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: Squelch circuit and method useful in frequency-scanned radio receivers are provided. Generally, the squelch circuit includes an audio-removal filter coupled to receive an audio signal. The passband of the audio-removal filter is selected sufficiently high relative to frequency components of the audio signal. An absolute value detector is coupled to the audio-removal filter to supply an output signal having a positive polarity regardless of the polarity of the signal supplied by the audio-removal filter. An integrating filter is coupled to receive the output signal from the absolute value detector and supply an integrated signal. The integrating filter has at least one selectable filter coefficient indicative of the response time of the integrating filter.

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: A bark control device (10) for deterring a dog from barking. The bark control device (10) includes a housing (12) carried by the dog, the housing having a vibration dampening surface (13) covering at least a portion of the exterior of the housing (12). The device (10) also includes a bark detection mechanism (18), a stimulus delivery system (26) for delivering a stimulus to the dog to dissuade the dog from barking, and circuitry (22, 24) for activating the stimulus delivery system (26) in response to the detection by the bark detection mechanism (18) of a bark by the dog. The vibration dampening surface (13) of the housing (12) inhibits the delivery of false correction stimuli to the dog as the result of vibrations emanating from a source other than a bark by the dog.

Abstract: An apparatus for an animal training device including audible and electrical stimulation. A transmitting unit provides control signals to a receiving unit, which includes a receiver, a processor, and a switch connected to a transformer and electrodes. The processor provides signals that result in varying voltages that produce electrical pulses of varying voltage levels, which are applied at the electrodes and provide electrical stimulation of an animal for training.

Abstract: A system for monitoring activity along a wire-bounded perimeter. The monitoring system includes a single-conductor wire which bounds a protected area. In communication with the wire at predetermined locations is a series of sensors which are either physically or inductively coupled to the wire. The sensors measure activity the wire bounded perimeter. The measured activity is analyzed by the transponder unit which categorizes the activity. The monitoring system can operate as a stand-alone system or be integrated with a conventional residential and light commercial security system. Further, the monitoring system may incorporate a pet containment transmitter for use with an electronic pet containment system.

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 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. The rotary cap of the present invention further provides for sealing of the rotary cap with respect to the housing against foul weather conditions, including immersion in water, while simultaneously providing for rotary motion of the cap for effecting switching of the device between its “on” and “off” operational modes, employing an expansible seal between the cap and the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for an animal training device including audible and electrical stimulation. A transmitting unit provides control signals to a receiving unit, which includes a receiver, a processor, and a switch connected to a transformer and electrodes. The processor provides signals of that vary the current that produces electrical pulses of varying voltage levels, which are applied at the electrodes and provide electrical stimulation of an animal for training.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to implement various animal training techniques using a hand-held transmitter having a keypad that can be reprogrammed. The multi-function transmitter is configurable to train multiple pets using a selected function or to train a single pet using multiple functions.

Abstract: Method and computer-readable medium are provided for controlling signaling and channel assignment in a decentralized trunked radio system to operationally mimic a centralized trunked radio system. The method allows monitoring a parameter indicative of elapsed time of channel activity, such as control channel or working channel activity or both, presently being carried in a respective one of a plurality of radio frequencies assigned to the radio system. Upon the parameter indicative of elapsed time of channel activity reaching a respective target value, the method allows determining whether there is another radio frequency in the plurality of radio frequencies assigned to the radio system available for carrying the channel activity presently being carried by the one radio frequency. If the determining action indicates the presence of an available radio frequency for carrying the channel activity, the channel activity is shifted from the one radio frequency to the available radio frequency.

Abstract: Described is a locator device for indicating the relative location of a dog in a sporting field and for indicating whether the dog is tracking or on point regardless of the orientation of the device. The locator device calculates whether a dog is tracking or on point by measuring the intensity of the movement of the dog with a vibration switch and then interpreting the intensity of movement. The vibration switch includes two electrical contacts that are disposed substantially on the longitudinal axis of the vibration switch.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to implement various animal training techniques using a hand-held transmitter having a keypad that can be reprogrammed. The multi-function transmitter is configurable to train multiple pets using a selected function or to train a single pet using multiple functions.

Abstract: Described is a pet door for providing ingress or egress, for a pet, through a structural member, such as a wall or door. The pet door also offers a weather-resisting feature that prevents the integration of the exterior environment and the interior environment. Because the weather-resisting feature includes a flap that presents potential to entangle a pet, the pet door provides a snap fastener oriented release mechanism for the potentially injurious flap.

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.