Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated RFID card holder, cage, lid or rack and system for collecting census, inventorying, and tracking of animal cages, lids, card holders, racks, and other related equipment. Preferably, the card holder is comprised of an RF transparent material such as plastic. During operation, a RFID reader reads each integrated RFID card holder attached to an animal cage for virtually linking the cage to an animal rack in effect assigning a parking spot to each animal cage within an animal cage rack system. The integrated RFID card holder can be determined to be in a room when the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is the highest comparing multiple reads from one or many antennas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for displaying a condition of air flow to or from a ventilated rack of animal cages in which a damper is coupled between the ventilated rack and an air inlet or exhaust outlet. Air pressure is measured within the damper. A condition of the measured pressure is visually displayed. The display can include a plurality of color coded portions for indicating that the condition is within or outside of a preferred operating range, thereby providing a visual assurance that the ventilated rack of animal cages is maintaining a barrier condition. In addition, the display can indicate a value of the measured pressure or a flow rate. When the display indicates that the condition of the air flow is outside of the preferred operating range, the damper can be manually or automatically adjusted to enable the preferred operating range to be obtained. A barrier condition of the rack is maintained when the preferred operating range is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for simulating static load of a connection to a ventilated rack of animal cages when at least one of the racks are not connected to a central ventilation system. Accordingly, the device assures that the ventilation system is balanced when one or more of the ventilated racks are removed from their respective air supply or exhaust drops of the central ventilation system. The device includes a pair of spring biased legs which automatically close when a rack is removed from the central air system. The legs have an outwardly curved shape at one end forming an opening between the first and second leg. In the closed position, ends of the legs are adjacent to one another such that the distance between the legs is reduced, thereby creating a partial obstruction to air flow in the connection which is identical to the static load created by the ventilated rack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for automatically controlling exhaust flow to a ventilated rack of animal cages when an air inlet system, such as an air supply blower, to the rack is not operating. Accordingly, the device can be used in a system that assures that the ventilation system is balanced when one or more of the ventilated racks are removed from their respective air supplies. The device includes a damper housing that is adapted to be connected between an exhaust outlet of the ventilated rack and an exhaust system. A movable damper is positioned within the damper housing and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the device creates a partial obstruction to air flow in the connection.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an animal caging system including a self-sealing animal cage removably connected to an air supply and an exhaust. The self-sealing animal cage is supported by a rack. The self-sealing animal cage is sealed by an air inlet connection and an air outlet connection to the air supply and the exhaust connection. After the cages are removed from the air supply and the exhaust, the air inlet connection and the exhaust connection seals the cage to prevent air from entering or exiting the cage. Accordingly, the animal caging system provides isolation of the self-sealing animal cage and provides containment of airborne pathogens within the caging system. A bio-sensing cage is used in the animal cage system to measure pressure of animal cage connected to the air supply and exhaust which contains an animal. The measurement of pressure in the bio-sensing cage is used by a controller to maintain pressure in the cages independently of environment and cage conditions.

Abstract: A cage receptacle for housing laboratory creatures having an enhanced floor space. The receptacle is of the type having a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base. The sidewall has a bottom wall section and a top wall section with differing widths that together define a jag. The jag permits one to increase the square space allocation of the receptacle while retaining compatibility with prior art top covers and maintaining the stackability of the receptacles (inside another receptacle). A method for enhancing the floor space of laboratory cage receptacles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A water quick disconnect assembly for improving removal of cages from an outside water supply. The assembly automatically turns off a water supply and disconnects a cage from a cage rack system. A water line connector attaches to an outside water supply. A water valve positioned within a cage barrier is locked to the water line connector when water is supplied to the cage. A linking member pivotally attaches to the water line for closing the water line. A knob assembly attaches the linking member to a pull cable. When the pull cable is pulled away from the cage, the water line connector is pivoted in a clockwise direction for disconnecting the water supply to the cage. The knob assembly provides positive visual indication of whether the cage is connected to the water supply or disengaged from the water supply. The quick disconnect system is a positive unlocking system.

Abstract: A water quick disconnect assembly for improving removal of cages from an outside water supply. The assembly automatically turns off a water supply and disconnects a cage from a cage rack system. A water line connector attaches to an outside water supply. A water valve positioned within a cage barrier is locked to the water line connector when water is supplied to the cage. A linking member pivotally attaches to the water line for closing the water line. A knob assembly attaches the linking member to a pull cable. When the pull cable is pulled away from the cage, the water line connector is pivoted in a clockwise direction for disconnecting the water supply to the cage. The knob assembly provides positive visual indication of whether the cage is connected to the water supply or disengaged from the water supply. The quick disconnect system is a positive unlocking system.

Abstract: A watering apparatus for supplying water from an outside system to an animal confined in a cage maintains an isolation barrier and has an outlet through which animal bedding and excess water escapes when the animal stuffs bedding in the area surrounding the water supply. The cage is defined by an interior and an exterior surface, a top, a bottom, two opposing ends each having a top and a bottom portion, and two opposing sides. The apparatus includes a internal cup that passes through an aperture located in one of the two opposing ends. A slot in the internal cup allows the animal to access the outside source of water. The apparatus also includes a flexible disk with a cutaway portion and a slit to receive the outside watering system. The cutaway portion of the disk, in combination with the shape of the cup, forms an outlet on the exterior of the cage.

Abstract: An animal cage rack includes a forced air system for removing air from the periphery of the animal cages. The rack includes "U" shape guides for positioning and aligning each cage with respect to a positive ventilating probe and an automatic watering device. Each cage includes a top bonnet section, a bottom section which supports the bonnet around the periphery thereof, a flat rim wire bar lid, and a filter in the bonnet. An L-shaped spacer separates the bonnet from the bottom section so that air exhaust ports in the Unshaped guide can remove exhausted air from the periphery of the cage. Positive air supplied by an air inlet manifold is introduced through an aperture in the bonnet and the L-shaped bracket, to the top of each cage. A downwardly facing port in the air tube forces air toward the bottom of the cage which after it circulates is removed through the periphery by the exhaust ports in the Unshaped cage guides.

Abstract: An animal cage rack includes a forced air system for removing air from the periphery of the animal cages. The rack includes "U" shape guides for positioning and aligning each cage with respect to a positive ventilating probe and an automatic watering device. Each cage includes a top bonnet section, a bottom section which supports the bonnet around the periphery thereof, a flat rim wire bar lid, and a filter in the bonnet. An L-shaped spacer separates the bonnet from the bottom section so that air exhaust ports in the U-shaped guide can remove exhausted air from the periphery of the cage. Positive air supplied by an air inlet manifold is introduced through an aperture in the bonnet and the L-shaped bracket, to the top of each cage. A downwardly facing port in the air tube forces air toward the bottom of the cage which after it circulates is removed through the periphery by the exhaust ports in the U-shaped cage guides.

Abstract: The rack and cage combination includes a forced air ventilation system which is automatically coupled to the cage when it is placed for storage on the rack. The forced air system includes means for directing air down onto the floor of the cage whereby vapors that normally settle at the bottom of the cage are circulated vertically toward a bonnet filter. Ventilation passages are provided around the periphery of the open top under the skirt of the filter bonnet so that gases, vapors and particulate matter can freely pass out the cage. When in the static mode, wherein the cage is disconnected from the forced air source or the forced air source is not in operation, these ventilation passages will permit air, but not particles, to freely enter the cage from the macro-environment.

Abstract: An improved cage assembly for confining animals having a watering manifold for mounting on an aperture in the cage allowing the confined animals to be supplied with water from an outside watering system. The watering manifold allows the cage assembly to be disconnected from and reconnected to the outside watering system without destroying the integrity of the biologically micro-isolated cage from the environment whenever the cage assembly is removed for handling, treating or observing the animals.