SMART LITTER DEVICE WITH ENTRY BARRIER

Abstract

A litter device comprising: a) a chamber having an entry opening and configured to hold litter and to allow an animal to enter and excrete waste; b) a waste drawer in communication with the chamber and configured to receive the waste; c) an entry barrier located adjacent to and/or within the entry opening; and wherein the entry barrier is configured to automatically open to expose the entry opening, configured to automatically close to at least partially cover the entry opening, or both based upon one or more conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63/104,574, 63/104,604, and 63/104,625, each filed on Oct. 23, 2020, and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The present teachings generally relate to an automated system for a litter device. The present teachings may be useful in monitoring and receiving signals from an automated litter device and automatically initiating one or more automated functions of a litter device. The present teachings may be particularly useful in providing for an automatically closing entry barrier which may prevent undesired access into an interior of the chamber, malodors from escaping the chamber, or both.

BACKGROUND

Automated litter devices may provide a means for pet owners (e.g., user, consumer) to effectively manage waste eliminated by one or more of their pets. These automated litter devices may be advantageous in automatically removing waste contents from litter; automatically collecting waste for subsequent disposal; storing waste contents separate from a litter chamber such that they are not exposed to the ambient environment, thereby preventing and/or reducing smell from the waste. Examples of some automated litter boxes which may be particularly beneficial may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,463,881; 8,757,094; and 9,433,185; US Publication No: 2019/0364840; and PCT Patent Application No.: PCT/US2020/029776 (Published as PCT Publication No. WO 2020/219849A1) which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes and can be modified to include any of the featured described herein.

Most litter devices are open to the interior at all times or have an entry barrier which can be physically opened by an animal. This poses a concern in homes with multiple pets and/or children which may be attracted to the interior of the litter device. For example, a dog or small child may at least partially enter the litter device out of curiosity or to get ahold of the litter and/or waste. It would be attractive to have an entry barrier which limits entry to designated animals, such as by size or by identification. It would be attractive to have an entry barrier which opens upon recognizing the presence of an animal within proximity to the litter device. It would also be attractive to have an entry barrier which opens for one or more specific animals while preventing entry of other animals or small children.

Another problem with litter devices is the malodor that may emanate after an animal utilizes the litter device for waste elimination (e.g., urination, bowel movement). Automated litter devices are more quickly able to reduce and/or eliminate the malodors during a cleaning cycle, as the waste is transferred from the litter area, such as a chamber, to a waste collection area, such as a waste bin. Notwithstanding, there may still be a time period after an animal eliminates waste and the waste being transferred into a waste bin. As such, there is still a need for containing malodors which may arise during the time period between an animal's use and the waste being transferred into a waste bin.

Waste patterns of an animal may be indicative of one or more health concerns or ailments. An animal may eliminate waste more or less frequently than average, indicating the health of the animal may be deteriorating or even improving. An animal may have biological changes within their litter, not noticeable by a change in elimination habits, but yet indicative of an illness. There is still a need for an automatic litter device which is able to gather animal waste elimination behavior to determine the average waste elimination habits of the animal and identify the potential presence of a health concern or improvement. There is a need for an automatic litter device which can cooperate with litter and other sensors to determine the potential presence of an illness. Further, as technology evolves, home systems are becoming “smarter” such that appliances and devices within the home are able to be remotely controlled. It would be advantageous to have a litter device capable of integrating with a smart home system to further identify habits of an animal and departure from those habits, as well as to provide a further means of controlling the litter device.

SUMMARY

A litter device having: a) a chamber having an entry opening and configured to hold litter to allow an animal to enter and excrete waste; b) a waste drawer in communication with the chamber and configured to receive the waste; and c) an entry barrier configured to automatically open to expose the entry opening and/or close to cover the entry opening based upon a predetermined condition.

The litter device may include one or more of the following features in any combination: the entry barrier may be in communication with one or more sensors, controllers, or both of the litter device and which may be configured to sense the one or more conditions; the one or more conditions may include the absence and/or presence of an animal within proximity of the litter device, initiation and/or ending of a cleaning cycle, the presence of one or more litter conditions within the litter device, or any combination thereof, the one or more conditions may include one or more animals entering a sensing field, leaving a sensing field, one or more identification tags entering a sensing field, one or more identification tags leaving the sensing field, or a combination there; the one or more conditions may include a predetermined amount of time; the predetermined amount of time may be an amount of time elapsed after an animal has exited the chamber, an amount of time prior to a cleaning cycle being initiated, an amount of time after a cleaning cycle has ended, or any combination thereof, the entry barrier may include one or more rotating doors, iris openings, folding doors, sliding doors, swing doors, the like, or any combination thereof, the litter device may include a bezel encircling about the entry opening; the entry barrier may be at least partially affixed to the chamber, a bonnet, a base, a bezel, or any combination thereof, the entry barrier may be affixed to the bezel; the entry barrier may include one or more entry barrier portions; at least one of the one or more entry barrier portions may be rotatable such as to place the entry barrier in a closed position, open position, or both; the one or more entry barrier portions may include a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion; the first barrier portion remains fixed relative to a frame, a bezel, a bonnet, a base, or any combination thereof; the second barrier portion may be rotatable relative to a frame, a bezel, a bonnet, a base, or any combination thereof; the second barrier portion rotates about a rotational axis into a closed position, open position, or both while a first barrier portion remains fixed; the one or more entry barrier portions have a cross-sectional shape which reciprocal with at least a portion of a cross-section shape of the entry opening, a bezel, or both; the one or more entry barrier portions have a cross-sectional shape which may be semicircular (e.g., half-moon), circular, oval, semi-oval, elliptical, semi-elliptical, sickle, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof; the one or more entry barrier portions have a cross-sectional shape which may be substantially semicircular (e.g., half-moon); the entry barrier may include one or more drive sources; the one or more drive sources may be configured to transmit torque to one or more entry barrier portions such as to rotate the one or more entry barrier portions into a closed position, open position, or both; the one or more drive sources may include a motor and a drive shaft; a drive shaft may be in rotational communication with one or more entry barrier portions; the one or more drive sources may be mounted to one or more supports of the entry barrier; the entry barrier may include one or more frames which affix the entry barrier to a portion of the litter device; the one or more frames may be affixed to a bezel, a bonnet, a base, a chamber, or any combination thereof; the one or more frames further define the entry opening within an interior periphery; the one or more frames may be affixed to a bezel located about the entry opening; the one or more frames may be removably affixed, semi-permanently affixed, and/or permanently affixed to the bezel; the one or more frames may be removably affixed to the bezel via an interference fit, a snap fit, or both; the one or more frames may be affixed to the bezel with one or more fasteners; the one or more fasteners may include one or more threaded fasteners; the one or more frames have a shape substantially reciprocal to a shape of the entry opening, a bezel, or both; the one or more frames have a shape which may be substantially annular; the entry barrier may include one or more seals; the one or more seals may be affixed to one or more entry barrier portions, one or more frames, or both; the one or more seals may include one or more brush seals, reverse angle mount seals, gaskets, the like, or a combination thereof; the litter device may include one or more sensors for sensing the one or more conditions; the one or more sensors may include one or more image sensors, identification sensors, waste drawer sensors, litter condition sensors, presence sensors, or any combination thereof; the one or more identification sensors may include one or more radio frequency transmitters, barcode readers, Bluetooth transmitters, nearfield communication transmitters, microchip scanners, image sensors, the like, or any combination thereof; the one or more identification sensors may be configured to sense one or more identification tags within a proximity of the litter device; the litter device may include one or more sensors adjacent to an entry opening, within the chamber, opposite the entry opening, near a rotational axis, or any combination thereof; the one or more sensors may be adapted to sense the presence of the animal within the chamber, the presence of the animal in proximity to the litter device, the presence of the waste in the waste drawer, a level of the litter in the chamber, a position of the chamber relative to the base, the like, or any combination thereof, the one or more sensors may be one or more mass sensors, capacitive sensors, infrared sensors, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, membrane sensors, radio frequency (RF) admittance sensors, image sensors, radio frequency transmitters, conductive sensors, optical interface sensors, microwave sensors, the like, or combination thereof; the one or more infrared sensors and/or laser sensors may include one or more time-of-flight sensors; the litter device may include one or more controllers, communication modules, or both; the litter device may be integrated into a network; the network may include a smart home system; the litter device may include a user interface; the user interface may be located on a bezel, a base, a bonnet, or a combination thereof, the user interface may be located on the bezel; the user interface may include LCD, LED, OLED, EPD, PDP, the like, or any combination thereof, the user interface may include an EPD display (e-ink display); the one or more sensors may include the one or more image sensors; the one or more image sensors may be configured to cooperate with the litter which may be adapted to change colors based on a biological condition of the waste that comes into contact with the litter; the one or more image sensors detect one or more colors and/or color changes within the litter; a controller of the litter device may be configured to cooperate with the one or more image sensors to interpret the one or more colors to identify the presence and/or absence of one or more illnesses and/or symptoms of the illnesses in the animal; the litter device may include one or more sensors configured to sense one or more of the conditions; the one or more sensors may be located on an upper portion of a bezel; the one or more sensors may be located on one or more mounts within the upper portion of the bezel; at least one or more sensors may be positioned such as to have a line of sight into the chamber; at least one or more sensors may be positioned such as to have a line of sight and/or sensing range outside of the chamber; the chamber may be rotatably supported by a base; the chamber rotates for a cleaning cycle to be executed; the waste drawer may be located below the chamber; and the waste drawer may be located within a base and the base supports the chamber.

The present teachings may provide for a litter device having an entry barrier. The entry barrier may be configured to open upon the presence of a desired animal, completion of a cleaning cycle, or both. The entry barrier may be configured to close upon the presence of an undesired animal, after use by an animal, prior to a cleaning cycle initiating, and/or the like. The entry barrier may be useful in prevent malodors from escaping the litter device prior to the waste being transferred to a waste drawer during a cleaning cycle. One or more sensors and/or controllers of the litter device may allow for the litter device, a system, or both to detect waste elimination habits and patterns of an animal. One or more sensors of the litter device, a controller, or both may allow for a litter device and/or system to detect one or more health problems association with an animal's waste elimination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a litter device with an entry barrier in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a litter device with an entry barrier in a closed position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a bezel and entry barrier in a closed position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a bezel and entry barrier in a closed position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a bezel and a portion of an entry barrier affixed thereon.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of a bezel.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of a frame of an entry barrier.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a bezel with an entry barrier.

FIG. 9 is a front view of a chamber with an entry barrier.

FIG. 10A is a front view of a bezel with an entry barrier in an open position.

FIG. 10B is a front view of a bezel with an entry barrier moving from the open position to the closed position.

FIG. 10C is a front view of a bezel with an entry barrier in a closed position.

FIG. 11A is a front view of a litter device in a closed position.

FIG. 11B is a front view of a litter device in a partially open position.

FIG. 11C is a front view of a litter device in a partially open position.

FIG. 11D is a front view of a litter device in an open position.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic of a system (e.g., network and devices) for operating an automated litter device.

FIG. 13 is a front view of a litter device

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section of a litter device along section A-A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15A illustrates a cross-section of a litter device along section A-A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15B illustrates a cross-section of a litter device along section A-A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16A illustrates a cross-section of a litter device along section A-A of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16B illustrates a sensing field of a litter device.

FIG. 17 illustrates a user interface showing a waste drawer status.

FIG. 18 illustrates a user interface showing a waste drawer status.

FIG. 19 illustrates a user interface showing an input screen for one or more instructions by a user.

FIG. 20 illustrates a user interface showing a view for sleep mode instruction by a user.

FIG. 21 illustrates a user interface showing a plurality of conditions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, its principles, and its practical application. The specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

Litter Device

The present teachings relate to a litter device. The teachings may be particularly relevant to a litter device which is an automated litter device. The litter device may be any device which includes litter for use by an animal. An animal may include any domesticated animal such as a cat, rabbit, pig, dog, or a combination thereof. The present teachings may be particularly useful for use with an automated litter device having a chamber supported by a base, having a waste drawer, or both. The teachings may also be useful for an automated litter device having an entry barrier which is able to block and allow access into a chamber. The chamber may be a portion of the device configured to hold litter, where an animal may enter and excrete waste, or both. The chamber may be supported by and/or rest above a base. The chamber may rotate through one or more cleaning cycles to allow for funneling and disposal of waste. The chamber may have a tilted axis of rotation. The tilted axis of rotation may promote funneling and disposal of waste, increased line of sight of one or more sensors, or both. The chamber may include a septum such that rotation of the chamber may result in rotation of a septum which sifts through the litter. The septum may filter clean litter from clumps of waste and guide funneling and/or disposal of the waste. Waste from the chamber may be disposed into a waste drawer. A waste drawer may be located in a support base of the device, below a chamber, adjacent to a chamber, or any combination thereof. A litter dispenser may be affixed to the litter device to replenish litter disposed during cleaning cycles. A bonnet may be located at least partially over a chamber to cover one or more components of the litter device, prevent access to one or more pinch points, or both. A chamber, bezel, cleaning cycle of the chamber, rotational capability, axis of rotation (e.g., tilted rotational axis) base (e.g., support base), bonnet, waste drawer, litter dispenser, and other components of the litter device may be configured such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,757,094; and 9,433,185; US Publication No: 2019/0364840; and PCT Patent Application No.: PCT/US2020/029776 (Published as PCT Publication No. WO 2020/219849A1), which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.

The litter device may include a bezel, a chamber, a bonnet, a base, a waste drawer, a track, an entry barrier, the like, or any combination thereof. The chamber may include an entry opening. The chamber may be configured to hold litter. The chamber may be configured to allow an animal to enter and/or exit. The chamber may be configured to allow an animal to excrete waste within the interior. The litter device may include a waste drawer. A waste drawer may be in communication with the chamber. A waste drawer may be configured to receive waste. A waste drawer may receive waste from the chamber.

The chamber includes an entry opening. The entry opening allows for one or more animals to comfortably enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be any size and shape so that one or more animals may enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be any size and shape so that during entry, use, and/or exiting by an animal; during one or more cleaning cycles; or any combination thereof litter is substantially maintained within the chamber. The entry opening may have a profile shape and/or cross-section which is substantially circular, ovular, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof. The profile shape may be a shape looking at an opening plane straight on, perpendicular, or both. The entry opening may have a profile shape which is symmetrical, non-symmetrical, or both. An entry opening which is circular, ovular, or the like may offer a more comfortable and larger entry area, may avoid sharp vertices that may scratch an animal, may avoid sharp vertices which may catch litter upon exit of the animal from the chamber, or a combination thereof. The entry opening may refer to a single opening formed in a component or a plurality of openings which are aligned with one another. A bezel, chamber, bonnet, base, and/or the like may all define a portion of the entry opening. The entry opening may always be open and accessible or may be at times closed by an entry barrier.

The chamber may include one or more entry barriers. The one or more entry barriers may function to prevent access through the entry opening, prevent access by one or more animals or individuals, allow access by one or more animals or individuals, block the escaping of malodors from the litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more entry barriers may function to only allow one or more pre-determined animals into the chamber, prevent entry of one or more non pre-determined animals into the chamber, prevent entry of one or more animals into the chamber during a cleaning cycle, prevent entry of one or more animals into the chamber after the litter has been used and before a cleaning cycle has occurred, or any combination thereof. The one or more entry barriers may have any suitable configuration such as to temporarily prevent and allow access into the chamber through the entry opening. The one or more entry barriers may have any suitable configuration for trapping malodors within a chamber of the litter device until waste is removed during a cleaning cycle. The one or more entry barriers may be configured to automatically open to expose an entry opening, configured to automatically close to at least partially cover the entry opening, or both. Opening and/or closing may be based on one or more conditions. The entry barrier may be in communication with one or more sensors, controllers, or both. The one or more entry barriers may be affixed to, at least a portion of, a bezel, a chamber, bonnet, base, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more entry barriers may be configured as a rotating door, iris opening (e.g., blade and/or diaphragm), folding door (e.g., accordion, bifolding), sliding door, swing door (e.g., single, double), the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more entry barriers may include one or more entry barrier portions, supports, drive sources, frames, fasteners, electrical connections, seals, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more entry barriers may be assembled as part of the bezel, bonnet, chamber, the like, or any combination thereof. A rotating door may include one or more entry barrier portions, frames, drive sources, supports, seals, hinges, and/or the like. An iris opening may include one or more motors, plates, diaphragm materials, shafts, blades, rods (e.g., link rod), fasteners (e.g., bolts), and/or the like. The one or more entry barriers may open and/or close based on one or more sensors, cleaning cycles, signals from one or more computing devices, or any combination thereof.

The one or more entry barriers may include one or more entry barrier portions. The one or more entry barrier portions may function to physically block access into an interior of a chamber, cover and/or block off at least a portion of an entry opening, cooperate with one or more other components to move between an open and closed position, or any combination thereof. The one or more entry barrier portions may be directly and/or indirectly affixed to one or more portions of a litter device which form an entry opening. The one or more entry barrier portions may be directly and/or indirectly affixed to a portion of the bezel, chamber, base, bonnet, and/or the like. For example, the one or more entry barrier portions may be located within an interior periphery of a bezel which forms a portion of an entry opening, an interior periphery of an opening with a chamber which defines an entry opening, or both. The one or more entry barrier portions may be statically and/or movably affixed to one or more frames, plates, drive sources, supports, hinges, seals, the like, or one or more combination thereof. For example, a first barrier portion may be statically affixed to a frame while a second barrier portion is moveably affixed to the frame. For example, a second barrier portion may be in rotational communication with (e.g., rotatably affixed to) a drive source. One or more entry barrier portions may be located adjacent to, abut with, have affixed thereto, or even be located within one or more seals. For example, one or more edges of one or more barrier portions may have one or more seal brushes affixed thereon. As another example, one or more edges of one or more barrier portions may abut with and even rotate along one or more seal brushes.

The one or more entry barrier portions may include a single barrier portion and/or a plurality of barrier portions. The one or more entry barrier portions may include a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The one or more entry barrier portions may include a plurality of blades. A number of entry barrier portions selected may be such that the number is sufficient to partially and/or completely cover an entry opening when the entry barrier is in a closed position. A number of entry barrier portions selected may be such that a width of the entry barrier portions is sufficient to be partially and/or completely stored (e.g., disposed within) a bezel, frame, or other component when the entry barrier is in the open position.

The one or more entry barrier portions may have any suitable shape for partially or completely covering the entry barrier while in the closed position, cooperating with other entry barrier portions, or both. The one or more entry barrier portions, singularly or together, may have a shape which is partially or substantially reciprocal with a cross-sectional shape of a bezel and/or entry opening. A single or a plurality of entry barrier portions may have a cross-sectional shape which is semicircular (e.g., half-moon), circular, oval, semi-oval, elliptical, semi-elliptical, sickle, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion may each have a shape which is about half of a shape of the entry opening. For example, a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion may each have a shape which is substantially semicircular. A semicircular shape allows the first barrier portion and second barrier portion to cooperate together to partially or completely cover the entry opening when in the closed position. As another example, a plurality of barrier portions may have a sickle shape which allows the barrier portions to function like blades of a shutter (e.g., iris) which come together and/or even overlap to at least partially cover the entry opening when in the closed position.

One or more entry barrier portions may remain fixed, may move, or both while the entry barrier transitions between the open position to the closed position, the closed position to the open position, or both. For example, a first entry barrier portion may remain fixed relative to a bezel while a second entry barrier portion moves relative to the bezel to place the entry barrier in the closed position and/or open position. The second barrier portion may rotate about a rotational axis to cover and/or expose the entry opening while the first barrier portion remains fixed. As another example, all barrier portions may move relative to a bezel to place the entry barrier in the closed position and/or open position.

The one or more entry barriers may include one or more supports. One or more supports may function to retain and/or house one or more components of an entry barrier in place. One or more supports may function to retain and/or house one or more drive sources, electrical connections, and/or the like. One or more supports may be directly and/or indirectly affied to one or more portions of a litter device which form an entry opening. The one or more supports may be directly and/or indirectly affixed to a portion of a bezel, chamber, base, bonnet, and/or the like. For example, the one or more supports may be located within an interior periphery of a bezel which forms part of the entry opening. The one or more supports may be affixed to and/or have affixed thereto one or more frames, plates, drive sources, hinges, entry barrier portions, seals, electrical connections and/or the like. One or more supports may be affixed to one or more frames. One or more supports may be affixed to an upper portion of a frame. One or more supports may be affixed to an upper portion of a frame such as to not completely cover an entry opening. One or more supports may have one or more rotational axes passing therethrough. One or more supports may be located at a position such as to support at least a portion of a drive mechanism. One or more supports may be located in a similar position, adjacent to, or both one or more entry barrier portions. One or more supports may be located adjacent to one or more first barrier portions. One or more supports may be located adjacent to one or more first barrier portions with one or more drive sources located therebetween. One or more supports may have a shape described as suitable for one or more entry barrier portions. One or more supports may have a shape substantially similar or different as one or more entry barrier portions. One or more supports may have a cross-sectional shape which extends past a halfway point, rotational axis, or both. One or more supports may have a substantially planar and/or curved shape.

The one or more entry barriers may include one or more drive sources. The one or more drive sources may function to rotate and/or move one or more portions of an entry barrier, transition an entry barrier into an open position, transition an entry barrier into a closed position, or both. One or more drive sources may be any suitable mechanism for driving an entry barrier from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. One or more drive sources may include one or more motors, drive shafts, gears, and/or the like. One or more drive sources may convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. One or more drive sources may transfer mechanical energy. A drive source may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source. A power source for the drive source may be integrated into the litter device, separate from the litter device, or both. For example, a drive source may be electrically connected via an electrical connection to a controller of the litter device and the controller may also be a power source. As another example, a drive source may be electrically connected to an external power source (e.g., battery, outlet, etc.). A drive source may include a drive shaft. A drive shaft may receive torque from a portion of the drive source. The drive shaft may receive an output torque from the motor or may be output torque from the motor. The drive shaft may be rotationally affixed to one or more gears, one or more entry barrier portions, or both. The drive shaft may be in direct and/or indirect rotational communication with one or more entry barrier portions. For example, a drive shaft may be affixed to and in direct rotational communication with a second barrier portion. A drive shaft may share and/or have a separate rotational axis as one or more entry barrier portions. A drive shaft may have a rotational axis concentric and/or offset with a rotational axis of one or more entry barrier portions (e.g., second barrier portion). A drive shaft may transfer torque to one or more barrier portions. For example, a drive shaft may transfer torque to a second barrier portion. Rotation of a drive shaft may rotate one or more entry barrier portions into an open position, closed position, or both.

The one or more entry barriers may include one or more frames. A frame may function to temporarily, semi-permanently, and/or permanently affix one or more entry barriers to a portion of a litter device. A frame may function to affix an entry barrier to a bezel, chamber, bonnet, base, and/or the like. A frame may function to removably affix an entry barrier to a bezel. Removably affixed may mean that a component may be affixed, easily removed, and re-affixed a plurality of times. A frame may function to support and/or house one or more components of an entry barrier. A frame may allow for a consumer to install the entry barrier as an optional accessory to address the needs of their home. For example, a user with multiple pets and/or small children may desire an entry barrier. A frame may support one or more entry barrier portions, supports, seals, drive sources, electrical connections, and/or the like. The one or more frames may be removably affixed to a portion of the litter device (e.g., bezel) with a friction fit, snap fit, locks, lock tabs, biasing devices, mating features, the like, or any combination thereof. A frame may have a shape substantially reciprocal with, at least a portion of, a litter device. A frame may have a shape substantially reciprocal with a shape of a portion of or all of the bezel, entry opening, or both. A frame may be substantially annular, partially annular, or both. A frame may have a cross-sectional shape which is substantially channel shaped. A frame may have a cross-sectional shape which is C-shaped, V-shaped, and/or the like. The frame may be formed as a single piece or a plurality of pieces. A frame may include one or more base members, front flanges, rear flanges, retention tabs, a mating gap, the like, or a combination thereof.

The frame may include one or more base members. A base member may function as a bridge between flanges, a support for one or more other components of an entry frame, a housing for a seal, a secondary layer of a bezel or other portion of the litter device, or any combination thereof. A base member may rest directly on one or more portions of a litter device. A base member may rest upon an inner flange of a bezel. A base member may have a shape substantially similar to a portion of the litter device which it rests on. A base member may be curved, planar, or both. A curved shape may be a c-shape. A c-shape may be reciprocal to the annular shape of the bezel (e.g., inner flange). A base member may have a width. A width may be measured as a distance between a front flange and an opposing rear flange. A width of the base member may be less than, equal to, or greater than a thickness of a bezel, the overall length of an inner flange of a bezel (e.g., from front surface to edge), or both. A base member may be a bridge between one or more front flanges and rear flanges. A base member may have one or more flanges, walls, or both integrally formed therewith.

The frame may include one or more front flanges. A front flange may function to retain a portion of a frame to a portion of a litter device, support one or more retention tabs, cooperate with one or more rear flanges to provide a clamping force about a portion of the litter device, or any combination thereof. A front flange may project from a base member. A front flange may project from a base member at an angle which is less than, about equal to, or greater than perpendicular. A front flange may project from a base member at an angle for about 75 degrees or greater, about 90 degrees or greater, or even about 100 degrees or greater. A front flange may project from a base member at an angle of about 130 degrees or less, about 120 degrees or less, or even about 110 degrees or less. A front flange may be integrally formed and/or affixed to the base member. A front flange may rest upon, abut with, and/or even engage with a front surface of a bezel. A front flange may have a height which is less than, about equal to, or even greater than a length of a front surface of a bezel. A length of a front surface of a bezel may be measured as the distance between an inner flange and outer flange of a bezel, opposing edges of a front surface of a bezel which define the inner and outer peripheries, or both. A front flange may have a height which is about 5% or greater, about 10% or greater, about 15% or greater, about 20% or greater, or even about 25% or greater of a length of a front surface of a bezel. A front flange may have a height which is about 100% or less, about 75% or less, about 50% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less of a length of a front surface of a bezel.

The frame may include one or more rear flanges. A rear flange may function to retain a frame to a portion of a litter device, cooperate with one or more front flanges to provide a clamping force about a portion of the litter device, or both. A rear flange may project from a base member. A rear flange may project from a base member at an angle which is less than, about equal to, or greater than perpendicular. A rear flange may project from a base member at an angle which is about 50 degrees or greater, about 60 degrees or greater, about 70 degrees or greater, or even about 75 degrees or greater. A rear flange may project from a base member at an angle which is about 130 degrees or less, about 110 degrees or less, about 100 degrees or less, or even about 90 degrees or less. A rear flange may be integrally formed and/or affixed to the base member. A rear flange may rest upon, abut with, and/or even engage an edge of a bezel. The edge may be a rear edge of bezel. For example, the rear flange may abut to an edge of an inner flange of a bezel. A rear flange may have a height which is less than, about equal to, or greater than a thickness of a flange of a bezel. A rear flange may have a height which is less than, about equal to, or even greater than a height of a front flange of the frame. A rear flange may have a height which is about 20% or greater, about 30% or greater, about 40% or greater, or even about 50% or greater of a height of a front flange. A rear flange may have a height which is about 200% or less, about 100% or less, about 80% or less, about 75% or less, about 70% or less, or even about 65% or less of a height of a front flange.

The frame may include a mating gap. A mating gap may function to receive and engage with a portion of the litter device. For example, a mating gap may receive a portion of a bezel therein. The mating gap may allow for the frame to have a secure fit with the bezel. The mating gap may be the distance between one or more flanges. The mating gap may be the distance between one or more front flanges and one or more rear flanges. The mating gap may have a size such that the frame has an interference fit (e.g., press fit, friction fit), a snap fit, or the like with a portion of the litter device (e.g., bezel). One or more mating features may cooperate with the mating gap to ensure the frame is securely affixed to a portion of the litter device while also being easily removable.

The frame may include one or more mating features. One or more mating features may function to mate with and/or engage one or more portions of a litter device. One or more mating features may be any feature suitable for temporarily affixing a frame to one or more portions of the litter device. One or more portions of the litter device may include the bezel, chamber, bonnet, base, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more mating features may include one or more indentations, protrusions, reciprocal features, and/or the like. One or more mating features may include one or more features reciprocal with one or more mating features of a bezel. One or more mating features of the frame may be received in and/or may receive one or more mating features of a bezel. One or more protrusions may include one or more retention tabs. One or more mating features may include a single mating feature or a plurality of mating features. One or more mating features may be formed in a surface of the frame facing toward a surface of another portion of the litter device. One or more mating features may be formed in a surface of the frame facing toward a surface of a bezel. One or more mating features may be formed on a surface of the front flange (e.g., rear surface) facing toward a surface of a bezel (e.g., front surface). One or more mating features of the frame may have a mating relationship with one or more mating features of the bezel. One or more protrusions of the frame may rest within one or more indentations of the bezel. For example, a plurality of retention tabs may rest within a groove of the bezel. One or more mating features may have a shape generally reciprocal with a shape of one or more mating features of a bezel. One or more retention tabs may have a shape generally reciprocal with a groove of a bezel. One or more mating features may have a shape (e.g., 2D cross-section) which is generally half-spherical, half tear-drop shape, a streamlined half body shape, square, rectangular, triangular, the like, or any combination thereof.

The one or more entry barriers may include one or more seals. One or more seals may function to provide an additional barrier for litter, dust, waste, and the like from escaping an interior of a chamber. One or more seals may allow one or more entry barriers to close off an entry opening while aiding in rotation or other movement of one or more entry barrier portions. One or more seals may be located within one or more frames, one or more edges of one or more entry barrier portions, where one or more components of an entry barrier meet with one another or with a bezel, or any combination thereof. One or more seals may be located within and/or along an interior periphery of a frame. One or more seals may face toward one or more entry barrier portions, a rotational axis, or both. One or more seals may be located at and/or along one or more edges of one entry barrier portions. One or more seals may face toward an interior periphery of a frame and/or bezel. One or more seals may be located at and/or along one or more edges of one or more supports. One or more seals may include one or more brush seals, reverse angle mount seals, gaskets, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more seals may have one or more components of an entry barrier moving along their surface, one or more components moving adjacent thereto, may move along one or more components, or any combination thereof. For example, one or more edges of one or more entry barrier portions may move along a surface of a seal during rotation (e.g., when affixed to an interior periphery of frame). For example, one or more seals may move along an interior periphery of a frame and/or bezel during rotation (e.g., when affixed to an entry barrier portion).

The one or more entry barriers may include one or more electrical connections. One or more electrical connections may function to transmit electrical energy to one or more components of an entry barrier; initiate movement of an entry barrier into a closed position, open position, or both; or any combination thereof. One or more electrical connections may be any suitable connection for connecting one or more components of an entry barrier to one or more components of a litter device, a power source, or both. One or more electrical connections may be any suitable connection for electrically connecting a drive source of an entry barrier to a power source of a litter device, an external power source, or both. One or more electrical connections may be suitable for transferring electricity, communication signals, or both. One or more electrical connections may be easily made by a user, such as when installing an entry barrier to be part of a litter device. One or more electrical connections may easily removable, such as when removing an entry barrier from a litter device. One or more electrical connections may include one or more terminals, electrical contacts, wires, and/or the like. One or more electrical connections may include and/or be one or more alternating current adapters, USB connectors, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the entry barrier may include a USB connector in which one end is in direct electrical contact with the drive source and the opposing end is placed into electrical contact with a controller or other power source of the litter device.

The one or more entry barriers may include one or more biasing members. One or more biasing members may function to allow one or more animals to exit a litter device when an entry barrier is in a closed position, prevent entry of one or more animals into the litter device when the entry barrier is in the closed position, or both. One or more biasing members may function as a safety mechanism such that if an animal is accidentally trapped within the chamber with the entry barrier fixed (e.g., stuck) in the closed position, the animal has a means of exiting the chamber. Such an incident may occur in the case of a power failure, like a power outage. The one or more biasing members may include one or more one-way mechanisms. A one-way mechanism may allow for an animal to exit the chamber while preventing entry of other animals when the entry barrier is in the closed position. One or more biasing members may be affixed to one or more entry barrier portions. One or more biasing members may be affixed to a second barrier portion. One or more biasing members One or more biasing members may include one or more springs, mounts, fasteners, hinges, and/or the like. One or more springs may include one or more one-way springs, such as a torsion spring. The one or more biasing members may be affixed to and/or in communication with a second barrier portion such that it is adjacent to and/or affixed to one or more support members, a first barrier portion, a drive source, frame, or any combination thereof. The one or more biasing members is affixed to and/or in communication with a second barrier portion such that it is able to deliver a biasing force to the second barrier portion, receiving a counter force (e.g., opposite the biasing force), or both.

The one or more entry barriers may be in communication with one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may detect and/or determine the presence of one or more conditions. The one or more entry barriers may open and/or close based on initiation and/or completion of one of more cleaning cycles, one or more sensed conditions (e.g., predetermined conditions), one or more instruction signals from one or more computing devices, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may transmit a signal and/or electrical current to the one or more entry barriers to open and/or close based on a cleaning cycle. Prior to initiating a cleaning cycle, the controller may instruct the one or more entry barriers to close. Upon completing a cleaning cycle, the controller may instruct the one or more entry barriers to open. The one or more controllers may transmit a signal and/or electrical current to one or more entry barriers to open and/or close based on one or more instruction signals initiated by one or more users via one or more computing devices. For example, a user may initiate closing and/or opening of the entry barrier via a mobile application. The one or more controllers may transmit a signal and/or electrical current to the one or more entry barriers to open and/or close based on one or more sensed conditions (e.g., predetermined conditions). The one or more controllers may determine time elapsed since an animal exited a chamber, time remaining to initiate a cleaning cycle, time after completion of a cleaning cycle, and/or the like. Time elapsed may be a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time may a condition which triggers opening and/or closing of the entry barrier.

The one or more entry barriers may be in direct and/or indirect communication with one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may detect one or more conditions. One or more conditions may trigger opening and/or closing of the entry barrier. The one or more sensors may include one or more animal presence sensors, identification sensors, image sensors, waste drawer sensors, and/or the like. Based on one or more sensed conditions by the one or more sensors, the one or more entry barriers may automatically close (e.g., move into closed position), open (e.g., move into open position), or both. One or more animal presence sensors upon detecting one or more animals within range of the litter device may trigger the one or more entry barriers automatically opening. One or more animal presence sensors upon detecting one or more animals exiting the litter device, departing a predetermined proximity to the litter device (e.g., being a certain distance away from) may trigger the one or more entry barriers automatically closing. One or more identification sensors upon sensing one or more identification tags within a sensing field may trigger one or more entry barriers automatically opening. One or more identification sensors upon sensing one or more identification tags exiting and/or longer within the sensing field may trigger one or more entry barriers automatically closing. One or more waste drawer sensors upon sensing a waste drawer which is full may trigger one or more entry barriers automatically closing. One or more waste drawer sensors upon sensing a waste drawer has been emptied or is below a full level may trigger one or more entry barriers automatically opening. The one or more entry barriers may be in communication with the one or more sensors via one or more electrical connections, controllers, or both. One or more litter condition sensors upon sensing one or more litter conditions may trigger one or more entry barriers automatically closing.

The litter device may include a bezel. The bezel may function to define the entry opening, provide an aesthetic appearance of a front of the litter device, maintain litter within the chamber, seal off any joints along the front of the device from litter, seal off any pinch points at and/or around the entry opening, house one or more sensors, house one or more control panels, retain at least a portion of an entry barrier, like, or any combination thereof. The bezel may have any shape, size, and/or form such the bezel may be able to provide a barrier for litter and/or other waste remnants while not interfering with entry and egress of an animal from the chamber. The bezel may have any size and/or shape for defining and/or encircling a portion or all of an entry opening. The bezel may have a shape reciprocal, similar, and/or same as the entry opening. The bezel may have a substantially circular and/or oval cross-sectional shape with an opening therein. The bezel may have a shape which is substantially annular. The opening may define part of the entry opening and have similar and/or same dimensions as suitable for the entry opening. The bezel may have a shape and size so as to conceal one or more rims, edges, or both of a bonnet, base, chamber, or a combination thereof. The bezel may have a shape and size so as to conceal the space between a chamber and bonnet, chamber and base frame, or both. The bezel may include one or more surfaces. The bezel may include a front surfaces, one or more flanges, one or more mating features, the like, or any combination thereof.

The bezel may be formed as a single piece or multiple pieces. The bezel may include an inner bezel, outer bezel, or both. The outer bezel may function to provide an aesthetically appealing bezel about the entry opening, conceal one or more components affixed to the inner bezel, or both. The inner bezel may function to retain one or more electrical components, affix the bezel to a bonnet, base, or both. The inner bezel and outer bezel may cooperate together to define a gap therebetween. The gap within the bezel may house one or more sensors, electrical components, control panels or components thereof, or any combination thereof. The bezel may remain static while a chamber is rotatable. The inner bezel may be permanently and/or removably affixed to a bonnet, base, outer bezel, or a combination thereof. The inner bezel, outer bezel, or both may be affixed to the outer bezel, inner bezel, bonnet, base frame, or a combination thereof by one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may include one or more threaded fasteners (e.g., screw, bolt, nut), interlocking tabs, rivets, pins, the like, or a combination thereof. The inner bezel may be affixed to both the base (e.g., base frame) and the bonnet. The inner bezel may be affixed along cut-outs of the base frame and bonnet which define an entry opening or portion of an entry opening. The outer bezel may then be affixed to the inner bezel.

The bezel may include one or more surfaces. One or more surfaces may function to provide an aesthetically appealing exterior; seal off one or more gaps between the chamber, bonnet, and/or base; provide one or more reciprocal features for permanently and/or removably affixing an entry barrier thereon; or any combination thereof. The one or more surfaces may include a front surface, one or more flanges, one or more bevels, one or more grooves, or any combination thereof.

The bezel may include a front surface. A front surface may function as the outside surface of the bezel. The front surface may be substantially planar, may have one or more indentations formed therein, may have one or more protrusions, or any combination thereof. The front surface may surround the entry opening. The front surface may define a portion of the entry opening. The front surface may have an annular shape. The front surface may transition to one or more flanges via one or more bevels, chamfers, fillets, edges, or any combination thereof.

The front surface may be integrally connected to one or more flanges. The flanges may function to seal off any transitional gaps between the bezel and the bonnet, chamber, and/or base. The flanges may function to cooperate with other components. The front surface may have one or more flanges projecting therefrom. An inner flange may project from an interior periphery of the front surface. An outer flange may project from an exterior periphery of the front surface. An inner and outer flange may project in substantially the same direction from the front surface. The inner flange, outer flange, and front surface may form an annular channel-like shape. A channel-like shape may refer to a C-channel. The inner and outer flange may project toward a bonnet, base, chamber, a rear of the litter device, or any combination thereof. One or more flanges may project at an angle less than, about equal to, or even greater than perpendicular from the front surface. An outer flange may extend at an angle of about 70 degrees or greater, about 80 degrees or greater, or even about 90 degrees or greater relative to the front surface. An outer flange may extend at an angle of about 150 degrees or less, about 140 degrees or less, about 130 degrees or less, or even about 120 degrees or less relative to the front surface. An inner flange may extend at an angle of about 50 degrees or greater, about 65 degrees or greater, about 75 degrees or greater, or even about 80 degrees or greater relative to the front surface. An inner flange may extend at an angle of about 120 degrees or less, about 100 degrees or less, or even about 90 degrees or less relative to the front surface.

The bezel may include one or more mating features. One or more mating features may function to mate with and/or engage with one or more entry barriers. One or more mating features may be any feature suitable for permanently, temporarily and/or removably retaining one or more entry barriers onto the bezel. One or more mating features may include one or more indentations, protrusions, reciprocal features, and/or the like. One or more mating features of the bezel may receive and/or be received in one or more mating features of one or more mating features. One or more indentations may include one or more grooves. One or more mating features may be formed on one or more surfaces of the bezel. For example, a groove may be formed on the front surface. A mating feature may go about a portion or all of the front surface. A mating feature may partially or completely encircle an opening, an inner flange, or both. A mating feature may be located substantially and/or directly adjacent to an inner flange, bevel, chamber, fillet, edge, or a combination thereof. A mating feature may have a size and/or shape reciprocal to one or more retention tabs of an entry barrier For example, a groove may receive one or more retention tabs of a frame therein to retain a portion of an entry barrier on the bezel. The mating feature may have a shape (e.g., 2D cross-section) which is substantially c-shaped, v-shaped, a portion of a streamlined body shape, a portion of a tear-drop shape, square, rectangular, the like, or any combination thereof. The mating feature may be rounded (e.g., without having defined edges), squared (e.g., having defined edges), or a combination of both. The mating feature may have a depth relative to the overall thickness of a bezel. The thickness of a bezel may be measured as the distance from the front surface to a rear edge of a flange. The depth of a mating feature may be measured as the distance between the front surface outside of the indentation and the front surface at the indentation. The depth of a mating feature may be about 0.05% or greater, about 1% or greater, about 1.5% or greater, or even about 2% or greater relative to a thickness of a bezel. The depth of a mating feature may be about 5% or less, about 4% or less, or even about 3.5% or less relative to a thickness of a bezel.

The bezel may be comprised of one or more materials suitable for exposure to litter, waste, moisture, fumes, and the like. Examples of materials that can be used are rubber, plastic, metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof. The bezel may be made of the same or a different material as the bonnet, base, chamber, or any combination thereof.

The bezel may include one or more mounts. One or more mounts may function to retain one or more controllers, sensors, electrical connections, the like, or any combination thereof. The bezel may include one or more mounts extending therefrom, into a gap (e.g., interior gap) of the bezel, into an interior of a bezel, to an exterior of the bezel, or a combination thereof. One or more mounts may be part of and/or affixed to and/or integral with an interior bezel, exterior bezel, or any combination thereof. One or more mounts may include one or more sensor mounts, controller mounts, or both. One or more sensor mounts may include one or more sensor boards, controllers, or both. One or more sensor mounts may retain one or more sensors. One or more sensor mounts may be located within an interior, exterior, or both of the bezel. One or more control mounts may house and/or retain one or more control panels and/or user interfaces. One or more control mounts may be located within an interior, exterior, or both of the bezel. One or more control mounts may be the same or separate from one or more sensor mounts. One or more mounts may be located anywhere within a bezel suitable for having one or more components mounted thereon. One or more mounts may be located at the top of a bezel, bottom of a bezel, sides of a bezel, or any combination thereof. One or more mounts may be located at or near a top portion of a bezel. A top portion of a bezel may be the portion of the bezel located above the entry opening, on an opposite side of the entry opening as a waste drawer, on a same side of an entry opening as a bonnet, or any combination thereof. By being located at or near a top portion of a bezel, the mount may suitable support one or more sensors such that they have a line of sight into an interior of a chamber, may be near a support and/or drive source of an entry barrier to support an electrical connection with a controller, or both.

One or more computing devices may include one or more user interfaces. The one or more user interfaces may function to display information related to a litter device, receive user inputs related to the litter device, transmit information related to the litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more user interfaces may be located on the litter device, a separate computing device, or both. The one or more user interfaces may be part of the bezel, chamber, bonnet, base, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more user interfaces may be at least partially housed within the bezel. The one or more interfaces may be partially located on and/or be an exterior surface (e.g., front surface, outer flange) of the bezel. One or more user interfaces may include one or more graphic user interfaces, speakers, microphones, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more user interfaces may be part of one or more computing devices. One or more user interfaces may include one or more interfaces capable of relaying information (e.g., data entries) to a user, receiving information (e.g., data signals) from a user, or both. One or more user interfaces may display and/or otherwise information related to the litter device. One or more user interfaces may display information from one or more algorithms. The user interface may allow for inputting of information related to the litter device. Information may include a user name, password, one or more instruction signals, the like, or any combination thereof.

The one or more user interfaces may include one or more graphic user interfaces. The one or more graphic interfaces may include one or more screens. The one or more screens may be a screen located directly on the litter device, another computing device, or both. The one or more screens may be a screen on a mobile computing device, non-mobile computing device, or both. The one or more screens may be a screen affixed to the bezel. The one or more graphic interfaces may include and/or be in communication with one or more user input devices. The one or more user input devices may allow for receiving one or more inputs (e.g., instruction signals) from a user. The one or more input devices may include one or more buttons, wheels, keyboards, switches, touchscreens, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more input devices may be integrated with a graphic interface. The one or more input devices may include one or more touch-sensitive monitor screens. The one or more screens may include LCD, LED, OLED, EPD, PDP, the like, or any combination thereof. EPD (electrophoretic display) may be referred to as e-ink. E-ink may be beneficial in providing a rugged and low power consumption screen. E-ink may be shatter proof, flexible to allow the display to be designed with the same contours of the device (such as the bezel), sunlight readable, easy on the eyes, allow for wide-angle viewing, and even maintaining the display after power has been removed (e.g., bistable). For example, in case of power outage when a failure notification was displayed on the interface, the failure notification will remain displayed.

The litter device may include one or more speakers. The one or more speakers may provide audio feedback of one or more processes, notifications, and the like of the litter device. The one or more speakers may be located in any part of the litter device suitable for housing a speaker. The one or more speakers may be located and/or affixed to the bezel, bonnet, base, chamber, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the one or more speakers may be located within the bezel. The one or more speakers may be in communication with one or more user interfaces, control panels, controllers, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more speakers may audibly project information relayed from and/or received by one or more user interfaces.

The litter device may include one or more microphones. The one or more microphones may function to receive audio from one or more individuals, animals, or both. The one or more microphones may cooperate with one or more speakers, sensors (e.g., image sensor), graphic user interfaces, controllers, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more microphones may be located in any part of the litter device suitable for housing a microphone. One or more microphones may be located and/or affixed to the bezel, bonnet, base, chamber, the like, or a combination thereof. A microphone dedicated to receiving vocal commands from an individual may be located on an exterior of the litter device. A microphone dedicated to recording sounds from an animal within the chamber may be located within an exterior of the litter device. The one or more microphones may transmit information to one or more controllers.

The automated litter device may include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may function to detect one or more conditions of the device, near the device, or both. The one or more sensors may be located in any one or more portions of the litter device which may allow for a sensor to detect the presence and/or absence of one or more conditions of the one or more components. One or more sensors may be located adjacent to and/or opposite an entry opening, in proximity and/or affixed to a drive source, near one or more pinch points, within or part of a bonnet, part of base, within or affixed to the chamber, within or part of a base, or any combination thereof. One or more sensors may be located within or on a bezel. One or more sensors may be located opposite an entry opening, within the chamber, in close proximity and/or concentric with a rotational axis, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more sensors may be located adjacent to an entry opening, opposite the base, a same side of a chamber as a waste opening, same side of a chamber as an upper chamber, or any combination thereof. One or more sensors may be located on a sensor board within a bezel, chamber, or both. The angle of the opening plane relative to a vertical plane may result in one or more sensors being located over the litter, having a line of sight into the litter, over a hollow interior of the chamber, having a line of sight into a hollow interior, over the waste drawer opening, having a line of sight into the waste drawer (e.g., via the waste opening), or any combination thereof. One or more sensors may be located on or near one or more legs and/or feet of a base. For example, the one or more legs and/or feet of a base may include one or more mass and/or weight sensors. on the one or more conditions sensed, one or more sensors may transit one or more signals to one or more controllers, processors, communication modules, computing devices, or any combination thereof. Based on the one or more conditions sensed, one or more sensors may transit one or more signals to one or more controllers, processors, communication modules, computing devices, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensors may be a single sensor or a plurality of sensors. One or more sensors may include 1 or more, 2 or more, or even 3 or more sensors. One or more sensors may include 15 or less, 12 or less, 10 or less, 9 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, or even 5 or less sensors.

One or more sensors may be adapted to detect one or more conditions related to: a mass, change in mass, or both of the litter device; a presence of litter, the amount of litter, a change in litter condition, a certain litter condition or a combination thereof, a presence of waste, a level of waste, or both; the presence of light, light above, at, and/or below a lumen level, or a combination thereof, a connection between two or more components of the device (e.g., support base and bonnet); the presence of one or more pinch conditions; one or more positions of a chamber; an operating condition of a motor; presence and/or absence of an animal within one or more portions of the litter device; a presence and/or absence of an animal within a proximity of the litter device; the presence and/or absence of a pre-determined animal within a proximity of the litter device; or any combination thereof. One or more sensors may be adapted to sense the presence of an animal within a chamber, the presence of waste within a waste bin in a base, a level of litter in a chamber, a position of the chamber relative to the base, or any combination thereof. One or more sensors may be adapted to sense the presence of an animal within the litter device and within a portion other than the chamber. One or more sensors may be able to sense presence, measure distance, measure a displacement, detection a position relative to one or more components of the automated litter device, or any combination thereof.

One or more sensors may include one or more image sensors, mass sensors, capacitive sensors, infrared sensors, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, membrane sensors, radio frequency (RF) admittance sensors, radio frequency sensors, conductive sensors, optical interface sensors, microwave sensors, the like, or combination thereof. One or more sensors (e.g., laser sensors, infrared sensors) may include time-of-flight sensors. One or more laser sensors may include one or more cone sensors. One or more cone sensors may include one or more wide cone sensors, narrow cone sensors, or both. The one or more sensors may include one or more waste sensors (e.g., indicator), presence sensors, identification sensors, litter condition sensors, light sensors, interlock sensors, pinch detectors, position sensors, motor sensors (e.g., one or more laser sensors, distance sensors,) or any combination thereof. One or more sensors may provide the function of multiple sensors. For example, one or more waste sensors may also be one or more presence sensors. One or more exemplary sensors may be discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,757,094; US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2013/0333625 and 2019/0364840; and PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/029776 (Published as PCT Publication No. WO 2020/219849A1), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

The litter device may include one or more litter condition sensors. The one or more litter condition sensors may function to detect a change in the litter. The change may be a color, pH, presence of blood, or other condition. The one or more litter condition sensors may be located anywhere within the litter device such that the one or more litter condition sensors sense one or more condition changes of litter after use by an animal, prior to a cleaning cycle, or both. The one or more litter condition sensors may be located in and/or on a chamber, bezel, in proximity to an entry opening, in a rear of the chamber, or any combination thereof. The one or more litter condition sensors may be mounted to a sensor mount within a bezel. The one or more litter condition sensors may include one or more image sensors. The one or more image sensors may be part of a camera module. The one or more image sensors may include one or more CMOS (active-pixel sensor) sensors, CCD (charged-coupled device) sensors, or both. CMOS sensors may provide a more cost-friendly image sensor with lower power consumption. CCD sensors may provide for high end streaming quality. The one or more image sensors may also be useful as one or more presence sensors, waste sensors, identification sensors, or any combination thereof. For example, through facial recognition technology, the one or more image sensors may function as one or more identification sensors. The one or more image sensors may cooperate with a color-changing litter. For example, PrettyLitter® by Pretty Litter, Inc. and/or litter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,076,577, may be a suitable litter, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The one or more image sensors may be able to detect one or more color changes in the litter based on the PH of the waste excrement, the presence of blood in the waste excrement, or both. For example, the one or more image sensors may be able to detect blue, orange, yellow, green, pink, and red coloring to identify the status of the waste excrement and thus the animal. The one or more image sensors may relay the sensed condition (e.g., litter condition) to one or more controllers, one or more controllers may retrieve a sensed condition from the one or more image sensors, or both. Based on detection of the one or more litter conditions, the litter device (e.g., controller) may relay one or more signals to one or more computing devices via a network. One or more signals may result in one or more notifications to a user interface to alert an individual (e.g., pet owner) of a health issue of the animal. Health issues may include urinary tract infections, metabolic acidosis, kidney tubular acidosis, bladder inflammation, bladder stones, the like, or any combination thereof. Based on detection of the one or more litter conditions, the controller may instruct one or more entry barriers to move into and/or maintain a closed position, prevent a cleaning cycle, or both. By preventing a cleaning cycle and/or preventing entry of one or more animals, a user may be able to view the waste excrement indicative of a health condition while in the chamber, remove and collect the waste excrement from the chamber, or both. This may be useful for easily viewing, collecting, and/or transporting the waste excrement, such as to a veterinarian for further testing. The one or more image sensors may also be useful in providing one or more live video streams or saved video streams for viewing. The video streams may be useful to identify if an animal is properly eliminating waste, struggling to eliminate waste (e.g., constipation or other pain), if the animal has a tendency to enter in a certain position, and the like.

The litter device may include one or more identification sensors. The one or more identification sensors may function to identify the presence and/or absence of a pre-determined animal within a proximity of the litter device. The one or more identification sensors may be located anywhere within the litter device such that the one or more identification sensors are able to detect a proximity of a pre-determined animal, identification tag, or both. The one or more identification sensors may be located in and/or on the base, waste drawer, chamber, bezel, in proximity to an entry opening, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more identification sensors may be located on a sensor mount in the bezel. The one or more identification sensors may be any type of sensor suitable for detecting and monitoring the arrival, presence, departure, and/or absence of one or more identification tags, pre-determined animals, or both. The one or more identification sensors may include one or more radio frequency transmitters, barcode readers, Bluetooth transmitters, nearfield communication transmitters, microchip scanners, image sensors, the like, or any combination thereof. The microchip scanners may be able to read frequencies from 110 kHz to 150 kHz (e.g., 134.2 kHz (ISO), 128 kHz and 125 kHz). The one or more identification sensors may have a sensing field. A sensing field may be a distance and/or range from an identification sensor such a signal is able to be received and/or transmitted. A sensing field may be measured as a distance from the sensor to where a signal can be transmitted and/or retrieved (e.g., the image sensor may be the center of the sensing field, the radius may be the distance of the sensing field). A sensing field may have a range of about 2 feet or greater, about 3 feet or greater, about 4 feet or greater, or even about 5 feet or greater. A sensing field may have a range of about 25 feet or less, about 20 feet or less, about 15 feet or less, or even about 10 feet or less. A sensing field may have a range suitable for sensing presence of an animal within a room of a residential home. One or more identification sensors may cooperate with one or more identification tags.

One or more identification tags may function to identify an animal. An animal may be identified generically or specifically. Generically may mean that any animal wearing an identification tag may be permitted within the litter device. Specifically may mean that an identification tag is associated with an identity of an animal. Specifically may mean that one or more animals with an identification tag may be permitted within the litter device, one or more animals with an identification tag may not be permitted within the litter device, or both. Specifically may mean that an identity of an animal may be correlated with their waste eliminate habits within the litter device. One or more identification tags may be located on and/or inside of the animal. One or more identification tags may include one or more radio frequency tags, barcodes, Bluetooth tags, microchips, QR codes, near-field communication tags, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more identification tags may be compatible with the one or more identification sensors. For example, a Bluetooth tag may cooperate with a Bluetooth transmitter. As another example, a microchip may cooperate with a microchip scanner. An animal wearing an identification tag entering and/or exiting the sensing field of the one or more identification sensors may trigger one or more actions of the litter device. One or more actions may include activating one or more or more cleaning cycles, preventing one or more cleaning cycles, opening an entry barrier, closing an entry barrier, or any combination thereof.

The litter device may include one or more waste sensors. The one or more waste sensors may function to detect a predetermined level, a real-time level, or both of waste, litter, or both (e.g., contents) within a waste drawer, chamber, or both. The one or more waste sensors may be located anywhere within the litter device such that the one or more waste sensors may sense a level of contents within a waste drawer. The one or more waste sensors may be located in and/or on a base, waste drawer, chamber, bezel, in proximity to an entry opening, or a combination thereof. The one or more waste sensors may include a single sensor a plurality of sensors. The one or more waste sensors may include 1 or more, 2 or more, or even 3 or more sensors. The one or more waste sensors may include 5 or less or even 4 or less sensors. For example, the one or more waste sensors may include a single sensor. As another example, the one or more waste sensors may include 2 sensors. As another example, the one or more waste sensors may include 3 sensors. The one or more waste sensors may be any type of sensor suitable for detecting, and/or monitoring a level of contents within a waste drawer. One suitable waste sensor is one or more laser sensors. Some suitable waste sensor and configurations may be that of one or more indicators as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,433,185, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Exemplary combinations of one or more waste sensors may include two or more infrared sensors opposing one another, one or more laser beams, a laser beam sensor and infrared sensor combination, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more waste sensors may be located within, on, or in proximity to a waste drawer. Alternatively, or in addition, to sensing the presence of waste, one or more waste sensors may sense the presence of an animal at least partially within a waste drawer. One waste sensor may include a light beam transmitter and one waste sensor may include a light beam detector. The light beam transmitter may relay a light beam to the light beam detector such that the light beam is detected. A waste drawer may be indicated as at least partially full once the waste within the drawer interferes with the light beam, such that the light beam is no longer detected by the light beam detector. The presence of an animal within a waste drawer may be indicated when at least a portion of the animal interferes with the light beam, such that the light beam is no longer detected by the light beam detector.

Another example of a waste sensor may include one or more sensors affixed near an entry opening of the chamber, an interior upper surface of a bezel, a sensor mount, an interior upper surface of the chamber opposite a waste drawer, an interior of the chamber opposite the entry opening, an interior of the chamber aligned with a rotational axis, or any combination thereof. The one or more waste sensors may be assembled to a bezel, located in a gap of a bezel, on a sensor mount of a bezel, part of a sensor board, or any combination thereof. The one or more waste sensors may include one or more cone sensors. One or more cone sensors may include a single or a plurality of cone sensors. One or more cone sensors may include one or more wide cone sensors, narrow cone sensors, or a combination thereof. As an example, the one or more waste sensors may include two wide cone sensors and one narrow cone sensor. As another example, the one or more waste sensors may include one narrow cone sensor. The one or more waste sensors may be arranged in proximity to one or more presence sensors. For example, the one or more waste sensors may be arranged on a same sensor board as one or more presence sensors. The one or more waste sensors may be arranged with one or more presence sensors to form an array (line), cross, triangle, square, circle, the like, or a combination thereof on a sensor board. For example, a waste sensor may be located between two presence sensors on the sensor board. The one or more laser sensors may be arranged to have a line of sight into a waste drawer. The one or more sensors may be located on an upper portion of a bezel (e.g., opposite a base) to have a line of sight into the chamber, the waste opening, or both. The line of sight may be enabled by an angle of the opening plane, rotational axis of the chamber, or both. The line of sight may be enabled by the size and shape of the entry opening. The one or more sensors may have a line a sight over a waste drawer, waste bin, opening of a chamber support, surface of a litter bed, or any combination thereof. The one or more laser sensors may have a line of sight onto a surface of a litter bed in a chamber when the chamber is in a home position. The one or more laser sensors may have line of sight into a waste bin when a waste opening is aligned with a waste drawer. The chamber may rotate such that the waste opening is aligned with the waste drawer. This alignment may occur during a cleaning cycle, when a chamber is in an emptying position, or both.

The litter device may include one or more presence sensors. The one or more presence sensors may function to monitor a mass in the litter device, such as a mass within the chamber; a presence of an animal within the litter device; a level of litter within the chamber; or any combination thereof. A presence sensor may continuously, intermittently, or both monitor a mass, presence, litter level, or any combination thereof. The presence sensor may be located at any location in the device so that any change in mass of the litter device, change in presence of an animal within the device, or both may be detected. The presence sensor may be located at a location in the device so that rotation of the chamber may be prevented if additional mass over a predetermined mass is located within the chamber, if an animal is detected within the chamber, or both. The predetermined mass may be a mass over a mass of litter within a unit, a mass set by a user, below a mass of an animal, or any combination thereof. The presence sensor may include one or more resistors, force sensors, switches, controllers, microprocessors, laser sensors, or a combination thereof. The one or more presence sensors may be located anywhere within the litter device such that the one or more presence sensors may detect the presence of an animal within the chamber, may detect a level of litter within the chamber, or both. The one or more presence sensors may be located in and/or on a base, chamber, bezel, in proximity to an entry opening, or a combination thereof. The one or more presence sensors may include a single sensor a plurality of sensors. The one or more presence sensors may include 1 or more, 2 or more, or even 3 or more sensors. The one or more presence sensors may include 5 or less or even 4 or less sensors. For example, the one or more presence sensors may include a single sensor. For example, the one or more presence sensors may include 2 sensors. As another example, the one or more presence sensors may include 3 sensors. The one or more presence sensors may be any type of sensor suitable for detecting the presence of an animal, the level of litter, or both. One suitable presence sensor is one or more laser sensors. Another suitable presence sensor is one or more mass sensors. Two or more variations of presence sensors may cooperate together to sense a presence of an animal within the chamber. For example, one or more laser sensors (e.g., infrared, time-of-flight, etc.) located on a sensor mount in the bezel may cooperate with one or more mass sensors located on one or more feet of the litter device. Another example of a suitable presence sensor and configuration within a litter device may be the mass sensor as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,433,185 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

One or more presence sensors may include one or more sensors affixed near an entry opening of the chamber, an interior upper surface of a bezel, an interior upper surface of the chamber opposite a waste drawer, or any combination thereof. The one or more waste sensors may be assembled to a bezel, located in a gap of a bezel, on a sensor mount of a bezel, part of a sensor board, or any combination thereof. The one or more presence sensors may include, be separate from, be the same as, be adjacent to, be in proximity to, or a combination thereof one or more waste sensors. The one or more sensors may include one or more cone sensors. One or more cone sensors may include a single or a plurality of cone sensors. One or more cone sensors may include one or more wide cone sensors, narrow cone sensors, or a combination thereof. One or more cone sensors may include two wide cone sensors, a single narrow cone sensor, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more presence sensors may include two wide cone sensors. As another example, one or more presence sensors may include two wide cone sensors and a narrow cone sensor. One or more of the presence sensors may also be or function as one or more waste sensors. For example, a narrow cone sensor may be both a presence sensor and a waste sensor. As an alternative, one or more presence sensors may not function as waste sensors. The one or more presence sensors may be arranged in proximity to one or more waste sensors. For example, the one or more presence sensors may be arranged on a same sensor board as one or more waste sensors. The one or more presence sensors may be arranged with one or more waste sensors to form an array (line), cross, triangle, square, circle, the like, or a combination thereof on a sensor board. For example, two presence sensors may have a waste sensor therebetween. The one or more laser sensors may be arranged to have a line of sight into an interior of the chamber, across an entry opening, over all or a majority of an upper surface of a litter bed, or any combination thereof. The line of sight may be enabled by an angle of the opening plane, rotational axis of the chamber, or both. The line of sight may be enabled by the size and shape of the entry opening. The one or more sensors may have a line of sight onto a majority of an exposed surface of the litter. The line of sight over the exposed surface may allow for the one or more sensors to detect a presence of an animal in most any part of the chamber, the litter level, or both. The line of sight over the majority of the exposed surface may allow for accounting for an uneven surface of the litter. The presence sensor may sense the presence of an animal entering and/or exiting the chamber by a beam breaking at an entry opening, a laser breaking above an upper surface of a litter bed, and/or the like.

The litter device may include one or more light sensors. The one or more light sensors may function to detect a light level within the litter device, about the outside surface of the litter device (e.g., ambient light), or both. The one or more light sensors may be any sensor suitable for detecting light within the litter device, outside of the litter device, or both. The one or more light sensors may be any sensor suitable for detecting a light reading below a predetermined lumen level. The one or more light sensors may be any sensor for detecting a lumen level of light detected. The one or more light sensors may be in direct or indirect connection with one or more lights. Reading of a light level below a predetermined lumen level may cause one or more lights within the litter device to turn on. Reading of a light level at one or more lumen levels may adjust the intensity of the one or more lights within the litter device. The one or more light sensors may cooperate with one or more other sensors, such as a mass sensor, presence sensor, image sensor, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more lights within the litter device may turn on if a light level below a predetermined lumen level is detected by one or more or more light sensors and a mass above a predetermined mass level is detected by one or more mass sensors. Exemplary suitable light sensors and configurations within a litter device may be as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,185 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The one or more light sensors may be in communication with one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more light sensors may be directly and/or indirectly connected to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more light sensors may relay one or more signals related to a monitored light level to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more light sensors may relay the presence of light at, below, or above a predetermined lumen level, a lumen level, and/or a lumen level range to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. A signal from one or more light sensors relayed to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof related to a light level within or outside of the litter device may be referred to as a light signal.

The automated litter device may include one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may function to receive one or more signals, transmit one or more signals, control operations of one or more components of the litter device, or a combination thereof. The one or more controllers may be in direct and/or indirect electrical communication with one or more sensors, the entry barrier, a drive mechanism, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may be adapted to receive one or more signals from the one or more sensors. The one or more controllers may be in communication with one or more sensors. The one or more controllers may be in electrical communication with one or more sensors. The one or more controllers may interpret one or more signals from one or more sensors as one or more status signals. The one or more controllers may automatically receive, interpret, and/or transmit one or more signals. The one or more controllers may automatically control one or more operations of one or more components upon receive of one or more signals or instructions. The one or more controllers may reside within or be in communication with the litter device. The one or more controllers may be located within or affixed to a support base, chamber, bezel, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may include one or more controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, processors, storage mediums, or a combination thereof. One or more suitable controllers may include one or more controllers, microprocessors, or both as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,757,094; and 9,433,185, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The one or more controllers may be in communication with and/or include one or more communication modules. The one or more controllers may include one or more processors, storage mediums, or both.

The automated litter device may include one or more communication modules. The one or more communication modules may allow for the litter device to receive and/or transmit one or more signals from one or more computing devices, be integrated into a network, or both. The one or more communication modules may have any configuration which may allow for one or more data signals from one or more controllers to be relayed to one or more other controllers, communication modules, communication hubs, networks, computing devices, processors, the like, or any combination thereof located external of the litter device. The one or more communication modules may include one or more wired communication modules, wireless communication modules, or both. A wired communication module may be any module capable of transmitting and/or receiving one or more data signals via a wired connection. One or more wired communication modules may communicate via one or more networks via a direct, wired connection. A wired connection may include a local area network wired connection by an ethernet port. A wired communication module may include a PC Card, PCMCIA card, PCI card, the like, or any combination thereof. A wireless communication module may include any module capable of transmitting and/or receiving one or more data signals via a wireless connection. One or more wireless communication modules may communicate via one or more networks via a wireless connection. One or more wireless communication modules may include a Wi-Fi transmitter, a Bluetooth transmitter, an infrared transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter, an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant transmitter, the like, or any combination thereof. A Wi-Fi transmitter may be any transmitter complaint with IEEE 802.11. A communication module may be single band, multi-band (e.g., dual band), or both. A communication module may operate at 2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz, the like, or a combination thereof. A communication module may communicate with one or more other communication modules, computing devices, processors, or any combination thereof directly; via one or more communication hubs, networks, or both; via one or more interaction interfaces; or any combination thereof.

The litter device may include a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may function to rotate a chamber, drive a track, or both; produce movement of a cleaning cycle; or a combination thereof. The drive mechanism may be any suitable mechanism for rotating and/or engaging with a chamber, track, or both. The drive mechanism may be engaged, in rotational communication, or both with the track. The drive mechanism may include one or more cogs, pulleys, sprockets, gears, belts, direct drives, motors, drive shafts, the like, or any combination thereof. The drive mechanism may include a drive source. The drive source may convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The drive source may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source. A power source may be an outlet, direct current, alternating current, the like, or a combination thereof. A drive source may be a motor or other power supply. The drive source may be an electronic motor, pneumatic power supply, hydraulic power supply, another power supply, or a combination thereof. The drive source may transfer or produce torque in a drive shaft. The drive source may include a drive shaft. The drive shaft may receive torque from the drive source, output torque, or both. The drive shaft may be in communication with the drive source. The drive shaft may be rotationally affixed to the drive source. The drive source, drive shaft, or both may be in rotational communication with one or more gears. The drive source, drive shaft, or both may transfer torque and/or drive one or more gears. The one or more gears may be configured to engage and/or mate with a track. The one or more gears may transfer torque, drive, or both a track. The one or more gears may include a pinion, spur gear, helical gear, internal gear, the like, or a combination thereof. The drive mechanism may be comprised of materials which are resistant to moisture, vapor, fumes, and the like. Examples of materials that can be used are rubber, plastic, metal, ceramic, or a combination thereof. The drive mechanism may be partially or completely located within a base, base frame, chamber support, or a combination thereof. The drive mechanism may be physically separated from the drawer cavity such that litter and waste are prevented from coming into contact with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may reside in a pocket within the chamber support. The drive mechanism may reside in the chamber support on a side opposite of the waste drawer, a same side as the chamber, or both. The chamber support may be an isolated mount. A suitable drive mechanism and cooperation with components may be further described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,757,094; and 9,433,185; US Publication No: 2019/0364840; and PCT Patent Application No.: PCT/US2020/029776 (Published as PCT Publication No. WO 2020/219849A1), incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

The drive mechanism may be configured to adjust the rotational speed during a cleaning cycle. An adjustable speed may allow for rotational speed to vary while the chamber rotates in a single direction, optimizing the clean cycle time, eliminate and/or reduce dust exiting the chamber, provide for more equal dispersion of litter within the chamber and/or waste bin; or any combination thereof. The chamber may be rotated at a steady speed, increasing speed, decreasing speed, or any combination thereof during a cleaning cycle. The chamber may be rotated at a higher speed to decrease dust (e.g., litter dust) exiting the chamber. The chamber may be rotated at a lower speed to allow filter to be more slowly filter through a septum and/or screen. The chamber may be rotated at a speed of about 0.25 RPM or greater, about 0.5 RPM or greater, or even about 0.75 RPM or greater. The chamber may be rotated at about 2 RPM or less, about 1.5 RPM or less, or even about 1.0 RPM or less.

The litter device may include one or more filter systems. A suitable filter system and cooperation with components may be further described in PCT Patent Application No.: PCT/US2020/029776 (Published as PCT Publication No. WO 2020/219849A1), incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The filter system may be integrated with one or more sensors and the overall system. The system may be configured to generate one or more notifications with respect to the filter system.

System for Litter Device

The automated litter device may be integrated into a system. The system may allow for monitoring signals from, receiving signals from, and/or sending signals to an automated litter device. The system may allow for sending one or more instruction signals to a litter device. The system may allow for transmitting one or more signals, status signals, or both from the device. The system may allow for storing one or more data entries related to one or more signals. The system may allow for one or more algorithms to be executed remote from the litter device. The system may allow for controlling of one or more operations of an automated litter device while remote from the device. The system may include one or more communication hubs, computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, a smart home system, the like, or any combination thereof.

The automated litter device may be in communication with a communication hub. A communication hub may function to receive one or more signals, transfer one or more signals, or both from one or more other computing devices. The communication hub may be any type of communication hub capable of sending and transmitting data signals over a network to one or a plurality of computing devices. The communication hub may include a wired router, a wireless router, an antenna, a satellite, or any combination thereof. For example, an antenna may include a cellular tower. The communication hub may be connected to the litter device, one or more computing devices, or both a via wired connection, wireless connection, or a combination of both. For example, the communication hub may be in wireless connection with the litter device via the communication module. The communication hub may allow for communication of a computing device with the litter device when the computing device is directly connected to the communication hub, indirectly connected to the communication hub, or both. A direct connection to the communication hub may mean that the computing device is directly connected to the communication hub via a wired and/or wireless connection and communicates with the litter device through the communication hub. An indirect connection to the communication hub may mean that a computing device first communicates with one or more other computing devices via a network before transmitting and/or receive one or more signals to and/or from the communication hub and then to the litter device.

The automated litter device may be integrated into one or more networks. The automated litter device may be in removable communication with one or more networks. The one or more networks may be formed by placing the litter device in communication with one or more other computing devices. One or more networks may include one or more communication hubs, communication modules, computing devices, or a combination thereof as part of the network. One or more networks may be free of one or more communication hubs. One or more computing devices of the system may be directly connected to one another without the use of a communication hub. For example, a communication module of the litter device may be placed in direct communication with a communication module of a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone) without having a communication hub therebetween. One or more networks may be connected to one or more other networks. One or more networks may include one or more local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranet, Internet, Internet of Things (IoT), the like, or any combination thereof. The network may allow for the automated litter device to be in communication with one or more user interfaces remote from the device via the Internet, such as through one or more managed cloud services. An exemplary managed cloud service may include AWS IoT Core by Amazon Web Services®. The network may be temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently connected to one or more computing devices, litter device, or both. A network may allow for one or more computing devices to be temporarily and/or permanently connected to the litter device to transmit one or more data signals to the litter device, receive one or more data signals from the device, or both. The network may allow for one or more signals from one or more controllers to be relayed through the system to one or more other computing devices, processors, storage mediums, the like, or any combination thereof. The network may allow for one or more computing devices to receive one or more data entries from and/or transmit one or more data entries to one or more storage mediums. The network may allow for transmission of one or more signals, status signals, data entries, instruction signals, or any combination thereof for processing by one or more processors.

Devices on the network may communicate via one or more protocols. The one or more protocols may allow for two or more devices part of the network or system to communicate with one another either while in direct or indirect communication, wireless or wired communication, via one or more communication hubs, or any combination thereof. The one or more protocols may be any protocol suitable for use in telecommunications. The one or more protocols may be suitable for wired, wireless, or both communication styles between devices within the network or system. The one or more protocols may allow the devices of the system to be connected to and communication with one another through the Internet. The network and protocols may allow for the devices to be an “Internet of Things” (IoT). The one or more protocols may be those compatible with cloud computing services. Exemplary cloud computing services may include Amazon Web Services®, Microsoft Azure®, Google Cloud®, IBM®, Oracle Cloud®, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more cloud computing services may be managed by one or more managed cloud services. Exemplary protocols may include simple object access protocol (SOAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), user datagram protocol (UDP), message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), Bluetooth low energy (BLE) protocol, IEEE 802 family of standards, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the automated litter device may connect wirelessly to a computing device using one or more protocols. Exemplary protocols may include UDP, BLE, and the like which allow for direct communication between devices. UDP and BLE may even be useful for allowing direct communication with devices without using the Internet as part of the network. As another example, an automated litter device may connect with a dispatch interface, interaction interface, or both via one or more protocols using the Internet. Exemplary protocols for communication from the litter device to a dispatch interface, interaction interface, or both may include UDP, MQTT, REST, and the like. As another example, a dispatch interface, interaction interface, or both may communicate with an authentication portal using one or more protocols either directly or indirectly through the Internet. Exemplary protocols for communication between a dispatch interface or interaction interface and an authentical portal may include REST, SOAP, MQTT, the like, or any combination thereof. Suitable protocols useful as IoT protocols may be those provided by “IoT Standards and Protocols” by Postscapes™ available at https://www.postscapes.com/internet-of-things-protocols/, incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

The automated litter device may include and/or be in communication with one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices may function to receive and/or transmit one or more signals, convert one or more signals to data entries, to send one or more data entries to a storage medium, to store one or more data entries, to retrieve one or more data entries from a storage medium, to compute one or more algorithms, apply one or more rules, or any combination thereof. One or more computing devices may include or be in communication with one or more other computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, interaction devices, the litter device, or any combination thereof. One or more computing devices may communicate with one or more computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, or any combination thereof through an interaction interface, dispatch interface, or both. Communication between computing devices may be controlled or managed via a managed cloud service. The one or more computing devices may include one or more non-transient storage mediums. A non-transient storage medium may include one or more physical servers, virtual servers, or a combination of both. One or more servers may include one or more local servers, remote servers, or both. One or more computing devices may include one or more processors of a litter device, personal computers (e.g., laptop, desktop, etc.), mobile computing devices (e.g., tablet, mobile phone, etc.), or a combination thereof. One or more computing devices may use one or more processors.

One or more computing devices may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may function to analyze one or more signals from the litter device, one or more storage mediums, databases, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may be located within or in communication with one or more computing devices, servers, storage mediums, or any combination thereof. One or more processors may be in communication with one or more other processors. The one or more processors may function to process data, execute one or more algorithms to analyze data, apply one or more rules, evaluate data against one or more rules, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may automatically process data, execute one or more algorithms, apply one or more rules, evaluate data, or a combination thereof, may wait for an instruction or signal such as from a user; or any combination thereof. Processing data may include receiving, transforming, outputting, executing, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more processors may be part of one or more hardware, software, systems, or any combination thereof. One or more hardware processors may include one or more central processing units, multi-core processors, front-end processors, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more software processors may include one or more word processors, document processors, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more system processors may include one or more information processors, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more processors suitable for use within the litter device as part of the one or more controller may include a microcontroller, such as Part No. PIC18F45K22 and/or Part No. PIC18F46J50 produced by Microchip Technology Inc., incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The one or more processors may be located within a same or different non-transient storage medium as one or more storage mediums, other processors, communication modules, communication hubs, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may include one or more cloud-based processors. A cloud-based processor may be part of or in communication with a dispatch interface, an interaction interface, an authentication portal, or a combination thereof. A cloud-based processor may be located remote from a litter device, a computing device, one or more other processors, one or more databases, or any combination thereof. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more processors may reside in a non-transient storage medium located remote from the litter device, computing device, processor, databases, or any combination thereof. One or more cloud-based processors may be accessible via one or more networks. A suitable cloud-based processor may be Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud™ (EC2™) may be provided by Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Another suitable platform for a cloud-based processor may include Lambda™ provided by Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes. The one or more processors may convert data signals to data entries to be saved within one or more storage mediums. The one or more processors may access one or more algorithms to analyze one or more data entries and/or data signals. The one or more processors may access one or more algorithms saved within one or more memory storage mediums. The one or more algorithms being accessed by one or more processors may be located in a same or different storage medium or server as the processor(s).

One or more computing devices may include one or more memory storage mediums. The one or more memory storage mediums may include one or more hard drives (e.g., hard drive memory), chips (e.g., Random Access Memory “RAM)”), discs, flash drives, memory cards, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more storage mediums may include one or more cloud-based storage mediums. A cloud-based storage medium may be located remote from a litter device, a computing device, one or more processors, one or more databases, or any combination thereof. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more storage mediums may reside in a non-transient storage medium located remote from the litter device, computing device, processor, other databases, or any combination thereof. One or more cloud-based storage mediums may be accessible via one or more networks. A suitable cloud-based storage medium may be Amazon S3™ provided by Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. One or more memory storage mediums may store one or more data entries in a native format, foreign format, or both. One or more memory storage mediums may store data entries as objects, files, blocks, or a combination thereof. The one or more memory storage mediums may include one or more algorithms, rules, databases, data entries, the like, or any combination therefore stored therein. The one or more memory storage mediums may store data in the form of one or more databases.

One or more computing devices may include one or more databases. The one or more databases may function to receive, store, and/or allow for retrieval of one or more data entries. The one or more databases may be located within one or more memory storage mediums. The one or more databases may include any type of database able to store digital information. The digital information may be stored within one or more databases in any suitable form using any suitable database management system (DBMS). Exemplary storage forms include relational databases (e.g., SQL database, row-oriented, column-oriented), non-relational databases (e.g., NoSQL database), correlation databases, ordered/unordered flat files, structured files, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more databases may store one or more classifications of data models. The one or more classifications may include column (e.g., wide column), document, key-value (e.g., key-value cache, key-value store), object, graph, multi-model, or any combination thereof. One or more databases may be located within or be part of hardware, software, or both. One or more databases may be stored on a same or different hardware and/or software as one or more other databases. The databases may be located within one or more non-transient storage mediums. One or more databases may be located in a same or different non-transient storage medium as one or more other databases. The one or more databases may be accessible by one or more processors to retrieve data entries for analysis via one or more algorithms. The one or more databases may be one or more cloud-based databases. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more databases may reside in a non-transient storage medium located remote from the litter device. One or more cloud-based databases may be accessible via one or more networks. One or more databases may include one or more databases capable of storing one or more conditions of a litter device, one or more status signals related to a litter device, one or more instruction signals sent to a litter device, one or more users, one or more user accounts, one or more registered litter devices, one or more, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more databases may include a Commands database, Activities database, Device database, Lifetime Cycles database, a User database, a User Computing Device database, a Registered Device database, a User Settings database, the like, or any combination thereof. One suitable database service may be Amazon DynamoDB® offered through Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes.

One or more computing devices may include one or more interaction interfaces. One or more interaction devices may function to transmit and/or relay one or more data signals, data entries, or both from one or more computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, or a combination thereof to one or more other computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, or a combination thereof. One or more interaction interfaces may include one or more application programming interfaces (API). The one or more interaction interfaces may utilize one or more architectures. The one or more architectures of an interaction interface may be one or more web service architectures useful for requesting, receiving and/or transmitting one or more data signals, data entries, or both from one or more other remotely located computing devices connected via one or more networks (e.g., web-based resources). One or more web service architectures may include Representation State Transfer (REST), gRPC, the like, or any combination thereof. One suitable interaction interface which is a REST API may be Amazon API Gateway™ provided by Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. The one or more interaction interfaces may utilize one or more protocols for transmitting and/or receiving one or more data signals, data entries, or both. One or more protocols may include simple object access protocol (SOAP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), user datagram protocol (UDP), message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), the like, or any combination thereof.

The system in which the litter device is integrated into may include and/or be connected to one or more authentication controls. One or more authentication controls may function to control access of a user to one or more litter devices, computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, interaction interfaces, e-commerce platforms, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more authentication controls may be in communication with one or more components of the system via one or more networks. The one or more authentication controls may communicate with one or more other components of the system via one or more interaction interfaces. The one or more authentication controls may receive one or more user credentials via one or more user interfaces of one or more computing devices. One or more user credentials may include one or more data entries related to one or more user accounts. One or more user credentials may include one or more user login identifications (e.g., “user ID”), passwords, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more authentication controls may include one or more authentication algorithms. The one or more authentication algorithms may compare the one or more user credentials provided via a user interface with one or more data entries residing within one or more databases, such as a User Database and/or User Settings Database. If the one or more user credentials match one or more data entries, the one or more authentication algorithms may instruct one or more computing devices, processors, or both to allow a user to access one or more data entries, receive one or more data signals, transmit one or more instruction signals, or any combination thereof. A suitable authentication control may include Amazon Cognito™ available through Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. One or more authentication controls may cooperate with one or more e-commerce platforms. One or more authentication controls may authenticate one or more users based on one or more user credentials received from one or more e-commerce platforms, stored within one or more databases of one or more e-commerce platforms, or both.

The system in which the litter device is integrated may include and/or be connected to one or more e-commerce platforms. The one or more e-commerce platforms may function establish one or more user accounts, edit one or more user accounts, authenticate one or more users, allow for purchase of one or more litter devices, or any combination thereof. An exemplary e-commerce platform may include Magento® sold by Magento Inc. The one or more e-commerce platforms include one or more authentication portals. The one or more authentication portals may allow for one or more e-commerce platforms to be placed into communication with one or more components of the system. The one or more e-commerce platforms may allow for an e-commerce platform to be placed in communication with one or more interaction interfaces, computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, dispatch interfaces, litter devices, or any combination thereof. The one or more authentication portals may include communication between one or more authentication controls and one or more e-commerce platforms. The one or more authentication portals may allow for one or more user credentials entered via one or more authentication controls to be verified via one or more e-commerce platforms, vice-versa, or both. The system in which the litter device is integrated may include and/or be connected to one or more e-commerce platforms. The one or more e-commerce platforms may function establish one or more user accounts, edit one or more user accounts, authenticate one or more users, allow for purchase of one or more litter devices, or any combination thereof. An exemplary e-commerce platform may include Magento® sold by Magento Inc. The one or more e-commerce platforms include one or more authentication portals. The one or more authentication portals may allow for one or more e-commerce platforms to be placed into communication with one or more components of the system. The one or more e-commerce platforms may allow for an e-commerce platform to be placed in communication with one or more interaction interfaces, computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, dispatch interfaces, litter devices, or any combination thereof. The one or more authentication portals may include communication between one or more authentication controls and one or more e-commerce platforms. The one or more authentication portals may allow for one or more user credentials entered via one or more authentication controls to be verified via one or more e-commerce platforms, vice-versa, or both. A controller may cooperate with a litter dispenser, level of litter, maintenance notifications or any combination thereof to initiate a purchase via the e-commerce platform. For example, at a certain level of litter within the chamber, dispenser, or both, the controller may automate purchasing of litter via the e-commerce platform. As another example, after a notification, the controller may initiate a purchase of replacement components (e.g., filters) via the e-commerce platform. The controller may automatically initiate the purchase or cooperate with a user interface to allow for approval of the purchase by a user.

One or more computing devices may include one or more user interfaces. The one or more user interfaces may function to display information related to a litter device, receive user inputs related to the litter device, transmit information related to the litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more user interfaces may be located on the litter device, a separate computing device, or both. One or more user interfaces may be part of one or more computing devices. The litter device may be in communication with a single user interface or a plurality of user interfaces. One or more user interfaces may include one or more interfaces capable of relaying information (e.g., data entries) to a user, receiving information (e.g., data signals) from a user, or both. One or more user interfaces may display information related to the litter device. One or more user interfaces may display information from one or more algorithms. The user interface may allow for inputting of information related to the litter device. Information may include a user name, password, one or more instruction signals, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more user interfaces may include one or more graphic user interfaces. The one or more graphic interfaces may include one or more screens. The one or more screens may be a screen located directly on the litter device, another computing device, or both. The one or more screens may be a screen on a mobile computing device, non-mobile computing device, or both. The one or more screens may be part of a smart home control center device. The one or more graphic interfaces may include and/or be in communication with one or more user input devices. The one or more user input devices may allow for receiving one or more inputs (e.g., instruction signals) from a user. The one or more input devices may include one or more buttons, wheels, keyboards, switches, touchscreens, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more input devices may be integrated with a graphic interface. The one or more input devices may include one or more touch-sensitive monitor screens.

The system may include and/or be part of a smart home system. The smart home system may function to remotely control one or more appliances and devices within the home. The smart home system may include any of the system and/or network components. The smart home system may include one or more user interfaces, servers and/or other computing devices, home control devices, cleaning devices, control hubs, lights, temperature controls, motion sensors, security system, the like, or any combination thereof. The smart home system may function to control one or more appliances and/or devices based on one or more actions by a litter device. The smart home system may function to control one or more actions of a litter device based on one or more inputs into a user interface and/or sensed conditions within the home. The smart home system may receive a signal that a cleaning cycle has occurred. For example, a communication module of the litter device may communicate to the smart home system via a communication module and network. After a cleaning cycle, the smart home system may initiate one or more cleaning devices to automatically clean (e.g., vacuum) the area in proximity to the litter device. The smart home system may initiate one or more actions via sending one or more signals over a network to a communication hub and module. The actions may be of one or more cleaning devices, other home devices, a litter device, and/or the like. The smart home system may have sensors to sense the presence of an animal within the same room of a litter device. The smart home system may initiate opening of an entry barrier, turning on of room lights and/or litter device lights, or both upon an animal being sensed within the same room as the litter device. The smart home system may initiate closing of an entry barrier, turning off of room lights and/or litter device lights, or both upon an animal being sensed leaving the same room as the litter device. The smart home system may initiate one or more functions of one or more temperature controls, furnace systems, vent/fan systems, air conditioning systems, or any combination thereof based on one or more cleaning cycles or other signals from a litter device (i.e., indicating an animal has used the litter device). For example, the smart home system may initiate one or more fans to provide air flow and allow for malodors to quickly dissipate after use by an animal. The smart home system may cooperate with the litter device to track habits and health of an animal. Exemplary systems that can be implemented into this system or that the system of the present teachings can be integrated into are discussed in US Publication Nos: 2016/0170389, 2016/0294630, 2017/0244574, 2018/0322405, 2019/0132396, 2020/0112453; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,820,315, 10,467,879, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Exemplary systems and services that can be integrated with the system of the present teachings include: Echo® and Alexa® by Amazon Technologies, Inc.; Nest® and Assistant® by Google, LLC; Sonos One by Sonos, Inc.; Roomba® vacuum cleaners by iRobot Corporation; incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

One or more computing devices may include one or more algorithms stored therein. For example, one or more algorithms may be stored within one or more storage mediums of an interaction interface. The one or more algorithms may function to analyze one or more signals, determine one or more conditions of the litter device, relay one or more conditions to one or more user interfaces, receive one or more instructions from one or more user interfaces, initiate one or more operations, identify one or more faults, or any combination thereof. The one or more algorithms may be executed automatically by the one or more computing devices (e.g., processors of the computing device), may wait for an input for a user, or both. A sensed condition may cause one or more algorithms to be executed automatically. One or more algorithms may include one or more waste detection algorithms, waste drawer algorithms, animal health algorithms, fault algorithms, instruction algorithms, filter system notifications, or a combination thereof. One or more suitable algorithms may be discussed in US Publication 2019/0364840, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

One or more algorithms may include one or more filter system algorithms. The one or more filter system algorithms may function to convert one or more filter signals to one or more filter status signals, estimate how many cleaning cycles are available before one or more filters may need changing, estimate if a filter system needs to be started to provide for airflow and remove malodor from the litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more filter system algorithms may be accessible by one or more processors. The one or more processors may be located within the device (e.g., controller), remote from the device (e.g., cloud-based processor), or both. The one or more filter system algorithms may instruct one or more processors to reset one or more cycle counts, aggregate one or more cycle counts, and the like. The one or more filter systems may be initiated upon changing a filter, running a filter system, execution and/or completion of a cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof. The one or more filter system algorithms may include a pre-determined cycle count before initiating a filter system notification and/or action. The pre-determined cycle count may be a number of cleaning cycles before a filter should be changed, filter system should be initiated, or any combination thereof. The filter system notification may be a notification received by the one or more user interfaces. The filter system notification may indicate to a user the need to change and/or clean a filter, other maintenance needed by the filer system, or any combination thereof.

Illustrative Embodiment(s)

The following descriptions of the Figures are provided to illustrate the teachings herein but are not intended to limit the scope thereof. Features illustrated in one figure may be combined with features illustrated in another figure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates a litter device 12. The litter device 12 includes a chamber 14 supported by a base 15. The litter device 12 includes a bonnet 32. The bonnet 32 covers a portion of the chamber 14. The bonnet 32 is affixed to the base 15. The litter device 12 includes an entry opening 34. The entry opening 34 is formed by aligned openings in the bezel 38, the chamber 14, and partially formed in the bonnet 32 and base 15. The bezel 38 is annular and defines a portion of the entry opening 34. The entry opening 34 is able to be covered by an entry barrier 76. FIG. 1 illustrates the entry barrier 76 in an open position OP. FIG. 2 illustrates the entry barrier 76 in a closed position CP. The entry barrier 76 includes a first barrier portion 76a and a second barrier portion 76b. The second barrier portion 76b is rotatable about a rotational axis AR_B. The second barrier portion 76b is located behind the first barrier portion 76a when the entry barrier 76 is in the open position OP. In the open position OP, at least a portion of the entry opening 34 is exposed. In the open position OP, an animal may be able to enter an interior of the chamber 14. The second barrier portion 76b is rotatable about the rotational axis AR_B. The second barrier portion 76b is located below the first barrier portion 76a when the entry barrier 76 is in the closed position CP. In the closed position CP, the entry opening 34 is completely blocked by the entry barrier 76. In the closed position CP, the entry barrier 76 blocks entry of an animal into an interior of the chamber 14.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a cross-section of the entry barrier 76 and bezel 38 while the entry barrier 76 is in the closed position CP. The entry barrier 76 includes a first barrier portion 76a. The entry barrier includes a second barrier portion 76b. The entry barrier 76 may include a support 77. In FIG. 3, the second barrier portion 76b is located between the first barrier portion 76a and support 77. In FIG. 4, the second barrier portion 76b is located between the first barrier portion 76a and the drive source 100 (e.g., directly adjacent to the first barrier portion 76a). The support 77 holds a drive source 100. The drive source 100 includes a motor 102 and drive shaft 104. The drive shaft 104 rotates about the rotational axis AR_B. The drive shaft 104 is in rotatably affixed to the second barrier portion 76b. The second barrier portion 76b rotates with the drive shaft 104. As such, activation of the drive source 100 results in the second barrier portion 76b rotatable about the rotational axis AR_B from the closed position CP to the open position OP and vice-versa. The drive source 100 is in electrical communication with a controller 106. The controller 106 may be affixed to the bezel 38. The controller 106 may be affixed to a mount 108. The mount 108 may be located within an interior of the bezel 38. The mount 108 may be the same as a sensor mount 114. The mount 108 may support one or more sensors 46 in addition to the controller 106. The sensors 46 may have sensing ranges 54, 56. The controller 106 may be the same as or in communication with controller 18 (such as shown in FIG. 2). The entry barrier 76 may include or be surrounded by a seal 110. The seal may be a brush seal 112. The entry barrier 76 may include a biasing member 118. The biasing member 118 may allow for the second barrier portion 76b to be pushed with a force F from an interior of the chamber such that it rotates ajar. Rotation may be about a rotational axis of the biasing member RB. The force F may be the force of an animal within the chamber 14 pushing against the second barrier portion 76b. Once the force F is removed from the second barrier portion 76b, the biasing member 118 may bias the second barrier portion 76b back into position such that the entry barrier 76 is in the closed position CP.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a bezel 38 and a portion of an entry barrier 76. The entry barrier 76 includes a frame 116. The frame 116 may carry a seal 110. The seal 110 may be located within an interior periphery of the frame 116. Fixed within the frame 116 is a support 77. The support 77 retains a drive source 100. The frame 116 is affixed to the bezel 38. The frame 116 is affixed to an inner periphery of the bezel 38. The bezel 38 includes a front surface 168 and an outer flange 170.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of a segment of a bezel 38. The bezel 38 includes a front surface 168. Formed in the front surface 168 is a groove 176. The bezel 38 includes an outer flange 170 and an inner flange 172. The front surface 168 transitions to the outer flange 170 and the inner flange 172 via bevels 174.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a segment of a frame 116 of an entry barrier 76. The frame 116 may mate with a bezel 38 (such as shown in FIG. 6). The frame 116 includes a base member 154. Projecting from the base member 154 is a front flange 156. The front flange 156 may include one or more retention tabs 162. The retention tabs 162 may be configured to sit within a groove 176 of a bezel 38 (such as shown in FIG. 6). Also projecting from the base member 154 is a rear flange 164. A distance from the rear flange 164 to the front flange 156 defines a mating gap 166. The frame 116 may then have an interference and/or snap fit with the bezel 38. For example, the inner flange 172 of a bezel 38 (such as shown in FIG. 6) may abut with the base member 154, the front surface 168 of a bezel 38 may abut with the front flange 156, and a rear edge of the inner flange 172 may abut with the rear flange 164.

FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of an entry barrier 76 affixed to a bezel 38. The entry barrier 76 includes a first barrier portion 76a. The first barrier portion 76a covers a portion of an entry opening 34 defined by an interior periphery of the bezel 38.

FIG. 9 illustrates a chamber 14. The chamber 14 is accessible via an entry opening 34. The chamber 14 includes a second barrier portion 76b of an entry barrier 76 affixed thereon. The entry barrier 76 blocks a portion of the entry opening 34.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate how rotation of the chamber 14 rotates an entry barrier 76 from an open position OP to a closed position CP. As the chamber 14 rotates, the second barrier portion 76b rotates with the chamber 14. For example, rotation of the chamber 14 may be during a cleaning cycle. As the chamber 14 rotates, the second barrier portion 76b rotates into position such as to further block the entry opening 34 (see FIG. 10B). As the chamber 14 continues to rotate, the second barrier portion 76b rotates into a position to completely block the entry opening 34 (see FIG. 10C).

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate a litter device 12 transitioning from a closed position CP to an open position OP. The litter device includes a chamber 14 and a base 15. Extending partially about the chamber 14 is a bonnet 32. The bonnet 32 is affixed to the base 15. The chamber 14 includes an entry opening 34. The entry opening 34 is surrounded by a bezel 38. The entry opening 34 is covered by an entry barrier 76. The entry barrier 76 may include a plurality of individual blades 78 or a diaphragm (e.g., iris configuration). In transitioning from the closed position CP (FIG. 1A) to the open position OP (FIG. 1D), the plurality of blades 78 and/or diaphragm may retract outward, thus providing access to the entry opening 34.

FIG. 12 illustrates a system 10 for operating an automated litter device 12. The litter device 12 includes a chamber 14 and a waste drawer 16. The litter device 12 also includes a controller 18 and a communication module 20. The controller 18 and communication module 20 may be located internally within the litter device 12, such as within a base 15. The system 10 further includes a user interface 22. The user interface 22 is part of a graphic user interface of a mobile computing device 24. A user interface 22 may also be incorporated into the litter device 12. The system 10 may include one or more communication hubs 21. The communication hubs 21 may include a router 25 and antenna tower 23. At least one of the communication hubs 21 may be in communication with a home control device 80, cleaning device 82, or both. The system 10 may incorporate a network, such as the Internet 19. Through the network, the home control device 80, cleaning device 82, or both are able to communicate with their respective server systems 84. The system 10 further includes an interaction interface 26. The interaction interface 26 is in the form of an application programming interface (API) 27. The communication module 20 is able to communicate with the interaction interface 26 through the user interface 22 or via a dispatch interface 28. The dispatch interface 28 is in communication with the interaction interface 26 and the communication module 20. The interaction interface 26 is also in communication with an authentication portal 30.

FIG. 12 may present a working example of how the system 10 may allow for the automated litter device 12 to communicate with a user interface 22 and vice-versa. The mobile computing device 24 may connect with the automated litter device 12 directly and wirelessly or indirectly. A direct and wireless connection between the mobile computing device 24 and the litter device 12 may be established using User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and/or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. This type of direct and wireless connection may be useful when first setting up and onboarding the automated litter device 12 into an overall network, such as the system 10 of FIG. 2. The mobile computing device 24 may then be in wireless communication with the Internet 19 either via a router 25 or an antenna tower 23. The automated litter device 12 may be in wireless communication with the Internet 19 via a router 25. Although it is shown that the mobile computing device 24 and the litter device 12 are sharing the router 25, they may each connect to the Internet 19 via separate routers 25, such as when the mobile computing device 24 is in a different facility than the litter device 12. The litter device 12 may be in wireless communication with the dispatch interface 28 using user datagram protocol (UDP), message queueing telemetry transport (MQTT) protocol, or both, such as over the Internet 19. The mobile computing device 24 may be in wireless communication to the interaction interface 26 over the Internet 19. The mobile computing device 24 may be in communication with the interaction interface 26 using a representation state transfer protocol (REST). The interaction interface 26 may also use REST protocol to communicate with the dispatch interface 28. The interaction interface 26 may additionally be in communication with an authentication portal 30. The interaction interface 26 may use simple object access protocol (SOAP) to communicate with the authentication portal 30.

FIG. 13 illustrates an automatic litter device 12. The litter device 12 includes a chamber 14. A bonnet 32 is located around a portion of the chamber 14. An opening 34 is formed in the chamber 14. Inside the chamber 14 is a septum 36. A bezel 38 surrounds the opening 34. The bezel 38 includes a user interface 22. The bezel 38 also includes a speaker 90. The bezel 38 is affixed to the base 15. The base includes a base frame 40. Located within and removable from the base frame 40 is a waste drawer 16. The waste drawer 16 includes a step 42.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sensing range within an automatic litter device 12. The device 12 includes a chamber 14 supported by a base 15. The chamber 14 includes an axis of rotation AR. During a cleaning cycle, the chamber 14 rotates about the axis of rotation AR. During the cleaning cycle, a waste opening 58 of the chamber 14 aligns with a bin interior 50 of the waste drawer 16 to allow waste to transfer from within an interior of the chamber 14 into a bin interior 50 of the waste drawer 16. The chamber 14 is tilted such that the axis of rotation AR is not parallel to a rest surface 44 upon which the litter device 12 rests on. The axis of rotation AR forms an angle α with vertical which is represented by a vertical plane VP. The axis of rotation AR forms an angle f with a horizontal plane HP. The horizontal plane HP is substantially parallel to the rest surface 44. The opening 34 extends along an opening plane OP. The opening plane OP forms an angle θ with the vertical plane VP.

The litter device 12 includes one or more sensors 46. Due to the tilt of the chamber 14, one or more sensors 46 affixed to the bezel 38 at the opening 34 are able to sense one or more conditions within the litter device 12. Specifically, due to the tilt of the chamber 14, the one or more sensors 46 are aligned with litter 5 (within the chamber 14) and a bin interior 50 of a waste drawer 16. The one or more sensors 46 may be one or more laser sensors 52, image sensors 53, and/or any other suitable sensor (e.g., time-of-flight). The one or more sensors 46 may include one or more cone lasers. For example, two wide cone lasers and a one narrow cone laser may be used together. The one or more sensors 46 may be able to measure a distance, displacement, and/or even position within the chamber 14, within the bin interior 50 of a waste drawer 16, or both. One or more of the sensors 46 have an animal presence sensing range 54. The animal presence sensing range 54 covers a majority of an upper surface of the litter 5 within the chamber. One or more of the sensors 46 which provide the animal presence sensing range 54 are able to sense or detect the presence of an animal within the chamber 14. The one or more sensors 46 which provide the animal presence sensing range 54 may be one or more cone sensors, such as two wide cone sensors or even the combination of two wide cone sensors and one narrow cone sensor. The one or more sensors 46 have a waste level sensing range 56. Those sensors 46 associated with the waste level sensing range 56 may be referred to as waste drawer sensors 46a. The waste level sensing range 56 is able to cover a surface area within a bin interior 50 of a waste drawer 16. The one or more sensors 46 which provide the waste level sensing range 56 have the “line of sight” aligned with the bin interior 50 when a waste opening 58 is rotated during a cleaning cycle such that the waste opening 58 exposes the bin interior 50. This line of sight alignment is a result of the tilt of the chamber 14 relative to the vertical plane VP. If the chamber 14 were to have its axis of rotation AR aligned with horizontal plane HP, the sensors 46 would have a sensing range looking across the opening 34 as opposed to into the chamber 14. The one or more sensors 46 which provide the waste level sensing range 56 may include a single narrow cone sensor. In addition to sensing the presence of an animal within the chamber 14, waste or a waste level within the bin interior 50, the one or more sensors 46 may also provide position sensing of the chamber 14 before, during, and/or after a cleaning cycle. The base 15 also includes both the controller 18 and communication module 20. As an alternative or supplement, the controller 18 and/or the communication module 20 could also be located on the chamber 14 and/or part of the bezel 38. Such as in the same or proximate to the one or more sensors 46.

FIG. 15A-B illustrate a sensing range within an automatic litter device 12. The device 12 includes a chamber 14 supported by a base 15. The chamber 14 includes an axis of rotation AR. During a cleaning cycle, the chamber 14 rotates about the axis of rotation AR. The axis of rotation AR extends from the entry opening 34 to a chute 86. The chute 86 is located in a rear 14R of the chamber. The chute 86 transfers litter 5 from a litter dispenser 88 into the chamber 14. Within the chamber 14 is a plurality of sensors 46. The plurality of sensors 46 include one or more laser sensors 52, image sensors 53, other sensors such as time-of-flight, or any combination thereof. One of the sensors 46 may have a line of sight over the entire entry opening 34, such as illustrated in FIG. 5A. This line of sight may be referred to as the animal presence sensing range 54. One of the sensors 46 may have a line of sight into a waste drawer 16. This line of sight may be referred to as a waste level sensing range 56. One of more of the sensors 46 as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B may cooperate with one or more of the sensors 46 as illustrated in FIG. 4. One or more of the sensors 46 may have a line of sight over a surface of the litter 5.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrates sensing and identifying of an animal 92 entering or exiting the litter device 12. An identification tag 94 is located on or in the animal 92. The litter device 12 includes a chamber 14 supported by a base 15. The chamber 14 has an entry opening 34 formed therein. The entry opening 34 allows the animal 92 to enter or exit the chamber 14. Surrounding the opening 34 is a bezel 38. Located within the bezel 38 are a plurality of sensors 46. The plurality of sensors 46 include one or more identification sensors 96. One the identification tag 94 is within a certain proximity of the one or more identification sensors 96, the identification sensors 96 are able to transmit and receive a communication signal 98 from the identification tag 94. Upon initially establishing the communication signal 98 (e.g., animal 92 entering sensing field 99) or upon terminating the communication signal 98 (e.g., animal 92 leaving the sensing field 99), the litter device 12 may initiate one or more actions.

FIG. 17 illustrates a user interface 22, such as that of a mobile computing device 24. The user interface 22 includes displays a waste drawer status 202. The waste drawer status 202 as displayed is a level of fullness of a waste drawer (e.g., bin) 202a. The user interface 22 also includes an instruction button 60. The instruction button 60 is specifically a cleaning cycle instruction button 62. The cleaning cycle instruction button 62 allows for a user to initiate a cleaning cycle of the device 12 (not shown).

FIG. 18 illustrates a user interface 22. The user interface 22 displays a waste drawer status 202. The waste drawer status 202 as displayed is an average number of cleaning cycles per day 202b of the automated litter device 12 (not shown), the total cleaning cycles per month 202c of the automated litter device 12 (not shown), and an overall chart showing the cleaning cycles over a month time period 202d. Although a month is shown, the time period may be shown in weeks, days, years, and the like.

FIG. 19 illustrates a user interface 22. The user interface 22 displays a plurality of instruction buttons 60. The instructions buttons 60 include a sleep mode menu button 63, a wait time menu button 64, a light button 66, a lockout button 68, and a power button 70. The plurality of instruction buttons 60 may each allow for causing of one or more operations of the automated litter device 12. Upon selecting an instruction button 60, one or more instruction algorithms may be executed to change the one or more operations or conditions of the device 12. The sleep mode menu button 63 may allow for entering or exiting a sleep mode of the device 12. The wait time menu button 64 may allow for setting of a wait time for wait mode of the device 12. The light button 66 may allow for changing a light mode of the device 12. The lockout button 68 may allow for enabling or disabling a lockout mode of the device 12. The power button 70 may allow for changing the power mode of the device 12.

FIG. 20 illustrates a user interface 22. The user interface 22 is within a sleep menu 72. The sleep menu 72 may be accessed by a sleep mode menu button 63. The sleep menu 72 allows for a user to configure one or more sleep modes of a remotely located automated litter device 12.

FIG. 21 illustrates a user interface 22. The user interface 22 displays one or more conditions 74 of a remotely located automated litter device 12. The one or more conditions 74 can include a pinch condition 75.

Any numerical values recited in the above application include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value, and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints.

The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about +/−10° or less, about +/−5° or less, or even about +/−1° or less. The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about +/−0.01° or greater, about +/−0.1° or greater, or even about +/−0.5° or greater. The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about +/−10% or less, about +/−5% or less, or even about +/−1% or less. The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about +/−0.01% or greater, about +/−0.1% or greater, or even about +/−0.5% or greater.

The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components, or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

Plural elements, ingredients, components, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component, or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component, or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

Claims

1. A litter device comprising:

a) a chamber having an entry opening and configured to hold litter and to allow an animal to enter and excrete a waste;

b) a waste receptacle in communication with the chamber and configured to receive the waste;

c) a bezel encircling about the entry opening;

an entry barrier located adjacent to and/or within the entry opening which is configured to open and close;

wherein the chamber is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation for a cleaning cycle to be executed; and

wherein the axis of rotation extends through the entry opening.

2. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the entry barrier is configured to automatically open to expose the entry opening, configured to automatically close to at least partially cover the entry opening, or both based upon one or more conditions; and

wherein the entry barrier is in communication with one or more sensors, controllers, or both of the litter device and which are configured to sense the one or more conditions.

3. The litter device of claim 2, wherein the one or more conditions include an absence and/or a presence of an animal within proximity of the litter device, initiation and/or ending of the cleaning cycle, the presence of one or more litter conditions within the litter device, or any combination thereof.

4. The litter device of claim 2, wherein the one or more conditions include one or more animals entering a sensing field, leaving a sensing field, one or more identification tags entering a sensing field, one or more identification tags leaving the sensing field, or a combination there.

5. The litter device of claim 2, wherein the one or more conditions include a predetermined amount of time; and

wherein the predetermined amount of time is an amount of time elapsed after an animal has exited the chamber, an amount of time prior to the cleaning cycle being initiated, an amount of time after the cleaning cycle has ended, or any combination thereof.

6. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the entry barrier includes one or more rotating doors, one or more iris openings, one or more folding doors, one or more sliding doors, one or more swing doors, or any combination thereof.

7-9. (canceled)

10. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the entry barrier includes one or more entry barrier portions; and

wherein at least one of the one or more entry barrier portions is rotatable such as to place the entry barrier in a closed position, open position, or both.

11. The litter device of claim 10, wherein the one or more entry barrier portions include a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion.

12. The litter device of claim 11, wherein the first barrier portion remains fixed relative to a frame, the bezel, a bonnet, a base, or any combination thereof.

13. The litter device of claim 12, wherein the second barrier portion is rotatable relative to the first barrier portion, the frame, the bezel, the bonnet, the base, or any combination thereof.

14. The litter device of claim 13, wherein the second barrier portion rotates about a rotational axis into the closed position, the open position, or both while first barrier portion remains fixed.

15. The litter device of claim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more entry barrier portions have a cross-sectional shape which is reciprocal with at least a portion of a cross-section shape of the entry opening, a bezel, or both.

16-22. (canceled)

23. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the entry barrier includes one or more frames which affix the entry barrier to a portion of the litter device.

24. The litter device of claim 23, wherein the one or more frames are affixed to the bezel, a bonnet, a base, the chamber, or any combination thereof.

25. (canceled)

26. The litter device of claim 23, wherein the one or more frames are affixed to the bezel located about the entry opening.

27. The litter device of claim 23, wherein the one or more frames are removably affixed, semi-permanently affixed, and/or permanently affixed to the bezel.

28. The litter device of claim 27, wherein the one or more frames are removably affixed to the bezel via an interference fit, a snap fit, or both.

29-30. (canceled)

31. The litter device of claim 23, wherein the one or more frames have a shape substantially reciprocal to a shape of the entry opening, the bezel, or both.

32-35. (canceled)

36. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the litter device includes one or more identification sensors configured to sense the one or more identification tags within a proximity of the litter device.

37-43. (canceled)

44. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the litter device includes one or more controllers, one or more communication modules, or both.

45. The litter device of claim 44, wherein the litter device is integrated into a network.

46. The litter device of claim 45, wherein the network includes a smart home system.

47-51. (canceled)

52. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the litter device includes one or more image sensors.

53-62. (canceled)

63. The litter device of claim 1, wherein the litter device includes a base which supports the chamber; and

wherein the waste receptacle is located below the chamber.

64. (canceled)