Abstract: A system for safely and humanely anesthetizing and/or euthanizing animals is provided. The system provides both manual and automated operation and may be scaled up to accommodate a large number of animals during a single procedure. The system includes a chamber 20 for receiving an animal to be anesthetized or euthanized and a supply of gas is provided for the chamber, and a fluid controller (65, 165, 265, 365) controls the flow of gas to the chamber. In one embodiment, a valve (75) controls the flow of exhaust air to the chamber.

Abstract: A system for safely and humanely anesthetizing and/or euthanizing animals is provided. The system provides both manual and automated operation and may be scaled up to accommodate a large number of animals during a single procedure. The system includes a chamber 20 for receiving an animal to be anesthetized or euthanized and a supply of gas is provided for the chamber, and a fluid controller (65, 165, 265, 365) controls the flow of gas to the chamber. In one embodiment, a valve (75) controls the flow of exhaust air to the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anesthetizing one or more laboratory animals is provided. An anesthetic component is introduced into a pressurized gas stream for delivery to laboratory animals. In one embodiment of the invention, a solo apparatus is used to administer anesthetic component to a single animal. The apparatus may also include a group apparatus connected to the pressurized gas stream that administers anesthesia to one or more animals simultaneously. One or more solo and/or group apparatuses may be used to administer anesthetic components to different animals at various dosages. The apparatuses of the present invention include a non-rebreathing feature that uses a vacuum-sensitive check valve. The valve permits the delivery of anesthetic gas to the animal only when the animal inhales. The present invention may also include a thermoregulatory system that transfers heat to animals as they receive anesthesia, and an exhaust system to capture exhaust gases.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anesthetizing one or more laboratory animals is provided. An anesthetic component is introduced into a pressurized gas stream for delivery to laboratory animals. In one embodiment of the invention, a solo apparatus is used to administer anesthetic component to a single animal. The apparatus may also contain a host cage providing a group apparatus connected to the pressurized gas stream that permits administration of anesthesia to one or a group of animals simultaneously. One or more solo and/or group apparatuses may be used to administer anesthetic components to different animals at various dosages. The apparatus may also include a thermoregulatory system that transfers heat to animals as they receive anesthesia to control the animals' body temperature. In addition, the apparatus may include an exhaust system to remove contaminants from exhaust gases and to withdraw exhaust gases from the apparatus or apparatuses.

Abstract: A thermal pack having a high heat-retention character which may be quickly heated or chilled consisting of an absorbent package having a gel-forming synthetic organic resin in particulate form deposited on an adhesive-coated substrate disposed between a pair of fibrous non-woven porous filter layers and covered on the outside by a pair of paper-like plies of non-woven porous absorbent material. The outside covers are seamed together around their periphery to form a closed envelope.The thermal pack of the present invention may be positioned in a pouch which is adapted to be held in place over the afflicted area of the body by releasable fastening means. The pack and pouch are formed of porous material which is capable of being heated in microwave oven or cooled in a freezer.

Abstract: A presaturated wipe product having a dilute glutaraldehyde saturated pad secured to a layer of packaging material is provided. The saturated pad is sealed in the packaging and the entire package is subjected to .gamma.-irradiation in order to maintain the disinfectant activity of the pad over an extended period of time.