Abstract: A method of manufacturing the water supply manifold assures adequate alignment of the apertures at each water supply location by forming a single through-hole entirely through the header tube at each water supply location for the insertion of a water supply tube through the thus-formed apertures in the header tube. A preferred method includes forming a plurality of through-holes completely through a piece of a cylindrical tube stock at axially-spaced locations along the tube stock, thereby forming a header tube having at least two rows of apertures in which each aperture is aligned with another, circumferentially opposed aperture. A supply tube is inserted through a pair of circumferentially opposed apertures such that opposed ends of each supply tube protrude beyond said header tube. A fitting is mounted over each end of said supply tube.

Abstract: A water supply manifold can be manufactured easily and inexpensively while simultaneously providing an improved connection of manifold components to one another. The water supply manifold, or at least each section thereof, includes (1) a header tube that is configured to extend longitudinally along a support surface such as a shelf and (2) fittings that are mounted on the header tube in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment in which the water supply manifold is intended for use in an animal water supply system, two opposed fittings may be provided on opposite sides of the header tube at each water supply location so as to permit two rows of cages to be mounted back-to-back on each shelf of a cage and rack system. In this case, a single supply tube may extend completely through the header tube at each water supply location and receive a respective fitting at each of two outlet ends thereof.

Abstract: A water docking system for an animal cage and rack system including a latch mechanism and a leakproof coupling. The latch mechanism includes a latch catch which is movable 1) from an unlatched position in which it is disengaged from the cage and permits removal of the cage from the rack 2) to a latched position holding the cage in its docked position. The latch also provides an indicator for indicating when the latch is in an unlatched position and the cage is not properly docked. The coupling may comprise either a friction-fit quick-connect coupling, an active locking quick-connect coupling, or a passive locking quick-connect coupling. A male fitting of the coupling is designed to prevent leakage by sequentially engaging two internal seals of the female fitting so as to first seal against the female fitting and then open an internal valve element of the female fitting. The sealing elements may be formed from distinct seals or spaced portions of a combined seal.

Abstract: A flood prevention system for a ventilated cage includes a self-sealing drain valve that opens automatically to prevent the cage from flooding if a water supply valve or water bottle leaks. A preferred drain valve is mounted in the floor of the cage and includes a perforated drain cup, a perforated seal cup, and a drain seal, all held together by a connector such as a rivet. The perforated drain cup extends above the bottom surface of the cage a small amount, and the perforated seal cup extends downwardly from the drain cup to present a valve seat. The drain seal preferably comprises a diaphragm of a resiliently flexible material which normally abuts the valve seat. However, if the water supply valve or water bottle leaks sufficiently for water to accumulate in the perforated drain cup, the weight of the accumulated liquid forces the drain seal away from the valve seat to permit the water to drain away from the cage.

Abstract: An animal watering valve, of the type actuated by radially deflecting a valve stem, has a deflectable elastomeric boot which is less susceptible to sticking or clogging than movable shields but which at the same time prevents or at least inhibits bedding material or other foreign materials from being jammed against the valve stem and locking the valve in its open position. The boot is very pliable--being relatively thin and made from an elastomeric material having a hardness of only about 5 Durometer Shore A. The boot preferably is formed from a unitary elastic cup-shaped member including a cylindrical body portion, a peripheral ring disposed at the upstream end of the body portion and attaching the boot to an interior surface of the valve housing, and a membrane covering the downstream end of the body portion. A central aperture is formed in the membrane for receiving a tail of the valve stem.

Abstract: A cage and rack system includes at least one cage, a shelf, and a water docking system that holds the cage in the position on the shelf in which a cage-mounted animal watering valve is coupled to a water manifold so as to assure the supply of water to the watering valve without leakage. The water docking system includes a latch mechanism and a coupling. The latch mechanism includes a latch catch which is movable 1) from an unlatched position in which it is disengaged from the cage and permits removal of the cage from the rack 2) to a latched position holding the cage in its docked position. The coupling may comprise either a friction-fit quick-connect or a locking quick-connect coupling and includes a male fitting and a female fitting. The male fitting is designed to prevent leakage by sequentially engaging two internal seals of the female fitting so as to first seal against the female fitting and then open an internal valve element of the female fitting.

Abstract: A sanitary fitting provides a fluid-tight seal between the fitting and the axial end of the tube coupled to the fitting, thereby eliminating crevices between the end of the tube and the sealing point of the fitting and consequent fluid accumulation and potential bacteria growth. The fitting preferably includes a body having a recessed outer end, an elastomeric seal disposed in the recess in the body, a gripping ring slidable into a stepped notch formed in the outer end of the body, and a locking mechanism which grips the tube and which draws the tube into a position in which its end sealingly engages the seal and causes the seal to sealingly engage an annular shoulder of the body. The gripping ring, body, and tube interact to provide very high retention forces permitting the fitting to withstand fluid pressures on the order of several thousand psi.

Abstract: An animal watering valve has a diaphragm and a domed valve stem head which provide improved control of the forces applied to the domed valve stem head and which interact to reduce the actuating forces necessary to open the valve by increasing the mechanical advantage of the valve stem/diaphragm combination. The diaphragm and valve stem also interact with each other and with an associated elastomeric ring to provide improved centering of the valve stem on the diaphragm and to permit flow rates through the valve to be adjusted without adversely affecting valve operation. An elastomeric cup shaped shield may also be employed and, if provided, imparts reduced resistance to valve stem deflection and inhibits accumulation of fluid in areas which may be contaminated.

Abstract: A drinking device is sanitary, easy to clean, and heightens the user's level of independence by (1) being readily yet semi-permanently positionable at a location permitting access to the device by the mouth of the user; and (2) being easily activated by the mouth of the user to reliably and continuously supply liquid to the user upon demand using only the user's mouth. The device includes a mouth operated drinking valve the semi-permanent positioning of which for accessibility by the mouth of the user is made possible by a tubing assembly in the form a flexible tube supported by a stiffener. The stiffener permits the tubing assembly to be readily bent to position the tube and drinking valve as desired yet maintains its position after bending. The stiffener is provided on the outside rather than within the flexible tube to facilitate cleaning of the tube and thus to promote sanitary use.