ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 3 -- United States Patent no. 12,564,173, issued on March 3.
"Automated self-cleaning litter box" was invented by Douglas John Richmond (Woodville, Texas).
According to the abstract* released by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office: "An automated self-cleaning litter box is a device intended to entice pets to the device and provide users with a litter box that conveniently cleans and disposes of pet waste. In order to accomplish this the device includes an upright section with an inbuilt grinding system, that grinds up and disposes of solid and liquid waste. Further, a horizontal base section receives liquid waste and folds to create an appealing design. Additionally, the control system controls the automated aspects ...