Having Movable Wall Patents (Class 119/473)
  • Patent number: 10646320
    Abstract: An imaging bed for use with test subjects that keeps the subject sedated and warm throughout the imaging process. In embodiments, the bed uses radiant heating or cooling by pushing a heated or chilled fluid through the bed to control the temperature of the test subject during the imaging process. The imaging bed can also incorporate an integrated anesthesia channel. In embodiments, an exhaust channel removes the cool air, as well as the unused anesthesia from the imaging bed though an exhaust port. Various embodiments include a docking mechanism for easy connection of anesthesia to the bed, as well as an adapter for fitting smaller or multiple subjects simultaneously within the imaging bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: Warren Matthew Leevy, Lucas Liepert, Nathan Higgins
  • Patent number: 10420319
    Abstract: Door frame assembly that includes a frame that defines an opening therein for allowing access therethrough. The door frame also includes a door pivotably coupled to a first vertical wire of the of the frame for pivoting the door between an open position and a closed position. The door frame further includes a first coupling mechanism and a second coupling mechanism. The first coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame and is formed by a first horizontal wire. The first horizontal wire forms a hooked end protruding outward toward the door and spaced inwardly of the frame to intersect with the opening. The second coupling mechanism releasably couples the door to the frame. The second coupling mechanism includes a portion configured to limit movement of the door relative to the frame until the second portion is pivoted in a direction toward the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Cantwell, Michael E. Greene, Terrance L. Jones, Stew Kerr
  • Patent number: 9603337
    Abstract: A unique reconfigurable expandable shrinkable quick-assembly quick-disassembly indoor-outdoor kennel for multiple types of animals comprises stackable, interchangeable, expandable, and shinkable panels, doorframe panel, door panel, single-shaft-clamp-couplers, double-shaft-clamp-couplers, double-shaft-couplers, and double-clamp-couplers. Each of the panels can be used either as a roof panel, a truss panel, a wall panel, a floor panel, a ramp panel, a perch panel, or a storage panel. Each of the couplers is for centering, aligning, coupling, and locking inside the tube ends of at least two panels, to prevent the panels from twisting, bending, and collapsing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Dee Volin
  • Patent number: 9320582
    Abstract: A primate restraint device capable of restricting the movement of a monkey and, particularly, capable of facilitating injection or blood collection. A primate restraint device comprising: a containing body having both side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a door provided to the rear surface side of the containing body and capable of opening and closing the rear surface side of the containing body by sliding up and down; and a partition wall which is formed so as to close the inside of the containing body from the front surface side and to be movable forward and backward within the containing body and which is configured to be able to be affixed at a desired position within the containing body. The partition wall has provided therein hind-limb protrusion openings from which the hind limbs of the contained primate are caused to protrude to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: SHIN NIPPON BIOMEDICAL LABORATORIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Nagata
  • Publication number: 20150128872
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Steven T. Marsh, Norman C. Wang
  • Patent number: 8925491
    Abstract: A portable cat carrier has a sliding floor that momentarily and mildly destabilizes a cat's footing to facilitate transferring the cat in and out of the carrier. The floor is the bottom portion of a movable insert that has a receptacle for receiving the cat. The insert has relatively low side panels to provide the cat with a calming, unrestricted side view. After the cat is lowered into the receptacle, the insert is slid horizontally into an outer housing for containing the cat. When the insert is fully inserted within the housing, a front panel of the insert closes the housing's access opening to prevent the cat from escaping. A back panel of the insert has an elevated impassable rear barrier that prevents the cat from jumping into a trapped area between the insert and the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: K-Kat LLC
    Inventor: Theodore J. Glover
  • Patent number: 8899184
    Abstract: A primate restraint device capable of restricting the movement of a monkey and, particularly, capable of facilitating transnasal intragastric administration or oral administration. A primate restraint device comprising: a containing body having both side surfaces, a top surface, and a bottom surface; a door provided to the rear surface side of the containing body and capable of opening and closing the rear surface side of the containing body by sliding up and down; and a partition wall which is formed so as to close the inside of the containing body from the front surface side and to be movable forward and backward within the containing body and which is configured to be able to be affixed at a desired position within the containing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Nagata
  • Publication number: 20140230740
    Abstract: An animal habitat arrangeable in a vertical or a horizontal orientation comprising a rectangular enclosure having four side-walls and two opposing end-walls, wherein the four side-walls are joined to a frame at a first end of the enclosure; and the two opposing end-walls comprise a first end-wall and a second-end wall; wherein the first end-wall is releasably connectable to the frame, positionable within the frame in a plurality of orientations and provides an end-wall door with access to an interior of the rectangular enclosure; wherein at least one of the side-walls provides a side-wall door with access to the interior of the rectangular enclosure and has a hinge position which is changeable along opposite side-walls of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: CENTRAL GARDEN & PET COMPANY
    Inventors: Brad L. MIHLBAUER, Matthew D. ALLEN, Phillip C. Bartoszek, Thomas Robert LUTZ
  • Publication number: 20140026819
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to reconfigurable cage bank systems for confining one of more animals. The reconfigurable cage bank systems can include an enclosure and one or more dividers disposed within an interior area defined by the enclosure. The dividers can selectively divide the interior area into one or more animal holding areas each of which can be configured to confine an animal. The dividers can be adjustably and/or removeably positioned within the interior area of the enclosure to reconfigure one or more of the animal holding areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: PET EDGE, INC.
    Inventors: Laryssa Chortyk White, Sandra Jauron Siclari, Lori Haraske
  • Publication number: 20120210947
    Abstract: The present invention for a puppy apartment for use by domestic animals includes a container portion and a room divider having a kennel opening thereby allowing the animal to pass between apartment bedroom and bathroom portions. Adjustable apartment boundary regions for bathroom, bedroom, and living areas are adaptably configured to accommodate the pet in a comfortable domestic training environment. The present invention includes a method for providing positive and consistent household pet puppy training with the puppy apartment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Nicholas DiPaolo
  • 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: 8141517
    Abstract: A pet pen for housing a pet is provided. The pet pen comprises a plurality of enclosing members with each enclosing member having a wall body and an opening end. The enclosing members form the pen by overlapping a portion of the wall body at two or more of the opening ends, and the pen width can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the overlapping portion. The pen width can be adjusted without removing an enclosing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Richell U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Shimoda, Ryosuke Fujii
  • Patent number: 8141518
    Abstract: A shelter for an animal comprises a base member having a plurality of recessed channels formed in an upper surface thereof and adjacent to a perimeter thereof, a plurality of wall members coupled with the recessed channels in the base member so as to form an enclosure that defines an interior space, and a roof member pivotally attached to at least one of the wall members so as to move between an open and closed configuration. The shelter comprises a removable storage member positioned between the base member and the roof member so as to vertically separate the interior space into an interior storage compartment and an interior residential compartment for the animal. The shelter comprises a movable partition member positioned between at least two of the wall members and adapted to vary the dimension of the interior residential compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: John Pierpont
  • Publication number: 20110168104
    Abstract: An animal cage including a plurality of joined walls defining an interior and presenting a first opening for accessing the interior. A door that is mounted over the first opening is moveable between closed and open positions alternately limiting and allowing access to the interior. A divider is operable from outside the cage to removably engage at least one of the walls for dividing the interior into first and second chambers. The divider presents an opening for passage between the chambers. A door panel is supported by the divider and is moveable relative to the divider between a closed position blocking the opening in the divider and an open position allowing passage between the first and second chambers. The cage may comprise a cage run consisting of one or more elongated enclosures that can be divided with the removable dividers into a plurality of cage compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Michael L. Matteson, Karl J. Donahue
  • Publication number: 20110146583
    Abstract: A modular pet enclosure having interchangeable and configurable wall panels of varying size is provided. The tunnel connection panel can be placed in multiple different configurations and orientations. An open-ended tunnel that can be removably attached to the modular pet enclosure and a dwelling, including all known pet doors, is used for the pet to move between the dwelling and the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: ERIK N. LARSON, THOMAS L. NELSON, JAMES E. KOCHER, TAYLOR E. MATTHEWS
  • Publication number: 20100282179
    Abstract: A combination-type pet cage is constructed as follows. Two lateral panels are assembled to a base by inserting flanges and screw rod sections extended from lower ends of the lateral panels into corresponding slots and holes of the base. Then, a front panel and a rear panel are attached to the lateral panels by fitting receiving portions of the front and rear panels onto projections formed at front ends and rear ends of the lateral panels, so that flanges and screw rod sections extended from lower ends of the front and rear panels pass through corresponding slots and holes of the base. The lateral, front, and rear panels are secured in position to the base by wing nuts. Finally, a top panel is secured in position to upper ends of the lateral, front, and rear panels. Plural such pet cages are connectable and easily securable in position to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: YING-KUAN HO
  • Patent number: 7681532
    Abstract: A carrier for an animal providing expanded and collapsed configurations. The carrier may include an inner shell and an outer shell with respective openings that are co-positioned when the carrier is in the collapsed configuration. A moving wall may effectively block one of the openings when the carrier is in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas Clarke Deane
  • Publication number: 20090314218
    Abstract: Animal handling apparatus comprising a cage (2) with restraining means wherein the restraining means comprises a flexible member (78), such as a net, arranged to restrain an animal in three dimensions when in use. A handler may thereby have access to the animal whilst it is constrained with less risk of movement by the animal and thus less risk of injury to the animal and the handler. The flexible member may be lowered onto or raised from under the animal by means of a chain drive (38) that can be operated by two handles (40) positioned on the outside of the cage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Alan Brown, Sean Christopher Hearson, Arthur Allwright, Collett Trevor
  • Patent number: 7500449
    Abstract: A bird housing module is used to form a housing complex in a system for creating a habitat for nesting birds. The module includes a housing shell with an open front and an open-topped nest drawer that slideably fits into the shell. The nest drawer has a front drawer panel with an entryway for nesting birds. Ventilation openings and drain openings may be employed, and a predator guard panel may also be disposed in the nest drawer. A plurality of such modules may be connected to and extend radially from a carriage to form the housing complex. The system then includes a pole assembly having a pole and having a pulley and a cord for raising and lowering the carriage and housing complex on the pole. A plurality of housing complexes may be stacked for increasing the number of housing modules available for nesting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventor: Jim Carter
  • Publication number: 20080264347
    Abstract: A small animal habitat having a base and removable hood composed of a plurality of lune-shaped hood sections that are movable with respect to one another enabling them to be nested one above another so that the front and/or back of the hood may be opened. Hubs that connect the hood sections together and mount the hood to the base also define passages for the animal in and out of habitat and provide access to other habitat components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Rolf C. Hagen, Inc.
    Inventor: Robin Plante
  • Publication number: 20080196673
    Abstract: A strong and secure magnetic cage framed in a lightweight material such as aluminum with a plastic polymer bottom and detachable panels allowing for an innovative and versatile cage construction. All detachable panels work to secure the caged animal with strong yet lightweight material preventing escape while keeping with the lightweight intent for the design. The cage includes a screened front region with a hinged door structure. The door includes an integrated knob with a locking mechanism. The front region is completed by a detachable screened support panel to further secure the animal. The frame is secured with high-powered magnets housed in plastic connectors with protruding pegs reinforcing the connection between the screened panels. This assembly also encloses and secures the plastic polymer bottom. This invention is easy to clean, store and transport because of its lightweight materials and fully detachable design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Ariel S. Cudia, Anthony M. Tiskevch
  • Publication number: 20080110412
    Abstract: A pet pen for housing a pet is provided. The pet pen comprises a plurality of enclosing members with each enclosing member having a wall body and an opening end. The enclosing members form the pen by overlapping a portion of the wall body at two or more of the opening ends, and the pen width can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the overlapping portion. The pen width can be adjusted without removing an enclosing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: RICHELL USA, INC.
    Inventors: Naoki Shimoda, Ryosuke Fujii
  • Patent number: 7044086
    Abstract: An elevator-type mechanism which raises and lowers an animal into desired vertical position to facilitate treatment of injuries, treatment of illnesses, grooming, and the like of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Larry Allen Fisher
  • Patent number: 6998989
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Robin Christopher Feltrim Fagan
  • Patent number: 6971333
    Abstract: An animal kennel includes a top unit and a bottom unit and a divider unit. The divider unit includes two spring-biased support pins that are each accommodated in holes defined in the top unit and in the bottom unit when the kennel is in use. The holes are all spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the top and bottom units so the divider unit defines differently sized spaces when it is supported in different holes. The divider unit also includes an open mesh body so the animal has a large open space in which to reside even though the actual space is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Chad E. Hearrell
  • Patent number: 6945194
    Abstract: An animal holding pen comprises front, rear, left and right rigid plastic panels that interlock to one another by means of a coupling system including stainless steel fasteners that remain physically attached to the side panel assemblies when the front and rear panels are detached. The front panel may include an opening through which the animal may extend its head when feeding. Feed and water are adapted to be contained in pails held by a pail support assembly that can be folded up against the front panel or deployed perpendicular to the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald M. Fritsch
  • Patent number: 6892673
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventor: Shane Zwezdaryk
  • Publication number: 20040216691
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Eli Markowitz
  • Patent number: 6701870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Emmanuel Van Heygen
  • Patent number: 6698384
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Eli Markowitz
  • Patent number: 6517428
    Abstract: A work station having an environmental controller for maintaining air flow in and through the work station at a user-selected level. The work station includes a pressure cabinet and a perforated work surface forming the top of the pressure cabinet. A pressure inducing assembly is located within the cabinet below the work surface to draw air into the cabinet and create a negative pressure in a work space defined above the work surface. A support coupled to two sides of the pressure cabinet provides a channel for air flow from the pressure cabinet to an air chamber located above the work surface. Air is drawn from the air chamber generally downward toward the work surface by the negative pressure created in the work space to provide an air curtain substantially surrounding the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Murray, Thomas Darby, Eric Dietrich, Adam Cohen, Josh Tang
  • Publication number: 20030024482
    Abstract: A system and method for studying a test subject includes monitoring the test subject as it traverses through a programmable maze. The test subject may be under the influence of experimental drugs or genetic manipulation. The dynamic maze can be changed automatically or manually to test the abilities of the test subject. The dynamic maze comprises of a starting point, an ending point, and an electronically programmable floor capable of constructing various obstacles and passageways. The programmable floor may be programmed by a human user using an interface, or it may be programmed by an automated control system that programs the maze in accordance with the ability of the test subject to traverse the maze. Various devices are incorporated with the use of the maze to monitor the activities and welfare of the test subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Vijay Gondhalekar, Daniela Brunner
  • Patent number: 6289848
    Abstract: A fowl attraction device for causing fowl to be distributed within an enclosure includes a support stand for placement in or on the ground or flooring surface within the enclosure and a mesh screen attached to the support stand to be generally vertically oriented. Fowl will be attracted to the attraction device, so one or more attraction devices are placed within the enclosure to for example move fowl inwardly of outer walls of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Immaculada Estevez, Ruth C. Newberry
  • Patent number: 6234115
    Abstract: A nesting box is provided for use with a metabolism cage. The nesting box comprises an enclosure for receiving a nesting dam. The enclosure has a top wall, a bottom wall and sidewalls. Either the top wall or one of the sidewalls includes an entrance/exit aperture. The entrance/exit aperture has a selected size that is selectively provided relative to a defined size of the nesting dam. The nesting box is formed of a substantially transparent material allowing observation of the nesting dam and pups without opening the box. The nesting box is adapted for use with different laboratory animals, such as mice, hamsters, gerbils, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Carmen A. Blum, Maryka H. Bhattacharyya, Allison K. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6223691
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an animal carrier for use inside and outside of vehicles which comprises a cage-like enclosure having a top, a front, a rear, and a pair of sides intersecting with at least the front and a carriage for supporting the enclosure having a bottom, a front, a rear, and a pair of sides intersecting with at least the rear. Attachment members removably connect the cage with the carriage. At least one wedge is secured with the carriage rear and is adapted to be engaged with a seat belt of the vehicle for removably securing the carrier within the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas R. Beattie
  • Patent number: 6217437
    Abstract: A work station includes a pressure cabinet and a work surface forming the top of the pressure cabinet. The work surface is perforated along at least a portion of the work surface. A pressure inducing assembly is located within the cabinet below the work surface to draw air into the cabinet. A plenum is coupled to the pressure cabinet. An air chamber is mounted on the plenum and receives air passing from the cabinet through the air plenum to the air chamber. The air chamber then guides the air towards the work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Lab Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Murray, Thomas Darby, Eric Dietrich
  • Patent number: 6029604
    Abstract: A vivarium with a raised side access panel which allows reptiles to be approached laterally rather than from above. A lower panel below the side access panel permits the vivarium to hold water for amphibians while permitting side access to the reptiles inside. The lower panel is an integral part of the lower segment of the vivarium. The lower panel in combination with the side panel and the floor provide a frameless, waterproof lower segment. A frame structure can be added for aesthetic reasons. The upper frame segments allow the top lid to be permanently mounted such that a variety of equipment can be placed on the top cover of the vivarium without being disturbed when the vivarium is accessed through the side access panel. The shape of the frame segments form recessed bottom which can hold an optional heating element to control temperature in the vivarium from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventors: Patrick de Vosjoli, Philippe de Vosjoli
  • Patent number: 5960744
    Abstract: An expandable pet cage for animals, and a method for house-training pets of various sizes comprises two complimentary compartments that are in telescopic relation to each other, thereby providing an adjustable composite volume to house a pet. The adjustable composite volume facilitates using the natural instincts of the pet to resist excreting in the volume of the confinement, thus resulting in house-training the pet. The adjustable volume also can be relied on to hold an animal securely and safely during transporting, and provides an efficient enclosure for drying a pet after grooming. Also, the adjustable composite volume provides the pet owner with the convenience of only having to purchase one cage even if dogs of various sizes are to utilize the cage at different times and for different purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Mark A. Rutman
  • Patent number: 5950566
    Abstract: A cage that includes two or more movable "walls" that can restrain an animal in two or more dimensions is disclosed. Preferably, the invention includes "telescoping" or movable planar surfaces, one preventing an animal's lateral movement, and another preventing vertical movement. An animal restrained in the inventive cage reduces the possibility of injury to the handler and the animal. In addition, it can be used to accommodate animals of differing sizes, because the walls of the disclosed restraining cage are movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Animal Restraint Company
    Inventor: Tod A. Ricketts
  • Patent number: 5890329
    Abstract: The present invention entails a removable modular security enclosure for the internal cargo area of prisoner transport vans where each compartment within the security enclosure is defined by an interconnection of four walls and a roof panel. Any of the components defining the enclosure may be comprised of multiple interconnected sections. Sections and components of the enclosure are interconnected by such means as fasteners or interlocking devices. The walls of the enclosure are connected to the floor of the van where said floor serves as the floor of the enclosure. Access to a compartment is provided by a securable port in one of the defining walls. Benches may be provided along the walls inside the enclosure. When the security enclosure is composed of two separate compartments, a common wall may be used where the two compartments are in contact. Any compartment may also be provided with an adjustable vertical partition for dividing the compartment into two smaller subcompartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Bob Barker Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Krueger
  • Patent number: 5826545
    Abstract: Animal caging systems adaptable for individual and group housing are disclosed. In addition, improved features for use with animal caging systems including food dispensers, airtight lateral access panels and squeezeback mechanisms are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Diagnon Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Steffes, Joseph M. Erwin, John C. Landon
  • Patent number: 5769028
    Abstract: A carrier includes a main unit and an insert unit. The main unit defines a carrying space having a closed bottom and four sides, one of which has an opening therethrough large enough to permit an animal to enter the space through the opening. The insert unit has a closed top, four sides, and an open bottom. After the animal has entered the main unit, the insert unit is lowered down into the main unit to close off the side opening. Then a foldable top closure for the main unit is folded to secure the carrier and form a handle structure for carrying the carrier. Both units are foldable and are structured to provide an enhanced strength carrier. Strength enhancing features include the foldable bottom of the main unit, double and triple thickness portions of the top closure, and the presence of the insert unit in the main unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Jonas E. Deckys
  • Patent number: 5713304
    Abstract: A vivarium with a raised side access panel which allows reptiles to be approached laterally rather than from above. A lower glass panel below the side access panel permits the vivarium to hold water for amphibians while permitting side access to the reptiles inside. A frame structure is also provided which allows upper and lower frame segments to be interchanged. The upper frame segments allow the top lid to be permanently mounted such that a variety of equipment can be placed on the top cover of the vivarium without being disturbed when the vivarium is accessed through the side access panel. The shape of the frame segments form recessed bottom which can hold an optional heating element to control temperature in the vivarium from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Patrick de Vosjoli, Philippe de Vosjoli
  • Patent number: 5701705
    Abstract: A prefabricated modular portable livestock shelter shipped unassembled includes a pair of end walls 22 and 24 attached to a side wall 26. In addition a roof 28 is attached to the end walls 22 and 24, and the side wall 26. The end walls 22 and 24 are connected by a front tubular side rail 30, a back tubular side rail 32, and a pair of tubular skids 34 by means of a tubular connector 36 and tubular connector fastener 38. Upturned ends 40 allow the shelter to slide easily over the surface of the ground. The shelter is secured by placing metal earth anchors 42 into the ground and fastening them to the shelter with a steel cable and clamp 44. The shelter can be configured in the winter to provide protection from wind while allowing exposure to sun. The summer configuration provides additional shade while allowing breeze to pass through the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Land Resource Associates
    Inventors: Richard L. Davis, Philip G. Balch
  • Patent number: 5671697
    Abstract: An expandable pet cage for animals, and a method for house-training pets of various sizes comprises two complimentary compartments that are in telescopic relation to each other, thereby providing an adjustable composite volume to house a pet. The adjustable composite volume facilitates using the natural instincts of the pet to resist excreting in the volume of the confinement, thus resulting in house-training the pet. The adjustable volume also can be relied on to hold an animal securely and safely during transporting, and provides an efficient enclosure for drying a pet after grooming. Also, the adjustable composite volume provides the pet owner with the convenience of only having to purchase one cage even if dogs of various sizes are to utilize the cage at different times and for different purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Mark A. Rutman
  • Patent number: 5571241
    Abstract: A cage for restraining primate such as monkey to be used for experimental animal while performing experimental procedure. The cage comprises a rectangular framework which is fabricated from a top horizontal panel, two side panels and a bottom panel, a front door panel and a partition panel which is slidably mounted in the rectangular framework and can be secured thereto in the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryoichi Nagata