Abstract: A pet collar for alerting others as to the location of a pet is provided. The pet collar is provided for announcing the presence, audibly and visibly, of a pet such as in a burning structure or otherwise when the pet cannot be found. The pet collar is adapted to work in cooperation with either a conventional or an improved smoke detector. In one embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is used in cooperation with a conventional smoke detector to communicate with a pet collar of the present invention. In either embodiment, when the smoke detector sounds an audible alarm either automatically or manually, the pet collar is activated to sound an alarm and to illuminate at least one light. The pet collar is also useful in cooperation with other detectors such as a carbon monoxide detector or a security alarm.

Abstract: A pet collar having a digital pet information storage and retrieval device for the identification of a pet is provided. The pet collar carries a modular ID device which is connectable to a computer via a conventional connection device. The ID device is provided for storing information data relative to the pet, including but not limited to identification information, owner information, health records, and the like. The ID device is removably received within an ID device housing secured to the pet collar. When a lost pet wearing the pet collar and ID device of the present invention is found, the finder removes the ID device and connects it to a standard computer and retrieves the data stored thereon in order to contact the owner and ensure proper care is taken of the animal until returned to its owner.

Abstract: A pet door having a locking mechanism for normally limiting ingress and egress, the pet door being adapted communicate with a conventional environmental detector to unlock the locking mechanism when a hazard environmental condition is detected. The pet door is adapted to work in cooperation with either a conventional smoke detector or an improved smoke detector. In one embodiment, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter is used in cooperation with a conventional smoke detector to communicate with a pet door of the present invention. In either embodiment, when the smoke detector detects an event such as the presence of smoke and/or fire such that an audible alarm is sounded, the pet door locking mechanism is unlocked. The pet door is also useful in cooperation with other detectors such as a carbon monoxide detector or a security alarm.

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 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: An anode assembly for an electrolytic cell for molten electrolysis has a cermet connector with a lower electrical resistivity than the anode threaded into the cermet or ceramic anode in the green or calcined state and then sintered to form an anode assembly having a low joint resistance at the cell operating temperature.

Abstract: An improved anode assembly for an aluminum electrolysis cell is formed by the process of shaping an anode 10 and a cermet connector 12 from powders, machining said articles, and sintering said articles. The cermet connector mates with the anode via a threaded joint located at its region of high temperature 14 during operation thereof to avoid excessive ohmic losses. Mechanical support can be provided by the threaded joint or through the use of separate mechanical suspension bars 22.