OVERVIEW
Animal Care Systems, Inc. now offers four types of high-density vented caging systems for healthy rodent housing. Our revolutionary OptiMICE®, OptiRAT® and the smaller ErgoMICE®, as well as our original M.I.C.E.® System, are vented using a building's HVAC exhaust system, with a natural convective assist from the populated cages themselves. With no blowers, all systems are appropriate and safe even in case of power failure, a unique feature that separates M.I.C.E.®, OptiMICE®, OptiRAT® and ErgoMICE® Systems from all other electrically powered and blower-ventilated racks.
OptiMICE®
The OptiMICE® System sets a new standard in animal density, while featuring many of the patented features of the M.I.C.E.® System. The 100-cage OptiMICE rack features an amazingly small footprint and our unique carousel layout for maximum cage access from a single location.
ErgoMICE®
The ErgoMICE® System uses the same design as OptiMICE® in a smaller, lighter, and more ergonomic package. ErgoMICE® is available in 50, 70, and 80 cage versions. All ErgoMICE racks are designed for ease of service and maintenance with a minimum of bending or reaching. All three versions use our standard OptiMICE® cage.
OptiRAT®
The OptiRAT® System is the newest addition to the Animal Care Systems line. This system also includes many of the patented features of the M.I.C.E.® System. The 42-cage OptiRAT® rack features the same small footprint as the OptiMICE® rack and uses many of the same parts. It also features the same unique carousel layout for maximum cage access from a single location.
M.I.C.E.®
The M.I.C.E.® System is available in a wide variety of sizes, from the smallest 14-cage system ideal for small studies and experiments, to large 140-cage racks suitable for installation in medium-to-large animal rooms. Each M.I.C.E.® System rack is based on multiples of the 14-cage module. M.I.C.E.® caging systems are sold in both single-sided and double-sided versions.
CONSERVE ENERGY WITH ANIMAL CARE SYSTEMS
Save your facility
thousands of dollars every year as well as
conserve resources and reduce your carbon footprint.
Innovative Design
We
can help you with your duct issues Our goal is
to improve and control air quality for animals,
personnel and the environment. The strategy is
to eliminate airborne contaminants, including
allergens, waste gases and thermal loads at the
source. This source is the cage itself,
which is where the filter should be.
The M.I.C.E.®, OptiMICE®, ErgoMICE® and OptiRAT® systems achieve this goal. Our vented caging systems efficiently supply clean air and eliminate contaminants at the source. Instead of mixing and diluting air, our exhaust ventilated systems direct and filter room air through cages and racks directly to the building's exhaust in a one-pass air flow. The systems provide good air quality and bio-safety to animals and personnel.
Because of its flexible design, Animal Care Systems' caging systems stand out as the ideal choice for animal facilities. From new construction to retrofits, and from entire buildings to counter-top isolated containment spaces, quality of air and life is improved and costs are significantly reduced.
The Inspiration Behind Our Innovation
Microenvironmental
Comfort: The Animal Care Systems'
racks are negative pressure, vented microisolation
containers with enrichment structures. They
have adequate and filtered low-velocity ventilation
without blowers or fans that assures microenvironmental
comfort at cage level. The cage and rack closed-system
uses filtered venting by convection, HVAC-assist,
and direct exhaust venting airflow to provide adequate
air changes per hour without drafts, metabolic
contaminant buildup, and without the need of mechanical
ventilation.
Isolation: The closed-system design and low-velocity filtered ventilation of the Animal Care Systems caging systems assure in/out biological barriers and adequate, draft-free ventilation.
Containment: The induced negative pressure through the Animal Care Systems' cages is maintained by the system's plenum and ventilation hoses. Hoses are connected to the building exhaust providing complete evacuation of contaminants and allergens directly to outside. This type of ventilation provides a contamination and allergen-free environment for the users. The closed-system design assures in and out biological barriers while safeguarding animal and occupational health.
Enrichment: The enriched environment creates compartments in the cage that increase welfare of rodents. Enrichment improvements enhance social interaction, exploring, burrowing, nesting, hiding, and climbing behaviors while reducing confinement-related stress. Animal Care Systems' caging systems promote expression of normal behaviors.
The Animal Care Systems Difference
Animal Care Systems can meet any and all of your facility's needs. Whatever your priority, we can accommodate. Whether you are concerned with cage density, environmental issues, price, breeding or maintenance, Animal Care Systems has a solution for your vivarium.
Cage Density: Animal Care Systems is proud to offer the highest cage density in the industry, nearly twice that of conventional caging systems.
Green: Animal Care Systems' caging systems do not require a power source. They are completely motor and blower free and therefore fail safe in the event of a power outage. The innovative, patented direct-exhaust technology provides a one-pass airflow, completely eliminating odors and allergens that would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere. This closed-system design is able to provide the most stable microenvironment available in the industry. In addition to providing a more desirable atmosphere for animals, caregivers are completely relieved of occupational allergens.
Cost-efficient: Animal Care Systems is the best overall value. Initial investment in the caging system is the lowest in the industry. Because the systems do not use motors and blowers, the long-term cost savings on electricity are immense.
Enhanced Breeding: The low stress environment provided by Animal Care Systems' caging systems enhance breeding and provide a much improved quality of life. Because the systems are motor and blower free, the operation is silent and vibration free. Not only are noise and vibrations eliminated; variables are eradicated.
Maintenance-free: ACS systems are maintenance and calibration free with a low air velocity and total volume air change. In addition, HVAC requirements are extremely low.
