Abstract: A body harness system includes a body harness having a first portion for providing resting position to a user. The body harness includes a plurality of belts with offset buckles connected to the body of the first portion, for supporting body of the user. A first pair of shoulder straps are connected at a first end and an undercarriage support is connected at a second end of the first portion. An abdominal support is connected to the undercarriage support via abdominal support connection straps. The undercarriage support runs from the second end of the first portion to the abdominal support, for supporting the user's groin area. The body harness system includes an elastic cord support system connected to one or more attachment rings, for controlling at least one of initial bodyweight offset, amount of bodyweight resistance, and maximum allowable downward stop for each user.

Abstract: A restraint assembly for an animal having a front anchor member, a rear anchor member and a coupling assembly. The front anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through an interaction with at least one of a neck, a first front leg, and second front leg thereof. The rear anchor member is configured to be secured to an animal through interaction with at least one of a tail, a first rear leg, and a second rear leg thereof. The coupling assembly coupling the front anchor member to the rear anchor member in releasable engagement, to limit articulation of a body of the animal, sufficient to substantially preclude a head of the animal to rotate and reach portions of behind the head with a mouth of the animal.

Abstract: Devices and system are provided that can not only stop a pet from pulling its owner, but to train a pet over time to not pull while being walked on a leash. In an exemplary implementation, a cuff can be wrapped around the highest point of either front leg of a pet, using, for example a hook and loop fastener and running a leash through the sleeve or guide on the outside of the cuff, so that an existing leash can be run from the collar, under the inside of the leg and up to the owner's hand.

Abstract: The system and method of real-time, two-way communication between a handler and a canine using RF frequencies. A multipurpose canine camera system with audio, visual, and thermal capabilities that transmits securely between a handler and a canine through hard structures and over long distances. The canine portion having one or more sensors. The sensors may include location, monitors for canine vital signs, heat signatures, chemical signature detection, and many others. The handler portion having a display configured to control the camera on the canine portion.

Abstract: A device for restricting a movement of a four-legged animal may include an animal harness, bands, a cord, and an actuator. The animal harness may include neck straps, chest straps, a tubular guide, a back piece, back straps, and two pulleys. The two pulleys may be arranged at respective ends of an elastic cord means, which may be fastened to the animal harness. The bands may be arranged around hind legs of the four-legged animal. The cord may be arranged from each band to the animal harness via the two pulleys. The actuator may be fastened to a forward part of the animal harness and may tighten the cord. Further, the actuator may include an electric motor that tightens the cord. Furthermore, the actuator may be activated by a receiver unit that receives signals from a transmitter unit.

Abstract: A multi-channel communications interface is provided and communicatively coupled to a controller which captures, via the communications interface, video data of a display of a mobile device at a resolution and frame rate equal to or greater than that of the mobile device display, and may additionally capture various other outputs of the mobile device. During the capture of the video data and other outputs, one or more input actions may be provided to the mobile device by the controller via the communications interface. The input actions may be provided in an interactive or automated manner, and may correspond to interactions of users with the controller that are performed using one or more provided graphical or programmatic interfaces.

Abstract: A trigger arrangement for an animal training apparatus, the trigger arrangement including a fluid pump having a pump actuator, the pump including an inlet and an outlet and a sound emitter configured to be actuated by the pump actuator, wherein actuation of the pump pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet accompanied by a simultaneous emission of sound from the sound emitter.

Abstract: An equine training apparatus used in conjunction with: 1) a bridle supporting a bit, 2) a noseband, 3) riding reins connected to the bit, and 4) a breastplate, the apparatus comprising a head communication assembly comprising a cord member having a first end attached to a first O-ring, a second end attached to a second O-ring and noseband connection means between said first end and said second end and dividing said cord member into a first fork and a second fork; a sliding member in slidable engagement with said first fork and said second fork; and fork-body connection means for anchoring said sliding member to any of a breast plate, neckstrap, girth, cinch or the like. The sliding member acts as a pulley about which at least one fork is disposed and, when anchored to body tack via fork-body connection means provides a pivot point about which each fork may act; the sliding member effectively divides force applied through the reins into a mouth force component and a nose force component.

Abstract: A center pivot swingarm for racehorse harnesses is disclosed: In one preferred embodiment of the present invention a horse harness comprises a saddle for extending around the sides and the top of a horse, the saddle having a topmost portion, a swingarm having a top portion connecting a pair of arms extending in opposing directions around the sides and the top of the horse, over the saddle, the top portion of the swingarm is pivotally connected to the topmost portion of the saddle to enable the saddle to rotate relative to the swingarm, and a pair of hitches, each hitch formed as part of, or connected to, each of the pair of arms, for connecting with a shaft of a sulky or cart; in another embodiment of the present invention, a method of transmitting force between a sulky or a cart to a horse is disclosed; in another embodiment a method of training horses or horseracing is disclosed.

Abstract: An equine training aid for enabling a horse, pony, donkey or the like, particularly dressage or show horses, to adopt an optimum outline or profile. The training aid includes a self-centering, continuous loop portion (1), configured, during lunging or riding, to be in contact tension with the equine wherein the continuous loop portion (1) includes a front section (1a) and a rear section (1b) each of which are linked by a linker such as the form of rings (2a) and pivotal clips (2b). Each of the loop sections (1a) and (1b) additionally has two adjustment mechanisms (e.g. sliders; (3)) to allow each loop section to be lengthened or shortened and both ends of the rear section (1b) terminate in a safety loop (4) which allows rotation of the device to a limited extent and prevents the rear section of the loop portion (1b) from slipping down the hind legs of the equine when the device is being dismantled and removed from the equine.

Abstract: A trigger arrangement for an animal training apparatus, the trigger arrangement including a fluid pump having a pump actuator, the pump including an inlet and an outlet and a sound emitter configured to be actuated by the pump actuator, wherein actuation of the pump pumps fluid from the inlet to the outlet accompanied by a simultaneous emission of sound from the sound emitter.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed timing module is integrated with an equine training whip, normally carried by the equestrian, especially for those needing to improve riding skills in point-to-point timed events such as cross country, stadium jumping, racing, barrel racing. This combination provides for safe operation and convenient viewing while in the saddle.

Abstract: An equine training apparatus used in conjunction with: 1) a bridle supporting a bit, 2) a noseband, 3) riding reins connected to the bit, and 4) a breastplate, the apparatus comprising a head communication assembly comprising a cord member having a first end attached to a first O-ring, a second end attached to a second O-ring and noseband connection means between said first end and said second end and dividing said cord member into a first fork and a second fork; a sliding member in slidable engagement with said first fork and said second fork; and fork-body connection means for anchoring said sliding member to any of a breast plate, neckstrap, girth, cinch or the like. The sliding member acts as a pulley about which at least one fork is disposed and, when anchored to body tack via fork-body connection means provides a pivot point about which each fork may act; the sliding member effectively divides force applied through the reins into a mouth force component and a nose force component.

Abstract: An equine weight training system for efficiently weight training a horse so that the horse may comfortably carry a bouncing load (e.g. individual, etc.) upon their back. The equine weight training system generally includes a saddle tree to be positioned upon a back of a horse and a harness device including a plurality of straps to loop over and attach to the saddle tree and around the horse, wherein the plurality of straps extend outwardly from the harness device. A plurality of pouches extend from the harness device, wherein a plurality of weighted objects are removably positioned within the plurality of pouches. The plurality of weighted objects are inserted and removed from the plurality of pouches to accustom a horse to weight positioned upon a back of a horse.

Abstract: A stirrup assembly for aiding a rider when mounting a horse provides a stirrup assembly wherein part or all of the side of a stirrup can be rotated down into a locked horizontal position to become a step. The act of pulling down the movable side part compresses a strong return spring. When the movable side part is fully down, a latch is set which keeps it from returning. What was part of the stirrup side can now be used as a step for mounting and is quickly returned to its original upright position by the return spring when the rider steps on the latch release.

Abstract: A quadruped animal harness (10) has a back pad (12) adapted to be supported at a predetermined position on the back of the quadruped animal. There is also a rump strap (14) connected to a rear end of the pad and adapted to extend around the rump of the quadruped animal, a chest strap (16) connected to a front end of the pad and adapted to extend around the chest of the quadruped animal, a girth strap (18) connected to opposed sides of the pad and adapted to extend around the girth of the quadruped animal, and a connector strap (20) interconnecting the chest strap to the girth strap. A handle (22) is connected to the back pad. In use, the back pad is maintained at the predetermined position by the arrangement of the straps so as to enable a person to control and manipulate the quadruped animal when gripping the handle.

Abstract: A head harness for walking dogs includes a nosepiece member attached to distal ends of at least one reins member having an attached leash ring, and the nosepiece further being connected to two short connecting straps. A chin strap, a neck collar with a release buckle, and the two short straps are linked at the free ends by a ring connecting means. The reins members are slidingly connected proximal the two distal ends.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for providing assisted control, direction, and other information to a living being through a stimulation-based interface.

Abstract: A headcollar attachment for use in controlling or training a horse. The attachment contains a first clip releasably attachable to a first side of a headcollar and a second clip having a retention ring attached thereto. The attachment also contains a control rope. The rope is intended to pass around the nose and chin of a horse at a spaced distance from the headcollar towards the muzzle of the horse, and to form a loop with the rope passing through each retention ring, and whereby tensioning one end of the rope causes the rope to draw more tightly around the horse.

Abstract: The invention relates to an equine training aid for enabling a horse, pony, donkey or the like, particularly dressage or show horses, to adopt an optimum outline or profile which comprises a self-centring, continuous loop portion (1), configured, during lungeing or riding, to be in contact tension with the equine wherein the continuous loop portion (1) comprises a front section (Ia) and a rear section (Ib) each of which are linked by linking means in the form of rings (2a) and pivotal clips (2b). Each of the loop sections (Ia) and (Ib) additionally has two adjustment means (e.g. sliders; (3)) to allow each loop section to be lengthened or shortened and both ends of the rear section (Ib) terminate in a safety loop (4) which allows rotation of the device to a limited extent and prevents the rear section of the loop portion (Ib) from slipping down the hind legs of the equine when the device is being dismantled and removed from the equine.

Abstract: An assembly for training and/or instruction of horses, for maintaining, building-up and improving the muscles and stance and posture of the horse by making the animal to walk or trot in the correct positions and stances, with the assembly comprising a girth fixed to the breast portion of the animal's body, the girth having a plurality of connecting points to which a rear cord and side cords are connected, with both cords connected to a rear tensor, wherein the cords and the tensor forces the animal to adopt a desired stance during the training thereof.

Abstract: The present device is utilized by equestrian riders to maintain their horse's forehead vertical with the ground. It is made of plastic and readily attaches to the bridle on top of the horse's head, between the ears. A colored indicator is visible to the rider through an opening in the device and lets the rider know if the animal's head is vertical with the ground or if the nose is back or away from the animal's body. This device will aid the rider and horse to learn how to position and maintain the animals forehead vertical with the ground.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus is comprised of a leash connector attached to a chest portion of a harness. The harness is arranged for preventing the leash connector from shifting to the back of the animal. The harness is preferably comprised of a chest strap for positioning across the chest of the animal between the tops of the front legs, a withers strap for positioning across the withers of the animal behind the neck and between the shoulders, and a girth strap for positioning across the girth of the animal behind the front legs on the underside. The leash connector is attached to an intermediate position on the chest strap for applying a rotating force to the animal when the animal moves forwards of the handler and pulls on the leash connector. The animal is prevented by the rotational force from pulling further.

Abstract: An automated animal-training system is provided, which includes an enclosure device for the animal, an arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device, and an actuation mechanism for moving the automated animal-training system. In order to simulate real racing situations for the animals, the arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device is controlled by one or more motors movable on sliding rails. Furthermore, a mechanism is provided for suspending the animal in the training device in case the animal trips.

Abstract: An electronic programmable timing instrument for real-time monitoring of an equine athlete's training and conditioning regimen for developing optimum racing potential is provided wherein the instruments aids an operator primarily to set, monitor, and control the equine athlete's distance and speed. Secondarily, the apparatus can monitor and evaluate physiological parameters that are used to assess physical stress on the animal in real time and includes security parameters for protecting proprietary collected data. This instrument makes possible a new method for training equine athletes and for tracking their development and potential problems therewith.

Abstract: A throat support device comprising a main throat support section having one or more lifting mechanisms, each with a tip, each tip adapted to fit into a location immediately adjacent to and behind a basihyoid bone, a thyroid cartilage and/or a cricoid cartilage of an animal to control upper airway dysfunction. In one embodiment, the throat support device further comprises a bridle. In one embodiment, the upper airway dysfunction is dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) and the animal is a horse. Unlike conventional treatments involving surgery, the throat support device provides a non-invasive and convenient means of diagnosing and treating upper airway dysfunctions.

Abstract: An exercise harness for an animal which comprises three elements: (a) a web of flexible material adapted to be affixed to the body of the animal in a region adjacent to the animal's front legs and/or rear legs; (b) at least one strap, connected to the web and adapted to retain the web on the animal; and (c) a measured weight attached to the web by a holding device, such as a pocket, clip or the like. This weight is preferably removable and replaceable with weights of different sizes.

Abstract: An automated animal-training system is provided, which includes an enclosure device for the animal, an arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device, and an actuation mechanism for moving the automated animal-training system. In order to simulate real racing situations for the animals, the arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device is controlled by one or more motors movable on sliding rails. Furthermore, a mechanism is provided for suspending the animal in the training device in case the animal trips.

Abstract: A high strength, longitudinally elongated elastic tie cord is provided as an integral, single strand, cast body formed from a selected thermosetting castable polyurethane having cast-in terminal end connector fittings arranged to assure against breakage and separation of the end connectors from the elastic body of the tie cord, whereby to provide an elastic horse tie training aid device arranged to elastically and resistively yield to stretching and jerking forces applied thereagainst by a struggling horse being trained to accept being tied, and to endure all such forces without damage or breaking under the full force of a horse struggling thereagainst until its inherent instinct to free itself from restraint has been overcome and broken by the training exercise, and thereby provide a safe and humane training aid for training horses to accept being tied while substantially eliminating injury to the animal during its training.

Abstract: A device for training livestock having a barrel strap, a back strap slidably attached to the barrel strap, an extension strap releasably attached to the back strap, a headpiece slidably engaged with the extension strap, and a lead strap releasably attached to the extension strap.

Abstract: An animal training system adapted to be fitted on a quadruped for providing increased control over the quadruped by a trainer and instilling confidence in the quadruped. The harness includes a first shoulder strap having a first adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the shoulder strap across the shoulders of the quadruped and a buttock strap having a second adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the buttock strap across the buttocks of the quadruped, the shoulder strap and the buttock strap being adjustably connected and arranged to extend completely around the quadruped in a close-fitting fashion in order to exert pressure against the shoulders and the buttocks of the quadruped. The harness can include a number of sites for attaching shocking devices that when activated apply an electrical shock to the quadruped and thereby elicit a desired behavior from the quadruped.

Abstract: An apparatus reminds a saddled and bridled horse to maintain tension on a calf rope during a rodeo calf roping event. The apparatus contains: (a) a ratcheting rope pulley with a release; (b) a means for attaching the pulley to a saddle; (c) a rope passing through the pulley with the first end of the rope exiting the pulley in the freely rotating direction and the second end of the rope exiting the pulley in the non-rotating direction; (d) an elastic cord having a first end attached to the second end of the rope; (e) a means for attaching the second end of the cord to a calf rope; and (f) a means for attaching the cord-calf rope attachment to a bit of a bridle.

Abstract: An equestrian riding aid is disclosed which includes a girth strap which surrounds the girth of a horse, and a back strap which surrounds the back of a rider. The girth strap passes along the thighs of the rider and promotes the rider to learn and maintain the correct riding posture on the horse. The straps are connected by a quick-release buckle which allows the straps to be released from one another quickly and easily by the rider.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an animal includes a motorized and programmable actuator unit that is coupled to a bridle on the horse. The actuator unit includes a motor and a pulley to control tension on lines leading to the horse, the tension providing a control stimulus to the animal. A clutch coupling the motor and pulley provides a release function to automatically release tension on the lines once the motor is deactivated. A remote signal unit sends control signals to a controller in the actuator unit for controlling the animal remotely from the horse.

Abstract: A training headstall combines headgear with a suspended rigid noseband hanging loosely encircling the horse's muzzle, being relatively free to deliver attention-getting taps. The noseband is oblong along a major axis that defines left and right halves, and has left and right eyes on opposed sides of the major axis for attachment of corresponding lines from the headgear. The headgear also has a third line that hangs down from under the horse's chin-to-throat area and attaches to a rearward portion on the noseband for imposing a measure of damping on the noseband's motion. The noseband is produced with various asymmetries such as line-eyes that are offset as referenced along the major axis in order to enhance quicker settling of the motion with the noseband so that the horse may more surely learn that this annoying if not frightening motion can be settled by stopping to a standstill.

Abstract: A weighted training surcingle device comprising a belt simulating the spatial area of a person's legs and buttocks. Each half of the belt has a plurality of pouches providing means for holding weight adjacent the rib cage of a horse simulating weight distribution of a person. Rings interspaced between the pouches are supplied for attaching at least one line to the belt for the training of a horse. A pad distributes weight away from a spinal area of a horse when the belt is placed upon a horse. A centrally located pouch spanning the midpoint of the belt is provided for holding weight adjacent the spine of the horse simulating body weight of a person. A line is attached between one of the different rings of the belt and a guiding ring of a bridle to restrict movement of the horse's head within the bridle.

Abstract: A stabilizer for training a person in equestrian jumping. The stabilizer comprises an upper brace and a lower brace. The upper brace comprises an upper side and a lower side. The upper brace is capable of receiving a person's neck therein. The lower brace is attached to the lower side of the upper brace and extends downward from the upper brace. The lower brace comprises a rear panel which is substantially parallel to the chest of the person.

Abstract: A halter (120) for controlling an animal, such as a dog, is provided having an anchor portion (146) secured across the front of the dog's head terminating at a pair of anchor points on the opposite sides of the animals neck and nape portion (128) extending across the back of the animal's neck slidably received within the anchor portion (146). The anchor portion (146) is typically placed over the snout of the dog in order to keep the halter away from sensitive tissues of the throat. When a leash connected to the nape portion is pulled, the segment (156) of the nape portion between the anchors (132, 138) pushes against the nape of the animal's neck thus stimulating a “righting” reflex and causing the animal to stop. Further control over the animal is gained by downward pressure applied to the top of the snout, stimulating a submissive behavioural response in the animal.

Abstract: A child walking harness made of flexible material comprising a front and rear body panel which are connected through the legs of the child at the crotch portion. The front and rear body panels are provided panel extensions that connect to each other by means of hook and loop fasteners attached to each end thereof. The upper portion of the body panels are provided with shoulder straps which are fitted with releasable securing devices which lock together over the child's shoulder. The rear body panel straps are looped together and fed through a flexible rear adjustment plate which allows the two upper straps to make adjustments to the size of the child and forms a hand-hold at the upper end to support the child while the child is balancing itself to walk and give comfort and safety to the child and relief of back stress to the parent. The adjustment plate provides a separation of the holding straps to prevent closure of the straps around the child's head and neck.

Abstract: The present invention uses a pack saddle designed to simulate the weight and feel of an actual rider for testing the animal's propensity to buck. While the animal's movement is restricted, the simulated rider pack saddle is placed over the back of the animal and cinched in place with a strap that is remotely releasable. After attaching the apparatus, the animal is released and observed to determine its natural propensity to buck. After a sufficient observation period, the cinch strap is remotely released, allowing the simulated rider pack saddle to fall or be thrown off the animal. The simulated rider pack saddle can also be released as a reward after the animal performs a particularly desired bucking action. In another exemplary embodiment, the simulated rider pack saddle is further equipped with a remotely activated stimulus, such as but not limited to an electric shock device, which can train the animal to perform bucking actions or increase the animal's propensity to buck.

Abstract: An equestrian rider training rein,the training device having an elastic portion in each rein between the bit and the rider's end of the reins. The elastic portion of the device trains the new rider in applying the proper pressure on the reins in order to closely control the mount while not applying excessive pressure which may irritate or injure the mount and make delicate control more difficult. In a second embodiment the elastic portion is backed by an inelastic portion of the rein which is of greater length than the unextended elastic portion so that if greater pressure is required to control the mount, as in the case of a runaway mount, the rider may apply direct pressure to the bit for emergency control.

Abstract: An equine restraint system which allows a single person to control a horse while performing tasks such as leading, holding, saddling, or loading the horse. The restraint system has a portion that fits behind the horse's ears and a portion that fits under the horse's upper lip. The restraint system has a single cord which can be pulled to simultaneously apply pressure behind the horse's ears and under the horse's upper lip.

Abstract: An equestrian rider training device incorporated into the reins of a bridle. The training device has an elastic portion in each rein between the bit and the rider's end of the reins. The elastic portion of the device trains the new rider in applying the proper pressure on the reins in order to closely control the mount while not applying excessive pressure which may irritate or injure the mount and make delicate control more difficult. The elastic portion is backed by an inelastic portion which is of greater length than the unextended elastic portion so that if greater pressure is required to control the mount, such as a runaway mount, the rider may apply direct pressure to the bit for emergency control.

Abstract: An equine restraint system which allows a single person to control a horse while performing tasks such as leading, holding, saddling or loading of the horse. The restraint system has a portion that fits behind the horse's ears and a portion that fits under the horse's upper lip. The restraint system has a single cord which can be pulled to simultaneously apply pressure behind the horse's ears and under the horse's upper lip.

Abstract: A positive reinforcement bridle bit is described that is useful for training an animal, for example, a horse. Dispensing, at will, a pleasant tasting fluid therefrom, permits the immediate reward of the animal for performing a desired behavior or calming a fear. The invention may be used, for example, for the training of an unbroken colt or green-broke animal, for correction and retraining of problem horses and for further training of previously trained horses.

Abstract: A device for correcting the gait of a bad gaited horse comprises soft flexible tubing with a strap routed therethrough. The tubing is placed in the armpits between the horse's body and the tops of the forelegs causing the horse to turn the knees of its forelegs slightly outwardly and thereby reduce a knock kneed or toes out condition. The strap has loops with buckles at the ends to adjustably connect with the shafts of a sulky. Shock cords provide tension between the loops and strap at the ends. Safety straps also connect the strap in the tubing with the loops and buckles at the ends. A chest strap with a buckle connects the strap and tubing across the chest of the horse. The device is placed around the neck of the horse and is buckled across the chest. The ends of the device are brought under the body between the front legs and snugged up by fastening the ends to the sulky shafts. With proper adjustment the tubing is positioned in the horse's armpits. The method of installing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A training harness and harness assembly for training livestock. The assembly includes a halter with a guiding ring attached, a neck strap, a belly strap, a back strap, a buck strap and a harness lead.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus includes an elongated main cord with an enlarged member connected to each end thereof. A pair of pressure beads are connected to the cord proximal to and spaced equidistant from a median point on the cord. A pair of pressure beads are slidably connected to the cord on opposing sides of the median point. A pair of attachment members each have a loop portion slidably threaded onto the cord with hook members projecting from the loops. The pressure members may also include magnets, creating a magnetic field surrounding the pressure beads. In the method of the invention, the main cord is placed over the horse's head with the pressure beads located directly behind the horse's ears and the median point of the cord centered between the horse's ears. The attachment members are connected to cheek rings on a halter on the horse's head such that the enlarged members of the cord hang below the cheek rings of the halter.

Abstract: A method for animal training. More specifically, this invention provides a method for rapidly and effectively training horses and other animals by facilitating the delivery of a primary reinforcement reward substance to the animal simultaneously with, or immediately following the exhibition of desired behavior by the animal.

Abstract: A gymnastic harnessing and guiding apparatus for a horse comprises at least one stimulation member adapted to be placed at a lower part of the horse's neck, and a recalling member for recalling the stimulation member upwardly and rearwardly. The recalling member further comprises a flexible strap, a headstall comprising first and second head-recalling members, respectively placed on each one of its lateral ends, a breast-recalling member, and first and second shoulder fixing points, respectively configured for placement on each side of the horse between the shoulders and the withers. The stimulation member is designed to exert an annoying stimulation at the lower part of the horse's neck, in a region situated between the third cervical vertebra and the first dorsal vertebra, as soon as the position of the horse's head and neck departs from a target position to beyond a predetermined lower limit.