Method and apparatus for tracking a laboratory animal location and movement
US7389744B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 7, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/046
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for tracking the laboratory animal position and movement in a walled enclosure or cage for observation and evaluation is disclosed. The system consists of a plate placed on the bottom of the cage whereon multiple electrodes are configured as column-row two-dimensional electrode array, an electronic circuit detecting and measuring the capacitance between said electrodes, and a microprocessor determining the animal's location. The electronic circuit repeatedly measures the capacitance between the electrodes in a sequential manner. The animal's location and movement is determined by detecting the changes in capacitance on said plate.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.