Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for detecting motion between two subassemblies, for example in or near a litter box. A first subassembly includes a first frame adapted for supporting a receptacle. A second subassembly includes a second frame adapted for resting on a steady surface. Connecting members connect the subassemblies such that relative movement between them can occur. At least a first position indicating member is attached to one the subassemblies and at least a first detector is attached to the other of the subassemblies. The detector is positioned proximate the first position indicating member so that changes in relative position are detected. Preferably, the device includes a second position indicating member and a second detector for detecting more precise changes in relative position. It is also preferred for each position indicating member to include a patterned marker.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for detecting motion between two subassemblies, for example in or near a litter box. A first subassembly includes a first frame adapted for supporting a receptacle. A second subassembly includes a second frame adapted for resting on a steady surface. Connecting members connect the subassemblies such that relative movement between them can occur. At least a first position indicating member is attached to one the subassemblies and at least a first detector is attached to the other of the subassemblies. The detector is positioned proximate the first position indicating member so that changes in relative position are detected. Preferably, the device includes a second position indicating member and a second detector for detecting more precise changes in relative position. It is also preferred for each position indicating member to include a patterned marker.

Abstract: A litter box has two unit assemblies and a waste receptacle. The first unit assembly has an unenclosed litter compartment; a compartment to temporarily hold filtered litter; and a pivotally mounted screen that filters out waste material from the litter. The second unit assembly is a support base having a motor mounted thereto that manipulates the first unit assembly, and contains a motion sensor and controller. The first unit assembly is partially rotated by the motor which causes litter and waste to move away from the litter compartment towards the temporary compartment. The screen filters litter and waste only allowing filtered litter to enter the temporary receptacle, forcing waste solids to pass by the temporary compartment into the waste receptacle. The motor reverses, and the filtered litter in the temporary receptacle is communicated back into the litter compartment by passing through and under or back through the screen.

Abstract: A litter box has two unit assemblies and a waste receptacle. The first unit assembly has three components: an unenclosed litter compartment allowing animals' ingress and egress to/from the unenclosed compartment in one of multiple directions to deposit waste material; a compartment to temporarily hold filtered litter; and a pivotally mounted and/or flexible screen that filters out waste material from the litter that is being communicated away from the unenclosed litter compartment and toward the temporary compartment. The second unit assembly is a support base that has a motor mounted on the support base that manipulates the first unit assembly, and contains a motion sensor and controller that actuates the motor. The waste receptacle is a rectangular, box-shaped container with an open top into which animal waste is deposited.