Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a universal platform for accurately injuring animal under multi-condition and multi-simulation-environment, the platform including a fragment assembly convenient for the animal to be injured by means of a fragment, a shock wave assembly convenient for the animal to be injured by means of shock waves, a low-temperature assembly for providing a low-temperature environment for an injured animal, a low-pressure assembly for providing a low-pressure environment for the injured animal, a burning assembly used for injuring the animal by means of burning, a seawater soaking assembly used for soaking the injured animal in seawater, a photographing assembly used for high-speed photography, and a binding assembly used for fixing the animal during fragment injury, shock wave injury, burning injury and seawater soaking.

Abstract: Provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages for collecting and separating feces and urine from an animal or animals. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposable and are for single use. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposed within a rack. Also provided herein are methods of using and manufacturing an animal waste collecting animal containment cage.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting and recording animal behavior is provided. The device includes an enclosure having first and second chambers, each of the chambers having exterior panels formed of an opaque material, at least one image capture device disposed in each of the first and second chambers, the at least one image capture device arranged to capture behavior data of one or more freely roaming rodents, and a first container insertable into one of the first and second containers and positioned below a respective image capture device, the container having one or more corrals into which one or more rodents are housed during testing, the container being formed of a transparent material. In some embodiments, the first container is formed of a red transparent material, the one or more rodents being unable to see through the red transparent material.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to small animal containment and/or breeding include a container top having a vent and a feeding chute. The vent is a plurality of similarly sized holes or a void configured to receive and/or be covered by an exchangeable vent plate or cover. The feeding chute preferably provides a cradle to receive food that can be accessed by a contained animal through the thickness of the chute. A water aperture through the container top is configured to receive a ball bearing sipping tube which is operatively coupled to a water supply implement, but a chew shield is preferably formed integrally as part of the container top to prevent access to through the container top to the water supply implement. Hollow, single-end capped tubes may be provided to extend through one or more apertures formed through the top to allow for small animal or insect extraction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a foldable play structure comprising a plurality of panels each connected to another by at least one hinge to provide an accordion fold structure, wherein the accordion fold play structure comprises two configurations, in a first configuration, the plurality of panels are folded to be stacked in substantially parallel planes, and in a second configuration, the plurality of panels are unfolded forming a play structure. A method for assembling a foldable structure may comprise providing a playhouse with an accordion fold structure, wherein in a first configuration of the accordion fold structure, the plurality of panels are folded to be stacked in substantially parallel planes, and in a second configuration of the accordion fold structure, the plurality of panels are unfolded forming a play structure; and unfolding the playhouse from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: A disposable animal cage which can be used in a ventilated or static caging rack system includes a cage top and a cage base. Any corner or edge present in the interior of the cage base or the cage top that is accessible to an animal that can be contained in the cage is defined by surfaces having a conical section which is non-circular to prevent gnawing of the cage. The cage top can include a water housing mount pocket. The water housing mount pocket can have a conical shape to prevent an animal from gnawing the water housing mount pocket and a container received in the water housing mount pocket. A feed tray can be attached beneath a filter in a ceiling of the cage top to prevent an animal from gnawing the filter.

Abstract: A disposable animal cage which can be used in a ventilated or static caging rack system includes a cage top and a cage base. Any corner or edge present in the interior of the cage base or the cage top that is accessible to an animal that can be contained in the cage is defined by surfaces having a conical section which is non-circular to prevent gnawing of the cage. A perforation section including a plurality of small apertures adjacent to one another can be formed in the cage for ventilation and prevention of gnawing by the animals.

Abstract: The System for Continuous Observation of Rodents in Home-cage Environment (SCORHE) was developed to quantify activity levels and behavior patterns for mice housed within a home cage that, optional, may be disposed in a commercial ventilated cage rack. The SCORHE home-cage in-rack design provides daytime and night-time monitoring with the stability and consistency of the home-cage environment. The dual-video camera custom hardware design makes efficient use of space, does not require home-cage modification, and is animal facility user-friendly. In various embodiments, a software application integrates the two video streams to extract several mouse activity measures.

Abstract: Provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages for collecting and separating feces and urine from an animal or animals. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposable and are for single use. Also provided herein are animal waste collecting animal containment cages that are disposed within a rack. Also provided herein are methods of using and manufacturing an animal waste collecting animal containment cage.

Abstract: Poultry injection apparatus with rotating capture members and methods of using the same are described herein. Each injection apparatus may include one or more rotating capture members and an injection unit configured to move an injection needle between an injection position and a retracted position relative to the one or more capture members.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatuses and systems for monitoring the presence or absence of a contaminant and/or a contaminant sampling element, or portion thereof, in an animal rack.

Abstract: Described herein are various apparatus and systems useful in sensory discrimination. Through the use of a multi-well sample plate, the high-throughput analysis apparatus and method allow for rapid sensory discrimination of a large number of samples.

Abstract: An animal carrier has a top, bottom, front, back and sides forming a chamber, and a door. Fixed slots are formed in the sides with shiftable panels overlying the sides. The panels have shiftable slots with shiftable blockers between the slots. an enlarged opening in the front has horizontal edges extending from the top and bottom and vertical edges extending from the sides. A vertically disposed shiftable plate within the chamber is adapted to advance to expel the animal patient from the chamber. Wheels and associated fans function to create an airflow to minimize a force to move the system along a floor. A drainboard is positioned within the chamber on the bottom for draining urine to a collection zone. A slot above the collection zone is for removable receipt of a test slip for clinical analysis of the urine.

Abstract: A device and method of keeping litter in an animal cage away from equipment in an animal cage. Embodiments comprise two or more walls to define three zones in an animal cage: an equipment zone, a channel zone, and an outsize zone. The channel zone connects the outside zone with the equipment zone. Baffles in the channel zone permit access by animals but block some fraction of litter from passing from the outsize zone into the equipment zone. Embodiments include a weighing scale in the equipment zone. Embodiments include shapes that constrain devices or equipment to predetermined locations within a cage. Embodiments include methods of use and use in a vivarium.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: A test pad comprising multiple urine attribute patches and urine detection patches in a BAYER pattern is described. The test pad is suitable for automated urine analysis of multiple animals in a cage. Generalized detection patches may be arranged adjacent to and surrounding each individual test patch for a specific urine attribute. First, fresh urine is detected in a detection patch with a camera; a timer is started; then adjacent urine attribute patches are read. Once a test patch has been used once it is disregarded for future analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for placing a device enabled for endovascular navigation, specifically a PICC catheter, and more broadly any device which is manipulated in over the wire or monorail fashion. Variants of the system comprise a guidewire for navigating through a patient's vasculature, having an electromagnetic (EM) based tracking components at or near the a leading end of the guidewire; an EM positioning field generator configured on a reference gantry; a computer and display configured to output position information of the guidewire leading end; and a servomotor delivery system actuator, mechanically coupled to the guidewire and configured for controlling the position of the guidewire.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an animal urinary function measuring device and an animal urinary function measuring method each with high accuracy in sampling a urine amount of an animal. There are provided an accommodating portion which accommodates an animal other than humans, a collecting portion which is provided below the accommodating portion and collects urine discharged by the animal in the accommodating portion, a reticulated portion which is provided below the accommodating portion, allows the passage of the urine of the animal into the collecting portion, collects an object other than the urine, and whose wire diameter of a net thereof being not more than 0.

Abstract: An aseptic manipulation system comprises first and second operation chambers, an aseptic manipulation chamber, and a control unit. The control unit controls the ventilation of the first operation chamber for more than a first specified number of times, after an object is introduced into the first operation chamber, and ventilates the second operation chamber for more than a second specified number of times that is greater than the first specified number of times, after the object is transferred into the second operation chamber from the first chamber.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system device and method for monitoring infant oral motor kinetics (OMK), which can be used to assess the functional significance of the different sucking components, i.e., the plasticity of infant sucking skills in relation to their oral feeding performance, at a particular time, during the developmental period and/or during preventive or therapeutic intervention programs. It is a unique system and apparatus that provides a means to study the nonnutritive and/or nutritive sucking skills, i.e., the Suction and/or Expression components of sucking, of infants in the natural setting, i.e., during a normal feeding session.

Abstract: A system for housetraining pets through the use of separated sleeping and waste areas contained within a pet cage. The cage encloses a waste tray section that runs along the floor of the cage, which holds an absorbent pad, secured by improved retention clips, for collecting pet waste that can be removed and replaced when soiled. A bedding area made of up a rectilinear frame covered in bedding material is raised above the floor of the cage by engaging frame extensions with perforations in the exterior of the cage. The system and associated method serve to aid in conditioning a pet for proper housetraining while the pet is confined to a cage.

Abstract: An enclosure (1) for small animals, the enclosure comprising: an internal wall (17) that divides a space within the enclosure (1) into first (5) and second (7) regions, and a passageway (13) mounted in said internal wall (17) to extend between said regions (5, 7) so that an animal within the enclosure can pass between the first and second regions of the space; wherein the passageway (13) is movable relative to said internal wall (17) between a first operating mode in which an animal within the enclosure is able to pass between said regions and a second operating mode in which the animal is obstructed from passing between said regions.

Abstract: Provided herein are slidable “drawer” animal containment systems that allow for ready access to contained animals. In certain embodiments, the animal containment systems include disposable cages, and the systems are ventilated in some embodiments.

Abstract: A rodent cage for housing a rodent comprises a cage body having an open bottom end and an open top end defined by integral sidewalls. An interior surface of each sidewall is adapted to carry a channel. The top end of at least one sidewall terminates below the channel to slidably accept a top panel within the channel. The top panel has at least one opening therein for passage of laboratory equipment. A tray having a bottom and upwardly extending integral tray sidewalls is proportioned so that the cage body rests within the tray during use. The cage body further includes a floor of parallel spaced rods such that bedding housed within the cage body passes through the spaces between the rods while the rodent remains within the cage body when the cage body is removed from the tray. The rodent cage is constructed of a non-permeable clear acrylic plastic.

Abstract: When a primate is t restrained by a movable partition wall, friction with vertical bars of a lattice of the partition wall causing damages on roots of limbs of the primate is alleviated to reduce or solve such damages. In a primate restraint device comprising a containing body having both side surfaces, a top surface and a bottom surface, a rear surface door capable of opening and shutting the rear surface side of the containing body, and a partition wall formed movably frontward and rearward in the containing body and capable of being fixed at a desired position in the containing body, some sites among vertical bar members of the partition wall, with which roots of limbs of the primate are brought into contact while the limbs are forced to protrude frontward and restrained, are covered with protective cylinders which are rotatable with respect to the vertical bar members.

Abstract: A modular assembly set system for use in modular constructions suitable for behavioral research made of a polycarbonate, acrylic or other material walls with magnetic edges, joints and parts with a support base (floor) made of magnetically active metal sheet glued over a plastic inert polymer surface (or one of similar inert properties). The system comprises a multi piece set that allows to build different mazes or structures for use in behavioral, memory and health sciences studies. The magnetic edges of the walls along with joints and other pieces attaches to the metal base (floor) and permits to modularly build any configuration. The use of this device can be extended to virtually any kind of modular construction (toys, provisional constructions, stands and other low weight assembly). The walls and floor set can be used many times, and assemble and disassemble as required.

Abstract: A detecting platform for holding a tiny insect includes a main body forming a containing space, which passes through the main body and is surrounded by side walls of the main body. A first side wall and a second side wall of the side walls are opposite to each other, and the area of the second side wall is smaller than that of the first side wall. The main body forms a first opening and a second opening passing through the first side wall and the second side wall respectively for the tiny insects entering and leaving the containing space. A bottom plate covers a first through surface of the containing space to form a bottom surface and a detecting area is configured thereon to holding the tiny insects. Accordingly, the tiny insects can stay on the detecting area so as to detect the characteristics of the tiny insects expediently.

Abstract: System and methods to evaluate and administer drugs. The present invention instantaneously identifies the effects that drugs, including appetite-affecting agents, have on animals. Data is collected automatically and analyzed and further organized to identify feeding patterns and the effect an appetite-affecting agent has on those feeding patterns. The present invention includes a system for data management, including a program with a data acquisition phase and a data analyzing phase to determine the feeding patterns of animals to aid in the evaluation of appetite-affecting drug efficacy.

Abstract: The invention facilitates transport of an immobilized, anesthetized small animal across multiple single-modality or multiple-modality imaging workstations at the same or different physical locations without loss of subject positional information. The animal holder is compatible with preclinical animal imaging stations such as micro-CT, micro-MR, micro-PET, micro-SPECT, and FMT. The animal holder is configured to be accommodated by (for example, fit within) individual imaging chambers of such instruments and is fabricated from materials that are compliant with all of the imaging modalities used. In certain embodiments, an integrated set of fiducial marker wells accommodates the dispensing of markers that are picked up by several modalities simultaneously in multiple planes. The fiducial markers then are aligned in standard image processing or image analysis software with simple image translation and rotation operations, without the need for more advanced scaling, distortion or other operations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition (C) comprising at least one polyaryletherketone (PAEK), at least one polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), at least one polysulfone (PSU) and glass fibers having an elastic modulus of at least 76 GPa as measured according to ASTM D2343. Polymer composition (C) is very well suited for the manufacture of articles useful in areas as various as plumbing and electronics.

Abstract: An animal kennel comprises front, rear, top, bottom, and opposite side walls that collectively define a cavity. At least a portion of the cavity has a horizontal cross-section that is bordered by the front, rear, and opposite side walls. The cross-section has a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion is narrower between the opposite side walls than the rear portion. A majority of each of the front, rear, top, bottom and opposite side walls is formed of a material that is translucent and radiolucent.

Abstract: Investigation of in vivo models of disease requires imaging studies involving single subjects in single imaging sessions, serial imaging of individuals or groups of subjects, and integration of data across diverse and heterogeneous experimental methodologies. Each type of experiment is preferably supported by various feature sets that can be rigorously applied to produce quantitative, reproducible results. Current imaging scanners are not equipped with standardized capability that supports an automated and scientifically rigorous workflow suited to hypothesis testing. An imaging system includes a research workstation at which a user can design, execute, study, and report imaging plans. Flexibility that comes along with a modular design of the system allows the user to customize workflow parameters for more robust hypothesis testing.

Abstract: A breeding cage for experimental animals is composed of a box body and a cover body covered with the box body. A side of the cover body is disposed with an air intake valve and an air vent valve. A partition is disposed in the cover body to allow an inside of the cover body to define a drainage channel. Fresh air enters from the air intake valve and is then downwardly introduced into the box body through the drainage channel and pushes air originally within the box body to exhaust it away from the air vent valve to allow air within the box body to perform circulation.

Abstract: An imaging system that allows for unhindered access to a sample to be imaged. A housing structure is configured with a drawer having a platform. The platform may be configured to hold a sample, such as an animal, and/or the platform may be configured to mate with a sample holding member, such as a removable carrying tray for holding the sample. The drawer presents the platform to an imaging device or system internal to the housing when in a closed, or imaging, state. When in an extended state, the drawer presents the platform external to the housing to allow unobstructed manipulation of a sample on the drawer platform (or on the sample holding member on the platform). When used, a sample holding member such as a removable carrying tray may be docked with the drawer platform, and various interconnects, such as gas ports and electrical connectors, on the sample holding member engage with corresponding elements on the platform when docked.

Abstract: An animal handling system (AMS), useful for positioning an immobilized animal in a predefined configuration, including: a proximal portion, held outside a medical device, comprises at least one inner shaft, and at least one outer shaft, the at least one outer shaft telescopically maneuverable along the at least one inner shaft to provide a telescopic mechanism of variable (proximal-) length, the proximal portion; and a distal portion comprising a configurable encapsulatable life support system (ELSS), the ELSS is rotatable and/or linearly reciprocatable along the main longitudinal axis of the shafts by means of the maneuverable telescopic mechanism of the proximal portion. The proximal portion further comprising indicia indicating the linear displacement and rotation of the ELSS of the distal portion, such that the ELSS is accurately and reversibly configured within the medical device to optimized animal analyses.

Abstract: An animal handling system for use in a magnetic resonance device (MRD) device, including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area that is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to first input port. When the first elongated enclosure and the second elongated enclosure are inserted into the respective input ports, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure.

Abstract: An animal handling system for use in an MRD device, including: a first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a first geometry, and a second first elongated enclosure having a proximal end, a distal open end and a second geometry. The first second geometry comprises a first cross-sectional area which is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the second geometry. The first elongated enclosure is inserted into a first input port of the MRD device and the second elongated enclosure is inserted in a second input port of the MRD device diametrically opposite to second input port, such that on insertion of the first elongated enclosure into the first input port and insertion of the second elongated enclosure into the second input, the second elongated enclosure slides into the first elongated enclosure through the open distal end of the first elongated enclosure.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including; providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and method for displaying animals in temperature controlled enclosures.

Abstract: A movement analysis device for rodents capable of variably adjusting a space where a rodent is placed in order to stimulate the behavior of the rodent so that motor functions of the rodent can be analyzed more effectively. The movement analysis device for rodents includes a body including a pair of side plates distanced from each other with a predetermined gap and a connector plate connecting one ends of the side plates together, the connector plate having a slit extending from one to the other one of the side plates; and an adjustment unit including an adjustment plate configured insertable between the side plates of the body and into the slit of the connector plate of the body and a support plate extending to a height reaching from a bottom to the slit to support the adjustment plate at one portion thereof. The support plate is semi-cylindrically shaped to form a cylindrical space together with the connector plate.

Abstract: In a small animal imaging system (10) at least one modality (12) and a docking station (36) are provided. The docking station (36) provides a workspace (47) and docking ports (48) for preparation and holding of anesthetized animals that are awaiting imaging. For the duplication of positions, a subject mold (26) is provided that holds the subject in a reproducible position on a subject bed (16). Vital signs monitoring is also provided for subjects awaiting scans. The bed (16) includes fiducials (28) to aid in registration of like modality images and different modality images. A capsule (14) can encapsulate a single bed (16), or for tandem imaging, the capsule can encapsulate multiple-bed configurations, such as two, three, or four beds (16). For better positioning and ease of user access, a positioner (34) positions the capsule (14) from the rear of the modality (12).

Abstract: An enclosure or burrow restrains an awake animal during an imaging procedure. A tubular body, made from a radiolucent material that does not attenuate x-rays or gamma rays, accepts an awake animal. A proximal end of the body includes an attachment surface that corresponds to an attachment surface of an optically transparent and optically uniform window. An anti-reflective coating may be applied to an inner surface, an outer surface, or both surfaces of the window. Since the window is a separate element of the enclosure and it is not integrally formed as part of the body, it can be made with optically uniform thickness properties for improved motion tracking of markers on the animal with a camera during the imaging procedure. The motion tracking information is then used to compensate for animal movement in the image.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for convenient management of animals within a rodent containment cage system that includes labeling components, receiving data, associating the data, reporting the data and/or associations and locating components within the cage system. The management of the system may be self-contained, networked through a controller, local server and/or main server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to animal specimen collection and animal specimen collection stations. In an embodiment, multiple chambers each contain a single animal, and wells on a removable floor on each of the chambers may collect animal specimens. The wells may be dimensioned with a depth and width such that the animals may not disturb, contact, or contaminate specimens contained within a well.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems for convenient management of animals within a rodent containment cage system that includes labeling components, receiving data, associating the data, reporting the data and/or associations and locating components within the cage system. The management of the system may be self-contained, networked through a controller, local server and/or main server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that detects a condition of a cage for housing laboratory animals includes providing an animal cage including a base part and a top and cage means for automatically detecting at least one of at least one bedding condition corresponding to a humidity level or an occurring flooding condition. At least one of the resistance or the impedance of material between said pair of electrodes is determined using one of direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). At least one of the bedding condition or the flooding condition is measured based on a rate of one or more changes of one of a resistance or an impedance of said material between said electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and researching aquatic species is provided. The apparatus includes a housing rack for housing a tank. The apparatus further includes one or more dividers for dividing the at least one tank into one or more compartments. The apparatus further includes a collection channel and a downspout in each compartment for draining of water from each compartment. The apparatus further includes one or more lids for covering the one or more compartments.

Abstract: A mobile platform arrangement includes a first (mobile) platform and a second (support) platform. Both are flat-bottomed members, wherein the support platform is preferably, but not exclusively, provided with sidewalls and wherein a diameter of the support platform exceeds an outer diameter of the mobile platform at least twice. The mobile platform is advantageously positioned onto and/or within the support platform. The top surface of the support platform is provided with a friction reducing surface structure. The mobile platform is therefore adjusted to perform gliding motion along and/or over the friction reducing surface, wherein acceleration necessary for performing gliding motion is imposed to the mobile platform by an external force, provided by movement of an experimental animal within the mobile platform. The mobile platform arrangement in addition may include a mechanism for securing a conscious wake and able to move experimental animal, including a head adapter and corresponding mount.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for measuring an electropharyngeogram (EPG) in living organisms. In some embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein include an array for sorting and immobilizing an organism (such as a nematode) for measurement of an EPG and/or optical imaging. Also disclosed are methods for identifying therapeutic or toxic compounds utilizing the disclosed devices and systems. In some embodiments, the methods include screening for compounds with anthelmintic activity, toxicity (for example HERG channel blockers), or candidate drugs for treatment of a variety of human and/or animal diseases.