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: 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: 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: A system for locating movable objects and detecting the failure of the object to visit a designated area within a predetermined time, including a base unit, a transceiver attached to the movable object, and a locating device. The base unit includes a transmitter circuit which generates a first signal for substantially continuous transmission within a zone, which encompasses the designated area. When the movable object enters the zone, the receiver portion of the transceiver receives the first signal and resets a timer within the transceiver. If the movable object fails to revisit the zone within the predetermined time, based on predictions of the movable object's movements, the timer times out and switches the transceiver transmitter into an active mode wherein the transceiver emits a second signal.

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: A method of determining a physiological state of a ruminant animal monitors the core body temperature of the ruminant animal. A bolus including a temperature sensor and a transmitter is placed within a stomach of the ruminant animal. A plurality of temperatures are sensed within the stomach using the sensor, with each temperature representing a temperature at a respective discrete point in time over a time period. A plurality of air-borne signals are transmitted to a remote receiver using the transmitter, with each air-borne signal representing at least one of the sensed temperatures. The plurality of temperatures are mathematically analyzed at discrete points in time over the time period using the remote receiver. The physiological state of the ruminant animal is determined using the mathematically analyzed temperatures.

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: A field programmable tracking device which includes a programmably channelized multichannel transmitter. The transmitter includes a magnetically operable circuit which allows external programmability of transmission channel selection. Activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a first period of time activates a microcontroller. Continued activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a second period of time causes the microcontroller to initiate a verified channel count. Once a desired channel count is verified, activation of the magnetically operable circuit is stopped to select the desired channel. The transmitter is provided with a flexible antenna. Both the transmitter and the flexible antenna can be coupled to a collar.

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.