Abstract: A reproductive infusion device for collection of semen for in-home insemination. The device features a collection vessel having a collection cavity defined by a sidewall which communicates through an elongated member extending therefrom. The collection vessel removably engages coaxially with an injection component to transfer collected semen thereto. A plunger engageable with an axial cavity of the injection component is provided for vaginal deposit of collected semen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: An embryo transfer catheter or the like has electrical resistance heating elements extending along its shaft and connected to a battery in the catheter hub or to a separate power source via a cable. Alternatively, the shaft may be extruded with two channels in its wall connected with inlet and outlet connectors on the hub. Pipes connected with the connectors supply warmed fluid from a heat exchanger to one channel and return fluid to the exchanger from the other channel.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for producing and using an improved artificial insemination device that prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the reproductive tract.

Abstract: An insemination device including a sperm reservoir including sperm therein, a pump in fluid communication with the sperm reservoir and operative to pump sperm therefrom, and a filter in fluid communication with the pump adapted to filter the sperm to form a sperm filtrate that has a higher fertility potential than the sperm before being filtered by the filter, wherein the filter includes a multi-layer membrane for sperm filtration, including at least one first layer with a shape and pore size for preliminary filtration of relatively large particles and at least one second layer with a shape and pore size for filtration of relatively smaller particles.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for artificially inseminating animals using an improved artificial insemination device that prevents contaminants from entering the opening at the end of an insemination sheath during insertion through the reproductive tract of an animal. A thin protective cover or membrane is provided at the tip of the sheath to seal it, the membrane being designed to rupture under the pressure from the seminal fluid being applied by the plunger used to eject the semen from the insemination gun. The protective cover can be an integrated portion of the sheath itself, or a material applied to the tip of the sheath. The protective cover is minimal in size as to not increase the diameter of the artificial insemination device so that there is no loss in tactile sensitivity to the breeder who must maneuver the invention through the animal's reproductive tract.

Abstract: A fertilization and culture container, e.g. for intravaginal use, comprises a container body having an orifice for introducing a culture medium, one or more oocytes and sperm, resealable closure means for selectively opening and closing the container body orifice, the container body having a main chamber for receiving the culture medium, oocytes and sperm and a microchamber for collecting for retrieval of one or more embryos. The container body has elements for restricting access of retrieval catheter or pipette relative to the microchamber. At least a portion of a sidewall of the container body defining said microchamber is transparent and of optical quality for microscopic inspection of embryos prior to and/or during retrieval with a catheter or a pipette.

Abstract: An injection syringe for the injection of materials into domestic animals is provided. The syringe includes a tubular body having a guide member positioned within the body that is adapted to engage and properly position fluid containing straws of varying diameters with respect to the syringe. A plunger can be inserted through the body and through the guide member to expel the material from within the straw out of the body. The tubular body and the straws that can be used with the tube can be positioned within a conventional, removable hygienic sheath, that allows the syringe to be used for numerous fluid transfers.

Abstract: An improved animal-use artificial inseminator comprised of an insemination tube with a nozzle at its front extremity into which an insemination sheath is inserted and a connector at the rear extremity of the insemination tube having a check membrane. After the insemination tube penetrates the female animal body vagina and the front end of the nozzle is nominally at the first cervical ring of the cervix, the semen bottle insertion tube is utilized to pierce the connector check membrane at the rear extremity of the insemination tube and when the semen at the insemination tube is squeezed, semen is automatically squeezed out of the insemination sheath. The soft insemination sheath proceeds along the cervix without the occurrence of friction, the front end smoothly moving forward until it reaches the position of the womb.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method useful for non-surgical embryo transfer or artificial insemination of mammals. An apparatus for depositing media into the uterus of a mammal includes a conical chamber that has a plurality of perforations and flaps. An exterior spiral formation is configured for traversing or penetrating cervical passageway. A sheath having a frusto-conical rearward end extends axially from an aft end of the conical chamber. A tubular depositing chamber extends axially from the conical chamber to a position beyond a fore end of the conical chamber. Coupled to the rearward end of the depositing chamber is an embryo or semen packaging unit. The tubular depositing chamber has an end that has an aperture to permit the flow of semen out of the depositing chamber and into the uterus. The invention also involves a method employing the apparatus described.

Abstract: An artificial insemination (AI) device for the insemination of bovines and other animals including three hollow and essentially cylindrical tubular elements. Each element is provided with an open proximal and an open distal end, the three elements being: an outer protective sheath, an inner sheath, and a semen tube, whereby the diameter of the elements is such that the inner sheath is axially movable in the outer protective sheath and the semen tube is axially movable in the inner sheath, whereby the length of the outer sheath is less than the length of the inner sheath and whereby the inner sheath and the semen tube are jointly axially displaceable in and through the outer sheath.

Abstract: A sachet (11) for packaging animal semen, comprising two thermoplastics material films delimiting a pocket (12) along a closed path of generally rectangular shape defining two shorter sides and two longer sides when the sachet is empty, wherein one of said shorter sides has an interruption extended by a filler conduit (14) and defining a filler area (15) in said thermoplastics material films and the other of said shorter sides has an interruption extended by a drainer conduit and defining a drainer area (17) in said thermoplastics material films, characterized in that said drainer conduit (16) has two different diameters (D1 and D2), of which the smaller diameter (D1) is at the end communicating with the interior of said sachet.

Abstract: A catheter for artificial insemination which is a hollow cylindrical catheter having open ends at both ends, the catheter comprising a small diameter portion forming a distal end portion, a large diameter portion forming a proximal end portion and a tapered portion connecting the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion, a total inner volume of the catheter being from 0.2 to 1.0 ml.

Abstract: A method and composition for artificial insemination. The method involves artificially inseminating the subject with sperm, wherein the sperm is combined or coadministered with an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase and preferably a soluble salt of an earth alkaline metal. The composition comprises phosphodiesterase inhibitor or a functional equivalent thereof, a soluble salt of an earth alkaline metal and sperm. The method and composition reduce the recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. Deployment of the membrane is facilitated by tapering its wall thickness towards its tip.

Abstract: An antibody biding specifically to rat's acrosome reacted sperm is produced and hybridomas (FARS-91 and FARS-92 strains) capable of stably proliferating are obtained by fusing mouse spleen cells having a high antibody titer against rat's acrosome reacted sperm with mouse-origin myeloma cells and screening fused cells reacting strongly with rat's acrosome reacted sperm. From these hybridomas, monoclonal antibodies selectively binding to rat's acrosome reacted sperm can be obtained. Thus, a diagnostic method for evaluating fertility of rat's spermatozoa is presented.

Abstract: An artificial insemination (AI) device for the insemination of bovines and other animals including three hollow and essentially cylindrical tubular elements. Each element is provided with an open proximal and an open distal end, the three elements being: an outer protective sheath, an inner sheath, and a semen tube, whereby the diameter of the elements is such that the inner sheath is axially movable in the outer protective sheath and the semen tube is axially movable in the inner sheath, whereby the length of the outer sheath is less than the length of the inner sheath and whereby the inner sheath and the semen tube are jointly axially displaceable in and through the outer sheath.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method useful for non-surgical embryo transfer or artificial insemination of mammals. An apparatus 10 for depositing media 11 into the uterus of a mammal includes a conical chamber 12 that has a plurality of perforations 36 and flaps 36a. An exterior spiral formation 18 is configured for traversing or penetrating cervical passageway. A sheath 20 having a frusto-conical rearward end 22 extends axially from an aft end 16 of the conical chamber 12. A tubular depositing chamber 30 extends axially from the conical chamber 12 to a position beyond a fore end 14 of the conical chamber 12. Coupled to the rearward end 43 of the depositing chamber 30 is an embryo or semen packaging unit 40. The tubular depositing chamber 30 has an end 32 that has an aperture 34 to permit the flow of semen 11 out of the depositing chamber 30 and into the uterus. The invention also involves a method employing the apparatus 10 described.

Abstract: The device is equipped with the classical catheter (1) finishing in its front end in a tip (2) for attachment to the neck of the uterus, which is prolonged by a cannula (3) of smaller diameter. The device has said cannula (3) closed by means of an elongated lid (4′), with a rounded face, with a perimeter depression and concave curve (8) at the middle level, where orifices are established (5′) as an outlet for the semen, specifically two orifices in diametric opposition, whose positioning is such that they are level with the uterine horns of the pig to be inseminated, by the introduction of the catheter (1), which is defined by a mark (11) in the cannula (3) or in a connector (12), which optimises the conditions of insemination allowing a lower semen consumption. In addition, the rear end of the lid (4′) has a diameter after the cannula (3), to protect the edge of the free end from the latter, avoiding damage to the mucus of the female to be inseminated.

Abstract: A slow-release insemination device is disclosed, which enables in-vivo, real time sperm improvement. The present invention may minimize loss of sperm by slow-release of fluid. The sperm may be injected directly into the uterus of a female, avoiding the cervical hostile environment. The female may be free to ambulate within, for example, 2-6 hours of injection, minimizing discomfort.

Abstract: The present invention comprises devices, methods, and kits for collecting semen and other biological fluids. The devices comprise a container that has an opening that fits on a glans of a penis, preferably only the distal portion of the glans, wherein said opening has an adhesive that detachably adheres the device to the penis. The present invention facilitates stimulating the penis to achieve ejaculation, the hygienic collection and secure storage of semen, and transferring the collected semen to other containers.

Abstract: The device comprises a tube or catheter 1 that is introduced into the animal's vagina up to the cervix duct 19; a flexible probe 6 constituted of a first flexible tubular body 7, to allow that the probe, after reaching the distal end of the tube 1, may progress through the cervix duct 19 and thereafter through the cervix horn 22, this structure allowing to carry out a method of introducing a fluid with spermatozoids, embryos or therapeutic solutions to the anterior third of the uterus horn, or to obtain embryos from the anterior portions of the uterus horn, without needing sedation or anesthesia and without disturbing the animal's well-being, the device, the probe and the method being essentially applied to porcine livestock, small ruminants and any other animal species.

Abstract: A light weight, portable, temperature regulated enclosure for the pre-heating of artificial insemination guns and the transportation of loaded artificial insemination guns to the place of usage is disclosed. A flexible, planar heater using an etched electrically resistive metallic foil heating element and attached temperature sensor provides regulated heat to the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A device for the in vitro development of an embryo in a fluid. A method for the in vitro development of an embryo in a fluid is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: A catheter for artificial insemination which is a hollow cylindrical catheter having open ends at both ends, the catheter comprising a small diameter portion forming a distal end portion, a large diameter portion forming a proximal end portion and a tapered portion connecting the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion, a total inner volume of the catheter being from 0.2 to 1.0 ml.

Abstract: An injection syringe for the injection of materials into domestic animals is provided. The syringe includes a tubular body having a guide member positioned within the body that is adapted to engage and properly position fluid containing straws of varying diameters with respect to the syringe. A plunger can be inserted through the body and through the guide member to expel the material from within the straw out of the body. The tubular body and the straws that can be used with the tube can be positioned within a conventional, removable hygienic sheath, that allows the syringe to be used for numerous fluid transfers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assisted embryo implantation using a specialized microcatheter to prepare an implantation site within the subject's endometrial lining and to transport and place an embryo into the implantation site.

Abstract: A sterilizable, compact, portable device for dispensing predetermined amount, at a predetermined flow rate, of a selected liquid preparation into a specific target-organ or tissue in a mammalian body, in particular, of a human. Accessories may also be included for assisting in placing, and/or fixing, the device in right position within, or in adjacent to, the desired organ.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to devices and processes related to estrus synchronization. Particular embodiments of devices and processes of the present invention slowly release progesterone over a period of time for estrus synchronization.

Abstract: An artificial insemination device for breeding animals, such as sows, including a catheter suitable for being introduced into the genital system so as to enable sperm to be discharged therefrom and a reservoir of sperm connected to the catheter. The catheter has a conduit with an end piece at a distal end thereof. The conduit is suitable for lodging in the neck of the animal's uterus. A ring is provided so as to form a tight seal between the reservoir and the catheter.

Abstract: An internal catheter has a flexible plastic inner tube with an integrally formed protruding head with an axial channel. The internal catheter extends through an axial channel in an exterior catheter. With the internal catheter head withdrawn within the foam or spiral tip of the exterior catheter, the assembly is advanced into a sow cervix, and the internal catheter is then advanced through the tip of the catheter and remaining portion of the cervix and into the uterine body and possibly into a uterine horn. Semen or embryos are then introduced through the axial cavity. The tip of the exterior catheter may have a protective flap which is not penetrated until the inner tube is advanced therethrough. The internal catheter axial channel may have a constricted portion within the head, to engage a semen or embryo containing straw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract.

Abstract: A device for collecting animal semen for later artificial insemination.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method useful for non-surgical embryo transfer or artifical insemination of mammals. An apparatus for depositing media into the uterus of a mammal includes a conical chamber that has a plurality of perforations and flaps. An exterior spiral formation is configured for traversing or penetrating cervical passageway. A sheath having a frusto-conical rearward end extends axially from an aft end of the conical chamber. A tubular depositing chamber extends axially from the conical chamber to a position beyond a fore end of the conical chamber. Coupled to the rearward end of the depositing chamber is an embryo or semen packaging unit. The tubular depositing chamber has an end that has an aperture to permit the flow of semen out of the depositing chamber and into the uterus.

Abstract: The device is equipped with the classical catheter (1) finishing in its front end in a tip (2) for attachment to the neck of the uterus, which is prolonged by a cannula (3) of smaller diameter. The device has said cannula (3) closed by means of an elongated lid (4′), with a rounded face, with a perimeter depression and concave curve (8) at the middle level, where orifices are established (5′) as an outlet for the semen, specifically two orifices in diametric opposition, whose positioning is such that they are level with the uterine horns of the pig to be inseminated, by the introduction of the catheter (1), which is defined by a mark (11) in the cannula (3) or in a connector (12), which optimises the conditions of insemination allowing a lower semen consumption. In addition, the rear end of the lid (4′) has a diameter after the cannula (3), to protect the edge of the free end from the latter, avoiding damage to the mucus of the female to be inseminated.

Abstract: A light weight, portable, temperature regulated enclosure for the pre-heating of artificial insemination guns and the transportation of loaded artificial insemination guns to the place of usage is disclosed. A flexible, planar heater using an etched electrically resistive metallic foil heating element and attached temperature sensor provides regulated heat to the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: An enhanced method of in vitro fertilization by coating an embryo transfer catheter with a non-embryotoxic phospholipid. The phospholipid reduces or eliminates the collection of mucus on an ET catheter as it passes through the mucus plug in the cervical cannel and thus elimininating its detrimental effect in, engulfing the embryo and preventing implantation.

Abstract: The device comprises a tube or catheter (1) that is introduced into the animal's vagina up to the cervix duct (19); a flexible probe (6) constituted of a first flexible tubular body (7), to allow that the probe, after reaching the distal end of the tube (1), may progress through the cervix duct (19) and thereafter through the cervix horn (22), this structure allowing to carry out a method of introducing a fluid with spermatozoids, embryos or therapeutic solutions to the anterior third of the uterus horn, or to obtain embryos from the anterior portions of the uterus horn, without needing sedation or anesthesia and without disturbing the animal's well-being.

Abstract: A tube for sperm washing and concentration. The tube is a glass tube 1 having an open end 11 and a bottom portion with a small diameter 12, and an elastic bladder 2 removably provided at the open end 11 of the tube 1. A vulnerable section 13 may be further provided to enable the bottom with small diameter 12 to be easily bent and cut. Contamination of the sperm by bacteria and remaining density gradient carrier are not caused.

Abstract: A diluent for the cryogenic storage of bovine spermatozoa includes a phospholipid, a liposoluble vitamin accompanied by an emulsifier, an antioxidant and a polyol.

Abstract: A catheter for artificial insemination of birds includes a plastic tube obtained by extrusion, each of the tube ends is shaped such that the tube's internal diameter at its ends is reduced to a value ranging between two-thirds and three-quarters of the tube's internal diameter, the reduction being obtainable by cold forming at the extruder outlet.

Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe. When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.

Abstract: A semen storage container containing the semen of a male pig is sealed with a stopper having a cone-shape vomiting portion whose point is closed at one end when the semen is used for artificial insemination, a predetermined portion of the cone-shape vomiting portion of the stopper is cut inserted into an insertion tube which is then inserted into the womb of female pig, thereby easily and cleanly carrying out artificial insemination. A window for confirming the amount of semen stored is added to the semen storage pack who se exterior is shading-printed to block a harmful ray of light such as direct ray of light, protecting the semen from deterioration.

Abstract: The use of CYB medium for the storage and/or transportation of semen at ambient temperature.

Abstract: An artificial insemination system and its use requires a sheath which has a first lumen for receiving and holding an endoscope, and a second lumen through which semen can be injected into the uterus of the animal to be inseminated. Additionally, the sheath includes a blunt guide probe which extends distally from the distal end of the sheath. A window covers the distal end of the first lumen so that the user can use the endoscope to view the guide probe and the general area surrounding the guide probe. When using the system, the endoscope is initially inserted into the first lumen of the sheath. The combination of sheath and endoscope are then inserted into the vagina of the animal and, using the endoscope, the guide probe is position at the cervical os. While continuing to view the guide probe with the endoscope, the guide probe is directed through the cervix until the distal end of the second lumen is positioned in the uterus.

Abstract: Improved insemination systems particularly adapted to use for sex-selected sperm sorting include systems which achieve superovulation and then multiple embryo production with sexed embryos. These systems combine with other techniques, including techniques for enhanced sheath fluid and other strategies which minimize stress on the sperm cells, and, potentially, a 2.9 percent sodium citrate sheath solution for bovine species and a hepes bovine gamete media for equine species. Improved collection systems and techniques for the process are described so that commercial application of sperms samples as well as the resulting animals may be achieved.

Abstract: An artificial insemination device is formed by attaching a semen filled straw or tube to one end of a pipette to which a syringe is attached at the other end. An anchorable tip is attached to the other end of the semen filled tube. The semen filled tube is attached by forming tapered bores in the pipette and anchorable tip so that semen filled tubes of various diameters can be press fit into the tapered bores. The pipette-tube-tip assembly is inserted into the animal's vagina using a speculum until the tip enters the cervix, and a seal is formed between the tip and cervix by inflating an attached balloon. The syringe, which contains a diluent fluid, is pushed to force semen and diluent fluid out through ejection port(s) in the tip into the animal's uterus. Optimum amounts of semen and diluent fluid can be delivered to various sized animals.

Abstract: An artificial insemination device for private use which is capable of allowing unskilled persons to achieve an artificial insemination of livestock such as cattle, horses, and deer, etc. in a simple and easy manner using frozen semen of those livestock. The device includes an in-vagina insert unit inserted into the vagina of a female to be inseminated upon injecting semen into the female, and a semen injection unit inserted into the womb canal of the female through the in-vagina insert unit upon injecting semen into the female. The in-vagina insert unit includes a hollow insert body, and an insert tube slidably fitted at its rear end in a front end of the insert body in such a manner that its length protruded from the insert body is adjustable in accordance with the depth of the vagina of the female. The semen injection unit includes an elongated semen injection tube connected at a rear end thereof to an injector, and a guide/nozzle member separably coupled to a front end of the semen injection tube.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a container (1) consisting of a sealed flexible bag (3) to an external duct (2) that includes a tube (4) with a connecting opening (5). A rigid tubular coupling (6) is loosely arranged within the flexible container (1) and comprises a frusto-conical projection (7) sized in such a way that it may be force-fitted into the opening (5). A user grasps the coupling (6) and places it against the inner surface of the bag (3) while placing the opening (5) of the external duct (2) against the outer surface of the bag (3), then axially presses on the coupling (6) so that it perforates the bag (3) and sealingly engages the opening (5). The fluid in the container (1) can then flow through the coupling (6) into the external duct (2).