Patent US6441778B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6441778B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pet locator
Assignee: Pfizer Inc
•
Filing: 2000-10-03
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Granted: 2002-08-27
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Expires: 2020-10-03
Abstract
Abstract A locating device for attachment to an animal and adapted to obtain and communicate location information about the animal to a base station, comprising a controller having an input for location data and a first communication port; a satellite navigation system receiver coupled to a first antenna and having a location data output coupled to the location data input of said controller; a communication transceiver coupled to a second antenna to receive and transmit communications between the locating device and the base station and having a second communication port coupled to the first communication port of the controller; and a housing to enclose the controller, the satellite navigation system receiver and communication transceiver, configured to be attached to the animal. The controller upon activation operates automatically to obtain location data from the satellite navigation system receiver via the location data output, store the location data in the memory and cause the location data to be accessed from the memory, coupled to the communication transceiver and transmitted to the base station.
Inventors
- 👤 Jennifer Durst
- 👤 Eugene F. Fowler
- 👤 Joseph C. McAlexander
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 19:03
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S5/00; G01S5/0009; G01S5/0018; G01S5/0027; G01S19/00; G01S19/01; G01S19/13; G01S19/14; G01S19/16; G01S19/17; G01S19/34; G06; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/08; G08; G08B; G08B21/00; G08B21/02; G08B21/0202; G08B21/0241; G08B21/0247; G08B21/0261; G08B21/0269; G01S19/35; G01S19/36; G01S2205/00; G01S2205/001; G01S2205/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 87
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A locating device for attachment to an animal and adapted to obtain and communicate location information about said animal to a fixed or mobile base station, comprising: a controller having a memory, an input for location data and a first communication port; a satellite navigation system receiver coupled to a first antenna and having a location data output coupled to said location data input of said controller; a communication transceiver coupled to a second antenna to receive and transmit communications between said locating device and said base station and having a second communication port coupled to said first communication port of said controller; and a housing for enclosing said controller, said GPS receiver and said communication transceiver, configured to be attached to said animal; wherein said controller upon activation operates automatically to obtain location data from said satellite navigation system receiver via said location data output, store said location data in said memory and cause said location data to be accessed from said memory, coupled to said communication transceiver and transmitted to said base station.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
175 words
A locating device for attachment to an animal and adapted to obtain and communicate location information about said animal to a fixed or mobile base station, comprising: a controller having a memory, an input for location data and a first communication port; a satellite navigation system receiver coupled to a first antenna and having a location data output coupled to said location data input of said controller; a communication transceiver coupled to a second antenna to receive and transmit communications between said locating device and said base station and having a second communication port coupled to said first communication port of said controller; and a housing for enclosing said controller, said GPS receiver and said communication transceiver, configured to be attached to said animal; wherein said controller upon activation operates automatically to obtain location data from said satellite navigation system receiver via said location data output, store said location data in said memory and cause said location data to be accessed from said memory, coupled to said communication transceiver and transmitted to said base station.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said controller upon activation further operates automatically to update said location data and cause said updated location data to be transmitted to said base station.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: a collar, having a first end and a second end, attached to said housing for attaching said locating device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
83 words
The locating device of claim 3 , wherein said collar comprises: a clasp having a first conductive part and a second conductive part, each said part attached to a respective first end and second end of said collar and adapted to couple said first and second ends of said collar together; and an electrical interlock, cooperative with said clasp to provide electrical continuity to enable energizing of said locating device when said first conductive part and said second conductive part are coupled together.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
The locating device of claim 4 , wherein said electrical interlock comprises: a first cable having electrical conductivity coupled at a first end to said first conductive part of said clasp and coupled at a second end to a first terminal of said controller; and a second cable having electrical conductivity coupled at a first end to said second conductive part of said clasp and coupled at a second end to a second terminal of said controller.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The locating device of claim 4 , wherein said electrical continuity is provided through said first and second conductive parts of said clasp.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The locating device of claim 3 , wherein said collar comprises: a device to support said first antenna in a skyward orientation to receive transmitted location signals from a navigation satellite when said collar is attached to said body portion of said animal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The locating device of claim 7 , wherein said first antenna is enclosed within said collar.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
The locating device of claim 3 , wherein said collar is configured to orient said first antenna on a skyward side of said animal and said housing is disposed upon said collar such that the mass of said housing and its contents is operable to maintain said skyward orientation of said first antenna.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said controller is operable to associate time data with said location data for transmission to said base station.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said controller is operable to calculate direction and rate of movement from said location data for transmission to said base station.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
69 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said GPS receiver comprises: a receiving device having an RF input coupled to said first antenna; an enable input response to an activation signal coupled thereto; and a location data output coupled to said controller to provide a location data signal; wherein said satellite navigation system receiver is configured to receive and process navigation signals to provide said location data signal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The locating device of claim 12 , wherein said navigation signals comprise: differential navigation signals to enable determination of location data signals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
62 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said communication transceiver comprises: a receiver coupled to said second antenna during a reception mode to receive transmissions related to location data from said base station via a paging system; and a transmitter coupled to said second antenna during a transmission mode to transmit location data to said base station via said paging system.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said communication transceiver comprises: a two-way paging transceiver coupled to said second antenna and adapted to operate with a paging system to provide said receiving and transmitting communications between said locating device and said base station.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said housing comprises: an enclosure to provide water resistant protection of said locating device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said housing comprises: an enclosure to provide impact resistant protection of said locating device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
48 words
The locating device of claim 1 , further comprising: a signal detector responsive to a predetermined parameter of an RF signal received by said second antenna in excess of a predetermined threshold to provide an output operable to activate said controller and enable said satellite navigation system receiver.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The locating device of claim 18 , wherein said predetermined parameter comprises: at least one parameter selected from the group including signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, time of transmission or the displacement from a reference location of said signal detector.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The locating device of claim 18 , wherein said predetermined threshold comprises: a signal having an acceptance probability of at least 0.9.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
The locating device of claim 1 , further comprising: a magnetic compass supported by said housing, coupled to and activated by said controller and operable to provide a compass heading output signal to be transmitted to said base station via said communication transceiver.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
29 words
The locating device of claim 21 , wherein said compass heading output signal is provided responsive to a failure of said navigation satellite receiver to provide said location data.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said memory in said controller comprises: a non-volatile memory to store pre-formatted messages for output by said controller and operating programs for use by said controller.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
The locating device of claim 23 , wherein said pre-formatted messages comprise: data messages associated with particular location, time, heading or rate of movement data upon communication therewith to said base station.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
The locating device of claim 23 , wherein said pre-formatted messages comprise: data messages associated with particular location, time, heading or rate of movement data upon readout of said data at said locating device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
43 words
The locating device of claim 23 , wherein said pre-formatted messages comprise: data messages providing identification information including at least one or more of wearer's name, wearer's home address, a contact telephone number, a vaccination status and a veterinarian's name and telephone number.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
48 words
The locating device of claim 23 , wherein said pre-formatted messages comprise: a message relating to loss of satellite signals, loss of collar integrity, locating device exits a designated area, locating device enters said designated area, power source is weak or locating device is in a fringe area.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
44 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said memory in said controller comprises: a non-volatile memory to periodically store back-up location and time data to be downloaded to said base station via said communication transceiver responsive to a command from said base station.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said first communication port of said controller comprises: a signal input to signals received by said communication transceiver; and a signal output of signals transmitted by said communication transceiver.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said first antenna coupled to said satellite navigation system receiver comprises a satellite navigation system receive antenna configured as a patch antenna.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said second antenna comprises a two-way communications antenna.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
36 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said controller is operable to respond to information entered at a data entry device coupled to said base station and communicated via said communication transceiver to said controller.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
The locating device of claim 4 , wherein said controller is operable to deactivate said locating device responsive to a message transmitted from said base station, prior to removal of said collar.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The locating device of claim 33 , wherein said controller is operable to respond to said message to deactivate said locating device without activating an alarm.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
40 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said controller is adapted to become activated when: said locating device is secured to said animal; power is coupled to said locating device; and said animal passes a perimeter enclosing an area.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
26 words
The locating device of claim 35 , wherein said one or a plurality of coordinate positions are specified by a user when said controller becomes activated.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The locating device of claim 35 , wherein said area includes an origin.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
16 words
The locating device of claim 37 , wherein said origin is separate from said base station.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
17 words
The locating device of claim 37 , wherein said origin is substantially coincident with said base station.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The locating device of claim 35 , wherein said perimeter is defined by a single coordinate position comprising a generally circular area substantially centered at an origin corresponding to said coordinate position.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
58 words
The locating device of claim 35 , wherein said perimeter enclosing an area comprises: a boundary of a polygon having apexes formed by each of said plurality of coordinate positions, including a generally circular perimeter therearound, and lines tangent to the outer portions of said generally circular perimeter of each adjacent pair of said plurality of coordinate positions.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The locating device of claim 37 , wherein said perimeter is separated from said origin by a radius determined by said satellite navigation system.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
29 words
The locating device of claim 42 , wherein said perimeter specified by a plurality of coordinate positions includes an area at each position within a circle having said radius.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
34 words
The locating device of claim 35 , wherein said area enclosed by said perimeter is specified by one or a plurality of coordinate positions defined by said location data obtained by said locating device.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
31 words
The locating device of claim 44 , wherein said perimeter is defined following coupling of power to said locating device wherein said controller establishes an origin position of said locating device.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
167 words
A system for locating an animate object beyond a designated area, comprising: a wireless bidirectional communication system; a first transceiver operable as a base station in said communication system to receive and display location information and transmit commands; and a locating device enclosed in a housing configured to be attached to said animate object and operable as a mobile station in said communication system to respond to said commands and, upon activation, to automatically obtain location information and transmit said location information to said first transceiver wherein said locating device further comprises: a controller having an input for location data and a first communication port; a satellite navigation system receiver coupled to a first antenna and having a location data output coupled to said location data input of said controller; and a second transceiver coupled to a second antenna for receiving and transmitting communications between said locating device and said first transceiver and having a second communication port coupled to said first communication port of said controller.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
167 words
A system for locating an animate object beyond a designated area, comprising: a wireless bidirectional communication system; a first transceiver operable as a base station in said communication system to receive and display location information and transmit commands; and a locating device enclosed in a housing configured to be attached to said animate object and operable as a mobile station in said communication system to respond to said commands and, upon activation, to automatically obtain location information and transmit said location information to said first transceiver wherein said locating device further comprises: a controller having an input for location data and a first communication port; a satellite navigation system receiver coupled to a first antenna and having a location data output coupled to said location data input of said controller; and a second transceiver coupled to a second antenna for receiving and transmitting communications between said locating device and said first transceiver and having a second communication port coupled to said first communication port of said controller.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein said first transceiver comprises: a receiver interfaced to a first antenna via a duplexer during a reception mode to receive location data from said locating device via said communication system, and a transmitter interfaced to said first antenna via said duplexer during a transmission mode to transmit said commands to said locating device via said communication system.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 47 , wherein said receiver comprises: a data readout device to output said location data.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 47 , wherein said transmitter comprises: a data entry device to input said commands and other data.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 49 , wherein said commands comprise data, instructions or information related to locating said mobile object.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein said base station includes a fixed base station or a mobile base station.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein said controller comprises a memory wherein is stored said location data, obtained from said satellite navigation system receiver via said location data output, for coupling to said second transceiver and subsequent transmission to said first transceiver.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 46 , wherein said controller comprises: a processor operable under program control and having a random access memory and a non-volatile memory, and an operating program stored in said non-volatile memory to control said automatic operation of said controller.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 53 , wherein said controller is operable to associate time data with said location data for transmission to said first transceiver.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 53 , operable to calculate direction and rate of movement from said location data for transmission to said first transceiver.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 46 , said satellite navigation system receiver comprising: a receiving device having an RF input coupled to said first antenna; an enable input to receive an activation signal; and a location data output coupled to said controller to provide a location data signal; wherein said satellite navigation system receiver is configured to receive and process navigation signals to provide said location data signal.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 56 , wherein said navigation signals comprise: differential GPS signals to enable determination of location data signals.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 46 , said second transceiver comprising: a two-way paging transceiver coupled to said second antenna and operable with a paging system to provide said receiving and transmitting communications between said locating device and said first transceiver.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 46 , said housing comprising: an enclosure to provide water resistant and impact resistant protection of said locating device.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
29 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: an independent power source coupled to said controller, said satellite navigation system receiver and said communication transceiver to supply power thereto.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The locating device of claim 60 , comprising: a switch, coupled in series with said power source and said controller, to activate said controller of said locating device.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
15 words
The locating device of claim 61 , wherein said switch is supported on said housing.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
31 words
The locating device of claim 60 , said power source comprising: a rechargeable battery; and a charging circuit coupled to said rechargeable battery and coupleable to a source of charging energy.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The locating device of claim 63 wherein said charging circuit comprises a solar cell.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
49 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: a display coupled to said controller to readout data retrieved from said memory by said controller in human readable form; and a readout control coupled to said display to activate said display and controlling said readout of data by said display.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
59 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: a display supported by said housing and coupled to said controller to readout date retrieved from said memory by said controller in human readable form; and a readout control supported by said housing and coupled to said display to activate said display and controlling said readout of data by said display.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
28 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: a switch coupled in series with a power source and said controller, to activate said controller of said locating device.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
15 words
The locating device of claim 67 , wherein said switch is supported on said housing.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
33 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: a test button supported by said housing and coupled to said controller to initiate a test communication between said locating device and said base station.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
16 words
The locating device of claim 69 , wherein said test button is supported by said housing.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
34 words
The locating device of claim 69 , wherein said test communication causes a pre-formatted message to be retrieved from said memory by said controller and transmitted by said communication transceiver to said base station.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
50 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: an optical data port coupled with said controller to read and write information and command instructions respectively from and to said memory in said controller responsive to instructions communicated to said controller via said communication transceiver or via said optical data port.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
62 words
The locating device of claim 72 , wherein said optical data port comprises: an infrared transmitter to output a signal from the group including data signals, status signals and instruction signals, from said memory in said controller; and an infrared detector to input a signal, from the group including data signals, status signals and instructions signals, to said memory in said controller.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
29 words
The locating device of claim 1 , comprising: an RF data port coupled to said controller to read and write data and instructions respectively from and to said controller.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said memory in said controller comprises: a random access memory for storing said location data.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
27 words
The locating device of claim 23 , said pre-formatted messages comprising: status messages associated with particular conditions of said locating device to be communicated to a display.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
51 words
The locating device of claim 76 , said status messages comprising: a message relating to a condition from among the group including loss of satellite signals, loss of collar integrity, locating device exits a designated area, locating device enters said designated area, power source weak and locating device in fringe area.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
22 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said memory in said controller comprises: a non-volatile memory to periodically store back-up data.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
18 words
The locating device of claim 78 , wherein said back-up data comprises location data and associated time date.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
22 words
The locating device of claim 78 , wherein said controller is operable to download said back-up data via said first communication port.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
17 words
The locating device of claim 80 , wherein said first communication port comprises an optical data port.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
27 words
The locating device of claim 1 , wherein said first antenna coupled to said satellite navigation system receiver is enclosed within a collar securing said locating device.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
27 words
The locating device of claim 32 , wherein said data entry device comprises: a plurality of key switches, each said key switch associated with a designated symbol.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
28 words
The locating device of claim 35 , said controller is operable to transmit a pre-formatted message to said base station when said locating device exits said designated area.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
The locating device of claim 35 , said controller is operable to transmit a pre-formatted message to said base station when said locating device enters said designated area.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-08-26 | 2006-02-25 | 2006-08-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-08-26 | 2010-02-25 | 2010-08-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-08-26 | 2014-02-25 | 2014-08-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |