Importance

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Abstract

An animal watering system employs self-locking type quick connect couplings to couple internal watering valves in the cages serviced by the system to an external water manifold, The self-locking quick connect couplings prevent unintentional disconnection of the individual watering valves from the manifold but can be readily disconnected by operating a decoupler which may comprise a trigger or a cable, The watering valve has a deflectable elastomeric shield which is less susceptible to sticking or clogging than movable shields but which at the same time prevents or at least inhibits bedding material or other foreign materials from being jammed into the space between the valve stem and the valve housing and locking the valve in its open position, The valve also has a stem which is dimensioned to inhibit unintended valve opening, and a valve element employing a specially designed valve seat and a diaphragm which cooperate with the head of the valve stem so as to assure free flow of water through the valve even if the internal components become swollen or corroded.

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First Claim