For Experimental Purposes Patents (Class 119/417)
  • Publication number: 20120312245
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: RUNG SHIN PLASTIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 8327804
    Abstract: A measurement object holder that holds a measurement object in an optical measurement instrument, wherein the optical measurement instrument takes, as the measurement object, a living body in which isotropic scattering of light occurs inside and receives light emitted from the measurement object is disclosed. The measurement object holder includes a block that is formed in a predetermined outer shape by a material having optical properties in which the isotropic scattering of light occurs inside; and a cavity portion that is formed inside the block, that has an inner shape following the outer shape of the measurement object and in which the measurement object is accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Yamada, Hitoshi Shimizu, Takeshi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8327807
    Abstract: A laboratory specimen sealed within a chamber on an animal holder may be injected or otherwise administered material such as drugs and radioactive imagining materials from the ambient, or outside the chamber, through a sealed catheter assembly. The animal holder can be mounted on imaging machines such as MRI, X-ray, PET, CT and like imaging machines. Biologically contaminated animals are isolated within the chamber from the ambient, yet may be injected from outside the chamber thereby protecting lab technicians from contamination and isolating the animal from additional contamination from an ambient environment, such as an imaging laboratory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: Chris D. Chiodo
  • Patent number: 8291865
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
  • Publication number: 20120234255
    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 leats 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 oen or more changes of one of a resistance or an impedance of said material between said electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: TECNIPLAST S.P.A.
    Inventors: Pietro BERNARDINI, Giovanni MALNATI
  • Publication number: 20120180731
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a housing system for conducting high throughput animal experiments. The housing system includes a home cage, at least one rotatable turnstile enclosed by housing to form two or more isolation chambers, a means for animal identification, and one or more action stations functionally coupled to one or more isolation chambers. The turnstile includes a plurality of one or more separation members rotatable about a vertical axis, each isolation chamber bounded by one or more separation members. The action stations contain one or more devices facilitating completion of at least one animal-directed or experimentor-initiated action. In a preferred embodiment, the home cage is sufficiently sized to house a plurality of small animals, such as mice. Tunnel passageways may be connected to the home cage, including one or more tunnel passageways containing a rotatable turnstile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Joseph P. Garner, Michelle Murphy Niedziela, Edward A. Fox
  • Patent number: 8220415
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew George Ragatz, Donald Thomas Lamb
  • Patent number: 8205612
    Abstract: Dry powder aerosol generators and related methods are provided. The dry powder aerosol generator includes a dispersion chamber having an internal cavity therein capable of receiving a dry powdered drug. The dispersion chamber includes a dosing port defined therein that is in fluid communication with the internal cavity. A dosing chamber for receiving a test subject is attachable to the dosing port, such that, when an airflow is created within the internal cavity, any dry powdered drug contained therein may fluidize and travel into the dosing chamber to provide opportunity for inhalation of the dry powdered drug by a test subject contained within the dosing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Hickey, Hugh D. C. Smyth, Martin J. Telko
  • Patent number: 8181603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for changing laboratory animal cages wherein the apparatus includes at least one seat, of which receives a cage having a lid. The seat is provided with a mechanical system configured to pick and lift the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Tecniplast S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Tartaglia, Giovanni Frangelli
  • Patent number: 8171887
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Innovive Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Patent number: 8161910
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated RFID card holder, cage, lid or rack and system for collecting census, inventorying, and tracking of animal cages, lids, card holders, racks, and other related equipment. Preferably, the card holder is comprised of an RF transparent material such as plastic. During operation, a RFID reader reads each integrated RFID card holder attached to an animal cage for virtually linking the cage to an animal rack in effect assigning a parking spot to each animal cage within an animal cage rack system. The integrated RFID card holder can be determined to be in a room when the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is the highest comparing multiple reads from one or many antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Allentown Caging & Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Coiro, Sr., Steven J. Miller, Tom Schupsky
  • Patent number: 8156899
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Innovive Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Patent number: 8127721
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a surgical isolator and cradle, suitable for the use in a surgical method involving the removal of prematura eggs from birds in order to generate germ-free eggs and birds. In particular, the surgical isolator is used in the generation of birds of specified germ-free status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ovagen International Limited
    Inventor: Leonard Michael Moran
  • Publication number: 20110315087
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
  • Publication number: 20110297098
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: INNOVIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay, Francesca McGuffie
  • Patent number: 8047160
    Abstract: A keeping cage for laboratory animals, specifically rodents, is characterized in that it provides for a large floor surface on several levels, the transit of animals from one level to the higher or lower level being ensured by the presence of appropriate openings in the partitioning floors. The keeping cage allows for the provision of a space available to animals, which is sufficiently large in terms of floor surface and in terms of height between the floors to ensure a good level of wellbeing for the animals, which do not therefore suffer from behavioral disturbances. Cage for keeping laboratory animals, specifically adapted to keep laboratory animals, particularly rodents, including a base body to which an openable lid is connected, characterized in that the lid features a port for accessing the inside without removing the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Tecniplast S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Tamborini, Giovanni Malnati
  • Patent number: 8036429
    Abstract: A system and method for measuring an animal includes a light source and an optical source. The light source, which is preferably an array of monochromatic light emitting diodes, at least partially backlights one or more of the animal's legs. The optical sensor or device, which is preferably a single dimension camera or charged-coupled device, opposes the light source and obtains an image that includes silhouettes of one or more legs of the animal. A processor, such as a computer with software and data storage, determines measurements, such as the approximate skeletal trunk length of the animal, from the silhouetted legs in the image. One or more first ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate height of the pelvic region, and one or more second ultrasound transducers can be arranged to determine an approximate width of the pelvic region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: John Conan Doyle, II
  • Publication number: 20110239953
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Elena E. Tchekneva, Mikhail M. Dikov, Veronika Kadkina, Dina Polosukhina
  • Patent number: 7992523
    Abstract: An outer capsule terminates in a closed bottom section. An upper section is formed with an open threaded top. The top has a removable cap. An inner capsule has a lower section and an open upper section. The lower section terminates in an open bottom. An aperture is provided in the closed bottom section of the outer capsule for the passage of a lower most extent of the inner capsule and the securement there between. The capsules are fabricated of a transparent material. A bevel extends through the lower section of the outer capsule. A hose couples the bevel and the inner capsule. A wad of cotton is provided in the lower open end of the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Brian T. Pugh
  • Publication number: 20110180003
    Abstract: A method of collecting and loading a plurality of insects of a particular type into respective insect holders includes extracting a plurality of insects from an insect habitat to a storage chamber which is operable to allow access to a plurality of exit holes and allowing access to the exit holes, followed by luring and/or compelling the insects to leave the storage chamber via the exit holes for subsequent loading into an insect holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: INSCENTINEL LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Durnford, Mathilde Briens, Mark Haite, David Grant, David Westley, Kenneth Cherry, Thomas Howard
  • Publication number: 20110120383
    Abstract: An automated feeding station feeds an animal in a feeding event. An automated collection system, such as a urine collection system, fecal collection system, or combination urine/fecal collection system, collects and excrement from the animal in an excrement elimination event. The feeding event and excrement elimination events provide insights into the health of the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hayden Greene, Kimberly Marie Adams, Charlie Thomas Goubeaux, Susan C. Manos
  • Patent number: 7913650
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Patent number: 7886697
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of enhancing the reliability and reproducibility of animal experiments. As described herein, the method relates to an improved oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in animals, wherein the set up of the test has been optimized in comparison to the standard procedure for OGTT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: TIMA Foundation
    Inventor: Haruhiko Inufusa
  • Patent number: 7874267
    Abstract: The present invention has objectives of providing a low-cost, easy-to-handle individual isolation animal breeding unit and a system for using the same, significantly reducing costs of facilities and maintenance for animal experiments and saving on labor, and providing a new animal transportation form. For achieving the objectives, the present invention provides a system for maintaining an animal breeding environment, comprising A) an animal breeding unit capable of comprising an internal tray having a sufficient space for breeding an animal of interest, comprising an external tray capable of accommodating the internal tray, and capable of keeping a predetermined cleanliness degree; B) a method for providing the internal tray having the predetermined cleanliness degree; C) an internal tray exchange unit capable of accommodating the animal breeding unit and exchanging the internal tray while keeping the predetermined cleanliness degree; and D) a method for recovering the exchanged internal tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Osaka Industrial Promotion Organization
    Inventors: Shigeru Oshima, Kentaro Yomogida, Kazuhiro Kaseda, Hiroshi Kiyono
  • Patent number: 7866280
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hydropac/Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George S. Gabriel, Neil E. Campbell, Chinsoo Park
  • Publication number: 20100306861
    Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for conducting assays in aquatic animals. The apparatuses, systems, and methods of the invention can be used to identify and/or characterize compounds that modulate morphological, anatomical, or behavioral characteristics. The apparatuses, systems, and methods of the invention can be used to identify and/or characterize compounds that modulate learning or memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: The Forsyth Institute
    Inventor: Michael Levin
  • Publication number: 20100282177
    Abstract: A biodegradable container (‘cage unit’) for organic materials includes a solid cage base having a floor and at least two opposing sides extending upwardly therefrom. The cage base is made from a non-petroleum-based material. An animal-resistant coating is bonded to at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the cage. A cage cover comprises filtered air entry and exit apertures and a non-ventilated top surface. A front portion of the top surface has a viewing window. A gas-adsorbent material is coupled to an interior surface of the non-windowed portion of the cover. A containment rack system comprises a vertical, columnar support structure to receive cage unit support members; one or more cage units; a columnar plenum having an open side area and an open top area and, optionally, a canopy having a fan and an exhaust port. When docked on the rack, the rear end of the cage is raised with respect to its front-end at an angle between about 5 to 20 degrees with respect to horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: MouseCare, Inc.
    Inventor: Germain Rivard
  • Publication number: 20100263599
    Abstract: Distinctive components that enable high-throughput, whole-animal screening are described. These components can be used individually or in various combinations. A staging chip strains off the excess fluid that the input animals are immersed in, increasing their density (number of animals in a given volume) and rapidly bringing them close to other fluidic components. A microfluidic sorter is adapted to isolate and immobilize a single, physiologically active animal in a selected geometry. A multiplexed micro-chamber chip receives single animals and the microchamber chip includes individually addressable screening chambers for imaging, incubation and exposure of individual animals to selected chemical compounds. An imaging structure generates sub-cellular, high-resolution images of the physiologically active animals. A well-plate interface chip is used to deliver elements from a compound library to a single output of the chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Mehmet F. Yanik, Christopher Rohde, Matthew M. Angel, Cody Gilleland
  • Patent number: 7810452
    Abstract: A basin including: a front housing compartment (1) in which there is a lower point (3) for collecting the organic material to be removed; an equipment compartment (4) at the back of the basin, connected to the housing compartment; a drainage device, in the equipment compartment (4), which includes an “overflow” pipe (6) fixed to a siphon (7); the drainage device being capable of moving down in order to operate the siphon (7); and, a partition (8) between the housing compartment (1) and the equipment compartment (4), the partition being capable of keeping the animals inside the housing compartment and letting the water pass into the equipment compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Tecniplast S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Pieretto, Marco Brocca
  • Publication number: 20100242852
    Abstract: A rack system having shelves configured to support a plurality of disposable animal cages may include a modular configuration that is adapted to easily provide a desired rack size during manufacturing. A rack system may also include shelves which are configured to receive disposable cages and which have spring biased rails configured to receive edges of the disposable cages and provide a spring bias pushing apertures of a cage against nozzles of the shelf to provide a seal therebetween. A rack system may also include shelves which are configured to receive disposable cages and which have resilient flexible lids configured to deflect for releasable engagement into the rack assembly and establish a seal between the nozzle and receptacle for a controllable flow of air therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: INNOVIVE, INC.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Francesca McGuffie, Leroy Jenson, Cory Spivey
  • Patent number: 7784429
    Abstract: A low cost specimen holder for accurately positioning an animal or other specimen in an imaging machine is constructed from two thin sheets of formed plastic. Each sheet can be formed with a half cavity corresponding to the size and shape of a rodent or other laboratory animal or specimen. To minimize diffraction of imaging beams, one of the sheets can be formed to accommodate the entire specimen, and the other sheet can be substantially planar. The two sheets may be snap-fit or press-fit together to closely hold or encapsulate a specimen with the resulting cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Chris D. Chiodo
  • Publication number: 20100198047
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Lyubomir Zagorchev, Andrew Buckler, Eric Jean, Antonio T. Latto
  • Publication number: 20100175628
    Abstract: Apparatus for observing the behavior of ants and other similar organisms comprises housings having tubular connection ports for interconnection through flexible tubes and mounting legs for mounting the housings in an assembly in space with the housings spaced from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: KINLEA HOLDING PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: Peter Allan SMITH
  • Patent number: 7748346
    Abstract: A feeding chamber is reached by an ascending ramp and an entrance passage, the top of said feeding chamber being defined by a first grid through which feed descends into said feeding chamber and the floor of said feeding chamber being defined by a second grid which allows food to fall from within said feeding chamber into a spillage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Morehouse School of Medicine
    Inventors: Jacqueline Hibbert, Phouyong Sayavongsa
  • Patent number: 7739984
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Patent number: 7703414
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for respiratory pharmacology test and a chamber device that enables respiratory pharmacology test on particular large animals under unanesthetized, unrestrained state, with easy acclimatization and reduced effect of stress, and a method for conducting safety pharmacology studies on the same large animal individual. The chamber device of the invention includes animal cage 10 and transparent chamber 20, which includes first and second compartments 21 and 22 separated by partition plate 23. The compartment 21 has a door and ventilation connection port 26, and the compartments 21 and 22 are provided with communication pipe 29 having opening 29a for introducing ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Drug Safety Testing Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Kanno
  • Publication number: 20100100072
    Abstract: A laboratory specimen sealed within a chamber on an animal holder may be injected or otherwise administered material such as drugs and radioactive imagining materials from the ambient, or outside the chamber, through a sealed catheter assembly. The animal holder can be mounted on imaging machines such as MRI, X-ray, PET, CT and like imaging machines. Biologically contaminated animals are isolated within the chamber from the ambient, yet may be injected from outside the chamber thereby protecting lab technicians from contamination and isolating the animal from additional contamination from an ambient environment, such as an imaging laboratory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Chris D. Chiodo
  • Patent number: 7665419
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Patent number: 7661392
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay
  • Publication number: 20090293815
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated RFID card holder, cage, lid or rack and system for collecting census, inventorying, and tracking of animal cages, lids, card holders, racks, and other related equipment. Preferably, the card holder is comprised of an RF transparent material such as plastic. During operation, a RFID reader reads each integrated RFID card holder attached to an animal cage for virtually linking the cage to an animal rack in effect assigning a parking spot to each animal cage within an animal cage rack system. The integrated RFID card holder can be determined to be in a room when the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is the highest comparing multiple reads from one or many antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Michael A. COIRO, SR., Steven J. Miller, Tom Schupsky
  • Publication number: 20090272329
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay, Asa Cannell
  • Publication number: 20090250012
    Abstract: An automated feeding station feeds an animal in a feeding event. An automated collection system, such as a urine collection system, fecal collection system, or combination urine/fecal collection system, collects and excrement from the animal in an excrement elimination event. The feeding event and excrement elimination events provide insights into the health of the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hayden Greene, Kimberly Marie Adams, Charles Thomas Goubeaux, Susan C. Manos
  • Patent number: 7584719
    Abstract: An animal restraint includes first and second upright plates. A plurality of bars, each having a first end mounted to the first plate and a second end mounted to the second plate, form an enclosure that is dimensioned to closely receive an animal. The plurality of bars further include at least one gate bar having a first end that is slidably mounted to the first plate and a second end that is slidably mounted to the second plate. The gate bar is slidable along a defined path between a closed position, in which the gate bar blocks an opening in the enclosure, and an open position, in which the gate bar is clear of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Janet Dell John, Waldemar Ruediger
  • Publication number: 20090211147
    Abstract: Apparatus for euthanasia of animals by electrocution includes a container on wheels formed of an electrically insulating material and a rechargeable 12V battery powered control unit carried on the container for supplying through a transformer AC electric current at 110V to electrodes through insulated electrical supply cables. The first electrode is a conductive wire forming a loop arranged to be wrapped around the snout and through the mouth of the animal. The second electrode is a belt shaped and arranged to wrap around the belly of the animal at a position just in front of the rear legs. An alternative second electrode may be a rectal probe. Each of the electrodes is attached to a winch by which it can be pulled to apply tension electrode during the electrocution. In a second arrangement the control unit and the electrodes are arranged to be hand carried to the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Martine Denicourt, Christian Klopfenstein
  • Patent number: 7578263
    Abstract: An enrichment article for animals. The article generally includes a platform that is suspended from the floor of a cage or other containment. The article may be a tray having a flange for suspension from the walls of a container. The platform bottom may have an opening for animal access. This article may be truncated so that is fits in one portion of the base, or may have separate compartments to accommodate not only animals, but food and or water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Jerome L. Donohoe
  • Publication number: 20090165729
    Abstract: A keeping cage for laboratory animals, specifically rodents, is characterized in that it provides for a large floor surface on several levels, the transit of animals from one level to the higher or lower level being ensured by the presence of appropriate openings in the partitioning floors. The keeping cage allows for the provision of a space available to animals, which is sufficiently large in terms of floor surface and in terms of height between the floors to ensure a good level of wellbeing for the animals, which do not therefore suffer from behavioral disturbances. Cage for keeping laboratory animals, specifically adapted to keep laboratory animals, particularly rodents, including a base body to which an openable lid is connected, characterized in that the lid features a port for accessing the inside without removing the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: TECNIPLAST S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Tamborini, Giovanni Malnati
  • Patent number: 7527020
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Innovive, Inc.
    Inventors: Dee L. Conger, Thomas M. Perazzo, Matthew D. d'Artenay, Asa Cannell
  • Publication number: 20090090303
    Abstract: A restraint device for primates capable of providing accurate visual psychological results of experiment by reducing stress given to the primates as subjects and stabilizing the psychological state of the primates. A box-like body (12) formed of a transparent material comprises foot stands (70), a waist stand (72), a first restraint means (40) for restraining a body, and a second restraint means (42) for restraining a neck in this order starting at the lower part. In the both restraint means, the first cutout parts (40aa, 42aa) of first plate-like bodies (40a, 42a) and the second cutout parts (40bb, 42bb) of second plate-like bodies (40b, 42b) are mutually overlapped with each other in the directions reverse to each other to form a first hole (50) for restraining the body and a second hole (52) for restraining the neck while adjusting their sizes. The heights and the inclinations of the first and second restraint means can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Rikkyo Gakuin
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Osada, Yasuo Nagasaka
  • Publication number: 20090056639
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: LI-COR, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew George Ragatz, Donald Thomas Lamb
  • Patent number: 7497187
    Abstract: An animal containment device that includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and at least one side wall. In one aspect, the device may also include an opening in the rear wall for insertion of a monitoring module for monitoring the animals within the device. In another aspect, the animal containment device may include walls made from a translucent material having a photosensitive material for controlling the amount of light within the animal containment device. In still another aspect, the animal containment device may include one or more sensors in the device and a monitoring linkage and display for displaying the data from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert A. Ingley, III, David W. Hahn, August H. Battles