Automatic liquid dispensing device for animals
US8186304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 29, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K7/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A liquid dispensing device includes a container removably mounted to a tray such that an orifice in the base of the container is below a fill line of the tray. A flat-shaped cap that includes an opening is removably attached to the orifice. A cap adjustment member forces the cap into a concave shape when the container is removably mounted to the tray. If the cap is in the flat shape, surface tension of the liquid in the container prevents the container from dispensing liquid. However, forcing the cap into the concave shape disrupts the surface tension of the liquid and allows the container to dispense the liquid if the liquid is not already above a fill line. These features allow the orifice to be wide enough for cleaning while the cap is narrow enough for operation without the cap causing surface tension that hinders operation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.