Automated litter device

Abstract

A litter device (10) comprising: a housing (12); a chamber (21) rotatably supported by the housing (12), configured to retain litter therein, and configured to allow an animal to enter and eliminate waste; wherein the litter device (10) includes one or more of: i) a septum (20) including a sifting portion (216) and a chute portion (218); ii) one or more cameras (44) including one or more front facing cameras (46) configured to have a line of sight onto the animal as the animal approaches the litter device (10); iii) a bezel assembly (28) located about an entry opening (26) and which includes an exterior bezel (30) which is removable; and / or iv) a weight system (25) located below and supporting the housing (12), wherein the weight system (25) includes a scale base (36) which is isolated from the housing (12).

Description

As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOAUTOMATED LITTER DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 762,982 as filed on February 25, 2025, 63 / 809,637 as filed on May 21, 2025, and 63 / 897,175 as filed on October 10, 2025; and PCT Application Nos. PCT / US2025 / 061621 as filed on December 30, 2025 and PCT / US2026 / 015825 as filed on February 19, 2026; and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present teachings may relate to a litter device for use by animals which automatically removes animal waste from litter.BACKGROUND

[0003] Automated litter devices may provide a means for pet owners to effectively manage waste eliminated by their pets. These automated litter devices may be advantageous in automatically removing waste contents from litter; automatically collecting waste for subsequent disposal; storing waste contents separate from a litter chamber such that they are not exposed to the ambient environment, thereby preventing and / or reducing smell from the waste. Examples of some automated litter boxes which may be particularly beneficial may be found in US Patent Nos. 6,463,881; 8,757,094; 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 in their entirety and can be modified to include any of the features described herein.

[0004] As disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 2024 / 196865, there is a need to integrate cameras into litter devices for animal recognition. Such integration can be difficult due to a rotating chamber needing to be free of electronic components mounted thereon. One problem found with cameras being used for animal recognition is that the camera must be at or near eye level of the animal to have a proper line of sight on sufficient facial and body features of the animal to allow for capturing unique features (e.g., eyes, nose, ears, facial structure). Another problem, needing a line of sight to be generally centered to an animal approaching the litter device. Some litter devices, to resolve this issue, integrate a camera mounted on an arm in proximity to an entry opening requiring a complex mounting structure and limiting access through an entry opening. Some litter devices use their base under or beside their rotating chamber to support electrical components and may be suitable for supporting a camera. This location may be difficult due to inclusion of a waste drawer moving therein and / or may be too low or off-center for consistently obtaining clear images of the animal. A litter device, such as that in PCT Publication No. WO 2020 / 219849, may have a bezel for supporting electrical components. This bezel may include a sensor mounting area toward a top, but this location may also be inadequate for being at or near eye level of an approaching animal.

[0005] Further, as disclosed in PCT Publication No. 2026 / 011053, there is a need to integrate cameras into an automated litter device for waste detection. Additionally, there is a continued need to improve monitoring of the internal activities and conditions inside of a litter device. Often, the rotating style litter devices are unable to support electrical components within an interior due to the rotation of the chamber or other similarAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOportion. Litter devices that have electronics near or adjacent to an entry opening or a pivot point may not support a camera which has a line of sight over a large surface area in the chamber (top-down view).

[0006] Often, user interfaces may be on the front and / or side of a litter device, such as a base structure, and these may be difficult to access or see. This may place the user interface at too low of a height for consumers to comfortably interact with or easily see as most litter devices are placed on the floor. In other words, a user may need to lean over to read or provide inputs into a user interface. US Patent No.12,099,231, teaches one elegant solution to resolving this problem by integrating the user interface into a bezel assembly. Integrating a screen into a user interface creates the need for continuing to improve the viewing angle and accessibility of the user interface.

[0007] Another challenge is that consumers may want to customize an exterior of a litter device to coordinate with their home or personal style. A bezel may provide a simple means for attaching accessories thereto, such as a litter guard or ramp, but may not provide a simple means for removing or changing the look of bezel, due to providing a housing for electrical components. As such, what is needed is a bezel assembly which can provide an easily customizable exterior surface, is able to cooperate with removable accessories, and is able to house electrical components for the litter device.

[0008] Another challenge is that in manufacturing, there may be a need for different sensing device arrangements and options within a bezel assembly. A bezel may provide an easy way of housing such sensing devices but may not provide a simple means of easily adapting to different option levels or sensor upgrades as technology evolves. As such, what is needed is a bezel assembly which can provide an easily adaptable interface for changing out sensing mechanisms, easier manufacturing with a common component, and the ability to cooperate with a variety of accessories.

[0009] 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. There is a continued need to simplify assembly and reducing material costs for expanding mass commercialization costs. There is a continued to reduce dust and debris generated during a cleaning cycle when sifting through a litter bed. There is a continued need to better utilize interior space of a waste receptacle and more evenly distribute waste upon being deposited therein.

[0010] There is a need for improving the accuracy of weighing systems integrated into litter devices. One such instance is litter devices resting on carpet. Due to the carpet being compressible, some of the weight applied to the litter device may be distributed onto the carpet as opposed to just being applied onto the weight sensors. This distribution to the carpet may result in inaccurate weight measurement throughout operation of the litter device. Uneven surfaces, including carpet, may also present the challenges. When an animal enters or exits the litter device or other weight is added, such as filling with litter, the litter device may tilt or become unstable. This instability may result in inaccurate weight measurements.SUMMARY

[0011] The present teachings relate to a litter device comprising: a) a housing; b) a chamber rotatably supported by the housing, configured to retain litter therein, and configured to allow an animal to enter and eliminate waste; wherein the litter device includes one or more of: i) a septum including a sifting portionAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOand a chute portion; ii) one or more cameras including one or more front facing cameras configured to have a line of sight onto the animal as the animal approaches the litter device; iii) a bezel assembly located about an entry opening and which includes an exterior bezel which is removable; and / or iv) a weight system located below and supporting the housing, wherein the weight system includes a scale base which is isolated from the housing.

[0012] The present teachings may provide for integration of one or more cameras into a litter device. The litter device may include a front facing camera located at or near eye level of an approaching animal. The litter device may include an inward facing camera located above a litter bed and having a line of sight interior of the chamber. The cameras may be integrated into a bezel assembly.

[0013] The present teachings may provide for a user interface located toward and / or at a top of the litter device such as to be easily accessible and viewable by users. The user interface may be supported and / or housed by a bezel assembly.

[0014] The present teachings may provide for a bezel assembly which is able to both house and / or support one or more electronic components while also providing an easily customizable exterior. The bezel assembly may include an exterior bezel which is easily removable, such as from a structural bezel, and may not support or house electronic components. The bezel assembly may include a structural bezel and bezel bridge which cooperate together to house a plurality of electronic components. The bezel assembly may provide for a mounting scheme which is easily configured for different sensing device arrangements.

[0015] The present teachings may provide for a chamber assembly with a septum having a chute instead of a funnel, a sifting portion with a limited sieve portion area, or both. The septum may have an overall geometry focused on both reducing dust and debris during a cleaning cycle while also taking up a much smaller area within the interior of the chamber, thus increasing available headspace. The upper chamber may be configured to cooperate with the septum, such as by integration of a fill guide and / or one or more evacuation surfaces, to provide for a smaller septum.

[0016] The present teachings may provide for a weight system. The weight system may provide for a scale base which is isolated from a base of the litter device such that the base only rests upon one or more weighing assemblies. The scale base may allow for more uniform distribution of a substantially uniform counterforce to the load force applied onto the base from the chamber and / or other components supported by the base.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a litter device.

[0018] FIG. 2 is another front perspective view of a litter device .

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a litter device.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross-section view along a longitudinal plane of a litter device.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a front view of a litter device.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a litter device.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a litter device.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of a litter device.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0025] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a bonnet.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a litter device.

[0027] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a litter device.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a side view of a litter device.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a rear view of a litter device.

[0030] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of a litter device.

[0031] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of a litter device with the litter dispenser separated.

[0032] FIG. 16 is cross-section view along a longitudinal plane of a litter device.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a top view of a rear of a litter device.

[0034] FIG. 18 is a close-up cross-section view through an opening of a litter device.

[0035] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a litter dispenser.

[0036] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of a litter dispenser.

[0037] FIG. 21 is a front view of a litter dispenser.

[0038] FIG. 22 is a rear view of a litter dispenser.

[0039] FIG. 23 is a top view of a litter dispenser.

[0040] FIG. 24 is a bottom view of a litter dispenser.

[0041] FIG. 25 is a side view of a litter dispenser.

[0042] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of a bezel assembly.

[0043] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of a bezel assembly relative to a housing.

[0044] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of an exterior bezel.

[0045] FIG. 29 is a rear perspective view of an exterior bezel.

[0046] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a structural bezel.

[0047] FIG. 31 is a rear perspective view of a structural bezel.

[0048] FIG. 32A is a front perspective view of a bezel bridge.

[0049] FIG. 32B is a front perspective view of a bezel bridge.

[0050] FIG. 33 is a rear perspective view of a bezel bridge.

[0051] FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of a chamber assembly.

[0052] FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of a chamber assembly.

[0053] FIG. 36 is an exploded view of a chamber assembly.

[0054] FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of an upper chamber.

[0055] FIG. 38 is a bottom perspective view of an upper chamber.

[0056] FIG. 39 is a close up cross-section through a longitudinal plane and at a rear of the upper chamber.

[0057] FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of an intermediate portion of a lower chamber.

[0058] FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of a bottom portion of a lower chamber.

[0059] FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of a liner.

[0060] FIG. 43 is a bottom view of a septum.

[0061] FIG. 44 is a rear perspective view of a septum.

[0062] FIG. 45 is a rear view of a septum.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0063] FIG. 46 is a front view of a septum.

[0064] FIG. 47 is a front perspective view of a housing and weight system.

[0065] FIG. 48 is a front perspective view of a weight system.

[0066] FIG. 49 is an exploded view of a weighing assembly relative to a scale base.

[0067] FIG. 50 is a cross-section view through a frontal plane at a bottom of the litter device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 (e.g., clean) 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 housing, chamber assembly, waste receptacle, bezel assembly, one or more accessories, one or more sensing devices, a fdtering system, a scale base, a litter dispenser, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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, com wheat, walnut shells, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0072] The litter device may eliminate waste during one or more cleaning cycles. A cleaning cycle may function to transfer waste from a chamber to a waste receptacle, base, or both. The cleaning cycle may function to rotate the chamber about a rotational axis. During a cleaning cycle, the chamber may rotate clockwise, counterclockwise, or both. A direction of rotation may be dependent on orientation of a septum.

[0073] The litter device may include one or more planes and / or axes. A 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, he 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 substantiallyAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOsymmetrical 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.

[0074] The litter device may include a housing. The housing may function to 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, sensing devices, fdters, the like, or any combination thereof. The housing may at least partially enclose a chamber assembly. The housing may include a base, bonnet, the like, or a combination thereof. The housing may include or be affixed to a bezel assembly. 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.

[0075] The housing 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), cooperate with a litter dispenser, 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 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 at least part of a contour of a chamber (e.g., upper chamber, lower chamber). The bonnet may have a shape which is substantially partially spherical, such as hemispherical. The bonnet may include a dispenser pocket, dispenser cover, or both. The bonnet may be free of attachment to the chamber assembly. The bonnet may be affixed to a base, bezel assembly, litter dispenser, or a combination thereof. The bonnet may be affixed to the base (e.g., base frame) via one or more interlocking tabs, mechanical fasteners, conductive fasteners, the like, or a combination thereof. The bonnet may be pivotably engaged with the base, base frame, or a combination thereof.

[0076] The bonnet may be pivotably engaged with the base via one or more hinges. The one or more hinges may allow for the bonnet to be removable relative to the base, access the chamber assembly, access the interior of the base, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more hinges may be formed at an interior, exterior, or both of the housing. The one or more hinges may be formed internally, such as to be concealed from the exterior of the housing, provide a more aesthetic (e.g., smooth) rear surface of the litter device, and / or avoid interference with a litter dispenser. The bonnet, the base, or both may include one or more hinge elements which cooperate with corresponding hinge elements. The one or more hinge elements may include one or more connection members, openings, passageways, rods, rod-like portions, curves surfaces, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more connection members may be in the form of or function as one or more knuckles. One or more connection members may be formed as one or more arcuate segments.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOOne or more connection members may be formed at a rear and / or side of a bonnet. One or more connection members may be formed below a dispenser pocket. One or more connection members may extend from and / or in proximity to the bottom edge of the bonnet. One or more connection members may extend into and / or through one or more openings and / or passageways of the base (e.g., base frame, cradle). One or more connection members may be pivotably engaged with one or more rod-like portions, curved surfaces, or both. One or more openings and / or passageways may be formed in a base, such as in a cradle and / or base frame. The one or more openings and / or passageways may be configured to receive the one or more connection members therein. One or more rod-like portions and / or curved surfaces may be formed as having a rounded surface to allow the one or more connection members to pivot at least partially around. One or more rod-like portions and / or curved surfaces may be formed in a base (e.g., base frame, cradle). One or more rod-like portions and / or curved surfaces may be formed at a rear and / or one or more sides of a base, an interior of the base, or both. One or more rod-like portions may be formed at, adjacent to, or in proximity to an upper edge of a base . One or more rod-like portions may be formed at a bottom side, interior side, and / or adjacent to one or more openings, passageways, or both of a cradle, base frame, or both.

[0077] The litter device may include a base. The base may function to support a chamber, house a waste receptacle, house one or more electrical components, or any combination thereof. The base may have any size and shape so that the base may support the chamber, house a waste receptacle, and / or house one or more electrical components. The base may rotatably support 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 weight system, or both. 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 receptacles, drawer cavities, cradles, steps, electrical components, ports, filters, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0078] The base may include a base frame. The base frame may have any size and / or shape to support a chamber; mate with a bonnet; rest atop a scale base; house a waste receptacle, one or more electrical components, one or more filters and / or filter systems; rest on a surface; the like, or a combination thereof. The base frame may have a three-dimensional shape which is substantially spherical, ovoidal, cylindrical, hemispherical, cuboidal, conical, pyramidical, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the base frame may have a first shape which is substantially cuboidal and / or cylindrical which extends to a second shape which is hemispherical. The base frame may have a shape which is substantially reciprocal to the shape of a waste receptacle, chamber assembly, scale base, or a combination thereof. For example, the first shape which is substantially cuboidal and / or cylindrical may rest atop a scale base and / or house the waste receptacle while the second shape may be hemispherical and house a lower chamber. The second shape may include a cut-out. The cut-out may have a shape reciprocal with that of a chamber, entry opening, bezel assembly, or a combination thereof. The cut-out may be located on a same side of the device as the entry opening. The cut-out may be substantially U-shaped. The base frame may be affixed to a bezel at an open-end, along a cut-out, or both. The base frame may include a bottom. The bottom may be a closed end of the base frame. The bottom may be opposite an open end, cradle, or both of the base frame. The bottom mayAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOfunction to allow the base frame to rest on a surface, scale base, or both. The bottom may be substantially planar, flat, reside in one plane, or a combination thereof. The base frame may include a raised edge at the bottom, at least partially about a drawer cavity, or both.

[0079] The base may include a drawer cavity. The drawer cavity may function to house a waste receptacle. The drawer cavity may be formed as a hollow interior in the base frame. The hollow interior may be reciprocal to, larger than, or both a waste receptacle. The drawer cavity may be defined as the space above a bottom of the base frame, between the bottom of the base frame and the chamber, between the bottom of the base frame and a cradle, or a combination thereof. The drawer cavity may include a waste drawer track. A waste receptacle may reside within the drawer cavity. The base frame may include a drawer opening. The drawer opening may be formed as an opening in the base frame. The drawer opening may be located on a same or different side as an entry opening, hinge, litter dispenser, or a combination thereof. The drawer opening may have a cross-sectional shape substantially reciprocal to the cross-sectional shape of a waste receptacle.

[0080] The base may include a cradle. The cradle may provide rotatable support for the chamber, a seal between the chamber and the waste cavity, an opening between the waste opening of the chamber and the waste receptacle, separation of one or more electrical components and the waste receptacle, support for a drive mechanism, one or more bearing surfaces, the like, or any combination thereof. The cradle may rest between a first shape and a second shape of the base frame. The cradle may have a shape substantially reciprocal with a portion of a chamber. The cradle may include one or more low-friction rotational support features, such as one or more slider bearings, roller bearings, ball bearings, the like, or a combination thereof. The cradle may include one or more portions of a hinge (e.g., for cooperating with the bonnet). The cradle may include one or more openings and / or passageways for receiving one or more connection members of a bonnet. The cradle may include one or more rod-like portions and / or curved surfaces for cooperating with and engaging with the one or more connection members to provide for the hinge. The cradle may function as an isolated mount, such as described in US Patent No. 8,757,094 and / or the chamber support of PCT Publication No. WO 2020 / 219849, both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes.

[0081] 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 size that allows the waste receptacle to collect and temporarily store waste. The waste receptacle may be located within a base, within a drawer cavity, between a cradle and a bottom of a base, between a bottom of a base and the chamber, between a scale base and a chamber, or any combination thereof. The waste receptacle may be any size and / or shape such that it is able to temporarily collect and store waste. 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 an overall shape which is substantially cuboidal and hollow. The waste receptacle may include a receptacle body, front panel, step, handle, the like, or any combination thereof. The waste receptacle may be configured as a wasteAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOdrawer. The waste receptacle may be removably located within the base. To function as a waste drawer, the waste receptacle may engage with a track or similar (e.g., guide rails). A receptacle body may include one or more grooves, channels, or the like.

[0082] The waste receptacle may include a front panel. The front panel may form all or a portion of a forward-facing surface (e.g., same side as an entry opening) of the base. A front panel may align with a front panel of a bezel assembly to form a front portion of the litter device. A top edge of a front panel of the waste receptacle may be located underneath and adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent) to a bottom edge of a front panel of a bezel assembly (e.g., structural bezel). The front panel may be affixed, integral with, or both to a receptacle body. The front panel may be forward-facing relative to the receptacle body.

[0083] The waste receptacle may include a receptacle body. A receptacle body may be configured to retain used litter, waste, a waste bag, or any combination thereof. The receptacle body 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 an overall shape which is substantially cuboidal and hollow. The waste receptacle may include one or more bottom walls and one or more side walls. A bottom wall may have one or more side walls projecting therefrom. One or more side walls may curve inward and / or outward. One or more side walls may have a front panel formed therein, projecting therefrom, attached thereto, the like, or a combination thereof. The receptacle body may have a hollow interior. The hollow interior may be defined by the bottom wall and one or more side walls. The volume of the receptacle body (e.g., hollow interior volume) may be suitable for storing waste which accumulates over 1 day or more, 3 days or more, 5 days or more, or even 7 days or more. The volume of the receptacle body may be suitable for storing waste which accumulates over 20 days or less, 15 days or less, 12 days or less, or even 10 days or less. The volume of the receptacle body may be about 7,500 cm3or more, about 10,000 cm3or more, about 12,000 cm3or more, or even about 12,500 cm3or more. The volume of the receptacle body may be about 50,000 cm3or less, about 40,000 cm3or less, about 30,000 cm3or less, about 20,000 cm3or less, or even about 15,000 cm3or less.

[0084] The litter device may include one or more steps. The one or more steps may allow an animal to comfortably enter and exit the chamber via an opening. The one or more steps may have any size and shape that allows one or more animals to enter and exit the chamber via the opening. The one or more steps may be located on a same side of the device as an opening. The one or more steps may be part of the base, chamber, waste drawer, the like, or any combination thereof. The step may have any shape, size, and / or configuration to ease entry and exit of an animal into the chamber, provide a handle for opening a waste drawer, cleaning excess litter from paws of an animal, or any combination thereof. The one or more steps may have a cross-sectional and / or plane shape (top view, horizontal plane) which is substantially circular, ovular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, a step may have a cross-sectional shape which is generally trapezoidal with rounded vertices. One or more steps may extend outward, away, or both from a waste receptacle, front panel, receptacle body, base frame, or a combination thereof. One or more steps may be removable and / or affixed such that the oneAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOor more steps can be removed to dispose of litter and remnants collected in a hollow interior. The upper surface, interior, or both may include a cleaning device.

[0085] The litter device may include one or more seals. One or more seals may function to prevent odor from transferring from a base, waste drawer, or both to the chamber, about the chamber, an exterior of the litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more seals may include any seals capable of forming a sealing a junction between two or more surfaces to prevent malodors, liquid, waste, and / or litter from passing therethrough. The one or more seals may include one or more mechanical seals. The one or more mechanical seals may include one or more adhesives, sealants, gaskets, compressing fittings, plugs, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more gaskets may include one or more flange gaskets, O-ring gaskets, brush seals, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more seals may be located between one or more mating surfaces, at a junction of two or more surfaces, or both. The one or more seals may be part of the chamber, base, litter dispenser, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more seals may be located between mating surfaces of a waste receptacle and base, such as between a mating surface of a waste receptacle and a cradle, a waste receptacle and abase frame, or both. The one or more mating surfaces may be about or on a periphery of the waste receptacle (e.g., rim), opening of the cradle, or both where the waste receptacle contacts the cradle. One or more seals may be located between a chamber and a base. One or more seals may seal a gap between a chamber and a cradle. One or more seals may be located where a waste drawer mates with a drawer opening. One or more seals may be located about a perimeter of the drawer opening, a reciprocal portion of the waste receptacle, or both. One or more seals may still allow movement for one or more components while preventing leakage while in a static position.

[0086] The litter device may include one or more features, cooperate with one or more features, or both as disclosed in US Patent No. 8,757,094 and / or PCT Publication No. WO 2020 / 219849, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0087] The litter device may include a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may function to rotate a chamber and / or drive a track during a cleaning cycle. The drive mechanism may include a drive source in rotational communication with one or more components such as a drive shaft, gear(s), belts, and / or direct drives such as to transfer torque to the track and / or chamber. The drive source may be a motor or other power supply. The drive source may transfer or produce torque in a drive shaft. The drive source, drive shaft, or both may be in rotational communication with one or more gears. The one or more gears may be configured to engage and / or mate with a rotation device, such as a track. The drive mechanism may be partially or completely located within a base, base frame, cradle, or a combination thereof. The drive mechanism may be physically separated from the drawer cavity such that litter and waste are prevented from coming into contact with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may reside in a pocket within the cradle, base frame, or both. The drive mechanism may reside in the cradle on a side opposite of the waste receptacle, a same side as the chamber, an upward facing surface of the cradle, or a combination thereof.

[0088] The litter device may include 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;As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOfacilitate 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 located within a housing. A chamber assembly may be rotatably supported by a base. A chamber assembly may be located under a bonnet. 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.

[0089] The chamber assembly may include a chamber. A chamber may function to temporarily house litter (e.g., support a litter bed) for use, 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 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 frame, the bezel, or a combination thereof. The chamber may rest upon one or more bearings (e.g., roller bearings) or other rotation aids, to support rotational movement.

[0090] The chamber may have a hollow interior. 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, may allow an animal to comfortably excrete waste; may allow the animal to enter, turn, and move around within the chamber; or a combination thereof. 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 componentsAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOinternally located within the chamber. The total volume may be the actual volume of the hollow interior of the chamber.

[0091] 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 be oriented 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. This angle may be referred to as a tilted axis. The axis of rotation may form an angle of about 88° or less, about 85° less, about 80° or less, about 75° or less, or even about 70° or less with a vertical plane. The axis of rotation may form an angle of about 40° or greater, about 45° or greater, about 50° or greater, about 55° or greater, about 60° or greater, or even about 65° or greater with a 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 fill guide, a chute, 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 opening, fill guide, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0092] 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. The angle of the litter bed may form an angle that is about 89° or less, about 88° or less, about 87° or less, or even about 85° or less with the vertical plane. The angle of the litter bed may form an angle that is about 70° or greater, about 75° or greater, or even about 80° or greater with the vertical plane. For example, the angle of the litter bed may be about 75° to about 88°, or even about 80° to about 87° 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.

[0093] The chamber may include and / or define 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 which is 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 mayAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOscratch 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 formed 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.

[0094] The entry opening may form an opening plane. The opening plane may extend along the entry opening from a top to a bottom thereof. The entry opening, the opening plane, or both may form an angle with a vertical plane. The entry opening, opening plane, or both may form an angle with the vertical plane of about 5° or more, about 10° or more, or even about 15° or more, about 18° or more, or even about 20° or more. The entry opening, opening plane, or both may form an angle with the vertical plane of about 60° or less, about 45° or less, about 30° or less, or even about 25° or less. For example, the entry opening, opening plane, or both may form an angle with the vertical plane of about 10° to about 30°, or even about 15° to about 25° (i.e., about 20°). The angle of the entry opening, opening plane, or both relative to the vertical plane may allow for litter to be maintained within the chamber, the entry opening to be as large as possible while maintaining litter within the chamber, provide a larger interior surface area for a litter bed, allow for one or more sensors to have a line of sight into an interior of the chamber, or any combination thereof.

[0095] The entry opening may include one or more axes. The one or more axes may assist in defining the width, height, shape, cross-sectional area, or combination thereof of the entry opening. The one or more axes may include a primary axis and secondary axis. A primary axis may be substantially parallel with the opening plane, angled relative to the vertical plane and / or horizontal plane, may extend from the top of the entry opening to the bottom of the entry opening, or any combination thereof. The primary axis may define a height of the entry opening. A secondary axis may be substantially parallel with the opening plane, perpendicular to the primary axis, parallel with a horizontal plane, may extend from one side to an opposing side, or any combination thereof. The secondary axis may define a width of the entry opening. The length of the primary axis and the length of the secondary axis may form a ratio. The ratio may be such that an animal can comfortably fit within the entry opening to enter and exit the chamber, litter and waste contents remain within the chamber, or both. The ratio of the length of the primary axis to the secondary axis may be about 1:3 or greater, about 1:2.5 or greater, about 1:2 or greater, about 1:1.5 or greater, about 1:1.2 or greater, or even about 1 : 1 or greater. The ratio of the length of the primary axis to the secondary axis may be about 3: 1 or less, about 2.5: 1 or less, about 2: 1 or less, about 1.5: 1 or less, about 1.2: 1 or less, or even about 1.1:1 or less.

[0096] The entry opening has a cross-sectional area. The cross-sectional area may be sufficiently large to comfortably accommodate an animal entering and exiting the chamber while maintaining litter and waste within the chamber. The cross-sectional area may be the cross-sectional area of the profile shape of the entry opening. The cross-sectional area may be measured along one or more planes parallel to the opening plane, primary axis, secondary axis, or a combination thereof. The cross-sectional area of the entry opening may be about 300 cm2or greater, about 500 cm2or greater, about 700 cm2or greater, about 900 cm2orAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOgreater, about 1, 100 cm2or greater, or even about 1,200 cm2or greater. The cross-sectional area of the entry opening may be about 5,000 cm2or less, about 4,000 cm2or less, about 3,000 cm2or less, about 2,000 cm2or less, or even about 1,500 cm2or less. The height of the entry opening along a primary axis may be about 20 cm or greater, about 25 cm or greater, about 30 cm or greater, or even about 40 cm or greater. The height of the entry opening along a primary axis may be about 75 cm or less, about 60 cm or less, about 55 cm or less, or even about 50 cm or less. The height and width of the entry opening may be defined by an inner surface of a chamber, bezel assembly, or both at the entry opening.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 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), be defined by a rim (e.g., front rim, opening rim), or both. 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.

[0099] 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 moreAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOevacuation surfaces may be located in proximity and / or adjacent 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 define the overall shape of the chamber, the evacuation surface (s) may provide a localized area of difference in contour or even substantially planar surfaces. 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, may be located opposite and / or adjacent to a chute of a septum, or both. The one or more evacuation surfaces together with a chute of a septum may form at least a portion of a funnel to guide waste through a 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 form a ramp-like surface oriented at a sharper angle toward the waste opening than other surface(s) of the upper chamber. 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; simplifying manufacturing and assembly of the septum within the chamber assembly with minimal impact to the formation and assembly of the upper chamber itself; or a combination thereof. Integration of the evacuation surface (s) may be feasible due to a ramp formed into the septum.

[0100] 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 aligns with a waste receptacle during a cleaning cycle; the waste opening becomes off-set from a waste receptacle when not in an emptying position; or a combination thereof. The waste opening may be formed as an aperture in the upper chamber which is 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 and / or plan shape which is substantially circular, ovular, square, arcuate-square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rhombus, the like, or any combination thereof. 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. 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. A center 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.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0101] 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 chamber assembly. The handle may be formed as a depression, a protuberance, or both. The handle may be formed as a handle recess, a grip portion, or both. 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 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 (e.g., at home position).

[0102] 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.

[0103] The upper chamber may include a fill flange. The fill flange may function to define the litter opening. 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, about a chute, about a portion of a litter dispenser, the like, or a combination thereof. 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 edge of 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 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 theAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOchamber while reducing spillage, interference with other components, and / or disruption of waste handling features.

[0104] The upper chamber may include a fdl 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 (e.g., kicking, splashing); or a combination thereof. The fill guide may be configured to deflect litter from a litter opening toward and / or 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° or greater, about 3° or greater, or even about 5° or greater. The acute angle may be about 20° or less, about 15° or less, or even about 10° or less. 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 while still maintaining effective control of litter introduction via the litter opening and fill gap.

[0105] 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 receiving channel 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 be configured to cooperate with one or more attachment features to affix the upper chamber to the lower chamber (e.g., intermediate portion). The receiving channel may extend along opposing side segments of the bottom edge of the upper chamber and may be interrupted byAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOone 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 channel may have a cross-section that is C-shaped, U-shaped, L-shaped, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0106] 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 lower 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, overall shape of the chamber, or both. 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 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 between 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 lower chamber 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.

[0107] 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 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 theAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOchamber. 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.

[0108] 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, define a 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.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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 assembly (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 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 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 of the intermediate portion. The liner may include one or more attachment features. The one or more attachment features may be formed along an upper edgeAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOof 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.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 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.

[0114] 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 configured 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.

[0115] The rotation device may include a track. The track may function to rotate the chamber about a rotational axis, cooperate with a drive source, or both. The track may have any suitable configuration for cooperating with and being driven by a drive source. The track may include or be a gear, toothed, or both. The track may be located about at least a portion of a periphery of the chamber. The track may be located about a portion of an upper chamber, lower chamber, or both. The track may encircle an outside wall of the chamber. The track may be located anywhere along an exterior of the chamber. The track may lay in and / or form a plane referred to as a track plane. The track plane may form an angle relative to the opening plane, vertical plane, horizontal plane, or a combination thereof. The track plane may be substantially parallel toAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOthe opening plane, substantially normal to an axis of rotation, or both. The track plane may form an angle with the vertical plane of about 5° or more, about 10° or more, or about 15° or more, about 18° or more, or even about 20° or more. The track plane may form an angle with the vertical plane of about 60° or less, about 50° or less, about 45° or less, about 30° or less, or even about 25° or less. For example, the track plane may form an angle with the vertical plane of about 5° to about 50°, or even about 10° to about 30°. The track may be substantially concentric, off-set, or both relative to a center, great circle, lesser circle, or a combination thereof of the chamber. The track may be offset from the great circle of the chamber. A great circle may be defined as the circle which acts as an equator of the chamber, is located about the widest diameter of the chamber, is substantially parallel to an entry opening of a chamber, is substantially perpendicular to the joint between the upper chamber and lower chamber, or a combination thereof. The track may be closer to the front or the rear of the chamber. Biased toward the rear may avoid the track interfering with the entry opening and allowing for a larger entry opening. The track may be distanced from the entry opening. The track may be located generally opposite the entry opening. The track may be distanced from the entry opening by about 45% or greater, about 60% or greater, about 70% or greater, about 75% or greater, or even about 80% or greater of a total length of a chamber. The track may be distanced from the entry opening by about 95% or less, about 93% or less, about 90% or less, about 87% or less, or even by about 85% or less of a total length of a chamber. The length of the chamber may be measured from the entry opening toward the rear, along a rotational axis, or both.

[0116] The chamber assembly may include 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 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 (e.g., home position), liner, and / or lower chamber when a chamber. 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.

[0117] 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 directlyAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOaffixed to or free of direct attachment to the chamber. 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 be substantially 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. 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.

[0118] 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 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. 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.

[0119] 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. TheAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOone 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 or more, 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. A plurality of spacers maybe 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.

[0120] 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. The 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 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.

[0121] 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,As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOclumps, 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. 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 plurality of sieve openings may have a cross-sectional area greater than the typical 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 plurality of 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 during a 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.

[0122] 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 configured 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 sieveAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOsection. 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.

[0123] 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, angled, 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 aids in reducing the amount of dust and debris created during the cleaning cycle.

[0124] 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, between the 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 portionAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOand the chute portion. The ramp may function to decrease the speed of waste 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 waste opening of the chamber, the waste receptacle, the like, or any combination thereof. By decreasing a speed of the waste, the waste may be preventing from overshooting the chute, the waste opening of the chamber, or both. This may aid in better guiding how waste collects in the waste receptacle, avoid waste building up skewed toward one side of the waste receptacle (e.g., left side), or both.

[0125] 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 waste receptacle. The angle of repose may allow for waste to more centrally pass through the waste opening as opposed to being biased toward a side of 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.

[0126] The septum may be free of or include one or more hinges. A hinge may function to connect 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. A hinge may allow for the sifting portion to be angled relative to the chute portion, angled toward a waste-directing portion when installed within a chamber, or both. A hinge may allow the sifting portion to be angled toward the funnel portion when installed within a chamber. A hinge may allow for the septum to be installed and contour to a shape substantially reciprocal to an interior of the chamber.

[0127] 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 orAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOseparate 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.

[0128] 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 ormore ramped ortapered guide surfaces. For example, one or more ramped ortapered surfaces may include a chute formed with an open, partial funnel 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 combination thereof. A ramped 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.

[0129] 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 toward 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 / orAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOwithin 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 waste through a waste opening.

[0130] The sifting portion, in ahome position ofthe chamber, natural resting position ofthe 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 than typical septum configurations, the septum may no longer need to have a change of angle (e.g., movement) at a hinge, the sifting portion facing the chute portion, or both.

[0131] 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 orAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOmore 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.

[0132] The chamber assembly may include one or more features of the chamber assembly as disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849 and / or WO 2023 / 212686, US Provisional Application No.63 / 760,272 as filed on February 19, 2025 and PCT Application No. PCT / US2026 / 015825 as filed on February 19, 2026, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0133] The litter device may include a bezel assembly. The bezel assembly may function to define the entry opening into the litter device, provide an aesthetic appearance to a front of a litter device, provide a customizable exterior to the litter device, maintain litter within the chamber, seal off any joints along a front of the device from litter, seal off any pinch points at and / or around the entry opening, house and / or support one or more electrical components therein and / or thereon, removably retain one or more accessories, the like, or a combination thereof. The bezel assembly may function to conceal a gap formed between the chamber and the housing (e.g., base, bonnet). The bezel assembly may conceal one or more rims and / or edges of a bonnet, base, and / or chamber at the entry opening of the housing, entry opening of the chamber, or both. The bezel assembly may function to provide a static portion of the litter device while allowing a chamber and / or sifting portion to rotate and / or otherwise move within the housing. The bezel assembly may be useful in housing one or more electrical components as opposed to being stored in the base of the litter device. Remaining static may allow for housing of the one or more electrical components within the bezel assembly as opposed to within the base of the litter device. The bezel assembly may be powered or receive power for electrical components housed and / or supported thereon. The bezel assembly may be affixed to a housing of a litter device. The bezel assembly be attached to or free of attachment to a chamber. Being free of attachment to the chamber may allow the bezel assembly to remain static while the chamber rotates, such as during a cleaning cycle. The bezel assembly may be affixed to a base and / or bonnet of a housing of a litter device.

[0134] The bezel assembly may have any shape, size, and / or form such as to define the entry opening and / or to provide a barrier for litter and / or other waste remnants while not interfering with entry and egress of an animal from the chamber, house one or more electrical components therein, form a portion of a housing of a litter device, or any combination thereof. The bezel assembly may have a shape reciprocal, similar, and / or partially the same as an entry opening of the chamber, a cross-section of the chamber, as one or more accessories, mounting brackets of an accessory, or both. The bezel assembly may have a front profile and / or cross-sectional shape which is substantially circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, square, rhombused, the like, or a combination thereof. An exemplary front profile shape of the bezel assembly may be both circular and rectangular or trapezoidal. For example, the shape may be a circle adjacent and tapering to a rectangle or trapezoid. For example, the front profile shape of the bezel assembly may be substantially similar to a keyhole. The bezel assembly may have a shape which is at least partially annular. The bezel assembly may include an entry opening formed therein. The bezel assembly may have a shape and size so as to conceal one or more rims, edges, or both of a housing, chamber, and / or both.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0135] The bezel assembly may include or form part of an entry opening. The entry opening may be an aperture through one or more bezel portions. The entry opening of the bezel assembly may align with an entry opening of a housing of a litter device, an entry opening of a chamber, or both. The entry opening of each respective component may be referred to as an entry opening. The entry openings of each respective piece when all aligned with another may be referred to as an entry opening. The bezel bridge, structural bezel, and exterior bezel may be affixed with one another such that an individual entry opening of each of the bezel bridge, the structural bezel, and the exterior bezel are aligned to define the entry opening of the bezel assembly. The entry opening of the bezel assembly may have a shape substantially similar, reciprocal, and / or dissimilar to that of the entry opening of the chamber, the housing, or both. The entry opening may have a front profile and / or cross-sectional shape which is substantially circular, ovular, rectangular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, rhombused, the like, or a combination thereof. The entry opening of the bezel assembly may be defined by one or more interior peripheral surfaces of one or more bezel portions. The entry opening of the bezel assembly may be defined by an interior peripheral surface of an exterior bezel. The entry opening of the bezel assembly may be defined by an interior flange of an exterior bezel. The entry opening of the bezel assembly may have a depth to accommodate one or more accessories being affixed to one or more interior peripheral surfaces defining the entry opening. The entry opening of the bezel assembly may have a depth to allow an animal to use the interior peripheral surface as a step into and out of the chamber of the litter device.

[0136] The bezel assembly may comprise one or more bezel portions. The one or more bezel portions may include an exterior bezel (e.g., cosmetic bezel), structural bezel, bezel bridge, and / or a combination thereof. One or more bezel portions together with one or more other bezel portions may form a gap therebetween. The one or more bezel portions may include one or more accessories affixed (e.g., removably affixed) thereto. The one or more bezel portions may be affixed to one or more other bezel portions via one or more retention features. One or more bezel portions may be removably affixed to one or more other bezel portions. One or more bezel portions may be removably affixed to one or more other bezel portions via a friction fit, snap fit, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, an exterior bezel may be removably affixed to a structural bezel and / or bezel bridge via a friction fit and / or snap fit. One or more bezel portions may be removably or semi -permanently affixed via one or more fasteners, adhesives, or both. For example, a structural bezel may be affixed to a bezel bridge via one or more fasteners. One or more bezel portions may nest with one or more other bezel portions. A bezel bridge may nest with a structural bezel. A structural bezel may nest with an exterior bezel. The one or more bezel portions may each have one or more walls, flanges, or both. One or more walls may include one or more front walls, rear walls, or both. One or more flanges may include one or more interior flanges, exterior flanges, or both. The one or more bezel portions may each include one or more accessory mating features, component openings, cavities, retention features, fastening features, mounting structures, reinforcement structures, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0137] The bezel assembly may include an exterior bezel. The exterior bezel may function as a cosmetic bezel, a removable portion of the bezel assembly, to cooperate with one or more accessories, or a combination thereof. The exterior bezel may allow for a user to easily remove an exterior front of the bezelAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOassembly and replace with another exterior bezel, such as to customize the appearance of the bezel assembly. The exterior bezel may be washable upon removal. The exterior bezel may allow and / or have one or more accessories (e.g., removable accessories) to be removably affixed thereto. The exterior bezel may be free of attachment to one or more electrical components. This may allow for easy removal from one or more other bezel portions. The exterior bezel may be one of the bezel portions. The exterior bezel may include one or more mating features, retention features, reinforcement structures, openings, cutouts, the like, or a combination thereof. The exterior bezel may be removably affixed to a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The exterior bezel may be affixed to the structural bezel via a snap fit, friction fit, magnetic fit, keyed fit, the like, or a combination thereof. A simple means of engagement may allow the exterior bezel to be easily installed and removed. Simple removal may allow for an exterior bezel to be cleaned, even with water or running water, while away from the electrical components of the bezel assembly. The exterior bezel may provide the exterior facing surface of the bezel assembly. The exterior bezel may include a front wall, exterior flange, and / or interior flange. Outward facing surfaces of the exterior bezel may function as the exterior, exposed portion of the bezel assembly.

[0138] The exterior bezel may have a two-dimensional shape, and / or three-dimensional shape, substantially reciprocal, similar, and / or dissimilar to at least a portion of the structural bezel, bezel bridge, entry opening of a housing and / or chamber, and / or a combination thereof. The exterior bezel may have a two-dimensional, front profile shape which is substantially circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, square, rhombused, the like, or a combination thereof. The exterior bezel may have a two-dimensional, front profile shape which is substantially annular. The exterior bezel may have an entry opening passing therethrough. The exterior bezel may have a shape which is substantially a flanged annulus. The exterior bezel may have a shape which is a dual flanged annulus (e.g., dual axially flanged annulus). The exterior bezel may be formed with one or more segments. One or more segments may include one or more walls, flanges, or a combination thereof. One or more walls may include a front wall, rear wall, or both. The front wall may include and / or be a front face (e.g., front facing surface). The exterior bezel may be free of a rear wall such that the exterior bezel can receive another bezel portion therein. One or more flanges may include an exterior flange, interior flange, or both. The exterior bezel may include one or more retention features.

[0139] The exterior bezel may include a front wall. The front wall may be substantially annular in form. The front wall may include a front face. The front face may be an exterior facing, front facing, and / or exposed portion of the front wall. The front wall and / or front face may be relatively planar, nonplanar, or both. The front wall and / or front face may be relatively nonplanar to provide for one or more contours for aesthetic appeal. The front wall and / or front face may angle inward and / or rearward from an outer periphery to an inner periphery. The front wall and / or front face may generally have an inward and / or rearward slope from an exterior flange to an interior flange. The front wall may include one or more retention features formed therein and / or extending therethrough.

[0140] The exterior bezel may include an exterior flange. Extending from the outer periphery of the front wall may be an exterior flange. The exterior flange may extend rearward, toward a structural bezel, towardAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOa bezel bridge, toward a housing of a litter device, the like or a combination thereof. The exterior flange may be integral with the front wall. The exterior flange may have a free end and / or edge which may form an exterior rim of the exterior bezel. The free end and / or edge may be opposite the end integral with the front wall. The exterior flange of the exterior bezel may be located at least partially about (e.g., around) and / or adjacent to an exterior flange of one or more other bezel portions. The one or more other bezel portions may be a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both.

[0141] The exterior bezel may include an interior flange. Extending from the inner periphery of the front face may be an interior flange. The interior flange may extend in the same direction as the exterior flange. The interior flange may extend rearward, toward a structural bezel, toward a bezel bridge, toward a housing of a litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. The interior flange may be integral with the front wall. The interior flange of the exterior bezel may be at least partially surrounded by (e.g., circumscribed), adjacent to, and / or abut to an interior flange and / or exterior flange of one or more other bezel portions. The interior flange may be at least partially surrounded by the interior flange of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The interior flange may rest within an interior flange of one or more other bezel portions (e.g., structural bezel, bezel bridge). The interior flange of the exterior flange may be directly adjacent an interior flange of the structural bezel. The interior flange may have a free end and / or edge which may form an interior rim of the exterior bezel. The free end and / or edge may be opposite the end integral with the front wall. The interior flange of the exterior bezel may have one or more accessories removably affixed thereto.

[0142] The bezel assembly may include a structural bezel. The structural bezel may function to provide a structure which removably supports an exterior bezel, conceal one or more electrical components housed by the bezel assembly, form a gap with another bezel portion (e.g., bezel bridge), provide structural support to the bezel assembly, form a part of a housing or close off at least an exterior portion of a base of a litter device, or a combination thereof. The structural bezel may allow a user to easily affix or remove an exterior bezel thereto. The structural bezel may be one of the bezel portions. The structural bezel may be affixed to one or more other bezel portions. The bezel assembly may be affixed, directly or indirectly, to an exterior bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The structural bezel may form a gap with the bridge bezel, the exterior bezel, or both. The structural bezel may be affixed to the bezel bridge such as to form a gap therebetween where one or more electrical components reside. The structural bezel may have one or more electrical components mounted thereon. The structural bezel may include an entry portion front panel (also referred to as front panel portion), or both. The structural bezel may include a front wall, exterior flange, and / or interior flange. The structural bezel may include one or more retention features.

[0143] The structural bezel may have a two-dimensional shape and / or three-dimensional shape, substantially reciprocal and / or dissimilar to at least a portion of the exterior bezel, bezel bridge, entry opening of a housing and / or chamber, overall front profile shape of a housing of a litter device, and / or a combination thereof. The structural bezel may have a two-dimensional and / or front profile shape which is substantially circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, square, rhombused, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, the structural bezel may have a shape substantially similar to that of an exterior bezel. For example, the structural bezel may have a front profile shape which is substantiallyAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOcircular. As another example, the structural bezel may have a shape which is partially similar to that of the exterior bezel and partially similar to a portion of a front of a base. For example, the structural bezel may have a front profile shape which is circular and transitions to rectangular or trapezoidal. Such a combination of shapes may be referred to as a keyhole shape . The entry portion of the structural bezel may have a circular front profile shape while the front panel portion may have a rectangular or trapezoidal shape. The structural bezel may also have an entry opening passing therethrough. The entry opening may be concentrically aligned with an entry opening of an exterior bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The structural bezel may have a portion of the shape, such as the entry portion, which is substantially a flanged annulus. The entry portion may be substantially a dual flanged annulus (e.g., dual axially flanged annulus). The front panel portion may also be flanged at one or more sides or edges. One or more flanges from an entry portion may extend and transition to the one or more flanges of the front panel portion. The structural bezel may be formed withone or more segments. One or more segments may include one or more walls, flanges, or a combination thereof. One or more walls may include a front wall, rear wall, or both. The front wall may include and / or be a front face (e.g., front facing surface). The structural bezel may be free of a rear wall such that the structural bezel can form a gap with another bezel portion. One or more flanges may include an exterior flange, interior flange, or both.

[0144] The structural bezel may include a front wall. The front wall may be substantially annular and / or rectangular in form. The front wall may have the overall same shape as the entire structural bezel. The front wall may have an outer shape similar to a keyhole. The front wall may include a front face. The front face may be a front facing and / or exposed portion of the front wall. The front face of the entry portion may typically be concealed by an exterior bezel. The front face of a front panel portion may be exposed, may be outward facing, may form an exterior surface of a front of a base, may form a part of the housing between the entry opening as a waste receptacle and / or step, or a combination thereof. The front wall and / or front face may be relatively planar, nonplanar, or both. The front wall and / or front face at the entry portion may have a contour generally similar and / or reciprocal with the contour of the front wall of the exterior bezel. The front wall may be dissimilar to the front wall of the exterior bezel. The front wall and / or front face may angle inward and / or rearward from an outer periphery to an inner periphery. The front wall and / or front face may generally have an inward and / or rearward slope from an exterior flange to an interior flange. The front wall may include one or more retention features formed therein and / or extending therethrough. The front wall of the structural bezel may be located rearward of the front wall of the exterior bezel, between the front wall of the structural bezel and the rear wall of the bezel bridge, or both. The front wall of the structural bezel may have the front wall of the exterior bezel resting thereon or distanced therefrom.

[0145] The structural bezel may include an exterior flange. Extending from at least a portion of the outer periphery of the front wall may be an exterior flange. The exterior flange may extend rearward, away from an exterior bezel, toward a bezel bridge, toward a housing of a litter device, the like or a combination thereof. The exterior flange may be integral with the front wall. The exterior flange may have a free end and / or edge which may form an exterior rim of the structural bezel. The free end and / or edge may be opposite the end integral with the front wall. The exterior flange of the structural bezel may be located atAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOleast partially about (e.g., around), adjacent, and / or abut an exterior flange of one or more other bezel portions. The one or more other bezel portions may be a bezel bridge. The exterior flange may be substantially uniform, may include a stepped profile, may have a retention groove formed therein, may include one or more fastening features formed therein, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0146] The structural bezel may include an interior flange. Extending from the inner periphery of the front face may be an interior flange. The interior flange may extend in the same direction as the exterior flange. The interior flange may extend rearward, away from an exterior bezel, toward a bezel bridge, toward a housing of a litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. The interior flange may be integral with the front wall. The interior flange of the structural bezel may be at least partially surrounded by (e.g., circumscribed), adjacent to, and / or abut to an interior flange and / or exterior flange of one or more other bezel portions. The interior flange of the structural bezel may rest within an interior flange of the bezel bridge, may abut to an interior flange of the bezel bridge, or both. A joint may be formed where an interior flange of the structural bezel abuts to the interior flange of the bezel bridge. The interior flange may have a free end and / or edge which may form an interior rim of the structural bezel. The free end and / or edge may be opposite the end integral with the front wall.

[0147] The bezel assembly may include a bezel bridge. The bezel bridge may function to support one or more electrical components (e.g., of a litter device), be affixed to a housing of a litter device, provide structural support to the bezel assembly, form a gap with one or more other portions of the bezel assembly, the like, or any combination thereof. The bezel bridge may provide a static portion, a cavity, or both of the bezel assembly for affixing one or more components thereto. The bezel bridge may provide a simple means for assembling interior components thereto before enclosing with a structural bezel and / or exterior bezel. The bezel bridge may be one of the bezel portions. The bezel bridge may be affixed to one or more other portions of a bezel assembly. The bezel bridge may be affixed, directly or indirectly, to a structural bezel, exterior bezel, or both. The bezel bridge may be free of any direct attachment to an exterior bezel. The bezel bridge may be affixed to the structural bezel, form a gap therebetween, or both. The bezel bridge may be affixed to a portion of the housing of the litter device. The bezel bridge may be affixed to a bonnet, base, or both of a housing. The bezel bridge may include a rear wall, exterior flange, and / or interior flange.

[0148] The bezel bridge may have a two-dimensional shape and / or three-dimensional shape, substantially reciprocal and / or dissimilar to at least a portion of the exterior bezel, bezel bridge, entry opening of a housing and / or chamber, a portion of or overall front profile shape of a housing of a litter device, and / or a combination thereof. The bezel bridge may have a two-dimensional, front profile shape which is substantially circular, ovular, rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, square, rhombused, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, the bezel bridge may have a shape substantially similar to that of an exterior bezel, structural bezel, or both. As another example, the bezel bridge may have a shape which is only partially similar to that of the structural bezel. For example, the bezel bridge may have a front profile shape which is substantially circular. The bezel bridge may also have an entry opening passing therethrough. The bezel bridge may have a shape which is substantially a flanged annulus. The bezel bridge may be dual flanged annulus (e.g., dual axially flanged annulus). The bezel bridge may be formed with one or moreAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOsegments. One or more segments may include one or more walls, flanges, or a combination thereof. One or more walls may include a front wall, rear wall, or both. The bezel bridge may be free of a front wall such that the structural bezel can form a gap with the structural bezel. One or more flanges may include an exterior flange, interior flange, or both. The bezel bridge may include one or more retention features.

[0149] The bezel bridge may include a rear wall. The rear wall may be substantially annular in form. The rear wall may include a rear face. The rear face may be an outward and / or rearward facing surface of the bezel bridge. The rear wall and / or rear face may be relatively planar, nonplanar, or both. The rear wall may include one more mounting structures, reinforcement structures, and / or retention features formed thereon.

[0150] The bezel bridge may include an exterior flange. Extending from the outer periphery of the rear wall may be an exterior flange. The exterior flange may extend forward, toward a structural bezel, toward an exterior bezel, away from a housing of a litter device, the like or a combination thereof. The exterior flange may be integral with the rear wall. The exterior flange may have a free end and / or edge which may form an exterior rim of the bezel bridge. The free end and / or edge may be opposite the end integral with the rear wall. The exterior flange of the bezel bridge may be located at least partially within and / or adjacent to an exterior flange of one or more other bezel portions. The one or more other bezel portions may be a structural bezel, exterior bezel, or both.

[0151] The bezel bridge may include an interior flange. Extending from the inner periphery of the rear wall may be an interior flange. The interior flange may extend in the same direction as the exterior flange. The interior flange may extend forward, toward a structural bezel, toward an exterior bezel, away from the housing of a litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. The interior flange may be integral with the rear wall. The interior flange of the bezel bridge bezel may be at least partially surrounded by (e.g., circumscribed), adjacent to, and / or abut to an interior flange and / or exterior flange of one or more other bezel portions. The interior flange of the bezel bridge may be located about and / or abut to the interior flange of the structural bezel. The interior flange of the bezel bridge may be directly adjacent an interior flange of the structural bezel. The interior flange may have a free end and / or edge which may form an interior rim of the bezel bridge. The free end and / or edge may be opposite the end integral with the rear wall.

[0152] One or more bezel portions may include one or more accessory mating features. One or more accessory mating features may function to receive and / or engage one or more accessories. One or more accessory mating features may function to removably engage one or more accessories (e.g., removable accessories). One or more mating features may function to provide a friction fit, snap fit, keyed fit, magnetic fit, removable adhesive fit, the like, or a combination thereof with one or more accessories. One or more accessory features of one bezel portion may cooperate with one or more accessory features of another bezel portion. One or more accessory mating features formed on a most exterior facing bezel portion may cooperate directly with an accessory. One or more accessory mating features form on more interior and / or rearward bezel portions cooperate with other accessory mating features. One or more accessories may include one or more removable accessories. The one or more accessory mating features may include one or more accessory depressions, grooves, and / or retention openings.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0153] One or more accessory mating features may include one or more accessory depressions. One or more accessory depressions may allow for one or more accessories to sit flush on the exterior bezel, such as on an interior flange. One or more accessory depressions may allow for a substantially continuous and / or flush surface to be formed between a transition between an accessory and an adjacent surface of an interior flange, front face, exterior flange, and / or combination thereof. The accessory depression may be formed on an interior flange, front face, and / or exterior flange. The accessory depression may be formed in the exterior bezel, structural bezel, and / or bezel bridge. The accessory depression of an exterior bezel may cooperate (e.g., receive therein) with an accessory, be received with an accessory depression of another bezel portion (e.g., structural bezel, bezel bridge), and align one bezel portion to another bezel portion by nesting or working as a keyed locator. The accessory depression may have a shape generally reciprocal to at least a portion of an accessory (e.g., base), the interior periphery of the exterior bezel, or both. The accessory depression may go about a portion or an entirety of a perimeter (e.g., circumference) of an interior flange, front flange, exterior flange, or other surface of a bezel portion. The accessory depression may be opposite one or more sensor openings, interface cutouts, or both. An accessory depression may have a two-dimensional, front profde shape in the form of an arc, line, or both. One or more accessories may rest upon and / or snap onto the one or more accessory depressions, such as those of the exterior bezel. One or more accessory depressions of one bezel portion (e.g., of the exterior bezel, structural bezel) may rest within one or more accessory depressions of another bezel portion (e.g., structural bezel, bezel bridge).

[0154] The one or more accessory mating features may include one or more grooves. One or more grooves may function to allow for one or more mating features of an accessory to be received therein, form a snap or friction fit with the exterior bezel, or both. One or more grooves of one bezel portion may allow for one or more mating features of another bezel portion to rest therein. One or more grooves may allow for one or more accessories to sit flush on the exterior bezel, such as on the front face. One or more grooves of one bezel portion may allow for one or more other grooves of another bezel portion to rest therein. One or more grooves may allow for a substantially continuous and / or flush surface to be formed between a transition between an accessory and an adjacent surface of a front face, interior flange, exterior flange, and / or a combination thereof. One or more grooves may be located on a front face, interior flange, exterior flange, or a combination thereof. A groove may be located adjacent to an entry opening, exterior, interior flange, exterior flange, or a combination thereof. One or more grooves may be located about an interior peripheral edge or only a portion. An interior peripheral edge may be the edge of the front face adjacent to the entry opening and / or interior flange. One or more grooves may be formed in an exterior bezel, structural bezel, or both. One or more grooves of the exterior bezel may cooperate with an accessory. One or more grooves may receive one or more flanges (e.g., front flange), retention members (e.g., retention protrusion, retention tab), or a combination thereof of one or more accessories. One or more grooves may allow for a front flange of an accessory to rest therein and be substantially flush with a remaining of the exposed front face of the bezel portion (e.g., exterior bezel). One or more grooves of a structural bezel may cooperate with the external bezel, such as the groove of the external bezel. For example, a groove of an external bezel may nest with a groove of an external bezel.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0155] The one or more accessory mating features may include one or more retention openings. The one or more retention openings may allow for one or more mating features of an accessory to be received therein; form a snap fit, keyed fit, friction fit, and / or the like with the one or more mating features of the accessory, or both. One or more retention openings may allow for an accessory to be removably secured to the exterior bezel such that a user is able to overcome the attachment force for removal simply by pulling while still providing for a strong attachment which is able to resist force applied by an animal when stepping on the accessory, such as stepping on an accessory when entering or exiting the litter device. The one or more retention openings may cooperate with one or more retention tabs to prevent rotation, sliding, and / or other movement of an accessory relative to one or more bezel portions (e.g., exterior bezel). The one or more retention openings may be formed in any surface of a bezel portion (e.g., exterior bezel) on which an accessory may rest on. The one or more retention openings may be formed on the front face, interior flange, exterior flange, or combination thereof. The one or more retention openings may be formed in the accessory depression, the groove, or both. Being located on a front face, such as in the groove, may reduce the risk of litter entering therethrough as opposed to being on a surface, such as the interior flange, defining the entry opening and / or lying more horizontally.. The one or more retention openings may be formed near opposing ends of the groove. The one or more retention openings may receive one or more retention tabs of an accessory therein. The one or more retention openings may form a snap fit, friction fit, keyed fit, and / or the like with one or more retention tabs of an accessory.

[0156] One or more bezel portions may include one or more component openings. One or more component openings may allow expose one or more electrical components or other components. One or more openings may expose a user interface, one or more sensing devices, one or more portions of another bezel portion (e.g., camera cavity), the like, or a combination thereof. One or more component openings may be formed on one or more segments of one or more bezel portions. One or more bezel portions may include the exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more component openings may be formed on an exterior flange, interior flange, front wall, rear wall, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more component openings may be formed in only one surface of a bezel portion or extend (e.g., span) across multiple surfaces. One or more component openings may include one or more interface cutouts, sensor openings, camera cutouts, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0157] One or more component openings may include one or more interface cutouts. An interface cutout may function to expose a user interface, allow a user interface to be accessible by a user, allow another portion of the bezel assembly to support the user interface, close off and / or seal about the periphery of the user interface, the like, or any combination thereof. An interface cutout may be formed in one or more bezel portions. An interface cutout may be formed in an exterior bezel, structural bezel, or both. An interface cutout may expose a user interface supported by a bezel bridge. An interface cutout may be formed to be substantially reciprocal with and / or expose the outer shape of the user interface. An interface cutout may be formed to be substantially reciprocal with and / or expose a top panel and / or front panel of a user interface. The interface cutout may have a top profile shape and / or front profile shape which is substantially rectangular, square, circular, ovular, prismed, half-circle, half-oval, the like, or a combination thereof. AnAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOinterface cutout may be located at any portion of the exterior bezel and / or structural bezel which aligns with the user interface. The interface cutout may be formed on the front wall, exterior flange, and / or interior flange. The interface cutout may be located toward and / or a top of the exterior bezel, the structural bezel, or both. The interface cutout may be centered or off-center with the longitudinal axis of the exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel assembly, and / or litter device. The interface cutout may extend from a rear of an exterior flange, within an interior of the exterior flange adjacent to its rear, a first portion of an exterior flange, and / or partially or fully toward the front wall. The interface cutout may extend from and / or adjacent from one edge of the front wall toward and / or to another edge of the front wall. The interface cutout may extend from an edge of the front wall adjacent the exterior flange partially or fully toward the edge of the front wall adjacent the interior flange. For example, the interface cutout in an external bezel may extend from a rear edge of the exterior flange toward the front face and continue through the front face partially toward the interior flange. As another example, the interface cutout in a structural bezel may extend from within the exterior flange frontward of the rear edge of the exterior flange toward the front face and continue through the front face partially toward the interior flange. The rim of an exterior flange may enclose the interface cutout in an exterior flange or may also be cutout such as to be part of the interface cutout. One or more interface cutouts may be aligned with one or more other interface cutouts. An interface cutout of an exterior bezel may be aligned with an interface cutout of a structural bezel.

[0158] The one or more component openings may include one or more sensor openings. One or more sensor openings may function to allow one or more sensing devices to be partially exposed, able to detect one or more conditions outside of the bezel assembly, able to detect one or more conditions of the litter device, able to detect an animal, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensor openings may be positioned anywhere on one or more bezel portions such as to allow the one or more sensing devices to accomplish their sensing task. The one or more sensor openings may be located through one or more bezel portions. One or more bezel portions may include an exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, or a combination thereof. The one or more sensor openings may be located through any suitable surface of the one or more bezel portions. The one or more sensor openings may be located through an interior flange, exterior flange, front wall, and / or rear wall. The one or more sensor openings may be located such as to allow one or more sensing devices to have a line of sight into an interior of the litter device and / or chamber, across an entry opening, to a view outside of the litter device, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensor openings of one bezel portion may be aligned with one or more sensor openings of another bezel portion. The one or more sensor openings of an exterior bezel may be aligned with one or more sensor openings of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. Alignment may provide for a pass through between a plurality of bezel portions. The one or more sensor openings may include a single or a plurality of sensor openings. The number of sensor openings may be reciprocal with the number of sensing devices or may be less. One or more sensor openings may cooperate with one or a plurality of sensing devices. In other words, multiple sensing devices may share a single sensor opening. The one or more sensor openings may be aligned with a sensor mount of a bezel bridge. The one or more sensor openings may be located anywhere along an interior circumference and / or interior periphery defining an entry opening. The one or more sensorAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOopenings may be located on an interior flange, front wall, exterior flange, or combination thereof. The one or more sensor openings may extend through an interior flange such as to be adjacent to the entry opening adjacent to the periphery defining the entry opening, and / or at the periphery defining the entry opening. The one or more sensor openings may be located on a top, bottom, and / or one or more sides of an entry opening and / or interior flange. The one or more sensor openings may be located toward and / or at a top of the interior flange. The one or more sensor openings may be distributed along a top region of an interior flange, opposite an accessory depression, or both. The one or more sensor openings may be distributed along a top region of an interior flange opposite an interface cutout of an exterior flange. The one or more sensor openings may have one or more shapes. The shape(s) may be reciprocal with, similar to, or dissimilar to an exterior peripheral shape of a sensing device. The shape may allow for the sensing device to have a line of sight outside of the bezel assembly, be exposed to environment outside of the bezel assembly, and / or project beyond the surface of the bezel portion. The shape may allow for easy installation of the exterior bezel onto the structural bezel and / or bezel bridge, the structural bezel onto the bezel bridge, or both without surface interference with the sensing devices. The shape of one or more sensor openings may be substantially circular, square, rectangular, partially ovular or circular, triangular, trapezoidal, prismed, tapered, the like, or any combination thereof. For one or more sensing devices which may extend beyond the surface of the interior flange, the one or more sensor cutouts may begin from a rear edge of the interior flange toward the front face. This may allow for the sensor opening to easily receive the sensing device and slide into place onto the structural bezel and / or bezel bridge.

[0159] One or more component openings may include one or more camera cutouts. A camera cutout may function to expose a camera, provide clearance for a camera and / or camera cavity, allow a camera to have an uninterrupted line of sight, receive at least a portion of a camera cavity and / or camera, the like, or a combination thereof. A camera cutout may allow for one bezel portion to be positioned onto and / or into another bezel portion while receiving a camera and / or camera therethrough. A camera cutout may be formed to be substantially reciprocal with an outer shape of a camera, camera housing, and / or camera cavity. The camera cutout may be formed to cooperate with a front facing camera, a camera cavity formed in a bezel portion (e.g., structural bezel), a camera supported by another part of the bezel assembly and / or litter device, or combination thereof. A camera cutout may be formed in one or more bezel portions free of housing a camera. A camera cutout may be formed in an exterior bezel, bezel bridge, or both. A camera cutout of one bezel portion may be aligned with a camera cutout of another bezel portion, a camera cavity of another bezel portion, or both. The camera cutout may have a bottom profile shape and / or front profile shape which is substantially rectangular, square, circular, ovular, prismed, half-circle, half-oval, trapezoid, the like, or a combination thereof. The camera cutout may be located at any portion of the exterior bezel, bezel bridge, or both which aligns with a camera. A camera cutout of an exterior bezel may be located such as to be in front of a portion of the structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. A camera cutout of a bezel bridge may be located such as to be behind a portion of the structural bezel, exterior bezel, or both. A camera cutout may be adjacent to, in front of, behind, or a combination thereof a front panel and / or entry portion of a structural bezel. A camera cutout may be aligned with, adjacent to, in front of, and / or behind a camera cavity of aAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOstructural bezel. The camera cutout may be formed on an exterior flange, front face, and / or interior flange. The camera cutout may extend from a rear of an exterior flange partially or fully toward the front wall of the exterior bezel. The camera cutout may extend from a front of an exterior flange partially or fully toward the rear wall of a bezel bridge. The camera cutout may extend from one edge of the front wall and / or rear wall toward another edge. For example, the camera cutout may extend from a rear edge of the exterior flange toward the intermediate flange of the exterior bezel.

[0160] One or more bezel portions may include one or more camera cavities . A camera cavity may function to house a camera and / or allow a camera to extend therethrough. A camera cavity may function to house a front facing camera, inward facing camera, or both. A camera cavity may house a front facing camera. A camera cavity may be located on any of the one or more bezel portions such as to retain a camera to have visibility to a targeted object or field. A camera cavity may be part of a structural bezel and / or bezel bridge. An exterior bezel may be free of a camera cavity to avoid housing an electrical component and providing for simple removability of the exterior bezel. The camera cavity may be located on any portion of the structural bezel and / or bezel bridge which is exposed or otherwise uncovered by the exterior bezel. The camera cavity may be part of a front panel of a structural bezel. The camera cavity may be aligned with one or more camera cutouts. The camera cavity may be aligned with a camera cutout of the exterior bezel, bezel bridge, or both. A camera cavity may be formed in a front panel, entry portion, or both of the structural bezel. A camera cavity may be located such as to have a line of sight into an exterior environment, animal approaching the litter device, or both. A camera cavity may be at a height on the overall litter device to be approximately at eye level with an animal approaching the litter device. The camera cavity may be formed on a portion of the structural bezel which is located above a step, waste receptacle, or both. The camera cavity may be formed below an entry opening of a structural bezel. The camera cavity may be formed as a recess, pocket, cavity, opening, the like, or a combination thereof. The camera cavity may have a three-dimensional shape which is at least partially or fully cubed, cuboid, spherical, cylindrical, pyramidical, prismed, the like, or a combination thereof. The camera cavity may be formed in an interior flange, front wall, exterior flange, or any combination thereof. The camera cavity may be formed in a front face of an entry portion, front panel, or both. The camera cavity may be formed through the exterior flange formed between an entry portion and front panel. The camera cavity may allow for electrical wiring of a camera to be passed from behind the camera cavity to the interior of the camera cavity, from a component gap into the camera cavity, or both.

[0161] One or more bezel portions may include one or more retention features. One or more retention features may function to affix, removably affix, or both a bezel portion to another bezel portion, a bezel portion to a housing of a litter device, or both. The one or more retention features may function to removably affix an exterior bezel to a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more retention features may function to affix an exterior bezel to a structural bezel and / or housing of a litter device, a bezel bridge to a housing of a litter device, or a combination thereof. The one or more retention features may provide a means for easily and securely affixing an exterior bezel while also allowing for the exterior bezel to be easily removable and interchangeable. The one or more retention features may provide a simple means for a userAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOto easily change the exterior appearance of a litter device while also providing a secure means for engagement. The one or more retention features may allow for a structural bezel and / or bezel bridge to be securely affixed to one another and / or a housing such as to remain statically affixed, provide a stable housing for one or more electrical components, or a combination thereof. The one or more retention features may be part of an exterior bezel, structural bezel, and / or bezel bridge. One or more retention features may be reciprocal with and / or cooperate with one or more other retention features. One or more retention features may cooperate with one or more other retention features. One or more retention features may provide for a friction fit, snap fit, keyed fit, magnetic attraction, threaded fastener attachment, adhesive bond, latch and / or clamp fit, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more retention features may include one or more retention tabs, retention grooves, retention slots, fastening features, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0162] The one or more retention features may include one or more retention tabs. The one or more retention tabs may function to have a friction fit, snap fit, and / or keyed fit between one bezel portion and another bezel portion, housing of a litter device, or both. The one or more retention tabs may function to removably affix one bezel portion to another bezel portion, housing, or both. The one or more retention tabs may provide for a removable and reusable fastening scheme upon uninstallation. The one or more retention tabs may be formed on any portion of the exterior bezel which interfaces with the structural bezel, the bezel bridge, or both; any portion of the structural bezel which interfaces with the bezel bridge and / or housing of the litter device (e.g., base); any portion of the bezel bridge which interfaces with the housing of the litter device (e.g., bonnet, base); the like; or a combination thereof. The one or more retention tabs may be received within one or more retention grooves, retention slots, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0163] The exterior bezel may include one or more retention tabs. The one or more retention tabs may be formed about an exterior and / or interior of the exterior bezel. The one or more retention tabs may project from a portion of a surface of the exterior flange which may interface with the structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more retention tabs may project from an edge and / or exterior facing surface of the exterior flange. The one or more retention tabs may include a single or a plurality of retention tabs. The one or more retention tabs may include one or more, two or more, three or more, or even four or more retention tabs. The one or more retention tabs may include ten or less, eight or less, or even six or less retention tabs. The one or more retention tabs may be evenly or unevenly distributed about the exterior flange, front face, or other surface of the exterior bezel.

[0164] The structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both may include one or more retention tabs . The one or more retention tabs may be formed on any portion of the structural bezel which interfaces with the bezel bridge, on any portion of the structural bezel and / or bezel bridge which interfaces with the housing of the litter device, or a combination thereof. The one or more retention tabs may be configured to be received within one or more reciprocal slots. The one or more retention tabs may be formed about an exterior and / or interior of the structural bezel. The one or more retention tabs may be formed about an exterior, interior, or both of the structural bezel. The one or more retention tabs may project from a portion of a surface of the exterior flange which may interface with the bezel bridge, housing of the litter device, or both. The one or moreAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOretention tabs may be part of a front panel, entry portion, or both. The one or more retention tabs may project from an edge and / or inside surface of a front face and / or exterior flange of a front panel. For example, on a rear and / or inside surface of the front face and / or exterior flange, one or more retention tabs may project therefrom. The one or more retention tabs may engage with one or more receiving slots in a housing of a litter device, a bridge bezel, or both. The one or more receiving slots may be formed in a housing (e.g., base) at a front, above an opening for a waste receptacle, or both.

[0165] The one or more retention features may include one or more retention grooves. The one or more retention grooves may function to receive and engage one or more retention features of an exterior bezel. The one or more retention grooves may function to receive and engage one or more retention tabs, exterior flange, or both of the exterior bezel. The one or more retention grooves may be formed on any portion of the structural bezel which may interface with the exterior bezel. The one or more retention grooves may be formed about an exterior and / or interior of the structural bezel. The one or more retention grooves may be formed in a portion of the structural bezel reciprocal with one or more portions of the exterior bezel. The one or more retention grooves may be located about the entirety or only a portion of the perimeter (e.g., circumference) of an entry portion of the structural bezel. The one or more retention grooves may be formed in the exterior flange. The one or more retention grooves may be formed in the lip of a stepped profde of the exterior flange. The one or more retention grooves may receive the exterior flange of an exterior bezel therein. The rear edge of the exterior flange of the exterior bezel may abut to the rearmost surface of the retention groove. The one or more retention grooves may form a snap fit, friction fit, and / or the like with one or more retention features of an exterior bezel. The one or more retention grooves may form a snap fit and / or friction fit with the exterior flange and one or more retention tabs of the exterior bezel.

[0166] The one or more bezel portions may include one or more fastening features. The one or more fastening features may function to affix the structural bezel to a bezel bridge and / or housing of a litter device. One or more fastening features may include one or more fasteners, fastener openings, fastener posts, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0167] One or more bezel portions may include a plurality of mounting structures. The one or more mounting structures may function to have one or more electronic components, other interior components, or both affixed thereto. The one or more mounting structures may function to housing one or more electronic components and / or other components within the gap of the bezel assembly. The one or more mounting structures may be located within the gap. The one or more mounting structures may be part of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. An exterior bezel may be free of mounting structures. The one or more mounting structures may be integral with or separate from the rear wall, front wall, exterior flange, interior flange, or combination thereof of the bezel bridge and / or structural bezel. The one or more mounting structures may project from the rear wall toward the structural bezel, from the front wall toward the bezel bridge, from the exterior flange toward the structural bezel and / or bezel bridge, from the exterior flange toward the interior flange, from the interior flange toward the structural bezel and / or bezel bridge, from the interior flange toward the structural bezel and / or bezel bridge, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more mounting structures may cooperate with one or more fasteners. One or more fasteners may beAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOthreaded, non-threaded or both. One or more mounting structures may include one or more threaded openings and / or non-threaded openings for receiving and / or mating with one or more fasteners. One or more mounting structures may be formed as and / or include one or more posts (e.g., bosses). For example, the one or more bosses may function to both hold a component thereon and receive a fastener therein. One or more mounting structures may be formed as one or more shelves. One or more shelves may project outward and have one or more components resting and / or secured thereon. One or more mounting structures may be formed as one or more slots. One or more slots may receive one or more structures therein. One or more mounting structures may include one or more cradle structures. The one or more mounting structures may include one or more interface mounting structures, sensor mounting structures, circuit board mounting structures, wiring mounting structures, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more interface mounting structures may function to retain a user interface. One or more sensor mounting structures may function to retain one or more sensing devices. One or more sensor mounting structures may include one or more camera mounting structures. One or more camera mounting structures may function to retain one or more cameras. One or more circuit board mounting structures may function to retain one or more circuit boards. One or more wiring mounting structures may function to retain one or more electrical wires.

[0168] The one or more bezel portions may include one or more reinforcement structures. The one or more reinforcement structures may function to provide structural support to the bezel portion, resist deformation of the bezel portion, provide protection to one or more components within the bezel assembly, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more reinforcement structures may be part of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more reinforcement structures may be any suitable shape, size, and / or form to provide the reinforcement. The one or more reinforcement structures may be located on and / or integral with a rear wall, front wall, exterior flange, and / or interior flange. The one or more reinforcement structures may be part of a bezel bridge. The one or more reinforcement structures may include one or more ribs, gussets, areas of thicker material, areas of thinner material, the like, or any combination thereof. Each rib may extend partially or complete from the exterior flange to the interior flange. The plurality of ribs may be arranged radially around the entry opening.

[0169] The bezel assembly may include a gap . The gap may be referred to as a component gap . A gap may function to house one or more components between one or more portions of the bezel assembly. The gap may function to house one or more electrical components and / or other components of the bezel assembly. The gap may be formed between a bezel bridge and a structural bezel, a structural bezel and an exterior bezel, a bezel bridge and an exterior bezel, the like, or a combination thereof. A gap may be formed between the exterior flange and interior flange of two or more bezel portions. A gap may partially or fully surround an entry opening of a bezel assembly. Two or more bezel portions may mate together and form a clamshell such as to form a gap therebetween. A gap formed between the structural bezel and bezel bridge may allow for the components stored therein to remain untouched or otherwise unimpacted when an exterior bezel is removed from and / or located onto the bezel assembly (e.g., onto the structural bezel). The gap may refer to a space formed between a front surface of one bezel portion and a rear surface of another bezel portion.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0170] The bezel assembly may support one or more electrical components in electrical communication with the user interface.

[0171] The bezel assembly may include and / or support one or more accessories. One or more accessories may include one or more removable accessories. One or more accessories may function to prevent and / or reduce litter and / or waste from exiting the chamber upon an animal departing, seal off one or more joints and / or gaps formed in a bezel assembly, prevent urine from entering one or more joints between one or more bezel portions, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more accessories may be located on one or more portions of the bezel assembly. The one or more accessories may be located adjacent to, in front of, and / or within an entry opening defined by the bezel assembly. The one or more accessories may be removably affixed to the bezel assembly. The one or more accessories may be removably affixed to one or more bezel portions of the bezel assembly. The one or more accessories may be removably affixed to an interior flange, front wall, exterior flange, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more accessories may be removably affixed to an interior flange and front wall of an exterior bezel. The one or more accessories may be affixed such as to remain static and / or be moveable relative to the bezel assembly, litter device, or both. The one or more accessories may include one or more litter guards, urine guards, entry shields, grooming aids, step aids, cameras, scratch aids, enticement accessories, odor neutralizing systems, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more accessories may be retained onto a bezel portion (e.g., exterior bezel) via an interference fit, snap fit, keyed fit, magnetic fit, removable adhesive fit, the like, or a combination thereof. A simple means of engagement may allow the accessory to be easily installed and removed. Simple removal may allow for an accessory to be cleaned, even with water or running water, while away from the electrical components of the bezel assembly.

[0172] One or more accessories may include one or more accessories as described within PCT Publication WO 2022 / 087531 and PCT Application No. PCT / US2025 / 061621 as filed on December 30, 2025, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0173] The litter device may include a user interface. The user interface may function to provide a main point of interaction for a user, provide controls for the user, provide status feedback, relay operations to one or more controllers of the litter device, or any combination thereof. The user interface may be located anywhere on the litter device such as to be exposed to be readable and accessible by a user. The user interface may be affixed to and / or part of the bezel assembly, bonnet, base, the like, or a combination thereof. The user interface may be located at a portion of the bezel assembly adjacent to the entry opening, adjacent to a periphery of the entry opening, at a periphery of the bezel assembly, on a front surface of the bezel assembly, the like, or a combination thereof. The user interface may be ergonomically accessible. Being biased toward a top of the bezel assembly and / or litter device may provide for easier access to the user interface by a user. The user interface may be located atop the bezel assembly, the litter device, or both. The user interface may be centered and / or off-center relative to a longitudinal plane (e.g., sagittal plane, vertical plane extending front to rear) of the litter device and / or bezel assembly. Being centrally located may place the user interface at the highest portion of the bezel assembly and / or litter device, may make the user interface more ergonomically accessible for both viewing and interacting (e.g., touching) by a user, orAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOboth. The user interface may include a housing, one or more buttons, one or more screens, one or more lights, one or more sensors, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0174] The user interface may include a screen. The screen may relay the operating status of the litter device, may prompt the user through configuring one or more settings of a litter device, the like, or any combination thereof. The screen may or may not be a touch screen. If a touch screen is employed, one or more buttons may or may not be used. The touch screen may work in conjunction with one or more buttons (e.g., physical buttons) and / or in lieu of one or more buttons. The screen may be located on a front panel, top panel, or both of the user interface.

[0175] The user interface may include one or more buttons. The one or more buttons may function to allow a user to configure one or more settings, operations, navigate a screen and / or lights, or any combination thereof. The one or more buttons may be easily accessible by a user. The one or more buttons may be located on a front panel, top panel, or both of the user interface. Placement on the top panel may allow for ease of access and line of sight by a user without having to bend over to see the buttons.

[0176] The user interface may include one or more lights. One or more lights may include one or more status lights. One or more status lights may function to provide a quick operating status of the litter device to a user. One or more status lights may relay an operating status to the user while standing at too far of a distance to read the screen, may prompt a user to open a mobile application associated with the litter device, may prompt a user to approach and read the screen of the user interface, or any combination thereof. A status light may include one or more multi-color lights, monochrome (e.g., single color wavelength) lights, or both. The one or more buttons may be on a front panel, upper panel, or both of the user interface. One or more lights may include a single or a plurality of lights. One or more lights may be used in conjunction with and / or in lieu of a screen. One or more lights may be located on a front panel, top panel, or both of the user interface. Placement on a front panel may allow a user to easily see the one or more lights when at a distance from the litter device.

[0177] The user interface may include one or more sensing devices. One or more sensing devices may also be referred to as one or more sensors. One or more sensing devices may function to detect one or more conditions, such as one or more environmental conditions; result in adjusting (e.g., automatically) one or more settings of the user interface, the bezel assembly, and / or the litter device; or a combination thereof. One or more environmental conditions may include the light level within the ambient environment in which the litter device is located. The one or more sensing devices may include one or more ambient light sensors. The one or more ambient light sensors may function to detect the light level within the ambient environment in which the litter device is located. The ambient light sensor may be in communication with one or more other components of the user interface, the litter device, or both. The light level detected by the ambient light sensor may result in automatic adjustment of a brightness of the user interface (e.g., screen, buttons, lights), a light level of one or more ambient lights of the litter device, or both. One or more sensing devices may be located on a front panel, top panel, or both of the user interface. A front panel may be useful in better detecting an ambient condition that may impact the interior of the litter device, such as the amount of ambient light that may enter through the entry opening.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0178] The litter device may include one or more sensing devices. One or more sensing devices may function to sense a presence of an animal, a behavior of an animal, one or more traits of an animal, identify an animal, one or more conditions and / or operations of a litter device, one or more conditions of an ambient environment, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more sensing devices may receive and / or transmit one or more signals. The one or more sensing devices may be in communication with one or more controllers, processors, communication modules, computing devices, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensing devices may be located within a bezel assembly, scale base, housing (e.g., bonnet, base), litter dispenser, chamber assembly, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more sensing devices may be affixed to or otherwise part of a bezel assembly. One or more sensing devices may be affixed to or part of a circuit board. The one or more sensing devices may be retained by, supported by, and / or affixed to one or more bezel portions. The one or more sensing devices may be supported by and / or affixed to, either directly or indirectly, the bezel bridge, the structural bezel, and / or the exterior bezel. The exterior bezel may be free of direct attachment to any integrated sensing devices. Free of attachment may allow for facilitate removal of the exterior bezel. One or more sensing devices may be supported by and / or affixed to a scale base, below a base, or both. One or more sensing devices may be located at adjacent to the entry opening, at or adjacent to interior periphery of an entry opening, a front panel of the litter device, at or toward a bottom of the litter device, between a base and a scale base of the litter device, between an entry opening and a step and / or waste receptacle, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more sensing devices may have a line of sight into the litter, the hollow interior of the chamber, an ambient environment, or a combination thereof. One or more sensing devices may be adapted to sense and / or identify an incoming animal, an animal within the litter device, a departing animal, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more sensing devices may be adapted to sense a presence, distance, displacement, and / or position of one or more components of a litter device relative to one or more other components of the litter device. The one or more sensing devices may include one or more cameras, distance / range sensors, gas sensors, weight sensors, identification sensors, light sensors, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0179] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more cameras. The one or more cameras may be suitable for capturing one or more videos, images, frames, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more cameras may monitor an external (e.g., ambient) environment in which the litter device is located, capture images or video stream of an approaching, present, and / or departing animal, capture images or video stream of user(s) interacting with the litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be retained such as to have a line of sight into an interior of the litter device, into an interior of the chamber, onto a top of a litter bed, through a waste opening of a chamber into a waste receptacle (e.g., such as when aligned during a cleaning cycle), onto an ambient environment, onto an oncoming animal approaching the litter device, onto an animal departing litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be affixed and / or otherwise retained by a bezel assembly, housing (e.g., base, bonnet), or both. The one or more cameras may be retained on one or more bezel portions. The one or more cameras may be located at an entry opening, adjacent to an entry opening, above an entry opening, below an entry opening, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more cameras may beAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOdirectly adjacent to an entry opening, at an interior peripheral surface defining an entry opening, or both. The one or more cameras may be located within, adjacent, exterior of, and / or or through an interior flange defining an entry opening. The one or more cameras may pass through or be aligned with one or more sensor openings. The one or more cameras may pass through or have visibility through one or more sensor openings of an interior flange of an exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more cameras may be affixed to a mounting structure. The one or more cameras may be affixed to a mounting structure of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more cameras may be affixed to a mounting structure on a rear wall of bezel bridge, front wall or panel of a structural bezel, or both. The one or more cameras may be mounted within a component gap. The one or more cameras may be mounted within a component gap to have a line of sight into the interior of the chamber, across a top surface of a litter bed, or both. The one or more cameras may be spaced from an entry opening. The or more cameras may be located in a camera cavity. The one or more cameras may be affixed to an exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more cameras may be located within a camera cavity of a front panel, entry portion, or both of a structural bezel. The one or more cameras located below an entry opening may be mounted such as to have a line of sight into an ambient environment and / or oncoming animal. The one or more cameras may include an inward facing camera, front facing camera, the like, or both.

[0180] The one or more cameras may include a front facing camera. A front facing camera may monitor an exterior environment in which the litter device is located, capture images or video stream of an approaching and / or departing animal, capture images or video stream of user(s) interacting with the litter device, the like, or any combination thereof. A front facing camera may be positioned on the litter device such as to have a line of sight onto an oncoming animal. A front facing camera may be affixed on a front of a litter device, same side of the litter device as an entry opening, or both. A front facing camera may be positioned below an entry opening, beside an entry opening, below a portion of a bezel assembly, beside a portion of a bezel assembly, above a portion of a bezel assembly, affixed and / or within a portion of a bezel assembly, above a waste receptacle, above a step, on a front panel, the like, or a combination thereof. For example, the front facing camera may be located below an entry opening, above a step, above a waste receptacle, the like, or a combination thereof. Being located below an entry opening and yet above a step and / or waste receptacle may provide a suitable height for capturing clear imagery (e.g., facial image) of a majority of an animal as it approaches and / or enters the litter device. This may provide a suitable height without requiring to be located on a front wall of an exterior bezel, such as to avoid electrical components affixed thereto or avoiding mounting structures on one or more sides of the entry opening that may requiring attachment to the housing and / or the bezel assembly, may take up space of the entry opening, and / or require complex movable structures to clear the entry opening for an animal. The front facing camera may be affixed at a height relative to the ground or bottom of the litter device similar to an average cat height. The front facing camera may be positioned about 6” or greater, about 7” or greater, about 8” or greater, or even about 9” or greater from (e.g., above) a bottom of the litter device. The front facing camera may be positioned about 15” or less, about 13” or less, about 12” or less, about 11” or less, or even about 10” orAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOless from (e.g., above) a bottom of the litter device. The front facing camera may be positioned at about 8” or greater to about 12” or less above a bottom of the litter device. The height may be measured relative to a center of the camera lens. The front facing camera may be substantially centered or off-center relative to a longitudinal plane of the litter device. Centering and / or placement at about an average height of a cat may allow for the front facing camera to suitable capture the face of an oncoming animal for recognition. The front facing camera may be affixed to a structural bezel. The front facing camera may be affixed to a front panel. The front facing camera may be located within and / or affixed to a camera cavity within a structural bezel. The litter device may include one or more guides to help encourage an animal to approach the litter device, such as from the front, be in a better position to have their face captured by the front facing camera, or a combination thereof. The one or more guides may be part of a base, waste receptacle, steps, bezel assembly, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more guides may be in the form of one or more projections extending from a part of the litter device.

[0181] The one or more cameras may include an inward facing camera. An inward facing camera may function to monitor an interior of a litter device, visually monitor the interior of a chamber, visually monitor a litter bed, capture one or more images of waste deposited by an animal, aid in waste identification (e.g., urine versus feces), aid in litter refilling, capture one or more images or video stream of an animal using the litter device, the like, or a combination thereof. An inward facing camera may be positioned such as to have a line of sight into an interior of the chamber, across the surface of a litter bed, across a majority of an upper surface of a litter bed, onto an animal when using the litter device to eliminate waste, through a waste opening when in an emptying position, into a waste receptacle (e.g., when aligned with a waste opening), the like, or a combination thereof. An inward facing camera may be affixed adjacent to an entry opening, at a periphery defining the entry opening, above an entry opening, above a litter bed, above a liner, above a waste receptacle, the like, or a combination thereof. An inward facing camera may be affixed to a bezel assembly, housing (e.g., bonnet), chamber assembly (e.g., upper chamber), the like, or a combination thereof. An inward facing camera may be located on an upper region of a bezel assembly adjacent to the entry opening. A titled axis of rotation may allow for this positioning to have a line of sight into an interior of the chamber and over the litter bed. An inward facing camera may be affixed to a bezel assembly adjacent to and / or at a periphery of an entry opening. An inward facing camera may be exposed through an exterior bezel. The inward facing camera may be located within or through an interior flange defining an entry opening. An inward facing camera may have line of sight through a sensor opening in the exterior bezel, structural bezel, or both. Such as a sensor opening in an interior flange. The one or more inward facing cameras may be located in proximity to, adjacent to, and / or aligned with one or more range or distance sensors, gas sensors, light sensors, light sources, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more inward facing cameras may be located adjacent to a light source. The light source may be able to emit light onto the line of sight of the camera such as to light the object the camera is focusing on and / or capturing.

[0182] One or more cameras may include one or more camera modules. The one or more camera modules may be high definition, have a wide filed of view, provide for wireless connectivity. The one or more camera modules may include one or more microphones, speakers, or both. The one or more camera modules mayAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOinclude a video artificial intelligence accelerator, audio artificial intelligence accelerator, or both. Thee one or more camera modules may include one or more solid-state image sensors, color cameras, or both. The one or more camera modules may include a variable speed shutter function. The one or more camera modules may include at least a 1920 (H) x 1080 (V) recording pixel. One or more suitable camera modules may include IMX307LQR-C and / or IMX662-AAQR1-C by SONY, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0183] The one or more cameras may be associated with one or more controllers or processors. Separate from or part of a controller which operates a majority of functions of the litter device. The one or more cameras may be associated with one or more image processors, artificial intelligence video processors, the like, or a combination thereof. An exemplary artificial intelligence processor may include the Ingenic T31 video processor, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0184] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more range or distance sensors. The one or more range or distance sensors may detect a presence of an animal at, in and / or near a litter device, movement of an animal relative to a litter device, size of an animal, distance to an animal, a distance to a bed of litter, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more range or distance sensors may include one or more laser sensors, radar sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radio frequency admittance sensors, microwave sensors, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more range or distance sensors may include one or more time-of-flight sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more range or distance sensors may be mounted such as to have a line of sight or detection into an interior of a chamber of a litter device, across an entry opening of the bezel assembly, across a surface of a litter bed within the chamber, through a waste opening into a waste receptacle (e.g., such as when aligned during a cleaning cycle), the like or a combination thereof. One or more range or distance sensors may be located at an entry opening, adjacent to an entry opening, above an entry opening, below an entry opening, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more range or distance sensors may be directly adjacent to an entry opening, at an interior peripheral surface defining an entry opening, or both. The one or more range or distance sensors may be substantially centered at an uppermost portion of an interior flange and / or entry opening of the bezel assembly. The centered, uppermost position may provide the maximum line of sight into the chamber assembly. The one or more range or distance sensors may be located within or through an interior flange defining an entry opening. The one or more range or distance sensors may pass through or be exposed via one or more sensor openings. The one or more range or distance sensors may pass through or be exposed through one or more sensor openings of an interior flange of an exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more range or distance sensors may be affixed to a mounting structure, circuit board affixed to a mounting structure or both. The one or more range or distance sensors may be affixed directly or indirectly (e.g., such as via a PCB) to a mounting structure of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more range or distance sensors may be affixed to a mounting structure on a rear wall of bezel bridge, front wall of a structural bezel, or both. The one or more range or distance sensors may be mounted within the component gap. TheAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOone or more range or distance sensors may be positioned at an uppermost portion of the entry opening of the bezel assembly, have a maximum line of sight into the chamber, or both.

[0185] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more gas sensors. The one or more gas sensors may function to detect if waste has been eliminated by an animal, a type of waste eliminated by an animal, or both. The one or more gas sensors may sense one or more gasses or compounds emitted from animal waste. The one or more gas sensors may sense one or more gasses compounds, or both associated with urine, fecal matter, or both. One or more gas sensors may be mounted such as to be exposed to one or more gasses emitted from within a chamber of the litter device, above a litter bed, or both. One or more gas sensors may be mounted on a bezel assembly, housing, chamber assembly, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more gas sensors may be located at an entry opening, adjacent to an entry opening, above an entry opening, below an entry opening, the like, or a combination thereof. One or more gas sensors may be located at a rear of a chamber, near and / or adjacent a litter opening, or both. One or more gas sensors may be affixed to a base and / or bonnet. The one or more gas sensors may be directly adjacent to an entry opening, at an interior peripheral surface defining an entry opening, or both. The one or more gas sensors may be located within or through an interior flange defining an entry opening. The one or more gas sensors may pass through or be exposed via one or more sensor openings. The one or more gas sensors may pass through or be exposed through one or more sensor openings of an interior flange of an exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more gas sensors may be affixed to a mounting structure, circuit board affixed to a mounting structure or both. The one or more gas sensors may be affixed directly or indirectly (e.g., such as via a PCB) to a mounting structure of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more gas sensors may be affixed to a mounting structure on a rear wall of bezel bridge, front wall of a structural bezel, or both. The one or more gas sensors may be mounted within the component gap. The one or more gas sensors may be mounted within the component gap to be exposed to one or more gasses emitted from the interior of the chamber, originating out of a litter bed (e.g., before a cleaning cycle, after an animal has eliminated waste), or both. The one or more gas sensors may include one or more volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors. Exemplary gas sensors may include Bosch Sensortec BME680 gas sensor, Figaro USA, Inc. TGS2600 air quality sensor, Winsen semiconductor combustible gas sensor MQ-4B, and Winsen Meu-H2S hydrogen sulfide gas sensor, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The one or more gas sensors may be located in proximity to, on a same mounting structure and / or circuit board as, adjacent to, and / or aligned with one or more range or distance sensors, cameras, light sensors, light sources, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0186] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more identification sensors. One or more identification sensors may function to identify an animal by its identity via one or more identifiers on an animal. An identification sensor may be one or more readers configured to communicate with one or more identifiers. An identification sensor may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, Bluetooth reader, a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more identification sensors may receive identification of an animal by collecting identifying data directly fromAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOthe identifier, from receiving a signal related to identification data in an identification database, or both. The one or more identification sensors may be located anywhere within a base, bonnet, chamber assembly, and / or bezel assembly suitable for communicating with the identifier when an animal is near, at, or in the litter device. The one or more identification sensors may not need to be exposed via one or more sensor openings. The one or more identification sensors may be mounted to one or more bezel portions. The one or more identification sensors may be affixed, directly or indirectly, to a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more identification sensors may be located within the component gap.

[0187] An animal may be associated with an identifier. An identifier may function to specifically identify an animal. An identifier may be worn on a collar, embedded within the flesh (e.g., microchip), or the like. Exemplary identifiers may include radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, Bluetooth tags, Near Field Communication (NFC) tags, passive IR, the like, or any combination thereof. One or more identifiers may have identification information stored therein, link to one or more databases which have identification information stored therein, or both. One or more identifiers may be active or passive. Passive may mean that the identifier is free of its own internal power source. Active may mean that the identifier is powered and / or broadcasts its own signal. An identifier may establish a signal with an identification sensor. This signal may be referred to as an identifier signal. An identifier signal may also be included as a status signal.

[0188] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more light sensors. The one or more light sensors may be similar as described relative to the ambient light sensors of the user interface. The one or more light sensors may function to detect a light level within an ambient environment in which the bezel assembly and / or litter device is located, to detect a light level within an interior of the chamber of the litter device, or both. The one or more light sensors may be mounted such as to be exposed to the light level within a chamber of the litter device. One or more light sensors may be located at an entry opening, adjacent to an entry opening, above an entry opening, below an entry opening, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more light sensors may be directly adjacent to an entry opening, at an interior peripheral surface defining an entry opening, or both. The one or more light sensors may be located within or through an interior flange defining an entry opening. The one or more light sensors may pass through or be exposed via one or more sensor openings. The one or more light sensors may pass through or be exposed through one or more sensor openings of an interior flange of an exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more light sensors may be affixed to a mounting structure, circuit board affixed to a mounting structure or both. The one or more light sensors may be affixed directly or indirectly (e.g., such as via a PCB) to a mounting structure of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more light sensors may be affixed to a mounting structure on a rear wall of bezel bridge, front wall of a structural bezel, or both. The one or more light sensors may be mounted within the component gap. The light level detected by the light sensor may result in automatic adjustment of a brightness or a light level of one or more ambient lights of the bezel assembly and / or litter device.

[0189] The litter device may include one or more light sources. One or more light sources may function to light an interior of the litter device (e.g. chamber) so that an animal and / or a user may have better visibility into the interior. One or more light sources may cooperate with one or more cameras to brighten the targetAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOarea the camera is focusing on. The one or more light sources may include any suitable light. The one or more light sources may include a monochromatic light source, a multi-color light source (e.g., red, green, blue light), or both. The one or more light sources may include a suitable light, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The one or more light sources may be mounted such as to emit light into the chamber, through the entry opening, or both. One or more light sources may be located at an entry opening, adjacent to an entry opening, above an entry opening, below an entry opening, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more light sources may be directly adjacent to an entry opening, at an interior peripheral surface defining an entry opening, or both. The one or more light sources may be located within or through an interior flange defining an entry opening. The one or more light sources may pass through or be exposed via one or more sensor openings. The one or more light sources may pass through or be exposed through one or more sensor openings of an interior flange of an exterior bezel, structural bezel, bezel bridge, the like, or a combination thereof. The one or more light sources may be located at or near an uppermost portion of an interior flange and / or entry opening of a bezel assembly such as to cast light downward into the interior of the chamber assembly. The one or more light sources may be affixed to a mounting structure, circuit board affixed to a mounting structure or both. The one or more light sensors may be affixed directly or indirectly (e.g., such as via a PCB) to a mounting structure of a structural bezel, bezel bridge, or both. The one or more light sources may be affixed to a mounting structure on a rear wall of bezel bridge, front wall of a structural bezel, or both. The one or more light sensors may be mounted within the component gap. The one or more light sources may be located in proximity to, on a same mounting structure and / or circuit board as, adjacent to, and / or aligned with one or more range or distance sensors, cameras, gas sensors, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0190] The one or more sensing devices may include one or more weight sensors . The one or more weight sensors may function to monitor a mass of a litter device or a portion of a device, monitor a mass of an animal, identify a presence of an animal within or near a device, or any combination thereof. A weight sensor may continuously, intermittently, or both monitor for mass and / or changes thereof. The weight sensor may be located at any location in or near a litter device so that any change in mass of the device, presence of an animal within or near the device, or any combination thereof may be detected. The weight sensor may include one or more load cells, resistors, force sensors, switches, controllers, microprocessors, the like, or a combination thereof. Exemplary weight sensors and configurations may be as described in US Patent Nos. 8,757,094, 9,422,185, 11,399,502, and 11,523,586; and US Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 325,480 and 63 / 809,637, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The one or more weight sensors may be located anywhere within, on, and / or near a litter device suitable for detecting mass of an animal, the device or portions thereof, or both. The one or more weight sensors may be located within one or more feet and / or legs of one or more pet health devices, in a scale base integrated to a bottom of the litter device, below a chamber assembly, on a mat or scale below and / or near (e.g., in front of) the litter device, the like, or any combination thereof. Exemplary integration into a litter device may include within one or more feet, between a chamber and a base (e.g., cradle, base frame, below and / or integratedAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOinto a waste drawer, below a bottom of a base, between a base and a scale base, offset from one or more feet and / or legs, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0191] One or more suitable sensing devices may include those as disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849, WO 2024 / 196865, andWO 2026 / 011053; PCT Application No. PCT / US2025 / 061621, filed on December 30, 2025; and US Provisional Application No. 63 / 809,637 filed on May 21, 2025, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0192] The litter device may include one or more controllers . The one or more controllers may function to receive one or more signals, transmit one or more signals, control operations of one or more components of the devices, or a combination thereof. The one or more controllers may be in communication with and / or include one or more sensing devices, communication modules, networks, other controllers, other electrical components, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may automatically receive, interpret, and / or transmit one or more signals. The one or more controllers may be adapted to receive one or more signals from the one or more sensing devices. The one or more controllers may be in electrical communication with one or more sensing devices. The one or more controllers may interpret one or more signals from one or more sensing devices as one or more status signals. The controller may relay the one or more status signals to one or more other controllers, processors, storage mediums computing devices, and / or the like. The one or more controllers may be adapted to receive one or more signals from one or more computing devices. The one or more signals may include one or more instruction signals related to one or more instructions. The one or more instructions may be input by a user into a user interface, stored instructions on a computer readable medium (e.g., software) in one or more computing devices, and / or the like. The one or more controllers may automatically control one or more operations of one or more components upon receipt of one or more signals or instructions. The one or more controllers may be located within or affixed to a bezel assembly, bonnet, base, chamber, near an entry opening, the like, or any combination thereof. The one or more controllers may include one or more controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, processors, storage mediums, or a combination thereof. One or more suitable controllers may include one or more controllers, microprocessors, or both as described in US Patent No. 8,757,094; 9,433,185; 11,399,502, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The one or more controllers may be in communication with and / or include one or more communication modules, processors, storage mediums, circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit board “PCB”), input and / or output peripherals, analog to digital convertors, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0193] The litter device may include one or more communication modules. The one or more communication modules may allow for the litter device to receive and / or transmit one or more signals from one or more controllers and / or computing devices, be integrated into a network, or both. The one or more communication modules may have any configuration which may allow for one or more data signals from one or more controllers to be relayed to one or more other controllers, communication modules, communication hubs, networks, computing devices, processors, the like, or any combination thereof located external of the pet health device. The one or more communication modules may include one or more wired communication modules, wireless communication modules, or both. A wireless communication moduleAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOmay include any module capable of transmitting and / or receiving one or more data signals via a wireless connection. One or more wireless communication modules may communicate via one or more networks via a wireless connection. One or more wireless communication modules may include a Wi-Fi transmitter, a Bluetooth transmitter, an infrared transmitter, a radio frequency transmitter, an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant transmitter, cellular radio signal transmitter, Narrowband -Internet of Things (NB-IoT) transmitter, the like, or any combination thereof. A Wi-Fi transmitter may be any transmitter complaint with IEEE 802.11. A communication module may be single band, multi-band (e.g., dual band), or both. A communication module may operate at 2.4 Ghz, 5 Ghz, the like, or a combination thereof. A cellular radio signal transmitter may be any transceiver compatible with any cellular frequency band (e.g., 500, 900, 1,800, 1,900 MHz) and / or network (3G, LTE, LTE Catl, LTE M, 4G, 5G). A communication module may communicate with one or more other communication modules, computing devices, processors, or any combination thereof directly; via one or more communication hubs, networks, or both; via one or more interaction interfaces; or any combination thereof.

[0194] The litter device may include a weight system. The weight system may be configured to monitor a weight, a change in weight, or both associated with the litter device; detect a presence or absence of an animal, a weight of an animal, an amount of waste deposited, a quantity of litter within the chamber, or any combination thereof. The weight system may be located below the housing and may function independently of the surface upon which the litter device rests. The weight system may function to provide for distribution of a substantially uniform counterforce of a load force applied onto the base from the chamber or other weight applied to the litter device. The weight system may allow for some freedom of movement of a housing (e.g., base) relative thereto. The freedom of movement may allow for a litter device to rest on carpet or slightly uneven surfaces while allowing weight sensor(s) to accurate measure the weight applied to the litter device. The weight system may provide for isolation of a scale base such that the weight system may capture weight associated with the housing of the litter device without being impacted by the scale base, a surface upon which the scale base rests, an angle of the scale base relative to a bottom of the base, the like, or a combination thereof. The weight system may include a scale base, one or more weight assemblies, one or more kickstands, the like, or a combination thereof.

[0195] The weight system may be in communication with one or more controllers of the litter device. The one or more controllers may receive signals from the weight system and may interpret the signals to determine operating states of the litter device, initiate or inhibit a cleaning cycle, log animal usage, or perform other operations. Communication between the weight system and the controller may be wired, wireless, or both.

[0196] The weight system may include a scale base . The scale base may function as a structural foundation for the weight system, may support one or more weighing assemblies while remaining free of direct contact with the housing, or both. The scale base may substantially evenly distribute loads applied from the housing to the one or more weighing assemblies in a controlled manner. The scale base may have a cross-sectional shape substantially similar to or different than that of the base of the housing. The scale base may include a bottom wall, one or more side walls extending upward from the bottom wall, and / or a rim formed at anAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOupper edge of the side walls. The overall shape of the scale base may be substantially reciprocal to a general shape of the base at a bottom portion of the housing . This shape may allow for the base to nest within and / or atop the scale base even while being free of direct contact. This shape may allow for the scale base to provide stability to the housing. The scale base may be located below the housing, such as below the base. The scale base may be free of direct contact with the base. The rim of the scale base may be spaced from a bottom of the base, such as by a gap. The base may include one or more raised edges, recessed surfaces, or both configured to maintain the gap and prevent contact between the base and the scale base while allowing the base to rest upon only the one or more weighing assemblies.

[0197] The scale base may include one or more reinforcement structures. The reinforcement structures may extend from the bottom wall toward one or more side walls of the scale base, about one or more mounts, or both. The reinforcement structures may include ribs, gussets, webs, or combinations thereof. The reinforcement structures may function to resist deformation, bending, or flexing of the scale base under loads applied by the housing or by a supporting surface beneath the litter device.

[0198] The scale base may include one or more kickstands. The one or more kickstands may provide additional stability to the litter device. The kickstand may be configured to counterbalance changes in weight distribution, such as those caused by a litter dispenser, waste accumulation, or animal movement. The one or more kickstands may extend rearward, sideways, and / or downward relative to the scale base. The one or more kickstands may be formed such as to be under a litter dispenser, a same side of the litter device as a litter dispenser, or both.

[0199] The scale base may include one or more mounts. One or more mounts may function to support and / or retain one or more weighing assemblies. Each mount may project upward from the bottom wall of the scale base. The one or more mounts may be integrally formed with the scale base or may be affixed thereto. The one or more mounts may be located toward and / or at one or more side walls, comers, or both of the scale base. The one or more mounts may be biased toward one or more, or even all, comers of the scale base.

[0200] The weight system may include one or more weighing assemblies. The one or more weighing assemblies may be distributed about the scale base. The one or more weighing assemblies may be along one or more sides, comers, or both. The one or more weighing assemblies may be aligned with and / or rest atop one or more mounts. The one or more weighing assemblies may be biased toward one or more comers of the scale base. The one or more weighing assemblies may be positioned offset from one or more feet or legs of the scale base such that forces from the supporting surface are isolated from forces measured by the weighing assemblies.

[0201] A weighing assembly may include one or more weight sensors. The one or more weight sensors may be configured to receive a downward load force from the housing (e.g., base) and an upward counterforce from the scale base, either directly or through intermediate components such as a retainer and / or mount. The one or more weight sensors may include the one or more weight sensors as discussed herein. The one or more weight sensors may be load cells, strain gauges, or other force-sensing elements suitable for detecting applied loads.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0202] A weighing assembly may include one or more retainers. The one or more retainers may be configured to receive, locate, and support at least a portion of the one or more weight sensors. The one or more retainers may function to retain the one or more weight sensors atop and / or aligned with the one or more mounts. The retainers may include retention arms, support arms, support portions, or combinations thereof. The retainers may be affixed to the scale base, to the base, or both. The one or more retainers may function to transfer load forces and counterforces to the one or more weight sensors while allowing limited relative movement between the base and the scale base.

[0203] The litter device may include a litter dispenser. A litter dispenser may function to store clean, unused litter; refill a litter device, a chamber, or both with clean and unused litter; extend the usability of a litter device without human intervention; or any combination thereof. The litter dispenser may have any size, shape, and / or configuration to be in fluid communication with an interior of a chamber; affixed to a litter device, base, bonnet, chamber, or any combination thereof; have the ability to transfer a portion of litter stored therein into a chamber; have the ability to store litter; or any combination thereof. The litter device may include, be affixed to, or be free of a litter dispenser. A litter dispenser may be located above, behind, and / or beside a housing and / or chamber assembly. The litter dispenser may be located generally opposite an entry opening. By being opposite the entry opening, the litter dispenser may not interfere with entry and exit by an animal, functionality with a septum and / or liner, or a combination thereof. The litter dispenser may be particularly useful in extending the usability of a litter device without human intervention. For example, a waste receptacle may have a waste storage capacity greater than the litter capacity in the chamber. Capacity may be measured in volume, usage frequency by an animal, or even days. As during a cleaning cycle, used litter is transferred into the waste receptacle along with animal waste, over time the usable litter may be depleted. The usable litter in the chamber may be depleted before the waste drawer is full. The litter dispenser may automatically deliver clean, unused litter into the chamber. The litter dispenser may deliver litter into the chamber once the litter within the chamber reaches a certain quantity (e.g., volume, height, etc.). The level of litter within the chamber may be sensed by one or more sensors. For example, one or more cameras, distance or range sensors, weight sensors, or a combination thereof may sense the quantity of litter within the chamber. The litter stored within the litter dispenser may be any kind of litter suitable for use with the litter device. The litter dispenser may include a hopper, lid, dispenser housing, dispensing device, the like, or any combination thereof.

[0204] The litter dispenser includes a hopper. The hopper may function to retain litter, a plurality of chamber volumes of litter, guide litter toward a dispensing housing and / or dispensing device, or any combination thereof. The hopper may include a hollow interior for retaining unused litter. The hopper may have a shape which is generally cubical, cylindrical, spherical, conical, prismed, cuboidal, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the hopper may have a shape which is generally a trapezoidal prism, conical, or the like. A shape may have a larger cross-sectional area adjacent to a rim and / or lid as compared to a smaller cross-sectional area closest to a dispensing device. A shape of the hopper may be tapered. Tapering, and / or a reduced cross-sectional area may aid in funneling of litter toward a dispensing device. The hopper may include a single or a plurality of side walls (e.g., hopper walls). One or more side wallsAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOmay include a shape reciprocal with one or more contours of an exterior of a bonnet, chamber, or both. For example, a side wall adapted to be adjacent to a bonnet may be concave. The concave wall may match a convex and / or rounded shape of an exterior wall of a bonnet. A side wall may match the shape of the dispenser pocket of the bonnet. The reciprocal shape may allow the side wall to rest directly adjacent to and in contact with the bonnet. The side walls may be affixed to and / or integral with a bottom wall of the hopper. A bottom wall of the hopper may be opposite an opening, rim, lid, or any combination thereof. The bottom wall may be partially or completely disposed within a dispenser housing. The bottom wall may be generally planar, sloped, or a combination thereof. The bottom wall may have a shape which is substantially conical, pyramidical, the like, or a combination thereof. The bottom wall may slope toward a funnel, an opening, a dispenser housing, a dispensing device, or a combination thereof. The bottom wall may slope away from an opening, rim, lid, or any combination thereof.

[0205] The hopper may have a storage capacity. The capacity may be the volume of unused (e.g., clean) litter storable within the hopper. The volume may be about 10 cups or greater, about 12 cups or greater, about 13 cups or greater, about 14 cups or greater, or even about 15 cups or greater. The volume may be about 20 cups or less, about 18 cups or less, about 17 cups or less, or even about 16 cups or less. The hopper may have an increased capacity as compared to the litter dispenser of PCT Publication WO 2020 / 219849, PCT Application No. PCT / US2025 / 036062, and / or even Litter-Robot 4 by Whisker. For example, the typical storage volume may be about 14 cups to about 16 cups. The volume may be about 10% or greater, about 15%or greater, about 20% or greater, about 25% or greater, or even about 30% or greater as compared to other litter dispensers. The volume may be greater than other litter dispensers by Whisker by 50% or less, 45% or less, or even 40% or less. The volume may be such that the weight does not cause the litter device to tip over or take up a significantly larger footprint. The volume may provide for additional time that the chamber assembly may be automatically refilled with clean litter from the litter dispenser.

[0206] The litter dispenser may include a lid. The lid may function to protect litter within the litter dispenser, restrict access into the hopper, allow temporary access into the hopper, or any combination thereof. The lid may be removably affixed to a hopper. The lid may rest atop the hopper, partially in the hopper, or both. The lid may include a shape substantially reciprocal with a cross-sectional shape of a hopper, such as at a rim. The lid may include a substantially rounded rectangular design but it is foreseeable it could be in any other cross-sectional or top view shape. The lid may be symmetrical about at least one plane. The lid may be symmetrical about two planes. Being mirrored (e.g., symmetric) about only one plane may allow for only one position for placement and engagement with the hopper, such as in PCT Publication WO 2020 / 219849 and / or PCT Application No. PCT / US2025 / 036062. Being mirrored about two planes may allow for a user to engage the lid in either position. The lid may include additional engagement features to either allow a single position for engagement or two positions for engagement with the hopper. Two-position engagement may make placement of the lid easier for users. The lid may partially rest in the hopper adjacent to the rim. The lid may be secured to the hopper via one or more attachments. The one or more attachments may include a friction fit, snap fit, locks, lock tabs, biasing devices, the like, or any combination thereof. The lid may include one or more handles, latches, locks, and / or the like. The handle may functionAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOto facilitate removal of a lid, placement of a lid, or both. The handle may be integral with or affixed to any portion of the lid. The lid may be held in place by one or more latches and / or locks.

[0207] The litter dispenser may include a dispensing device. The dispensing device may function to segregate a portion of the litter from the hopper; retain litter within the litter dispenser; transfer a portion of the litter from the hopper to the dispenser housing, chamber, or both; or a combination thereof. The dispensing device may be located in any portion of the litter dispenser suitable for segregating litter from a hopper and transferring litter to a dispenser housing, chamber, or both. The dispensing housing may be located between a hopper and a chamber, within a dispenser housing, or both. The dispensing device may be configured to dispense a predetermined amount of litter from the hopper to the chamber. The dispensing device may include a drive source, drive shaft, hub, insert, paddle, the like, or a combination thereof. The dispensing device may be configured to rotate in a single direction, plurality of directions (e.g., first and second directions opposing one another), or both. The dispensing device may have a resting mode, refill mode, or both. A resting mode may be the dispensing device held in a static position to retain litter within the litter dispenser. A refill mode may be the dispensing device moving during a refill cycle to transfer litter from the hopper to the chamber. A refill cycle may be the time period which the dispensing device is moving to transfer a desired amount of litter into the chamber.

[0208] The dispensing device may include a drive source. A drive source may function to apply one or more dispensing forces, apply one or more return forces, move a dispensing device between one or more resting positions to one or more dispensing positions, or a combination thereof. A drive source may be in rotational communication with a drive shaft, hub, insert, paddle, or a combination thereof. A drive source may be a motor or other power supply. The drive source may be in electronic communication with one or more sensing devices, controllers, or both of the litter device. If the level of litter detected is below a required amount of litter, the drive source may initiate rotation of a drive shaft, hub, paddle, fins, or any combination thereof.

[0209] The dispensing device may include a paddle. The paddle may function to transfer litter from a hopper to a chamber, from a funnel opening to a dispensing opening, or both. The paddle may have any suitable size, shape, and / or configuration for transferring litter from the hopper to the chamber. The paddle may be configured to rotate during a refill cycle to transfer litter. The paddle may include one or more fins. The one or more fins may include a single fin or a plurality of fins. One or more fins may include 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or even 5 or more fins. One or more fins may include 10 or less, 8 or less, or even 7 or less fins. A plurality of fins may be separate from each, attached to one another, integral with one another, or any combination thereof to form a paddle. A plurality of fins may be useful in quickly transferring litter from a hopper to a chamber, controlling the amount of litter transferred, or both. The one or more fins may be rigid, semi-rigid, semi-flexible, flexible, or a combination thereof. The one or more fins may be flexible along a length of the one or more fins. One or more fins of the paddle may be affixed to or integral with a hub, drive shaft, or both. Rotational movement of the drive shaft, hub, or both results in rotation of the paddle, fins, or both about the same rotational axis. One or more fins may be affixed to the hub at an attached end.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO

[0210] The litter dispenser includes a dispenser housing. The dispenser housing may function to house a dispensing device, guide litter toward a chamber, guide litter toward a chute, or any combination thereof. The dispenser housing may have a shape which is generally cubical, cylindrical, spherical, conical, prismed, cuboidal, the like, or any combination thereof. For example, the dispenser housing may have a shape which is generally a trapezoidal prism, conical, or the like. The dispenser housing may be open on both ends. The dispenser housing may have an end with a shape substantially reciprocal to the cross-sectional shape of the hopper. The reciprocal shape may allow for the dispenser housing to receive a portion of the hopper, such as the bottom wall, a portion of the side walls, or both. The dispenser housing may have a larger cross-sectional area on one end as opposed to a smaller cross-sectional area on an opposite end. A shape of the hopper may be tapered. The dispensing device may include a single or a plurality of side walls. One or more side walls may include a shape reciprocal with one or more contours of an exterior of a bonnet, chamber, base, or any combination thereof. For example, a side wall adapted to be adjacent to a bonnet may be concave. The concave wall may match a convex and / or rounded shape of an exterior wall of a bonnet. The side wall may have a shape reciprocal with at least a portion of a dispenser pocket. The reciprocal shape may allow the side wall to rest directly adjacent to and in contact with the bonnet.

[0211] The dispenser housing may include a dispenser mount located therein. The dispenser mount may function to retain the dispensing device, allow movement (e.g., rotation) of one or more components of the dispensing device; funnel litter from a dispensing device through a dispensing opening; or a combination thereof. The dispenser mount may have any size, shape, and / or configuration suitable for retaining a dispensing device within the dispenser housing. The dispenser mount may include one or more cradles. One or more cradles may function to retain (e.g., cradle) one or more components of the dispensing device. One or more cradles may allow for rotation, may prevent rotation, or both of one or more components of the dispensing device. One or more cradles may hold a drive source, drive shaft, insert, and / or hub.

[0212] The litter dispenser may include one or more connection members. The one or more connection members may function to affix the litter dispenser to the housing of the litter device. The one or more connection members may allow for insertion into a base, bonnet, or both. The connection member(s) may include one or more connection members. One or more may include one, two, three, or even four or more connection members. For example, the one or more connection members may include a pair of connection members. Each connection member may extend from a bottom of the litter dispenser. Each connection member may extend from a bottom of a dispenser housing, away from a hopper, away from a lid, or a combination thereof. The pair of connection members may flank an opening (e.g., outlet). The one or more connection members may be formed as one or more projections which extend substantially downward. The one or more connection members may include one or more posts, dowels, rods, splines, and / the like. The one or more connection members may have a uniform width (e.g., constant cross-section) and / or narrow along a length (e.g., taper). The one or more connection members may narrow toward their bottom (e.g., free) ends. The one or more connection members may form the taper by only a portion of an exterior wall angling or slanting as opposed to slanting inward about the entire circumference. For example, a rear of the connection member may be slanted relative to a vertical plane while a front of the connection memberAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOremains substantially parallel relative to a vertical plane. The angle of the slant may be 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 35° or less, or even about 30° or less. The angle may be substantially reciprocal with an angle of one or more openings. The one or more openings may be formed in a base frame, cradle, or both. This angle may provide for insertion of the litter dispenser at an angle, instead of vertically, onto the litter device.

[0213] The litter device may include a chute. A chute may be part of the litter dispenser or separate therefrom. A chute may function to funnel litter from a dispensing device, dispenser housing, dispenser opening, or a combination thereof into a chamber. A chute may function to transfer litter through a litter opening, toward a fill guide, into a fill gap, or a combination thereof. A chute may have any size, shape, and / or configuration to place the dispenser housing in fluid communication with an interior of a chamber. The chute may be at least partially aligned with a rotational axis of a chamber. A chute may include a chute housing, chute inlet, chute outlet, chute opening, chute slide, the like, or any combination thereof. A chute housing may connect the litter dispenser to an interior of the chamber. The chute housing may be substantially aligned, centered, off centered, or a combination thereof with a rotational axis of the housing. Being aligned, such that the longitudinal axis of the chute housing is substantially centered with the rotational axis of the chamber allows for the dispenser to dispense litter into the chamber at any point during a cleaning cycle, avoid interference with one or more interior components of a chamber, allow the chute housing to remain static as the chamber rotates, or any combination thereof. A chute, chute housing, or both may be approximately parallel (e.g., same angle) as the rotational axis of the chamber. A chute may be received in, may receive, or both a fdl flange of a chamber. A chute inlet may function to be in fluid communication with a dispensing outlet of a dispenser housing. The chute inlet may be adjacent to, integral with, affixed to, or a combination thereof a chute wall. A chute wall may be located within a chute housing. A chute wall may function to funnel litter from a dispensing outlet, chute inlet, or both toward a chute outlet, interior of a chamber, or both. A chute wall may extend from a chute inlet to a chute outlet.. The chute outlet may be an open end of the chute housing. The chute outlet may be located within a chamber. The chute outlet may be located adjacent to, distanced from, in proximity to, or a combination thereof a fill guide of a chamber.

[0214] A litter dispenser may be a litter dispenser or include features of a litter dispenser as disclosed in or similar to that of PCT Publication Nos. WO 2020 / 219849 and WO 2026 / 010939, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0215] 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 sensing devices (e.g., range or distance sensors, weight sensors, and / or camera) 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 rotateAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOclockwise, 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 emptying 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.

[0216] 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 septum 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. The features disclosed therein may be incorporated into the present teachings.

[0219] Illustrative Examples

[0220] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of a litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 is comprised of a base 16 and a bonnet 14. Uocated within the housing 12 is a chamber assembly 18. The chamber assembly 18 is configured to rotate inside of the housing 10. The chamber assembly 18 includes an upper chamber 21, lower chamber 22, a liner 24, and a septum 20. The chamber assembly 18 and the housing 10 define an entry opening 26. Uocated about the entry opening 26 and / or also defining the entry opening 26 is a bezel assembly 28. The bezel assembly 28 includes an exterior bezel 30. The exterior bezel 30 is removably affixed to a structural bezel 32. The bezel assembly 28 supports a user interface 34. The user interface 34 may include a screen 124, plurality of buttons 126, status indicator 128 (e.g., light), and / or light sensor 56 (e.g., ambient light sensor). The light sensor 56 may be considered one of the one or more sensing devices 50. Uocated below the housing 10 is a scale base 36. The litterAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOassembly 10 includes a waste receptacle 38. The waste receptacle 38 may include a waste drawer 40. The waste drawer 40 resides within the base 16 of the housing 10. A step 42 is included on the front of the litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes one or more cameras 44. One camera 44 may be a front facing camera 46. One camera 44 may be an inward facing camera 48. The litter device 10 includes one or more sensing devices 50. The sensing device(s) 50 may include a range or distance sensor 52. The range or distance sensor 52 may be a time-of-flight sensor 54. The sensing device(s) 50 may include a gas sensor 58. The one or more sensing devices 50 may include a camera 44. In proximity to the one or more sensing devices 50 may be one or more light sources 60. The one or more light sources 60 may be adjacent to one or more range or distance sensors 52. The one or more light sources 60 may be adjacent to the one or more gas sensors 58.

[0221] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 consists of a bonnet 14 which is affixed atop a base 16. The base 16 may include a kickstand 80. The kickstand 80 may be part of a scale base 36. The base 16 rests atop a scale base 36. The scale base 36 includes a plurality of weight sensors 64. The base 16 applies its mass (e.g., mass of the rest of the litter device 10) to the weight sensors 64. Removably located within the base 16 is a waste receptacle 38. The waste receptacle 38 includes a waste drawer 40. The front of the waste receptacle 38 includes a step 42. Seated within the base 16 and atop the waste receptacle 38 is a cradle 66. The cradle 66 may function to rotatably support the chamber assembly 18 in the base 16. The chamber assembly 18 includes an upper chamber 21, lower chamber 22, liner 24, and septum 20. The lower chamber 22 includes an intermediate portion 23a and bottom portion 23b. The upper chamber 21 and lower chamber 22 form a shape which is substantially spherical (e.g., globe shaped). The chamber assembly 18 may receive a removable litter chute 68. The chamber assembly 18 includes a track 70. The track 70 is affixed at a rear of the chamber assembly 18. The track 70 is part of the chamber assembly 18 and affixed to the upper chamber 21 and lower chamber 22. The track 70 is rotated by a drive source 72 (e.g., motor and one or more gears). Defining a front of the litter device 10 is a bezel assembly 28. The bezel assembly 28 includes a bezel bridge 74, structural bezel 32, and exterior bezel 30. Affixed to the bezel assembly 28, such as onto the exterior bezel 30, is an accessory 31, such as a urine guard 33. The structural bezel 32 and bezel bridge 74 may form a gap therebetween in which one or more electrical components are stored. One or more electrical components may include one or more sensing devices 50 and / or cameras 44. The one or more sensing devices may be mounted to or integrated onto a circuit board 76 (e.g., printed circuit board). The one or more cameras 44 affixed between the bezel bridge 74 and structural bezel 32 may include an inward facing camera 48. The one or more cameras 44 may include a front facing camera 46. The front facing camera 46 may be located on the structural bezel 32. The front facing camera 46 may be located within a camera cavity 78 formed in the structural bezel 32. Opposite the camera cavity 78 and / or front facing camera 46 may be a user interface 34. The user interface 34 may be located at a top of the structural bezel 32, through a top of the exterior bezel 30, or both.

[0222] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of the litter device 10. The chamber assembly 18 is rotated about a rotational axis AR. The rotational axis AR is on a tilted angle 6. The tilted angle 6 may be relative to theAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOvertical axis VA. The litter device 10 includes a bezel assembly 28. Mounted within the bezel assembly 28, at or near the top, are one or more sensing devices 50 and a camera 44, such as an inward facing camera 48. Due to being located on the bezel assembly 28 such as to be adjacent to the entry opening 26, and the tilted angle 0 of the rotational axis AR, the one or more sensors 50 and camera 44 have a line of sight 82 into an interior of the chamber assembly 18. The line of sight may be across a majority of the litter bed and / or interior of the chamber assembly 18. The litter device 10 includes a front facing camera 46. The front facing camera 46 has a line of sight 82 onto oncoming animals and / or users.

[0223] FIG. 5 is a front view of a litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes a chamber assembly 18. The chamber assembly 18 is configured to rotate in one or more directions R to execute a cleaning cycle of the litter device. In a first rotation direction Rl, the chamber assembly 18 may rotate such that the septum 20 sifts through a litter bed inside of the chamber assembly 18. Waste sifted from the litter bed by the septum 20 may exit the chamber assembly 18 via a waste opening 178. The chamber assembly 18 may rotate in a second direction R2 to return to a resting and / or home position HP About the entry opening 26 is a bezel assembly 28. The front exterior of the bezel assembly 28 is formed by the exterior bezel 30. Affixed to a centered top of the bezel assembly 28 is a user interface 34. Affixed to a top of an interior flange of the bezel assembly 28 are one or more sensing devices 50, including a camera 44, such as an inward facing camera 48. On the bezel assembly 28, below an exterior bezel 30, is a camera 44. The camera may be a front facing camera 46. The front facing camera 46 is located above the waste receptacle 38, including above the step 42.

[0224] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a rear view of a litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 includes a bonnet 14 atop a base 16. The base 16 may be located atop a scale base 36. The scale base 36 may be considered part of or separate from the housing 12. The litter device 10 may include a kickstand 80. The litter device 10 includes bezel assembly 28. The bezel assembly 28 supports a user interface 34. The user interface 34 is accessible from a top of the litter device 10. The bezel assembly 28 includes an exterior bezel 30. The exterior bezel 30 may expose and / or support the user interface 34. The exterior bezel 30 rests in front of a structural bezel 32. The structural bezel 32 extends downward below an entry opening 26 (not shown) to form a front panel 62. The housing 12 also includes a dispenser cover 84. The dispenser cover 84 provides for a continuous exterior of the bonnet 14 while concealing surface geometry of the bonnet 14.

[0225] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of a litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing 12 includes a bonnet 14, base 16, and dispenser cover 84. The dispenser cover 84 is shown removed from the bonnet 14. The dispenser cover 84 is configured to cover a dispenser pocket 92, litter opening 132, and / or a litter chute 68. The dispenser cover 84 is configured to cover surface geometry of the bonnet 14 compatible with a litter dispenser 90 (not shown). The dispenser cover 84 may be affixed to the base 16, bonnet 14, or both. The dispenser cover 84 may have an arcuate panel configured, sharing a profile and / or continuing the profile of the bonnet 14.

[0226] FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a bonnet 14 and base 16. The bonnet 14 is removably affixed and / or hingedly affixed to the base 16. The bonnet 14 includes two connection members 86. The connectionAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOmembers 86 are at the rear of the bonnet. The connection members 86 may be formed with or without curvature. Curvature may allow for also working as a hinge 89. The hinge 89 may be a hidden hinge (e.g., inside an interior of the housing 12 as opposed to on an exterior). The connection members 86 may be inserted into openings 88. The openings 88 may be formed in the bonnet 14 and / or base 16. The openings 88 may be located on opposite sides of a litter chute 68, a central plane (not shown), or both.

[0227] FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate a litter device 10 including a litter dispenser 90. The litter dispenser 90 is located at a rear of the litter device 10. The litter dispenser 90 is located on the bonnet 14. The litter dispenser 90 may rest on a rear of the bonnet 14. The litter dispenser 90 may rest within or on a dispenser pocket 92. The litter dispenser 90 may be affixed to the base 16. The litter dispenser 90 is configured to refill the chamber assembly 18 with clean and unused litter (not shown). The litter dispenser 90 is located generally opposite the entry opening 26. The litter dispenser 90 is located generally above a kickstand 80. A top of the litter dispenser 90 is generally located below a top of the bonnet 14 and / or bezel assembly 28; although the litter dispenser 90 could be taller or even extend over atop of the bonnet 14.

[0228] FIG. 15 illustrates a partially exploded view of the litter device 10 showing the litter dispenser 90 removed therefrom. The bonnet 14 is free of a dispenser cover 84 (not shown). The litter device 10 includes a bonnet 14 and a base 16. The bonnet 14 includes a dispenser pocket 92 formed therein. The dispenser pocket 92 may be concealed with a removable dispenser cover 84 (not shown) when free of a litter dispenser 90. The dispenser pocket 92 is located generally opposite an entry opening 26. The dispenser pocket 92 is formed at a rear of the bonnet 14. The dispenser pocket 92 includes surface geometry configured to cooperate with the litter dispenser 90. The surface geometry may be substantially reciprocal with at least a front portion of a litter dispenser 90. It is also foreseeable the bonnet 14 is free of a dispenser pocket 92 such that the litter dispenser 90 rests upon a more continuous exterior surface of the bonnet 14. The bonnet 14 includes a chute casing 94. Although it is possible the chute casing could be formed in the base 16. The chute casing 94 includes an opening 96 aligned with an opening 96 in the base 16. The chute casing 94 houses a chute 68. The chute 68 allows for litter to transfer from the litter dispenser 90 into an interior of the litter device 10. The chute 68 includes a chute inlet 98 and outlet 100 (such as shown in FIG. 3). Located inside of the chute 68 is a chute slide (not shown).

[0229] FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-section of the litter device 10 and transfer of clean litter from the litter dispenser 90 into the chamber assembly 18. The litter 5 is initially stored within a hopper 102 up to a fill line 104. The hopper 102 is located above a dispensing device 106. Gravity may be able to provide a constant supply of litter 5 to the dispensing device 106. A hopper 102 is in fluid communication with a dispenser housing 108 and dispensing device 106 via funnel opening 110. The funnel opening 110 may allow litter 5 to transfer from the hopper 102 to the dispenser housing 108. The litter 5 is transferred from the dispensing device 106 into the chute 68. The litter 5 enters via the chute inlet 98 and exits via the chute outlet 100 via a chute slide 112. The litter 5 enters via the rear of the chamber assembly 18. The litter 5 is deflected downward through a fdl gap 132 toward a bottom of the chamber assembly 18 by a fdl guide 130.

[0230] FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of a bonnet 14 and base 16 while FIG. 18 provides a close-up crosssection. The bonnet 14 includes a dispenser pocket 92 formed at the rear. At the base of the dispenser pocketAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO92 is a chute casing 94 with an opening 96. The opening 96 in the bonnet 14 may be aligned with the opening 96 of the base 16. The chute casing 94 is flanked by a pair of openings 88. The openings 88 may be formed in the base 16 and / or the bonnet 14. The openings 88 may be configured to receive one or more connection members 86 (such as shown in FIG. 19). The connection members 86 (not shown) may be part of the litter dispenser 90.

[0231] As shown in FIG. 18, the openings 88 may extend downward into the base 16 at vertically and / or at an offset angle. The openings 88 may be tapered, slanted or both. The openings 88 may taper as they extend downward (e.g., narrow). The openings 88 may be slanted toward a front and / or rear of the litter device 10. For example, the openings 88 may be slanted toward the front of the litter device.

[0232] FIGS. 19 through 25 illustrate a litter dispenser 90. The litter dispenser 90 includes a lid 114, hopper 102, and dispenser housing 108. The lid 114 includes a handle 116. The lid 114 rests partially within a rim 18 of the hopper 102. The hopper 102 includes hopper walls 120. Adjacent and in communication with the hopper 102 is the dispenser housing 108. The dispenser housing 108 is located on an opposite side of the hopper 102 as the lid 114. The dispenser housing 108 includes an opening 122. Projecting from a bottom of the dispenser housing 108 is a pair of connection members 86. The rear of the connection member 86 may be slanted relative to a vertical plane VP while a front of the connection member 86 remains substantially parallel relative to a vertical plane, such as shown in FIG. 25.

[0233] FIG. 26 illustrates a front exterior of a bezel assembly 28. The bezel assembly 28 includes an exterior bezel 30 (e.g., cosmetic bezel). The exterior bezel 30 is attached to a structural bezel 32. The structural bezel 32 includes a front panel 62. Affixed to the exterior bezel 30 is an accessory 31. The accessory 31 is a litter guard 35. The bezel assembly 28 supports one or more sensing devices 50. The sensing devices 50 may include one or more cameras 44. An inward facing camera 48 may be mounted near an inner top of the bezel assembly 28. An front facing camera 46 may be affixed to the front panel 62.

[0234] FIG. 27 is an exploded view ofa portion of a litter device 10. The litter device 10 includes a housing 12. The housing includes a base 16 affixed to a bonnet 14. Affixed to the housing 12 is a bezel assembly 28. The bezel assembly 28 includes a bezel bridge 74. Affixed to the bezel bridge 74 is a structural bezel 32. The bezel bridge 74 and the structural bezel 32 may form a gap therebetween to house the electrical components. Affixed to the structural bezel 32 is an exterior bezel 30. Removably affixed to the exterior bezel 30 may be an accessory 31. Supported by the structural bezel 32 is a camera 44 (e.g., front facing camera 46). Supported by the bezel bridge 74 is another camera 44 (e.g., inward facing camera 48) and / or a one or more sensing devices 50. For example, the bezel bridge 74 may retain a circuit board 76. Supported by the bezel bridge 42 is a user interface 34.

[0235] FIGS. 28 and 29 illustrate an exterior bezel 30. The exterior bezel 30 has a substantially circular exterior two-dimensional shape and overall annular two-dimensional shape. The exterior bezel 30 includes a front wall 134. Extending rearward from the front wall 134 is an exterior flange 136 and an interior flange 138. The exterior bezel 30 may include an accessory depression 140. The accessory depression 140 may be formed on the interior flange 138. The accessory depression 140 may be adjacent to and / or continuous with a groove 142. The groove 142 is included as part of the front wall 134. The front wall 134 includes retentionAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOopenings 144. The retention openings 144 are formed in the groove 142, such as at opposing ends of the groove 142. The exterior bezel 30 includes an interface cutout 146. The interface cutout 146 is formed toward and / or a top of the exterior bezel 30. The exterior bezel 30 includes retention tabs 148. The retention tabs 56 may be formed about an exterior of the exterior bezel 30 and may project from an exterior flange 136. The exterior bezel 30 includes one or more sensor openings 150. The one or more sensor openings 150 may be formed toward the top of the exterior bezel 36 and in an interior flange 138. The exterior bezel 30 includes one or more camera cutouts 152. The camera cutout 152 may be formed at the bottom of the exterior bezel 36 and formed in the exterior flange 46.

[0236] FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate a structural bezel 32. The structural bezel 32 may have a two-dimensional shape similar to that of a circle adjacent to a rectangle. The structural bezel 32 includes an entry portion 154 and a front panel 62. The entry portion 154 includes a front wall 134. Extending rearward from the front wall 134 is an exterior flange 136 and an interior flange 138. The exterior flange 136 may have a stepped profde or a smooth profde. As shown, the profde is stepped forming a lip. The exterior flange 136 may include a retention feature 156. The retention feature 156 may be a retention groove 158. The retention groove 158 may function to receive and engage with one or more retention tabs 148 (not shown) of the exterior bezel 30 (not shown). The retention groove 158 may function to also receive one or more fasteners via one or more fastener openings 160. The retention groove 68 may be formed in the lip of a stepped profde. The one or more fastener openings 160 may pass through one or more fastener posts 162. The fastener posts 162 may be formed at the rear of the entry portion 154. The entry portion 165 may include an accessory depression 140. The entry portion 154 includes an interface cutout 146. The interface cutout 146 is formed toward and / or a top of the structural bezel 38. The entry portion 154 includes one or more sensor openings 150. The one or more sensor openings 150 may be formed toward the top of the structural bezel 32, such as formed on the interior flange 138. The structural bezel 32 includes a camera cavity 78. The camera cavity 78 may be formed in the front panel 62. The structural bezel 32 may include one or more retention tabs 164.

[0237] FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 33 illustrate a bezel bridge 74. The bezel bridge 74 has a substantially circular exterior two-dimensional shape and overall annular two-dimensional shape. The bezel bridge 74 includes a rear wall 137. Extending frontward from the rear wall 137 is an exterior flange 136 and an interior flange 138. The interior of the bezel bridge 74 contains a plurality of reinforcement structures 166. The reinforcement structures 166 project from the rear wall 137 and extend from the exterior flange 136 to the interior flange 138. Within the interior of the bezel bridge 72 are a plurality of mounting structures 168. The mounting structures 168 may project from the rear wall 47. The mounting structures 168 may include one or more interface mounting structures 170. The interface mounting structures 170 may function to receive one or more attachment features (e.g., fasteners) of a user interface 34. The mounting structures 168 may include one or more sensor mounts 172. One or more sensor mounts 172 may function to retain one or more sensing devices 50. The one or more sensing devices 50 may include one or more cameras 44, light sensors 56, range or distance sensors 52, and / or gas sensors 58. One or more mounting structures 168 may retain one or more light sources 60. One or more sensor mounts 80 may retain one or more circuitAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOboards, such as a sensor board 77 (e.g., circuit board 76), which have one or more of the sensing device(s) 50 and / or light sources 60 affixed thereto. One or more mounting structures 168 may include one or more camera mounts 174. One or more camera mounts 174 may function to retain a camera 44. Other mounting structures 168 may include one or more circuit board mounting structures 176. The interior of the bezel bridge 74 may include a plurality of fastener posts 162. The fastener posts 162 may function to align with the fastener openings 160 and / or posts 162 of the structural bezel 32 (not shown). The fastener posts 162 may also have fastener openings 160 formed therein. The bezel bridge 74 includes a camera cutout 152. The camera cutout 152 may be formed toward and / or at a bottom of the bezel bridge 74, such as on an exterior flange 138.

[0238] FIG. 34 illustrates a chamber assembly 18. The chamber assembly 18 includes a chamber 19. The chamber 19 has a generally sphere-like shape. The chamber 19 includes an upper chamber 21. The upper chamber 21 forms an upper portion of the chamber 19. The upper chamber 21 includes a waste opening 178. The upper chamber 21 includes a handle 180. The upper chamber 21 is affixed to the lower chamber 22. The chamber 19 includes the lower chamber 22. The lower chamber 22 includes an intermediate portion 23a and lower portion 23b. The chamber assembly 18 includes a liner 24. The chamber assembly 18 includes an entry opening 26. The entry opening 26 is formed by the upper chamber 21 and the lower chamber 22 (e.g., intermediate portion 23a). Affixed into an interior of the chamber assembly 18 is a septum 20. The chamber assembly 18 includes a track 70. The track 70 is generally opposite of the entry opening 26.

[0239] FIG. 35 shows a rear perspective view of a chamber assembly 18. The chamber assembly 18 includes a chamber 19. The chamber 19 includes an upper chamber 21 and lower chamber 22. The lower chamber 22 includes an intermediate portion 23a and bottom portion 23b. Affixed to a rear of the upper chamber 21 and lower chamber 22 is a track 70. The track 70 is statically affixed relative to the upper chamber 21 and lower chamber 22. Rotation of the track 70 results in rotation of the chamber 19. Rotation of the track 70 results in rotation of the entire chamber assembly 18. The upper chamber 21 includes the fill flange 182 formed therein. The fill flange 182 includes a litter opening 184 extending therethrough. The fill flange 182 rests on the lower chamber 22, such as a rear of the intermediate portion 23a. The lower chamber 22 may include a filter 186. The filter 186 may be affixed to a bottom of a bottom portion 23b. The bottom portion 23b may be affixed to the intermediate portion 23a. The bottom portion 23b may include a rim / flange 188 including a plurality of attachment features 190, such as openings 192. The rim / flange of the bottom portion 32b mates with a rim / flange 188 of the intermediate portion 23a. The bottom portion 23b is affixed to the intermediate portion 23a via one or more attachment features 190. The attachment feature(s) 190 may be received within the one or more openings 192. Sandwiched between the lower or bottom rim / flange 188 of the intermediate portion 23a and the bottom portion 23b may be the liner 24.

[0240] FIG. 36 shows an exploded view of the chamber assembly 18. The chamber assembly 18 includes an upper chamber 21. The upper chamber 21 includes a handle 180. The handle 180 can include a grip portion 181b. The grip portion 181b is affixed to the exterior of the upper chamber 26, such as across a recess 181a (not shown) of the handle 180. The chamber assembly 18 includes a septum 20. The septumAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WO20 is affixed to the upper chamber 21. Opposite the upper chamber 21 is a lower chamber 22. The lower chamber 22 includes an intermediate portion 23a and a bottom portion 23b. The bottom portion 32b includes a filter 186. Affixed between the intermediate portion 23a and the bottom portion 32b is a liner 24. The liner 24 nests within the bottom portion 23b. The liner 24 includes a weight 194. The weight 194 may be affixed to the liner 24 with a retainer 196. The chamber assembly 18 includes a track 70. The track 70 is toward a rear of the chamber assembly 18. The chamber assembly 18 may include a litter chute 68. The litter chute 68 may be located at a rear of the chamber 19, such as the upper chamber 21.

[0241] FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate an upper chamber 21. The upper chamber 21 is shaped substantially like a half-sphere. The upper chamber 21 includes a waste opening 178. Adjacent to the waste opening 178 are one or more evacuation surfaces 198. The one or more evacuation surfaces 198 may taper and / or funnel toward the waste opening 178. The upper chamber 21 includes a handle 180. The handle 180 may be formed as a recess 181a (e.g., inward depression). The handle 180 may include a grip portion 181b (not shown). The grip portion 181b may extend across the recess 31a. The upper chamber 21 includes a receiving channel 200. The receiving channel 200 is formed similar to a C-channel about and / or along a bottom edge 202 of the upper chamber 21. The upper chamber 21 includes an opening rim 204. The opening rim 204 forms a substantially U-shaped cut-out in the upper chamber 21. The opening rim 204 forms a portion of the entry opening 24. At the rear of the upper chamber 21 there is a fill guide 130. The fill guide 130 may be located in front of a fill flange 182. The fill guide 130 may be distanced from the fill flange 182 and litter opening 184 such that a fill gap 132 formed therebetween. This fill gap 132 may allow for litter (not shown) to enter through via the litter opening 184 of the fill flange 182, flow into the fill gap 132, and be directed downwards onto the liner 24 (not shown).

[0242] FIG. 39 illustrates a close-up cross-section of the upper chamber 21 taken through a longitudinal plane and the rear fill guide 130. The fill guide 130 and the fill flange 182 diverge and separate from one another to form the fill gap 132. The fill guide 130 and fill flange 182 diverge at an angle 6 (e.g., acute angle).

[0243] FIG. 40 illustrates a portion of a lower chamber 22, such as the intermediate portion 23a. The intermediate portion 23a is shaped substantially like a portion of a sphere, such as a spherical band (e.g., off-center spherical band). The intermediate portion 23a may be free of a bottom surface. In other words, the intermediate portion 32a is open at both an upper side and lower side. The intermediate portion 23a includes an opening rim 204. The opening rim 204 forms a substantially U-shaped cut-out in the intermediate chamber 23a. The opening rim 204 forms a portion of the entry opening 24. The opening rim 204 of the lower chamber 22 is able to abut with the opening rim 204 of the upper chamber 21 (not shown) to form the entry opening 24 (not shown). The intermediate portion 23a includes an attachment flange 208. The attachment flange 208 is formed at the upper edge of the intermediate portion 23a. The attachment flange 208 may define an upper rim and / or upper flange of the intermediate portion 23a. The attachment flange 208 is configured to be received within a receiving channel 200 (not shown) of the upper chamber 21 (not shown) and affixed thereto. Opposite the attachment flange 208 is arim / flange 188. This rim / flange 188 is formed with a plurality of attachment features 190. The rim / flange 188 may define a lower or bottomAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOrim, edge, and / or flange of the intermediate portion 23a. Opposite the opening rim 204 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 210 has a shape substantially reciprocal with that at least a portion of the fdl flange 182 (not shown) of the upper chamber 21 (not shown).

[0244] FIG. 41 illustrates a portion of a lower chamber 22, such as a bottom portion 23b. The bottom portion 23b is shaped substantially like a portion of a sphere, such as a spherical cap (e.g., bottom spherical cab). The bottom portion 23b includes a rim / flange 188. The rim / flange 188 may define an upper edge, rim, and / or flange of the bottom portion 23b. The rim / flange 188 is configured to rest atop the rim / flange 188 (e.g., bottom edge, rim, and / or flange) of the intermediate portion 23a (not shown). The rim / flange 188 includes a plurality of openings 192. The openings 192 align with attachment features 190 (not shown). The openings 192 may also be considered attachment features 190. The bottom portion 23b includes a filter cavity 212. The filter cavity 212 includes a filter 186 located therein. The filter cavity 212 may be recessed such that the filter 186 is substantially flush with the adjacent exterior surface of the bottom portion 23b.

[0245] FIG. 42 illustrates a liner 24. The liner 24 is formed from a flexible material to allow deformation during a cleaning cycle of the litter device 10 (not shown). The liner 24 is formed to have a shape substantially like a portion of a sphere. The liner 24 may be bowl shaped. The liner 24 may be shaped like a spherical cap. The liner 24 may have a shape substantially reciprocal with a bottom portion 23b (not shown). The liner 24 includes an attachment flange 208. The attachment flange 208 is formed along the upper edge and / or peripheral edge. The attachment flange 208 defines a rim of the liner 24. The attachment flange 208 may have a smaller thickness (e.g., thinner) than the remainder of the liner 24. The liner 24 may include a plurality of attachment features 190. The attachment features 190 may be formed within the attachment flange 208. The attachment features 190 may be formed as openings 192 configured to receive other attachment features 190 (not shown) of the rim / flange 188 (not shown) of the intermediate portion 23a. A bottom of the liner 24 may include a weight cavity 214. The weight cavity 214 may be formed as a protrusion which is hollow to define the weight cavity 214. A weight 194 (not shown) may be located within the weight cavity 214.

[0246] FIGS. 43 and 44 illustrate a septum 20. 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 20 includes a sifting portion 216 and a chute portion 218. The sifting portion 216 includes a leading edge 220. The leading edge 220 defines a periphery of a lead section 222 of the sifting portion 216. Adjacent to the lead section 222 is a sieve section 224. The sieve section 224 includes a plurality of sieve openings 226. Adjacent to the sieve section 224 is a guide section 228. The sifting portion 216 is adjacent to a chute portion 218. The chute portion 218 includes a support surface 230 and a chute 232. The chute 232 is configured to be adjacent to and line up to an edge of the waste opening 178 (not shown). The chute 232 may not be fully enclosed like a typical funnel. The sifting portion 216 includes a plurality of spacers 234. The spacers 234 may be formed as ribs protruding from the leading edge 220. As shown in FIG. 43, the sifting portion 216 may be affixed to the chute portion 218 via a hinge 236. The hinge 236 may be formed as a living hinge 238. As shown in FIG. 44, it is also possible the septum 20 is free of a hinge 236. TheAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOsifting portion 216 may be connected to the chute portion 218 via the ramp 240. A slit 242 is formed between the sifting portion 216 and chute portion 218. The slit 242 is formed adjacent to the hinge 236 and / or ramp 240. The slit 242 extends from an edge of the guide section 228 into the guide section 228. The slit 242 extends only partially into the guide section 228. The slit 242 is formed at a rear portion of the septum 20. The septum 38 includes a plurality of attachment features 190. The attachment features 190 may include one or more posts, such as bosses.

[0247] FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate a septum 20. The septum 20 includes a ramp 240. The ramp 240 forms an angle of repose a relative to an inward facing surface 244 of the sifting portion 66. The sifting portion 216 is angled relative the support surface 230 of the chute portion 218 at an angle B.

[0248] FIG. 47 illustrates a housing 12 and a weight system 25. The weight system 25 includes a scale base 36. The base 16 of the house 12 rests atop the scale base 36. The base 16 includes a drawer cavity 246. The drawer cavity 246 is formed between the cradle 66 and a bottom 247 of the base 16.

[0249] FIG. 48 illustrates a weight system 25. The weight system 25 includes a scale base 36. The scale base 36 includes a plurality of reinforcement structures 248. The reinforcement structures 248 may extend from a side wall to a bottom wall of the scale base 36. The scale base 36 includes a rim 250. The rim 250 is the upper surface of the plurality of side walls. Biased toward the front comers and rear comers are a plurality of weighing assemblies 252. Each weighing assembly 252 rests atop a mount 254. The scale base 37 also includes and / or supports a plurality of feet and / or legs 256. Each weight assembly 252 is distanced from and offset from a foot / leg 256. The scale base 36 includes or is affixed to a kickstand 80.

[0250] FIG. 49 illustrates an exploded view of a weighing assembly 252 of a weight system 25. The scale base 36 includes one or more mounts 254. The mount 254 projects upward from a bottom of the scale base 36. The mount 254 includes and / or is affixed to a plurality of reinforcement stmctures 248. The weighing assembly 252 rests atop of the mount 254. The weighing assembly 252 includes a retainer 258. The retainer 258 receives a weight sensor 64.

[0251] FIG. 50 illustrates how there is no contact between the scale base 36 and the base 16. There is no contact between any surface of the base 16 and the scale base 36. The base 16 includes a raised edge 260 about its perimeter, about the drawer cavity, and / or about the bottom. The raised edge 260 may be formed about one or more sides (e.g., sides, rear) of the base 16. The scale base 36 includes a rim 250. The raised edge 260 is free of direct contact with the rim 250 via a gap G. The remainder of the bottom surface (e.g., bottom wall) of the base 16 is also free of any contact with the scale base 36. The bottom surface of the base 16, such as adjacent to the raised edge 260, is able to rest upon only the one or more weighing assemblies 252 while being free of contact with a remainder of the weight system 25.

[0252] Unless otherwise stated, any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lower 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. For 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 that intermediate range values such as (for example, 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc.) are within the teachings of thisAs filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOspecification. 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. Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints.

[0253] The use of “about” or “approximately” in connection 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. 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.

[0254] 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. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0255] 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.

[0256] 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

1.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOCLAIMSClaim 1. A litter device comprising:a) a housing;b) a chamber rotatably supported by the housing, configured to retain litter therein, and configured to allow an animal to enter and eliminate waste;wherein the litter device includes one or more of:i) a septum including a sifting portion and a chute portion;ii) one or more cameras including one or more front facing cameras configured to have a line of sight onto the animal as the animal approaches the litter device;iii) a bezel assembly located about an entry opening and which includes an exterior bezel which is removable; and / oriv) a weight system located below and supporting the housing, wherein the weight system includes a scale base which is isolated from the housing.Claim 2. The litter device of Claim 1, wherein the litter device includes the septum.Claim 3. The litter device of Claim 2, wherein the chamber includes a waste opening;wherein the chute portion includes a chute configured to guide waste material through the waste opening; andwherein the sifting portion is connected to the chute portion and includes a lead section configured to first contact the litter and the waste material, a sieve section having a plurality of sieve openings configured to separate the waste material from the litter, and a guide section configured to allow the waste material to transition from the sieve section to the chute portion.Claim 4. The litter device of Claim 3, wherein the chute is open on at least one or more sides.Claim 5. The litter device of Claim 3 or 4, wherein the septum is affixed to the chamber adjacent the waste opening.Claim 6. The litter device of any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the 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 7. The litter device of any of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the septum includes a ramp formed between a sifting portion and a chute portion.Claim 8. The litter device of any of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the septum is free of a hinge.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOClaim 9. The litter device of any of Claims 2 to 8, wherein a lead section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion, a sieve section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion, and a guide section is about 20% to about 50% of the surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 10. The litter device of Claim 9, wherein a lead section is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of the sifting portion, a sieve section is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of the sifting portion, and a guide section is about 30% to about 40% of the surface area of the sifting portion.Claim 11. The litter device of any of Claims 2 to 10, wherein a sifting portion is angled relative to a chute portion of the septum at an angle of about 0° or greater to about 30° or less.Claim 12. The litter device of any of Claims 2 to 11, wherein a ramp between the chute portion and the sifting portion provides for an angle of repose of about 130° or greater to about 150° or less.Claim 13. The litter device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter device includes a chamber assembly which includes the chamber, and the chamber includes: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; andii) a bottom portion separate from and affixed to the intermediate portion opposite the upper chamber.Claim 14. The litter device of Claim 13, wherein the chamber assembly includes a liner affixed to the lower chamber between both the intermediate portion and the bottom portion, and wherein the liner is flexible.Claim 15. The litter device of Claim 14, 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.Claim 16. The litter device of any of Claims 13 to 15, wherein the upper chamber includes a fill guide opposite an entry opening.Claim 17. The litter device of Claim 16, wherein the upper chamber includes a fill flange having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a litter opening.Claim 18. The litter device of Claim 17, wherein the fill guide diverges from the fill flange such as to form a fill gap.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOClaim 19. The litter device of Claim 18, wherein a rear surface of the fill guide is angled relative to a front surface of the fill flange at an acute angle.Claim 20. The litter device of Claim 19, wherein the acute angle is about 1° or greater to about 20° or less.Claim 21. The litter device of any of Claims 15 to 20, wherein the upper chamber includes one or more evacuation surfaces formed adjacent to the waste opening.Claim 22. The litter device of Claim 21, 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 23. The litter device of Claim 21 or 22, wherein the one or more evacuation surfaces of the upper chamber are located opposite and / or adjacent to a chute of the chute portion.Claim 24. The litter device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter device includes the one or more cameras.Claim 25. The litter device of Claim 24, wherein the one or more front facing cameras are affixed to a structural bezel.Claim 26. The litter device of Claim 25, wherein the one or more front facing cameras are affixed to a front panel of the structural bezel.Claim 27. The litter device of any of Claims 24 to 26, wherein one or more front facing cameras is affixed above a waste receptacle, above a step, or both and below an entry opening.Claim 28. The litter device of any of Claims 24 to 27, wherein the structural bezel includes a camera cavity and the front facing camera sits within the camera cavity.Claim 29. The litter device of any of Claims 24 to 28, wherein the front facing camera is configured to have a line of sight at or near eye height of an animal on ground level in front of the litter device.Claim 30. The litter device of any of Claims 24 to 29, wherein the front facing camera is at a height of about 7 inches or greater to about 12 inches or less from a bottom of the litter device, a support surface under the litter device, or both (e.g., height, along vertical axis or plane).As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOClaim 31. The litter device of any of Claims 24 to 30, wherein the one or more cameras include an inward facing camera.Claim 32. The litter device of Claim 31, wherein the inward facing camera is affixed adjacent and substantially above an entry opening of the litter device.Claim 33. The litter device of any of Claims 31 to 32, wherein the inward facing camera is affixed inside an interior of the bezel assembly.Claim 34. The litter device of Claim 33, wherein the inward facing camera is affixed between a bezel bridge and structural bezel.Claim 35. The litter device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter device includes a user interface.Claim 36. The litter device of Claim 35, wherein the user interface is affixed to the bezel assembly.Claim 37. The litter device of Claim 36, wherein the user interface is affixed on the bezel assembly above one or more sensing devices, including the one or more cameras.Claim 38. The litter device of Claim 36 or 37, wherein the user interface includes a front portion substantially flush with a front face of the bezel assembly; andwherein the user interface includes a top portion substantially flush with an exterior flange of the bezel assembly.Claim 39. The litter device of any of Claims 36 to 38, wherein the user interface is affixed between and / or to a bezel bridge, structural bezel, or both.Claim 40. The litter device of any of Claims 36 to 39, wherein the user interface is generally centered at a top of a bezel assembly and / or front of a litter device.Claim 41. The litter device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter device includes one or more sensing devices mounted to the bezel assembly; andwherein the one or more sensing devices include one or more range or distance sensors (e.g., time of flight), gas sensors, light sensors, cameras, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 42. The litter device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber rotates about a rotational axis and the rotational axis is on a tilted angle relative to a vertical axis.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOClaim 43. The litter device of Claim 42, wherein due to the rotational axis, one or more sensing devices (e.g., range or distance sensors, inward facing camera) have a line of sight into an interior of the chamber.Claim 44. The litter device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter device includes the bezel assembly.Claim 45. The litter device of Claim 44, wherein the bezel assembly includes:a) a bezel bridge configured to support one or more electrical components of the litter device; b) a structural bezel affixed to the bezel bridge such as to form a gap therebetween where the one or more electrical components reside; andc) the exterior bezel removably affixed to the structural bezel and which provides the exterior facing surface of the bezel assembly; andwherein the bezel bridge, structural bezel, and exterior bezel are affixed with one another such that an individual entry opening of each of the bezel bridge, the structural bezel, and the exterior bezel are aligned to define the entry opening of the bezel assembly.Claim 46. The litter device of Claim 45, wherein the exterior bezel has a snap fit and / or friction fit with the structural bezel.Claim 47. The litter device of Claim 45 or 46, wherein the structural bezel includes a retention groove formed in a front wall and / or exterior flange and one or more portions (e.g., exterior flange) of the exterior bezel sit within the retention groove.Claim 48. The litter device of Claim 47, wherein the exterior bezel includes one or more retention tabs protruding from an exterior flange of the exterior bezel and which have a snap and / or friction fit within the retention groove of the structural bezel.Claim 49. The litter device of any of Claims 44 to 48, wherein the bezel assembly is affixed to the housing and free of attachment to the chamber.Claim 50. The litter device of any of the preceding claims, wherein the litter device includes the weight system.Claim 51. The litter device of Claim 50, wherein the housing includes a drawer cavity configured to receive a waste receptacle and the drawer cavity is located above the scale base.Claim 52. The litter device of Claim 50 or 51, wherein the housing includes a base and the base is located atop the weight system while free of any direct contact with the scale base.As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOClaim 53. The litter device of any of Claims 50 to 52, wherein the weight system includes one or more weight sensors which are located between the base and the scale base and upon which the base rests.Claim 54. The litter device of Claim 53, wherein the one or more weight sensors include one or more load cells, strain gauges, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, capacitive force sensors, the like, or a combination thereof.Claim 55. The litter device of Claim 53 or 54, wherein the one or more weight sensors are part of one or more weighing assemblies of the weight system.Claim 56. The litter device of Claim 55, wherein the scale base includes and / or is affixed to one or more feet and / or legs and the one or more weighing assemblies are each off center and / or offset entirely from the one or more feet and / or legs.Claim 57. The litter device of Claim 56, wherein the scale base includes one or more mounts configured to support the one or more weighing assemblies.Claim 58. A litter device comprising:a) a housing;b) a chamber rotatably supported by the housing and including a waste opening, configured to retain litter therein, and configured to allow an animal to enter and eliminate waste;c) a bezel assembly located about an entry opening, the bezel assembly including: i) a bezel bridge configured to support one or more electrical components of the litter device; ii) a structural bezel affixed to the bezel bridge such as to form a gap therebetween where the one or more electrical components reside; and iii) an exterior bezel removably affixed to the structural bezel and which provides the exterior facing surface of the bezel assembly;d) one or more cameras including one or more front facing cameras configured to have a line of sight onto the animal as the animal approaches the litter device; ande) a septum affixed to the chamber adjacent a waste opening, the septum including a sifting portion and a chute portion configured to guide waste material through the waste opening; andwherein the bezel assembly is free of attachment to the chamber such that the chamber rotates relative to the bezel assembly during a cleaning cycle.Claim 59. A litter device comprising:a) a housing;b) a chamber rotatably supported by the housing and including a waste opening, configured to retain litter therein, and configured to allow an animal to enter and eliminate waste;As filed with USPTO on February 25, 2026Docket No. 1570.102WOc) a bezel assembly located about an entry opening, wherein the bezel assembly is free of attachment to the chamber such that the chamber rotates relative to the bezel assembly during a cleaning cycle, the bezel assembly including:i) a bezel bridge configured to support one or more electrical components of the litter device;ii) a structural bezel affixed to the bezel bridge such as to form a gap therebetween where the one or more electrical components reside; andiii) an exterior bezel removably affixed to the structural bezel and which provides the exterior facing surface of the bezel assembly;d) one or more cameras including one or more front facing cameras configured to have a line of sight onto the animal as the animal approaches the litter device;e) a septum affixed to the chamber adjacent a waste opening, the septum including a sifting portion and a chute portion configured to guide waste material through the waste opening; andf) a weight system located below and supporting the housing, wherein the weight system includes a scale base which is isolated from the housing.Claim 60. A litter device comprising:a) a housing;b) a chamber rotatably supported by the housing and including a waste opening, configured to retain litter therein, and configured to allow an animal to enter and eliminate waste;c) a bezel assembly located about an entry opening, wherein the bezel assembly is free of attachment to the chamber such that the chamber rotates relative to the bezel assembly during a cleaning cycle, the bezel assembly including: i) a bezel bridge configured to support one or more electrical components of the litter device; ii) a structural bezel affixed to the bezel bridge such as to form a gap therebetween where the one or more electrical components reside; iii) an exterior bezel removably affixed to the structural bezel and which provides the exterior facing surface of the bezel assembly; and iv) one or more sensing devices mounted to the bezel assembly including one or more range or distance sensors, gas sensors, light sensors, inward facing cameras, or a combination thereof.d) one or more cameras including one or more front facing cameras configured to have a line of sight onto the animal as the animal approaches the litter device;e) a septum affixed to the chamber adjacent a waste opening, the septum including a sifting portion and a chute portion configured to guide waste material through the waste opening; andf) a weight system located below and supporting the housing, wherein the weight system includes a scale base which is isolated from the housing.Claim 61. The litter device of any of Claims 58 to 60 comprising one or more features of any of Claims 1 to 57.

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