Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a flexible, non-metal, hose-type manifold line having a plurality of circular apertures and a plurality of injection molded plastic saddle fittings each configured to fit into an aperture. Each cage location may comprise two apertures opposite one other and two saddle fittings fit thereto. The saddle fittings may further comprise a U-shaped portion configured to fit around the flexible manifold line, an inward-facing protrusion sized and configured to penetrate and seal to an aperture, and one or more ribs to seal the aperture and/or grip the flexible manifold.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the automatic water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from an automatic water source to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a flexible, non-metal, hose-type manifold line having a plurality of circular apertures and a plurality of injection molded plastic saddle fittings each configured to fit into an aperture. Each cage location may comprise two apertures opposite one other and two saddle fittings fit thereto. The saddle fittings may further comprise a U-shaped portion configured to fit around the flexible manifold line, an inward-facing protrusion sized and configured to penetrate and seal to an aperture, and one or more ribs to seal the aperture and/or grip the flexible manifold.

Abstract: A cage-mounted fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid from a water source, such as a fluid bag or an automatic water system, to animals housed in cages in high density caging systems may comprise a fluid delivery valve assembly, wherein the fluid delivery valve assembly is adapted to be coupled to the water source to facilitate the provision of fluid to animals housed in the cages. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise a valve body and end cap, which may be joined together, that define a fluid channel. The cage-mounted fluid delivery valve assembly may further comprise sealing elements, a spring element, and an interior stem disposed at least in part in the fluid channel to open and close the fluid channel.

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: The present invention is directed to monitoring/alert systems, devices, and methods useable with animal housing units. Embodiments include a primary component, such as a system controller device, for monitoring maintenance and operational events in a housing unit and a secondary component, such as a environmental monitoring device for analyzing environmental conditions. For example, the system controller device monitors unit functions (e.g., relating to power, pre-filter(s), filter(s), fan(s), air pressure, air temperature, electrical connections, etc.) and causes alert(s) to be sent (e.g., via email or text message) if there is a malfunction or abnormal operational data. The environmental monitoring device collects environmental data (e.g., time, temperature, humidity, light, sound, carbon dioxide levels, or ammonia levels) and causes alert(s) to be sent if an abnormal environmental condition is detected.

Abstract: A disposable rodent cage used in both static and/or ventilated cage and rack systems, wherein the disposable cage includes a cage bottom. The cage may further be provided with a grommet disposed on the cage bottom and a bonnet constructed and arrange to fit over the cage bottom. The bonnet may further include a feeding and watering assembly. The cage may further include a filter cover that may be placed over an opening in the bonnet to cover the feeding and watering assembly. The bonnet may also include one or more elevated ribs disposed thereon to create an air seal when it is inserted into a canopy of a rack.

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: A docking assembly for a ventilated cage and rack system that can facilitate installation and reduce leakage of air is provided. The docking assembly is connectable to air plena of the rack system and includes a cup, and a tubular body having a docking base. The tubular body is constructed and arranged to be slideably displaceable between the cup and the docking base when the tubular body is aligned coaxially with the cup and docking base. A spring may also be provided outside and surrounding the tubular body. The tubular body includes a plurality of displaceable legs. The legs are preferably urged outward in the absence of pressure and may be displaced inward, toward each other, for insertion into a docking aperture of a plenum. Once inserted, the legs return to their normal, non-displaced position to secure the docking assembly to the plenum.

Abstract: A locking assembly for securing and retaining a cage to a rack. The locking assembly is supported by a rack and includes a lock member. The lock member includes an obstruction member. The lock member is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position, wherein the default position of the lock member is the locked position. The lock member is designed and constructed such that the insertion of a person's hand into the hand space between the lock member and a cage is sufficient to cause the lock member to pivot into the unlocked position and move the obstruction member so that the cage can be removed from the rack.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a cage and rack system having a rack for housing cages in enclosed shelves, the system also including an air supply system for providing HEPA filtered air to the shelf, an airflow management system for controlling the direction of airflow within the shelf, and an exhaust system for removing air from within the shelf. The cages housed within the shelves can be connected to the exhaust system for creating a negative pressure within the cage.