Electrical Element (e.g., Illuminator, Battery, Etc.) Patents (Class 119/859)
  • Publication number: 20080216766
    Abstract: A remote receiving circuit for providing and controlling an electric stimulus applied to an animal including an electronic switch powered by a battery in series on a primary of a high-voltage transformer and whose on/off state can be modified by control pulses to create a source of alternating current to supply the primary of the transformer. The circuit further includes a first electrode and a second electrode configured to be in contact with the animal and connected to the respective ends of a secondary of the transformer, and a device for measuring the peak intensity of a stimulus current applied by the electrodes to the animal's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Charles Martin, Fabrice Frebel
  • Publication number: 20080210176
    Abstract: An electronic animal collar designed to reduce the load applied to the animal's neck by one or more stimulating electrodes or sensors that extend from or through an inside surface of the collar housing into the skin of the animal during use, and to permit the collar to be securely fastened to the neck of the animal without risk of causing discomfort or damage to the skin of the animal due to pressure from the stimulating electrodes. The inside surface of the collar housing has one or more high point surfaces that are raised to extend the inside surface above the base of the stimulating electrodes or sensors toward the animal during use so as to increase contact between the inside surface and the animal's skin and to thereby relieve and distribute the load caused by collar tension around the animal's neck over a larger contact friction area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Tom Lalor
  • Patent number: 7404379
    Abstract: An animal collar assembly including a wireless receiver and a collar. The wireless receiver having a pair of first attachment features. The collar having a pair of ends, each end having a second attachment feature, each second attachment feature coupled with a corresponding first attachment feature and maintaining the corresponding collar end at a fixed orientation relative to the wireless receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Nottingham, Nick E. Stanca, Craig Saunders, Duane Gerig
  • Publication number: 20080168952
    Abstract: A collar to which is mounted an illumination source. Each of one or more light-transferring fibers includes a first end coupled for receiving light from the illumination source, and a second end coupled for transmitting light from the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: SONDRA MOREHEAD
  • Publication number: 20080168953
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device (100) to be worn by or attached to an animal (102) for indicating the physiological status of the animal. At least one measuring device is used for measuring the physiological state of said animal. The resulting physiological data are regularly compared to at least one threshold value when evaluating the current physiological status of said animal. Based thereon, indication means indicates the current physiological status of said animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Ralph Kurt, Sepas Setayesh, Mark Thomas Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080163831
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: John Romanuck
  • Publication number: 20080163827
    Abstract: Described is a collar saddle device for maintaining the position of a device carried by an animal at the top of the animal's neck. The collar saddle device includes a saddle, a carried device, and a collar. The saddle is fixedly secured to the collar and includes a contoured portion that is structured to substantially parallel the contour of the top of the animal's neck. The carried device is fixedly secured to the collar and is situated proximately to the saddle. The contoured portion of the saddle matingly receives the top of the animal's neck to the extent that the saddle does not slide or rotate from the top of the animal's neck. Because the saddle and the carried device are situated proximately along the collar, the position of the carried device is maintained at the top of the animal's neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Brent A. Goetzl
  • Publication number: 20080163829
    Abstract: Described is a two-probe bark control device for detecting an animal's bark by way of an electrode that is also used in delivering an electrical stimulus to the animal. The two-probe bark control device includes a housing, a first probe, and a second probe. The first and second probes include first and second electrodes, respectively. The first electrode is secured to the housing by way of a resilient overmolding such that the first electrode extends outwardly from the housing and has the potential to vibrate within the housing. The housing is carried by the animal such that the first probe detects the bark of the animal and the first and second probes deliver an electrical stimulus to the animal in response the first probe detecting the animal's bark such that the first probe both detects the animal's bark and delivers an electrical stimulus to the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Albert L. Lee, Steven M. Schrick, David A. Hinkle
  • Publication number: 20080149045
    Abstract: A vest surrounds the animal's torso. Slings for supporting the front or rear legs can be attached to the vest. Besides straps with rings, the vest may have monitors for remote monitoring of the animal's vital signs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Schon A. Gross
  • Publication number: 20080110414
    Abstract: An animal garment includes a first layer of temperature controlling fabric which reacts to changing temperatures, and an second layer of heat retaining and releasing fabric. The first layer of temperature controlling fabric includes a polymer structure that closes to retain the heat and opens to release heat and moisture. The second layer of heat retaining and releasing fabric includes molecules which change phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jan Antoinette Buehner
  • Patent number: 7367285
    Abstract: An illuminated pet leash has an elongated light-emitting member mounted in a transparent sleeve and extending alongside a non-extensible tethering line. An electrical power is delivered to the light-emitting member, making the tethering assembly visible in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Jimmy K. Cooper
  • Patent number: 7350481
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the physiological condition, and/or suitability of animal feed, of ruminant animals, by: sensing actions of the animal indicating a ruminating activity; and accumulating the time of the ruminating activities over a predetermined time period to provide an indication of the physiological condition of the animal, and/or of desirable changes in its feed for maximizing milk production and/or for maintaining animal health. In one described preferred embodiment, the sensed actions of the animal are chewing actions produced by the animal while chewing animal feed according to a predetermined chewing rhythm indicating a ruminating activity as distinguished from an eating activity. In a second described embodiment, the sensed actions of the animal are regurgitations of a bolus from the animal's rumen to the animal's mouth sensed by a collar around the animal's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventor: Avshalom Bar-Shalom
  • Publication number: 20080066693
    Abstract: The inventive device for automatically detecting the mating of animals is wearable by an animal. The device includes a fixing to an animal mechanism, a detector for an attempt of mating a female animal by the animal with the fixing mechanism, and an identifier for an electronic label which is introduced in the body of the female animal and actuated by the detector and/or by the female animal identification device by processing the image of at least one part of the female animal triggered by the detector. The identifier includes a communicator with an electronic label carried by a female animal. The communicator can read the electronic label identifier of each female animal which the animal attempts to mate. The communication can also be provided with a device for storing representative information on the attempted mating in the random access memory of the electronic label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: ECOLE NATIONALE SUPERIEURE AGRONOMIQUE DE MONTPELLIER (E.N.S.A.M)
    Inventor: Francois Bocquier
  • Patent number: 7335168
    Abstract: A monitoring system (800) is operative for receiving sensor signals and analyzing the sensor signals to identify events or conditions of interest, such as colic, with respect to a monitored animal. The sensors may be animal-borne sensors such as motion related sensors. The system (800) includes a processor (802) operative to identify the conditions of interest based on a stored pattern database (806), threshold tables (808) and heuristic engines (812). Upon identification of a condition of interest, a human expert may be consulted and alerts may be generated as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bio Equidae, LLC
    Inventor: Geoffrey B. Rugg
  • Patent number: 7318393
    Abstract: A pet collar or harness includes several series of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The series of lights are controlled by a remote, hand held unit. The lights can be set to flash, or some lights can be brighter than others, some lights can cascade while some lights pulse. A power source is located on the collar or harness and a power source is located in the remote control unit. One form of the pet collar or harness includes a light sensor operated circuit in the collar so the collar or harness is automatically activated when ambient light falls below a certain level. Another form of the pet collar or harness includes a motion detector circuit in the collar or harness so the collar or harness is activated only when the animal moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Charles O. Ayscue
  • Publication number: 20080000434
    Abstract: The invention relates to a harness for attaching electronic apparatus to a beast. The harness is configured to be attached to a beast. The harness comprises a strap 12 formed at least in part of two strap members 30, 32, the two strap members being joined to each other at spaced apart locations 34, 36. The two strap members define a space 38 between the joins such that the space is capable of receiving electronic apparatus 40, 42.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: BLUESKY TELEMETRY LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Hulbert
  • Patent number: 7296540
    Abstract: Described is an insulated probe device of adjustable axial length for delivering an electroshock stimulus to an animal. The insulated probe device includes an electrode that is positioned in contact with the animal's skin and is disposed within an electrically non-conductive housing. The housing is a two-part housing, where the two parts cooperate such that the ultimate length of the housing is adjustable. The insulated probe devise includes a mounting device that electrically and mechanically secures the insulated probe device to an electronic animal training device. The mounting device is electrically connected to the electrode by way of a conductor, which is disposed within the housing. The conductor is a metal-rubber substance that conducts electricity like a metal and stretches like rubber such that it is capable of various lengths. Consequently, the ultimate length of the insulated probe device is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Randal D. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20070221141
    Abstract: An animal behavior modification kit including a collar mountable receiver and a plurality of circuit boards. The collar mountable receiver has a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal. Each of the plurality of circuit boards are selectively mechanically connectable to both the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal. The plurality of circuit boards include at least one electrical component having an electrical characteristic. The electrical characteristic of each of the plurality of circuit boards being different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Anthony J. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 7267082
    Abstract: An electronic animal collar designed to reduce the load applied to the animal=s neck by one or more stimulating electrodes or sensors that extend from or through an inside surface of the collar housing into the skin of the animal during use, and to permit the collar to be securely fastened to the neck of the animal without risk of causing discomfort or damage to the skin of the animal due to pressure from the stimulating electrodes. The inside surface of the collar housing has one or more high point surfaces that are raised to extend the inside surface above the base of the stimulating electrodes or sensors toward the animal during use so as to increase contact between the inside surface and the animal=s skin and to thereby relieve and distribute the load caused by collar tension around the animal=s neck over a larger contact friction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Lalor
  • Patent number: 7249572
    Abstract: An antenna mounting for an animal collar including an O-ring and associated retainer disposed in an opening through the housing of a radio frequency receiver. The O-ring is compressed into multiple sealing locations between the circumference of the antenna and its surrounding structure to create a resilient hermetic seal between the antenna and such surrounding structure, and to resiliently suspend the antenna within the opening in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Brent Andrew Goetzl
  • Patent number: 7243617
    Abstract: An electronic animal collar designed to reduce the load applied to the animal's neck by one or more stimulating electrodes or sensors that extend from or through an inside surface of the collar housing into the skin of the animal during use, and to permit the collar to be securely fastened to the neck of the animal without risk of causing discomfort or damage to the skin of the animal due to pressure from the stimulating electrodes. The inside surface of the collar housing has one or more high point surfaces that are raised to extend the inside surface above the base of the stimulating electrodes or sensors toward the animal during use so as to increase contact between the inside surface and the animal's skin and to thereby relieve and distribute the load caused by collar tension around the animal's neck over a larger contact friction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Tom Lalor
  • Patent number: 7230535
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting when an animal is in heat is provided. The apparatus includes a logic controller, a power source, a clock, an actuator, and a presentation interface such as an array of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) that records breeding behavior in animals and presents corresponding data in a manner that can readily be observed from a distance. The method includes, according to some embodiments, receiving a first stimulus, validating that the first stimulus was received incident to a first mating-behavior event, receiving a second stimulus incident to a second mating-behavior event; and storing the occurrence of the first stimulus along with a time indicator for future retrieval and display on a presentation interface, wherein the presentation interface includes an LED array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventors: William R. Jackson, III, James Timothy Jackson
  • Patent number: 7219627
    Abstract: A flexible electric bandage protector for use on a bandage or an animal. The protector comprising a flexible thin battery and a conductive layer disposed on one side of the battery. The conductive layer is in the form of two sets of conductive traces, the conductive traces not being conductively connected to each until touched by the mouth of the animal and wherein the battery has sufficient voltage to cause discomfort to the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Electronic Materials LLC
    Inventor: E. Ralph Egloff
  • Patent number: 7209043
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: James Austin Anderson, II
  • Patent number: 7185997
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating the area in front of a person without requiring the use of the person's hands, by suspending from the neck of the person a housing containing at least one LED light source emitting a light beam extending forwardly from the person, a battery power supply for the light source, and a switch connected between the light source and the power supply for energizing and de-energizing the light source. The housing is shaped to rest against the chest of the person so that the direction of the light beam remains substantially stable. The housing may be pivotable relative to a connector to permit the light beam from the light source to be directed forwardly from the person through a preselected range of angles both above and below a horizontal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Jacquelyn R. Simoni
  • Patent number: 7140327
    Abstract: A collar to which is mounted an illumination source and one or more insets. Each of one or more light-transferring fibers includes a first end coupled for receiving light from the illumination source, and a second end coupled for transmitting light to an inset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Inventor: Sondra Morehead
  • Patent number: 7098790
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Hisano
  • Patent number: 7021247
    Abstract: An apparatus for a collar 12 incorporating various decorative elements used to personalize the collar having means for mounting a behavioral modification apparatus 22 thereto. The collar 12 has at least one aperture 30 for the passage therethrough of the behavioral modification electrode(s) 26 along with means for releasably securing the behavioral apparatus whereby the user can vary or replace the collar. While the collar 12 is designed to incorporate a receptacle for known behavioral modification apparatuses 22, it can also be used for various other products without departing from the concept of providing a receptacle 14 for the placement therein of a behavioral modification apparatus, the receptacle forming an integral part of a strap 12 having one of a mating closure member 18 positioned on each distal end and a ring-like fastener 16 for mounting accessory elements usually associated with pets such as license, identification and contact information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventors: Eva Marie Seeno, Michael Goldfarb
  • Patent number: 7021244
    Abstract: Described is a pet-repellent device for correcting undesirable pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location by restraining a pet from approaching a predefined location of restriction, which corresponds to the particular location of issue. The location of restriction, for practical purposes, is defined by a mat. A receiver that is carried by a pet administers a deterrent to the pet when the pet approaches the mat. Because the predefined location of restriction is defined by a portable mat, the predefined location of restriction is easily relocated in accordance with changing undesired pet behaviors that are associated with a particular location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Randal D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 7008075
    Abstract: A dog flashlight illuminates the area in front of a dog in dark conditions, thereby eliminating the need for a dog owner to carry and direct a light source. The dog flashlight includes a housing containing at least one light source, a battery power supply for the light source, and a switch connected between the light source and the power supply for energizing and de-energizing the light source. When energized, the light source has sufficient brightness to illuminate the area in front of the dog so that the dog owner can observe the illuminated area for control purposes. One preferred embodiment includes an attachment device having a band carrying the housing and adapted to fit around the neck of the dog so that the housing is located in front of the chest of the dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Jacquelyn R. Simoni
  • Patent number: 6970090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Sciarra
  • Patent number: 6955138
    Abstract: A retractable leash assembly structured to facilitate quick connection of an animal to a lead which is interconnected at a proximal end to an activation assembly and to a quick connect coupling assembly at a distal end. The leash assembly includes a release structure disposed in a communicative relation with the coupling assembly structured to removably connect a collar, harness, or similar attachment assembly to the distal end of the lead. The activation assembly, upon actuation, transmits a signal to the release structure to dispose the components of the coupling assembly into a release orientation such that the components may be easily disconnected from one another. The activation assembly may also include a drive mechanism, a release control mechanism, and/or a lead aligning mechanism to improve a handler's control of an animal attached to the retractable leash assembly of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: DeBien Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Humberto DeBien
  • Patent number: 6925967
    Abstract: The illuminated retractable leash is an animal tethering device which uses electroluminescent wire and a DC to AC inverter to illuminate not only the extendable and retractable physical tether to the animal, but also to illuminate the leash housing. Electroluminescent wire wound on a rotating spool is supplied power by an inverter circuit powered by an on board battery. A transparent spool and an at least partially transparent housing provides the capability for illuminating the housing, as well as the electroluminescent wire leash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Michele L. Woodruff
  • Patent number: 6907844
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) for control or training of an animal includes a housing (2) supported by a strap against the animal's skin, first and second stimulus probes (5) connected to a surface (9) of the housing, and control circuitry in the housing including output terminals selectively producing aversive stimulus. A stabilizing member (7) is connected to a location of the surface (9) of the housing that is offset from a straight line between the first and second stimulus electrodes (5) so that conductive tips of the first and second stimulus electrodes and a tip of the stabilizing post define a triangle, whereby the conductive tips of the first and second stimulus electrodes and the tip of the stabilizing member are pressed against the skin of the animal and prevent rocking of the conductive tips of the first and second stimulus electrodes against the skin of the animal to reduce the occurrence and/or severity of skin sores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Crist, Timothy T. Duncan
  • Patent number: 6892678
    Abstract: A pet collar comprises a strip body, a protective piece, an integrated circuit control board, a printed circuit piece, and a housing. The protective piece is either pervious the light or capable of reflecting light emitted by a motor vehicle of the like. The protective piece is attached to the outer side of the strip body by sewing so as to form a pocket in which the printed circuit piece is contained. The printed circuit piece is provided with a plurality of LED bulbs and is connected to the integrated circuit control board which is fastened with the strip body in conjunction with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Pronix Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent Cheng
  • Patent number: 6877889
    Abstract: The invention related to a structure of luminous pet lead, comprising luminous collar and luminous lead, separately with multiple plastic optical fiber on outer layer and hollow tubule on inner layer, twisted into a long cable; one lamp box respectively connected to the both ends of the cable, and LED luminous source set in the box, LED light can shine through the cross section of plastic optical fiber; additionally, a battery holder set on the lamp box at one end, and battery holder power connected onto the lamp box at the other end through hollow tubule of twisting cable using electrical conductor so that single battery holder can enable LED at both ends of the cable luminous at the same time in order to enhance luminous brightness of plastic optical fiber, and enable pet collar or lead has lighting indication and decoration functions during night use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Baycom Opto-Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Tsung Peng, Wen-Chung Yen
  • Patent number: 6830014
    Abstract: An electronic animal collar designed to reduce the load applied to the animal's neck by one or more stimulating electrodes or sensors that extend from or through an inside surface of the collar housing into the skin of the animal during use, and to permit the collar to be securely fastened to the neck of the animal without risk of causing discomfort or damage to the skin of the animal due to pressure from the stimulating electrodes. The inside surface of the collar housing has one or more high point surfaces that are raised to extend the inside surface above the base of the stimulating electrodes or sensors toward the animal during use so as to increase contact between the inside surface and the animal's skin and to thereby relieve and distribute the load caused by collar tension around the animal's neck over a larger contact friction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: Tom Lalor
  • Patent number: 6827043
    Abstract: An insulated probe for delivering an effective shock stimulus to an animal regardless of the moisture content of an animal's fur. The insulated probe minimizes the likelihood of unwanted electrical shunting through the wet fur of the animal. The insulated probe includes a two-piece housing allowing for the length of the insulated probe to be easily varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Jameson, Steve Fleetwood
  • Patent number: 6782847
    Abstract: A system for non human animal-based surveillance including a non-human animal-borne, non-human animal noise sensor, and a non-human animal noise analyzer operative to receive sensed non-human animal noises, to determine at least partially therefrom whether an alarm situation exists and to provide an alarm indication output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: David Shemesh, Dan Forman
  • Patent number: 6769235
    Abstract: An animal training system adapted to be fitted on a quadruped for providing increased control over the quadruped by a trainer and instilling confidence in the quadruped. The harness includes a first shoulder strap having a first adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the shoulder strap across the shoulders of the quadruped and a buttock strap having a second adjustable retaining strap associated therewith for positioning the buttock strap across the buttocks of the quadruped, the shoulder strap and the buttock strap being adjustably connected and arranged to extend completely around the quadruped in a close-fitting fashion in order to exert pressure against the shoulders and the buttocks of the quadruped. The harness can include a number of sites for attaching shocking devices that when activated apply an electrical shock to the quadruped and thereby elicit a desired behavior from the quadruped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Barry D. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20040139928
    Abstract: An insulated probe for delivering an effective shock stimulus to an animal regardless of the moisture content of an animal's fur. The insulated probe minimizes the likelihood of unwanted electrical shunting through the wet fur of the animal. The insulated probe includes a two-piece housing allowing for the length of the insulated probe to be easily varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Jameson, Steve Fleetwood
  • Publication number: 20040000274
    Abstract: An animal training device utilizes high voltage pulses applied between spaced electrical conductors placed in close proximity to the skin of the animal to provide a stimulus useful in training the animal. The conductors are exposed and are substantially flat; and these spaced conductors may be placed side-by-side in a localized area, around the entire inner surface of a collar or strap on an animal's neck, or spaced on the body of the animal in different locations. Alternatively, the conductors may be located on the end of a livestock prod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chad James
  • Patent number: 6661344
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained identification system comprises a base, a removable lid operatively and sealingly engageable with the base, whereby the removable lid and the base cooperate to form a sealed enclosure when the removable lid is engaged with the base. A recording device has a record microphone and a record switch and the playback device has a speaker and a playback switch. The recording switch is manually actuated to record the message and a playback switch is actuated by the depression and the release of the playback button, such that the playback switch is automatically actuated by removal of the removable lid to playback the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Bowling
  • Patent number: 6651592
    Abstract: An automatic animal behavior trainer, including an animal collar with a behavior detector and a transmitter communicatively connected to the behavior detector and a reward dispenser separate from the animal collar, the reward dispenser including a first processor in wireless communication with the behavior detector by way of the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Innotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Maddox, Curtis C. McLay, Craig M. Spahr
  • Publication number: 20030205208
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the physiological condition, and/or suitability of animal feed, of ruminant animals, by: sensing actions of the animal indicating a ruminating activity; and accumulating the time of the ruminating activities over a predetermined time period to provide an indication of the physiological condition of the animal, and/or of desirable changes in its feed for maximizing milk production and/or for maintaining animal health. In one described preferred embodiment, the sensed actions of the animal are chewing actions produced by the animal while chewing animal feed according to a predetermined chewing rhythm indicating a ruminating activity as distinguished from an eating activity. In a second described embodiment, the sensed actions of the animal are regurgitations of a bolus from the animal's rumen to the animal's mouth sensed by a collar around the animal's neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventor: Avshalom Bar-Shalom
  • Patent number: 6568354
    Abstract: A pet identification tag with an electronic display which would display pet owner identification information when activated. Also, pertinent information for the pet can be displayed. The pet identification tag is small in size and readily mountable on an exterior structure, such as a dog or cat collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis J. Wasserman, Jeffrey J. Kolodziej
  • Publication number: 20030094145
    Abstract: A pet collar comprises a strip body, a protective piece, an integrated circuit control board, a printed circuit piece, and a housing. The protective piece is either pervious the light or capable of reflecting light emitted by a motor vehicle of the like. The protective piece is attached to the outer side of the strip body by sewing so as to form a pocket in which the printed circuit piece is contained. The printed circuit piece is provided with a plurality of LED bulbs and is connected to the integrated circuit control board which is fastened with the strip body in conjunction with the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Vincent Cheng
  • Patent number: 6557498
    Abstract: A pet collar forms a linearly elongated substrate spine upon which are mounted a series of illumination elements. A pair of electrical communication conductors provide for electrical communication among the illumination elements. A light sensor switch is in series between a power source and the illumination elements breaks the electrical circuit upon sensing of sufficient ambient light levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: David Allen Smierciak, Rochelle Ringer
  • Patent number: 6549133
    Abstract: A portable dog-training transmitter unit for controlling remote collar-mounted receiver/stimulus units includes first, second, and third switches for causing corresponding transmitted stimulus control signals to be recognized by corresponding first, second, or third receiver/stimulus units. A multiple-position switch sets the use of transmitted codes that control the amplitudes of stimulus signals produced by the recognizing receiver/stimulus unit. The transmitter unit is supported in a holster that is pivotally supported by a belt clip through the use of a pivot pin that is pivotally retained in a receiving slot of the belt clip. The transmitter unit includes a controller which polls the states of the various switches to produce a digital signal that is shaped by a buffer circuit, FM modulated, preamplified, and coupled by a simplified matching network to the input of a power amplifier. A single pi matching network is coupled to match an output of the power amplifier to an antenna of the transmitter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T Duncan, Timothy J. Crist, Kent D. Christensen
  • Patent number: RE39670
    Abstract: A system and method for making animals appear to talk is provided. The system includes a speaker mounted on an article (such as a collar) worn by the animal. A memory stores a plurality of pre-recorded messages. These pre-recorded messages may be generic phrases to be “spoken” by all types of animals or may be messages which are based on the characteristics of a particular animal. Using a selection circuit, a user is able to selectively output the pre-recorded messages from the memory to the speaker, thereby making the animal appear to talk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Plotkin