Litter dispenser for litter device

Abstract

A litter dispenser for retaining and dispensing a clean and unused litter, the litter dispenser comprising: a) a hopper for retaining the clean and unused litter; b) a dispensing device for automatically dispensing the clean and unused litter toward a litter device; c) one or more sensing devices configured to sense a presence, an amount, and / or a distance of the clean and unused litter within the hopper.

Description

LITTER DISPENSER FOR LITTER DEVICECROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 667,514, filed on July 3, 2024, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to a litter dispenser compatible with a litter device. The teachings may be of particular benefit with an automated litter device for automated refilling with litter. The litter dispenser may also be automated.BACKGROUND

[0003] Automated litter devices may provide a means for pet owners (e.g., user) to effectively manage waste eliminated by one or more of their pets. These automated litter devices may be advantageous in automatically removing waste contents from litter; automatically collecting waste for subsequent disposal; storing waste contents separate from a litter chamber such that they are not exposed to the ambient environment, thereby preventing and / or reducing smell from the waste. Examples of some automated litter boxes which may be particularly beneficial may be found in US Patent Nos. 6,463,881; 8,757,094; 9,433,185; and 11,523,586 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0004] A challenge associated with automated litter devices is the dependence on a human for refilling with clean litter. While the device may be able to separate waste from unused litter, the device itself may have insufficient litter while still having the ability to collect waste. Insufficient litter may lead to an increase in odors, an animal being uncomfortable or unattracted to using the litter device, or even waste contacting and adhering to interior surfaces. Thus, there is a need to provide a method of more frequent litter dispensing into the litter device and allowing for the device to be used for longer periods without human interaction. Elegant examples of how to address these issues are disclosed in US Patent No. 11,925,169 and PCT Publication No. WO 2020 / 219849, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. Notwithstanding their teachings, there is still a need to continue to ease burdens associated with refilling a litter device to allow for further automation, continue to reduce dependence on human actions, and continue to increase the timespan a litter device can provide a clean environment for an animal.

[0005] What is needed is a litter dispenser which individually, or cooperating with a litter device and / or system, can relay a current level of clean litter, estimate refill time, alert a user of any operating issues, determine a type of litter being used, the like, or a combination thereof. What is needed is a litter dispenser which extends the duration an automated litter device can operate without human intervention and aid in notifying a human as to when human intervention may be necessary.SUMMARY

[0006] The present teachings relate to a litter dispenser for retaining and dispensing a clean and unused litter, the litter dispenser comprising: a) a hopper for retaining the clean and unused litter; b) a dispensingdevice for automatically dispensing the clean and unused litter toward a litter device; and c) one or more sensing devices configured to sense a presence, an amount, and / or a distance of the clean and unused litter within the hopper.

[0007] The present teachings relate to a litter device including: a) a housing defining one or more openings into an interior of the litter device; b) a litter dispenser configured to retain a clean and unused litter and transfer at least a portion of the clean and unused litter into the interior of the litter device; wherein the litter dispenser is in fluid communication with the interior of the litter device via the one or more openings.

[0008] The present teachings relate to a method of operating a litter dispenser including: a) one or more processors determining one or more conditions and / or operations of a litter device; b) the one or more processors initiating operation of a dispensing device of the litter dispenser based on the one or more conditions and / or operations of the litter device; and c) one or more sensing devices sensing one or more conditions of the litter dispenser.

[0009] The present teachings may provide for an application executable by a computing device and displayable on a user interface of the computing device. The litter dispenser and / or litter device may be in communication with the application, such as over a network. The application may receive and display information related to the litter dispenser, clean and unused litter, litter device, and the like. This may prove useful in communicating to a user information about the litter dispenser.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a litter dispenser affixed to a litter device.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a litter dispenser.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of a litter dispenser.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a top view of a cross-section of a litter device.

[0018] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a litter dispenser.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view of a litter dispenser and litter device.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser cooperating with a litter device.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-section view of a litter dispenser and litter device.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a front view of a litter device.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of a portion of a litter dispenser.

[0024] FIG. 15 is atop perspective view of a portion of a litter dispenser.

[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser and litter device.

[0026] FIG. 17 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser and litter device.

[0027] FIG. 18 is a cross-section view of a litter dispenser and litter device.

[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a litter dispenser and litter device.

[0029] FIG. 20 is a system diagram incorporating the litter dispenser.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the present teachings, its principles, and its practical application. The specific embodiments of the present teachings as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the present teachings. The scope of the present teachings should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0031] Litter Dispenser

[0032] The present teachings relate to a litter dispenser. A litter dispenser may function to store clean and unused litter; refill a litter device, a chamber, or both with clean and unused litter; extend the usability of a litter device without human intervention; or any combination thereof. The litter dispenser may be particularly useful in extending the usability of a litter device without human intervention. For example, a waste drawer may have a waste storage capacity greater than the litter capacity in the chamber. Capacity may be measured in volume, usage frequency by an animal, or even days. During a cleaning cycle, used litter is transferred into the waste drawer along with animal waste, such that over time the usable litter may be depleted. The usable litter in the chamber may be depleted before the waste drawer is full. Traditionally, a human would have to intervene and refill the chamber with fresh litter for continued use of the litter device by an animal. The litter dispenser may be particularly advantageous in reducing human intervention with the litter device. The litter dispenser may automatically deliver clean, unused litter into the chamber. The litter dispenser may deliver litter into the chamber once the litter within the chamber reaches a certain quantity (e.g., volume, height, etc.), after a certain waste type has been detected and removed from the chamber, or both. The level of litter within the chamber may be sensed by one or more sensors. For example, one or more presence sensors, waste sensors, mass sensors, or a combination thereof may sense the quantity of litter within the chamber. The litter stored within the litter dispenser may be any kind of litter suitable for use with the litter device.

[0033] The litter dispenser may have any size, shape, and / or configuration to be in fluid communication with a litter device. The litter dispenser may be in fluid communication with an interior of a chamber, cooperate with a rotating chamber and / or septum, or both. The litter dispenser may be affixed to a litter device; part of a litter device; affixed to a housing of a litter device; affixed to a base, bonnet, chamber, or any combination thereof. The litter device may have the ability to transfer a portion of litter stored therein into a chamber, have the ability to store litter, or both. The litter dispenser may be located generally opposite an entry opening, adjacent an entry opening, in between an entry opening and an opposing surface, near a base, adjacent to a waste opening, aligned with a waste opening, the like, or any combination thereof of a litter device. The litter dispenser may be located at a rear of a litter device, generally opposite of the entry opening. The litter dispenser may be located toward a top of a litter device, generally opposite of the base. The litter dispenser may be located near and / or part of a base. By being opposite the entry opening, abovethe entry opening, above a housing, at a rear, on the ground, or a combination thereof, the litter dispenser may not interfere with entry and exit by an animal, functionality with a septum and / or liner, or a combination thereof. The litter dispenser may be configured to dispense clean and unused litter through any suitable opening of the litter device such as to replenish litter. The litter dispenser may be configured to dispense clean and unused litter through an opening at the rear, the entry opening, the waste opening, any designated opening, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0034] The litter dispenser may include a hopper, lid, dispenser housing, dispensing device, one or more sensing devices, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0035] The litter dispenser includes a hopper. The hopper may function to retain litter, a plurality of chamber volumes of litter, guide litter toward a dispensing housing and / or dispensing device, or any combination thereof. The hopper may have a shape which is generally cubical, cylindrical, spherical, conical, prismed, cuboidal, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the hopper may have a shape which is generally a trapezoidal prism, conical, or the like. A shape may have a larger cross-sectional area adjacent to a rim and / or lid as compared to a smaller cross-sectional area closest to a dispensing device. A shape of the hopper may be tapered. Tapering, and / or a reduced cross-sectional area may aid in funneling of litter toward a dispensing device. The hopper may include a single or a plurality of side walls (e.g., hopper walls). One or more side walls may include a shape reciprocal with one or more contours of an exterior of a housing, bonnet, chamber, or combination thereof. For example, a side wall adapted to be adjacent to a bonnet may be concave. The concave wall may match a convex and / or rounded shape of an exterior wall of a bonnet. The reciprocal shape may allow the side wall to rest directly adjacent to and in contact with the bonnet. The side walls may surround a hollow interior of the hopper. The side walls may be affixed to and / or integral with a bottom wall of the hopper. The bottom wall may further define a hollow interior of the hopper. A bottom wall of the hopper may be opposite an opening, rim, lid, or any combination thereof. The bottom wall may be partially or completely disposed within a dispenser housing. The bottom wall may be generally planar, sloped, or a combination thereof. The bottom wall may have a shape which is substantially conical, pyramidical, the like, or a combination thereof. The bottom wall may slope toward a funnel, an opening, a dispenser housing, a dispensing device, or a combination thereof. The bottom wall may slope away from an opening, rim, lid, or any combination thereof.

[0036] The litter dispenser may include a lid. The lid may function to protect litter within the litter dispenser, restrict access into the hopper, allow temporary access into the hopper, or any combination thereof. The lid may be removably affixed to a hopper. The lid may rest atop the hopper, partially in the hopper, or both. The lid may partially rest in the hopper adjacent to the rim. The lid may be secured to the hopper via one or more attachments. The one or more attachments may include a friction fit, snap fit, locks, lock tabs, biasing devices, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, a perimeter of the lid may have a snap fit with a perimeter (e.g., rim) of the hopper. As another example, the lid may include one or more locks which latch the lid to the hopper. The one or more biasing devices may include one or more springs . A perimeter of the lid may fit partially or completely within an inside of the perimeter of the hopper. The perimeter may be defined, at least partially, by a rim about an opening. By the lid resting within thehopper and / or using one or more atachments to secure the lid, a peripheral edge of the lid is not able to be accessed. Accessibility may refer to an animal or child trying to lift the cover by a peripheral edge with their teeth, paws, hands, and / or the like, such as out of curiosity. By reducing accessibility, one or more animals or humans may be prevented from accidentally or intentionally lifting the lid. The lid may include or cooperate with one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices may detect if the lid is removed from the hopper or placed on the hopper (e.g., hopper open or closed). The one or more sensing devices may be part of the lid, hopper, or both. The lid may have a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of the hopper. The cross-sectional shape may refer to one taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hopper, horizontal plane of the liter device, or both. The cross-sectional shape of the lid may be square, rectangular, trapezoidal, elliptical, circular, crescent, triangular, the like, or a combination thereof. The lid may include an outer lid, inner lid, or both. An outer lid and inner lid may cooperate together to form a lid, house one or more atachments, or both. The cover may be located opposite and / or adjacent to one or more walls of the hopper. The lid may be located generally opposite a botom wall. The lid may include a handle.

[0037] The lid may include a handle. The handle may function to facilitate removal of a lid, placement of a lid, or both. The handle may be integral with or affixed to any portion of the lid. The handle may be included as part of an outer lid. The handle may be centered or off-center relative to the lid. The handle may be centered to allow for cooperation within one or more atachments. The handle may have any suitable shape allowing for placement, removal, or both of a lid from the hopper. The handle may be formed by one or more indentations, projections, or both in the lid. The lid may be formed by opposing indentations. The indentations may have any suitable shape for allowing gripping of a handle body. The indentations may have a cross-sectional shape which may be substantially D-shaped, rectangular shaped, trapezoidal shaped, the like, or a combination thereof. The cross-sectional shape may be taken at a cross-section substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, horizontal plane, or both. A handle body may be a surface of the lid located between the indentations, projections, or both. As an example, opposing indentations may be distanced from one another to form a handle body therebetween. The lid may be held in place by one or more latches.

[0038] The lid may include one or more locks . The one or more locks may be any lock suitable for retaining a lid in place, preventing an animal from removing the lid, allowing a user to intentionally remove and reaffix the lid, or a combination thereof. The one or more locks may be located in the lid, the hopper, or both. The one or more locks may include one or more deflectable tabs with a snap fit; one or more spring-based locks; one or more threaded locks; the like; or a combination thereof. For example, the one or more locks may include a pinch-grip lock having one or more biasing devices. A pinch-grip lock may include one or more lid latches. The one or more lid latches may reside at least partially within the cover, between an outer lid and inner lid, or both. The one or more lid latches may project outside of the cover and engage with the hopper. The one or more lid latches may engage one or more latch retainers formed in one or more side walls of the hopper. The one or more retainers may be one or more openings, indentations, or both. The one or more latch retainers may be biased into the one or more latch retainers by one or more biasing devices.One or more biasing devices may be any device suitable for biasing the lid latches toward the retainers, have the ability to retract the latches for the retainers, or both. The one or more biasing devices may include one or more springs. For example, a spring may be located between two opposing lid latches. The spring may be compressed to allow the lid latches to disengage with the retainers. The spring may expand in a relaxed state to bias the lid latches into the retainers. The one or more locks may be located opposite a dispensing device.

[0039] The litter dispenser may include a dispensing device. The dispensing device may function to segregate a portion of the litter from the hopper; retain litter within the litter dispenser; transfer litter from the litter dispenser to the litter device; transfer a portion of the litter from the hopper to the dispenser housing, outlet, and / or chamber; or a combination thereof. The dispensing device may be located in any portion of the litter dispenser suitable for segregating litter from a hopper and transferring litter. The dispensing device may be located between a hopper and a chamber, within a dispenser housing, or both. The dispensing device may be configured to dispense a predetermined amount of litter from the hopper to the chamber. The dispensing device may work with or against gravity to transfer litter. The dispensing device may move litter in a direction of gravity, opposite gravity, or any angle therebetween. The dispensing device may include a drive source, drive shaft, hub, insert, paddle, screw, pump, conveyor, the like, or a combination thereof. The dispensing device may be configured to rotate in a single direction, plurality of directions (e.g., first and second directions opposing one another), or both. The dispensing device may have a resting mode, refill mode, or both. A resting mode may be the dispensing device held in a static position to retain litter within the litter dispenser. A refill mode may be the dispensing device moving during a refill cycle to transfer litter from the hopper to the chamber. A refill cycle may be the time period which the dispensing device is moving to transfer a desired amount of litter into the chamber.

[0040] The dispensing device may include a drive source. A drive source may function to apply one or more dispensing forces, apply one or more return forces, move a dispensing device between one or more resting positions to one or more dispensing positions, or a combination thereof. A drive source may be in rotational communication with a drive shaft, hub, insert, paddle, or a combination thereof. A drive source may drive a drive shaft, hub, insert, paddle, screw, pump, conveyor, or a combination thereof. The drive source may apply a first direction of torque, a second direction of torque, or both to a drive shaft, hub, insert, paddle, portion of a pump, screw, a portion of a conveyor, or a combination thereof. A drive source may be a motor or other power supply. The drive source may be an electronic motor, pneumatic power supply, hydraulic power supply, another power supply, or a combination thereof. The drive source may be in electronic communication with one or more power sources. The drive source may be in electronic communication with one or more sensing devices of the litter device, sensing devices of the litter dispenser. Communication may be through one or more controllers or other computing devices.

[0041] The dispensing device may include a drive shaft. A drive shaft may function to transfer torque from a drive source to a hub, insert, paddle, or combination thereof. The drive shaft may be in rotatable communication with a drive source, hub, insert, paddle, or any combination thereof. The drive source may rotate the drive shaft. By applying a first direction of torque, the drive shaft may rotation in a first direction.By applying a second direction of torque, the drive shaft may rotate in a second direction. The drive shaft may pass through a hub, insert, paddle, or combination thereof. The drive shaft may be directly or indirectly engaged with the hub, insert, paddle, or a combination thereof. For example, the drive shaft may be rotationally engaged with and received within a hollow interior of a hub. The drive shaft may have a friction fit, keyed fit, or the like with a hub. The drive shaft may have one or more engagement features which engage one or more mating engagement features of a hub, insert, paddle, or any combination thereof. For example, the drive shaft may include one or more surfaces reciprocal with one or more surfaces of a hollow interior of a hub. The drive shaft may have a flat surface and a rounded surface about its periphery which align with a reciprocal flat surface and rounded surface of a hollow interior of the hub.

[0042] The dispensing device may include a hub. The hub may function to rotationally engage the paddle with a drive source and / or drive shaft, rotate a paddle, or both. The hub may be located between a hopper and a chamber, within a dispenser housing, or both. The hub may be located within a dispenser cradle, adjacent to a dispensing opening, between a funnel opening and a dispensing opening, or a combination thereof. The hub may have any suitable shape for cooperating with a drive source, a drive shaft, an insert, a paddle, or a combination thereof. A hub may have a shape which is generally cubical, cylindrical, spherical, conical, prismed, cuboidal, the like, or any combination thereof. A hub may be hollow, partially hollow, solid, or a combination thereof. The hub may have a hollow interior. The hub may have a shaft cavity formed therein. The shaft cavity may extend from one end partially or completely to the opposing end of the hub. The shaft cavity may be generally centered with the overall dispenser, hub, or both. The shaft cavity may have a shape reciprocal with that of a drive shaft. The shaft cavity may include one or more engagement features which engage with, mesh, or match with one or more engagement features of a drive shaft. The hub may be configured to at least partially rotate in one or more directions, such as when driven by a drive source, drive shaft, or both. One or more directions may be opposing directions, a first direction, a second direction, or a combination thereof. A rotational axis of the hub may be co-axial, concentric, or off-center with a rotational axis of a drive source, drive shaft, or any combination thereof. A rotational axis may extend through the shaft cavity. A paddle may extend about a hub. The paddle may be integral with or affixed to the hub. The hub may have one or more paddle engagement features. The one or more paddle engagement features may function to mate with a paddle, fins of a paddle, or both. The one or more paddle engagement features may include one or more channels, slots, brackets, hinges, the like, or any combination thereof for allowing attachment of one or more paddles, fins, both to the hub. One or more channels may be formed along at least a portion of or all of a length of the hub. One or more channels may include 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or even 5 or more channels. One or more channels may include 10 or less, 8 or less, or even 7 or less channels. The number of channels may be equal to the number of fins in a paddle. One or more channels may be formed along an exterior surface of the hub about the shaft cavity. One or more channels may extend toward the shaft cavity, be in fluid communication with the shaft cavity, be distanced from the shaft cavity, or any combination thereof. One or more channels may be parallel to a shaft cavity, may follow the shaft cavity across a length of the hub, or both. A plurality of channels may be radially formed about the hub. A plurality of channels may be evenly spaced, unevenlyspaced, or both about a hub. One or more channels may have any suitable shape for receiving and / or engaging a paddle, fins, or both. The one or more channels may engage with an end of one or more fins of a paddle. The channel may have a shape substantially reciprocal with a portion of a paddle, fin, or both; such as an attached end of the fin. The channel may be V-Shaped, T-Shaped, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, the hub may include a plurality of radially spaced channels which are T-shaped slots along a length of the hub.

[0043] The dispenser may include a paddle. The paddle may function to transfer litter from a hopper to a chamber, from a funnel opening to a dispensing opening, or both. The paddle may have any suitable size, shape, and / or configuration for transferring litter from the hopper to the chamber. The paddle may be configured to rotate during a refill cycle to transfer litter. The paddle may include one or more fins. The one or more fins may include a single fin or a plurality of fins. One or more fins may include 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or even 5 or more fins. One or more fins may include 10 or less, 8 or less, or even 7 or less fins. A plurality of fins may be separate from each, attached to one another, integral with one another, or any combination thereof to form a paddle. For example, the paddle may have a rotational shaft having a plurality of fins radially projecting therefrom. The rotational shaft may be rotationally engaged with a hub, drive shaft, or both. The rotational shaft may receive and mate with the hub, drive shaft, or both therein. As another example, the paddle may include a plurality of fins directly affixed to a hub. A plurality of fins may be useful in quickly transferring litter from a hopper to a chamber, controlling the amount of litter transferred, or both. The one or more fins may be rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, flexible, or a combination thereof. The one or more fins may be flexible along a length of the one or more fins. Flexibility of the one or more fins may be advantageous in allowing a fin to scrape along a wall of a dispenser housing while rotating, maintaining contact with the dispenser housing to block litter from leaking from the hopper into the chamber, or both. Flexibility of the fins may also prevent jamming of the dispensing device while rotating. One or more fins of the paddle may be affixed to or integral with a hub, drive shaft, or both. Rotational movement of the drive shaft, hub, or both results in rotation of the paddle, fins, or both about the same rotational axis. One or more fins may be affixed to the hub at an attached end. The attached end may have a shape reciprocal with an engagement feature of the hub. The attached end may have a shape reciprocal with a channel of the hub. For example, the attached end may be in the shape of a “T”. The attached end of one or more fins may reside within and be engaged in one or more channels of the hub. Opposite the attached end of one or more fins is a free end. The free end may come into contact with an interior wall of the dispenser housing during rotation. One or more fins of a paddle may also be hingedly attached to a paddle. One or more fins of a paddle may be hinged, static, or both relative to the hub. Static may refer to the fin moving with the hub while still maintaining flexibility. A height of a fin may be the distance from the attached end to the free end. The height of the fin may allow the free end to be in contact with or free of contact with a wall of the dispenser housing. A fin may have a length. The length of a fin may be measured as substantially parallel to a rotational axis of the dispensing device, the shaft cavity, or both. The length of the fin may be greater than, about equal to, or less than a length of the hub.

[0044] The liter dispenser includes a dispenser housing. The dispenser housing may function to house a dispensing device, guide liter toward a chamber, guide liter toward a chute, or any combination thereof. The dispenser housing may have a shape which is generally cubical, cylindrical, spherical, conical, prismed, cuboidal, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the dispenser housing may have a shape which is generally a trapezoidal prism, conical, or the like. The dispenser housing may be open on both ends. The dispenser housing may be open on an end which receives a botom wall of a hopper. The dispenser housing may have an end with a shape substantially reciprocal to the cross-sectional shape of the hopper. The reciprocal shape may allow for the dispenser housing to receive a portion of the hopper, such as the botom wall, a portion of the side walls, or both. The dispenser housing may have a larger cross-sectional area on one end as opposed to a smaller cross-sectional area on an opposite end. A shape of the hopper may be tapered. The dispensing device may include a single or a plurality of side walls. One or more side walls may include a shape reciprocal with one or more contours of an exterior of a bonnet, chamber, base, or any combination thereof. For example, a side wall adapted to be adjacent to a bonnet may be concave. The concave wall may match a convex and / or rounded shape of an exterior wall of a bonnet. The reciprocal shape may allow the side wall to rest directly adjacent to and in contact with the bonnet. The side walls may surround a hollow interior of the dispenser housing.

[0045] The dispenser housing may include a dispenser mount located therein. The dispenser mount may function to retain the dispensing device, allow movement (e.g., rotation) of one or more components of the dispensing device; funnel liter from a dispensing device through a dispensing opening; or a combination thereof. The dispenser mount may have any size, shape, and / or configuration suitable for retaining a dispensing device within the dispenser housing. The dispenser mount may include one or more cradles. One or more cradles may function to retain (e.g., cradle) one or more components of the dispensing device. One or more cradles may allow for rotation, may prevent rotation, or both of one or more components of the dispensing device. One or more cradles may hold a drive source, drive shaft, insert, hub, or any combination thereof. One or more cradles may have a shape reciprocal with at least a portion of a contour of the one or more components of a dispensing device. One or more cradles may have a shape which is generally U-shaped. For example, the cradle may be U-shaped to be reciprocal with a cylinder shape of a drive source. The U-shaped cradle may hold the drive source relatively static while the drive source applies torque to the drive shaft. The dispenser mount may include two or more mounting walls. The two or more mounting walls may function to retain one or more components of a dispensing device therebetween while allowing movement. The two or more mounting walls may be located adjacent to one or more cradles. The two or more mounting walls may extend from one side wall of the dispenser housing to an opposing side wall. The two or more mounting walls may be spaced apart. The two or more mounting walls may be spaced apart by a distance about equal to a length of a hub, paddle, one or more fins, or any combination thereof. One of the mounting walls may include an opening. The opening may function to receive a drive shaft, hub, or both therethrough. The mounting wall with the opening may be adjacent to one or more cradles. Uocated between the two or more mounting walls may be a portion of a dispensing device. Extending across from one mounting wall to an opposing mounting wall may be a drive shaft, hub, paddle, one or more fins, orany combination thereof. Adjacent to the two or more mounting walls, side walls, or both may be a dispensing outlet.

[0046] The litter dispenser may include a dispensing outlet. The dispensing outlet may function as an outlet from the litter dispenser, lead into a chute or be part of a chute, or both. The dispensing outlet may lead toward a rear opening, a waste opening, an entry opening, any other opening of a litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. The dispensing outlet may be formed by the two or more mounting walls, a portion of two or more side walls, or both. A dispensing outlet may be formed on an opposite side of the dispensing device as the hopper. A dispensing outlet may be substantially hollow. A hollow interior of a dispensing outlet may form a dispensing opening. A dispensing outlet may project beyond a hollow interior of a dispenser housing. The two or more mounting walls, two or more side walls, or both may taper such that the dispensing outlet is funnel shaped. The dispensing outlet may be in fluid communication with a chute or dispense directly into the litter device.

[0047] The litter dispenser may include or cooperate with a chute. A chute may function to funnel litter from a dispensing device, dispenser housing, dispenser opening, or a combination thereof into a portion of a litter device. A chute may function to funnel litter through a waste opening, into an entry opening, through a rear opening, through any suitable opening of the litter device, into chamber, the like, or a combination thereof. A chute may have any size, shape, and / or configuration to place the dispenser housing in fluid communication with an interior of a chamber. The chute may be at least partially aligned with a rotational axis of a chamber. In other words, the clean and unused litter may be delivered through an opening of the chamber which is also aligned (e.g., coaxial, parallel) with the rotational axis of the chamber. A chute may include a chute housing, chute inlet, chute outlet, chute opening, chute slide, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0048] A chute housing may connect the litter dispenser to an interior of the chamber. The chute housing may be substantially aligned, centered, off centered, or a combination thereof with a rotational axis of the housing. Being aligned, such that the longitudinal axis of the chute housing is substantially centered with the rotational axis of the chamber allows for the dispenser to dispense litter into the chamber at any point during a cleaning cycle, avoid interference with one or more interior components of a chamber, allow the chute housing to remain static as the chamber rotates, or any combination thereof. A chute, chute housing, or both may be approximately parallel (e.g., same angle) as the rotational axis of the chamber. A chute housing may be in fluid communication with a dispenser housing, an interior of a chamber, or both. A chute housing may receive, engage, or both a dispensing outlet. The chute housing may have any suitable shape for being affixed to both a dispenser housing and a chamber. The chute housing may have a shape which is generally cubical, cylindrical, spherical, conical, prismed, cuboidal, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the chute housing may be substantially cylindrical. The chute housing may be hollow or partially hollow. A hollow interior may allow for litter to pass therethrough. The chute housing may include a chute inlet.

[0049] A chute inlet may function to be in fluid communication with a dispensing outlet of a dispenser housing. A chute inlet may project from the chute housing. For example, the chute inlet may project fromthe cylindrical wall of the chute housing. A chute inlet may have a shape reciprocal with an interior or exterior shape of a dispensing outlet. The chute inlet may receive the dispensing outlet therein. The chute inlet may be adjacent to, integral with, affixed to, or a combination thereof a chute wall.

[0050] A chute wall may be located within a chute housing. A chute wall may function to funnel litter from a dispensing outlet, chute inlet, or both toward a chute outlet, interior of a chamber, or both. A chute wall may extend from a chute inlet to a chute outlet. A chute wall may be angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the chute housing. The longitudinal axis of the chute housing may extend along a length, hollow interior, or both of the chute housing. A chute wall may be angled from the chute inlet to a bottom edge of the chute housing, the chute outlet, or both. A chute wall may be angled by about 100 degrees or greater, about 110 degrees or greater, about 120 degrees or greater, or even about 130 degrees or greater relative to the longitudinal axis of the chute housing. A chute wall may be angled by about 160 degrees or less, about 150 degrees or less, or even about 140 degrees or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the chute housing. The angle may be the angle facing toward a chute outlet.

[0051] The chute outlet may be an open end of the chute housing. The chute outlet may be located within a chamber. The chute outlet may be located adjacent to, distanced from, in proximity to, or a combination thereof a limiting wall of a chamber. The chute outlet, chute slide, or both may cooperate with a limiting wall to form an aperture for allowing litter to transfer from the chute to an interior of the chamber. The chute outlet, chute slide, or both may cooperate with a limiting wall of the chamber to guide litter toward a bottom of an interior of the chamber (e.g., lower chamber, liner).

[0052] The litter dispenser may include or be free of a sensing tower. A sensing tower may function to retain and / or support one or more sensing devices. A sensing tower may function to place one or more sensing devices above a majority of a hollow interior of a hopper. A sensing tower may support one or more sensing devices about litter stored within the hopper. A sensing tower may extend from a bottom of a hopper toward a top of the hopper, a lid of the litter dispenser, or both. A sensing tower may be located in a central region of the hopper, biased toward one or more hopper walls, integrated into one or more hopper walls, the like, or a combination thereof. The upper end of the sensing tower may include one or more sensing devices.

[0053] The litter dispenser may include one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices may be configured to detect the presence, distance, height, volume, weight and / or other quantity, the like, or any combination thereof of the clean and unused litter within the hopper. The one or more sensing devices may be configured to detect placement and / or removal of the lid from the hopper, placement and / or removal of the litter dispenser from the litter device, or both. The one or more sensing devices may be configured to detect operating issues of the litter dispenser, such as the dispensing device being jammed. The one or more sensing devices may be the same type or different from one or more sensing devices of the litter dispenser. The one or more sensing devices may include one or more mass sensors, emission sensors, contact sensors, cameras, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more sensing devices may be located on one or more walls of the hopper, formed in the lid, formed at a rim, part of a sensing tower, as part of a motor, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0054] One or more mass sensors may be able to detect a weight of the litter dispenser or a portion thereof. One or more mass sensors may be able to detect a weight of the hopper. The weight may then be converted into a volume or other quantity. The one or more mass sensors may be located below one or more portions of the litter dispenser, litter device, or both. The one or more mass sensors may be integrated into a housing of the litter device. The one or more mass sensors may be included as part of the mid-support, base, and / or bonnet. The one or more mass sensors may reside in the dispenser pocket of a housing (e.g., bonnet) of a litter device.. The one or more mass sensors may be biased toward the general location of the litter dispenser relative to the litter device. The one or more mass sensors may be biased toward a rear of the litter device. The one or more mass sensors may be located at a rear of the mid-support and / or base. One or more suitable mass sensors may be one or more mass sensors as disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2020 / 219849, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0055] One or more emission sensors may be able to sense a presence, distance, and / or amount of litter within the hopper. One or more emission sensors may include one or more infrared sensors, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical interface sensors, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more emission sensors may be located within an interior of the litter dispenser, an exterior of the litter dispenser, or both.

[0056] One or more emission sensors may be part of a sensing tower, lid, or both. The sensing tower may be located inside the hopper and extend upward toward the lid. The sensing tower and / or lid may function to elevate the one or more emission sensors such as to have a line of sight into a majority of the interior of the hopper. One or more emission sensors may cooperate with transparent walls if located in an exterior. One or more emission sensors may be located at an upper end of a sensing tower.

[0057] One or more emission sensors may be placed along a length of one or more hopper walls. One or more emission sensors may be placed at one or more discrete locations. A plurality of emission sensors may be placed along a plurality of discrete locations along a length (e.g., height) of one or more hopper walls. Each emission sensor may be correlated with a specific volume of the hopper. As the clean and unused litter depletes and exposes one or more emission sensors, a beam may be transmitted and / or received by one or more emission sensors. One or more emission sensors may be placed at one or more heights of the hopper associated with a certain volume and / or fullness. For example, one or more emission sensors may be placed along the hopper walls at heights associated with 100% full, 90% full, 75% full, 50% full, 25% full, 10% full, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0058] One or more suitable emission sensors may be one or more sensors as disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 061307 and WO 2020 / 219849, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. One or more suitable emission sensors may also be one or more emission sensors as disclosed herein with respect to the litter device or system and for implementation within the litter dispenser.

[0059] One or more contact sensors may be able to sense a presence and / or absence of one or more components of a litter dispenser. One or more contact sensors may be able to sense the presence and / or absence of a litter dispenser relative to a litter device. One or more contact sensors may be configured to detect removal and / or placement of a lid. One or more contact sensors may be part of the litter dispenser. One or more contact sensors may be located along a rim, hopper wall, or both. The one or more contactsensors may be located below and / or adjacent to one or more portions of the litter dispenser. The one or more contact sensors may be included as part of a housing of the litter device. The one or more contact sensors may be included as part of the mid-support, base, and / or bonnet. One or more contact sensors may include one or more capacitive sensors, conductive sensors, or other suitable low current electrical sensors.

[0060] The litter dispenser may include a dedicated controller or cooperate with the controller of the litter device. A dedicated controller may be housed within any suitable portion of the litter dispenser. A dedicated controller may be housed near a dispensing device, drive source, or both. A dedicated controller may be housed within a dispenser housing.

[0061] The litter dispenser may include one or more measurement aids for cooperating with one or more sensing devices. One or more measurement aids may include one or more fdl lines (e.g., measuring marks, measurement line). One or more measurement aids may be located along one or more walls of the hopper. One or more measurement aids may cooperate with transparent hopper walls, a camera, or both. A camera may be positioned to have a line of sight on a hopper and the measurement aids. As litter is depleted, the camera, or other computing device in communication with a camera, may identify a measurement aid closest to a top of the litter surface and correlate to a certain volume or other amount.

[0062] The litter dispenser may be comprised of one or more materials. The one or more materials may be any material suitable for being shaped (e.g., molded) into the separate components of the litter dispenser, having litter located therein, or both. One or more materials of the hopper, dispenser housing, chute, or a combination thereof may be comprised of a polymeric system. The polymeric system may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset material. The polymeric system may be one suitable for molding into the shape or shapes of each portion of the housing. Polymeric systems may include polyolefins, styrenics, acrylates, acrylonitriles, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and blends thereof. Such materials may be modified with a number of additives such as fillers, elastomers, fire retardants, stabilizers, and the like. The portions of the litter dispenser may be prepared by any process capable of forming the materials into the desired shapes of the housing and able to perform the necessary functions. Portions of the litter dispenser may be formed by injection molding, reaction injection molding, thermoforming, the like, or any combination thereof. Some portion of the housing may be opaque, transparent, or a combination of both. For example, a hopper may be transparent to visibly see the litter within the hopper. For example, a dispenser housing may be transparent to visibly see movement of the dispensing device. One or more other materials of the litter dispenser may be comprised of one or more flexible materials. One or more paddles and / or fins may be comprised of one or more flexible materials or may be comprised of materials suitable for the housing. One or more paddles and / or fins may be comprised of any suitable material capable of deflection, having elastomeric properties, or both. One or more paddles and / or fins may be comprised of one or more elastomers having viscoelasticity, one or more rubbers, or both. Exemplary flexible materials may include polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyurethane, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0063] Litter Device

[0064] The present teachings may relate to a litter device. The teachings may be particularly relevant to a litter device which is an automated litter device. An automated litter device may be any type of litter device which automates cleaning of the device after elimination of waste by an animal. A litter device may include one in which a chamber rotates to cause rotation of a sifting portion such that the sifting portion passes through litter and segregates waste from the litter. A litter device may include one in which a sifting portion rotates within a chamber to pass through the litter and segregate waste from the litter. A litter device may include an automated sifting scoop which moves axially and passes through litter retained within a stationary litter box to sift and segregate waste from litter.

[0065] The litter device may be configured to cooperate with a litter dispenser. The litter dispenser may be according to the present teachings. The litter device may include a housing which supports the litter dispenser. The housing may include a dispenser pocket. The dispenser pocket may be reciprocal with one or more walls or other portions of the litter dispenser. The litter device may receive one or more portions of a litter dispenser therein. The litter device may electrically connect to the litter dispenser. A controller of the litter device may control one or more operations of the litter dispenser. The housing may include one or more openings. The one or more openings may be in fluid communication with the litter dispenser. The one or more openings may include a rear opening, waste opening, entry opening, any other suitable opening, the like, or any combination thereof. A chamber of the litter device may include a rear opening. The rear opening may receive the clean and unused litter from the litter dispenser therein. The rear opening may be opposite the entry opening, aligned with the rotational axis of the chamber, or both.

[0066] The litter device may include a bezel, a chamber, a box, a septum, a sifting scoop, a bonnet, a base, a waste receptacle, a track, a hub, an entry barrier, the like, or any combination thereof. The litter device may include a housing. The housing may refer to the outside portions of the litter device which house one or more interior components, such as the chamber. The chamber may include an entry opening. The chamber may be configured to hold litter. The chamber may be configured to allow an animal to enter and / or exit. The chamber may be configured to allow an animal to excrete waste within the interior. The chamber may include a septum. The septum may include a sifting portion. The sifting portion may be configured for sifting through litter and separating waste from litter. The litter device may include a waste receptacle. A waste receptacle may be in communication with the chamber. A waste receptacle may be configured to receive waste. A waste receptacle may receive waste from the chamber. The waste receptacle may be referred to as a waste bin. A waste receptacle may be configured as a waste drawer.

[0067] The present teachings may be useful for use with an automated litter device having a chamber supported by a base, having a waste drawer, or both. The teachings may also be useful for an automated litter device having an entry barrier which is able to block and allow access into a chamber. The chamber may be a portion of the device configured to hold litter, where an animal may enter and excrete waste, or both. The chamber may be supported by and / or rest above a base. The chamber may be rotatably supported by the base. The chamber may rotate through one or more cleaning cycles to allow for funneling and disposal of waste. The chamber may have an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may extend through the entry opening of the chamber. The axis of rotation may be concentric or off-center with the entry opening.The axis of rotation may be a tilted axis of rotation. The tilted axis of rotation may promote funneling and disposal of waste, increased line of sight of one or more sensors, or both. The chamber may include a septum such that rotation of the chamber may result in rotation of a septum which sifts through the litter. The septum may filter clean litter from clumps of waste and guide funneling and / or disposal of the waste. Waste from the chamber may be disposed into a waste drawer. A waste drawer may be located in a support base of the device, below a chamber, adjacent to a chamber, or any combination thereof. A litter dispenser may be affixed to the litter device to replenish litter disposed during cleaning cycles. A bonnet may be located at least partially over a chamber to cover one or more components of the litter device, prevent access to one or more pinch points, or both. A chamber, bezel, cleaning cycle of the chamber, rotational capability, axis of rotation (e.g., tilted rotational axis) base (e.g., support base), bonnet, waste drawer, litter dispenser, and other components of the litter device may be configured such as those disclosed in US Patent Nos. 8,757,094; and 9,433,185; US Publication No: 2019 / 0364840; and PCT Patent Application No.: PCT / US2020 / 029776 (Published as PCT Publication No. WO 2020 / 219849A1), which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0068] The litter device may include one or more controllers. The one or more controllers may function to receive one or more signals, transmit one or more signals, control operations of one or more components of the device, or a combination thereof. The one or more controllers may be in communication with and / or include one or more sensing devices, communication modules, networks, other controllers, other electrical components, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may be adapted to control operation of one or more electrical components of a litter device. For example, signaling one or more drive sources (e.g., motors) to power on and cause rotation of chamber of a litter device to generate a cleaning cycle. The one or more controllers may automatically receive, interpret, and / or transmit one or more signals. The one or more controllers may be adapted to receive one or more signals from the one or more sensing devices. The one or more controllers may be in electrical communication with one or more sensing devices. The one or more controllers may interpret one or more signals from one or more sensing devices as one or more status signals. The controller may relay the one or more status signals to one or more other controllers, processors, storage mediums computing devices, and / or the like. The one or more controllers may be adapted to receive one or more signals from one or more computing devices. The one or more signals may include one or more instruction signals related to one or more instructions. The one or more instructions may be input by a user into a user interface, stored instructions on a computer readable medium (e.g., software) in one or more computing devices, and / or the like. The one or more controllers may automatically control one or more operations of one or more components upon receipt of one or more signals or instructions. The one or more controllers may reside within or be in communication with the litter device. For example, the one or more controllers may be located within or affixed to a bezel, bonnet, base (e.g., support base), chamber, near an entry opening, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may include one or more controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, processors, storage mediums, or a combination thereof. One or more suitable controllers may include one or more controllers, microprocessors, or both as described in US Patent No. 8,757,094; 9,433,185; 11,399,502, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The one or more controllers may be in communication with and / or include one or more communication modules, processors, storage mediums, circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit board “PCB”), input and / or output peripherals, analog to digital convertors, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0069] The litter device may include one or more communication modules. The one or more communication modules may allow for the litter device to receive and / or transmit one or more signals from one or more controllers and / or computing devices, be integrated into a network, or both. The one or more communication modules may have any configuration which may allow for one or more data signals from one or more controllers to be relayed to one or more other controllers, communication modules, communication hubs, networks, computing devices, processors, the like, or any combination thereof located external of the litter device. The one or more communication modules may include one or more wired communication modules, wireless communication modules, or both. A wired communication module may be any module capable of transmitting and / or receiving one or more data signals via a wired connection (e.g., ethemet port, PC Card, PMCIA card, PCI card). A wireless communication module may include any module capable of transmitting and / or receiving one or more data signals via a wireless connection. One or more wireless communication modules may communicate via one or more networks via a wireless connection. One or more wireless communication modules may include a Wi-Fi transmitter, a Bluetooth® transmitter, an infrared transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter, an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant transmitter, cellular radio signal transmitter, Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) transmitter, the like, or any combination thereof. A Wi-Fi transmitter may be any transmitter complaint with IEEE 802.11. A communication module may be single band, multi-band (e.g., dual band), or both. A communication module may operate at 2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz, the like, or a combination thereof. A cellular radio signal transmitter may be any transceiver compatible with any cellular frequency band (e.g., 500, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz) and / or network (e.g., 3G, LTE, LTE Catl, LTE M, 4G, 5 G). A communication module may communicate with one or more other communication modules, computing devices, processors, or any combination thereof directly; via one or more communication hubs, networks, or both; via one or more interaction interfaces; or any combination thereof.

[0070] The litter device may have or be in communication with one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices may function to sense a level of litter, a presence of waste, sense the presence of a certain type of waste, initiate waste detection, sense the presence of an animal, sense the absence of an animal, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensing devices may receive one or more signals, transmit one or more signals, or a combination thereof. The one or more signals may be related to one or more conditions detected by the sensing device. The one or more conditions may be related to one or more operations of one or more components. The one or more sensing devices may cooperate with one or more other sensing devices which detect one or more conditions of one or more litter device, data related to an animal, or both. The one or more sensing devices may be located in any suitable location of a litter device, affixed to a litter device, in communication with a litter device, distanced from a litter device, the like, or any combination thereof. Based on the one or more conditions sensed, one or more sensing devices maytransmit one or more signals to one or more controllers, processors, communication modules, computing devices, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more signals from one or more sensing devices may be converted into one or more signals (e.g., analog to digital, signal to a status signal), data entries, or both by one or more controllers, processors, communication modules, computing devices, or any combination thereof. One or more sensing devices may be configured to detect one or more conditions related to: mass of an animal, presence of an animal, identification of an animal, presence of waste, mass of waste, a type of waste, trait(s) associated with waste, presence of litter, an amount of litter, a distance to litter, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0071] The one or more sensors may include one or more gas sensors. The one or more gas sensors may function to detect if waste has been eliminated by an animal, a type of waste eliminated by an animal, the presence of feces, the presence of urine, or any combination thereof. The one or more gas sensors may sense one or more gases and / or compounds emitted from animal waste. The one or more gas sensors may sense one or more gases, compounds, or both associated with urine, feces, or both. For example, the one or more gases may be sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen, methane, and / or the like which is emitted from feces. As another example, the one or more gases may be ammonia (NH3) which is emitted from urine. The one or more gas sensors may be integrated into a litter device, integrated into an animal wearable, in proximity to a litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more gas sensors may be located adjacent to an entry opening, within an interior of a chamber, adjacent to a rear opening, or any combination thereof. The one or more gas sensors may be part of a sensor mount, a bezel, or both. The one or more air sensors may include one or more volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. Exemplary gas sensors may include Gas Sensor BME680 by Bosch, Air Quality Sensor TGS2600 by Figaro USA, Inc., Gas Sensor MQ-4B by Winsen, and / or electrochemical H2S sensor Meu-H2s by Winsen, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0072] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more mass sensors. The one or more mass sensors may function to monitor a mass of a litter device or portion thereof, monitor a mass of litter, monitor a mass of a chamber, monitor a mass of a waste bin, monitor and / or identify mass of waste, monitor a mass of an animal, identify a presence of an animal within or near a device, identify movement of an animal within a device, identify a presence of waste within one or more portions of a litter device, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more mass sensors may continuously, intermittently, or both monitor for mass and / or changes thereof. The one or more mass sensors may be located at any location in or near a litter device so that any change in mass of the device as a whole, the chamber, the waste bin, presence and / or movement of an animal within or near the device, presence of eliminated waste, or any combination thereof may be detected. The mass sensor may include one or more load cells, resistors, force sensors, switches, controllers, microprocessors, the like, or a combination thereof. Exemplary mass sensors and configurations may be as described in US Patent Nos. 8,757,094; 9,422,185; 11,399,502; and 11,523,586, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0073] One or more mass sensors may be included as part of one or more feet, a scale plate forming the base of the litter device, between a chamber and a support base, as part of a support on which the chamberrests, below and / or integrated into a waste drawer, within a base, a scale / mat below the litter device, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more mass sensors may include a single or a plurality of mass sensors. One or more mass sensors may be biased toward a bottom center of a portion of a litter device. One or more mass sensors may be biased toward one or more outer comers of a litter device. One or more mass sensors may be located between a base and a waste receptacle of a litter device. One or more mass sensors may be located between a base and / or mid-support and a chamber of a litter device.

[0074] One or more mass sensors which are configured to weigh the entire weight of the litter device may be referred to as one or more device mass sensors. One or more device mass sensors may be located below a base, between a base and a scale plate, at the feet, offset from the feet, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0075] One or more mass sensors configured to weigh the chamber, and anything therein, such as litter, waste, and / or an animal, may be referred to as one or more chamber mass sensors. The one or more chamber mass sensors may weigh the chamber in isolation from anything outside of the chamber. The one or more mass sensors may be located below a chamber, between a chamber and a base, between a chamber and a mid-support, and / or otherwise such as to have the mass of the chamber applied thereon. The one or more chamber mass sensors may be configured as in US Provisional Application No. 63 / 795,837 as filed on April 28, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0076] One or more mass sensors configured to weigh the waste bin may be referred to as one or more waste bin mass sensors. The one or more waste bin sensors may function to sustain the weight of the waste bin. The one or more waste bin mass sensors may weigh the waste bin in isolation from anything outside of the waste bin. The one or more waste bin sensors may be located below a waste bin, below a rim of a waste bin, between a waste bin and a base, between a waste bin and a scale plate, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0077] The one or more mass sensors may be in communication with one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more mass sensors may be directly and / or indirectly connected to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more mass sensors may relay one or more signals relating to a monitored mass to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more mass sensors may relay a presence of mass above and / or below a predetermined mass (e.g., threshold value), a real-time mass, a change in mass, the like, or a combination thereof to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. A signal from one or more mass sensors relayed to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof related to the detected mass may be referred to as a mass signal. One or more mass signals may include device mass signal, chamber mass signal, and / or even waste bin mass signal. The mass signal may be included as a status signal.

[0078] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more laser sensors. The one or more laser sensors may detect a presence of an animal at, in, and / or near a litter device; entry and / or exit to the chamber; presence within the chamber; movement of an animal relative to the litter device; or anycombination thereof. The one or more laser sensors may be located anywhere on, within, or near a litter device. One or more laser sensors may include one or more time-of-flight sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, membrane sensors, radio frequency (RF) admittance sensors, optical interface sensors, microwave sensors, the like, or combination thereof. The one or more laser sensors may be located within the interior and / or exterior of the litter device. Exemplary integration into a litter device may include affixed to a bezel, adjacent to an entry opening, above the entry opening, within a chamber, inside of a waste receptacle, affixed to a bonnet, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more laser sensors may be in communication with one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more laser sensors may be directly and / or indirectly connected to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more laser sensors may relay one or more signals related to a monitored physical condition to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more laser sensors may relay a presence of an animal, an absence of an animal, a distance to an animal, a distance to a litter bed, the presence waste, one or more positions or behavior of an animal, the like, or a combination thereof to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. Suitable exemplary laser sensors and configurations are disclosed in US Patent Nos. 11,399,502, and 11,523,586 and PCT Patent Application No.: PCT / US2024 / 020406, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. A signal from one or more laser sensors relayed to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof related to the detected object may be referred to as a laser signal. The laser signal may be included as a status signal.

[0079] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more cameras. The one or more cameras may be suitable for capturing one or more videos, images, frames, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be useful for visual recognition, identifying waste, identifying litter or an amount of litter, capturing images and learning behaviors of the animal, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be positioned within a setting to have a line of sight on and / or into the litter device, an animal, waste, or a combination thereof. Line of sight may mean the camera is in view of at least part of or all of the front of a litter device, through an entry opening, into the interior chamber of a litter device, on an animal when using the litter device, on an animal when approaching the litter device, a litter bed, a septum, waste during a cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof. Line of sight may mean having an animal’s body, side profde, front profde, rear profde, head, legs, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, tail or tail area, one or more bodily orifices, any combination thereof in view of the camera.

[0080] The one or more cameras may be located, affixed to, and / or part of a sensor mount, bezel, bonnet, base, adjacent to an entry opening, at or directly adjacent to a periphery of an entry opening, between an entry opening and / or bezel and a waste drawer, adjacent to a waste drawer, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be adjacent to one or more other sensing devices or distanced therefrom. The one or more cameras may be separate from the litter device and part of a system, connected via the network. Positioning near the top of a bezel and / or entry opening (e.g., near, part of sensor mount)may provide a clear line of sight into the interior of the chamber. This may be due to the tilted angle of the chamber, a tilt of the camera, or both. A line of sight into the interior may provide a clear line of sight onto a septum as a cleaning cycle is being executed. The clear line of sight may be able to capture images of waste after separation from a litter bed and prior to transferring into a waste receptacle. The location toward the upper portion of the bezel and / or entry opening may keep the camera clear of any waste, dust, or other debris associated with an animal using the litter device. The location on a front of the device, such as between an entry opening and a waste drawer may provide for a line of sight onto a face of an approaching animal, approximately at eye level. This may provide for better accuracy in visual recognition of the animal. Some suitable exemplary cameras and configurations are disclosed PCT PCT Publication Nos. WO 2024 / 196865 and WO 2022 / 087530, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0081] The one or more cameras may be in communication with one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be directly and / or indirectly connected to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more cameras may relay one or more signals related an image and / or video stream to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof. The one or more cameras may relay identifying data of an animal, data related to a subsequent database to retrieve identifying data of an animal, or both. A signal from one or more cameras relayed to one or more controllers, computing devices, processors, communication modules, or any combination thereof related to images and / or video may be referred to as an image signal. The image signal may be included as a status signal. The one or more cameras may be useful for providing visual recognition of the animal using the litter device.

[0082] System with Litter Dispenser and Litter Device

[0083] The litter dispenser and / or litter device may be integrated into a system. The system may allow for monitoring signals from, receiving signals from, sending signals to, and / or generating one or more operations of one or more litter dispensers, litter devices, or both. The system may allow for sending one or more instruction signals to a litter dispenser and / or litter device. The system may allow for transmitting one or more signals, status signals, or both from the litter dispenser and / or litter device. The system may allow for storing one or more data entries related to one or more signals. The system may allow for one or more algorithms to be executed remotely from the litter dispenser and / or litter device. The system may allow for controlling of one or more operations of the litter dispenser and / or litter device while remote from either device. The system may include one or more litter dispensers, litter devices, one or more communication hubs, computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0084] The litter dispenser and / or litter device may be in communication with a communication hub. A communication hub may function to receive one or more signals, transfer one or more signals, or both from one or more litter devices, sensing devices, communication modules, controllers, processors, computing devices, the like, or any combination thereof. The communication hub may be any type of communicationhub capable of sending and transmiting data signals over a network to one or a plurality of computing devices, compatible with one or more communication modules, or both. The communication hub may connect to one or more components of the system via one or more communication modules. The communication hub may include a wired router, a wireless router, an antenna, a satellite, or any combination thereof. For example, an antenna may include a cellular tower. For example, the communication hub may be in wireless connection with the liter dispenser via the communication module of a liter device. The communication hub may allow for communication of a computing device with the liter dispenser and / or liter device when the computing device is directly connected to the communication hub, indirectly connected to the communication hub, or both. A direct connection to the communication hub may mean that the computing device is directly connected to the communication hub via a wired and / or wireless connection and communicates with the liter device through the communication hub. An indirect connection to the communication hub may mean that a computing device first communicates with one or more other computing devices via a network before transmiting and / or receive one or more signals to and / or from the communication hub and then to the liter device.

[0085] The liter dispenser and / or liter device may be integrated into one or more networks. The liter dispenser and / or liter device may be in removable communication with one or more networks. The one or more networks may be formed by placing the liter device in communication with one or more other computing devices. One or more networks may include one or more communication hubs, communication modules, computing devices, controllers, the like, or a combination thereof as part of the network. One or more networks may be free of one or more communication hubs. One or more computing devices of the system may be directly connected to one another without the use of a communication hub. For example, a communication module of a liter device may be placed in direct communication with a communication module of a mobile communication device (e.g., mobile phone) without having a communication hub therebetween. One or more networks may be connected to one or more other networks. One or more networks may include one or more local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranet, Internet, Internet of Things (loT), the like, or any combination thereof. The network may allow for the liter device to be in communication with one or more user interfaces remote from the device via the Internet, such as through one or more managed cloud-computing services, edge-computing services, or both. An exemplary managed cloud service may include AWS loT Core by Amazon Web Services®. An exemplary edge computing service may include FreeRTOS® provided by Amazon Web Services®. It is possible various networks and computing services may cooperate with one another (e.g., combination of edge computing and cloud computing). The network may be temporarily, semi-permanently, or permanently connected to one or more computing devices, liter devices, or both. A network may allow for one or more computing devices to be temporarily and / or permanently connected to a liter dispenser and / or liter device to transmit one or more data signals to the liter dispenser and / or liter device, receive one or more data signals from the liter dispenser and / or liter device, or both. The network may allow for one or more signals from one or more controllers to be relayed through the system to one or more other computing devices, processors, storage mediums, the like, or any combination thereof. The network may allow for one or morecomputing devices to receive one or more data entries from and / or transmit one or more data entries to one or more storage mediums. The network may allow for transmission of one or more signals, status signals, data entries, instruction signals, or any combination thereof for processing by one or more processors.

[0086] The litter dispenser and / or litter device may include and / or be in communication with one or more computing devices. The one or more computing devices may function to receive and / or transmit one or more signals, convert one or more signals to data entries, to send one or more data entries to a storage medium, to store one or more data entries, to retrieve one or more data entries from a storage medium, to compute and / or execute one or more algorithms and / or models, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more computing devices may include or be in communication with one or more other computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, interaction devices, pet health device(s), or any combination thereof. One or more computing devices may communicate with one or more computing devices, processors, storage mediums, databases, or any combination thereof through an interaction interface, dispatch interface, or both. Communication between computing devices may be controlled or managed via a managed cloud service, edge service, or both. The one or more computing devices may include one or more non-transitory storage mediums. A non-transitory storage medium may include one or more physical servers, virtual servers, or a combination of both. One or more servers may include one or more local servers, remote servers, or both. One or more computing devices may include one or more controllers (e.g., including processor) of litter device, one or more processors of sensing devices (e.g., including image processor), personal computing devices, or both. One or more personal computing devices may include one or more personal computers (e.g., laptop, desktop, etc.), one or more mobile computing devices (e.g., tablet, mobile phone, etc.), or both. One or more computing devices may use one or more processors.

[0087] One or more computing devices may include one or more processors. The one or more processors may function to analyze one or more signals from the litter dispenser and / or litter device, one or more sensing devices, one or more storage mediums, databases, communication modules, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may be located within or in communication with one or more computing devices, servers, storage mediums, or any combination thereof. One or more processors may be in communication with one or more other processors. The one or more processors may function to process data, execute one or more algorithms to analyze data, execute one or more algorithms to execute one or more operations of the litter device and / or generate one or more notifications, evaluate data against one or more rules, models, other data, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may automatically process data, execute one or more algorithms, evaluate data, or a combination thereof; may wait for an instruction or signal such as from a user; or any combination thereof. Processing data may include receiving, transforming, outputting, executing, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more processors may be part of one or more hardware, software, systems, or any combination thereof. One or more hardware processors may include one or more central processing units, multi-core processors, frontend processors, image processing units, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more software processors may include one or more word processors, document processors, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more system processors may include one or more information processors, the like, or acombination thereof. One or more processors suitable for use within the litter device as part of the one or more controllers may include a microcontroller, such as Part No. PIC18F45K22 and / or Part No. PIC18F46J50 produced by Microchip Technology Inc., incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The one or more processors may be located within a same or different non-transitory storage medium as one or more storage mediums, other processors, communication modules, communication hubs, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may be an ARM-based processor. Exemplary ARM-based processors may include one or more of the Cortex-M Family, versions ARM to ARMv6 (ARM 32-bit), version ARMv6-M to ARMv9-R (ARM 32-bit Cortex), versions ARMv8- A to ARMv-9 (ARM 64 / 32-bit), the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more processors may include one or more image processors, artificial intelligence processors video processors, the like, or a combination thereof. An exemplary artificial intelligence processor may include the Ingenic T31 video processor, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The one or more processors may include one or more cloud-based processors. A cloud-based processor may be part of or in communication with a dispatch interface, an interaction interface, an authentication portal, or a combination thereof. A cloud-based processor may be located remote from a litter device, a computing device, one or more other processors, one or more databases, or any combination thereof. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more processors may reside in a non-transitory storage medium located remote from the litter device, computing device, processor, databases, or any combination thereof. One or more cloud-based processors may be accessible via one or more networks. A suitable cloud-based processor may be Amazon Elastic Compute CloudTM (EC2TM) may be provided by Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Another suitable platform for a cloud-based processor may include LambdaTM provided by Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes. The one or more processors may convert data signals to data entries to be saved within one or more storage mediums. The one or more processors may access one or more algorithms to analyze one or more data entries and / or data signals. The one or more processors may access one or more algorithms to generate one or more operations of the litter device, generate one or more notifications to an application, or both. The one or more processors may access one or more algorithms saved within one or more storage mediums. The one or more algorithms being accessed by one or more processors may be located in a same or different storage medium or server as the processor(s).

[0088] One or more computing devices may include one or more storage mediums (“memory storage medium”). The one or more storage mediums may include one or more hard drives (e.g., hard drive memory), chips (e.g., Random Access Memory “RAM)”), discs, flash drives, memory cards, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more storage mediums may include one or more cloud-based storage mediums, local storage mediums, or both. A local storage medium may be located onboard a litter device, sensing device, and / or the like. A local storage medium may be part of a circuit board. A cloud-based storage medium may be located remote from a litter device, a sensing device, a computing device, one or more processors, one or more databases, or any combination thereof. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more storage mediums may reside in a non-transitory storage medium located remote from the litter device,computing device, processor, other databases, or any combination thereof. One or more cloud-based storage mediums may be accessible via one or more networks. A suitable cloud-based storage medium may be Amazon S3TM provided by Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. One or more storage mediums may store one or more data entries in a native format, foreign format, or both. One or more storage mediums may store data entries as objects, images, fdes, blocks, or a combination thereof. The one or more storage mediums may include one or more algorithms, models, rules, databases, data entries, the like, or any combination therefore stored therein. The one or more storage mediums may store data in the form of one or more databases.

[0089] One or more computing devices may include one or more databases. The one or more databases may function to receive, store, and / or allow for retrieval of one or more data entries. The one or more databases may be located within one or more storage mediums. The one or more databases may include any type of database able to store digital information. The digital information may be stored within one or more databases in any suitable form using any suitable database management system (DBMS). Exemplary storage forms include relational databases (e.g., SQL database, row-oriented, column-oriented), nonrelational databases (e.g., NoSQL database), correlation databases, ordered / unordered flat fdes, structured fdes, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more databases may store one or more classifications of data models. The one or more classifications may include column (e.g., wide column), document, keyvalue (e.g., key-value cache, key-value store), object, graph, multi-model, or any combination thereof. One or more databases may be located within or be part of hardware, software, or both. One or more databases may be stored on a same or different hardware and / or software as one or more other databases. The databases may be located within one or more non-transitory storage mediums. One or more databases may be located in a same or different non-transitory storage medium as one or more other databases. The one or more databases may be accessible by one or more processors to retrieve data entries for analysis via one or more algorithms. The one or more databases may be one or more cloud-based databases. Cloud-based may mean that the one or more databases may reside in a non-transitory storage medium located remote from the litter device. One or more cloud-based databases may be accessible via one or more networks. One or more databases may include one or more databases capable of storing one or more conditions of pet litter device, one or more status signals related to a litter device, one or more instruction signals sent to a litter device, one or more users, one or more user accounts, one or more registered pet health device(s), one or more traits and / or characteristics of one or more animals, one or more identifications of one or more animals, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more databases may include one or more pet profile databases, visual recognition databases, user databases, user settings databases, commands databases, activities databases, behavior databases, device databases, lifetime cycles databases, user computing device databases, registered device databases, training databases, waste databases, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more waste databases may store one or more waste event records, associate one or more waste event records to one or more pet profiles, or both. One suitable database service may be Amazon DynamoDB® offered through Amazon Web Services®, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes. One or more databases may include or be similar to those disclosed in US PatentNo. 11,399,502 and PCT Application No. PCT / US2024 / 020406, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0090] One or more computing devices may include one or more user interfaces. The one or more user interfaces may function to display information related to a litter device, display one or more notifications related to one or more animals, receive user inputs related to a litter device, transmit information related to a litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more user interfaces may be located on the a litter device, a separate computing device, or both. One or more user interfaces may be part of one or more computing devices. One or more user interfaces may include one or more interfaces capable of relaying information (e.g., data entries, data) to a user, receiving information (e.g., data signals) from a user, or both. One or more user interfaces may display information related to a litter device, litter dispenser, or both. One or more user interfaces may display information from one or more algorithms. The user interface may allow for inputting information related to a litter device, litter dispenser, or both. The one or more user interfaces may include one or more graphic user interfaces (GUI). The one or more graphic interfaces may include one or more screens. The one or more screens may be a screen located directly on the litter device, another computing device, or both. The one or more screens may be a screen on a personal computing device (e.g., mobile computing device, personal computer). The one or more graphic interfaces may include and / or be in communication with one or more user input devices. The one or more user input devices may allow for receiving one or more inputs (e.g., instruction signals) from a user. The one or more input devices may include one or more buttons, wheels, keyboards, switches, touchscreens, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more input devices may be integrated with a graphic interface. The one or more input devices may include one or more touch-sensitive monitor screens.

[0091] The system may include or be in communication with one or more applications. The application (i.e., “computer program”) may function to access data, upload data, receive data, receive instructions, transmit instructions, display information, transmit notifications, the like, or a combination thereof relative to a litter device, an animal, a computing device, the like, or any combination thereof. The application may be stored on one or more storage mediums. The application may be stored on one or more personal computing devices, remote computing devices, or both. The application may be accessible by one or more personal computing devices while being executed from one or more remote computing devices. The application may be downloadable from one or more computing devices onto one or more other computing devices. The application may comprise and / or access one or more computer-executable instructions, algorithms, rules, models, processes, methods, user interfaces, menus, databases, the like, or any combination thereof. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by a computing device, may cause the computing device to perform one or more methods described herein. The application may be downloaded, accessible without downloading, or both. The application may be downloadable onto one or more computing devices. The application may be downloadable from an application store (i.e., “app store”). An application store may include, but is not limited to, Apple® App Store®, Google Play®, Amazon Appstore®, Skills Shop for Amazon’s® Alexa®, the like, or any combination thereof. The application may be accessible without downloading onto one or more computing devices. The application may be accessiblevia one or more web browsers. The application may be accessible as a website. The application may interact and / or communicate through one or more user interfaces. The application may be utilized by and / or on one or more computing devices. The application may also be referred to as a dedicated application.

[0092] Method(s) of Operating Litter Dispenser

[0093] The present teachings may relate to one or more methods for operating a litter dispenser. The method may employ the litter dispenser, litter device, and / or system as disclosed herein or even other types of automated litter devices.

[0094] The method may be understood as a computer-implemented method. The method may be referred to as a method of operating a litter dispenser. The method may be stored in one or more storage mediums. The one or more storage mediums may be local or remote from the litter dispenser and / or litter device. The method may be accessible by one or more processors. The method may be automatically executed. Each step may be automatically executed. Automatic execution may be by the one or more processors. The method may be executed locally, remotely, or both. The method may be executed by one or more controllers of a litter device, one or more controllers of a litter dispenser, by edge-computing, cloud-computing, or a combination thereof.

[0095] The method for operating the litter dispenser may include one or more processors determining one or more conditions and / or operations of a litter device. The one or more conditions may include use status by an animal, type of waste eliminated by an animal a litter device, an amount of litter within a litter device, position of one or more components of the litter device (e.g., chamber), the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more operations may include status of a cleaning cycle and / or the like . Determining one or more conditions and / or operations of a litter device may take place such as discussed in US provisional patent application no.: 63 / 667,266 as fded on July 3, 2024, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. For example, the one or more operations may include initiation, execution, and / or completion of a cleaning cycle. For example, one or more conditions may include an amount of litter within the chamber. The amount of litter may be automatically determined based on one or more sensing devices of the litter device. For example, one or more laser sensors (e.g., Time of Flight) may determine a distance from the sensing device to a top of the litter bed in the chamber. After a cleaning cycle is completed, the distance may increase as some of the litter clumps with waste and exits the chamber, such as into a waste receptacle.

[0096] The method for operating the litter dispenser may include one or more processors initiating operation of a dispensing device. Upon initiation, the dispensing device may transfer a clean and unused litter from the litter dispenser into the litter device. The dispensing device may transfer the clean and unused litter from a hopper toward an outlet of the litter dispenser. The dispensing device may transfer a same amount of litter per dispensing action or an adjusted amount. The amount of litter may be adjusted based on the one or more conditions and / or operations of a litter device. For example, after a cleaning cycle associated with urine versus feces, the litter dispenser may dispense a greater amount of litter. This may be due to a greater amount of litter clumping with the urine as opposed to feces, and a greater amount of litter then being transferred out of the chamber into a waste receptacle during a cleaning cycle. As another example, the amount of litter dispensed may substantially match the amount of litter transferred from achamber into a waste receptacle during a cleaning cycle. In other words, the amount of litter transferred may substantially match a volume difference of litter from before to after a cleaning cycle as detected by one or more sensing devices. As another example, the amount of litter dispensed may be adjusted to maintain a certain weight of a chamber, level of litter in the chamber, or both. For example, a weight associated with a fill line of the chamber may be established and litter may be added to maintain said weight. The amount of litter may be adjusted based on the size of the dispensing device, volume or space between fins of a paddle, the amount of time the dispensing device is operating (e.g. rotating), and / or the like.

[0097] The method for operating a litter dispenser may include one or more sensing devices sensing one or more conditions of the litter dispenser. The one or more sensing devices may sense a presence, distance, volume, weight, quantity, and / or the like of litter within the litter dispenser. The one or more sensing devices may sense the presence, distance, volume, weight, quantity, and / or the like of the litter within the hopper. The one or more sensing devices may relay one or more signals related to the sensed condition to one or more processors. The one or more processors may be a controller of the litter dispenser, litter device, or both.

[0098] The method for operating a litter dispenser may include identifying a type of litter within the litter dispenser. Identifying may be automatic, manual, or a combination of both. One or more properties of the litter may be detected by one or more sensing devices. The one or more sensing devices may be those associated with the litter dispenser, litter device, or both. One or more properties may include a mass of the litter when the hopper is filled to a certain level (e.g., different types of litter may have different masses associated), visual identification of the litter (e.g., color, granule design) and / or litter packaging via a camera. A user may input the type of litter into a user interface, such as via an application. A user may scan a barcode of litter packaging via a camera of the system, the user interface, or both. The one or more properties may then be correlated to certain types or brands of litter. One or more configurations of the litter device may be automatically updated based on the litter detected. For example, quicker clumping litter may result in automatically adjusting (e.g., reducing) a waiting period. The waiting period may be the time between the animal exiting the litter device to a cleaning cycle being executed.

[0099] The method for operating a litter dispenser may include transmitting one or more conditions, operations, or both of the litter dispenser to a user interface part of an application. The one or more conditions may include an amount of litter remaining within the litter dispenser, an amount of time left to refill a litter dispenser, an amount of litter used from the litter dispenser, the presence and / or absence of a lid, the status of a dispensing device and / or motor (e.g., jammed) the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more operations may include the act of dispensing and / or the like. The one or more conditions, operations, or both may also be referred to as derived data associated with the presence, the amount, and / or the distance of the litter. Transmitting may occur over a network of the system. Transmitting may occur as disclosed in US Patent Publication No.: US 2019 / 0364840 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0100] Illustrative Examples

[0101] The teachings of any illustrative example may be combined with the teachings of another.

[0102] FIG. 1 illustrates a litter dispenser 1. The litter dispenser 1 is affixed to a litter device 100. The litter dispenser 1 is affixed at a rear of the litter device 100. The litter dispenser 1 is opposite an entry opening 102 of the litter device 100.

[0103] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a litter dispenser 1. The litter dispenser 1 includes a lid 10, hopper 12, and dispenser housing 14. The lid 10 includes a handle 16 formed therein. The lid 10 rests partially within a rim 18 of the hopper 12. The hopper 12 includes hopper walls 20. Adjacent and in communication with the hopper 12 is a dispenser housing 14. The dispenser housing 14 includes an opening 22.

[0104] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a litter dispenser 1. The litter dispenser 1 includes a lid 10. The lid 10 rests partially within a hopper 12. The lid 10 rests within the rim 18 of the hopper 12. The hopper 12 stores litter 5 within a hollow interior 24. The volume of litter 5 able to be stored within the hopper 12 is limited by the lid 10 and / or height of the hopper 12. A fill line 26 indicates an acceptable volume of litter 5. The fill line 26 is located below the lid 10 such that the lid 10 is able to fully seat and engage with the hopper 12. The hopper 12 includes a funnel opening 28. The funnel opening 28 is located opposite of the lid 10. The funnel opening 28 allows for the hopper 12 to be in fluid communication with a dispenser housing 14. Located within the dispenser housing 14 is a dispensing device 30. The dispensing device 30 includes a paddle 32. The paddle 32 includes a plurality of fins 34 extending from and located about a rotational shaft 36. The dispenser housing 14 includes an opening 22. The opening 22 allows litter 5 to exit and be dispensed into the litter device 100 (not shown).

[0105] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a cross-section of a litter dispenser 1. The litter dispenser 1 includes a hopper 12 with a hollow interior 24. The hopper 12 is located over a dispensing device 30. The dispensing device 30 is located within a dispenser housing 14. The dispensing device 30 is near an opening 22 of the litter dispenser 1. The litter dispenser 1 includes one or more sensing devices 72. The sensing device(s) 72 are located within the hopper 12. The sensing device(s) 72 are included as part of a sensing tower 74. The sensing tower 74 can be positioned in any suitable portion of the hopper 12. The sensing tower 74 may be biased toward a center, such as shown in FIG. 5. The sensing tower 74 may be biased or even part of a hopper wall 20, such as shown in FIG. 6. The sensing tower 74 may function to elevate the one or more sensing device(s) 72 such to have line of sight 76 (e.g., sensing range) into a majority of the hollow interior 24. This one or more sensing device(s) may be able to detect a presence, distance, volume, and / or other characteristics of the litter 5 (not shown) stored within the hopper 12.

[0106] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a litter dispenser 1. The litter dispenser 1 includes a hopper 12 which defines a hollow interior 24. The litter dispenser 1 includes a plurality of sensing devices 72. The sensing devices 72 are mounted on one or more hopper walls 20. The sensing devices 72 are located in a plurality of discrete positions within the hopper 12. The sensing devices 72 are configured to detect when litter 5 (not shown) reaches one or more specific heights inside the hopper 12. The height may be associated with a specific volume. For example, when litter 5 (not shown) is breaking a beam emitted by a sensing device 72, the litter level is the height associated with that sensing device 72 or above and thus at a certain volume or greater. For example, when litter 5 (not shown) comes down in height and no longer breaks abeam emited by a sensing device 72, the liter level below the height associated with that sensing device 72 and thus below that volume.

[0107] FIG. 8 illustrates a liter device 100. The liter device 100 includes a housing 124. The housing 124 includes a base 118. Within the base 118 may be a mid-support 126. Supported by the mid-support 126, the base 118, or other part of the housing 124 may be one or more sensing devices 72. Exemplary sensing devices 72 may include one or more mass sensors, contact sensors, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0108] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a liter dispenser 1. The liter dispenser 1 includes a hopper 12. The hopper 12 may be useful for storing liter 5 (not shown) before dispensing into the liter device 100 (not shown). The hopper 12 includes a hollow interior 24 formed by the hopper walls 20. Useful for closing the hopper 12 is a lid 10. The lid 10 includes a lid latch 38 with a spring 40. The lid latch 38 engages with the hopper 12 to secure the lid 10 thereon. The lid latch 38 engages with the latch retainers 42. The latch retainers 42 are formed as part of the hopper walls 20 and face toward the hollow interior 24. The liter dispenser 1 includes a dispensing device 30. The dispensing device 30 includes a motor 44, hub 46, insert 48, and paddle 32. The dispensing device 30 is located within a dispenser housing 14. The dispenser housing 14 includes a dispensing opening 22. The liter dispenser 1 also includes an electrical connector 50. The electrical connector 50 allows for electrical current to be transmited to the motor 44, and other electrical components.

[0109] FIG. 10 illustrates a partially exploded view of a portion of a liter dispenser 1 assembled to a liter device 100. The liter device 100 includes a bonnet 104. The bonnet 104 includes a dispenser pocket 106 formed therein. The dispenser pocket 106 is located generally opposite an entry opening 102 (not shown). The dispenser pocket 106 is substantially reciprocal with at least a portion of a hopper wall 20. In other words, one or more of the hopper walls 20 share reciprocal profdes with the bonnet 14. It is also foreseeable the bonnet 14 is free of a pocket and the liter dispenser 1 rests upon the bonnet 104. The bonnet 14 includes a chute casing 108. The chute casing 108 includes an opening 110. The chute casing 108 houses a chute 52. The chute 52 allows for liter to transfer from the liter dispenser 1 to an interior of the liter device 100. The chute 52 includes a chute inlet 54 and a chute outlet 56. Located inside of the chute 52 is a chute slide 58 (not shown).

[0110] FIG. 11 illustrates transfer of liter 5 from a liter dispenser 1 into a chamber 112 of a liter device 100. The liter 5 may initially be stored within the hopper 12 up to a fdl line 26. The hopper 12 is located above a dispensing device 30. Gravity may be able to provide a constant supply of liter 5 to the dispensing device 30. A hopper 12 is in fluid communication with a dispenser housing 14 and dispensing device 30 via funnel opening 28. The funnel opening 28 may allow liter 5 to transfer from the hopper 12 to the dispenser housing 14.[oni] The liter 5 may be dispensed onto and / or in between fins 34. A certain level of liter 5 located within the chamber 112, or another changed or sensed condition, may trigger transition of liter 5 from the liter dispenser 1 into the chamber 112. Amotor 44 (not shown) may be initiated. The motor 44 may activate a dispensing device 30. Activation may include rotation. The motor 44 may rotate a paddle 32. The motor44 may rotate the paddle 32 through a hub 46. Rotation of the paddle 32 allows for litter 5 located between fins 34 to come into communication with and pass through an opening 22 of a dispenser housing 14.

[0112] Upon exiting the dispenser housing 14, the litter 5 enters into a chute 52. The litter 5 may enter the chute 52 via a chute inlet 54. The chute inlet 54 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the opening 22. Upon entering the chute 52, the litter 5 is conveyed via a chute slide 58 to a chute outlet 56. The chute outlet 56 is adjacent to a rear opening 114 of the litter device 100. The rear opening 114 is located at a rear of a chamber 112. The rear opening 114 is partially concealed via a limiting wall 116. A limiting wall 116 may also be referred to as a rear wall or rear cover (e.g., a rear cover or rear wall of the chamber 112).

[0113] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section of a litter dispenser 1 and a partial cross-section of a litter device 100. The litter dispenser 1 is affixed to both a bonnet 104 and base 118. A chamber 112 (not shown) is housed inside, such that the bonnet 104 and base 118 are also a housing for the chamber 112.

[0114] FIG. 13 is a front view of an automatic litter device 100. Within the interior of the chamber 112 is a limiting wall 116 (e.g., rear wall and / or rear cover). At the rear is also a rear opening 114. The limiting wall 116 is formed as part of the chamber 112.

[0115] FIG. 14 illustrates an interior of a dispenser housing 14. The dispenser housing 14 includes a dispenser mount 60. The dispenser housing 14 includes a hollow interior formed by side walls 62. Within the hollow interior there are two mounting walls 64. The two mounting walls 64 are opposing and distanced from one another. The two mounting walls 64 extend from one side wall 62 to an opposing side wall 62. One mounting wall 64 includes a cradle opening 66. Adjacent to a mounting wall 64 is a cradle 68. The mounting walls 64 cooperate with the side walls 62 to form a dispensing outlet 70. The dispensing outlet 70 is hollow and forms a dispensing opening 22. The two mounting walls 64 and cradle 68 form the dispenser mount 60.

[0116] FIG. 15 illustrates a dispensing device 30 retained in place by a dispenser mount 60. A motor 44 is held in place by a cradle 68. The motor 44 is in rotational communication with a paddle 32. The paddle 32 may include a plurality of fins 34. The fins 34 may be affixed to a hub 46. The paddle 32 and the hub 46 may be held in place by mounting walls 64. The paddle 32 and hub 46 may extend from one mounting wall 64 to an opposing mounting wall 64. The paddle 32 and the hub 46 may be located adjacent to and / or above a dispensing outlet 70, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0117] FIG. 16 illustrates a litter dispenser 1 affixed to and / or part of a litter device 100. The litter dispenser 1 is configured to be in fluid communication with one or more waste openings 120 of the litter device 100. A waste opening 120 is formed in both the bonnet 104 and the chamber 112. A waste opening 120 is also formed in a septum 122. When the litter device 100 is at rest or in a home position (i.e., between cleaning cycles), the waste opening 120 of the chamber aligns with the waste opening 120 of the bonnet 104.

[0118] FIG. 17 illustrates a litter dispenser 1 affixed to and / or part of the litter device 100. The litter dispenser 1 is configured to be in fluid communication with an entry opening 102 of the litter device 100. The litter dispenser 1 includes a dispensing chute 78 as part of or extending from the dispensing outlet 70. The dispensing chute 78 feeds into the entry opening 102 of the litter device 100.

[0119] FIG. 18 illustrates a litter dispenser 1 located adjacent to and / or part of a base 118 of the litter device 1. The litter dispenser 1 includes a dispensing device 30. The dispensing device 30 is rotational mechanism similar to an Archimedes screw. The dispensing device 30 is able to move the litter 5 against the flow of gravity.

[0120] FIG. 19 illustrates a litter dispenser 1. The litter dispenser 1 is located adjacent and above a litter device 100. An outlet 70 of the litter dispenser 1 is located above the litter device 100. The litter device 100 may be more of a rectangular litter box configuration. The litter device 100 may be automated, such as with a sifting rake, or manual. The litter device 100 may include or cooperate with one or more sensing devices 72. The sensing devices 72 may include one or more mass sensors, such as in the form of a scale. The sensing devices 72 may be located at a bottom or below the litter device 72. The litter dispenser 1 may be configured to refill the litter device 100 such that a certain weight is maintained. In other words, replacing the litter removed via automated or manual cleaning.

[0121] FIG. 20 illustrates a system 200. The system 100 shows a litter device 100. The litter device 100 may include the litter dispenser 1. The litter device 100 includes one or more onboard controllers 40. The system 100 includes one or more computing devices 202. The computing devices 202 may include the controller 204, one or more personal computing devices 206, and / or remote computing devices 208. Personal computing devices 206 may include one or more mobile phones 210, tablets 212, laptops (not shown), desktop computers (not shown), and / or the like. One or more remote computing devices 208 may include one or more processors, servers, databases, and / or the like. The litter device 100 may include one or more communication modules 214. The communication module 214 may allow for the litter device 100 to communicate directly and / or indirectly to the one or more computing devices 202. The communication module 214 may be configured to communicate via one or more communication hubs 216. The personal computing device 206 executes and displays an application 218. The application 218 may display data 220 associated with a litter dispenser 1, such as one or more conditions, operations, or both.

[0122] Reference Numbers

[0123] 1 - Litter dispenser; 5 - Litter; 10 - Lid; 12 - Hopper; 14 - Dispenser housing; 16 - Handle; 18 - Rim; 20 - Hopper wall(s); 22 - Opening; 24 - Hollow interior; 26 - Fill line; 28 - Funnel opening; 30 - Dispensing device; 32 - Paddle; 34 - Fin(s); 36 - Shaft; 38 - Lid latch; 40 - Spring; 42 - Lid retainer; 44- Motor; 46 - Hub; 48 - Insert; 50 - Electrical connector; 52 - Chute; 54 - Chute inlet; 56 - Chute outlet; 58 - Chute slide; 60 - Dispenser mount; 62 - Side wall; 64 - Mounting wall; 66 - Cradle opening; 68 - Cradle; 70 - Dispensing outlet; 72 - Sensing device; 74 - Sensing tower; 76 - Sensing range / line of sight; 78 - Dispensing chute; 100 - Litter device; 102 - Entry opening; 104 - Bonnet; 106 - Dispenser pocket; 108 - Chute casing; 110 - Opening of chute casing; 112 - Chamber; 114 - Rear opening; 116 - Limiting wall; 118 - Base; 120 - Waste opening; 122 - Septum; 124 - Housing; 126 - Mid-support; 200 - System; 202 - Computing device; 204 - Controller; 206 - Personal computing device; 208 - Remote computing device; 210 - Mobile phone; 212 - Tablet; 214 - Communication module; 216 - Communication hub; 218- Application; 220 - Data

[0124] Any numerical values recited in the above application include all values from the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value, and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner. Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints.

[0125] The terms “generally”, “substantially”, and even “about” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 10° or less, about + / - 5° or less, or even about + / - 1° or less. The terms “generally”, “substantially”, and even “about” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / - 0.01° or greater, about + / - 0. 1° or greater, or even about + / - 0.5° or greater. The terms “generally”, “substantially”, or even “about” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 10% or less, about + / - 5% or less, or even about + / - 1% or less. The terms “generally”, “substantially”, or even “about” to describe linear measurements, percentages, or ratios may mean about + / - 0.01% or greater, about + / - 0.1% or greater, or even about + / - 0.5% or greater.

[0126] The term “consisting essentially of’ to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components, or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

[0127] Plural elements, ingredients, components, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component, or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components, or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component, or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components, or steps.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1. A litter dispenser for retaining and dispensing a clean and unused litter, the litter dispenser comprising: a) a hopper for retaining the clean and unused litter; b) a dispensing device for automatically dispensing the clean and unused litter toward a litter device; and c) one or more sensing devices configured to sense a presence, an amount, and / or a distance of the clean and unused litter within the hopper.Claim 2. The litter dispenser of Claim 1, wherein the litter dispenser is configured to maintain an optimal level of litter within the litter device.Claim 3. The litter dispenser of Claim 2, wherein the optimal level of litter within the litter device is associated with a predetermined weight, predetermined level, or both.Claim 4. The litter dispenser of Claim 3, wherein the predetermined weight is a weight of the litter device when the litter is at a fill line of a chamber, wherein the predetermined level is a distance of the litter at the fill line from one or more sensing devices, or both.Claim 5. The litter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sensing devices include one or more mass sensors, emission sensors, cameras, and / or the like.Claim 6. The litter dispenser of Claim 5, wherein the one or more emission sensors include one or more infrared sensors, laser sensors, ultrasonic sensors, optical interface sensors, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 7. The litter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sensing devices are located within an interior and / or exterior of the litter dispenser.Claim 8. The litter dispenser of Claim 7, wherein the one or more sensing devices are located along one or more walls of the hopper.Claim 9. The litter dispenser of Claim 8, wherein the one or more sensing devices are placed at one or more discrete locations of the hopper associated with a known volume of litter within the hopper.Claim 10. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sensing devices are located within the liter dispenser such as to have a line of sight into an interior of the hopper.Claim 11. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sensing devices are included as part of a sensing tower, a lid, or both.Claim 12. The liter dispenser of Claim 11, wherein the sensing tower extends from a botom of the hopper toward a top of the hopper, lid of the liter dispenser, or both.Claim 13. The liter dispenser of Claim 12, wherein the one or more sensing devices are located at an upper end of the sensing tower.Claim 14. The liter dispenser of any of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the sensing tower is located in a central region of the hopper, biased toward one of the hopper walls, integrated into one of the hopper walls, or a combination thereof.Claim 15. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more sensing devices include one or more mass sensors configured to detect a weight of the clean and unused liter.Claim 16. The liter dispenser of Claim 15, wherein the one or more mass sensors are located within the liter dispenser, part of a dispenser pocket, part of a housing of a liter device, within an interior of a liter device, or any combination thereof.Claim 17. The liter dispenser of Claim 16, wherein the one or more mass sensors are included in a base, a mid-support, and / or a bonnet of the liter device.Claim 18. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more dispensing devices include a drive source, a drive shaft, a hub, an insert, a paddle, a screw, a pump, a conveyor, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 19. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more dispensing devices are in communication with one or more controllers.Claim 20. The liter dispenser of Claim 19, wherein the one or more controllers are separate from or same as the one or more controllers of the liter device.Claim 21. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the liter dispenser is configured to deliver the clean and unused liter into the liter device via one or more openings of the liter device.Claim 22. The liter dispenser of Claim 21, wherein the one or more openings include a rear opening, a waste opening, an entry opening, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 23. The liter dispenser of Claim 21 or 22, wherein the liter dispenser sits biased toward a top, a rear, or a bottom of the liter device.Claim 24. The liter dispenser of Claim 23, wherein the liter dispenser is in communication with an application via a network.Claim 25. The liter dispenser of Claim 24, where the application, via a user interface of the computing device, is configured to display the presence, the amount, and / or the distance of the clean and unused liter sensed by the one or more sensing device, display other derived data associated with the presence, the amount, and / or the distance of the clean and unused liter, or any combination thereof.Claim 26. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the liter dispenser includes a chute configured to transfer the clean and unused liter from the liter dispenser into a chamber of the liter device.Claim 27. The liter dispenser of Claim 26, wherein the chute is at least partially aligned with a rotational axis of the chamber.Claim 28. The liter dispenser of Claim 26 or 27, wherein the chute includes a chute slide which is transverse to the rotational axis.Claim 29. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the liter dispenser is configured to be affixed to a chamber, a base, a bonnet, or a combination thereof.Claim 30. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the liter dispenser is configured to be generally opposite an entry opening of the liter device when atached to the liter device.Claim 31. The liter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more dispensing devices are configured to retain the clean and unused liter within the liter dispenser during a resting mode; andwherein the one or more dispensing devices are configured to transfer a portion of the litter within the litter dispenser toward a chamber of the litter device during a refill cycle of the litter dispenser.Claim 32. The litter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more dispensing devices include one or more paddles configured to rotate during a refill cycle to transfer the litter.Claim 33. The litter dispenser of Claim 32, wherein the one or more paddles include a plurality of fins radially projecting from a hub.Claim 34. The litter dispenser of Claim 32 or 33, wherein the one or more paddles are in communication with one or more drive sources; and wherein the one or more drive sources includes a motor.Claim 35. The litter dispenser of Claim 34, wherein the one or more drive sources are configured to be in communication with one or more sensors of a litter device; and wherein the one or more sensors of the litter device are configured to detect a level of litter within the chamber.Claim 36. The litter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter dispenser includes a chute and is configured to be attached to the litter device so that the chute is approximately parallel, coaxial, or both with a rotational axis of a chamber of the litter device.Claim 37. The litter dispenser of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter dispenser includes a chute; and wherein the one or more dispensing devices are located between the hopper and the chute.Claim 38. A method of operating a litter dispenser including: a) one or more processors determining one or more conditions and / or operations of a litter device; b) the one or more processors initiating operation of a dispensing device of the litter dispenser based on the one or more conditions and / or operations of the litter device; and c) one or more sensing devices sensing one or more conditions of the litter dispenser.Claim 39. The method of Claim 38, wherein the litter dispenser is the litter dispenser of any of Claims 1 to 37.Claim 40. The method of Claim 38 or 39, wherein the method includes transmitting one or more conditions, one or more operations, or both of the litter dispenser to a user interface of an application on a computing device.Claim 41. The method of Claim 40, wherein the one or more conditions, the one or more operations, or both includes: an amount of the clean and unused litter remaining within the litter dispenser, an amount of time left to refill the litter dispenser, an amount of the clean and unused litter used from the litter dispenser, a presence and / or absence of a lid on the litter dispenser, a presence and / or absence of the litter dispenser relative to the litter device, a status of a dispensing device of the litter dispenser, an occurrence or status of dispensing, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 42. A litter device including: a) a housing defining one or more openings into an interior of the litter device; b) a litter dispenser configured to retain a clean and unused litter and transfer at least a portion of the clean and unused litter into the interior of the litter device; wherein the litter dispenser is in fluid communication with the interior of the litter device via the one or more openings.Claim 43. The litter device of Claim 42, wherein the litter dispenser is the litter dispenser according to any of Claims 1 to 37.Claim 44. The litter device of Claims 42 or 43, wherein the one or more openings include a rear opening, a waste opening, an entry opening, the like, or any combination thereof.Claim 45. The litter device of Claim 44, wherein the rear opening is formed at a rear of the chamber.Claim 46. The litter device of Claim 45, wherein the chamber is rotatably supported within the housing and is configured to retain litter and allow an animal to enter and exit to eliminate waste.Claim 47. The litter device of Claim 45 or 46, wherein a rotational axis of the chamber extends through the rear opening.Claim 48. The litter device of any of Claims 45 to 47, wherein the rear opening is at least partially covered by a rear cover (e.g., limiting wall).Claim 49. A litter dispenser, litter device, and / or method incorporating any of the teachings of the present application.Claim 50. A litter dispenser, litter device, or both substantially as shown in one or more figures and as described.

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