Abstract: A device is described comprising at least one processor, a storage component, a power source, a switch, a primary electrode, and a secondary electrode, the at least one processor for directing the power source to charge the storage component, for controlling a switch to provide an electrical pathway from the storage component to a resistive load at the earliest when the voltage reaches a first value, and for controlling the switch to disable the electrical pathway from the storage component to the resistive load. The device includes the at least one processor for directing the power source to recharge the storage component, for determining a time of recharge, wherein the time of recharge is the time required to restore the voltage to the first value, for comparing the time of recharge with time values, and for using information of the comparing to adjust the first value.

Abstract: A wireless animal location system is provided that identifies a location of a pet roaming within an environment using a single base unit. The wireless animal location system tracks and manages animal behavior in the environment using information of pet location.

Abstract: A pet door is provided herein. The pet door includes a pivotal flap and a frame that defines a through-way. A rotatable knob is mounted to the frame and has a handle portion and a stop wall. The handle portion and stop wall include various profiles and configurations that work in concert to control the flap's direction of pivotal movement. In a first configuration, the flap may swing outwardly or inwardly. A second configuration prevents the flap from swinging inwardly. A third configuration prevents the flap from swinging outwardly. A fourth configuration places the flap is in a locked position to prevent swinging in either direction. The electronic door also includes an electronic latch mechanism which selectively latches and unlatches the flap. The latch mechanism unlatches the flap in response to a wireless signal from an electronic transmitter that may be affixed to a pet.

Abstract: A pet hydro washer is described comprising a central housing containing a motor and an air inflow impeller, a fluid delivery system having a clean liquid storage tank, and a water delivery line in fluid communication with the clean liquid storage tank terminating at a nozzle, a fluid recovery system having a liquid recovery tank in fluid communication with the air inflow impeller through a first air conduit, and a suction hose in fluid communication with the liquid recovery tank, the motor configured to generate rotational movement in the air inflow impeller, a processor configured to control delivery of power to the motor, the controlling delivery of power including incrementally changing a level of power delivered to the motor, and at least one attachment head configured to wash an animal's fur through movement of at least one attachment head across the animal's fur while the air inflow impeller is operating.

Abstract: A device is described comprising a microcontroller coupled to a transformer, wherein the transformer comprises a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein the microcontroller is connected to a secondary circuit at a first location. The microcontroller is configured to provide a voltage at a first value to the primary winding for a period of time, wherein ceasing the delivery of the voltage induces a flow of current through the secondary winding and the secondary circuit, wherein the secondary circuit comprises at least one resistor and a resistive load, wherein the resistive load is variable. The microcontroller is configured to measure and/or compute voltage, time constant and peak current values with respect to the secondary circuit. The microcontroller is configured to monitor the intensity level at the resistive load using peak current and time constant values.

Abstract: A filtration system for a pet water fountain is provided. The filtration system utilizes a pump placed within or along a watering bowl. The water filtration system also utilizes a multi-stage filtering device. In one aspect, the multi-stage filtering device includes a first filtering stage representing copper zinc alloy particles, and a second filtering stage representing granulated activated carbon particles. Each stage may constitute filtering material that is separated into an array of cells residing along a vertical frame or is separated into stages placed in series within a tubular cartridge. A method for filtering water in a pet fountain is also provided herein.

Abstract: An electronic pet door is provided herein. The electronic pet door includes a pivotal flap and a frame that defines a through-way. A rotatable knob is mounted to the frame and has a handle portion and a stop wall. The handle portion and stop wall include various profiles and configurations that work in concert to control the flap's direction of pivotal movement. In a first configuration, the flap may swing outwardly or inwardly. A second configuration prevents the flap from swinging inwardly. A third configuration prevents the flap from swinging outwardly. A fourth configuration places the flap is in a locked position to prevent swinging in either direction. The electronic door also includes an electronic latch mechanism which selectively latches and unlatches the flap. The latch mechanism unlatches the flap in response to a wireless signal from an electronic transmitter that may be affixed to a pet.

Abstract: An animal feeding system includes a receptacle comprising a microcontroller, one or more applications running on at least one processor of a mobile device, and an access point, wherein the microcontroller, the one or more applications, and the access point are communicatively coupled through a wireless communications network. The receptacle holds pet food consumables. A chute receives dispensed consumables as they pass through an opening in the receptacle. A sensor monitors a level of the consumables in the receptacle, wherein the sensor is communicatively coupled with the microcontroller and transmits information of the monitored level to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller uses the information to determine whether the level of the consumables is below a threshold level. The microcontroller initiates communication with a remote vendor through the wireless communications network when the level falls below the threshold level.

Abstract: A collar unit device is described comprising a receiving cavity for receiving a metal electrode probe, wherein at least one elastomeric ring encircles the metal electrode probe, wherein the at least one elastomeric ring mechanically isolates the metal electrode probe from the receiving cavity. The device includes a piezoelectric element. The device includes a grommet component for maintaining the piezoelectric element in a secured position, wherein the secured position comprises the piezoelectric element maintaining contact with the metal electrode probe.