Animal Confined To Predetermined Territorial Location Patents (Class 119/721)
  • Publication number: 20130092099
    Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring operation of components of animal containment systems, and for notifying responsible parties of faults, status, or changes of status of such systems are provided. A device for monitoring operation of an animal containment boundary defining apparatus detects presence, absence, magnitude, and/or change in magnitude of at least one electrical signal in a boundary defining wire, and generates a responsive alarm signal. Devices for affecting operation of a premises security system with a motion detector involve use of a secondary detector to detect presence, absence, proximity, status, or movement of an animal tag or collar. A secondary animal tag or collar with detection and communication capability may be used to detect operation status or failure of a primary animal tag or collar arranged to cooperate with an animal containment boundary defining element (e.g., buried wire).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: TITAN PET PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Titan Pet Products, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130008391
    Abstract: A system for invisible fencing for animals, that is a device mounted on animals. The device checks GNSS position measurements against an area that is defined in the device. The area can be defined as a combination of several areas with different characteristics. An area may also be defined as dynamic. The system calculates the shortest distance to this area based on actual GNSS position. If position measurements show that the animal has a position that is outside the area, correction will be performed as a combination of audio signal and electric shock. The correction is made by increasing the audio frequency proportionally with the calculated distance to the area. When the audio frequency has reached an upper limit, one single electric shock is given, and possible further correction is resumed from the position where the electric shock was given.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: NOFENCE AS
    Inventor: Oscar Hovde Berntsen
  • Patent number: 8342135
    Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Donald L. Peinetti, William P. Moore
  • Publication number: 20120312250
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of controlling a position of an animal includes tracking a position of the animal using a positioning system, such as a global positioning system. A time-varying position of a base object is also tracked using the positioning system, and a relative position of the animal with respect to the base object is determined, based on the positions of the animal and the base object. When the relative position exceeds a minimum value, a stimulus is provided to the animal to encourage the animal to reduce the relative position. A user of the system may define a region for the animal using a map of the surrounding territory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Jesurum
  • Patent number: 8312845
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: PeTrak, LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore John Giunta
  • Patent number: 8297233
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Woodstream Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Wade C. Patterson, Steve Conrad, John J. White, Jr., Jason S. Gurley
  • Publication number: 20120255505
    Abstract: One embodiment of an animal-bound device using a Bluetooth module (14) and technology to limit or control animal movement in relation to a user's Bluetooth-enabled device. Device has user input and visual response (16-20) Animal is controlled by deterrent (15) on programming on on-board storage and microprocessor (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Jacob Turner Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20120240867
    Abstract: A novel dog training device for preventing a dog from breaking before the dog's trainer releases the dog to retrieve an object is disclosed herein. The dog training device comprises: a restraining strap for restraining the dog; a device body attachable to the ground; and a pin assembly that includes a releasable strap pin. The pin assembly is connected to the device body. The restraining strap is attached to the releasable strap pin and configured to loop around the dog. The releasable strap pin includes a catch configured to engage a movable latch positioned adjacent to the strap pin, and the movable latch is connected to an actuator configured to move the latch in a back and forth direction to thereby engage or disengage the latch from the catch. The actuator is activated by a remote control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: James D. Flynn
  • Patent number: 8248248
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Patricia J. Hill
  • Patent number: 8232888
    Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity detection system. The invention provides a proximity detection system comprising a generator that generates a magnetic field that establishes a boundary, where the generator is capable of receiving radio frequency signals. Also provided is a radio frequency device that sends radio frequency signals, the radio frequency device being capable of sensing the magnetic field and generating a radio frequency response. In the proximity detection system, the generator generates the magnetic field for a first predefined time period, and thereafter senses for a radio frequency response signal from the radio frequency device within a second predefined time period. The invention also provides for shaping proximity detection zones by overlaying magnetic field boundaries to produce a different boundary. The invention also provides for varying the strength of magnetic fields by adjusting a width of a timed pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Strata Proximity Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Frederick, Paul L. Hammond
  • Publication number: 20120137987
    Abstract: A device (1) for making an area (12) off-limits to a pet (2), includes a detection element (3, 10) for detecting the approach of a pet to the off-limits area and an element (5) for emitting at least one stimulus (6, 7) indicating to the pet that it is approaching the off-limits area (12). The detection element (3, 10) includes a first transceiver (3) worn by the pet (2), a second transceiver (10) located in the vicinity of the off-limits area (12) and at least one element (5) for emitting at least one stimulus (6, 7) and arranged in the vicinity of the off-limits area (12), wherein the second transceiver (10) is attached onto the stimulus emission element (5) and the emission of the stimulus (6, 7) is controlled by the first transceiver (3) worn by the pet (2) and activated by the second transceiver (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: DYNAVET
    Inventor: Jean Moulin
  • Patent number: 8186310
    Abstract: A collar system featuring a dog collar with a first housing, wherein a shocking component is disposed on the first housing and a sound component and a receiver component are each disposed in the first housing, the sound component is adapted to emit a tone when activated and the shocking component is adapted to emit a shock when activated; and a cat collar with a second housing, wherein a transmitter component is disposed in the second housing, the transmitter component is adapted to send a transmitter signal to the receiver component in the first housing within a range; wherein when the dog with the dog collar is within the range of the cat, the receiver component receives the transmitter signal effectively activating either the shocking component, the sound component, or both the shocking component and sound component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Theodore L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120111286
    Abstract: A control device and method is taught for controlling an animal's location. A GPS receiver receives GPS signals and a processor determines the position, velocity and heading direction of the animal relative to a target. A stimulus unit selectively applies a stimulus to the animal in response to received signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ORGANISATION
    Inventors: Caroline Lee, Matthew Reed, Tim Wark, Christopher Crossman, Philip Valencia
  • Publication number: 20120024238
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventor: Peter Ian CORKE
  • Publication number: 20120000431
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Kamran Khoshkish
  • Patent number: 8081065
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a photovoltaic plant (1) against rodent bite damage, wherein the photovoltaic plant (1) comprises several components, among them solar cells (2), a control unit (5), an inverter (7), an internal voltage supply means (13) and at least one microcontroller (9) which are interconnected via corresponding lines (3, 6, 8, 11). To provide such a device which offers an optimum protection against damage caused by bites and which entails as little maintenance and installation expenditures as possible, an ultrasonic transmitter (12) is provided for emitting an ultrasonic signal, and the ultrasonic transmitter (12) is connected to a microcontroller (9) of the photovoltaic plant (1) such that the ultrasonic signal emitted is controllable via the photovoltaic plant (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Martetschläger, Gerald Ortner
  • Publication number: 20110298615
    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. A virtual fence is defined around the containment area, as well as around optional exclusion zones within the containment area, during system set up through communication between the base units and a trackable device as the user walks around the desired border. Visualization software enables the user to verify that the location of the fence is as desired and that the system is operating properly using a computing device having a display screen. In use, the system employs improved filtering of consecutive distance measurement values taken between the base units and the collar to discount errant measurement values in terms of their contribution to the current calculation of the dog's location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Christopher Kamery, Marko Lubic, Wade Patterson, Steve Conrad, Jason S. Gurley, Terry G. Phillips, John J. White, JR.
  • Patent number: 8065978
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Duncan, Sean M. Hayes, Francisco J. Napolez, David T. Whetten
  • Patent number: 8047161
    Abstract: Described is an animal containment system for containing an animal within a boundary, for maximizing the animal's usable area within the boundary, for not discouraging the animal from returning to within the boundary in the event the animal moves beyond the boundary, and for doing so without utilizing an independent polarity indicator. The animal containment system determines whether the animal is within the boundary or beyond the boundary by considering the polarity of an activation signal the animal containment system transmits from the boundary and receives at the location of the animal. The animal containment system determines the polarity of the activation signal by modulating the signal such that the modulation indicates the polarity of the activation signal. The animal containment system achieves the above-discussed features by delivering a stimulus to the animal only when it traverses the boundary from within the boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Moore
  • Publication number: 20110232585
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher T. Rich, Wade C. Patterson, Steve Conrad, John J. White, JR., Jason S. Gurley
  • Patent number: 8006649
    Abstract: A receiver for an animal control system having a correction monitor which indicates that the animal has attempted to challenge the system, as determined by the occurrence of one or more correction events within a specified period of time. A correction event occurs when a stimulus is applied to the animal. The stimulus may be an audible alert, or may be an electrical shock. The correction monitor is operative to monitor correction events and to provide an indication that an event has occurred. In one embodiment, the correction event can be signaled to a user at the receiver by use of an LED or other indicator or display which is latched on for a defined period of time. In another embodiment, the correction event can be signaled to a user at a central location, such as by an indicator or display in the animal owner's house. The correction event may also be signaled remotely via a communications path or network, and displayed in any suitable manner at one or more remote locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Dogwatch Inc.
    Inventors: Norval Stapelfeld, Frederic T. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20110203530
    Abstract: Described is an animal containment/repellant system for, among other things, containing an animal within a containment area and simultaneously repelling the animal from a restricted area. More specifically, the animal containment/repellant system includes multiple signal transmitting antennas that simultaneously define multiple cooperating containment areas, restricted areas, or combination of containment and restricted areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: William S. Groh, Duane A. Gerig, David M. Kozak
  • Publication number: 20110146590
    Abstract: Survey stakes that include a GPS receiver as well as other electronics are used to define a boundary for a wireless fencing system. A survey stake is placed at each vertex of a containment boundary that will be used for animal confinement. The stakes survey their location by taking repetitive GPS readings and averaging them over time. The location information is transferred to an electronic collar that is to be worn by a monitored animal. That information forms the basis for the boundary definition used by the collar during monitoring operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: PETRAK, LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore John Giunta
  • Publication number: 20110107981
    Abstract: A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to a monitored animal, 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 virtual 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 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: PETRAK, LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore John Giunta
  • Patent number: 7918190
    Abstract: An electronic animal containment system with direction-of-approach determination, or direction-sensitive animal containment system. The direction-sensitive animal containment system generally contains a transmitter unit connected to a wire loop bounding a containment area and a receiver unit carried by the animal. The direction-sensitive animal containment system of the present invention generates a containment field having polarity and retains the polarity information when the containment field is sensed using a sensing coil optimized along the azimuth. The receiver unit also generates a gravity vector to determine the orientation of the receiver unit. The gravity vector is combined with the containment field vector to produce a function that automatically yields a sensing coil output that is independent of the orientation of the receiver unit. The polarity of the sensing coil output allows determination of the direction from which the receiver unit is approaching the wire loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Donald K. Belcher, Christopher E. Mainini
  • Publication number: 20110073046
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling animal noise, for example, by preventing and/or deterring the barking of dogs, are described herein. A water source is provided in communication with an animal enclosure, such that the water source is configured to provide water to the interior of the enclosure. An audio sensor is disposed proximate to and/or within the enclosure, in communication with the water source. Responsive to detection of animal noise within the enclosure, the audio sensor causes transmission of a signal to cause the water source to provide water into the enclosure, thereby deterring the animal noise. The systems and methods can utilize one or more selected sensitivity/volume thresholds, and can also include a timing mechanism for regulating the length of time that the water is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Billy Fischer
  • Publication number: 20110061605
    Abstract: Systems for containing, training, and tracking pets utilize electronic pet 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 a pet collar or tag. A RF base station arranged to communicate with an pet collar or tar includes is arranged to automatically communicate with at least one terminal responsive to a receipt of a RF signal indicative of at least one of: condition of the pet, behavior of the pet, and proximity of the pet 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 pet collar or tag includes memory for digital media files, and an audio output element to deliver audible pet training instructions from the memory element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: TITAN PET PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason A. Hardi, James M. O'Brien, III
  • Publication number: 20110023792
    Abstract: A method for deterring earth-bound animals (9) and/or birds from at least one area (2, 19) of the ground provides that, at sections of the perimeter (20, 21) of the area (2, 19) spaced apart from each other, one electrode (4, 5, 14, 15) each of a pair of electrodes is arranged and is made to electrically contact the ground (11) and the electrodes (4, 5, 14, 15) are each electrically connected to a voltage terminal (17) of a voltage source (7), with the voltage source (7) generating a preferably pulsing current flow through the area (2, 19) between the electrodes (4, 5, 14, 15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Osypka
  • Patent number: 7864057
    Abstract: A pet location system having a pet locator with GPS capabilities in communication with a wireless network such that a user interface accessible on a common computer network or by telephone is provided. The pet location system includes access to the user interface via a computer on the common computer network or via a telecommunications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Perfectech, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford D. Milnes, Demitrius Nelon, George W. Mills, Harold E. Asbridge, John M. LaTronico, Keni D. LaTronico, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7856947
    Abstract: A wireless fencing system comprises a tetherless leash, a programming fixture, and, optionally, a terminal. The tetherless leash, which is attached to a monitored animal, 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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: PeTrak, LLC
    Inventor: Salvatore John Giunta
  • Patent number: 7841302
    Abstract: An electronic fence system capable of guiding animals under training to return to a predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence generates electric shocks as the animals attempt to leave the predetermined restricted area and restrains the electrical shock when the animals return to the predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits RF signals having a plurality of control signals such that different shock levels are generated responsive to the location of the animals within the predetermined restricted area. The receiver sets a shock wave level, selectively controls the generation of the electric shock and a high-frequency beep, automatically restrains the generation of the electric shock when an escaped animal returns to the predetermined restricted area, and generates an audible alarm and turns lamps on and off to indicate the location of the animal when it escapes from the predefined restricted area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: DT Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joon S. Kim
  • Patent number: 7826804
    Abstract: A communication system includes a housing with a base section and a lid pivotally connected thereto. The housing includes insulating layers positioned along a bottom surface of the base section and an inner surface of the lid. The lid includes a handle coupled to a distal end thereof. A power supply source is seated within the base section, and a power regulating circuit is coupled thereto. A controller is coupled to the power regulating circuit, and a transducer is coupled to the controller. A receiver is seated within the housing and includes a aerial connected thereto. A transmitter and a portable media player are positioned on a body portion of the operator. A receiver transmits a control signal to a controller, and the controller parses the control signal and generates a corresponding output signal that is transmitted to the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Patrick Wright, Martha Wright, Frank Depetri
  • Patent number: 7819087
    Abstract: A remote controlled animal training system includes a wireless transmitter capable of transmitting a plurality of wireless signals non-concurrently. Each wireless signal of the plurality of signals is representative of one of a plurality of predetermined stimulus levels. A wireless receiver is capable of receiving the wireless signal from the transmitter. A demodulator is in communication with the RF receiver, demodulating the wireless signal to produce a digital signal. A microprocessor is in communication with the demodulator for receiving the digital signal from the demodulator and producing a pulse signal therefrom. A first output device is in communication with the microprocessor. The first output device produces a stimulus of intensity relative to a characteristic of the pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Francisco J. Napolez, Timothy J. Crist
  • Patent number: 7779788
    Abstract: A receiver for an animal training system which includes a stimulation unit for providing at least one stimulus having a quantity of energy pulses and a stimulus pulse width; and a controller connected to the stimulation unit. The controller receives at least one transmitted signal and assigns amplitude information and rate information to at least one correction signal. The stimulation unit receives the at least one correction signal and outputs a corresponding stimulus having the quantity of energy pulses corresponding to the rate information. The stimulus has the stimulus pulse width corresponding to the amplitude information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Moore
  • Patent number: 7753007
    Abstract: One or more mechanical, electrical or chemical application devices, chemical agents, and/or identification information may be carried by an apparatus worn on the heads of animals. The apparatus comprises a first 3-dimensional loop-shaped member having first and second opposed inner and outer surfaces, a third outer surface extending between the first and second surfaces, and an interior opening extending therethrough from the first surface to the second surface. The loop-shaped member is of a size sufficient to fit over one ear or horn of the animal with the animal's ear or horn protruding through the opening, the first inner surface facing the head of the animal, and the second outer surface facing away from the head of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventor: Dean M. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100139576
    Abstract: An electronic fence system capable of guiding animals under training to return to a predetermined restricted area is disclosed. The fence system may utilize either a plurality of loops to determine direction of travel for a receiver unit or, alternatively, a GPS system. For embodiments utilizing the GPS system, electronic fences are defined in relation to GPS location information. A lock-down mode is used to contain an animal to a very constricted area when a control command is received to initialize the lock down mode or upon a specified condition. Specified conditions include the animal approaching or entering a specified area or, alternatively, a threshold level of charge being reached for a battery that provides power for the receiver unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: JOON S. KIM, Bryant Y. Kim, JAMES A. HARRISON
  • Patent number: 7710263
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Randal D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7685971
    Abstract: A comfort adapter for electronic collars that replaces the standard post electrodes normally found on electronic training collars with a plurality of acorn nut electrodes. This design ensures proper electrical contact with the dog's skin while increasing the comfort of these collars on small dogs, which have smaller necks. The adapter can be utilized with different types of electronic training collars, such as those used to facilitate training, to curb aggressive behavior and barking, and to confine dogs by means of an invisible fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Bethke
  • Patent number: 7685752
    Abstract: The carrier comprises a male part (1) and a female part (2), wherein the male part (1) has a stud (3) able to cooperate with a cavity (4) of the female part (2), wherein the stud (3) contains a ferrite rod (5) on his central axis (7). Said female part (2) comprises said antenna coil (6) so that when the stud (3) fully cooperates with the cavity (4) of the female part (2) through positioning means (9,10), the ferrite rod (5) is placed in the center (8) of the antenna coil (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Assa Abloy AB
    Inventors: Jean-Miguel Robadey, André Meilland
  • Patent number: 7647545
    Abstract: A transmitter for a dog training system, the transmitter having a command input device for inputting a training command input into the transmitter, and a transmitter controller connected to the command input device. The transmitter controller translates the training command input into identification data and command data. The transmitter controller also generates at least one forward error correction codeword from the identification data and the command data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Scott A. McFarland
  • Publication number: 20090229532
    Abstract: An enclosure, method and apparatus for influencing the swimming behaviour of fish is disclosed. The enclosure defining a space within which the fish can swim, said enclosure having a series of light output members disposed along a path, said light output members being operable to provide a moving visual stimulus along the path by output of light in sequence from the series of light output members thereby to influence the swimming behaviour of the fish.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Neill Andrew Herbert, James Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7565885
    Abstract: A transmitter for an animal training system, which includes a modulator for energizing at least one antenna, and a controller connected to the modulator. A first switch is connected to the controller, and the first switch is for entering a setup mode and for selecting at least one of a plurality of setting configurations. A second switch is also connected to the controller, and the second switch is for modifying a value of a respective setting configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Moore
  • Patent number: 7552699
    Abstract: An animal behavior modification system including a collar, a receiver device and a transponder. The receiver device is attached to the collar, the receiver device having a receiver circuit and a stimulation circuit. The transponder is in communication with the receiver device. The transponder is positioned proximate to the receiver device. The transponder includes a signal transmitter; and an antenna intermittently electrically connectable to the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter wirelessly communicating to the receiver circuit of the receiver device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Moore
  • Patent number: 7546817
    Abstract: A signal transmitter system for an animal training system including an electrical impedance loop, a signal generator and a power supply. The signal generator is connected to the electrical impedance loop. The signal generator provides a current signal to the electrical impedance loop. The power supply provides a voltage level to the signal generator. The voltage level is dependent upon a measured characteristic of a voltage signal that results from an interaction of the current signal with the electrical impedance loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: William P. Moore
  • Publication number: 20090133635
    Abstract: A method of feeding an animal in a feeding box. The method comprises at least the following steps, the steps a-c not necessarily taking place in the given sequence: a) identifying the animal in the feeding box, b) closing the feeding box, in such a way that access to the feeding box is impeded for an animal outside the feeding box, c) supplying feed to the animal in the feeding box in a chosen eating period of time. An installation for feeding an animal, which installation is provided with a frame that encloses at any rate at least partially a frame area. A neutral position means for positioning a passage means into one particular neutral position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: MAASLAND N.V.
    Inventors: Howard Sie, Lucien Eliza Niels Voogd, Karel Van Den Berg
  • Publication number: 20090106044
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for simultaneously managing health of different individuals and pets over a network are provided. The present invention provides a strategy to motivate an individual to exercise. In one embodiment of the invention, the pet is being used as a means of monitoring the pet-owner's compliance with the exercise regimen. A healthcare provider is provided for transmitting health and physical exercise related scripted content into communication devices of the individuals and the pets. Data related to physical activities of the pets and the individuals are collected and are sent to the remote server. The healthcare provider linked with the remote server is accessed by physicians and the veterinarians for analyzing the data related to the physical activities and providing feedback messages accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Diane Schweisguth, Stephen J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7518522
    Abstract: An electronic fence system comprises a fence wire which radiates a radio signal for defining a boundary; a transmitter electrically connected to the fence wire and transmitting a boundary radio signal including a mode selection signal; and a receiver attached to the pet, which receives the boundary defining signal with respect to a pet's approach to the fence wire, and which, depending on receiving the shock mode, applies an electrical shock only to the pet depending on receiving the shock mode, or depending on the shock after vibration mode which indicates a mode giving a shock after vibration, after vibration or vibration with a sound, applies an electrical shock to the pet if the boundary defining signal is continuously received or does not apply an electrical shock to the pet if the boundary defining signal is not received. If the pet has a hearing loss, or the circumference is noisy, a warning signal can be given through a touch to the skin of the pet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Ho Yun So
  • Publication number: 20090044758
    Abstract: A companion animal convenience system for a motor vehicle has a moveable partition, said partition comprising a frame and netting attached said frame and said partition pivotally attached to a headliner of the vehicle; a removable bedding apparatus comprising at least one mattress, a plurality of compartments and a rubberized surface between said at least one mattress and the vehicle; and a collar operably sizeable to a companion animal and said collar in communication with the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Adams, Carol Jones-Adams
  • Publication number: 20090025651
    Abstract: An automated animal return system for controlling animals, including dogs and other pets, and for automatically returning such animals to a predetermined containment area. The system uses positive reinforcement training so as to avoid the development of animal confusion and nervousness. The system includes a locator for determining the position of the animal relative to a reinforcement/reward zone, a command system for issuing a command to the animal when the animal is detected within a first boundary zone located beyond the reward zone, to encourage the animal to return to the reward zone, and a positive reinforcement system for providing a reinforcer to the animal when the locator system detects that the animal has returned to the reward zone from the first boundary zone in response to the command. The reinforcer may be an audible reinforcer or an edible reinforcer or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Tom Lalor
  • Publication number: 20090000566
    Abstract: An electronic fence system capable of guiding animals under training to return to a predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence generates electric shocks as the animals attempt to leave the predetermined restricted area and restrains the electrical shock when the animals return to the predetermined restricted area. The electronic fence includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits RF signals having a plurality of control signals such that different shock levels are generated responsive to the location of the animals within the predetermined restricted area. The receiver sets a shock wave level, selectively controls the generation of the electric shock and a high-frequency beep, automatically restrains the generation of the electric shock when an escaped animal returns to the predetermined restricted area, and generates an audible alarm and turns lamps on and off to indicate the location of the animal when it escapes from the predefined restricted area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: DT SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Joon S. Kim