The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 04, 2005
Filed:
Feb. 21, 2003
Melaney Northrop, Cleburne, TX (US);
Mike Harper, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Larry Weinberg, Rogue River, OR (US);
Melaney Northrop, Cleburne, TX (US);
Mike Harper, Fort Worth, TX (US);
Larry Weinberg, Rogue River, OR (US);
Doskocil Manufacturing Company, Inc., Arlington, TX (US);
Abstract
A self-cleaning litter box having a base, a litter pan, an upper hood and a lower hood. A rake is used to sweep litter clumps disposed in the litter pan and into a waste box. The rake is inserted and removed without the use of tools in order to clean or replace the rake. Liners inside the litter pan and waste box allow for easy cleaning. In addition, the liners are used to protect against pitting and other potential damage. Sensors detect the presence of a cat inside the litter pan. Upon exit, an actuator receives an output signal for actuating the drive assembly. After a predetermined time delay after receipt of the output signal, the raking cycle commences. The actuator includes a switch to allow the pet owner to vary the length of the pre-determined time delay.