Ritchie Industries, Inc.

Michael R Gerbo

David J Vavra

A nipple valve including a valve body with an outside surface in which are ground at least one semi-circular indentation which serves as a tool grip. The semi-circular indentation is formed in the shape of a trough with oppositely disposed open ends to permit a wrench to be placed and retained in position on the valve body during installation or removal of the valve.

Nipple valve waterer

Nipple valve

The present invention provides an animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals. A second swinging embodiment includes a suspension bracket which extends up from the vertical axis of the supply line for connection with a chain so that the waterer will hang straight. Also, this second embodiment uses a single triangular bend in the terminal conduit so that the terminal conduit is inclined downwardly and has no horizontal sections. This configuration eliminates the buildup of excess galvanizing material in the interior of the terminal conduit when the unit is submersed in and withdrawn from the vat of zinc galvanizing material during the plating process.

Animal alignment guide for a nipple valve waterer

An animal waterer having an animal alignment guide attached to the water supply line near the juncture of the terminal conduit and the nipple valve. The guide includes an interior portion attached to the water supply line and a pair of guide wings extending out on opposite lateral sides of the nipple valve about the same distance as the trigger of the nipple valve. The vertical position of the nipple valve is adjustable so that the nipple valve can be easily and quickly positioned at the most efficient drinking height for the size of animal being watered. One embodiment of the waterer includes a waterer fed by a flexible feed line, and supported by a chain to freely swing at an elevation of about two inches above the backs of the animals.

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Marshalltown, IA, United States of America

Michael R Gerbo