Automatic pet trainer

• US 7,263,953 B2
• Filed: 03/20/2006
• Issued: 09/04/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/30/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Krishnamurthy Sundararajan
• Original Assignee: Krishnamurthy Sundararajan
• Inventors: Sundararajan, Krishnamurthy
• Primary Examiner(s): Luu; Teri Pham
• Assistant Examiner(s): Xavier; Valentina
• Application Number:
  US11/384,697
• Publication Number:
  US 20060219187A1
• Time in Patent Office: 533 Days
• Field of Search: 119/61.53, 119/51.11, 119/51.13, 119/51.04, 119/51.14, 119/56.1, 119/905, 119/712
• US Class Current: 119/719
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/025 Toys specially adapted for animals
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 5/0275 with mechanisms for delivery of measured doses A01K5/0233 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 5/0291 with timing mechanisms, e.g. pet feeders

Abstract

This invention relates to an integrated automatic device for training and feeding a pet, which also functions as a play mate while the owner is absent or otherwise engaged. A toy holder, when actuated by an ejector, throws a toy placed therein to a predetermined distance. This toy holder is actuated by a spring connected to a spring tensioner and a rotating shaft activated by a motor programmed by microprocessors. Voice command issuer and proximity switches are provided to regulate the functioning of the device. The device is connectable to a pet feeder including a feeder capable of supplying feed for a predetermined period. The entire system is controllable by a remote control.

Claims

1. An integrated automatic device for training, entertaining and feeding pets comprising:

a) a housing provided with a toy holder;

b) a rotating ejector actuated by a tensioned spring connected to the toy holder to throw a ball a predetermined distance;

c) a screw to adjust the spring tension in the ejector;

d) a switch to detect the presence/absence of the toy in the toy holder;

e) a proximity sensor to detect the presence/absence of a pet or human;

f) a sound generating means;

g) a voice recorder and microphone;

h) a control panel for controlling the operations of said device;

i) multiple timers with display means; and

j) a power panel for various inputs and outputs.

2. The integrated automatic device of claim 1 wherein said housing has a base for holding the components of said device.

3. The integrated automatic device of claim 2 wherein the housing comprises a base cover, a top cover, an electrical panel cover, a top cover clamp, a handle and a toy holder.

4. The integrated automatic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotating ejector comprising of a gear motor, a solenoid, clutch spring or electronic pulse width modulated motor for ejection/discharge of the toy from the toy holder.

5. The integrated automatic device of claim 4, wherein said ejector comprises an actable spring means and spring tensioner connected to a rotating shaft by means of an adjustable clamp.

6. The integrated automatic device of claim 1, wherein said screw is adjustable to control the ball throw distance.

7. The integrated automatic device of claim 1, wherein said switch is a limit switch, proximity sensor, capacitive sensor, magnetic sensor or a reed switch.

8. The integrated automatic device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sound generation means is a clicker.

9. The integrated automatic device of claim 8, wherein said clicker generates sound based on the signal received from said switch.

10. The integrated automatic device claim 9, wherein said clicker is either a mechanical or electronic device.

11. The integrated automatic device of claim 1, wherein voice recording is facilitated by the voice recorder and microphone.

12. The integrated automatic device of claim 1, wherein the proximity sensor detects the presence of pet or human to facilitate ejection of the toy during gaming.

13. The integrated automatic device of claim 1, wherein said control panel is divided into three blocks, one each for control switches, status LED and timer.

14. The integrated automatic device of claim 13, wherein said control switches comprises a power ON/OFF button, input/output ports for connecting a feeder device, secondary feeder, “

N”

day feeder, remote signal access and power socket.

15. The integrated automatic device of claim 1, wherein the device is operated by a battery or an AC/DC power source.

16. The integrated automatic device of claim 13, wherein said timer is programmed for regular food feeding, start of game and setting game frequency and repeating of the game during a given day or days.

17. The integrated automatic device of claim 16, wherein a display unit is provided to view the time set by a timer setting means for said multiple timers.

18. The integrated automatic device of claim 1, wherein a microprocessor is programmed to control the functioning of said multiple timers and said control panel.

19. The integrated automatic device of claim 18, wherein a remote is provided to control the microprocessor and its program.