US 6,257,171 B1 · Animal caging and biological storage systems

Abstract

A novel microisolation container for laboratory animals or other species includes a rectangular, transparent base containing an intake port at the lower front end and a detachable top sealingly attached to the base which contains an exhaust port in the end opposite the intake port. The intake and exhaust ports are preferably covered with a filter membrane which excludes airborne contaminants. The interior of the top is contoured to provide a domed sloping ceiling for the container, the lower portion being adjacent the intake or front end of the container and the upper portion being adjacent the exhaust or rear end. Preferred embodiments include a feeder assembly which is supported by perforated supports which serve as shelter for the animals. The front and rear ports, the contoured ceiling and the feeder design aid in the laminar flow of air through the cage. A perforated floor, absorbent insert and disposable waste bag can be included in the base of the cage.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An isolation container comprising:

a base which supports a plurality of sides;
a top affixed to the plurality of sides forming a microisolation container suitable to house a heat load;
a first of said plurality of sides having an intake port with a first filter;
a second of said plurality of sides having an exhaust port with a second filter;
said exhaust port being located higher relative to the base than the intake port on an opposite side, thereby facilitating a convection based air flow from the intake port, across the container, and out the exhaust port when said heat load is housed in said container.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Animal caging and biological storage systems

Life of this patent

Animal caging and biological storage systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26