Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the proper operation of an electronic pet containment transmitter. The transmitter includes an internal short loop antenna that is used to activate the receiver unit when it is brought into close proximity of the transmitter.

Abstract: A proxy is utilized to limit the RF bandwidth needed for foreign IP registration. An existing RF log-in procedure causes the proxy to initiate and complete the foreign IP registration procedure with the foreign agent at the RF site where the mobile node is located. The proxy then acts as a locally connected (i.e., direct ethernet connected) device for each IP address for which it is proxying, and thus there is no need to use RF to register a mobile with the active foreign agent. This allows the use of off-the-shelf home and foreign agents to complete the mobile IP architecture, and reduces the RF bandwidth used, since the RF portion of the registration process (the registration between the active foreign agent and the mobile) is reduced.

Abstract: An insulated probe for delivering an effective shock stimulus to an animal regardless of the moisture content of an animal's fur. The insulated probe minimizes the likelihood of unwanted electrical shunting through the wet fur of the animal. The insulated probe includes a two-piece housing allowing for the length of the insulated probe to be easily varied.

Abstract: Described is a pet-repellent device for correcting undesirable pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location by restraining a pet from approaching a predefined location of restriction, which corresponds to the particular location of issue. The location of restriction, for practical purposes, is defined by a mat. A receiver that is carried by a pet administers a deterrent to the pet when the pet approaches the mat. Because the predefined location of restriction is defined by a portable mat, the predefined location of restriction is easily relocated in accordance with changing undesired pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location.

Abstract: A synchronized communication system for communicating signals into and from a medium is disclosed. The communication system utilizes a transmitter located at a central station external to the medium, which transmits a low frequency synchronization signal into the medium. Transceivers located within the medium receive the low frequency synchronization signal and send information radio signals synchronized with the low frequency synchronization signal to a receiver located at the central station. Zone transceivers are located within the medium to receive and retransmit the synchronization signal at the low frequency within a zone. The zone transceivers also receive information signals from transceivers in the zone and transmit zone information radio signals to the central station containing information corresponding to the information received from the transceivers in the zone.

Abstract: A pet door offering ingress or egress through a structural member. A lock mechanism in the pet door allows the pet owner to restrict ingress and/or egress as desired. The pet door features a dual control system that simplifies the setting of the lock. Each control corresponds to movement of the flap in one direction. The dual control system is also designed to be easier to access than a conventional pet door lock mechanism and to be less susceptible to unintentional adjustment resulting from incidental contact with the controls.

Abstract: Method processor and processor-readable medium for reducing the level of feedback-induced noise in the output signal from an audio automatic gain control circuit are provided. The method allows for receiving a stream of pulses comprising an input signal to the automatic gain control circuit. The method further allows for receiving estimates of respective high and low frequency energy components of the input signal. The respective high and low frequency components are averaged, e.g., over a respective sliding window. An energy scalar is calculated based on the ratio of a predefined target energy level over a combined value of the high and low frequency components. A relating action allows to compare the target energy level to the combined value of the high and low frequency components. Based on the comparison results, the calculated energy scalar is limited to within the two limit values.

Abstract: Method and processor for determining loading of a communications system shared by a plurality of user-terminals are provided. The method allows a respective terminal for monitoring a control channel including logical messages therein. The monitoring of the messages in the control channel is performed regardless of whether or not the logical messages therein are specifically addressed to that terminal. The method further allows for estimating a parameter indicative of system loading based on information in the monitored logical messages.

Abstract: An insulated probe for delivering an effective shock stimulus to an animal regardless of the moisture content of an animal's fur. The insulated probe minimizes the likelihood of unwanted electrical shunting through the wet fur of the animal. The insulated probe includes a two-piece housing allowing for the length of the insulated probe to be easily varied.

Abstract: A battery-powered transmitter which emits an audible sound or RF signal, including a housing which is mountable to the collar for a pet, for example. The present device is switchable between “on” and “off” modes of operation by means of a rotary cap whose rotational position effects switching of the device between its “on” and “off” modes of operation. Tactile and visual indication of the then-current operational mode of the device is provided by means of the rotational position of the rotary cap and indicia provided on the housing of the device and on the rotary cap itself.

Abstract: A gasket sealing system for providing a gasket seal disposed between a lid removably connectable at a receiving module containing electrical circuitry and/or batteries. The lid includes a perimeter surface that is removably insertable against a rim bordering an opening into the module. A gasket is adapted to bond to the perimeter surface of the lid. The gasket includes a first contacting surface having an arcuate shape that deforms upon contact against the module rim. The gasket includes a bonding surface adapted to bond to the shape of the perimeter surface of the lid. The gasket is composed of a resilient material that is self-lubricating. When the lid is removed from the rim of the opening, the deformable gasket is disconnected from sealing against the rim of the module without disruption of the integrity of the gasket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the proper operation of an electronic pet containment transmitter. The transmitter includes an internal short loop antenna that is used to activate the receiver unit when it is brought into close proximity of the transmitter.

Abstract: A probe locking washer (10) for substantially preventing unwanted loosening of a probe mounted on a receiver unit of an animal training device in which the receiver unit is mounted on an animal collar. The probe locking washer (10) of the present invention includes a disk member (25) having an upper surface (30) and a lower surface (35) and a centrally disposed hole member (40) which allows the probe locking washer (10) to be mounted on the mounting post (20). The probe locking washer (10) also includes a countersink member (45) disposed in the lower surface (35) of the disk member (25) and which includes a plurality of internal radial spline teeth (50) for providing radial resistance to any untightening force caused by vibration or other untightening force.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog through application of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of a pressurized substance in response to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a variable intensity static stimulation. The variable intensity static stimulation increases in intensity if the animal continues to require correction. By varying the duty cycle of a periodic signal having constant amplitude and a constant duration, the intensity of the static stimulation is varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically actuating and securing a door has been shown and described. The automatic door system non-destructively retrofits a conventional door to allow actuation of the door. The automatic door system integrates a lock mechanism and a door actuation mechanism. The automatic door system allows hands-free operation and is suitable for use with pets or humans. The automatic door system controls the arc of the door swing and duration that the door remains open based upon the requestor activating the automatic door system. The automatic door system provides additional security over traditional mechanical locks. Further, the automatic door system allows access profiles to be customized to the requestor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog through application of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of a pressurized substance in response to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.