Electronic confinement system for animals using modulated radio waves

United States Patent im

Yarnall, Sr. et al.

US005781113A [li] Patent Number: [45] Date of Patent:

5,781,113 Jul. 14, 1998

[54] ELECTRONIC CONFINEMENT SYSTEM

FOR ANIMALS USING MODULATED RADIO
WAVES

[76]

[21] [22] [86]

[87]

[63]

[51] [52] [58]

[56]

Inventors: Robert G. Yarnall, Sr.; Robert G.

YamaU, Jr.. both of P.O. Box 758.
Kimberton. Pa. 19442

Appl. No.: 776,733

PCT Filed: Aug. 4, 1995

PCT No.: PCT/US95/09950

§ 371 Date: Feb. 3,1997

§ 102(e) Date: Feb. 3, 1997

PCT Pub. No.: WO96/04628
PCT Pub. Date: Feb. 15, 1996

Related U.S. Application Data

Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 286,668, Aug. 5, 1994, Pat No. 5,610,588, and a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 414, 912. Mar. 31, 1995, Pat. No. 5,565,850.

Int CI.6 G08B 23/00

U.S. CI 340/573; 119/721; 119/908

Field of Search 340/573; 119/721,

119/908

References Cited

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OTHER PUBLICATIONS

"Invisible Fencing" product brochure, coversheet and p. 5. 1991.

International Search Report. Appl. No. PCT/US95/09950. 1 page. 12 Oct. 1995.

Primary Examiner—Thomas J. Mullen. Jr.
Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Ratner & Prestia

[57] ABSTRACT

An animal confinement arrangement including a home base for transmitting a modulated signal and a receiver for receiving the modulated signal. The received modulated signal is demodulated using a demodulator. The demodulated signal is compared to a reference signal to produce a comparator signal indicating if the received modulated signal was transmitted by the home base. Also provided is variable sensitivity deterrent circuitry which is responsive to a strength level of the received modulated signal and to the comparator signal for producing a variable deterrent signal which is applied to an animal if the comparator signal indicates that the received modulated signal was transmitted by the home base. Communication circuitry and an antenna design allow the user to communicate with the animal. Alow battery strength indicator for the battery in the receiver is also provided.

1 Claim, 7 Drawing Sheets