Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization for use with livestock that maintains the sterility of the semen or embryo(s) until deposited at an optimum location in the reproductive tract of the animal without the maneuvering or tissue injury problems associated with existing devices. The invention includes a uniquely shaped opening that is provided at the tip of a sheath that is used with an artificial insemination gun. A plug or diaphragm having a rounded (convex) exterior surface completely covers the opening at the tip of the sheath, and seals it closed in a smooth, flush engagement to prevent contaminants from collecting upon the tip, or entering into the sheath during the trip through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization for use with livestock that maintains the sterility of the semen or embryo(s) until deposited at an optimum location in the reproductive tract of the animal without the maneuvering or tissue injury problems associated with prior art devices. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a uniquely shaped opening that is provided at the tip of a sheath that is used with an artificial insemination gun, and a movable or deformable plug or diaphragm that fits into and covers this opening. The plug or diaphragm has a rounded (convex) exterior surface, and may be made of a rigid or rubberized material that completely covers the opening at the tip of the sheath, and seals it closed in a smooth, flush engagement to prevent contaminants from collecting upon the tip, or entering into the sheath during the trip through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial insemination apparatus and methods for use with livestock that maintains the sterility of the semen until it is deposited at an optimum location in the reproductive tract of the animal without the maneuvering or tissue injury problems associated with prior art devices. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a uniquely shaped opening that is provided at the tip of a sheath that is used with an artificial insemination gun, and a movable or deformable plug or diaphragm that fits into and covers this opening. The plug or diaphragm has a rounded (convex) exterior surface, and may be made of a rigid or rubberized material that completely covers the opening at the tip of the sheath, and seals it closed in a smooth, flush engagement to prevent contaminants from collecting upon the tip, or entering into the sheath during the trip through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial insemination apparatus and methods for use with livestock that maintains the sterility of the semen until it is deposited at an optimum location in the reproductive tract of the animal without the maneuvering or tissue injury problems associated with prior art devices. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a uniquely shaped opening that is provided at the tip of a sheath that is used with an artificial insemination gun, and a movable or deformable plug or diaphragm that fits into and covers this opening. The plug or diaphragm has a rounded (convex) exterior surface, and may be made of a rigid or rubberized material that completely covers the opening at the tip of the sheath, and seals it closed in a smooth, flush engagement to prevent contaminants from collecting upon the tip, or entering into the sheath during the trip through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for depositing materials in the reproductive tract of an animal, such as antibiotics or semen for artificial insemination, using an improved device that covers the end of a sheath inserted into the reproductive tract. A thin protective membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath having a tiny pre-ruptured prick opening therein that is designed to rupture under increased pressure from the fluid inside the sheath. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the sheath so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to a physician or breeder who must maneuver the invention through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for depositing materials in the reproductive tract of an animal, such as antibiotics or semen for artificial insemination, using an improved device that covers the end of a sheath inserted into the reproductive tract. A thin protective membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath having a tiny pre-ruptured prick opening therein that is designed to rupture under increased pressure from the fluid inside the sheath. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the sheath so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to a physician or breeder who must maneuver the invention through the reproductive tract of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatuses for artificially inseminating animals which prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract of an animal. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the animal's reproductive tract.

Abstract: The present invention includes apparatuses for artificially inseminating animals which prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract of an animal. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the animal's reproductive tract.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for artificially inseminating animals using an improved artificial insemination device that prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract of an animal. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the animal's reproductive tract.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for producing and using an improved artificial insemination device that prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the reproductive tract.