Abstract: A light fixture allows individual light bulbs to be arranged in compact fashion to maximize the number of bulbs per given area in the fixture. To facilitate replacement or exchange of the bulbs, the bulbs are mounted in alternating succession on a pair of separately movable supports, reorientation of which serves to remove the bulbs from the tight packed arrangement, to one in which the bulbs are sufficiently separated from one another to allow hand access for removal and installation of the bulbs. A distinct aspect of the aforementioned feature of the invention independent of the movable supports resides in the ability to utilize two of more of the fixtures to multiply the light produced. Advantageously, the fixtures can be arranged in direct physical series, side by side, or to form an array extending in orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus comprises a plurality of walls defining a feeder body, mounting structure, and a feed holder. The feeder body is hingedly, optionally hingedly and/or removably, mounted to the mounting structure. In some embodiments, the feeder apparatus further includes a blocking plate which is hingedly, optionally hingedly and removably, mounted to the mounting structure. One or more of the feeder body walls and the feed holder have cooperating sliding structures, enabling the feed holder to be slidingly received into, and/or removed from the remainder of the feeder apparatus.

Abstract: A temporary dog-confining device is provided for public use. Structurally, the device includes an enclosure formed from front, rear, and opposed side walls. For use, the rear and side walls are covered with screens to provide shade in the enclosure. Further, the enclosure includes a roof covered with a canopy for shading the enclosure. Also, the front wall defines an opening that is selectively closed by a door. In order to secure a dog within the enclosure, the device includes an assembly for locking the door in a closed configuration. Specifically, the locking assembly is operable by a user after a required payment. Moreover, the device includes a separately-accessible compartment mounted within the enclosure to house a fluid container for providing water to a dog in the enclosure. Importantly, that compartment is secured by a fastener that is operated independently of the locking assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and apparatuses for raising aquatic animals in controlled environments in order to avoid disease and pollution, and for increasing the number of shrimp that can be raised in controlled environments. More particularly, the present invention generally relates to a shelving unit for raising aquatic animals in a controlled environment comprising a plurality of shelves having a top and bottom surface, wherein at least one surface is substantially solid to support the aquatic animals thereon and to allow feeding thereon by the aquatic animals. Also provided are systems comprising closed environments for containing water, at least one shelving unit, a feeding system for dispensing food onto the shelving unit, and a waste disposal system.

Abstract: A self-cleaning kennel which provides a plurality of kennel panels each of which can provide a nozzle coupled to the kennel panel frame which fluidicly couples to a hollow space inside the kennel panel frame to provide a flow path between a liquid source and a nozzle orifice through which an amount of liquid flows to self clean the kennel.

Abstract: A ventilated animal habitat in the form of a frame having at least one shelf supporting an animal enclosure with a ventilation control region including an ambient air inlet and exhaust air outlet and a ducting system also supported by the frame with an exhaust air collection chamber having a mouth abutting the enclosure around the exhaust air outlet to capture exiting habitat air drawn under negative pressure by a remote vacuum source and direct the captured air through a carry way duct while fresh ambient air is introduced into the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are effective in electrically grounding animals that are kept indoors, such as pets (dogs, cats, hamsters, iguanas, fish, birds, etc.), lab caged animals used for clinical trials (guinea pigs, rats, etc.). The inventive apparatus and concepts are also applicable to fish and other creatures in aquariums and animals that are kept indoors at night or during harsh weather, including livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, lamb, etc.) and horse stables.

Abstract: A protective encasement or wrap for a pet carrier for helping prevent drafts and to provide water resistance, includes a cover member which can be of one piece of material, that when laid out on a flat surface, and with the animal carrier placed in its center, will wrap around the carrier, overlapping at the carrier top. The ends that overlap at the top, and along the side border each has a cutout for providing for the insertion of a handle of a carrier. The material is sized such that there is sufficient overhang at either end of the carrier to close off either end. A drawstring, or elastic at the ends, when not completely closed, provides an opening into the interior, permitting opening of the carrier door, and insertion of a hand to pet the animal, provides air circulation, insertion of items, or to remove the pet, without the need to remove the wrap.

Abstract: A cage includes side panels, each having top and bottom edges extending along a length of the cage. Coextensive top and bottom panels have sides extending along a length of the cage and are engaged with the side panels, defining a cavity therebetween. End panels are conjoined to the top, bottom and side panels. One end panel includes an access door pivotal about a fulcrum axis. Each side, top, bottom and end panel is formed from rigid steel shafts arranged in a mesh pattern. A mechanism is included for locking the access door at a lowered position. Spikes extend from the cage for deterring animals from tampering therewith. The spikes fit between the mesh pattern and lay coplanar with the side, top, bottom, and end panels during lowered positions. The spikes are evenly spaced along the panels. A mechanism is included for rotating the spikes between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A foldable and portable frame is disclosed. The foldable and portable frame comprises twelve posts and eight flexible joints or linkages. The foldable and portable frame can be easily erected to be a stable substantially rectangular structure, and folded to a collapsed state to be portable. A foldable and portable frame with coverings is also disclosed. The foldable and portable frame with coverings can be erected and folded in a same fashion as the erecting and folding of the foldable and portable frame.

Abstract: An animal habitat and display system provided in a frame supporting at least one drawer with first and second air filled environmental compartments separated by a common divider wall capable of conducting heat directly between the compartment environments with each environment having a corresponding selectively operable heat transfer element and temperature sensor that are in communication with an environmental control unit such that, upon receipt of temperature signals from the sensors, the control unit may transmit a command signal to one or both of the heat transfer elements to selectively regulate the temperatures within the compartment environments.

Abstract: An insect storage, maintenance, dusting, and distribution device that dispenses living insects to caged animals. A Tower compartment is connected to a separate Dusting Chamber compartment with apertures on both compartments that may be aligned by rotating the Tower above the Dusting Chamber to form a passage for insects. The insects can move from the Tower to the Dusting Chamber which coats the insects with a nutritional dust. The insects are then allowed to move from the Dusting Chamber through a Feeder Tube into the animal(s)' habitat for their consumption by the animal.

Abstract: An animal display and habitat assembly having a number of modular animal display units coupled together to enclose a common access area, each of the display units including an outwardly facing display frame with a viewing section between opposing upright members and laterally disposed transition members that include first sections coupled to the upright members and second sections projecting inwardly from their respective first sections to provide a pair of door jambs across which an access door may enclose a display compartment or may be opened into the common access area.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.

Abstract: A method for training an animal to proceed through an enclosure begins with the act of providing a generally clear or translucent enclosure having a first end, which serves as an entrance and a second end, which serves as an exit. A trainer encourages the animal to enter the entrance and can walk alongside the enclosure allowing the animal to generally observe the trainer to reduce any apprehension and to generally encourage the animal to proceed through the enclosure. Subsequently, the clear or translucent enclosure is replaced with an opaque enclosure once the animal has gained sufficient experience and comfort with the clear and/or translucent enclosure.

Abstract: A kennel includes a plurality of side panels that are connected or coupled together with a gate panel to form an enclosure. The gate panel has a pair of ends that are configured for connecting to the side panels and allow access into and out of the enclosure via a doorway positioned between the ends. A door configured for opening and closing the doorway is positioned therein, and has a frame member directly and rotatably attached to a doorway frame member to form a compact door and doorway combination in the gate panel.

Abstract: A combinative pet cage comprises a front meshed board, a rear meshed board, a left meshed board, a right meshed board, a top meshed board, a bottom meshed board, a plurality of screw parts, and a plurality of connecting parts. The frame of each of the meshed boards is provided with screw holes for the insertion of the screw parts, whereby the meshed boards will be assembles to form a cage body. The top and bottom faces of the frames of the front meshed board and the rear meshed board are further provided with a plurality of insertion holes, whereby two such combinative pet cages can be connected vertically by the connecting parts. A plurality of pet cages can be connected in the same way, and the combined structure thereby formed will be stable.

Abstract: A cage or an item of cage furniture for use by a caged rodent comprises a coloured material which is transparent or translucent to a human observer, but is perceived as being substantially darkened or opaque by the caged rodent. The cage or item of cage furniture typically comprises, and is desirably substantially or entirely formed from, a red-coloured or red-tinted material, e.g. a synthetic plastics material. The coloured material preferably transmits less than 20% of visible light with a wavelength of less than 540 nm. The plastics material is preferably resistant to repeated autoclaving and conveniently comprises at least one of polyester, polysulfone, polytheramide and polycarbonate. Also a method of making such a cage or item of cage furniture.

Abstract: A bifurcated habitat includes a bifurcated frame having a divider traversing the frame and a plurality of compartments defined on opposed sides of the divider. One compartment is isolated from the remaining compartments for maintaining a predetermined volume of water therein. Another one of the compartments includes a cage and a lower section in fluid communication therewith. The cage further includes a pivoting door situated adjacent to one end portion thereof. The habitat further includes a cover positioned onto a top portion of the frame and includes a plurality of pivotally connected doors. Each of the cover doors is independently movable between open and closed positions and includes a light-emitting source connected to one of the cover doors.

Abstract: An animal habitat and display system provided in a frame having at least one set of guide rails supporting a pull-out drawer having at least one compartment with a viewing window and a movable wall section for gaining access into the compartment which defines an internal habitat environment. A selectively operable regulator element in communication with the internal environment is selectively operable via an environmental control unit having a control panel for regulating the internal habitat environment.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power a wide variety of electrical devices, such as microphones, radio receivers or transmitters, cameras, audio recording and playback devices, video recording and playback devices, loud speakers, lighting elements, timing devices, remote controls, motors, etc.

Abstract: A soccer practice cage including an enclosure defining an enclosure interior and multiple ball openings provided in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other in the bottom portion of the enclosure and communicating with the enclosure interior. In typical application, at least two players in the enclosure interior stand in front of respective ball openings, and each of the players attempts to kick a ball through the ball opening or openings of the other player or players.

Abstract: An animal handling device, including at least one securing device, and a primary sensor system, and a secondary sensor system characterised in that both the primary and secondary sensor systems must be simultaneously activated in order to trigger the securing device to hold the animal.

Abstract: An automatic animal cage monitoring system includes at least one sensor disposed proximate to a cage for detecting conditions within the cage. The sensor data is transmitted by a wireless transmitter system to at least one remotely located device. The system can simultaneously monitor a plurality of cages. A method for remotely monitoring the conditions associated with an animal within a cage includes the step of obtaining sensor data based on at least one condition within the cage and wirelessly transmitting the sensor data to at least one remote location.

Abstract: A corner joint particularly for modular cages, which is monolithic and has a substantially L-shaped body that comprises abutments inside the corner region, the transverse cross-sections of its arms being substantially H-shaped. Two channels with curled-in edges for each one of the arms are thus formed. The channels are open outward, on each arm, in opposite directions, and are capable of accommodating with reversible interlocking a total of four converging walls. The corner joint is symmetrical with respect to a central plane that is perpendicular to the converging walls.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating individual animal cages secured in a multiple cage rack is described. A first lighting system makes use of LEDs secured on the frame of a multiple cage rack; or attached to or disposed in each individual cage. A second lighting system utilizes fiber optic cables connected to or adjacent each individual cage or disposed within. Clear observation of all animals at will is economically provided without interference with normal cleaning and sterilizing procedures, utilizing the virtually maintenance free lighting system.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for simulating human traumatic injury in an animal, said apparatus comprising a support having an aperture having end walls and side walls disposed therein; a sliding element slidingly engaged with said side walls of said aperture, said sliding element having a retainer disposed thereon for receiving an animal holder having a hinged first end therein; and a crank arm operatively connected to both said sliding element, and an actuator mechanism. The apparatus allows animal head motion simulative of hyperflexural trauma associated with actual injuries.

Abstract: A bird feeder having a rechargeable electrical power source and a solar energy system that collects solar energy, converts it into electrical energy, and uses the electrical energy to recharge the rechargeable electrical power source is disclosed. The rechargeable electrical power source can be used to power an LED lighting system which illuminates at least a portion of said bird feeder so that said bird feeder is visible in low light conditions.

Abstract: An in-wall display assembly is provided for mounting in a passage extending at least partway through a wall. The display assembly has a chamber with opposite front and rear walls, opposite end walls extending between the front and rear walls, an open top defined by the front, rear and end walls and a bottom opposite the top. At least one of the front and rear walls is transparent. The display assembly includes a mounting assembly securable to opposite sides of the passage for mounting the chamber to the opposite sides of the passage. The mounting assembly is movable between an in-wall configuration wherein the chamber is disposed in the passage and an access position wherein at least the top of the vessel extends from the wall to provide access to its interior.

Abstract: A freestanding enclosure for temporarily retaining large animals has a frame including four upstanding corner posts with a plurality of vertical posts horizontally spaced between each upstanding corner post. A plurality of horizontal cross rails are vertically spaced and extend between each upstanding corner post and vertical post to form an area of retention. Connectors releasably secure the horizontal cross rails to the upstanding corner posts and vertical posts such that the enclosure can be easily assembled, disassembled, transported and stored. A plurality of panels block the openings formed in the frame. A door provides access with the area of retention.

Abstract: Habitats for housing and displaying animals having compartments stacked and/or side-by-side. Walls and doors can be plastic, acrylic, laminate, and glass. Doors walls, and floors can be see-through, and/or colored allow. Letters can spelling “CATS” can be mounted to walls form ledges, crevices, hiding spaces. Geometrical shapes such as circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles are mounted and/or free-standing to allow changing, and/or cleaning. Side compartments allow animals to be hidden. Doors, and drawers can store food, blankets and toys. Gaps allow for ventilation and/or air exchange. Space under the shapes allow for cleaning and/or for using litter boxes.

Abstract: A lockable wire mesh security and closure including a locking member which engages and locks to both the top wall and the bottom wall of the enclosure. The locking member can be latched into position and locked in place to securely lock the enclosure.

Abstract: Cage (10) with intercommunicating modular compartments, for example for small domestic rodents, comprising a first compartment (11) provided with an aperture (12) which can be closed by a cover (13), wherein the first compartment comprises at least a further opening or passage (15) suited to allow the communication of the first compartment with at least a further compartment (14) joined to the first compartment (11).

Abstract: A modular cage comprising first and second profiled elements connected by interlocking corner joints for reversible joining so as to constitute a supporting frame and grille-like wall elements connected to the frame to constitute the cage, with the corner joints comprising each a corner body from which tangs extend monolithically and at right angles, the tangs being provided with reversible locking devices which enter corresponding first longitudinally elongated seats formed in the profiled elements.

Abstract: An animal habitat and display system provided in a frame having at least one set of guide rails supporting a pull-out drawer having at least one compartment with a viewing window and a movable wall section for gaining access into the compartment which defines an internal habitat environment. A selectively operable regulator element in communication with the internal environment is selectively operable via an environmental control unit having a control panel for regulating the internal habitat environment.

Abstract: Cage (10) with intercommunicating modular compartments, for example for small domestic rodents, comprising a first compartment (11) provided with an aperture (12) which can be closed by a cover (13), wherein said first compartment comprises at least a further opening or passage (15) suited to allow the communication of said first compartment with at least a further compartment (14) joined to said first compartment (11).

Abstract: A boar cart for carrying a boar through alleyways of a sow insemination area for interaction with the sows during insemination is formed by a cage for containing the boar which includes a cage floor on which the boar stands, two sides each defined by vertical bars on a respective side of a longitudinal center line of the cage assembly for confining the boar so that the boar is maintained extending longitudinally of the cage, a cage front and a cage rear. The cage may be rigid or may be defined by a front portion and a rear portion connected together for pivotal articulated movement about a pivot coupling defining a vertical pivot axis arranged substantially at the center line such that the cage can articulate to the left and to the right for navigating left and right corners in the alleyways while the boar is retained in the cage.

Abstract: A corner joint particularly for modular cages, which is monolithic and has a substantially L-shaped body that comprises abutments inside the corner region, the transverse cross-sections of its arms being substantially H-shaped. Two channels with curled-in edges for each one of the arms are thus formed. The channels are open outward, on each arm, in opposite directions, and are capable of accommodating with reversible interlocking a total of four converging walls. The corner joint is symmetrical with respect to a central plane that is perpendicular to the converging walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal cage for containing animals having a wire bar lid configured to fit on top. The wire bar lid has a perimeter portion with a first support portion and a second portion. The first support portion has a first top side and a first bottom side. The second inner portion has a second top side and a second bottom side. A plurality of longitudinal wire bars are also provided where the longitudinal wire bars are connected directly to the second bottom side of the second inner portion of the perimeter portion in a single welding procedure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sectional cage, typically a birdcage designed as a combination of several modules, each module facilitating the reduction of the accommodating space and transportation cost. The cage of the present invention features an easy assembling and a stable and firm structure, and adapts different specifications and provides more choices for economical variation of its shape, assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: An animal habitat for use within a terrarium or aquarium with at least one transparent side wall consisting of a simulated rock having two portions that have corresponding faces that register with one another for visually creating an image of a single rock. The faces are flat enabling them to be positioned in registration with one another on opposite sides of the terrarium transparent side wall. The animal habitat includes a habitat cavity for one or more animals in one portion of the rock to be placed inside the terrarium with the cavity open to the flat face for enabling a party outside of the terrarium wall to view the cavity and any animals disposed therein. Magnetically attracting components are disposed in each portion of the rock for releasable holding the two portions in registration with one another on opposite sides of the transparent side wall of the terrarium. An access to and from the cavity from outside of the rock is provided in one portion of the rock surface other than the flat face.

Abstract: An apparatus for grooming cats which includes a source of food located in an enclosure and a grooming brush assembly forming an adjustable aperture which is mounted between a portal formed in the enclosure and the source of food.

Abstract: A breeding housing for small pet animals includes a casing provided with at least a transparent front portion and a breeding nest-forming structure disposed in the casing. The nest-forming structure includes a lamination made of corrugated cardboard and provided with a nest-like space formed therein and an opening communicating with the nest-like space formed at one of four peripheral side surfaces of the lamination, and at least a part of the nest-like space constituting a front-opened portion opened at a front surface of the lamination. The nest-forming structure is disposed in the casing in such a state in which the opening faces upward and the front-opened portion faces a front of the casing. A surplus space is formed above the breeding nest-forming structure in the casing.

Abstract: A crawling tube for small mammals comprising a plurality of circumferential slotted holes which are arranged side by side on at least one row along a longitudinal extension of the tube so as to provide ventilation grilles.

Abstract: An adapter for converting a foldable pet shelter into a self encased pet crate. The crate adapter has an end panel and a bottom panel, both of which may be joined together. The end panel is removably attachable to the foldable pet shelter along the back edge perimeter of the left side, right side, and top panels of the foldable pet shelter, while the bottom panel is removably attachable to the foldable pet shelter along the bottom edge perimeter of the left side, right side, and front side panels of the foldable pet shelter. Component lock elements positioned along various locations on the end and bottom panels of the adapter provide elements for removably securing the adapter to the foldable pet shelter, thereby converting the joined components into a self encased pet crate having a top panel, a right side panel, a left side panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a bottom panel.

Abstract: An animal shelter includes a base unit that has a peripheral support element that contains cooling gel releasably attached thereto. A frame unit includes a plurality of ribs each of which contains cooling gel. The ribs are releasably attached to the peripheral support element. A tent-like cover is releasably attached to the peripheral support element.

Abstract: This invention refers to cages for pets, at all existent or necessary sizes, depending on the pets' needs; it has recyclable hydraulic irrigation, at all and every one of its gratings, superiors, inferiors, and all its sides. One platform or tray (3), with irrigation to all its sides, vertical as well as horizontal, internal and external, that equally has recyclable hydraulic irrigation, with an orifice at the platform that is in an unevenness of the ground, for the exit of the water and the residues. It can also be directly connected with the hose pipes and make it work the same. It has a trash deposit (18), that accumulates it even for a week, it's located at the top of the water deposit. One automatic drinking place (15) for birds of water with oxygenation and an exit for its recovery. Roof with illumination and side curtains. All systems can be integrated for its function in just one cage or each one separately, as required.

Abstract: An environmental detection system is particularly suited for elevator hoistways and other locations where access is difficult or restricted. The inventive system comprises a fire rated access cage which is disposed within the hoistway in a desired location, and is securely attached to an associated access panel, which is fire protection rated and positioned to extend through a wall defining the hoistway. An environmental sensing device, such as a smoke detector or heat sensor, is secured within the cage so that it is disposed within the hoistway, and can freely detect any smoke or excessive heat present in the hoistway because of a large number of apertures in the walls of the cage. The resultant system, thus, is constructed so that authorized personnel can access the environmental sensing unit conveniently through the access panel door from an adjacent hallway or room to test or maintain it, without shutting down the associated elevator or compromising the effectiveness of the unit.

Abstract: A group of connecting homes, commercial and/or not-for-profit buildings that serve to enclose a self-sustaining wildlife habitat sanctuary, specifically targeting the natural environment of endangered species, where appropriate. The homes serve as an impenetrable cage wall, much like the walls of a mountain valley, preventing animals from entering or exiting the habitat, with the possible exception of migrating birds and fish. On one side of the homes there is a self-sustaining habitat and on the other side of the homes there is modern civilization. The walls of the homes facing the habitat may have shatterproof glass windows or a caged terrace, allowing inhabitants of the building to safely observe the enclosed habitat, and human access to the habitat may be restricted to observation through windows, observation from the caged terrace, or hikes through caged walking paths.

Abstract: A modular cage comprising a bottom surmounted by, and associated with, grille-like walls which are mutually connected by connecting means; the connecting means comprise a first corner joint constituted by a first component that has a hollow corner body in which there are first seats for positioning three convergent grille-like walls, the first component being associated, by way of reversible interlocking anchoring means, with a complementary substantially plate-like second component.