USRE36847E - Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats - Google Patents
Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- USRE36847E USRE36847E US08/997,879 US99787997A USRE36847E US RE36847 E USRE36847 E US RE36847E US 99787997 A US99787997 A US 99787997A US RE36847 E USRE36847 E US RE36847E
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- litter
- comb
- chamber
- cat
- clumps
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/01—Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
- A01K1/0107—Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets
- A01K1/0114—Litter boxes with screens for separating excrement from litter
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/01—Removal of dung or urine, e.g. from stables
- A01K1/0107—Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets
- A01K1/011—Cat trays; Dog urinals; Toilets for pets with means for removing excrement
Definitions
- Cats which are among the most popular types of domestic pets, are usually trained to use a litter box for elimination of both liquid and solid wastes.
- a cat litter box is normally made of plastic or like material so that a cat's urine will not leak through the box.
- Other types of cat litter box have been proposed, as in the construction described in Rockaitis U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,549, in which the litter box is made of a material that absorbs liquid but does not permit it to leach through to the exterior of the box.
- the litter used in boxes of this kind may be one of any number of particulate litter materials that absorb moisture from the waste of the cat and that may also suppress odor from cat wastes. Some forms of cat litter form clumps when wet. Usually, a cat will bury its solid waste in the litter material in the box.
- the self-cleaning cat litter box disclosed in the Carlisi patent utilizes a rake or comb that is normally maintained in a storage position at one end of the litter chamber. This comb is moved through the litter, periodically, from the rake storage end of the chamber to the opposite end, which constitutes a discharge end for the chamber. At the discharge end of the chamber the rake moves up out of the litter and discharges any clumps collected by the comb into a disposal receptacle.
- the present invention provides effective improvement for the rake drive of the Carlisi device so that movement of the comb or rake through the litter can be made responsive to entry and exit of the cat from the litter box. Cats are no more constant in their elimination habits than human beings; periodic cleaning may be inappropriate.
- the invention also provides for improvements in the disposal receptacle, which may also serve as a container for a new litter supply. Alarms are also provided for an insufficient litter supply and a full disposal receptacle.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved drive for a self-cleaning cat litter box that is capable of remaining in, operation for extended periods of time without attention from the cat owner and that does not operate on a periodical basis so that there is no substantial possibility that the comb mechanism will carry out a cleaning operation while a cat is present in the litter box.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved drive for an automated self-cleaning cat litter box that is simple and economical in construction and that can afford an extended operating life, requiring little or no attention apart from battery replacement.
- Further objects of the invention are to provide an improved waste receptacle, an alarm signalling an inadequate litter supply in the litter box, and an alarm signalling that the waste receptacle is full.
- FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are perspective views of an automated self-cleaning litter box for use by a cat, constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the litter box at three distinct stages of operation;
- FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken approximately along line 5--5 in FIG. 2;
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the drive and control for the litter box of FIGS. 1-3;
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart for operation of the cat litter box of FIGS. 1-5;
- FIG. 7 is a detailed flow chart illustrating optional modes of operation for the controls of the automated self-cleaning cat litter box
- FIG. 8 is a detail view illustrating a litter level sensor
- FIG. 9 is a detail view showing a full-receptacle sensor system.
- FIGS. 1-3 illustrate successive positions for the operating mechanism of la cat litter box 20 that affords automated self-cleaning operation.
- Litter box 20 comprises a pan-shaped housing 21 having a near side wall 22, a far side wall 23, a discharge end wall 24 joining walls 22 and 23 at one end of the litter box and a comb storage end wall 25 connecting walls 22 and 23 at the other end of litter box 20.
- the bottom of litter box 20 is identified by reference numeral 26 and the fill level to which box 20 is usually filled with cat litter is shown by phantom line 38.
- Litter level line 38 may be afforded by a continuous or interrupted ridge in the interior of housing 21, as discussed in regard to FIG. 8. All of the members 22-26 are preferably formed in a molding operation that produces the complete housing 21.
- An elongated near Side track or path member 32 extends along the top of the near side wall 22 of housing 21, FIGS. 1-4.
- Track member 32 includes a multiplicity of equally spaced apertures 32A. Apertures 32A extend through an inclined portion 34 of rack 32 at the discharge end 28 of litter box 20; they also extend through a more steeply inclined portion 36 of rack 32 at the comb storage end 29 of the litter box. This track construction is repeated on the opposite side of housing 21.
- an elongated track member 33 projects horizontally from the vertical side wall 23.
- Track member 33 includes a multiplicity of equally spaced apertures or perforations 33A. The pattern of apertures extends along an inclined portion 35 of track member 33 at the discharge end 28 of litter box 20. It also extends along a more steeply inclined portion 37 of track 33 located at the comb discharge end 29 of litter box 20.
- a comb shaft 41 extends across litter box 20 between its two side tracks 32 and 33.
- shaft 41 is located at the comb storage end 29 of the litter box.
- shaft 41 is positioned at about the middle of the litter box.
- shaft 41 is shown near the end of its movement at the discharge end 28 of litter box 20.
- a comb or rake 43 is suspended from hangers 42.
- Comb 43 has a multiplicity of tines 44. When comb 43 is in its storage position, as shown in FIG. 1, tines 44 are elevated above the litter fill level 38.
- a first main guide wheel 52 is affixed to the near end of shaft 41, as seen in FIGS. 1-3.
- Guide wheel 52 includes a plurality of radially projecting guide pins or teeth 52A engageable in the apertures 32A of track member 32 and its extensions 34 and 36.
- At the other end of shaft 41 there is a similar main guide wheel 53.
- the radial projections 53A on guide wheel 53 are engageable in the apertures 33A of track member 33 and its extensions 35 and 37.
- Guide wheels 52 and 53 cause the ends of shaft 41 to move along tracks 32 and 33, based on rotation of shaft 41, from the storage position of FIG. 1 through the intermediate position of FIG. 2 to the discharge position of FIG. 3 and back to the storage position, FIG. 1.
- the improved self-cleaning cat litter box 20, FIGS. 1-3 includes a comb drive that comprises a reversible electric motor 55 mounted on and connected in driving relationship to the shaft 41 that supports comb 43; the final gear 57 of the gear train that connects motor 55 to shaft 41 is the only gear that appears in the drawings, FIGS. 1-3.
- motor 55 is energized from batteries contained in a battery case 56.
- Motor 55 and the gear train represented by gear 57, as well as battery case 56, are supported by shaft 41; in conjunction with the shaft, they constitute the carriage for the comb 43 in litter box 20.
- a reversing switch 58 is mounted on and electrically connected to motor 55.
- a lever 59 is mechanically connected to reversing switch 58.
- Lever 59 has a limited pivotal movement, from the position shown in FIG. 1 to the position illustrated in FIG. 2.
- a first switch actuation pin 61 is located adjacent the comb storage end 29 of litter box 20.
- a similar fixed switch actuation pin 62 is positioned at the other end, the discharge end 28, of litter box 20.
- the drive and guidance system of litter box 20 includes two auxiliary guide wheels 64 and 65, located on the near and far sides of the litter box, respectively, as seen in the drawings.
- Auxiliary guide wheel 64 is mounted at the end of a lever 66 that projects from one of the hangers 42 used to suspend comb 43 from shaft 41.
- Auxiliary guide wheel 64 rides along track 32 throughout the length of that track, including its upwardly inclined end sections 34 and 36.
- the auxiliary guide wheel 65 is mounted on a lever 67 and engages the other track member 33 and its extensions 35 and 37. See FIG. 4.
- the improved automated self-cleaning cat litter box 20 is provided with a waste receptacle 68 positioned immediately adjacent the discharge end 28 of the litter box.
- Receptacle 68 has a hinged lid 69.
- Waste receptacle 68 and its lid 69 are preferably formed of a biodegradable material.
- receptacle 68 should be transparent; alternatively, lid 69 may be transparent or, of course, both may be transparent enough to permit the user to visually check the level of waste and litter in the receptacle.
- Lid 69 is engaged by a pin 75 on a lid lift lever 73 that is pivotally secured to a vertical extension 23A of side wall 23. The pivotal connection is indicated at 74.
- lid lift mechanism 73-75 there need be no comparable lid lift mechanism 73-75 at the near side of the machine, though one could be provided if motor 55 and battery case 56 were mounted closer to the center of the litter box.
- waste clumps 71 are indicated in the litter chamber; similar clumps 72 are shown, in FIGS. 1-3, as being already deposited in receptacle 68.
- Waste receptacle 68 may be formed of plastic or other suitable material.
- the lid 69 for receptacle 68 is hinged to the receptacle as indicated at 76.
- a hinge of the so-called “piano" type may be used, but other hinge structures are acceptable.
- Lid 69 may also be formed of plastic.
- receptacle 68 and its lid 69 may be fabricated of other appropriate material.
- receptacle 68 initially serves as a container for clean litter so that, once the receptacle is ready to be discarded, it can simply be removed and a new receptacle put in place after emptying clean litter from the new waste receptacle into the chamber afforded by housing 21.
- the improved automated self-cleaning litter box 20 further comprises a sensor utilized to sense the exit of a cat from the litter chamber afforded by housing 21.
- a sensor utilized to sense the exit of a cat from the litter chamber afforded by housing 21.
- sensors 82 and 84 may comprise conventional photo detectors, each receiving a light beam from a source not shown in FIGS. 1-2.
- FIG. 4 shows an appropriate light source 86 mounted on wall 22 above fill level 38. Photo detector 82, FIG. 4, is also located above fill level 38.
- a single light source located centrally along the length of wall 22 can be used or there may be two such light sources 86, one for each of the photo detectors 82 or 84.
- FIG. 5 A block diagram for the operating circuit of the improved automated self-cleaning litter box 20 is presented in FIG. 5.
- motor 55 is energized from battery 56 through a pre-programmed micro-processor control 96.
- Micro control 96 receives input signals from cat sensors 82 and 84. Additional inputs to control 96 may be supplied by a mode select switch 91, a motor stall sensor 92, a battery voltage sensor 93, and a home position sensor 94 for comb 43.
- Limit switches 95 may be provided for the comb at the storage end 28 of litter box 20 and at the discharge end 29 of the litter box.
- One or more buzzers or other alarm devices 97 are included in the circuit so that the cat owner can be signalled when the litter box is functional or when other conditions occur, such as an insufficient litter supply in box 20 or a full waste receptacle 68.
- Circuit components 91-93 and buzzer 97 may all be packaged in the same housing with motor 55.
- Sensor 94 and limit switches 95 can be incorporated in litter box 20 in appropriate positions as desired.
- FIG. 1 shows the litter box in its normal condition, applicable most of the time.
- Comb 43 is located at the comb storage end 29 of litter box 20.
- Comb shaft 41 is elevated, guide wheels 52 and 53 having ridden up the extensions 36 and 37 of tracks 32 and 33.
- Switch 58 and lever 59 have engaged pin 61; motor 55 is shut off, but is set for forward movement.
- Housing 21 is filled with litter, approximately to level 38.
- Photo detectors 82 and 84 receive light beams from sources 86 on the near wall 22 of the litter box (see FIG. 4). With no cat present in the litter box, reception of the light beams by photo detectors 82 and 84 is unimpeded. All other mechanisms are in the positions shown.
- Lid 69 is closed over receptacle 68.
- the receptacle lid is engaged by pin 75 at the end of lever 73 but remains closed because the lid opening lever 73 is inactive.
- a cat enters litter box 20 for the purpose of elimination of either liquid or solid waste.
- the urine from the cat creates a clump in the litter with which the bottom portion of housing 21 is filled.
- the clump is formed by the waste itself.
- the cat is likely to bury the waste or to cover it with other litter. This is almost invariably true with respect to solid waste.
- clumps 71 are produced by the cat, and those clumps are located at some level in the litter above the bottom 26 of litter box 20. It is assumed that the box has previously been used and that previously deposited waste clumps 72 are already present in the waste receptacle 68.
- the light beam to at least one of the photo detectors 82 and 84 is cut off. Usually, both light beams are blocked. However, this does not initiate a self-cleaning operation in litter box 20. Subsequently, when the Cat leaves the litter box the light beam or beams again impinge upon the photo detectors. Accordingly, an output signal from one or both cat sensors is supplied to micro control 96 (FIG. 5). At this point, however, there still is no actuation of a self-cleaning operation in box 20 by comb 43. The reason for the delay is that the cat might return to the litter box, deciding that its elimination activities have not been completed. In these circumstances, the light beams to one or both of the photo detectors 82 and 84 are again cut off and the preset delay interval for actuation of a self-cleaning operation is not completed.
- the cat leaves litter box 20 for an interval long enough to exceed the preset time delay that is set into micro control 96. That time interval is subject to substantial variation; a range of two to seven minutes is usually desirable.
- the self-cleaning operation carried out by comb 43 should not be initiated while the cat is in the immediate vicinity because it is undesirable to cause the cat to have reason to be afraid of the litter box.
- comb 48 advances to a position where its main guide wheels 52 and 53 reach the upwardly inclined extension portions 34 and 35 of tracks 32 and 33, respectively.
- Motor 55 is still energized; as a consequence, the carriage comprising shaft 41 moves up the ramps or track extensions 34 and 35 to the position shown in FIG. 3.
- lever 73 is engaged by the comb carriage and is pivoted upwardly from the original position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 to the elevated position shown in FIG. 3.
- cover 69 is opened, moving to the position shown in FIG. 3.
- the additional clumps 71 are discharged into receptacle 68 to join clumps 72 already present there.
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine programmed into micro control 96 (FIG. 5) for a self-cleaning operation in the improved litter box 20.
- the flow chart starts with a comb litter command 101 supplied to the micro control.
- a set direction and start command is supplied to motor 55 in step 102 of the subroutine.
- step 103 if motor 55 is stalled, that condition is sensed and there is an output command to subsequent step 105 to reverse the direction of the motor. Ordinarily, however, the motor will not be stalled and the next step is to determine whether the comb is at its end of travel. If not, there is a feedback command to stage 103.
- stage 104 of the subroutine illustrated in the flow chart, FIG. 6, is applied to the reverse motor step 105.
- the condition of the motor is again checked to see if it is stalled. If so, there is an output signal to a subsequent stop mode step 108. Ordinarily, however, the motor will not be stalled and the next stage 107 of the flow chart receives an enabling signal to check and see whether the comb is in its "home” position. If not, a feedback signal is supplied to stage 106.
- comb 43 reaches its "home" position, at storage end 29 of litter box 20, there is an output signal from stage 107 to a stop motor stage 108 which in turn supplies an output signal to a return stage 109. This Completes the subroutine of FIG. 6.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a further subroutine that is also programmed into micro processor control 96 (FIG. 5). It starts with a power-on stage 111 that may be initiated by an appropriate switch (not shown) or may start simply with insertion of appropriate batteries into battery case 55 (FIGS. 1-3). The next stage 112 in this subroutine is initialization of the micro controller operation. In the next subroutine stage 113, the micro controller checks to determine whether the mode select switch 91 of FIG. 5 is set for manual mode. If it is, a comb litter procedure is initiated in step 114 and there is a feedback output back to subroutine stage 113. So long as the manual mode is maintained, self-cleaning of the litter box is continued on a cyclical basis. This may be desirable when the person using litter box 20 wants to make sure that all clumps have been removed from the litter in the box so that the liter can be replaced.
- stage 113 goes to he next stage 115 in the subroutine of FIG. 7 to check the condition of the batteries. If a low battery voltage condition is ascertained, there is an output to the next stage 116 which in turn may actuate a sound alarm stage 117 to produce a programmed output from buzzer 97 (FIG. 5) that alerts the use of litter box 20 that a change of batteries is required. Outputs from stages 116 and 117 may be fed back to stage 113 in this subroutine in appropriate circumstances.
- stage 115 when the voltages of the batteries are adequate, there is a NO output from stage 115 and it iS supplied to a stage 118 that determines whether the Septic or waste receptacle 68 (FIGS. 1-3) is full. Ordinarily, the receptacle will not be full but if it is, there is again a feedback signal supplied back to stage 113.
- stage 118 In normal circumstances, with adequate room in the septic receptacle, there is a NO output from stage 118 that is applied to a subsequent stage 119 in the subroutine of FIG. 7.
- the normal YES output from stage 119 goes to a subsequent stage 121 for the micro control to determine whether the comb of the self-cleaning litter box is at its home position as shown in FIG. 1.
- the YES output of stage 121 is applied to a subsequent subroutine stage 122 that determines whether a cat is present in the litter box. If a cat is present, there iS a YES output from stage 122 to a delay stage 123 in the program for this subroutine.
- a YES output from stage 123 is supplied to a comb litter stage 124 that is the last stage in this subroutine.
- the comb litter stage 124 is the source of the comb litter command 101 of FIG. 6.
- NO outputs from either of the stages 121 and 122 result in a feedback signal to stage 113.
- the output from comb litter stage 124 at the end of the subroutine is also a feedback signal to stage 113.
- the automated self,cleaning litter box 20 does not frighten or disturb a cat; the self-cleaning movement of comb 43 does not occur until there is a reasonable certainty that a cat using the litter box has been gone for two to seven minutes, depending on the delay set into the control after exit of a cat is determined before motor 55 is energized.
- Other sensors can be used instead of photo detectors 82 and 94.
- infra,red sensors receiving radiation from an appropriate I-R source, or a strain gauge on pan bottom 26, will serve the same purpose as the photo detectors of FIGS. 1-4.
- the gear drive connecting motor 55 to shaft 41 is not subject to fouling by the litter, which often includes powdery material that is likely to interfere with operation of other drive mechanisms such as a worm drive.
- Motor 55 should be sealed against dust and dirt, since it must operate in a rather adverse environment.
- Litter box 20 is simple and economical in construction, but should afford an extended operating life with little or no attention apart from periodic replacement of the litter and replacement of the batteries 56.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a sensor for determining whether there is an adequate supply of litter in the litter box.
- FIG. 8 again affords a sectional view of housing 21, including side walls 22 and 23 and bottom 26, Also shown are cat detector components comprising light source 86 and photo detector 82, both located well above an internal ridge 138 in the housing that indicates the desired upper level for the litter. Ridge 138 may be continuous around all sides of the litter box, or it may be interrupted if desired. Comb 43 and its tines 44 also appear in FIG. 8.
- the variation shown in FIG. 8 also includes a sensor for determining whether there is an adequate supply of litter in the litter box.
- the litter level sensor comprises a radiation source 142 mounted on the inside of housing wall 22 in alignment with a detector 143 that is mounted on wall 23. Devices 142 and 143i are selected to work together; if the radiation from source 142 is in the visual range, detector 143 is a photo sensor. If an infra red source is used, an infra red detector becomes necessary. Devices 142 and 143 are located immediately below the level indicator 138. If radiation from source 142 reaches detector 143, the level of litter in housing 21 is insufficient and should be supplemented. The litter level sensor 142, 143 is used to actuate an appropriate alarm 97, FIG. 5.
- Receptacle 68 In the detail section view of FIG. 9, the waste receptacle 68 and its lid 69 are shown in closed condition. There is a mass 271 of Waste in receptacle 68, but the receptacle is not yet full.
- Receptacle 68 is positioned in the litter box by engagement with bosses 222A and 223A on the bottoms of two litter box wall extensions 222 and 223 which may be affixed to litter box housing walls 22 and 23, respectively; see FIGS. 1-3.
- the position of receptacle 68 may also be determined by engagement with two lateral extensions 224 of walls 222 and 223.
- the walls of waste receptacle 68 and cover 69 adjacent extension/positioning wall 222 are provided with aligned openings 226 and 228, respectively.
- adjacent positioning wall 223, the waste receptacle and its cover have similar aligned openings 227 and 229, respectively.
- holes 226 and 228 are aligned with apertures 227 and 229 so that radiation from a source 242 on wall 222 impinges upon a detector 243 on wall 223 as long as the level of waste 271 in receptacle 68 does not block the radiation.
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Housing For Livestock And Birds (AREA)
- Refuse Receptacles (AREA)
- Refuse Collection And Transfer (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (30)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/997,879 USRE36847E (en) | 1995-01-12 | 1997-12-24 | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/371,782 US5477812A (en) | 1995-01-12 | 1995-01-12 | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats |
US08/997,879 USRE36847E (en) | 1995-01-12 | 1997-12-24 | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/371,782 Reissue US5477812A (en) | 1995-01-12 | 1995-01-12 | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
USRE36847E true USRE36847E (en) | 2000-09-05 |
Family
ID=23465382
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/371,782 Ceased US5477812A (en) | 1995-01-12 | 1995-01-12 | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats |
US08/997,879 Expired - Lifetime USRE36847E (en) | 1995-01-12 | 1997-12-24 | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/371,782 Ceased US5477812A (en) | 1995-01-12 | 1995-01-12 | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US5477812A (en) |
EP (2) | EP0875140B1 (en) |
JP (2) | JP2981163B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2165866C (en) |
DE (2) | DE69612219T2 (en) |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6467432B1 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2002-10-22 | Lewis Bros. Mfg., L.L.C. | Poultry house litter implement |
US6701868B1 (en) | 2002-10-30 | 2004-03-09 | John V. Shepherd | Automated, self-cleaning cat litter box apparatus |
US20040129232A1 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2004-07-08 | Melaney Northrop | Rake for a self-cleaning litter box |
USD512542S1 (en) | 2003-02-21 | 2005-12-06 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Surrounding housing for a cat litter box |
US20050284390A1 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2005-12-29 | Radio Systems Corporation | Self cleaning litter box mechanism |
US20050284389A1 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2005-12-29 | Radio Systems Corporation | Self cleaning litter box |
US7017519B1 (en) | 2004-10-18 | 2006-03-28 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Self-cleaning pet litter apparatus and related method |
US20070039556A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2007-02-22 | Cook Alan J | Self-cleaning litter box |
US20070056521A1 (en) * | 2005-09-14 | 2007-03-15 | Hp Intellectual Corp. | Self cleaning litter box |
US7207292B1 (en) | 2003-01-14 | 2007-04-24 | Colten Steven K | Apparatus and method for increasing capacity of automated litter box |
US20070227457A1 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | Michael Waters | Apparatus And Method To Remove Animal Waste From Litter |
USD579158S1 (en) | 2005-09-21 | 2008-10-21 | Radio Systems Corporation | Semicircular litter box |
US20100180830A1 (en) * | 2009-01-22 | 2010-07-22 | Fritter Charles F | Animal litter air treatment device containing activated carbon |
US20110088630A1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2011-04-21 | Sportpet Designs, Inc. | Cat litter box and method of cleaning same |
US8109237B1 (en) | 2007-12-11 | 2012-02-07 | Ourpet's Co. | Device for actuating automated litterbox |
RU2490873C1 (en) * | 2011-12-23 | 2013-08-27 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Саратовский государственный аграрный университет имени Н.И. Вавилова" | Device of automatic cleaning of cage for animal management |
US8567348B2 (en) | 2008-10-16 | 2013-10-29 | Radio Systems Corporation | Manual litter box |
US9526226B2 (en) | 2012-06-15 | 2016-12-27 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Self-cleaning litter box |
USRE47347E1 (en) | 1998-07-17 | 2019-04-16 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Self-cleaning litter box |
US11000007B2 (en) | 2018-06-08 | 2021-05-11 | Radio Systems Corporation | Pet litter box |
US12127529B2 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2024-10-29 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Automated self-cleaning litter box having disposible receptacle and methods |
Families Citing this family (68)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2163595C (en) * | 1994-12-13 | 2006-04-11 | Shu Guang Greg Cheng | Method for manufacture of a non-fat brick cream cheese product |
US5590623A (en) * | 1995-04-13 | 1997-01-07 | Toole; Robert D. | Cat litter box |
US5544620A (en) * | 1995-05-17 | 1996-08-13 | Sarkissian; Geoffrey | Self-cleaning cat box |
US5931119A (en) * | 1996-05-03 | 1999-08-03 | Knox Security Engineering Corp. | Self cleaning pet litter box |
DE19807795C2 (en) * | 1997-02-26 | 2000-05-04 | Cemal Nebil | Self-cleaning toilet for small animals |
US6126015A (en) * | 1998-01-20 | 2000-10-03 | Haymaker; Roger L. | Solids separating device for different sized materials |
FI103316B1 (en) | 1998-05-29 | 1999-06-15 | Tapio Kordelin | Litter-tray arrangement for pets |
US6039003A (en) * | 1998-11-04 | 2000-03-21 | Lap Licensing, Lc. | Litter box cleaning system, components and method |
BE1012270A3 (en) * | 1998-11-06 | 2000-08-01 | Expoline Nv | DEVICE FOR COLLECTING excrement PETS AND HELP ELEMENT THIS IS USED. |
US6202595B1 (en) * | 1999-02-09 | 2001-03-20 | Itty Atcravi | Animal waste disposal system |
US6234112B1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2001-05-22 | Richard H. Emery | Self-cleaning pet litter box assembly |
ATE319299T1 (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2006-03-15 | Robert Schoenholzer | SANITARY FACILITY FOR ANIMALS AND OPERATING METHOD FOR A SANITARY FACILITY FOR ANIMALS |
US6286457B1 (en) * | 1999-10-04 | 2001-09-11 | Andy Sugahara | Self-cleaning litter box |
US6289847B1 (en) | 1999-11-17 | 2001-09-18 | Angelo Carlisi | Waste transfer device for kitty litter box |
US6588369B2 (en) | 1999-11-17 | 2003-07-08 | Angelo Carlisi | Waste transfer device for kitty litter box |
US6401661B1 (en) | 2000-01-03 | 2002-06-11 | Richard H. Emery | Self-cleaning pet litter box assembly |
WO2001054489A1 (en) | 2000-01-26 | 2001-08-02 | Crosse Douglas C | Disposable cat litter box |
WO2004103069A1 (en) | 2003-05-20 | 2004-12-02 | Hamada, Hiroyasu | Automatic cleaning and packaging device for pet excrement and collecting material for pet excrement |
DE10349998B4 (en) * | 2003-10-25 | 2007-04-19 | Pinkowski, André von | Self-cleaning cat lavatory |
US7051678B2 (en) * | 2003-12-15 | 2006-05-30 | Strickland Sandra A | Enclosed litter box |
US7290499B2 (en) * | 2004-02-09 | 2007-11-06 | Emery Richard H | Self-cleaning pet litter box assembly |
US6938579B2 (en) * | 2004-02-11 | 2005-09-06 | William R. Sharpe | Pet toilet |
US7013835B2 (en) | 2004-04-27 | 2006-03-21 | David Brokaski | Cat litter device |
US20050284388A1 (en) * | 2004-06-15 | 2005-12-29 | Kunz Stacey L | Animal waste disposal system |
JP4827118B2 (en) * | 2005-03-14 | 2011-11-30 | 株式会社大貴 | Box-type toilet |
JP4827119B2 (en) * | 2005-04-04 | 2011-11-30 | 株式会社大貴 | Animal excrement disposal method and apparatus |
US7222584B1 (en) | 2006-04-25 | 2007-05-29 | William T. Rodgers | Rake shield for automated litter boxes |
DE102006020653B4 (en) * | 2006-05-04 | 2011-11-17 | Heinz-Dietger Ehrler | Self-cleaning vibrating box litter box |
US8381687B2 (en) | 2006-07-12 | 2013-02-26 | Ourpet's Company | Self scooping cat litter box |
US7628118B1 (en) | 2006-07-12 | 2009-12-08 | Ourpet's Company | Self scooping cat litter box |
US20080149036A1 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2008-06-26 | Emery Richard H | Self-cleaning pet litter box |
USD608959S1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2010-01-26 | Bumkee Kim | Litter box |
RU2552959C2 (en) | 2010-02-05 | 2015-06-10 | Делаваль Холдинг Аб | Safety device for device of scraping manure |
JP5269874B2 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2013-08-21 | 光 刀祢明 | Animal toilet |
US8683952B2 (en) * | 2010-05-27 | 2014-04-01 | Matthew J. Miller | Cat litter box system |
DE202011005454U1 (en) | 2011-04-20 | 2011-06-28 | Toschkov, Stanislav, 58636 | Separating bag for lump litter |
US8757094B2 (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2014-06-24 | Automated Pet Care Product, Inc. | Automated litter device and method |
KR101373114B1 (en) * | 2012-06-25 | 2014-03-11 | 주식회사 포스코 | opening and closing apparatus |
KR101305387B1 (en) * | 2012-10-09 | 2013-09-06 | 이원용 | Automatic excretion cleaner of pet |
CN102972304B (en) * | 2012-12-31 | 2014-04-23 | 陈理 | Cat shit cleaner |
US9770008B2 (en) | 2013-01-03 | 2017-09-26 | Louise Klemm Clark | Self-propelled stall cleaning apparatus |
US9271472B2 (en) * | 2013-01-03 | 2016-03-01 | Louise Klemm Clark | Self-propelled stall cleaning apparatus |
CN104255536B (en) * | 2014-09-09 | 2016-04-06 | 江苏大学 | A kind of intelligent pig house cleaning device and method |
JP2016123397A (en) * | 2015-01-08 | 2016-07-11 | アプリックスIpホールディングス株式会社 | Pet toilet, pet excrement treatment notification system, and pet excrement treatment notification method |
USD769548S1 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2016-10-18 | H. Jay Spiegel | Drinking bowl with bottle |
USD769547S1 (en) * | 2015-09-25 | 2016-10-18 | H. Jay Spiegel | Drinking bowl |
CN105580740B (en) * | 2015-12-23 | 2018-01-02 | 烟台大学 | A kind of pet cat lavatory |
CN106106198A (en) * | 2016-06-23 | 2016-11-16 | 山东龙盛农牧集团有限公司 | A kind of processing method of pig house fecaluria |
KR101903677B1 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2018-10-02 | 주식회사 골골송작곡가 | Excretion cleaner for pet |
KR101903674B1 (en) * | 2016-07-21 | 2018-10-02 | 주식회사 골골송작곡가 | Excretion cleaner for pet |
WO2019078379A1 (en) | 2017-10-18 | 2019-04-25 | 주식회사 골골송작곡가 | Method for processing pet excrement using device for pet excrement |
WO2019078378A1 (en) * | 2017-10-18 | 2019-04-25 | 주식회사 골골송작곡가 | Device for pet excrement |
JP6444550B1 (en) * | 2018-01-16 | 2018-12-26 | 弘享 東原 | Pet toilet |
US11399502B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2022-08-02 | Automated Pet Care Products, Llc | System for monitoring and controlling an automated litter device |
CN109220824B (en) * | 2018-09-28 | 2021-01-08 | 惠州学院 | a pet toilet |
US11523586B2 (en) | 2019-04-24 | 2022-12-13 | Automated Pet Care Products, Llc | Automated litter device |
CN109964830A (en) * | 2019-05-15 | 2019-07-05 | 王畅 | A kind of intelligence cat litter box |
CN110226524B (en) * | 2019-06-20 | 2024-03-22 | 江苏二郎神塑业有限公司 | Full-automatic cat lavatory |
CN110235790B (en) * | 2019-07-19 | 2022-01-11 | 东华大学 | Automatic domestic cat feeding system |
WO2021080097A1 (en) * | 2019-10-25 | 2021-04-29 | 주식회사 골골송작곡가 | Pet defecation device |
CN111345244A (en) * | 2020-05-08 | 2020-06-30 | 上海拓牛智能科技有限公司 | A cat litter box with automatic cleaning function |
CN111919787B (en) * | 2020-08-11 | 2022-05-10 | 宁夏九三零生态农牧有限公司 | Chicken farm chicken manure collecting system |
KR102468912B1 (en) * | 2021-08-09 | 2022-11-18 | 이형수 | Toilet device for companion animals |
US20230301268A1 (en) * | 2022-03-22 | 2023-09-28 | Xiaojun Zhang | Clumped cat litter filter device and filtering method thereof |
US12099231B2 (en) | 2022-05-09 | 2024-09-24 | Automated Pet Care Products, Llc | User interface with discrete lighting sections |
KR20230160504A (en) * | 2022-05-17 | 2023-11-24 | 주식회사 밸리언텍스 | Scoop type toilet for a cat |
CN219125040U (en) * | 2022-05-17 | 2023-06-06 | 河南三替电气股份有限公司 | Intelligent cat litter basin |
US12239093B1 (en) * | 2024-11-01 | 2025-03-04 | Jiangsu Schwarzwald Tech Co., Ltd. | Cat litter box |
Citations (35)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3734057A (en) * | 1971-09-01 | 1973-05-22 | G Lee | Pet toilet |
US3811410A (en) * | 1972-08-24 | 1974-05-21 | D Roberts | Animal water-closet |
US4011836A (en) * | 1975-09-22 | 1977-03-15 | Franklin Temel | Pet commode |
US4011837A (en) * | 1975-02-19 | 1977-03-15 | Ksioszk Leo P | Self-cleaning animal kennel |
US4096827A (en) * | 1977-01-11 | 1978-06-27 | Cotter James A | Self-cleaning cat waste disposal device |
US4098229A (en) * | 1976-06-04 | 1978-07-04 | Haynes Dennis C | Self-contained, portable animal commode |
US4117804A (en) * | 1977-04-15 | 1978-10-03 | Ivan Pope | Self-deodorizing litter box |
US4190525A (en) * | 1978-09-26 | 1980-02-26 | Menzel Paul B | Litter and refuse receptacle and separator |
US4325325A (en) * | 1980-10-31 | 1982-04-20 | Larter Waynne D | Self-cleaning litter box |
US4325822A (en) * | 1980-07-25 | 1982-04-20 | Miller John H | Pet litter separator |
EP0154540A2 (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1985-09-11 | Donald G. Hohenstein | Automatic litter system |
US4658720A (en) * | 1985-05-21 | 1987-04-21 | Henry Massonnet | Refuse bin incorporating compacting means |
US4729342A (en) * | 1985-07-12 | 1988-03-08 | Albert Loctin | Self-cleaning pet toilet |
EP0297015A1 (en) * | 1987-06-23 | 1988-12-28 | Jean Luc Laroche | Litter box for domestic animals with automatic separation of solid excrement from the litter |
US4844011A (en) * | 1987-02-02 | 1989-07-04 | Strickland Terry A | Cat waste disposal system |
US4846104A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1989-07-11 | Pierson Jr Harry G | Automated cat toilet |
US4854267A (en) * | 1988-07-15 | 1989-08-08 | Dan Morrow | Mechanical cat litter box |
US4934317A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1990-06-19 | Pourshalchi Edward M | Dump and replace litter box |
US4949672A (en) * | 1988-06-17 | 1990-08-21 | The Clorox Company | Boron-based odor control animal litter |
US4949673A (en) * | 1988-11-12 | 1990-08-21 | Yoshikazu Yamamoto | Domestic pets chamberpot |
US5048463A (en) * | 1989-06-20 | 1991-09-17 | C. Carl Wilson | Control system for accessories used with small animals and pets |
US5048465A (en) * | 1991-01-10 | 1991-09-17 | Angelo Carlisi | Self-cleaning kitty litter box |
US5107797A (en) * | 1988-08-03 | 1992-04-28 | Laroche Jean Luc | Litterbox for domestic animals |
US5184575A (en) * | 1989-06-02 | 1993-02-09 | Reinartz Johann O | Sanitary facility for cats |
US5188062A (en) * | 1992-04-06 | 1993-02-23 | Joy Gerald T | Automatic litter box for small animals |
US5226388A (en) * | 1992-07-10 | 1993-07-13 | Mcdaniel Brian | Automated cat litter disposal system |
US5249549A (en) * | 1992-01-03 | 1993-10-05 | Rockaitis Iii Joseph J | Disposable pet litter container |
US5259340A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-11-09 | Foundaway Company | Automatic or semiautomatic cat litter box |
CA2069517A1 (en) * | 1992-05-26 | 1993-11-27 | Glenn John David Brogan | Cat litter disposal system |
US5267530A (en) * | 1992-12-28 | 1993-12-07 | Mark Zamoyski | Self cleaning cat litter box |
US5279258A (en) * | 1992-02-20 | 1994-01-18 | Kihachiro Kakuta | Automated portable pet toilet |
US5511513A (en) * | 1995-01-23 | 1996-04-30 | Baron; Robert A. | Pet litter box for collecting pet waste and elimination of odor |
US5544620A (en) * | 1995-05-17 | 1996-08-13 | Sarkissian; Geoffrey | Self-cleaning cat box |
US5564364A (en) * | 1994-12-28 | 1996-10-15 | Kovacs; Ronald K. | Pet litter box with automatic exhaust system |
US5592900A (en) * | 1992-02-20 | 1997-01-14 | Kakuta; Kihachiro | Automated portable pet toilet |
-
1995
- 1995-01-12 US US08/371,782 patent/US5477812A/en not_active Ceased
- 1995-12-21 CA CA002165866A patent/CA2165866C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-01-10 DE DE69612219T patent/DE69612219T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-01-10 DE DE69603626T patent/DE69603626T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-01-10 EP EP98112486A patent/EP0875140B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-01-10 EP EP96100293A patent/EP0721731B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-01-12 JP JP8003741A patent/JP2981163B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1997
- 1997-12-24 US US08/997,879 patent/USRE36847E/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1999
- 1999-07-26 JP JP21077799A patent/JP3308242B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (36)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3734057A (en) * | 1971-09-01 | 1973-05-22 | G Lee | Pet toilet |
US3811410A (en) * | 1972-08-24 | 1974-05-21 | D Roberts | Animal water-closet |
US4011837A (en) * | 1975-02-19 | 1977-03-15 | Ksioszk Leo P | Self-cleaning animal kennel |
US4011836A (en) * | 1975-09-22 | 1977-03-15 | Franklin Temel | Pet commode |
US4098229A (en) * | 1976-06-04 | 1978-07-04 | Haynes Dennis C | Self-contained, portable animal commode |
US4096827A (en) * | 1977-01-11 | 1978-06-27 | Cotter James A | Self-cleaning cat waste disposal device |
US4117804A (en) * | 1977-04-15 | 1978-10-03 | Ivan Pope | Self-deodorizing litter box |
US4190525A (en) * | 1978-09-26 | 1980-02-26 | Menzel Paul B | Litter and refuse receptacle and separator |
US4325822A (en) * | 1980-07-25 | 1982-04-20 | Miller John H | Pet litter separator |
US4325325A (en) * | 1980-10-31 | 1982-04-20 | Larter Waynne D | Self-cleaning litter box |
EP0154540A2 (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1985-09-11 | Donald G. Hohenstein | Automatic litter system |
US4574735A (en) * | 1984-03-05 | 1986-03-11 | Hohenstein Donald G | Electronic litter system |
US4658720A (en) * | 1985-05-21 | 1987-04-21 | Henry Massonnet | Refuse bin incorporating compacting means |
US4729342A (en) * | 1985-07-12 | 1988-03-08 | Albert Loctin | Self-cleaning pet toilet |
US4844011A (en) * | 1987-02-02 | 1989-07-04 | Strickland Terry A | Cat waste disposal system |
EP0297015A1 (en) * | 1987-06-23 | 1988-12-28 | Jean Luc Laroche | Litter box for domestic animals with automatic separation of solid excrement from the litter |
US4846104A (en) * | 1988-02-01 | 1989-07-11 | Pierson Jr Harry G | Automated cat toilet |
US4949672A (en) * | 1988-06-17 | 1990-08-21 | The Clorox Company | Boron-based odor control animal litter |
US4854267A (en) * | 1988-07-15 | 1989-08-08 | Dan Morrow | Mechanical cat litter box |
US5107797A (en) * | 1988-08-03 | 1992-04-28 | Laroche Jean Luc | Litterbox for domestic animals |
US4949673A (en) * | 1988-11-12 | 1990-08-21 | Yoshikazu Yamamoto | Domestic pets chamberpot |
US4934317A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1990-06-19 | Pourshalchi Edward M | Dump and replace litter box |
US5184575A (en) * | 1989-06-02 | 1993-02-09 | Reinartz Johann O | Sanitary facility for cats |
US5048463A (en) * | 1989-06-20 | 1991-09-17 | C. Carl Wilson | Control system for accessories used with small animals and pets |
US5048465A (en) * | 1991-01-10 | 1991-09-17 | Angelo Carlisi | Self-cleaning kitty litter box |
US5249549A (en) * | 1992-01-03 | 1993-10-05 | Rockaitis Iii Joseph J | Disposable pet litter container |
US5259340A (en) * | 1992-01-21 | 1993-11-09 | Foundaway Company | Automatic or semiautomatic cat litter box |
US5279258A (en) * | 1992-02-20 | 1994-01-18 | Kihachiro Kakuta | Automated portable pet toilet |
US5592900A (en) * | 1992-02-20 | 1997-01-14 | Kakuta; Kihachiro | Automated portable pet toilet |
US5188062A (en) * | 1992-04-06 | 1993-02-23 | Joy Gerald T | Automatic litter box for small animals |
CA2069517A1 (en) * | 1992-05-26 | 1993-11-27 | Glenn John David Brogan | Cat litter disposal system |
US5226388A (en) * | 1992-07-10 | 1993-07-13 | Mcdaniel Brian | Automated cat litter disposal system |
US5267530A (en) * | 1992-12-28 | 1993-12-07 | Mark Zamoyski | Self cleaning cat litter box |
US5564364A (en) * | 1994-12-28 | 1996-10-15 | Kovacs; Ronald K. | Pet litter box with automatic exhaust system |
US5511513A (en) * | 1995-01-23 | 1996-04-30 | Baron; Robert A. | Pet litter box for collecting pet waste and elimination of odor |
US5544620A (en) * | 1995-05-17 | 1996-08-13 | Sarkissian; Geoffrey | Self-cleaning cat box |
Cited By (42)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USRE47347E1 (en) | 1998-07-17 | 2019-04-16 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Self-cleaning litter box |
US6467432B1 (en) * | 2001-10-03 | 2002-10-22 | Lewis Bros. Mfg., L.L.C. | Poultry house litter implement |
US20040129232A1 (en) * | 2002-04-18 | 2004-07-08 | Melaney Northrop | Rake for a self-cleaning litter box |
US6851386B2 (en) | 2002-04-18 | 2005-02-08 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Litter box waste box |
US6863026B2 (en) | 2002-04-18 | 2005-03-08 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Rake for a self-cleaning litter box |
US6892670B2 (en) | 2002-04-18 | 2005-05-17 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Litter box hood |
US6951190B2 (en) | 2002-04-18 | 2005-10-04 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Self-cleaning litter box |
US6701868B1 (en) | 2002-10-30 | 2004-03-09 | John V. Shepherd | Automated, self-cleaning cat litter box apparatus |
US7207292B1 (en) | 2003-01-14 | 2007-04-24 | Colten Steven K | Apparatus and method for increasing capacity of automated litter box |
USD512542S1 (en) | 2003-02-21 | 2005-12-06 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Surrounding housing for a cat litter box |
US20070039556A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2007-02-22 | Cook Alan J | Self-cleaning litter box |
US8166918B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2012-05-01 | Lucky Litter Llc | Self-cleaning litter box |
US20110155070A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2011-06-30 | Lucky Litter Llc | Self-Cleaning Litter Box |
US20110126773A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2011-06-02 | Lucky Litter Llc | Self-Cleaning Litter Box |
US8028659B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2011-10-04 | Lucky Litter Llc | Self-cleaning litter box |
US8161908B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2012-04-24 | Lucky Litter Llc | Self-cleaning litter box |
US7762213B2 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2010-07-27 | Lucky Litter Llc | Self-cleaning litter box |
US8166920B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2012-05-01 | Lucky Litter Llc | Self-cleaning litter box |
US8166919B2 (en) | 2003-09-30 | 2012-05-01 | Cook Alan J | Self-cleaning litter box |
US20050284389A1 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2005-12-29 | Radio Systems Corporation | Self cleaning litter box |
US20050284390A1 (en) * | 2004-06-14 | 2005-12-29 | Radio Systems Corporation | Self cleaning litter box mechanism |
US7263951B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2007-09-04 | Radio Systems Corporation | Self cleaning litter box mechanism |
US7261058B2 (en) | 2004-06-14 | 2007-08-28 | Radio Systems Corporation | Self cleaning litter box |
US20060081191A1 (en) * | 2004-10-18 | 2006-04-20 | Richard Deasy | Self-cleaning pet litter apparatus and related method |
US7017519B1 (en) | 2004-10-18 | 2006-03-28 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Self-cleaning pet litter apparatus and related method |
US7137355B1 (en) | 2004-10-18 | 2006-11-21 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Self-cleaning pet litter apparatus with rotating rake and pan |
US7096824B1 (en) * | 2004-10-18 | 2006-08-29 | Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Rake for self-cleaning pet litter apparatus |
US20070056521A1 (en) * | 2005-09-14 | 2007-03-15 | Hp Intellectual Corp. | Self cleaning litter box |
US8156895B2 (en) | 2005-09-14 | 2012-04-17 | United Pet Group, Inc. | Self cleaning litter box |
USD579158S1 (en) | 2005-09-21 | 2008-10-21 | Radio Systems Corporation | Semicircular litter box |
US7798101B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2010-09-21 | Michael Waters | Apparatus and method to remove animal waste from litter |
US20090107408A1 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2009-04-30 | Michael Waters | Apparatus and method to remove animal waste from litter |
US7487742B2 (en) | 2006-04-04 | 2009-02-10 | Michael Waters | Apparatus and method to remove animal waste from litter |
US20070227457A1 (en) * | 2006-04-04 | 2007-10-04 | Michael Waters | Apparatus And Method To Remove Animal Waste From Litter |
US8109237B1 (en) | 2007-12-11 | 2012-02-07 | Ourpet's Co. | Device for actuating automated litterbox |
US8567348B2 (en) | 2008-10-16 | 2013-10-29 | Radio Systems Corporation | Manual litter box |
US20100180830A1 (en) * | 2009-01-22 | 2010-07-22 | Fritter Charles F | Animal litter air treatment device containing activated carbon |
US20110088630A1 (en) * | 2009-09-24 | 2011-04-21 | Sportpet Designs, Inc. | Cat litter box and method of cleaning same |
RU2490873C1 (en) * | 2011-12-23 | 2013-08-27 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Саратовский государственный аграрный университет имени Н.И. Вавилова" | Device of automatic cleaning of cage for animal management |
US9526226B2 (en) | 2012-06-15 | 2016-12-27 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Self-cleaning litter box |
US11000007B2 (en) | 2018-06-08 | 2021-05-11 | Radio Systems Corporation | Pet litter box |
US12127529B2 (en) | 2018-06-19 | 2024-10-29 | Spectrum Brands, Inc. | Automated self-cleaning litter box having disposible receptacle and methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0721731A1 (en) | 1996-07-17 |
JP2981163B2 (en) | 1999-11-22 |
DE69603626T2 (en) | 2000-01-13 |
EP0875140B1 (en) | 2001-03-21 |
EP0875140A2 (en) | 1998-11-04 |
US5477812A (en) | 1995-12-26 |
CA2165866A1 (en) | 1996-07-13 |
DE69612219T2 (en) | 2001-11-08 |
DE69603626D1 (en) | 1999-09-16 |
CA2165866C (en) | 2004-05-25 |
EP0875140A3 (en) | 1998-12-30 |
JPH08238035A (en) | 1996-09-17 |
JP2000069875A (en) | 2000-03-07 |
DE69612219D1 (en) | 2001-04-26 |
JP3308242B2 (en) | 2002-07-29 |
EP0721731B1 (en) | 1999-08-11 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
USRE36847E (en) | Automated self-cleaning litter box for cats | |
US6082302A (en) | Self-cleaning litter box | |
US5931119A (en) | Self cleaning pet litter box | |
US7096824B1 (en) | Rake for self-cleaning pet litter apparatus | |
US6701868B1 (en) | Automated, self-cleaning cat litter box apparatus | |
US4886014A (en) | Pet litter box | |
US5107797A (en) | Litterbox for domestic animals | |
US4729342A (en) | Self-cleaning pet toilet | |
US5544620A (en) | Self-cleaning cat box | |
US5220886A (en) | Litter box accessory | |
US20220240480A1 (en) | Pet litter box | |
CN113163730A (en) | Garbage collection device and method for efficiently removing animal excrement | |
US7263951B2 (en) | Self cleaning litter box mechanism | |
US7261058B2 (en) | Self cleaning litter box | |
CA2596950C (en) | Self-cleaning litter box | |
RU2824406C1 (en) | Automated animal toilet and method of filling animal toilet filler | |
EP1235481A2 (en) | Self cleaning pet litter box |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT, GEORGIA Free format text: NOTICE OF GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HP INTELLECTUAL CORP.;REEL/FRAME:013177/0482 Effective date: 20011228 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT,GEORGIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:APPLICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020507/0922 Effective date: 20071228 Owner name: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS AGENT, GEORGIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:APPLICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:020507/0922 Effective date: 20071228 |
|
RR | Request for reexamination filed |
Effective date: 20090121 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SONEX INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:024794/0886 Effective date: 20100616 Owner name: SALTON, INC., FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:024794/0886 Effective date: 20100616 Owner name: APPLICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC., FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:024794/0886 Effective date: 20100616 Owner name: APPLICA INCORPORATED, FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:024794/0886 Effective date: 20100616 Owner name: HP INTELLECTUAL CORP., FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT;REEL/FRAME:024794/0886 Effective date: 20100616 |
|
B1 | Reexamination certificate first reexamination |
Free format text: CLAIMS 27, 33, 41 AND 42 ARE CANCELLED. NEW CLAIM 49 IS ADDED AND DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE. CLAIMS 1-26, 28-32, 34-40 AND 43-48 WERE NOT REEXAMINED. |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED PET GROUP, INC., OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WATERS RESEARCH COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:027341/0062 Effective date: 20110701 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, GEORGIA Free format text: PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNORS:SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.;UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION;UNITED PET GROUP, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:029536/0634 Effective date: 20121217 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNITED PET GROUP, INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, WISCONSIN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO LIQUID HOLDING COMPANY, INC., MISSOURI Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: TETRA HOLDING (US), INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, VIRGINIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, WISCONSIN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC. AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO ROVCAL, INC., WISCONSIN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: APPLICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC., A CORP. OF FLORIDA, FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: TETRA HOLDING (US), INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, VIR Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: ROVCAL, INC., A CORP. OF CALIFORNIA, WISCONSIN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: SEED RESOURCES, L.L.C., MICHIGAN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: APPLICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC., FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: UNITED PET GROUP, INC., WISCONSIN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: RUSSELL HOBBS, INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, ILLINOIS Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION, MISSOURI Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: ROV HOLDING, INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, DELAWARE Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: SALIX ANIMAL HEALTH, LLC, FLORIDA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: UNITED PET GROUP, INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, WISCO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: NATIONAL MANUFACTURING CO., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: PRICE PFISTER, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC., A CORP. OF DELAWARE, WISCON Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: TETRA HOLDINGS (US), INC., VIRGINIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC. AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: LIQUID HOLDING COMPANY, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: ROVCAL, INC., WISCONSIN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC., WISCONSIN Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: UNITED INDUSTRIES CORPORATION AS SUCCESSOR IN INTE Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: TELL MANUFACTURING, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: KWIKSET CORPORATION, CALIFORNIA Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: APPLICA CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC., A CORP. OF FLORID Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS COLLATERAL TRUSTEE;REEL/FRAME:036102/0001 Effective date: 20150623 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AGENT, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:036131/0272 Effective date: 20150623 Owner name: DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, AS COLLATERAL AG Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SPECTRUM BRANDS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:036131/0272 Effective date: 20150623 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, ONTARIO Free format text: NOTICE OF SUCCESSOR AGENT AND ASSIGNMENT OF SECURITY INTEREST (INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY) REEL/FRAME 036131/0272;ASSIGNOR:DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH;REEL/FRAME:046301/0425 Effective date: 20180601 |