BACK| United States Patent [19] | [11] Patent Number: 4,618,861 |
| Gettens et al. | [45] Date of Patent: Oct.21,1986 |
[54] PASSIVE ACTIVITY MONITOR FOR LIVESTOCK
[75] Invetors:
John W.Gettens, Ithaca, N.Y.;
Nick A.Sigrimis, Halandri, Greece;
Norman R.Scott, Ithaca, N.Y.
[73] Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.,Ithaca, N.Y.
[21] Appl.No.: 713,946
[22] Filed: Mar.20,1985
[51] Int.Cl.
H04Q 9/00
[52] U.S. CL.
340/825.54;
128/903;
340/573; 340/870.38; 119/51 R
[58] Field of Search 340/825.54, 870.38,
340/573, 505; 128/419 N, 774, 782, 903; 119/51 R;377/27
[56] References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
| 4,232,686 | 11/1980 Kammlade, Jr | 340/573 |
| 4,237,900 | 12/1980 Schulman et al. | 128/903 |
| 4,333,072 | 6/1982 Beigel | 340/825.54 |
| 4,510,495 | 4/1985 Sigrimus et al. | 340/825.54 |
Primary Examiner-Donald J. Yusko
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sughrue,Mion,Zinn,
Macpeak and Seas
[57] ABSTRACT
An estrus detection system using a transponder mounted to an animal and including a motion sensor. The motion sensor produces a series of pulses as a function of movement. A counting circuit is energized by the sensor. A storage circuit retains the count together with an identification code unique to the animal. The transpoder is interrogated to receive data and such is processed to determine estrus.