Harness interface conduit, tether line, and swivel for use in animals

• US 20070006820A1
• Filed: 07/06/2005
• Published: 01/11/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Strategic Operations Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Strategic Operations Incorporated
• Inventors: Ruiter, Matthew, Denault, Steven
• Granted Patent: US 7,665,424 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 119/792
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 1/031 Cages for laboratory animals; Cages for measuring metabolism of animals

Abstract

A harness for use in coupling with an animal interface, the animal interface comprising one or more of conduits for transmitting fluid, electrical signals, or optical signals. Swivel extension tether for quick connect to harness, dual-ended swivel, an extension line, and connection to upstream monitoring equipment. Method for using the harness in an animal for fluid communication access, an electrical signal interface, and an optical interface.

Claims

1. A harness for coupling with an animal interface, said harness comprising:

a. a conduit comprising

i. an external terminus which comprises an external terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with a swivel extension tether.

ii. an internal terminus which comprises an internal terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with said animal interface; and

b. a skirt situated on the circumference of said conduit and situated between the external and internal termini, said skirt axially projecting from said conduit and for covering said interface.

2. The conduit of claim 1 wherein said conduit is hollow for conveying fluid.

3. The conduit of claim 2 wherein said external fitting is shaped for fluid communication with said swivel extension tether.

6. The conduit of claim 2 wherein said internal fitting is shaped for fluid communication with said animal interface wherein said animal interface comprises a catheter or cannula.

8. The conduit of claim 1 wherein said internal terminal fitting of the harness comprises a fitting adapted for coupling with said animal interface wherein said animal interface comprises an optical probe.

9. The conduit of claim 1 wherein said internal terminal fitting of the harness comprises a fitting adapted for coupling with said animal interface wherein said animal interface comprises an electrical signal access.

10. The harness of claim 1 further comprising an animal interface.

4. The conduit of claim 4 wherein said external terminal fitting of the harness comprises a quick-connect fitting adapted for detachable coupling with said swivel extension tether.

5. The conduit of claim 4 wherein said quick-connect fitting is selected from the group of fittings consisting of leur fittings, compression fittings, push-in fittings, barb fittings, teeth fittings, knurl fittings, and bump fittings.

7. The conduit of claim 7 wherein said internal terminal fitting of the harness is comprised of stainless steel, plastic, metal, or an other rigid material.

11. The harness of claim 11 further comprising a swivel extension tether.

12. The harness of claim 12 further comprising a dual-ended swivel.

13. The harness of claim 13 further comprising an extension line.

14. The harness of claim 14 further comprising upstream equipment.

15. A method of providing fluid communication access to a biological interface comprising the step of attaching a harness to an animal, wherein said harness comprises:

a. a conduit comprising

i. an external terminus which comprises an external terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with a swivel extension tether.

ii. an internal terminus which comprises an internal terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with said animal interface; and

b. a skirt situated on the circumference of said conduit and situated between the external and internal termini, said skirt axially projecting from said conduit and for covering said interface.

16. A method of providing an electrical interface comprising the step of attaching a harness to an animal, wherein said harness comprises:

a. a conduit comprising

i. an external terminus which comprises an external terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with a swivel extension tether;

ii. an internal terminus which comprises an internal terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with said animal interface; and

b. a skirt situated on the circumference of said conduit and situated between the external and internal termini, said skirt axially projecting from said conduit and for covering said interface.

17. A method of providing an optical interface comprising the step of attaching a harness to an animal, wherein said harness comprises:

a. a conduit comprising

i. an external terminus which comprises an external terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with a swivel extension tether.

ii. an internal terminus which comprises an internal terminal fitting of the harness for coupling with said animal interface; and

b. a skirt situated on the circumference of said conduit and situated between the external and internal termini, said skirt axially projecting from said conduit and for covering said interface.