Abstract: The bee washing system washes worker bees and filters out varroa mites so that a beekeeper/operator can estimate the number of infected bees in a hive. The system includes a bee containment section with a coarse mesh filter, and a wash material section with a fine mesh filter. The system is structured so that when the bee containment section is loaded with bees, and the wash material section is loaded with wash material, an operator washes the bees by shaking the system. When the wash is complete, the operator detaches the wash material section from the system and counts the mites present on the fine mesh filter.

Abstract: A system for conducting inhalation studies includes an inhalation exposure chamber and an aerosol delivery line connected to the inhalation exposure chamber. The aerosol delivery line is configured to produce a bi-directional and symmetrical presentation of aerosol to the inhalation exposure chamber. A laminar flow element is configured to create an ante-chamber where complete and turbulent mixing of the aerosol occurs. A radial exhaust and the laminar flow element enable laminar flow of the aerosol through the inhalation exposure chamber.

Abstract: An environmental sampling and assay system, utilizing coupons, and having an assay coupon wetting and monitoring assembly adapted to perform an assay on a coupon. The system also includes a coupon storage assembly and a coupon moving assembly, adapted to move a coupon from the coupon storage assembly to the coupon wetting and monitoring assembly. Further, the coupon storage assembly includes a first coupon magazine storing a set of first-shaped coupons and a second coupon magazine storing a set of second-shaped coupons, different in shape from the first-shaped coupons, and wherein the coupon moving assembly includes a first moveable coupon carrier, positioned to receive coupons from the first magazine, that is shaped to hold first-shaped coupons and a second moveable coupon carrier, positioned to receive coupons from the second magazine and that is shaped to hold second-shaped coupons.

Abstract: A cage for housing at least one experimental animal is disclosed. The cage may include one or more walls that enclose a living space for at least one experimental animal with at least one wall comprising a plastic material. At least one electrical feedthrough may traverse the wall. The electrical feedthrough may include an internal electrical contact located inside the living space and an external electrical contact located outside the living space. The internal and external electrical contacts may be electrically connected. A system for monitoring at least one experimental animal and an electrical feedthrough for providing electrical continuity through a wall of a cage for housing an experimental animal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid manifold that consistently and reliably delivers fluids to one or more subject interfaces is provided. A branched pattern of bifurcated lumina carrying the fluid from a source to the outlets in each subject interface provides substantially equal amounts of fluid to each subject interface, thereby reducing the risk of over- or under-delivery of the fluid. A fluid-scavenging system is also included. A plurality of exhaust inlets in the interior of the subject interfaces is connected to a source of negative pressure through a channel and exhaust port to collect fluid before it can escape the subject interface, thereby reducing the risk of escaping fluid reaching the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for real-time in vivo bioluminescence monitoring in a conscious small animal, comprising a light-tight enclosure (4) with a base (16), side wall (19) and cover (20) configured for housing the small animal such that it may move freely, a bioluminescence detector system (6) comprising a light detector (22) for detecting the light emitted by said small animal connected to a data processing system, and a life-sustaining system (8) configured for maintaining the small animal alive for a prolonged period of time spanning from a few days to a few weeks.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for euthanizing animals humanely and painlessly by introducing droplets of liquid anesthesia into a chamber to cause the animal to become anesthetized. Carbon Dioxide is then introduced to induce a death to the animal that substantially meets or exceeds national and international standards for euthanasia.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), for positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration therein, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device including: at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one inner is telescopically maneuverable within the at least one outer shaft providing a variable telescopic mechanism; and a distal portion including: a configurable encapsuable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least outer shaft and the at least inner shaft and translationally moveable parallel to the longitudinal axis by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism.

Abstract: A process for the utilization of the methane produced by enteric fermentation, specifically to a process that utilizes methane produced by ruminant animals through enteric fermentation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the directed production of methane-based goods or processes is provided.

Abstract: A small animal veterinary incubator is disclosed with an animal holding drawer that can be inserted into a temperature controlled enclosure and removed when not in use for cleaning and disinfecting. In various embodiments the incubator is portable, is at least partly transparent, controls interior oxygen and/or humidity, can use a hose to bring oxygen into close proximity with incubated animals, can introduce water-nebulized air or oxygen into the drawer through a hole, and can include a holder for a humidity bottle that humidifies air or oxygen supplied to the incubator. Some embodiments use an adjustable or regulated lamp to warm the incubator using an infrared bulb of 50 or 75 Watts. Temperature, humidity, and/or oxygen gages or sensors can be included, and the temperature, oxygen, and/or humidity can be automatically regulated. Preferred embodiments include closable vents that can be opened to allow for ventilation when only temperature is controlled.

Abstract: An imaging system that allows for unhindered access to a sample to be imaged. A housing structure is configured with a drawer having a platform. The platform may be configured to hold a sample, such as an animal, and/or the platform may be configured to mate with a sample holding member, such as a removable carrying tray for holding the sample. The drawer presents the platform to an imaging device or system internal to the housing when in a closed, or imaging, state. When in an extended state, the drawer presents the platform external to the housing to allow unobstructed manipulation of a sample on the drawer platform (or on the sample holding member on the platform). When used, a sample holding member such as a removable carrying tray may be docked with the drawer platform, and various interconnects, such as gas ports and electrical connectors, on the sample holding member engage with corresponding elements on the platform when docked.

Abstract: An encapsulatable life support mechanism (ELSM) for an analyzed animal, including: a cradle or bed adapted by means of size and shape to accommodate the animal; an anesthetization gas mask (AGM) characterized by a cup with conic cross section, comprising a plurality of apertures located at the outer circumference of the cup; a fluid supplying mechanism (FSM) in which the AGM is placed, the FSM is in a continuous fluid communication with (i) an anesthetization gas inlet positioned outside the ELSM and an outlet located within the ELSM; (ii) an air suction scavenging device positioned outside the ELSM and a mask and an air suction outlet located within the ELSM; and a plurality of (iii) air conditioning tubes; and an airtight shell enveloping the same. The airtight ELSM prevent leakage of anesthetization gas.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), useful for positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device, comprises at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one outer shaft telescopically maneuverable along the at least one inner shaft to provide a telescopic mechanism of variable (proximal-) length, the proximal portion; and a distal portion comprising a configurable encapsulatable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable and/or linearly reciprocatable along the main longitudinal axis of the shafts by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism of the proximal portion. The proximal portion further comprising indicia indicating the linear displacement and rotation of the ELSS of the distal portion, such that the ELSS is accurately and reversibly configured within the medical device to optimized animal analyses.

Abstract: An animal euthanization assembly provides a method for humanely anesthetizing and euthanizing animals using small but effective single doses of agents dispersed from a single one use container. The assembly includes a box having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall defining an interior space of the box. A lid selectively couples to the box wherein the interior space is enclosed. A valve is coupled to the box. A canister has a dispensing nozzle selectively engageable to the valve wherein contents of the canister are dispensed into the interior space of the box when the dispensing nozzle is engaged to the valve. An anesthetizing agent and a euthanizing agent are dispensed from the canister when the dispensing nozzle is engaged to the valve.

Abstract: An animal euthanasia device includes a chamber with an opening through which a partitioned cage may be wheeled. A pivotally attached door seals the opening using fixed edge seals and an inflatable door threshold seal. A latch secures the door, once closed. After a sensor verifies door closure, an electro-magnetic lock prevents inadvertent door opening during the process, which may be automated using a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC coordinates actuation of a fan and damper within an air exhaust opening, a fan and a damper within an exhaust gas opening, and a damper within a fresh air inlet opening, and also triggers a solenoid valve that controls flow of euthanizing gas into the chamber. A keyed selector switch controls power to the device to initiate the automated process, which is monitored using oxygen sensors, and CO2 flow and pressure sensors, and is reported on a human machine interface.

Abstract: In order to provide an animal fixation device and an animal fixation method which are able to euthanize and fix the animal instantaneously and steadily, a columnar cage in which animal is arranged, a rotation mechanism configured to rotate the cage, an euthanizing gas supply mechanism configured to supply euthanizing gas into the cage, and a solid refrigerant supply mechanism configured to supply a solid refrigerant into the cage are provided. The euthanizing gas supply mechanism includes a gas manifold for euthanizing which is connected to the cage so that the euthanizing gas flows on an inner wall of the cage along a circumferential direction. The solid refrigerant supply mechanism includes a solid refrigerant supply line which is connected to the cage so as to be able to supply the solid refrigerant during rotation of the cage.

Abstract: A laboratory specimen, such as a mouse or rat, can be accurately and repeatedly imaged in an imaging machine, such as an MRI machine, when securely positioned on a specimen support bed. The support bed includes contours and accessories for centering a specimen on the support bed. One or more bite bars coact with a head clamp to accurately fix a specimen's head in the same position time after time.

Abstract: Inhalation measurement systems and methods enable, during inhalant exposure, substantially real-time respiratory measurements of a test subject using techniques that obtain measurements of respiration directly from that test subject, instead of from inhalation chamber parameter measurements. Direct test subject respiratory measurements may be, by way of example only, impedance measurements. These respiratory measurements taken directly from the test subject may be transmitted, wirelessly for example, for processing during the course of the test to a processing system to determine a cumulative volume of inhalant inspired by the test subject. From that, a cumulative amount of inhalant (or dose) inspired by the test subject may be determined during the course of the inhalation compound test.

Abstract: A method for managing health of ruminants or other animals. The method includes providing a feed dispenser for feeding ruminants nutrient supplements, and the feed dispenser includes a gas analyzer where a ruminant places its head. The method includes determining a particular ruminant has accessed the feed dispenser such as by reading an identifier from an RFID ear tag and operating the feed dispenser to provide a ration of methane-controlling nutrient supplement. The method may include using the identifier to determine that the animal should be vaccinated such as based on their age and no record of prior vaccination. The method includes dispensing a dose of a nasal vaccine into the feed dispenser near the animal's nostrils. The method may include discharging a diagnostic agent such as propane or carbon monoxide and processing data collected to diagnose the animal as having a disease or condition such as a lung-related sickness.

Abstract: A laboratory specimen, such as a mouse or rat, can be accurately and repeatedly imaged in an imaging machine, such as an MRI machine, when securely positioned on a specimen support bed. The support bed includes contours and accessories for centering a specimen on the support bed. One or more bite bars coact with a head clamp to accurately fix a specimen's head in the same position time after time.

Abstract: A hypoxic training facility includes a plurality of walls defining an enclosure for housing an animal to be trained. A hypoxicator is adapted for delivering hypoxic, hyperoxic, and normoxic air to the enclosure during a hypoxic training session. An animal exercise station is located within the enclosure. A pulse oximeter monitors oxygen saturation of the animal's blood during the hypoxic training session. A computing device calculates hypoxic stress delivered to the animal during the hypoxic training session.

Abstract: An example system for euthanizing animals disclosed herein includes an animal housing having an opening configured to receive euthanizing gas and a valve configured to increase an amount of the euthanizing gas supplied to the animal housing through the opening in response to the animal housing being placed in a predetermined position with respect to the valve. An example method for euthanizing animals disclosed herein includes providing a liquid source to an animal housed in an animal housing through an opening in the animal housing and supplying a euthanizing gas to the animal through the opening to euthanize the animal.

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.

Abstract: An imaging system that allows for unhindered access to a sample to be imaged. A housing structure is configured with a drawer having a platform. The platform may be configured to hold a sample, such as an animal, and/or the platform may be configured to mate with a sample holding member, such as a removable carrying tray for holding the sample. The drawer presents the platform to an imaging device or system internal to the housing when in a closed, or imaging, state. When in an extended state, the drawer presents the platform external to the housing to allow unobstructed manipulation of a sample on the drawer platform (or on the sample holding member on the platform). When used, a sample holding member such as a removable carrying tray may be docked with the drawer platform, and various interconnects, such as gas ports and electrical connectors, on the sample holding member engage with corresponding elements on the platform when docked.

Abstract: Dry powder aerosol generators and related methods are provided. The dry powder aerosol generator includes a dispersion chamber having an internal cavity therein capable of receiving a dry powdered drug. The dispersion chamber includes a dosing port defined therein that is in fluid communication with the internal cavity. A dosing chamber for receiving a test subject is attachable to the dosing port, such that, when an airflow is created within the internal cavity, any dry powdered drug contained therein may fluidize and travel into the dosing chamber to provide opportunity for inhalation of the dry powdered drug by a test subject contained within the dosing chamber.

Abstract: A nose mask for applying an anesthesia gas to a laboratory animal in a casing means includes an anesthesia tube, an outer wall which is disposed outside the anesthesia tube to form a space therebetween and an anesthesia recovery system having an anesthesia recovery port open to the space. The anesthesia tube includes an anesthesia supply section which opens to an wall of the anesthesia tube so that the anesthesia is applied to the laboratory animal by inserting the nose of the laboratory animal, an anesthesia introducing section for introducing the anesthesia gas to the anesthesia tube, and an anesthesia discharging section for discharging the anesthesia gas from the anesthesia tube.

Abstract: The present invention prevents the leakage of anesthetic gas, and enables in vivo observation of a specimen such as small laboratory animals over a long period of time. An in-vivo examination apparatus (1) comprises: a stage (2) for mounting a specimen (A) such as a laboratory animal; an anesthetizing chamber (3) which is disposed on the stage (2) for housing the specimen (A); and an anesthetic gas supply device (4) for supplying anesthetic gas (G) into the anesthetizing chamber (3); wherein a transparent window (3c) is provided on at least a part of the anesthetizing chamber (3).

Abstract: An encapsulatable life support mechanism (ELSM) for an analyzed animal, including: a cradle or bed adapted by means of size and shape to accommodate the animal; an anesthetization gas mask (AGM) characterized by a cup with conic cross section, comprising a plurality of apertures located at the outer circumference of the cup; a fluid supplying mechanism (FSM) in which the AGM is placed, the FSM is in a continuous fluid communication with (i) an anesthetization gas inlet positioned outside the ELSM and an outlet located within the ELSM; (ii) an air suction scavenging device positioned outside the ELSM and a mask and an air suction outlet located within the ELSM; and a plurality of (iii) air conditioning tubes; and an airtight shell enveloping the same. The airtight ELSM prevent leakage of anesthetization gas.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), useful positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device, comprises at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one outer shaft telescopically maneuverable along the at least one inner shaft to provide a telescopic mechanism of variable (proximal-) length, the proximal portion; and a distal portion comprising a configurable encapsulatable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable and/or linearly reciprocatable along the main longitudinal axis of the shafts by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism of the proximal portion. The proximal portion further comprising indicia indicating the linear displacement and rotation of the ELSS of the distal portion, such that the ELSS is accurately and reversibly configured within the medical device to optimized animal analyses.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), for positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration therein, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device including: at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one inner is telescopically maneuverable within the at least one outer shaft providing a variable telescopic mechanism; and a distal portion including: a configurable encapsuable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the at least outer shaft and the at least inner shaft and translationally moveable parallel to the longitudinal axis by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism.

Abstract: A device includes, in combination, a horizontal circular support plate (1) for animals (2), driven in rotation about a vertical axis (3), a cylindrical wall (4) the outside diameter of which is substantially equal to that of the rotary plate (1), this wall delimiting an internal confinement space (7) forming a cage for housing the animals moving freely on the plate, a fixed intermediate partition (12), extending inside the cylindrical wall (4) dividing the internal confinement space into two opposite compartments (13, 14), an upper closing lid (15), preferably removable, integral with the intermediate partition (12) and extending parallel to the plate (1), and a system (36) for the supply of a respiratory gas through the closing lid (15) for the animals (2) present in the two opposite compartments (13, 14) of the confinement space (7).

Abstract: An imaging system that allows for unhindered access to a sample to be imaged. A housing structure is configured with a drawer having a platform. The platform may be configured to hold a sample, such as an animal, and/or the platform may be configured to mate with a sample holding member, such as a removable carrying tray for holding the sample. The drawer presents the platform to an imaging device or system internal to the housing when in a closed, or imaging, state. When in an extended state, the drawer presents the platform external to the housing to allow unobstructed manipulation of a sample on the drawer platform (or on the sample holding member on the platform). When used, a sample holding member such as a removable carrying tray may be docked with the drawer platform, and various interconnects, such as gas ports and electrical connectors, on the sample holding member engage with corresponding elements on the platform when docked.

Abstract: A blower is used to induce a flow of air through a porous container of solid carbon dioxide and the resulting stream of mixed air and gaseous carbon dioxide is mixed with the ambient atmosphere in an enclosure for euthanization of a large number of non-human animals in an enclosure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a system and method for delivering gases, such as air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and cigarette smoke, to a laboratory animal storage container. The system and method of the present invention allow for tight control and monitoring over the immediate environment of the animal, and allow the environment to be varied rapidly during a study. The invention is particularly useful for sleep apnea studies, but has broad application to animal studies in general.

Abstract: A laboratory animal pharmaceutical testing device comprising a substantially closed animal holding cell, having a dry powder generator communicating through a wall of the cell, and one or more filtered inlets for permitting exchange of fresh air into the cell.

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.

Abstract: Featured are various devices, apparatuses and systems for use in connection with animal studies or experimentation as well as methods related thereto. Such devices, apparatuses and systems include a scalable animal enclosure that is easily customized for a given application; a scalable and easily customizable sound attenuation chamber that can be used with such an animal enclosure; an olfactory discrimination system which can quickly delivery an odor to an animal while minimizing the potential for ambient contamination and a leak-free water delivery apparatus that provides a mechanism for the experimenter to determine water consumption without handling the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for a small laboratory animal designed to keep it under volatile anesthesia then to insert it into an imaging system for medical imaging investigations. It makes sure the vigilant animal has pre-anesthesia by means of a direct induction device of anesthetizing gas, its anesthesia prolonged by means of the usable device for keeping it in the open or closed position. This device makes direct access possible by the blood or respiratory pathway. The temperature of the animal is controlled and modulated by means of a nonmagnetic heat exchanger. The invention takes into account the safety of the users in regard to their exposure to halogens thanks to the double sealing connection system and thanks to the induction device that does not impregnate the coat of the animal that they have to handle.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating non-human quadruped mammals includes an enclosure having an interior within which the body of a mammal can be located. The enclosure has an opening through which the head of the mammal can pass so that the mammal's head can be located outside the enclosure when the mammal's body is inside the enclosure. The enclosure is sized to allow the mammal to stand normally on its four legs inside the enclosure during treatment, or to lie down inside the enclosure during treatment. The apparatus further includes a steam generator and an ozone generator or supply arranged to feed steam and ozone into the enclosure.

Abstract: This system provides an air-ventilating and cleaning element positioned within a housing. The housing contains multiple vents in the housing walls. The vents serve as channels that enable air to flow into and out of the air-ventilating device. The air-ventilating and cleaning element can vary and can range from a simple air ventilator to and an air purifier. The cleaning element can contain a filter element to further facilitate cleaning of the air. The cleaning element can be positioned in the housing on a track or pin to allow for movement of the cleaning element within the housing. Movement of the cleaning element may be desired in order to more efficiently clean air channeled through the device. Because of the ability to move the cleaning element, air flow through the device can be adjusted depending on a particular cleaning application.

Abstract: The present invention prevents the leakage of anesthetic gas, and enables in vivo observation of a specimen such as small laboratory animals over a long period of time. An in-vivo examination apparatus (1) comprises: a stage (2) for mounting a specimen (A) such as a laboratory animal; an anesthetizing chamber (3) which is disposed on the stage (2) for housing the specimen (A); and an anesthetic gas supply device (4) for supplying anesthetic gas (G) into the anesthetizing chamber (3); wherein a transparent window (3c) is provided on at least a part of the anesthetizing chamber (3).

Abstract: A hypoxia, or other bioactive gas, chamber is provided for use in animal research conducted on non-anesthetized small animals with direct physiologic monitoring.

Abstract: This patent application is for an apparatus to safely expose guinea pigs and other small animals to biohazardous aerosol. It is composed of three main chambers housed in an outer box which fits within a conventionally sized biosafety cabinet. The animal chamber contains a removable housing unit for four or eight guinea pigs. The aerosol chamber is separate to minimize fur contamination. The nebulizer chamber is also sealed to reduce risks from leakages. This apparatus is easily decontaminated by immersion in disinfectant. The first version of the prototype, tentatively named the AXS1, has been tested for safety, ergonomics, efficiency of rodent exposure to bacteria, airflow, access points, seal mechanisms, and size.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for euthanizing animals humanely and painlessly by introducing a gas at a first flow rate to cause the animals to reach narcosis. Then, the gas is introduced at an elevated second flow rate to induce a death to the animal that substantially meets or exceeds national and international standards for euthanasia.

Abstract: An anesthesia system includes a main unit (10) for supplying anesthetic gas and providing artificial respiration, an induction chamber (20) for receiving a small animal and for introducing the anesthetic gas, an anesthetic gas treatment section (30) connected to the induction chamber (20) and a breathing circuit tube (50) having an intubation portion (53). The main unit (10) has a first outlet port (10a), a second outlet port (10c), a return port (10b) and a communication passage (17) connecting the return port and the second outlet port. The anesthetic gas exiting through the first outlet port (10a) is conveyed through the breathing circuit tube (50) to return to the return port (10b) and further conveyed through the communication passage (17), the second outlet port (10c) and a supply tube (60) into the induction chamber (20).

Abstract: A certification method for working canines which allows for quantified measurement of the canine's ability to detect scents at various levels. Said method employs standard scientific measures including the use of controls to verify the minimum level at which a canine can sense a particular scent including those generate by both illegal narcotics and explosive devices. The method is used to compare and determine a particular canine's ability as compared to other canines that have also been subject to the test. The method will allow handlers and other third parties the ability to evaluate the acuity of a each individual canine.

Abstract: A system for safely and humanely anesthetizing and/or euthanizing animals is provided. The system provides both manual and automated operation and may be scaled up to accommodate a large number of animals during a single procedure. The system includes a chamber 20 for receiving an animal to be anesthetized or euthanized and a supply of gas is provided for the chamber, and a fluid controller (65, 165, 265, 365) controls the flow of gas to the chamber. In one embodiment, a valve (75) controls the flow of exhaust air to the chamber.

Abstract: A system for allowing animals to self administer drugs via intranasal absorption. The system comprises an aerosol dispersing apparatus (1) connected to a source of pressurized air (5) for ejecting a pharmaceutical composition contained in a reservoir (8) out of the aerosol dispersing apparatus nozzle head (3) and into a sensing chamber (12) when a sensor (16) detects the presence of an animal in the sensing chamber (12). The system can be used to study the addictiveness of new drugs as well as providing a model system for small animals, such as the mouse, to studying behavioral and physiological responses to addictive drugs.

Abstract: An imaging system that allows for unhindered access to a sample to be imaged. A housing structure is configured with a drawer having a platform. The platform may be configured to hold a sample, such as an animal, and/or the platform may be configured to mate with a sample holding member, such as a removable carrying tray for holding the sample. The drawer presents the platform to an imaging device or system internal to the housing when in a closed, or imaging, state. When in an extended state, the drawer presents the platform external to the housing to allow unobstructed manipulation of a sample on the drawer platform (or on the sample holding member on the platform). When used, a sample holding member such as a removable carrying tray may be docked with the drawer platform, and various interconnects, such as gas ports and electrical connectors, on the sample holding member engage with corresponding elements on the platform when docked.

Abstract: An inhalant exposure unit and system that provides controlled flow of inhalant to an animal with a breathing system that provide controlled exposure of inhalant, minimized breathing of exhaled air and control of exhaust flow.