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.

Abstract: An animal is provided with an identifier for uniquely identifying it. The identifier is entered into a microprocessor-controlled programmable device to start a record for the animal and to record and store information pertaining to the animal into the record. After the recording and storing of information, an electronic unit is activated to indicate to an animal handler a next task to be performed related to the animal. The data may be entered by speech commands and voice recognition software, so that the user can avoid coming into close proximity to the animal. Further, the contents of the record can be processed to provide information to those along the chain from the producers to the feedlots, packing plant and wholesalers/retailers that will assist in the production of a better product.

Abstract: A proximity detection system for determining when a single channel receiver becomes proximate to any point on a wireless closed boundary continuously generated by a transmitter. The transmitter includes a magnetic field generator broadcasting a composite, modulated, time-varying magnetic field signal of a particular carrier frequency. The receiver forms a measure of the broadcast magnetic field intensity incident to the location of the receiver or a measure of the power or energy of incident field.

Abstract: A sensor assembly (10) for monitoring movement of an object (13) near a first body region (11) of an animal (12) includes one or more sensors (16) and a signaling unit (24). The sensor (16) is coupled to the animal (12) and detects movement of the object (13) near the first body region (11) of the animal (12). The signaling unit (24) generates a sensory signal that is received by the animal (12) when the sensor (16) detects movement of the object (13) near the first body region (11). In one embodiment, the sensor (16) can include an infrared sensor. Alternatively, one or more of the sensors (16) can include a directional sensor, a positional sensor, an inclination sensor and/or another suitable type of sensor (16). The sensory signal can be an audible sound, a vibration, a visual signal and/or an electrical impulse. The sensor assembly (10) can also include a counter (26) that monitors the number of times that the sensor (16) detects movement of the object (13) within or near the first body region (11).

Abstract: A method and device for activation of large quantities of security elements for the electronic article protection. The security elements are exposed to at lease one magnetic field produced by one or more coils carrying a line current subjected to sine oscillations. The coils are supplied with current pulses that are shorter than the sine oscillations. The amplitude of the current pulses diminishes as a function of time.

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

Abstract: A system for generating information identifying a two-dimensional location of objects in within a space includes a plurality of wireless modules and first and second transceiver systems. Each of the plurality of wireless modules corresponds to one of the objects. The first and second radio transceiver systems are spaced apart by a predetermined distance and are disposed proximate the space. The first and second radio transceiver systems are operable to selectively transmit a signal to select wireless module, receive a response signal from the select wireless module, and generate first information based on a detected relationship between the selective transmission and the receipt of the response signal. The system further includes a device operable to calculate a two-dimensional location of the select wireless module based on the first information generated by the first radio transceiver system and the first information generated by the second radio transceiver system.

Abstract: A system and method of tracking individuals divided into flocks by means of radio communication and positioning systems is disclosed. A flock leader is provided with a first electronic device (1) comprising a first transceiver (2) operating in a public radio communication network, e.g. GSM or GPRS, a position tracker (3), e.g. a GPS-receiver, and a second transceiver (4) operating in a short distance radio communication system, e.g. Bluetooth®. Each of the remaining individuals in the flock is provided with a second electronic device (6) comprising at least a third transceiver (7) also operating in the short distance radio communication system. The second electronic device (6) periodically transmits data identifying the associated individual to the first electronic device (1), so that the flock leader knows that the individual is localized in the flock (i.e. within the coverage area of the short distance radio communication system) as long as it receives the data.

Abstract: A docking station is located in an offender's home. It is connected to a transformer, and a wireless modem. The docking station includes a processor board containing a microprocessor which receives the offender's home schedule from a central monitoring station via a cellular network and communicates with a miniature tracking device positioned in the docking station when the offender is at home and on the belt of an offender when he is away from home. The miniature tracking device receiving GPS signals. A tamper resistant bracelet transmitter permanently positioned on the offender's ankle communicates by wireless transmission to the tracking device.

Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a machine or process includes a control point and a remote node. The control point is located with respect to the machine or process. The remote node is located with respect to an operator of the machine or process for detecting a predetermined condition of the operator and responsively delivering a fault signal to the control point through a wireless communications channel.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: A sound-reproducing package comprises a housing for storing a consumer product, a disposed therein sound signal reproducing unit electronically connected to a power supply and a loudspeaker, at least one external activation sensor connected to the sound signal reproducing unit, and a package state sensor operative to form a signal corresponding to an open or closed state of the package, or the presence or absence of a consumer product in it. The package state sensor is connected to the sound signal reproducing unit operative to select from its memory sound signals for reproducing depending on the signal from the package state sensor.

Abstract: An animal control device for prohibiting animal access to or egress from a desired area. The transmitter comprises a flexible transmitter strip and strip extensions that are designed to be physically unobtrusive. The strip further comprises on/off switch, frequency control, AC power plug and a battery backup. The receiver and emission component of the device comprises a removable and adjustable animal collar, or plurality of animal collars which emit audible sound, ultrasound, vibration, or mild electric shock.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for locating and tracking persons by use of an implantable device. The described invention is an implant able device composed of biocompatible materials in all areas where contact with organic tissue occurs. The gross anatomic siting of the device includes any limb, the torso, including back and perineum, the neck, and the head. The surgical anatomic siting of the device includes: (1) Supramuscular: for example, deep to the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat, on or attached to muscle and/or muscle fascia. Such a location is currently used for implantation of commercially available buried intravenous access ports, which are positioned on, and attached to, the pectoralis major muscle fascia; (2) Intramuscular: for example, within or between the muscles of a limb; (3) Submuscular: for example, deep to a large muscle.

Abstract: An electronic fence system comprises a fence wire which radiates a radio signal for defining a boundary; a transmitter electrically connected to the fence wire and transmitting a boundary radio signal including a mode selection signal; and a receiver attached to the pet, that receives the boundary defining signal, and that generates either electrical shock only, or a combination of electrical shock and vibration as well as sound depending on the mode selection signal. If the pet has a hearing loss, or the circumference is noisy, a warning signal can be given through a touch to the skin of the pet. Since a vibration is applied first, and the shock follows it, no severe shock need be applied to the pet that will return into the confined area after having received a vibration. A pet's activity is restricted in a predetermined area.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

Abstract: A system and method for issuing an alarm when the separation distance between a monitoring module associated with an object (animate or inanimate) and an alert module exceeds a preset threshold distance thereby forming a leadless electronic tether between the object and the object owner. A monitoring module comprises a portable transmitter provides a signal to an alert module comprising a receiver and a processor. The alert module is adapted to determine a separation distance between the monitoring module and the alert module based on an attribute of the signal. When the separation distance exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert module issues an alert.

Abstract: A system for the surveillance of animals includes identification and measuring elements attached to the animals, as well as at least one local level information system (115), wirelessly connected to the identification and measuring elements of a certain group of animals for saving animal-specific measuring results into the information network. Aiming to provide a new kind of a surveillance system for domestic husbandry that enables different interest groups to monitor the kind of a group of animals they wish, the system includes at least one higher level information system, connected to the chosen local level system through a communications network for the reception of animal-specific measuring results from at the minimum one local system, and at least one software application using the data gathered in the higher level system to produce information about the animals to at the minimum one higher level information system by processing the collected data.

Abstract: A method and device for automatic timing of mass sporting events is described. Participants of the mass event each wear a transponder with an individual code, which is read after the finish and is associated with a recorded time. Upon finishing, an internal timer of the transponder is activated and its transponder time is evaluated with the determination of a finish time from the recorded time as the adjustment amount.

Abstract: A pet-activated signaling device to allow a pet to signal a human includes a base, and a cover, associated with the base. A biasing element is operatively coupled between the base and the cover and is configured to provide a positive biasing force therebetween. At least one audio signaling system is associated with the base and the cover and is activatable in response to relative movement of the cover with respect to the base. At least one visual signaling system is associated with the base and the cover and is activatable in response to relative movement of the cover with respect to the base.

Abstract: A system for controlling pets utilizes a low power transmitter to create avoidance zones in which one pet wearing an animal control receiver can enter but in which a second pet is deterred from entering.

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.

Abstract: Acquiring and collecting data from a subject animal. A system includes a passive data acquisition device associable with a subject animal including: a sensor, a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder, and a magnet separate form the transponder. The system also includes a transceiver operable to activate the data acquisition device and to receive and demodulate an RFID telegram from the data acquisition device sent in response to the activation. The transceiver includes an activation antenna configured to encompass areas of substantially equal and substantially opposite flux and a receive antenna configured symmetrically along an axis of symmetry of the activation antenna. The RFID telegram from the data acquisition device to the transceiver comprises an ISO 11784-compliant identification code containing sensor data in the reserved field of the code. In another embodiment, the RFID telegram comprises a modified ISO 11785 telegram.

Abstract: An electronic personal monitoring device that informs the user, i.e. tutor or guardian, when an unauthorized person has come too close to the protected person, i.e. target person, or when the target person moves or has been moved outside a calculated tutor monitoring range wherein the device continually monitors, i.e. self-monitoring, so long as the alarm system is enabled and produces an alarm signal when triggered, which may be a silent or vibration alarm, audible alarm or visual alarm.

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

Abstract: A method of rapidly identifying RFID tags in an RFID system including a reader and a plurality of RFID tags, the tags having respective IDs formed of a plurality of bit locations, the method comprising determining in the reader which bit locations do not add to the uniqueness of the IDs of the tags; and ignoring data in bit locations that do not add to the uniqueness of the IDs of the tags. An RFID system comprising a plurality of RFID tags, the tags having respective IDs formed of a plurality of bit locations; and an RFID reader configured to communicate with the RFID tags, the reader being configured to determine which bit locations do not add to the uniqueness of the IDs of the tags, and to ignore data in bit locations that do not add to the uniqueness of the IDs of the tags.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus (1) for training an animal is supported against the animal's skin, and includes stimulus electrodes (5) for electrically contacting the skin. A controller including output terminals producing aversive stimulus control signals, a first switch (Q4) coupled to a winding to produce therein a burst of first current pulses in response to a first signal produced by the controller (33) and a second switch (Q2) coupled to the first switch (Q4) operative to synchronously shunt predetermined trailing portions of the first current pulses away from the winding in response to a second signal produced by the controller to reduce the amount of energy delivered to the winding by the switching transistor (Q4) without substantially changing a peak value of a flyback voltage across the winding. The controller sets various values of time intervals during which portions of the first current pulses are shunted away from the winding in order to set various corresponding intensities of aversive stimulus.

Abstract: An animal handling device, including at least one securing device, and a primary sensor system, and a secondary sensor system characterised in that both the primary and secondary sensor systems must be simultaneously activated in order to trigger the securing device to hold the animal.

Abstract: A system and method for agricultural data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for agricultural items throughout the production cycle. Individual item data is efficiently collected, transferred, and shared in a transactional, event-oriented, row-oriented structure with few columns without need for creating relational structures. The system includes software components for data collection and real-time data lookup components; share, switch, route, and interface components; extract, transform, and load components; and report and analyze data components. Embodiments include data acquisition from multiple RFID reader locations; a web-based information system for a beef marketing alliance; value-based procurement, and supply chain management.

Abstract: An asset, object, person or animal monitoring system and associated method for monitoring assets, objects, people or animals utilizing impulse radio techniques. The asset, object, person or animal monitoring system of the present invention can vary the duty cycles of the impulse radio transmitters, by both manual and automatic means, to adapt to varied requirements.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for a security system. In one embodiment, the system includes capabilities to aid in locating an item that is being monitored when the item's location is unknown. The embodiment also includes capabilities for sounding an alarm when the item is believed to be missing.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an automatic announcement to a person seeking a particular portal in a facility that any particular portal is the one sought. The method comprises the steps of providing the person with a wireless, electronic transmitting and/or receiving device bearing a particular code, providing the portal with a corresponding wireless, electronic transmitting and/or receiving device bearing the particular code, identifying when the code of the device of the person which has been received by the portal device is the same as the code of the portal device and announcing when the personal code and the portal code have been identified as being the same to the person that this portal is the one sought. This invention also has application to veterinary uses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a carcass during meat production. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a band sized to fit around a limb of the carcass and a readable identification tag affixed to the band for remote identification of the carcass. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a block adapted to couple to a trolley carrying the carcass and a readable identification tag coupled to or embedded in the block. The readable identification tag may be used to read and write information relating to the carcass to a database.

Abstract: A system, method, and software for facilitating the identification and recovery of missing persons. In one aspect, the invention is a system comprising a portable device comprising a computer memory medium and means for interfacing with a computer system having a display device; a software program loaded on said computer memory medium, said software comprising means for receiving data indicative of a person's unique identification information, means for storing said received data on said computer memory medium, said computer memory containing data indicative of said person's unique identification information stored thereon, and means for displaying said stored data on said display device when said portable device is interfaced to the computer system. The invention stores all necessary data identification data for a person in a single location for ease of access and distribution to authorities in time of crisis.

Abstract: A pet tracking collar comprises a length of clear flexible tubing having a fastener adapted to fasten around the pet. Hermetically sealed within the tubing is an electrical ribbon cable extending through the length thereof. A plurality of light-emitting diodes, visible through the clear tubing, are wirelessly connected at spaced intervals to the cable. The tracking collar also includes an antenna within the electrical ribbon cable, and a radio transmitter secured to the cable adapted to transmit a radio frequency signal. The cable is secured within the flexible tubing such that strain along the length of the tubing is not transmitted to the cable therein. The collar's battery compartment has sufficient clearance between the battery and walls of the battery compartment to shed water after the collar is wetted. A radio frequency signal receiver determines direction or distance of the collar with respect to the receiver.

Abstract: A method and device for activation of large quantities of security elements for the electronic article protection. The security elements are exposed to at least one magnetic field produced by one or more coils carrying a line current subjected to sine oscillations. The coils are supplied with current pulses that are shorter than the sine oscillations. The amplitude of the current pulses diminishes as a function of time.

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

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

Abstract: A battery-powered transmitter which emits an audible sound or RF signal, including a housing which is mountable to the collar for a pet, for example. The present device is switchable between “on” and “off” modes of operation by means of a rotary cap whose rotational position effects switching of the device between its “on” and “off” modes of operation. Tactile and visual indication of the then-current operational mode of the device is provided by means of the rotational position of the rotary cap and indicia provided on the housing of the device and on the rotary cap itself. The rotary cap of the present invention further provides for sealing of the rotary cap with respect to the housing against foul weather conditions, including immersion in water, while simultaneously providing for rotary motion of the cap for effecting switching of the device between its “on” and “off” operational modes, employing an expansible seal between the cap and the housing.

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 system and method of performing a medical diagnosis in real time that can diagnose a health condition of a mobile terminal user in real time is disclosed. Various sensors provided in the mobile terminal sense a body condition, and a server diagnoses the health condition of the user from the sensed condition information, and informs the user of the corresponding health keeping plan and medical treatment as well. Thus, the user can conveniently check his/her health condition any time and anywhere.

Abstract: An asset, object, person or animal monitoring system and associated method for monitoring assets, objects, people or animals utilizing impulse radio techniques. The asset, object, person or animal monitoring system of the present invention can vary the duty cycles of the impulse radio transmitters, by both manual and automatic means, to adapt to varied requirements.

Abstract: The system includes a storage including records created for every product at every stage and a processor operated by first and second processes. Each record includes a first stage information at which the food product is processed, a first time information for specifying the time period of processing at the first stage, a second stage information at which the livestock product processed at the first stage is received as material and a second time information for specifying the time period of processing at the second stage. The first process specifies a target record whose first stage and time information are coincident with that of an original product. The second process specifies a new target record whose first stage and time information are coincident with the second stage and time information of the previous target record. The second process is repeated until a new target record cannot be specified.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining whether an object is moved are provided. The object is disposed in a communication system having many base stations. The apparatus includes a receiver, a controller, and a warning device. During a predetermined period, the apparatus respectively receives and measures signals from each of the base stations to derive a first average value. Meanwhile, a tolerable probability value is inputted. According to the tolerable probability value and the first average value, the apparatus gets a tolerable range. Next, the apparatus continues to receive and measure signals to derive a second average value. Finally, the apparatus determines whether the object is moved in accordance with the second average value and the tolerable range. If moved, the apparatus sends out a warning signal.

Abstract: Messages can be sent to a pet using a hand-held remote transmitter and a receiver that is attached to the pet. The receiver can record voice commands. When the transmitter sends a signal, the receiver picks up the signal and plays the recorded command to the pet. The receiver can also have one or more lights mounted on it that can be turned on by pushing buttons on the transmitter.

Abstract: A proximity detection system for determining when a single channel receiver becomes proximate to any point on a wireless closed boundary continuously generated by a transmitter. The transmitter includes a magnetic field generator broadcasting a composite, modulated, time-varying magnetic field signal of a particular carrier frequency. The receiver forms a measure of the broadcast magnetic field intensity incident to the location of the receiver or a measure of the power or energy of incident field.

Abstract: A highly automated non-confining system to continuously, or at selected time intervals identify, measure, monitor and manage the consumption behavior, substance intake, body weight and growth of individual animals in their usual production environment including range, pasture, feedlot, dairy and farm without disruption to typical behaviors in order to determine, analyze, model and predict a variety of conditions relating to animal health, productivity, efficiency and quality. A transmitter generally attached to the animal identifies the individual animal by a unique individual code. A weighing device measures animal weight while an animal is consuming substances. An antenna receives the unique signal from the transmitter and a transmitting and receiving device sends acquired signals to a computer and receives instructions from a computer.

Abstract: A home control system for automatic detection and warning of abnormal behavior includes a unit for observing behavior in a predetermined area under surveillance, a unit for processing an output of observed behavior from the unit for observing, and a pattern recognition module for recognizing whether the observed behavior is associated with predefined normal behaviors. The detection of predetermined normal behavior in progress leads to a provision of an anticipatory action. Upon recognition that the observed behavior is abnormal, an alarm signal is triggered to remind the user.

Abstract: A personal alarm system can be worn or carried by the user, may be activated at any time by the user and/or may be automatically activated to send a signal to any remote monitoring station on the network. The device identifies the user as well as the user's location within the monitored area. The alarm-sending unit is designed to fit within a box the size of a small cell phone or pager. The unit includes an ID memory for identifying the user, is programmable and has an on-board processor for generating a signal to a wireless transmitter for sending the signal to a to a local receiver for inputting the signal onto the network. A centralized, networked RF receiver is used with the personal alarm unit and one or more of these RF receivers may be installed in order to provided adequate coverage of the monitored area.