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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tethering a companion animal close to a human being primarily as a means to avoid fines associated with untethered animals as well as a way to calm members of the public who may be fearful of an untethered animal, not knowing whether the animal is well-behaved or not. The tethering device of the instant invention cannot be used as a leash or restraining device. Accordingly, the instant invention seeks not to provide a retractable leash for an animal, but rather to provide a means of tethering the animal to the owner for owners with controllable animals who need to be tethered to be in compliance with local ordinances requiring the tethering of companion animals.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing animals (10) in a milking system which comprises a milking stall (11) provided with a milking apparatus (13) for milking the animals, a gate arrangement (18a-b; 18a-b, 32; 55a-b) allowing the animals to enter said milking stall, one at a time, from at least two different locations, and a control device (15) which holds and updates a milking suitability index for each of the animals. According to the method a first animal is identified and received at a first location, and a milking suitability index for the first animal is retrieved. A second animal is identified and received at a second location, and a milking suitability index for the second animal is retrieved. The milking suitability indexes for the first and second animals are compared and an animal at either one of said first and second locations is allowed to enter the milking stall depending on the outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an automated ear tagging device for tagging an animal. Pre-filled magazines with ear tag elements are loaded into the device whereby a quick and easy tagging of a large amount of animals may be carried out. Thereby an ear tagging device is provided for easing and minimising the workload in attaching ear tags, in particular circular ear tags on piglets and slaughter pigs, but also other livestock animals.

Abstract: Often it is necessary to restrain pets while they are groomed, or bathed, or dried after bathing, or examined by a veterinarian, or while being exercised outdoors, etc. Many pet restraining devices are uncomfortable for pets and some may injure pets. The Double loop auto-adjust pet restraining device applies a uniform pressure around the entire perimeter of the neck when a pet is retained in the neck area. A second loop of the Double loop auto-adjust pet restraining device can be utilized to restrain the body or torso of a pet, the device applies a uniform pressure around the entire perimeter of that body area. The Double loop auto-adjust pet restraining device uses a design that enables pets to be restrained in a very humane way. The Double loop auto-adjust pet restraining device is self adjusting so as to accommodate many different sizes of pets. The Double loop auto-adjust pet restraining device can be modified several different ways and be utilized several different ways.

Abstract: A harness for use in coupling with an animal interface, the animal interface comprising one or more of conduits for transmitting fluid, electrical signals, or optical signals. Swivel extension tether for quick connect to harness, dual-ended swivel, an extension line, and connection to upstream monitoring equipment. Method for using the harness in an animal for fluid communication access, an electrical signal interface, and an optical interface.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the condition of livestock comprises a plurality of sensors (115, 103, 113, 111, 107, 105) for sensing a plurality of different behavioural parameters of an animal. The sensed data is transmitted by a unit (115), wirelessly, t a central processor (119) and a plurality of status conditions of the animal is determined on the basis of the transmitted, sensed data such as the onset of parturition, fertility status and other health status conditions. The unit (115) may be permanently worn by the animal and may keep an electronic record of the status conditions of the animal.

Abstract: The pet restraint system sheaths a restraint strap between an outer waterproof layer and an inner breathable fabric layer. These layers are oversized relative to the strap and do not extend the entire length of the strap. This arrangement is advantageously used in a pet collar structure, or a pet restraint harness. It has particular application for a dog collar or a dog restraint harness.

Abstract: A retainer comprising first and second frames each including at least one arm. The frames are movably coupled and operative to be selectively oriented between an open state and a closed state. The arms are cooperative to form a closed loop when the frames are in the closed state. The frames may include pairs of arms that cooperate to form a pair of closed loops. The arms extend from respective first and second body portions which include cooperative alignment features, such as mating tongue and groove features. The arms may also include alignment features, such as pins sized and configured to mate with receptacles. The retainer also includes a fastener for selectively permitting movement between the open and closed states.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet collar comprising a firmly affixed identification tag system with encoded identifier, and a related system and method providing for association of said encoded identifier with one or more webpages providing owner-specified information about the pet, and for assisting an owner's recovery of said pet, if lost.

Abstract: Glow-in-the dark animal collars are provided, in which photoluminescence elements formed from thin flexible sheets or films with luminescent properties are secured to strap members of conventional animal collars with stitching patterns that prevent creasing, folding or delamination of the photoluminescent elements without having to use glue, adhesives, or epoxy materials.

Abstract: A lightweight, water resistance, Pet collar or Harness that is able to accommodate pages of papers inside its cylinder easily from the opening (either by zipper, Velcro and /or Zip- lock) or as a tube or cylinder that could be attached to any regular collar or Harness to carry papers inside.

Abstract: A collar comprises a strip of material. A buckle couples to the strip of material. A plurality of attachment ports couple to the strip of material. A fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports, and each coupling port couples to one of the plurality of attachment ports. A method for customizing an animal companion collar comprises selecting a first fashion attachment. The first fashion attachment comprises a plurality of coupling ports configured to couple to a plurality of attachment ports of a fashion collar. The method detaches a second fashion attachment from a first fashion collar. The first fashion collar comprises a plurality of attachment ports. The method attaches the first fashion attachment to the first fashion collar by coupling one or more of the plurality of coupling ports to one or more of the plurality of attachment ports.

Abstract: A decorative accessory for a pet includes a harnessing member, a leash member, and a plurality of charm elements. The harnessing member includes at least one strap element, each having a plurality of engagement locations, and a fastening element. The plurality of engagement locations is configured on the each strap element. The fastening element is disposed on the each strap element. The leash member includes a strip element having a first end segment and a second end segment, a plurality of engagement emplacements configured on the strip element, and a connecting element disposed at the first end segment for connecting the leash member with the harnessing member. Each charm element of the plurality of charm elements includes an attaching mechanism having a female engagement element and a male engagement element adapted to secure the each charm element to at least one of the harnessing member and the leash member.

Abstract: A UV (ultraviolet light) reflecting cat collar adapted to be carried by a predatory animal is provided. The device reflects light in ultraviolet wavelengths to which many species of bird have a pronounced sensitivity as UV reflectance is strongly involved in mate selection, territorial displays, and foraging for food by many bird species. Therefore, stationary or moving cats wearing the UV reflective collar will be highly visible, during the day and crepuscular periods (i.e., dawn and dusk), to many species of birds that can, in turn, avoid predation by earlier detection of hunting cats and taking evasive action. Predation by domestic cats is a major source of mortality for songbirds and represents a significant conservation threat to many species. Cats killing birds is also a source of concern and distress for many cat owners.

Abstract: A method of tagging shellfish for the purpose of subsequent identification including providing a detectable tag, and fixedly engaging the detectable tag with a portion of the shellfish such that the detectable tag becomes incorporated into the shell portion as the shellfish grows.

Abstract: An animal collar according to the present invention includes an inner layer of non-porous flexible plastic. The collar may also include an outer layer of non-porous flexible plastic molded over the inner layer of non-porous flexible plastic, the outer layer having first and second ends and being configured to encircle a neck of an animal. A clasp or other fastener may be included for coupling together the first and second ends about the animal's neck. In addition, the inner layer includes an aesthetic property such as a color. The outer layer may also have an aesthetic property such as another color that is different from the aesthetic property of the inner layer. The collar may also include at least one ornament, the inner layer being molded over the at least one ornament and separating it from the outer layer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for stimulation of an animal for preparing and performing artificial insemination, the apparatus adapted for placing on a back part of the animal and provided with a holder for a container with semen and associated catheter, where the apparatus includes a frame (1), a number of rocker arms (4), at least one displacing unit (3), a number of pressing pads (2) and at least one valve arrangement (7), where the rocker arms (4) are connected to the displacing unit (3) and to the frame (1), where each of the rocker arms (4) are connected to the frame (1) and provided with at least one of the pressing pads (2), and where the valve arrangement (7) is adapted to control the displacing unit (3) for establishing a pulsating action on the animal with the pressing pads (2).

Abstract: An electronic animal identification ear tag. A self powered transponder is encased in a plastic housing, and the housing is affixed to a one piece metal ear clip. The ear clip has self clinching provisions that are metal only, and the housing has a bubble opening therein to accommodate the closure of the self clinching means. The self clinching locking means and, in a first embodiment, a retaining tooth formed on a leg of said metal ear clip maintain the position of the sleeve on said metal ear clip. In the first embodiment, the housing is a sleeve sliding onto the metal ear clip, while a second embodiment has the housing formed and molded around the metal ear clip.

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 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.

Abstract: An ornamental accessory includes a retainer member adapted to fit at least partially around a length of material, the retainer member including a first connector element, and an ornament including a second connector element adapted to removably connect with the first connector element. A method of attaching an ornamental accessory to a length of material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A personalized identification tag collar kit, which can be used with a toy pet, can include a collar for being worn on the toy pet, a tag for being attached to the collar, and a labeling device for applying at least one personalized identifier on the tag. The collar, tag and labeling device can be contained within a transparent sealable package. The kit can include instructions that instruct the user to use the labeling device to apply a personalized identifier, such as a name for the pet or the user's own artwork, on the tag. The kit can be used with a toy pet having an alphanumeric identification code for use on an Internet website relating to the toy pet, and the labeling device can be used to apply a personalized identifier such as the identification code to the tag.

Abstract: A head harness for walking dogs includes a nosepiece member attached to distal ends of at least one reins member having an attached leash ring, and the nosepiece further being connected to two short connecting straps. A chin strap, a neck collar with a release buckle, and the two short straps are linked at the free ends by a ring connecting means. The reins members are slidingly connected proximal the two distal ends.

Abstract: An identification tag is provided including a piercing element which captures a tissue sample of the animal during tagging. The tissue sample may be used to positively identify the animal for purposes of animal health tests, and the tissue sample may be further used to positively identify the animal tagged at all stages of the animal's life, as well as after the animal dies, by comparing the tissue sample with previously recorded DNA or other animal data. Visual indicia may also be incorporated on the tag, as well as electronic identification by use of a transponder.

Abstract: A control device (1) for a domesticated animal comprises a mechanism (12, 13, 14) for producing a sensation disconcerting to a domesticated animal. A timer (24) is operative to cause the mechanism to produce the disconcerting sensation after a predetermined time period. The control device is configured such that it may be carried by said domesticated animal without undue interference with said animal's freedom of movement.

Abstract: A pet collar in which a leash attachment is connected to a back edge of the collar band, at a location generally opposite to the collar buckle, and extends rearwardly from the back edge, leaving the entire area of the collar band unobstructed by the leash attachment. Decorative elements can be attached to the collar in the region of the leash attachment, either directly or by means of a slide strip, without visual obstruction by, or mechanical interference from the leash attachment. The pet owner thus has a clear view the decorative elements when walking the pet on a leash.

Abstract: A carrier (pet apparel) with at least one light emitting diode (LED) placed in a holder with reflective finish in a concave housing to provide optimal diffusion and candle power for optimal distance and visibility and a power source for powering at least one LED.

Abstract: A method and device take samples of tissue from a tissue sample using a tissue punch device. The tissue punch tool has a cutter punch with a cutting end and a force receiving end. A mechanical drive mechanism advances the cutter punch. The cutting end of the punch cutter is positioned into an initial position that is above a tissue from a specifically identified mammal or animal to be sampled. The tissue to be sampled is punched with the tissue punch tool to support a punched tissue sample temporarily within the tool. The supported punched tissue sample is deposited into a single capsule within a clip of multiple capsules that has capsule identification information on the capsules and the clip. The capsule is closed to retain the tissue therein. The capsule identification information and identification information from the specifically identified mammal are combined into a single file and retaining that file in a database.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective rope has a central braided high strength core comprising gel fiber or p-aramid fibers that is surrounded by cylindrically braided sleeve of reflective strips composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sewn thereon and covered with abrasion resistant coating. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube, microsphere retroreflectors, or wide angle exposed retroreflective lenses to a flexible polymeric sheet. Due to its braided construction, the reflective rope reflects light omnidirectionally over a large angle of acceptance, thereby providing an improved measure of safety in the marine craft environment. The reflected light beam provides accurate illumination of the marine craft gunnels, sail edges, mooring lines, railings and the like when the omnidirectionally reflective rope is used during dusk, fog or nighttime hours.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention recites an apparatus and method for housing pet identification tags via a modified pet collar. The present invention comprises an identification tag holder that has a belt member with a means for mounting the belt member about a portion of an animal. The belt member also has a billfold-like compartment with a transparent window disposed about a front side of the billfold-like compartment, and an aperture disposed about a length of the billfold-like compartment. The aperture has a length and width large enough to accommodate at least one identification tag, and the aperture provides access to the interior of the billfold-like compartment, with the interior of the billfold-like compartment adapted to receive at least one identification tag so that the identification tag is visible through the transparent window disposed about the front side of the billfold-like compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pet tag holder, namely a device for holding a pet tag on a pet collar. The pet tag holder comprises a planar, inverted “U-shaped” mounting member, for connection to a pet collar, and the mounting member further has two downwardly positioned extension arms in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the mounting member. One of the arms further comprises a post supported on a first mounting member and the other arm comprises a snap fit receptacle for the post on a second mounting member. One arm is fixed in space and the other arm is hinged to permit opening and closing of the post and receptacle. One or more pet tags can be held on the post, and secured to the tag holder when the post is engaged with the snap fit receptacle, the opening of the hinged arm also permits easy movement of the tag holder from one pet collar to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an animal safety collar and methods of operation. One embodiment of the present invention relates to an animal safety collar including a strip of flexible material, an extendable material, a first coupling device, and a second coupling device. The extendable material is coupled to either end of the strip of flexible material so as to form a loop. The loop's circumference may be temporarily increased by expanding the extendable material, causing the ends of the flexible material to move away from one another. This capability allows the collar to expand so the animal can slide out of the collar when it is inadvertently coupled to a fixed object in an unsupervised scenario. The first and second coupling devices are fixably coupled to the ends of the strip of flexible material, respectively. Therefore, when the extendable material is expanded, the first and second coupling device move away from one another.

Abstract: An assembly of an identification unit, more particularly an activity meter for identifying an animal and possibly measuring movements of an animal to which the identification unit, in use, is fastened, and a fastening strap, connected with the identification unit, for fastening the identification unit to the neck or a leg of the animal, the fastening strap being provided with a first and second free end, the assembly being further provided with a closing member comprising a slotted tunnel, while, in use, the strap forms a loop and at a position where a first part and a second part of the strap overlie each other, is enclosed by the tunnel, the assembly being further provided with first fastening means for connecting the first part and the closing member with each other, and second fastening means for fastening the second part to the first part and/or the closing member, with at least a part of the second fastening means, in use, being situated in the tunnel.

Abstract: A service dog harness has a base member and a strap system for attaching the base member to a dog. A rigid platform is provided on a top side of the base member, and a soft cushion material extends under and beyond the sides of the rigid platform to impart a soft cushion feel over the underside of the base member. A collar strap assembly is attached to the front end of the base member and is adjustable to fit about a dog's lower neck and chest in front of the forelegs. A trunk strap assembly is connected between the left and right sides of the base member and is adjustable to fit about a dog's trunk behind the forelegs. A ventral strap is connected between the collar and trunk strap assemblies. Padded sleeves cover the collar and trunk strap assemblies to minimize discomfort to a dog wearing the harness.

Abstract: A housing (10) for a pet accessory, and an associated collar mounting system for mounting the housing (10) on a pet collar (12). The housing (10) includes a casing (14) for housing at least certain components of the pet accessory. Further, the housing (10) defines at least first and second selectively spaced channels (22, 24) for receiving the pet collar (12) and releasably securing the housing (10) on the pet collar (12). The housing (10) also includes at least one protrusion (26) disposed between the selectively spaced channels (22, 24) and which extends outwardly from the casing (14) for engagement with the pet collar (12) to inhibit movement of the housing (10) along the length of the collar (12).

Abstract: A device for holding identification information for pets is disclosed. The device is attachable to a collar, harness or leash. The device permits new identification information to be placed within it. Identification information may be placed within a slot located on the side of the device or can alternatively be placed inside the device by opening a securing member that can function like a door.

Abstract: Pet sensing is accomplished by detecting pulsed infrared light reflected from a pet worn collar or harness devised of highly reflective material. To avoid false triggering, a dual set of infrared light emitting and detecting sensor units works in conjunction with logic circuitry for reliable activation of an electrically actuated access device.

Abstract: A flexible abrasion resistant omnidirectionally reflective jewelry piece has a central cylindrical braided rope core surrounded by a cylindrical reflective braided sleeve comprising three or more narrow width reflective strips that are braided at a shallow cylindrical braid angle that reflect an incoming light beam back in the same direction as it was emanated. The reflected light beam provides accurate omnidirectional illumination of the person wearing the reflective jewelry piece during dusk or nighttime hours. This reflective jewelry piece is created by surrounding a central braided rope of nylon or polyethylene fibers with a cylindrically braided reflective sleeve. The braided reflective sleeve is composed of narrow width reflective strips that comprise a woven or knitted narrow width strip and a flexible nylon retroreflective sheet sown thereon. The flexible retroreflective sheet is formed by thermally bonding corner cube or microsphere retroreflectors to a flexible polymeric sheet.

Abstract: An animal restraining apparatus having a belt which forms an opening. A girth of an animal is positioned within the opening. The belt is constricted around the girth of the animal by forcing opposite free end portions of a line apart from each other. A guide element maintains a position of the line with respect to the belt. The line is moveably mounted with respect to the belt. A keeper element can be used to maintain the free end portions of the line in a desired position. Preferably but not necessarily, the free end portions overlap each other near the keeper element.

Abstract: When a lead used for taking a pet for a walk or leashing the pet to a place such as a kennel is pulled by the pet or a human during walk or while the pet is leashed, a portable electric power generator connected with the lead generates electricity using mechanical energy obtained by the pulling action. The electricity generated by the portable electric power generator is supplied for the electronic device attached to pet worn by the pet through a charging cable disposed along the lead inside or outside the lead, thereby charging a rechargeable battery inside the electronic device attached to pet. The electronic device attached to pet uses the electrical energy of the integrated battery to perform a predetermined operation (such as wirelessly reporting the current location of the pet, and wirelessly reporting information representing the sound of the pet). The electronic device attached to pet reports that the pet got away from a location where the owner exists and has gotten lost for a number of conditions.

Abstract: A horse browband having a plurality of decorative components adhesively attached to a flexible band with lengths of thread extending through the decorative components from one end of the flexible band to the opposite end of the flexible band to provide added protection against the decorative components falling off the flexible band when, for example, the adhesive fails.

Abstract: An animal leash including an integrated, selectively accessible cavity, the animal leash comprising: (a) a first elongated strap; and (b) a first collapsible wall attached to the first elongated strap to form an integrated receptacle, the integrated receptacle including an opening providing access to an interior thereof, the integrated receptacle further including a reconfigurable closure adapted to be selectively reconfigured to restrict access to the interior of the integrated receptacle.

Abstract: An identification apparatus for animals or carcasses carrying electronic identification devices, (EID) (2) moving past an antenna (10). The identification apparatus including motion sensing means (12, 13, 14, 17) and marking means (16) adapted mark the animals or carcasses according to whether EID (2) is present, absent or non-functioning, whereby the animals' carcasses can be identified, drafted or sorted according to marking supplied.

Abstract: A pet tracking collar comprises a length of clear flexible tubing having a fastener adapted to fasten around the pet. Hermetically sealed within the tubing is an electrical ribbon cable extending through the length thereof. A plurality of light-emitting diodes, visible through the clear tubing, are wirelessly connected at spaced intervals to the cable. The tracking collar also includes an antenna within the electrical ribbon cable, and a radio transmitter secured to the cable adapted to transmit a radio frequency signal. The cable is secured within the flexible tubing such that strain along the length of the tubing is not transmitted to the cable therein. The collar's battery compartment has sufficient clearance between the battery and walls of the battery compartment to shed water after the collar is wetted. A radio frequency signal receiver determines direction or distance of the collar with respect to the receiver.

Abstract: An ear tag for marking animals includes a female portion consisting of a female head optionally borne by or formed in a first panel, a male portion consisting of a male punch optionally borne by or formed in a second panel, identifying means being borne by at least one of the male or female portions. The male punch is configured in two separable elements, one of which is housed in the female head and the other forms an organic matter sampling device during the passage of the male punch through the ear of an animal, which is moveable in an axial channel thereof and is withdrawn through the panel of the male portion after fastening the tag onto the animal's ear.