Patent US5435271A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5435271A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi-channel animal control device with external data communication
Assignee: Innotek Inc
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Filing: 1994-01-14
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Granted: 1995-07-25
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Expires: 2014-01-14
Abstract
Abstract A system for controlling an animal includes a radio signal receiver unit which is attached to the animal. The receiver includes an antenna assembly, a resonant filter, an amplifier, and a transducer for applying a motivational stimulus to the animal. A microcontroller selectively activates the components of the receiver according to a control sequence. The microcontroller performs a multi-stage authentication procedure in order to determine the presence of characteristic properties of the received signal prior to operating the transducer. The transducer includes a speaker circuit for applying audible stimulation, and a transformer circuit for applying electrical stimulation. The type of stimulation and the duration of stimulation may be selected according to control parameters used in conjunction with the control sequence. The control parameters can be initially selected and/or downloaded to the microcontroller from an external programming device. The microcontroller stores data pertaining to the operation of the receiver and can provide the stored data to an external device in response to an interrogation signal. The microcontroller selects the operating frequency of the receiver in order to avoid interference with similar nearby systems.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott F. Touchton
- 👤 Donald L. Peinetti
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 20:48
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K15/00; A01K15/02; A01K15/021; A01K15/023; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S119/00; Y10S119/908
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A receiver unit for an electronic animal control system, comprising: a controller for controlling operation of the receiver unit in accordance with at least one control parameter; a removable battery having a battery terminal; a first connector for connecting said battery terminal with said controller and for supplying electrical power to said controller from said battery; and a second connector for connecting said battery terminal with said controller for enabling said controller to determine whether said battery is removed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A receiver unit for an electronic animal control system, comprising: a controller for controlling operation of the receiver unit in accordance with at least one control parameter; a removable battery having a battery terminal; a first connector for connecting said battery terminal with said controller and for supplying electrical power to said controller from said battery; and a second connector for connecting said battery terminal with said controller for enabling said controller to determine whether said battery is removed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
65 words
The receiver unit of claim 1, comprising: a resonator having a resonant frequency for producing an electronic signal in response to electromagnetic waves having said resonant frequency; and an amplifier connected with said resonator for amplifying said electronic signal and for responsively providing an amplified signal to said controller; and wherein said controller includes a frequency selector for selecting said resonant frequency of said resonator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The receiver unit of claim 2, comprising: damping means connected with said resonator for causing said resonator to produce said electronic signal in accordance with a selected resonance characteristic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The receiver unit of claim 1, wherein said controller is responsive to said second connector for receiving serially-encoded data, including said control parameter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
90 words
A receiver unit for an electronic animal control system, comprising: a controller for controlling operation of the receiver unit in accordance with at least one control parameter; a first connector for connecting a battery terminal of a removable battery with said controller for supplying electrical power to said controller from said battery; a second connector for connecting said battery terminal with said controller for enabling said controller to determine whether said battery is removed; and an animal stimulator responsive to the controller for supplying a selected stimulation to the animal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
90 words
A receiver unit for an electronic animal control system, comprising: a controller for controlling operation of the receiver unit in accordance with at least one control parameter; a first connector for connecting a battery terminal of a removable battery with said controller for supplying electrical power to said controller from said battery; a second connector for connecting said battery terminal with said controller for enabling said controller to determine whether said battery is removed; and an animal stimulator responsive to the controller for supplying a selected stimulation to the animal.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
82 words
The receiver unit of claim 5, comprising: a resonator having a resonant frequency for producing an electronic signal in response to electromagnetic waves having said resonant frequency; an amplifier connected with said resonator for amplifying said electronic signal and for responsively providing an amplified signal to said controller; and wherein said controller is responsive to the amplified signal for supplying the selected stimulation to the animal and wherein said controller includes a frequency selector for selecting said resonant frequency of said resonator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The receiver unit of claim 6, comprising: damping means connected with said resonator for causing said resonator to produce said electronic signal in accordance with a selected resonance characteristic.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The receiver unit of claim 5, wherein said controller is responsive to said second connector for receiving serially-encoded data including said control parameter supplied through said second connector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The receiver unit of claim 8 wherein said controller includes timing means for determining that said battery has been removed for a predetermined timing interval prior to receiving said serially-encoded data.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
43 words
The receiver unit of claim 9 comprising: a resonator having a selected resonant frequency for producing an electronic signal in response to electromagnetic waves having said resonant frequency, and wherein said controller is responsive to said control parameter for selecting said resonant frequency.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
65 words
The receiver unit of claim 9 comprising: a charge-storage timing device connected with said first connector, the charge-storage timing device having a characteristic discharge time; and wherein said timing means includes a counter for counting a predetermined number of timing pulses corresponding to said characteristic discharge time of said charge-storage timing device for determining that the battery has been removed for the predetermined timing interval.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The receiver unit of claim 5 comprising: a charge-storage device connected with said first connector for supplying electrical power to said controller when said battery is removed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
48 words
The receiver unit of claim 5 comprising: data-storage means operatively connected with said controller for storing data relative to the control of the animal; and wherein said controller includes transmitting means for transmitting said data to an external device, via said second connector, when said battery is removed.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
30 words
The receiver unit of claim 13 wherein said controller includes timing means for determining that said battery has been removed for a predetermined timing interval prior to transmitting said data.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
64 words
The receiver unit of claim 14 comprising: a charge-storage timing device connected with said first connector, the charge-storage device having a characteristic discharge time; and wherein said timing means includes a counter for counting a predetermined number of timing pulses corresponding to said characteristic discharge time of said charge-storage timing device for determining that the battery has been removed for the predetermined timing interval.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of programming a portable battery-powered programmable animal control device, comprising the steps of: disconnecting a battery from a battery connector terminal within the portable battery-powered programmable animal control device; connecting a programming device with the battery connector terminal; and transmitting program data from the programming device into the portable battery-powered programmable animal control device via the battery connector terminal.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of programming a portable battery-powered programmable animal control device, comprising the steps of: disconnecting a battery from a battery connector terminal within the portable battery-powered programmable animal control device; connecting a programming device with the battery connector terminal; and transmitting program data from the programming device into the portable battery-powered programmable animal control device via the battery connector terminal.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 16, comprising the step of waiting for a predetermined time interval after disconnection of the battery from the battery connector terminal before transmitting program data.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 16, comprising the step of providing electrical power to the portable battery-powered programmable animal control device from the programming device via the battery connector terminal while transmitting said program data.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 16, comprising: charging a charge-storage component within said portable animal control device prior to disconnecting the removable battery from the battery connector terminal; and operating said portable animal control device from said charge-storage component after disconnecting the battery from the battery connector terminal.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 16, comprising the step of controlling the behavior of an animal in accordance with said program data.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of retrieving stored data from within a portable battery-powered animal control device, comprising the steps of: disconnecting a battery from a battery connector terminal within the portable animal control device; detecting, within the portable animal control device, that the battery has been disconnected; connecting a data retrieval device with said battery connector terminal; and transmitting said stored data to said data retrieval device via said battery connector terminal.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of retrieving stored data from within a portable battery-powered animal control device, comprising the steps of: disconnecting a battery from a battery connector terminal within the portable animal control device; detecting, within the portable animal control device, that the battery has been disconnected; connecting a data retrieval device with said battery connector terminal; and transmitting said stored data to said data retrieval device via said battery connector terminal.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said detecting step includes waiting for a predetermined time interval after disconnection of the battery from the battery connector terminal before determining that said battery has been removed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 21, comprising the steps of: sending a request from said data retrieval device, via said battery connector terminal, to said portable animal control device; and detecting receipt of said request within said portable animal control device prior to the step of transmitting said stored data to said data retrieval device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 21 wherein said transmitting step comprises encoding said stored data as serial data.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of establishing data communication between a battery-powered animal control receiver carried by an animal to control movement of the animal and an external device, comprising: removing a removable battery from a battery connector terminal within the receiver; connecting the external device with the battery connector terminal; detecting within said receiver that said external device is connected with the battery connector terminal; and receiving within said receiver a request from the external device via said battery connector terminal, said request specifying whether the receiver is to transmit data to the external device or to receive data from said external device via the battery connector terminal.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of establishing data communication between a battery-powered animal control receiver carried by an animal to control movement of the animal and an external device, comprising: removing a removable battery from a battery connector terminal within the receiver; connecting the external device with the battery connector terminal; detecting within said receiver that said external device is connected with the battery connector terminal; and receiving within said receiver a request from the external device via said battery connector terminal, said request specifying whether the receiver is to transmit data to the external device or to receive data from said external device via the battery connector terminal.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of establishing data communication between a battery-powered animal control receiver carried by an animal to control movement of the animal and an external device, comprising: removing a removable battery from a battery connector terminal within the receiver; connecting the external device with the battery connector terminal; detecting within said receiver that said external device is connected with the battery connector terminal; and transmitting data between said external device and the receiver via the battery connector terminal.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of establishing data communication between a battery-powered animal control receiver carried by an animal to control movement of the animal and an external device, comprising: removing a removable battery from a battery connector terminal within the receiver; connecting the external device with the battery connector terminal; detecting within said receiver that said external device is connected with the battery connector terminal; and transmitting data between said external device and the receiver via the battery connector terminal.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 26 comprising: charging a charge-storage timing device within said receiver prior to disconnecting the battery, the charge-storage timing device having a predetermined discharge time; and wherein said detecting step includes determining that said battery has been disconnected from said battery connector terminal for a time interval corresponding to said predetermined discharge time prior to transmitting data.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
78 words
An animal control device, comprising: a radio frequency detection circuit for detecting a radio signal at a selected frequency; verification means for determining the presence, within said detected signal, of a predetermined modulation characteristic; transducer means, responsive to said verification means, for applying a stimulus to the animal when said modulation characteristic is determined to be present; and frequency selection means operatively connected with said detection circuit for selecting said selected frequency from at least two predetermined frequencies.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
78 words
An animal control device, comprising: a radio frequency detection circuit for detecting a radio signal at a selected frequency; verification means for determining the presence, within said detected signal, of a predetermined modulation characteristic; transducer means, responsive to said verification means, for applying a stimulus to the animal when said modulation characteristic is determined to be present; and frequency selection means operatively connected with said detection circuit for selecting said selected frequency from at least two predetermined frequencies.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 28 wherein said radio frequency detection circuit comprises: a resonator and wherein said frequency selection means comprises a controller for selecting the resonant frequency of said resonator.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 29 wherein said resonator comprises: an inductive component and a capacitive component, and wherein said controller is operative to connect an additional reactive component in parallel with one of said inductive and capacitive components.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
106 words
An animal control device carried by an animal to control the movement of the animal comprising: a radio frequency detection circuit for detecting a radio signal at a selected frequency, the frequency detection circuit including a resonator having a selected resonant frequency for producing an electronic signal in response to a radio signal having said resonant frequency; transducer means responsive to the radio frequency detection circuit for applying a stimulus to the animal in response to detection of the radio signal at the selected frequency; and frequency selection means operatively connected with the detection circuit for selecting the selected frequency from at least two predetermined frequencies.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
106 words
An animal control device carried by an animal to control the movement of the animal comprising: a radio frequency detection circuit for detecting a radio signal at a selected frequency, the frequency detection circuit including a resonator having a selected resonant frequency for producing an electronic signal in response to a radio signal having said resonant frequency; transducer means responsive to the radio frequency detection circuit for applying a stimulus to the animal in response to detection of the radio signal at the selected frequency; and frequency selection means operatively connected with the detection circuit for selecting the selected frequency from at least two predetermined frequencies.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 31 wherein said frequency selection means comprises a controller for selecting the resonant frequency of said resonator.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 32 wherein said resonator comprises: an inductive component and a capacitive component, and wherein said controller is operative to connect an additional reactive component in parallel with one of said inductive and capacitive components.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
107 words
An animal control device carried by an animal to control the movement of the animal comprising: a radio frequency detection circuit for detecting a radio signal at a selected frequency, the frequency detection circuit including a resonator having a selected resonant frequency for producing an electronic signal in response to a radio signal having said resonant frequency; transducer means responsive to the-radio frequency detection circuit for applying a stimulus to the animal in response to detection of the radio signal at the selected frequency; and damping means connected with the resonator for causing said resonator to produce said electronic signal in accordance with a selected resonance characteristic.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
107 words
An animal control device carried by an animal to control the movement of the animal comprising: a radio frequency detection circuit for detecting a radio signal at a selected frequency, the frequency detection circuit including a resonator having a selected resonant frequency for producing an electronic signal in response to a radio signal having said resonant frequency; transducer means responsive to the-radio frequency detection circuit for applying a stimulus to the animal in response to detection of the radio signal at the selected frequency; and damping means connected with the resonator for causing said resonator to produce said electronic signal in accordance with a selected resonance characteristic.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-07-24 | 1999-01-23 | 1999-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-07-24 | 2003-01-23 | 2003-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-07-24 | 2007-01-23 | 2007-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |