Abstract: A system and ingestible boluses for monitoring physiological parameters of animals. The boluses include circuitry for storing a selectable identification code, for sensing a physiological parameter, and for transmitting a data burst signal which includes information corresponding to the identification code and a sensed physiological parameter. In addition to the boluses, the system includes a receiver for receiving data burst signals transmitted from the boluses. According to one mode of operation, the bolus transmits data burst continuously at a preselected rate. The receiver can be coupled to a processor which can process data from the data burst signals.

Abstract: A method of applying at least one of a stimulus and a warning signal to an animal includes selecting a maximum desired distance between the animal and a transmitter, transmitting a radio frequency signal from the transmitter at a first point in time, and receiving the radio frequency signal with a receiver attached to the animal. An ultrasonic frequency signal is transmitted from the transmitter at a second point in time. A first time difference between the second point in time and the first point in time varies inversely with the selected maximum desired distance. The ultrasonic frequency signal is received with the receiver at a third point in time. A second time difference between the third point in time and the first point in time is calculated. It is determined whether the animal is beyond the maximum desired distance from the transmitter by comparing the second time difference with at least one threshold time difference.

Abstract: A system for locating movable objects and detecting the failure of the object to visit a designated area within a predetermined time, including a base unit, a transceiver attached to the movable object, and a locating device. The base unit includes a transmitter circuit which generates a first signal for substantially continuous transmission within a zone, which encompasses the designated area. When the movable object enters the zone, the receiver portion of the transceiver receives the first signal and resets a timer within the transceiver. If the movable object fails to revisit the zone within the predetermined time, based on predictions of the movable object's movements, the timer times out and switches the transceiver transmitter into an active mode wherein the transceiver emits a second signal.

Abstract: A system and ingestible boluses for monitoring physiological parameters of animals. The boluses include circuitry for storing a selectable identification code, for sensing a physiological parameter, and for transmitting a data burst signal which includes information corresponding to the identification code and a sensed physiological parameter. In addition to the boluses, the system includes a receiver for receiving data burst signals transmitted from the boluses. According to one mode of operation, the bolus transmits data burst continuously at a preselected rate. The receiver can be coupled to a processor which can process data from the data burst signals.

Abstract: An acoustic annunciator which includes resonating cavity, a piezoelectric element, and a folded horn which are each selected to have a different resonance frequency so as to expand the frequency range of the output of the annunciator. The folded horn includes a cone defined by a main body portion and an outer horn which is rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to the main body portion. The outer horn is designed to rotate to prevent the annunciator from being snagged or caught by objects. The outer horn is designed to be axially displaceable in order to access and remove debris from inside the annunciator. In addition, the acoustic annunciator includes a driver that faces downward during use. This orientation of the driver allows for drainage while preventing the ingress of rain and/or snow.

Abstract: A combined animal confinement and bark inhibitor system includes a confinement circuit which receives a confinement transmitter signal and outputs a confinement control signal, a sensor which detects the vibration of an animal's vocal cords and outputs a sensor control signal in response to that vibration, a stimulation device which provides a stimulus to the animal, and a controller associated with the confinement circuit, sensor, and the stimulation device, to selectively enable the stimulation device in response to a confinement control signal, a sensor control signal, or both.

Abstract: A system and ingestible boluses for monitoring physiological parameters of animals. The boluses include circuitry for storing a selectable identification code, for sensing a physiological parameter, and for transmitting a data burst signal which includes information corresponding to the identification code and a sensed physiological parameter. In addition to the boluses, the system includes a receiver for receiving data burst signals transmitted from the boluses. According to one mode of operation, the bolus transmits data burst continuously at a preselected rate. The receiver can be coupled to a processor which can process data from the data burst signals.

Abstract: A method and system for coupling electrical components to protective coated, wire embedded flexible members which utilizes electrical connectors that displace a portion of the protective coating when making contact with the underlying wires. The wire embedded flexible members include a central web. A plurality of wires are positioned within the central web. Electrical connectors effect electrical contact with the embedded wires by displacing the protective coating by melting the same and/or by being driven through the protective coating and underlying web. Single pin-type and/or U-shaped pin-type, and/or bifurcated electrical connectors can be used.

Abstract: A field programmable tracking device which includes a programmably channelized multichannel transmitter. The transmitter includes a magnetically operable circuit which allows external programmability of transmission channel selection. Activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a first period of time activates a microcontroller. Continued activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a second period of time causes the microcontroller to initiate a verified channel count. Once a desired channel count is verified, activation of the magnetically operable circuit is stopped to select the desired channel. The transmitter is provided with a flexible antenna. Both the transmitter and the flexible antenna can be coupled to a collar.

Abstract: A collar mounted animal control device which administers a stimulus to an animal. The control device includes at least one photovoltaic member that produces energy for the administered stimulus and an energy storage device that can be charged by the at least one photovoltaic member. A charging circuit can be coupled between the photovoltaic member and the energy storage device and used to accumulate and periodically supply energy to the energy storage device.

Abstract: An antenna which includes a rigid boom and a plurality flexible antenna elements attached to the boom. The antenna elements have curved cross-sections and are made from a material which allows them to resiliently bend upon contacting an object. The antenna is particularly suitable for mobile field use such as tracking objects tagged with radio frequency transmitters. In such use, the flexible antenna elements easily bend when contacting objects such as branches, brush and other vegetation so as not to become entangled and prevent movement of the antenna.

Abstract: An animal separator system designed to encourage two or more animals to keep away from one another by an adjustable or a predetermined fixed distance and to encourage one or more animals to keep away from a person or object by an adjustable or a predetermined fixed distance. The system includes separator units which establish individual boundaries. The separator units can be worn by a subject or located at a fixed location. When the boundaries of two or more separator units overlap, a first one of the separator units transmits an interrogate signal. The interrogate signal is received by a second one of the boundary overlapping separator units which responds to the interrogate signal by transmitting a reply signal. The reply signal is received by the first separator unit, which responds by transmitting an acknowledge signal. At least one of the separator units includes a stimulator which will apply a corrective stimulus to an animal in response to either the reply signal or the acknowledge signal.