Abstract: A portable storage device for connecting to a computer. The storage device includes a digital memory storage, a digital lock mechanism coupled to the digital memory storage, a wireless communication system coupled to the digital lock mechanism and a communication interface coupled to the digital lock mechanism. The communication interface is for connecting the portable storage device to the computer. The digital lock mechanism operates to prevent data in the digital memory storage from being transferred over the communication interface to the computer unless the digital lock mechanism is unlocked using the wireless communication system. A method for connecting and the portable storage device to a computer and then unlocking the portable storage device using the communication interface and the wireless communication system is also provided.

Abstract: A receiver for an animal training collar which includes a receiver housing with a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal each accessible from an outside of the receiver housing. A pair of electrodes is connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode. A circuit board is connected to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal on the outside of the receiver housing and between the pair of electrodes and the receiver housing, wherein the pair of electrodes extend from the circuit board.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification apparatus including a stimulation device for applying a stimulation having a current stimulation level associated with one of a plurality of stimulation levels including a minimum level. The stimulation device including control logic for applying a stimulation, based upon the steps of increasing the current stimulation level; applying a stimulation corresponding to the current stimulation level; determining the behavior of the animal until compliant behavior is obtained; and reducing the current stimulation level between the current stimulation level and the minimum level dependant upon the determining step.

Abstract: A method of altering a stimulation level of an animal behavior modification device including the steps of detecting compliant behavior of the animal and reducing a stimulation level an incremental amount between a current stimulation level and a minimum level dependent upon the detecting step.

Abstract: An animal collar system including an animal collar, a housing mounted to the animal collar and an electrical circuit. The electrical circuit is enclosed in the housing and a built-in-test circuit is electrically connected to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: A method of modifying the behavior of an animal including the steps of increasing a stimulation level of a stimulation device in stimulating contact with the animal, the stimulation level associated with one of a plurality of levels, the plurality of levels including a minimum level, applying a stimulation to the animal associated with the stimulation level, determining a compliant behavior of the animal and reducing the stimulation level to one of the plurality of levels between a current stimulation level and the minimum level dependent upon the determining step.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: An animal containment system includes a receiver unit carried by the animal. The receiver unit includes a GPS receiver for receiving satellite data; a memory for storing a plurality of waypoints defining a boundary, a stimulation circuit; and a processor coupled with the GPS receiver and the stimulation circuit. The processor activates the stimulation circuit at a distance from the boundary when the animal is within the boundary, dependent upon animal positional variables, and deactivates the stimulation circuit when the animal is outside the boundary.

Abstract: An animal control device directs a pressure pulse wave to an animal as a negative stimulus to deter undesired behavior. The animal control device includes a collar worn by an animal with a pressure pulse generator probe in contact with the animal's skin. The pressure pulse wave applied may be adjustable commensurate with the severity of undesired behavior. In one embodiment, the animal control device contains a remote transmitter for a trainer to administer a pressure pulse manually and at a desired intensity. In an alternate embodiment, the animal control device may contain a bark sensor to administer a pressure pulse when the animal produces undesirable barking. Alternatively, the animal control device may contain a sensor for directing a pressure pulse if an animal strays from a desired confined location.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode probe for use on an animal receiver collar, includes the steps of: providing an electrode probe including a base and a tip, the tip extending from the base and having a contacting end; loading a compliant material and the contacting end together, such that a predetermined portion of the tip is embedded within the compliant material; and depositing an insulating material on at least a portion of the probe not embedded within the compliant material.