Abstract: Described is an animal training device having a menu-driven user interface, a programmable stimulus delivery switch, and the capability to activate a stimulus delivery device such that it delivers a customized stimulus to an animal. More specifically, the menu-driven user interface enables a user to define the programmable parameters of a customized stimulus and to associate the customized stimulus with the stimulus delivery switch such that when the stimulus delivery switch is operated, the animal training device transmits a stimulus request signal, which includes information indicative of the defined parameters. The stimulus delivery device is responsive to the stimulus request signal to the extent that when the stimulus delivery device receives the stimulus request signal, it determines the defined parameters and delivers the customized stimulus to the animal.

Abstract: Described is an animal training/locating device including an animal training feature, an animal locating feature, and a transmitting device for communicating with the animal training feature and the animal locating feature independently. The training device and the locator device are secured to a carrying strap that is secured to the animal such that the training device and the locator device are carried by the animal. The training device is adapted to receive a training signal and the locator device is adapted to receive a locator signal. The transmitting device transmits the training signal and the locator signal. Whether the transmitting device transmits the training signal or the locator signal is governed by the trainer. Consequently, the trainer, by way of the transmitting device, communicates with the training device and the locator device independently.

Abstract: Described is a high-tech animal training system for delivering a stimulus to an animal and for providing a user with information relating to the ambient environment and to the operation of the animal training system, the information enabling the user to monitor and maintain the health and well-being of the animal. The animal training system delivers a stimulus to the animal such that the user is able to correct any undesired behavior exhibited by the animal and to reward any desired behavior exhibited by the animal. Additionally, the animal training system detects at least one an ambient condition and indicates the detected condition such that the user perceives the indication and is able to take action in protecting the animal from any detrimental conditions. The animal training system is also capable of storing data relating to the operation of the system and/or storing data input by the user.

Abstract: Described is an animal training system for delivering a stimulus to an animal, whereby the intensity of the stimulus is selected from a plurality of intensities that is within a selectable range of available intensities. More specifically, each of the plurality of intensities is within the range of available intensities. The range of available intensities is selected or defined by a user such that the lower limit and the upper limit of the selected range of available intensities defines the lower limit for minimum intensity and the upper limit for the maximum intensity of the plurality of intensities, respectively. Accordingly, each of the plurality of intensities is defined by the selected range of available intensities.

Abstract: A transmitter for a signal to be directed to a receiver borne on an animal which is being trained or otherwise desirably under the control of a handler. The transmitter of this invention, in a preferred embodiment, takes on the form of a pistol butt grip geometry having butt grip panels affixed to the opposite sides of the pistol butt grip. Each panel is formed of a luminescent material, hence it glows in the dark. Multifaceted surfaces of the butt grip panel are exposed about substantially all of the outwardly exposed side, front, rear and end surfaces of the butt grip panel, making it readily detectable in a dark environment.

Abstract: Described is an animal training/locating device including an animal training feature, an animal locating feature, and a transmitting device for communicating with the animal training feature and the animal locating feature independently. The training device and the locator device are secured to a carrying strap that is secured to the animal such that the training device and the locator device are carried by the animal. The training device is adapted to receive a training signal and the locator device is adapted to receive a locator signal. The transmitting device transmits the training signal and the locator signal. Whether the transmitting device transmits the training signal or the locator signal is governed by the trainer. Consequently, the trainer, by way of the transmitting device, communicates with the training device and the locator device independently.

Abstract: A fuel injector control system and method provides precise fuel injection timing while eliminating the need for a voltage regulator by estimating or predicting ramp times between voltage application and actual fuel injection. In one embodiment, an estimated ramp time injection is calculated from a measured voltage and is used to delay or advance application of the voltage on the coil so that the load current reaches a desired current level at a desired injection start time. In another embodiment, an actual ramp time for a given injection is measured and used to predict future ramp times. A current regulator prevents excessive emissions from being generated when controlling the load current.

Abstract: A fuel injector control system and method provides precise fuel injection timing while eliminating the need for a voltage regulator by estimating or predicting ramp times between voltage application and actual fuel injection. In one embodiment, an estimated ramp time injection is calculated from a measured voltage and is used to delay or advance application of the voltage on the coil so that the load current reaches a desired current level at a desired injection start time. In another embodiment, an actual ramp time for a given injection is measured and used to predict future ramp times. A current regulator prevents excessive emissions from being generated when controlling the load current.

Abstract: A fuel injector control system and method provides precise fuel injection timing while eliminating the need for a voltage regulator by estimating or predicting ramp times between voltage application and actual fuel injection. In one embodiment, an estimated ramp time injection is calculated from a measured voltage and is used to delay or advance application of the voltage on the coil so that the load current reaches a desired current level at a desired injection start time. In another embodiment, an actual ramp time for a given injection is measured and used to predict future ramp times. A current regulator prevents excessive emissions from being generated when controlling the load current.

Abstract: A current regulator that controls a load current by selectively connecting the load to a high voltage source and a low voltage source. The switching is triggered by a command pulse. By switching between the high voltage source and the low voltage source, the regulator controls load current without generating emissions. The low voltage source also maintains the load current at a selected level without requiring switching.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply management system includes a load absorbing device (28, 32, 34) that absorbs an excess voltage from the vehicle battery (24). Under circumstances, such as at vehicle shutdown when an excess voltage spike occurs at the battery, the load absorbing device is selectively coupled to the battery to absorb the excess voltage and protect other electronic components on the vehicle. In one example, a comparator (44) compares the voltage on the battery (24) to a preselected threshold value (46). Whenever the battery voltage exceeds the threshold, the inventive arrangement selectively couples a load absorbing device, such as a plurality of glow plugs (28), heating elements within a vehicle seat (32) or a window defrost unit (34), for example, to the vehicle battery (24) to absorb the excess voltage.