Nondomestic Animal (e.g., For Hunting, Fishing, Or Repelling) Patents (Class 340/573.2)
  • Publication number: 20080204253
    Abstract: A system (100) for monitoring the presence and activity of rodents and other pests comprising a base station (120) and a plurality of remote stations (11) which may be installed at positions around the premises to be monitored. Each remote station comprises a baited housing through which a rodent would pass. If a trap (20) is actuated it causes a signal to be transmitted to a base station (120) which in turn transmits an SMS message to a cellular telephone network (140). The system will determine which of the remote stations has been activated and will provide data as to the manner of activation. The system enables operators to monitor pest activity in premises such as food manufacturing facilities in order to control the presence and activity of such pests without the need for regular and frequent inspections of the remote stations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Peter Karl Cottee, Mark Lees, Paul Roy Gorton
  • Patent number: 7411512
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for tracking the geographic location. In one aspect, a method includes receiving timed magnetic field information descriptive of a magnetic field to which a magnetometer was subject, the magnetic field information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with an animal, receiving timed longitude information descriptive of a longitude position of the animal, the longitude information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with the animal, and matching the longitude information that is relevant to a first time to the magnetic field information that is relevant to the first time to determine a geographic location of the animal at the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Michael L. Domeier
  • Publication number: 20080157983
    Abstract: A came call and/or monitoring apparatus is disclosed that includes a handheld central unit and one or more remote modules. The central unit includes a user input and a display screen, and communicates with the remote module(s). Each remote module is capable of generating a game call, taking an image, or executing some other function related to the hunting and monitoring of wildlife. The remote module may further be capable of communicating back to the central unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Designlink, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Rhea Dir, Edwin Thomas Horton
  • Publication number: 20080157982
    Abstract: A rodent repeller having an elongated body, an end cap, an apex, a power supply, a buzzer, an LED, an LED transformer, and a buzzer transformer. Connection of the power supply to the buzzer via the buzzer transformer produces a signal to discourage rodents from remaining in a vicinity of the repeller stake, and connection of the power supply to the LED via the LED transformer produces a visual indicator that the repeller stake is operable. The LED transformer receives a voltage from the power supply, and the voltage varies in amount from a high voltage to a low voltage. The LED transformer controls the amount of power to the LED such that the LED has a high brightness when the high voltage is received by the LED transformer and the LED has a low brightness when the low voltage is received by the LED transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Isaac Weiser, Margaret Weiser, Albert M. Williams
  • Patent number: 7394389
    Abstract: A wall-mountable system of the present invention detects and suppresses pests. The system includes a housing, a pest detection device, and a line. The housing is mounted to a wall and penetrates into a remote area behind the wall. The housing also has an access hole. The pest detection device is positioned behind the wall. The line is connected to the housing at a first end and is connected to the pest detection device at a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080136630
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrofitting automatic irrigation systems for animal and human deterrent control comprises at least one motion detector for placement within a bordered zone monitored for trespassers. The motion detector is adapted to detect a body entering said bordered zone and generate a trespasser signal having a unique ID. A programmable control receiver module receives the signal and activates a solenoid control valve to spray the trespasser with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Curtis Stephen Leggett, Badi Dapilos Beattie
  • Patent number: 7348890
    Abstract: A pest control system (20) includes pest control devices (110) installed about an area or building (22). These devices (110) each include a bait member and a communication circuit. The communication circuit may be in the form of a passive RF tag that transmits information indicative of bait status and an identifier unique to each pest control device (110). A hand held interrogator (30) is provided to locate and communicate with the pest control devices (110) via the communication circuit. A data collection unit (40) to accumulate data gathered from the pest control devices (110) may alternatively or additionally be utilized. The bait member may be configured with a magnetic component to provide a magnetic signature indicative of the bait consumption behavior of targeted varieties of pest. The devices optionally include one or more environmental sensors to evaluate and predict pest behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Barber, James King, Sterett Robertson, Scott Ray, Malcolm Warren, Anton Arnoldy, Mick A. Trompen, Stanley M. Gorgacz, Dennis Wujek
  • Patent number: 7317399
    Abstract: A remote monitoring system for exterminating pest comprises at least one sensor, installedd at a plurality of zones of a subject site, for sensing movement of the pest in the zones, and producing and transmitting detection signals corresponding to the movement; at least one remote controller installed at the subject site, for receiving the detection signals and processing and transmitting the received detection signals; and a central control apparatus for receiving information from at least one remote controller, analyzing the information and managing the analyzed information by the zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cesco Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan Hyuk Chyun
  • Publication number: 20070290866
    Abstract: A real-time tracing, transmitting and analyzing system for flight animals is disclosed. The real-time tracing, transmitting and analyzing system has a tracing and transmitting device with a weight between 1 and 10 grams. The tracing and transmitting device is fastened on any part of a flight animal's body (the flight animal's concave ring portion between its body and tail is most suitable), for capturing real-time flight information (such as location, height, flight velocity, and the physical and mental states of the flight animal) of the flight animal by using GPS. Moreover, the real-time flight information is transmitted via a base station to a flight information-analyzing device for immediately displaying the real-time flight information regarding each flight animal for reference via the flight information-analyzing device. Thereby, in a pigeon race, for example, breeders can obtain any real-time flight information that they desire regarding each flight animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Bily Wang, Chung-Hsien Su, Yuan-Hsiu Yang
  • Publication number: 20070289201
    Abstract: The present development relates to a pest control device that is effective because it uses a mild shock to train animals to associate a designated area with a painful sensation. The device has a base with a bait cup rigged to form an open circuit with a power source mounted to the base. When an animal attempts to eat the bait, the animal closes the electrical circuit and receives a mild electrical shock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: R. Amil Kleinert
  • Patent number: 7307537
    Abstract: The invention relates to an identification chip for insertion in an object located in a liquid. The identification chip comprises an acoustic resonator (100), which exhibits a number of distinct resonant frequencies, where the combination of resonant frequencies is unique to the identification chip. This enables the identification chip to be identified by exposing it to an acoustic polling signal, measuring an acoustic response signal and analysing the frequency of the response signal. The resonator (100) comprises a cavity-forming part (110, 120) and a membrane (130). The acoustic resonant frequencies are determined by at least one cavity (140), which is enclosed by the cavity-forming part (110, 120) and the membrane (140). The identification chip can be implanted in a fish, with the object of identifying the fish when it is located in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Vivid AS
    Inventors: John Brungot, Lars Hoff, Sverre Holm, Arne Rønnekleiv, Dag Thorstein Wang, Ralph William Bernstein
  • Publication number: 20070276632
    Abstract: The invention provides a monitor for measuring blood pressure and other vital signs from a patient without using a cuff. The invention provides a hand-held device for measuring vital signs (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: TRIAGE WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew John Banet, Michael James Thompson, Zhou Zhou, Henk Visser, Robert Kenneth Hunt
  • Publication number: 20070241913
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the protection of hunters in a particular geographic area. The system includes a transmitter/receiver unit carried by each hunter in a particular area. Such units enable the hunters to ensure that proximate hunters are beyond a defined safe distance in view of type of weapons being utilized and other factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventor: Paul S. Langenfeld
  • Publication number: 20070222623
    Abstract: A system for reproducing animal sounds comprising a transmitting unit having a user interface with at least one input selector corresponding to at least one animal sound, wherein the transmitting unit is adapted to generate and transmit a message indicative of the at least one animal sound selected at the user interface over a communications medium. The system for reproducing animal sounds also includes a receiving unit having a memory with the at least one animal sound stored therein. The first receiving unit is coupled to the communications medium for receiving the message from the transmitting unit, for extracting the at least one animal sound from said memory based on the message, and to play back the at least one animal sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventors: Mark Wiliams, Steven Cass
  • Patent number: 7262702
    Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is a pest control device that includes a bait operable to be consumed by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit, and a communication circuit coupled to the pest sensing circuit. The communication circuit includes an activation device to trigger interrogation of the pest sensing circuit with the communication circuit and an indicating device to provide information about the pest sensing circuit determined in response to the interrogation. A structure can also be included that is operable to position the bait, the pest sensing circuit, and the communication circuit in a predetermined spatial relationship relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Barber, Don Black
  • Patent number: 7246569
    Abstract: An electronic predator replica is disclosed for controlling pests, particularly unwanted birds, in a specific area. The predator replica may be an electronic owl. The replica senses motion by one or more of a plurality of spaced motion sensors, and the predator head rotates to the angle of the sensor that sensed the motion. A noise device in the predator may simulate predator sounds, and can be set to play when motion is detected. The owl head may stay at the angle from which motion is detected for a selected time period, and then rotate in opposite direction to its starting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Easy Gardener Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan L. Grandy, Richard M. Grandy
  • Patent number: 7248170
    Abstract: An interactive personal security system utilizing a portable object having embedded therein all or a combination of a microphone, still and video cameras, distance sensor, a timer, speakers, a motion sensor, a tracking transponder, a receiver, and a transmitter operably connected to a power source and a conventional microprocessor including input devices, random access memory, read only memory and a database. Sounds and images are transmitted to remote monitoring stations by radio waves or microwaves for radio or television broadcasting or recording on a tape recorder or VCR. Alarms are transmitted to telephones and beepers. Face and voice recognition software identifies the people speaking, playing or attempting to kidnap the child. Sensors identify the presence of persons or animals or a child wandering out of a restricted area. Speakers allow guardians to communicate two-ways with the child, thereby responding to the immediate needs of the child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Dennis E. DeOme, Lucy DeOme
  • Patent number: 7233251
    Abstract: A device (10) for detecting the presence of light averse insects, such as termites, is in the form of a peg (11) having a cavity (14) into which termites may enter when the peg is installed in the ground or other area where the presence of termites is to be detected. The cavity may include a termite bait. A light sensor (25) is located in the cavity, and has an output which is responsive to the detection of light. The light sensor operatively receives light from a light emitting device (LED) (23) only through a narrow passage extending through the peg from the LED (23) to the cavity (14). The passage is adapted to be at least partially blocked by the light averse insects to shield the cavity, and hence the light sensor means, from light from the passage. When the light sensor means (25) does not detect sufficient light, an electrical circuit (22) connected to the output of the light sensor means triggers an alarm light (26) to signal an alarm or alert condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Inventor: Mark Robert Lewis
  • Patent number: 7227452
    Abstract: Birds carry many parasites and other diseases, which pose a health risk to humans which come into contact with their habitat. However, ultrasonic waves agitate and deter birds and other pests from roosting in nearby areas. The disclosed device utilizes solar energy to power a battery pack, which in turn activates both a tone generator and its adjoining amplifier to create and emit the annoying ultrasound. In this way, birds are dissuaded from gathering in particular areas where the ultrasonic device is in use, and humans are provided a more healthy and disease-free environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: James W. Frost
  • Patent number: 7218234
    Abstract: An electronic bait station utilising the disruption of an electromagnetic field to detect the movement of insects or small animals within the station. The bait station consists of a housing, with at least one cavity having an electromagnetic radiation element generating an electromagnetic field in the cavity, and an electromagnetic receiving element detecting the electromagnetic field. Movement of an insect or small animal in the cavity causes a change in the electromagnetic field, which is detected. The preferred bait station comprises an outer cavity and a coaxial inner cavity, each with an electromagnetic field. This arrangement allows the direction of movement of insects and small animals to be determined and minimises the occurrence of spurious signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: J I Peston Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Anatol Zygmunt Tirkel
  • Patent number: 7212129
    Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention is a system including a pest control device and a magnetic field source external to the pest control device. The pest control device has a bait operable to be consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit, and a monitoring circuit coupled to the pest sensing circuit. The monitoring circuit includes a device responsive to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic field source to output status information about the pest sensing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Barber, Don Black
  • Patent number: 7212112
    Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Barber, Don Black
  • Patent number: 7183931
    Abstract: A wireless system for notifying a fisherman of a strike on a fishing line includes a non-corrosive housing defining a cavity therein and mountable to a fishing rod. The system includes a wireless signal mechanism including a transmitting section and a transportable receiving section. Such a transmitting section generates and sends a RF signal to the receiving section alerting the fisherman to a strike. The system further includes a bifurcated bracket including an upper section and a lower section. A plurality of fastening members are threadably engageable with the upper and lower sections for maintaining the housing at a substantially stable position above the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kirt K. Russell
  • Patent number: 7180424
    Abstract: A computerized security system which enhances the security provided by watchdogs on a given premises by analyzing the auditory and physiological indications given by the dogs to assess the level of security at any point in time. By attaching sensors to the dogs and placing microphones in their proximity the system continuously collects information about the dogs' auditory and physiological behavior, and according to predetermined parameters it assesses the watchdogs' physiological and emotional state. Having concluded that any of the dogs sense a threat or has been neutralized in any way the system may update the state of security on the users' security terminals. The system determines between three possible security states: no alert when no irregular activity is registered, medium alert if the dogs indicate a state of moderate alertness and high incase there are indications for a definite hostile presence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Bio-Sense
    Inventor: Zehavi Eyal
  • Patent number: 7173534
    Abstract: A computer based bird control system is provided. The bird control system utilizes an impactor that is attachable to a structure, such as an I-beam or other similarly sized and dimensioned metal object, to create an acoustic impact noise similar to a whacking of the structure. The impactor is preferably actuated at a random or a semi-random impact rate such as around once every ten seconds. The acoustic impact noise may be provided in addition to the playing of bird predator or other deterrent sounds maintained in audio files on the computer. The system also provides audio and/or physical bird presence detection within a monitored area. Detection of the presence of a bird may be used as a trigger for the actuation of the impactor and/or predator/deterrent sounds. Actuation of the impactor and/or sound files may be accomplished via a schedule through the use of timer files in addition to or in place of animal presence detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Robert W. Markham, Patrick W. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7173535
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for containing an animal in a defined area. The apparatus comprises first and second communicating units; one operatively associated with the animal, and the other positioned to locate the area. At least one of the units is adapted to transmit a signal, and at least one of the units is adapted to receive the signal. A circuit is adapted to measure the transmission time or change in transmission time of the signal and calculate the distance between the first and second units. At least one of the first and second units is configured to emit an output to contain the animal in the area when the transmission time corresponds to the animal leaving the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Eric D. Bach, Steven E. Bach
  • Patent number: 7113098
    Abstract: An animal accident reduction system, method, and apparatus. The apparatus including at least some of a housing having substantially the same external size and shape of a raised reflective pavement marker, at least one input detector located within the housing, at least one logic and control circuit located within the housing, and at least one output device located within the housing, wherein the logic and control circuit is capable of receiving a signal from the input detector, wherein the output device is capable of receiving a signal from the logic and control circuit, and wherein the output device is capable of producing a determined sound, noise, or other vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Melvin Hayes
  • Patent number: 7109870
    Abstract: A fishing accessory that includes a housing and an alerting mechanism for alerting a fisherman when a fishing line connected to the activation switch of the alerting mechanism is being tugged on by a fish. The housing includes a housing having a pair of attachment clamps securable to a fishing rod. The alerting mechanism includes multiple types of alarm outputs that may be selected in various combinations by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Robert R. Reed, Sheldon A. Reed, II
  • Patent number: 7106180
    Abstract: An acoustic warning or alerting system for directing an audible warning signal to at least one intended recipient, while reducing the chance that the warning signal will be heard by others within the proximity of the system. The system includes a modulator for modulating an ultrasonic carrier signal with a processed audio signal, a driver amplifier for amplifying the modulated carrier signal, and a parametric array of acoustic transducers for projecting the modulated and amplified carrier signal through a propagation medium for subsequent regeneration of the audio signal along a pre-selected projection path. The parametric array of audio transducers operates by employing the nonlinear interaction between high frequency sound components and the propagation medium to generate at least one highly directional beam of lower frequency sounds within the propagation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Frank Joseph Pompei
  • Patent number: 7084640
    Abstract: An operating and evaluation circuit of an insect sensor is provided, which has a resistor that is dependent on insect infestation, whereby the circuit during stimulation via a transponder generates a current flow through the resistor, detects a change in the resistor as a change in voltage, and compares it with a predetermined threshold. The circuit includes a transponder-stimulated constant current source, which is connected with the resistor so that a constant voltage drops across the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: ATMEL Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Berhorst, Peter Schneider
  • Patent number: 7079027
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting motion and providing illumination is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one motion detector and a receiver unit that communicate wirelessly. The apparatus is suited for outdoor applications, for example for use by hunters in monitoring a limited area surrounding a hunting stand in a wooded area. The motion detectors can be mounted on trees or other objects surrounding a hunting stand and the receiver can be mounted on the hunting stand. The receiver includes at least one indicator to alert a hunter when motion has been detected by one of the motion detectors. The receiver also includes at least one light source for illuminating the hunting stand and the area surrounding the hunting stand to aid a hunter in locating and safely settling in the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Jamie Wojcik
  • Patent number: 7071829
    Abstract: A non-destructive flying insect detector is disclosed. The detector creates a sheet or curtain of light comprising a sensing zone and detects, by means of light extinction, individual flying insects that intersect the sensing zone. The sensing zone is created by a beam of light that enters the sensing zone area and is then bounced between opposing reflective surfaces. Preferably a laser is utilized to generate the beam of light. The beam of light leaves the sensing zone area and is incident on a light detection device (such as a photo cell) connected to an amplifier circuit. The light detection device monitors the light intensity and is arranged and configured to detect changes in the light intensity. The changes are electronically converted to a pest detection signal and/or to a flying insect count. Each flying pest detection signal may also be associated with other monitored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., David N. Demattia
  • Patent number: 7044085
    Abstract: This invention is a device that utilizes a specialized shocking mechanism to deter nuisance animals. Through cognitive learning, the device teaches animals to keep away from areas where they have established themselves as a problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Ralph Edward Arnold
  • Patent number: 7034717
    Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for indicating the existence of a critical event within a pilot house, including the existence of a condition of no motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Albert Brown
  • Patent number: 7028633
    Abstract: A device for keeping birds away with differential management functions, comprising a control unit connected to a pilot system that controls one or more emission units. The pilot system and each emission unit comprise a casing with an optional protection cover and lifting mechanism; a control circuit; and one or more light and sound emitters. The control unit controls the light and sound emitters, receives operating instructions from the pilot system, and verifies the correct operation of all components of the unit. The control unit preferably comprises a computer with radio or wire communication capability, constantly monitors the correct operation of all pilot and emission units, sets the operating mode for each emission unit, determines and varies the sequences and combinations of the sound and light signals emitted by groups of emission units or by individual emission units, and develops the operating schedule for the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Aviotek Engineering S.r.l.
    Inventors: Marco Pinton, Luciano Santarelli
  • Patent number: 7026942
    Abstract: A method and a device for automatically detecting and signaling the presence of prey caught in a trap. The trap has inlet ports equipped with a one-way inlet mechanism such that once a rodent has passed a central point the rodent is contained within the trap. After the rodent has passed the central point, the trap is reset to the start position in order to attract additional prey. The trap is provided with a device for signaling the presence of vermin in the trap. The mechanism may be operable via a push button operated by movement of the vermin. Alternatively, means for detecting the rodent may include the use of vertical or horizontally elongated elements that are actuated by the movement of the vermin. A further embodiment includes a photocell, or a sensor, to indicate the presence of rodents. The mechanism for signaling may include lights or sound devices that can be secured to the trap or remotely activated via wired or wireless means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Gilberto Cristofori, Ugo Glanchecchi
  • Patent number: 6937156
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capacitively sensing one or more pests is disclosed. The detector may be employed as either a passive detector and/or as a part of a combined detector and trap. The sensor system includes at least two sensor electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit. When a non-capacitive object, such as a pest, approaches the sensor electrodes, the capacitance of the sensor electrodes increases due to the object having a higher dielectric constant than air. A capacitance sensing circuit detects the increased capacitance and provides an output signal that a pest has entered the area being monitored. The capacitance sensing circuit may also be constructed to measure the change in the electrode in order to determine the size and/or type of pest based on a characteristic change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Gardner, Jr., Louis Mark Holzman, Kraig S. Lund, Stephen X. Skaff
  • Patent number: 6917294
    Abstract: A fish farming net having conductive wires integrated into the filaments of the net. The conductive wires are arranged in circuits, each of said circuits defining a field connected to an electronic apparatus that monitors a certain electrical parameter of the field. The wires of each circuit are arranged in a pattern whereby the wires are close enough together that a hole large enough for fish to escape will necessarily break one of the wires. In the event the circuit is broken, the monitoring apparatus detects a change in the electrical parameter being monitored and signals an appropriate alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Leif Eirik Larsen
  • Patent number: 6914529
    Abstract: A pest control system (20) includes pest control devices (110) installed about an area or building (22). These devices (110) each include a bait member and a communication circuit. The communication circuit may be in the form of a passive RF tag that transmits information indicative of bait status and an identifier unique to each pest control device (110). A hand held interrogator (30) is provided to locate and communicate with the pest control devices (110) via the communication circuit. A data collection unit (40) to accumulate data gathered from the pest control devices (110) may alternatively or additionally be utilized. The device (110) includes a sensor that has an electrically conductive pathway comprised of a nonmetallic material. Other pest control devices to detect varying nonzero levels of pest activity are also disclosed. Still another device includes one or more environmental sensors to further evaluate and predict pest behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Dow AgroSciences LLC
    Inventors: Daniel T. Barber, Don Black, James Edward King, A. Sterett Robertson, Mick A. Trompen
  • Patent number: 6900719
    Abstract: A method and device for providing anti-theft protection for an electrical device installed on a body, such as a vehicle, by fixing to the body an electrical chip having a unique identification number identifying the body, electrically connecting the electrical device to the electrical chip in a manner such that removal of the electrical device from the body automatically interrupts the electrical connection of the electrical device to the electrical chip, and disabling the operation of the electrical device whenever its electrical connection to the chip is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Roseman Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Yechiel Roseman
  • Patent number: 6882284
    Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus includes RFID circuitry on a first substrate, and sensor circuitry on a second substrate. A receiving structure is associated with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and at least one connecting structure is associated with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry. The at least one connecting structure is removable received within the receiving structure. The invention also encompasses a method of forming an electrical apparatus. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. The first substrate has RFID circuitry thereon, and the second substrate has sensing circuitry thereon. A receptacle is joined with one of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry, and has at least one orifice extending therein. At least one prong is joined with the other of the RFID circuitry and the sensor circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rickie C. Lake, Mark E. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6882279
    Abstract: A system for automated monitoring of pest insects in stored products to help identify insect species and improve reliability across adverse external conditions, including environmental, biological and aging. The system includes sensor units having a microcontroller which collects, analyzes, and stores data from at least one signal pulse created by an insect falling through the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Dennis Shuman, R. David Crompton
  • Patent number: 6856250
    Abstract: A remotely-locatable tracking device and system is presented for use with a projectile that contacts a mobile target. The device is particularly useful with hunting arrows that contact a target animal. The device detaches from the arrow and attaches to the animal upon impact. The device is preferably comprised of a passive transponder and the system preferably uses a handheld transceiver to locate the transponder attached to the target animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Randy Hilliard
  • Patent number: 6812822
    Abstract: A combined monitor and display assembly at an infant location, and at a caregiver location. The apparatus includes a light box having a semi-reflective mirror behind which is a film transparency having a photographic image of the infant's mother. When a light bulb in the box is energized to illuminate the transparency, the image of the mother becomes visible to the infant. There is a sound-activated switching device connected between the bulb and a power source. The switching device, when activated by the infant's crying, remains activated for a predetermined period to energize the bulb and illuminate the transparency. There is a record playback unit having a stored voice message recorded by the mother, the unit being rendered operative when the bulb is energized. When the infant cries, it is presented with an image of its mother and hears her comforting message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Donald Spector
  • Publication number: 20040174266
    Abstract: A fish farming net having conductive wires integrated into the filaments of the net. The conductive wires are arranged in circuits, each of said circuits defining a field connected to an electronic apparatus that monitors a certain electrical parameter of the field. The wires of each circuit are arranged in a pattern whereby the wires are close enough together that a hole large enough for fish to escape will necessarily break one of the wires. In the event the circuit is broken, the monitoring apparatus detects a change in the electrical parameter being monitored and signals an appropriate alarm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Leif Erik Larsen
  • Publication number: 20040140900
    Abstract: Among the embodiments of the present invention are pest control devices (1010, 1110, 1210) each operable to detect the presence of pests. The pest control device (1010, 1110, 1210) has a bait (1032) that is consumed or displaced by one or more species of pest, a pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252), and a monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269). The pest sensing circuit (1052, 1152, 1252) can be altered by pest activity. The monitoring circuit (1069, 1169, 1269) detects this alteration and reports it automatically or in response to an external stimulus or interrogation to indicate pest presence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel T. Barber, Don Black
  • Publication number: 20040124984
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and holding a fishing rod that includes a sensing device to detect a fish strike and an alarm to signal the fish strike audibly and/or visually to the user. Then invention includes a structure that holds and supports the fishing rod in an upright position. The handle of the fishing rod is placed in a tubular fishing rod holder. A fish strike pulls the tip of the fishing rod down, thereby forcing the proximal end of the handle of the fishing rod up within the fishing rod holder. The fishing rod handle activates a switch which closes an electric circuit. An alarm is in turn connected to the tubular fishing rod holder. When a fish strikes, and the switch is activated, a circuit is closed, activating the alarm and producing an audio and/or visual signal. The device permits the user to select among two or more distinct audio alarms, thereby allowing multiple users to operate the invention in the same location at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Larry Fuller
  • Patent number: 6724312
    Abstract: A pest control system includes pest control devices installed about an area or building. These devices each include a bait member and a wireless communication circuit. The wireless communication circuit may be in the form of a passive RF tag that transmits information indicative of bait status and an identifier unique to each pest control device. The wireless communication circuit can be configured in a first assembly for detecting the presence of one or more pests and a second assembly for delivering a pesticide once pests are detected. The assemblies are interchangeable within a pest control device housing. The wireless communication circuit is connected to a sensor having an electrically conductive element that can be comprised of a nonmetallic material, such as a carbon-based ink. One or more connection members electrically couple the wireless communication circuit and the sensor. These members are comprised of an electrically conductive, elastomeric compound, such as a carbon-filled silicone rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Barber, Don Black, Edward King, Sterett Robertson
  • Patent number: 6707384
    Abstract: A system for automated monitoring of pest insects in stored products to help identify insect species and improve reliability across adverse external conditions, including environmental, biological and aging. The system includes sensor units having a microcontroller which collects, analyzes, and stores data from a signal pulse created by an insect falling through the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Agriculture
    Inventors: Dennis Shuman, R. David Crompton
  • Patent number: 6681714
    Abstract: This invention provides for a method of keeping animals away from a location comprising subjecting the location to a light beam or subjecting the animals to the light beam. Also provided for is a method for disturbing the nocturnal nesting areas of water fowl by subjecting those nocturnal nesting areas to a light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Robert Johnson