Abstract:
A cleaner apparatus includes provisions for feeding, cleaning, grooming, attracting animals, controlling animals, treating, conditioning claws, provision of adjustable maze structures, atmospheric conditioning, removing loose hair, removing dander, dirt and application of various treatments.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/648,818, filed on Feb. 1, 2005 and application Ser. No. 11/344,435 filed Jan. 31, 2006. 
     
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of animal care and more particularly, to an animal care apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The field of animal care equipment includes a wide range of devices. However, despite the developments of the prior art, there remains a need for an effective animal cleaner apparatus. 
         [0004]    It is an object of the invention to provide an effective animal cleaner apparatus which provides a single apparatus for care, feeding and cleaning of animals. 
         [0005]    Other objects of the invention will be made clear hereinafter. 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The animal cleaner apparatus includes provisions for: feeding, cleaning, grooming, attracting animals, controlling animals, treating, conditioning claws, provision of an adjustable maze structures, atmospheric conditioning, removing loose hair, removing dander and dirt, application of various treatments, provision of litterbox capability and additional features as described below. 
         [0007]    The invention includes a plurality of modules which provide the various functions. The modules are mounted on a plurality of tracks which are mounted in one or more enclosures. The enclosures may be connected to form a range of configurations. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Other important objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0009]    The various features of the invention are shown in the following drawings: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of an animal cleaner apparatus showing an enclosure with sliding panels; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of an enclosure in which the light goes on when an animal enters; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an adjustable molded rubber unit including a plurality of bristles; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of a non-tearable fabric sheet; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a frame; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the front portion of an enclosure showing the frame; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a frame with stretchable electrostatic shades; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a frame with motorized curtains; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view of a hanging electric flea zapper; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a schematic view of a carpet with a wax layer; 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a schematic view of a hair singe device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a nail groomer device; 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view of a nail filer; 
           [0023]      FIG. 14  is a schematic view of a lint remover brush; 
           [0024]      FIG. 15  is a schematic view of an animal tail brush; 
           [0025]      FIG. 16  is a schematic view of a feeder/noise/light unit; 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  is a schematic view of an animal speaker/microphone/transmitter unit; 
           [0027]      FIG. 18  is a schematic view of a transmitter for a radio controlled harness; 
           [0028]      FIG. 19  is a schematic view of an electrode collar; 
           [0029]      FIG. 20  is a schematic view of an electrode suit for an animal; 
           [0030]      FIG. 21  is a schematic view of an anti-bacterial sticky carpet; 
           [0031]      FIG. 22  is a schematic view of an enclosure showing tracks, a maze and various connecting chambers; 
           [0032]      FIG. 23  is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the adjustable maze; 
           [0033]      FIG. 24  is a schematic view of an adjustable maze with fabric walls; 
           [0034]      FIG. 25  is a schematic view of a mist sprayer unit; 
           [0035]      FIG. 26  is a schematic view of a vacuum cleaner unit; 
           [0036]      FIG. 27  is a schematic view of a movable food tray; 
           [0037]      FIG. 28  is a schematic view of a feeder/refrigeration spray unit; 
           [0038]      FIG. 29  is a schematic view of a static electricity generator/animal feeder unit; 
           [0039]      FIG. 30  is a schematic view of a stack tray feeder; 
           [0040]      FIG. 31  is a schematic view of a hooded feeder; 
           [0041]      FIG. 32  is a schematic view of a body shield sprayer feeder; 
           [0042]      FIG. 33  is a schematic view of a mist sprayer unit; 
           [0043]      FIG. 34  is a schematic view of an alternative mist sprayer unit; 
           [0044]      FIG. 35  is a schematic view of a feeder with top loading duct supply; 
           [0045]      FIG. 36  is a schematic view of a litter box maze; 
           [0046]      FIG. 37  is a schematic view of a wee-wee pad with a screened litter box; 
           [0047]      FIG. 38  is a schematic view of a food chute; 
           [0048]      FIG. 39  is a schematic view of a litter box with a bottom door; 
           [0049]      FIG. 40  is a schematic view of a litter tray with a waster duct; 
           [0050]      FIG. 41  is a schematic view of a control unit; 
           [0051]      FIG. 42  is a schematic view of a fabric/magnet/stretchable curtain switch; 
           [0052]      FIG. 43  is a schematic view of a charcoal odor absorber; 
           [0053]      FIG. 44  is a schematic view of an enhanced vacuum cleaner; 
           [0054]      FIG. 45  is a schematic view of a room environment protector; 
           [0055]      FIG. 46  is a schematic view of a steamer; 
           [0056]      FIG. 47  is a schematic view of a vacuum cleaner with sensors; 
           [0057]      FIG. 48  is a schematic view of a vacuum blower ionizer; 
           [0058]      FIG. 49  is a schematic view of a wireless control unit; 
           [0059]      FIG. 50  is a schematic view of an air refrigerator-blower; 
           [0060]      FIG. 51  is a schematic view of an enclosure with spray unit; 
           [0061]      FIG. 52  is a schematic view of a ventilator; 
           [0062]      FIG. 53  is a perspective view of a weight tank for an enclosure; 
           [0063]      FIG. 54  is a perspective view of a flexible entry duct; 
           [0064]      FIG. 55  is a perspective view of a platform bladder; 
           [0065]      FIG. 56  is a schematic view of a feeder/sprayer; 
           [0066]      FIG. 57  is a schematic view of an enclosure showing a plurality of chambers; 
           [0067]      FIG. 58  is a schematic view of an enhanced vacuum cleaner system; 
           [0068]      FIG. 59  is a schematic view of a tray with dual roll paper pad; 
           [0069]      FIG. 60  is a schematic view of a dual sensor hair erector and a dispensing system; 
           [0070]      FIG. 61  is a schematic view of a tray with elastic apertures; 
           [0071]      FIG. 62  is a schematic view of an adjustable nozzle; 
           [0072]      FIG. 63  is a schematic view of a barrier with an adjustable opening; 
           [0073]      FIG. 64  is a schematic view of a dual sensor unit; 
           [0074]      FIG. 65  is a schematic view of a tray with stones to treat nails; 
           [0075]      FIG. 66  is a schematic view of a dish with dry ice compartment; 
           [0076]      FIG. 67  is a schematic view of a hand-held brush with vacuum, blower, UV light, ionizer and flea zapper; 
           [0077]      FIG. 68  is a schematic view of a door opening with a treatment unit; 
           [0078]      FIG. 69  is a schematic view of a carpet with a wax layer; 
           [0079]      FIG. 70  is a schematic view of a door space saver; 
           [0080]      FIG. 71  is a schematic view of a collar with multiple electric pins; 
           [0081]      FIG. 72  is a schematic view of a vaporizer unit with a broad dispersion baffle; 
           [0082]      FIG. 73  is a schematic view of a vaporizer unit; 
           [0083]      FIG. 74  is a schematic view of a combination cleaner and collar; 
           [0084]      FIG. 75  is cancelled; 
           [0085]      FIG. 76  is cancelled; 
           [0086]      FIG. 77  is cancelled; 
           [0087]      FIG. 78  is a schematic view of a flexible barrier with an elastic opening; and 
           [0088]      FIG. 79  is an enlarged view of a typical hollow stem and nozzles. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0089]    With reference to the drawings in which a key embodiment of the animal cleaner apparatus according to the invention  10  are shown. 
         [0090]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  includes an enclosure  12  which has a plurality of sliding panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  which are supported on internally mounted tracks. The panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are tightly fitted thereby making the enclosure  12  sound proof. The panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24  are preferably transparent and removable and can slide in the directions shown by the arrows  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  34  in  FIG. 1 . The importance of the sound proof construction of the enclosure  12  will be explained presently. 
         [0091]    The soundproof nature of the enclosure  12  prevents the cat or other animal from hearing the vacuum  122  and blower  120  and becoming frightened and refusing to enter or reenter the apparatus  10 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 2  shows an automatic light unit which has a light  302  which goes on when a heat sensor detects an animal. 
         [0093]      FIG. 3  is a molded rubber unit  320  which has snaps  322 ,  324  which snap together to hold onto fabric. Bristles  326  are typically located on the inner and outer vertices. The bristles point in all directions. 
         [0094]      FIG. 4  is a non-tearable sheet  350  which has a plurality of eyelet holes typically designated as  352  and in which the holes designated by the letter A match the location of the snaps in  FIG. 3 . The eyelet holes facilitate attachment to a frame. The fabric may be folded to adjust the height. 
         [0095]      FIG. 5  shows a frame  360  with threaded holes typically designated by the numeral  362 . 
         [0096]      FIG. 6  shows a front cover  370  of an enclosure and a frame  372 . 
         [0097]      FIG. 7  shows a frame  400  with stretchable electrostatic shades  402  which has a charcoal filter  404 , magnets  406  which can hold brushes  408 . The shade material  402  is made of loop material which is stretchable and which can be locked in place. 
         [0098]    The shade material  402  is electrostatically charged to catch cat hair. The shades  402  can be closed using the magnets. 
         [0099]      FIG. 8  shows frame  420  with motorized curtains. The frame  420  has slots  422 ,  424 , and is motorized and under the control of a timer  426 . 
         [0100]      FIG. 9  is a hanging flea zapper  450  which has hooks  452 ,  454  which can hang suspended from a track. 
         [0101]      FIG. 10  shows a carpet with a wax layer  470  which includes a heater  472 , a screen  474  which allows a cat&#39;s nails to contact a layer of soft wax  476  which has been heated by the heater  472 . The heater  472  maintains the wax  476  in a soft state and the wax  476  hardens on the cat&#39;s nails when the wax cools. 
         [0102]      FIG. 11  is a hair singe device  490  which includes a static electric generator  492  which attracts hair  496  and a comb  494 . A single loose hair  498  is shown. 
         [0103]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  show a nail groomer  500  in which sand particles  502 , which are disposed on a base  504 , groom a cat&#39;s nails. 
         [0104]      FIGS. 13A and 13B  show a nail filer  520  which includes a layer  522  which has a plurality of bumps  524 . The cloth or screen  526  is spaced apart from the layer  522 . The layer  522  is covered with sandpaper which functions as a nail filer. 
         [0105]      FIG. 14  shows a lint remover brush  550  which includes a plurality of removable adhesive layers  552 ,  554 ,  556 , each having an adhesive coating. 
         [0106]      FIGS. 15A ,  15 B and  15 C show a tail brush apparatus  570  which includes an enclosure  572  and a mechanism  574  which is operated by the weight of an animal, resting or sleeping, on a treadle  588 , to close a pair of elastic rubber sheets  576 ,  578  having bristles  580 ,  582  onto the tail of the animal. The rubber sheets ride in tracks  584 ,  586 . 
         [0107]      FIG. 16  is a schematic view of the internal components of the apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 . The internal components of the apparatus  10  include: a flexible and bendable exhaust tube  40 , a light bar  42  which has a plurality of flashing bulbs  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 , preferably in a range of colors, a high and low frequency sound source  52 , a rotating tube  54  which can be rotated by an electric motor  56 , a blower  58 , a food container  60  with a controllable lid  62 , a container for catnip or chemicals  64 , and an electrically operated controller  66 . 
         [0108]    The controller  66  is connected to the rotating tube  54  for generating sounds, the blower  58 , the electric motor drive actuator  68  which controls the food container lid  62 , and the light bar  42  by electrical connections  70 ,  72 ,  74 ,  76 . 
         [0109]    The controller  66  is programmable for automatic operation and can also be turned on and off by a series of photocells mounted in the enclosure  12 . 
         [0110]    The food container  60  has an internal heater which can maintain the food  78  in the container  60  at optimum temperatures. 
         [0111]    The flashing bulbs  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50  covering the full visible spectrum, sound source  52  covering the entire audible spectrum provide various ways of attracting the animal. In addition, the container  64  may contain a chemical which provides a scent which attracts the animal. 
         [0112]      FIG. 17  is transmitter receiver assembly  900  which has an attachment unit  402  for attachment to the collar of an animal, a receiver  904 , and microphone  918  which can be turned off  906 , a frequency shifter  908 , a speaker  910 , and a microphone-transmitter unit  912 , which includes a microphone  914  and a transmitter  916 . 
         [0113]      FIG. 18  is a transmitter for an RC harness  950  which includes a transmitter  952  which sends voice commands such as “right,” “left,” “formed,” or “backward” and a receiver  954 , which commands and moves controller panels  956 ,  958 ,  960 . A flashlight  962  and a locator unit  964  may be located on a leash  966 . On the leash  966  adjacent to the flashlight  962 , there is a hook and loop surface which can be used to mount a radio, a supply of refuse bags on a wallet. The leash  966  may house a wire. 
         [0114]      FIGS. 19A and 19B  show electrode collar assembly  1000  each of which includes a pair of electrodes  1002 ,  1004  which can be used to transmit pulses to an animal  1006  in sequential increments to control movement and direction of movement. The assembly  1000  includes individual collars  1008 ,  1010 ,  1012 ,  1014 ,  1016 ,  1018 ,  1020 ,  1022 . 
         [0115]      FIG. 20  shows an electrode suit  1050  which includes an enclosure  1052 . A plurality of electrodes  1054  in the suit  1050  provides directional signals for an animal wearing the suit  1050 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 21  shows an anti-bacterial sticky carpet  4000 . The carpet  4002  has a sticky anti-bacterial material  4004  on the top surface. The bottom surface  4006  has a plurality of hook and loop fastener pads  4008 . 
         [0117]      FIG. 22  shows a top view of an enclosure  4100  in which tracks are indicated schematically by the broken lines  4102 ,  4104 . The enclosure  4100  includes an adjustable maze  4106 . The path of an animal throughout the maze  4106 ,  4108 ,  4110  is indicated schematically by the broken line  4112 . 
         [0118]      FIG. 23  is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the maze  4106 ,  4110  of  FIG. 22  showing rods  4114 ,  4122  which pass through sleeves  4116 ,  4118  on the top and on the bottom of the walls  4116 ,  4110 . The position of each of the rods  4114 ,  4122  is adjustable with respect to the rod  4120 . 
         [0119]      FIG. 24A  is a top plan view of an adjustable maze  4200  with fabric walls  420 . The walls  4204  are disposed above a carpet which can have a sticky material or sponge surface. 
         [0120]      FIG. 24B  is an elevation view taken along the line  24 B- 24 B of  FIG. 24A  showing the opening  4208  in the fabric wall  4206  and showing a pair of hook and loop fastener pads  4210 ,  4212 , which may be used to attach brushes. 
         [0121]      FIG. 25  shows a mist sprayer unit  4300  which includes a heater/cooler/humidifier/dehumidifier unit  4302  which maintains optimum temperature and humidity in the enclosure  4304 . A thermal conditioning unit  4306  maintains the temperature of the mist which is in the mist sprayer unit  4300 . The mist sprayer unit  4300  sprays mist onto a cat via tubes  4308 . The tubes  4308  can be directed to selected areas. The mist sprayer unit  4300  is quiet and goes on responsive to the movement of a door  4310 , which actuates a micro switch  4312 . The cat moves in the directions shown by arrows  4314 ,  4316 . 
         [0122]      FIG. 26  shows a schematic of the vacuum blower ionizer ultra-violet unit  100  which is mounted inside the enclosure  12  of  FIG. 1 . The unit is mounted on a track  102  and can be repositioned relative to the walls or panels  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  22 ,  24 . 
         [0123]    The unit  100  has multiple ports and flex ducts  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ,  114  which can be directed to all areas of the enclosure  12 . The unit includes an air dryer  116 , a mist generator  118 , a blower  120 , a vacuum unit  122 , a combination positive ion and negative ion generator and ozone generator  124 . 
         [0124]    The polarity of the ions generated by the generator  124  can be reversed. The intensity of the blower  120  and vacuum  122  can be controlled. 
         [0125]    The intensity of the blower  120  is weaker than the vacuum  122  to ensure removal of all loose hair, dirt particles and debris. The unit  100  cleans an animal in the enclosure  12  and also cleans the interior of the enclosure  12 . The loose hair, dirt particles and debris are removed from the animal and from the air and interior walls of the enclosure to prevent this unwanted material from being reapplied to the animal. The application of positive ions, negative ions and ozone provides both interaction between the enclosure and the animal and cleaning of both the animal and the enclosure  12 . 
         [0126]    The electrostatic treatment of the animal hairs facilitates cleaning down to the roots of the hair. 
         [0127]    The electrostatic treatment causes the hair to become erect thereby allowing the removal of dirt with a blower  120  which generates a low level of pressure and consequently, an extremely low level of noise. This prevents the animal from becoming frightened. 
         [0128]    The raising of the hair by the electrostatic generator  124  exposes the animal&#39;s skin thereby facilitating treatment of the skin by application of ozone, powder, oil, vapor or medication. 
         [0129]    The electrostatic generator  124  also attracts and removes dirt, dander, debris and unwanted matter from the animal&#39;s hair. 
         [0130]      FIG. 27  shows a movable food tray  4400  which is mounted in an enclosure  4402 . As the cat  4401  moving in the direction shown by the arrows  4406 ,  4408  approaches the food tray  4410 , the photocells  4412 ,  4414 ,  4416 ,  4418  sense the position of the cat  4404  and the motor  4420  moves the food tray  4410  further in the enclosure  4402  to the position shown in broken lines  4422 . When the food tray reaches the position shown by the broken lines  4422 , the switch  4424  shuts the motor  4420  off. 
         [0131]      FIG. 28  is a schematic view of a feeder/refrigeration spray unit  200 , which includes a sprayer  202  which adds fine spray  204  onto food  206  contained in the food container  208 . The food container  208  can contain food  206 , water  210 , or a snack. A refrigeration unit  212  maintains the food  206  at optimum temperatures. 
         [0132]    When the cat  214  steps on the pad  216 , a static electricity generator  218  raises the cat hair  220 . The cat  214  moves in the direction shown by the arrow  222 . A microswitch  224  designated by the Letter A is mounted on the door  226 . A microswitch  228  designated by the Letter B is mounted on the door  230 . The sprayer  202  operates when the cat  214  enters the enclosure  12  and switch A  224  closes. The lid  232  covering the food container  208  opens when switch A  224  closes. The lid  232  closes when switch C  234  closes. This arrangement enables the apparatus  10  to operate when the cat  214  is in the proper position. 
         [0133]      FIG. 29  shows a static electricity generator  4500  which includes a pair of domes  4502 ,  4504 . A feeder tray  4506  is disposed between the domes  4502 ,  4504  and when the cat  4508  steps on the lower dome  4504  to reach the feeder tray  4506 , the cat&#39;s hair  4510  is attracted to the upper dome  4502 . 
         [0134]      FIG. 30  shows a stack tray feeder  4600  which includes a stack  4602  of nested trays  4604 . Each of the trays  4604  is disposable. The feeder  4600  is mounted in an enclosure  4606 . 
         [0135]      FIGS. 31 and 31A  show a hooded feeder unit  4700  which includes a curved hood  4702  which is disposed above a feeding tray  4704 . The unit  4700  is mounted in an enclosure  4706 . A sprayer unit  4708  includes a pair of spray dispensers  4710 ,  4712  which dispense a spray stream  4714 ,  4716  on the top  4718  and on the bottom  4720  of the cat  4722 . To reach the food  4724 , the cat  4722  places its head  4726  under the hood  4702  thereby actuating a photocell  4728  which turns the sprayer unit  4708  on. The hood  4702  prevents the sprayer unit  4708  from coating the head  4726  of the cat  4722 . 
         [0136]      FIG. 31A  is an elevation view taken along the line  31 A- 31 A of  FIG. 31  showing the curvature of the hood. 
         [0137]      FIG. 32  is a body shield sprayer feeder  4800  which includes a shield  4802  having an aperture  4804 . The aperture  4804  allows the cat  4806  to push its head  4808  through the aperture  4804 . The sprayer  4810  is under the control of a photo electric beam  4812  and applies a spray treatment  4814  to the cat&#39;s head  4816 , sprayer feeder  4800  includes a food tray  4818 . 
         [0138]      FIG. 33  shows a mist sprayer unit  4900  which is mounted in an enclosure  4902 . The sprayer unit  4900  is activated by a micro switch  4904  mounted on a door  4906  which is mounted on an aperture  4908  formed in the enclosure  4902 . The unit  4900  includes a heater/cooler/humidifier/dehumidifier unit  4910  which maintains an optimum temperature and humidity in the enclosure  4902 . The unit  4900  also includes a thermal conditioning heater/cooler  4912  which maintains the mist  4914  at an optimum temperature. The sprayer unit  4900  sprays mist onto an animal in the enclosure  4902 . The mist  4914  flows through tubes  4916 ,  4918 ,  4920  which can be directed to selected areas. The mist sprayer  4900  is quiet and goes on when the door  4906  is opened as indicated by the broken lines  4922 . 
         [0139]      FIG. 34  shows a mist sprayer unit  4950  which is identical to the mist sprayer unit  4900  previously described with the exception that the heater/cooler/humidifier/dehumidifier unit  4910  has been eliminated. In addition, the thermal conditioning heater/cooler  4912  has been eliminated. 
         [0140]      FIG. 35  shows a feeder  5000  with a top loading duct supply  5002  which includes a relatively large supply bin  5004  which holds a relatively large supply of dry food  5006  and a relatively large tank  5008  which holds a relatively large supply of water  5010 . The supply bin  5004  and the tank  5008  are disposed above an enclosure  5012 . Ducts  5014 ,  5016  transfer the dry food  5006  to a feeder  5018  which is disposed inside the enclosure  5012  and transfer the water  5010  from the tank  5008  to a feeding dish  5020  which is also disposed in the enclosure  5012 . 
         [0141]      FIG. 36A  shows a perspective view of litter box maze  5500  which includes an enclosure  5502  which is mounted on a support  5504  using a hook and loop fastener  5506 . A layer of sticky material  5508  on the support  5504  removes dirt from the paws of an animal. Wire support members  5510 ,  5512  support flexible walls  5514 ,  5516  in the enclosure  5502 . 
         [0142]      FIG. 36B  shows a schematic cross-sectional plan view which shows the maze  5500  which has flexible walls  5518 ,  5520 ,  5522 ,  5524 ,  5526 ,  5528 ,  5530 . The path of an animal through the maze is shown by the arrows  5532 ,  5534 ,  5536 ,  5538 ,  5540 ,  5542 . 
         [0143]      FIG. 37  shows a wee-wee pad  5600  with a screened litter box  5602 . The wee-wee pad  5600  is disposed in a wee-wee tray  5604  which is covered by a screen  5606 . The screen  5606  is attached to the tray  5604  by a hinge  5608 . A food tray  5610  is disposed adjacent to the wee-wee tray  5604 . The wee-wee tray  5604  and the food tray  5610  are disposed in an enclosure  5612  which includes a hood  5614  which has a fan  5616  and a charcoal filter  5618 . A chemical drip unit  5620  which dispenses a dog attracting fluid is controlled by a photo cell  5622 . 
         [0144]      FIG. 38  shows a food chute  5650  which includes an upper door  5652  and a lower door  5654 . The upper door  5652  is opened to drop litter  5656  into the chute  5650 . The lower door  5654  is opened to drop litter  5656  into a box (not illustrated). The chute  5650  and the doors  5652 ,  5654  present odors from escaping from the chute  5650 . 
         [0145]      FIG. 39  shows a litter box  5700  with a bottom door  5702 . The door  5702  has a hinge  5704  and opens in the direction shown by the arrow  5706  to dump litter from the litter box  5700  onto a chute  5708  in the direction shown by the arrow  5710 . The bottom of the chute has a bag  5752  with a rubber band  5754  closure (shown in  FIG. 40 ) which receives the litter from the chute  5708 . The chute  5708  may be flexible. 
         [0146]      FIG. 40  shows a litter tray  5750  with a waste duct  5756  which includes a tray  5758  with a comb  5760  to rake waste  5762  into the duct  5756  which is mounted adjacent to the tray  5750 . An intermediate portion of the duct  5756  includes a control valve  5766 . The duct leads  5756  to a bag  5754  which collects the waste. The bag  5754  includes a rubber band  5754  which connects the bag  5754  to the duct  5756 . A supply duct  5766  is disposed above the tray  5750  and includes a flexible portion  5768  and a door  5770 . The supply duct  5766  deposits litter into the tray  5750 . 
         [0147]      FIG. 41  shows a control unit  5800  which controls the operation of a plurality of units which are mounted in an enclosure  5802 . The enclosure  5802  has a framework of tracks and has provisions for ducts and electrical power. 
         [0148]      FIG. 42  shows an enclosure  5850  with a stretchable curtain switch  5852  which includes fabric portions  5854 ,  5856  and magnets  5858 ,  5860 . The magnets  5858 ,  5860  form a closure between the portions of fabric  5854 ,  5856 . The magnets  5858 ,  5860  may act as a switch. The fabric portions  5854 ,  5856  and the magnets  5858 ,  5860  close an aperture  5862  in the enclosure  5850 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 43  shows a charcoal odor absorber  5900  which is disposed in an enclosure  5902 . Charcoal  5904  which is disposed in a tray  5906  keeps the air in the enclosure  5902  fresh. 
         [0150]      FIG. 44  shows a cleaner with bendable tubes  5950  which includes an enclosure  5952 , a heat sensor  5954 , a vacuum cleaner/blower/ionizer/u-v unit  5956  which can be attached to tracks on the enclosure  5952 . The unit  5956  has multiple flexible ports or tubes  5958 ,  5960  which can be directed to all areas of the enclosure  5952 . The cleaner  5950  also includes a timer  5952 , a positively-charged blower outlet ring  5964  and a negatively charged inlet ring  5966 . The unit  5950  goes on when the heat sensor  5968  indicates that a cat is in or near the enclosure  5952 . 
         [0151]      FIG. 45  shows a room environment protector  6000  which includes a blower  6002 , a vacuum unit  6004 , a positive ion generator  6006 , a first ion plate  6008  connected to the positive ion generator  6026 , and a plurality of ion plates  6010 ,  6012 ,  6014  which are disposed above the first ion plate  6008  and are connected to the ion generator  6026  via a plurality of wires  6016 ,  6018 ,  6020 . The protector  6000  also includes a duct  6022  which carries air in the direction shown by the arrow  6024 . 
         [0152]      FIG. 46  shows a steam unit  6050 , which is mounted in an enclosure  6052 . The steam unit  6050  destroys bacteria in the enclosure  6052 . 
         [0153]      FIG. 47  shows a vacuum cleaner unit with sensors  7000  which includes an enclosure  7002  which has mister units  7004 ,  7006 , ducts  7008 ,  7010  which allow the vacuum cleaner  7012  to clean any part of the enclosure  7002 , a timer  7014  which controls the time of operation of the vacuum cleaner  7012 , heat sensors  7016 ,  7018  which sense if a cat is in or near the enclosure  7002  and which prevents operation of the vacuum cleaner  7012  when the cat is in or near the enclosure  7002 . The vacuum cleaner unit  7000  works on either battery or line current. Anti-bacterial powder or baking soda  7020  is deposited on litter  7022  which is placed in a tray  7024  which is mounted on sliding tracks  7026 . Fabric portions and magnets  7032 ,  7034  close an opening  7038  in the enclosure  7002 . An ion generator unit connected to a blower duct  7008  generates positive ions. A vacuum cleaner duct  7010  is connected to a source of negative ions. The inlet ring of the vacuum cleaner  7012  has a negative charge. 
         [0154]      FIG. 48  shows a vacuum/blower/ionizer unit  7050  which has a plurality of ports and flex ducts which can be directed to all areas of an enclosure  7052 . The unit  7050  may be slidably mounted on a track  7052  and moved in the directions shown by the arrows  7056 ,  7058 . The vacuum duct  7060  and the blower duct are  7062  shown by way of example. The unit  7050  includes a positive ion generator  7064  and a negative ion generator  7066 . The polarity of the generator  7064 ,  7066  may be reversed. The air flow from the blower  7068  can be controlled by a knob  7070  to vary the air flow in the enclosure  7052 . 
         [0155]      FIG. 49  shows a wireless control unit  8000  which cooperates with an enclosure, a section of which is shown as enclosure  8002 . The enclosure includes a frame work of tracks and has provisions for various units including ducts and for electrical power  8004 . The wireless control unit  8000  controls the operation of each of the units including on/off functions, speed and power. 
         [0156]      FIG. 50  shows an air freshener blower  8050  which includes a tank  8052  containing air freshener liquid, a blower  8054  and a heat sensor  8056  which turns the blower  8054  on when the animal is in the area of the heat sensor  8056 . The air freshener blower  8050  is mounted in an enclosure  8058 . 
         [0157]      FIG. 51  shows an enclosure  1100  which includes a control valve  1102  which is connected a conduit  1114  and to a spray hood  1104  and to a heat sensor, not illustrated via a head  1106 . The spray head  1104  dispenses a spray  1108 . The floor  1110  of the enclosure  1100  includes a drain pipe  1112  which drains fluid from the enclosure  1100 . The enclosure  1100  includes openings  1116 ,  1118 . 
         [0158]      FIG. 52  shows a ventilator unit  1150  which includes a fan  1152  and which is mounted on the top wall  1154  of an enclosure  1156 . The enclosure  1156  has a pair of openings  1170 ,  1172 , one of which  1172  has an outwardly swinging door  1160  which operates a micro switch  1162 . The micro switch  1162  turns the ventilator  1150  on when the cat leaves the enclosure  1156 . The ventilator unit  1150  may have an anti-allergen charcoal filter, high efficient particles absolute, HEPA, filter or a u-v unit mounted above the fan  1152  in a compartment  1164  mounted above the fan  1152 . The ventilator  1150  includes an optional flex duct  1168  which may lead to a house vent or to a window. 
         [0159]      FIG. 53  shows a weight tank  1200  which may snap into the front cover of an enclosure which has not been illustrated. The weight tank  1200  includes a snap-on cover  1202 . 
         [0160]      FIG. 54  shows a flexible entry duct  1250  which leads to an enclosure  1252 . The flexible entry duct  1250  may be made of a bendable plastic tube. 
         [0161]      FIG. 55  shows a platform bladder assembly  1300  in which a cat  1302  steps on a platform  1304  which is mounted above a bladder  1306 . The weight of the cat  1302  presses on the platform  1304  which in turn presses on the bladder  1306  which is filled with a combination of air and powder and pressurizes the bladder  1306 ,  1308 . When the cat&#39;s head pushes against a bar  1310  which is mounted near an end  1312  of the bladder  1306 , a valve  1314  which is connected to the bladder  1306  via a conduit  1316  opens and powder  1314  is sprayed on the cat  1302  via conduits  1318 ,  1320 ,  1322 . 
         [0162]      FIG. 56  shows a feeder/sprayer unit  1400  which is mounted in an enclosure  1402 . A sprayer  1404  is mounted directly above the feeder  1406  which includes an integral folding dish  1408  and food storage duct  1410 . The sprayer  1404  is actuated mechanically by links  1412 ,  1414  which are connected to a platform  1416  on which an animal steps when the animal enters the enclosure  1402  in the direction shown by the arrow  1416 . The sprayer  1404  is directly above the animal when the animal eats from the feeding dish  1408 . 
         [0163]      FIG. 57  shows an enclosure assembly  1450  which includes four compartments  1452 ,  1454 ,  1456 ,  1458  which are grouped together and which have connecting apertures  1460 ,  1462  and  1464 ,  1466 . Each of the compartments  1452 ,  1454 ,  1456 ,  1458  include a pair of tracks which are indicated schematically by the broken lines  1468 ,  1470 . Each compartment typically includes walls  1472 ,  1474 ,  1476 ,  1478 . 
         [0164]      FIG. 58  shows a vacuum cleaner apparatus  1500  which includes an enclosure  1502  and a vacuum blower ionizer, u-v unit  1504 , which has a plurality of ports  1506  each of which is connected to a flexible duct  1508 . The flexible ducts  1508  may be directed to all areas of the enclosure  1502 . 
         [0165]    The apparatus  1500  may be slidably mounted on a track  1510 . The track  1510  allows the apparatus  1500  to be moved in the directions shown by the arrows  1512 ,  1514 . The unit  1504  also includes a mist generator  1516  and a dryer  1518 . In addition, the unit  1504  includes a positive ion generator  1520  and a negative ion generator  1522 . The polarity of the ions generated by each of these generators  1520 ,  1522  can be reversed. 
         [0166]    The intensity of the blower and the vacuum can be controlled. In general, for optimum performance, the intensity of the blower is weaker than the vacuum. 
         [0167]      FIG. 59  shows a tray with a dual roll paper pad assembly  1600  which includes a tray  1602  and a screen  1604  which is disposed spaced above the tray  1602 . A clean paper strip or pad  1606  is fed from a clean paper supply roll  1608 , passing between the screen  1604  and the tray  1602  and is wound onto a used paper storage roll  1610 . 
         [0168]    A photo elastic beam  1612  is mounted above the assembly  1600  and when an animal breaks the beam  1612 , the apparatus  1600  is turned on. 
         [0169]    A supply tank  1614  deposits chemicals  1616  which may stimulate the animal. The supply tank  1614  may also be activated by a remote control unit  1618 . 
         [0170]      FIG. 60  shows a dual sensor hair erecting and dispensing system  1700  which includes an enclosure  1702  which includes a plurality of ports  1704 . The ports  1704  are connected to ducts  1706  which are indicated typically by the ducts  1708 ,  1710 ,  1712 ,  1714 . The ducts  1708 ,  1710  are connected to a vacuum blower while the ducts  1712 ,  1714  are connected to a dispenser. 
         [0171]    The enclosure  1702  also includes negatively charged plates  1716 ,  1718 . A pair of photo-electric beams  1720 ,  1722  is disposed, one each near each end  1724 ,  1726  of the enclosure  1702 . When an animal which moves in the direction shown by the arrow  1728  breaks both beams  1729 ,  1722 , the animal&#39;s hair is erected by the charged plates  1716 ,  1718  and spray, mist or powder can be dispensed via the ducts  1706 . In addition, UV light treatment can be applied onto the skin of the animal including all portions of the hair of the animal from the dispenser. The vacuum blower aids in erecting the animal&#39;s hair. 
         [0172]      FIGS. 61A and 61B  show a tray with elastic apertures  1800 . The plurality of elastic apertures is indicated typically by the reference numeral  1802 . The apertures  1802  are formed in a flexible film or sheet  1804  member which covers the tray  1806 . Each of the apertures  1802  is defined by a hem  1808  which is formed in the sheet member  1804 . Within each hem, there is an elastic band  1810 . The apertures  1802  allow animals&#39; feet to enter the tray  1806  for the application of treatment. 
         [0173]      FIG. 62  shows an adjustable nozzle  1900 . The nozzle  1900  includes a spherical portion  1902  and a cylindrical portion  1904  which ends in a conical tip  1906 . The spherical and cylindrical portions  1902 ,  1904  include a common control bone  1908 , the inlet end of which is outwardly flared  1910 . The spherical portion  1902  is mounted in a spherical cavity  1912  formed in a housing  1914 . The cavity includes a plenum portion  1916  which communicates with the inlet end  1910  of the central bore  1908 . 
         [0174]    An inlet tube  1918  leads to the plenum  1916 . The tip  1906  may be moved in the directions shown by the arrows  1920 ,  1922  in  FIG. 62  to direct a spray flowing from the nozzle in any desired directions. 
         [0175]      FIGS. 63A and 63B  show a barrier assembly with an adjustable opening  2000 . The barrier  2002  is mounted in a frame  2004  which fits into an enclosure which has not been illustrated. The barrier  2002  includes a flexible sheet  2006  having an aperture  2008 . The aperture  2008  is defined by a hem  2010  formed in the sheet  2006 . An elastic band  2012  such as a rubber-band is mounted within the hem  2010 . The elastic band  2012  is disposed to bias the aperture  2008  to form an opening of reduced dimensions. 
         [0176]    A plurality of strings  2014  are disposed connected to the hem  2010 . Tension placed on the strings  2014  opposes the elastic force of the elastic band  2012  and forces the sheet  2006  to form an aperture  2008  of increased dimensions. 
         [0177]    The apparatus  2000  includes a second sheet  2016  having an aperture  2018  with the second sheet spaced away from the sheet  2006  described above. 
         [0178]    A pair of sensors  2020 ,  2022  is each mounted on a track  2024 ,  2026  with the sensors  2020 ,  2022  disposed proximate to the sheets  2006 ,  2016 . The sensors  2020 ,  2022  may be moved along the tracks  2024 ,  2026  to change the distance to the sheets  2006 ,  2016 . The sensors  2020 ,  2022  are generally mounted outwardly relative to the two sheets  2006 ,  2016 . A spray unit  2028  is mounted between the two sheets  2006 ,  2016 . The spray unit  2028  goes on when both sensor beams A and B are broken. 
         [0179]      FIG. 64  shows a barrier  2100  which may be located at the opening of an enclosure, which has not been illustrated but which is similar to the enclosure previously described. The barrier  2100  includes a pair of spaced apart sheets  2102 ,  2104  which define an aperture  2106 . Brushes  2108 ,  2110  mounted one each on the edges of the sheets  2102 ,  2104  project toward respectfully each other. 
         [0180]    A first sensor  2112  designated by the letter A is mounted on a track  2114  which is attached to the enclosure and is disposed in front of the sheet  2104 . A second sensor  2116  designated by the letter B is similarly mounted on a track  2118  attached to the enclosure and is disposed at the rear of the sheet  2102 . 
         [0181]    When sensor beam B is broken indicating that an animal&#39;s head is past the opening  2106 , a spring  2120  connecting the sheets, or alternatively a filament  2122  connected to the motor  2124  which is connected to a controller  2126  brings the brushes  2108 ,  2110  close together to brush the animal&#39;s body and the animal&#39;s tail. 
         [0182]    When the animal leaves the enclosure, sensor beam A is broken and the motor  2124  opens the space between the brushes  2106 ,  2110 . When the sensor beam B is broken, the motor or a spring brings the brushes  2106 ,  2110  together. 
         [0183]      FIG. 65  shows a tray  2200  with a plurality of stones  2202  which may be used to treat an animal&#39;s nail. The enclosure  2204  is shown schematically in broken lines. A plurality of stones is disposed in the tray  2200  which is located within the enclosure  2204 . An animal traversing the tray  2200  has its nails treated by frictional contact with the stones  2202 . 
         [0184]      FIG. 66  shows a dish with a dry ice compartment  2300 . The dry ice compartment  2302  disposed below an open compartment  2304  which may be used for the storage of food or water. The dry ice compartment  2302  includes a door  2306  which may be used to insert a block of dry ice  2308  into the dry ice compartment  2302 . The dry ice  2308  maintains the food or water in the open compartment  2304  in a fresh condition. 
         [0185]      FIG. 67  shows a brush with a vacuum, blower, U-V light and flea zapper unit  2400 . The brush  2400  includes interchangeable bristles  2402 , a handle  2404  and attachment lugs  2406 ,  2408  for attachment of the unit  2400  to a track for mounting in an enclosure. The base of the unit includes a vacuum, blower, U-V light and flea zapper unit  2410 . 
         [0186]      FIG. 68  shows a door opening with treatment unit  2500 . The unit includes a door  2502  which has an apparatus compartment  2504  which is located above a discharge area  2506  which is located above an opening  2508  in the door. The discharge area includes a blower unit  2510 , an ion unit  2512 , a U-V unit  2514 , and a mist unit  2516 . 
         [0187]      FIG. 69  shows a wax layer carpet assembly  2600  which may be placed in an enclosure  2620 . The assembly  2600  includes a screen layer  2604  which is disposed above a wax layer  2606 . The wax layer rests on a support layer  2628  disposed below the wax layer  2606  and maintains the wax layer  2606  in a soft state. The screen  2604  allows the cat&#39;s nails to project through the apertures in the screen  2604  and come into contact with the soft wax layer  2606 . The wax transfers to the cat&#39;s nails and hardens on the cat&#39;s nails as the wax cools. A new supply of wax is added to the wax layer  2606  by a pusher assembly  2610 , which preferably includes a pusher block  2612  which is driven by a worm gear  2614  which is rotated by an electric motor  2616 . 
         [0188]      FIG. 70  shows a door space saver assembly  2700  which forms the door  2702  of an enclosure  2700 . The assembly preferably includes an apparatus  2706  which is mounted above a treatment area  2708 . 
         [0189]      FIG. 71A  shows a collar or a band apparatus  2800  which has multiple bins  2802 . The pins  2802  may be electrified selectively so that individual pins or groups of pins  2802  may be electrified to provide electrical stimulus to the animal  2804 . The stimulus may be directional or in the form of a picture. The pins  2802  are shown schematically in perspective in  FIG. 70B  and in a fragmentary sectional view in  FIG. 70C . The pins  2802  are mounted on a band  2806 . 
         [0190]      FIG. 72  shows a vaporizer unit with a broad dispersion baffle  2900 . The baffle  2902  is mounted directly above the exit port  2904  of a vaporizer chamber  2906  and the outwardly flaring conical shape causes the mist to disperse broadly as indicated by the flow lines  2908 . 
         [0191]      FIG. 73  shows a vaporizer unit  3000  which includes a vaporizer  3018  which is mounted below a platform  3002 . A pair of sensors  3004 ,  3006  are mounted above and spaced away from the platform  3002 . The sensors  3004 ,  3006  are connected to the vaporizer unit  3018  and allow vapor  3008  to flow onto the body  3010  but not onto the head  3012  of an animal  3014  which walks onto the platform  3002 . The vaporizer  3000  thus provides a narrow defined ring of vapor  3000  which the animal  3014  passes through. 
         [0192]      FIGS. 74A and 74B  show a combination cleaner and collar  3100  which include an enclosure  3102  within which there is a negative ion generator  3104 . The animal  3106  wears a collar  3108  which can be turned on when the animal  3106  leaves the enclosure  3102 . The collar  3108  has a positive ion generator  3110  which attracts negatively charged particles. The collar  3108  operates on a continuous basis except when the animal enters the enclosure  3102 . 
         [0193]      FIG. 78  shows a flexible barrier with elastic opening and nozzles  3500  which include a compressed air supply  3502 , a valve  3504 , a pump  3506 , a tank  3508  which contains a solution, a plurality of tubes  3510  which pass through a flexible barrier  3512  and which terminate in stems with nozzles  3514 ,  3516 ,  3518 ,  3520  disposed within an aperture  3520  formed in the flexible barrier  3512 . The valve  3504  allows solution to be pumped through the nozzles  3514 ,  3516 ,  3518 ,  3520 . Compressed air can be blown through the nozzles  3514 ,  3516 ,  3518 ,  3520  to clean the nozzles  3514 ,  3516 ,  3518 ,  3520 . 
         [0194]      FIG. 79  is an enlarged view of a typical hollow stem and nozzles  3600 . The portions  3602 ,  3604 ,  3606 ,  3608 ,  3610 ,  3612 ,  3614  of the stem are relatively thin. The central port  3618  of the stems is made of hard hollow rubber that does not bend. The end portion of the stems  3602 ,  3604 ,  3606 ,  3608 ,  3610 ,  3612 ,  3614  can bend or give or deflect because they are thin. 
         [0195]    The foregoing specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth in the specification herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various deviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention without departing from the main theme thereof.