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Ventilated animal caging system with cage racks and filter covers including valves operable by rack

  • US 5,044,316 A
  • Filed: 03/28/1990
  • Issued: 09/03/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/28/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A cover for an animal cage of the type having an enclosure body opening at a perimeter residing in a plane, the cage being removably fittable in a ventilating rack with the perimeter disposed against mean associated with the rack providing powered airflow through the animal cage, the cover comprising:

  • a frame dimensioned to sealingly engage the perimeter of an area of the cage, the frame having a minimal thickness in the perimeter of the cage, whereby the cage can be fitted into the ventilating rack with the frame in place on the perimeter;

    a support web attached to the frame, the support web extending inwardly of the perimeter within the frame;

    a filter membrane sealed to the frame, the filter membraneblocking passage of airborne particles, the filter membrane having an opening adjacent the support web; and

    ,a movable valve body mounted on the support web, the valve body including a blocking portion resiliently urged to block said 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.

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