Allentown Activ™ Automatic Dumping Station (ADS)
| Brand | Allentown |
|---|---|
| Origin | Canada |
| Model | Activ™ |
| External Dimensions (L×W×D) | 1270 × 2044 × 1762 mm |
Overview
The Allentown Activ™ Automatic Dumping Station (ADS) is a patented, fully enclosed automation platform engineered for the safe, repeatable, and operator-protected removal of soiled bedding from laboratory animal caging systems. Designed as the primary front-end module within the Activ Integrated Automation Solution (IAS) ecosystem, the ADS eliminates manual handling of contaminated bedding—thereby mitigating personnel exposure to airborne allergens, endotoxins, and bioaerosols. Its operation is grounded in controlled mechanical actuation: cages are precisely indexed, vertically stabilized, and subjected to synchronized tilt-and-scrape motion within a sealed chamber. This process ensures consistent debris ejection while maintaining negative pressure integrity throughout the cycle. The system complies with institutional biosafety requirements for Level 2 and Level 3 animal facilities and supports adherence to occupational health standards set forth by OSHA and the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
Key Features
- Fully enclosed, gasket-sealed processing chamber with pneumatic vertical lift door featuring polycarbonate viewing window—enables real-time visual monitoring without compromising containment.
- Stainless steel powered roller conveyor system with 76 mm (3-inch) center-to-center spacing and PVC-coated rollers—ensures low-noise, non-marring transport of standard IVC and static cages (including Allentown B236, T200-compatible formats).
- Integrated PLC-based control architecture with industrial-grade touchscreen HMI—supports parameterized cycle definition, runtime diagnostics, event logging, and user-level access control.
- Dual-mode operation: fully automated sequence execution or manual override mode—with continuous dust extraction active in both states.
- Modular construction using ANSI/ISO-standard fasteners and off-the-shelf components—facilitates rapid field service, component replacement, and long-term maintainability without proprietary tooling.
- Emergency stop circuitry compliant with ISO 13850 and UL 508A—includes redundant hardwired e-stop buttons at multiple access points and safety-rated door interlocks.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Activ™ ADS accommodates standard rodent and rabbit caging systems—including Allentown B236, T200, and compatible third-party IVCs up to 610 mm (24 in) in length. It interfaces seamlessly with Sure-Flo® S200 pneumatic conveying systems and Sure-Vac® S260 vacuum waste transport modules for closed-loop waste evacuation. The unit meets CSA C22.2 No. 144 and UL 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory environments. Its enclosure design aligns with NIH OLAW guidance on minimizing occupational allergen exposure and supports GLP-compliant documentation when integrated with Activ View data acquisition software.
Software & Data Management
The onboard controller records timestamped operational events—including cycle start/stop, door status, fault codes, and user login sessions—for audit-ready traceability. When paired with Activ View, the ADS contributes structured metadata to centralized facility dashboards: cage throughput per shift, average cycle duration, maintenance alerts, and alarm history. Data export supports CSV and OPC UA protocols, enabling integration with LIMS or CMMS platforms. Optional 21 CFR Part 11 compliance packages include electronic signature enforcement, audit trail encryption, and role-based permission tiers for SOP-controlled environments.
Applications
- High-throughput vivaria in academic research centers, CROs, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing sites where >500 cages/day require processing under strict occupational health oversight.
- Biosafety Level 2+ (BSL-2+) and ABSL-2+ facilities requiring engineering controls to limit aerosol generation during bedding change procedures.
- Facilities implementing ALF (Automated Laboratory Facility) frameworks—where the ADS serves as the first node in an end-to-end IAS workflow including tunnel washers, dryer modules, and cage sortation units.
- Regulated preclinical testing labs seeking documented reduction in staff-reported allergy incidents and improved consistency in cage sanitation prior to dosing or imaging studies.
FAQ
Does the Activ™ ADS require connection to external vacuum or compressed air infrastructure?
Yes. Operation requires a minimum 0.6 MPa (90 psi) clean, dry compressed air supply and optional integration with a central vacuum or dedicated Sure-Vac® S260 unit for waste conveyance.
Can the ADS be installed in seismic zones?
Yes. Optional seismic anchoring kits conforming to ASCE 7-16 and CSA Z246.1 are available for reinforced floor mounting.
Is remote monitoring supported?
When deployed with Activ View and Ethernet connectivity, real-time status, alarms, and historical cycle logs can be accessed via secure web interface or SNMP-enabled network management tools.
What cage types are validated for use?
Allentown B236, T200, and T200-Plus IVCs; compatibility with Tecniplast GreenLine and Eurostandard cages is confirmed via third-party validation reports upon request.
How is calibration and performance verification performed?
No routine calibration is required. Performance verification follows a documented IQ/OQ protocol that includes door seal integrity test, cycle timing verification, and roller torque validation—conducted during commissioning and after major component replacement.
