US5515033A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lost pet locator
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1994-09-06
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Granted: 1996-05-07
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Expires: 2014-09-06
Abstract
Abstract A lost pet retrieval collar receives a coded radio signal and activates a puncturing device to release gas from a pressurized canister to inflate a balloon creating a visual alarm that the pet is lost. The pet collar also contains information necessary to enable a passerby to contact the pet owner. In one embodiment, the puncturing device utilizes a spring loaded pin; in a second embodiment, the puncturing device utilizes a solenoid valve; in a third embodiment, a laser is employed.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph Matarazzo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:23
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01K; A01K27/00; A01K27/009; A01K11/00; A01K27/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
An apparatus for aiding a user in recovering missing property comprising means for generating an initiation signal; receiver means mechanically attached to the missing property for receiving said initiation signal remotely; indicator means responsive to said receiver means for creating an alarm on the missing property where said alarm is a balloon normally held in an uninflated state; and inflation means responsive to said receiver means for releasing stored gas into the balloon causing inflation of the balloon.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
An apparatus for aiding a user in recovering missing property comprising means for generating an initiation signal; receiver means mechanically attached to the missing property for receiving said initiation signal remotely; indicator means responsive to said receiver means for creating an alarm on the missing property where said alarm is a balloon normally held in an uninflated state; and inflation means responsive to said receiver means for releasing stored gas into the balloon causing inflation of the balloon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for generating an initiation signal is a radio transmitter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said balloon is marked to indicate the alarm visibly.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
99 words
A lost pet locator attached to a pet collar to aid in recovering a missing pet comprising receiver means set to a specific radio frequency for receiving an initiation signal at the same radio frequency and for processing said initiation signal to ensure that the initiation signal is at the same radio frequency and corresponds to the missing pet; inflation means responsive to said receiver means for releasing pressurized gas; balloon means inflated by the release of the pressurized gas for creating a visual alarm; and transmitter means for sending the initiation signal to be received by the receiver.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
99 words
A lost pet locator attached to a pet collar to aid in recovering a missing pet comprising receiver means set to a specific radio frequency for receiving an initiation signal at the same radio frequency and for processing said initiation signal to ensure that the initiation signal is at the same radio frequency and corresponds to the missing pet; inflation means responsive to said receiver means for releasing pressurized gas; balloon means inflated by the release of the pressurized gas for creating a visual alarm; and transmitter means for sending the initiation signal to be received by the receiver.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The lost pet locator of claim 4 wherein said inflation means further comprises canister means for storing pressurized gas.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
The lost pet locator of claim 5 wherein said inflation means further comprises a device for pulling an armature spring causing a release of a puncturing spring to drive a pin into the canister means releasing said pressurized gas.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The lost pet locator of claim 6 wherein said device is a magnet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The lost pet locator of claim 5 wherein said inflation means further comprises a solenoid valve for opening a movable plate, thereby releasing said pressurized gas.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The lost pet locator of claim 5 wherein said inflation means further comprises a laser diode employed to produce a beam of light on the canister means thereby rupturing the canister means and releasing pressurized gas.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The lost pet locator of claim 6 wherein said device further comprises a low pressure indicator to alert the user to low pressure in the canister means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The lost pet locator of claim 6 wherein said device is battery powered and further comprises a low battery indicator to alert the user to low battery life.
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) | 1999-05-07 | 1999-11-06 | 2000-05-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-05-07 | 2003-11-06 | 2004-05-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-05-07 | 2007-11-06 | 2008-05-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |