Chamber assembly for a litter device

Abstract

The present teachings relate to a chamber assembly (22) of a litter device (10), including: a) an upper chamber (26) having a waste opening (28); b) a lower chamber (32) affixed to the upper chamber (26), the lower chamber (32) including: i) an intermediate portion (32a) affixed to the upper chamber (26) and open at both ends; ii) a bottom portion (32b) separate from and affixed to the intermediate portion (32a) opposite the upper chamber (26); and c) a liner (36) affixed to the lower chamber (32) between both the intermediate portion (32a) and the bottom portion (32b), wherein the liner (36) is flexible. The present teachings relate to a septum (38) useful for integration with a chamber assembly (22) for sifting through litter, separating waste, and guiding the waste toward a waste opening (28) while occupying a reduced area within the chamber assembly (22).

Description

Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOCHAMBER ASSEMBLY FOR A LITTER DEVICE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 760,272 filed on February 19, 2025, 63 / 762,982 filed on February 25, 2025, and 63 / 897,175 filed on October 10, 2025, and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an interior chamber (e.g., chamber assembly) of a litter device. The chamber assembly may be particularly useful for rotating within a housing of a litter device for separating waste from clean litter.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 arc 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; and 9,433,185; US Publication No: 2019 / 0364840; and PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849A1 and WO 2023 / 212686; which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety' and can be modified to include any of the features described herein.

[0004] These litter boxes provide practical solutions in integrating a rotating chamber into the litter device. There is a continued need to simplify assembly for expanding mass commercialization efforts. There is also a need to reduce material to reduce cost.

[0005] These litter boxes continue to improve upon interior space. There is a continued need to provide a greater interior space for an animal to comfortably move around to eliminate waste without contacting the interior surfaces of the chamber. This is a continued need to maintain or decrease the overall exterior size of a litter device.

[0006] There is a continued need to better utilize interior space of a waste receptacle. During a cleaning cycle, waste may tend to accumulate in a concentrated region within the waste receptacle leaving available space to be filled.

[0007] There is a continued need to reduce dust and debris generated during a cleaning cycle when sifting through a litter bed may occur.SUMMARY

[0008] The present teachings may provide for a septum for sifting and guiding waste material from a litter comprising: a) a chute portion having a chute, wherein the chute is configured to guide the waste material; and b) a sifting portion connected to the chute portion, wherein the sifting portion includes: i) a lead section configured to first contact the litter and the waste material; ii) a sieve section having a plurality' of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter; and iii) a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the chute portion.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0009] The present teachings may provide for a septum for sifting and guiding waste material from a litter comprising: a) a chute portion having a support surface and a chute, wherein the chute includes one or more ramped surfaces angled away from the support surface and configured to guide the waste material away from the septum; and b) a sifting portion connected to the chute portion, wherein the sifting portion includes: i) a lead section configmed to first contact the litter and the waste material; wherein the lead section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion, and wherein the lead section is a substantially solid surface; ii) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter, wherein the sieve section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion; iii) a guide section configmed to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the chute portion; iv) one or more spacers part of the lead section and which are formed at or adjacent to a leading edge of the lead section and which project from an outward facing surface in similar direction as the chute; c) a ramp betw een the chute portion and the sifting portion with an angle of repose of about 130 degrees to about 150 degrees; and wherein the sifting portion is angled relative the support surface of the chute portion such at an angle of about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees.

[0010] The present teachings provide a chamber of a litter device comprising: a) an upper chamber having a waste opening; b) a lower chamber affixed to the upper chamber, the lower chamber including: i) an intermediate portion affixed to the upper chamber and open at both ends; ii) a bottom portion separate from and affixed to the intermediate portion opposite the upper chamber; and c) a liner affixed to the lower chamber between both the intermediate portion and the bottom portion, wherein the liner is flexible.

[0011] The present teachings may be beneficial in providing a septum which occupies less space within the interior of the chamber. The septum may be free of a funnel portion, funnel, or both while having a chute portion with a chute. The lack of a fuimel portion may allow for a septum to occupy less space and provide from head room within the chamber. As the chute is not fully enclosed like a funnel, the septum may include a ramp suitable for slowing down waste before transferring to the chute. The ramp may also aid in more uniformly distributing waste within a waste receptacle. As septum may be smaller, the septum may even be free of a hinge. The septum overall may provide for simplicity' in manufacturing and installation all while providing improved effectiveness in sifting and guiding waste out of the chamber and also providing for low litter dust generation through a cleaning cycle.

[0012] The present teachings may be beneficial in providing a chamber with less material by providing a two-piece lower chamber configured to retain the liner. This may also lower the weight of a litter bed and provide for easier rotation of the chamber and / or less mass for a motor to rotate. A two-piece lower chamber may allow for smaller liner relative to an overall size of the chamber.

[0013] The present teachings may be beneficial in providing a chamber configured to cooperate with a septum and allow for a septum to be configured with a chute and smaller than typical septums, thus increasing headspace within the chamber. The upper chamber may include one or more evacuation surfaces configured to direct waste into the waste opening. The upper chamber may include a fill guide configure to deflect and direct clean litter from a litter dispenser into the chamber.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a litter device.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a chamber.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a chamber.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a chamber.

[0018] FIG. 5 is another rear perspective view of a chamber.

[0019] FIG. 6 is another rear perspective view of a chamber.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a chamber.

[0021] FIG. 8 A is a front perspective view of an upper chamber.

[0022] FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of an upper chamber.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a close-up cross-section through a rear of an upper chamber.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an intermediate portion of a lower chamber.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of an intermediate portion of a lower chamber.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a bottom portion of a lower chamber.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of a bottom portion of a lower chamber.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a liner.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a bottom perspective view of a liner.

[0030] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a liner and liner ring.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a track.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a front view of a chamber.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of a septum.

[0034] FIG. 20 is a rear view of a septum.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of a septum.

[0036] FIG. 22 is a top view of a septum.

[0037] FIG. 23 is a front view of a chamber in a emptying position.

[0038] FIG. 24 is a front view of a septum in an emptying position.

[0039] FIG. 25 is a rear view of a septum.

[0040] FIG. 26 is a front view of a septan.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] 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.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0042] The present teachings relate to a litter device. A litter device may be an automated litter device. The litter device may function to retain litter, separate used litter from unused litter, collect animal waste, remove animal waste, divide animal waste from litter, temporarily store animal waste, the like, or any combination thereof. The litter device may have the ability to replace used litter with unused litter. The litter device may include a base, chamber assembly, bonnet, waste receptacle, bezel, one or more accessories, one or more sensors, a filtering system, a litter dispenser, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0043] The litter device may be beneficial for use by one or more domesticated animals. One or more domesticated animals may include one or more cats, rabbits, ferrets, pigs, dogs, ducks, goats, foxes, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and dogs may be common household pets which are easily trainable to use a litter device to eliminate waste therein.

[0044] The litter device may be compatible with one or more types of litter. One or more types of litter may include clumping clay, non-clumping clay, silica gel crystals, recycled paper, pine, corn wheat, walnut shells, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The litter device may include a housing. The housing may function not support, enclose, protect, and / or aesthetically conceal one or more components of the litter device. The housing may house and / or support one or more chambers, drive mechanisms, waste receptacles, electronics, sensors, filters, the like, or any combination thereof. The housing may at least partially enclose a chamber assembly. The housing may include a base, bomiet, the like, or a combination thereof. The housing may include or be affixed to a bezel. The housing may include one or more openings, vents, filters, access panels, fasteners, and / or structural reinforcements. The housing may be configured to cooperate with the chamber assembly such that the chamber assembly is rotatable relative to at least a portion of the housing (e.g., base, bonnet) during cleaning cycle while the housing remains substantially static.

[0046] The housing may be made of one or more materials. The one or more materials may be suitable for retaining the weight of the chamber assembly, other interior components, litter, litter dispenser, and one or more other interior components. The one or more materials of the housing may include one or more rigid materials. One or more materials may include one or more plastics, composites, metals, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0047] The litter device may include a base. The base may function to rest on a surface, support a chamber assembly, house a waste receptacle, house one or more electrical components, the like, or any combination thereof. The base may have any size and shape so that the base may support the chamber, house a waste drawer, and / or house one or more components of the litter device. The base may rotatably support the chamber. The base may cooperate (e.g., support, house) with one or more drive mechanisms for rotatably supporting the chamber. The base may allow the chamber to rotate during one or more cleaning cycles. The base may be configured to rest on a surface. A surface may be any suitable surface for having a litter device resting thereon. The surface may be a floor, table, platform, substantially planar surface, or any combination thereof. The base may include one or more base frames, waste drawers, drawer cavities, chamber supports, steps, electrical components, ports, filters, drive sources, rotating members, the like, or any combination thereof.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0048] The litter device may include a bonnet. The bonnet may function to cover a track, cover a waste opening, provide an aesthetically appealing exterior, protect against one or more pinch points or contact points with one or more moving components, prevent contaminants (e.g., liquid, dust, fur, etc.) from entering into the device (e.g., such as between the track and drive source), or a combination thereof. The bonnet may partially or fully cover a track, waste opening, or both while the chamber is in home position (e.g., resting position), during a cleaning cycle, in an emptying position, or any combination thereof. The bonnet may be static, mobile, or both relative to the chamber when the chamber rotates. The bonnet being static relative to the chamber may allow for the bonnet to continuously cover the track, waste opening, pinch points, or a combination thereof while the chamber is in motion. The bonnet may have any suitable shape and / or size for covering and / or concealing a track, waste opening, or both; being located over and / or about at least a portion of a chamber; or any combination thereof. The bonnet may have a shape substantially reciprocal with the contour of a chamber, upper chamber, lower chamber, or a combination thereof. For example, the bonnet may have a shape which is substantially hemispherical. The bonnet may be affixed to a base, bezel, litter dispenser, or a combination thereof. The bonnet may be free of attachment to the chamber assembly such as to allow movement of the chamber assembly relative thereto. The bonnet may be permanently and / or removably affixed to a base, base frame, bezel, litter dispenser, or a combination thereof. The bonnet may be pivotably engaged with the base, base frame, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The litter device may include a bezel. The bezel may function to define the entry opening; provide an aesthetic appearance of a front of the litter device; maintain litter within the chamber: seal off one or more joints along the front of the device from litter, debris, urine, and / or the like; seal off any pinch points at and / or around the entry opening; house one or more sensing devices, control panels, user interfaces, controllers, and / or the like; or any combination thereof. The bezel may have any shape, size, and / or form such the bezel may provide a barrier for litter and / or other waste remnants while not interfering with entry' and egress of an animal from the chamber. The bezel may have any size and / or shape for defining and / or encircling an entry opening. The bezel may have a shape that is reciprocal, similar to, and / or same as the entry opening. The bezel may form part of the entry opening. The bezel may have a substantially circular and / or ovular cross-sectional shape with an opening formed therein. The opening may define at least a portion of the entry opening and may have similar and / or same dimensions as suitable for the entry opening. The bezel may have a shape and size configured to conceal one or more rims, edges, seams, and / or transitions of a bonnet, base, chamber, or a combination thereof. The bezel may have a shape and size configured to conceal the space between a chamber and bonnet, chamber and base, or both. The bezel may house, support, and / or retain one or more electronic components, such as one or more sensing devices, user interfaces, controllers, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0050] The litter device may include a waste receptacle. The waste receptacle may' function to collect waste, temporarily' store waste, prevent malodors related to waste from exiting the litter device, or any combination thereof. The waste receptacle may have any shape and / or size suitable for collecting and temporarily storing waste. The waste receptacle may' be located within a base, within a drawer cavity, between a chamber support and a bottom of a base, between a base and the chamber assembly, or anyFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOcombination thereof. The waste receptacle, or portions thereof, may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal, cylindrical, cuboidal, conical, pyramidical, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, a waste receptacle may have a shape which is substantially cuboidal and hollow. The waste receptacle may be referred to as a waste drawer. The waste receptacle may be removably located within the base (e.g.. slidable). The waste receptacle may include a waste bin, drawer front, step, handle, or any combination thereof. A drawer front may form all or a portion of an outward-facing surface (e.g., frontfacing, same side as an entry opening) of the base. During the cleaning cycle, the chamber assembly may come into fluid communication with the waste receptacle via a waste opening. During a cleaning cycle, a waste opening of a chamber assembly may rotate such that it is aligned with, positioned above, and / or both with the opening of the base.

[0051] The litter device may include a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may function to rotate a chamber assembly, drive a track, or both; produce movement during a cleaning cycle; or a combination thereof. The drive mechanism may be any suitable mechanism for rotating and / or engaging with a chamber, track, or both. The drive mechanism may be engaged, in rotational communication, or both with the track. The drive mechanism may include one or more cogs, pulleys, sprockets, gears, belts, direct drives, motors, drive shafts, the like, or any combination thereof. The drive mechanism may include a drive source. The drive source may convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. The drive source may be configured to be in electrical communication with a power source. A drive source may be a motor or other power source. 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 transfer or produce torque in a drive shaft. The drive source may include a drive shaft. The drive shaft may receive torque from the drive source, output torque, or both. The drive shaft may be in communication with the drive source. The drive shaft may be rotationally affixed to the drive source. The drive source, drive shaft, or both may be in rotational communication with one or more gears. The drive source, drive shaft, or both may transfer torque and / or drive one or more gears. The one or more gears may be configured to engage and / or mate with a track. The one or more gears may transfer torque, drive, or both a track. The drive mechanism may be partially or completely located within a base.

[0052] The litter device may include a litter dispenser. The litter dispenser may function to store, dispense, replenish, and / or deliver unused (e.g.. clean, fresh) litter into a chamber assembly of the litter device. The litter dispenser may be beneficial in automatically maintain an appropriate litter bend depth, reducing user intervention, improving cleanliness, enhancing overall automatic operation of the litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. The litter dispenser may automatically deliver litter into the chamber assembly after initial set up. after one or more cleaning cycles, at a certain litter level detected in the chamber assembly, periodically, on demand, the like, or any combination thereof. The litter dispenser may be in fluid communication with the chamber assembly via a litter opening, litter chute, fill flange, litter guide, the like, or a combination thereof. The litter dispenser may include a litter storage region. A litter storage region may include a hopper, reservoir, cartridge, container, and / or the like configured to retain a quantity of unused litter. The litter dispenser may include one or more dispensing features. One or more dispensing featuresFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOmay include a rotating member, gate, door, auger, valve, gravity-fed opening, actuator, the like, or a combination thereof. The litter dispenser may be in electrical communication with a controller of the litter device. The litter dispenser may automatically dispense litter in response to a control signal, sensed condition, user input, a cleaning cycle, litter level determination, the like, or any combination thereof. The litter dispenser may be located above, behind, adjacent to. or partially within the chamber assembly, bonnet, base, and / or the like.

[0053] The litter device may include features as disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849, WO 2022 / 087531, and WO 2023 / 212686 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, the litter device may include a base, bonnet, bezel, waste receptacle, drive mechanism, and / or the like substantially similar or including features as taught in these disclosures.

[0054] The present teachings may relate to a chamber assembly. The chamber assembly may function to house clean litter; provide a space for an animal to enter and excrete waste; separate used litter from clean litter; facilitate transfer of waste out of the chamber assembly during a cleaning cycle; or a combination thereof. A chamber assembly may function to rotate during a cleaning cycle. A chamber assembly may be suitable for integration into a litter device, such as the litter device of the present teachings. A chamber assembly may be located within a litter device. A chamber assembly may be rotatably supported by a base. A chamber assembly may be partially concealed by a bonnet or free of concealment by a bonnet. A chamber assembly may be driven by a drive mechanism. A chamber assembly may include a chamber (e.g., upper chamber, lower chamber), liner, track, septum, chute, filtering system(s), the like, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The chamber assembly may include a chamber. A chamber may function to house clean litter, form a shell or housing of a chamber assembly, provide the main structural body of a chamber assembly, to support one or more other components of the chamber assembly, the like, or a combination thereof. The chamber may function as the portion of the chamber assembly into which an animal may enter and excrete waste. The chamber may function as the portion of the chamber assembly which houses clean litter, such as in the fonn of a litter bed. The chamber may function as the portion of the chamber assembly which temporarily houses used litter until removed therefrom during a cleaning cycle. The chamber may have any size and / or shape which is able to retain sufficient litter for an animal to use during waste elimination, allow for an animal to comfortably use the litter box, facilitate collection and / or clumping of waste, the like, or a combination thereof. The chamber may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal. cylindrical, cuboidal, conical, pyramidical, the like, or any combination thereof. A shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal, cylindrical, and / or the like may be beneficial in providing for rotation of the chamber during a cleaning cycle, promoting smooth movement of litter and waste, reducing areas where litter and / or waste may accumulate within an interior, avoiding litter and / or waste from collecting along one or more vertices, or a combination thereof. For example, the chamber may be shaped like a globe, sphere, football, egg, the like, or a combination thereof. A chamber may include an entry opening, waste opening, one or more other openings, the like, or any combination thereof. The chamber may be located under and / or partially enclosed by a bonnet. The chamber may be located between a base and bonnet. The chamber itself may be free of contact with the bonnet, the base, the bezel, or a combination thereof. TheFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOchamber may rest upon one or more bearings (e.g., roller bearings) or other rotation aids, to support rotational movement.

[0056] The chamber may have a hollow interior. A hollow interior may provide the space which retains a litter bed, into which an animal enters to eliminate waste, or both. A hollow interior may accommodate one or more septums, liner, litter, and / or the like. The chamber may have a size which is able to accommodate one or more animals which are about 1 kg or greater, about 2 kg or greater, about 4 kg or greater, about 8 kg or greater, or even about 10 kg or greater. The chamber may have a size which is able to accommodate one or more animals which are about 30 kg or less, about 25 kg or less, about 20 kg or less, or even about 15 kg or less. The hollow interior may form a volume of the chamber. The volume of the chamber may be about 16.000 cm3or greater, about 32,500 cm3or greater, or even about 65,000 cm3or greater. The volume of the chamber may be about 150.000 cm3or less, about 100.000 cm3or less, about 85,000 cm3or less, or even about 75,000 cm3or less. The chamber may have a volume that is usable by an animal which can fit through an entry opening. The usable volume may be any volume such that the chamber may be used by an animal to excrete waste. The usable volume may be any volume such that an animal can enter, turn, and move around within the chamber. The volume of the chamber may be the usable volume, the total volume, or both. The usable volume may be the volume within the hollow interior of the chamber minus the volume occupied by litter and any components internally located within the chamber. The total volume may be the actual volume of the hollow interior of the chamber.

[0057] The chamber may be rotatable. The chamber may be rotatable during a cleaning cycle. Rotation may be beneficial as it may provide for the septum sifting through a litter bed retained within the chamber assembly, for separation of waste and / or used litter from clean litter, disposing of used litter and / or waste, or a combination thereof. The chamber may be supported by and / or rest on a base. The chamber may be rotatably supported by a base. The chamber may be rotated by a drive mechanism, a rotation device, or both. For example, a drive source may drive a track that is part of the chamber assembly.

[0058] The chamber may include an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may function as the relative axis about which the chamber assembly rotates during one or more cleaning cycles. The axis of rotation may have any orientation such that the usable volume of a chamber is increased; the litter relative to the chamber assembly has a generally conical rotation; litter is funneled toward a rear of the chamber assembly (e.g., away from the front opening), toward and through a septum, or both; a larger entry opening may be used without litter spilling therefrom; a septum can be located further back in the chamber to create more internal space; or any combination thereof. The axis of rotation of the chamber may form an angle with a vertical plane, horizontal plane, or both. A vertical plane may be substantially in the direction of gravity, parallel to gravity, or both. A horizontal plane may be substantially perpendicular to a direction of gravity, parallel to a surface upon which the litter device rests, or both. The axis of rotation of the chamber may form any angle with a vertical plane, horizontal plane, or both such that one or more of the teachings herein are achieved. The axis of rotation may form an angle of about 88 degrees or less, about 85 degrees or less, about 80 degrees or less, about 75 degrees or less, or even about 70 degrees or less with a vertical plane. The axis of rotation may form an angle of about 40 degrees or greater, about 45 degrees or greater, about 50 degrees orFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOgreater, about 55 degrees or greater, about 60 degrees or greater, or even about 65 degrees or greater with a vertical plane. The axis of rotation may form an angle of about 40 degrees to about 88 degrees, of about 55 degrees to about 80 degrees, of about 40 degrees to about 85 degrees, or even about 60 degrees to about 75 degrees with a vertical plane. The axis of rotation may form an angle with the horizontal plane that is complementary to the angle relative to the vertical plane. The axis of rotation may extend from a rear toward a front of the chamber assembly. The axis of rotation may extend through an entry opening, a litter fill opening, a rear cover, the like, or a combination thereof. The axis of rotation may be substantially concentric or offset (e.g., off-center) with an entry opening, litter refill opening, rear cover, the like, or a combination thereof. The angle of the axis of rotation may funnel clumps of waste and / or litter, waste, or both toward a common location. The common location may be located toward a rear, bottom, or both of the chamber. The common location may be a septum, screen, waste opening, waste receptacle, or any combination thereof. The axis of rotation may allow for a single waste opening to be used, waste to be funneled toward the waste opening, waste to transfer from the waste opening to a waste bin or receptacle, or any combination thereof.

[0059] The axis of rotation being at an angle along with the frictional characteristics of the litter may result in a litter bed with an angle of repose. The angle of repose may function such that litter is angled away from an entry' opening, litter is prevented from spilling from an entry opening, an entry' opening may be as large as possible while keeping litter within the chamber assembly, or any combination thereof. The angle of the litter bed may be oriented such that the litter is angled away from an entry' opening. Angled away from an entry' opening may mean that a depth of the litter proximate to an entry opening is smaller than a depth of the litter more distant from the entry opening (e.g., the litter depth increases as the distance of the litter increases from the entry opening). The angle of the litter bed may be any angle such that the ability of an animal to accidentally move litter outside of the entry opening is reduced compared to a litter bed that is free of an angle. Free of an angle may mean about perpendicular to the vertical plane, parallel to the horizontal plane, or both. The angle of the litter bed may form an angle that is about 89 degrees or less, about 88 degrees or less, about 87 degrees or less, or even about 85 degrees or less with the vertical plane. The angle of the litter bed may form an angle that is about 70 degrees or greater, about 75 degrees or greater, or even about 80 degrees or greater with the vertical plane. For example, the angle of the litter bed may be about 75 degrees to about 88 degrees, or even about 80 degrees to about 87 degrees with the vertical plane. The litter bed may rest on any surface of the chamber assembly. The litter bed may normally rest on the liner when the chamber is at a resting or home position.

[0060] The chamber includes an entry' opening. The entry opening allows for one or more animals to comfortably enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be any size and shape so that one or more animals may enter and exit the chamber. The entry opening may be any size and shape such that during entry, use, and / or exiting by an animal; during one or more cleaning cycles; or any combination thereof litter is substantially maintained within the chamber. The entry opening may have a profile shape and / or cross-section which is substantially' circular, ovular, elliptical, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus-shaped, the like, or any combination thereof. The profile shape may be defined as a shape looking at an opening plane straight on, perpendicular, or both. The entry' opening may have a profile shape whichFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOis symmetrical, non-symmetrical, or both. An entry opening which is circular, ovular, or the like may offer a more comfortable and larger entry area, may avoid sharp vertices that may scratch an animal, may avoid sharp vertices which may catch litter upon exit of the animal from the chamber, or a combination thereof. The entry opening may be fonned by cooperation of an upper chamber and lower chamber. The entry opening may be formed by opposing rims of the upper chamber and lower chamber that together define an opening into the chamber. A rim of the upper chamber may abut to a rim of a lower chamber to form the entry opening. For example, two ends of an arcuate rim of the upper chamber may abut to two ends of an arcuate rim of the lower chamber to form the entry opening.

[0061] The chamber may include an upper chamber and a lower chamber (e.g., intermediate portion, bottom portion). The upper chamber and lower chamber may cooperate together to define the interior volume of the chamber assembly, form the overall shape of the chamber, form the outer shell of the chamber assembly, support one or more internal components, or a combination thereof. The upper chamber and lower chamber may cooperate together to form an entry opening of the chamber. The upper chamber and lower chamber may cooperate together to structurally close the chamber assembly about the interior volume.

[0062] The chamber may include an upper chamber. The upper chamber may function to define a portion of the outer shell of the chamber, define an upper region of the interior volume, form an upper surface of the chamber, or a combination thereof. The upper chamber may function to provide structural support, define a waste opening, cooperate with other components to guide waste during a cleaning cycle, the like, or a combination thereof. The upper chamber may cooperate together with the lower chamber to form the chamber. The upper chamber may form about 25% of the chamber or greater, about 35% of the chamber or greater, or even about 50% of the chamber or greater. The upper chamber may mate together with the lower chamber to form the overall shape of the chamber. The upper chamber may have a shape which is suitable for and forms part of the shape of the chamber. For example, the upper chamber may have a shape which is partially spherical, hemispherical, semi-ovoidal, semi-ellipsoidal, the like, or a combination thereof. The upper chamber may have a shape which is substantially hemispherical, spherical-band-like, or both. The upper chamber may include one or more openings, cutouts, indentations, and / or the like. The upper chamber may include one or more openings therethrough which cooperate with one or more attachment features, for example those of a septum. The upper chamber may include a front cutout which defines a portion of an entry opening. The front cutout may be substantially arcuate (e.g., half circular). The front cutout may be defined by a rim (e.g., front rim, opening rim) of the upper chamber. A bottom of the upper chamber may be defined by a bottom edge. The bottom edge may define an interface region of the upper chamber with the lower chamber. The bottom edge may extend about at least a portion of the perimeter of the upper chamber. The upper chamber may be formed as a single-piece or multi-piece component. For example, the upper chamber may be formed as a one-piece component. The upper chamber may be molded as a one-piece component. The upper chamber may include one or more waste openings, evacuation surfaces, handles, edges, rims, receiving channels, litter openings, fill flanges, fill guides, fill gaps, the like, or any combination thereof.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0063] The upper chamber may include one or more evacuation surfaces. One or more evacuation surfaces may function to guide waste toward the waste opening, cooperate with one or more septums, form a funnel with a portion (e.g., chute portion) of a septum, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more evacuation surfaces may be located in proximity to a waste opening, septum, or both. The one or more evacuation surfaces may be located (e.g. formed on) an interior surface of the upper chamber. The one or more evacuation surfaces may also be formed on the exterior surface of the upper chamber. In other words, while the outer and inner contour of the upper chamber may be generally curved to follow the shape of the chamber, the evacuation surfaces may provide a localized area of difference in contour or even substantially planar surfaces. The one or more evacuation surfaces may be located adjacent to a waste opening. The one or more evacuation may be formed on a side of the waste opening further from a longitudinal plane of the chamber than other sides of the waste opening. The one or more evacuation surfaces may be located opposite and / or adjacent to a chute of a septum when the septum is installed within the chamber (e.g., affixed to the upper chamber). The one or more evacuation surfaces together with a chute of a septum may form a funnel. The funnel may be for directing waste through the waste opening. The one or more evacuation surfaces may be contoured, tapered, angled, planar, curved, the like, and / or otherwise shaped to direct waste toward a waste opening under the influence of gravity during rotation of the chamber assembly. The one or more evacuation surfaces may comprise a change in contour of the chamber relative to the general overall curvature of the chamber. The change in contour may form a ramp-like surface oriented at a sharper angle toward the waste opening. The one or more evacuation surfaces may collectively form a partial funnel geometry integrated into the upper chamber itself. Integrating the evacuation surface(s) into the upper chamber may be beneficial in reducing the size and material requirements of other components, such as the septum, while increasing usable interior space of the chamber. Integration of the evacuation surface(s) into the upper chamber may allow for the septum to be optimized primarily for sifting and waste guidance while increasing the usable interior space (e.g., headspace) of the chamber. Forming the evacuation surfaces as part of the upper chamber may further simplify manufacturing of the septum and ease installation of the septum within the chamber assembly with minimal impact to the formation and assembly of the upper chamber itself. Integration of the evacuation surface(s) may be feasible due to the ramp formed into the septum, improved centering of waste relative to and through the waste opening and / or improved delivery of waste into the waste receptacle (e.g., more centered), or any combination thereof. The evacuation surfaces may be substantially similar to the shape and / or function of at least part of the funnel portion of a septum disclosed in WO 2023 / 212686 published on November 2, 2023 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety7. But as opposed to being integrated into a separate septum, the evacuation surface(s) may be integrated into the upper chamber.

[0064] The chamber includes one or more waste openings. The one or more waste openings may function to allow waste, used litter, or both to transfer from the chamber into the base, a waste receptacle, or both. The waste opening may be at any location in the chamber suitable so that the waste, used litter, or both may transfer from the chamber into a waste receptacle. The waste opening may be at any location in the chamber that aligns with the waste receptacle (e.g., a top opening of a waste receptacle) during a cleaning cycle, mayFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WObe off-set from the waste receptacle while in a home position, may be generally opposite the waste receptacle while in a home position, or a combination thereof. The waste opening may be formed as an aperture in an upper chamber, lower chamber, or both. For example, the waste opening may be formed as an aperture in the upper chamber such that it resides substantially opposite or slightly offset from generally opposite the waste receptacle while the chamber is in a home position. The waste opening may have any shape suitable for allowing waste to quickly transfer from the chamber to the waste drawer during a cleaning cycle. The waste opening may have a cross-sectional shape which is substantially circular, ovular, square, arcuate-square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof. The waste opening may have a shape which is reciprocal with a cross-sectional shape of the waste receptacle, such as the top opening of the waste receptacle. The waste opening may be located partially or completely on one side of a longitudinal plane of the litter device, chamber assembly, and / or chamber. The longitudinal plane may intersect the rotational axis, vertical plane, horizontal plane, or a combination thereof. The rotational axis, vertical plane, or both may be parallel to, lie within, or both relative to the longitudinal plane. The horizontal plane may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane may divide the litter device, chamber assembly, and / or chamber into side halves. The side halves may be substantially symmetrical and / or mirrored about the longitudinal plane. Substantially symmetrical may still allow for certain features to be only located on one side of the device, such as a waste opening. A center of the waste opening may be offset from the longitudinal axis by an angle. A center of the waste opening may be angled from the longitudinal plane by about 0° or more, about 5° or more, about 10° or more, about 15° or more, or even about 20° or more. Acenter of the waste opening may be angled from the longitudinal plane by about 45° or less, about 35° or less, about 30° or less, or even about 25° or less. The angle may be measured when a chamber is in a home position. The waste opening may be located on one or more sides of a track. The waste opening may be located between an entry opening and a track. The waste opening, while the chamber is in a home position, may not overlap with the waste bin. The waste opening, during a cleaning cycle, may substantially align, overlap, or both with a waste bin. The waste opening, during a cleaning cycle, may be rotated about the rotational axis. The waste opening, during a cleaning cycle, may rotate from a home position to an emptying position, back to a home position, any position therebetween, or a combination thereof. The emptying position may be when the chamber is rotated such that the waste opening is located adjacent to. overlapping with, directly above, substantially centered with, or a combination thereof the waste receptacle. The waste opening, during a cleaning cycle, may rotate by an angle of about 130° or greater, about 145° or greater, about 150° or greater, about 155° or greater, or even about 160° or greater to an emptying position. The waste opening, during a cleaning cycle, may rotate by an angle of about 230° or less, about 220° or less, about 200° or less, or even about 180° or less to an emptying position. The waste opening may rotate a complete revolution (e.g., 360°) from the start of a cleaning cycle to the end of a cleaning cycle.

[0065] The upper chamber may include a handle. The handle may function to facilitate handling of a chamber assembly. The handle may function to allow a user to manually rotate a chamber assembly, remove a chamber assembly (e.g., lift the chamber assembly off a base), and / or otherwise manipulate a chamberFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOassembly. The handle may be formed as a depression, a protuberance, or both. The handle may be formed as an indentation. An indentation of the handle may be referred to as a handle recess or simply as a recess. The handle may include a grip portion. A grip portion may facilitate easier gripping of the handle by a user. A grip portion may extend across the handle recess. The grip portion may have a width smaller than the handle recess such as to provide for a gap on either side of the handle portion. The gap(s) may provide space for a user’s fingers. The grip portion may generally not protrude above the exterior surface of the upper chamber, may have an outward facing surface which may be flush with or may be below the exterior surface of the chamber, or both. In this manner, the grip portion may not interfere with any other components, such as the housing, during rotation of the chamber during a cleaning cycle. The handle may be located adjacent to, distanced from, or both relative to a waste opening. The handle may be located partially or completely on one side of a longitudinal plane of the litter device, chamber assembly, and / or chamber. The handle may be located generally opposite the waste opening relative to a longitudinal plane. A center of the handle may be offset from the longitudinal axis by an angle. A center of the handle may be angled from the longitudinal plane by about 0° or more, about 3° or more, about 5° or more, about 10° or more, or even about 15° or more. A center of the handle may be angled from the longitudinal plane by about 45° or less, about 35° or less, about 30° or less, about 25°, or even about 20° or less. The angle may be measured when a chamber is in a home position.

[0066] The upper chamber may include one or more litter openings. The litter opening may function to allow unused (e.g., fresh, clean) litter to be introduced into the chamber; cooperate with a litter dispenser, a chute, and / or another litter delivery component; the like, or any combination thereof. The litter opening may be formed as an opening in the upper chamber. The litter opening may be formed at a rear, at one or more sides, or anywhere therebetween. The litter opening may be formed at a rear portion of the upper chamber generally opposite an entry opening formed by the upper chamber. The litter opening may be concentric with, or off set from, a rotational axis of the chamber. Being concentric with the rotational axis may allow for a static opening with which a litter dispenser may cooperate with, allow for the litter to be introduced into the chamber in a predictable and repeatable manner during rotation, or both. The litter opening may be defined by a fill flange. The fill flange may be formed as a projecting flange. The flange may project outward, away from a rear of the chamber, away from a hollow interior of the chamber, or any combination thereof. The fill flange may extend outward from an exterior surface of the upper chamber. The fill flange may define a perimeter of the litter opening. The fill flange may be rotatably supported on a portion of a housing, such as a base. The fill flange may rotate on the housing during a cleaning cycle. The fill flange may be integral with and rotate together with the upper chamber during a cleaning cycle. The fill flange may have an exterior shape to allow for smooth rotation. The fill flange may have an exterior peripheral shape or cross-sectional shape substantially similar to that of the chamber, track, or both. The fill flange may have an exterior peripheral shape or cross-sectional shape which is substantially circular, ovular, elliptical, the like, or a combination thereof. The fill flange may form a portion of a bottom edge of the upper chamber. The fill flange may represent a localized change in contour of the upper chamber relative to the surrounding surface. The fill flange may interrupt a receiving channel formed along a bottom edgeFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOof the chamber. In other words, the receiving channel may extend along opposing side segments of the bottom edge of the upper chamber, while the fill flange is positioned between the side segments. The receiving channel may be discontinuous at the location of the fill flange and / or litter opening. The litter opening may be configured to receive, engage with, or be received by a chute, conduit, or portion of a litter dispenser. The fill flange and / or litter opening may cooperate with one or more fill guides and / or fill gaps to direct litter into the chamber while reducing spillage, interference with other components, and / or disruption of waste handling features.

[0067] The upper chamber may include a fill guide. A fill guide may function to control, direct, deflect, and / or regulate introduction of unused litter into the chamber; prevent waste, litter, and / or debris from entering a litter opening during use of the chamber by an animal; or any combination thereof. The fill guide may limit exposure of the litter opening to an interior of the chamber. The fill guide may be configured to block urine, feces, and / or litter debris from entering the litter opening, such as when kicked or splashed by an animal. The fill guide may be configured to deflect litter from a litter opening through a fill gap, downward into the chamber, or both. The fill guide may be configured to cooperate with a litter chute, litter dispenser, fill flange, or a combination thereof. The fill guide may be opposite an entry opening, fill flange, or both. The fill guide may be located between an entry opening and fill flange. The fill guide may be formed as part of the main surface, a wall, a barrier, or another surface of the upper chamber. The fill guide may be a wall, such as a barrier wall part of the upper chamber surface. The fill guide may be affixed to or integral with the upper chamber. The fill guide may be part of a rear surface of the upper chamber. The fill guide may be located adjacent to, in front of, above, and / or partially over a litter opening formed in the upper chamber. The fill guide may be spaced from at least a portion of the fill flange to define a fill gap formed therebetween. The fill gap may function as a passage through which litter passes into the chamber after being received through the litter opening. The fill guide and the fill flange may be integrally formed for at least a portion of their respective geometries and may diverge at an angle to define a fill gap. From a side view and / or cross-section through a longitudinal plane, the fill flange and the fill guide may be joined along an upper portion and separate toward a lower portion. A rear surface of the fill guide may be angled relative to a front surface of the fill flange at an acute angle. The acute angle may be about 1 degree or greater, about 3 degrees or greater, or even about 5 degrees or greater. The acute angle may be about 20 degrees or less, about 15 degrees or less, or even about 10 degrees or less. The fill guide and fill gap may cooperate to allow litter to be received through the litter opening and directed downward into the chamber. Forming the fill guide as part of the upper chamber, as opposed to part of the septum, may allow for reducing the size and complexity of the septum, increasing usable interior space within the chamber, simplifying manufacture of the septum, and / or easing installation of the septum within the chamber. Separating fillguiding functionality from the septum may allow for the septum to be optimized primarily for sifting and waste guidance while the fill guide may maintain effective control of litter introduction via the litter opening and fill gap.

[0068] The upper chamber may include a receiving channel. The receiving channel may function to receive, retain, and / or locate a portion of a lower chamber relative to the upper chamber. The receivingFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOchannel may receive, retain, and / or locate an upper edge, rim, and / or flange of a lower chamber, such as that of an intermediate portion. The receiving channel may be beneficial in providing for simplified assembly and alignment of the upper chamber to the lower chamber. The receiving channel may be formed along a bottom edge of the upper chamber. The receiving channel may extend along a portion or substantially an entirety of the bottom edge. The receiving channel may have any size, shape, and / or crosssection suitable for receiving a corresponding edge, rim, and / or flange of the lower chamber. The receiving channel may be configured such that an upper edge, rim, and / or flange of the lower chamber (e.g., intermediate portion) is inserted into, seated within, nested in, or otherwise received by the receiving channel. The receiving channel may cooperate with the lower chamber to align the upper chamber and lower chamber relative to one another, define a joint between the upper chamber and lower chamber, and / or provide structural support to the chamber assembly. The receiving channel may be configured to cooperate with one or more attachment features to affix the upper chamber to the lower chamber (e.g., intermediate portion). One or more attachment features may include one or more fasteners, posts, tabs, openings, bosses, the like, or any combination thereof. The receiving channel may extend along opposing side segments of the bottom edge of the upper chamber and may be interrupted by one or more features, such as a fill flange, litter opening, and / or other contour change. The receiving channel may be discontinuous at a rear portion of the upper chamber where the fill flange is formed. The receiving channel may be discontinuous at a front portion of the chamber where the entry opening is formed. The receiving chamiel may be shaped to substantially follow' a contour of the bottom edge of the chamber. The receiving channel may have a crosssection that is C-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0069] The chamber assembly may include a lower chamber. The lower chamber may function to define a lower portion of an outer shell of the chamber, define a lower region of the interior volume, form a low er surface of the chamber, or a combination thereof. The lower chamber may cooperate with the upper chamber to define the entry opening and interior volume of the chamber. The lower chamber may function to support a liner, a litter bed, a filter, an animal during use of the litter device, or a combination thereof. The lower chamber may cooperate together with the upper chamber to form an overall shape of the chamber. The lower chamber may be affixed to the upper chamber. The lower chamber may form about 25% of the chamber or greater, about 35% of the chamber or greater, or even about 50% of the chamber or greater. The lower chamber may have a shape which is suitable for and forms part of the shape of the chamber. The lower chamber may have a shape which is partially spherical, hemispherical, semi-ovoidal. semi-ellipsoidal, the like, or a combination thereof. The lower chamber may have a shape that is complementary with that of the upper chamber to form the overall shape of the chamber. The lower chamber may include one or more portions. The lower chamber may be formed as a single piece or from multiple pieces. For example, the lower chamber may be formed from two separate portions (e.g., pieces). The lower chamber may include an intermediate portion, a bottom portion, or both. The liner may be captured betw een the intermediate portion and bottom portion. This may be beneficial as opposed to capturing the liner between the upper chamber and lower chamber and / or in closer proximity to a midline of the chamber. This may allow for a smaller liner and / or a liner that is smaller relative to overall chamber size. Forming the lowerFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOchamber from separate portions may be beneficial in reducing material usage, lowering an overall weight of the chamber assembly, simplifying assembly of the liner to the chamber, allowing for a smaller liner, the like, or a combination thereof. The lower chamber may include one or more intermediate portions, bottom portions, filters, the like, or a combination thereof. The lower chamber may include one or more edges, rims, flanges, and / or the like.

[0070] The lower chamber may include an intermediate portion. The intermediate portion may function as a structural band between the upper chamber and the bottom portion of the lower chamber, define a portion of the overall shape and interior volume of the chamber, or both. The intermediate portion may function to support a liner, retain the liner affixed to the chamber, cooperate with an upper chamber to align and assemble the lower chamber to the upper chamber, the like, or a combination thereof. The intermediate portion may have a shape substantially similar to a segment, band, and / or zone of the overall chamber shape. For example, the intermediate portion may have a shape substantially similar to a spherical band, annular ring, and / or ring segment. The intermediate portion may be open at both ends (e.g., both an upper end and a lower end). The intermediate portion may be free of an upper surface and / or bottom surface. In this maimer, the intermediate portion may define a shell-like structure that contributes to the overall geometry (e.g., spherical, ovoid, ellipsoid). The intermediate portion may reduce material usage relative to an enclosed lower chamber. The intermediate portion may form about 5% or greater, about 10% or greater, about 15% or greater, about 20% or greater, or even about 25% or greater of the chamber. The intermediate portion may form about 45% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less, or even about 30% or less of the chamber. The intermediate portion may be affixed to the upper chamber, bottom portion of the lower chamber, liner, the like, or a combination thereof. The intermediate portion may include an upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange. The intermediate portion may include a lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange. The upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange may be configured to be received within, nested in, or otherwise engaged with a receiving channel of the upper chamber. The upper edge, upper rim. and / or upper flange may be secured to the receiving channel via one or more attachment features. The lower edge, lower rim. and / or lower flange may be configured to cooperate with a liner, a bottom portion of the lower chamber, or both. For example, the lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange may be affixed to a liner and / or bottom portion via one or more attachment features. For example, an upper edge of the liner may be captured between the lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange of the intermediate portion and an upper edge, upper rim. and / or upper flange of the bottom portion. In this manner, the intermediate portion may function as part of a clamping or sandwich structure that may retain the liner. The intermediate portion may include a front cutout which defines a portion of an entry opening. The front cutout may be substantially arcuate (e.g.. half circular). The front cutout may be defined by a rim (e.g., front rim, opening rim) of the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion may include one or more channels, recesses, or cradles configured to cooperate with one or more fill features of the upper chamber. The intermediate portion may include a litter opening channel or cradle configured to receive, support, and / or align with a fill flange.

[0071] The lower chamber may include a bottom portion. The bottom portion may function to form a bottom cap of the chamber assembly, define a bottom of the overall shell of the chamber assembly, defineFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOa lower boundary of the interior volume, support a liner, retain one or more filters, the like, or a combination thereof. The bottom portion may cooperate with an intermediate portion to complete a lower chamber. The bottom portion may be affixed to the intermediate portion, opposite the upper chamber, or both. The bottom portion may have a shape substantially similar to a segment, zone, and / or end of the overall chamber shape. The bottom portion may form a bottom of the chamber. The bottom portion may have a shape substantially similar to a spherical cap. hemispherical cap, and / or a terminal portion (e.g.. end) of a sphere, ovoid, and / or ellipsoid. The bottom portion may contribute to a smooth, continuous outer contour of the chamber while enclosing a lower region of the chamber assembly. The bottom portion may form about 5% or greater, about 10% or greater, about 15% or greater, or even about 25% or greater of the chamber. The bottom portion may form about 45% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less, or even about 30% or less of the chamber. The bottom portion may include an upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange. The upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange may be configured to cooperate with the intermediate portion. The upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange may be configured to cooperate with a lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange of the intermediate portion, upper edge of a liner, or any combination thereof. The upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange may be configured to abut against, nest with, or otherwise mate with the lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange of the intermediate portion; upper edge of the liner; or a combination thereof. The bottom portion may be affixed to the intermediate portion via one or more attachment features. The upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange may be affixed to the intermediate portion via one or more attachment features. The bottom portion may cooperate with the intermediate portion to retain a liner. The upper edge of the liner may be captured between the upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange of the bottom portion and tire lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange of the intermediate portion.

[0072] The bottom portion may include a filter cavity. A filter cavity may function to receive and / or house a filter. The filter cavity may be formed as an indentation or recess within the bottom portion. The filter cavity may be recessed relative to the exterior surface of the bottom portion. Being recessed may allow for the filter to be substantially flush with and / or protected by the surrounding surface of the bottom portion.

[0073] The bottom portion may include a filter. The filter may function to reduce malodor, reduce dust, the like, or a combination thereof. The filter may be located within the filter cavity. A filter may be an odorcontrol filter, dust filter, the like, or a combination thereof. A filter may include activated carbon (e.g., charcoal), carbon impregnated foam and / or nonwoven material, zeolite, sodium bicarbonate, antimicrobial or treated media, the like, or a combination thereof. The filter may be provided in a filter casing with one or more filters therein. The filter may be replaceable. The filter or filter casing may be removably affixed to the filter cavity. One or more attachment features may be used to removably affix the filter or filter casing into the filter cavity.

[0074] The chamber assembly may include a liner. The liner may function to retain litter, support waste clumping, protect interior surfaces of the chamber assembly, facilitate cleaning, urge waste away during a cleaning cycle, the like, or a combination thereof. The liner may be flexible. The liner may function to provide a flexible interface between litter (e.g., litter bed) and rigid components of the chamber assemblyFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO(e.g., interior surface of the chamber). The liner may have an overall size (e.g.. surface area) which is about 5% or greater, about 10% or greater, about 15% or greater, about 20% or greater, or even about 25% or greater as compared to the overall size (e.g., surface area) of the chamber. The liner may have an overall size (e.g., surface area) which is about 45% or less, about 40% or less, about 35% or less, or even about 30% or less as compared to the overall size (e.g., surface area) of the chamber, of the chamber or greater, or even about 50% of the chamber or greater. In other words, the liner may have an overall size which may be less than one-half of the overall size of the chamber. A liner may have an overall size substantially equal to. smaller than, or greater than a bottom portion of a lower chamber. The liner may have a shape which is suitable for and forms part of the shape of the chamber. The liner may have a shape which is partially spherical, hemispherical, semi-ovoidal, semi-ellipsoidal, the like, or a combination thereof. The liner may have a shape substantially reciprocal to an interior contour of the lower chamber and / or close off the lower chamber. The liner may form a bottom surface of the chamber assembly and / or may nest within a bottom portion of the lower chamber. The liner may include an upper edge. The upper edge may function as a rim and / or terminal perimeter of the liner. The upper edge may include or function as an attachment flange. The attachment flange may be located about an upper edge and / or a peripheral edge of the liner. The liner may be affixed to the chamber. The liner may be affixed to the lower chamber. The liner may be affixed between both the intermediate portion and the bottom portion. The liner may be affixed via one or more attachment features, compression, or both. An upper edge of the liner may be affixed to a lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange of the intermediate portion; an upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange of the bottom portion, or both. An upper edge of the liner may be sandwiched between opposing edge, rim, and / or flange surfaces of the intermediate portion and the bottom portion. As another example, the liner may be directly affixed to the lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange. In this manner, the liner may be captured and retained without requiring the liner to be permanently bonded to the chamber assembly. The liner may include one or more attachment features. The one or more attachment features may be formed along an upper edge of the liner. One or more attachment features may be configured for cooperating with one or more attachment features of the lower chamber to affix the liner thereto.

[0075] The liner may be formed of one or more liner materials. The one or more materials may be suitable for deforming, such as under the force of gravity, an applied weight, or both. The one or more materials may be flexible. The one or more liner materials may be configured to allow the liner to deform during rotation of the chamber assembly, return toward original shape after rotation, or both. The one or more liner materials may be selected to be non-absorbent, easy to clean, resistant to (e.g., repel) urine and / or other waste, compatible with litter, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more materials may have elasticity similar to that of rubber. The one or more materials may include one or more thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). The one or more materials may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide (TPA), thermoplastic copolyester (TPC), elastomeric polyurethane (EPU), silicone, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more materials may be suitable for over molding about a liner ring. The one or more materials may be suitable for bonding to the liner ring, such as via chemical adhesion.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0076] The liner may include a weight. A weight may function to urge a liner to deform under the influence of gravity, such as during a cleaning cycle. Deformation of the liner, with assistance of the weight, may assist in releasing waste and / or clumped litter from the liner surface. The weight may be located at or near a lowest portion of the liner when the chamber assembly is in a home position. The weight may be located between an outward facing surface of the liner and an inward facing surface of the lower chamber. The weight may be located within a weight cavity of the liner. The weight cavity may be formed as a recess within a protrusion extending from the liner. The weight cavity may be formed located at or near a lowest portion of the liner. The weight cavity may be integrally formed or affixed to the liner.

[0077] The liner may include or be free of a liner ring. The liner ring may function as a reinforcement structure of the liner. The liner ring may function to stiffen and / or stabilize an upper edge of the liner; aid in assembly, alignment, and / or retention of the liner to the chamber; or a combination thereof. The liner ring may be more rigid than the liner material. The liner ring may be overmolded by the liner, affixed to an upper edge of the liner, sandwiched betw een the liner and the lower chamber, the like, or a combination thereof. The liner ring may include one or more attachment features. The one or more attachment features may be aligned with one or more attachment features of the liner. The liner ring may be formed from a material which is more rigid than the liner. The liner ring may be formed from any suitable plastic, metal, or the like such that the liner ring may function as a stiffener and / or reinforcement portion of the liner. The liner ring may function to provide a more rigid structural shape to the upper edge of the liner to aid in aligning with and assembling to the lower chamber. The liner ring may comprise a material suitable for being over molded by the liner. The liner ring may be made of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacry late (PMMA), the like, or any combination thereof.

[0078] The liner may have an upper edge with increased thickness. This may be in addition to, due to. or separate from the liner ring. The upper edge may be more rigid than substantially most of the liner. The increased thickness may function to stiffen the upper edge of the liner, provide for an area of greater rigidity, or both. The upper edge with the increased thickness may facilitate positioning and installation of the liner to the lower chamber.

[0079] The chamber assembly may include a rotation device. The rotation device may function to rotate the chamber about a rotational axis, rotate the chamber during a cleaning cycle, or both. The rotation device may be configmed to cooperate with one or more drive sources to impart rotational motion onto the chamber. The rotation device may include a track, gear, high friction surface, raised area, toothed area, contact surface area, a belt, a cog, a sprocket, a toothed assembly, rollers, a wheel, the like, or a combination thereof. The rotation device may be affixed to, integral with, in rotational communication with, or a combination thereof the chamber. The rotation device may be located on an exterior, interior, or both of the chamber. For example, the chamber assembly may include a track about at least a portion of an exterior of the chamber. The track may extend circumferentially about the chamber. The base may include one or more drive sources in rotational communication with and which drives the rotation device. The rotation device may be located at a position along a length of the chamber that is distanced (e.g.. spaced) from the entryFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOopening. The rotation device may be located rearward of the entry opening relative to a longitudinal direction of the chamber. The rotation device may be located between the entry opening and the rear of the chamber, between the entry opening and a fill flange, or both. The rotation device may be located closer to a rear portion than to an entry opening, at or near a rear portion of the chamber, or both. The rotation device may be positioned away from the entry opening to reduce interference with an animal’s entry and exit, improve balance during rotation, promote stable rotation of the chamber, enable formation of a larger entry opening, the like, or a combination thereof. The rotation device may be positioned such that a distance between the rotation device and the entry opening is greater than a distance between the rotation device and a rear portion and / or fill flange. The rotation device may be positioned such as to be offset from a midpoint of the chamber along the longitudinal axis.

[0080] The present disclosure relates to a septum. A septum may function to sort waste from litter, separate used litter from unused litter, guide waste outside of a chamber, cooperate with one or more other components of a litter device to provide for a temporary litter storage area, or any combination thereof. The septum may be for sifting and guiding waste material from a litter. The septum may aid in guiding waste toward a more centralized region of the waste receptacle to reduce biasing of waste as it builds up in the waste receptacle. The septum may be useful for integration into a chamber assembly, such as the chamber assembly of the present teachings. The septum may have any size and / or shape suitable for being located within the chamber to sift through litter during a cleaning cycle. The septum may rotate with a chamber of a litter device during a cleaning cycle (e.g., remain static relative to the chamber), may rotate within a chamber during a cleaning cycle (e.g., move relative to the chamber), or both. The septum may be a single piece or a plurality of pieces. The septum may include one or more portions, openings, slits, spacers, hinges, guide surfaces, the like, or any combination thereof. The septum may be located within a chamber of a litter device, affixed to an interior of a chamber, integral with the chamber, or any combination thereof. The septum may be affixed to and / or formed as part of an upper chamber. The septum may be affixed to the upper chamber via one or more attachment features. The septum may be located opposite a litter bed when a chamber is in a home or resting position. The septum may be located opposite a liner of a chamber, opposite a lower chamber, or both. The septum may be at least partially aligned with a waste opening, adjacent to a waste opening, partially through and / or overlapping a waste opening, or a combination thereof.

[0081] The septum may include a sifting portion. The sifting portion may function to sift through a litter bed. separate waste from litter, provide a temporary storage area for clean and / or unused litter, or any combination thereof. The sifting portion may be statically or movably affixed to an interior of the litter device, may be static or moveable relative to a chute portion, or both. The sifting portion may be directly affixed to or free of direct attachment to the chamber. The sifting portion may be connected to the chute portion. The sifting portion may be affixed to or integral with a ramp and / or a chute portion. The sifting portion may be affixed (e.g., directly or indirectly affixed) to the chamber via a chute portion, one or more attachment features part of the sifting portion, or both. The sifting portion may move (e.g., swing, pivot, and / or flex) and / or remain substantially static relative to a hinge, chute portion, chamber, or combination thereof during a cleaning cycle, rotation of the chamber, or both. For example, the sifting portion may beFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOsubstantially rigid and substantially free of movement relative to the chamber (e.g.. free of a hinge). The sifting portion may be relatively planar, non-planar, or both. The sifting portion may have a cross-sectional shape reciprocal with at least a portion of an interior of the chamber. The sifting portion may have a cross-sectional or plan shape which is generally D-shaped, C-shaped, square, rectangular, circular, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the sifting portion may have a cross-sectional shape or plan shape which is generally D-shaped to be reciprocal with a portion of a cross-section of a generally spherical chamber. The sifting portion may have an overall length about equal to or smaller than an interior diameter and / or interior chord length of the chamber. The sifting portion may be spaced from, free of contact with, in contact with, or selectively in contact with an interior surface of the chamber. The sifting portion may include a leading edge, one or more spacers, a lead section, a sieve section, and / or a guide section.

[0082] The sifting portion may include a lead section. A lead section may function to be the first section of the sifting portion that enters into a litter bed, retain one or more spacers, guide clean litter toward a gap when passing back into a main chamber area to form a litter bed, or any combination thereof. The lead section may be configured to first contact the litter and / or the waste material. The lead section may include a leading edge. The leading edge may be the outermost edge of the sifting portion, opposite a ramp, opposite a hinge, or a combination thereof. The leading edge may define a portion of an outer periphery of at least the lead section. The leading edge may have the first surface which comes into contact with litter during a cleaning cycle. The leading edge may include or be free of a rim. A rim may have a different thickness (e.g., greater) than the rest of the surface of the sifting portion. The lead section may have a shape which comprises a portion of the overall shape of the sifting portion. The lead section may have a shape which is substantially D-shaped, C-shaped, oval-shaped, rectangle-shaped, triangle-shaped, or a combination thereof. The lead section may be substantially planar, non-planar, or both. The lead section may be solid (e.g., free of openings), mostly solid, or both. The lead section may be a substantially solid surface. For example, the lead section may include one opening in the form of a slit. The lead section may form about 10% or greater, about 20% or greater, about 30% or greater, to even about 33% or greater of a surface area of the sifting portion. The lead section may form about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, or even about 50% or less of a surface area of the sifting portion. For example, a lead section may form about 10% to about 75%, 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 40%, or even about 30% to 35% of the surface area of the sifting portion. The lead section may have a surface area less than, about equal to. or even greater than a surface area of a guide section and / or sieve section. The lead section may include one or more spacers.

[0083] The septum may include one or more spacers. One or more spacers may function to create and / or maintain a gap between one or more edges or surfaces of the septum and an interior surface of the chamber, prevent a leading edge from making full contact with an interior of a chamber, provide structural support to the sifting portion, or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers may be located along one or more edges. The one or more spacers may be located along one or more edges of the sifting portion. The one or more spacers may be located at, adjacent, and / or along a leading edge. The one or more spacers may include a single spacer or a plurality of spacers. The one or more spacers may include 1 or more. 2 orFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOmore, or even 3 or more spacers. The one or more spacers may include 20 or less, 15 or less, or even 10 or less spacers. Aplurality of spacers may be uniformly or unevenly spaced along a leading edge. For example, 3 to 5 spacers may be generally uniformly spaced along the leading edge. One or more spacers may be in the form of one or more protrusions. The one or more protrusions may project in the same direction as a chute, attachment features, or both. The one or more protrusions may project from the leading edge, from an outward facing surface of the sifting portion, toward a wall (e.g.. interior wall) of a chamber, away from a litter bed, or any combination thereof (e.g., when installed in a litter device). The one or more spacers may be formed as one or more ribs, posts, gussets, corrugations, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more spacers may be affixed to and / or integral with the sifting portion. The one or more spacers may be integrally formed with the surface of the leading edge, lead section, or both. The one or more spacers may be advantageous in allowing litter to flow from a temporary storage area into a bottom of a chamber more quickly, creating a gap for litter to flow through, reducing the amount of clean litter flowing back through a sieve section, or any combination thereof. Any or all of these advantages may provide for reduction in dust and debris being created during the cleaning cycle.

[0084] The one or more spacers may create a gap with an interior surface of a chamber. A gap may allow for litter to flow therethrough during a cleaning cycle. The gap may be between the sifting portion and the interior surface of the chamber. The gap may be betw een the lead section and the interior surface of the chamber. The gap may be betw een the leading edge and the interior surface of the chamber. The gap may be large enough to allow' clean and / or unused litter to pass therethrough while small enough to prevent waste and / or clumps within the litter to pass through. The gap may allow unused (e.g., clean) litter to pass through at any stage during a cleaning cycle. The gap may allow for unused (e.g., clean) litter to pass through during rotation of the chamber into an emptying position and / or returning back to a home position. The gap may be particularly beneficial in reducing the amount of dust and debris created during the cleaning cycle. Even more specifically, the gap may reduce the dust and debris created when the chamber is returning from a waste emptying position to a home position. By allowing the unused (e.g., clean) litter to flow through, as opposed to forcing the litter into coming into contact with the sifting portion and all flowing through the sieve section, the mass of litter is less disturbed during the cleaning cycle, thereby reducing the amount of dust and debris generated.

[0085] The sifting portion may include a sieve section. The sieve section may function to sift through used litter, separate waste from used litter to provide for clean and / or unused litter, or both. The sieve section may be configured to separate a waste material from a litter. The sieve section may have a shape which comprises a portion of the overall shape of the sifting portion. The sieve section may have a shape which is substantially triangular, rectangular, square, ovular, circular, D-shaped, C-shaped, the like, or any combination thereof. The sieve section may extend across all. mostly all, or only a portion of a depth (i.e.. front to rear) of a sifting portion. The sieve section may be substantially planar, non-planar, or both. The sieve section may be adjacent to a lead section, a guide section, or both. The sieve section may be located between a lead section and a guide section. The sieve section may be ribbed, grated, corrugated, slotted, meshed, the like, or any combination thereof. The sieve section may include one or more sieve openings.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOThe sieve section may include a plurality of opening configured to separate the waste material from the litter. The sieve openings may have any size and / or shape which allows for litter to pass through while preventing waste material from passing therethrough. An area of a sifting portion that includes sieve openings may be referred to as a sieve section. The sieve section may form about 10% or greater, about 20% or greater, about 30% or greater, or even about 33% or greater of the surface area of the sifting portion. The sieve section may form about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, or even about 50% or less of the surface area of the sifting portion. For example, a sieve section may form about 10% to about 75%, 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 40%, or even about 30% to 35% of the surface area of the sifting portion. The sieve section only being a portion of the surface area of the sifting portion may be advantageous in allowing used litter to be sifted through to segregate clean litter from waste material at a desired speed of rotation of the chamber during a cleaning cycle. The sieve section only being a portion of the surface area may also be advantageous in cooperating with a lead section to promote a majority or even all of the clean litter passing through the gap (i.e., between the lead edge and the interior of the chamber) from a temporary storage area back to the resting position to form a litter bed.

[0086] The sieve section may include a plurality of sieve openings. The plurality' of sieve openings be configured to allow litter to pass therethrough while preventing waste material (e.g., waste, used litter, clumped litter, urine, feces) from passing therethrough. The plurality' of sieve openings may be sized and / or shaped such as to allow for unused (e.g., clean) litter to pass therethrough while waste (e.g., used litter, clumps, lumps, and / or the like) is prevented from passing through. The plurality' of sieve openings in the sifting portion may allow for litter to be sifted through during a cleaning cycle to separate waste from the unused litter. The plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional shape which is similar to or substantially shaped like a diamond, circle, hexagon, square, rectangle, oval, ellipse, triangle, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the plurality of sieve openings may have a diamond-shaped crosssection. The cross-section may be taken parallel to the majority of a surface of the sifting portion. The interior peripheral surface may be shaped to guide litter therethrough, facilitate the molding process, or both. The interior peripheral surface of the sieve openings may be tapered, chamfered, beveled, planar, the like, or any combination thereof. The interior peripheral surface may be a surface of the sieve opening extending from and / or comrecting one surface of the sifting portion (e.g., facing toward a litter bed, litter liner) to an opposing surface of the sifting portion (e.g., facing away from a litter bed, litter liner; facing toward an interior of a chamber). The plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional area greater than the ty pical diameter, width, and / or length of a granule, pellet, and / or bead of litter such that the litter may pass through. The plurality' of openings may have a cross-sectional area smaller than a typical clump of waste such that litter may be prevented from passing therethrough. The plurality of sieve openings may each have a cross-sectional area of about 0.01 square inches (0.064 square cm) or greater, about 0.03 square inches (0.194 square cm) or greater, or even about 0.05 square inches (0.323 square cm) or greater. The plurality7of sieve openings may each have a cross-sectional area of about 0.1 square inches (0.645 square cm) or less, about 0.08 square inches (0.516 square cm) or less, or even about 0.06 square inches (0.387 square cm) or less. The sieve section may include sufficient openings to allow litter to pass through duringFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOa cleaning cycle without backing up. The plurality of openings may include 50 or more, 75 or more. 100 or more, 125 or more, or even 150 or more openings. The plurality of openings may include 400 or less, 300 or less, 275 or less, 250 or less, or even 220 or less openings. For example, the plurality of openings may include about 150 to about 250 openings. After litter has passed through the sieve openings, separated waste may be guided or funneled toward a guide section.

[0087] The sifting portion may include a guide section. A guide section may function to guide waste toward a chute portion; connect a sifting portion to a ramp, hinge, and / or chute portion; cooperate with an interior surface of a chamber to provide a temporary storage area for clean litter, or a combination thereof. A guide section may be configmed to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the chute portion. The guide section may be located adjacent to a sieve section, ramp, hinge, chute portion, or any combination thereof. The guide section may be integral and / or affixed to a ramp, hinge, a chute portion, or a combination thereof. The guide section may include or be free of a slit formed therein or adjacent thereto. The guide section may include a slit. The slit may be formed at a rear side of the septum and extending partially toward the front. The guide section may be substantially planar, non-planar, or both. The guide section may be solid (e.g., free of openings), mostly solid, or both. The guide section may be a substantially solid surface. For example, the guide section may include one opening in the form of a slit. The guide section may form about 10% or greater, about 20% or greater, about 30% or greater, or even about 33% or greater of the surface area of the sifting portion. The guide section may form about 90% or less, about 80% or less, about 70% or less, about 60% or less, or even about 50% or less of the surface area of the sifting portion. For example, a guide section may be about 10% to about 75%, 20% to about 50%, about 30% to about 40%, or even about 30% to 35% of the surface area of the sifting portion. The guide section may have a surface area less than, about equal to, or even greater than a surface area of a lead section and / or sieve section. The guide section may comprise a portion of the overall shape of the sifting portion. The guide section may have a shape which resembles a triangle, rectangle, trapezoid, oval, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0088] The septum may include one or more slits. One or more slits may function to impart additional flexibility to one or more portions of a septum, allow clean litter to flow back into a main interior of a chamber, or both. One or more slits may be formed in and / or adjacent to one or more ramps, hinges, sifting portions, or a combination thereof. One or more slits may be formed in one or more sieve sections, guide sections, lead sections, or any combination thereof. For example, one or more slits may be formed between a guide section and a ramp. One or more slits may be formed from one or more edges toward an interior of a section. The slit may extend from a rear portion partially toward a front of a guide section. One or more slits may be formed at a rearmost edge of a guide section, extend toward the front of the septum, only partially extend through the guide section, or any combination thereof. The one or more slits may extend about 5% or greater, about 10% or greater, about 15% or greater, or even about 25% or greater across a length of a guide section. The one or more slits may extend about 50% or less, about 40% or less, or even about 30% or less across a length of a guide section. The one or more slits may have a shape which is substantially linear, nonlinear, or both. The one or more slits may have a shape which is straight, bowed,Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOangled, or any combination thereof. The slit may curve away from a hinge, toward a sieve section, or both. The slit may have a width. The width may be about 0.02 inches (0.05 cm) or greater, about 0.05 inches (0.13 cm) or greater, about 0.07 inches (0.18 cm) or greater. The width may be about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) or less, about 0.3 inches (0.76 cm) or less, or even about 0.2 inches (0.51 cm) or less. For example, the width may be about 0.08 inches (0.20 cm) to about 0.18 inches (0.46 cm). The slit may be particularly advantageous by imparting flexibility or localized compliance on the sifting portion when the mass of the litter from the temporary storage area applies force on the sifting portion when a chamber is returning to a home position. This flexibility guides the litter toward the gap as opposed to through the sieve section and thus aids in reducing the amount of dust and debris created during the cleaning cycle.

[0089] The septum may include a ramp. A ramp may function to connect a sifting portion to a chute portion, alter a speed (e.g., slow down) of waste as the waste transitions from the sifting portion to the chute portion, offset the chute portion relative to the sifting portion, or a combination thereof. A ramp may allow for a chute portion to be formed in a different plane than the sifting portion, allow for the septum to be configured for placement within the chamber, or both. The ramp may extend fully or partially between a rear and front of the septum. The ramp may provide an incline, decline, or both in surface. The ramp may be non-planar, planar, or both. The ramp may be provided as a planar surface and / or convex contour along a length of the septum. The ramp may be formed between the chute portion and the sifting portion. The ramp may be adjacent to a hinge, between a sifting portion and a chute portion, directly (e.g., directly adjacent) between the sifting portion and chute portion, between a hinge and a chute portion, the like, or any combination thereof. There may be no hinge on either side of a ramp, betw een die ramp and the sifting portion, and / or between the ramp and chute portion. The ramp may be located between a guide section of as septum and a support surface of a chute portion. The ramp may be a bump between the sifting portion and the chute portion. The ramp may function to decrease the speed of w aste before the waste enters the chute, exits the chamber, or both. By decreasing a speed of the waste, the waste may be prevented from prematurely entering the chute, the w aste opening of the chamber, the waste receptacle, the like, or any combination thereof. By decreasing a speed of the waste, the w aste may be preventing from overshooting the chute, the waste opening of the chamber, or both. This may aid in better guiding how7waste collects in the waste receptacle, avoid waste building up skewed toward one side of the waste receptacle (e.g., left side), or both.

[0090] The ramp may form an angle (e.g., angle of repose) relative to an inward facing surface of a sifting portion. The angle of repose may be about 100° or greater, about 110° or greater, about 120° or greater, about 130° or greater, or even about 135° or greater. The angle of repose may be about 170° or less, about 160° or less, about 150° or less, about 145° or less, or even about 140° or less. For example, the angle of repose may be between 130° and 150°, between 135° and 145°. or even between 135° and 140°. or any angle therebetween. The angle of repose may be greater or smaller than angles of typical septums. The angle of repose may slow' down the speed of the waste as it moves from the sifting portion to the chute portion. The angle of repose may alter a landing position of waste within a w aste receptacle. The angle of repose may allow for waste to more centrally pass through the w aste opening as opposed to being biased tow ard a sideFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOof the waste opening, more centrally fall into a waste receptacle as opposed to being biased toward a waste receptacle, or both. By urging waste to pass more centrally through the waste opening and reducing the likelihood of overshoot, the need for a funnel surrounding the waste opening may be reduced or eliminated.

[0091] The septum may be free of or include one or more hinges. A hinge may function to comrect a chute portion to a sifting portion. A hinge may impart flexibility of the sifting portion relative to the chute portion. A hinge may function to allow a chute portion, sifting portion, or both to move relative to the other, relative to an interior of chamber, or both during one or more cleaning cycles and / or rotation of the chamber. A hinge may be affixed to, integral with, adjacent to, located between, or a combination thereof with the chute portion and the sifting portion. A hinge may be located adjacent to a ramp, between a ramp and a sifting portion, or both. A hinge may be affixed to, integral with, adjacent to, located between, or a combination thereof with the chute portion and a guide section. A hinge may be a multi-component hinge (e.g.. butt hinge) or a single component hinge. A single component hinge may be a living hinge. The hinge may be made of any material which allows movement of the chute portion, sifting portion, or both relative to the other, the chamber interior, or both. Movement may mean movement of the chute portion, sifting portion, or both relative to the other during the forming process of the septum, before and / or during installation of the septum into the chamber, rotation of the chamber during a cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof. A hinge may be formed such that it allows the sifting portion geometry’ to be formed in the line of draw of the septum for molding. A hinge may allow for the sifting portion to be angled relative to the chute portion, angled tow ard a waste-directing portion w hen installed w ithin a chamber, or both. A hinge may allow the sifting portion to be angled toward the fuimel portion when installed within a chamber. The angle may be the angle between the sifting portion and the funnel portion at a bottom of tire septum, the angle facing toward a litter bed, or both. Ahinge may be made of the same material as the sifting portion, chute portion, or both. A hinge may allow for the septum to be installed and contour to a shape substantially reciprocal to an mterior of the chamber.

[0092] The septum may be free of a hinge. The chute portion may be statically affixed to the sifting portion, directly adjacent to the sifting portion, affixed to the sifting portion via a ramp, and / or integral with the sifting portion. The chute portion and the sifting portion may be integral with one another and substantially static relative to one another. The chute portion and the sifting portion may be formed as one piece or separate pieces. The chute portion may be affixed to the sifting portion and / or ramp with one or more fasteners. For example, one or more threaded fasteners may secure the sifting portion to the chute portion and / or ramp.

[0093] The septum may include a chute portion. The chute portion may be configured to affix the septum to an interior of the litter device, guide waste through a waste opening, or both. The chute portion may be statically affixed to an interior of the chamber. The chute portion may be affixed to an upper chamber. The chute portion may rotate with and / or remain affixed to the chamber during rotation. The chute portion may include one or more ramped or tapered guide surfaces. For example, one or more ramped or tapered surfaces may include a chute formed with an open, partial fumiel geometry’. A chute of a chute portion may be an open-sided chute, a U-shaped trough, a V-shaped trough, a tapered guide channel, the like, or a combinationFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOthereof. Aramped or tapered surface (e.g., chute) may function to guide or funnel the waste material toward the waste opening. The chute portion may be free of a funnel which fully surrounds the waste opening. The chute portion may be affixed to the chamber. The chute portion may be affixed to the chamber via a chute, one or more attachment features (e.g., one or more fasteners), or any combination thereof. The chute portion may remain substantially static relative to a chamber during rotation of the chamber, cleaning cycle, or both. The chute portion may be substantially non-planar. planar, or both. The chute portion may include a support surface, chute, or both. The support surface may be substantially planar, non-planar, at least partially surround a chute, or a combination thereof. The support surface may provide a transition surface between a ramp and a chute, a sifting portion and a chute, a hinge and a chute, or a combination thereof. The support surface may be curved toward rim such as to prevent overtravel of waste, redirect to the chute, or both. The chute portion may be non-planar due to being tapered. The chute portion may have a cross-sectional shape reciprocal with at least a portion of an interior of the chamber. The chute portion may have a cross-sectional or two-dimensional plane shape which is generally irregular, D-shaped, C-shaped, circular, square, rectangular, the like, or any combination thereof. The chute portion may be affixed to the sifting portion via a ramp, hinge, mechanical attachment, integrally formed therewith, or any combination thereof. The chute portion may have an outer edge about its periphery. The outer edge may include and / or be free of a rim.

[0094] The chute portion may include a chute. The chute may be configured to receive waste from the sifting portion, ramp, and / or support surface and direct the waste tow ard and through a waste opening. The chute may be configured to guide the waste material. A chute may be open on at least one side. A chute may be an open-sided chute, a U-shaped trough, a V-shaped trough, a tapered guide channel, the like, or a combination thereof. The chute may comprise one or more ramped guide surfaces. One or more ramped guide surfaces may include one or more, two or more, or even three or more ramped guide surfaces. The one or more ramped guide surfaces may converge toward the waste opening. The chute and / or one or more ramped guide surfaces may angle toward the interior surface of the chamber, toward the waste opening, away from a support surface, or a combination thereof. The chute may be open and may not be fully enclosed such as a funnel. In this manner, the chute may function as an open guide rather than a funnel that fully surrounds and leads into the waste opening of the chamber. The chute may not have a shape reciprocal to an entire cross-sectional or plan shape of the waste opening. The chute may be positioned adjacent and / or within a waste opening. A chute may be adjacent to one or more edges of waste opening. The chute may be positioned adjacent to. opposite of. or both one or more evacuation surfaces. The chute and evacuation surface(s) may together define an effective partial or complete funnel geometry which may or may not fully surround a waste opening. For example, the chute and evacuation surfaces may only surround two or three sides of a waste opening as opposed to all four sides of a four-sided waste opening. The distribution of waste-directing functionality and / or even eliminating some of the tapered surfaces leading into the waste opening may allow a septum to be formed with reduced material, reduced part complexity, increased headspace within the chamber, avoid the need for a hinge and the need to bend the septum into place during installation, and / or provide a controlled and centralized delivery of w aste through a waste opening.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0095] The sifting portion, in a home position of the chamber, natural resting position of the septum outside of the chamber, or both may be at a parallel, acute, perpendicular, or obtuse angle relative to the chute portion. More specifically, the inward facing surface of the sifting portion may be at a parallel, acute, perpendicular, or obtuse angle relative to an inward facing surface of a support surface of the chute portion. The inward facing surface of the sifting portion may be parallel or transverse to the inward facing surface of the support surface of the chute portion. The angle may be measured as the angle facing toward the litter bed, chamber, base, away from the outer surface, or a combination thereof. The angle may be measured as the angle facing away from the chute portion, toward the sifting portion, or both. The chute portion may angle away from the sifting portion as opposed to angling toward the sifting portion. The angle may be about 0° or greater, about 5° or greater, about 10° or greater, about 15° or greater, or even about 20° or greater. The angle may be about 45° or less, about 40° or less, about 35° or less, about 30° or less, or even about 25° or less. As the septum may be much smaller that typical septum configurations, the septum may no longer need to have a change of angle at a hinge, the sifting portion facing the chute portion, or both.

[0096] The septum may be comprised of a suitable material. The material may be non-stick; liquid impenetrable; resistant to damage, penetration, scent absorption, stain, or a combination thereof by litter, waste, liquids, solids, semi-solids, or a combination thereof. The septum material may be rubber, a polymeric material, a synthetic material, a natural material, or any or a combination thereof. The septum may be made of the same material or differing materials. For example, the living hinge, funnel portion, and sifting portion may be comprised of the same one or more materials.

[0097] The chamber assembly may include one or more attachment features. The one or more attachment features may function to affix, retain, align, locate, secure, and / or position one or more components of the chamber assembly relative to one or more other components of the chamber assembly. The one or more attachment features may be used to attach an upper chamber to a lower chamber, attach an intermediate portion to a bottom portion, attach a liner to a lower chamber or portions thereof, affix a septum to the chamber (e.g., interior of the chamber), the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more attachment features may include one or more fasteners, openings, posts, bosses, tabs, hooks, clips, snaps, ribs, slots, recesses, flanges, interference-fit features, detents, bayonet features, threaded features, press-fit features, adhesive bonds, welded joints, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more openings may be formed in one component and configured to receive a corresponding attachment feature of another component. The one or more attachment features may be integrally formed and / or affixed to one or more components. The one or more attachment features may be formed and / or attached on one or more interior surfaces, exterior surfaces, inward facing surfaces, outward facing surfaces, edges, rims, flanges, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more attachment features may be configured to allow for assembly, disassembly, replacement, and / or servicing of one or more components, such as a liner, septum, and / or filter. One or more attachment features may be configured to cooperate with gravity, compression, interference, and / or friction to retain components during rotation of the chamber assembly, such as during a cleaning cycle. One or more attachment features may be distributed about a chamber assembly or components thereof in any suitable pattern, such as uniformly spaced, non-uniformly spaced, symmetrically arranged, asymmetricallyFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOarranged, and / or concentrated in one or more regions. The one or more attachment features may be sized, shaped, and / or positioned to maintain alignment of components, resist separation during rotation, accommodate manufacturing tolerances, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0098] The teachings of PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849 and WO 2023 / 212686 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The features disclosed therein may be incorporated into the present teachings.

[0099] The litter device may complete one or more cleaning cycles. A cleaning cycle may function to transfer waste from within a chamber into a base, waste receptacle, or combination thereof. A cleaning cycle may function to sort clean litter (e.g.. unused litter) from waste, used litter, clumps, lumps, or any combination thereof. A cleaning cycle may be initiated after one or more presence sensors sense that an animal has exited the chamber, waste has been deposited within the chamber, a user has initiated a cleaning cycle, or any combination thereof. A cleaning cycle may begin with rotation of a chamber. A chamber may be driven by a track, drive mechanism, or both. The track may be affixed to the chamber and driven by a drive mechanism. The chamber may rotate clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. The direction of rotation may be determined by the location of the septum, the sifting portion relative to the chute portion, a waste opening, or a combination thereof. During a cleaning cycle, the chamber may rotate from a home position to an empty ing position, from an emptying position to a home position, from an emptying position to a leveling position, from a home position to a leveling position, from a leveling position to a home position, or any combination thereof. For example, a cleaning cycle may comprise rotation of the chamber from a home position to an emptying position, from the emptying position to a leveling position, and from the leveling position back to the home position. Rotation from the emptying position to the leveling position may include passing through the home position. The home position may be a resting position of the chamber suitable for an animal to use the litter device. The emptying position may allow for waste to transfer into a waste receptacle. In the emptying position the waste opening may be aligned with the waste receptacle. The leveling position may allow for litter to level itself along a bottom chamber, liner, or both before returning to a home position.

[0100] Rotation of the chamber may be about the rotational axis of the chamber. The chamber may rotate during a cleaning cycle by about 10 degrees or more. 20 degrees or more. 30 degrees or more, about 50 degrees or more, about 90 degrees or more, about 100 degrees or more, about 180 degrees or more, about 205 degrees or more, about 245 degrees or more, or even about 270 or more. The chamber may rotate by about 540 degrees or less, about 500 degrees or less, about 400 degrees or less, or even about 360 degrees or less. The chamber may rotate in a single direction or in two directions about the rotational axis. The chamber may rotate in a first direction, second direction, or both. The first direction may be counterclockwise, clockwise, or both. The second direction may be clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. The second direction may be opposite the first direction. Clockwise and counterclockwise may be determined by facing toward the entry opening from outside of the litter device. The chamber may rotate in either direction a single time or a plurality of times. The chamber may rotate in a first direction and then a second direction. The chamber may rotate in a second direction and then a first direction. The chamberFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOmay rotate in a first direction then a second direction and again in a first direction. The chamber may rotate in a first direction from a home position to and / or past an empty ing position, from an emptying position toward a home position, from a leveling position to a home position, or a combination thereof. The chamber may rotate in a second direction from an emptying position to and / or past a home position, from the emptying position to a leveling position, from a home position to a leveling position, or any combination thereof. For example, the chamber may rotate in a first direction from a home position to an emptying position, then in a second direction from an emptying position to a leveling position (e.g., past the home position), and then in the first direction from the leveling position back to the home position. For example, the chamber may rotate between about 160 degrees and about 220 degrees, or even between about 180 degrees and 210 degrees, in a first direction from a home position to an emptying position. For example, the chamber may rotate about 170 degrees to about 265 degrees, or even between about 200 degrees and 245 degrees, in a second direction (e g., opposite as first direction) from an emptying position to a leveling position. For example, the chamber may rotate about 10 degrees to about 45 degrees, or even about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees, in a first direction from a leveling position to a home position.

[0101] During a cleaning cycle, a septum may sift through the litter within the chamber to divide unused litter from waste. During a cleaning cycle, rotation of the chamber may result in the septan rotating towards the litter. The sifting portion of a septum may lead toward the litter (e.g., approach / contact first) while the chute portion of the septum may trail (e.g., approach / contact latter). A lead section of the sifting portion may lead, followed by a sieve section, and then a guide section.

[0102] During the beginning of a cleaning cycle, the chamber may rotate counterclockwise, in a first direction, from a home position to an emptying position, or any combination thereof. During this rotation, the waste opening and septum may move closer to the waste receptacle. Due to gravity, the litter may come into contact with the septum. The litter may first come into contact with the leading edge and then tire lead section. Upon contact with the litter, the lead section may initially be located between the litter and the inner wall of the chamber. As the sifting portion moves toward and into the litter, the litter may then come into contact with the sieve section. The sieve section may sift through the litter and separate waste and other large particles from the unused litter. Clean, unused litter may pass through the plurality of sieve openings of the sieve section toward an inner wall of the chamber. The clean, unused litter may be temporarily stored in a temporary storage area formed between the sifting portion (such as the guide section) and the inner wall of the chamber. Waste and other large particles remain on a side of the sifting portion facing toward the interior of the chamber. As the chamber continues to rotate in the first direction, the w aste transfers (e.g.. slides across) from the sieve section to the guide section, over the ramp, and then to the chute portion due to gravity. When the w aste opening aligns with the waste bin in an emptying position, the w aste may be funneled from resting on the support surface and / or chute toward and through the waste opening and then into the waste receptacle. During the cleaning cycle, by separating the waste from the unused litter, the waste may be able to be funneled toward the chute, waste opening, or both for disposal into a waste receptacle w hile unused litter may be able to be reused.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0103] After the cleaning cycle reaches the emptying position, the chamber may rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, clockwise, from an emptying position toward a home position, from an emptying position to a leveling position, or any combination thereof. As the chamber may rotate in the second direction, the litter (e.g., unused, clean litter) may move back toward the sifting portion of the septum. As the chamber rotates in the second direction, the litter (e.g., unused, clean litter) may move under the sifting portion, between the sifting portion and an inner wall of the chamber, through a plurality of sieve openings of the sifting portion, or any combination thereof. All or a majority of the litter (e.g., unused, clean litter) may move under the sifting portion and / or under through a gap formed between the leading edge and the inner wall of the chamber. As the chamber rotates in the second direction, the litter may move back to rest on a lower portion of the chamber (e.g., lower chamber, liner, or both).

[0104] During a cleaning cycle, the chamber may rotate in a second direction toward a leveling position, past a home position toward a leveling position, or both. The leveling position may allow for the litter to level itself on the lower chamber, liner, or both. The leveling position may allow for the litter to overcome surface friction with the liner, inner wall of the chamber, or both. The leveling position may allow for the litter to return to an angle of repose.

[0105] During a cleaning cycle, the chamber may then rotate in a first direction from the leveling position back to a home position. Returning to the home position may allow for an animal to once again use the litter device.

[0106] During a cleaning cycle, a drive mechanism may drive the chamber at a steady speed, increasing speed, decreasing speed, or any combination thereof during a cleaning cycle. The chamber may be configured to slow down in rotational speed when used or clean litter is passing through the sifting portion such as to reduce dust and debris from becoming airborne. The chamber may reduce its rotational speed by about 5% to about 50%. The chamber is rotated at a speed of about 0.25 RPM or greater to about 2 RPM or less.

[0107] General teachings of rotation and a cleaning cycle may further be explained in published in US Patent Publication No. 2013 / 0333625; US Patent No. US 8,757,094; and PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849 and WO 2023 / 212686 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The features disclosed therein may be incorporated into the present teachings.

[0108] Illustrative Examples

[0109] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes an exterior housing 12. The housing 12 includes a base 16 and a bonnet 14. The base 16 includes a waste receptacle 18. The waste receptacle 18 is in the form of a waste drawer 20. Rotatably supported within the housing 12 is a chamber assembly 22. Access into the chamber assembly 22 is provided via an entry opening 24. The entry opening 24 is surrounded by and further defined by a bezel 15. Optionally, a litter dispenser 98 may be in fluid communication with the chamber assembly 22.

[0110] FIG. 2 illustrates a chamber assembly 22. The chamber assembly 22 includes a chamber 25. The chamber 25 has a generally sphere-like shape. The chamber 25 includes an upper chamber 26. The upper chamber 26 forms an upper portion of the chamber assembly 22. The upper chamber 26 includes a wasteFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOopening 28. The upper chamber 26 includes a handle 30. The upper chamber 26 is affixed to the lower chamber 32. The chamber 25 includes the lower chamber 32. The lower chamber 32 includes an intermediate portion 32a and lower portion 32b. The chamber assembly 22 includes a liner 36. The chamber assembly 22 includes an entry opening 24. The entry opening is formed by the upper chamber 26 and the lower chamber 32. Affixed into an interior of the chamber assembly 22 is a septum 38. The chamber assembly 22 includes a track 40. The track 40 is generally opposite of the entry opening 24.

[0111] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the chamber assembly 22. The chamber assembly 22 includes an upper chamber 26. The upper chamber 26 includes a handle 30. The handle 30 can include a grip portion 31b. The grip portion 31b is affixed to the exterior of the upper chamber 26, such as across a recess 31a of the handle 30. The chamber assembly 22 includes a septum 38. The septum 38 is affixed to the upper chamber 26. Opposite the upper chamber 26 is a lower chamber 32. The lower chamber 32 included an intermediate portion 32a and a lower portion 32b. The lower portion 32b includes a filter. Affixed to the intermediate portion 32a is a liner 36. The liner 36 nests within the lower portion 32b. The liner 36 includes a weight 46. The weight 46 may be affixed to the liner 36 with a retainer 47. The chamber assembly 22 includes a track 40. The track 40 is based toward a rear of the chamber assembly 22. The chamber assembly 22 may include a litter chute 42. The litter chute 42 may be located at a rear between the upper chamber 26 and lower chamber 32.

[0112] FIGS. 4 and 5 show rear perspective views of a chamber assembly 22. FIG. 4 illustrates a litter chute 42 inserted into a litter opening 44 of a fill flange 45 while FIG. 5 does not show the litter chute 42. The chamber assembly 22 includes an upper chamber 26 and lower chamber 32. Affixed to a rear of the upper chamber 26 and lower chamber 32 is a track 40. The track 40 is statically affixed relative to the upper chamber 26 and lower chamber 32. Rotation of the track 40 results in rotation of the upper chamber 26 and lower chamber 32. Rotation of the track 40 results in rotation of the entire chamber assembly 22. The upper chamber 26 includes the fill flange 45 formed therein. The fill flange 45 includes the litter opening 44 extending therethrough. The fill flange 45 rests on the lower chamber 32. The fill flange 45 may rest upon a rear of the intermediate portion 32a. The lower chamber 32 may include a filter 100. The filter 100 may be affixed to a bottom of a lower portion 32b. The lower portion 32b may be affixed to the upper portion 32a. The lower portion 32b may include a rim / flange 48 including a plurality of openings 39. The rim / flange of the lower portion 32b mates with a rim / flange 48 of the intennediate portion 32a. The lower portion 32b is affixed to the intennediate portion 32a via one or more attachment features 50. The attachment feature(s) 50 may be received within the one or more openings 39. Sandwiched between the lower rim / flange 48 of the intermediate portion 32a and the lower portion 32b may be the liner 36.

[0113] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view with the lower portion 32b of the lower chamber 32 removed. The liner 36 is exposed in this view. The liner 36 may include a weight 46. The weight 46 may be affixed to the liner 36 via a retainer 47. The weight 46 may be generally opposite the waste opening 28 (not shown) and / or handle 30. An upper edge 37 of the liner 36 is located onto a rim / flange 48 of the lower chamber 32, such as of the intermediate portion 32a. The upper edge 37 of the liner 36 includes a plurality of openings 39. The openings 39 receive corresponding attachment features 50. such as bosses, threaded fasteners, and / orFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOposts. The upper edge 37 of the liner 37 may then have a rim / flange of the lower portion 32b located thereon. Thus, the upper edge is sandwiched between the rim / flange of the intermediate portion 32a and the lower portion 32b.

[0114] FIG. 7 illustrates attachment of the liner 36 via a liner ring 36. The upper edge 37 of the liner 36 may contain the liner ring 34 therein (e.g., over molded). As an alternative, the upper edge of the liner 36 may be sandwiched between the rim / flange 48 of tire intermediate portion 32a and the liner ring 34. As another alternative, no liner ring 34 may be present. The rim / flange 48 of the intermediate portion 32a is affixed to the liner 36 and / or liner ring 34 via a plurality of attachment features 50. Attachment features 50 may include retention tabs, threaded fasteners, posts, openings and / or the like.

[0115] The track 40 is free of attachment to the liner 36. The track 40 is free of any direct contact with the liner 36. There may be no contact between the track 40 and liner 36 such that during a cleaning cycle, the liner 36 is free to deform inward (e.g.. toward the upper chamber) without additional resistance (e g., friction).

[0116] FIGS. 8Aand 8B illustrate an upper chamber 26. The upper chamber 26 is shaped substantially like a half-sphere. The upper chamber 26 includes a waste opening 28. The waste opening 28 may be off-center and skewed to a side of a longitudinal plane (e.g., sagittal plane, centered, vertical plane extending front to rear). The location of the waste opening 28 may be determined based on placement of a septum 38 (not shown), rotation direction of the chamber assembly 22 during a cleaning cycle, speed of rotation, and / or size of waste receptacle opening. The waste opening 28 may be substantially rectangular-shaped. Adjacent to the waste opening 28 are one or more evacuation surfaces 94. The one or more evacuation surfaces may taper and / or funnel toward the waste opening. The upper chamber 26 includes a handle 30. The handle 30 may be formed as a recess 31a (e.g., inward depression). The handle 30 may include a grip portion 31b (not shown). The grip portion 3 lb may extend across the recess 3 la. The upper chamber 26 includes a receiving channel 52. The receiving chamiel 52 is fonned similar to a C-channel about and / or along a bottom edge 51 of the upper chamber 26. The upper chamber 26 includes an opening rim 54. The opening rim 54 forms a substantially U-shaped cut-out in the upper chamber 26. The opening rim 54 forms a portion of the entry opening 24 (not shown). At the rear of the upper chamber 26 there is a fill guide 56. The fill guide 56 may be located in front of a fill flange 45. The fill guide 56 may be distanced from the fill flange 45 and litter opening 44 such that a fill gap 58 formed therebetween. This fill gap 58 may allow for litter (not shown) to enter through via the litter opening 44 of the fill flange 45, flow into the fill gap 58, and be directed downwards onto the liner 36 (not shown).

[0117] FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up cross-section of the upper chamber 26 taken through a longitudinal plane and the rear fill guide 58. The fill guide 58 and the fill flange 45 diverge and separate from one another to form the fill gap 58. The fill guide 58 and fill flange 45 diverge at an angle 0 (e.g., acute angle).

[0118] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a portion of a lower chamber 32, such as the intermediate portion 32a. The intermediate portion 32a is shaped substantially like a portion of a sphere. The intermediate portion 32a may have a shape substantially similar to a spherical band, such as an off-center spherical band. The intermediate portion 32a may be free of a bottom surface. In other words, the intermediate portion 32a isFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOopen at both an upper side and lower side. The intennediate portion 32a includes an opening rim 54. The opening rim 54 forms a substantially U-shaped cut-out in the intermediate chamber 32a. The opening rim 54 forms a portion of the entry opening 24 (not shown). The opening rim 54 of the lower chamber 32 is able to abut with the opening rim 54 of the upper chamber 26 (not shown) to form the entry opening 24 (not shown). The intermediate portion 32a includes an attachment flange 60. The attachment flange 60 is formed at the upper edge of the intennediate portion 32a. The attachment flange 60 may define an upper rim of the intermediate portion 32a. The attachment flange 60 is configured to be received within a receiving channel 52 (not shown) of the upper chamber 26 (not shown) and affixed thereto. Opposite the attachment flange 60 is a rim / flange 48. This rim / flange 48 is formed with a plurality of attachment features 50. The rim / flange 48 may define a lower rim of the intermediate portion 32a. Opposite the opening rim 54 is a litter opening channel 62. The litter opening channel 62 is formed as an indentation or cradle in the upper edge of the intermediate portion 32a. The litter opening channel 62 has a shape substantially reciprocal with that at least a portion of the fill flange 45 (not shown) of the upper chamber 26 (not shown).

[0119] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a portion of a lower chamber 32. such as a bottom portion 32b. The bottom portion 32b is shaped substantially like a portion of a sphere. The bottom portion 32b may have a shape substantially similar to a spherical cap, such as a bottom spherical cap. The bottom portion 32b includes a rim / flange 48. The rim / flange 48 may define an upper edge of the bottom portion 32b. The rim / flange 48 is configured to rest atop the rim / flange 48 of the intermediate portion 32a (not shown). The rim / flange 48 includes a plurality of openings 39. The openings 39 align with attachment features 50 (not shown). Formed in the rim / flange 48 is a litter opening channel 62. The bottom portion 32b includes a filter cavity 102. The filter cavity 102 includes a filter 100 located therein. The filter cavity' 102 may be recessed such that the filter 100 is substantially Hush with the adjacent exterior surface of the bottom portion 32b.

[0120] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrates a liner 36. The liner 36 is fonned from a flexible material to allow deformation during a cleaning cycle of the litter device 10 (not shown). The liner 36 is formed to have a shape substantially like a portion of a sphere. The liner 36 may be bowl shaped. The liner 36 may be shaped like a spherical cap. The liner 36 may have a shape substantially reciprocal with a bottom portion 32b. The liner 36 may be formed such as to form a bottom of a sphere shape. The liner 36 may close off a bottom end of an intermediate chamber 32a (not shown). The liner 36 includes an attachment flange 60. The attachment flange 60 is formed along the upper edge and / or peripheral edge. The attachment flange 60 defines a rim of the liner 36. The attachment flange 60 may have a smaller thickness (e.g., thinner) than the remainder of the liner 36. The liner 36 may include a plurality of attachment features 50. The attachment features 50 may be formed within the attachment flange 60. The attachment features 50 may be formed as openings 39 configmed to receive attachment features 50 (not shown) of the rim / flange 48 (not shown) of the intermediate portion 32a. A bottom of the liner 36 may include a weight cavity 104. The weight cavity 104 may be formed as a protrusion which is hollow to define the weight cavity 104. A weight 46 (not shown) may be located within the weight cavity' 104.

[0121] FIG. 16 illustrates an exploded view of the liner 36. The liner 36 may include a liner ring 34. The attachment flange 60 may be over molded about a liner ring 34. As an alternative, the attachment flange 60Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOmay be configured to be sandwiched between a rim / flange 48 (not shown) of an intermediate chamber 32a (not shown) and a liner ring 34.

[0122] The liner ring 34 is formed to have a shape substantially reciprocal with a rim / flange 48 (not shown) of the intermediate chamber 32a (not shown) and / or the upper edge 37 of a liner 36 (not shown). The liner ring 34 includes a plurality of attachment features 50. The attachment features 50 may be formed as openings 39 configured to receive attachment features 50 (not shown) of the rim / flange 48 (not shown), align with attachment features 50 of the liner 36 (not shown), or both.

[0123] FIG. 17 illustrates a track 40. The track 40 has a substantially reciprocal shape with an exterior peripheral shape of the upper chamber 26 and lower chamber 32 when assembled. The track 40 is formed as an annular ring. The track 40 includes a plurality of teeth 64. The teeth 64 are formed about the periphery of the track 40.

[0124] FIG. 18 shows a front view of a chamber assembly 22. The chamber assembly 22 includes an upper chamber 26, lower chamber 32, and liner 36. The chamber assembly 22 includes an entry opening 24. The upper chamber 26 includes a fill guide 56. The fill guide 56 is formed opposite the entry opening 24. The fill guide 56 is distanced from a litter opening 44. The chamber assembly 22 includes a septum 38. The septum 38 is located adjacent to a waste opening 28. The septum 38 is affixed to the upper chamber 26. The septum 38 may be statically affixed to the upper chamber 26.

[0125] The chamber assembly 22 is configured to rotate in one or more directions R. Rotation may result from a track 40 (not shown) being driven. Rotation in a first direction R1 may result in litter and waste (not shown) sitting on the liner 36 moving toward and passing through a sifting portion 66 of the septum 38. Continued rotation in a first direction R1 may allow waste segregated from clean litter to pass through a waste opening 28. Rotation in a second direction R2 may result in clean litter moving past the septum 38 and back onto the liner 36.

[0126] FIGS. 19-22 illustrate a septum 38. The septum 38 may have an overall two-dimensional shape similar to a partial circle, partial oval, partial ellipse, D-shape, the like, or a combination thereof. The septum 38 may mostly comprise surfaces for sifting as opposed to evacuation. The septum 38 includes a sifting portion 66 and a chute portion 68. The sifting portion 66 includes a leading edge 70. The leading edge 70 defines a periphery of a lead section 72 of the sifting portion 66. Adjacent to the lead section 72 is a sieve section 74. The sieve section 74 includes a plurality of sieve openings 76. Adjacent to the sieve section 74 is a guide section 78.

[0127] The sifting portion 66 is adjacent to a chute portion 68. The chute portion 68 includes a support surface 83 and a chute 84. The chute 84 is configured to be adjacent to and line up to an edge of the waste opening 28 (see FIG. 18). The chute 84 may not be fully enclosed like a typical funnel.

[0128] The sifting portion 66 includes a plurality of spacers 86. The spacers 86 may be formed as ribs protruding from the leading edge 70.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 19. the sifting portion 66 may be affixed to the chute portion 68 via a hinge 80. The hinge 80 may be formed as a living hinge 82.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WO

[0130] As shown in FIG. 20, it is also possible the septum 38 is free of a hinge 80. The sifting portion 66 may be connected to the chute portion 68 via the ramp 92.

[0131] A slit 88 is formed between the sifting portion 66 and chute portion 68. The slit 88 is formed adjacent to the hinge 82 and / or ramp 92. The slit 82 extends from an edge of the guide section 78 into the guide section 78. The slit extends only partially into the guide section 78. The slit is formed 78 is formed at a rear portion of the septum 38.

[0132] The septum 38 includes a plurality of attachment features 50. The attachment features 50 may include one or more posts, such as bosses. The attachment features 50 may be formed on an outward facing surface 97 of the septum 38. The attachment features 50 may be formed such as to align with, be inserted into, and / or pass through one or more attachment features 50 of an upper chamber 26 (not shown).

[0133] FIG. 23 illustrates a chamber assembly 22 when rotated during a cleaning cycle into a emptying position. The chamber assembly 22 rotates in a first direction R1 such the septum 38 segregates waste from clean litter. The sifting portion 66 sifts through the litter (e.g., litter bed) (not shown) and segregates clean litter from waste 104. Waste 104 moves from atop the sifting portion 66 to the chute portion 68 via the waste path 90. The waste 104 exists the chamber assembly 22 via the waste opening 28.

[0134] FIG. 24 illustrates a septum 38, such as when the chamber assembly 22 is in a emptying position. The septum 38 includes a sifting portion 66 adjacent to a chute portion 68. A ramp 92 comiects and is formed between the sifting portion 66 and chute portion 68.

[0135] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate a septum 38. The septum 38 includes a ramp 92. The ramp 92 forms an angle of repose a relative to an inward facing surface 96 of the sifting portion 66. The sifting portion 66 is angled relative the support surface 83 of the chute portion 63 at an angle B.

[0136] Reference Number List

[0137] 10 - Litter device; 12 - Housing; 14 - Bonnet; 15 - Bezel; 16 - Base; 18 - Waste receptacle; 20 -Waste drawer; 22 - Chamber assembly; 24 - Entry opening; 25 - Chamber; 26 - Upper chamber; 28 - Waste opening; 30 - Handle; 31a - Recess for handle; 31b - Grip portion for handle; 32 - Lower chamber; 32a -Intermediate portion; 32b - Lower portion; 34 - Liner ring; 36 - Liner; 37 - Upper edge; 38 - Septum; 39 -Opening; 40 - Track; 42 - Litter chute; 44 - Litter opening; 45 - Fill flange; 46 - Weight; 47 - Retainer; 48 - Rim / flange; 50 - Attachment features; 51 - Bottom edge; 52 - Receiving channel; 54 - Opening rim; 56 -Fill guide; 58 - Fill gap; 60 - Attachment flange; 62 - Litter opening channel: 64 - Plurality of teeth; 66 -Sifting portion; 68 - Chute portion; 70 - Leading edge; 72 - Lead section; 74 - Sieve section; 76 - Sieve openings; 78 - Guide section; 80 - Hinge; 82 - Living hinge; 83 - Support surface; 84 - Chute; 86 - Spacer; 88 - Slit; 90 - Waste path; 92 - Ramp; 94 - Evacuation surface; 96 - Inward facing surface; 97 - Outward facing surface; 98 - Litter dispenser; 100 - Filter; 102 - Filter cavity ; 104 - Waste

[0138] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein 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. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component, a property, or a value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended thatFiled via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOintermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of this specification. Likewise, individual intermediate values are also within the present teachings. For values which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. 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.

[0139] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” in comiection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about 20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.

[0140] The terms “generally” or “substantially” to describe angular measurements may mean about + / -10° or less, about + / - 5° or less, or even about + / - 1° or less. The terms “generally” or “substantially” 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” or “substantially” 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” or “substantially” 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.

[0141] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. 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, or even consist of the elements, ingredients, components or steps. 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.

[0142] It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead 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. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOCLAIMSWhat is claimed is:Claim 1. A septum for sifting and guiding waste material from a litter comprising:a) a chute portion having a chute, wherein the chute is configured to guide the waste material; and b) a sifting portion connected to the chute portion, wherein the sifting portion includes:i) a lead section configured to first contact the litter and the waste material;ii) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter; andiii) a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the chute portion.Claim 2. The septum of Claim 1 , wherein the chute is open on at least one or more sides.Claim 3. The septum of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the chute is free of being fully enclosed such as to not be a funnel.Claim 4. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the septum is configured to be affixed or is affixed into an interior of a chamber of a litter device and the chute is placed adjacent to one or more edges of a waste opening of the chamber.Claim 5. The septum of Claim 4, wherein the chute is free of being adjacent to each edge or side of the waste opening; and / orwherein the chute is not reciprocal to the entire cross-sectional or plan shape of the waste opening.Claim 6. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein a ramp is formed between the chute portion and the sifting portion.Claim 7. The septum of Claim 6. wherein the ramp is adjacent to the sifting portion.Claim 8. The septum of Claim 6 or 7, wherein the ramp is adjacent to a hinge, between the sifting portion and chute portion, directly between the sifting portion and chute portion, between the hinge and chute portion, the like, or any combination thereof.Claim 9. The septum of any of Claims 6 to 8, wherein the ramp forms an angle of repose; and wherein the angle of repose forms an angle of about 130 degrees to about 150 degrees; and optionally, wherein the angle of repose forms an angle of about 135 degrees to about 145 degrees.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOClaim 10. The septum of any of Claims 6 to 9, wherein the ramp is configured to change the speed of the waste material as the waste material transitions from the sifting portion to the chute portion.Claim 11. The septum of any of Claims 6 to 10, wherein the ramp is or includes a convex contour.Claim 12. The septum of any of Claims 6 to 11, wherein the ramp is located between a guide section of a septum and a support surface of a chute portion.Claim 13. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sieve section is about 10% to about 75% of a surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 14. The septum of Claim 13, wherein the sieve section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 15. The septum of Claim 14, wherein the sieve section is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 16. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lead section includes a leading edge and the lead section is adjacent to the sieve section.Claim 17. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the leading edge defines an outer periphery of at least the lead section.Claim 18. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lead section is about 10% to about 70% of the surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 19. The septum of Claim 18, wherein the lead section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 20. The septum of Claim 19, wherein the lead section is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 21. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of sieve openings are configured to allow litter to pass therethrough while preventing the waste material from passing therethrough.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOClaim 22. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the lead section and the guide section are each a substantially solid surface.Claim 23. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sifting portion is affixed to or integral with the chute portion.Claim 24. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sifting portion is affixed to or integral with (e.g., one-piece) the chute portion via one or more hinges; andwherein optionally, the one or more hinges are one or more living hinges.Claim 25. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the septum is free of any hinges and the sifting portion is substantially static relative to the chute portion.Claim 26. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the septum includes a slit configured to impart additional flexibility.Claim 27. The septum of Claim 26, wherein the slit is included in the sifting portion.Claim 28. The septum of Claim 26 or 27, wherein the slit is part of the guide section.Claim 29. The septum of any of Claims 26 to 28, wherein the slit extends from a rear portion partially toward a front of the guide section.Claim 30. The septum of any of the preceding claims, wherein the sifting portion includes one or more spacers.Claim 31. The septum of Claim 30, wherein the lead section includes the one or more spacers.Claim 32. The septum of Claim 30 or 31, wherein the one or more spacers are formed at or adjacent to a leading edge.Claim 33. The septum of any of Claims 30 to 32 wherein the one or more spacers are formed as one or more ribs, posts, tabs, fins, corrugations, the like, or any combination thereof.Claim 34. The septum of any of Claims 30 to 33, wherein the one or more spacers project from an outward facing surface of the lead section toward an interior wall of a chamber, away from a litter bed, or both when the septum is installed in a litter device.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOClaim 35. A septum for sifting and guiding waste material from a litter comprising:a) a chute portion having a support surface and a chute, wherein the chute includes one or more ramped surfaces angled away from the support surface and configured to guide the waste material away from the septum; andb) a sifting portion connected to the chute portion, wherein the sifting portion includes:i) a lead section configured to first contact the litter and the waste material; wherein the lead section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion, and wherein the lead section is a substantially solid surface;ii) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter, wherein the sieve section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion;iii) a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the chute portion;iv) one or more spacers part of the lead section and which are formed at or adjacent to a leading edge of the lead section and which project from an outward facing surface in similar direction as the chute;c) a ramp between the chute portion and the sifting portion with an angle of repose of about 130 degrees to about 150 degrees; andwherein the sifting portion is angled relative the support surface of the chute portion at an angle of about 0 degrees to about 30 degrees.Claim 36. The septum of Claim 35, wherein the septum comprises the septum of any of Claims 2 to 34.Claim 37. A chamber assembly of a litter device comprising:a) an upper chamber having a waste opening;b) a lower chamber affixed to the upper chamber, the lower chamber including:i) an intermediate portion affixed to the upper chamber and open at both ends;ii) a bottom portion separate from and affixed to the intermediate portion opposite the upper chamber;c) a liner affixed to the lower chamber between both the intermediate portion and the bottom portion, wherein the liner is flexible.Claim 38. The chamber assembly of Claim 37, wherein the liner is affixed to the intermediate portion and the bottom portion at an upper edge (e g., attachment flange) which is sandwiched between a lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange of the intermediate portion and an upper edge, upper rim, and / or upper flange of the bottom portion.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOClaim 39. The chamber assembly of Claim 38, wherein the upper edge of the liner is thicker and / or more rigid than substantially most of the liner.Claim 40. The chamber assembly of Claim 38. wherein the liner includes a liner ring which is more rigid than the liner, is affixed to a liner ring, is free of a liner ring, is free of attachment to a liner ring, or a combination thereof.Claim 41. The chamber assembly of Claim 40, wherein the liner is over molded about the liner ring at the upper edge.Claim 42. The chamber assembly of Claim 40 or 41, wherein the liner ring is located within an attachment flange of the liner.Claim 43. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 38 to 42. wherein the attachment flange is located about an upper edge and / or a peripheral edge of the liner.Claim 44. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 43. wherein the intermediate chamber includes a lower edge, lower rim, and / or lower flange about an opening at a bottom of the intermediate chamber which is configured to engage and mate with a liner, a bottom portion, a liner ring, or a combination thereof.Claim 45. The chamber assembly of Claim 44, wherein the lower edge, the lower rim. and / or the lower flange includes one or more attachment features; andwherein the bottom portion, the liner, and / or the liner ring include one or more cooperating attachment features.Claim 46. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 45, wherein the liner includes or is affixed to a weight.Claim 47. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 46, wherein the liner is comprised of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyamide (TPA), thermoplastic copolyester (TPC), elastomeric polymethane (EPU), silicone, the like, or any combination thereof.Claim 48. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 47. wherein a liner ring is comprised of polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC). polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the like, or any combination thereof.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOClaim 49. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 48, wherein a liner has an overall size of a surface area which is about 5% to about 45% the overall size of a surface area of a chamber; and wherein, optionally, the surface area may refer to an outward facing surface or inward facing surface of the liner and or the chamber.Claim 50. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 49, wherein the liner has the overall size of a surface area which is about 10% to about 35% the overall size of the surface area of the chamber.Claim 51. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 50, wherein the upper chamber includes a fill guide opposite an entry opening.Claim 52. The chamber assembly of Claim 51, wherein the upper chamber includes a fill flange having a substantially cylindrical shape.Claim 53. The chamber assembly of Claim 52, wherein the fill guide diverges from the fill flange such as to form a fill gap.Claim 54. The chamber assembly of Claim 53, wherein the fill flange includes a litter opening formed therethrough which is configured to receive a litter chute, conduit, and / or portion of a litter dispenser therein to allow for the flow of a clean litter therethrough and into an interior of the chamber.Claim 55. The chamber assembly of Claim 53, wherein a rear surface of the fill guide is angled relative to a front surface of the fill flange at an acute angle.Claim 56. The chamber assembly of Claim 54, wherein the acute angle is about 1 degree or greater to about 20 degrees or less.Claim 57. The chamber assembly of Claim 56. wherein the acute angle is about 3 degrees or greater to about 10 degrees or less.Claim 58. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 57, wherein the upper chamber includes one or more evacuation surfaces formed adjacent to the waste opening.Claim 59. The chamber assembly of Claim 58, wherein the one or more evacuation surfaces are opposite and / or adjacent to a chute portion of a septum relative to the waste opening.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOClaim 60. The chamber assembly of Claims 58 or 59, wherein the one or more evacuation surfaces are formed on a side of the waste opening further from a longitudinal plane than other sides of the waste opening.Claim 61. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 58 to 60, wherein the one or more evacuation surfaces include a change in an interior contour of the upper chamber to form a taper, planar surface, guide ramp, and / or funnel toward the waste opening.Claim 62. The chamber assembly of any of Claims 37 to 61, wherein the chamber includes the septum of any of Claims 1 to 34.Claim 63. The chamber assembly of Claim 62. wherein the septum is affixed to the upper chamber such that the chute of the chute portion is adjacent to and / or within the waste opening.Claim 64. The chamber assembly of Claim 63, wherein one or more evacuation surfaces of the upper chamber are located opposite and / or adjacent to one or more guide ramp surfaces of the chute.Claim 65. The septum of any of Claims 1 to 36 or the chamber assembly of any of Claims 62 to 64, wherein die chute is an open-sided chute, a U-shaped trough, a V-shaped trough, a tapered guide channel, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 66. A chamber assembly of a litter device comprising:a) an upper chamber having a waste opening;b) a lower chamber affixed to the upper chamber, the lower chamber including:i) an intermediate portion affixed to the upper chamber and open at both ends;ii) a bottom portion separate from and affixed to the intermediate portion opposite the upper chamber;c) a liner affixed to the lower chamber between both the intermediate portion and the bottom portion, wherein the liner is flexible; andd) a septum for sifting and guiding waste material from a litter comprising:i) a chute portion having a chute, wherein the chute is configured to guide the waste material and is located adjacent to and / or within the waste opening; andii) a sifting portion connected to the chute portion, wherein the sifting portion includes:ii-a) a lead section configured to first contact the litter and the waste material;ii-b) a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter; andii-c) a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the chute portion.Filed via USPTO.GOV on February 19, 2026Docket No. 1570.099WOClaim 67. The chamber assembly of Claim 66 including any of the features of any of Claims 1 to 65.Claim 68. The chamber assembly of Claim 66 or 67, wherein the chute is not located fully around the waste opening; andwherein the chute is formed as an open-sided chute, a U-shaped trough, a V-shaped trough, a tapered guide channel, one or more guide ramps, the like, or a combination thereof.

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