Abstract: A medical imaging system for detecting ionizing radiation. The system includes one or more pixilated imagers positioned to acquire patient image data and one or more position sensors positioned to acquire patient position data. Once the patient image data and patient position data are acquired, one or more processors operably connected to each of the one or more pixilated imagers and one or more position sensors calculate a three-dimensional mass distribution based on patient image data and patient position data.

Abstract: The invention is a pet toy having an elongate neck that interconnects two enlarged ends. The enlarged ends have spheroid shapes from a side view and circular shapes from an end or plan view. The pet toy is symmetrical about its longitudinal axis and its transverse axis. The pet toy has numerous external features formed on the outer surface thereof that provide functional advantages. One group of external features includes ribs or stiffeners provided in various geometric arrangements on the neck and enlarged ends. Another group of external feature include a plurality of protrusions or protuberances. The protrusions are smaller in size as compared to the ribs. The shape of the pet toy resembles a dumbbell. The pet toy is preferably made of an elastomeric and flexible material that enhances play action with an animal. The invention further includes a method of entertaining an animal by using the toy.

Abstract: The pet toy of the invention comprises a spherical shaped body with eight distinct quadrants formed on the exterior surface thereof. Each section is three sided, similar to an equilateral triangle except each corner of the triangular-shaped is curved or rounded. A central opening is formed through the pet toy. Preferably, the pet toy is hollow and the pet toy has a substantially uniform sidewall thickness, thereby creating an open core. Measured parameters of the pet toy are provided to minimize the potential of the toy becoming caught in an animal's throat yet the pet toy is still configured to maximize play potential. The measured parameters include in various combinations of a weight of the pet toy, a diameter of the pet toy, depths of grooves in the pet toy, widths of the grooves and shapes of the grooves.

Abstract: The invention includes a feeder device that may be used to entertain or feed an animal. The feeder device has a body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening. A plurality of depressions or grooves and a plurality of through holes are incorporated on the body. Preferably the feeder device is made of a flexible and elastomeric material. The feeder device may be secured to a base element that extends through the central opening to form a feeder device combination. The size and shape of the central opening is adjustable because of the elastomeric material. A desired pattern and spacing may be adopted for the grooves and through holes. According to a method of the invention, a user selects an object to which the feeder device is to be attached. The feeder device is placed over the object and the body of the device stretches to accommodate the central opening to frictionally engage the object. A user loads the device with a desired treats or feed.

Abstract: The invention includes a feeder device that may be used to entertain or feed an animal. The feeder device has a body with an outer peripheral edge and a central opening. A plurality of depressions or grooves and a plurality of through holes are incorporated on the body. Preferably the feeder device is made of a flexible and elastomeric material. The feeder device may be secured to a base element that extends through the central opening to form a feeder device combination. The size and shape of the central opening is adjustable because of the elastomeric material. A desired pattern and spacing may be adopted for the grooves and through holes. According to a method of the invention, a user selects an object to which the feeder device is to be attached. The feeder device is placed over the object and the body of the device stretches to accommodate the central opening to frictionally engage the object. A user loads the device with a desired treats or feed.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the reduction of stress and anxiety responses by animals to unfamiliar events or circumstances such as veterinary visits. The method includes progressive scent identification conditioning. An animal associates one or more pleasing fragrances or scents with pleasure and safety and thus a reduced level of stress/anxiety. This association persists for a sufficient period of time so the animal is able to better handle unfamiliar events/circumstances by maintaining a lower level of stress/anxiety. Scent association conditioning is achieved by presentation of a reward such as edible treats of different sizes and effective taste intensities when scent exposure occurs. The time between scent exposure and receipt of a treat is gradually increased during conditioning to reach an optimal or maximum period in which the animal can maintain a low level of stress/anxiety.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for the reduction of stress and anxiety responses by animals to unfamiliar events or circumstances such as veterinary visits. The method includes progressive scent identification conditioning. An animal associates one or more pleasing fragrances or scents with pleasure and safety and thus a reduced level of stress/anxiety. This association persists for a sufficient period of time so the animal is able to better handle unfamiliar events/circumstances by maintaining a lower level of stress/anxiety. Scent association conditioning is achieved by presentation of a reward such as edible treats of different sizes and effective taste intensities when scent exposure occurs. The time between scent exposure and receipt of a treat is gradually increased during conditioning to reach an optimal or maximum period in which the animal can maintain a low level of stress/anxiety.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a noise making feature that can be selectively activated and deactivated by the pet owner. The noise making feature is in the form of a squeaker incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element is used to activate or deactivate the squeaker. The squeaker is positioned for easy access by the pet owner, but the construction of a squeaker assembly holding the squeaker is such that it prevents the animal from contacting the squeaker.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a flexible body with rope support configurations. In one embodiment, the rope configurations include one or more loops that are exposed and one or more knots that are covered by an exterior plush component of the pet toy. In another embodiment, two or more strands of rope material are tied in a series of knots, and an additional strand of rope material may be tied to the other strands in a transverse fashion. Preferably, the exterior plush component includes fabric. One or more of the free ends of the strands of rope material may also protrude beyond the plush component. The fabric material is sewn over the exposed portions of the rope material. Enough fabric material is used such that twisting, extending and retracting the rope material does not transfer force directly to the exterior fabric, thereby preserving the exterior plush component. The knots provide internal bulk to the body of the toy eliminating the need for stuffing.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a noise making instrument. In a preferred embodiment, the noise making instrument is a squeaker incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. The internal holding pocket frictionally engages the squeaker. The squeaker is located within the protected internal holding pocket such that it is very difficult for the animal to remove the squeaker. Optionally, a control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance a dental cleaning action of the animal toy within the animal's mouth. The raised features are provided in groups or sets of linearly extending and uniformly spaced protrusions. The protrusions preferably cover a majority of the outer surface of the pet toy. The distal tips of the protrusions may be roughened in order to enhance dental cleaning. A squeaker may be incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a plurality of raised features to enhance a dental cleaning action of the animal toy within the animal's mouth. The raised features are provided in groups or sets of linearly extending and uniformly spaced protrusions. The protrusions preferably cover a majority of the outer surface of the pet toy. The distal tips of the protrusions may be roughened in order to enhance dental cleaning. A squeaker may be incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.

Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for use by an animal to selectively dispense treats from the device. The device includes a body having an interior opening to receive treats, and an opening is formed in the body to allow dispensing of the treats. A base of the device includes a weighted material therein causing the device to reside in a normally upright position. Contact by the animal causes the device to tip, thereby allowing treats to fall through the opening in the body. Changing the amount and type of material used for the weighted material changes the characteristics of how the device moves when contacted by the animal that in turn, changes the rate and amount of treats that are dispensed.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a flexible body with rope support configurations. In one embodiment, the rope configurations include one or more loops that are exposed and one or more knots that are covered by an exterior plush component of the pet toy. In another embodiment, two or more strands of rope material are tied in a series of knots, and an additional strand of rope material may be tied to the other strands in a transverse fashion. Preferably, the exterior plush component includes fabric. One or more of the free ends of the strands of rope material may also protrude beyond the plush component. The fabric material is sewn over the exposed portions of the rope material. Enough fabric material is used such that twisting, extending and retracting the rope material does not transfer force directly to the exterior fabric, thereby preserving the exterior plush component. The knots provide internal bulk to the body of the toy eliminating the need for stuffing.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a noise making instrument. In a preferred embodiment, the noise making instrument is a squeaker incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. The internal holding pocket frictionally engages the squeaker. The squeaker is located within the protected internal holding pocket such that it is very difficult for the animal to remove the squeaker. Optionally, a control element may be used to activate or deactivate the squeaker.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a noise making feature that can be selectively activated and deactivated by the pet owner. The noise making feature is in the form of a squeaker incorporated within the pet toy by an internal holding pocket that is integrally molded when the pet toy is manufactured. A control element is used to activate or deactivate the squeaker. The squeaker is positioned for easy access by the pet owner, but the construction of a squeaker assembly holding the squeaker is such that it prevents the animal from contacting the squeaker.

Abstract: A dispenser device is provided for use by an animal to selectively dispense treats from the device. The device includes a body having an interior opening to receive treats, and an opening is formed in the body to allow dispensing of the treats. A base of the device includes a weighted material therein causing the device to reside in a normally upright position. Contact by the animal causes the device to tip, thereby allowing treats to fall through the opening in the body. Changing the amount and type of material used for the weighted material changes the characteristics of how the device moves when contacted by the animal that in turn, changes the rate and amount of treats that are dispensed.

Abstract: A pet food bowl is provided with an integral protrusion that helps to prevent inadvertent aspiration of food by the animal. Particularly for dogs, some feeding behaviors are characterized by swallowing large amounts of food. The protrusion in the bowl separates the food into a peripheral channel within the bowl, and the dog therefore cannot simultaneously secure large amounts of food into its mouth. The protrusion is centrally oriented and extends from the base of the bowl, thereby causing the food to be uniformly distributed within the channel.