Tracking system, apparatus and method

• US 6,856,250 B2
• Filed: 01/11/2002
• Issued: 02/15/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Randy Hilliard
• Original Assignee: Randy Hilliard
• Inventors: Hilliard, Randy
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US10/043,852
• Publication Number:
  US 20030132846A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,131 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.2, 340/539.13, 342/357.06, 463/53, 102/501, 102/502, 102/506, 473/570, 473/578
• US Class Current: 340/573.2
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 11/008 incorporating GPS
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/758 using a signal generator powered by the interrogation signal

Abstract

A remotely-locatable tracking device and system is presented for use with a projectile that contacts a mobile target. The device is particularly useful with hunting arrows that contact a target animal. The device detaches from the arrow and attaches to the animal upon impact. The device is preferably comprised of a passive transponder and the system preferably uses a handheld transceiver to locate the transponder attached to the target animal.

Claims

1. A remotely-locatable tracking device comprised of:

a transponder assembly;

said assembly being releasably affixed adjacent to a shaft of an arrow by a structure, said structure being an adjustable friction device selected from the group consisting of a detent ball spring or a peg-and-hole configuration; and

means for attaching said assembly to a target upon impacting the target with the arrow.

2. The tracking device of claim 1, wherein said means for attaching the releasably affixed structure to said target includes a fragmentation broadhead having at least one break-away component.

3. The tracking device of claim 1, wherein said transponder is passive.

4. The tracking device of claim 1 further comprising a second transponder integral to the arrow shaft.

5. The tracking device of claim 4, wherein said second transponder emits a uniquely identifiable signal relative to the transponder contained within the releasably affixed—

transponder assembly.

6. The tracking device of claim 1, wherein said device is detectable by a transceiver within a range of about 50 yards to about 500 yards.

7. The tracking device of claim 1 wherein said device is locatable at a range in excess of 500 yards.

8. A remotely-locatable tracking device comprised of:

a transponder assembly;

said assembly being releasably affixed adjacent to a shaft of an arrow by a structure, said structure being a break-away connector selected from the group consisting of a washer insert with a snap-joint, a washer insert with a spring clip, a washer insert with a stretch tube or an adhesive bond, and;

means for attaching said assembly to a target upon impacting the target with the arrow.

9. The tracking device of claim 8, wherein said means for attaching the releasably affixed structure to said target includes a fragmentation broadhead having at least one break-away component.

10. The tracking device of claim 8 further comprising a second transponder integral to the arrow shaft.

11. The tracking device of claim 10, wherein said second transponder emits a uniquely identifiable signal relative to the transponder contained within the releasably affixed—

transponder assembly.