Abstract: A mobile telephone adapts to use as a gundog training tool by interfacing with a dog collar using a wireless communication device, such as a WWAN text or IP interface, a WLAN interface or a radio transceiver that couples to the mobile telephone and is accessible to a training application running on the mobile telephone. The dog collar includes a GPS receiver to provide position information to the mobile telephone and a shock device to provide training stimulus to the dog. A wireless headset interfaces with the mobile telephone to provide audible indications of position to an end user, such as a dog point and tone indicators of directions to the dog. A wireless handset interfaces with the mobile telephone to accept inputs for application to the collar, such as training stimulus.

Abstract: A system and apparatus to track and control an animal, including a tracking unit to track the animal, and a stimulus unit to provide a stimulus to the animal, wherein the tracking unit and stimulus unit are configured to be removably coupled together, and the tracking unit and/or stimulus unit communicate with a common control device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design for an animal collar with an integrated electronic device where the contact surface/points of the electronic device can be positioned in a way that is physically comfortable for the animal that wears the collar. The design of the electronic device as a whole does not compromise aesthetics while being unobtrusive and effective to receive control signals.

Abstract: An odor recognition training system for use in training an animal to recognize a desired odor, the system including an odor enclosure configured to receive an odor source within an odor storage area, a reward within a reward storage area, and an odor retention zone adjacent to and in fluid communication with the odor storage area; and a reward release system associated with the desired odor enclosure is remotely operable by the trainer for dispensing the reward directly to the odor retention zone.

Abstract: A training system is disclosed that includes a controller, a dummy launcher and, optionally, a bird launcher and a pet training collar. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the controller is operable to control any one of the bird launcher, the dummy launcher or the pet training collar. The system thus includes any combination of the controller, the dummy launcher, the pet training collar and the bird launcher. The dummy launcher system includes a base is that is configured to receive a portable dummy launcher that may also be removed from the base for manual operation. The system thus allows a user to select and activate a launcher and then to select the dog training collar to transmit control commands to the dog under training.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A remote animal restraining device includes a device collar having a panel storage compartment, at least one panel storage compartment door pivotally carried by the device collar and positional between open and closed positions relative to the panel storage compartment, a flexible restraining panel carried by the panel compartment door in the panel storage compartment, a door release mechanism carried by the device collar and adapted to normally retain the panel storage compartment door in the closed position and a remote control adapted to remotely activate the door release mechanism.

Abstract: A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a TCXO for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a temperature compensated crystal oscillator for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Each of the base unit and the one collar include a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/?5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a training device is provided for training animals to perform or refrain from performing a target activity. The training device includes a reward dispenser that is capable of dispensing a reward to an animal being trained upon receiving a reward dispensing command. The reward dispensing command includes a hopper for holding a quantity of rewards. The hopper includes an entrance port for receiving rewards and an exit port through which rewards can be dispensed. The reward dispenser also includes a delivery assembly for controllably delivering rewards from the hopper to the exit port, the delivery members being placeable in contact with the rewards to be delivered. A motor member is provided that is capable of maintaining the delivery members in a static position to prevent the delivery of a reward, and moving the delivery member to deliver at least one reward to the exit port. The delivery member includes at least one bristle-containing member.

Abstract: A remotely activated reward dispenser. The remote dispenser delivers consumable rewards in response to a trigger signal from a remote triggering device. The reward dispenser uses a two stage delivery system to prevent unintentional release of the consumable reward. A vibration stage moves a portion of the consumable reward from a reservoir to a staging platform without crushing the consumable reward. The second stage transfers the consumable reward from the staging platform to an area accessible by the animal. A vibration damping system reduces the noise generated by the reward dispenser. An adjustable transition varies the feed rate for the consumable reward.

Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring animals, the system including control devices that are able to be fitted to the animals and arranged for communication with one another. Each control device is capable of determining the position of an animal relative to a second animal as well as the distance between animals and the relative movement of animals fitted with the control device. The system of control devices also includes a stimulus device that allows stimuli to be applied to an animal or animals based on the relative position, movement and/or distance of the respective animals to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creature-machine hybrid detector system capable of autonomously detecting illicit and hazardous materials. This hybrid detector comprises of an explosives detecting creature trained in the art of detecting illicit and hazardous materials that is additionally outfitted with a battery operated lightweight and portable electronics-based detector machine ensemble capable of real-time characterizations of vapor, liquid and gaseous phase materials towards which the creature displays a positive alert response, two-way wireless video, data, voice, location and image connectivity, a creature-heartbeat detector, and the capacity for interaction to remote personnel within the field of operations through a hand-held display or to a central control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a collar apparatus for animal training with a length adjustable leash. The collar apparatus applies a vibration or an electrical stimulation to an animal while automatically adjusting a length of a leash connected to an animal's body. Accordingly, it is possible to train the animal to desirably act by applying the electrical stimulation or the vibration to the animal through adjusting the length of the leash connected to the animal's body when the animal acts with undesirable behavior.

Abstract: Systems for containing, training, and tracking animals (e.g., pets) utilize electronic animal tags or collars, including IR reception and two-way RF communication. An aimable IR directional zone defining unit includes selectable different modes of operation relative to an animal collar or tag. A RF base station arranged to communicat with an animal collar or tag includes is arranged to automaticlaly communicate with at least one terminal responsive to a receipt of a RF signal indicative of at least one of: condition of the animal, behavior of the animal, and proximity of the animal to the base station. The base station may further generate a user-perceptible alarm signal. A handheld remote controller adapted to communicate with the electronic animal collar or tag includes memory for digital media files, and an audio output element to deliver audible animal training instructions from the memory element.

Abstract: A controller of a training system is disclosed. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a controller defines an inner curved surface and includes a strap or clip so that the controller may be worn by the user comfortably and securely on either the backside of the hand, on the fingers, in the palm of the hand, on a wrist, arm or leg. The controller includes programmable control elements that allow a user to specify what functions are activated on a trainer by selection or depression of the control elements. In one embodiment, the controller may be programmed via a remote computing unit such as a computer or a smart phone. Alternatively, the controller can be programmed manually.

Abstract: A controller of a training system is disclosed. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a controller defines an inner curved surface and includes a strap or clip so that the controller may be worn by the user comfortably and securely on either the backside of the hand, on the fingers, in the palm of the hand, on a wrist, arm or leg. The controller includes programmable control elements that allow a user to specify what functions are activated on a trainer by selection or depression of the control elements. In one embodiment, the controller may be programmed via a remote computing unit such as a computer or a smart phone. Alternatively, the controller can be programmed manually.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design for an animal collar with an integrated electronic device where the contact surface/points of the electronic device can be positioned in a way that is physically comfortable for the animal that wears the collar. The design of the electronic device as a whole does not compromise aesthetics while being unobtrusive and effective to receive control signals.

Abstract: An animal data communication system, including a rover unit to be carried by an animal, an animal accessory device to interact with the rover unit and/or animal, at least one detector to detect an occurrence of an action engaged in by the animal, and to generate a signal indicative of a detected action, a processing unit to generate animal data identifying the detected action based on the generated signal, and a communication unit disposed on at least one of the rover unit and the animal accessory device to transmit the animal data over a network in response to an occurrence of one or more particular conditions associated with the detected action.

Abstract: A canine directional command system includes a directional command collar assembly configured for releasable securement around the neck of a canine. The collar assembly includes a plurality of command stimulation units, preferably including three vibration command stimulation units, and one combination vibration/electrical command stimulation unit. The collar assembly is positioned on the neck of a canine so that the stimulation units are respectively positioned at the front, rear, left, and right areas of the neck of the canine. A wireless transmitter of the command system permits selective operation of the stimulation units of the collar assembly, thereby permitting a handler of the canine to provide directional commands and signals to the canine, without resort to verbal or visual commands.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus with multiple receiver control function is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a single transmitter and multiple receivers corresponding to the respective animals. The transmitter includes a plurality of level adjustment switches for setting shock levels of the respective receivers. When the volume of a level adjustment switch corresponding to a desired receiver is changed, a transmitter control unit stores a shock level data into a memory. An ID code corresponding to the receiver is attached to the shock level data of a selected receiver. The shock level data with the ID code is transmitted to the receivers. The receivers receive an RF signal that includes the ID code and shock level data, and generate electrical shock to be applied to the animal when the received ID code is identical to a stored ID code.

Abstract: A gesture-based animal trainer is provided. The gesture-based animal trainer is configured to be used by a person that provides gesture commands to an animal. As used herein, the term “gesture commands” refers to gestures that are each associated with a respective animal training command, wherein a gesture is defined as a selected group of movements performed by a person. The gesture-based animal trainer detects whether the person performs a gesture command and provides a stimulus to the animal in accordance with the gesture command. Upon the animal associating the respective stimulus with the gesture command, the gesture-based animal trainer allows the animal to receive the gesture command regardless of whether the person is within the animal's line of sight.

Abstract: The present invention is a horse training device that is secured to and removably worn on a cannon bone CB of each front leg of a horse to train and prevent the horse from pawing includes an elongated planar base, a hook and loop fastener to removably secure the device to the horse, a pair of stimulus prongs that is disposed on the elongated planar base that are in communication with a pendulum switch disposed within the elongated planar base that deliver an electric shock to the horse and a remote control that includes a power indicator light, a power activation button and a pair of power settings that include a first sliding bar, a second sliding bar and a plurality of predetermined measuring indicia that are relative measurement indicia or quantitative measurement indicia.

Abstract: A remote control system is disclosed for controlling a remote animal collar of the type which includes one or more electrodes or sensors which protrude from the inside surface of the collar for contacting the neck of the animal and electronic devices located within the body of the collar to receive electronic control signals or sensor input and to generate a stimulus, which is transmitted to the animal through the electrodes or by a speaker or other devices on the collar. The remote control system uses a master and slave remote transmitter combination.

Abstract: An animal training device and system which uses a voltage to frequency conversion technology (VFC) providing the capability to adjust in gradual incremental levels upward and downward for consistent and individual electronic control of separate output to an animal undergoing training to learn new behaviors which are desired by its owner/handler/trainer. The device is contained in a housing which is worn around the neck of an animal by means of a collar strap or attached to a harness that properly fits onto an animal. The primary use is with dogs, but all kinds of domestic animals may be trained using this device. This VFC technology is offered in a variety of electronic platforms.

Abstract: Electronic components, including a transceiver (220) for two-way wireless communications, are carried by a freely roaming animal (190) such as a rat. Electrodes are implanted in the brain of the animal to provide cues and rewards to the animal to achieved desired behaviors, including controlling the direction and speed of movement of the animal, and training the animal to recognize odors. Network interface components (265) allow a network of the animals to work together. Sensors (225, 230, 235, 245, 255, 260) carried by the animal provide information to a remote base station regarding, e.g., heading and location. Chemical or gas sensors, along with a video camera and a microphone provide information regarding an environment of the animal. The animal can search for people buried in rubble piles, and detect explosives, chemicals or other dangerous materials. A vehicle (500) for deploying the animal is also provided.

Abstract: A pet training tool includes a pet collar configured to be placed around a neck of a pet, a balloon assembly used for stimulating the neck of the pet during training of the pet, and a movable neck plate. Two ends of the neck plate are movably connected to a lower part of the collar. The balloon assembly, the collar, and the neck plate are disposed together. The balloon assembly controls relative movement of the collar and the neck plate through inflation or deflation to tighten or loosen the collar.

Abstract: A remote control system is disclosed for controlling a remote animal collar of the type which includes one or more electrodes or sensors which protrude from the inside surface of the collar for contacting the neck of the animal and electronic devices located within the body of the collar to receive electronic control signals or sensor input and to generate a stimulus, which is transmitted to the animal through the electrodes or by a speaker or other devices on the collar. The remote control system uses a master and slave remote transmitter combination.

Abstract: A remote control system is disclosed for controlling a remote animal collar of the type which includes one or more electrodes or sensors which protrude from the inside surface of the collar for contacting the neck of the animal and electronic devices located within the body of the collar to receive electronic control signals or sensor input and to generate a stimulus, which is transmitted to the animal through the electrodes or by a speaker or other devices on the collar. The remote control system uses a master and slave remote transmitter combination.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring and displaying the activities and behaviours of animals over a period of time. The display includes a sequence of visual representations correlating to the activities of the animal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal training apparatus having multiple receivers equipped with light emitting units. The animal training apparatus is configured such that a single level setting switch and a plurality of receiver selection switches are provided on a transmitter, so that the vibration or shock levels of the receivers are adjusted, thus simplifying the structure of the animal training apparatus and allowing a trainer to easily manipulate the animal training apparatus. Further, three LED units implemented as three LEDs of red, green and blue colors are installed on each of the receivers and emit lights corresponding to a plurality of colors by combining red, green and blue colors, thus enabling the locations of dogs that are being trained to be easily detected when the dogs are trained outdoors in the evening or at night.

Abstract: A radial-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system includes a base unit and at least one collar, and is easy to set up and use. Through improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base unit and the collar, errant measurement values are discounted in terms of their contribution to the current estimate of the dog's distance from the base unit. These filtering techniques, in combination with improved signal strength and antenna diversity in the communication between the base unit and the collar, improve the accuracy and consistency with which the dog's distance from the base unit is tracked so that unwanted corrections are not administered to the dog.

Abstract: The proposed device allows for the remote control of a comprising mechanical collar simulating the rapid jerking motion of the leash on the neck of an animal subject for training purposes. The device is based on electromagnet fixed on the collar containing a solenoid and core. Under the current pulse the solenoid core is sharply ejected, the tip momentarily presses on the dog's neck as a result, there is a momentary constriction of the collar, similar to the pressure caused by the rapid jerking of a leash as performed in animal training. The remote control of the device is performed by use of radio signal coded pulses from the pulse transmitter that is held by the dog's owner in hands.

Abstract: An electronic device and transmitter allowing animal owners to locate their animals by a non-verbal audible output signal and a visual output signal. A method for training animals to elicit a desired behavior based upon stimuli emitted from an electronic device. The electronic device and method enable animal owners to quickly find their animals that might not otherwise respond to verbal commands.

Abstract: Systems and methods for animal training, tracking, and monitoring are provided. The systems and methods include a command initiation system, a command receiving system, and a communication network. Through the components of the system, one can wirelessly control a device attached to an animal.

Abstract: An animal training device and system which uses a voltage to frequency conversion technology (VFC) providing the capability to adjust in gradual incremental levels upward and downward for consistent and individual electronic control of separate output to an animal undergoing training to learn new behaviors. Whether one-way or two-way remote controller with manual activation by the user, automatic activation by remote sensor detectors, or automatically activated by an on-board microprocessor circuitry sensing the animals own actions, either or all device outputs allow the animal's caretaker the unique capability to select an appropriate level of one of a variety of cue signals at a given moment allowing the animal not to be overwhelmed or to cause any over-reactions.

Abstract: An animal training device and system which uses a voltage to frequency conversion technology (VFC) providing the capability to adjust in gradual incremental levels upward and downward for consistent and individual electronic control of separate output to an animal undergoing training to learn new behaviors which are desired by its owner/handler/trainer. The device is contained in a housing which is worn around the neck of an animal by means of a collar strap or attached to a harness that properly fits onto an animal. The primary use is with dogs, but all kinds of domestic animals may be trained using this device. This VFC technology is offered in a variety of electronic platforms.

Abstract: An animal training device and system which uses a voltage to frequency conversion technology (VFC) providing the capability to adjust in gradual incremental levels upward and downward for consistent and individual electronic control of separate output to an animal undergoing training to learn new behaviors which are desired by its owner/handler/trainer. The device is contained in a housing which is worn around the neck of an animal by means of a collar strap or attached to a harness that properly fits onto an animal. The primary use is with dogs, but all kinds of domestic animals may be trained using this device. This VFC technology is offered in a variety of electronic platforms.

Abstract: An animal training system includes a portable remote transceiver for a user for transmitting a remote animal control signal to a remote animal transceiver on an animal for effecting a control stimulus to the animal. A separate animal control transceiver positioned at the animal may be in signal communication with the remote animal transceiver placed at the animal to effect a control stimulus to the animal in response to a control signal from the remote animal transceiver.

Abstract: A leg-mounted pouch and coil-up leash that allows hands-free managing of a dog or other animal. A leg pouch can contain a bottom opening through which the leash can be threaded to the animal or a removable leash coil otherwise attached or a separate leg brace removable from the pouch can hold the leash coil. This allows the wearer to control the animal without having to take the hands or eyes off of a weapon or other equipment or stop to change hand or arm positions. In some embodiments, there is a water bottle that can supply liquid to the animal. Also, in other embodiments, a remote-controlled release can free the dog wirelessly for an attack or other purpose. A preferred embodiment can separate into four parts, a leg-worn pouch or pouches, a belt or leg-worn attachment that holds a coil-up leash, a separable water bottle with a delivery hose, and an animal collar with a wirelessly controlled release.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an animal training device and method of controlling the same. The animal training device includes a transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter transmits RF signals according to manipulation of function switches, and has emergency stimulation mode in which an RF control signal is transmitted by adding a predetermined level to a low-frequency stimulation level set for each individual animal, simultaneous stimulation mode in which an RF control signal is transmitted by adding a predetermined level to low-frequency stimulation levels set for animals, and constant stimulation alternation mode in which an RF control signal is transmitted by automatically varying a period of a low-frequency stimulation.

Abstract: Described is a counter-conditioning device and method for desensitizing an animal to an anxiety inducing sound and for minimizing a user's required involvement in such desensitization. The device and method are for automatically conditioning an animal that exhibits anxiety in response to the occurrence of a particular sound such that the animal learns to anticipate a treat upon the occurrence of the sound.

Abstract: A pet restraint system includes a collar having first and second ends and a fastener to selectively secure the first and second collar ends about a pet. A radio transmitter is coupled to the collar that emits a signal at a predetermined frequency. The system includes a handheld unit separated from the collar that includes a radio receiver configured to receive a radio signal, a GPS receiver for receiving signals from global positioning satellites, a signal indicator, and a CPU in data communication with the radio receiver, GPS receiver, and signal indicator. The CPU includes programming for evaluating a relative strength of signals received by the radio receiver and for outputting the relative strength to the signal indicator indicative of a position of the signal transmitter relative to the handheld unit. The CPU also includes programming for evaluating GPS signals and determining a global position of the handheld unit.

Abstract: A GPS module, normally in an inactive mode and switchable to an active mode, receives signals in the active mode from GPS satellites and develops position coordinates. A communications module, remotely switchable between a standby mode and an active mode, is switched to the active mode by signals from a remote control station. A micro-controller is coupled to both modules and receives a control signal from the communications module when the communications module is active. The micro-controller controls the GPS module to switch to the active mode and develop position coordinates. The micro-controller receives the position coordinates and supplies them to the communications module. A power supply, the GPS module, the communications module, and the micro-controller are assembled in a unit designed to be small enough and compatible so as to be either implanted in an animal or secreted in an inanimate device.

Abstract: A light accessory is provided for a remotely controlled animal training system, allowing visual tracking of an animal in low ambient light conditions. The light accessory may be a stand-alone accessory or be in conjunction with a wireless receiver. The light accessory may be controlled by an accessory channel that exists in the remotely controlled animal training system, or may be controlled by the presence of a generic proximate radio frequency transmission.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic containment system including one or more site units and one or more pet units. The site unit couples to a geographic site, while the pet unit is worn by a pet. Each unit includes a transceiver, and may be paired such that a unit connected to a facility or site selectively activates an alarm on the pet unit to direct the pet away from the facility. Specifically, a user enters user-defined parameters such as pet identification, permitted access level, and type of notification. A first pet unit may be programmed to permit a first pet access to the site, while a second pet unit may be programmed to deny a second pet access to the site.

Abstract: Described is an animal containment/repellant system for containing and animal within or repelling an animal from a designated area and for optimizing an integral power source of the system. More specifically, the animal containment/repellant system supplements the operating power provided by its internal power source with power derived from solar energy and charges its power source using the derived power. Additionally, the animal containment/repellant system employs a power conservation scheme to minimize the use of its internal power source.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an automated animal feeding system, an automated process for feeding an animal and apparatus therefore. The invention also encompasses methods of behavioral modification of animals.