Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises a communications device periodically transmitting a radio frequency signal, wherein the periodically transmitted signal includes data. The system includes a receiver detecting the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including measuring strength of the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including using the signal strength to provide a first estimate of the receiver’s distance from the communications device. The system includes the communications device comprising at least one location sensor for determining an additional distance indication, wherein the data includes the additional distance indication. The system includes the receiver performing a function when the first estimate meets at least one criterion and when the additional distance indication indicates a first state.

Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises a communications device periodically transmitting a radio frequency signal, wherein the periodically transmitted signal includes data. The system includes a receiver detecting the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including measuring strength of the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including using the signal strength to provide a first estimate of the receiver's distance from the communications device. The system includes the communications device comprising at least one location sensor for determining an additional distance indication, wherein the data includes the additional distance indication. The system includes the receiver performing a function when the first estimate meets at least one criterion and when the additional distance indication indicates a first state.

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 system is described herein that comprises a communications device periodically transmitting a radio frequency signal, wherein the periodically transmitted signal includes data. The system includes a receiver detecting the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including measuring strength of the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including using the signal strength to provide a first estimate of the receiver's distance from the communications device. The system includes the communications device comprising at least one location sensor for determining an additional distance indication, wherein the data includes the additional distance indication. The system includes the receiver performing a function when the first estimate meets at least one criterion and when the additional distance indication indicates a first state.

Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises a communications device periodically transmitting a radio frequency signal, wherein the periodically transmitted signal includes data. The system includes a receiver detecting the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including measuring strength of the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including using the signal strength to provide a first estimate of the receiver's distance from the communications device. The system includes the communications device comprising at least one location sensor for determining an additional distance indication, wherein the data includes the additional distance indication. The system includes the receiver performing a function when the first estimate meets at least one criterion and when the additional distance indication indicates a first state.

Abstract: A system is described that includes communications modules, a wearable device, and an application running on a processor of a computing platform. The system includes placing each communications module at a location in a premise, wherein each communications module periodically transmits a unique number, wherein the application detects and stores each unique number. The system includes the application organizing linking information by linking each unique number with a distance and a function and transmitting the linking information to the wearable device. The wearable device may detect a transmission of a communications module, use information of the transmission to identify the communications module's unique number and to estimate a distance from the wearable device to its location. The wearable device may use the linking information to identify the corresponding function and distance and perform the function when the estimated distance meets at least one criterion with respect to the distance.

Abstract: A system is described that includes communications modules, a wearable device, and an application running on a processor of a computing platform. The system includes placing each communications module at a location in a premise, wherein each communications module periodically transmits a unique number, wherein the application detects and stores each unique number. The system includes the application organizing linking information by linking each unique number with a distance and a function and transmitting the linking information to the wearable device. The wearable device may detect a transmission of a communications module, use information of the transmission to identify the communications module's unique number and to estimate a distance from the wearable device to its location. The wearable device may use the linking information to identify the corresponding function and distance and perform the function when the estimated distance meets at least one criterion with respect to the distance.

Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises a communications device periodically transmitting a radio frequency signal, wherein the periodically transmitted signal includes data. The system includes a receiver detecting the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including measuring strength of the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including using the signal strength to provide a first estimate of the receiver's distance from the communications device. The system includes the communications device comprising at least one location sensor for determining an additional distance indication, wherein the data includes the additional distance indication. The system includes the receiver performing a function when the first estimate meets at least one criterion and when the additional distance indication indicates a first state.

Abstract: A system is described that includes communications modules, a wearable device, and an application running on a processor of a computing platform. The system includes placing each communications module at a location in a premises, wherein each communications module periodically transmits a unique number, wherein the application detects and stores each unique number. The system includes the application organizing linking information by linking each unique number with a function and transmitting the linking information to the wearable device. The wearable device may detect a transmission of a communications module and use information of the transmission to identify the communications module's unique number. The wearable device may use the linking information to identify the corresponding function and perform the function when at least one criterion is met.

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: An animal data communication system, including a rover unit to be carried by an animal, an animal accessory device to interact with the rover unit and/or animal, at least one detector to detect an occurrence of an action engaged in by the animal, and to generate a signal indicative of a detected action, a processing unit to generate animal data identifying the detected action based on the generated signal, and a communication unit disposed on at least one of the rover unit and the animal accessory device to transmit the animal data over a network in response to an occurrence of one or more particular conditions associated with the detected action.

Abstract: A variable voltage electronic pet training apparatus. The variable voltage electronic pet training apparatus controls the intensity of the stimulation by the controlling the voltage level present at the primary side of the transformer while maintaining a fixed signal to the correction pulse switch. A trigger signal contains information about the desired stimulus intensity level. A controller interprets the trigger signal and produces a voltage control signal associated with the desired energy level. Application of the voltage control signal to a power converter keeps the voltage level applied to an energy storage capacitor sufficient to produce the desired stimulation intensity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and distinguishing occurrences along a perimeter bounded by at least one piezoelectric cable that completely defines the perimeter. The monitoring system utilizes at least one piezoelectric cable that generates electrical signals in response to mechanical stress events. The electrical signals from each piezoelectric cable are analyzed by a processing system 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: A portable animal containment device for confining an animal to a defined area. The portable animal containment device includes a flat and a correction unit. The flat is adapted to be portable and defines the area within which an animal is confined. The flat has an associated presence detector for detecting whether the animal is occupying the flat. When the presence detector indicates that the animal is not occupying the flat, a signal is transmitted to the correction unit by way of wireless communication. The correction unit is carried by the animal and administers a stimulus to the animal when the correction unit receives the signal from the transmitter. Consequently, when the animal moves beyond the boundary defined by the flat, it receives a stimulus, which encourages the animal to remain in the flat.

Abstract: A piezoelectric perimeter security system for differentiating between threatening and non-threatening breaches in a property's perimeter and also for article of property containment and pet containment. The system consists of at least one piezoelectric sensor in electrical communication with a conductor wire. When compressed or stressed, voltage is generated within the sensor that is proportional to the amount of force compressing or stressing the cable. A processing device receives this voltage and converts it to a local activity signal. This signal is then compared with other signals stored in the system's memory in order to identify the type of entity causing the voltage across the cable. If the entity is deemed a security threat then an appropriate countermeasure such as a siren or other alert is actuated. The conductor wire also carries a signal received by a signal receiver that is placed on either a pet or an article of property.

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 pet gate device for generating a non-tangible electrical pet barrier and for generating a non-tangible electrical pet passageway. The pet gate device includes a signal generating device and a receiver. The signal generating device is adapted to generate at least two different signals, namely a barrier signal and a passageway signal. The signal generating device includes a transmitter for transmitting the generated signals. The receiver is adapted to receive the transmitted signals and to recognize whether the barrier signal or the passageway signal is being generated and transmitted. The receiver is adapted to administer a stimulus to the pet when the receiver recognizes the barrier signal. Conversely, the receiver is adapted to not administer a stimulus to the pet when the receiver recognizes a passageway signal.

Abstract: An electronic animal trainer with temperament learning. The electronic animal trainer with temperament learning 100 learns and remembers the response pattern of the animal to the correction stimulus to provide a customized training profile.

Abstract: A remotely activated pet beacon for facilitating the rescue of pets in distress is disclosed. The pet beacon provides a control circuit for controlling the pet beacon's response to events, a communication system for facilitating remote activation of the pet beacon and for interactive, remote communication with a selected entity, a distress indicator for signaling that a pet is in need of assistance, and an actuator for initiating communication with a selected entity using the communication system built into the pet beacon.

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.