Confining Or Housing Patents (Class 119/416)
  • Publication number: 20120227674
    Abstract: A locking system for a small animal habitat includes a latch having a strike member and a catch having a first and a second catch section. A portion of the strike member slides over at least on catch section to secure latch to the catch. An end of the strike member slides over the first catch section by the force of gravity. A pet habitat includes a locking system having a latch having a strike member and a catch having a first and a second catch section. A portion of the strike member slides over at least on catch section to secure latch to the catch. An end of the strike member slides over the first catch section by the force of gravity. When the pet habitat is placed in an open position when the top portion is hingedly moved away from the bottom portion and the top portion is released from the open position, the latch engages the catch so that the end of the strike member slides over the first catch section by the force of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: J.W. Pet Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Ragonetti, Ryan Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20120186528
    Abstract: An animal containment unit comprises a lid and a base container. The base container comprises an animal compartment with breathing holes, a foot release pedal, and a lock receiver. The lid is attached to the base container by means of a hinge and comprises a sliding gate, a locking mechanism, a slot opening gasket and bristle which act as a protective barrier and reduces the risk of animal strike back. The sliding mechanism provides users with access into the animal compartment when the lid is in a closed position and secured to the base container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Vernard Brien DORSEY
  • Publication number: 20120160179
    Abstract: Devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods related to animal enclosure latches. Specifically, the disclosed devices, apparatuses, systems and/or methods relate to animal enclosure latches having a slide bolt and a pendant, where the operation of the slide bolt and pendant require separate movements, thus decreasing the likelihood that an animal may open the latch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Troy Brown, Rod Mcaninch, Gary Silvis
  • Publication number: 20120153191
    Abstract: Vivarium (100) comprising a housing capable of providing a habitat for an animal wherein the housing comprises plastics material with anti-bacterial properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Meso Limited
    Inventors: Daniel James Greenhill Kane, Gregor John Aikman
  • Publication number: 20120125264
    Abstract: It is a problem in stables when the animals have a behaviour different from the intended. The behaviour is changed if the animals are too hot or too cold. The air temperature is not sufficient information as this lacks information about air speed, feed consumption by the animals, animal activity and health condition of the animals. Measuring the surface temperature of the animals by infrared sensors will contain all of the above factors. This surface temperature may be used for controlling heating, covering and cooling measures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Niels Skov Veng
  • Patent number: 8156899
    Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Innovive Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Publication number: 20120085293
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for displaying animals in temperature controlled enclosures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Stanley J. Owens, Chad W. Robbins, Joseph M. Flora, Douglas R. Carr, John Von Buelow
  • Publication number: 20120060764
    Abstract: A mobile animal care station includes a wheeled chassis with an enclosure supported above the ground for movement to and from a treatment location. The enclosure defines a treatment space therein and presents an opening that permits ingress and egress relative to the treatment space. The enclosure presents an open bottom to permit animals within the enclosure to be supported directly on the ground. The mobile animal care station also includes a doorway restriction mounted along the opening to provide a doorway of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Arnold G. Nagely
  • Patent number: 8120212
    Abstract: Method for the control of an electric fence energizer of any given power, guaranteeing that, during each pulse emitted by the energizer, any human body that might have come into contact with the electric fence since a recent pulse does not run the risk of receiving a dangerous electric shock by reason of the pulse in progress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Lacme Holding
    Inventors: Valéry Hamm, Yves Mulet-Marquis
  • Publication number: 20120017841
    Abstract: An automatic animal door having a door for closing off an entrance and a controls unit, the door having a vertical axis, a top, and a bottom, comprises means for rotating the door about a vertical axis. It is desired that the automatic animal door of the present invention rotates the door at preset times as follows: door opening at sunrise, door closing at sunset, door opening a short time thereafter, and door closing a final time in a 24 hour cycle a short time thereafter. A method of controlling the containment of birds using an automatic animal door, the automatic animal door having a door for closing off an entrance and a controls unit, comprises the step of automatically rotating the door about a vertical axis, preferably multiple times in a 24 hour period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Antonije Andric, Mark Allen George
  • Publication number: 20120000430
    Abstract: A crate or barrier structure utilizes frames forming the sides of the crate or part of the barrier which include vertical or horizontal wires spaced apart from one another and extending codirectionally. Discrete structural design elements are welded, or otherwise fastened, to two or more of the wires, but not all, such that at least two of the wires are interconnected over a given one of the design elements. By placing a plurality of such design elements at various locations within a given one of the frames comprising the crate or barrier so as to interconnect different ones of the wires, enhanced support is provided without having to provide continuous wires crosswise to the vertical or horizontal wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Robert R. Rauch
  • Patent number: 8082885
    Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo
  • Publication number: 20110308475
    Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d' Artenay, Asa Cannell
  • Publication number: 20110283951
    Abstract: The pet house of the invention includes a polygonal main structure defined by at least three upstanding lateral plates, each plate includes at least two engagement slots, wherein adjacent engagement slots of adjoining lateral plates inter-engage to each receive a portion of the adjoining lateral plate so that the adjoining lateral plates are fastened together through their adjacent engagement slots, to thereby form a pet enclosure within the polygonal main structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: WEN-YING KUO, CHIN-YU CHIU
  • Patent number: 8056512
    Abstract: A gate for a pet enclosure having limited visibility from inside the enclosure of events taking place outside the enclosure. In one embodiment, the gate of the present invention is formed from a plurality of removable panels which define an outer facial surface of the gate. At least one portal is provided in the gate for limited protrusion of a pet's face into the portal only to the extent of the nose and eyes of the pet. The portal is provided about its perimeter with an artistic which enhances the outer appearance of the gate itself, and when associated with a pet animal's partial exposure within the portal, provides a striking and enjoyable, sometimes comical, visual alteration of the facial surface of the gate. In various embodiments, the artistic associated with a given portal in the gate may be changed employing plural artistics which are arrayed on a moveable mount which positions selected artistics in register with selected ones of a plurality of portals defined in the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Cheri Craig
  • Publication number: 20110247567
    Abstract: The present invention provides an easily-assembled, robustly-constructed animal shelter comprising front, back and side panels with corner columns connecting the side panels to the front and rear panels. A roof includes at least one roof panel that connects to upper ledges of the front and rear panels or the side panels. The prefabricated animal shelter can be assembled and disassembled efficiently by following a series of easy-to-follow steps and be disassembled and reassembled multiple times over the lifetime of the shelter without experiencing significant wear and tear. In addition, the animal shelter is attractive, provides a good deal of interior space for an animal, and may be manufactured and configured in many different embodiments and sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Chiu Kwan Chan
  • Patent number: 8036429
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring an animal includes a light source and an optical source. The light source, which is preferably an array of monochromatic light emitting diodes, at least partially backlights one or more of the animal's legs. The optical sensor or device, which is preferably a single dimension camera or charged-coupled device, opposes the light source and obtains an image that includes silhouettes of one or more legs of the animal. A processor, such as a computer with software and data storage, determines measurements, such as the approximate skeletal trunk length of the animal, from the silhouetted legs in the image. One or more first ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate height of the pelvic region, and one or more second ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate width of the pelvic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: John Conan Doyle, II
  • Publication number: 20110126775
    Abstract: A pet abode with sound dampening characteristics comprising an interior space of a pet abode having sufficient dimensions to allow a pet to comfortably reside within the interior space. The interior space is formed from at least three walls where one or more of the walls exhibits sound dampening characteristics. The sound dampening characteristics reduces a one or more sounds originating from a source external to the interior space. That is, the interior space of the pet abode is sound proofed (or sound dampened), allowing a pet to be undisturbed by loud noises outside the interior space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Robyn SELTZER, Steven SELTZER
  • Publication number: 20110079181
    Abstract: A gate for a pet enclosure having limited visibility from inside the enclosure of events taking place outside the enclosure. In one embodiment, the gate of the present invention is formed from a plurality of removable panels which define an outer facial surface of the gate. At least one portal is provided in the gate for limited protrusion of a pet's face into the portal only to the extent of the nose and eyes of the pet. The portal is provided about its perimeter with an artistic which enhances the outer appearance of the gate itself, and when associated with a pet animal's partial exposure within the portal, provides a striking and enjoyable, sometimes comical, visual alteration of the facial surface of the gate. In various embodiments, the artistic associated with a given portal in the gate may be changed employing plural artistics which are arrayed on a moveable mount which positions selected artistics in register with selected ones of a plurality of portals defined in the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Cheri Craig
  • Publication number: 20110061295
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of sustainable economic development, such as development through an integrated production of renewable energy, material resources, and nutrient regimes. In some embodiments, the system utilizes resources extracted from renewable energy sources to assist in the capture of energy from other renewable energy sources. In some embodiments, the system utilizes energy from renewable energy sources to extract resources from other renewable energy sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Patent number: 7878153
    Abstract: An animal training device that can be used to confine an animal during training, as well as methods for its use, is described. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a marginally unstable base that makes the device prone to rocking or toppling when physically disturbed by the movement of an animal in the device. Animals usually find the rocking or toppling unpleasant. An advantage of the animal training device is that an animal receives negative feedback from its undesirable behavior (excessive movement in or straining against the device) in the absence of disciplinary action by a human trainer. Additional advantages of the confining animal training device include, but are not limited to, reducing physical stress on a human trainer and decreasing the time required to train an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Russell Porter
  • Patent number: 7874268
    Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Asa Cannell
  • Publication number: 20100307424
    Abstract: The pet accessory is configurable as either a pet bed or litter box. The base comprises a semi-open enclosure having a closed floor and open top for use as a pet bed when appropriate bedding is installed therein, or as a litter box when pet litter is placed therein. A mat or tray is placed immediately outside the entrance and exit when the accessory is used as a litter box, to capture litter tracked by the pet. An intermediate ventilated cover rests atop the lower enclosure, serving as a tray for holding pet accessories. Finally, a raised lid having a ventilated top panel is placed atop the intermediate cover or tray. An odor filter may be installed with the top panel, in certain embodiments. The accessory may have the appearance of a large decorative pottery vessel or other structure (box, trunk, cabinet, etc.), permitting its placement anywhere in the home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald G. Evans
  • Publication number: 20100263599
    Abstract: Distinctive components that enable high-throughput, whole-animal screening are described. These components can be used individually or in various combinations. A staging chip strains off the excess fluid that the input animals are immersed in, increasing their density (number of animals in a given volume) and rapidly bringing them close to other fluidic components. A microfluidic sorter is adapted to isolate and immobilize a single, physiologically active animal in a selected geometry. A multiplexed micro-chamber chip receives single animals and the microchamber chip includes individually addressable screening chambers for imaging, incubation and exposure of individual animals to selected chemical compounds. An imaging structure generates sub-cellular, high-resolution images of the physiologically active animals. A well-plate interface chip is used to deliver elements from a compound library to a single output of the chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Mehmet F. Yanik, Christopher Rohde, Matthew M. Angel, Cody Gilleland
  • Publication number: 20100229802
    Abstract: An animal containment apparatus (10) adapted to be mounted to a fencing arrangement (32) or building structure, the apparatus (10) including an elongated prop member (14), pivotally supported (34) about a length of the fence (32) or building structure, having an outer peripheral edge separated by intermittent ingresses along the length of the prop member (14), such that when the paw (30) of an animal (28) makes contact with the prop member (14), the paw engages an ingress, causing the prop member to rotate and preventing any leverage for the animal (28) to climb or scale over the fence (32) or building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Bok
  • Patent number: 7794526
    Abstract: An advanced methane and ammonia recovery system captures gaseous waste produced by domestic livestock to reduce the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere and to generate energy. The system includes a gas capture system residing at a peak of a barn. At large commercial operations, the captured gasses pass through a separator to separate methane from ammonia gas. The ammonia is processed to obtain a fertilizer. The methane is stored in a tank, and drawn from the tank to provide fuel for an electrical generator. At smaller operations, the captured gasses may be stored in a tank for periodic collection by a tanker truck or other transportation, or where economically feasible, piped to a central processing location. The system is designed to substantially reduce the amount of methane gas released into the environment while providing additional income to the domestic livestock operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Sal Caro
  • Publication number: 20100212599
    Abstract: A euthanasia device is provided for euthanizing animals through hypoxia. The euthanasia device has a pressure adjustment vessel having an inner chamber and first and second ends. A chamber access door is in communication with the first end of the pressure adjustment vessel. Further an atmospheric pressure adjustment assembly and an atmospheric pressure control assembly are in communication with the pressure adjustment vessel. A method of use for the euthanasia device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Sundberg
  • Publication number: 20100199919
    Abstract: The present invention is an animal feeder that allows for continued feeding, over a multitude of days if desired, of a smaller animal and has the ability to exclude other larger animals from its interior. The animal feeder may be constructed from three separate parts and excludes other animals by way of a size-exclusionary opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Peter Mariner
  • Publication number: 20100077960
    Abstract: A system for demarcating an area comprises a movable demarcating element, and a control system for determining the magnitude and/or the moment of a next move of the movable demarcating element. The system furthermore comprises one or more observation devices for observing an entity near the movable demarcating element, such as a position of a dairy animal or an amount of grass in the area. The observation devices are operatively connected to the control system for transmitting a signal from the observation means to the control system. The control system is designed to receive and process the signal from the observation means to determine the magnitude and/or the moment of the next move of the movable demarcating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: MAASLAND N.V.
    Inventors: Karel Van Den Berg, Iwan Yves Vlaar, Jan Marinus Van Kuilenburg
  • Patent number: 7584719
    Abstract: An animal restraint includes first and second upright plates. A plurality of bars, each having a first end mounted to the first plate and a second end mounted to the second plate, form an enclosure that is dimensioned to closely receive an animal. The plurality of bars further include at least one gate bar having a first end that is slidably mounted to the first plate and a second end that is slidably mounted to the second plate. The gate bar is slidable along a defined path between a closed position, in which the gate bar blocks an opening in the enclosure, and an open position, in which the gate bar is clear of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Janet Dell John, Waldemar Ruediger
  • Patent number: 7509924
    Abstract: An angle-adjustable device between two tubes used as a play place for pets comprises a first connecting unit connected to a first tube, a linking body connected to the first connecting unit, and a second connecting unit connected to a second tube and the linking body. By such arrangements, a pipe is formed as a play place for the pets, and the shape of the pipe is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Ying Yeeh Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yih Wenn Luo
  • Publication number: 20090038618
    Abstract: A hyperbaric oxygen chamber for treatment of large animals such as horses is disclosed. The chamber is large enough for a horse to fit inside and comfortably move around. A specially designed davit door, though quite heavy, is easily manipulated and may be used to corral the horse during ingress or egress, and is serviceable using fluorocarbon lubricants. The door, sidewalls, and floor of the hyperbaric chamber are coated with a static dissipative polyurethane material suitable for oxygen environments and may protect the horse from injury and prevent sparks. The flooring is specially designed to allow the horse to eliminate during treatment, and may be cleaned easily and thoroughly without disassembly. The control mechanisms of the hyperbaric chamber include electro-pneumatic controls, for avoiding a fire hazard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: ROB GRAUKE
  • Publication number: 20080184625
    Abstract: Described is an animal door for providing an animal a passageway through a structure and for reducing thermal transfer through the passageway. The animal door defines the passageway, which is sufficiently large for the animal to pass through, and is adapted to be secured to the structure such that the animal can pass through the structure by passing through the passageway. The animal door includes at least three flaps disposed at the passageway. The flaps are constructed and configured to reduce thermal transfer through the passageway by reducing both thermal convection and thermal conductivity at the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas P. Bjorholm, Robert T. Haas
  • Patent number: 7377490
    Abstract: A fence assembly includes anchor brackets mountable to a first support wall. An anchor post is conjoined to the anchor brackets, has opposed top and bottom ends and is formed from rigid and non-corrosive material. Couplings are conjoined to the anchor post, are detachable therefrom and positional along a length thereof. A cylindrical housing defines a cavity therein, is provided with a slot and is formed from rigid and non-corrosive material. A screen passes through the slot, is formed from transparent material and can be adapted along at least a 180 degree arcuate path when extended. A rectilinear auxiliary post is permanently attached to a distal screen end, travels along an entire length thereof and is situated to an exterior of the housing. Latching brackets are connected to the auxiliary post and are engageable to a second support wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Bahman Khosravian
  • Patent number: 7341024
    Abstract: A mobile apparatus is used to process animal waste in a farm building and to spread the processed animal waste back on the floor of the farm building as the apparatus moves through the farm building. The apparatus includes a processing mechanism that heats the animal waste to a predetermined temperature to eliminate insects, bacteria, and ammonia from the animal waste. The apparatus also includes a spreader mechanism for distributing the processed animal waste onto the farm building floor. The apparatus may optionally include a pickup mechanism that picks up the animal waste off of the farm building floor and directs the animal waste to the processing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Green-L, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wood
  • Publication number: 20080041318
    Abstract: The present invention is a combination bed and restraint for a pet. The pet is contained in a soft flexible blanket type device that is closed over the animal in such a way that only the head is exposed. The restraint is secured by the use of an attachment means. The device has a built in bottom that prevents escape and allows for fast, easy, one step wrapping of the pet. When not in use, it serves as a bed for the pet which makes it a familiar object to the pet, thus facilitating the process of using the device as a restraint when necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventor: Mark McCabe
  • Patent number: 7331341
    Abstract: The invention described herein provides an induction chamber used to sedate one or more living specimens. The induction chamber comprises at least one gas inlet through which anesthesia gas and oxygen are supplied. To minimize escape of anesthetizing gas is into the ambient room or surroundings, the induction chamber includes a gas outlet or port that draws anesthesia gas. The induction chamber also comprises a device that obstructs gas flow through the gas outlet based on the position of the door. In one chamber design, when the door closes, the gas outlet is blocked. Thus, opening the door to the induction chamber causes anesthesia gas is to be drawn through the outlet while closing the door allows anesthesia gas to collect in the chamber and sedate any specimens located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Xenogen Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Bo Nelson
  • Patent number: 7318392
    Abstract: A protective encasement or wrap for a pet carrier for helping prevent drafts and to provide water resistance, includes a cover member which can be of one piece of material, that when laid out on a flat surface, and with the animal carrier placed in its center, will wrap around the carrier, overlapping at the carrier top. The ends that overlap at the top, and along the side border each has a cutout for providing for the insertion of a handle of a carrier. The material is sized such that there is sufficient overhang at either end of the carrier to close off either end. A drawstring, or elastic at the ends, when not completely closed, provides an opening into the interior, permitting opening of the carrier door, and insertion of a hand to pet the animal, provides air circulation, insertion of items, or to remove the pet, without the need to remove the wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Patricia A. Rosen, Gabrielle N. Rosen
  • Patent number: 7252050
    Abstract: A substance inhalation system includes a mixing flask that is in fluid communication with plural inhalation chambers. A test vapor can be selectively and individually provided to the inhalation chambers. Moreover, individual inhalation chambers can be selectively removed from the substance inhalation system without test vapor leaking from any of the inhalation chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Maury Dean Cole
  • Patent number: 7246572
    Abstract: A confinement and feeding stall for livestock such as horses, cows and the like with side frames spaced so that an animal can stand comfortably but not turn around and narrow enough to prevent other animals from crowding into an occupied stall. A gate is provided at one end of the side panels and a rear closure member may be provided at the other end. The side panels and gate prevent the animal from reaching over or around the side frames to disturb adjoining animals in adjacent stalls. The side frames are connected by elevated top members and flat bottom members to form individual stalls and stalls linked in side-by-side relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce E. Wade
  • Patent number: 7243614
    Abstract: A modular animal enclosure includes a housing comprising a top portion affixed to a base portion to form a sheltered interior. The housing includes a door aperture and a climate conditioning aperture. A remove ably attachable climate conditioning unit is installed over the climate conditioning aperture to facilitate a flow of atmospheric air from the exterior environment into the interior of the housing. The climate conditioning unit can variously comprise a cover assembly, a heating unit, a cooling unit and a forced air unit, and different types of units can be installed at different times. In another aspect, the bottom portion can be selectively hinged to the top portion on opposing sides of the housing to allow pivotal movement of the top portion in two opposite directions, as desired to permit access to the interior of the housing for inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas L. Byers
  • Patent number: 7191734
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for transporting laboratory animals comprises a container (12), a cover piece (14), and a closure piece (16). The container (12) has an open top. The cover piece (14) is connectable with the container (12) for closing the open top of the container (12). The cover piece (14) has a passage (188) through which the at least one laboratory animal passes during insertion into and extraction from a cavity (28). The closure piece (16) includes a portion (234) that is rotatable relative to the cover piece (14) between a first position in which the portion (234) of the closure piece (16) closes the passage (188) in the cover piece (14) and a second position in which the passage (188) in the cover piece (14) is open to permit the insertion and extraction of the at least one laboratory animal through the passage (188).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignees: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC, The Jackson Laboratory
    Inventors: John J. Strzempko, Thomas Peterson, John Vollmer
  • Patent number: 7174851
    Abstract: An animal display and habitat assembly having a number of modular animal display units coupled together to enclose a common access area, each of the display units including an outwardly facing display frame with a viewing section between opposing upright members and laterally disposed transition members that include first sections coupled to the upright members and second sections projecting inwardly from their respective first sections to provide a pair of door jambs across which an access door may enclose a display compartment or may be opened into the common access area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: North America Pet Products
    Inventors: Ronald K. Bonner, Eric R. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 6910445
    Abstract: A containment and test system for extremely toxic substances includes a fume hood, a containment compartment such as glove bag or box, positioned within the fume hood, a source of a non-reactive gas to provide a stable environment within the containment compartment, an inline moisture trap coupled to the source of non-reactive gas to dry the non-reactive gas, an ion neutralizer coupled to the source of non-reactive gas to reduce static charges within the containment compartment, a staging area for preparing test samples, a balance positioned within the containment compartment, a stanchion positioned within the fume hood for holding a test animal, and decontaminating apparatus for safely disposing of any toxic substance residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James H. Manthei, Charles L. Crouse, Ruth A. Way, David A. McCaskey, John C. Carpin, David C. Burnett
  • Patent number: 6895898
    Abstract: A pet house substantially formed from a unitary blank of material, foldable from a collapsed state for shipping and storage to an erect state for use. The house includes a bottom having four edges. The house also includes first and second side walls and first and second end walls. The side walls are attached to one another forming an apex at the top of the house. One end wall includes an opening to permit the pet to ingress and egress the house. The bottom includes a slot near one edge for receiving a locking tab which extends from one of the side walls. Fasteners are provided for attaching the first and second end walls to the first and second side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Gerald C. Kitch
  • Patent number: 6776158
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for anesthetizing one or more laboratory animals is provided. An anesthetic component is introduced into a pressurized gas stream for delivery to laboratory animals. In one embodiment of the invention, a solo apparatus is used to administer anesthetic component to a single animal. The apparatus may also contain a host cage providing a group apparatus connected to the pressurized gas stream that permits administration of anesthesia to one or a group of animals simultaneously. One or more solo and/or group apparatuses may be used to administer anesthetic components to different animals at various dosages. The apparatus may also include a thermoregulatory system that transfers heat to animals as they receive anesthesia to control the animals' body temperature. In addition, the apparatus may include an exhaust system to remove contaminants from exhaust gases and to withdraw exhaust gases from the apparatus or apparatuses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Euthanex Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie B. Anderson, Alexis Agelan, James Eldon
  • Publication number: 20040112300
    Abstract: An animal habitat for use within a terrarium or aquarium with at least one transparent side wall consisting of a simulated rock having two portions that have corresponding faces that register with one another for visually creating an image of a single rock. The faces are flat enabling them to be positioned in registration with one another on opposite sides of the terrarium transparent side wall. The animal habitat includes a habitat cavity for one or more animals in one portion of the rock to be placed inside the terrarium with the cavity open to the flat face for enabling a party outside of the terrarium wall to view the cavity and any animals disposed therein. Magnetically attracting components are disposed in each portion of the rock for releasable holding the two portions in registration with one another on opposite sides of the transparent side wall of the terrarium. An access to and from the cavity from outside of the rock is provided in one portion of the rock surface other than the flat face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Rolf C. Hagen, Inc.
    Inventor: Emmanuel Van Heygen
  • Patent number: 6725805
    Abstract: A pet shelter/incubator includes a hollow housing having an interior sufficiently large to comfortably receive at least one dog, a floor, a roof and at least one side wall extending between the floor and the roof and only partially surrounding the interior. It also includes at least one heat generator positioned within the housing to radiate into the interior and a sensor that is responsive to the presence and absence of an animal in the interior of the housing turn the heat generator on in the presence of the animal and off in its absence. The roof is removably mounted to the side wall and floor to convert the shelter into an incubator for newborn and young animals with a rigid closure to cover a door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Debra Bach
  • Publication number: 20040040516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of reducing emission of ammonia from animal manure and a plant for the method and a used of such a plant. The method comprises adding to the manure of both an acid compound such as sulphuric acid, H2S04, and of oxygen, O2. The acid compound results in the pH value dropping to below 7.0 whereby the emission of ammonia is substantially limited. The oxygen results in a very high activity of bacteria transforming organic nitrogen compounds to in-organic compounds that are possible for plants to assimilate when manure is spread in fields. Surprisingly, it has also should to be the case that the oxygen added, and thus the enhancing of the activity of the bacteria. results in a reduction of the amount of acid compound needed to he added and results in reducing, almost eliminating, the risk of hydrogen sulphide, H2S, being formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Jens Ostergaard Jensen
  • Publication number: 20040035370
    Abstract: An animal handling device, including at least one securing device, and a primary sensor system, and a secondary sensor system characterised in that both the primary and secondary sensor systems must be simultaneously activated in order to trigger the securing device to hold the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: Robin Christopher Feltrim Fagan