Abstract: This disclosure concerns an invention used to deter auto collisions with animals, and more specifically to allow standard automobile horn to be altered in a manner such that the noise alerts animals, particularly deer, to the presence of an approaching vehicle. A timer/oscillator is selectively connectable between the vehicle horn actuator (e.g., the button on the steering wheel of the vehicle) and the vehicle horn. When the timer is connected between the horn actuator and the horn, a continuous input to the horn actuator is converted to an intermittent horn output (preferably cycling between 2-20 Hz), this intermittent horn output being synchronized with the timer pulses. Such cycling of the horn causes a flight response in animals when sounded in their vicinity.

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.

Abstract: The method according to the invention consists in providing two containers fed by the water source whose pollution is desired to be measured, each of the containers containing fish and being equipped with means able to detect any abnormal behaviour of said fish, alternate the lighting and obscurity periods for said two containers, carry out the detection of the behaviour of the fish in the two containers and trigger an alarm signal when the detection shows an abnormal behaviour of the fish.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder in which a cradle is normally supported at an obtuse angle relative to a stable surface by a support member. A bite on the bait or lure at the end of a line from the pole results in a tug on the pole which releases the cradle, causing the cradle to engage the support member thereby actuating a signal to the fisherman that he or she has a bite on the line.

Abstract: A shrew-expelling device with an illumination function, the device is comprised of an electric circuitry, a main stem and a housing; wherein, the electric circuitry includes a power supplying circuit, a sound emitting circuit and a light emitting circuit, the power supplying circuit generates electricity in taking advantage of a solar-energy powered electricity generating element. The device with a buzzer and a light emitting element therein makes sound which is abominated by rodents and illuminates respectively; and thereby, the device has an effect of expelling rats and illuminating; wherein, by providing various modeling formed from a housing and a main stem, the device can completely immersed into the scenery of the environment to even beautify the latter.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus comprises a first substrate having first circuitry supported thereby. The first circuitry defines at least a portion of a radio frequency identification device. At least one first electrical node is supported by the substrate and in electrical connection with the first circuitry. The apparatus further comprises an input device comprising a second substrate and second circuitry on the second substrate. The second circuitry is in electrical communication with at least one second electrical node. Neither of the first nor second electrical nodes is a lead, and the second electrical node is adhered to the first electrical node to electrically connect the input device with the radio frequency identification device. The invention also encompasses a termite-sensing apparatus. Additionally, the invention encompasses methods of forming electrical apparatuses, and methods for sensing termites.

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.

Abstract: A pest control system, with a device and via an associated method, is used to make determination and provide notification regarding the presence of pests at a site. The pest control device of the system is located at the site. The device includes a housing, a bait member located within the housing, a sensor, located within the housing, to sense pests attracted to the bait member, and a monitoring device, located within the housing and operatively connected to the sensor, to monitor the sensor. The device also includes a communication arrangement, located within the housing and operatively connected to the monitoring device, to transmit a wireless signal indicative of the operation of the monitoring device and for reception at one or more off-site locations. The system also includes one or more communication and processing arrangements, located off-site, to receive the transmitted signal and to provide information usable to determine needed pest control.

Abstract: This invention consists of a system of components with electronic sensors that sense the presence of sharks within their vicinity and relays a warning to the various components within the system. The main components are the buoys and personal warning reception devices. The buoy system utilizes sonar and other technologies to detect objects in the water; this data is fed to a microprocessor that distinguishes sharks from other marine life based on size, shape, and other distinguishing characteristics.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the presence of insects in a structure utilize a plurality of transceivers, each of which generates separate and distinct microwave signals and receives separate and distinct signals reflected from a structure being tested. The reflected signals received by each of the transceivers are processed, for instance by a microprocessor, so as to provide output signals that indicate the presence or absence of insects in the structure. If most or all of the transceivers receive positive signals indicative of the possible presence of insects in the structure, which is a false indication of the presence of insects, the microprocessor distinguishes this false indication from an actual indication of the presence of insects, thereby enabling the detection of insects despite the existence of motion signals caused by non-insect motion.

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.

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.

Abstract: A wild-life registration system is described for tracking migration trajectories. The system consists of a wireless network of smart multi-sensors with GPS. The sensors include digital threshold control and data compression. An ad-hoc routing protocol allows the network to be fault-tolorant, scalable and adaptive. Tracking trajectories—finite curves in the plane—minimizes the required number of sensors to N≅106(A/106 km2)(r/50 m)−1(d/km)−1, where r denotes the radius of detection sensitivity of the sensors and d the desired interpolation distance d of trajectories, given a desired surface area coverage A. The preferred embodiment uses silicon integrated multi-sensors housed in a rugged probe for insertion into or placement on the natural soil, equipped with stand-alone power supply. The preferred method of employment uses aerial droppings by plane.

Abstract: A hazard warning device for night-migrating birds is provided which warns the birds of the presence of a fixed structure or obstacle, e.g., a building or communications tower, against which the birds could collide during night-migration. The device includes a speaker affixed to the structure and a recorder connected to the speaker for, when activated, supplying to the speaker, for continuous broadcast thereby, an infrasonic signal which naturally causes the birds to avoid the structure. In one embodiment, the signal has a frequency close to that of a natural topographic feature and causes the birds to avoid the structure based on the workings of the innate navigational system of the birds. In another embodiment, the recorder supplies a signal which reproduces or mimics the sound of thunder and/or the sound of a lightning strike.

Abstract: A warning device to alert birds and the like of the presence of a predator is disclosed. The apparatus emits a first audible warning signal having a first frequency audible to one type of prey and a second audible warning signal having a second frequency audible to a second type of prey. One warning signal may be at a frequency in the range of about 20 to 40 kilohertz and the second warning signal may be at a frequency in the range of about 1 to 20 kilohertz.

Abstract: A novel wildlife warning system is provided herein. The system includes one or more vehicle sensors adjacent a roadway to sense an approaching vehicle, and to provide a sensor signal upon sensing the approach. One or more warning alarms which are remote from the roadway are configured to generate a wildlife warning signal. One or more transmitters are remotely connected to the vehicle sensor or sensors for transmitting an actuating signal to the warning alarm or alarms upon reception of the sensed signal, thereby to send a warning to the wildlife. The warning alarms may be chain triggered, or may be controlled by a master controller in a pre-programmed manner.

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: A remote control locator system that can be retro-fitted to any existing remote control device in a straightforward manner. The remote control locator system comprises a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit includes a transmitter residing in a sending unit housing and an activation mechanism coupled to the transmitter to send a locator signal when the activation mechanism is activated by a user. The receiving unit includes a receiver residing in a receiving unit housing to receive the locator signal and to emit an audible sound when the receiver receives the locator signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically identifying when an animal is in distress receives a sound pattern produced near the selected animal and compares it with pre-stored audio patterns corresponding to respective sounds expected to be produced by that type of animal when in various types of distress to determine the best match. When a good enough match is made, a signal is automatically sent to a remote communication unit near an attendant.

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.

Abstract: A novel method of positively directing termite activity by the use of radio waves. Also provided is a method of protecting a natural or man-made structure from termite infestation based on termite attractancy of specific radio waves.

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.

Abstract: A item locator system for locating lost personal articles. The item locator system includes a first device for receiving and transmitting a signal over free space. The first device includes a first transceiver adapted for sending a plurality of signals each has a distinct frequency. A microprocessor actuates the first transceiver and determining the distinct transmitted signal. The microprocessor is operationally coupled to the first transceiver. A speaker emits an audible sound, is operationally coupled to the microprocessor and actuated when the first transceiver receives a signal. A plurality of input actuators input information into the microprocessor and are operationally coupled to the microprocessor. A plurality of second devices receives and transmits signals over free space. Each of the second devices is adapted for receiving one of the distinct signals and transmitting a signal to the first transceiver. Each of the second devices is positionable on one of the articles.

Abstract: A whale and/or manatee device designed to be installed on boats externally or internally or be hand held which will emit an continuous signal (continuous sounds in the form of manatee or whale signals replicated or copied from actual manatees or whales sounds) that is noticeable by whales and/or manatees so that the whales and/or manatees can move out of the way of impending danger of collision with a boat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for nondestructive testing and evaluation of wood and wooden structures for insects using microwave radiation. The apparatus includes a microwave generator, a receiver, an antenna for sending and receiving signals, a signal processor for processing the received signals and a display. The detection method includes generating and sending a microwave signal, receiving a reflected signal, and processing and evaluating the received signal. The evaluation method includes sweeping the frequency of the generated signal to determine the maximum received signal, and comparing the maximum received signal to a standard deviation between the maximum received signal and the standard indicates damage and extent of the deviation indicates the extent of the damage. Preferably, the apparatus is hand-held and the method includes moving the apparatus about a structure to be tested.

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.

Abstract: A device that monitors a person's location and compares it to a database of fish and game regulations for a given area. The user can verify position, but can also display fish and game regulations that apply in that area. Moreover, the unit can also monitor the user's position with respect to boundaries. If the user crosses into another area, the unit can alert the user of this and the user can then discover the rules for the area and if necessary, leave the area. In this way, hunters and fishers can now travel through the back country confident that they always know the regulations and boundaries of the areas that they occupy.

Abstract: An electronic pest monitoring system includes an electronic pest monitoring device which may be used in combination with or separate from a bait box. The electronic pest monitoring device is adapted to be removably attached to a bait box. The electronic pest monitoring device includes a pest detector, such as a passive IR detector, which provides a pest detection signal in response to the presence of a pest. A processor coupled to the pest detector includes a real-time clock, and stores in memory a time and date of occurrence of the pest detection signal and a duration of the presence of the pest. Such pest detection event information may be transmitted from the electronic pest monitoring device over a wireless communications channel, such as an IR communications channel, to a hand-held computer unit for display and analysis.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder in which a cradle is normally supported at an obtuse angle relative to a stable surface by a support member. A bite on the bait or lure at the end of a line from the pole results in a tug on the pole which releases the cradle, causing the cradle to engage the support member thereby actuating a signal to the fisherman that he or she has a bite on the line.

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.

Abstract: A wildlife conditioning and suppression system conditions wildlife to avoid a restricted area. The system relies on backing up predetermined and repeatable warning stimuli with real enforcement directed against the wildlife. In a preferred embodiment, a warning zone is defined around a protected area and predetermined sensory warning stimuli are produced each time wildlife enters the warning zone. If the wildlife enters the protected area, physical enforcement by means of a water cannon is used to eject the wildlife from the area. The wildlife is thereby conditioned to avoid the area by means of repeatable warning stimuli backed up with real enforcement.

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring woodpeckers from tapping on and excavating within a utility pole or the like includes a housing having mounting flanges for direct attachment to the pole so as to receive vibrations therefrom. A transducer is attached to the mounting wall so as to convert the vibrations preferentially over airborne sounds into signals. A circuit compares the vibrations with a long term average and emits an output in response to detection above a threshold, whereupon the outputs are counted and if the number within a predetermined time exceeds a preset minimum a sound transmitter is actuated for emitting a deterrent sound externally of the housing. A memory contains a plurality of separate audible deterrent sounds including some of the same species and some of predators which act as a deterrent to the woodpeckers and these are selected sequentially and transmitted after a delay to avoid habituation.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for reproducing complex electrical fields associated with aquatic species as they exist in nature, for the purpose of altering the behavior of like or unlike aquatic species. An aquatic species is selected for observation and isolated from other species to avoid interference. At least one of an attribute and a observable behavior of the isolated species is recorded as well as an electrical field signature associated with the isolated species. In another aspect, a method is provided for identifying a particular aquatic species in an unisolated environment according to a particular electrical field signature generated by various aquatic species.

Abstract: A portable mosquito repelling/killing device, it has a box convenient for carrying; a power source provided by dry batteries or provided by inserting the plug seat on the box in an A.C. current socket. The box of the device is combined with a clamping member in order that the device can be hung on a person. The box is provided thereon with an elastic pusher sheet, a insertion slot, several gas emitting holes, a switch, an LED light emitting hole and an electric power spigot for connecting outwardly; and is provided therein with an oscillating circuit, a buzzer, an electric heater, a heater fixing seat and batteries supplying electric power.

Abstract: A lost item finding system including at least two nearly identical locators. Either one can be used to find the other and whatever items are attached to it. In the preferred embodiment, acoustic signals near 6500 Hz are used to broadcast a search signal from an available locator to a lost one. Preferably, the search signal includes a sequences of tones having predetermined frequency differences between them. The lost locator is usually in a sleep mode, in which it nonetheless is capable of recognizing the beginning of the search signal. The locator turns on to an active mode in which it consumes more power. It determines the baseline frequency and then identifies whether the signal it is receiving conforms to the predetermined frequency differences between the sequence of tones. If it does, the lost locator transmits a beacon signal that can be perceived by the user as he searches for the lost item. The beacon signal may include both an audible signal and a flashing light emitting diode.

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.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus comprises a first substrate having first circuitry supported thereby. The first circuitry defines at least a portion of a radio frequency identification device. At least one first electrical node is supported by the substrate and in electrical connection with the first circuitry. The apparatus further comprises an input device comprising a second substrate and second circuitry on the second substrate. The second circuitry is in electrical communication with at least one second electrical node. Neither of the first nor second electrical nodes is a lead, and the second electrical node is adhered to the first electrical node to electrically connect the input device with the radio frequency identification device. The invention also encompasses a termite-sensing apparatus. Additionally, the invention encompasses methods of forming electrical apparatuses, and methods for sensing termites.

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.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a device for sensing living organisms. Such device comprises a loop of conductive material extending over a substrate, and an insulative protective material over the loop of conductive material. The device further comprises a circuit which includes the conductive material as a first circuit component and which further includes a transponder as a second circuit component. The transponder is configured to emit a first signal if the loop of conductive material is continuous, and a second signal if the loop of conductive material is broken. The invention also encompasses a device for sensing termites. Such device comprises at least two wooden blocks separated by a gap, and a loop of conductive material within the gap. The device further comprises an insulative protective material over the loop of conductive material.

Abstract: A alarm device for warding off an imminent attack by generating loud warning sounds and generating attention. The alarm device includes a housing including a front wall, a back wall, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls and designed for securely coupling to a user; a first sound generating device is coupled within the housing and is operationally coupled to a first such that the first sound generating device produces a first sound when the first switch is actuated; a second sound generating device is coupled within the housing operationally coupled to a second switch such that the second sound generating device produces a second sound when the second switch is actuated; and a power source is operationally coupled to the first switch and the second switch such that the power supply provides power to the first sound generating device and the second sound generating device when the first switch and the second switch are actuated.

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.

Abstract: A transponder communication device interrogates an operational test transponder that is permanently within a receiving range of the transponder communication device. In response thereto, the operational test transponder sends operational test information to the transponder communication device. The transponder communication device checks whether received operational test information is valid, and generates an error signal if the received operational test information is invalid.

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.

Abstract: An animal warning alarm device includes a housing having a hollow tube projecting forwardly therefrom and an electronic sonic generator attached to the housing for providing a sonic wave that is channeled out through the forward open end of the tube which is angled downwardly in a forward direction preferably at an angle of approximately 45° to the road surface beneath the vehicle, whereby the sonic wave that is emitted from the tube will be reflected off the road surface and produce a virtual sonic echo effect.

Abstract: The invention encompasses an electrical apparatus. Such apparatus comprises a first substrate having first circuitry supported thereby. The first circuitry defines at least a portion of a radio frequency identification device. At least one first electrical node is supported by the substrate and in electrical connection with the first circuitry. The apparatus further comprises an input device comprising a second substrate and second circuitry on the second substrate. The second circuitry is in electrical communication with at least one second electrical node. Neither of the first nor second electrical nodes is a lead, and the second electrical node is adhered to the first electrical node to electrically connect the input device with the radio frequency identification device. The invention also encompasses a termite-sensing apparatus. Additionally, the invention encompasses methods of forming electrical apparatuses, and methods for sensing termites.

Abstract: A portable recording device, namely a remote logging unit, for electronically recording relevant information related to fishing conditions, and the like. The recording device has sensors for detecting environmental conditions and/or for measuring physical data on a specimen caught. The device also includes input mechanisms, such as a touch screen, for manually entering information, and a display for reviewing information stored in the device's memory. The recording device may be connectable to a personal computer for creating a personal log of the user's activities and/or for loading additional information into the device. The device may transfer recorded data to a central repository, for example using a transmitter/receiver for sending a data signal to a network server which maintains a database of information related to fishing conditions at a number of locations.