Abstract: A contact unit for an animal training system and a method for producing the same. The contact unit includes at least one base portion formed from a moldable electrically non-conductive material and at least two contact probes formed from a moldable electrically conductive material. At least one contact probe is provided in each base portion. The contact probes include integral probe tips that extend outward from the at least one base portion. The contact unit is releasably mountable to a controller housing. A collar is used to mount the controller housing and the contact unit around the neck of the animal to maintain the probe tips in contact with the skin of the animal.

Abstract: A receiver for an animal control system having a correction monitor which indicates that the animal has attempted to challenge the system, as determined by the occurrence of one or more correction events within a specified period of time. A correction event occurs when a stimulus is applied to the animal. The stimulus may be an audible alert, or may be an electrical shock. The correction monitor is operative to monitor correction events and to provide an indication that an event has occurred. In one embodiment, the correction event can be signaled to a user at the receiver by use of an LED or other indicator or display which is latched on for a defined period of time. In another embodiment, the correction event can be signaled to a user at a central location, such as by an indicator or display in the animal owner's house. The correction event may also be signaled remotely via a communications path or network, and displayed in any suitable manner at one or more remote locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.

Abstract: A receiver/stimulus unit for an animal control system is mounted on an animal collar. The unit includes a power supply enclosure for a power source such as a battery separate from a receiver enclosure containing signal receiving circuitry. The power source is in electrical communication with the signal receiving circuitry via an electrical communication path passing on or through a portion of the strap of the collar.

Abstract: An animal control system is provided in which an AM transmission signal includes qualification criteria which upon proper decoding provides intended stimuli to an animal. The transmit signal comprises modulated pulses having a first amplitude and a second amplitude which upon decoding represent logic zero and logic one states. The receiver employs microprocessor based digital circuitry for decoding and processing of the AM transmit signal. The transmit signal is transmitted in alternating odd and even frames, each of which has particular characteristics and which upon proper decoding by the receiver causes successive weak and strong stimuli to be provided to the animal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.

Abstract: An improved animal control system for controlling the movement of an animal includes a transmitter/control unit for generating a frequency modulated transmit signal, an antenna defining an area and for radiating the transmit signal, and a battery-powered receiver/stimulus unit for receiving and discriminating the transmit signal and for applying a stimulus to the animal upon qualification of the received transmit signal. The system may be used to contain an animal within, or restrict an animal from, the defined area.

Abstract: An improved animal control system for controlling the movement of an animal includes a transmitter/control unit for generating a Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) transmit signal, an antenna defining an area and for radiating the FSK transmit signal, and a battery-powered receiver/stimulus unit for receiving and discriminating the FSK transmit signal and for applying a stimulus to the animal upon qualification of the received FSK transmit signal. The system may be used to contain an animal within, or restrict an animal from, the defined area.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training an animal and confining the animal to a defined area includes a magnetically actuated switch. The apparatus further includes a housing removably attached to the animal and a transducer mounted to the housing for delivering a stimulus to the animal. The magnetically actuated switch is disposed within the housing and is coupled to the transducer. The magnetically actuated switch is used for controlling at least one of a type of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, a rate of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, and an intensity of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for confining the movement of an animal to a defined area. The device includes a transmitter that generates a coded radio signal through an antenna defining the area. The transmitter can modify the coded radio signal including modifying the code of the coded radio signal to modify a stimulus provided to the animal. The apparatus also has a portable radio receiver for decoding the coded radio signal for the stimulus provided to the animal. The delivery of stimulus can be arrested upon detection of a signal other than the coded signal. The portable radio receiver is attached to the animal and is positioned for delivering the stimulus to the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for confining the movement of an animal to a defined area includes a transmitter that generates a continuous, coded radio signal through an antenna defining the area. The transmitter can variably modify the amplitude of the continuous, coded radio signal and variably modify the code of the continuous, coded radio signal, thereby modifying the type and rate of a stimulus provided to the animal. The apparatus also has a portable radio receiver for detecting the amplitude of the continuous, coded radio signal and for decoding the continuous, coded radio signal for the rate and type of stimulus provided to the animal. The portable radio receiver is attached to the animal and is positioned for delivering the stimulus to the animal in response only to the detected continuous, coded radio signal.