A freeze-resistant watering device has a nipple or ball valve, a heat pipe, a sleeve in tight thermal contact with the nipple, a water-tight connection to a liquid containing container or supply pipe, and an outer shield enclosing an insulating space or insulation material. This device thermally couples a watering nipple or ball valve to a container or supply pipe via a thermal conduction path including bends so that the nipple or ball valve maintains at a temperature that is near the temperature of the liquid in the container or supply pipe. Further, the use of one or more freeze-resistant watering devices with a thermally insulated container in a watering unit with an insulated container or supply pipe provides drinking water to animals, and in particular, birds in sub-freezing and in hot weather.

A solar pet water dispenser, comprising a solar cell assembly, a water storage assembly, a water pumping assembly, a temperature control assembly, a living body sensor, a first control assembly and an induction switch, wherein the water storage assembly is provided with a water storage tank and a water holding lid which are hinged connected with the water storage tank; the water pumping assembly is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet, the first water inlet is connected with the water storage cavity, the first water outlet is connected with the water storage lid; the living body sensor is arranged on the water storage tank; at an input end of the first control assembly is connected the solar cell assembly, at an output end thereof is connected the water pumping assembly and the temperature control assembly, and at a control end thereof the living body sensor.

An animal watering device is provided that is automatically fillable for providing water to animals, such as horses or other livestock. Animal watering device includes a base, a trough positioned within the base for storing water, and a water filling assembly coupled with the trough to control a water level within the trough. A ring can be positioned about an upper surface of the trough to protect the upper surface of the trough. A disc can be positioned within the trough to cover a portion of water filling assembly positioned within the trough, while allowing water to flow through the disc.

A pet bowl is provided that comprises a housing defining a water container, a proximity sensor located proximate to the water container, the proximity sensor having conductive circuitry comprising a first circuit made of a first metal and a second circuit made of a dissimilar second metal, and a controller processing signals received from the proximity sensor, the controller selectively switching the conductive circuitry between a first configuration operating as the proximity sensor to sense water contained in the container and a second configuration operating as a thermocouple to sense temperature proximate to the water container.

An improved animal trough includes an outer wall, an inner wall, a receptacle configured to receive a first fluid, and a housing separated from the receptacle. The receptacle is substantially smooth in order to prevent or discourage the growth of algae or the buildup or dirt and grime. The housing may include a ballast compartment configured to receive a second fluid and the trough may include a heating element configured to heat both the first and second fluid. The trough may also include a sieve configured to remove debris from the receptacle.

A removably attachable insulator having a jacket adapted to slide over a container for keeping the contents of the container at or near a predetermined temperature is provided. The jacket may include heating elements attached thereto for heating the container. A control circuitry is also integrated with the jacket, the control circuitry providing a thermostat adapted to set and control the temperature through operatively associating with the heating elements. The jacket and container may become removably attached through the use of detachable fasteners integrated with the container and or the jacket.

There is provided a heated livestock waterer having a heater chamber, a heater disposed in the heater chamber that, in operation, generates at least heated gas, and a water reservoir having at least one sidewall that is in thermal communication with the heater chamber, the water reservoir having an animal watering section and a covered section covered by a lid, the lid and the covered section defining an air space that is in fluid communication with the heater chamber via an air passage, the air space having a vent to atmosphere.

An animal watering system can be used to water poultry for extended periods of time without operator attention. An upper reservoir is electrically heated with a waterproof resistance heater. A lid allows filling from the top. A four legged (metal) stand supports the reservoir above the ground. A plumbing tree connects at the bottom and has a shut off valve, an easy to clean filter and a float switch valve which keeps the water level constant in a trough located under the stand. The trough is preferably supported above ground by a (circular) base which can have its own electric heater. The float switch prevents any trough water from flowing upward into the reservoir. The plumbing tree has a hose inlet used for filling or cleaning.

A solar pet water dispenser, comprising a solar cell assembly, a water storage assembly, a water pumping assembly, a temperature control assembly, a living body sensor, a first control assembly and an induction switch, wherein the water storage assembly is provided with a water storage tank and a water holding lid which are hinged connected with the water storage tank; the water pumping assembly is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet, the first water inlet is connected with the water storage cavity, the first water outlet is connected with the water storage lid; the living body sensor is arranged on the water storage tank; at an input end of the first control assembly is connected the solar cell assembly, at an output end thereof is connected the water pumping assembly and the temperature control assembly, and at a control end thereof the living body sensor.

A freeze-resistant watering nipple assembly comprising a watering nipple valve, a heat pipe, a sleeve in tight thermal contact with the nipple, a water-tight connection to a liquid containing container or supply pipe, and an outer shield enclosing an insulating space and/or insulation material is described, which thermally couples a watering nipple to a container or supply pipe via a sufficiently good thermal conduction path so that the nipple can be maintained at a temperature that is near the temperature of the liquid in the container or supply pipe. Further, the use of one or more freeze-resistant watering nipple assemblies with a thermally insulated container is described so that the unit comprising the nipple assembly or assemblies and the insulated container provides drinking water to animals, and in particular, birds in sub-freezing and in hot weather.