Electrical Element (e.g., Illuminator, Battery, Etc.) Patents (Class 119/859)
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Patent number: 12101592Abstract: A restraint device for assisting hearing in an animal includes a first strap configured to encircle a thorax area of the animal and a bone conduction device for producing vibration near a bone in the thorax area of the animal. The bone conduction device includes a bone conduction transducer configured to generate vibrations in a frequency range perceivable by the animal, a processor configured to control the generation of vibrations by said bone conduction transducer, and a microphone configured to pick up ambient sounds and convert the picked up ambient sounds to electrical signals. The processor controls the bone conduction transducer to generate vibrations in a frequency range corresponding to the picked up ambient sounds.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2023Date of Patent: September 24, 2024Inventor: Elizabeth W. Cook
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Patent number: 12063910Abstract: A system, method, or apparatus for tracking and monitoring pet activity. The apparatus can be a wearable device for a pet comprising a band comprising a strap plate, a removable battery component, and a tracking component, wherein the removable battery component can be configured to be removably attached to the tracking component, wherein the wearable device can be removably attached to the pet via the band, and wherein the tracking component can be removably attached to the strap plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2021Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: MARS, INCORPORATEDInventors: Robert Mott, Shao En Huang, Russ Ward Smith
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Patent number: 12048295Abstract: A system for monitoring individual food intake of a livestock animal includes a calibration system configured to measure weight or volume of food intake of an animal over a pre-defined period of time and to calibrate a mathematical model for the animal based on the measure, a tracking system configured track animal eating behavior at times other than the pre-defined period of time and a computing system. The pre-defined period of time is less than three weeks. The mathematical model relates eating behavior of the animal and defined physiological parameters of the animal with food intake. The computing system determines food intake of the animal over a lactation period based on the mathematical model for the animal as calibrated and the eating behavior at the times other than the pre-defined period of time.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2018Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: The State of Israel, Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Agricultural Research Organization (ARO) (Volcani Center)Inventors: Ilan Halachmi, Victor Bloch, Harel Levit, Ehud Ram
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Patent number: 11763642Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide an animal acoustic augmentor (AAA) for an animal acoustic augmentation system. The AAA includes an audio system configured to generate audio proximal and/or for delivery to an ear of an animal and a logic device configured to communicate with and control operation of the audio system. The logic device is configured to detect an AAA trigger associated with operation of the AAA and/or the audio system and generate an animal-audible trigger response via the audio system of the AAA based, at least in part, on the detected AAA trigger, where the animal-audible trigger response includes a preprogrammed AAA trigger response stored within a memory of the AAA and/or a live AAA trigger response based, at least in part, on a control sequence and/or an owner command provided by a personal electronic device associated with the AAA and/or an acoustic environment of the animal.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Chill Puppy LLCInventors: James Shaker Lewis, Benjamin Hanley Lewis, Christopher John Lewis, Gerald Hanley Lewis
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Patent number: 11730142Abstract: One variation of a method for acclimating a dog to autonomous training with a training apparatus, includes: accessing a video feed of a working field; dispensing a first set of treats into the working field at a first frequency and outputting an audible reinforcer at a first volume level; estimating a first acclimation score representative of acclimation to dispensation of the first set of treats; in response to the first acclimation score exceeding a threshold acclimation, dispensing a second set of treats at a second frequency less than the first frequency and outputting the audible reinforcer at a second volume greater than the first volume; estimating a second acclimation score responsive to the second set of treats; in response to the second acclimation score exceeding the threshold acclimation, the second frequency falling below a threshold frequency, and the second volume exceeding a threshold volume, verifying acclimation of the dog.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Companion Labs, Inc.Inventors: Paul Mundell, John Honchariw, Camden Olson, Noémie Guérin, Sayli Benadikar
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Patent number: 11589558Abstract: A device for controlling the bark of an animal. The animal bark control device includes a housing having a curved bottom side extending between opposing distal ends forming an open neck receiving area. The curved bottom side can rest flush against a neck of a dog when mounted thereon. A speaker is disposed on a front side of the housing such that the speaker faces toward an ear of the dog when the housing is secured to a dog collar and mounted against the neck of the dog. The animal bark control device mounts to a dorsal region of a pet dog thereby allowing the speaker to deliver an audible corrective sound directly to the dog. A bridge extends from the housing, wherein the housing is movable along a longitudinal length of the bridge in order to adjust the placement of the housing when mounted to the dog.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Inventor: Kathryn Rust
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Patent number: 11553695Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for tracking animals, which may include production animals as well as pets. The system and method may comprise a tag system that is attached to an animal that generally has at least a near-field-communication (NFC) tag. The tag system comprises at least an NFC tag and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag. For NFC tags, such tags may be read with a portable computing device, such as a mobile telephone running NFC reader application software. The phone may communicate with a communications network and ultimately a computer server in order to relay information received from a respective electronic tag. The electronic tags may be fastened, embedded, or ingested by an animal. The electronic tags may be part of a mechanical coupling. Each mechanical coupling may comprise a different structure depending on the whether the tags are fastened to, embedded in, or ingested by the animal.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA GMBHInventor: Pierre-Emmanuel Deliou
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Patent number: 11013426Abstract: Many factors contribute to dogs' superior olfactory capabilities as compared to humans. Studies explored this aspect at the cellular and behavior levels; however, the cognitive-level neural substrates linking them have never been explored. Since sedated dogs cannot sniff, the present application illustrates the cognitive-level linking neural substrate using fMRI of conscious dogs. The head motion of the canine is accounted for by behavioral training and optical motion tracking. The olfactory bulb is commonly activated in both awake and anesthetized dogs, while parietal and frontal structures are activated only in the former and subcortical structures only in the latter. Comparison of low and high odor intensity shows differences in both the strength and spatial extent of activation in higher cognitive structures. Unlike humans, neural structures even at the top of the cognitive hierarchy are modulated by odor concentration in dogs.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Auburn UniversityInventors: Gopikrishna Deshpande, Paul Waggoner, Vitaly Vodyanoy, Hao Jia, Oleg Pustovyy, Thomas Denney, Ed Morrison, Ronald Beyers
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Patent number: 11013216Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining information about a farm animal, wherein a device (a) is attached to the head region of an animal, said device containing at least one acceleration sensor by means of which recurring acceleration data is measured, wherein the acceleration data is evaluated using automatic data processing means, and, as an outcome of the evaluation, is indicative of the activities and/or conditions of the animal. The acquired acceleration data is evaluated in order to detect the swallowing processes carried out by the animal.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Smartbow GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Auer
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Patent number: 10952411Abstract: This invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for detecting when an animal is in heat. The invention further relates to a method of alerting a responsible individual that the animal is in heat. The method for detecting when an animal is in heat comprises the steps of, using a sensor mounted on a bull, monitoring the activity of the bull in the proximity of the animal. Thereafter, the activity of the bull is analysed before finally it is determined, based on the analysed activity of the bull, whether or not the animal is in heat. The invention shifts the focus from the animal, such as a cow, to the bull and leans on the natural instincts of the bull to determine when the cow is in heat. By implementing such a system, a more reliable and/or less expensive system than many of the existing offerings is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Inventors: Niall Austin, Emmet Savage, John Larkin
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Patent number: 10881326Abstract: There is disclosed a wearable, personal safety device that can be activated to silently send an alarm along with a video and an audio feed, in real time, to a monitoring authority. The personal safety device includes a support member for positioning the personal safety device on a user and housing affixed to the support member and containing a main circuit board and a camera system connected to the main circuit board. The camera system includes both video and audio components. An alarm or activation button is movably mounted on the housing and in selective contact with the main circuit board such that when the activation button is depressed relative to the housing, a silent alarm along with a video and audio feed is sent to the remote monitoring system. The personal safety device can further include a global positioning unit and/or a heart rate monitor module.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventors: Miramique Modesty Burgos-Rivera, Miriam Soto-Burgos, Juan Alfonso Rivera
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Patent number: 10772302Abstract: A collar for an animal includes an elongate piece of flexible material having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends configured to be releasably coupled together about the neck of an animal. The collar also includes a lighting system coupled to the piece of material. The lighting system includes a power source and an optical element coupled to the power source. The optical element is at least partially embedded within the piece of material and extends along a length direction between the first and second ends. The optical element further includes an LED that is configured to illuminate a portion of the optical element when the power source is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Inventors: Thomas Lutz, Matthew Allen, Ernie Katris
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Patent number: 10602722Abstract: A smart leash system is disclosed, which includes a handheld system configured to be held by a user, a collar system configured to be worn by an animal, a leash coupled to and extended between the handheld system and the collar system, and a load measuring sensor coupled to the handheld system and configured to measure force applied to the leash, wherein one of the handheld system, the collar system, and both the handheld system and the collar system is configured to receive a force signal representing the force applied to the leash and signal the collar system to provide a feedback to the animal when the force exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: HETZER DESIGN AND INNOVATIONS LLCInventors: Joseph Mathew Hetzer, Anthony Clarence Hetzer, Zhen Huang
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Patent number: 10470441Abstract: An animal monitor comprising a microcontroller; at least one three-axis accelerometer; an energy source; a charger; and a communications system, including a wireless transmitter and receiver.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: GRAVITY LIMITEDInventors: Alexandre Nikolaevich Rovnyi, Berri Antonius Schroder
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Patent number: 10440938Abstract: An acoustically enhanced collar for monitoring vital signs of a pet animal, may comprise an elastic band having a working surface configured to wrap around a neck of a pet animal and an oppositely faced rear surface, at least one sensor element situated along a circumference of the band and configured to measure at least one bioparameter from the following bioparameters: temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, movement; at least one acoustic concentrator projecting as a bump toward the neck from the working surface on a first side of the at least one sensor element; at least one acoustic concentrator projecting as a bump toward the portion from the working surface on a second side of the at least one sensor element and acoustic balancers projecting from the rear surface at least partly behind the acoustic concentrators. Preferably, the acoustic concentrators and balancers have a base end having an “X” shape.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: PETPACE LTD.Inventors: Avi Menkes, Michael Bukchin
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Patent number: 10433525Abstract: An illuminated dog belt specifically adapted to be secured to or worn around a back and chest, rearward of the front legs, is presented herein. The belt includes an elongated LED or light strip positioned in a manner to shine light through a translucent or at least partially transparent main body portion. A strap may be disposed through one or more strap retention openings and secured around the animal. The strap includes an amount of lengthwise or longitudinal elasticity for disposing at least a portion of the strap substantially pressed against the chest of an animal in a position rearward of the animal's front legs. In this manner, the main body portion and the LEDs or light strip may be disposed proximate to a portion of the animal's back, also in a position rearward of the animal's neck or collar.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Inventor: David A. Spence
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Patent number: 10303995Abstract: A submersible tag device configured to operate within a liquid medium, including a liquid-tight housing defining a chamber that remains isolated from the liquid medium when the housing is immersed in the liquid medium, and an attachment mechanism configured to attach to a target selected by a user. A communication module is disposed in the chamber, the module including a receiver, a controller configured to receive input from the receiver, a power source operatively connected to at least the controller, and data storage. When the tag device is immersed in the liquid medium, the receiver is configured to receive a command signal through the liquid medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTIONInventors: Amy L. Kukulya, Thomas Austin, Frederic Jaffre
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Patent number: 10114994Abstract: An animal identification code is described comprising two numbers, one of which is encoded into a human-readable marking and the other of which is encoded into a machine-readable marking, where the two numbers and the two encodings are different. The combination of the two numbers, plus additional information not marked on a first animal, such as time of read, is looked up a first table to determine conditional validity and from there to a second table to determine a valid and unique animal ID associated with the animal, a primary key. The animal may be a rodent in a vivarium and the markings may be tattooed on the animal tail. The second marking may be a vine code with a spine where the spine is aligned with the animal tail. The first number may be unique within a first animal population such as an animal study. The combination of the first and second marking may be reused on a second animal wherein the lifetimes of the first and second animal do not overlap.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2018Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Vium, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Howard Heath, Jonathan Betts-Lacroix
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Patent number: 10091973Abstract: The 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: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research OrganisationInventor: Peter Ian Corke
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Patent number: 10070626Abstract: An animal monitor comprising a microcontroller; at least one three-axis accelerometer, an energy source; a charger and a communications system, including a wireless transmitter and receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: GRAVITY LIMITEDInventors: Alexandre Nikolaevich Rovnyi, Berri Antonius Schroder
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Patent number: 10052435Abstract: An active agent or drug injecting device (10) includes a main housing (16) containing a trigger mechanism (24) which can be manually activated via release bar (32) or remotely triggered via wireless receiver (70) activating motor (74), and a second housing (80) containing an injection- and needle-assembly (22). The needle (30) encloses a dry carrier (26) having an active agent (12) disposed thereon. The trigger mechanism triggers the injection assembly to propel the needle into the skin (via spring (54)), to inject the active agent into a living organism (either by letting the active agent diffuse out of the needle or by actively flushing it out), and to subsequently retract the needle back into the housing (80) (via spring (64)).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Precifiex SAInventors: Lucien Vouillamoz, Melissa Rosen, Judy L. Walish, Daniel Yasevac, Michel Bruehwiler
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Patent number: 9999201Abstract: A collar for an animal includes an elongate piece of flexible material having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends configured to be releasably coupled together about the neck of an animal. The collar also includes a lighting system coupled to the piece of material. The lighting system includes a power source and an optical element coupled to the power source. The optical element is at least partially embedded within the piece of material and extends along a length direction between the first and second ends. The optical element further includes an LED that is configured to illuminate a portion of the optical element when the power source is turned on.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Inventors: Thomas Lutz, Matthew Allen, Ernie Katris
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Patent number: 9605839Abstract: A purse illumination assembly including a power source, a light emitting portion, a voice-sensitive switch, and a circuit assembly connecting the light emitting portion to the power source through the voice-sensitive switch. The light emitting portion may be a light emitting fabric or may include EL wire alone or in combination with LED lights to provide both lighting and a decorative effect. A driver circuit may be included for driving both the EL wire and the LED lights.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventor: Cynthia K. Tait
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Patent number: 9603341Abstract: Disclosed is a dog leash having intelligent lighting to improve safety. In one aspect, the dog leash includes a central cavity holding a retractable leash and an extension sensor to detect when the retractable leash is extended beyond a threshold distance. The dog leash also includes an ambient light sensor to detect a surrounding light intensity. In addition, the dog leash includes a set of lights to automatically illuminate a dog being walked by a walker, a perpendicular area, and/or the walker themselves when the extension sensor detects that a leash is extended beyond the threshold distance when the ambient light sensor detects that a surrounding ambient light is below a threshold value using a processor and a memory of the dog leash.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventor: Steven Scaba
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Patent number: 9599318Abstract: A lighting module is provided. The lighting module includes a flexible substrate having a first side and a second side, a plurality of solid state light sources, and a flexible housing. The first side of the flexible substrate has conductive traces. The plurality of solid state light sources is placed on the first side of the flexible substrate. The plurality of solid state light sources is electrically connected to the conductive traces. The flexible housing has at least a first shape, which may be linear, and a second shape, which may be non-linear. The flexible housing includes a flexible superelastic material in an austenite phase. The flexible housing is placed in proximity to the flexible substrate to form the lighting module.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: OSRAM SYLVANIA Inc.Inventors: Napoli Oza, Anil Jeswani, Yiming Zhang
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Patent number: 9277734Abstract: A shock collar assembly with proximity sensors detects the proximity of a collar relative to a remote and administers a shock at a predetermined proximity. The assembly includes a collar and a pair of probes extending from the collar. A collar processor and a collar transceiver are coupled to the collar. The collar processor activates the probes upon receiving a first level signal when the animal is within a first predetermined distance from a remote. A remote processor, a remote transceiver, and a control are coupled to the remote. The remote processor activates the probes upon sending the first level signal when the animal is within the first predetermined distance. The control is operationally coupled to the collar. The collar processor activates a collar alarm and the remote processor activates a remote alarm upon receiving a second level signal when the animal is within a second predetermined distance.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Inventor: Luc J. Paradis
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Patent number: 9038293Abstract: The invention relates to a device for identifying an animal, comprising a male part and a female part which are intended to be joined together, said female part comprising a head (12) for holding a tip of said male part, and a rigid shell (11) containing electronic identification means (42). According to the invention, a resin (41) is placed inside a housing defined in said shell so as to cover said electronic means (42) and to secure said head (12) to said shell (11).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: ALLFLEX EUROPEInventors: Johan Decaluwe, Jean-Jacques Hilpert, Emmanuel Lemaire
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Patent number: 8922363Abstract: Disclosed herein are an animal training apparatus for locating a collar transceiver using a Global Positioning System (GPS), and a method of controlling the the same. The animal training apparatus includes a portable device, and a collar transceiver. The portable device includes a portable device GPS reception unit, a key input unit, a portable device control unit, a display unit, and a portable device wireless communication unit. The collar transceiver includes a collar wireless communication unit, a collar GPS reception unit, a photodetector, a light output unit, a beep tone output unit, and a collar control unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Inventor: Min Jae So
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Publication number: 20140331942Abstract: This feedback collar (“FC”) is an all-inclusive training, health and accurate activity tracking unit for pets that directly pairs with a pet owner's smart phone, tablet, or other computer-like device that acts as a primary logging unit (“PLU”) for storing, accessing and managing data. The FC utilizes an array of sensors, radios and transmitters for logging and communicating information between one or more FCs and one or more PLUs. Utilizing the FC as a part of a smart electronic pet collar system (“SEPCS”), the owner will be able to access a history of the FC data from their phone, upload the data to a centralized web server, and share the data with other owner's.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Inventor: Joshua Sarazyn
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Publication number: 20140327542Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: WOODSTREAM CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher T. RICH, Christopher KAMERY, Marko LUBIC, Wade PATTERSON, Steve CONRAD, Jason S. GURLEY, Terry G. PHILLIPS, John J. White, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140230755Abstract: An animal indicator apparatus that tracks the locations of an animal and alerts nearby persons when the animal approaches a boundary includes a location determining component operable to determine a current geographic location of the apparatus; memory for storing cartographic data representative of at least one boundary; an indicator and a processor. The processor triggers the indicator when the current geographic location of the apparatus is near the location of the boundary.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: GARMIN SWITZERLAND GMBHInventors: Bradley C. Trenkle, Timmy R. Walker
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Patent number: 8783212Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design for an animal collar with an integrated electronic device where the contact surface/points of the electronic device can be positioned in a way that is physically comfortable for the animal that wears the collar. The design of the electronic device as a whole does not compromise aesthetics while being unobtrusive and effective to receive control signals.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Inventors: Bart Bellon, Michael Leighton
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Publication number: 20140196673Abstract: An acoustically enhanced collar for monitoring vital signs of a pet animal, may comprise an elastic band having a working surface configured to wrap around a neck of a pet animal and an oppositely faced rear surface, at least one sensor element situated along a circumference of the band and configured to measure at least one bioparameter from the following bioparameters: temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, movement; at least one acoustic concentrator projecting as a bump toward the neck from the working surface on a first side of the at least one sensor element; at least one acoustic concentrator projecting as a bump toward the portion from the working surface on a second side of the at least one sensor element and acoustic balancers projecting from the rear surface at least partly behind the acoustic concentrators. Preferably, the acoustic concentrators and balancers have a base end having an “X” shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: PetPace Ltd.Inventors: Avi MENKES, Michael BUKCHIN
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Publication number: 20140182519Abstract: A collar with an ultra-wideband radar is described. A housing contains sensor electronics and the transmit and receive antennas are located separate from the housing around the circumference of the collar. A first example of the collar includes a first transmit antenna and a first receive antenna. A second example of the collar adds a second transmit antenna and a second receive antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: i4c Innovations Inc.Inventor: Joe Paul Tupin, JR.
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Patent number: 8763563Abstract: A leash held at one end by a trainer and attached at the other end to a coupler which attaches to either a harness or collar secured to the body of an animal, the coupler having therein an RF transmitter that transmits a signal consisting of one or more pulsed sequences dependent on the actuation of a switch that activates upon sensing a pulling force exerted between the animal and the trainer, said magnitude of force dependent on a spring, housed within the coupler and having an associated preset tension, wherein the RF transmitted signal is received by a receiver and a transducer located in an independent correction collar that transforms the received signal to a corresponding one or more applied electrical or mechanical pulsed forces to the bodily part of the of the animal secured by the correction collar.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Inventor: Stephen David Thalmann
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Patent number: 8757098Abstract: An animal training device and system which uses a voltage to frequency conversion technology (VFC) providing the capability to adjust in gradual incremental levels upward and downward for consistent and individual electronic control of separate output to an animal undergoing training to learn new behaviors which are desired by its owner/handler/trainer. The device is contained in a housing which is worn around the neck of an animal by means of a collar strap or attached to a harness that properly fits onto an animal. The primary use is with dogs, but all kinds of domestic animals may be trained using this device. This VFC technology is offered in a variety of electronic platforms.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: E-Collar Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Hosung So, Yongseok Kim
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Publication number: 20140123912Abstract: A system for monitoring vital signs of a pet animal comprises an annular band, an accelerometer configured to measure at least one of resting patterns, activity patterns, movement patterns, position patterns relating to, for example the pet animal relieving itself, lameness and scratching, and a non-accelerometer sensor configured to measure at least one of the following non-accelerometer-measured bioparameters of the pet animal: temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate. One or more processors are configured to receive sensor output data and reference data concerning the measured bioparameters of the pet animal or of a population of the pet animal, and determine a suspicion of a specific medical condition by: (i) scoring at least two bioparameters and comparing a cumulative score to a threshold cumulative score or to a threshold cumulative range; or (ii) identifying an abnormal pattern. The processor(s) may send an alert if at least one specific medical condition is suspected.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: PetPlace Ltd.Inventors: Avi MENKES, Michael BUKCHIN, Michael ZAKHAROV, Asaf DAGAN
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Patent number: 8695538Abstract: A lick deterrent device to deter animals from biting or chewing. The deterrent device has a flexible substrate physically conformable in three directions with conductive traces thereon. The lick deterrent device is configured for electrical connection to a removable power source. The traces are configured so that they may be contacted by an animal's tongue or saliva, so that upon contact, an electrical circuit is completed thereby delivering a mild electric shock to the animal. The lick deterrent device may be stretchable in at least one direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: James F. Pitzen
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Patent number: 8648735Abstract: Provided is a safety directional indicator to improve highway safety. Embodiments of the invention include devices for guiding a driver of a vehicle in a desired direction, typically away from highway workers, pedestrians, curbs, and opposing lanes of traffic. Specifically included is a safety directional indicator system comprising a flexible belt with a plurality of light transmitting bars disposed along the belt and having a plurality of LEDs disposed at one elongated end of each light transmitting bar and in operable communication with a control system for illuminating the LEDs in a manner to indicate a direction for traffic. Safety devices according to the invention can be stand-alone devices, devices capable of being attached to objects or structures at a highway scene, or configured to be worn on a person's body. An object of the safety devices according to embodiments of the invention is to increase driver awareness of highway situations especially during conditions of restricted visibility.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Inventors: Paul Haynes, Eric Collins
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Publication number: 20130333633Abstract: Systems and methods for testing hearing, vision, and responsiveness of a dog are provided. The systems' components comprise a first, second, third, and fourth projection screen installed on four walls of a confined area; a series of radio-frequency identification (“rfid”) readers installed in a grid pattern on each of the first, the second, the third, and the fourth walls; an rfid tag mounted on a dog collar to be worn by the dog; an accelerometer mounted on the dog collar; a speaker installed on each of the first, second, third, and fourth walls; a processor; and a memory. The system generally uses visual and audio stimuli in order to test the hearing, vision, and physical responsiveness of the dog. The dog's actions are measured by the rfid readers' detecting the movement of the rfid tag on the dog's collar.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Inventor: Tai Cheung Poon
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Patent number: 8578891Abstract: A lick deterrent strip for deterring an animal from licking a wound is provided. The lick deterrent strip is securable to the animal or a bandage such that the lick deterrent strip is positioned over the wound or near the area of the wound. As used herein, a “wound” refers to an injured area on an animal, including, but not limited to, abscesses, cuts, hot spots, incisions, punctures, sores, and stitches. When secured to the animal, the lick deterrent strip provides an exposed surface with electrically energized contacts arranged on the exposed surface. When a conductive portion of the animal, such as the animal's mouth, is placed in electrical communication with the contacts, the lick deterrent strip provides an electrical stimulus to the animal, which deters the animal from accessing or licking the wound.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Radio Systems CorporationInventor: Travis Vickery
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Publication number: 20130247837Abstract: Disclosed is a collar apparatus for animal training with a length adjustable leash. The collar apparatus applies a vibration or an electrical stimulation to an animal while automatically adjusting a length of a leash connected to an animal's body. Accordingly, it is possible to train the animal to desirably act by applying the electrical stimulation or the vibration to the animal through adjusting the length of the leash connected to the animal's body when the animal acts with undesirable behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: DOGTRA CO., LTD.Inventor: Min Jae SO
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Patent number: 8539913Abstract: A wearable sound system includes an article wearable by an animal and having compartment sections, strap end portions extending from respective ones of two of the compartment sections, and a fastener that removably connects the strap end portions to one another when the article is worn by the animal. A programmable source of audible signals is located within one of the compartment sections, and two speakers are located within respective ones of the two compartment sections of the article from which the pair of strap end portions extend. Each speaker is disposed between the fastener and the programmable source and in an area disposed proximate to an ear of the animal when the article is worn by the animal so as to project a sound content of the audible signals towards an immediate vicinity of the ear of the animal in a region located forward or around the ear.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Inventors: Lisa Caputo, Kristin Baggelaar
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Patent number: 8511856Abstract: A flexible light transmitting device, comprising a printable layer, a backing layer, and a light-emitting diode strip disposed between the printable layer and the backing layer. The printable layer is translucent to permit transmission of light from the light-emitting diodes through the printable layer when the light-emitting diodes are activated; however, the LED strip remains hidden between the layers. The printable layer is adapted to receive printed indicia by way of thermal printing process. The backing layer is substantially opaque comprises a durable nylon webbing or polypropylene material. The embedded LED strip comprises an elongated flexible casing containing spaced apart light-emitting diodes, one or more light interrupting spacers, and at least one ribbon wire extending through the casing and electrically coupling said light-emitting diodes. The light-emitting diodes are electrically coupled to a switch assembly which provides the LED switch with a plurality of operative modes.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Dog-E-Glow, Inc.Inventors: Gregory Brauser, Brandon Bal
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Publication number: 20130174795Abstract: A canine directional command system includes a directional command collar assembly configured for releasable securement around the neck of a canine. The collar assembly includes a plurality of command stimulation units, preferably including three vibration command stimulation units, and one combination vibration/electrical command stimulation unit. The collar assembly is positioned on the neck of a canine so that the stimulation units are respectively positioned at the front, rear, left, and right areas of the neck of the canine. A wireless transmitter of the command system permits selective operation of the stimulation units of the collar assembly, thereby permitting a handler of the canine to provide directional commands and signals to the canine, without resort to verbal or visual commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: Andrew Fannon Lamkin
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Patent number: 8468979Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: ITI Scotland LimitedInventors: Toby Mottram, Neil Telfer
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Publication number: 20130125831Abstract: The present invention is a horse training device that is secured to and removably worn on a cannon bone CB of each front leg of a horse to train and prevent the horse from pawing includes an elongated planar base, a hook and loop fastener to removably secure the device to the horse, a pair of stimulus prongs that is disposed on the elongated planar base that are in communication with a pendulum switch disposed within the elongated planar base that deliver an electric shock to the horse and a remote control that includes a power indicator light, a power activation button and a pair of power settings that include a first sliding bar, a second sliding bar and a plurality of predetermined measuring indicia that are relative measurement indicia or quantitative measurement indicia.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Inventor: Kevin Wheeler
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Patent number: 8438999Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Titan Pet Products, Inc.Inventors: Jason A. Hardi, James M. O'Brien, III
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Publication number: 20130014706Abstract: A collar for pet animals may have sensor elements remotely actuatable to measure vital signs of the animal (such as respiration, pulse, temperature and movement) and a processor that can interpret the results of multiple vital sign readings. A two way communication device alerts the pet owner, veterinarian or authorities. A veterinarian can remotely take a particular vital sign measurement when alerted. The sensor elements embedded in the collar's band has at least one elastic pin extending toward the animal's neck to gather data processed on the collar or remotely. To improve STN ratio, an elastic layer may absorb noise from friction due to movement of the animal's head. The collar may adjust the tightness of the band for taking vital sign readings. For example pump may injects air through a tubular compertment running along the circumference of the band. A safety mechanism may release the collar.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: January 17, 2013Applicant: PatPace Ltd.Inventor: Avi Menkes
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Patent number: 8281749Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Radio Systems CorporationInventor: Ricky Lynn Dukes