Abstract: An animal drinking apparatus and method which automatically alerts an animal caretaker to low liquid level conditions in a fluid or liquid vessel is disclosed. A standard type of animal drinking vessel can be fitted with a sensing device. A receiving device and one or both of an audible device and a visual device can provide one or more alert signals when the sensing device indicates that a low level fluid condition has occurred in the drinking vessel. The sensing device and the receiving device may be separable for remote operation and a low level transmission signal may be sent via wire, radio frequency, infrared frequency, fiber optics, or in any known manner.

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 disclosed 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 modem 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 aspects of the animal racing industry.

Abstract: A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize the communication capabilities and positioning capabilities of impulse radio technology to enable people (e.g., broadcasters, fans, trainers, jockeys) to track a position of a horse as it moves around a race track and/or to enable people to monitor one or more vital signs of the moving horse. The present invention may also be used track and/or monitor other animals such as dogs and people.

Abstract: A collar to be worn on an object or a large or small animal has been designed incorporating (D)GPS technology. The operation of the device includes programming the three dimensional boundary into the memory of the device and simply installing the collar on the animal. As the animal approaches the preprogrammed boundary, a first alarm sounds when the subject is within an arbitrary user defined distance, and a second more drastic alarm such as a shock correction is applied when the subject approaches a second position closer to the boundary. Means to easily program the device are also included in the system. The device has the capability to call or transmit important information such as location, speed, identity, and medical parameters etc to a station automatically or when polled. All necessary analog and digital circuitry, microprocessor, programming, communications hardware are integrated into the collar.

Abstract: A small self contained programmable reminder timer having an attachment means (16) by which the device can be attached to items within a household or attached to a pet's collar or cage (28). Audio (18) and visual (12) indicators alert a pet owner when to administer grooming, exercise, feedings, and other routine or special pet care maintenance requirements. The timer and associated electronic circuitry is packaged in a decorative housing (10) that provides the pet owner the ability to visually distinguish the type of pet the timer is to be used for.

Abstract: A system (and method) includes at least one sensor for sensing, in a vehicle, a presence of an unauthorized being, at least one system for emitting a warning based upon the output of the at least one sensor, and a device for transmitting a signal from the at least one sensor to the warning device.

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.

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.

Abstract: A self powered monitoring device for monitoring an animal's temperature and other vital signs. The device may be mounted in the animal's ear, under the animals skin, or in any location which can be used to generate a reliable indication of the animals temperature and other vital signs. The temperature probe for the device is inserted subcutaneously and thermally and/or electrically connected to the housing of the device. Power for the device is provided by a miniature array of solar cells, the power from the solar cells being used to drive digital circuitry which processes signals from the various probes used to gather data concerning the animal's vital signs. The size of the array is chosen to be commensurate with the number of vital signs monitored, with the amount of sunlight, density of herd, and other factors being considered to ensure sufficient power for the device.

Abstract: A system, electronic monitor and method are provided that utilize impulse radio technology to enable a farmer to accurately track a position of an object (e.g., farm equipment, farm animal, farm employee) as the object moves around a farm and/or to enable a farmer to monitor a variety of parameters associated with the moving farm equipment. In addition, the system, electronic monitor and method can utilize impulse radio technology to help control either remotely or automatically one or more pieces of farm equipment.

Abstract: A remote receiver unit is for use in an animal behavior modification system that applies an electrical shock to an animal. The remote receiver unit has an electrical shock device including two electrodes configured for contacting the animal, a source of alternating current voltage, and an electrical transformer with a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is electrically connected to the source of alternating current voltage. The secondary coil is electrically connected to at least one of the two electrodes. The transformer has an output impedance of less than 900 ohms. A receiver circuit is electrically connected to the shock device. The receiver circuit is configured for activating the shock device in response to a received signal.

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.

Abstract: A method (22) and apparatus (20) for training a bird (24) to refrain from uttering a vocalization exceeding a predetermined acoustic level is provided. A control area (26) containing the bird (24) is illuminated with a light (32) coupled to a power source (74) through a normally-closed switch (76). A microphone (40) monitors the control area (26) and captures a sound (28) uttered by the bird (24) to produce an audio signal (86). The audio signal (86) is amplified. A discrimination unit (54) determines if the audio signal (86) exceeds a predetermined threshold (50). A timing unit (60) is triggered when the audio signal (86) exceeds the threshold (50). In response to an output (62) of the timing unit (60), a switching unit (78) opens the normally-closed switch (76) to darken the control area (26) and the bird (24) for a predetermined duration (68). After the predetermined duration (68), the switch (76) is allowed to close and the control area (26) and the bird (24) are re-illuminated.

Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.

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.

Abstract: A system for supervision and control of objects or persons within a limited area, such as a building, comprising a plurality of electronic identification chips for placing on respective objects/persons to be supervised/controlled, each chip having stored therein a special ID code and being provided with respective transmitters and receivers for communication via ultrasound as well as audible sound, a plurality of stationary detectors which are interconnected in a network and arranged for both-way communication with the chips, and a central control unit in communication with the chips via the detectors. Each chip is continuously active in operation and is arranged to transmit its ID code at predetermined time intervals. At least one of the detectors or the control unit are being arranged to trigger an alarm unit if an incorrect code is received or an approved code is not received continuously at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: The signaling device of the present invention, in its preferred embodiment, generally comprises a switch or activator mounted on a facing of a door, a receiver or doorbell mounted within a home or other building, and mechanism for sending a signal from the switch or activator to the receiver or doorbell. The switch or activator of the present invention is preferably made of clear LEXAN or polycarbonate material bent to a generally U-shape and incorporating a pair of brass contacts wired to a receiver. In lieu of being wired to a receiver, there might be a wireless connection between the switch or activator and the receiver. A pet animal can readily actuate the activator or switch by leaning or pressing against the activator or switch to alert someone within the home or other building that it desires to enter the home or building.

Abstract: A method of providing wireless animal confinement includes the steps of selecting a location of a transmitter assembly; attaching a receiver assembly to the animal, the receiver assembly being adapted to selectively provide a corrective stimulation to the animal; selecting a first distance between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly to define a first zone within which no corrective stimulation is provided to the animal by the receiver assembly; selecting a second distance between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly to define a second zone beyond the first zone within which the corrective stimulation is provided to the animal by the receiver assembly; and selecting a third distance between the transmitter assembly and the receiver assembly to define a third zone beyond the second zone within which the animal will receive no further corrective stimulation from the receiver assembly.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag system (10) utilizes a radio frequency identification tag (16) that includes stored information. The tag includes an antenna element (28) and a common electrode (26), the common electrode being coupled to ground (70). The antenna element electrostatically receives an exciter signal (30) from a proximately-located exciter (12). Upon receiving the exciter signal, the tag becomes energized, thereby causing it to generate a read signal (32) based on the stored information. The antenna element then electrostatically sends the read signal to a proximately-located reader (14), which detects the stored information. Both energy and data are capacitively coupled by virtue of the unbalanced nature of the network, thus resulting in decreased coupled impedance.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic recordation of information relating to administration of medicines to animals are accomplished by a transmitting syringe simultaneously injecting and marking an animal while transmitting, responsive to actuation of the transmitting syringe, a first signal containing information relating to the actuation of the transmitting syringe and the resulting injection of the animal. An electronic identification device (EID) such as a bolus, ear tag or subcutaneous implant is attached to the animal and provides a unique electronic identification of the animal. A receiver receives both the first signal from the transmitting syringe and the electronic identification of the animal, as provided by the EID. Information contained in the respective signals is maintained in a computer database for review and analysis.

Abstract: A device for playing back messages recorded by a pet owner or the parent of an infant at selected time intervals so that the pet or infant is comforted in the owner's or parent's absence. The device includes a housing containing a voice chip that is utilized to record and play back the comforting messages. Accordingly, a microphone and speaker are in communication with the voice chip. A clock function is programmed into a microprocessor chip and is in communication with a switch and the voice chip so that the time interval for playbacks may be selected by a user. The device also features a number of indicator lights or a digital display to indicate the selected time interval for playback. The device may optionally include a system for recording and playing back emergency information such as a pet owner's name, address and telephone number.

Abstract: A system provides a mobile transmitter and a plurality of boundary tags for receiving communication from the mobile transmitter. Preferably the mobile transmitter is coupled to a mobile unit, which can be an inanimate object capable of moving or being moved, or a living being. The boundary tags mark the boundaries of an area within which the mobile unit is allowed to move. The mobile transmitter transmits a signal to a boundary tag. The system determines if the mobile transmitter has come into proximity of a boundary tag by receiving a reflected modulated signal from the boundary tag. If the mobile transmitter has come into proximity of a boundary tag a response is generated. The response can be a stimulus or an alert, or both. The response can be generated at a central control station, or at a mobile transceiver that includes the mobile transmitter and a mobile receiver. In one embodiment, the boundary tag modulates a reflection of the signal transmitted by the mobile transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention uses a pack saddle designed to simulate the weight and feel of an actual rider for testing the animal's propensity to buck. While the animal's movement is restricted, the simulated rider pack saddle is placed over the back of the animal and cinched in place with a strap that is remotely releasable. After attaching the apparatus, the animal is released and observed to determine its natural propensity to buck. After a sufficient observation period, the cinch strap is remotely released, allowing the simulated rider pack saddle to fall or be thrown off the animal. The simulated rider pack saddle can also be released as a reward after the animal performs a particularly desired bucking action. In another exemplary embodiment, the simulated rider pack saddle is further equipped with a remotely activated stimulus, such as but not limited to an electric shock device, which can train the animal to perform bucking actions or increase the animal's propensity to buck.

Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.

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. The preferred embodiment includes unique radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders for each animal; unique RFID transponders for animal events; default event data capability; a portable and wireless RFID reader to read the animal and event transponders; a multiple input/output device to accept the reader signals and livestock measurement data and to communicate by means of a wireless radio communication to a host computer; a feedback signal from the host computer to acknowledge receipt of data; BeefLink™ software to provide data gathering, storage, and query support, and a protocol converter to facilitate the transfer and sharing of data between different livestock databases.

Abstract: A pet training device designed to alert a pet owner that his/her pet would like to enter or exit the home.

Abstract: A portable, durable, easy-to-use, safety-oriented, long-life apparatus for reading radio frequency identification transponders is described. This apparatus is well-suited for use in connection with livestock data collection and management. The preferred embodiment includes a single wound radio frequency identification antenna coil; a radio frequency transmitter; a power control, system timing and driver including a low battery indicator, and an optical switch; a rechargeable battery; a main power switch; an infrared activation switch; a radio frequency link antenna, a receiver analog section, a micro controller, an exciter drive and a read switch; and audio feedback to confirm receipt of data.

Abstract: A system apparatus for controlling the whereabouts of an animal includes a receiver/stimulator unit affixed to the animal to selectively administer appropriate aversive stimuli effective to deter the animal from encroachment of boundaries in accordance with predetermined conditions based on radio signals received from at least one battery powered transmitter. The system may receive radio signals intermittently transmitted from the transmitter, the radio signals defining at least one boundary for the animal. The system then selectively administers the appropriate aversive stimuli in response to determining that at least one of the received radio signals satisfies one or more of the predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method of and system for conducting a hunting tournament or contest. Passive transponders are inserted subcutaneously into the game to be harvested. Tagged animals are released back into their natural habitat. The hunting portion of the tournament is conducted. Animals harvested during the hunting tournament are brought in and scanned. The passive transponder, if present, responds to the scanning by transmitting an identification code. The code transmitted by the passive transponder is used to determine the prize the hunter is awarded. Hunter identification tags can be distributed to all participants in the hunting tournament and be used to tag the harvested animal. The passive transponder can be constructed to respond only to a particular scanning device.

Abstract: According to one form of the invention, and with reference to FIG. 1, there is provided a positioning means. The positioning means comprising a global positioning system (GPS) 1 and a switch means 2. The GPS 1 and the switch means 2 are carried by a search and rescue dog 4 by way of a harness or jacket 3. The switch means incorporates a pull mechanism or a sound sensitive mechanism which activates the switch mechanism 2 when the dog 4 pulls the pull mechanism or barks. This causes activation of the GPS 1 to record and/or transmit information to identify the position of the positioning means, and thus a person, animal, substance, or article found by the dog.

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 perimeter monitoring system intended for the enhanced safety of children includes a receiver communicating with a plurality of transmitters worn by the monitored individuals within a predefined perimeter area surrounded by a perimeter loop antenna. A periodic transmission is sent by each transmitter to the receiver as confirmation that the child is presently within the desired area. The system will alarm the operator and provide an indication identifying any one of the monitored children that either leaves the predefined perimeter or enters a restricted area.

Abstract: The present invention provides the general public, especially equestrians, an assembled illuminating hair barrette mount, which is clipped into hair or horse's tails. A portable, injection molded electro-luminescent (EL) light will optionally attach to the substantially flexible top surface material, which is made in a desired shape, and which is attached to a rigid barrette, and to the barrette itself. An option with this invention is the attachment of retroreflective materials, covering the majority of the top surface of the material attached to the barrette, which will reflect incident light produced by an approaching car. Another option is incorporating the use of electro-luminescent light used in conjunction with retroreflective materials on the barrette mount, which enhances the safety function of the barrette mount.

Abstract: A system and method are described for providing access to a secured enclosure, such as a house or a fenced yard, to only a set of one or more selected animals while maintaining a high level of enclosure security. Each selected animal carries an identification device with an identifying code. An identification sensor scans for a selected identification device upon the detection of an animal's existence near the animal door. For detecting an animal at the outside of the animal door, a weight sensor is used, and for detecting an animal at the inside of the animal door, a motion sensor is used. The weight sensor is also configured to discriminate between the weight of each of the selected animals from unauthorized animals. The animal access system is also coupled to the enclosure's security system, to maintain the integrity of the enclosure security while enabling the selected animals to enter and exit the enclosure at will.

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: 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.

Abstract: A remote receiver unit is for use in an animal behavior modification system that applies an electrical shock to an animal. The remote receiver unit has an electrical shock device including two electrodes configured for contacting the animal, a source of alternating current voltage, and an electrical transformer with a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is electrically connected to the source of alternating current voltage. The secondary coil is electrically connected to at least one of the two electrodes. The transformer has an output impedance of less than 900 ohms. A receiver circuit is electrically connected to the shock device. The receiver circuit is configured for activating the shock device in response to a received signal.

Abstract: In a system for identifying a plurality of cattle bred on a livestock farm and detecting an estrus state thereof, an apparatus for detecting and identifying any one of cows in the estrus state, comprising a switch mounted on a caudal part of a corresponding one of the cows in such a manner that it can be operated when a different one of the cows mounts the corresponding cow, an encoder for generating an inherent identification code with respect to the corresponding cow in response to the operation of the switch, a radio transmitter/receiver circuit for transmitting the inherent identification code from the encoder externally by radio and receiving an external identification code by radio, a decoder for decoding the external identification code received by the radio transmitter/receiver circuit to detect an identification code value therefrom, a comparator for comparing the identification code value from the decoder with a prestored identification code value of the corresponding cow to determine whether the tw

Abstract: A Global Positioning Satellite (“GPS”)-based restraint system includes a GPS receiver/transmitter for receiving GPS timing signals, a mapping algorithm, a comparator, and a base station receiver. The receiver/transmitter includes a microprocessor for calculating and storing a waypoint. The mapping algorithm calculates a mapped programmed confinement area from a plurality of waypoints obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area, and the comparator provides an output comparing the present position of the receiver/transmitter with the programmed confinement area. The comparator output is transmitted as an output signal by the receiver/transmitter to the base station receiver and the position of the subject is monitored while the receiver/transmitter is attached to the subject. The restraint system also includes deterrent means for administering a deterrent to the subject that can be used either in lieu of or with the base station receiver.

Abstract: A device worn externally (or parts of which may be inserted in the ear canal) by an animal which uses a programmable repertoire of bilaterally applied aversive stimuli for the autonomous control of an animal's location and direction of movement is disclosed. Electromagnetic signals and electromechanical hardware are activated through a dedicated, embedded computer system, that allows a cascade of one or more aversive stimuli, normally acoustic and/or electrical stimulation, to be bilaterally applied to either the right or left side of an animal as a cue to change its location through a specific direction of movement. Aversive stimuli are programmed to be administered only when an animal penetrates a predetermined boundary. The embedded computer uses satellite position system data to determine the animal's location with respect to the closest boundary line and then calculates when and to which side of the animal the repertoire of bilateral aversive stimuli is to be applied.

Abstract: An efficient method and system for manual data entry into an integrated livestock management and data collection system is described to provide quality assurance source verification data and performance tracking for individual animals throughout the production cycle. The preferred embodiment includes a data card having a unique animal identification bar code for each animal; code cards showing abbreviated codes to be used when completing the data card; an individual animal radio frequency identification device having a unique code for the animal which corresponds to the unique animal identification bar code for the animal contained on the data card; a visual identification tag that contains a unique code to uniquely identify an animal; a bar coded event/detail listing; a bar code scanner for reading the bar codes on the data card; and BEEFLINK™ software as the integrated electronic database or system for processing and keeping track of the information.

Abstract: An electronic containment system for use with animals and/or humans. The system includes a transmitter for transmitting a radio signal, a receiver for receiving the radio signal from the transmitter and a deterrent circuit including a switched capacitor power supply for administering a deterent responsive to a control signal from the receiver. The system also includes a collar or a belt to attach the receiver and the deterrent circuit energized by a switched capacitor power supply to the animal or human.

Abstract: An animal deterrent system for protecting a specific area. The animal deterrent system includes an infrared detection system for determining when an animal enters the protected area and an electromagnetic field (EMF) generator for communicating with a stimulus delivery system disposed on a collar worn by the pet. The stimulus delivery system produces a non-lethal electrostatic shock which encourages the pet to leave the protected area.

Abstract: A remote receiver unit is for use in an animal behavior modification system that applies an electrical shock to an animal. The remote receiver unit has an electrical shock device including two electrodes configured for contacting the animal, a source of alternating current voltager and an electrical transformer with a primary coil and a secondary coil. The primary coil is electrically connected to the source of alternating current voltage. The secondary coil is electrically connected to at least one of the two electrodes. The transformer has an output impedance of less than 1000 ohms. A receiver circuit is electrically connected to the shock device. The receiver circuit is configured for activating the shock device in response to a received signal.

Abstract: An animal is trained using a remote transmitter and a collar-mounted receiver carried by the animal by selecting one of a plurality of desired stimulus levels by a stimulus level control of the transmitter. Information representative of the selected desired stimulus level is transmitted to the receiver and demodulated to produce a digital signal representative of the selected stimulus level. A microprocessor in the receiver operates to generate as an output a first stream of pulses of constant duration at a frequency representative of the selected stimulus level. The first stream of output pulses is filtered to produce a second stream of pulses the widths of which are representative of the selected stimulus level.