Device and method of animal reward
US9485966B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH05B45/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention describes an automated method, device and system for both husbandry and study purposes of animals by providing a heat reward for specific behavior. Embodiments include maintaining the cage temperature at a normal, comfortable temperature for the animals, such as mice, using radiant heat rather than conducted heat to provide the reward, using home cages for the animals, detecting the behavior fully automated, operating in animal darkness, and using cages that are free of electrical penetrations. Some embodiments have one animal in a cage. Some embodiments have or support multiple animals in a cage and include methods to detect automatically identify animals, locate animals in the cage and associate a behavior and reward for a specific animal. Some embodiments place all sensors and radiant heat sources outside the cage, or use infrared sources for both heating and for IR camera lighting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.