Electrical Element (e.g., Illuminator, Battery, Etc.) Patents (Class 119/859)
  • Patent number: 6536377
    Abstract: A system for detecting the relative inverted posture of an equine specimen. When such a posture, or positional attitude, of an equine specimen is greater than 90 degrees but less than 270 degrees as measured with respect to the rotation of the animal's body around the lateral axis—anterior to posterior—whereby the normal standing position of the animal is zero degrees, then a sensing switch will activate and transmit a corresponding radio frequency signal to a receiver at a remote location and sound an alarm to alert monitoring personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Donald Beaver
  • Publication number: 20020092480
    Abstract: This invention is a system for detecting the relative inverted posture of an equine mammal. When such a posture, or positional attitude, of an equine mammal is greater than 90+/− degrees but less than 270+/− degrees as measured with respect to the rotation of the animal's body around the lateral axis—anterior to posterior—whereby the normal standing position of the animal is zero degrees, then a sensing device will activate and emit a radio frequency signal to a receiver at a remote location and sound an alarm to alert monitoring personnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis Donald Beaver
  • Publication number: 20020066418
    Abstract: A combination visual and electronic animal identification tag is provided. The tag includes at least two separate but matching identification means or identifiers which ensures that integrity of the identification is maintained. The electronic identifier is preferably in the form of an electronic transponder which emits a unique identifying signal corresponding to the particular animal. The visual identification means or identifiers may include a bar code, a visual management number, a feed lot number, an electronic identification number and others. Each of these additional forms of identification also match the electronic identifier. The multiple and redundant identifiers provides greater identification system reliability, and further provides users additional options in creating, storing, and manipulating information for a particular tagged animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: D. Michael Fearing, George N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6394040
    Abstract: A lighted safety collar for pets includes an elongate strap and a plurality of light emitting units slidably attached to the strap. Each of the light emitting units includes a housing with a base and a lens formed of a rigid, translucent material. A light control circuit is provided having a battery, a low-power light source, and a switch for selectively operating the light source. A reflector provided within the housing enhances light output and reflects incoming light. Slidable attachment to the elongate strap is provided by a slider box attached to the housing that permits repositioning of the lights relative to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Wendy Axel
  • Patent number: 6374778
    Abstract: A pet collar and identification assembly for easily locating a pet which has broken away from the owner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Deirdre Glussich
  • Patent number: 6371055
    Abstract: A dog leash which incorporates a personal security device. The dog leash includes a handle with an ergonomically shaped body that is also padded to facilitate comfort of use. Disposed substantially inside a substantially watertight cavity defined by the handle is a personal security device. The personal security device includes an audible alarm, a battery, and an activation switch selectively operated by the user so as to activate the audible alarm. A hand loop is connected to one end of the body so that when a user's hand is inserted through the hand loop the user's hand may thereby grasp the ergonomically shaped body, and be proximately disposed with respect to the activation switch of the personal security device. A snap swivel is attached to the other end of the ergonomically shaped body, and a split ring depending from the snap swivel removably engages one end of a lead. The other end of the lead has a coupler for attaching the lead to a dog collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Marianne Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20020011219
    Abstract: A FASTEN DEVICE WITH EL which for alived animal to wear around anywhere of the body with proper power source to connect with circuit and switch to drive at least one EL elements which MAY selected from Organic EL or Conventional 3D-EL with Proper Ciurcuit to get pre-determined light effects, brightness, duration , functions to get illumination be visible under bad enviroment situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: TSENG-LU CHIEN
  • Patent number: 6332432
    Abstract: An animal-borne instrumentation system having an integrated tail assembly that reduces hydrodynamic drag while inducing positive buoyancy and providing increased useable space for instrumentation storage. The system comprises a submersible, pressure-resistant housing and means for harnessing the housing to an animal under study. The housing is designed to contain any combination of image and data-logging and/or transmission equipment useful for obtaining information about the animal or its habitat, as well as other gear necessary to support such equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: National Geographic Society
    Inventor: Gregory John Marshall
  • Patent number: 6329918
    Abstract: An electronic animal identification tag allows pet owners to select, program, and display information about the pet and its owner as a means for locating lost pets. Also, at programmable times, the tag can emit an audible signal to remind the pet's owner of events important to the pet and owner such as groomings, veterinarian appointments, feeding, or daily animal attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jerry L. Moyer
  • Patent number: 6283065
    Abstract: Collar stud that can be attached to an animal collar to function as a tag, collar lock, and/or electronic identification device. The stud includes a cap positionable adjacent an exterior of the collar and a base that is positionable adjacent an interior surface of the collar. A linkage interconnects the cap and base in a spaced apart fashion to allow a portion of the collar to be sandwiched between the interconnected cap and base. At least a portion of the linkage extends through an aperture of the collar portion and helps secure the stud to the collar portion. A transponder is preferably incorporated into the stud, wherein the transponder includes a memory storing retrievable information comprising an identification code. The code can be used to access a corresponding data record in a database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: BSL Investments III, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ernest Turner Shorrock, Barrs S. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6202599
    Abstract: A warning device for animals, the device including an inertial sensor responsive to a rapid movement in a predetermined direction of an animal to which the device is fitted, the sensor providing a control signal in response to the movement in the predetermined direction, a control circuit responsive to the control signal and an output device for receiving a warning signal from the circuit and providing an audible warning output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Hurse Adrian John Cutler
  • Patent number: 6191693
    Abstract: An animal deterrent system for protecting a specific area. The animal deterrent system includes an infrared detection system for determining when an animal enters the protected area and an electromagnetic field (EMF) generator for communicating with a stimulus delivery system disposed on a collar worn by the pet. The stimulus delivery system produces a non-lethal electrostatic shock which encourages the pet to leave the protected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Rungwit Sangsingkeow
  • Patent number: 6178923
    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: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Plotkin
  • Patent number: 6170439
    Abstract: An animal is trained using a remote transmitter and a collar-mounted receiver carried by the animal by selecting one of a plurality of desired stimulus levels by a stimulus level control of the transmitter. Information representative of the selected desired stimulus level is transmitted to the receiver and demodulated to produce a digital signal representative of the selected stimulus level. A microprocessor in the receiver operates to generate as an output a first stream of pulses of constant duration at a frequency representative of the selected stimulus level. The first stream of output pulses is filtered to produce a second stream of pulses the widths of which are representative of the selected stimulus level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Duncan, Steven R. Fister, Rodney J. Morris, Robert D. Rozanski
  • Patent number: 6167843
    Abstract: A remote animal training system is described which allows training signals to be sent from a trainer's remote transmitter to a receiver attached to the animal. The trainer may send a short shock, a continuous shock or a vibration signal or a combination of these signals to the animal by selecting the signal mode desired. The unique receiving antenna is an insulated wire antenna woven into the fabric of the attaching collar which protects the antenna from damage from the elements or physical abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: J. S. Kim
  • Patent number: 6119633
    Abstract: A dog muzzle or similar device attachable to a dog, and having attached thereto an accessory pod which can comprise or include a remotely actuable stun gun. The device further includes a quick release unit which allows the muzzle and stun gun to be released from the dog, and the quick release unit also is remotely controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Stunmuzzle, LLC.
    Inventors: E. William Berke, Nicholas Vertucci, Gary B. Erwin
  • Patent number: 6116192
    Abstract: A piezoelectric shocking device for training an animal to alter or avoid particular behaviors such as pulling on a leash, pressing against a fence, or in the instance of a horse, cribbing or wind sucking. The device includes an inner housing for receiving internal components, and an outer housing for receiving the inner housing. The inner housing is nested within the outer housing in a sliding fashion. The internal working components of the device include a piezoelectric ceramic crystal which, when struck with sufficient force, generates an electrical pulse. In order to capture this electrical pulse, electrical contacts are positioned on either end of the crystal and in direct contact therewith such that a force exerted on either electrical contact is transferred directly to the crystal. A hammer is provided for striking the first electrical contact with the force required to generate an electrical pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: J. Dustin Hultine, Terry Clark
  • Patent number: 6085698
    Abstract: Articles of apparel and dog leashes for improved visibility of their user in darkened conditions. The articles of apparel and dog leashes are constructed to include an electroluminescent fiber which will render the user of the article of apparel or dog leash visible to others, particularly drivers of automobiles, without the need to have any light shown upon them, greatly reducing the risk of injury. The articles of apparel contemplated by the invention include belts, vests, suspenders and other apparel to be worn in an external location where they are visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Andrei Klein
  • Patent number: 6079367
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for training an animal and confining the animal to a defined area includes a magnetically actuated switch. The apparatus further includes a housing removably attached to the animal and a transducer mounted to the housing for delivering a stimulus to the animal. The magnetically actuated switch is disposed within the housing and is coupled to the transducer. The magnetically actuated switch is used for controlling at least one of a type of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, a rate of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal, and an intensity of stimulus delivered by the transducer to the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: DogWatch, Inc.
    Inventors: Norval D. Stapelfeld, Cortland G. Sandberg
  • Patent number: 6067018
    Abstract: The lost pet notification system includes three elements: a pet collar that automatically activates an alarm once the pet becomes lost, a portable hand held unit that continually monitors the location of the pet, and a base station that automatically transmits a signal to the owner once the portable unit determines that the pet is lost. The pet collar continually receives a polling signal from the portable unit while the pet is within transmission range of the portable unit. In response to each polling signal, the pet collar transmits a reply signal to the portable unit. Once the polling signal can no longer be detected by the pet collar, the pet collar automatically activates an alarm. In addition, the portable unit activates an alarm and also transmits a notification signal to the base station. Once the notification signal is received, a the base station automatically places a telephone call to the predetermined telephone number and plays the associated message to alert the pet owner that the pet is lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Joan M. Skelton
    Inventors: Joan M. Skelton, Kenneth E. Myers
  • Patent number: 6058889
    Abstract: A combined animal confinement and bark inhibitor system includes a confinement circuit which receives a confinement transmitter signal and outputs a confinement control signal, a sensor which detects the vibration of an animal's vocal cords and outputs a sensor control signal in response to that vibration, a stimulation device which provides a stimulus to the animal, and a controller associated with the confinement circuit, sensor, and the stimulation device, to selectively enable the stimulation device in response to a confinement control signal, a sensor control signal, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Innotek Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Van Curen, Michael D. Westrick
  • Patent number: 6055942
    Abstract: An illuminated animal collar including a base strip adapted for being removably attached to a neck of an animal such as a dog. A battery is coupled to the base strip and a plurality of lights are mounted along the base strip and adapted to illuminate upon the actuation thereof. A flasher is connected between the battery and the lights for intermittently actuating the lights upon the receipt of power from the battery, thereby rendering the animal more visible in the absence of ambient light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventors: Joseph Romanak, Margaret Romanak
  • Patent number: 6050225
    Abstract: A novel apparatus for reliably and selectively releasing a data acquisition package from an animal for recovery. The data package comprises two parts: 1) an animal data acquisition device and 2) a co-located release apparatus. One embodiment, which is useful for land animals, the release apparatus includes two major components: 1) an electronics package, comprising a receiver; a decoder comparator, having at plurality of individually selectable codes; and an actuator circuit and 2) a release device, which can be a mechanical device, which acts to release the data package from the animal. To release a data package from a particular animal, a radio transmitter sends a coded signal which is decoded to determine if the code is valid for that animal data package. Having received a valid code, the release device is activated to release the data package from the animal for subsequent recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: James Frederick Stamps
  • Patent number: 6003474
    Abstract: A leash training device includes a leash cord (3) and a stimulus collar (4,6) coupled to an end of the leash cord. The stimulus collar includes a strap (4) adapted to fit around the neck of an animal to be trained or controlled, and an electrical stimulus unit (6) supported by the strap. The electrical stimulus unit (6) includes a stimulus circuit (16). A transformer (17) coupled between the stimulus circuit (16) and a pair of electrodes (5) for contacting skin of the animal. A measurement device (101) is coupled to the leash cord to measure tension in the leash cord and produce a control signal (106) when the tension exceeds a predetermined threshold. The stimulus circuit (16) produces a drive signal in response to the control signal and applies the drive signal to a primary winding of the transformer (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Slater, Ralph L. Pelton, Timothy T. Duncan, Robert D. Rozanski
  • Patent number: 6003473
    Abstract: A pet identification and retrieval device is disclosed, designed to provide information regarding lost pets to individuals who find the pet, and is of compact design, consisting of a front half enclosure and rear half enclosure. The front half enclosure contains a play switch, a speaker opening and a low battery indicator. The rear half enclosure contains a recessed recording switch, a permanent identification plate, and an easy to open and close fastening means. The device is connected to a pet's collar via a swivel link or is held stationary against the collar by other fastening means. A message is recorded using solid state digital recording and playback technology, which permits a 30-second message to be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Robert L. Printz
  • Patent number: 5967095
    Abstract: An illuminated pet leash is provided which includes an elongated strap having at least one side, a first end adapted for connection to a collar, and a second end forming a handle. A relatively flat and flexible light source is provided along one side of the strap for illuminating the leash. The light source is operated by a power source attached to the strap. The light source may be either permanently or releasably attached to the strap. In another embodiment, the elongated leash strap has first and second sides, and two light sources extend along both sides. In yet another embodiment, the elongated strap is round in cross-section, and the light source spirals around the circumference of the strap for the extent of the leash. In another embodiment, the illuminated pet leash includes an elongated strap having at least one side, and first and second ends. One end of the strap is attached to a handle having a grip portion and a housing portion with first and second sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Greves
  • Patent number: 5957093
    Abstract: A piezoelectric dog trainer is a small enclosed shell containing a piezoelectric element with a push button attached to a slidable loop. The opposite end of the loop extending outside of the shell is attached to a dog's collar where two electrodes leading from the piezoelectric element are attached. On the back end of the trainer there is attached a leash. When the dog pulls on the leash or the leash is tightened, a shock is generated on the dog's neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Daniel M. Balaun
  • Patent number: 5950571
    Abstract: An illuminable dog, cat or other tethered animal leash and animal collar which contains a series of lights, such as but not limited to light emitting diodes, which series is externally mounted of the collar or leash, with spacing between each member thereof. The lights are electrically connected to wiring that is disposed within a recess(es) of the substrates used for the device. The wiring may be covered by an extra insulator and a sealant may be employed to close the gap along the junction of the two layers that are joined together with the wiring inside thereof. The mode of construction for both the leash and collar are the same. The series of lights may all be the same or a pair of colored lights or even multi-colored ones may be employed. These lights may be manually actuated or turned on via a daylight sensor. The bulbs may run constantly, though blinking is preferred, to limit heat buildup and enhance visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Doc L. Schade
  • Patent number: 5952925
    Abstract: A collar for wearing by a cat and for warning a bird of the presence of the cat that includes a strap for wearing around the neck of the cat, and an electric device disposed on the strap. An electronic circuit of the electric device includes first, second, third, and fourth pairs of dip switches, a speaker, a volume control in electrical communication with the speaker, a frequency generator in electrical communication with the volume control through an electronic switch and the first pair of dip switches. The first pair of dip switches adjust the frequency of the carrier wave generated by the frequency generator. The electronic circuit further includes a microprocessor that processes input from the second, third, and fourth pairs of dip switches and is in electrical communication with the electronic switch, and the second, third, and fourth pairs of dip switches. The electronic circuit further includes a light level detector in electrical communication with the microprocessor through a light detector switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Gordon P. Secker
  • Patent number: 5934225
    Abstract: A method and system for coupling electrical components to protective coated, wire embedded flexible members which utilizes electrical connectors that displace a portion of the protective coating when making contact with the underlying wires. The wire embedded flexible members include a central web. A plurality of wires are positioned within the central web. Electrical connectors effect electrical contact with the embedded wires by displacing the protective coating by melting the same and/or by being driven through the protective coating and underlying web. Single pin-type and/or U-shaped pin-type, and/or bifurcated electrical connectors can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Innotek Pet Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5911199
    Abstract: An animal training device comprises a housing which is designed to be attached to an animal collar at a point on the collar diametrically opposite the point where a leash may be attached. The housing has a rear face, adjacent the neck of an animal when it is worn on the collar of such animal, and a front face. At least one pair of electrodes extends from the rear face of the housing; and a pressure sensitive transducer is located on the front face of the housing for engagement by the collar. An electronic circuit is located in the housing; and it is coupled between the pressure sensitive transducer and the electrodes to provide electrical stimulus pulses of varying intensity across the electrodes in response to changes on the pressure sensitive transducer, once the pressure crosses a pre-established threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Eltrex 4, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Farkas, Chad R. James, Eric H. Stapp
  • Patent number: 5870973
    Abstract: A transmitter for an electronic animal control system of the type employing a boundary wire antenna for radiating a predetermined radio frequency signal, is provided with phase detection circuitry for detecting a phase difference between the applied radio frequency signal and the electrical current within the antenna. Phase control circuitry is provided for adjusting the phase of the voltage with respect to the current in response to detecting a phase difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Invisible Fence Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott F. Touchton, Donald L. Peinetti
  • Patent number: 5868103
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an animal wherein the animal receives a control stimulus of the release of a substance having an adverse effect upon the animal as a corrective measure. The apparatus includes a transmitter for producing a transmitted field, and a releasable collar for attaching to the neck of the animal. The collar includes a receiver for receiving the transmitted field and for producing a received signal, a control circuit for determining when the received signal indicates that the animal requires a corrective measure and for producing a control signal, a container for containing the substance having an adverse effect upon the animal, and a mechanism for releasing the substance from the container into the presence of the animal upon the production of the control signal by the control circuit. In use, the transmitter is set to produce the transmitted field and the collar is attached to the neck of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Randal D. Boyd
  • Patent number: 5857434
    Abstract: A device for transmitting data from a movable unit such from a domestic animal contains a conventional passive transponder unit (1) which is coupled to an antenna (3). The transponder (1) comprises means (23) for storing electrical energy comprised in electrical voltage pulses received on the antenna (3) and can by means of the stored energy transmit on the antenna (3) pulse sequences carrying information such as identification data for the device. Further, in the device a permanent electrical current source such as a lithium battery (9) is provided, which powers a processor (7). The processor (7) receives signals from a motion sensor (15) and is coupled to a transmitter (11) having an antenna (13) and can activate the transmitter (11) for transmitting radio signals having a good range, when the motion detector (15) signals an increased activity, such as for a non-milking cow during the estrus period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Agri AB
    Inventor: Lars Andersson
  • Patent number: 5799618
    Abstract: A combined animal confinement and bark inhibitor system includes a confinement circuit which receives a confinement transmitter signal and outputs a confinement control signal, a sensor which detects the vibration of an animal's vocal cords and outputs a sensor control signal in response to that vibration, a stimulation device which provides a stimulus to the animal, and a controller associated with the confinement circuit, sensor, and the stimulation device, to selectively enable the stimulation device in response to a confinement control signal, a sensor control signal, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Innotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Van Curen, Michael D. Westrick
  • Patent number: 5775970
    Abstract: A toy leash with an adjustable harness, electronic sound and a light is attachable to one of a number of toy animals. Sound emanating from the toy leash and adjustable harness combination appears to be coming from the attached animal. Buckles and/or hook and loop fasteners are provided for adjustment of the harness. A flashlight is removably carried by the forward end of the leash. In an alternative embodiment, a section of the leash between the harness and the handle is telescopically adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Daniel J. Klees, Terri Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5630382
    Abstract: An illuminated pet harness comprises the use of a neck and body collar strap structure arranged for securement about an animal's neck and torso region respectively, having a connecting web extending between the neck and collar straps. If desired, alternatively only a neck collar strap may be employed by the invention as opposed to a full body harness as indicated. The straps include securement top and bottom layers secured at their side portions to define a cavity therethrough, having a fiber optic core, with the fiber optic core directed to at least one battery housing, such that at least one illumination bulb within the battery housing directs illumination onto the fiber optic core that in turn projects illumination through a plurality of lenses directed through a top layer web of each of the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventors: Annette M. Barbera, Charlene H. Brannon
  • Patent number: 5535106
    Abstract: An animal collar includes an elongate strap and electrical light emitting and reflecting devices individually attached to the strap at spaced intervals therealong. Each of the light emitting and reflecting devices includes a housing with a base and a cover formed of a translucent, light reflective material and attachable to the base to enclose an interior containing a light emitting diode, electric conductors, a battery and a switch to operate the light emitting diode between and on and off condition. Threaded attachment members removably secure each of the light emitting and reflecting devices to an upper surface of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Amy J. Tangen
  • Patent number: 5515033
    Abstract: A lost pet retrieval collar receives a coded radio signal and activates a puncturing device to release gas from a pressurized canister to inflate a balloon creating a visual alarm that the pet is lost. The pet collar also contains information necessary to enable a passerby to contact the pet owner. In one embodiment, the puncturing device utilizes a spring loaded pin; in a second embodiment, the puncturing device utilizes a solenoid valve; in a third embodiment, a laser is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: Ralph Matarazzo
  • Patent number: 5471954
    Abstract: A resistive electrode structure for an electronic stimulus collar includes a base attached to a connecting element of the electronic stimulus collar. An electrode of the resistive electrode structure includes a tip adapted to supply electrical stimulus to the skin of an animal. A resistive material is electrically connected between a conductor for electrical connection to an output of the electronic stimulus collar and the electrode. An insulative housing encloses the resistive material and supports the electrode and the conductor. Various such resistive electrode structures having various resistances can be interchangeably connected to the electronic stimulus collar to vary the level of stimulus applied to the skin of the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald J. Gonda, Gregory J. Farkas
  • Patent number: 5460126
    Abstract: A radio transport harness having a plurality of torso straps and the torso straps including spaced first and second shoulder straps to secure the first and second torso straps together, with a rod assembly extending from the first strap to the second strap and extending further beyond the second strap terminating in a support base, wherein the rod assembly includes a plurality of pivot joints interconnecting portions of the rod assembly permitting articulation of the rod assembly, wherein the support base includes a cushion layer top wall and a plurality of strap members to secure a radio assembly onto the cushion layer top wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Peter T. Szelewski
  • Patent number: 5370082
    Abstract: The illuminated animal collar includes a plurality of illuminating means along the surface of the collar. A switch is included, along with rechargeable power means. A plurality of solar cells are included to periodically recharge the rechargeable power means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignees: Charles Mockler, Terry Patterson
    Inventor: William D. Wade
  • Patent number: 5349926
    Abstract: An animal confinement system comprising an emitter for transmitting coded near infrared energy, a receiver carried by an animal to be contained for receiving the transmitted coded near infrared energy, including an infrared receiving diode and, a comparator for conditioning the output of the infrared receiving diode. A predetermined threshold is established for the comparator which will cause the output of the comparator to go low when the output of the infrared receiving diode is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Industrial Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. McCarney, Frank A. Calabrese, Kenneth B. Shockey
  • Patent number: 5320067
    Abstract: An individual animal identification system in a station includes a structure forming a passage way in which the animal, whose neck is furnished with an identification collar, engages its head, spreading metallic bars affixed on articulated flaps on the structure of the station. The collar worn by each animal is in the form of a V with a large base radius. The collar includes two identical parts, each formed from a metallic tube, protected against corrosion or made of stainless steel, whose top extremity has a passage hole for a cord permitting the easy attachment of the collar to the animal's neck. The bottom extremity of the two identical parts of the collar is either pressed or held on a tube made on a semi-rigid plastic material. An electronic identification circuit for storage of a specific identification number is disposed in the plastic tube. In operation, the collar closes a presence detection electrical circuit when it comes in contact with the metallic bars affixed to the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Michel Legrain
    Inventor: Michel Legrain
  • Patent number: 5241923
    Abstract: The whereabouts of a pet or other animal are controlled using one or more transponders to established a boundary. The transponders receive an incident signal from a transmitter and generate a distinguishable return signal which, when the animal moves into proximity of the boundary, is received by a unit affixed to the animal to initiate application of an aversive stimulus which deters the animal from traversing the boundary. The transponders can be active or passive and can be located to establish either fixed or mobile boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Pole/Zero Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene A. Janning