Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for feeding poultry during breeding, keeping or fattening of poultry, in which guanidinoacetic acid or a salt thereof is administered as a feed additive.

Abstract: An intake valve and a drain system are located in the lower portion of a stanchion or outer pipe which is preferably dimensioned so that these structures can be located below the frost line underground so as not to be subject to freezing. The intake valve structure includes a body which fits tightly within the stanchion and which has a central bore which receives, at its uppermost end, the lower end of the conduit. The lower end of the bore is fitted with threads or other convenient means for connecting a conduit representing a source of water which is under sufficient pressure to allow the water to rise in the stanchion conduit and fill the basin. The improvements to the prior art include a stand or stabilizing means to secure the city water vertical outlet port at least about four to six inches above the bottom of the outer pipe. This facilitates removal of the intake valve structure from the city water outlet port.

Abstract: A wall mounting system is described having a wall mounting bracket to be rigidly secured to a wall, a pair of water bottle filling station-mounted brackets to be rigidly secured to a water bottle filling station, and a pair of bracket adaptors, each configured to be secured to a respective one of the water bottle filling station-mounted brackets and to the wall mounting bracket. The system can include one or more springs. The system allows an operator to properly install a water bottle filling station on uneven walls or damaged or improperly installed wall mounting brackets.

Abstract: A water feeder filter water feeder includes a water storage tank and a water drinking portion. The filter supplies and returns water from the water storage tank to the water drinking portion. The filter is detachably provided between the water storage tank and the water drinking portion and passes the water from an upper surface side to a lower surface side of the filter. The filter includes a filter tray with a bottom wall having a water passing aperture and an outer peripheral wall. An internal filter medium is in the filter tray. A top covering filter medium covers an upper end opening of the filter tray. A partition wall of the filter tray is formed with a lower side is positioned inner than an upper side when viewed from each chamber. The outer peripheral wall is formed with a lower side is positioned inner than an upper side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart water flow apparatus capable of maintaining a desired level of water in a reservoir using sensor technology while having an override or shutoff feature that is programmable to address variations in water pressure or to prevent flooding due to sensor malfunction or power failure.

Abstract: A pet watering device for use in a vehicle that has a basin with sidewalls, a bottom and a porous member mounted over the bottom, forming an upper and a lower chamber. The porous member permits the passage of water from the upper to the lower chamber but preferably does not permit the reverse flow of water there through. Water is pumped from the lower to the upper chamber, the amount being substantially equal to the water passing through the porous member and sufficient to maintain the presence of a thin, constant layer of water over the porous member. The device is securely mounted in the vehicle. When the watering device is jostled by the moving vehicle water does not pass from the lower to the upper chamber through the porous member and only a small amount, if any, of water slops out over the upper rim of the basin.

Abstract: A drinker system having a pressure regulator that receives water at its inlet and provides water at a predetermined pressure at its outlet. At least one drinker is connected to the outlet of the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is moveable between a lower position and an upper position relative to the drinker. When the pressure regulator is moved to its upper position relative to the drinker, the drinker receives a higher pressure than the predetermined pressure at the outlet of the pressure regulator. The pressure regulator is connected to the drinker with a four bar linkage having a pair of bars that are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the bars is pivotally connected to the drinker at one end and the opposite ends of the bars are pivotally connected to the pressure regulator.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a valve or sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The feeding basin includes an upwardly extending cylindrical well that receives the lower end of the liquid container, and the valve or sealing mechanism includes a float valve associated with the well. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, low-maintenance, water-saving automated animal watering device (10) is provided which includes a watering tank (12) moveable between a lower, water-full condition and an upper, water-low condition. Preferably, one end of the tank (12) is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft (64), while the other end of the tank is biased upwardly via a lower lift spring (72). The device (10) also has a water fill assembly (16) operably coupled with tank (12) to selectively fill the tank (12) when needed, and a drain valve assembly (18) also coupled with tank (12) in order to completely drain the tank (12) on a periodic basis. A control assembly (20) is coupled with at least the tank (12) and drain valve assembly (18), and is operable to actuate the drain valve assembly (18) after a predetermined number of movements of the tank (12) between the elevated and lowered positions thereof.

Abstract: Described is a gravity-induced automatic animal watering/feeding device that promotes increased sanitation and minimizes the amount of water/food spilled from the device in the event the device is overturned. More specifically, the animal watering/feeding device presents consumables, including water and animal food, to the animal using a receptacle that is removable from the remainder of the device. Because the receptacle is removable, it is easily replaced and/or removed for cleaning such that sanitation of the animal watering/feeding device is easily maintained. Additionally, selected components of the animal water/feeding device are releasably locked to one another such that the device minimizes the amount of water/food that is spilled from the device in the event it is overturned.

Abstract: A valve having a metal washer (5) slightly extending from the periphery of the passage of the narrowing (2) of the valve body member (1) avoiding friction of the push member (11) in said narrowing; and the formation, in the upper gasket (12) of a concave bevel (13) where the ball (14) engages, forming a contact area which increases the watertightness of the gasket. It is a feature of the drinker that the bowl (35) and the stem (36) are integral, the stem having a cruciform section reinforcing it and facilitating the fall of the water through the lower port (47) of a threaded bushing (40) screwed on a lower tubular extension (43) of the body member (1') of the valving device (1') on which extension there is also threaded a locknut (45) ensuring the position of the threaded bushing (40). A version having a single rigid gasket (8') with elimination of the washer (5) is contemplated.

Abstract: A trigger-type drinker for poultry and small animals including a water retaining disc at the free end of the trigger pin is disclosed. The disc is generally flat with an upturned lip around the perimeter thereof. A residual water drop or water leaking from the drinker runs down the trigger pin and collects on the disc, contained by the lip. The disc allows several drops of water to collect at the bottom of the pin. The increased amount of water on the pin assists in attracting birds to the drinker. When the bird actuates the drinker, the disc tilts toward the bird, thereby causing the water to run across the surface of the disc and into the bird's mouth. Thus, the disc assists in directing more water to the bird.

Abstract: A fowl drinker, having a water intake device, characterized in that the water flow adjustment means is not the same as the means with which the valve body is attached to the support column, but is formed by a stem (31) freely inserted in a tubular widened diameter portion (32) of the cup-shaped cover (29) and connected at the top and the bottom thereof, respectively, to a resilient stopper (30) engaging the spout (24) of the valve body (18) water outlet and a blind nut (33) screwed on the widened portion (32) and with which the adjustment is made, without a subsequent dismantling and reassembly of the drinker altering it, the valve body (18) being snugly fitted over the support column (15) to prevent the weight of the water supply conduit from upsetting it, affecting said regulation. The support (39) of the bushing (44) which is connected to the pipeline t comprises a flexible strip (17) surrounding said pipeline.

Abstract: A trough drinker is provided which is detachably secured to the exterior of the supply line separately from and operably associated with a detachable trigger drinker or nipple drinker. The trough drinker includes a vertically extending stem, an elongated housing disposed about the stem and closely separated therefrom, a trough portion extending about the circumference of the housing for retaining water, a base skirt radially extending from the lower portion of the stem, an annular flange extending from the upper portion of the housing, and a spring biasing arrangement to move the flange upward when a predetermined level of fluid is present in the trough. The trigger drinker or nipple drinker is longitudinally offset from the trough drinker along the supply line such that the upward movement of the flange causes the trigger drinker or nipple drinker to be actuated and fluid to flow into the trough over the exterior surface of the housing.

Abstract: A trough drinker is provided which is detachably secured to the exterior of the supply line separately from and operable associated with a detachable trigger drinker. The trough drinker includes a vertically extending stem, an elongated housing disposed about the stem and closely separated therefrom, a trough portion extending about the circumference of the housing for retaining water, a base skirt radially extending from the lower portion of the stem, an annular flange extending from the upper portion of the housing, and a spring biasing arrangement to move the flange upward when a predetermined level of fluid is present in the trough. The trigger drinker is longitudinally offset from the trough drinker along the supply line such that the upward movement of the flange causes the trigger drinker to be actuated and fluid to flow into the trough over the exterior surface of the housing. The trigger drinker is separately detachable from the supply line without removing the trough drinker.

Abstract: A suspension-type poultry drinking fountain comprises a bowl supported in suspension and containing a water trough for receiving water to be made available for drinking by the poultry, and a valve assembly controlled by the weight of the bowl to maintain a predetermined level of water in the trough. For prefixing the level of the water to be maintained in the trough, the valve assembly includes a rotatable member having a plurality of projections circumferentially spaced around its outer periphery and releasably engageable with a retainer member fixedly carried by the drinking fountain to releasably retain the rotatable member in a preselected rotary position against unintentional rotation, but permitting forceful intentional rotation in order to change the water level in a convenient manner without disassembling the drinking fountain or its valve assembly.

Abstract: A shroud is provided for a poultry drinker to protect the poultry drinker bell from contamination, and to enhance the versatility and functionality of the drinker. The shroud comprises a plastic bell adapted to be releasably mounted so that it is stationary with respect to the valve body and/or hanger for the drinker, and is exterior of the drinker bell. The shroud includes a generally concentric opening formed at the top, and has a substantially flat bottom. Releasable attachment of the shroud to the drinker is provided by a generally radially extending flange at the top opening, and/or by a collar substantially defining and concentric with the top opening. The shroud is particularly useful with poultry drinkers that can both stand and be suspended.

Abstract: An elongate pipe is connected to an elongate flange by a plurality of spaced clamps. The pipe is suspended from the elongate flange. The clamps and the conduit have a snap-in connection to clamp each other together and embrace the pipe between them.A drinking water supply apparatus extends below the pipe and includes a nipple drinker which screw threadably engages the clamp and pipe to provide a passage for the water within the pipe through the nipple. A housing screw threadably engages the nipple and encloses an actuating pin depending from the nipple which pin, when raised, allows water to flow from the pipe. A striker extends into the housing, the striker having a water container on its lower end and being supported by a compression spring. When the water level in the container falls below a predetermined level, the spring raises the striker into engagement with the pin to raise the pin and allow water to flow from the pipe, through the nipple drinker and housing into the container.

Abstract: A poultry drinker includes a headless bell with a replaceable cartridge assembly for operatively attaching the bell to a conventional valve and a stand or a ballast. A flat annular support surface at the headless top of the bell cooperates with an annular support surface of the cartridge assembly, and a nut engages external threads on a tubular body of the cartridge assembly to clamp the bell annular support between itself and the cartridge annular support. An internal shelf in the cartridge to operate the valve, water passage openings are formed in the tube above the shelf, and the tubular body is connected to the valve by threads or the like. A flange radially extending from the cartridge adjacent the cartridge annular support is received by a cutout in the bell annular support to prevent rotation between the bell and cartridge. A screw-threaded post operatively attached to the shelf and extending through the cartridge annular support member provides attachment to the stand or ballast member.

Abstract: A chick drinker apparatus comprises a main supply receptacle connected to a water supply, and a number of drinkers with automatic water level control which are of a size suitable for chicks and are placed at a lower level than the supply receptacle. Each drinker is connected to the supply receptacle by a respective flexible siphon tube which has a resilient gripping member attachable to, and quickly removable from, the rim of the supply receptacle, and also independent priming means for transferring liquid from the supply receptacle to the respective drinker.

Abstract: A water volume indicator for an animal waterer which includes a balance beam of substantial mass which supports a water receptacle such that when water is removed the balance beam will pivot to open a valve to allow water to be fed into the bowl and which has a switch which is actuated by movement of the balance beam to close a circuit to actuate a timer such that the time that the valve was opened to add water can be determined. This allows the operator to determine how much water has been removed from the bowl by the horse or other animal and thus the amount of fluid intake by the animal is determined.

Abstract: A suspension-type poultry drinking fountain comprises a hanger assembly adapted to be supported in suspension, and a bowl supported by the hanger assembly and containing a water trough for receiving water to be made available for drinking by the poultry. The hanger assembly and bowl include a bayonet-pin-and-socket connection permitting quick attachment and detachment of the bowl with respect to the hanger assembly.

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: For watering cattle with a high efficiency, an automatic drinking bowl is designed to give a high or low water inlet rate, which is automatically matched to the drinking rate of the cow or other animal so that drinking may take place as from a natural watering place. When not in use, the spring-supported bowl is pushed downwards by the water in it shutting off an inlet valve. On a cow's drinking from the bowl, and so decreasing the weight of the water therein, the bowl is pushed upwards by the spring so that the water inlet valve is opened to an amount fully in step with the distance the bowl is moved upwards by the spring and so that the water inlet rate is very much in line with the animal's drinking rate. The bowl is hinged to a support and joined with the inlet valve by a flexible hose. The water inlet opening is at the lowest point in the bowl and next to the water inlet opening, and there is a cleaning opening for clearing waste from the bowl.

Abstract: An automatic watering apparatus for poultry and the like, the apparatus comprising a central post, a sleeve reciprocally but non-rotatably mounted on the post, a valve assembly mounted on the post, a supply tube extending from the valve assembly and in communication with a water source, the sleeve and the valve assembly being engageable to operate the valve assembly, and a bell member rotatably fixed to the sleeve and having a channel for collection of water discharged from the valve assembly.

Abstract: A water control valve particularly suited for use with poultry watering apparatus having a deformable rubber sleeve lining the interior of the valve housing. A pair of piston members are arranged to pinch the sleeve and thus cut off the flow through the valve in response to a cross member attached to a control lever alternately urging each of the pistons into the housing.

Abstract: A pair of lever arms are hinged together at one end and disposed beneath a plant container, compression spring being disposed between the other ends of said lever arms and a flexible water supply hose being sandwiched between said lever arms intermediate their ends. Thus, when the soil in the container is dry and thus light, the spring opens the arms and allows water to flow through the hose to the soil; when the soil is moist, and thus heavy, its weight overcomes the force of the spring and compresses the hose to cut off the supply of water.

Abstract: A watering cup for fowl and animals has a telescopic valved and sealed fit of a normally closed valved tubular part of a cup housing within a normally closed valved depending tubular outlet of a water supply line and a hook interlock of said telescoping parts. A cup pivoted in the cup housing below the valved tubular cup part has a projection for opening the valve of the tubular cup housing part and a spring controlled by adjustable tensioning means urges said cup and its projection toward valve opening position when less than a selected quantity of water is contained in the cup.

Abstract: A watering trough for chickens and like fowl is disclosed, of the kind comprising a bell member having an annular gutter integral therewith in the bottom portion, a supporting upright loaded by a ballast and water feeding means internally of the bell, the improvement consisting in having the bell member limitedly tiltable about a horizontal axis placed at the bottom of the gutter and a spring at the top of the bell to counteract the tilting motion and to open and close the water feeding nozzle also situated at the top of the bell. The device is self-reloading and can be used both resting on the ground directly and hung by means of a suspension tab.

Abstract: A poultry drinker for suspension or for standing on the ground comprises a trough member, a suspendible hanging member from which the trough member is suspended, a resilient connection between the trough member and the hanging member, a valve controlling water supply to the trough in dependence on the amount of water in the trough, and a stand member which can be used to support the stand on the ground, the stand member having a base projecting below the trough member and support means at its upper end for supporting the hanging member when the drinking trough is standing on the ground, the stand member being coupled to the trough member by a coupling which permits limited relative vertical movement so that when the drinking trough is suspended from above, the stand member is suspended from the trough member but when standing on the ground, the trough member may move relative to the stand member in order to operate the valve.

Abstract: Suspension-type poultry drinking apparatus comprising a rigid, elongated hanger; a drinking vessel; means resiliently mounting the drinking vessel in suspension on the hanger to permit the vessel to move up and down according to the weight of water in the vessel; and an inlet valve for controlling a supply of water to the drinking vessel, the valve being resiliently biassed towards a closed position and being adapted to be opened when the drinking vessel rises with a decrease in the supply of water therein, characterized by valve mounting means on the hanger which is adapted to mount the inlet valve on the hanger in a position off-set laterally from the axis of the hanger.

Abstract: A watering cup for fowl and animals has a telescopic valved and sealed fit of a normally closed valved tubular part of a cup housing within a normally closed valved depending tubular outlet of a water supply line and a hook interlock of said telescoping parts. A cup pivoted in the cup housing below the valved tubular cup part has a projection for opening the valve of the tubular cup housing part and a spring controlled by adjustable tensioning means urges said cup and its projection toward valve opening position when less than a selected quantity of water is contained in the cup.

Abstract: A ground-supported poultry drinking fountain utilizing a bell-shaped member having an annular trough. A massive ground support member is disposed within the interior of the bell-shaped member, and connecting rods extend through the bell-shaped member to rigidly connect the massive support member to a valve-supporting member. Adjustments are provided for adjusting the effective length of the rod and therefore the height of the trough off the ground. A valve for supplying water to the trough is supported by the valve support member, and a spring is provided to suspend the bell-shaped member from the valve support member independent of the connecting rods so that the annular trough will reciprocate vertically under the influence of the spring depending upon the amount of water in the trough. Force-concentrating surface manifestations and/or an extremely massive bottom can be provided with the support member to ensure that the fountain stays immobile with respect to the ground.

Abstract: The water supply line to an automatic poultry watering system is disconnected from the metering housing, and a flushing implement is attached to the free end of the supply line. The flushing implement includes an upper end attachable to the supply line approximately equal in diameter to the supply line and a relatively small nozzle member at the other or free end which is considerably reduced in both outer and inner diameter. The flow of water is thus greatly accelerated, and the implement is used to probe the inlet and into the metering housing to flush out any debris or loose material that may become lodged therein clogging up the operation of the metering housing or valve.