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 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 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 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 locking sterile water valve system releasably couples a sterile water valve to a cage. The water valve is releasably coupled to an outside water supply while maintaining a barrier condition. A locking member is attached to the animal cage. A raised portion of the locking member is received in a recessed portion of the sterile water valve assembly. The water valve can be rotated for snapping the water valve into locking engagement with the locking member connecting the water valve assembly to the cage. An internal cup can be used with the water valve for collecting water leaking from the valve to prevent water from leaking into the cage and jeopardizing the animals and maintaining barrier condition.

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.