Domestic Animal Training, Monitoring, Or Controlling Patents (Class 340/573.3)
  • Patent number: 6845063
    Abstract: An audible medical emergency system for a patient comprising a bracelet which is battery operated and is worn on patient. The bracelet contains about 60 seconds of audible information about the wearer's health, including warnings about allergies to drugs, medical conditions, doctor's name and phone number, health insurance infomation, next of kin, etc. Information is loaded by computer onto a chip in the bracelet. When a button is pressed, a paramedic or doctor or anyone rendering assistance can listen to the information to aid in helping the wearer in an emergency. The information repeats by pushing the button again after it has played. The medical information is entered into a computer from information provided by the wearer and the computer loads the chip or disk in about two seconds. The audio is in a computer generated voice, so that the audio is quite clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Sherwin Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6838991
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the proper operation of an electronic pet containment transmitter. The transmitter includes an internal short loop antenna that is used to activate the receiver unit when it is brought into close proximity of the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Walter J. Frankewich, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040239508
    Abstract: When a child, a wanderer or a pet animal under a control of a person in parental authority, relatives or a pet owner moves by some reason, the fact that the managed person such as child, wanderer or a pet animal move from its old position is transferred to cellular phone terminal of the manager by means of a position movement alarm system using GPS satellites and cellular phone system. The fact is transferred from a position information monitor·alarm terminal carried by the managed person to the cellular phone carried by the manager through a cellular phone circuit and no third person such as alarm center or service center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Masao Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20040239507
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting that an object has crossed a boundary, in which an electromagnetic field defines the boundary, and in which a signal is provided to an earthbound receiver. The boundary may be defined by a buried wire or a centrally located transmitter. The apparatus and method may be used with animate or inanimate objects. An indication that the object has crossed the boundary may alert a human or may result in a physical action such as closing a door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Anton M. Neary, Stephen T. Neary
  • Patent number: 6825768
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Dogwatch, Inc.
    Inventors: Norval Stapelfeld, Frederic Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040233044
    Abstract: A racing device for a racing dog that utilizes a muzzle with a front end, that is worn on the face of the racing dog while racing, and a transceiver, that is placed on the front end of the muzzle and emits a signal. There is a receiving station, located at the finish line of a race, that receives the emitted signal from the transceiver, indicating when the transceiver crosses the finish line. There is also a timer, used in combination with the receiving station, that indicates what time the transceiver crosses the finish line. The invention includes GPS, RF and laser technologies and also includes an embodiment for a racing horse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Yolanda K. Carter, Tiffany Bedgood
  • Publication number: 20040233059
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Smith, George Roumpos, Gary Bussey, Tracy Bussey
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6805074
    Abstract: A system for and method of determining a formulation for an animal feed having a customized heat increment value. The system can include an animal profile, an animal nutrient requirement profile, an evaluation criteria, and/or ingredient nutrient content profiles. The information contained in the profiles and criteria can be used to calculate a formulation having a desirable heat increment value. The heat increment value can be used to maximize satisfaction of an evaluation criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark D. Newcomb, Christiaan P. A. van de Ligt, David A. Cook, David G. Cieslak
  • Patent number: 6799537
    Abstract: Provided is a pet training device comprising a wireless receiving section worn by a pet, the wireless receiving section including a voice unit, a wireless receiving unit, a detection unit, a second microprocessor unit, a second display unit, a motor vibration unit, a high voltage low current discharge unit, and a decoder unit, and a wireless transmission section held by an owner. In a case of the pet continuously barking, the owner may activate the wireless transmission section to control the wireless receiving section to play a recorded message to order the pet to stop barking or if the above failed, even activate the motor vibration unit to generate vibration on the pet or the high voltage low current discharge unit to generate high voltage low current to apply on the pet for stopping barking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Inventor: Yi-Chia Liao
  • Publication number: 20040189477
    Abstract: When a lead used for taking a pet for a walk or leashing the pet to a place such as a kennel is pulled by the pet or a human during walk or while the pet is leashed, a portable electric power generator connected with the lead generates electricity using mechanical energy obtained by the pulling action. The electricity generated by the portable electric power generator is supplied for the electronic device attached to pet worn by the pet through a charging cable disposed along the lead inside or outside the lead, thereby charging a rechargeable battery inside the electronic device attached to pet. The electronic device attached to pet uses the electrical energy of the integrated battery to perform a predetermined operation (such as wirelessly reporting the current location of the pet, and wirelessly reporting information representing the sound of the pet). The electronic device attached to pet reports that the pet got away from a location where the owner exists and has gotten lost for a number of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: Omron Management Center of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Atsushi Hisano
  • Publication number: 20040155773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for determining if a human being, object or animal has moved beyond a predetermined radius. The system includes a base station, and at least one slave associated with the base station. Each of the slaves is located on the human being, object or animal, and each slave is adapted to receive and emit a coded signal at predetermined intervals. The base station is adapted to transmit and receive the coded signal, decode the coded signal and, if the coded signal represents a slave associated with the base station, determine a signal strength of the coded signal, the signal strength of the coded signal indicating that the human being, object or animal has moved beyond a predetermined area if the signal strength is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Hal Russell, Don Corey, Rodney Miller
  • Publication number: 20040155782
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph Letkomiller, Dale Yones, Paul Baker
  • Patent number: 6774796
    Abstract: A master authenticator (10) is worn by a user and wirelessly transmits information associated with the user to a remotely located electronic device. The master authenticator contains a sensor (12) to determine or sense whether or not the user is wearing the authenticator, along with a means to allow the user to log (22) in to the master authenticator by performing predefined physical action on the master authenticator. Once the sensor senses that the user is physically coupled to or wearing the device, the user logs in so as to uniquely associate the master authenticator with the user. Once the user is logged in, a transmitter is enabled so that the information can be transmitted to an electronic device in the proximity of the user. When the user ceases to wear the master authenticator by removing it, the log in means de-authorizes further transmissions by the master authenticator due to action of the sensor sensing that the authenticator is no longer on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin Derek Smith
  • Publication number: 20040150528
    Abstract: An animal data gathering device comprise: a radio transmitter and receiver, a processor for controlling the operation of the device, and memory for storing, information including a first unique identifier associated with the device, wherein the processor is arranged to transmit a signal, by means of the radio transmitter, and to receive, by means of the radio receiver, one or more signals, each representing a second unique identifier from other devices and the processor is arranged to store in the memory each second unique identifier. Thus a record is kept of all radio devices with which the device has come into radio contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Albert Lobo Natividade, Brian George Merrell, Sarah Margaret Gardner
  • Patent number: 6762684
    Abstract: A processor implemented monitoring system includes a sensor coupled to the processor for sampling a physiological parameter of a subject which may comprise a subject unique identification parameter. Also coupled to the processor is a physical location determining device. Subject location as well as parameter status data are input to the processor which is programmed to determine whether the parameter and/or location data falls within prescribed boundaries stored in a memory. Upon determination of an out of boundary condition, e.g. subject entered proscribed geographic area, monitored medical parameter, e.g. blood pressure, out of limit or an unauthorized person attempting to operate a vehicle, etc., the processor transmits information pertaining to the subject, the off limit condition and the specific geographic location of the subject to a central monitoring station for implementation of appropriate action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Accutrak Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Eli Camhi
  • Publication number: 20040113795
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Groh, Albert Lee
  • Publication number: 20040113796
    Abstract: A window mounted automatic pet door device having a pet-specific identification component whereby only authorized animals are permitted to access the pet door. The device is intended to solve problems inherent in the prior art by providing for installation and use of the device in a window, including upper floor windows, without significantly modifying the window unit, thereby increasing the availability of suitable installation locations and appealing to pet owners who do not wish to structurally modify their homes. It also provides a pet access platform component to give a pet a convenient structure for approaching the device when it is installed above ground or floor level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Crosby S. Noyes
  • Publication number: 20040100386
    Abstract: An automatically opening and closing dog or other pet door is provided with a mechanism to open the door responsive to the presence of an animal to either side of the door along with a transmitted electronic code which identifies that the animal is authorized for entry and exit. In one embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor is utilized along with a transponder on the dog's collar to indicate the presence of authorized pet. Alternatively, a proximity sensing device is utilized which senses the proximity of an activated transponder which when pinged transmits the fact of the presence of the animal within a predetermined range of the door and also the animal's identification number. Detection circuitry adjacent the door detects the presence of the animal by a proximity sensor and the identity of the animal through a transmitted code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Robert K. Tendler
  • Publication number: 20040070508
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Eric D. Bach, Steven E. Bach
  • Patent number: 6720881
    Abstract: A perimeter security system for providing a security alarm for people leaving or entering a predetermined area. The perimeter security system includes a main sensor unit, wearable by a user, which provides an alarm if the wearer breaks a boundary of the predefined area; a perimeter defining assembly for providing an indication of the boundary of the predefined area; and a remote unit for receiving a signal from the main sensor unit that the boundary of the predefined area has been broken, which provides an alarm for a caretaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas W. Halliday
  • Patent number: 6720879
    Abstract: This invention relates to an animal collar for locating and tracking animals. The animal collar is provided with a digital video camera that may be remotely controlled transmit real time full motion video signals over a broadband wireless communication network to allow a pet owner to view the immediate surroundings of a lost pet. The animal collar is further provided with a global positioning (GPS) unit that communicates with GPS satellites to determine the geographic coordinates of the animal collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Time-N-Space Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlena Edwards
  • Publication number: 20040066298
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Agri-Tech Electronics LC
    Inventors: Jerry C. Schmitt, Jerry Schell
  • Patent number: 6715444
    Abstract: A method of measuring the number of times of a specific behavior of an animal in a breeding cage comprising a step in which a common pattern of the specific behavior is determined by receiving a signal of vibration of the cage caused by the specific behavior of the animal and extracting the feature of a frequency component of the signal, a step in which a measurement objective pattern is determined in the same way, and a step in which the common patterns in the measurement objective patterns is counted; a device for the measurement including means for detecting the vibration of the breeding cage, means for extracting the feature of the frequency component, and means for counting the common patterns in the measurement objective patterns; and a method for measuring the specific behavior such as a scratching of a small animal, e.g., a mouse in a breeding cage noninvasively, and an automatic measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kowa Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Yabusaki, Hiroshi Nakao, Muneharu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6710714
    Abstract: A system and method for freeing a pet from a portable holding cage. A portable holding cage is provided with a door that can be locked in a closed position by an electromechanical locking mechanism. The operation of the electromechanical locking mechanism is controlled by a systems controller. The systems controller monitors alarm signals transmitted to it from a remote smoke detector. The transmitted alarm signals can be audible alarm signals, radio alarm signals or optical alarm signals. Once the alarm signal is received and identified by the systems controller, the systems controller activates the electromechanical locking mechanism and opens the door to the holding cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew Conway
  • Patent number: 6700492
    Abstract: An electronic containment system using positional satellites is provided for controlling the movement of animals relative to a selected confinement area. A portable programming transceiver is used to program the boundary of a selected confinement area as the device is moved along such boundary. A programmable collar transceiver worn by the animal provides GPS signals from the satellite to a remotely located control station. The control station tracks the movement of the animal relative to the boundary. If the animal crosses the boundary, the station transmits a stimulus activation signal to the collar so that a corrective stimulus may be produced for the animal. Tracking and containment of objects are accomplished by providing GPS-defined, user-programmable containment areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Invisible Fence, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott F. Touchton, Richard D. Mellinger, Donald L. Peinetti
  • Patent number: 6700494
    Abstract: The invention addresses resolution of serious deficiencies in the timing and movement of racing animals at racetracks and other locations. These needs are met by utilizing, refining, and applying modern computer satellite and tracking technology to an antiquated industry. The technology to be utilized includes adaptations of computer chips currently in domestic pet location use, global positioning satellite technology and on board transponders and uses modern communication technologies to centralize information flow and dissemination for efficient management of many respects of the animal racing industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis O. Dowd
  • Publication number: 20040021574
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the proper operation of an electronic pet containment transmitter. The transmitter includes an internal short loop antenna that is used to activate the receiver unit when it is brought into close proximity of the transmitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Radio Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Walter J. Frankewich,
  • Publication number: 20040017296
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2002
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard David Davis
  • Patent number: 6669682
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting fluid between a reservoir and a natural body cavity. The direction of flow can be in either direction. In a preferred embodiment the reservoir is fitted with a pump to advance fluid from the reservoir into the cavity. A locator forming a part of the apparatus is adapted so at least part of it is fitted through a natural orifice and retained within the natural body cavity. The apparatus includes a securing device which holds it in place on an animal during the normal cavities of that animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Bryher Holdings Limited
    Inventors: David John Michael Gibson, Christopher Seton Norris
  • Patent number: 6664897
    Abstract: An efficient method and apparatus for livestock data collection and management is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for individual animals throughout the production cycle. Individual animal 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 BeefLink™ software includes 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: William R. Pape, Matthew J. Morrison, Andrew J. Dolan, Leland D. Curkendall, Olin M. Armentrout
  • Patent number: 6661344
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained identification system comprises a base, a removable lid operatively and sealingly engageable with the base, whereby the removable lid and the base cooperate to form a sealed enclosure when the removable lid is engaged with the base. A recording device has a record microphone and a record switch and the playback device has a speaker and a playback switch. The recording switch is manually actuated to record the message and a playback switch is actuated by the depression and the release of the playback button, such that the playback switch is automatically actuated by removal of the removable lid to playback the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Bowling
  • Patent number: 6657544
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Joint Techno Concepts International, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Barry, John S. Titus, Dennis L. Larson
  • Patent number: 6650243
    Abstract: A pet affection indicator device presents information regarding the quantity of affection a pet owner is giving to the pet. The device includes a sensing assembly with a sensor element worn by a pet, and produces signals based on sensing of a human's touching of the pet near the sensor element. A processor receives the signals from the sensing element and calculates data associated with at least one of an amount, frequency and duration of the sensed touching and elapsed time since the last of the sensed touching. A memory is in electrical communication with the processor for storing the data. The device also includes an indicator that communicates to a human an indication associated with the data based on the touches. With this device, the pet owner, by paying attention to the indicator, will know if and when the pet is due for more affection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard J. Aull
  • Patent number: 6640356
    Abstract: An advertising surface on which advertising is conveyed through still or moving images is mounted on or above a urinal (1). The advertising is activated by the user of the urinal (1) when he approaches the same. The advertising can be controlled through the Internet and can be adapted to the location and the time of transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Keller Hans
  • Patent number: 6606030
    Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Anthony Vena
  • Publication number: 20030146834
    Abstract: A system is provided herein for monitoring the quality of milk which is stored at a dairy facility comprising sensors, e.g., analog and/or digital sensors that are installed on equipment on a dairy farm. Such sensors report information through a communication device that sends the information, e.g., over wire-line or wireless telephony to a network operations center. The network operation center includes resident software which is programmed to interpret that information. Then, the software firstly determines whether the dairy farm operator needs to receive an alert or informational message via telephone or any other electronic communications device suggesting that the operator take appropriate action. Secondly, if necessary, the software then presents the alert and sensor information on a customized secure web site that the operator can access to review the information and prepare the compliance reporting for, e.g., HACCP-type activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Hilco Stevens, John A. Stevens, Jack B. Bosman, Larry J. Wood
  • Patent number: 6600422
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for electronically deterring an animal from approaching an exclusion area around an exclusion unit or from entering or leaving an area bounded by a wire. The animal is provided with a collar unit, which includes a sensor adapted to sense the strength of electromagnetic signals generated by the exclusion unit or wire and a correction unit adapted to provide correction to the animal in response to a sensor output. The portable unit reports to a central controller which selects a correction strategy, such as level of correction to be applied to the animal approaching the perimeter. The controller provides warnings to the user, including warnings for when the battery in the collar unit goes low and when the animal stays in a correction zone for too long. The controller may control a number of exclusion units and/or power units, and may select an appropriate correction for one of a plurality of animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Joint Techno Concepts International, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Barry, John S. Titus, Dennis L. Larson
  • Publication number: 20030122678
    Abstract: A collar-mounted animal training device includes a piezoelectric transducer device (6) attached to a mylar cone acoustic element mounted in a transducer housing (5) configured as a resonant sound port. The piezoelectric transducer is driven by circuitry including a microcontroller (31), a voltage booster circuit (34), and driver circuitry coupled to the booster circuit and producing a boosted drive signal to the piezoelectric device (6). The microcontroller stores data representing a plurality of sequential segments each having a start and stop time and a start and stop frequency. The microcontroller sequentially produces a plurality of output signals having a start and stop times and frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Duncan, Timothy J. Crist, Sean M. Hayes
  • Publication number: 20030117284
    Abstract: A system and method applying an animal identification tag, wherein a unique identification code is automatically read from the identification tag and wherein, upon application of the tag to an animal, time/date information relating to the application is also automatically read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Hogan Thomas
  • Patent number: 6577241
    Abstract: A method for identifying and tracking a plurality of individual animals includes the initial step of a manufacturer creating a plurality of EIDs, each EID having a unique number. A livestock producer requests a plurality of EIDs from the manufacturer, and the manufacturer forwards the numbers of the EIDs shipped to the producer, along with identification data for that producer, to a central warehouse. The warehouse creates a prerecord in a central database from the EID number and identification data for the producer, and communicates with the producer to permit access to the prerecords for that producer. The producer will collect data relative to each animal and input the data into a computer having the downloaded prerecords from the central data warehouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Van H. Neidig, Kathleen M. Neidig
  • Publication number: 20030088519
    Abstract: An email identification address is affixed to a collar or bracelet. The invention includes the process of registration of said email identification address on a database at a web site. The email identification address can be registered for animals, toddlers, or handicapped individuals allowing finders to contact the owner(s), emergency contact individual, veterinarian or doctor, all automatically by sending one simple email message. A 1-800# number is also provided for finders who do not have email access to enter the identity of the lost pet by voice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Shelly L. Woodson, Christy M. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6549133
    Abstract: A portable dog-training transmitter unit for controlling remote collar-mounted receiver/stimulus units includes first, second, and third switches for causing corresponding transmitted stimulus control signals to be recognized by corresponding first, second, or third receiver/stimulus units. A multiple-position switch sets the use of transmitted codes that control the amplitudes of stimulus signals produced by the recognizing receiver/stimulus unit. The transmitter unit is supported in a holster that is pivotally supported by a belt clip through the use of a pivot pin that is pivotally retained in a receiving slot of the belt clip. The transmitter unit includes a controller which polls the states of the various switches to produce a digital signal that is shaped by a buffer circuit, FM modulated, preamplified, and coupled by a simplified matching network to the input of a power amplifier. A single pi matching network is coupled to match an output of the power amplifier to an antenna of the transmitter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Tri-Tronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T Duncan, Timothy J. Crist, Kent D. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6546088
    Abstract: A method (50) of identifying and restoring an object to an owner who has lost the object includes the steps of affixing a pre-assigned identification number associated with the owner and a toll-free telephone number or website to the object (52). An information center is provided that contacts the owner (62) in response to receiving the pre-assigned identification number (56) from a finder. The owner is then enabled to receive information regarding the object and the finder after entering an owner personal identification number with the information center (63).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Campbell
  • Publication number: 20030058113
    Abstract: A method for identifying and tracking a plurality of individual animals includes the initial step of a manufacturer creating a plurality of EIDs, each ID having a unique number. A livestock producer requests a plurality of EIDs from the manufacturer, and the manufacturer forwards the numbers of the EIDs shipped to the producer, along with identification data for that producer, to essential data warehouse. The warehouse creates a prerecord in a central data base from the EID number and identification data for the producer, and communicates with the producer to permit access to the prerecords for that producer. The producer will collect data relative to each animal and input the data into a computer having the downloaded prerecords from the central data warehouse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Van H. Neidig, Kathleen M. Neidig
  • Patent number: 6536377
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Dennis Donald Beaver
  • Patent number: 6535131
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Avshalom Bar-Shalom, Gideon Inzler
  • Publication number: 20030043043
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic animal weighing during delivery of injections to animals are accomplished by a transmitting scale head transmitting the weight of an animal after the animal is weighed by an electronic scale. A transmitting syringe reads the transmitted weight information and links it with other information relating to the injection, such as the identity of the animal and the nature of the injection to create “event information”. The event information is stored for examination and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Hogan
  • Publication number: 20030038721
    Abstract: A system and method for automatic, redundant recordation of information relating to administration of medicines to animals are accomplished by a transceiving syringe simultaneously injecting and marking an animal, receiving identification information from a read/write radio frequency identification device attached to the animal and containing identification information relating to the animal, associating the injection and identification information, and then routing the event information to both a database and back to the RWRFID for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas Hogan
  • Publication number: 20030034893
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: DogWatch Inc.
    Inventors: Norval Stapelfeld, Frederic Peterson