Abstract: Described is an electronic pet door for automatically granting a selected animal access to a through-way defined by the electronic pet door and denying a non-selected animal access to the through-way. The selected animal carries a transmitter. The electronic pet door includes a corresponding receiver and a frame that defines the through-way, which has a tapered contour. A flap, which has a tapered contour corresponding to the through-way, is disposed within the through-way and is capable of a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the flap denies access to the through-way. When unlocked, the flap grants an animal access to the through-way. The flap is locked and unlocked by way of a locking mechanism that shifts the flap longitudinally between the less tapered and most tapered portions of the through-way. The locking mechanism shifts the flap in response to the receiver.

Abstract: Described is an electronic pet door for automatically granting a selected animal access to a through-way defined by the electronic pet door and denying a non-selected animal access to the through-way. The selected animal carries a transmitter. The electronic pet door includes a corresponding receiver and a frame that defines the through-way, which has a tapered contour. A flap, which has a tapered contour corresponding to the through-way, is disposed within the through-way and is capable of a locked position and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the flap denies access to the through-way. When unlocked, the flap grants an animal access to the through-way. The flap is locked and unlocked by way of a locking mechanism that shifts the flap longitudinally between the less tapered and most tapered portions of the through-way. The locking mechanism shifts the flap in response to the receiver.

Abstract: A receiver for an animal training system which includes a stimulation unit for providing at least one stimulus having a quantity of energy pulses and a stimulus pulse width; and a controller connected to the stimulation unit. The controller receives at least one transmitted signal and assigns amplitude information and rate information to at least one correction signal. The stimulation unit receives the at least one correction signal and outputs a corresponding stimulus having the quantity of energy pulses corresponding to the rate information. The stimulus has the stimulus pulse width corresponding to the amplitude information.

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: Described is a high-tech animal training system for delivering a stimulus to an animal and for providing a user with information relating to the ambient environment and to the operation of the animal training system, the information enabling the user to monitor and maintain the health and well-being of the animal. The animal training system delivers a stimulus to the animal such that the user is able to correct any undesired behavior exhibited by the animal and to reward any desired behavior exhibited by the animal. Additionally, the animal training system detects at least one an ambient condition and indicates the detected condition such that the user perceives the indication and is able to take action in protecting the animal from any detrimental conditions. The animal training system is also capable of storing data relating to the operation of the system and/or storing data input by the user.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification kit including a collar mountable receiver and a plurality of circuit boards. The collar mountable receiver has a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal. Each of the plurality of circuit boards are selectively mechanically connectable to both the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. The plurality of circuit boards include at least one electrical component having an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of each of the plurality of circuit boards being different.

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 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 bark deterrent apparatus with an internal vibration sensor. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus uses an internal mechanical vibration sensor that detects vibrations induced in the housing. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus eliminates the external probe used in conventional bark deterrent devices to pick up vibrations at the dog's throat and communicate them to a mechanical vibration sensor to be eliminated while still allowing accurate bark detection.

Abstract: An animal training system including a programming apparatus and an animal training collar. The animal training collar is communicatively couplable to the programming apparatus. The animal training collar includes at least one stimulation probe and a programmable device operatively connected to the at least one stimulation probe to activate the at least one stimulation probe. The at least one stimulation probe also transferring data at least one of to and from the programming apparatus.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and distinguishing occurrences along a perimeter bounded by a plurality of piezoelectric cables. The monitoring system utilizes a plurality of piezoelectric cables that generate electrical signals in response to mechanical stress events. The electrical signals from each piezoelectric cable are analyzed by a base unit to determine event classification and location. The monitoring system alerts users and connects to an existing security system to notify third-parties. The monitoring system includes functionality to communicate with a calibration unit and calibrate itself. The monitoring system also includes functionality to interface with a pet containment system.

Abstract: Described is a boundary proximity determining system for wirelessly defining a boundary having a programmable shape and for indicating the occurrence of a rover unit traversing the boundary. The boundary proximity determining system includes a base station unit that generates a plurality of magnetic fields. The boundary proximity determining system also includes a rover unit that is responsive to the generated magnetic fields such that the rover unit defines the boundary in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields. The rover unit determines whether the rover unit is within or outside the boundary by determining the current location of the rover unit in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields and comparing the current location to the boundary.

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: 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 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: The communication system comprises amplification units coupled to the radiating transmission line at periodic locations for amplifying communication signals radiating and traveling upstream and downstream on the transmission line. During normal operation, mobile communication units near the radiating transmission line can communicate with other mobile communication units near the transmission line as well as with a base station by transmitting communication signals at a first and second frequency. The amplification units also comprise degradation detection units which detect when the communication system has been degraded between any two amplification units. Upon detection of a degradation, the amplification units commence to amplify, transmit and receive the communication signals across the location of the detected degradation at a first fault frequency and a second fault frequency, rather than the first frequency and second frequency, respectively.

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.