Abstract: A unitized receiver-housing bearing planar collar for a pet wherein the bottom end of the receiver housing is integrally formed with the collar, the bottom perimetrical edge of the receiver housing being oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the collar. The collar is overmolded, free of independent connectors or fasteners, on the receiver housing adjacent the bottom end of the receiver housing such that when the collar is affixed to the neck of a pet, for example, there is established and maintained a pre-selected orientation of the receiver housing relative to the pet.

Abstract: A transmitter for a dog training system, the transmitter having a command input device for inputting a training command input into the transmitter, and a transmitter controller connected to the command input device. The transmitter controller translates the training command input into identification data and command data. The transmitter controller also generates at least one forward error correction codeword from the identification data and the command data.

Abstract: An animal deterrent mat with animal detection capability. The animal deterrent mat produces a detection pulse that is attenuated when an object makes contact with the animal deterrent mat. The animal deterrent mat monitors the amplitude of the detection pulse and compares the measured detection pulse amplitude to one or more threshold values. When the amplitude of the detection pulse is below an upper threshold corresponding to the attenuated signal caused by an animal making contact with the animal deterrent mat and, optionally, above lower threshold corresponding to the attenuated signal caused by another object making contact with the animal deterrent mat, such as a human, a deterrent pulse selected to deter the animal from crossing or remaining on the animal deterrent mat is generated. When the amplitude of the detection pulse is below the optional lower threshold, no deterrent stimulus is generated.

Abstract: Described is an animal waste product notification device for detecting the occurrence of an animal excreting animal waste product at a defined location, containing the waste product such that the animal cannot track the waste product from the defined location, and notifying a local or remote individual of the occurrence. The animal waste product notification device includes a grate, a bin, and a notification device. The grate includes a detector that is responsive to fluidic animal waste product such that when the waste product passes through apertures defined by the grate, the detector generates a detection signal. When the detector generates the detection signal, the notification device notifies a user of the animal waste product notification device. The bin defines a receptacle that receives the waste product after it passes through the grate.

Abstract: A clutch is provided for releasably coupling an axially rotatable driving shaft to a coaxial driven shaft. The clutch comprises a gear, having a plurality of cogs, coaxially secured to one of said driving shaft or said driven shaft; and a receptor coaxially secured to the other of said driving shaft or said driven shaft. The receptor comprises a hub and a plurality of flexible extension segments defining a cavity matingly engaging the gear cogs. When the driven shaft encounters rotational resistance greater than a range of normal operation, the extension segments flex out of engagement with the gear cogs to allow rotation of the driving shaft without rotation of the driven shaft.

Abstract: Described is an antenna proximity determining system for determining the location of an animal with respect to a transmitting antenna utilizing the bit error rate corresponding to a signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna and received by a receiver unit carried by the animal and for delivering a stimulus to the animal based on its location with respect to the antenna.

Abstract: Described is an animal training device for delivering a response signal in response to receiving an audible signal. The animal training device is adapted to be carried by an animal and delivers the response signal, which includes a stimulus to the animal and an animal location indicator, in response to receiving the audible signal, which includes a voice command and other distinguishable sounds. The animal training device allows an animal handler to deliver a stimulus to the animal and generate a location indicator without using an additional device, such as a handheld transmitter.

Abstract: An animal collar assembly including a wireless receiver, at least one strap and a connection assembly. The at least one strap includes a first end and a second end, and is connected to the wireless receiver. The connection assembly includes an adjustable constraint and a quick release device. The adjustable constraint is adjustably connected between the first end and the second end of the at least one strap. The quick release device is attached proximate to the second end. The quick release device being releasably connectable to the adjustable constraint.

Abstract: A transmitter for an animal training system, which includes a modulator for energizing at least one antenna, and a controller connected to the modulator. A first switch is connected to the controller, and the first switch is for entering a setup mode and for selecting at least one of a plurality of setting configurations. A second switch is also connected to the controller, and the second switch is for modifying a value of a respective setting configuration.

Abstract: A pet door having a locking mechanism for normally limiting ingress and egress, the pet door being adapted communicate with a conventional environmental detector to unlock the locking mechanism when a hazard environmental condition is detected. The pet door is adapted to work in cooperation with either a conventional smoke detector or an improved smoke detector. In one embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is used in cooperation with a conventional smoke detector to communicate with a pet door of the present invention. In either embodiment, when the smoke detector detects an event such as the presence of smoke and/or fire such that an audible alarm is sounded, the pet door locking mechanism is unlocked. The pet door is also useful in cooperation with other detectors such as a carbon monoxide detector or a security alarm.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification system including a collar, a receiver device and a transponder. The receiver device is attached to the collar, the receiver device having a receiver circuit and a stimulation circuit. The transponder is in communication with the receiver device. The transponder is positioned proximate to the receiver device. The transponder includes a signal transmitter; and an antenna intermittently electrically connectable to the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter wirelessly communicating to the receiver circuit of the receiver device.

Abstract: A signal transmitter system for an animal training system including an electrical impedance loop, a signal generator and a power supply. The signal generator is connected to the electrical impedance loop. The signal generator provides a current signal to the electrical impedance loop. The power supply provides a voltage level to the signal generator. The voltage level is dependent upon a measured characteristic of a voltage signal that results from an interaction of the current signal with the electrical impedance loop.

Abstract: A battery module cooperating with an electronic animal control device for activating and deactivating the electronic animal control device. The battery module switch is a user-replaceable power source providing a rotary switching function while maintaining a hermetic seal.

Abstract: A low impedance probe for delivery of a corrective stimulus to an animal. The low impedance probe includes an electrode for directing an electrical stimulus from an electrical source toward the skin of an animal. A conductive gel source is configured to provide conductive gel to a region between the electrode and the animal upon positioning of the electrode proximate the skin of the animal. The conductive gel establishes improved electrical connectivity between the electrode and the animal.

Abstract: A flexible electrode assembly for use with an electronic animal training device. The flexible electrode assembly provides pressure relief in the event that the collar is over-tightened. Pressure relief is obtained through the use of resilient materials or mechanical pre-loads that allow movement in response to applied pressure. Because the position of the electrodes in the flexible electrode assembly is not fixed, pet owners are generally more likely to properly tighten the collar thereby allowing the animal training device to function effectively.

Abstract: Described is an antenna proximity determining system for determining the location of an animal with respect to a transmitting antenna utilizing the bit error rate corresponding to a signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna and received by a receiver unit carried by the animal and for delivering a stimulus to the animal based on its location with respect to the antenna.

Abstract: A housing forming a portion of an animal training device having a framing wall adapted to frame an LCD disposed internally of the housing. The framing wall defines an interior surface and a window for viewing of the LCD. A window pane is integrally formed with the window about the outer perimeter of the window and extends laterally outwardly of the perimeter of the window to overlie a portion of the inner surface of the framing wall proximate the window thereby integrating the pane with the framing wall, thereby effecting an extended seal between the pane and the framing wall and simultaneously enhancing the strength and rigidity of the framing wall. In one embodiment, the pane is integrally molded with the framing wall.

Abstract: A heating pad for use with animals, or pet heating pad. The pet heating pad provides a pad with a cushioned exterior and a flexible but resilient interior that prevents overheating by maintaining or returning the pet heating pad to a flat profile. The pet heating pad heating system includes a heating element with temperature limitation controls for safe operation surrounded by layers of material selected for temperature control properties. The result is a pet heating pad that substantially reduces or eliminates the problems normally associated with heating pads such as hotspots, overheating, bunching, and folding while providing a pet with a physically and thermally comfortable surface upon which to rest.

Abstract: A pet escape notification system for notifying a pet owner when a pet has escaped from a predefined boundary. The escape notification system is used in association with an electronic animal containment system for maintaining a pet within the predefined boundary. A pet unit transmitter is provided for delivering a proximity alert signal to a base unit when the pet unit receives a transmitting antenna signal. After receiving the proximity alert signal, the base unit begins sending a location inquiry signal to the pet unit. Upon receipt of the location inquiry signal, the pet unit broadcasts a location inquiry response signal. If the location inquiry response signal is received by the base unit receiver, the base unit processing unit determines that the pet is still within or close to the boundary. Otherwise the base unit controller activates a communication network to notify the pet owner that the pet has escaped.

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.