Patent ID: 8714113
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for deterring a dog from barking, said apparatus comprising: a housing adapted to be attached to a collar and worn about the neck of the dog, said housing having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said exterior surface adapted to be held in close proximity to the throat of the dog by the collar, said housing being fabricated from a substantially rigid material; a vibration sensor comprising a vibration transducer with a first surface secured in physical contact with said housing interior surface by a vibratory conductive bond to transfer vibrations produced by the dog to said vibration transducer, and a second surface suspended in air, said vibration sensor detecting said vibrations moving in a medium other than air and producing a vibration signal corresponding to said vibrations; a microcontroller in communication with and responsive to said vibration sensor, said microcontroller adapted to analyze said vibration signal and determine whether said vibration signal approximates a bark; and a stimulus mechanism activated by said microcontroller following a determination that said vibration signal approximates a bark, said stimulus mechanism adapted to deliver a stimulus to the dog.