Abstract: A cord having two electrodes for generating a shark-repelling electromagnetic field about a user. The cord is connected to a field generator supported by the user, and in use, maintains contact with surrounding water, even if the user is out of the water.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

Abstract: An animal behavior modification apparatus including a stimulation device for applying a stimulation having a current stimulation level associated with one of a plurality of stimulation levels including a minimum level. The stimulation device including control logic for applying a stimulation, based upon the steps of increasing the current stimulation level; applying a stimulation corresponding to the current stimulation level; determining the behavior of the animal until compliant behavior is obtained; and reducing the current stimulation level between the current stimulation level and the minimum level dependant upon the determining step.

Abstract: A computer-aided training and management system that uses a computer or other processor in wireless communication with an instrumented dog collar and/or optionally, one or more dog interaction devices, such as, for example, video monitors, loudspeakers, video cameras, training toys (e.g., ball, bone, moving toy, etc.), an animatronics “trainer,” a treat dispenser, a food dispensing and monitoring device, a water dispensing and monitoring device, tracking devices, a dog door, dog-monitoring doghouse, a dog-monitoring dog toilet, is described. In one embodiment, the instrumented dog collar is in two-way communication with a central computer system.

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.

Abstract: A portable animal containment device for confining an animal to a defined area. The portable animal containment device includes a flat and a correction unit. The flat is adapted to be portable and defines the area within which an animal is confined. The flat has an associated presence detector for detecting whether the animal is occupying the flat. When the presence detector indicates that the animal is not occupying the flat, a signal is transmitted to the correction unit by way of wireless communication. The correction unit is carried by the animal and administers a stimulus to the animal when the correction unit receives the signal from the transmitter. Consequently, when the animal moves beyond the boundary defined by the flat, it receives a stimulus, which encourages the animal to remain in the flat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high voltage pulse generator used for deterring animals where the high voltage pulses are delivered to the animal through an electrical conductor that lays directly on the ground and is not insulated from the underlying ground system. The invention's high voltage pulse generator has a predetermined output impedance that is significantly lower than the impedance of an animal that may contact either the device's output or a conductor laying on the ground that is connected to the devices output. The invention's high voltage pulse generator also has a predetermined output impedance that is lower than the impedance of extremely long conductors in contact with the underlying ground system. This significantly low output impedance allows the device to deliver maximum output energy to the conductor in contact with the underlying ground system while maintaining high voltage and adequate energy levels to deliver an effective shock for deterring animals.

Abstract: An electronic fence transmitter for self-adjusting the receiving distance is comprised of a fence wire buried in a yard, a voltage detector that is connected in series to the fence wire and a comparator for comparing the detected voltage of the voltage detector with a reference voltage. A voltage applied to the fence wire is automatically adjusted according to a signal inputted from the comparator and increasing gradually until a value of the detected voltage is larger than the value of the reference voltage. Accordingly, a distance for receiving the signal from the fence wire is set as constant without regard to an installation length or area of fence wire.

Abstract: An apparatus for an animal training device including audible and electrical stimulation. A transmitting unit provides control signals to a receiving unit, which includes a receiver, a processor, and a switch connected to a transformer and electrodes. The processor provides signals that result in varying voltages that produce electrical pulses of varying voltage levels, which are applied at the electrodes and provide electrical stimulation of an animal for training.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in partially or fully immobilizing animals such as cattle, sheep and the like. The device includes a probe for insertion in the anal canal of the animal the probe comprising a pair of spaced electrodes connected by way of electrical conductors to a power source. The power source providing a pulsed electrical current having a voltage of between 2 and 10 Volts and a frequency of between 20 and 50 Hz to the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit capable of being positioned in a variety of wireless projectile and of delivering a series of pulsed electric discharges in two wave frequencies so as to stun and disable a target individual. The projectiles are adapted to be discharged from a different types of devices and powered by explosive, pneumatic, or manual means. At least one mode includes the ability to deliver a stunning physical blow in addition to the electric shock. The device is sub-lethal, but totally disabling in effects on a target individual.

Abstract: An apparatus for an animal training device including audible and electrical stimulation. A transmitting unit provides control signals to a receiving unit, which includes a receiver, a processor, and a switch connected to a transformer and electrodes. The processor provides signals of that vary the current that produces electrical pulses of varying voltage levels, which are applied at the electrodes and provide electrical stimulation of an animal for training.

Abstract: An animal control apparatus (10) with a collar based receiver (20) wirelessly linked to a stimulator (110) attached to the animal's ear. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver broadly comprises a GPS component (30); a wireless transmitter (40); a receiver processor (50); a power supply 60; and an attachment mechanism (80). The stimulator (110) broadly comprises a wireless receiver (120); a stimulation circuit (130); a stimulator processor (150); a stimulator power supply 160; and a stimulator attachment mechanism (180). The apparatus (10) is adapted to monitor an animal's location and deliver a corrective stimulus to the animal if the animal enters a restricted location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high voltage pulse generator used for deterring animals where the high voltage pulses are delivered to the animal through an electrical conductor that lays directly on the ground and is not insulated from the underlying ground system. The invention's high voltage pulse generator has a predetermined output impedance that is significantly lower than the impedance of an animal that may contact either the device's output or a conductor laying on the ground that is connected to the devices output. The invention's high voltage pulse generator also has a predetermined output impedance that is lower than the impedance of the conductor in contact with the underlying ground system. This significantly low output impedance allows the device to deliver maximum output energy to the conductor in contact with the underlying ground system while maintaining high voltage and adequate energy levels to deliver an effective shock for deterring animals.

Abstract: A dog bark limiter includes a housing (2) supported against the dog's skin by a strap, stimulus electrodes (5), and a sensor (6) for producing signals in response to vocalizing by the dog. The sensor includes a membrane (6) supported by the surface (9) for efficiently transmitting sound energy through the housing and a rigid nipple (11) engaging the membrane. Control circuitry in the housing has an input coupled to an output of the transducer and output terminals coupled to produce aversive stimulus signals between the first and second electrodes in response to the signals produced in response valid barking by the dog. A motion detector (40) produces a motion detection signal in response to a characteristic movement of the portion of dog that accompanies barking by the dog and aids in detecting a valid bark.

Abstract: An animal control system generates an on-off correction stimulus using a small transformer and rectifies the high voltage output to give an unfiltered unipolar voltage applied to electrodes as a correction stimulus. A small, efficient power isolation system. A programming signal can be applied to the electrodes to affect control parameters of the control system.

Abstract: A pet communication apparatus for allowing a user to communicate with a pet. The pet communication apparatus includes a housing member being designed for being selectively positioned on a support surface. A processing assembly is positioned in the housing member. The processing assembly is designed for being operationally coupled to a telephone jack whereby the processing assembly is operationally coupled to a telephone company. A speaker member is operationally coupled to the processing assembly whereby the speaker member is designed for audibly reproducing audio spoken by the user calling the pet. The speaker member is coupled to the housing member whereby the speaker member is designed for audibly reproducing sounds to be heard by the pet.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in partially or fully immobilizing animals such as cattle, sheep and the like. The device includes a probe for insertion in the anal canal of the animal the probe comprising a pair of spaced electrodes connected by way of electrical conductors to a power source. The power source providing a pulsed electrical current having a voltage of between 2 and 10 Volts and a frequency of between 20 and 50 Hz to the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit capable of being positioned in a variety of wireless projectile and of delivering a series of pulsed electric discharges in two wave frequencies so as to stun and disable a target individual. The projectiles are adapted to be discharged from a different types of devices and powered by explosive, pneumatic, or manual means. At least one mode includes the ability to deliver a stunning physical blow in addition to the electric shock. The device is sub-lethal, but totally disabling in effects on a target individual.

Abstract: An electric shock gun includes a barrel and a trigger which controls a firing device received in a rear end of the gun. The firing device includes an electric power source and a charging device. At least one electrode bullet in the barrel and has two spines on a first end thereof and a conductive block on a second end and the firing device is electrically connected to the conductive block. The at least one electrode bullet includes a capacitor which is charged within a short period of time and connected to the spines and the conductive block. The electrode bullet goes out from the barrel by pulling the trigger.

Abstract: The pet training device comprises a handheld wireless command module, a wireless receiver module connected to an adjustable collar assembly. The wireless command module is used to select a stimulation mode, stimulation duration, and a stimulation intensity level through the used of one-touch digital switches located on the device front panel. The selected functions are displayed on a LCD. The stimulation commands are transmitted to the wireless receiver module where they are demodulated into control signals that trigger a shock, a vibration, or both. When the wireless receiver is placed in the no-bark mode, the wireless receiver module will generate a shock when triggered by a bark sensor. Power controllers built into both the wireless command module and wireless receiver module optimizes battery life by turning the devices off after a period of inactivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.

Abstract: An animal communication device is provided which is designed to solicit animal responses based on at least two of the five major senses. The device includes a module having associated therewith a plurality of physically perceivable attributes related to the senses. The animal activates the device by depressing a housing cover which activates a switch. Alternatively, a motion detector is used to detect the presence of the animal. In both instances, a record/playback device is activated so that a pre-recorded message which corresponds to the physically perceivable attributes of the module is then played back.

Abstract: A system and method for freeing a pet from a portable holding cage. A portable holding cage is provided with a door that can be locked in a closed position by an electromechanical locking mechanism. The operation of the electromechanical locking mechanism is controlled by a systems controller. The systems controller monitors alarm signals transmitted to it from a remote smoke detector. The transmitted alarm signals can be audible alarm signals, radio alarm signals or optical alarm signals. Once the alarm signal is received and identified by the systems controller, the systems controller activates the electromechanical locking mechanism and opens the door to the holding cage.

Abstract: An electronic containment system using positional satellites is provided for controlling the movement of animals relative to a selected confinement area. A portable programming transceiver is used to program the boundary of a selected confinement area as the device is moved along such boundary. A programmable collar transceiver worn by the animal provides GPS signals from the satellite to a remotely located control station. The control station tracks the movement of the animal relative to the boundary. If the animal crosses the boundary, the station transmits a stimulus activation signal to the collar so that a corrective stimulus may be produced for the animal. Tracking and containment of objects are accomplished by providing GPS-defined, user-programmable containment areas.

Abstract: An animal control system and method generates an on-off correction stimulus using a small transformer and rectifies the high voltage output to give an unfiltered unipolar voltage applied to electrodes as a correction stimulus. A small, efficient power isolation system is disclosed. An omnidirectional antenna is disclosed that reduces authentication time.

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.

Abstract: A shark repellent system for repelling sharks away from an individual during a water activity. The shark repellent system includes a band member and a transmitter unit attached to the band member that transmits underwater sound waves at a frequency undesirable to sharks. The band member is preferably comprised of an elastic material for snugly fitting about an ankle or wrist of an individual. The transmitter preferably includes a control knob connected to a frequency generator for allowing manipulation of the frequency of the sound waves generated by the transmitter unit underwater.

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.

Abstract: A method for identifying and tracking a plurality of individual animals includes the initial step of a manufacturer creating a plurality of EIDs, each ID having a unique number. A livestock producer requests a plurality of EIDs from the manufacturer, and the manufacturer forwards the numbers of the EIDs shipped to the producer, along with identification data for that producer, to essential data warehouse. The warehouse creates a prerecord in a central data base from the EID number and identification data for the producer, and communicates with the producer to permit access to the prerecords for that producer. The producer will collect data relative to each animal and input the data into a computer having the downloaded prerecords from the central data warehouse.

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.

Abstract: This electric fence comprises at least one electrically conducting metal wire (1) with good mechanical properties, associated with a support, and further incorporates at least one other electrically conducting wire (4) with good electrical conductivity, sheathed with an insulating material (5) over its entire length except for zones distributed at more or less regular intervals where the said conducting wire (4) is in direct or indirect contact with the said conducting metal wire or wires (1) with good mechanical properties.

Abstract: A system and method for freeing a pet from a portable holding cage. A portable holding cage is provided with a door that can be locked in a closed position by an electromechanical locking mechanism. The operation of the electromechanical locking mechanism is controlled by a systems controller. The systems controller monitors alarm signals transmitted to it from a remote smoke detector. The transmitted alarm signals can be audible alarm signals, radio alarm signals or optical alarm signals. Once the alarm signal is received and identified by the systems controller, the systems controller activates the electromechanical locking mechanism and opens the door to the holding cage.

Abstract: A battery operated hand held device for use in handling or controlling livestock, particularly cattle, swine, sheep and horses. This invention provides a novel alternative to conventional electric livestock prods, which deliver an electric shock to the animal. While operating on the principle of external stimulus to invoke a flight response, this invention relies on vibration and/or sound rather than painful electric shock. This unique mode of action satisfies the needs in the livestock industry for low stress handling equipment and techniques with the welfare of the animal as a priority.

Abstract: An anti-cribbing device for breaking a horse of cribbing behavior. The device has a member upon which a horse can crib and a circuit including a sensor for detecting when the member is cribbed upon by a horse and a generator which receives the signal from the sensor and in response to the signal applies a shock therapy to the horse. The shock therapy is in the form of an adverse stimuli such as an electrical shock, vibration, noise, light, smell or the like.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle for use in a stable such as a cowshed or for use in a meadow or for use in both which is provided with detection components for determining the health and behavior of the animals in the stable or meadow. The detection components comprise an animal identification system including a radar and an infrared camera. The animals are fitted with identifying reflectors. The vehicle also has a herd control element for herding animals and for segregating one or more of the animals from other animals in the herd. Also the vehicle includes an extendible disinfecting member for disinfecting at least portions of the stable as well as parts of animals in the stable or meadow. An alarm is provided on the vehicle for alerting an operator that an animal is ill or acting abnormally. The vehicle also carries a mechanism to analyze manure on the stable floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the barking of dogs in a group setting, or group bark control apparatus, and method for use. The group bark control apparatus detects the barking of the host dog and applies an appropriate correction to the host dog while also broadcasting a desired correction signal to other group bark control apparatuses within range. Upon receipt of the correction signal, the receiving group bark control apparatuses apply the appropriate correction stimulus to their respective dogs, including those which are not currently barking. By preemptively correcting the non-barking dogs in response to the barking of other dogs, the phenomenon known as group barking is hereby avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confining animals or livestock and preventing their traverse through a gate. Mats are provided having an insulated substrate holding an electrically conductive medium embedded therein. A power source supplies electrical current to the conductive medium. When the power source is activated, the mats may convey a shock to an animal. The mats are located in a gate passage so as to enable normal operation of the gate while preventing the traverse of livestock or animals within the gated area.

Abstract: An animal control device directs a pressure pulse wave to an animal as a negative stimulus to deter undesired behavior. The animal control device includes a collar worn by an animal with a pressure pulse generator probe in contact with the animal's skin. The pressure pulse wave applied may be adjustable commensurate with the severity of undesired behavior. In one embodiment, the animal control device contains a remote transmitter for a trainer to administer a pressure pulse manually and at a desired intensity. In an alternate embodiment, the animal control device may contain a bark sensor to administer a pressure pulse when the animal produces undesirable barking. Alternatively, the animal control device may contain a sensor for directing a pressure pulse if an animal strays from a desired confined location.

Abstract: An electronic containment system using positional satellites is provided for controlling the movement of animals relative to a selected confinement area. A portable programming transceiver is used to program the boundary of a selected confinement area as the device is moved along such boundary. A programmable collar transceiver worn by the animal provides GPS signals from the satellite to a remotely located control station. The control station tracks the movement of the animal relative to the boundary. If the animal crosses the boundary, the station transmits a stimulus activation signal to the collar so that a corrective stimulus may be produced for the animal. Tracking and containment of objects are accomplished by providing GPS-defined, user-programmable containment areas.

Abstract: An external stimuli is provided that alerts animals to danger and/or repels the animals from certain areas. More specifically, the system and method of the present invention uses an external stimuli, such as, for example, pulsing microwaves, vibration or supersonic sound waves, in order to alert birds or other animals of danger and/or repel these same birds or animals from specific areas. These produced external stimuli may provide a reversible unpleasant sensation to the birds and other animals so that they will not only be repelled from a specific area, such as an airport, but also will avoid returning to such area. One such unpleasant sensation that is virtually harmless to the birds and other animals is the sensation of dizziness.

Abstract: A Global Positioning Satellite (“GPS”)-based restraint system includes a GPS receiver/transmitter for receiving GPS timing signals, a mapping algorithm, a comparator, and a base station receiver. The receiver/transmitter includes a microprocessor for calculating and storing a waypoint. The mapping algorithm calculates a mapped programmed confinement area from a plurality of waypoints obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area, and the comparator provides an output comparing the present position of the receiver/transmitter with the programmed confinement area. The comparator output is transmitted as an output signal by the receiver/transmitter to the base station receiver and the position of the subject is monitored while the receiver/transmitter is attached to the subject. The restraint system also includes deterrent means for administering a deterrent to the subject that can be used either in lieu of or with the base station receiver.

Abstract: An electronic containment system for use with animals and/or humans. The system has a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal, a receiver for receiving the radio signal from the transmitter and a power source separate from the receiver. The system also includes a collar or a belt to attach the receiver and the battery to the animal and/or human. The receiver is attached to a first position on the collar and the power source is attached to a second position on the collar.

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.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the whereabouts of an animal is affixed to the animal and selectively administers appropriate aversive stimuli effective to deter the animal from encroachment of boundaries in accordance with predetermined conditions based on the coding and/or timing of radio signals received from at least one transmitter, which may include a wire loop. The apparatus receives radio signals intermittently transmitted from the transmitters, wherein the radio signals define at least one boundary for the animal. The apparatus then selectively administers the appropriate aversive stimuli in response to determining that at least one of the received radio signals satisfies one or more of the predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method of applying at least one of a stimulus and a warning signal to an animal includes selecting a maximum desired distance between the animal and a transmitter, transmitting a radio frequency signal from the transmitter at a first point in time, and receiving the radio frequency signal with a receiver attached to the animal. An ultrasonic frequency signal is transmitted from the transmitter at a second point in time. A first time difference between the second point in time and the first point in time varies inversely with the selected maximum desired distance. The ultrasonic frequency signal is received with the receiver at a third point in time. A second time difference between the third point in time and the first point in time is calculated. It is determined whether the animal is beyond the maximum desired distance from the transmitter by comparing the second time difference with at least one threshold time difference.

Abstract: Improvements in a fenceless electronic animal control system comprising portable stimulation units attached to the animal and rf transmitters defining an area, with the stimulation of the animal based on the transmission received by the portable unit. The transmitters transmit signals containing multiple codes to permit selective stimulation of pre-defined categories of animals and to insure a continuous electronic signal boundary. Portable units include the capability of transmitting signals in response to in inquiry signal from a separate transmitter thereby providing confirmation of the location and identify of the animal.

Abstract: An echo-ranging boundary system is provided for controlling the access of animals to predefined areas. An electronic transponder collar is affixed to an animal for exclusion from a predefined area. An ultrasonic beacon, defining a transmission reference point, periodically transmits a directional ultrasonic interrogation signal for determining the location of animals provided with transponder collars. The transponder collar emits an ultrasonic reply signal, detected by the station after a period of time defined by the propagation delay of the ultrasonic reply signal. The propagation delay of the reply signal is directly proportional to the distance between the transponder and the interrogation signal reference point. A timing threshold is set at the transmission station corresponding to a desired control distance. Reply signals returned before a device time-out are compared to the timing threshold.