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 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.