Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting energy pulses in a conductive fence system which includes two or more conductive lines (1-4), one or more pulse generators (A-D) capable of transmitting energy pulses along each conductive line, and junction points (5-8) where the conductive lines are in contact or close physical proximity to each other. Operation of the energy pulse generators (A-D) are coordinated to ensure that the effective pulses in the vicinity of a junction point (5-8) are within a predetermined pulse rate and magnitude range.

Abstract: An electric fence has a series of posts connected by an elastically-stretchable, electrically-conductive string to form an enclosure for animals. The string has a unique structure which is comprised of electrically conductive and electrically nonconductive threads intertwined around a rubber core material. The threads are braided in such a way that the string may be substantially stretched without the braided threads severing. The elastically-stretchable construction prevents the string from breaking when moving animals collide with the electrified string.

Abstract: An insulator for attachment to a chain link fence and that is configured so as to support fence strand members generally parallel to the ground. The insulator includes an elongate body portion having first and second ends, with a mounting structure, preferably a clip structure, at the first end of the body portion for attaching the insulator to the chain link fence. A fence strand retainer is disposed at the second end of the body portion for retaining the electric fence strand member. The fence strand retainer is oriented at an acute angle relative to the mounting structure, with the acute angle preferably being about 45 degrees due to the pattern of the mesh forming the chain link fence, such that when the insulator is mounted on the chain link fence and the electric fence strand member is held by the fence strand retainer, the fence strand member will be oriented substantially parallel to the ground.

Abstract: An animal electric shock guard includes a pair of flexible flat conductors extending side-by-side in slightly spaced apart relation on a flexible support strip which adheres to the outer surface of a trash container lid. The conductors are the sides of an open circuit which is closed by the wet nose or tongue of an animal, such as a dog trying to dislocate the lid from the container.

Abstract: A taut wire fence system comprises wire-supporting anchor posts that maintain the taut wires of the system in tension. Sensor posts having tension sensors mounted therein are positioned between pairs of anchor posts to monitor changes in tension caused by intrusion attempts. To protect against attempts to bypass the tension sensors (such as by cutting the taut wires while using a frame device to maintain wire tension), one or more tensioned cable segments are provided in tension between the anchor posts (preferably along the lower portion of the fence) to form an electrical path. An electrical monitoring device is then used to monitor the continuity of the electrical path. The tensioned cable segments are preferably formed from a special cable that includes an outer layer which forms a physical barrier to cutting.

Abstract: An electric fence controller and method of controlling the energization of an electric fence. The controller includes a digital timing circuit which generates a digital signal to control the activation of a switching circuit for applying energy from an external power source across the primary winding of a transformer. The power source may be an alternating current source, the cycles of which are located by the timing circuit which activates the switching circuit after a selected number of cycles are counted driving an off-time period. Alternatively, the power source may be a direct current source and the timing circuit may include an oscillator and a counter for counting the number of oscillations and generating a digital signal which activates the switching circuit during an on-time period corresponding to a first selected number of oscillations, the switching circuit being inactive during an off-time period corresponding to a second selected number of oscillations.

Abstract: In an electric fence energizer there is an exterior earth connection such as an earth connection post (16). The electric fence energizer comprises in the conventional way a transformer (T) having a primary winding (L.sub.1) and a secondary winding (L.sub.2), one exterior terminal (9) of which is connected to the conductor (17) in the electric fence and the other exterior terminal (11) is connected to the earth connection, high voltage pulses being induced over the secondary winding (L.sub.2) when voltage pulses are applied over the primary winding (L.sub.1). For a determination of the quality of the earth connection, the voltage over a small part of the secondary winding (L.sub.2) is obtained capacitively by means of an extra winding (L.sub.3) in the transformer (T). For an evaluation of this voltage, it is connected, only for a determined polarity, to a charging circuit for a capacitor (C.sub.2), which is discharged over a known resistor (R.sub.2, R.sub.3). The voltage (V.sub.21) over this capacitor (C.sub.

Abstract: A circuit (700) for an electric fence energizer (examples are 6 or 24 Joule versions) which synthesizes a pulse having a raised cosine waveform at a first or bus voltage uses a ferrite-cored output transformer (701) to multiply the voltage of the pulse to the required level. A raised cosine waveform has a low harmonic content and little filtering of high-power pulses is required in order to minimize electromagnetic emissions. On closure of a switch (707) in series with an inductor (705) a first capacitor bank (703) commences charging a second smaller capacitor bank (704) in parallel with the output primary and after the peak of the pulse any remaining charge is dissipated in a resistor (708) with the aid of a saturable inductor (702), acting as a switch. The saturable inductor may be the output transformer itself for lower output energizers. The output exhibits little or any reversal of polarity when matched to its load. The circuit may also be useful for applications such as strobe flashers in aircraft.

Abstract: An electric fence energizer is operated by an alternating current and has two storage capacitors (C.sub.1, C.sub.2), which are charged by a charging circuit (7) to a high voltage. The storage capacitors (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) are discharged through separate primary windings (L.sub.1, L.sub.2) in a transformer (T) and the secondary winding (L.sub.3) of the transformer is connected to the electric fence. The discharging processes are controlled by separate discharging circuits (R.sub.1, T.sub.y1 ; T.sub.y3 and T.sub.y3 respectively), so that for light loads only one of the storage capacitors (C.sub.1) is discharged, and for heavy loads also the other one (C.sub.2) is discharged starting a short time after the start of the discharging of the first one and during the same discharge cycle. Sense circuits (L.sub.2, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, C.sub.3, R.sub.10, R.sub.11, R.sub.12, T.sub.4, R.sub.13) provide signals PCHL; PPUL) to a microprocessor (7) and they represent the load on the transformer (T).

Abstract: A retractable electric fence system including a plurality of primary posts with at least one spring-biased spool situated on them. Next provided is conductive wire wrapped about the spools and adapted to remain taut between the primary posts by means of the spring biased spools.

Abstract: A communication device is arranged to send a communication signal in the form of code pulses down an electric fence line which is energized by electric pulses from a fence energizer. The code pulses are generated to be distinct and separate from the electric pulses generated to energize the fence. A controller is included to control the charge and discharge of an energy storage device to generate at least the code pulses to be transmitted along the electric fence line. A coupling device is also included to couple both the code pulses and the electric fence energizing signal to the fence.

Abstract: A device for supplying power to and monitoring an electric fence, comprising a means connected to an energy source generating high-voltage pulses, a system for digital an electric quantity and a display device, and an alarm circuit.The digital system comprises a microprogrammed electronic integrated digital circuit which, by means of software, analyzes the status of the fence line and/or its degree of insulation on the basis of the data pertaining to the pulses transmitted along the fence line and/or the data relating to the return pulses sent by a transponder. The digitizing system then sends the results of these analyses to the display device, and transmits data to the alarm circuit via a data transmission channel comprising an electrical insulation.

Abstract: An electric fence energizer including an energy storage capacitor (11), a controllable switch (17) for controlling the charge in the storage capacitor, a control circuit (15) connected to the controllable switch, and a sensor (19,20) that can relay information to the control circuit regarding the perceived electrical load on the output of the electric fence energizer. The control circuit upon receipt of the information from the sensor operates the controllable switch so that the charge on the capacitor varies so as to allow a continuously varying range of output voltages on the electric fence line once the capacitor is discharged.

Abstract: An electric wire insulators for connection with a T-shaped corner fence post is formed by a generally U-shaped rigid mounting member having parallel legs transversely spanning a T-shaped post. A pair of U-shaped bracket members each journalling a dielectric spool are provided with a threaded rod rigidly connected with the bight portion of the respective U-shaped bracket and threadedly entering the respective mounting member leg for impinging the mounting member on the T-shaped post. One of the U-shaped brackets may be angularly rotated about the axis of its threaded rod for disposing the axis of one dielectric spool normal to the axis of the other dielectric spool.

Abstract: A feeding control apparatus controls feeding times and durations in a feed yard in which a bulk supply of feed is stored at one end of the yard. The apparatus includes an electrified barrier that extends across the yard and a mechanism for advancing the barrier against the feed during feeding times and withdrawing it from the feed at other times. The movement of the barrier is under the control of a programmable timer. The feeding and withdrawn positions of the barrier are readily adjusted so that they can be advanced along the yard as the animals eat into the supply of feed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to fence battens and clips and improved methods of attaching a fence wire. A variety of battens are described characterised by having slots into which a wire may be inserted. A variety of interacting clips which can be used to subsequently fasten the wire with respect to the batten are also described. The battens and clips are especially suitable for electric fences.

Abstract: A monitor and indicating circuit for an electric appliance detects the absence of the energization voltage for the appliance exceeding a predetermined threshold and provides a brilliant flash from a xenon lamp which is visible from great distances. The circuitry is contained within a sealed housing and includes a self-contained battery supply and attachable to a fence post. The circuit employed is specifically designed to conserve battery power by controlling the flash frequency and the charging time for the storage capacitor used with the xenon flash tube.

Abstract: An electrical conducting wire for providing high visibility. The conducting wire is coated with a conducting, colored paint which improves the wires visibility. The conducting wire can be used in electric fencing of livestock or high-tension power lines commonly seen around airports.

Abstract: In cooperation with an electric fence, a grounding rod directed into a ground supporting surface includes electrical communication with a fluorescent tubular light, with the tubular light having an upper distal end and electrical contact structure, to include a clip member for securement to an electrical fence in cooperation therewith to indicate electrical operability of the fence and its activation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electric fence for chasing away pigeons or the like undesired birds. The fence comprises a series of spaced posts made of electrically insulating material, each post having a flat top end cut across by a groove having a depth of predetermined size and formed with a tapped hole adjacent to the groove. An electric wire, having a positive section, extends successively through the grooves of the posts, this wire having a diameter greater than the predetermined sized above mentionned so as to projecting out of the grooves. Screws are provided which have threaded stems and flat heads, the stems being screwed to one of the tapped holes. The screws heads have a width which is sufficient to overlap the electric wire projecting out of the grooves in a manner such that the screws clamp the electric wire against the posts.

Abstract: An improved electric fence wire construction, especially for intensive grazing, is comprised of an electrically conductive wire core, sandwiched between the two halves of a single strip of thin metallic foil. The foil is folded upon itself, enveloping the wire core. The halves are bonded together by a suitable adhesive which does not inhibit flexibility of the improved wire. The foil serves to purposes, the first being to enhance visibility for the animals. Secondly, the foil offers much more electrically conductive surface area than a bare wire, so a more effective deterrent is presented to the animal. The wire can be used as a component of a permanent electrified perimeter fence, or in a temporary movable electric fence. The improved wire is especially useful in a method of intensive grazing wherein the improved wire is a component of at least two temporary fences that are moved at regular intervals.

Abstract: An improved fence construction includes an elongated plastic strip with the edges of the strip folded over parallel wires. The wires may be electrified. The plastic strip may be coded, decorated or laminated with other materials to provide an improved fence material for use in combination with fence posts to provide the appearance of a multirail fence, for example.

Abstract: An improved fence construction includes an elongated plastic strip with the edges of the strip folded over parallel wires. The wires may be electrified. The plastic strip may be coded, decorated or laminated with other materials to provide an improved fence material for use in combination with fence posts to provide the appearance of a multirail fence, for example.

Abstract: A cap mountable on top of a post connects to, holds and supports, a pair of wires. The cap guards sharp edges at the post top to prevent accidental contact with people or livestock. The cap is readily visible as a marker, a reflector or a color coded sign. A portion of the cap fits closely to the upper post while a crown portion projects thereabove and a bill portion projects outwardly therefrom. The crown and bill portions each define a cavity longitudinally aligned for holding a wire adjacent the post. A narrow throat having a least dimension slightly larger than the diameter of the wire to be held extends laterally from the cavity to a flared mouth that further extends and opens in an upwardly direction. A wire can be moved laterally from a position adjacent the flared mouth, through the narrow throat, to a position within the cavity and can be removed therefrom in a reverse manner.

Abstract: An electric livestock guard or gate for prohibiting the passage of livestock through a roadway opening in a fenced enclosure and which includes a base portion of interlocking segments over which a metallic grid is suspended by springs which mount each end of the grid to spaced insulators carried by the base portion.

Abstract: An electric fence line for use in confining livestock is formed of strands of a high strength and high visibility electrically insulative material, which have been woven, twisted, or braided, together with at least one highly electrically conductive low electrical resistance metal strand, such as copper wire, and at least one high-strength metal strand of higher electrical resistance, such as stainless steel. The metal strands are oriented in touching relation, either continuously or at positions spaced longitudinally of the metal strands, the high-strength metal strand providing an electrical bridge between ends of the highly electrically conductive strand or strands in the event of breakage of the highly electrically conductive strand, whereby to provide electrical continuity in the fence line with only a minimal increase in the total electrical resistance of the fence line.

Abstract: A fence clip assembly for securing strands of fencing wire and the like to wood and metal fence posts and including a pair of ears with holes therethrough and a main body with a wire holder that may comprise a pin to lock strands of wire to a clip by insertion through aligned holes in flanges and that is removable to allow the wire to be readily released and that further includes an insulator connector to insulate supported electrical wires at the fence poles.

Abstract: An electrically conductive wire particularly for use in fencing systems in enclosed which includes an inner metal conductor, an electrically conductive intermediate layer of plastic material applied over the conductor, and a relatively thin outer sheath applied over the intermediate layer. The thin outer sheath is preferably white to enhance the visibility of the wire, while at the same time being thin enough to permit current to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A trellis wire support assembly for use with metal grape stakes including aa metal trellis wire support clip and a fastener which secures the clip to the grape stake. The clip is formed with a securement portion having a clip shoulder which engages a vertically extending stake shoulder. Extending from the ends of the securement portion of the clip are trellis wire support portions which are preferably slotted to movably receive trellis wires. The slots are formed so that the trellis wires will not be lifted out of the clip during growing of the grapewine foliage. A method of adapting metal grape stakes to vertical trellising using the clip is also disclosed.

Abstract: Security apparatus which has an outer concertina coil of barbed tape with an inner coiled electrical conductor, which may also be made from a concertina coil of barbed tape, positioned within the outer concertina coil and supported therefrom by means of insulators which prevent the conductor from coming in to electrical contact with the outer concertina coil.

Abstract: An insulator for an electric fence comprising a separate clip part and a base support for connecting a woven wire electric conductor to a variety of fence posts. The clip part snap fits over a fiberglass fence post with the electric conductor retained therebetween. To connect the electric conductor to either a metal or wood fence post the base is first secured to the post either by bands or by nails. The clip part is then snap fitted over the base with the electric conductor retained therebetween.

Abstract: An electric fence wire construction is made by plying or weaving coated supporting members, preferably fiberglass coated with polyvinyl chloride, with conducting members, preferably aluminum.

Abstract: An adaptor for converting an electric fence post insulator from a wire electric conductor support to a tape conductor support. The adaptor connects to the wire holding fingers of the insulator.

Abstract: A vineyard has conductive trellis wires which extend between poles to provide support for the grape vines. At least some of the trellis wires are grounded. A number of identical bird repelling devices are widely spaced throughout the vineyard. Each has a length much shorter than the distance between adjacent vineyard poles, the length being sufficient to allow a bird to land. The bird repelling devices have a circumference less than approximately one and one-half inch to allow the feet of a bird landing thereon to cover most of its circumference. Each bird repelling device is composed of an elongate insulating member and an electrically conductive rod secured to it. The rod is substantially as long as the elongate insulating member. A high voltage is applied to each electrically conductive rod. Each of the elongate insulating members is secured to a portion of the trellis wires parallel to the trellis wires.

Abstract: A fence system is provided which is constructed from a plurality of composite strands extending between a plurality of spaced fence posts. Each of the composite strands includes an elongated, high-tensile strength core member encased in a relatively thick, solid plastic sheath fixedly secured to the core member. The strand may be made electrically conductive and may be formed with a variety of cross-sectional shapes. Staple-type or other fasteners are utilized to attach the composite strands to the fence posts. The fasteners conform at least to a portion of the strands and are limited as to their depth of penetration into the posts to ensure that the strands are free to move horizontally with respect to the fence posts.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electric fence energizer, including: two or more transformers, the primary windings of said transformers being connected to the main circuitry of the energizer and the secondary windings of the transformers being connected to an electric fence, the main circuitry including: a control circuit connected to the primary windings, said control circuit being responsive to the load upon the primary windings or secondary windings detected within the energizer; two or more energy generating devices connected to said control circuit and respectively controlled by said control circuit, said energy generating devices being also connected to the primary windings of the transformers, said control circuit being operative to active the energy generating devices in accordance with the load upon the energizer.

Abstract: An insulator and wire mounting structure for supporting an electrically conductive fence wire from a metal fence post having a generally T-shaped cross-section. The insulator and wire supporting member has a pair of leg portions which are deformable relative to each other to receive an intermediate portion of the T-post and after being brought into parallel alignment with each other receive a nut which threadably engages a thread set to tighten the mounting structure in position for supporting the wire.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rail-type fence using electricity which includes a plurality of support posts between which are extended continuous electrical wires. The electrical wire is enclosed within and supports a conductive tubular rail. The wire is held against the inner wall of the tubular rail by end plugs and splices. An alternate embodiment of the rail-type fence includes a plurality of electrified wires positioned within the outer surface of the walls of a nonconductive tubular rail. In this embodiment, a conductive end plug transfers electricity from the electrical wire within the tubular rail to the electrified wires embedded in the rail's walls.

Abstract: An electrical conducting rope for use on electric fencing of livestock with an inner core of stranded conductor cable and an outer insulating layer of braided synthetic fiber filaments. The inner core is formed of seven cable strands, each formed of seven twisted galvanized wires. The outer layer is formed of a braid of multiple polyester filament carriers. The carriers have contrasting colors to provide high visibility of the electric fence. A standard electric fence charger connected to the inner conductor core provides electric shocks to livestock contacting the outer insulating layer. The outer layer may have gaps in the braiding to expose the inner conducting core below the surface of the outer layer.

Abstract: Unitary fence clip formed from a resilient wire having a fence standard or post engaging coil region and two arms extending therefrom. One of the arms from one end of the coil region includes at least a partly formed loop and the other of the arms from the other end of the coil includes a member engageable in the at least partly formed loop. The member engageable in the partly formed loop when so engaged defines a closed zone between the arms and the coil through which a fence wire or the like can be located.

Abstract: A frontal pasture system utilizes a mobile wire fence provided with a lower insulated wire and an upper electrified wire. The animals contained by the system can push on the lower wire to displace the fence. The upper wire is electrified to contain the animals within the boundary of the pasture front. The system utilizes a frame having a sliding base and a regulating mechanism for preventing differential displacements of the fence with respect to the guide wires. The regulating mechanism comprises an arm mounted on the base and having a freely rotating wheel contacting the earth. A locking device acts on a stop causing teeth on the wheel to dig into the ground. The arm pivots about the point at which it is joined to the frame raising the rear portion of the frame from the ground. In an alternate embodiment the locking device comprises two arms joined in a scissor-like fashion.

Abstract: Fence wires for the confinement of stock animals, zoo animals or wild animals have an electrically conductive synthetic plastic sheath and a tension resisting core which is made of either a textile material or a fence wire. The sheath is rendered conductive by the incorporation of amino compounds which are vulcanized with the chloropolymers of the sheath material, by the incorporation of metallic hairs or conductive plasticizers.

Abstract: A taut wire fence system comprising a plurality of lenghts of taut wire strung in generally parallel orientation and mounted between a pair of anchoring posts and a sensor post, and characterized in that at least two of the plurality of lengths are interconnected whereby a change in tension on one of the lengths causes a change in tension on another one of the lengths interconnected therewith.

Abstract: An electric fence wire construction is made by plying or weaving coated supporting members, preferably fiberglass coated with polyvinyl chloride, with conducting members, preferably aluminum.

Abstract: An electric fence monitoring light including a storage device adapted to be coupled to the electric fence for storing energy pulses present on the fence and light emitting means responsive to the energy storage device to emit a pulse of light at a repetition frequency which is sensitive to voltage values of the energy pulses present on the electric fence.

Abstract: A clip assembly is formed by joining two identical clip members, each having a body portion with a bore therethrough, a pair of protrusions integrally formed on one end of the body in alignment with the bore, a hook portion on the body and a plurality of teeth lengthwise on each protrusion for ratchet engagement with the teeth on the opposed pair of protrusions as the numbers are fitted together.

Abstract: An electrified fence gate using a series of flexible electrically conductive gate wires extending generally vertically from a rigid support and being connected to flexible spacing means.

Abstract: A barrier comprised of two or more adjacent conductive surfaces with each conductive surface having a sufficient width to insure that when all the conductive surface widths are added together, the largest snail to be protected against cannot step over the combined width; also all adjacent conductive surfaces are separated by a minimal insulating gap so that the smallest snail to be protected against cannot step over the insulating gap without contacting at least two adjacent conductive surfaces at one time. Each adjacent conductive surface is powered so that it has an electrical potential difference from the adjacent conductive surfaces. Thus any snail, slug or similar gastropod mollusk attempting to cross the barrier will receive an electrical shock that will inhibit it from crossing the barrier.

Abstract: A temperature and stretch compensating wire tensioning system. In parallel wire capacitive security systems, the maintenance of proper tension in the sensor wires in essential in order that false alarms be avoided as a result of movement of the sensor wires in the absence of an intruder. In the present invention, "V"-shaped plastic tensioners are used on several of the wire support posts in cooperation with wire guides on other posts to provide the requisite wire tension. The plastic tensioners are constructed from pairs of identical elongated arms each having an open loop at the proximal end thereof adapted to snap onto a support post for easy assembly of a security system in a manner which keeps them perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the post and directed tangentially away from the outer surface thereof.

Abstract: An electric fence holder. Two embodiments can be produced from a common mold cavity. Both embodiments comprise a strap formed of resilient plastic with a wire retaining bracket formed at the center. The first embodiment is longer than the second and has clamps at its ends for engaging the strands of an existing fence. The second embodiment, formed by blocking the outer portions of the mold cavity, has holes in its ends for mounting the strap on a stake that has been driven into the ground. In both embodiments an electrically conductive wire is held by the wire-retaining bracket out of grounding contact with the existing fence or stake. Flexing either strap into a bow for installation locks the conductive wire in place.