Abstract: A method of controlling a device for preventing a pet from barking, comprising performing initialization and receiving pulse signals from a pulse-conversion unit for converting signals, output from a sound sensor for sensing a barking sound of a pet, into pulses; determining whether pulse signals are within a range corresponding to signals constituting an actual barking sound of the pet; determining the pulses to be the barking sound when the pulse signals correspond to the signals constituting the actual barking sound of the pet, and a total time, which is obtained by summing generation of the pulse signals is within the range of duration of signals having amplitudes more than ½ of a maximum amplitude Vcc in the barking sound, which belong to the previously measured barking signals; and generating shock voltage or vibration when the pulse signals are determined to be the actual barking sound.

Abstract: A reusable parcel harness for securing a parcel to a dog's chest generally includes at least one pin bar having first and second mounting pins extending therefrom towards a latch housing, a spring-loaded latch to releasably secure the pin bar to the latch housing or pin bar in a closed configuration, a latch release mechanism, and a harness attached to the latch housing to secure the apparatus on a dog. The spring-loaded latch biases the pin bar and the latch housing towards an open configuration. A latch release processor actuates the latch release mechanism upon receipt of a locally or remotely generated latch release signal. A parcel to be secured to the harness includes a parcel body and straps extending from opposing sides of the parcel body. Each strap terminates in a mounting loop that can be secured about a mounting pin on the harness.

Abstract: A device for deterring a dog from barking includes a sensor for detecting a bark from a dog and for generating an activation signal upon detection of the bark and an integral housing. The integral housing includes a reservoir for storing a bark deterrent substance, a bobbin integrated with the reservoir, a wall separating the bobbin from the reservoir, and an aperture extending through the wall for allowing fluid communication between the reservoir and the bobbin. The device further includes a spray mechanism for delivery of a dose of the bark deterrent substance to the dog upon receipt of the activation signal from the sensor.

Abstract: Relatively powerful hand-held computing devices, Digital Signal Processors, Audio signal processing technology, voice recognition technology, expert systems, Hidden Markov Models, and/or neural networks are employed in a device capable of real-time automated species identification by listening to bird vocalizations in the field, analyzing their waveforms, and comparing these waveforms against known reference samples.

Abstract: The general goal of the present invention is to prevent damage to property resulting from the animal's separation anxiety which typically is a consequence of the pet owner's departure while minimizing the period of time the dog is confined. The most obvious objective is to restrain the animal until it calms down. A similar approach would be to reward the animal with a treat once it has calmed down. We have invented a device that incorporates an automatically releasing door of the kennel. For instance, the owner of a canine would place the dog in a kennel prior to leaving his or her residence. The owner would initiate a timer on the kennel, and the kennel door would automatically open after a pre-determined amount of time, for instance 30 minutes, or some other amount of time that was sufficient to calm the canine's emotions. After the door is automatically open, the canine would be free to exit the kennel for exercise, to access water and/or food, or otherwise explore the dwelling or its surroundings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating installations (10), in particular wind energy installations (10), having at least one component (22) which endangers in particular flying animals, it being possible for the component to assume a first state which endangers animals to a greater extent and a second state which endangers animals to a lesser extent, the physical environment around the installation (10), in particular the environment around the component (22), being monitored at least in regions by means of a suitable detection device, in which case the detection device produces a signal when an animal of a specific type, in particular a bat, a bird or the like, enters the monitored region, and in which case the component of the installation is moved from the state which endangers animals to a greater extent to the state which endangers animals to a lesser extent depending on the signal.

Abstract: Described is a two-probe bark control device for detecting an animal's bark by way of an electrode that is also used in delivering an electrical stimulus to the animal. The two-probe bark control device includes a housing, a first probe, and a second probe. The first and second probes include first and second electrodes, respectively. The first electrode is secured to the housing by way of a resilient overmolding such that the first electrode extends outwardly from the housing and has the potential to vibrate within the housing. The housing is carried by the animal such that the first probe detects the bark of the animal and the first and second probes deliver an electrical stimulus to the animal in response the first probe detecting the animal's bark such that the first probe both detects the animal's bark and delivers an electrical stimulus to the animal.

Abstract: Described is a vibration stimulus delivery device for delivering a vibration stimulus to an animal by way of a vibration probe secured in physical contact with the skin of the animal. The vibration stimulus delivery device includes a vibration probe, a stimulus trigger detection device, and a carrying device. The vibration probe and the stimulus trigger detection device are secured to the carrying device, which is secured to the animal such that the animal carries the vibration probe and the stimulus trigger detection device. The vibration probe is disposed on the carrying device such that the vibration probe is secured in physical contact with the skin of the animal. The stimulus trigger detection device is adapted to detect an undesirable behavior and is in electrical communication with the vibration probe such that when the stimulus trigger detection device detects the undesirable behavior, the vibration probe is activated. When activated, the vibration probe generates a vibration.

Abstract: Described is a vibration stimulus delivery device for delivering a vibration stimulus to an animal and for maximizing the robustness and intensity of the vibration stimulus. The vibration stimulus delivery device is carried by the animal and includes a housing and a vibration probe. The vibration probe is positioned in direct contact with the skin of the animal and generates a vibration, which, when delivered to the animal, is the vibration stimulus. The vibration probe is coupled to the housing such that the coupling minimizes the inherent vibration dampening effect caused by the weight and mass of the housing. The result is a vibration stimulus delivery device that delivers a more robust and intense vibration stimulus to the animal.

Abstract: A bark control device for deterring a dog from barking. The bark control device includes a vibration dampening material forming or covering at least a portion of the bark control device housing. The vibration dampening material reduces the transfer of vibrations through the bark control device housing by reducing the vibrations to levels undetectable by a bark sensor, by preventing the production of vibrations having characteristics sufficiently similar to a bark, and/or by inhibiting the propagation of such vibrations through the bark control device housing. The vibration dampening material of the housing reduces the occurrence of corrections to the dog due to vibrations emanating from a source other than a bark by the dog.

Abstract: A system for determining a region searched (3003, 5001, 5002, 7002, 7003, 8001, 8002, 8003) by a moving scent detector (201) in the presence of wind, said moving scent detector having pre-calibrated scent capabilities, the system comprises: positioning means (101) attached to the moving scent detector for determining a trajectory (3001) followed by the moving scent detector; scent pattern obtainment means for obtaining an oriented scent pattern (2003, 3002, 4001); and, combination means arranged for combining said trajectory and said oriented scent pattern to obtain the region searched by said moving scent detector. The invention also relates to a method for determining a region searched by a moving scent detector in the presence of wind.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification apparatus including a stimulation device for applying a stimulation having a current stimulation level associated with one of a plurality of stimulation levels including a minimum level. The stimulation device including control logic for applying a stimulation, based upon the steps of increasing the current stimulation level; applying a stimulation corresponding to the current stimulation level; determining the behavior of the animal until compliant behavior is obtained; and reducing the current stimulation level between the current stimulation level and the minimum level dependant upon the determining step.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a device for preventing a pet from barking and a method of controlling the device. The device includes a sound sensor for converting a barking sound of a pet into electric signals, a pulse-conversion unit for converting signals into pulses, a control unit for determining the pulses to be the barking sound when periods of the pulse signals are within a range corresponding to periods of signals constituting an actual barking sound of the pet and the pulse signals within the range are output for the duration of signals having amplitudes more than ½ of a maximum amplitude in the barking sound, and outputting a barking prevention signal, a shock voltage generation unit for receiving the barking prevention signal from the control unit and outputting shock voltage, and a vibration generation unit for receiving the barking prevention signal from the control unit, and outputting vibration.

Abstract: A method of altering a stimulation level of an animal behavior modification device including the steps of detecting compliant behavior of the animal and reducing a stimulation level an incremental amount between a current stimulation level and a minimum level dependent upon the detecting step.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated automatic device for training and feeding a pet, which also functions as a play mate while the owner is absent or otherwise engaged. A toy holder, when actuated by an ejector, throws a toy placed therein to a predetermined distance. This toy holder is actuated by a spring connected to a spring tensioner and a rotating shaft activated by a motor programmed by microprocessors. Voice command issuer and proximity switches are provided to regulate the functioning of the device. The device is connectable to a pet feeder including a feeder capable of supplying feed for a predetermined period. The entire system is controllable by a remote control.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) for control of vocalization by a dog includes first and second stimulus electrodes (5) connected to a surface (9) of the housing, a vibration sensor (6), control circuitry in the housing having an input coupled to an output of the sensor, and a motion detector connected in substantially fixed relationship to the dog's neck for producing a motion detection signal in response to a characteristic movement of the dog's neck that accompanies barking and providing the motion detection signal as an input to the control circuitry. The control circuitry includes output terminals for producing aversive stimulus signals between the first and second stimulus electrodes in response to the motion detection signal and a signal produced by the vibration sensor.

Abstract: A bark control device (10) for deterring a dog from barking. The bark control device (10) includes a housing (12) carried by the dog, the housing having a vibration dampening surface (13) covering at least a portion of the exterior of the housing (12). The device (10) also includes a bark detection mechanism (18), a stimulus delivery system (26) for delivering a stimulus to the dog to dissuade the dog from barking, and circuitry (22, 24) for activating the stimulus delivery system (26) in response to the detection by the bark detection mechanism (18) of a bark by the dog. The vibration dampening surface (13) of the housing (12) inhibits the delivery of false correction stimuli to the dog as the result of vibrations emanating from a source other than a bark by the dog.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) supported against a dog's skin to control vocalizing by the dog electronically converts the vocalizing into a sequence of signals representing frequencies of the vocalizing, and operates a controller to determine if each measured frequency lies within any of a plurality of predetermined frequency sub-ranges and if so, increments cumulative totals of the frequencies which lie in the sub-ranges, respectively, to provide a plurality of cumulative totals that represent a frequency spectrum of the vocalizing. The controller is operated to determine whether the barking sounds constitute a valid bark by comparing the frequency spectrum to a predetermined valid bark frequency spectrum. Appropriate aversive stimulus signals are produced between first and second stimulus electrodes if the vocalizing sounds constitute a valid bark.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying animal behavior when animal performs an undesirable behavior, wherein a user discharging an inert gas stream at an animal body from a distance via the use of inert gas spray canister whereby the animal behavior is modified.

Abstract: A method of modifying the behavior of an animal including the steps of increasing a stimulation level of a stimulation device in stimulating contact with the animal, the stimulation level associated with one of a plurality of levels, the plurality of levels including a minimum level, applying a stimulation to the animal associated with the stimulation level, determining a compliant behavior of the animal and reducing the stimulation level to one of the plurality of levels between a current stimulation level and the minimum level dependent upon the determining step.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) for training an animal is supported against the animal's skin, and includes stimulus electrodes (5) for electrically contacting the skin. A controller including output terminals producing aversive stimulus control signals, a first switch (Q4) coupled to a winding to produce therein a burst of first current pulses in response to a first signal produced by the controller (33) and a second switch (Q2) coupled to the first switch (Q4) operative to synchronously shunt predetermined trailing portions of the first current pulses away from the winding in response to a second signal produced by the controller to reduce the amount of energy delivered to the winding by the switching transistor (Q4) without substantially changing a peak value of a flyback voltage across the winding. The controller sets various values of time intervals during which portions of the first current pulses are shunted away from the winding in order to set various corresponding intensities of aversive stimulus.

Abstract: A retractable leash assembly structured to facilitate quick connection of an animal to a lead which is interconnected at a proximal end to an activation assembly and to a quick connect coupling assembly at a distal end. The leash assembly includes a release structure disposed in a communicative relation with the coupling assembly structured to removably connect a collar, harness, or similar attachment assembly to the distal end of the lead. The activation assembly, upon actuation, transmits a signal to the release structure to dispose the components of the coupling assembly into a release orientation such that the components may be easily disconnected from one another. The activation assembly may also include a drive mechanism, a release control mechanism, and/or a lead aligning mechanism to improve a handler's control of an animal attached to the retractable leash assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A dog bark limiter includes a housing (2) supported against the dog's skin by a strap, stimulus electrodes (5), and a sensor (6) for producing signals in response to vocalizing by the dog. The sensor includes a membrane (6) supported by the surface (9) for efficiently transmitting sound energy through the housing and a rigid nipple (11) engaging the membrane. Control circuitry in the housing has an input coupled to an output of the transducer and output terminals coupled to produce aversive stimulus signals between the first and second electrodes in response to the signals produced in response valid barking by the dog. A motion detector (40) produces a motion detection signal in response to a characteristic movement of the portion of dog that accompanies barking by the dog and aids in detecting a valid bark.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) for control or training of an animal includes a housing (2) supported by a strap against the animal's skin, first and second stimulus probes (5) connected to a surface (9) of the housing, and control circuitry in the housing including output terminals selectively producing aversive stimulus. A stabilizing member (7) is connected to a location of the surface (9) of the housing that is offset from a straight line between the first and second stimulus electrodes (5) so that conductive tips of the first and second stimulus electrodes and a tip of the stabilizing post define a triangle, whereby the conductive tips of the first and second stimulus electrodes and the tip of the stabilizing member are pressed against the skin of the animal and prevent rocking of the conductive tips of the first and second stimulus electrodes against the skin of the animal to reduce the occurrence and/or severity of skin sores.

Abstract: The pet training device comprises a handheld wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the used of one-touch digital switches located on the device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on a LCD. The stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or both. When the wireless receiver is placed in the no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: A system for non human animal-based surveillance including a non-human animal-borne, non-human animal noise sensor, and a non-human animal noise analyzer operative to receive sensed non-human animal noises, to determine at least partially therefrom whether an alarm situation exists and to provide an alarm indication output.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog through application of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of a pressurized substance in response to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.

Abstract: An animal communication device is provided which is designed to solicit animal responses based on at least two of the five major senses. The device includes a module having associated therewith a plurality of physically perceivable attributes related to the senses. The animal activates the device by depressing a housing cover which activates a switch. Alternatively, a motion detector is used to detect the presence of the animal. In both instances, a record/playback device is activated so that a pre-recorded message which corresponds to the physically perceivable attributes of the module is then played back.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog through application of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of a pressurized substance in response to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of a dog through application of a spray deterrent, or spray control bark collar. The spray control bark collar administers a dose of a pressurized substance in response to the barking of the dog. The spray control bark collar detects the barking of the dog through the measuring of vibrations produced by the dog. In addition, the spray control bark collar delivers successively larger doses of the spray deterrent to the dog to deter the dog from further barking should the dog fail to respond to previous deterrent attempts. Finally, the spray control bark collar monitors the usage of the spray deterrents to gauge the amount of the deterrent substance remaining in the deterrent substance reservoir.

Abstract: In a device adapted to dissuade a dog from barking, there is provided a reservoir of spray material associated with a collar which encircles the dog's neck. The reservoir includes at least one wall member defining an interior volume for the receipt of spray material therein. The reservoir includes a first dimension (i.e., a centerline) which lies within the median sagittal plane of an erect dog which is facing forward, thereby orienting one portion of the interior of the reservoir vertically lowermost. An exit port is provided for the transport of spray material from the interior to the exterior of the reservoir. A semi-rigid, lengthwise substantially non-compressible, conduit having a first end thereof connected in fluid flow communication with the exit port, extends from the exit port and terminates at its opposite and open end at the vertically lowermost interior portion of the reservoir when the present appliance is mounted at a location on the collar beneath the lower jaw of the dog.

Abstract: A method (22) and apparatus (20) for training a bird (24) to refrain from uttering a vocalization exceeding a predetermined acoustic level is provided. A control area (26) containing the bird (24) is illuminated with a light (32) coupled to a power source (74) through a normally-closed switch (76). A microphone (40) monitors the control area (26) and captures a sound (28) uttered by the bird (24) to produce an audio signal (86). The audio signal (86) is amplified. A discrimination unit (54) determines if the audio signal (86) exceeds a predetermined threshold (50). A timing unit (60) is triggered when the audio signal (86) exceeds the threshold (50). In response to an output (62) of the timing unit (60), a switching unit (78) opens the normally-closed switch (76) to darken the control area (26) and the bird (24) for a predetermined duration (68). After the predetermined duration (68), the switch (76) is allowed to close and the control area (26) and the bird (24) are re-illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of dogs in a group setting, or group bark control apparatus, and method for use. The group bark control apparatus detects the barking of the host dog and applies an appropriate correction to the host dog while also broadcasting a desired correction signal to other group bark control apparatuses within range. Upon receipt of the correction signal, the receiving group bark control apparatuses apply the appropriate correction stimulus to their respective dogs, including those which are not currently barking. By preemptively correcting the non-barking dogs in response to the barking of other dogs, the phenomenon known as group barking is hereby avoided.

Abstract: According to one form of the invention, and with reference to FIG. 1, there is provided a positioning means. The positioning means comprising a global positioning system (GPS) 1 and a switch means 2. The GPS 1 and the switch means 2 are carried by a search and rescue dog 4 by way of a harness or jacket 3. The switch means incorporates a pull mechanism or a sound sensitive mechanism which activates the switch mechanism 2 when the dog 4 pulls the pull mechanism or barks. This causes activation of the GPS 1 to record and/or transmit information to identify the position of the positioning means, and thus a person, animal, substance, or article found by the dog.

Abstract: A method of training an animal includes generating an electrical correction stimulus having a duration that extends between a first time and a second later time, and having a first magnitude at the first time and a second greater magnitude at the second time. The electrical correction stimulus includes a substantially continuous waveform. The electrical correction stimulus is applied to an animal failing to conform to desired behavior. The electrical correction stimulus is removed from the animal upon conformance with the desired behavior by the animal.

Abstract: A combined animal confinement and bark inhibitor system includes a confinement circuit which receives a confinement transmitter signal and outputs a confinement control signal, a sensor which detects the vibration of an animal's vocal cords and outputs a sensor control signal in response to that vibration, a stimulation device which provides a stimulus to the animal, and a controller associated with the confinement circuit, sensor, and the stimulation device, to selectively enable the stimulation device in response to a confinement control signal, a sensor control signal, or both.

Abstract: A bark control system for training a pet dog not to bark. The bark control system includes a vibration sensor and a microphone either operating independently or in tandem with the vibration sensor gating the microphone. The output of the vibration sensor and the microphone are processed to discriminate the target dog's bark from other noises. When the discrimination result indicates that the sound is a bark, a stimulus delivery device applies a corrective stimulus. To improve bark discrimination, a memory device stores an exemplary bark for comparison. Each bark sampled replaces the bark previously stored permitting the bark control system to adapt to any repetitive bark sequence of the target dog. Finally, a stimulus intensity selection circuit provides variable intensity corrective stimulus.

Abstract: An animal training system has a stimulation unit for administering an electrical stimulation to an animal, a receiver for receiving a control signal, and a controller for processing the control signal and activating the stimulation unit for a predetermined duration. The electrical stimulation administered to the animal has a first magnitude at a first time in the stimulation duration, and a second greater magnitude at a second time in the duration. The system further includes a transmitter for transmitting the stimulation control signal, with the duration of the stimulation duration being selectable at the transmitter. The electrical stimulation signal preferably comprises a number of electrical pulses.

Abstract: A device for locating and training an animal includes a hand held transmitter and a multi-function electronic collar assembly to be worn by the animal. The electronic collar assembly includes a receiver for receiving signals from the transmitter. A microprocessor connected to the receiver processes the signals and is connected to a sounder, a sound sensor, a electroshock stimulator, and a motion sensor mounted on the collar. The transmitter can program the collar assembly and command it in one of several modes or functions for locating and training the animal. In the locating or sounder mode, the sounder emits humanly audible sounds to indicate the location of the animal. In one training mode, the sound sensor detects when the animal is making undesirable noises, such as barking, and the microprocessor has the stimulator deliver a shock to the animal for barking control.

Abstract: A combined animal confinement and bark inhibitor system includes a confinement circuit which receives a confinement transmitter signal and outputs a confinement control signal, a sensor which detects the vibration of an animal's vocal cords and outputs a sensor control signal in response to that vibration, a stimulation device which provides a stimulus to the animal, and a controller associated with the confinement circuit, sensor, and the stimulation device, to selectively enable the stimulation device in response to a confinement control signal, a sensor control signal, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling animal behavior comprising a sound-processing means selectively responsive to a plurality of sounds, an actuator means coupled to the sound-processing means selectively responsive to a plurality of electrical inputs from the sound processing means, and a stimulus generating means coupled to the actuator means. The stimulus provided an animal may include a human voice command with respect to the behavior correlated with the sound produced by the animal.

Abstract: A dog barking restraining device in which an impulse wave is applied to the neck of a dog when the dog barks to thereby refrain the dog from barking. The device includes a battery, a piezoelectric sensor for detecting a vibration signal generated from a vocal chord of a dog when the dog barks, a control unit for receiving a signal of the vocal chord of the dog detected by the piezoelectric sensor to discriminate whether or not to shock the dog, a transformer for generating a stepped up impulse wave of thousands of volts, a variable resistor for adjusting the strength (power) of the impulse wave output from the transformer, and a pair of electrodes for applying to the neck of the dog the impulse wave generated by the transformer.

Abstract: A restricted area alarm confinement system includes a loop antenna for placement about the border of an area within which a child or other person is desired to be confined, or excluded from, a control panel for recording a voice command in the parent's voice, and means for generating an RF signal encoded with said prerecorded voice command for transmission over said antenna. A transceiver is mounted to a harness or other support for attachment to the child such that as the child approaches the antenna the parent's voice command is received from the antenna and announced to the child to encourage him to withdraw from the border. A threshold level detector detects when the child approaches even closer to the antenna and the transceiver includes a transmitter section for transmitting a warning signal to a beeper/receiver held by the parent. The control panel further includes monitoring circuits for monitoring the integrity of the loop antenna and the AC power supply.