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: Described is an animal training device for delivering a response signal in response to receiving an audible signal. The animal training device is adapted to be carried by an animal and delivers the response signal, which includes a stimulus to the animal and an animal location indicator, in response to receiving the audible signal, which includes a voice command and other distinguishable sounds. The animal training device allows an animal handler to deliver a stimulus to the animal and generate a location indicator without using an additional device, such as a handheld transmitter.

Abstract: A pet escape notification system for notifying a pet owner when a pet has escaped from a predefined boundary. The escape notification system is used in association with an electronic animal containment system for maintaining a pet within the predefined boundary. A pet unit transmitter is provided for delivering a proximity alert signal to a base unit when the pet unit receives a transmitting antenna signal. After receiving the proximity alert signal, the base unit begins sending a location inquiry signal to the pet unit. Upon receipt of the location inquiry signal, the pet unit broadcasts a location inquiry response signal. If the location inquiry response signal is received by the base unit receiver, the base unit processing unit determines that the pet is still within or close to the boundary. Otherwise the base unit controller activates a communication network to notify the pet owner that the pet has escaped.

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 boundary proximity determining system for wirelessly defining a boundary having a programmable shape and for indicating the occurrence of a rover unit traversing the boundary. The boundary proximity determining system includes a base station unit that generates a plurality of magnetic fields. The boundary proximity determining system also includes a rover unit that is responsive to the generated magnetic fields such that the rover unit defines the boundary in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields. The rover unit determines whether the rover unit is within or outside the boundary by determining the current location of the rover unit in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields and comparing the current location to the boundary.

Abstract: Described is an animal training device for delivering a response signal in response to receiving an audible signal. The animal training device is adapted to be carried by an animal and delivers the response signal, which includes a stimulus to the animal and an animal location indicator, in response to receiving the audible signal, which includes a voice command and other distinguishable sounds. The animal training device allows an animal handler to deliver a stimulus to the animal and generate a location indicator without using an additional device, such as a handheld transmitter.

Abstract: A pet escape notification system for notifying a pet owner when a pet has escaped from a predefined boundary. The escape notification system is used in association with an electronic animal containment system for maintaining a pet within the predefined boundary. A pet unit transmitter is provided for delivering a proximity alert signal to a base unit when the pet unit receives a transmitting antenna signal. After receiving the proximity alert signal, the base unit begins sending a location inquiry signal to the pet unit. Upon receipt of the location inquiry signal, the pet unit broadcasts a location inquiry response signal. If the location inquiry response signal is received by the base unit receiver, the base unit processing unit determines that the pet is still within or close to the boundary. Otherwise the base unit controller activates a communication network to notify the pet owner that the pet has escaped.

Abstract: Described is a boundary proximity determining system for wirelessly defining a boundary having a programmable shape and for indicating the occurrence of a rover unit traversing the boundary. The boundary proximity determining system includes a base station unit that generates a plurality of magnetic fields. The boundary proximity determining system also includes a rover unit that is responsive to the generated magnetic fields such that the rover unit defines the boundary in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields. The rover unit determines whether the rover unit is within or outside the boundary by determining the current location of the rover unit in terms of the intensities and polarities of the magnetic fields and comparing the current location to the boundary.

Abstract: Described is a pet confinement cleaning device for automatically removing pet waste from a pet's structural confinement. The pet confinement cleaning device includes a confining structure, a conveyor belt device, and a receptacle. The confining structure is coupled to the frame of the conveyor belt device to create a pet confinement, whereby the confining structure serves as the walls and the ceiling of the pet confinement and a conveyor belt of the conveyor belt device serves as the flooring of the pet confinement. The receptacle is disposed proximately below the conveyor belt device such that when a pet deposits waste on the floor of the pet confinement, namely the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt device automatically moves the pet waste, in accordance with the operation of a conventional conveyor belt, to the receptacle.

Abstract: Described is an insulated probe device of adjustable axial length for delivering an electroshock stimulus to an animal. The insulated probe device includes an electrode that is positioned in contact with the animal's skin and is disposed within an electrically non-conductive housing. The housing is a two-part housing, where the two parts cooperate such that the ultimate length of the housing is adjustable. The insulated probe devise includes a mounting device that electrically and mechanically secures the insulated probe device to an electronic animal training device. The mounting device is electrically connected to the electrode by way of a conductor, which is disposed within the housing. The conductor is a metal-rubber substance that conducts electricity like a metal and stretches like rubber such that it is capable of various lengths. Consequently, the ultimate length of the insulated probe device is adjustable.

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: Described is a pet-repellent device for correcting undesirable pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location by restraining a pet from approaching a predefined location of restriction, which corresponds to the particular location of issue. The location of restriction, for practical purposes, is defined by a mat. A receiver that is carried by a pet administers a deterrent to the pet when the pet approaches the mat. Because the predefined location of restriction is defined by a portable mat, the predefined location of restriction is easily relocated in accordance with changing undesired pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location.

Abstract: Described is a pet-repellent device for correcting undesirable pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location by restraining a pet from approaching a predefined location of restriction, which corresponds to the particular location of issue. The location of restriction, for practical purposes, is defined by a mat. A receiver that is carried by a pet administers a deterrent to the pet when the pet approaches the mat. Because the predefined location of restriction is defined by a portable mat, the predefined location of restriction is easily relocated in accordance with changing undesired pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location.

Abstract: A bird feeder with electronic squirrel deterrence that includes a bottom, a top, a swivelling hanger, a reservoir for storing bird feed and at least one feeding opening disposed in the reservoir. Feeding roosts having a perch are received in the feeding openings and inserts, having selectively sized beak openings and selectively sized feed baffles are received by the feeding roosts in order to accommodate birds of various species. In one embodiment, the bird feeder includes correction circuit for administering an electrostatic shock to a squirrel. The roost, the bottom, and the top include conductive surfaces which form an open circuit. The circuit is closed when an animal such as a squirrel makes contact with the conductive surfaces and one of the feeding roosts and delivers a mild electrical shock to the animal.

Abstract: A bird feeder with electronic squirrel deterrence that includes a bottom, a top, a swivelling hanger, a reservoir for storing bird feed and at least one feeding opening disposed in the reservoir. Feeding roosts having a perch are received in the feeding openings and inserts, having selectively sized beak openings and selectively sized feed baffles are received by the feeding roosts in order to accommodate birds of various species. In one embodiment, the bird feeder includes correction circuit for administering an electrostatic shock to a squirrel. The roost, the bottom, and the top include conductive surfaces which form an open circuit. The circuit is closed when an animal such as a squirrel makes contact with the conductive surfaces and one of the feeding roosts and delivers a mild electrical shock to the animal.

Abstract: An animal deterrent system for deterring animal intrusion into a specified area using an oscillating ultrasonic tone. The system includes a weatherproof housing containing an infrared detector for detecting the presence of an animal. To identify relevant intrusions, a count of the number of detections is maintained. After the count reaches predetermined number of infrared signals within a predetermined amount of time, an oscillating ultrasonic deterrent signal is generated to distress the animal and deter intrusion into the protected area. A deterrent timer activates the ultrasonic deterrent for a predetermined amount of time. A mounting stake for deploying the system in remote outdoor locations includes an anti-rotation mechanism, to prevent misalignment as a result of incidental contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an animal wherein the animal receives a control stimulus of the release of a substance having an adverse effect upon the animal as a corrective measure. The apparatus includes a transmitter for producing a transmitted field, and a releasable collar for attaching to the neck of the animal. The collar includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted field and for producing a received signal, a control circuit for determining when the received signal indicates that the animal requires a corrective measure and for producing a control signal, a container for containing the substance having an adverse effect upon the animal, and a mechanism for releasing the substance from the container into the presence of the animal upon the production of the control signal by the control circuit. In use, the transmitter is set to produce the transmitted field and the collar is attached to the neck of the animal.

Abstract: A device for achieving animal response that produces two output frequencies, one to soothe the animal and one to distress the animal. The frequency for distressing the animal is an oscillating frequency to cause further attention by the animal and to provide optimum operation of the sound-producing element. The oscillating frequency is created by producing a second frequency higher than the first frequency, and then oscillating this second frequency. Sound is produced by a piezoelectric element driven by these frequencies. Components are generally contained in an enclosure body, with push buttons for selecting a desired sound output penetrating this enclosure body for contact by a user of the device.