Animal tracking apparatus and method

IIIIIIH

US007602302B2

United States Patent

Hokuf et al.

(io) Patent No.: (45) Date of Patent:

US 7,602,302 B2 Oct. 13, 2009

ANIMAL TRACKING APPARATUS AND
METHOD

Inventors: Bronson D. Hokuf, Gardner, KS (US);
Henry J. Straub, Olathe, KS (US);
James R. Kummer, Paola, KS (US)

Assignee: Garmin Ltd. (KY)

Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 259 days.

Appl.No.: 11/463,262

Filed: Aug. 8, 2006

Prior Publication Data

US 2008/0036610 Al Feb. 14, 2008

Int. CI.

G08B 23/00 (2006.01)

U.S. CI 340/573.3; 340/573.2; 340/573.7;

340/539.13; 340/686.1

Field of Classification Search 340/573,

340/573.3, 573.2, 539.13, 686.1 See application file for complete search history.

References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention provide a tracking apparatus (100) and method that are operable to efficiently track an animal. The tracking apparatus (100) is operable to be worn by an animal, determine its current geographic location, and transmit information relating to its current geographic location to an external device such as a portable navigation unit (200). The navigation unit (200) is operable to display a representation of the geographic location of the tracking apparatus (100) for consideration by a user.

23 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets

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2006/0258914 Al * 11/2006 Derchaketal 600/300

2006/0270421 Al* 11/2006 Phillips etal 455/457

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