the water line and having a central chamber connected through an inlet passage to the inlet. The inlet is adapted to be opened and closed by a valve member carried by a plunger that extends axially through the inlet passage and the central chamber and terminates in a button that projects outwardly from the opposite end of the body. The portion of the plunger located within the inlet passage has a non-circular cross section to provide a clearance between that portion of the plunger and the inlet passage, while the portion of the plunger located within the central chamber is formed with a laterally extending shoulder.

Abstract: A stable metal plate for watering tanks having a rear wall of plastic or sheet metal is disclosed. The metal plate functions to give this material the necessary strength at the attachment points such that the rear wall of the tank may be securely attached to a standpipe or wall. The metal plate engages the rear wall from the outside for attachment, and serves to secure the watering tank by clamping the rear wall thereof between the metal plate on one side and the standpipe or wall on the other side by means of a U-bolt or two dowel screws.

Abstract: A watering cup has a rear wall, shaped as by ledges, to direct water downwardly into the cup in a swirling motion. A triggering arm is mounted on the cup for pivoting in accordance with the operation of the arm by the fowl. A valve disposed in the cup is operative between a normally closed position and an open position in accordance with the triggering of the arm by the fowl. Water passing through the valve is directed in a swirling movement along the rear wall of the cup to clean the rear wall. This may be accomplished by hooded portions with configurations defining converging arcuate areas at their centers and outwardly and downwardly directed channels at their peripheries. The cup has a body portion and a clamping member. The clamping member may be coupled at one end to a pipe for supplying water to the cup and is provided at the other end with fingers for retention by the opposite lateral ends of the body portion.

Abstract: A valve disposed in a cup is operative between a normally closed position and an open position in accordance with the triggering of a triggering arm pivotally operated in the cup by fowl. The watering cup is formed from a body portion and a clamping member coupled to a pipe at one end for supplying water to the cup. The clamping member has fingers at the other end for retention by the body portion. A pivot pin is disposed on the rim of the body portion and pivotably supports the triggering arm. A rocker arm is also pivotable with the pin at a position internal to the body portion of the cup and adjacent to the inner wall of the cup. The pivotal movement of the rocker and triggering arms is limited in one direction by raised portions or detents on the inner wall of the cup. A gutter extends downwardly and outwardly from a position near the top of the cup to define a channel for directing from the cup water overflowing from the cup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding egg laying hens carbonated water on demand to modify the normal egg laying cycle of hens by increasing substantially the length of the continuous egg laying period and to increase the hardness of the egg shells and reduce losses due to egg breakage.

Abstract: A watering device for confined poultry is offered. The watered includes an upwardly opening cup, and a valve mechanism at the cup bottom. Ears extend from the cup over a valve body to retain the valve body in the cup. These ears can be provided with extensions for engaging a flotation member so as to dispose the flotation member and a valve pin in upright positions even when little or no water is present in the cup. A mounting base attaches to at least one bar of the poultry confinement area, and supports the cup and valve on the cage bar. A cup upper lip has at least one recess adapted to engage a cage bar so as to mount the waterer in a position accessible to the confined poultry.

Abstract: A poultry watering device is described connectable to a water supply line and including an open-top cup receiving water from the supply line, a valve assembly having a valve operator disposed within the cup and controlling a valve member for periodically admitting water into the cup from the water supply line, and mounting means for mounting the device to a support with the cup positioned to permit the poultry to drink water from the cup through the open top thereof. A wall of the cup is extended outwardly to form a sleeve whose interior communicates with the interior of the cup. The valve assembly includes an outer valve body received within the sleeve with the valve operator disposed within the cup, such that the cup may be removed from the outer valve body without shutting-off the water supply or disconnecting the valve assembly from the water supply line.

Abstract: A center flow animal waterer for coupled engagement to a pressured water supply and comprised of a valve-nipple-boot assembly retained within a body having a downstream flow restriction for limiting flow and having an upstream orifice restricting the supply of water to protect the boot which yieldingly supports the valve and nipple for angular displacement from a seat on the boot.

Abstract: An animal bite valve for dispensing water on demand which is formed with a lever operated by the animal. The valve is opened by either pushing the valve inwardly longitudinally or by tilting. The lever is formed with an annular non-flexible flange which bears against a non-flexible annular land as a fulcrum. Sealing is effected by a flexible cup seal which rests upon a valve seat and is lifted therefrom by the tilting of the valve member.A spring retainer member mounted on the lever downstream of the valve seat is formed with a slotted disc which disrupts the stream flow and deflects the flow outwardly toward the inside wall of the housing, which function serves to restrict, limit, and control the flow discharge velocity.A baffle inserted in the downstream flow portion of the housing, formed with a plurality of pockets causes further water turbulence and further reduction in fluid flow velocity and directs the water into the mouth of the animal.

Abstract: A nipple-type waterer having a resilient elastomeric plug which functions both as the spring and as the orifice member for regulating flow through the device. The elastomeric plug bears against the head of the valve stem and is threadably seated within the housing and adjustably positioned for varying the resilient closing force imposed on the valve stem. The usual O-ring creates the main seal between the housing and the outer side of the valve stem head. The elastomeric plug also has an annular sealing ridge thereon which creates a second area of sealed engagement with the rear side of the valve stem head.

Abstract: A valve body has a larger bore and a smaller bore defining a transverse valve seat; and a plug closes the larger bore, the inner end confronting the valve seat and defining a radially enlarged valve chamber. The valve closure member comprises an enlarged head seating on the valve seat and an integral stem projecting from the discharge end of the valve. The plug has an axial recess opening toward the valve seat; and a control member comprises an enlarged head and an integral stem. A helical biasing spring is received over the control member stem; and the stem and spring are received within the plug recess to permit free axial movement over the valve closure member and free compression and expansion of the spring. The control member, which engages the closure member head to seat the closure member, has small lateral clearance with associated parts to severely restrict lateral movement of the control member and of the spring.

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: For controlling the rate of supply of water to a watering bowl, a diaphragm valve with a diaphragm is placed in the water connection system, one side of the diaphragm resting against a barrel-like part, the space within the barrel being joined up, for example, with the bowl while the space round the barrel on the same side of the diaphragm is joined up with the water inlet so that, when the diaphragm is moved clear of the end of the barrel, water may make its way from the inlet into the bowl. On the opposite side of the valve diaphragm there is a pilot control space into which water may make its way through a small hole in the diaphragm and out of the pilot control space into the bowl through a pilot valve system in the form of an opening and a moving pilot valve which is worked by a lever or the like in the bowl, by a float or by a pilot diaphragm acted upon by the liquid level in the bowl.

Abstract: A springless nipple waterer valve includes a valve body in which a valve member is positioned with a valve head in bearing engagement with the apex portion of an abutment member at one end of the valve body. A valve seat is located in the valve body and the valve member has a valve head. A resilient sealing member is positioned between the valve head and the valve seat so that the bearing engagement of the abutment member with the valve member normally prevents fluid flow through the valve. However, the valve member is actuable by an animal pressing thereon to pivot the valve head about the apex portion of the abutment member, thereby permitting fluid flow through the valve. To vary the amount of flow through the valve, the valve member is adjustable to provide high or low rates of flow.

Abstract: A nipple waterer having a tiltable spring biased valve, the valve seat being a plastic ring held in position by a stainless steel washer. The inlet to the nipple waterer having an adjustable orifice. The valve seat, valve, spring, and adjustable orifice being held in assembled relationship by a retaining ring connected to the inlet of the waterer.

Abstract: A self-closing tap valve with a tiltable outlet member which is supported in a valve housing by means of a ball-and-socket-type support and which, when forcibly tilted, lifts a pressure-biased valve plate off an upstream-facing valve seat in the housing. The valve plate incorporates a radially or axially protruding gasket, clamped or vulcanized in place, or the valve seat is part of a resilient seat ring insert. Resilient sealing and shock-dampening members cooperate with the tiltable outlet member.

Abstract: A parallel array of a lower elongated plastic water pipe, an intermediate elongated compression member, and an upper tensioned cable is supported at the ends by rigid end support members. Animal operated drinker valves, mounted within upward opening cups, are disposed in longitudinally spaced relation on the upper face of the water pipe. The entire apparatus is suspended from an overhead support by the end supports. Intermediate spacer brackets maintain the spaced relation of the pipe, compression member, and tensioned cable. Where the cable functions as an anti-roost cable for poultry, additional cable supports are mounted on the compression member and secured to the cable to maintain the spacing of these two members. In alternative form an elongated support bar of V-shaped cross-section is maintained in contiguous relation with the pipe by spaced clamps, to serve as an additional anti-sag support for the watering unit.

Abstract: An animal bite valve for dispensing water on demand which is formed with a lever operated by the animal. The valve is opened by either pushing the valve inwardly longitudinally or by tilting. The lever is formed with an annular non-flexible flange which bears against a non-flexible annular land as a fulcrum. Sealing is effected by a flexible cup seal which rests upon a valve seat and is lifted therefrom by the tilting of the valve member.A baffle inserted in the downstream flow portion of the housing, directs the water into the mouth of the animal. Curved portions in the baffle cause a portion of the water to swirl, create turbulence and reduce velocity.

Abstract: In a water dispenser for feeding small animals comprising a casing, water supply means having an outlet, valve means for controlling water feed disposed in the outlet, and a water feed tube, the valve means comprises: an elastic valve seat member having an annular disk portion constituting the valve seat and a cylindrical portion formed coaxially and integrally with the disk portion; a poppet valve normally closed against the valve seat and fixed to the upstream end of the feed tube, which, upon being nudged and moved at its downstream end by a small animal, opens the poppet valve to permit water from the supply means to enter the cylindrical portion of the valve and then into the feed tube; and a coil spring fitted in compressed state around the cylindrical portion to elastically reinforce the same.

Abstract: The animal drinking fountain includes an elongated tap housing having a bore with a liquid inlet opening and a spring-loaded plunger movably disposed between an open and a closed position within the housing. A valve operating lever is pivotally mounted on the tap housing to engage the valve plunger. A valve seating carrier is disposed between the valve plunger and the liquid inlet and opening of the housing. A sealing mechanism is disposed between the valve plunger and the valve seat on the valve seating carrier to seal the open bore which faces toward the valve plunger. The sealing assembly includes a spacer or a valve basket non-rotatably supported on and axially displaceable with respect to the valve seating carrier.

Abstract: A watering cup especially useful for watering chickens having a first contact actuated valve for admitting water which first valve bears against a second interior valve and holds the second valve open. The first valve can be removed for cleaning and inspection without the necessity of shutting down the water pressure since removal of the first valve closes the second valve and prevents leakage.

Abstract: This invention relates to the watering of poultry with a low pressure water supply and provides sanitary functions of filtering water supplied directly into the waterers and to check both supply and back flow while providing a self-cleaning action, the structure of this invention being incorporated in a valve body which serves to mount the waterer onto a manifold to be independently operable by animal operation and automatically closing when the animal wants are satisfied.

Abstract: An improved valve device for self-service watering of animals which delivers water through a pivotal, control member which includes a flared housing permitting greater movement of the control member and results in improved trouble free operation.

Abstract: A watering or drinking device for small animals includes a drinking valve member actuatable by the animal, an adjustable flow control valve member responsive to actuation of the drinking valve member to limit maximum flow from the device, and a mechanism for adjusting the position of the flow control valve member to fully closed, partially open, or fully open positions. The device includes upper and lower threadedly interconnected hollow fittings having a resilient, compressible apertured diaphragm entrapped in a space therebetween. The upper and lower fittings include upper and lower valve seats, respectively, cooperating with the upper and lower valve members, respectively and the lower valve member has an actuator stem extending downwardly through the hollow lower fitting.

Abstract: A means for adjusting the heights of animal waterers in a multi-cage livestock confinement system includes an elongated water pipe rotatably mounted along an elongated partition which closes one side of a plurality of longitudinally positioned livestock cages. The water pipe is connected to a source of water under pressure and a watering valve in each cage is attached to the water pipe so that the elevations of the watering valves are adjusted in response to rotation of the water pipe about its longitudinal axis. A lever may be extended from the water pipe at the same attitude as the watering valves for rotating the watering pipe and indicating the elevation of the watering valves.

Abstract: A medication mixing and holding tank having a medicated fluid outlet, a pump associated with the tank for pumping medicated fluid from medicated fluid outlet to a livestock watering line, and associated with the tank and pump and outlet recirculating line for agitating and recirculating fluid in the holding tank when no demand is made on the livestock watering line the unit dispenses substantially homogeneously mixed medicated fluid whenever a use demand is made on the livestock watering line. When all treating fluid is dispensed, the unit is automatically hooked into the fresh water line for continued dispensing of fresh water. The same tank is used for simultaneously mixing and metering.

Abstract: A poultry watering cup (26) having a tubular valve housing (11) with spaced apart annular valve seats (31 and 33), an O-ring (30) on one seat (31), a valve having a head (28) seated on said O-ring (30) and a stem (24) extending loosely through said O-ring (30) for tilting said valve head (28) off said O-ring (30) by tilting said stem (24), and a valve disk (35) seated on said seat (33) in close proximity to said valve head (28), so as to be tilted off its seat (33) by tilting said valve head (28).

Abstract: An automatic drinking-trough which can only be used by animals for drinking purposes has a pressurized water duct the aperture of which is closed by a valve. The opening of the valve is controlled by a tube displaceable in all directions. The valve is arranged under a hood situated above the bowl, with the end of the control tube protruding vertically below the hood and in the bottom of the bowl. Thus the animal has to drive its snout down to the bottom of the bowl in order to reach the tube and cannot tamper with it inadvertably or playfully.

Abstract: An insect study station comprising an elongated transparent cylinder enclosed and supported by a detachable base. The interior of said base having constructed an indentation therein defining a food cup of a configuration affording open access to the transparent cylinder. The upper end of the cylinder is enclosed by an undercap. The undercap telescopically encloses the cylinder and has constructed in the under surface of the undercap a recess which can receive and retain a cotton ball. The circular body of the undercap has constructed through it a series of pie shaped apertures. An overcap telescopingly fits over and encases said undercap. The overcap has constructed in its circular body a series of pie shaped apertures. The dispersal and configuration of the pie-shaped apertures in the undercap and the overcap are of such shape and configuration as to permit access to the cylinder when the apertures are aligned and enclose the cylinder when the apertures are staggered.

Abstract: A liquid isolator to prevent cross-contamination in the supply of liquid to and between animal racks. The isolator comprises cylindrical concentric tubes arranged to form a liquid storage chamber, a standpipe in the chamber, and a liquid entry tube within the standpipe. Near their upper ends, a liquid transfer port is provided between the standpipe chamber and the liquid storage chamber. An air lock is formed between the liquid transfer port and the level of any liquid in the storage chamber. The air lock isolates liquid in the standpipe chamber from the liquid in the storage chamber. Check valves are also provided in a liquid inlet at the top of the isolator and a liquid outlet at the bottom of the isolator, thus to prevent back flow through the isolator.

Abstract: A water dispenser for livestock, particularly pigs, having a connecting portion for connection to a water pipe and the like with the dispenser preferably being in a horizontal or slightly inclined position and having a mouthpiece to be activated by the animal, the mouthpiece projecting from a casing of the dispenser and being tippable relative to the casing axis. The dispenser has a normally closed valve which is spring loaded to a closed position and is movable by the rear of the mouthpiece for effecting unseating of the valve in amount corresponding to the displacing of the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece and a foot of the valve have discs of generally the same size with the pivoting of the mouthpiece being transmitted by its disc to the disc of the foot to activate the valve by the tilting mouthpiece.

Abstract: Adjustable apparatus is disclosed for holding a hog watering pipe with a depending nipple valve thereon. The apparatus includes a pair of elongated angle irons with a frictional lock on one end thereof for engagement with the pipe. A pipe holding bracket is slidably mounted on the angle irons such that the co-operation between the lock and the bracket allows selective positioning of the nipple valve.

Abstract: A water collecting arrangement for providing water particularly for small animals such as baby chicks, in which a water collecting bowl with an actuating lever pivotably mounted therein, actuates a watering valve. The watering valve is connected, on one end, to a water pipe, and a free end of the valve is connected to a valve stem for actuating the valve. The stem moves with the actuating lever. An elastic holding clamp which may be attached to the water pipe without the use of tools, holds in place a bottom portion containing the collecting bowl, by means of a bayonet-catch quick-connecting arrangement. The bottom portion is insertable into the holding clamp and can be connected detachably, without tools, by turning through an angle of substantially 90.degree.. The holding clamp has a U-shaped cross-section and a center bar which has a passage in the center for the watering valve. The holding clamp, furthermore, has a smaller clearance width between the free ends of its outer legs.

Abstract: A watering apparatus for hogs, sheep, goats and the like includes a thermally insulated water storage tank, means for maintaining water at a predetermined level in the tank and a drinking device extended through the side wall of the tank below the level of the water in the tank. The drinking device has an elongated water delivery tube extended through the side wall with a normally closed valve mechanism at its inner end and a mouthpiece on its outer end. An elongated valve stem extends through the water delivery tube for operative connection with the mouthpiece. When the mouthpiece is received within the mouth of an animal and pushed inwardly, the valve mechanism is actuated to initiate a flow of water through the delivery tube and directly into the mouth of the animal.

Abstract: A drinking station for poultry or the like is connected to a liquid supply pipe by a valve that is operable to supply the liquid to a plurality of enclosures within a receptacle that also contains the valve. The valve is operable by the poultry by means of a tongue extending from a valve sleeve. The valve is spring-loaded towards a closed position against a valve cap.

Abstract: A valve of a type for use particularly in animal waterers. A valve body having a passageway extending therethrough has a valve stem disposed in the passageway. The valve stem has an enlarged portion on one end thereof having longitudinal slots therein and a valve head on the other end thereof for cooperation with a valve seat located at one end of the passageway of the valve body. A screen having perforate sides and an imperforate end is connected to the valve body and encompasses the valve head. A cylindrically shaped member is positioned inside of the screen and is sealed at one end thereof to the valve body and at the other end to the imperforate end of the screen. A single small hole passes through the cylindrical member at a place on the cylinder whereby the valve head must move past it during opening and closing thereof to thereby keep the opening from being closed due to the build-up of foreign particles or mineral deposits thereon.

Abstract: A watering, or drinking, device for fowl in which a tiltable member in a trough operates a control valve when pressed down by the fowl to admit water into the trough from a water supply pipe.

Abstract: A poultry drinking cup having a cup body with an inlet opening, valve means, and a trigger in operative engagement with the valve means. Shielding means are positioned to shield the trigger movement from interference by dirt or debris. With the trigger rotatably mounted in a recess in the cup body, the shielding means may be mounted above the recess. The trigger may include a water finger positioned within an opening through the trigger to conduct water through the opening to a receptacle in the trigger. A resilient clamp member may be connected to the cup body to fit about a pipe leading to the cup for supporting the cup with respect to the pipe.

Abstract: A poultry drinking cup having a cup body with an input opening for engagement with a water feed line. Valve means control the flow of water through the input opening into the cup body and the cup is supported by a snap-fitting member connected to the cup. The snap-fitting member may include a cavity which is engageable with the water feed line or a support member and retaining means are provided to maintain the cavity in engagement with the water feed line or support member.The poultry drinking cup may include an outwardly flared, upwardly projecting skirt on the cup body. The valve means is preferably controlled by means of a trigger or fount which extends into the cup body. The low point within the cup body is preferably positioned in close proximity to the trigger or fount.

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 liquid feeder for animals which includes a spherical member mounted for flotation in liquid feed carried by a receptacle with the upper surface of the spherical member being in position for animals to lick and thus rotate the spherical member to transfer feed to the upper surface thereof regardless of the direction of the lick.

Abstract: An actuator-float for animal operation and automatically lifting and thereby closing the valve of a waterer cup, or the like, when filled to a predetermined level, and particularly adapted to animal waterer systems wherein water pressure is relied upon for maintaining the normally closed condition of said valves.