Abstract: A ventilated cage and rack system for assembly by a user using simple tools and a method for assembly is provided. A plurality of frames and vertical plenums can be connected to a base, and a retaining assembly can be used to connect a plurality of vertical beams and horizontal support beams. A plurality of canopies is preferably used to connect the plenums and the support beams to shroud cages beneath the canopies. The canopies preferably include removable side walls to adapt to the width of the cage being shrouded. A plenum clean out system preferably provides a relatively simple method of draining a cleaning fluid from a plenum by moving a lever between an open and closed position. A pressure based plenum system is also provided wherein a constant air pressure is maintained in the ventilated rack system and air is provided into a cage at a constant air pressure.

Abstract: A filter top assembly for a cage, wherein the assembly includes a bonnet having a perforated top wall to protect filter paper placed above the top wall. The perforations may be small enough to prevent an animal from getting a purchase position and spaced apart sufficiently to prevent the animal from biting the spacing between the perforations. The bonnet may also include one or more elevated ribs to retain the filter paper suspended above the bonnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve having a first assembly cooperating with a second assembly to create a seal, wherein the first assembly opens before the second assembly opens and closes after the second assembly closes. The invention also relates to a valve wherein the pressure required to open the second assembly is greater than the pressure required to open the first assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a rack assembly for housing cages comprise at least one shelf, the shelf having a shelf section comprising a runner capable of being positioned in a least a first position and a second position. The shelf section is constructed and arranged to accommodate two cages having a first and second widths when the runner is positioned in the first position. The shelf section is constructed and arranged to accommodate a single cage having a third width when the runner is in a second position, the first and second widths being less than the third width.

Abstract: A fluid delivery adapter for use with a wire bar lid is provided. Embodiments can comprise a support base having an aperture defined therein, the aperture being shaped and dimensioned to accept a fluid delivery valve. The support base can be adapted to be disposed on top of the wire bar lid to facilitate providing fluid from a fluid bag supported by the wire bar lid. The fluid delivery adapter can further comprise one or more displaceable side portions extending away from the support base, the side portions providing lateral support for the fluid bag.

Abstract: An embodiment of a card holder system for retaining a card with an animal cage can comprise a card holder designed and dimensioned to selectively retain the card, and a retention member adapted for retaining the card holder to the cage. The retention member is adapted to be secured to a side wall of the cage. In certain embodiments, the card holder can be selectively retained in one of a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. The card holder system can further comprise an adapter member, the adapter member being designed and dimensioned to be coupled with the card holder such that the card holder may be selectively positioned in one of a first orientation and a second orientation, the second orientation being substantially rotated ninety-degrees from the first position.

Abstract: A ventilated cage and rack system. An embodiment of the invention may comprise a ventilated rack, the rack including at least one air exhaust plenum and at least one canopy disposed within the rack, the canopy being adapted to position a cage assembly below the canopy while maintaining a gap between the top of the cage assembly so as to permit air to be drawn into the air exhaust plenum from the interior of the cage assembly through the top of the cage assembly and to also permit ambient air to be drawn across the top of the cage assembly into the air exhaust plenum. The cage assembly comprises one of a first cage having a first width and a plurality of second cages having a second width, the second width being less than the first width.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring and controlling system for a ventilated cage and rack system that monitors and measures air flow in the rack at either the rack or cage level. At the rack level, two pressure sensors are provided in a supply air system to accurately monitor the air flow rate into the rack. In addition, two pressure sensors may be provided in an exhaust air system to accurately monitor the air flow rate out of the rack. At the cage level, a cage may be equipped with a highly accurate pressure sensor, including a Venturi tube and thermistor, the monitor the air flow rate in a cage located at any cage position in the rack.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the fluid bag to facilitate the providing of the fluid to the caging system. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise an upper member having a piercing member and a connecting member, the upper member having a fluid channel defined therethrough, a base having a flange member and a base fluid channel defined therethrough, wherein the base is designed to be matingly coupled to the upper member. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a spring element disposed within the base fluid channel and a stem member disposed in part within the base fluid channel, wherein a portion of the spring element abuts the stem member to apply a biasing force.

Abstract: An automatic cage lock for securing various cages in a ventilated cage and rack system. The automatic cage lock facilitates the securing of a cage within the cage and rack system when a user slides the cage into the cage and rack system until the cage fully passes the locking finger component of the automatic cage lock. The cage may be easily unlocked by applying a small amount of pressure to the locking finger while simultaneously grasping the cage for removal. A color-coded indicator block may be disposed on the end of the lock assembly; the indicator block may be hidden by an indicator shield when the cage is securely docked in the rack. Conversely, the indicator block may be visually exposed when a cage is present in the rack but not fully docked within the rack. The indicator block provides a clear indication to a user as to the docking status of the cage.

Abstract: An animal isolation and caging system which maximizes cage density within a ventilated rack is provided. The rack includes at least one air exhaust plenum, and at least one canopy disposed within the rack for ventilation of the cages housed in a rack system. The rack is capable of supporting a first cage within the rack below a first canopy, and also positioning a second cage below a second canopy. The filter top of the first cage provided by the invention also provides a filter retainer having a filter top retainer wall designed to be in contact with a first canopy unit forming an enclosed space so configured as to create an enclosed space from which the animal isolation and caging system of the invention creates a zone of negative pressure so as to permit air to be drawn into an air exhaust plenum or duct from the interior of the first cage through the top of the first cage.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: A work station having an environmental controller for maintaining air flow in and through the work station at a user-selected level. The work station includes a pressure cabinet and a perforated work surface forming the top of the pressure cabinet. A pressure inducing assembly is located within the cabinet below the work surface to draw air into the cabinet and create a negative pressure in a work space defined above the work surface. A support coupled to two sides of the pressure cabinet provides a channel for air flow from the pressure cabinet to an air chamber located above the work surface. Air is drawn from the air chamber generally downward toward the work surface by the negative pressure created in the work space to provide an air curtain substantially surrounding the work surface.

Abstract: A sound reducing system comprises a housing, acoustic baffle, and acoustic netting. The acoustic baffle is covered with a waterproof protective casing which protects the acoustic baffle from dirt and moisture without interfering with its acoustic properties, and allows it to be cleaned with fluids. The housing comprises an inner pan and an outer pan which are pivotally coupled. The acoustic baffle and the acoustic netting are disposed within the housing, but can be removed for cleaning when the housing is opened. When the acoustic baffle and acoustic netting members are placed back within the housing, they are protected from damage.

Abstract: A sipper tube cap assembly is provided having a cap with a flat surface and a curved wall. A circumferential flange is formed by the flat surface and further defines an opening in the cap. A stopper, having a hole formed therein, is positioned in said cap by said circumferential flange to retain the stopper within the cap. Finally, a sipper tube is provided which is positioned within the hole in the stopper, to extend through the opening.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.