Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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BOVINE HEAT DETECTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to heat detection in
cows and, in particular, to determining an optimal breeding
time for cows.
BACFtGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An accurate understanding of the estrous or heat cycle
in a cow constitutes valuable information. Using this
information, an accurate ovulation time period caai be
identified during which the cow is typically artificially
inseminated. In the case of a dairy cow, a successful
insemination means that desired milk production from the
cow is achieved. On the other hand, a failure to achieve
pregnancy in the cow usually means lost milk production for
a period of time until after one or more additional heat
cycles. A longer than necessary calving interval where the
cow is not pregnant when she should be results in lost
sales of milk. For a herd of cows where estrus is not
accurately detected, such a failure can annually cost the
dairyman thousands of dollars due to milk production
losses.
The importance of estrus detection in cows has been
recognized in a number of issued U.S. patents. Generally,
these patents describe in detail problems faced in making
decisions concerning when to artificially inseminate a cow.
In U.S. Patent Nos. 4,846,106 and 4,635,587, issued July
11, 1989 and January 13, 1987, respectively, and entitled
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"Method and Apparatus for Detecting Standing Heat in
Cattle," the economic significance of accurate heat
detection is described. Relatedly, the relevance of cow
mounts and the time periods germane to artificial
insemination including the relevance of the heat cycle are
also discussed. These patents disclose a module attached
to the cow that displays the cow mount duration directly on
the cow and also provides a warning signal to inform the
cow owner that a mount has occurred.
A number of other patents disclose heat detection
apparatuses. In U.S. Patent No. 4,411,274 to Wright,
issued October 25, 1983 and entitled "Apparatus and Method
for Monitoring the Oestrus Cycle in Female Animals" a pad
is disclosed for attachment to the cow. The pad houses a
transmitter module for transmitting data relating to the
frequency of cow mounts. The transmitter module includes
control circuitry responsive to a pressure switch that is
activated when the cow is mounted. The control circuitry
includes time delay circuitry for preventing signal
transmission until a predetermined time lapse occurs from
the time the switch is initially activated, which is
independent of the length of switch activation. This
transmitter module also includes an encoder and a small rf
transmitter. The transmitted signal is sent to a receiving
unit that includes a decoder. Printed information is
provided to identify the cow that was mounted and the
actual time that the mount occurred, but not the duration
of the mount. U.S. Patent No. 4,247,758 to Rodrian issued
a
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January 27, 1981 and entitled "Animal Identification and
Estrus Detection System" describes a transponder carried
by
a cow that is activatable to transmit data relating to the
number of body movements of the animal and an
identification number. The transponder is interrogated by
a receiver before transmitting such data. U.S. Patent No.
4,895,165 to Blair issued January 23, 1990, and entitled
"Electronic Estrus Detector" describes an algorithm for
determining the onset of estrus that relies on the sum of
all estrus mounts and the sum of all estrus mount times.
This patent also indicates that the pouch attached to the
cow may be made from nylon, canvas, fabric or other similar
materials or combinations of such materials. U.S. Patent
No. 4,503,808 to McAlister issued March 12, 1985 and
entitled "Animal Herd Management System" is directed to the
detection of standintl heat and utilizes a transmitter
implanted in the body of the animal. An identification
signal uniquely identifying the animal and time of day
signals are transmitted. U.S. Patent No. 3,844,273 to
Polson issued October 29, 1974, and entitled 'Method and
Apparatus for Animal Heat Detection and Recording" relates
to an electronic heat detection system that includes a
transmitter unit attached to the cow and which also
includes a timer that monitors the time from the beginning
of a cow mount to the isolation of the cow. The transmitter
unit sends transmitted data to a remote location for
analysis. U.S. Patent No. 5,111,799 to Senger et al. issued
May 12, 1992 and entitled "Estrous Detection Systems"
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relates to a transmitting device implanted under the hide
of the animal. This device includes a force responsive
switch in which two contacts are forced together during a
caw mount. U.S. Patent No. 4,618,861 to Gettens et al.
issued October 21, 1986 and entitled "Passive Activity
Monitor for Livestock" discloses a system that monitors an
animal's activity by means of a transponder/activity
monitor that is carried around the animal's neck and the
motion thereof is used in determining the onset of estrus.
Despite the numerous proposals or disclosures directed
to heat detection in cows, it appears that none of these
have achieved the desired success in the market place.
Consequently, a practical solution to the problem of heat
detection would be significantly worthwhile to the cow
owner. A practical heat detection system should be easy to
implement and utilize, as well as providing for enhanced
detection of estrus, while the savings realized by the herd
owner is outweighed by the cost of such a system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a heat
detection system and methodology are disclosed for
determining a value related to the occurrence of estrus in
a cow for the purpose of deciding when the cow should be -
inseminated. In one embodiment, a combination of frequency
and duration heat mount data, in which frequency refers to
the number of mounts and duration refers to the time of the
mount, is used. In still another embodiment, the heat cycle
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in the cow is determined using information additional to
the frequency and duration of cow or heat mounts. This
information may include intermount data, such as the
temporal pattern of the heat mounts, and/or intramount
data. The temporal pattern takes into account when heat
mounts occurred relative to each other. Heat mounts that
are grouped more densely in time are designated as having
greater significance than those which occur more
sporadically. This is in contrast to the frequency of heat
mounts since the frequency -only takes into account the
number of mounts during a time period and not when they
occurred during this time period. The intramount data can
be characterized as either dynamic or static. With regard
to dynamic intramount data or modifying parameters, such
data may vary during the period of interest when a
determination is made regarding a particular cow's heat
cycle. Non-varying or static intramount data refers to
data that does not vary for a particular cow during the
relevant time period. Variable intramount data that has
been identified as being possibly useful in making
determinations relevant to the cow's heat cycle includes:
the ambient temperature that the particular cow is subject
to and the humidity that the cow is subject to, in those
cases where there is continuous monitoring of the
temperature and/or humidity. With respect to substantially
static data that might be useful in determining a value or
values related to estrus, the following factors have been
identified: the breed of the cow, the age of the cow, the
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time since the cow's last calving, whether the mounting cow
is a frequent or infrequent mounter, whether the subject
(mounted) cow frequently or infrequently mounts other cows,
the surface on which the cow is supported, e.g., concrete
or pasture, hilly or flat, the typical average number of
mounts for the cow or other cows of the same breed and the
number of cows in heat. In addition to the foregoing, in
one embodiment, the present invention also takes into
account relatively short duration heat mounts, while
differentiating such short durations from non-mount
activity such as cow "bumps and chin rests.'° This is
. accomplished by use of two different mathematical
expressions or functions that express the relative
significance between short and longer heat mounts.
In conjunction with obtaining the heat mount related
data, an electronic patch is attached to the rear of the
cow. The patch can be centered or off-set relative to the
center or spine of the cow. The electronic patch includes
a pouch for housing a transmitter module and a battery
electrically connected to the transmitter module but
located physically separate from this module. The pouch
preferably has a curved shape or is flexible to conform to
the cow's contours. In one embodiment, the pouch is
attached to the cow via a harness. The harness is strapped
to the cow so that forward-to-rearward and side-to-side
motion of the pouch is limited. In this regard, the
harness includes a tail tube connected by a longitudinal
dorsal lattice or center straps to a neck strap and two
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hindquarter straps which are adjustable to securely engage
the cow. In another embodiment, the pouch has a relatively
rigid or semi-rigid rim and is adhesively attached to the
cow. If a portion of the rim should become detached from
the cow, the rigidity of the rim resists unwanted lifting
or curling thereof. Consequently, the pouch better resists
shear forces tending to remove the pouch from the cow. The
pouch and the battery are disposable while the transmitter
module is removable from the pouch for subsequent use with
one or more other combinations of disposable pouches and
batteries. The transmitter module is only powered -on for
a time sufficient to obtain cow mount data and to transmit
this data, as well as other relevant data. The data
transmitted includes certain identification data that is
transmitted before the cow mount data. The identification
data preferably includes system identification data, level
identification data and transmitter or cow identification
data. The system identification data is used to
differentiate the transmitted data of interest from other
signals that may be present from other sources. The level
identification data identifies the transmission source of
the cow mount data and identification data. The transmitter
or cow identification data identifies the particular
transmitter and, relatedly, the cow that the electronic
patch is attached to. The data transmitted can also
include, for example, information relating to the status of
the battery power (low battery power signal), environment
temperature and cow location.
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In transmitting the data outputted by the transmitter
module, signal transmission can be impeded by a variety of
sources typically found in the cow's environment. For
example, buildings or other obstacles can detrimentally
impact the quality of the signal that is to be ultimately
received by a receiver module. In such a case, the system
employs one or more repeater modules that are
advantageously located for receiving the data signals
outputted by the transmitter module or a previous repeater
module for ensuring that a signal of a desired strength or
quality is eventually received for analysis. Each repeater
module decodes and encodes received or inputted data.
Preferably, a significant part of the repeater hardware is
not powered on until after an initial determination is made
that data of interest is being received by the repeater
module.
A central receiver module communicates with the
transmitter module and/or one or more repeater modules.
The receiver module preferably communicates with a computer
module that includes the software for analyzing the heat
mount related data. The receiver module communicates with
the computer module using a standard interface. The central
receiver module preferably includes buffer memory for
storing heat mount related data that is asynchronously -
received. In such a case, the computer module can include
a computer, such as a PC, that is not dedicated solely to
receiving and analyzing heat mount related data. When the
user or owner wishes to access and analyze data, an
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appropriate command can be generated for downloading the
heat mount data from the buffer memory to the computer
module. In another embodiment, the computer module
functions using an interrupt. If the computer module is
inactive or in a waiting mode and an interrupt is received,
available heat mount data that is present can be stored or
dumped on a storage device, such as a hard disk, that is
controlled by the computer module for later use, instead of
using a buffer memory that may have limited storage area.
The computer module can therefore be utilized for other
operations including those relating to other aspects of
cattle or farm management. When it is advantageous or
desirable to analyze accumulated data, software for
analyzing the data and making a determination as to whether
the heat cycle for a cow has started, can be executed using
the computer module. A computer screen displays useful
information based on the analyzed data, including the
identities of -cows that are in their heat cycle. As
previously noted, such analysis may involve the use of
2U parameters and data obtained from sources other than the
mounted cow. A peak value is used to establish the optimal
breed time. This peak value corresponds to peak estrus,
with peak estrus typically, centrally located at the time
of peak mounting behavior.In one embodiment, the peak
value is determined by first identifying the onset of
estrus. The onset of estrus is detected through a sequence
of mountings clustered within a certain time interval. In
one embodiment, this interval is defined according to a
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minimum threshold, such as three heat mounts within four
hours, four heat mounts within three hours, or some number
of mounts and/or hours therebetween. After the onset of
estrus has been identified using such a threshold, the peak
estrus can be determined. The distribution of mounting
behavior within estrus appears to fit a substantially
symmetrical distribution, with peak estrus centrally
located at the time of peak mounting behavior. Because the
mounting behavior is symmetrical, the mean mounting
behavior can be found at the time average of the heat
mounts. For example, if there are N mounts at times T(i),
the peak estrus would occur at ET(i)/N. In a preferred
embodiment, given that the longest and most significant
heat mounts would occur at peak estrus, when the estrus
hormones are expressed at their highest levels, this
average will be weighted according to the duration and
frequency of the mounts. If there are N mounts of duration
D(i) occurring at times T(i), the peak estrus would occur
at E[T(i)*D(i)]/ED(i).
Based on the foregoing summary, a number of salient
features of the present invention are readily discerned.
A practical system is provided for heat detection in cows
that accurately obtains cow mount related data and may rely
on other relevant factors in making a determination .
relating to estrus. The present system is able to be
integrated with computer hardware and software that the
herd owner might already have, such as a personal computer
that is used in conjunction with other operations
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associated with cattle management. The system
asynchronously gathers the heat mount data and stores the
same for access upon command at any time when it is desired
by the user or cow owner. It is also contemplated that
other information would be gathered, such as temperature
data and cow motion data. The electronic patch has
disposable elements including the pouch and the battery,
which are less expensive, while the transmitter module is
removable and can be re-used. Under certain, commonly
occurring circumstances, a repeater module is employed to
ensure sufficient data signal strength and the receiver
module is able to discriminate between or among the
transmitter module and/or one or more repeater modules.
In one embodiment there is provided an apparatus for
use in making a determination related to the occurrence of
estrus in a subject animal, comprising: first means for
sending heat mount data obtained as a result of a subject
animal heat mount, said first means being provided with the
subject animal and transmitting as a signal said heat mount
data including duration data indicative of the amount of
time of said heat mount of the subject animal; second means
communicating with said first means for receiving said heat
mount data, said second means including a receiver to which
said signal is inputted and controller means for obtaining
said heat mount data from said signal, said second means
also including a buffer memory for storing said heat mount
data; third means, communicating with said second means and
including processing means and dedicated software, for
making a determination related to the occurrence of estrus
{E4260861.DOC;1 }
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in the subject animal, wherein said third means receives
said duration data including from said buffer memory and
also receives time data indicating when said heat mount
occurred, said processing means using said time data and
said duration data indicative of the amount of time of said
heat mount in determining whether a first number of heat
mounts occurred in a first time interval, said processing
means being different from said controller means and said
processing means being usable for executing non-dedicated
software, different from said dedicated software, when said
non-dedicated software is provided with said processing
means.
In another embodiment there is provided a method for
making determinations related to the occurrence of estrus
in a number of subject animals using heat mount data,
comprising: generating heat mount data when each subject
animal is mounted, said heat mount data including duration
data indicative of the amount of time of a heat mount, with
said duration data of said heat mount exceeding a
predetermined time threshold; sending said heat mount data
including said duration data over an air link; inputting
said heat mount data to processing means, said heat mount
data including said duration data for each subject animal
indicative of the amount of time of said heat mount,
wherein time data indicative of when said heat mount
occurred is provided to said processing means; making a
determination related to estrus in a first of the subject
animals using said heat mount data of the first of the
subject animals including said duration data indicative of
the amount of time of said heat mount and said time data
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when said heat mount occurred; and making a determination
that the onset of estrus has occurred in a second of the
subject animals using secondary considerations including at
least one of: (a) the second of the subject animals has no
greater than two heat mounts per heat cycle with each said
heat mount having duration data exceeding said
predetermined time threshold and (b) historical data stored
in memory related to the second of the subject animals.
Additional advantages of the present invention will
become readily apparent from the following discussion,
particularly when taken together with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the modules or assemblies
utilized in one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of an
electronic patch for attachment to a cow;
Fig. 3 illustrates a transmitter module of the
electronic patch;
Fig. 4 illustrates removal of a battery from the
transmitter module;
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Fig. 5 is a top view of a second embodiment of a
transmitter module that is characterized by the manner in
which the battery is connected to the transmitter module;
Fig. 6 is a bottom view of the transmitter module of ,
Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is an end view of the battery housing used in
the embodiment of Fig. 5;
Fig. 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of an
electronic patch;
Fig. 9 illustrates a section of the pouch of Fig. 8
showing the rim thereof;
Fig. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary section showing a
straight, angled rim shape for the pouch of Fig. 9;
Fig. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary section showing a
curved rim for the pouch of -Fig. 9;
Fig. 12 is a block diagram of the transmitter module;
Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a cow motion detection device;
Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment
2C of a cow motion detection device;
Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram of still another
embodiment of a cow motion detection device;
Fig. 16 is a block diagram of circuitry for sending
heat mount data;
Figs. 17A-17E are timing diagrams related to the
operation of the circuitry of Fig. 16;
Fig. 18 is a block diagram of the repeater module;
Fig. 19 is a block diagram of the receiver module:
r
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Fig. 2o is a graph illustrating heat mounts occurring
at certain times for use in determining a peak estrus
value;
Fig. 21 is a top plan view showing a harness for
attachment to a cow;
Fig. 22 shows the harness of Fig. 21 attached to a
cow;
Fig. 23 is a rear perspective view showing the tail
tube which is incorporated into the harness of Fig. 21; and
Fig. 24 is a side, cross-sectional view showing the
attachment of the harness center strap and buckles of Fig.
21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
With reference to Fig. 1, a block diagram of the
overall system of the present invention for detecting the
heat cycle in a cow is illustrated. The system includes a
transmitter module 30 for obtaining heat mount data from
the cow to which it is attached. The heat mount data
includes the duration of the mount. The transmitter module
also transmits predetermined identification data for use
in discriminating data signals from other cows or other
signal sources. In one embodiment, the data signals
transmitted by the transmitter module 30 are received by a
25 repeater module 34. The repeater module 34 is tuned to the
frequency of the data signals outputted by the transmitter
module 30 and is used to ensure the quality and strength of
such data signals. In cases where there are structures or
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other obstacles that may interfere with the transmitted
signals, a repeater module 34 is advantageously positioned
to avoid the obstruction and receive the data signals from
the transmitter module 30 and thereby avoid unacceptable
loss or deterioration of signal strength. The data signals
outputted by the repeater module 34 are then received by a
central receiver module 38. The~receiver module 38 is able
to decode the data signals and store the heat mount and
identification data in a storage memory for use by a
computer module 42. It should be understood that the
receiver module 38 could receive data signals directly from
the transmitter module 30. That is, it may not be
necessary to employ a repeater module 34 due to the lack of
structures or other obstructions that could detrimentally
affect the quality and strength of the data signals. In
one embodiment, the receiver module 38 is able to determine
whether a data signal received by it was outputted by the
transmitter module 30 or a repeater module 34 using the
identification data that is part of the received data
signal. It should also be appreciated that it may be
necessary to use more than one repeater module 34 and, in
such a case, the output of a repeater module 34 is applied
to next or successive repeater modules) 34, with the last
repeater module 34 acting as the source of data signals
inputted to the receiver module 38. The computer module 42
includes, in one embodiment, a personal computer that is
able to execute other software that the user or owner of
the system might wish to utilize. When it is desirable or
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convenient to analyze the heat mount data and any other
data used in making determinations related to the
occurrence of heat in a cow, heat determining software is
accessed. Concomitantly with such access, heat mount data,
in one embodiment, is downloaded from the receiver module
38 to the computer module 32. The data analysis involved
in determining whether estrus has occurred and the
occurrence of peak estrus will be described in greater
detail later. The transmitter, repeater and receiver
modules will also be subsequently described with greater
specificity.
Referring to Figs. 21-24, a harness 500 for attaching
the transmitter module 30 to a cow 502 is illustrated. The
transmitter module 30 is securely received within a pouch
504 formed from sheets of canvas-like material. The sheets
of material are stitched together at stitch lines 506 so as
to define a pocket 508 for securely retaining the
transmitter module 30 such that the desired positioning of
the transmitter module 30 with respect to the cow 502 is
2C maintained. An opening is provided at the front edge of
pocket 508 for receiving the transmitter module 30 and
allowing the transmitter module 30 to be removed for
changing batteries, servicing and the like. Once the
transmitter module 30 is placed inside of pocket 508, the
opening 510 can be sealed using Velcro or any other
suitable fastener. In this manner, the transmitter module
is protected against harmful elements of the outside
environment.
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The harness 50o includes a pair of generally parallel
center straps 514, 516 which extend along the length of the
cow's back. the center straps 514, 516, which are attached
to the side edges of pouch 504, are separated by a distance ,
of about 4 inches. The spacing of center straps 514, 516
is maintained by a number of cross straps 518. The center
straps 514, 516 are formed from front 514a, 516a and rear
514b, 516b webs interconnected using so-called Tri-Glide
buckles 520 as shown in Fig. 24. An additional pair of Tri-
Glide buckles 522, in combination with buckles 520, allow
for adjustment of the length of center straps 514, 516 to
accommodate cows of various sizes.
For attachment to the cow 502, the harness 500
includes a tail tube 524, a pair of hindquarter straps 526,
528 and a neck strap 530. the illustrated tail tube 524,
which is slipped over the cow's tail, has a circumference
of about 8.75 inches and is attached to the rear edges of
the center straps 514, 516. The rear edges of the
hindquarter straps 526, 528 are attached to the center
straps 514, 516 adjacent the rear edge of pouch 504 and the
front edges of hindquarter straps 526, 528 are attached to
the center straps 514, 516 at points approximately 30
inches forward of the center strap's rear edges. At each
point of attachment to the center straps 514, 516, the
hindquarter straps 526, 528 subtend an angle of about 60°
with respect to the center straps 514, 516.
To allow for convenient attachment to the cow 502, the
hindquarter straps 526, 528 are formed from front webs
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526a, 528a and rear webs 526b, 528b which can be quickly
interconnected and disconnected using conventional plastic
snap buckles 532. The snap buckles 532 further allow for
adjustment of the hindquarter strap length. Slide buckles
534 are provided on the front 526a, 528a and rear 526b,
528b webs to ease adjustment of the hindquarter straps 526,
528 and to secure straps 526, 528 once the clip attachment
has been made. Similarly, the neck strap 530 is formed from
left 530a and right 530b webs which are interconnected and
adjusted using a conventional plastic snap buckle 536.
Slide buckles 538 are provided on each of the webs 530a,
530b to ease adjustment of the neck strap 530 and to secure
the strap 530 once the clip attachment has been made. The
webs 530a, 530b are interconnected to the front edges of
center straps 514, 516 and extend outwardly relative to
center straps 514, 516 such that the longitudinal axes 540,
542 of the webs 530a, 530b define an approximate 90° angle.
The dimensions of the various webs described above are
selected to fit most cows allowing for adjustment. In the
illustrated embodiment, each web of the neck strap 530 is
about 38 inches long, the front webs 514a, 516a of the
center straps 514, 516 are about 5 inches long, the rear
webs 514b, 516b of the center straps 514, 516 are about
67.75 inches long, the front webs 526a, 528a of the
hindquarter straps 526, 528 are about 15 inches long, and
the rear webs 526b, 528b of hindquarter straps 526, 528 are
about 70 inches long. The center straps 514, 516 and neck
strap 530 are about 2 inches wide and the remaining straps
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and tail tube 524 are about 1 inch wide. All of the straps
and tail tube 524 are formed from suitably durable material
such as nylon or, alternatively, elastic or similar
material and are interconnected via sturdy stitching. The
harness 500 can be securely and conveniently attached to
the cow 502 by: slipping the tail tube 524 over the cow's
tail; buckling the neck strap 530 about the cow's neck and
pulling the strap 530 tight using conventional plastic snap
buckles 536 and buckling hindquarter straps 526, 528 about
to the rear legs of the cow 502 and pulling each strap 526,
528 tight using plastic snap buckles 532.
Referring to Fig. 2, one embodiment of an electronic
patch 46 is illustrated. The electronic patch 46 is
attached to the cow for use in obtaining heat mount data
and includes the transmitter module 30 for transmitting
such data. The electronic patch 46 includes an upper cover
50 and a lower cover 52 that together define a pouch or
housing 54 for containing the transmitter module 30. The
pouch 54 has a curved periphery and generally has a °'bat°'
shape. This design or shape is useful in maintaining
attachment to the cow. The upper cover 50 has a single
layer of a desired thickness with a raised section or
hollow area 58 formed in the body of the upper cover 50.
The area 58 is hollow for receiving the transmitter module
30. The lower cover 52 is, in one embodiment, a multi-
layer piece. A first layer, made of vinyl, is connected to
the upper cover and an outer layer that is in direct
contact with the cow is made of a canvas-like material.
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The lower cover 52 has a slit 62 located somewhat in the
center portion of the body of the lower cover 52. The slit
is of a size to permit insertion and removal of the
transmitter module 30.
As seen in Fig. 2 wherein the transmitter module 30 is
shown in connection with the generally bat-shaped pouch
embodiment described above, as well as Figs. 3 and 4, the
transmitter module 30 includes a transmitter housing 64
having an upper surface 68, which has a flexible switch
contact section 72. The switch contact section 72 has
sufficient resiliency to allow for movement up and down
when a cow mount occurs. The transmitter housing 64
includes a pair of arms 76a, 76b. Each of the arms 76a,
76b has a slot SOa, 80b, respectively, formed therein.
Formed adjacent to each of these slots 80a, 80b is a wing
84a, 84b, respectively. The wings 84a, 84b are formed to
have some resiliency that is useful in holding a battery 88
in a desired electrical contact position. The transmitter
housing 64 also has a leg 92 with a pair of fingers 96a,
96b projecting outwardly therefrom. The leg 92 is shaped
to provide the remaining side of the transmitter housing 64
and is joined thereto using the fingers 96a, 96b inserted
in the slots 80a, 80b, respectively.
A base plate 100 is connectable to the transmitter
housing 64 using, for example, screws 104 that are
insertable through holes 108 provided in the base plate
100. In connection with holding the battery 88 in a
desired position relative to the transmitter housing 64,
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first and second battery supports 112a, 112b are provided
attached to a ledge or wall 116, which is joined to the
base plate 100. Before the base plate 100 is connected to
the transmitter housing 64, a transmitter printed circuit
board (PCB) 120, which includes the necessary circuitry
involved in transmitting useful and desired heat mount data
to a remote source, is positioned in the pouch 54. This
circuitry includes a pressure switch assembly 124 that is
activated during a cow mount and is engaged by the switch
contact section 72. First and second battery connectors
128a, 128b are attached to the transmitter PCB 120 and
provide the electrical connection between the battery 88
and transmitter PCB 120 circuit paths in order to supply
electrical energy to the circuitry components. As seen in
Figs. 3 and 4, after the base plate 100 is connected to the
transmitter housing 64 and the base plate 100 is connected
to the transmitter PCB 120 using the bolt 130, the first
and second battery supports 112a, 112b are located to
receive and engage the battery 88. As also seen in Fig. 4,
the first and second battery connectors 128a, 128b are
located adjacent to the edges of the wall 116, inwardly of
the first-and second wings 84a, 84b. The wings 84a, 84b
are sufficiently resilient to assist in providing a solid
electrical connection between the battery terminals located
at the end of the battery 88 and battery contacts 132a,
132b found on each of the battery connectors 128a, 128b,
respectively. Once the battery 88 is in position, the leg
92 is connected to the transmitter housing 64 using the
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first and second fingers 96a, 96b in order to securely hold
the battery 88 in position, as seen in Fig. 3. Once the
transmitter module is fully assembled including a battery
88, it can be placed into the pouch 54 through the slit 62
(or into pocket 508 of pouch 504 through opening 510). As
can be appreciated, when it is necessary to replace the
battery 88, the transmitter module 30 can be removed from
the pouch 54 through the slit 62. The leg 92 is then
disconnected from the remaining portions of the transmitter
housing 64 so that the battery 88 can be removed and
disposed of, while a new battery is held to the transmitter
housing 64 using the leg 92. With regard to attachment of
the electronic patch 46 to the cow, in one embodiment, it~
is positioned off-set from the spine or center of the cow.
The electronic patch 46 operates appropriately at this
location when the cow' is mounted to provide desired heat
mount data, while providing a more secure location for the
electronic patch 46 and reduced wear and tear on this unit
as a result of cow mountings.
Another embodiment for containing a removable
transmitter module and a disposable battery is illustrated
in Figs. 5-7. The physical housing for the transmitter
module 30 is illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 and includes a
casing 136 that houses the transmitter PCB 120 (not shown).
The casing 136 has a switch contact section 148 and a pair
of transmitter terminals 152a, 152b. The transmitter module
3f is electrically coupled to a battery that is connected
to a battery storage unit 144, which includes battery
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contact prongs 156. When completing the assembly of the
electronic patch 46, in this embodiment, the transmitter
module 30 is electrically connected to a battery using the
two sets of battery contact prongs 156 and the transmitter
terminals 152a, 152b. As can be understood, as with the
other described embodiments, when the battery power becomes
too low to function properly, the transmitter module 30 can
be removed from the pouch 54 using the slit 62 for re-use
while the battery can be disposed of, as well as the pouch
54, if necessary.
Referring to Figs. 8-11, a further embodiment of an
electronic patch 46 is illustrated. As seen in Fig. 8, the
electronic patch 46 includes an upper cover 160 and a lower
cover 164 that together define a pouch or housing 166 for
containing the transmitter module 30. The upper cover 160
preferably includes a rim or lip 168 that surrounds the
main body portions thereof and constitutes the periphery
thereof. The rim 168 is made of a semi-rigid material and
which material may be more rigid than the remaining
2U portions of the upper cover 160. The rim 168 may constitute
an additional piece that is connected to the periphery of
the upper cover 160. As seen in Fig. 9, the rim 168 joins
the periphery of the upper cover 160 at a distance below
the top of the upper cover 160. The rim 168 continues this
inclination toward the lower cover 164. In one embodiment
(Fig. 10), the rim 168 extends linearly outwardly. In
another embodiment (Fig. il), the rim 168 is rounded or
curved. Both of these rim configurations are useful in
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resisting stretching of the hide, licking, shear, ripping
or other mechanical forces that may be applied to the pouch
while it is attached to the cow. In one embodiment, am
adhesive strip 172 is attached to a section of the
generally circular lower cover 164. The adhesive strip 172
is used to ensure that a moisture tight housing is achieved
after the parts, including the transmitter module 30, are
placed in the pouch. As seen in Fig. 8, the elements
included in the pouch include a container 182 for housing
the transmitter module 30. The container 182 includes a cap
184 and a base 186. Held within the container- 182 is a
printed circuit board 190 that forms part of the
transmitter module 30 including the necessary circuitry,
such as one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips. The
board 190 also includes first and second annular switch
contacts 194, 198, respectively. These switch contacts 194,
198 are designed to be connected or shorted together by
means of a switch disk 202 that physically and electrically
interconnects the two contacts 194 and 198 when a dome
2U switch 206 is pressed or activated. The dome switch 206 is
connected to the switch disk 202. These elements constitute
a pressure or force switch assembly 208 for activating the
transmitter module 30 for the purpose of generating heat
mount data. That is, the pressure switch assembly 208 is
activated by pressure thereon when a cow mounts another
cow. Preferably included as part of the pressure switch
assembly 208 is a linking member 210 that has a greater
surface area than the dome switch 206. The linking member
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210 provides more surface area for engagement by the
mounting cow to facilitate activation of the pressure
switch assembly 208 when a mount occurs. Also included in
the pouch is the frame 140 that is generally rectangular in
shape and includes an elongated cut-out section 218 and an
insert area 222. The frame 140 can be made of a resilient
material, such as foam. The insert area 222 is of a size
to receive the transmitter module 30 that includes' the
pressure switch assembly 208 and the board 190, together
with the housing elements 184, 186. The cut-out section
218 is of a size to contain a battery 224 that acts as the
power source for the transmitter module 30. The battery
224 has terminals 226 that extend through holes 230 formed
in the frame 140 adjacent to the cut-out section 218. The
terminals 226 are electrically connected to power
connecting ports on the board 190.
With respect to one method for making or assembling an
electronic patch 46 of Figs. 8-11, the upper cover 160 is
preferably made of a vinyl or plastic that provides a
2U relatively smooth outer surface. The lower cover 164 is
preferably made of a canvas or mesh material that is porous
for effectively receiving, in one embodiment, an adhesive
for attachment to the cow. In the embodiment disclosed in
Fig. 10, the upper and lower covers 160, 164 are of
substantially the same size. In forming its desired shape,
the vinyl upper cover 160 is heated and a raised section
134 is formed by means of a block being pushed through the
vinyl to a desired height, with this raised height or
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thickness being directly related to the profile or height
of the transmitter module 30 that is located in the frame
140 for location between the upper and lower covers 160,
164. The lower cover 164 is marked to indicate where the
frame 140 is to be disposed thereon. An adhesive is
provided outside of this marked area. The adhesive strip
172 is placed on a section of the lower cover 164 that does
not have adhesive. The adhesive strip 172 preferably has
a removable backing that is later removed to expose an
adhesive substance. A layer of adhesive is also placed on
the rim 168 of the upper cover 160 but not into the area to
be occupied by the parts to be received by the pouch. With
the frame 140 in the pouch and the battery 224 located in
the cut-out section 218, the upper cover 160 is placed over
the lower cover 164. The edges of the upper cover 160 are
heated and the upper cover 160 is pressed down on the lower
cover 164. In one embodiment, these steps are conducted
while a vacuum is applied to the lower cover 164. The
sections of the pouch not having the adhesive strip 172
2G heat sealed.
In this embodiment, the open section of the pouch,
together withthe adhesive strip 172, enable the electronic
patch 46 to be finally assembled in the field.
Additionally, such a structure is advantageous in utilizing
disposable and reusable patch elements. Specifically, the
transmitter module 30 can be provided to the user or owner
outside of the pouch and inserted by the user in the field
prior to use in order to complete the assembly of the
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CA 02179501 2004-12-21
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26
electronic patch 46. The transmitter module 30 is inserted
into the pouch through the open side for receipt by the
insert area 222. Because the frame 140 is made of a
flexible, foam material, during insertion of the
transmitter module 30, the frame 140 gives or bends as the
module 30 is being placed into the pouch and subsequently
received by the insert area 222. After the transmitter
module 30 is properly located, the tape backing of the
adhesive strip 172 is removed and the pouch is tightly
sealed to prevent entry of environmental elements, such as
moisture, dirt or other unwanted substances into the pouch.
When the battery power becomes too low for proper usage as
a power source, the pouch can be opened and the transmitter
module 30 removed from the frame 140. After removal, the
pouch, frame 140 and battery 224 can be disposed of while
the transmitter module 30 can be re-used in another pouch
that contains a frame and a new battery.
With reference to Fig. 12, the electronic components
of the transmitter module 30 of one embodiment are now
discussed. The pressure switch assembly 124 is activated
during a heat mount. Activation of the pressure switch
assembly 124 during a heat mount causes power from the
batter 88 of the embodiment of Fig. 2 to be applied to the
circuitry of the transmitter module 30. In a stand-by
stage in which the pressure switch assembly 124 is not
activated, no battery power is being applied to the
transmitter module circuitry so that reduced power
consumption is achieved extending the life of the battery
88. Upon switch closure
{ E4260861. DOC;1 }
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of greater than a predetermined amount of time, such as .5
second, power is applied to a counter 250 that essentially
counts pulses related to the time duration of the heat
mount. That is, the counter 250 continues to count pulses
beginning with the switch closure until it opens at the end
of the cow mount.
At the same time that the counter 250 is counting to
keep track of the heat mount duration, a timer circuit 254
is also powered on or activated. The timer circuit 254
includes power down delay circuitry that is used in
maintaining necessary power to the transmitter module 30
after the pressure switch assembly 124 has been
deactivated. That is, even though the switch assembly 124
is opened or deactivated because the heat mount has ended
' 15 and after another delay such as .5 second, the heat mount
data is transmitted with power being maintained for such
transmission.
The timer circuit 254 also includes first and second
timers for controlling the sending of the desired data. In
particular, in a preferred embodiment, data sent by the
transmitter module 30 comprises identification data 258
that includes a system identifier, a level identifier and
a transmitter module or cow identifier, as well as low
battery information and error correction codes. The system
identifier is used to differentiate the data of interest
from other signals that may be present from other sources
whereby a receiver is able to filter out or disregard
signals that do not have the accompanying system
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identifier. The level identifier consists of information
that identifies whether the transmission source is a
transmitter module 30 or a particular repeater module 34.
The transmission or cow identifier has information that
identifies the particular transmitter module that is
sending the subject data and this, in turn, identifies the
cow to which this particular transmitter module is
attached. Such identification data 258, in one embodiment,
may be included as part of the transmitter module
circuitry. After completion of the heat mount, the timer
circuit 254 controls the inputting of the system
identification data, level identification data and cow
identification data to an encoder 262 that modulates or
encodes the identification data with a carrier signal. In
one embodiment, the encoder 262 is a trinary encoder in
which more output combinations are achievable for the same
number of input lines, in comparison with a binary
arrangement. The encoded identification data is then
applied to a conventional rf transmitter 266 for
2U transmitting this data at predetermined frequency. In one
embodiment, the transmitter module 30 sends the
identification data as one word or block of data and this
transmission is repeated seven times.
After the repetitive transmission of identification
data for a predetermined amount of time,the first timer of
the timer circuit 254 times out whereby the sending of
identification data is stopped and a second timer of the
timer circuit 254 is enabled. The second timer causes the
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isolating circuit 270 to output the total count of the
counter 250 to the encoder 262 with the total count
representing the heat mount duration for the particular,
just completed, mount. The isolating circuit 270 acts as
a latch to hold or store the mount data until it is to be
transmitted, i.e., upon enablement of the second timer of
the timer circuit 254. With this heat mount data now
inputted to the encoder 262, it is also modulated or
encoded and subsequently applied to the rf transmitter 266
for subsequent transmission. In one embodiment, the mount
duration is also transmitted repetitively for a
predetermined amount of time, e.g., about three seconds, or
a predetermined number of times.
In addition to the duration time, a battery power
status unit 274, in one embodiment, inputs a status bit to
the encoder 262 and that state of this bit indicates
whether or not the battery power is low. This information
can be used to inform the user that the battery 88, and
perhaps its accompanying pouch 54, should be replaced.
After the second timer times out,- the power down delay
circuitry of the timer circuitry 254 is no longer used in
supplying power and the transmitter module 30 is powered
down until the pressure switch assembly 124 is once again
- activated.
In one embodiment, the power down delay circuitry
includes a RC network that is charged during the time that
battery power is applied when the pressure switch assembly
124 is activated and discharges over a predetermined time
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in providing the successive, repetitive transmissions of
identification data and then heat mount data, together with
a battery power status bit. The battery power status unit
274 monitors the power output of the battery 88 and changes
its output when a predetermined minimum level of battery
power is reached indicating a low power state. In one
embodiment of the timer circuit 254, a clock that is used
to clock out data to be transmitted from the encoder 262 is
the same clock utilized by the counter 250 in monitoring
the time during which the pressure switch assembly 124 is
activated. In one embodiment, the counter 250 is able to
keep track of up to about 32 seconds for each heat mount.
In connection with the analysisinvolving heat mount
related data, it may not be necessary to keep track of the
complete mount time. That is, each mount that exceeds a
predetermined time interval may be given the same
significance in the analysis. If the mount continues for
more than about 5-7 seconds, for example, is may not be
necessary to keep track of mount time greater than this
predetermined time.
The timer circuit 254 also includes circuitry that
compensates for momentary deactivation of the pressure
switch assembly 124 during the occurrence of a -single
mount. During a mount, the force applied by the mounting ,
cow to the pressure switch assembly may momentarily be
lost, for example, due to movement or shifting by the
mounting cow. This temporary loss of force may cause the
electrical contacts of the pressure switch assembly 324 to
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open, which leads to discontinuance of the counting by the
counter 250 and an inaccurate indication that the mount has
been completed. In one embodiment, the timer circuit 254
utilizes a threshold related to time and, unless this
predetermined threshold magnitude of time is exceeded due
to deactivation of the pressure switch assembly 124, the
counter 250 continues to count and keeps track of time in
accordance with the occurrence of a single mount. That is,
instead of the momentary deactivation of the pressure
switch assembly 124 causing an indication that the mount
has been completed, the timer circuit 254 maintains the
counting and the monitoring of mount time, unless the
predetermined threshold of time was exceeded.
In a preferred embodiment, the hardware circuits and
operations thereof in connection with Fig. 12 can be
substantially replaced'by a programmed microcontroller. The
microcontroller performs the counting operation to monitor
the heat mount time. The identification data is coded into
the microcontroller. The microcontroller also controls the
discontinuance of the transmission by keeping track of the
number of times that the transmission has been repeated.
After the predetermined number of times, the transmission
is stopped.
The transmitter module 30 also allows the system of
the present invention to keep track of apparent "cow bump"
or "chin rest" information. Such information could be used
to provide supervisory status and/or as a further estrus
indication. In the case of a cow bump or chin rest that
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typically occurs for only a relatively short duration of
time, the transmitter module 30 is powered on. As a result
of the transmitter module 30 being activated, together with
the identification data, the module 30 also transmits data
corresponding to this short time duration. This data can
be stored and later analyzed to determine that such data
relates to non-mount activity, such as a bump or chin rest.
This data is then useful in assuring that the patch 46 is
still attached to the cow. For example, if anticipated cow
bump information is not received for a period of time, a
conclusion may be reached that the electronic patch 46 is
not on the cow or the cow has not returned to heat. The
monitoring of cow bumps or chin rests acts to provide
asynchronous status information relating to correct system
operation. By the foregoing, patch status is provided
without a need for controlled generation of status
information. As a consequence, power consumption is reduced
over that required -where periodic status information is
generated and, in such a case, a less expensive battery can
2U be employed. Additionally or alternatively, cow bumps
and/or chin rests are a potential data source related to
the cow's heat cycle. For example, such data can be
compared with a reference or standard number of bumps
and/or chin rests for a particular period. If the reference
number of bumps or chin rests is exceeded, this information
may be a useful indicator that the particular cow is in
heat because of such increased activity.
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In another embodiment, a further switch unit is
employed for monitoring cow activity. A motion or
accelerometer switch unit is attached to the cow at a
desired location. This switch unit is contained on the
transmitter board. The accelerometer switch unit could be
used to monitor cow movements related to such activities as
cow walking or running, movement of cow limbs or head, and
contact by the cow with objects or structures, such as
fences or trees. The frequency and duration of such
activity can be correlated with heat mount data, as well as
cow bump and chin rest information, to further contribute
to the determinations made related to the cow's heat cycle.
A number of implementations can be made of such an
accelerometer switch unit as depicted, for example, in
Figs. 13-15. As illustrated in Fig. 13, the accelerometer
switch unit 300 includes a switch member 304 that is
soldered or otherwise connected to the printed circuit
board 120. The switch member 304 is a spring steel part
having a weighted end 308. An electrical contact 312 is
provided on the circuit board 120 in alignment with the
weighted end 308. When there is sufficient, predetermined
acceleration, the weighted end 308 will electrically
contact the pad 312 completing an electrical circuit path.
With this switch closure, a transmission can be initiated
with a zero time indicated duration. The mechanical
characteristics or a threshold of the switch unit 300 can
be adjusted such that a predetermined number of such
transmissions occur, on the average, per day. Such an
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average may be about 1-3 transmissions/day. As can be
appreciated, a malfunctioning or lost electronic patch 46
will not generate the supervisory signals. In such a case,
the system can alert the user to a possible problem with
that specific electronic patch.
Another embodiment of an accelerometer type of switch
is illustrated in Fig. 14. This electrometer switch unit
316 also includes a switch member 320 soldered to or
otherwise electrically connected to PC board 120. In this
embodiment, the board 120 has an opening 324 for receiving
a cylindrical electrical pad 328 having a lip. Tike the
embodiment of Fig. 13, the switch member 320 is a spring
steel piece or wire and, in this embodiment, has its free
end bent at about 90°. This free end is positioned within
the bore of the pad 328, with a desired space or gap
provided between the inner wall of the electrical pad 328
and the switch member free end. There is also a space
between the switch member 320 and the electrical pad lip.
When sufficient, predetermined accelerations occur that are
2U either normal to ar parallel with the plane of the board
120, or both, a momentary closure of the switch unit 316
occurs. As with the embodiment of Fig. 13, the transmission
is initiated with a zero time indicated duration. The
relative height of the switch member 320 relative to the
board 120 can be modified without changing its length to
provide some degree of independent variation of normal and
parallel activation sensitivities.
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Another implementation of an accelerometer switch is
provided in the embodiment of Fig. 15. The accelerometer
switch unit 332 includes a switch member 336 soldered to or
otherwise connected to the PC board 120. The switch member
336 is also preferably a spring steel wire that extends
essentially normal from the plane of the board 120. The
switch member 336 has a contact end 338 that is used to
activate the switch unit 332 when it comes in contact with
an electrical contact casing 340. The conductive casing
340 has a cylindrical configuration and is attached to the
circuit board 120 so that it surrounds the switch member
336 and the end of the switch member 336 soldered to the
board 120 is substantially at a center position relative to
the cylindrical wall of the casing 340. As with the
previous embodiments, when sufficient and predetermined
accelerations occur, the free contact end 338 is caused to
electrically communicate with the casing 340 to generate a
signal representative of a transmission having a zero time
indicated duration.
With reference to Fig. 16, another embodiment for
monitoring the occurrence of a heat mount is illustrated.
In this embodiment, an analog technique, rather than a
digital counter, is employed in providing the mount
duration to be transmitted. In this embodiment, the
pressure switch assembly 124 electrically communicates with
a power up circuit 350 as well as being connected to the
battery 88 through a resistor 352. The power up circuit
350 is always powered by the battery 88 while power to the
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rest of the circuitry of this embodiment is only applied
when the pressure switch assembly 124 is activated. When
the switch assembly 124 is activated or closed, a ground is
applied to the power up circuit 350, as well as to an
analog timing unit 356. This ground or "low state'°results
in power from the power up circuit 350 being applied for
powering on the analog timing unit 356. The power applied
to the analog timing unit 356, as well as other components
requiring power for this embodiment, except for the power
up circuit 350, will be used to power on these components
so long as the switch assembly 124 is in its low state and
power will continue to be applied for a predetermined
amount of time after the switch assembly 124 opens or is
deactivated, as indicating the termination of the heat
mount. In one embodiment, power is supplied to the
remaining components of this embodiment for about 1.5 times
the maximum duration of a transmission after the switch
assembly 124 opens. The analog timing unit 356 acts as an
analog timing circuit and includes two stages. An offset
stage is initiated upon switch assembly 124 closure whereby
the inputted signal is ramped past a threshold level. The
second stage involves the integration or a linear charging
of the inputted signal upon switch assembly 124 closure.
After the switch assembly 124 is deactivated or opened, the
analog timing unit 356 will discharge at the samelinear
rate. The output of the analog timing circuit 356 is
inputted to a comparator 360. One input to the comparator
360 includes a threshold or reference level. The other
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input is the output from the analog timing unit 356, which
is compared with the inputted threshold level. Once the
threshold level or voltage is exceeded by the input from
the analog timing unit 356, the output of the comparator
360 will change and remain at this changed level until the
output from the analog timing unit is less than the
comparator threshold voltage. The output of the comparator
360 is applied to a logic And gate 364, which also receives
as one of its inputs the output from the switch assembly
124. The gate 364 logically "ANDS" the input from the
switch assembly 124 and the output of the comparator 360.
Only when the switch assembly 124 is open or deactivated
and the output of the comparator 360 exceeds the threshold
level, will the transmit line be activated or in its "high
state" causing a transmission to occur. As can be
understood, this results in a transmission for the time
period during which the output of the comparator exceeds
the predetermined threshold and starting from when the
switch assembly 124 is deactivated at the end of a heat
mount.
With reference to the timing diagrams of Figs. 17A-
17E, a further description of the operation of Fig. 16 is
now provided. When the pressure switch assembly 124 is
activated, its output goes low. At substantially the same
time, power from the power up circuit 350 causes the analog
timing unit 356 to turn on. During the first stage of
operation of the analog timing unit 356, its output
immediately ramps up past the threshold level inputted to
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the comparator 360 and then begins to integrate the
inputted signal whereby the output voltage level from the
analog timing unit 356 increases at a linear rate. In one
embodiment, the analog timing unit includes a RC circuit ,
having circuit component values for providing the
predetermined linear charging rate when used in conjunction
with an operational amplifier. The linear signal outputted
by the analog timing unit 356 continues to increase so long
as the switch assembly 124 is closed. This output is
applied to the comparator 360, which changes its output
once the threshold level is exceeded and this input is
applied to the logic And gate 364. Since the switch
assembly 124 remains activated or closed, the transmit line
is low and no transmission is outputted yet related to the
duration of the heat mount. However, when the heat mount
ends, the switch assembly 124 is deactivated or opens
thereby inputting a logic high to the And gate 364 whereby
transmission begins, as seen from the timing diagrams of
Figs. 17C and 17E where the peak of the signal from the
analog timing unit 356 corresponds to the activated or high
signal associated with the transmit line. The analog timing
unit 356 is configured so that its output signal decreases
at the same or some proportional linear rate that existed
when the switch assembly 124 was closed and a logic low was
applied to the analog timing unit 356. During the time that
the output of the analog timing unit 356 remains greater
than the threshold level input to the comparator 360, the
transmit line remains high. In that regard, a predetermined
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offset time is included as part of the transmission time.
That is, once there is a switch assembly 124 closure and a
ramping up of the signal outputted by the analog timing
unit 356 past the threshold level, the transmission signal
is generated for a predetermined amount of time. In
addition to this predetermined offset time, the
transmission time is a function of the duration of the heat
mount. Since the offset time is known, the heat mount
duration can be determined using the total transmission
time and subtracting the offset time therefrom. The offset
time is used to assure that heat mount data is obtained,
regardless of whether or not the mount was short or long,
even for heat mounts less than one second. As should be
understood, such an offset time feature can also be
provided in the embodiment of Fig. 12.
Referring now to Fig. 18, the repeater module 34 for
receiving, in one embodiment, the transmitted data signals
from the transmitter module 30 is described. The repeater
module 34 is illustrated as including an rf receiver that
is tuned to the frequency of the carrier signal of the
transmitter module 30. A repeater receiver 390 is powered
by a battery 394 and must be continuously powered on to
receive data signals from a transmitter module 30 that can
be sent at any time. In order to insure proper battery
power, a solar panel 398 could be utilized to convert solar
energy to electrical power that is applied to a charging
circuit 402, although DC power could be provided by other
sources.
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In addition to power being continuously supplied to
the rf receiver 390, the battery 394 also continuously
supplies power to an initial decoder circuit 406 that
receives the serial data outputted by the tuned receiver
390. This decoder circuit 406 makes an initial
determination as to whether the signal having the
predetermined frequency constitutes appropriate data
signals associated with a heat mount or, conversely, some
extraneous or noise signals that have substantially the
same frequency as the carrier signal associated with the
heat mount data. For example, it may be that a noise signal
is received that has a power spectrum substantially the
same as the power spectrum expected for the heat mount data
signal. The decoder circuit 406 is able to determine at a
first stage whether or not such a received signal should be
subsequently decoded by turning on the remaining circuitry
of the repeater module 34. Communicating with the initial
decoder circuitry 406 is a micro-controller 410, which is
used in decoding inputted data signals and controlling
their output in a predetermined, timely manner. The micro-
controller 410 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and
has an internal random access memory (RAM) and memory for
storing its own program. The micro-controller 410, also
controls and synchronizes its operation. In connection with
obtaining the intelligence that is expected to be the heat
mount-related data, decoding software is executed by the
micro-controller 410. The decoding software is used in
separating the heat mount intelligence data from the
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carrier signal and comparing such received data with
expected data to make sure that the inputted data signal
actually represents heat mount data. The micro-controller
410 also includes transmission software that is used in
controlling the output of the received heat mount data to
an encoder 414. The micro-controller 410 in conjunction
with its transmission software controls the outputting of
data to the encoder 414 or rf transmitter 418 whereby only
after the transmission has been completed by the
transmitter module 30 does the micro-controller 410 permit
its received heat mount data to be sent to another repeater
module or to the central receiver module 38. That is, in
the embodiment where the data signal frequency from a
repeater module 34 is the same as the frequency of the data
signal outputted by the transmitter module 30, to avoid
interference and insure strength and quality of signal, the
micro-controller 410 does not permit simultaneous receiving
and transmitting of data signals. Only after the complete
transmission is received by the repeater receiver 390,
including all successive and repetitive transmissions of
identification data and heat mount data, does the micro-
controller 410 allow subsequent transmission.
It should be noted that it is not necessary that the
frequency of the outgoing signal be the same as the
incoming signal. In the case of different input and output
frequencies, the output signal need not be delayed until
all of the input signal data has been received.
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With respect to the decoding and controlling of
transmission data, the micro-controller 410 includes
decoding software that analyzes the data signal that the
threshold decoder 406 has determined as being transmitted
by the transmitter module 30 or another repeater module.
The decoding software essentially compares the intelligence
of the transmitted modulated signal with expected values in
determining whether the-incoming data signal relates to
heat mount data. As previously noted, the transmitted data
from the transmitter module 30 or another repeater module
includes identification data that is transmitted repeatedly
for a number of seconds. If such data is present, the
decoding software is able to make that determination and
then subsequently decode the heat mount data when it is
repeatedly transmitted after the identification data. The
micro-controller 410 controls the outputting of heat mount
data using transmission software by not allowing re-
transmission until the complete transmission is received
directed to the particular heat mount data.-
In controlling the sending of the heat mount data, the
micro-controller 410 is able to output identification data
and the data relating to the duration of the mount in
parallel fashion to an encoder 414. The parallel-output
facilitates power savings in the operation of the micro-
controller 410. That is, after all of the data for a
particular transmission is arranged in parallel fashion and
outputted by the micro-controller 410, it can return to its
standby state without using or requiring any power while
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the encoder 414 is able to encode or modulate this heat
mount data for subsequent transmission. In connection with
the encoding, bits representing different identification
data are generated by the micro-controller 410 for
encoding. These bits constitute the new level identifier
data and identify the repeater module 34 as being different
from a transmitter module 30 or another repeater module.
This identification data is sent, together with the
received battery power status bit, and the heat mount
duration data. The output of the encoder 414 is applied to
the rf transmitter 418 in serial fashion. As noted, in one
embodiment, the rf transmitter 418 is essentially the same
as the rf transmitter 266 associated with the transmitter
module 30 and outputs an rf signal that includes the
modulated heat mount data. The signal outputted by the
encoder 414 provides a modulated signal having heat mount
data. Like the operation of the transmitter module 30, the
identification data is transmitted repeatedly for a
predetermined number of times and then the heat mount
duration data, together with the battery power status bit,
are repeatedly transmitted.
With reference to Fig. 19, a central or base receiver
module 38 is described. The receiver module 38 includes an
rf receiver 420 that is tuned to the frequency associated
with the modulated data signal transmitted by the repeater
module 34 or a transmitter module 30. The rf receiver 420
outputs the received data signal in serial fashion to a
micro-controller 424 that includes essentially the same
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hardware, but includes some software different from the
micro-controller 410. The micro-controller 424 includes
decoding software for obtaining the intelligence from the
received modulated signal that represents the
identification data and heat mount duration data, as well
as the battery power status bit. The micro-controller 424
also includes buffering software for controlling the
storage of such data in a random access memory buffer 428.
The buffer memory 428 provides desired storage for heat
mount data until the owner or user of the system or system
software wishes to analyze it in connection with
determining values related to the heat cycle for the
particular or subject cow having the transmitter module 30
that transmitted such data. The buffer memory 428 allows
the user to exercise ultimate control over analysis and use
of the received data. Rather than requiring a dedicated
computer module 42, which must always be online or ready
for receipt of heat mount data, the buffer memory 428
permits a non-dedicated computer module 42 to be utilized
2U as part of the present system. Because the computer module
42 is non-dedicated, it can be used for a number of
purposes other than receiving and analyzing heat mount
data. By way of example, the computer module 42 may be a
conventional personal computer that is used by the owner
for other farm related purposes or any desired personal
purpose. When it is desirable or advantageous to analyze
the recently received heat mount data at predetermined
times, for example, the heat mount data stored in the
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buffer memory 428 can be accessed and downloaded to the
computer module 42. In that regard, the micro-controller
424 also includes serial communications software involved
in controlling the downloading or communication of heat
mount data to the computer module 42 upon request thereof.
The hardware and protocol connection between the micro-
I
controller 424 and the computer module 42 involves the use
of a standard RS-232 interface 434 that physically
interconnects an available port or ports in the computer
module 42 to output terminals from the micro-controller
424.
The micro-controller 424 also continuously receives an
input from an internal real time clock 438. On each
occurrence of the receipt of transmitted heat mount data
' 15 associated with a particular transmitter module 30 for
storage in the buffer memory 428, the buffering software
also causes clock data to be stored with the heat mount
data. The clock data thereby provides an indication as to
the actual date and time of day when such heat mount data
was generated. The clock data is also used as part of the
analysis in determining information related to the cow's
heat cycle. In one embodiment, in addition to data that is
directly provided by the transmitter module 30 based on cow
activities or mounts, data provided by a temperature sensor
442 is also inputted to the micro-controller 424. The
temperature sensor 442 monitors the ambient temperature
associated with the environment of the cows having a
transmitter module 30. Such temperature data can also be
WO 95117853 2 1 7 9 5 0 1 p~~7S94114348
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used by algorithms of the present invention used in
determining values related to the cow s heat cycle. In one
embodiment, the temperature sensor 442 is a transducer that
outputs an analog signal indicative of temperature to an
analog-digital converter 446. The converter 446 translates
the analog signal into its digital version for use by the
micro-controller 424. As with the clock data, the
temperature data is also stored in the buffer memory 428
using the buffering software whenever heat mount data is
received so that the ambient temperature that existed for
the particular cow mount is correlated therewith for
potential subsequent use or analysis. In one embodiment,
the temperature sensor is part of a repeater module.
In conjunction with analyzing the fundamental mount
data, i.e., the duration of heat mounts during the relevant
monitored period, additional data and/or other parameters,
in one embodiment, can be taken into account. Such
additional or secondary data can be classified into
intramount and intermount data categories. Such data
influences the interpretation of heat mount duration data.
With respect to intermount data, it includes the temporal
pattern of mounting activity. The use of the temporal
pattern is based on the hypothesis that discrete heat mount
data can be translated into a continuous time function
which generally correlates with progesterone level in the
cow. That is, each heat or cow mount is a data sample
related to the changing level of progesterone in the cow.
It is desirable to monitor that progesterone level and
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determine when that level appears to be at a maximum. Once
such a determination is made, a decision can be made
concerning the optimum time to breed the cow. From the
temporal pattern of heat mounts, a number of values can be
calculated that constitute points of a continuous function
or curve over time. The peak value of this curve is then
identified. This inferred function or curve is intended to
correlate with the progesterone level in the cow, with the
data points increasing as the progesterone level is
increasing and decreasing after the peak progesterone level
is reached at the peak value of the curve.
Intramount data or factors influence the relative
significance that should be attributed to any given single
heat mount. Such data or factors can be used to modify the
duration of any single heat mount. Intramount data that
has been identified includes:
(1) The ambient temperature that the cow is
subject to or is experiencing. Temperature extremes
influence the frequency and duration of heat mounts. A
heat mount that occurs during a temperature extreme might
be interpreted as having greater significance than one
during a more moderate temperature.
(2) Patterns of known activity exhibited by
individual cows vary widely, even under identical
environmental conditions. Some cows may average only one
or two mounts per heat cycle while other cows may average
as many as 15 mounts.' A cow exhibiting a pattern of a few
mounts per heat cycle may have greater significance
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attached to a single mount than a cow that typically
experiences a great number of mounts during a heat cycle.
(3) The number of heat cycles that have occurred
since the last calving for the particular cow. Generally,
heat cycles immediately after calving usually involve fewer
heat mounts. Greater significance may be attached where a
cow experiences a greater number of heat mounts during a
heat cycle shortly after calving than normally occurs.
(4) The mounting activity of the cow could be
indicative of estrus. If the subject (mounted) cow is also
involved as a mounting cow, this factor also may have
relative significance in indicating increased progesterone
level, in comparison with the cow's normal mounting
pattern.
(5) The number of other cows in heat that are
part of the herd of the subject cow.
(6) The age of the cow may be taken into
account. In the case in which a cow of an older calving
age has the same mount activity as a cow in her prime
2U calving age, this might be entitled to greater
significance.
(7) The surface on which the cow moves or is
supported may influence mount activity. The overall level
of mount behavior tends to be inhibited by concrete
surfaces, especially in conjunction with sub-freezing
temperatures. A heat mount of a given duration at a lower
temperature on concrete might be allocated relatively
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greater significance than similar mounts occurring on
ground or pasture land at a higher temperature.
(8) Heat mount activity is known to vary by the
breed of the cow. Interpretation of heat mount activity
should distinguish between, for example, Holstein and
Jersey breeds.
(9) The humidity of the environment that the cow
is subject to might influence heat mount activity. Greater
relative significance might be applied to heat mount
activity at higher humidity, particularly at elevated
temperatures, than such activity at a more normal humidity.
In arriving at humidity data, the geographic location of
the cow might be used as a general indicator of expected
humidity. For example, if continuous humidity monitoring
is not practical, a look-up table correlating humidity
values and geographic locations (zip codes) could be
utilized.
In addition to the foregoing, the significance of the
particular mounting cow, not just the mounted cow, may be
taken into account. For example, a subject cow mounted by
a frequent/non-frequent mounting cow may be given different
mounting significance, in comparison with heat mounts
involving mounting cows that display a normal (standard)
pattern of mounting.
With respect to the processing of heat mount data for
making a determination regarding breeding time for a
subject cow, the following description is provided,
together with an explanation based on an example of heat
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mount data illustrated in Fig. 20. In connection with
conducting the analysis in this embodiment, an onset of
estrus is first detected- by determining whether a
predetermined threshold was met or occurred. This
predetermined threshold relates to an onset of estrus based
on a predetermined minimum number of heat mounts occurring
within a predetermined time interval. If this predetermined
threshold is met, further analysis is conducted to obtain
a peak estrus value that is useful in determining an
optimal, or at least desirable, breeding time. Based on
investigation and studies, it has been concluded that such
a predetermined threshold falls within the range of at
least three heat mounts within about four hours and four
heat mounts within at least about three hours. If this
predetermined threshold is not met, the subsequent analysis
is not performed. However, when the predetermined threshold
is satisfied, further analysis is conducted to determine a
peak estrus value (PEV). In that regard, it has been noted
that the distribution of mounting behavior within estrus,
as determined by using the predetermined threshold, appears
to fit a substantially symmetrical distribution, with peak
estrus centrally located at the time of peak mounting
behavior. In one embodiment, because such mounting behavior
is symmetrical, the mean mounting behavior is found at the
time average of the heat mounts. If there are N mounts at
times T(i), the peak estrus value would occur at a time: TPEv
= ET(1)~N.
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In a preferred embodiment, with it being known that
the longest and most significant mounts will occur at peak
estrus, when the estrus hormones are expressed at their
highest levels, this average can be weighted according to
the duration of the mounts. If there are N mounts of
durations D(i) occurring at times T(i), the peak estrus
occurs at time: TPE~ = E[T(i)*D(i)]/ED(i).
Each of these two expressions can be applied to the
example of Fig. 20 that indicates a number of heat mounts
occurring at certain times of determined durations. In
particular, a heat mount occurs at ipm of duration 10
seconds, 2pm of duration 20 seconds, 3pm of duration 30
seconds and 4pm of duration 10 seconds. In applying the
test as to whether a predetermined threshold has been
satisfied, assume that the predetermined threshold being
used corresponds to at least four mounts within about three
hours. Since four heat mounts occurred between lpm and
4pm, the determination is made that this predetermined
threshold has been met. In determining the peak estrus
value, the first above-defined equation is utilized as
follows:
TPEV = ET ( i ) /N
TPE~ = 1:00 + 2:00 + 3:00 + 4:00/4 = 10/4
TPE~ = 2:30 pm
In employing the second of the above-defined
equations, the following is determined:
TPEV = E[T(i)*D(i)]/ED(i)
TP~ _ ((1x10) + (2x20) + (3x30) + (4x10))/(10 + 20 +
+ 10) = 180/70
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TPEV = 2:34P.M.
As can be understood from the above calculations, each
of the two expressions determines a time value at which
peak estrus occurs, with the second expression weighing the
time values by a corresponding duration value. The weighted
time value is believed to result in a more accurate
representation of peak estrus for the subject cow.
The foregoing description of the invention has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description.
Further, the description is not intended to limit the
invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently,
variations and modifications commensurate with the above
teachings in the skill or knowledge of the relevant art are
within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments
described hereinabove are further intended to explain the
best mode or modes known of practicing the invention and to
enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention.
It is intended that the appended claims be construed to
include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by
the prior art.
