CA2157446A1 - Electrically activatable valve system - Google Patents
Electrically activatable valve systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2157446A1 CA2157446A1 CA 2157446 CA2157446A CA2157446A1 CA 2157446 A1 CA2157446 A1 CA 2157446A1 CA 2157446 CA2157446 CA 2157446 CA 2157446 A CA2157446 A CA 2157446A CA 2157446 A1 CA2157446 A1 CA 2157446A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- valve
- chamber
- plug element
- upstream
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
- F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
- F16K31/0644—One-way valve
- F16K31/0655—Lift valves
- F16K31/0658—Armature and valve member being one single element
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K15/00—Devices for taming animals, e.g. nose-rings or hobbles; Devices for overturning animals in general; Training or exercising equipment; Covering boxes
- A01K15/02—Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals ; Electric shock devices ; Toys specially adapted for animals
Abstract
An electrically activatable valve system comprising a valve housing defining a valve chamber and a solenoid member comprising a coil element and a displaceable core plug element. The valve chamber is divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by a partition member. The solenoid member, the partition member and the valve housing are configured and disposed such that when the plug element is in a first position, the plug element engages the valve seat element so as to close a valve seat opening such that a fluid is unable to pass from the upstream chamber through an intermediate fluid path means to the downstream chamber and when said plug element is in a second position the valve seat opening is open such that a fluid is able to pass from the upstream chamber through the intermediate fluid path means to the downstream chamber.
Description
~ 21~74~6 ELECTRICALLY ACTIVATABLE VALVE SYSTEM
The present invention generally relates to valve systems and in particular to micro-valve systems. In a further aspect the present invention also relates to devices which exploit these valve systems and in particular devices which may be used to control the behavior of an animal such as a dog, cat and the like .
Valve systems for use in small devices such as the valve systems disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 4,627,385 and 5,046,453, have many moving parts and/or are complicated to make. The valve systems disclosed in these patents are shown in the context of devices which may be used to control the behavior of an animal such as a dog. As alluded to in these patents, house pets such as dogs can become a n~ n~e due to prolonged uncontrolled barking; cats on the other hand may also become a nuisance due to their habit of digging into garden or flower beds. These patents thus disclose means by which the behavior of an animal such as a dog may be controlled or manipulated.
The above mentioned patents generally teach an animal behavior control apparatus comprising means for generating an electric signal, a reservoir for storing, under pressure, a fluid offensive to a sense of an animal, a fluid outlet opening, and 3 0 an electrically ac~ivatable valve system operatively associated with the reservoir and the means for generating an electric signal whereby, in response to the electric signal, fluid in the reservoir may be released from the reservoir through the outlet opening for affecting said sense of the animal. As taught in these patents the means for generating 21~7446 the electric signal may be configured to automatically generate the signal in response to the barking of the dog or to generate the 6ignal in response to a signal from a remote transmitter which may, for example, be controlled by a remote trainer.
These patents do disclose micro-valve systems but there is still a need for alternative valve systems.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a valve system having a relatively simple structure.
It would be also advantageous to have a valve system which is able to be made on a relatively small scale with a minimum of moving parts, e.g. micro-valve systems. It would be advantageous to have such a valve system available for integration into an animal behavior control apparatus such as described in the above mentioned patents.
~hus the present invention in a particular aspect provides an electrically activatable valve system comprising a valve housing defining a valve chamber, a valve inlet fluid path means, a valve outlet fluid path means, a solenoid member comprising a coil element and a displaceable core plug element, said plug element being displaceable between a first position and a second position, said plug element being spring biased in said first position, said coil element and said plug element being configured and disposed such that said plug element is displaceable from said first to said second position when a predet~rminPd electric current flows through said coil element, said valve chamber being divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by a partition member, ~ 21~74~6 said partition member comprising an upstream valve seat element and an into ~ te fluid path means in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, said upstream valve seat element having a valve opening for fluid communication between said upstream chamber and said intermediate fluid path means, said valve inlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said upstream chamber and said valve outlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, and wherein said solenoid member, said partition member and said valve housing are configured and disposed such that when the plug element is in said first position, said plug element engages the valve seat element so as to close the valve opening such that a fluid is unable to pass from said upstream chamber through said into - ';Ate fluid path means to said downstream chamber and when said plug element is in said second position said valve opening is open such that a fluid is able to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber.
A valve system of the present system may be made on a micro scale, i.e. a micro-valve system is possible which essentially has only one moving part, namely the core plug.
An electrically activatable valve system in accordance with the present invention may, for example, comprise means for inducing a flow of electric current through the coil element in response to an electrical signal such that the core plug element is displaced from the first to the second position.
Any (know) suitable means for inducing the electric current may be used; similarly any (known) suitable signal generation device may be used for the generation of the required trigger ` 2157~46 signal for causing the valve to go to an open configuration.
In accordance with the present invention the housing of an electrically activatable valve system may for example comprises a tubular projection having a hollow core for receiving the core plug element, the coil element being disposed about the tubular proj ection . In other words the tubular projection of the housing also forms part of the solenoid member.
The pressurized fluid (e.g. aerosol fluid) may contain particles which may cause blockage of fluid path means, fluid openings and the like.
Accordingly, an electrically activatable valve system of the present invention may, as desired, for example, comprise fluid screening means disposed prior to the upstream chamber, the screening means being configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predet~rm;n~d size. The screening means may take any desired form.
In accordance with the present invention the housing and the partitioning member may for example be con~igured so as to define a fluid screen disposed between the valve inlet fluid path means and the upstream chamber, the screen being pervious to the fluid and being configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predet~rm; n-~l size.
More particularly, in accordance with the present invention the housing and the partitioning member may be configured so as to define an annular fluid passageway disposed between the valve inlet fluid path means and said upstream chamber. The annular passageway is sized and configured so as to screen out 2~57446 of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predet~rm;n~tl size.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention 5there is provided an animal behavior control apparatus compris ing means for generating an electric signal, a reservoir for storing, under pressure, a fluid offensive to a sense of an animal, a fluid inlet means for the introduction of said fluid into said reservoir, a fluid outlet opening, an electrically activatable valve system operatively associated with the reservoir and said means for generating an electric signal whereby, in response to the electric signal, fluid in said reservoir may be released from the reservoir through the fluid outlet opening for affecting said sense of the animal, the valve system being a valve system as described herein. For this control apparatus the valve inlet fluid path means is in fluid communication with the upstream chamber and the reservoir and the valve outlet fluid path means is in fluid ~ ; cation with the downstream chamber and the fluid outlet opening.
The animal behavior control apparatus may, for example, be fixed at a location in some place where it is desired that an animal not go, for example, in some part of a garden, the room of a house or the like; such fixation can take any desired form, e.g. the apparatus may be screwed to a wall, post or the like. The apparatus may have an electronic sensor able to generate a trigger signal based on noise (e.g. an animal cry), movement, infrared radiation or the like; alternatively or additionally the trigger signal may be activated based on the receipt of some type of radio signal or the like. The fluid may be any type of flu~d which may be offensive to a sense of ~ 2157~4~
the animal whose behavior it is desired to control.
However, in accordance with a further aspect the present invention provides a collar for controlling the behavior of an animal comprising an animal behavior control apparatus and a strap element for attaching the apparatus to the neck of the animal, said animal behavior control being as described herein.
In drawings which illustrate example: '-orl;r-~tS of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of perspective view of an electrically activatable valve system in accordance with the present invention but with the outer sleeve :~uLL~Jullding the solenoid member removed;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view along 2-2 of the valve system shown in Figure 1 with the outer sleeve of the solenoid member shown in place;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the housing of the 2 o valve system as shown in f igure 2;
Figure 4 is a side view of a capping member of the valve system as shown in f igure 2, the capping member comprising an element of the partitioning member which divides the valve chamber into an upstream 2s part and a downstream part:
Figure 5 is a front view of the capping member shown in f igure 4;
Figure 6 is a side view of the other capping member of the valve system as shown in f igure 2;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of another . ' ~ t of the valve system shown in Figure 1 with the outer sleeve of the solenoid member shown in place;
Figure 8 is a side view of the modified capping member shown in figure 7, the modified capping member including an element for defining an annular restrictive ` ~` 21~7446 passage before the upstream chamber;
Figure 9 is a front view of the modified capping member shown in f igure 8;
Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of an example support ~LLI~:LuLe for an animal behavior control apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the support structure incorporating a storage reservoir member;
Figure 11 is a front view of the support structure of figure 10;
Figure 12 is a rear view of the support structure of f igure 10;
Figure 13 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the support structure shown in f igure 10 with a valve system as illustrated in figures 1 to 9 attached thereto;
Figure 14 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the support structure shown in f igure 13 with a means for generating an electric signal and a means for inducing a flow of electric current through the coil element of the valve system in response to the electric signal;
Figure 15 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the support structure shown in f igure 14 with a cover member in place over the electric signal means, the electric current inducing means and the valve system;
Figure 16 is a sectional schematic view along 16-16 of figure 12 exposing the interior of the pressure fluid reservoir member;
Figure 17 is a schematic drawing of an example electric circuit for both generating an electric signal in response to the barking of a dog and for electrically energizing the coil of the valve system valve system as illustrated in figure 1; and 21~7446 igure 18 shows an example collar for controlling the behavior of an animal including the control device illustrated in figure 15 in place about the neck of a dog.
Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an example valve system in accordance with the present invention. The valve system has a valve housing which comprises a main housing body generally indicated by the reference numeral l and two cap members 2 and 3.
Referring to figure 3, this figure illustrates the main housing body 1 as a separate unit. The main housing body 1 has two body portions. One body portion has the form of a tubular projection indicated generally by the reference numeral 4. The other body portion has a block like form indicated generally by the reference numeral 5. The tubular projection 4 is integral with the other portion 5. The main housing body 1 defines a cavity 6 of circular cross section having open ends 7 and 8; a peripheral annular recessed shoulder 9 is disposed about the opening 7. The block portion 5 is provided with fluid inlet opening 10 and fluid outlet opening 11 which as seen both extend from an outer surface of the portion 5 and communicate with the cavity 6.
The main housing body 1 may be made of any suitable material keeping in mind its function, i.e. namely to form a chamber able to confine and provide a fluid path for a fluid and to be able to engage the cap members 2 and 3 in a fluid tight relationship as shall be explained below. The main housing body l may for example be made of any suitable plastics material. The main housing body 1 may, for example, advantageously be moulded as a single unit; the shoulder 9 and openings 10 and 11 may for example be suitably cut out of the housing after the ini~ial housing body has been formed.
21~7~4~
As mentioned above, the valve housing also includes the cap members 2 and 3 which may be of metal (e.g. bras6). These cap members are shown separately in f igures 4 and 6 . The cap members 2 and 3, respectively have end elements 12 and 13, externally screw threaded surface elements 14 and 15 as well as peripheral ring grooves 16 and 17 for seating ring packing or gaskets 18 and 19 (see figure 2).
The cap member 2 includes a projection or extension element 20. The extension element 20 has a peripheral ring groove 21 for seating a ring packing or gasket 22 (see figure 2). The extension element 20 also has a peripheral ring groove 23 and an end valve seat component 24. The ring groove 23 has two fluid outlet openings 25 and 26. The valve seat ~ ~n~nt 24 has an opening 27 which is connected to an int~ te channel 28. The channel 28 passes through the body of the extension element 20 from the valve seat opening 27 and eventually splits into two parts one of which connects to the groove opening 25 and the other to the groove opening 26.
As shown in f igure 2, the cap members and ~ L L . ~ i n~ ring gasket6 18 and 19 are used to close off the openings 7 and 8 of the cavity 6 and in so doing, define, with the main housing body, a valve chamber. The cap members 2 and 3 as well as the ring gaskets 18 and 19 are of course configured and sized relative to the cavity 6 such that each cap member may be engaged in fluid tight manner in a respective opening 7 and 8.
The ring gaskets or grommets 18 and 19 may, for example, be of a rubber like material. Prior to inserting the cap members 2 3 0 and 3 into the opening 7 or 8 the ring grommets 18 and 19 are stretched and pushed over the respective ends of the cap members until these grommets are seated in a respective ring groove 16 or 17. The ring gaskets 18 and 19 are also of a diameter so as to be able to 6it within a respective ring groove 16 and 17 and be compressed sandwich fashion between 2157~6 the wall of the cavity 6 and respective ring grooves so as to def ine f luid tight barriers . Once the ring gaskets 18 and 19 are in place, the cap members 2 and 3 are simply screwed into a respective opening such that the screw threads thereof engage (i.e. bite into) the opposing wall of the main housing body, the cap members being positioned as shown in figure 2;
as may be seen the end element 12 is sized to abut the shoulder 9 and be flush with the adjacent end of the block element 5. It is to be understood of course that the core plug and attendant bias spring as described below are suitably disposed in the cavity 6 before both openings 7 and 8 are closed off by the cap members 2 and 3, e.g. the core plug and bias spring may be slid into the cavity 6 once one of the openings 7 and 8 is blocked of f by a cap member .
The ring gasket or grommet 22 and the extension element 20 together def ine a partition member which divides the valve chamber into an upstream chamber 29 and a downstream chamber 30; the ring gasket or grommet 22 is similar in construction to the grommets 18 and 19, i.e. gasket 22 is constructed so as to def ine a f luid tight barrier separating the upstream and downstream chambers.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, the valve system includes a solenoid member indicated generally by the reference numeral 30 .
The solenoid member as shown in figure 2 comprises an electric coil 31 and a displaceable core plug element 32. The solenoid member may if desired also have an outer guard sleeve 33; in figure 1 the solenoid member is shown without the outer guard sleeve 33. The sleeve 33 if present serves as an outer protective covering for the electric coil element 32. The sleeve 33 as E;hown in figure 2 has an opening 34 through which the end coil wire elements 35 and 36 pass.
21~7~4~
The electric coil 31 comprise a suitable insulated electric wire (e.g. copper wire) wound up about the outer surface of the tubular element 4 of the main housing body 1 between the cap end element 13 and a (metallic, e.g. ferric) ring washer element 37.
The core plug 32 i8 configured and sized so as to be displaceable in the direction of the arrows 38 and 39. The core plug has a gasket or packing element 40 to facilitate sealing of the opening 27; the gasket may if desired be dispensed with but in this case the face of the plug destined to abut the valve seat would need to precisely correspond to the face of the valve seat such that the opening 27 would nevertheless be sealed in fluid tight fashion. As shown the core plug 32 is spring biased by spring 41 in the direction of the arrow 38 such that the gasket 40 is urged up against the valve seat element 24 so as to block off the opening 27; the spring 41 is of course configured to apply sufficient force against the core plug such that the gasket engages the valve seat 24 so as to block off, in fluid tight fashion, the opening 27. As shown, the core plug 40 is spring biased in the aforementioned first position (i.e. a plugging position).
The coil element 31 and the core plug element 32 are Ai ~po~
and configured in a solenoid type configuration such that when a suitable electric current passes through the coil element 31 an electromagnetic f ield of suf f icient strength is generated which overcomes the opposing force of the spring 41 and displaces the core plug 32 in the direction of the arrow 39 away from the valve seat 24 so as to unblock the opening 27, i.e. the core plug 32 is displaced to the above mentioned second position (i.e. an unplugging position). Once the core plug 32 is displaced to the second position, the fluid flow path from the upstream chamb~r 29 to the downstream chamber 30 215744~
i5 no longer obstructed such that a fluid may flow through the inlet opening 10 into the upstream chamber 29, through the valve opening 27 into the in~ te channel 28, out of the openings 25 and 26 into the downstream chamber 30 and out of the valve system through the opening 11; such a flow path is partially traced by the arrows 45, 46, and 47. Once the electric current ceases to flow through the coil element 31, the spring 41 will urge the core plug 32 back to the first position .
As may be seen from figure l the block portion 5 has a recess disposed about the openings 10 and ll. This recess is intended to seat a gasket of corresponding shape having holes which line up with the openings 10 and ll once the gasket is seated in the recess; the block portion 5 also has openings 50 and 51 for receiving elongated screws for attaching the valve system to the structure of an animal control device. The end wire elements 35 and 36 may for example be connected to a suitable source of electric power responsive to an appropriate signal generated in response to the bark of a dog or by some type of radio transmission triggered by a dog trainer; the power source and signal source may for example be as described below .
Turning to figures 7, 8 and 9, these figures show a modified version of the valve system shown in figures 1 to 6; the same reference numerals are thus used to identify the common elements. This modified version differs from the version of figures 1 to 6 in that it includes fluid screening means between the inlet opening 10 and the upstream chamber 29.
Thus the extension element 20 of the cap member 2a includes a raised ring skirt portion 55 disposed adj acent the valve seat 24; the extension element 20 also includes a further ring groove 56 which will partially define a pre-filter chamber as 3 5 described below .
, ~ 2157~6 As seen from figure 7, the skirt portion 55 is sized relative to the opposed portion of the inner wall of the cavity 6 so a6 to define therewith an annular passageway 57. This pas6ageway 57 is dimensioned so as to screen out of fluid passing therethrough any particles which are dimensioned larger than the distance between the skirt portion 55 and the opposed inner wall of the cavity 6: the size of the annular passageway may for example be sized so as to be smaller than the smallest dimension of the opening 27, int~ te channel 28, outlet opening 11, etc.. ; in this way particles which might block one or more of these elements of the fluid pathway are not allowed to proceed further than the space or pre-f ilter chamber partially defined by the ring groove 56. The annular passageway thus acts as a restriction in the flow path which may block out oversized particles keeping them from entering the upstream chamber 29. As may be understood once the fluid flows into the prefilter chamber, the fluid can distribute itself about the groove 56 before entering into the annular passageway 57; in figure 7 the fluid flow through the annular passageway is traced by the arrow 46.
Figures lo, 11, 12 and 16 illustrate a support structure 60 for an animal behavior control apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The support structure 60 is configured to define three seat members for seating elements for the animal behavior control apparatus, namely a battery seat 61, an electronic valve control device seat 62 and a valve seat 63 .
Referring to figures 11, 12 and 16, the support structure incorporates an integrated reservoir for storing fluid under pressure, the fluid being of a type which an animal would find offensive to one or more of its senses, e.g. its sense of smell, its tactile sense, and the like. The interior of the reservoir is designated generally by the reference numeral 65 21~7446 in figure 16. The support structure includes a fluid outlet opening 66; the outlet opening is connected to an outlet channel 67 having an outlet channel inlet opening 68. The æupport structure includes a filling valve 69 for filling the reservoir with fluid which is under pressure in the reservoir;
in effect the reservoir may for example be an aerosol spray reservoir. The filling valve 69 may be of any known structure which is of a type allowing the introduction of fluid into the reservoir but which will not allow fluid to flow back out therethrough. The support structure includes a fluid outlet opening 70 communicating with interior 65 of the reservoir.
There are also two screw thread openings 72 and 73 for engaging screws for fixing a valve system in place in the valve seat 63. It will be appreciated that until a valve system as described with respect to figures 1 to 9 is fixed in place in the valve seat 63 the reservoir cannot store fluid under pressure since the fluid would simply escape out the outlet 70; once the valve system is fixed in place it will define a releasable fluid barrier so that the fluid may be introduced into the reservoir and be maintained therein under pressure .
Referring to figures 12 and 13, figure 13 shows a valve system as described with respect to f igures 1 to 9 seated in the valve seat 63; the valve system is designated generally by the reference numeral 75. The attachment openings 50 and 51 of the valve system (see figure 1) are configured and r9;crQ~d such that when the valve system is seated in the seat 63 they can be aligned with the screw thread openings 72 and 73 of the support structure 60; once the openings are aligned suitable screws may be passed through openings 50 and 51 for screw engagement with the openings 72 and 73 50 as to fix the valve system in place; the head of one such screw is designated generally by the reference numeral 80. The openings 10 and 11 are also configured and disposed such that they can be aligned ~ 21~744~
with the openings 70 and 68 respectively. As mentioned above a gasket is disposed in the recess about the openings 10 and 11; the gasket is sized and configured such that when the valve system is screwed tightly in place in the seat 63, the openings lO and 11 are in fluid tight communication with the openings 70 and 68 respectively.
Referring to figure 14, this figure shows an electronic valve control device designated generally by the reference numeral 85 seated in the seat 62. The device 85 is electrically connected to the coil element 31 of the valve system 85 by the end wire elements 35 and 36 thereof. The device 85 is also electrically connected to means for ; n~ ng an electric current, namely t~ortr;n~l or contact elements 86 and 87. The contacts 86 and 87 are configured to abut opposite ends of a suitable battery (not shown) for supplying the required electric power to energize the coil element 31 as well as run the electronics of the electronic control device. The device 85 includes a microphone 90 for detecting the barking sounds 2 o of a dog .
Figure 15 shows the support structure associated with a cover member 95. The cover member 95 includes a screened opening 96 which is disposed above the microphone 90. The cover 95 includes two opposed loop attachment members for attaching the animal control device to a collar or the like; one loop attachment member is designated by the reference numeral 97;
the other loop attachment member is of the same structure but is hidden from view behind the control device. The loop attachment members may be attached to suitable strap member(s) so as to form a collar or the like as shall be explained below .
As mentioned above the electronic device 85 is configured to generate a coil activation signal in response to the bark of ~ 21574~
a dogi the device 85 eould alternatively or additionally be configured to receive a radio signal from a radio transmitter and generate the coil trigger signal in response thereto (see for example U.S. patent no. 5,046,453). In any event, the presence or absence of the coil signal will dictate whether or not an electric current will flow through the coil element 31 so as to energize the solenoid member 30; the presence of such signal triggers the electronic system to allow current to flow through the coil element 31. The device 85 as desired may be configured in any suitable manner so as to allow fluid to be continuously expelled for as long as the dog barks; it may be configured to allow fluid to be expelled for a limited period of time once initial activation has occurred due to a bark;
the device may allow for intermittent expulsion of fluid; and the like.
Referring to figure 17, this figure illustrates an example eleetronic eontrol eireuit to whieh the above mentioned end wire elements 35 and 36, the battery eontaets 86 and 87 as well as the mierophone 90 may be eleetrieally eonneeted. The eireuit has mierophone 90 (MCE200); resistors 100 (150 Kn), 101 (180 Kll), 102 (1 Mn), 103 (1 Mn), 104 (1 Mn), 105 (1 Mn), 106 (2.2 Kn~, 107 (470 Sl), 108 (470 KS2), 109 (100 Kn), 110 (47 n), and 111 (47 Kn); eapaeitors 112 (22 nF), 113 (470 pF), 114 (1 ,~LF) and 115 (220 nF); diode 116 (BAV70): and transistors 117 (BC849C), 118 (BSV52), 119 (BC870), 120 (ZVNL120A), and 121 (FMMT619) .
Figure 18 illustrates an animal eollar in aeeordanee with the present invention whieh includes an animal behavior eontrol device as described with respect to figures 10 to 17. The collar 129 is attached to the neck of dog 130. The collar includes a strap element 131 for attachment to the neck of the dog. The strap element 131 may comprise a single length of strap passing or threaded through the opening of both loop ~ 21~74~
members 97 in a manner such as 6hown in Figure 2 of U.S patent number 5,046,453 so as to not cover the opening 96 for the microphone 90. Alternatively, the strap element 131 may have two strap parts each of which is attached to a loop member 97 by a loop attachment means analogous to the manner in which a two part wrist watch band is attached to the loop att~ t members of a wrist watch. The strap element 131 may include any (known) means for fastening the strap ends together (e.g.
a buckle system, a loop/hook system such as a Velcro system, and the like).
The present invention generally relates to valve systems and in particular to micro-valve systems. In a further aspect the present invention also relates to devices which exploit these valve systems and in particular devices which may be used to control the behavior of an animal such as a dog, cat and the like .
Valve systems for use in small devices such as the valve systems disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 4,627,385 and 5,046,453, have many moving parts and/or are complicated to make. The valve systems disclosed in these patents are shown in the context of devices which may be used to control the behavior of an animal such as a dog. As alluded to in these patents, house pets such as dogs can become a n~ n~e due to prolonged uncontrolled barking; cats on the other hand may also become a nuisance due to their habit of digging into garden or flower beds. These patents thus disclose means by which the behavior of an animal such as a dog may be controlled or manipulated.
The above mentioned patents generally teach an animal behavior control apparatus comprising means for generating an electric signal, a reservoir for storing, under pressure, a fluid offensive to a sense of an animal, a fluid outlet opening, and 3 0 an electrically ac~ivatable valve system operatively associated with the reservoir and the means for generating an electric signal whereby, in response to the electric signal, fluid in the reservoir may be released from the reservoir through the outlet opening for affecting said sense of the animal. As taught in these patents the means for generating 21~7446 the electric signal may be configured to automatically generate the signal in response to the barking of the dog or to generate the 6ignal in response to a signal from a remote transmitter which may, for example, be controlled by a remote trainer.
These patents do disclose micro-valve systems but there is still a need for alternative valve systems.
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a valve system having a relatively simple structure.
It would be also advantageous to have a valve system which is able to be made on a relatively small scale with a minimum of moving parts, e.g. micro-valve systems. It would be advantageous to have such a valve system available for integration into an animal behavior control apparatus such as described in the above mentioned patents.
~hus the present invention in a particular aspect provides an electrically activatable valve system comprising a valve housing defining a valve chamber, a valve inlet fluid path means, a valve outlet fluid path means, a solenoid member comprising a coil element and a displaceable core plug element, said plug element being displaceable between a first position and a second position, said plug element being spring biased in said first position, said coil element and said plug element being configured and disposed such that said plug element is displaceable from said first to said second position when a predet~rminPd electric current flows through said coil element, said valve chamber being divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by a partition member, ~ 21~74~6 said partition member comprising an upstream valve seat element and an into ~ te fluid path means in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, said upstream valve seat element having a valve opening for fluid communication between said upstream chamber and said intermediate fluid path means, said valve inlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said upstream chamber and said valve outlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, and wherein said solenoid member, said partition member and said valve housing are configured and disposed such that when the plug element is in said first position, said plug element engages the valve seat element so as to close the valve opening such that a fluid is unable to pass from said upstream chamber through said into - ';Ate fluid path means to said downstream chamber and when said plug element is in said second position said valve opening is open such that a fluid is able to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber.
A valve system of the present system may be made on a micro scale, i.e. a micro-valve system is possible which essentially has only one moving part, namely the core plug.
An electrically activatable valve system in accordance with the present invention may, for example, comprise means for inducing a flow of electric current through the coil element in response to an electrical signal such that the core plug element is displaced from the first to the second position.
Any (know) suitable means for inducing the electric current may be used; similarly any (known) suitable signal generation device may be used for the generation of the required trigger ` 2157~46 signal for causing the valve to go to an open configuration.
In accordance with the present invention the housing of an electrically activatable valve system may for example comprises a tubular projection having a hollow core for receiving the core plug element, the coil element being disposed about the tubular proj ection . In other words the tubular projection of the housing also forms part of the solenoid member.
The pressurized fluid (e.g. aerosol fluid) may contain particles which may cause blockage of fluid path means, fluid openings and the like.
Accordingly, an electrically activatable valve system of the present invention may, as desired, for example, comprise fluid screening means disposed prior to the upstream chamber, the screening means being configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predet~rm;n~d size. The screening means may take any desired form.
In accordance with the present invention the housing and the partitioning member may for example be con~igured so as to define a fluid screen disposed between the valve inlet fluid path means and the upstream chamber, the screen being pervious to the fluid and being configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predet~rm; n-~l size.
More particularly, in accordance with the present invention the housing and the partitioning member may be configured so as to define an annular fluid passageway disposed between the valve inlet fluid path means and said upstream chamber. The annular passageway is sized and configured so as to screen out 2~57446 of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predet~rm;n~tl size.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention 5there is provided an animal behavior control apparatus compris ing means for generating an electric signal, a reservoir for storing, under pressure, a fluid offensive to a sense of an animal, a fluid inlet means for the introduction of said fluid into said reservoir, a fluid outlet opening, an electrically activatable valve system operatively associated with the reservoir and said means for generating an electric signal whereby, in response to the electric signal, fluid in said reservoir may be released from the reservoir through the fluid outlet opening for affecting said sense of the animal, the valve system being a valve system as described herein. For this control apparatus the valve inlet fluid path means is in fluid communication with the upstream chamber and the reservoir and the valve outlet fluid path means is in fluid ~ ; cation with the downstream chamber and the fluid outlet opening.
The animal behavior control apparatus may, for example, be fixed at a location in some place where it is desired that an animal not go, for example, in some part of a garden, the room of a house or the like; such fixation can take any desired form, e.g. the apparatus may be screwed to a wall, post or the like. The apparatus may have an electronic sensor able to generate a trigger signal based on noise (e.g. an animal cry), movement, infrared radiation or the like; alternatively or additionally the trigger signal may be activated based on the receipt of some type of radio signal or the like. The fluid may be any type of flu~d which may be offensive to a sense of ~ 2157~4~
the animal whose behavior it is desired to control.
However, in accordance with a further aspect the present invention provides a collar for controlling the behavior of an animal comprising an animal behavior control apparatus and a strap element for attaching the apparatus to the neck of the animal, said animal behavior control being as described herein.
In drawings which illustrate example: '-orl;r-~tS of the present invention:
Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of perspective view of an electrically activatable valve system in accordance with the present invention but with the outer sleeve :~uLL~Jullding the solenoid member removed;
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view along 2-2 of the valve system shown in Figure 1 with the outer sleeve of the solenoid member shown in place;
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the housing of the 2 o valve system as shown in f igure 2;
Figure 4 is a side view of a capping member of the valve system as shown in f igure 2, the capping member comprising an element of the partitioning member which divides the valve chamber into an upstream 2s part and a downstream part:
Figure 5 is a front view of the capping member shown in f igure 4;
Figure 6 is a side view of the other capping member of the valve system as shown in f igure 2;
Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of another . ' ~ t of the valve system shown in Figure 1 with the outer sleeve of the solenoid member shown in place;
Figure 8 is a side view of the modified capping member shown in figure 7, the modified capping member including an element for defining an annular restrictive ` ~` 21~7446 passage before the upstream chamber;
Figure 9 is a front view of the modified capping member shown in f igure 8;
Figure 10 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of an example support ~LLI~:LuLe for an animal behavior control apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the support structure incorporating a storage reservoir member;
Figure 11 is a front view of the support structure of figure 10;
Figure 12 is a rear view of the support structure of f igure 10;
Figure 13 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the support structure shown in f igure 10 with a valve system as illustrated in figures 1 to 9 attached thereto;
Figure 14 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the support structure shown in f igure 13 with a means for generating an electric signal and a means for inducing a flow of electric current through the coil element of the valve system in response to the electric signal;
Figure 15 is a schematic drawing of a perspective view of the support structure shown in f igure 14 with a cover member in place over the electric signal means, the electric current inducing means and the valve system;
Figure 16 is a sectional schematic view along 16-16 of figure 12 exposing the interior of the pressure fluid reservoir member;
Figure 17 is a schematic drawing of an example electric circuit for both generating an electric signal in response to the barking of a dog and for electrically energizing the coil of the valve system valve system as illustrated in figure 1; and 21~7446 igure 18 shows an example collar for controlling the behavior of an animal including the control device illustrated in figure 15 in place about the neck of a dog.
Figures 1 to 5 illustrate an example valve system in accordance with the present invention. The valve system has a valve housing which comprises a main housing body generally indicated by the reference numeral l and two cap members 2 and 3.
Referring to figure 3, this figure illustrates the main housing body 1 as a separate unit. The main housing body 1 has two body portions. One body portion has the form of a tubular projection indicated generally by the reference numeral 4. The other body portion has a block like form indicated generally by the reference numeral 5. The tubular projection 4 is integral with the other portion 5. The main housing body 1 defines a cavity 6 of circular cross section having open ends 7 and 8; a peripheral annular recessed shoulder 9 is disposed about the opening 7. The block portion 5 is provided with fluid inlet opening 10 and fluid outlet opening 11 which as seen both extend from an outer surface of the portion 5 and communicate with the cavity 6.
The main housing body 1 may be made of any suitable material keeping in mind its function, i.e. namely to form a chamber able to confine and provide a fluid path for a fluid and to be able to engage the cap members 2 and 3 in a fluid tight relationship as shall be explained below. The main housing body l may for example be made of any suitable plastics material. The main housing body 1 may, for example, advantageously be moulded as a single unit; the shoulder 9 and openings 10 and 11 may for example be suitably cut out of the housing after the ini~ial housing body has been formed.
21~7~4~
As mentioned above, the valve housing also includes the cap members 2 and 3 which may be of metal (e.g. bras6). These cap members are shown separately in f igures 4 and 6 . The cap members 2 and 3, respectively have end elements 12 and 13, externally screw threaded surface elements 14 and 15 as well as peripheral ring grooves 16 and 17 for seating ring packing or gaskets 18 and 19 (see figure 2).
The cap member 2 includes a projection or extension element 20. The extension element 20 has a peripheral ring groove 21 for seating a ring packing or gasket 22 (see figure 2). The extension element 20 also has a peripheral ring groove 23 and an end valve seat component 24. The ring groove 23 has two fluid outlet openings 25 and 26. The valve seat ~ ~n~nt 24 has an opening 27 which is connected to an int~ te channel 28. The channel 28 passes through the body of the extension element 20 from the valve seat opening 27 and eventually splits into two parts one of which connects to the groove opening 25 and the other to the groove opening 26.
As shown in f igure 2, the cap members and ~ L L . ~ i n~ ring gasket6 18 and 19 are used to close off the openings 7 and 8 of the cavity 6 and in so doing, define, with the main housing body, a valve chamber. The cap members 2 and 3 as well as the ring gaskets 18 and 19 are of course configured and sized relative to the cavity 6 such that each cap member may be engaged in fluid tight manner in a respective opening 7 and 8.
The ring gaskets or grommets 18 and 19 may, for example, be of a rubber like material. Prior to inserting the cap members 2 3 0 and 3 into the opening 7 or 8 the ring grommets 18 and 19 are stretched and pushed over the respective ends of the cap members until these grommets are seated in a respective ring groove 16 or 17. The ring gaskets 18 and 19 are also of a diameter so as to be able to 6it within a respective ring groove 16 and 17 and be compressed sandwich fashion between 2157~6 the wall of the cavity 6 and respective ring grooves so as to def ine f luid tight barriers . Once the ring gaskets 18 and 19 are in place, the cap members 2 and 3 are simply screwed into a respective opening such that the screw threads thereof engage (i.e. bite into) the opposing wall of the main housing body, the cap members being positioned as shown in figure 2;
as may be seen the end element 12 is sized to abut the shoulder 9 and be flush with the adjacent end of the block element 5. It is to be understood of course that the core plug and attendant bias spring as described below are suitably disposed in the cavity 6 before both openings 7 and 8 are closed off by the cap members 2 and 3, e.g. the core plug and bias spring may be slid into the cavity 6 once one of the openings 7 and 8 is blocked of f by a cap member .
The ring gasket or grommet 22 and the extension element 20 together def ine a partition member which divides the valve chamber into an upstream chamber 29 and a downstream chamber 30; the ring gasket or grommet 22 is similar in construction to the grommets 18 and 19, i.e. gasket 22 is constructed so as to def ine a f luid tight barrier separating the upstream and downstream chambers.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, the valve system includes a solenoid member indicated generally by the reference numeral 30 .
The solenoid member as shown in figure 2 comprises an electric coil 31 and a displaceable core plug element 32. The solenoid member may if desired also have an outer guard sleeve 33; in figure 1 the solenoid member is shown without the outer guard sleeve 33. The sleeve 33 if present serves as an outer protective covering for the electric coil element 32. The sleeve 33 as E;hown in figure 2 has an opening 34 through which the end coil wire elements 35 and 36 pass.
21~7~4~
The electric coil 31 comprise a suitable insulated electric wire (e.g. copper wire) wound up about the outer surface of the tubular element 4 of the main housing body 1 between the cap end element 13 and a (metallic, e.g. ferric) ring washer element 37.
The core plug 32 i8 configured and sized so as to be displaceable in the direction of the arrows 38 and 39. The core plug has a gasket or packing element 40 to facilitate sealing of the opening 27; the gasket may if desired be dispensed with but in this case the face of the plug destined to abut the valve seat would need to precisely correspond to the face of the valve seat such that the opening 27 would nevertheless be sealed in fluid tight fashion. As shown the core plug 32 is spring biased by spring 41 in the direction of the arrow 38 such that the gasket 40 is urged up against the valve seat element 24 so as to block off the opening 27; the spring 41 is of course configured to apply sufficient force against the core plug such that the gasket engages the valve seat 24 so as to block off, in fluid tight fashion, the opening 27. As shown, the core plug 40 is spring biased in the aforementioned first position (i.e. a plugging position).
The coil element 31 and the core plug element 32 are Ai ~po~
and configured in a solenoid type configuration such that when a suitable electric current passes through the coil element 31 an electromagnetic f ield of suf f icient strength is generated which overcomes the opposing force of the spring 41 and displaces the core plug 32 in the direction of the arrow 39 away from the valve seat 24 so as to unblock the opening 27, i.e. the core plug 32 is displaced to the above mentioned second position (i.e. an unplugging position). Once the core plug 32 is displaced to the second position, the fluid flow path from the upstream chamb~r 29 to the downstream chamber 30 215744~
i5 no longer obstructed such that a fluid may flow through the inlet opening 10 into the upstream chamber 29, through the valve opening 27 into the in~ te channel 28, out of the openings 25 and 26 into the downstream chamber 30 and out of the valve system through the opening 11; such a flow path is partially traced by the arrows 45, 46, and 47. Once the electric current ceases to flow through the coil element 31, the spring 41 will urge the core plug 32 back to the first position .
As may be seen from figure l the block portion 5 has a recess disposed about the openings 10 and ll. This recess is intended to seat a gasket of corresponding shape having holes which line up with the openings 10 and ll once the gasket is seated in the recess; the block portion 5 also has openings 50 and 51 for receiving elongated screws for attaching the valve system to the structure of an animal control device. The end wire elements 35 and 36 may for example be connected to a suitable source of electric power responsive to an appropriate signal generated in response to the bark of a dog or by some type of radio transmission triggered by a dog trainer; the power source and signal source may for example be as described below .
Turning to figures 7, 8 and 9, these figures show a modified version of the valve system shown in figures 1 to 6; the same reference numerals are thus used to identify the common elements. This modified version differs from the version of figures 1 to 6 in that it includes fluid screening means between the inlet opening 10 and the upstream chamber 29.
Thus the extension element 20 of the cap member 2a includes a raised ring skirt portion 55 disposed adj acent the valve seat 24; the extension element 20 also includes a further ring groove 56 which will partially define a pre-filter chamber as 3 5 described below .
, ~ 2157~6 As seen from figure 7, the skirt portion 55 is sized relative to the opposed portion of the inner wall of the cavity 6 so a6 to define therewith an annular passageway 57. This pas6ageway 57 is dimensioned so as to screen out of fluid passing therethrough any particles which are dimensioned larger than the distance between the skirt portion 55 and the opposed inner wall of the cavity 6: the size of the annular passageway may for example be sized so as to be smaller than the smallest dimension of the opening 27, int~ te channel 28, outlet opening 11, etc.. ; in this way particles which might block one or more of these elements of the fluid pathway are not allowed to proceed further than the space or pre-f ilter chamber partially defined by the ring groove 56. The annular passageway thus acts as a restriction in the flow path which may block out oversized particles keeping them from entering the upstream chamber 29. As may be understood once the fluid flows into the prefilter chamber, the fluid can distribute itself about the groove 56 before entering into the annular passageway 57; in figure 7 the fluid flow through the annular passageway is traced by the arrow 46.
Figures lo, 11, 12 and 16 illustrate a support structure 60 for an animal behavior control apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The support structure 60 is configured to define three seat members for seating elements for the animal behavior control apparatus, namely a battery seat 61, an electronic valve control device seat 62 and a valve seat 63 .
Referring to figures 11, 12 and 16, the support structure incorporates an integrated reservoir for storing fluid under pressure, the fluid being of a type which an animal would find offensive to one or more of its senses, e.g. its sense of smell, its tactile sense, and the like. The interior of the reservoir is designated generally by the reference numeral 65 21~7446 in figure 16. The support structure includes a fluid outlet opening 66; the outlet opening is connected to an outlet channel 67 having an outlet channel inlet opening 68. The æupport structure includes a filling valve 69 for filling the reservoir with fluid which is under pressure in the reservoir;
in effect the reservoir may for example be an aerosol spray reservoir. The filling valve 69 may be of any known structure which is of a type allowing the introduction of fluid into the reservoir but which will not allow fluid to flow back out therethrough. The support structure includes a fluid outlet opening 70 communicating with interior 65 of the reservoir.
There are also two screw thread openings 72 and 73 for engaging screws for fixing a valve system in place in the valve seat 63. It will be appreciated that until a valve system as described with respect to figures 1 to 9 is fixed in place in the valve seat 63 the reservoir cannot store fluid under pressure since the fluid would simply escape out the outlet 70; once the valve system is fixed in place it will define a releasable fluid barrier so that the fluid may be introduced into the reservoir and be maintained therein under pressure .
Referring to figures 12 and 13, figure 13 shows a valve system as described with respect to f igures 1 to 9 seated in the valve seat 63; the valve system is designated generally by the reference numeral 75. The attachment openings 50 and 51 of the valve system (see figure 1) are configured and r9;crQ~d such that when the valve system is seated in the seat 63 they can be aligned with the screw thread openings 72 and 73 of the support structure 60; once the openings are aligned suitable screws may be passed through openings 50 and 51 for screw engagement with the openings 72 and 73 50 as to fix the valve system in place; the head of one such screw is designated generally by the reference numeral 80. The openings 10 and 11 are also configured and disposed such that they can be aligned ~ 21~744~
with the openings 70 and 68 respectively. As mentioned above a gasket is disposed in the recess about the openings 10 and 11; the gasket is sized and configured such that when the valve system is screwed tightly in place in the seat 63, the openings lO and 11 are in fluid tight communication with the openings 70 and 68 respectively.
Referring to figure 14, this figure shows an electronic valve control device designated generally by the reference numeral 85 seated in the seat 62. The device 85 is electrically connected to the coil element 31 of the valve system 85 by the end wire elements 35 and 36 thereof. The device 85 is also electrically connected to means for ; n~ ng an electric current, namely t~ortr;n~l or contact elements 86 and 87. The contacts 86 and 87 are configured to abut opposite ends of a suitable battery (not shown) for supplying the required electric power to energize the coil element 31 as well as run the electronics of the electronic control device. The device 85 includes a microphone 90 for detecting the barking sounds 2 o of a dog .
Figure 15 shows the support structure associated with a cover member 95. The cover member 95 includes a screened opening 96 which is disposed above the microphone 90. The cover 95 includes two opposed loop attachment members for attaching the animal control device to a collar or the like; one loop attachment member is designated by the reference numeral 97;
the other loop attachment member is of the same structure but is hidden from view behind the control device. The loop attachment members may be attached to suitable strap member(s) so as to form a collar or the like as shall be explained below .
As mentioned above the electronic device 85 is configured to generate a coil activation signal in response to the bark of ~ 21574~
a dogi the device 85 eould alternatively or additionally be configured to receive a radio signal from a radio transmitter and generate the coil trigger signal in response thereto (see for example U.S. patent no. 5,046,453). In any event, the presence or absence of the coil signal will dictate whether or not an electric current will flow through the coil element 31 so as to energize the solenoid member 30; the presence of such signal triggers the electronic system to allow current to flow through the coil element 31. The device 85 as desired may be configured in any suitable manner so as to allow fluid to be continuously expelled for as long as the dog barks; it may be configured to allow fluid to be expelled for a limited period of time once initial activation has occurred due to a bark;
the device may allow for intermittent expulsion of fluid; and the like.
Referring to figure 17, this figure illustrates an example eleetronic eontrol eireuit to whieh the above mentioned end wire elements 35 and 36, the battery eontaets 86 and 87 as well as the mierophone 90 may be eleetrieally eonneeted. The eireuit has mierophone 90 (MCE200); resistors 100 (150 Kn), 101 (180 Kll), 102 (1 Mn), 103 (1 Mn), 104 (1 Mn), 105 (1 Mn), 106 (2.2 Kn~, 107 (470 Sl), 108 (470 KS2), 109 (100 Kn), 110 (47 n), and 111 (47 Kn); eapaeitors 112 (22 nF), 113 (470 pF), 114 (1 ,~LF) and 115 (220 nF); diode 116 (BAV70): and transistors 117 (BC849C), 118 (BSV52), 119 (BC870), 120 (ZVNL120A), and 121 (FMMT619) .
Figure 18 illustrates an animal eollar in aeeordanee with the present invention whieh includes an animal behavior eontrol device as described with respect to figures 10 to 17. The collar 129 is attached to the neck of dog 130. The collar includes a strap element 131 for attachment to the neck of the dog. The strap element 131 may comprise a single length of strap passing or threaded through the opening of both loop ~ 21~74~
members 97 in a manner such as 6hown in Figure 2 of U.S patent number 5,046,453 so as to not cover the opening 96 for the microphone 90. Alternatively, the strap element 131 may have two strap parts each of which is attached to a loop member 97 by a loop attachment means analogous to the manner in which a two part wrist watch band is attached to the loop att~ t members of a wrist watch. The strap element 131 may include any (known) means for fastening the strap ends together (e.g.
a buckle system, a loop/hook system such as a Velcro system, and the like).
Claims (19)
1. An electrically activatable valve system comprising a valve housing defining a valve chamber, a valve inlet fluid path means, a valve outlet fluid path means, a solenoid member comprising a coil element and a displaceable core plug element, said plug element being displaceable between a first position and a second position, said plug element being spring biased in said first position, said coil element and said plug element being configured and disposed such that said plug element is displaceable from said first to said second position when a predetermined electric current flows through said coil element, said valve chamber being divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by a partition member, said partition member comprising an upstream valve seat element and an intermediate fluid path means in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, said upstream valve seat element having a valve opening for fluid communication between said upstream chamber and said intermediate fluid path means, said valve inlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said upstream chamber and said valve outlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, and wherein said solenoid member, said partition member and said valve housing are configured and disposed such that when the plug element is in said first position, said plug element engages the valve seat element so as to close the valve opening such that a fluid is unable to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber and when said plug element is in said second position said valve opening is open such that a fluid is able to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber.
2. An electrically activatable valve system as defined in claim 1 comprising means for inducing a flow of electric current through said coil element in response to an electrical signal such that said plug element is displaced from said first to said second position.
3. An electrically activatable valve system as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a tubular projection having a hollow core for receiving said core plug element, said coil element being disposed about said tubular projection.
4. An electrically activatable valve system as defined in claim 1 wherein said valve system comprises fluid screening means disposed prior to said upstream chamber, said screening means being configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predetermined size.
5. An electrically activatable valve system as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing and said partitioning member are configured so as to define an annular fluid passageway disposed between the valve inlet fluid path means and said upstream chamber, said annular passageway being sized and configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predetermined size.
6. An animal behavior control apparatus comprising means for generating an electric signal, a reservoir for storing, under pressure, a fluid offensive to a sense of an animal, a fluid inlet means for the introduction of said fluid into said reservoir, a fluid outlet opening, an electrically activatable valve system operatively associated with said reservoir and said means for generating an electric signal whereby, in response to said electric signal, fluid in said reservoir may be released from said reservoir through said fluid outlet opening for affecting said sense of the animal, said valve system comprising a valve housing defining a valve chamber, a valve inlet fluid path means, a valve outlet fluid path means, a solenoid member comprising a coil element and a displaceable core plug element, said plug element being displaceable between a first position and a second position, said plug element being spring biased in said first position, said coil element and said plug element being configured and disposed such that said plug element is displaceable from said first to said second position when a predetermined electric current flows through said coil element, and means for inducing a flow of electric current through said coil element in response to said electrical signal such that said plug element is displaced from said first to said second position said valve chamber being divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by a partition member, said partition member comprising an upstream valve seat element and an intermediate fluid path means in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, said upstream valve seat element having a valve opening for fluid communication between said upstream chamber and said intermediate fluid path means, said valve inlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said upstream chamber and said reservoir, and said valve outlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said downstream chamber and said fluid outlet opening, and wherein said solenoid member, said partition member and said valve housing are configured and disposed such that when the plug element is in said first position, said plug element engages the valve seat element so as to close the valve opening such that the fluid is unable to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber and when said plug element is in said second position said valve opening is open such that the fluid is able to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber.
7. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said housing comprises a tubular projection having a hollow core for receiving said core plug element, said coil element being disposed about said tubular projection.
8. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for generating an electric signal comprises sound sensing means for generating said electric signal in response to a cry of the animal.
9. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for generating an electric signal comprises sound sensing means for generating said electric signal in response to a bark of a dog.
10. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said housing comprises a tubular projection having a hollow core for receiving said core plug element, said coil element being disposed about said tubular projection.
11. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said valve system comprises fluid screening means disposed prior to said upstream chamber, said screening means being configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predetermined size.
12. An apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said housing and said partitioning member are configured so as to define an annular fluid passageway disposed between the valve inlet fluid path means and said upstream chamber, said annular passageway being sized and configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predetermined size.
13. A collar device for controlling the behavior of an animal comprising an animal behavior control apparatus attached to a collar element for attaching the control apparatus to the neck of the animal, said animal behavior control apparatus comprising means for generating an electric signal, a reservoir for storing, under pressure, a fluid offensive to a sense of the animal, a fluid inlet means for the introduction of said fluid into said reservoir, a fluid outlet opening, an electrically activatable valve system operatively associated with said reservoir and said means for generating an electric signal whereby, in response to said electric signal, fluid in said reservoir may be released from said reservoir through said fluid outlet opening for affecting said sense of the animal, said valve system comprising a valve housing defining a valve chamber, a valve inlet fluid path means, a valve outlet fluid path means, a solenoid member comprising a coil element and a displaceable core plug element, said plug element being displaceable between a first position and a second position, said plug element being spring biased in said first position, said coil element and said plug element being configured and disposed such that said plug element is displaceable from said first to said second position when a predetermined electric current flows through said coil element, and means for inducing a flow of electric current through said coil element in response to said electrical signal such that said plug element is displaced from said first to said second position said valve chamber being divided into an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber by a partition member, said partition member comprising an upstream valve seat element and an intermediate fluid path means in fluid communication with said downstream chamber, said upstream valve seat element having a valve opening for fluid communication between said upstream chamber and said intermediate fluid path means, said valve inlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said upstream chamber and said reservoir, and said valve outlet fluid path means being in fluid communication with said downstream chamber and said fluid outlet opening, and wherein said solenoid member, said partition member and said valve housing are configured and disposed such that when the plug element is in said first position, said plug element engages the valve seat element so as to close the valve opening such that the fluid is unable to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber and when said plug element is in said second position said valve opening is open such that the fluid is able to pass from said upstream chamber through said intermediate fluid path means to said downstream chamber.
14. A collar as defined in claim 13 wherein said housing comprises a tubular projection having a hollow core for receiving said core plug element, said coil element being disposed about said tubular projection.
15. A collar as defined in claim 13 wherein said means for generating an electric signal comprises sound sensing means for generating said electric signal in response to a cry of the animal.
16. A collar as defined in claim 13 wherein said means for generating an electric signal comprises sound sensing means for generating said electric signal in response to a bark of a dog.
17. A collar as defined in claim 13 wherein said housing comprises a tubular projection having a hollow core for receiving said core plug element, said coil element being disposed about said tubular projection.
18. A collar as defined in claim 13 wherein said valve system comprises fluid screening means disposed prior to said upstream chamber, said screening means being configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predetermined size.
19. A collar as defined in claim 13 wherein said housing and said partitioning member are configured so as to define an annular fluid passageway disposed between the valve inlet fluid path means and said upstream chamber, said annular passageway being sized and configured so as to screen out of the fluid, passing therethrough to the upstream chamber, particles that exceed a predetermined size.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2157446 CA2157446A1 (en) | 1995-09-01 | 1995-09-01 | Electrically activatable valve system |
| AU67833/96A AU6783396A (en) | 1995-09-01 | 1996-08-30 | Solenoid valve system |
| PCT/CA1996/000586 WO1997009557A1 (en) | 1995-09-01 | 1996-08-30 | Solenoid valve system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2157446 CA2157446A1 (en) | 1995-09-01 | 1995-09-01 | Electrically activatable valve system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2157446A1 true CA2157446A1 (en) | 1997-03-02 |
Family
ID=4156541
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2157446 Abandoned CA2157446A1 (en) | 1995-09-01 | 1995-09-01 | Electrically activatable valve system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU6783396A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2157446A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997009557A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6223744B1 (en) | 1999-03-16 | 2001-05-01 | Multi-Vet Ltd. | Wearable aerosol delivery apparatus |
| US20170064924A1 (en) * | 2015-09-05 | 2017-03-09 | Alison A. Stout | Animal Olfaction Training Apparatus and Method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE7239691U (en) * | 1973-05-24 | Buerkert C Gmbh | magnetic valve | |
| DE7119404U (en) * | 1971-08-26 | Robert Thomas | Solenoid valve with a housing comprised by the valve, slidably provided armature and one of the housing trains arranged by a valve needle connected to the armature valve seat closable | |
| DE1211456B (en) * | 1964-02-20 | 1966-02-24 | Erich Herion | Solenoid shut-off valve |
| DE2159453A1 (en) * | 1970-12-04 | 1972-06-29 | United Gas Industries Ltd | Valve for a flow medium, in particular an electrically operated valve |
| DE7315777U (en) * | 1973-04-26 | 1978-03-16 | Buerkert Gmbh, 7118 Ingelfingen | MAGNETIC VALVE |
| FR2560003B1 (en) * | 1984-02-24 | 1988-03-11 | Vinci Rene | BARKING INHIBITOR |
| WO1989004117A1 (en) * | 1987-11-13 | 1989-05-18 | Vinci Rene | Anti-barking collar |
| FR2625646B1 (en) * | 1988-01-07 | 1996-07-12 | Vinci Rene | ANTI-BARKING COLLAR |
| ES2015438A6 (en) * | 1989-08-07 | 1990-08-16 | Bendix Espana | Electromagnetic valve. |
| DE9114954U1 (en) * | 1991-12-02 | 1993-04-01 | Steuerungstechnik Staiger Gmbh & Co Produktions-Vertriebs-Kg, 7121 Erligheim, De |
-
1995
- 1995-09-01 CA CA 2157446 patent/CA2157446A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1996
- 1996-08-30 WO PCT/CA1996/000586 patent/WO1997009557A1/en active Application Filing
- 1996-08-30 AU AU67833/96A patent/AU6783396A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU6783396A (en) | 1997-03-27 |
| WO1997009557A1 (en) | 1997-03-13 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20000901 |