Abstract: An apparatus for determining the effective case-hardening or nitriding depth of a steel component comprises a measuring head, including a laser source generating a variable frequency radiation for the scanning of pre-determined portions of the component to be measured; an infrared detector, configured so as to detect infrared radiation generated by the component to be measured; and computing means of spectra of the infrared radiation received; and an evolventimeter, connected to the measuring head and including first computing means suitable for computing a hardness profile of the component to be measured on the basis of a launch profile and spectra of the infrared radiation received and second computing means suitable for computing the effective case-hardening depth from the hardness profile computed.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the effective case-hardening or nitriding depth of a steel component comprises a measuring head, including a laser source generating a variable frequency radiation for the scanning of pre-determined portions of the component to be measured; an infrared detector, configured so as to detect infrared radiation generated by the component to be measured; and computing means of spectra of the infrared radiation received; and an evolventimeter, connected to the measuring head and including first computing means suitable for computing a hardness profile of the component to be measured on the basis of a launch profile and spectra of the infrared radiation received and second computing means suitable for computing the effective case-hardening depth from the hardness profile computed.

Abstract: An “adaptive” response protocol for use with a pet containment system is disclosed. The adaptive response protocol is used to prevent breach of a containment or exclusion perimeter. The adaptive response protocol is based on certain habitual actions of a monitored animal. Since the adaptive response protocol takes the behavior of a monitored animal into account, it is a more accurate predictor of impending perimeter breach than a simple consideration of the animal's proximity to the perimeter.

Abstract: A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash establishes a “virtual” (i.e., barrier-free) perimeter based on geo-coordinates, monitors the position and movement of an animal relative to the tetherless leash, and delivers warnings, corrections, and praise to the animal in accordance with its programming. The programming fixture serves as a user interface during programming operations, since there are no exposed buttons by which a user can directly program the device. The wireless fencing system does not expand the perimeter in response to perimeter breach of a monitored animal. Rather, a protocol that monitors the animal's speed and location direction of movement relative to the perimeter and/or outbound way points is used.

Abstract: A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to an animal that is to be monitored, establishes a “virtual” (i.e., barrier-free) perimeter based on geo-coordinates. The tetherless leash also monitors the position and movement of an animal relative to the perimeter, and delivers warnings, corrections, and praise to the animal in accordance with its programming. The programming fixture serves as a user interface during programming operations, since there are no exposed buttons by which a user can directly program the tetherless leash.

Abstract: A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to an animal that is to be monitored, establishes a “virtual” (i.e., barrier-free) perimeter based on geo-coordinates. The tetherless leash also monitors the position and movement of an animal relative to the perimeter, and delivers warnings, corrections, and praise to the animal in accordance with its programming. The programming fixture serves as a user interface during programming operations, since there are no exposed buttons by which a user can directly program the tetherless leash.