Ventilated animal caging system with cage racks and filter covers including valves operable by rack
US5044316A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1990 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K1/031
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ventilated caging system of the type having ducted shelves with lower planar surfaces for box-like animal enclosures, the shelves having duct openings for powered supply and exhaust of air to the animal cages, has valved filter covers operable to isolate the animal enclosure from ingress and egress of airborne particles. The filter cover has a frame sealingly engaging a perimeter of the cage, the frame carrying a filter membrane with at least one opening. A support web integral with the frame extends inwardly of the perimeter within the frame to support a valve. A movable valve body in the form of a leaf spring is mounted on the support web, the valve body including a blocking portion resiliently urged to block the opening in the filter membrane, and a contact portion protruding through the opening by an opening displacement of the valve body, the blocking portion being displaced by the contact portion when the cage is fitted in the ventilating rack, whereupon the valve is opened, and the blocking portion being resiliently released to cover the opening when the cage is removed from contact with the ventilating rack, whereupon the valve is closed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.