Abstract: A method and system for the continuous monitoring of animal physiology in laboratory animal cages through the use of miniaturized sensors located throughout the cage and in various fashions including the ability to identify each rodent's digital sensory signature through data fusion and artificial intelligence.

Abstract: An animal storage and transportation device with an upper enclosure having a floor, a set of supports which elevate the upper enclosure above a horizontal surface, and a primary hole placed within the floor. One or more small animals within the upper enclosure are gravity fed into a transport container via a connection assembly positioned within the primary hole and attached to the floor and an aperture closing mechanism positioned underneath the primary hole which is adapted to open an aperture through which the small animals are transferred.

Abstract: A bird feeder includes a container and a lid. The container includes a body and a neck. The neck includes an opening and the outer surface of the neck includes a first thread. The lid is configured to engage the neck. The lid includes a top wall and a side wall bounding a peripheral edge of the top wall. An inner surface of the side wall includes a second thread that is configured to engage the first thread of the neck so as to close the lid onto the container. The top wall includes an opening and a perch is disposed on the lid. An attachment member is formed on an outer surface of the lid.

Abstract: Various birdfeeder designs are provided for flowable bird feed such as seeds or nectar. In one design, the birdfeeder (100) has a housing including first and second receptacles (102 and 104). The receptacles (102 and 104) are intertwined to form a double helical configuration. A large number of feed ports (106) can be distributed across the receptacles (102 and 104) to attract a large number of birds in a small area. Partitions (116) within the receptacles (102 and 104) define a number of feed chambers (118) to supply feed at the feed ports (106).

Abstract: An animal cage includes a removable, suspended interior floor provided with a plurality of perforations formed therein. The floor creates a plenum inside the cage allowing air to flow laminarly through the perforations and liquids or liquid waste to substantially fall through the perforations in the raised floor.

Abstract: A pet kennel is described. The pet kennel includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portion join together to define a pet chamber to house a pet. The upper portion includes a cooling media compartment above the pet chamber. The cooling media compartment is in fluidic communication with the pet chamber to provide hydration to the pet housed in the pet kennel.

Abstract: An automatic animal watering system has a manifold for transporting drinking water, a controlled volume dispenser in the manifold for receiving a volume of drinking water, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve. A plurality of drinking valve assemblies is provided in fluid communication with the manifold between the inlet and outlet valves. A fluid sensor, capable of responding to changes in one or both of the water volume and pressure, is provided in the manifold between the inlet and outlet valves. The volume of drinking water available to the drinking valve assemblies can be regulated as a function of time to limit maximum potential leakage. The system also includes a controller receiving signals from the fluid sensor and generating a response to changes in the monitored water volume or pressure, thereby limiting potential water leakage in the system.

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

Abstract: An animal cage box has a grommet for passing a watering conduit through a box side wall. The grommet is removably attachable at an opening through the side wall, using a non-round configuration by which the grommet is aligned for insertion into a non-round opening, and turned to hold the grommet in place. A flange on the grommet body rests against one face of the side wall. The non-round configuration includes one or more tabs that can be cut from the flange and are displaced axially by a distance equal to the side wall thickness. A hinge flap that can be grasped in the fingers helps to hold, align, insert or remove and twist the grommet relative to the side wall. The disclosed arrangement further minimized the cost of using inexpensive disposable cage boxes because relatively expensive grommets, for example of stainless steel, can be cleaned and reused.

Abstract: An animal compartment assembly that has a roof that is supported by a sidewall. The sidewall has a door therein that is slidably within the sidewall. A floor supports the sidewall to complete the structure. There is a storage chamber that is disposed within the sidewall and has a door that opens to provide access to the storage chamber from outside the sidewall wherein items for the animal can be stored.

Abstract: The assemblies of the invention are suitable for mounting to, or being an integral part of, an animal enclosure such that the height of a valve-controlled liquid outlet may be adjusted according to the changing needs of growing animals. The adjustable liquid delivery assemblies comprise an elongated rail, a liquid delivery unit having at least one liquid delivery head slideably engaged with the elongated rail, a flexible liquid delivery tube for connecting a liquid delivery head to a liquid source, and a means for securing the liquid delivery unit at a selected position on the elongated rail.

Abstract: A filter top assembly for a cage, wherein the assembly includes a bonnet having a perforated top wall to protect filter paper placed above the top wall. The perforations may be small enough to prevent an animal from getting a purchase position and spaced apart sufficiently to prevent the animal from biting the spacing between the perforations. The bonnet may also include one or more elevated ribs to retain the filter paper suspended above the bonnet.

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

Abstract: A disposable rodent cage used in both static and/or ventilated cage and rack systems, wherein the disposable cage includes a cage bottom. The cage may further be provided with a grommet disposed on the cage bottom and a bonnet constructed and arrange to fit over the cage bottom. The bonnet may further include a feeding and watering assembly. The cage may further include a filter cover that may be placed over an opening in the bonnet to cover the feeding and watering assembly. The bonnet may also include one or more elevated ribs disposed thereon to create an air seal when it is inserted into a canopy of a rack.

Abstract: A pet food/beverage dispensing apparatus includes; a vertical positioning member configured to at least partially surround at least one substantially vertical fixing member, a height extending portion coupled to the vertical positioning member via a refastenable connector, and a dish receptacle which is configured to retain a dish and is coupled to the height extending portion, wherein the vertical positioning member and the height extending portion are configured to substantially fix the dish receptacle in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An animal cage box has a grommet for passing a watering conduit through a box side wall. The grommet is removably attachable at an opening through the side wall, using a non-round configuration by which the grommet is aligned for insertion into a non-round opening, and turned to hold the grommet in place. A flange on the grommet body rests against one face of the side wall. The non-round configuration includes one or more tabs that can be cut from the flange and are displaced axially by a distance equal to the side wall thickness. A hinge flap that can be grasped in the fingers helps to hold, align, insert or remove and twist the grommet relative to the side wall. The disclosed arrangement further minimized the cost of using inexpensive disposable cage boxes because relatively expensive grommets, for example of stainless steel, can be cleaned and reused.

Abstract: The Pet Window together with apparatuses improves the animal's habitat And reduces the caretakers time. Improved animal care reduces bacteria And the contamination to other pets and humans. Healthy pets promotes More loving caretakers and socially balanced pets. Simplified housing Installation connects the caretakers living space to the animals living Space further promoting healthy interaction relationship. The window control panel allows adequate transfer of conditioned air from the human side to the animal side. Both size and type of animals are accommodated Utilizing the same principle design. Unlimited by shape, size, conditions And geophysical locations this habitat is tailored for new facilities, existing Facilities and installations not requiring a window. The thermal insulated Habitat utilizes a climate door or doors enabling a variety of controls for Temperature, lighting, feeding, cleanliness, mobility, audio, video, and Interaction with the host family.

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.

Abstract: A multi-compartment pet training system includes a front compartment joined to a rear compartment to define a passage therebetween such that the pet may move freely between the front compartment and the rear compartment. The front compartment includes a front door for ingress and egress of the pet between a surrounding area and the front compartment. The front compartment provides an area in which the pet may eat, drink and sleep. The rear compartment is configured to allow the pet to carry out urinary and/or fecal elimination while its owner is away. As such, the pet may be trained to utilize the rear compartment for carrying out waste elimination activities while utilizing the front compartment for all other activities.

Abstract: An animal water supply system includes disposable containers such as plastic bags that can be supplied in bulk in sterile form and filled under a change hood or other sanitary environment using a filling machine located in the sanitary environment. The containers preferably comprise plastic bags configured to be suspended from a hanger of a bag filling machine. The machine's hanger is preferably configured to support a plastic bag during both bag filling and the subsequent insertion of a watering valve into the bag. The bag is further configured to permit its placement in or on a conventional cage while protecting the tearable material of the bag from the animal. If desired, a liner can be provided to further protect and support the bag or other container on a wire bar lid.

Abstract: A pet showcase to raise small pet animals including rabbit, bird, chameleon, lizard, or insects that can be inlaid onto a wall or a cabinet and held tightly to the wall or the cabinet or simply placed in a living room to appreciate the pet through a glass door panel of the pet showcase for the pet showcase to be further infused in the setup of the living room and present an integrated aesthetic sense with the wall or the cabinet.

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: An installation for supplying liquid feed to an animal, such as a calf. The installation comprises one or more feed loading places (1) and one or more feed unloading places (2-5), and one or more vehicles (9) that are autonomously displaceable, controlled by a microprocessor or the like, between one or more feed loading places and one or more feed unloading places, each vehicle comprising a drinking nozzle (10), such as a flexible teat.

Abstract: A birdcage feeding device is provided with a seed chamber, seed cup, and method of attachment. The feeding device comprises an opening that may be opened or closed in order to displace seeds from a feeding chamber to fill a seed cup. The seed cup is designed to be shallow such that seeds do not get buried under layers of empty shells and hulls. The seed cup also has high rear and side walls to guard seeds from being scattered outside by birds. The feeding device may be closed to allow a user to remove the seed cup, without removing the device, for cleaning. A method of attachment is also described that allows the device to be on the outside of the birdcage while being secured from the inside of the cage, thus allowing for easy refilling of the device.

Abstract: An insulated animal enclosure configured to be conveniently maintained at a cool and comfortable interior temperature. The insulated animal enclosure includes an inner habitat and an outer housing. The cuter housing includes an opening configured to receive the inner habitat therein and substantially surrounds the inner habitat at a spaced-apart distance thereof. Cooling means are placed within the spaced-apart distance between the outer housing and the inner habitat to assist in maintaining a controlled temperature environment. The inner habitat additionally includes an opening therein to allow an animal to enter and exit the structure at will.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus comprises a plurality of walls, mounting structure and a feed holder. The plurality of walls communicates with the mounting structure to accommodate mounting the feeder apparatus on the outside of an animal confinement structure, e.g. a cage. One or more walls of the feeder body 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 method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including; providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.

Abstract: An animal enrichment device for use in an animal cage having a cage bottom, the cage bottom having a peripheral lip with recesses defined therein. The enrichment device can comprise a floor on which the animal may perch, a first set of opposing walls extending up from the floor and a second set of opposing walls extending up from the floor. A flange portion can be disposed at the top of each of the first set of opposing walls, each flange portion having a top surface. The flange portions are dimensioned and shaped so that when the animal enrichment device is disposed in the cage bottom, the flange portions can be received in the recesses defined in the peripheral lip of the cage bottom such that the top surface of each of the flange portions is flush with the peripheral lip of the cage bottom, and wherein the floor of the enrichment device is positioned above the floor of the cage bottom.

Abstract: An animal feed apparatus comprises in combination, a circular container having a peripheral sidewall closed by a bottom panel, and at a top end outwardly extending with an integral lip. An interior surface of the sidewall is formed with an inwardly directed slope, and a lid provides an annular lip having a pair of annular, outwardly facing and outwardly extending, spaced apart ribs positioned for intimate frictional contact with the sloped sidewall of the container and adapted for vacuum engagement with the container so as to seal an interior space of the container.

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: An animal in a pen is fed by a drop tube from a raised supply system to a position at or adjacent the floor or a trough at the floor. A spout at the bottom of the drop tube extends at an angle to the tube for discharging the feed in a direction to one side of the drop tube depending upon an angular orientation of the drop tube about a vertical axis of the drop tube. A clamp for attaching the drop tube to the wall of the pen includes co-operating indexing adjustment components including a stud mounted on the tube and grooves in the top surface of the clamping band which can be adjusted to provide a plurality of indexed angular orientations of the tube about the axis for locating the direction of discharge of the spout at specific indexed locations relative to the trough.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing the water supply manifold assures adequate alignment of the apertures at each water supply location by forming a single through-hole entirely through the header tube at each water supply location for the insertion of a water supply tube through the thus-formed apertures in the header tube. A preferred method includes forming a plurality of through-holes completely through a piece of a cylindrical tube stock at axially-spaced locations along the tube stock, thereby forming a header tube having at least two rows of apertures in which each aperture is aligned with another, circumferentially opposed aperture. A supply tube is inserted through a pair of circumferentially opposed apertures such that opposed ends of each supply tube protrude beyond said header tube. A fitting is mounted over each end of said supply tube.

Abstract: A water supply manifold can be manufactured easily and inexpensively while simultaneously providing an improved connection of manifold components to one another. The water supply manifold, or at least each section thereof, includes (1) a header tube that is configured to extend longitudinally along a support surface such as a shelf and (2) fittings that are mounted on the header tube in a spaced-apart relationship relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment in which the water supply manifold is intended for use in an animal water supply system, two opposed fittings may be provided on opposite sides of the header tube at each water supply location so as to permit two rows of cages to be mounted back-to-back on each shelf of a cage and rack system. In this case, a single supply tube may extend completely through the header tube at each water supply location and receive a respective fitting at each of two outlet ends thereof.

Abstract: A butterfly rearing kit including an enclosure in which metamorphosis of a butterfly larva or butterfly chrysalis into a butterfly can be carried out. Basically, the kit includes first and second transparent plastic domes having open bases that can be releasably fastened together to form an enclosure. The enclosure may be supported by a third dome secured to the enclosure with the open base extending downwardly or on a rod extending out through said second dome. In one embodiment, a cup is provided for a butterfly larva with a cap to which the larva attaches the hanging chrysalis. The cap can be removed from the cup and placed over an opening in the top of the enclosure, so that final metamorphosis to a butterfly occurs in the enclosure. The kit preferably includes a moss like material along the bottom of the enclosure and butterfly larva food where the process starts with a larva.

Abstract: A water tank for supplying water to a caged animal includes a cylindrical container having an open upper end and a threaded lower neck opening. The upper opening is provided with a hinged, flip-top closure for easy filling, the closure being open to ambient air pressure. Joined to the lower neck opening is a dispenser assembly that includes a threaded cap received on the threaded neck, and dispenser tube extending obliquely from the bottom of the cap. Within the dispenser tube, a stainless steel valve assembly is secured, and a valve stem assembly extends to the lower opening of the dispenser tube. An animal may use its tongue to depress the valve stem assembly and cause a small amount of water to flow gravitally from the tank through the tube to the animal. The displaced liquid is replaced by air flowing into the non-sealed top opening, so that there is no retrograde air flow through the valve assembly to introduce contaminants.

Abstract: An indoor elevated cat feeder that has a platform to support a cat, food, and water. It also has walls to protect the cat from annoyance by a dog, but has no roof or has a roof that may be opened so that a person may pet the cat while the cat is on the platform.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: An animal containment system includes a cage with a lid and a water flask. The water flask has a generally rectangular footprint and sits on top of the cage, preferably on the lid itself. A sipper tube connected to a port on one of the sides of the water flask can be inserted through a hole in the cage lid to a height sufficient for the animals in the cage to reach up to obtain water. The lid of the cage preferably includes a recessed portion in which at least a portion of the water flask is disposed. The water flask includes a bottom surface that is sloped to facilitate emptying of the flask into the sipper tube. The water flask has a relatively low profile and thus, contributes very little to the height of the cage. Thus, existing rack designs can be used to house the same number of cage and water flask assemblies of the present invention as was possible with conventional isolation cage and water bottle designs. Further, the water flask can be replaced without having to remove the lid of the cage.

Abstract: A filter bonnet for an open-top cage includes: a filter top adapted to cover the open top of the open-top cage. The filter top has a body portion with a perforated top wall and side walls extending therefrom forming an open bottom end. A shield is permanently affixed to the top wall and disposed within an area defined by the side walls.

Abstract: A device for providing water to young birds and fowl. The waterer is attached to a cage for the birds and includes a bottle which can be detached for cleaning or replacement and reattached when full without any spillage. The device also includes a removable piece for the prevention of drowning of certain types of game birds.

Abstract: A water and/or liquid foodstuff dispenser for small pets which comprises a container having, at a bottom thereof, a dispensing device which is constituted by a tubular element arranged at an obtuse angle with respect to a longitudinal extension of the container, with a flanged tang which is hermetically connected to the container, and is provided with a free end which is perimetrically folded inwards and internally provided with a flow control element which is pushed closed by a spring, a stem of the control element protruding outside the free end.

Abstract: An animal containment system includes a cage with a lid and a water flask. The water flask has a generally rectangular footprint and sits on top of the cage, preferably on the lid itself. A sipper tube connected to a port on one of the sides of the water flask can be inserted through a hole in the cage lid to a height sufficient for the animals in the cage to reach up to obtain water. The lid of the cage preferably includes a recessed portion in which at least a portion of the water flask is disposed. The water flask includes a bottom surface that is sloped to facilitate emptying of the flask into the sipper tube. The water flask has a relatively low profile and thus, contributes very little to the height of the cage. Thus, existing rack designs can be used to house the same number of cage and water flask assemblies of the present invention as was possible with conventional isolation cage and water bottle designs. Further, the water flask can be replaced without having to remove the lid of the cage.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating seed from husks which consists of one or more separating units. Each separating unit includes a series of impact plates fixed at angles with respect to each other and to the vertical axis. In use, the seed and husks fall freely under gravity to impact and deflect off the impact plates along a path determined by the angles of the plates and the weight of the seed and husks. The deflection path differs such that seed and husks can be collected separately.

Abstract: A rodent cage including a cage bottom having a plurality of integral side walls, a floor and an open top end. A peripheral lip extends continuously around the top end. A pair of recesses are disposed on the peripheral lip. A feeder assembly has a frame and at least one section descending therefrom. The frame has pair of flanges extending therefrom so that when the feeder assembly is disposed in the cage bottom the pair of flanges are mated with the pair of recesses, respectively. A bonnet is dimensioned in size for sealing the top end of the cage bottom. A lock is disposed on the bonnet for preventing rodents housed in the cage from displacing the bonnet from the cage bottom.

Abstract: A combination food and liquid dispenser for an animal cage including a first compartment and a second compartment being in vertical relation to each other. The second compartment is constructed to receive food therein and provide an animal access to the food item disposed therein and the first compartment is constructed to receive a liquid container therein and provide an animal with access to the liquid container disposed in the first compartment. A bracket assembly is affixed to the dispenser and supports the dispenser within the cage on less than four side walls thereof. A filter cap for the animal cage includes a body portion dimensioned to fit upon and cover over the top of the cage.

Abstract: An animal housing including a housing top, a housing bottom with a perforated floor, and a skirt. The skirt is configured so as to receive and support the housing bottom. A pan is disposed within the skirt such that the perforated floor of the housing bottom allows dander, urine and feces to drop therethrough onto the pan, and the pan is insertable into and removable from the skirt without disturbing the remainder of the animal housing. The animal housing further includes negative air flow means communicating with the skirt to produce a gas flow from the skirt to the negative air flow means. The animal housing may also include a frame and a bottle. The bottle includes a mouth having at least one lateral interior flange and at least one lateral exterior flange extending from the outer circumference thereof, and the frame includes a panel having at least one bottle-receiving aperture for receiving the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A cage and rack system includes at least one cage, a shelf, and a water docking system that holds the cage in the position on the shelf in which a cage-mounted animal watering valve is coupled to a water manifold so as to assure the supply of water to the watering valve without leakage. The water docking system includes a latch mechanism and a coupling. The latch mechanism includes a latch catch which is movable 1) from an unlatched position in which it is disengaged from the cage and permits removal of the cage from the rack 2) to a latched position holding the cage in its docked position. The coupling may comprise either a friction-fit quick-connect or a locking quick-connect coupling and includes a male fitting and a female fitting. The male fitting is designed to prevent leakage by sequentially engaging two internal seals of the female fitting so as to first seal against the female fitting and then open an internal valve element of the female fitting.