Abstract: A method for limiting the volume of a crow of a rooster includes providing a collar that includes a strip of flexible material. The collar includes a securing element disposed on the strip and configured to secure the collar at the neck of the rooster. The method includes placing the collar around the neck of the rooster such that the strip encircles the neck of the rooster. After placing the collar around the neck of the rooster, securing the collar at the neck of the rooster via the securing element at a position and at a tightness around the neck of the rooster such that expansion of the neck of the rooster for breathing is allowed and further expansion of the neck of the rooster for crowing is restricted by the collar.

Abstract: Companion animal charm collar (10) and charm jewelry band (11). The charm collar has a radial alignment key and keyway system for stringing and removing charms (40) onto and off from the rope (30), and/or a center mount bead-chain end ring connector system for securing the rope (30) onto the collar (20). The charm jewelry band (11) has a radial alignment key and keyway system for stringing and removing charms (40) onto and off from the rope (30), and a connector (33) with connector halves at each end (301) and (302) of the rope (20) for releasable connection of the rope ends (301) and (302) to one another to form a continuous band.

Abstract: An example device includes a flexible bag dispenser pocket for use with a leash for a pet, and an opening formed in the flexible bag dispenser pocket. The opening is closed in a default state, and widens when opposite sides of the flexible bag dispenser pocket are squeezed toward each other. The device also includes an attachment for attaching the flexible bag dispenser pocket to the leash. At least one waste bag is inserted into the flexible bag dispenser pocket and can be removed from the flexible bag dispenser pocket by pulling the waste bag through the opening. In an example, a stowable carrying pouch for carrying used waste bags may also be provided as part of the device. A handle of the carrying pouch may be looped around the leash and the dispenser pocket may serve as a stop to keep the carrying pouch from sliding down the leash.

Abstract: Assembly of harness and sensor substrate plates for monitoring vital signals of a patient is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a harness, a sensor substrate plate, and related devices for non-invasively monitoring vital signals of a patient. The sensor substrate plate provides removable attachment to the skin of a patient to measure vital signals of the patient. The sensor substrate plate comprises an elongated main body comprising an upper surface and an under surface. The upper surface is configured to removably contact the skin surface of the patient. Further, a plurality of slots on the upper surface of the main body is mechanically and electrically configured to hold sensors or electrodes for monitoring biometric parameters of the patient. The upper surface also includes a first through hole mechanically and electrically configured to hold an electrical connector; and a first end and a second end of the main body.

Abstract: A pet life jacket includes a jacket body and a wearing mechanism. The jacket body includes a floatable back body, two floatable side wings sidewardly extended from the floatable back body, and two floatable collar arms frontwardly extended from the floatable back body. The wearing mechanism includes a belly lock provided at the floatable side wings and a collar lock provided at the floatable collar arms to form a floatable collar loop. The jacket body is adapted to be worn by a pet via the wearing mechanism at a position that the floatable back body is retained at a back of the pet, the floatable side wings are retained at two sides of the pet, and the floatable collar loop is encircled around a collar of the pet via the collar lock.

Abstract: Provided herein are identification collars or devices for a lifeguard. The identification collar and the identification device are generally unitary collars to which a plurality of reflective elements and a plurality of indicia are attached circumferentially on the outer surface of the collar so the wearer is easily identified from any direction. The unitary collars are made from stretchable elastic material.

Abstract: An animal back support apparatus includes a main back support, a chest harness and an optional lumbar support component. The main back support features relatively rigid stays placed over the spine and one on each side of the spine and foam inlays to conform to the pets back between the pets back and the rigid stays. The animal back support apparatus also includes a first side panel on one side of the main back support and a second side panel on an opposite side of the main back support where the first and second side panels extend towards the abdomen of the animal and interact with each other to encircle the torso of the animal. The chest harness attaches to the main support layer.

Abstract: A leash includes a housing, a spool assembly, a trigger, and a switch. At least a portion of the housing includes a photoluminescent material. The spool assembly is rotatably mounted inside of the housing and is configured to selectively wind a leash. The trigger is movably mounted on an inner section of the grip portion, the trigger being configured to inhibit rotation of the spool assembly in response to actuation of the trigger, and configured to rotate the spool assembly in response to release of the trigger. The switch is mounted on the housing, the switch being configured to move between a locked position in which the trigger is locked in an actuated position, and an unlocked position in which the trigger is free to operate.

Abstract: A system including: a self-contained unit including a first data carrier having an electronic identification device that is readable by radio frequency and the reading of which activates an electronic data sheet in a first database; and a third data carrier including a second identification code readable by an optical reader. A method is also described which uses the reading of the third data carrier to activate an electronic data sheet in a second database, and to allow the associative data between both identification codes to be visualized.

Abstract: A body collar is configured to fit around a body of an animal and comprises a collar strip, a first ring and a buckle. The first ring is attached to the collar strip. First and second portions of the buckle are attached to respective first and second ends of the collar strip. The first portion of the buckle and the second portion of the buckle are configured to be removably attached to each other in a configuration of the body collar being fitted around the body of the animal. The first portion of the buckle to be inserted through a second ring of a neck collar and fit around the body of the animal through a third ring of the neck collar to be removably attached to the second portion of the buckle.

Abstract: A pet waste and personal items pouch system allowing pet owners to take their pet for a walk and carry all necessary pet accessories, including empty waste bags, and personal items in a hands-free manner while also being able to place solid pet waste in a waste bag and carry it in a quick release compartment until the pet owner is able to conveniently dispose of the waste without touching the waste bag twice.

Abstract: A mammalian quadruped walking system for providing visibility in dimly lit conditions features a body harness having a first side top shoulder strap, a second side top shoulder strap, a bottom strap, an upper body strap, a lower body strap, and a breast shield. The breast shield features a powerful bicycle's strength planar reflector that is only red or blue. The system features a harness extension having an extension first end located at an intersection of a first side top shoulder strap second end, a second side top shoulder strap second end and an upper body strap midpoint. A powerful bicycle's strength spherical red bead reflector is located adjacent to a spherical blue bead reflector close to a harness extension second end. The system features an external light source emitting light in a horizontal beam between 22 inches and 54 inches from a ground surface.

Abstract: A slider device includes a slider frame having a top rail and a bottom rail. A first parallel member connects the top and bottom rails and arranges generally perpendicular to the top and bottom rails, but lies in a common plane. A second parallel member disposes or arranges at an end of the frame opposite from the first parallel member. The second parallel member links or connects between the top and bottom rails. A third parallel member arranges intermediate to the first and second parallel member. A D-shaped ringlet couples to the frame adjacent to the first parallel member. The ringlet and frame lie in a common plane.

Abstract: An animal emotion display system 100 including: a transmitter 10 which is attached to an animal; and a receiver 20 which is capable of communicating with the transmitter, wherein the transmitter 10 includes: a tail wagging detection sensor 12 to detect a plurality of kinds of tail wagging of the animal as a plurality of kinds of emotion of the animal, respectively; and a transmitting section 15 to transmit emotion data corresponding to the respective kinds of tail wagging detected by the tail wagging detection sensor 12 to the receiver 20, and the receiver 20 includes: a receiving section 22 to receive the emotion data transmitted by the transmitting section 15; a display section 25; and a display control section 24 to display a display content corresponding to the emotion data received by the receiving section 22 on the display section 25.

Abstract: An example pet temperament indication may be provided on a harness or a leash. A symbol representative of one of a variety of pre-established pet temperaments may be provided to the harness and/or leash to allow for appreciating the temperament of a pet wearing the harness from a distance. The indication may include a first symbol if a pet's temperament is friendly, a second symbol if the pet's temperament is sometimes unfriendly, a third symbol if the pet's temperament is unfriendly and providing a fourth symbol if the pet's temperament is unclear or special. Any combination of symbols may also be used.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, is an improved animal collar cover that is useful for shielding an animal collar from dirt, grime, and the elements, and that is also at least partially comprised of a reflective material, thereby making the animal and/or its handler much easier to see at nighttime or in dimly lit areas. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved animal collar cover also allows an animal owner and/or handler to express the animal and/or the handler's personality or style sense, and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easy to install on an existing animal collar.

Abstract: A slider device includes a slider frame having a top rail and a bottom rail. A first parallel member connects the top and bottom rails and arranges generally perpendicular to the top and bottom rails, but lies in a common plane. A second parallel member disposes or arranges at an end of the frame opposite from the first parallel member. The second parallel member links or connects between the top and bottom rails. A third parallel member arranges intermediate to the first and second parallel member. A D-shaped ringlet couples to the frame adjacent to the first parallel member. The ringlet and frame lie in a common plane.

Abstract: An animal safety accessory is provided for warning those around an animal of its behavior patterns. The device is a color coded neck collar style accessory with a bib portion extending therefrom. A message indicia is displayed on the front surface of the bib portion. Illumination means such as LED lights are also disposed along the collar and bib portion. The message indicia, lights, and color coding indicate to passersby whether the wearer animal is friendly, shy, aggressive or the like.

Abstract: A cover for protecting a surgical site wound on an animal includes a rectangular main body, a hole through the main body, and a strap. The body includes a first end and a second end including a tab joinable to the first end under the animal's neck. The main body includes a fabric on a first side and the fabric on a second side opposite the first side. The hole is designed to allow an esophagostomy tube to pass through the main body and to inhibit tearing of the rectangular main body by including stitching around the aperture. The strap is coupled to the first side of the main body. The strap is between the first end and the second end. The strap extends substantially across a short side of the rectangular main body. The strap is configured to secure the esophagostomy tubes against the cover.

Abstract: An animal collar system has an animal collar including, a fabric pouch; a flexible plastic collapsible bowl removably housed in the fabric pouch; a plastic circular-shaped housing unit located on the animal collar; and a loop. The animal collar system is useful for controlling relative movement of the animal in relation to a walker and also is able to provide a convenient collapsible bowl, usable when desired, allowing the walker to provide the animal with at least one refreshing liquid in a remote location. The fabric pouch is coupled to the animal collar. The collapsible bowl is foldable into the fabric pouch when in a non-use condition. Further, the collapsible bowl has an interior volume when in an in-use condition for temporarily storing water for the animal.

Abstract: A collar has an elongated strap attached to a buckle for releasably connecting the collar to a pet animal or human. A tubular plastic body with phosphorescent material located within the body is located around the strap. The phosphorescent material when subjected to natural or artificial light emits light in dark environments. A modification of the collar has a strip of light reflective material attached to a plastic body with phosphorescent material incorporated therein. The light reflective material has a prismatic shaped surface for reflecting light and radiating luminescent light emitted by the phosphorescent material. A buckle and loop are concurrently joined to the plastic body during the molding process of the plastic body.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retractable leash assembly that may be selectively carried by a user while attached to the collar or other wearable item on a companion pet and carried by the pet while not in use. The leash assembly may be connected to more than one location along the collar or other wearable item for securing the leash assembly to the companion pet. The leash assembly comprises a braking mechanism for stopping the movement of the leash in a preferred embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the retractable leash assembly provides a full-length leash and weighs less than about 85 g.

Abstract: A pet safety collar especially for cats includes an elongate resilient flexible cord element formed into a coil having a plurality of randomly over-lapping turns, the ends of the element being free. In use, the coils can be opened to allow the collar to be fitted around the neck of an animal, whereupon the collar recovers its shape. In the event that the collar becomes trapped, the coil expands allowing the animal to be freed.

Abstract: A pet collar and leash having interchangeable decorative facings constructed of a base member that is generally elongate in shape having removable facings with various decorative designs applied thereto. The base member and facings are removably mounted together by a hook and loop attachment so that the user can mix and match a combination of facings that are then attached to the base member to achieve matching or different appearances.

Abstract: A non powered, canine barking suppression device that can rapidly altering a dog's behavior so as to visibly reduce anxiousness and unwanted barking. The device subjects the dog to random vibrations and audible tones generated by an enclosed tuning fork that is worn around the dog's neck. The tuning forks when struck, emit a selected frequency selected for a specific purpose and or specific breed of canine. This frequency lies between 0 and 200,000 Hz, which is the range of sound that has been shown that most canines can hear. Since it is non powered it is not prone to failure in wet or cold environments, is durable and inexpensive. The device has claims of additional therapeutic properties and the general physical structure has applications elsewhere, although the preferred embodiment and best mode are directed to stopping unnecessary barking.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for communicating to a person handling a dog the behavioral temperament of an approaching dog using color coded material, each color representing a different temperament of the approaching dog.

Abstract: The present invention relates to weather resistant lightweight and user configurable leash collar sets. In one embodiment, the leash collar set includes a leash and a collar made primarily from strips constructed by folding two or more layers of a thin and lightweight material. The collar includes a buckle, a triple slide and a double bar attachment, thereby enabling an overall length of the collar to be adjustable. The leash includes a latching attachment and a triple bar slide. The leash strip is threaded through the leash slide and also threaded through the leash slide, thereby forming an adjustable leash strip loop with an adjustable circumference.

Abstract: A leash assembly designed to attach at least one waste holding device, such as a plastic bag, in such a manner that the plastic bag is able to swivel about and not get tangled as the dog moves from side to side. This eliminates the need of the person walking the dog to constantly move the leash from one hand to the other hand in order to prevent the waste bag from getting tangled. In other words, as the dog move in different directions the waste bag holding device is able to adjust its' position by swiveling about the device attached to the leash allowing the walker to have their hands free. The swivel can also be adapted to hold other items such as keys, extra bags for dog cleanup and hand wipes. All of these items would also be able to swivel about the device.

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: An apparatus for restraining a pet. The apparatus includes a sphere having a weighted center and a chain attached to the sphere and a collar worn by the pet. The chain allows the sphere to hang from the pet. Thus, the movement of the pet is restricted by the added weight of the sphere. Preferably, the sphere includes at least two bars affixed to an outer surface of the sphere. In addition, the chain preferably includes at least two chain extensions. Each extension of the chain is attached to each of the bar. In addition, the chain is of a sufficient length to allow the sphere to roll upon the ground. The sphere may be constructed of a rubberized material. In addition, the chain may be covered by a fabric material.

Abstract: A pet accessory pendant is provided. The pet accessory pendant houses components for a pet accessory, such as a bark control device, a containment fence receiver, a remote trainer, a pet locator, and the like. The pet accessory pendant is mountable to animal collars of various sizes, lengths, widths, and thicknesses. Specifically, the pet accessory pendant is attachable to an animal collar such that the pet accessory pendant comfortably hangs in a pendant fashion and minimizes pressure points on the animal. Additionally, the pet accessory pendant is readily attachable to and detachable from the collar without removing the animal collar from the animal, thereby reducing the need to adjust the fitment of the pet accessory pendant for each use. Thus, the pet accessory pendant allows a single animal collar to be easily converted between a general-purpose animal collar and an animal collar with attached pet accessory.

Abstract: A pet waste capture device includes a harness and a collection container where the harness fits around the pet to secure the collection container in position. The harness may include straps and elastic bands to comfortably and securely fit to the pet. The collection container may be removable.

Abstract: A pet safety collar especially for cats comprisesan elongate resilient flexible cord element (11) formed into a coil having a plurality of randomly over-lapping turns, the ends of the element (11) being free. In use, the coils can be opened to allow the collar to be fitted around the neck of an animal, whereupon the collar recovers it shape. In the event that the collar becomes trapped, the coil expands allowing the animal to be freed.

Abstract: A dog “canine” collar manufactured as a continuous band of 100% silicone designed to stretch over the dogs head then revert to its original size once placed around its neck thereby providing proper, comfortable fit.

Abstract: A decorative charm and fastener system and its method for use upon an item to be worn by the user or a pet animal; the item to be worn may be a shoe, an item of clothing (including shirts, hats and caps, or the like), or a pet collar. The fundamental embodiment features a charm part and a base part that may be connected together on opposite sides of the item to be worn, with the item situated between the base part and the charm part. The system also includes an elastically compressible washer member that is placed upon the charm part. The compressible washer promotes a secure, yet temporary, connection between the charm part and base part when those respective parts are installed upon an item. Assortments of different charms thus are interchangeable for temporary attachment to the base part. Specialized alternative versions of the apparatus are disclosed for use upon the shoelaces of a shoe, as a pet collar.

Abstract: A pet waste carrier that is temporarily carried by the pet until an adequate disposal station can be reached. The pet waste carrier includes a first pocket, a second pocket, a front strap having one end connected to the first pocket and the other end connected to the second pocket, a neck strap having one end connected to the front strap and another end connected to the other end of the front strap, a first side strap having one end connected to the first pocket and the other end connected to the second pocket; and a second side strap having one end connected to the first pocket and the other end connected to the second pocket.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective, preferably retractable, flat belt pet leash/pet collar exhibits omnidirectional reflectivity. The omnidirectionally reflective flat belt pet leash reflects an incoming light beam back in the direction from which it emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate illumination of the pet leash and the location of the pet during dusk or nighttime hours. This reflective pet collar and/or leash is created by forming a substantially flat reflective woven band composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise woven or knitted reflective threads. A raised, braided, dimensional band is optionally placed atop the substantially flat reflective woven band to further increase reflectivity and visibility thereof. The flexible reflective threads are composed of microsphere retroreflectors coated with water resistant compound and, optionally, a poly-phosphorus material.

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, the 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: A pet strap formed of a transparent material, such as plastic or synthetic rubber, with photoluminescent or phosphorescent colored pigment homogeneously dispersed within and incorporated into the elastometric material. The preferred photoluminescent is strontium oxide aluminate or strontium barium aluminate, which emit a yellow-green light. The strap may be disposed to encircle the neck of the pet as a conventional collar with a buckle and strap end retainers. The strap may also be made in various dimensions suitable for pets of all sizes, and may be configured to be trimmed to the desired size. Another embodiment of the pet strap includes a light reversion strip and an underlying or encased fabric reinforcing strip encased within the elastomeric strap adjacent the bottom side of the strap that contacts the pet. The light reversion strip will allow available light to charge the luminescents more proficiently for better performance.

Abstract: A combination dog collar and bottle opener device includes a two-ply strap and combination D-ring and bottle opener. The strap includes a first ply of rubber, preferably recycled from an inner tube. The second ply is mechanically stitched using an interwoven thread to the first ply. A plastic quick-release coupling device acts as a clasp system for selectively and releasably coupling a strap first end to a strap second end. The combination D-ring and bottle opener comprises a generally flat frame body having a first arm and a second arm, a first linking member connecting the first and second arms at a first end of the frame body and a second linking member at a second end of the frame body. An intermediate linking member arranged generally parallel to the first and second linking members and being located at an intermediate position includes a radius bottle pry and offset grooves.

Abstract: A pet training collar includes a pet collar (10) placed around a neck of a pet, a balloon assembly (20) used for stimulating the neck of the pet during training of the pet, and a movable neck plate (30). Two ends of the neck plate (30) are movably connected to a lower part of the collar (10). The balloon assembly (20), the collar (10), and the neck plate (30) are disposed together. The balloon assembly controls relative movement of the collar (10) and the neck plate (30) through inflation or deflation to tighten or loosen the collar (10).

Abstract: An indicator device for an animal includes an indication region and an indication means disposed upon the indication region and arranged to visibly indicate to a person whether and how the person should approach the animal. The indicator device also includes fastening means for fastening the indicator device to the animal. A method of coordinating interaction between a person and an animal is also provided. An indicator system for a plurality of animals is also provided. The system includes at least first and second indicator devices. The method includes determining how the animal should be approached and fastening an indicator device to the animal.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a tag to an object. The apparatus may include a body. The apparatus may also include an attachment arm, the attachment arm having a locked position and an unlocked position, and the attachment arm lockably closing to form a first closed loop with the body when the attachment arm is in the locked position. The apparatus may also include a tag loop mechanically coupled to the body. The apparatus may also include a detent arm mechanically engaged with the attachment arm in the locked position of the attachment arm, the detent arm configured so that an application of a force to the detent arm simultaneously unlocks the attachment arm and opens the tag loop.

Abstract: A protective garment for domesticated animals, such as canines, is provided which incorporates a built-in harness. The harness, which may be hidden from view, connects at the animal's back and has a leash connector for connecting a leash to the harness.

Abstract: A collar (1000) for an animal comprising an elongate strap member (1001) and at least a first and second housings (1011, 1013) at each end of said elongate strap member (1001), each of said first and second housings (1011, 1013) comprising interlocking means (1021, 1023) such that said first housing (1011) releasably engages said second housing (1013) in the proximity of the underside of an animal's neck when the collar (1000) is fitted around said animal's neck.

Abstract: An article, including pet collars and leashes, belts, bags and backpacks, has an interchangeable attachment. The article comprises a proximal end, distal end and a central section having at least one connection means appointed to receive the interchangeable attachment. The interchangeable attachment includes a top wall having a show surface and a back wall having a securing member adapted to engage with the connection means of the article for removably attaching the interchangeable attachment to the article. In one embodiment the interchangeable attachments are provided as button-type attachments. In another embodiment, the interchangeable attachment is provided as an elongated attachment portion appointed to substantially cover the central section of the article. The interchangeable attachments have a plethora of designs and may include LED, fiber optic and/or reflective properties to provide aesthetic appeal, enhanced visibility, and increased safety for pedestrians during nighttime or dusk hours.

Abstract: Animal accessories with interchangeable exterior decorative covers. The decorative covers are removably attached to a base collar that can be continuously worn by the animal. The base collar and interchangeable exterior decorative covers can be attached to one another by any combination of magnets, hook and loop strips, snaps, buttons, clasps or similar attachment structures. Any number of different interchangeable exterior decorative covers can be created with different designs, colors or decorative aspects.

Abstract: The pet identification wallet is a non-rigid wallet designed to wrap around a pet's collar. The wallet has a large buttonhole in it, allowing the metal “D” ring on the collar to pass thru the wallet for external leash or lanyard attachment. The identification wallet allows for the lengthy and detailed amounts of owner and pet information required in today's information society. The industry standard metal pet tags/licenses, which are usually required by law to be affixed to the collar's “D” ring, wrap up and become encapsulated inside the wallet keeping them from falling off, wearing out, and making noise. The outside of the wallet has a clear plastic sleeve and/or name placard where reflective material having the pet's name printed on it is slid inside the clear outer sleeve or affixed, making the pet easily identifiable and safer at night.

Abstract: A canine harness for search and rescue dogs comprising a body configured for fitting on a canine, one or more receptacles for receiving items, and one or more magnetic fasteners configured for securing the harness to the canine and the magnetic fasteners being configured for disengaging if an external force is applied to the harness. The receptacles may be used to carry items into the rescue environment such as one or more cameras for transmitting images to another location, a power supply to power the cameras, a light sensor for sensing light in the dog's environment and a light for providing illumination in low light rescue situations. The body may include a separating zipper that can be closed with any one of a plurality of rows of alternating receiving teeth such that the harness can be fitted to canines of various sizes.

Abstract: An animal control system, including at least one transducer assembly intimately associated with an animal, and at least one control unit, wherein the control unit contains at least one assembly that includes on-board data, and the control unit is configured to a) receive data from the transducer assembly, and b) assess the received data with respect to the on-board data, and c) formulate and transmit a command to an appropriate transducer assembly; the system characterized in that the control unit is functionally separated from both actuation of the command and from the transducer assembly or assemblies.