Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode probe for use on an animal receiver collar, includes the steps of: providing an electrode probe including a base and a tip, the tip extending from the base and having a contacting end; loading a compliant material and the contacting end together, such that a predetermined portion of the tip is embedded within the compliant material; and depositing an insulating material on at least a portion of the probe not embedded within the compliant material.

Abstract: An animal control device directs a pressure pulse wave to an animal as a negative stimulus to deter undesired behavior. The animal control device includes a collar worn by an animal with a pressure pulse generator probe in contact with the animal's skin. The pressure pulse wave applied may be adjustable commensurate with the severity of undesired behavior. In one embodiment, the animal control device contains a remote transmitter for a trainer to administer a pressure pulse manually and at a desired intensity. In an alternate embodiment, the animal control device may contain a bark sensor to administer a pressure pulse when the animal produces undesirable barking. Alternatively, the animal control device may contain a sensor for directing a pressure pulse if an animal strays from a desired confined location.

Abstract: A system and ingestible boluses for monitoring physiological parameters of animals. The boluses include circuitry for storing a selectable identification code, for sensing a physiological parameter, and for transmitting a data burst signal which includes information corresponding to the identification code and a sensed physiological parameter. In addition to the boluses, the system includes a receiver for receiving data burst signals transmitted from the boluses. According to one mode of operation, the bolus transmits data burst continuously at a preselected rate. The receiver can be coupled to a processor which can process data from the data burst signals.

Abstract: An animal control device directs a pressure pulse wave to an animal as a negative stimulus to deter undesired behavior. The animal control device includes a collar worn by an animal with a pressure pulse generator probe in contact with the animal's skin. The pressure pulse wave applied may be adjustable commensurate with the severity of undesired behavior. In one embodiment, the animal control device contains a remote transmitter for a trainer to administer a pressure pulse manually and at a desired intensity. In an alternate embodiment, the animal control device may contain a bark sensor to administer a pressure pulse when the animal produces undesirable barking. Alternatively, the animal control device may contain a sensor for directing a pressure pulse if an animal strays from a desired confined location.

Abstract: An automatic, pneumatic mock bird launcher is able to launch a plurality of mock birds utilizing compressed air from a location remote from the user/trainer. An RF link between a transmitter carried by the trainer and a receiver mounted onto the launcher and in communication therewith relays command signals from the trainer to the launcher. The launcher utilizes a rotating carousel that holds a plurality of mock birds ready for launching. Upon receipt of a command signal the launcher fires a mock bird into the air. This allows the trainer the opportunity to train a bird dog without the constant interruption of repeatedly loading the launcher. An air pressure adjustment feature allows the mock birds to be launched to varying heights. The launch elevation of the mock birds is also adjustable. The combination of adjustments to the air pressure and elevation results in varying heights and distances for the mock birds.

Abstract: A system and ingestible boluses for monitoring physiological parameters of animals. The boluses include circuitry for storing a selectable identification code, for sensing a physiological parameter, and for transmitting a data burst signal which includes information corresponding to the identification code and a sensed physiological parameter. In addition to the boluses, the system includes a receiver for receiving data burst signals transmitted from the boluses. According to one mode of operation, the bolus transmits data burst continuously at a preselected rate. The receiver can be coupled to a processor which can process data from the data burst signals.

Abstract: An acoustic annunciator which includes resonating cavity, a piezoelectric element, and a folded horn which are each selected to have a different resonance frequency so as to expand the frequency range of the output of the annunciator. The folded horn includes a cone defined by a main body portion and an outer horn which is rotatable and axially displaceable with respect to the main body portion. The outer horn is designed to rotate to prevent the annunciator from being snagged or caught by objects. The outer horn is designed to be axially displaceable in order to access and remove debris from inside the annunciator. In addition, the acoustic annunciator includes a driver that faces downward during use. This orientation of the driver allows for drainage while preventing the ingress of rain and/or snow.

Abstract: A method and system for coupling electrical components to protective coated, wire embedded flexible members which utilizes electrical connectors that displace a portion of the protective coating when making contact with the underlying wires. The wire embedded flexible members include a central web. A plurality of wires are positioned within the central web. Electrical connectors effect electrical contact with the embedded wires by displacing the protective coating by melting the same and/or by being driven through the protective coating and underlying web. Single pin-type and/or U-shaped pin-type, and/or bifurcated electrical connectors can be used.

Abstract: An antenna which includes a rigid boom and a plurality flexible antenna elements attached to the boom. The antenna elements have curved cross-sections and are made from a material which allows them to resiliently bend upon contacting an object. The antenna is particularly suitable for mobile field use such as tracking objects tagged with radio frequency transmitters. In such use, the flexible antenna elements easily bend when contacting objects such as branches, brush and other vegetation so as not to become entangled and prevent movement of the antenna.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an environmentally insensitive initiator, including: an electro-explosive device responsive to an electrical signal of unique voltage and frequency applied to the electro-explosive device, the unique voltage and frequency being such that are not otherwise present in a well completion operation. An example of voltage and frequency is 350V at 900 Hz. In another aspect, an initiator insertable in a housing insertable in a well casing, the initiator having a contact which is grounded when the initiator is uninstalled, to protect against unintended currents, but which becomes ungrounded by the act of inserting the initiator in the housing. In a further aspect, an initiator including a dual-function fuse.

Abstract: A method is provided for validating, at a pre-determined test temperature, the operation of a temperature sensor, controller or monitor in a temperature-controlling device having a temperature-controlled environment to be maintained at a target temperature. A standardized temperature sensor is positioned within the temperature-controlled environment. A thermal mass having a temperature different from the target temperature is provided and placed within the environment. The temperature of the environment is caused to deviate from the target temperature in response to the thermal mass. A comparison between the temperature indicated by the sensor, controller or monitor and the temperature indicated by the standardized sensor is made when the temperature of the environment corresponds to the test temperature.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a slapper detonator, including: an inverted, vertical, open cup filled with an explosive, the mouth of the cup being adjacent the upper surface of a horizontally disposed explosive foil initiator (EFI); an integral flange extending circumferentially horizontally outwardly around the mouth of the cup; a cover plate having an opening defined therethrough and attached to the upper surface of the EFI, through which opening the cup extends vertically; and a counterbore defined around the perimeter of the opening to engage the flange and hold the mouth against the upper surface, such that lateral forces applied to the cup will be transferred to the cover plate. In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an EFI for a slapper detonator which has solderable electrical terminals. The EFI may be of laminated structure with the terminals laminated to the structure. In a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved barrel structure for an EFI.