Fluid delivery system, method, and device for distributing fluid to animals

Abstract

A fluid delivery system, method, and device for dispensing a certain amount of fluid to an animal, which can be particularly used for modifying the behavior of an animal, are disclosed. The system may particularly include a device that can be worn by the animal. The device stores fluid contained therein and is suitable for dispensing a certain amount of fluid to the animal in response to a training stimulus, particularly during a training scenario, to stimulate or induce modification of the animal's behavior.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid delivery system, method, and apparatus for dispensing a certain amount of fluid to an animal, which can be particularly used for modifying the behavior of an animal. The system may particularly include a wearable device for an animal, particularly a pet, suitable for receiving and dispensing a certain amount of fluid to an animal, particularly for modifying the behavior of an animal. Background Technology

[0002] Fluid spray dispensing collar-based training devices for dogs have existed since at least approximately 1986, at which time a fluid spray dispensing animal training system was disclosed in Vinci’s U.S. Patent No. 4,627,385, titled “dog barking deterrent device”.

[0003] From the beginning, fluid spray training collars have proven to be more effective and far more humane than collars that apply various and often painful electric shocks to a dog's neck as an aversion training technique. However, while it is generally well known that electric shock aversion training is effective, it is not well known that releasing a harmless fluid spray under a dog's jaw one or more times as an irritant aversion can be at least equally effective as an aversion training tool.

[0004] Since 1986, new applications using pressurized fluid spray in human-animal interactions have been developed. However, not all applications have been aversion-based. For example, fluid spray reward-based training is also possible. In addition to aversion training to control barking, fluid spray-based aversion training systems and remote aversion training technologies have been developed for boundary and barrier control.

[0005] However, it is understood that none of the advancements in the field of animal spray training have resolved the issue of storage tank placement and size (capacity), which is a limiting factor for conventional fluid spray dispensing collar devices. Conventional spray dispensing collars were limited in the tank size (capacity) for holding pressurized fluid because the only ergonomic location for the storage tank was to house it in an enclosure housing suspended around the animal's neck, which contained all the electronic components and related parts of the sprayer. For example, the enclosure housing housing the storage tank specifically accommodates a complex electronic printed circuit board containing all signal processing and voltage regulation components, a discharge valve and solenoid for the spray, and a high-capacity battery sufficient to operate the related circuitry.

[0006] Packing all components tightly into a single enclosure housing suspended around the animal's neck severely limits the space (volume) available for the pressurized tank. Consequently, the tank is often depleted before a successful training session or before the animal ceases undesirable behavior. This necessitates stopping training to refill the tank, which reduces the effectiveness of the fluid spray dispensing collar.

[0007] Furthermore, an additional challenge in installing storage tanks in enclosure housings suspended around the animal's neck was preventing leakage. Known storage tanks have seams, and due to the continuous pressure of the pressurized fluid applied to the seams and the chemical properties of the fluid (liquid spray) propellant, long seams are vulnerable to minor leaks or complete failure of the seams.

[0008] Attempts to minimize leakage have ranged from ultrasonic sealing of seams to the addition of gaskets or "O" rings. However, a tank solution that eliminates the need for seams and gaskets and minimizes inlet and outlet ports has not been available for a long time.

[0009] Furthermore, an additional constraint on the storage tank is that the pressurized fluid requires head space, which further minimizes the space available for the actual fluid. Head space can be understood as the internal tank volume excluding the fluid to be released. It is the internal tank volume reserved for the pressure required for the propellant to push the fluid out of the tank when the release valve is actuated.

[0010] Theoretically, a larger capacity tank could be fitted inside a single enclosure housing along with other sprayer components, but it is believed that such a larger capacity tank has never actually been applied, because doing so would make the enclosure housing hanging around the animal's neck too heavy or cumbersome to function effectively as designed, or too awkward and difficult to handle, causing pet owners or trainers to choose not to hang it on the animal for training. This is particularly limited for small animals to be trained, as a large reservoir within the enclosure housing is impractical for small animals due to its size characteristics.

[0011] The solution is to move the tank outside the enclosure housing, thereby enabling the use of a smaller, more aesthetically pleasing housing that may not even appear to be a training device. Therefore, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a system having a seamless external pressurized storage tank connected to a separate enclosure housing comprising a complex printed circuit board, a solenoid-driven discharge valve, and a battery, while minimizing the volume occupied by the system. means of solving the problem

[0012] A fluid delivery system, method, and apparatus for dispensing a certain amount of fluid to an animal, which may be particularly used for modifying the behavior of an animal, are disclosed. The system may particularly include a device that is wearable (attached to the animal), but the device may be positioned away from or adjacent to the animal as disclosed herein. The device is suitable for storing a fluid contained within and dispensing a certain amount of fluid to an animal, particularly as a pressurized spray for stimulating or inducing behavior modification of an animal in response to a training stimulus during a training scenario.

[0013] The system, method, and device can provide an unprecedented compact component configuration, multi-purpose functionality, and the ability to place a fluid storage tank in a location or place hidden from view that blocks visual detection of the tank, while facilitating fluid distribution, particularly to animals with multi-spray training and behavior modification modes, and / or the possibility of placing the fluid storage tank away from the device's electronics.

[0014] This device includes a pressurized filling / refilling canister that allows an individual refilling a fluid storage tank (e.g., a liquid containing propellant gas) to easily connect and secure the refilling canister in place without additional assistance from the individual refilling the tank.

[0015] The device can function to modify an animal's behavior by correcting negative behaviors and / or encouraging positive behaviors. The device can be implemented in various forms to deliver a behavior-modifying spray to the animal. The spray release / delivery event can be triggered by numerous triggers, such as user-initiated remote activation, visual recognition activation, olfactory activation, motion activation, auditory recognition activation, temperature activation, heart rate activation, and / or blood pressure activation.

[0016] In the case of user-initiated remote activation, the remote control held by the user can communicate with the device via wireless electronic communication signals such as Bluetooth (a wireless technology standard for wirelessly exchanging data between devices at short distances using short-wavelength UHF radio waves in the industrial, scientific, and medical radio band of 2.400 to 2.485 GHz), WiFi (a wireless networking technology that provides wireless high-speed internet and network connectivity using radio waves, based on the IEEE 802.11 standard family), and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification refers to a wireless technology in which a reader captures digital data encoded in an RFID tag via radio waves).

[0017] The device described herein uses an externally located, seamless tubular reservoir / storage tank, which eliminates the need to include the fluid storage tank within the same enclosure housing containing all other parts necessary to operate the fluid atomizer. The present disclosure further allows for an increase in the capacity of the fluid storage tank and provides an ergonomic design that integrates the function of the atomizer with the form of an animal designated to wear or be affected by the training device.

[0018] The fluid storage tank can provide maximum capacity storage with minimal intervention on the animal, and in particular, can relocate and redistribute the storage of pressurized fluid from an anterior central position just below the dog's jaw / nose to an anatomically complementary position around the dog's neck. Generally, the external tubular reservoir / storage tank of the present disclosure has a volume 5 to 10 times larger than that of an internal tank in the art, i.e., a tank provided as part of an enclosure housing. For example, the tubular reservoir / storage tank of the present disclosure can provide up to 200 sprays before refilling is required, whereas certain sprayers in the art can provide only 30 to 40 sprays before refilling is required. More specifically, the tubular reservoir / storage tank of the present disclosure may have a fluid capacity in the range of 2 ml (milliliter) to 60 ml, more specifically in the range of 4 ml to 45 ml, and even more specifically in the range of 6 ml to 40 ml. An exemplary range for livestock may be 8 ml to 20 ml, more specifically 10 to 15 ml. With respect to spray volume, the volume of fluid per spray may be in the range of 0.02 ml to 0.2 ml, more specifically 0.05 ml to 0.1 ml. For example, a fluid volume of 10 ml produces about 200 sprays.

[0019] In addition, an effective result of the present disclosure is to significantly reduce the size of the entire spray enclosure housing and increase the number of sprays that can be delivered before the spray training device is recharged. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] The aforementioned features and other features of the present disclosure, and the manner of achieving them, will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description of the embodiments described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid delivery system of the present disclosure comprising an annular ring device and an attached leash. FIG. 1a shows the annular ring device of FIG. 1 placed on an animal. FIG. 1b through 1d show various profiles of the tubular body of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 2a is a front view of the annular ring device of FIG. 1 with the front member of the enclosure housing removed. FIG. 2b is a left side view of the annular ring device of FIG. 1 with the front member of the enclosure housing removed. FIG. 2c is a left side view of the annular ring device of FIG. 1 with the front member of the enclosure housing removed. FIG. 2d is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the annular ring device of FIG. 1 taken through a valve and a T-coupler. FIG. 3 is the first of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. This is a longitudinal side view of an elongated tubular member. Fig. 4a is a longitudinal side view of the second elongated tubular member of the annular ring device of Fig. 1. Fig. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the second elongated tubular member of Fig. 4a. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a front view of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a side view of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a front view of the front member of the enclosure housing of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a front view of the rear member of the enclosure housing of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a front view of the top member of the enclosure housing of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a battery pack for the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a battery charger for the annular ring device of FIG. 1; FIG. 13 shows a rechargeable canister coupled to the first connector of the first elongated tubular member of the annular ring device of FIG. 1. FIG. 14a to 14h show a portable remote control that can be used to remotely operate the annular ring device of FIG. 1.FIG. 15 illustrates the annular ring device of FIG. 1 placed as part of a chest strap. FIG. 16 illustrates the annular ring device of FIG. 1 placed as part of a garment such as a petticoat. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another annular ring device of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the annular ring device of FIG. 17 with the housing removed. FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the annular ring device of FIG. 17 with the housing removed. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the annular ring device of FIG. 17 taken through the housing. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the annular ring device of FIG. 17 placed around a person's wrist. FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the annular ring device of FIG. 17 placed around a person's wrist. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the annular ring device of FIG. 17 elastically deformed to increase the area of ​​the central hole to place the annular ring device around the wrist. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] It will be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the configuration and arrangement of components described in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention(s) of this specification may be implemented or carried out in various ways, and other embodiments are possible. Furthermore, it will be understood that the phrases and terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as restrictive, and that a person skilled in the art would understand them as such.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to a fluid delivery system, method, and apparatus for modifying the behavior of an animal (non-human). The animal may be, for example, a mammal such as a canid (dog), a feline (cat), a rabbit (rabbit / hare), an equine (horse) and a swine (pig), or a sheep or goat. The animal may be a domesticated pet or livestock. The present disclosure also relates to a fluid delivery system, method, and apparatus for dispensing fluid to a human.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the system (10) may include an annular ring device (100) that can be worn by an animal (attached to the animal), particularly for behavioral training. The device (100) may be configured to extend around the animal's neck in the form of a collar. Although the device (100) is depicted alone as a collar, the device (100) may be part of clothing (e.g., the collar of a shirt or coat) or part of a chest harness that also extends around the animal's head and / or torso. In certain embodiments, the device as a collar may include a ring, such as a closed annular ring (101), to which a clasp (20) of a leash (30) can be attached for walking the animal. FIG. 1a illustrates the device (100) placed on an animal, particularly a dog.

[0024] The device (100) is suitable for storing fluid contained within and dispensing fluid to stimulate or otherwise induce behavioral modification of an animal in response to training stimuli, particularly during a training session or other training scenario, and may be part of a remotely controlled fluid (spray) release / delivery animal training system.

[0025] As described, the device (100) includes a tubular band (102), a detachable connector device (200), and a fluid distribution device (300).

[0026] As illustrated, the tubular band (102) comprises a first elongated tubular member (110) and a second elongated tubular member (130). The first elongated tubular member (110) comprises a first flexible (elastically deformable) tubular segment (112) having an annular (cylindrical) tubular body (114), which includes a tubular reservoir (118) of the first elongated tubular member (110) and a (cylindrical) lumen (116) (see FIG. 3) that provides the tubular band (102) and forms its boundary. The tubular body (114) is seamless along its longitudinal length and has an outer diameter in the range of 6 mm (millimeters) to 12 mm, more specifically in the range of 7 mm to 10 mm. The inner diameter of the tubular body (114) is in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm, more specifically in the range of 5 mm to 8 mm. In a specific embodiment, the tubular body (114) may have an outer diameter of 8 mm and an inner diameter of 6 mm.

[0027] Similarly, the second elongated tubular member (130) comprises a second flexible (elastically deformable) tubular segment (132) having an annular (cylindrical) tubular body (134), which includes and defines a (cylindrical) lumen (136) (see FIG. 4a) providing a tubular reservoir (138) and a tubular band (102) of the second elongated tubular member (130). The tubular body (134) is seamless along its length and has an outer diameter in the range of 6 mm to 12 mm, more specifically in the range of 7 mm to 10 mm. The inner diameter of the tubular body (134) is in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm, more specifically in the range of 5 mm to 8 mm. In a specific embodiment, the tubular body (134) may have an outer diameter of 8 mm and an inner diameter of 6 mm. Preferably, the tubular bodies (114, 134) have the same outer diameter and inner diameter.

[0028] When the tubular body (114, 134) is formed as a polygon, it may be a rectangle having an outer width that is different (larger) from the outer thickness, in particular. For example, the width of the tubular body (114, 134) may be in the range of 9 mm to 30 mm, more specifically in the range of 12 mm to 25 mm, while the thickness may be in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm, more specifically in the range of 6 mm to 10 mm. An exemplary polygonal tubular body (114, 134) may have a width of 19 mm and a thickness of 6 mm.

[0029] During use of the device (100), each tubular reservoir (118, 138) provides part of a tubular pressurized fluid storage tank, and this fluid is ultimately discharged from the fluid distribution device (300) as described in more detail below. As illustrated, due to the geometry of the tubular reservoir (118, 138), the tubular reservoir (118, 138) is concealed by the device (100), whether it is a collar, clothing, or a harness. Furthermore, the tubular reservoir (118, 138) is not too heavy or cumbersome to use on small animals.

[0030] Each tubular body (114, 134) is made of a durable extruded or molded plastic material that is strong enough to resist deformation or leakage when internally pressurized by a fluid, particularly in the range of 5 psi (pounds per square inch) to 100 psi, more specifically in the range of 20 psi to 90 psi, and even more specifically in the range of 30 psi to 80 psi. An exemplary pressure may be 75 psi.

[0031] Each tubular body (114, 134) may comprise, essentially consist of, or be composed of a polymer, particularly a molded (extruded) thermoplastic polymer. More specifically, exemplary thermoplastic polymers may be polyamides (also known as nylon), particularly polyamides 6, 66, and 11.

[0032] To provide a circular contour for each tubular body (114, 134), each tubular body (114, 134) is thermoformed / formed after extrusion to provide appropriate curvature when worn by an animal. The forming and shaping process supports the inner diameter and takes the straight portion of the tubing to impart a precise composite curvature to the straight portion as needed to provide appropriate function to the device, namely wearability and functionality through proper fluid and head space positioning.

[0033] Each tubular body (114, 134) may be formed as a single-layer tubular body or a multi-layer tubular body in an integral configuration (when viewed from a profile cross-section). Although cylindrical (circular) tubular bodies (114, 134) are illustrated, other profile shapes may include egg-shaped, elliptical, or polygonal (e.g., square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal) profiles. As illustrated in FIG. 1b, the tubular body (114, 134) is rectangular, but in FIG. 1c, the tubular body (114, 134) is octagonal, and in FIG. 1d, the tubular body (114, 134) is elliptical.

[0034] As described, each tubular body (114, 134) is exposed to environmental factors (e.g., sunlight, heat, cold, precipitation) and does not require any additional protective cover or structure for the leash to function. For example, each tubular body (114, 134) has sufficient strength to function as a leash without requiring additional nylon webbing / straps or leather bands to provide sufficient structure to the leash.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2a, the first end region (120) of the piping segment (112) / tube body (114) of the first tubular member (110) can be mechanically coupled to the fluid distribution device (300) via the first end coupling device (150), whereas the second (opposite) end region (122) of the piping segment (112) / tube body (114) of the first tubular member (110) can be mechanically coupled to the detachable connector device (200) via the second end coupling device (152). The first end coupling device (150) and the second end coupling device (152) may each be metal crimp rings. The crimp rings are made of a specific alloy of heat-treated copper that has a surface treatment to impart complete surface coloring and protection to the rings.

[0036] Referring further to FIG. 2a, the first end region (140) of the piping segment (132) / tube body (134) of the second tubular member (130) can be mechanically coupled to the fluid distribution device (300) via the first end coupling device (160), whereas the second (opposite) end region (142) of the piping segment (132) / tube body (134) of the second tubular member (130) can be mechanically coupled to the detachable connector device (200) via the second end coupling device (162). The first end coupling device (160) and the second end coupling device (162) may each be metal crimp rings. The crimp rings are made of a specific alloy of heat-treated copper that has a surface treatment to impart complete surface coloring and protection to the rings.

[0037] Now, referring to FIGS. 3, 4a, and 4b, the detachable connector device (200) may be detachable into two coupling connectors comprising a first connector (202) and a second connector (250). When assembled, the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) may form at least one of a mechanical connection and a magnetic connection. When assembled, the connector (202) and the second connector (250) may preferably form both a mechanical connection and a magnetic connection.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the first connector (202) may include a cylindrical body (204) that may be formed of a metal, particularly a magnetic metal such as steel containing iron. The cylindrical body (204) includes a barbed cylindrical prong (206) for insertion into the lumen (116) at the end region (122) of the first pipe segment (112), which forms a press-fit (press) fit with the tubular body (114). The prong (206) may include at least one O-ring seal (208) disposed between the barbs (210) along the longitudinal direction of the prong (206) / body (204) to prevent fluid leakage between them. When the prong (206) is inserted into the lumen (116) at the end region (122) of the first pipe segment (112), a coupling device (152) in the form of a crimp ring is crimped over the prong (206) and the tubular body (114) to create an oil-tight seal between them. The O-ring is made of polychloroprene or HNBR rubber that is resistant to refrigerant fluid and fragrance oil.

[0039] The cylindrical body (204) further includes a through bore (216) arranged longitudinally. The entrance area (218) of the through bore (216) provides a cylindrical cavity / socket (220) bounded by a cylindrical wall portion (222) of the body (204), configured to receive a cylindrical protrusion (252) of the second connector (250) as described in more detail below. The cylindrical wall portion (222) also forms the boundary of at least one L-shaped opening (224) (see FIG. 1) that acts as a bayonet connector catch, as described in more detail below.

[0040] The intermediate region (226) of the through bore (216) provides a cylindrical cavity / socket (228) bounded by a cylindrical wall portion (230) that provides a valve seat for a spring-deflected valve body (234) movable along the longitudinal direction of the valve (232). The exit region (240) of the through bore (216) extends through the prong (206).

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, the second connector (250) may include a cylindrical protrusion (252) configured to be received into the cylindrical cavity / socket (220) of the first connector (202). The cylindrical protrusion (252) includes a radially extending pin (254) having a spherical head (256) that acts as a bayonet connector lug. The end portion (258) of the second connector (250) may further include a permanent magnet (260).

[0042] During the assembly of the first connector (202) and the second connector (250), the cylindrical protrusion (252) of the second connector (250) is placed within the cylindrical cavity / socket (220) of the cylindrical body (204) of the first connector (250). More specifically, when at least one of the first connector (220) and the second connector (250) is translated (axially moved) toward each other, the radial extension pin (254) of the second connector (250) is aligned axially (longitudinally) with the L-shaped opening (224) in the cylindrical wall portion (222) of the first connector (202), the cylindrical protrusion (252) of the second connector (250) can be fully inserted into the cylindrical cavity / socket (220) of the first connector (202), so that the radial extension pin (254) is positioned in the axial extension segment (224a) (see FIG. 1) of the L-shaped opening (224).

[0043] When the radial extension pin (254) of the second connector (250) touches the end of the wall portion (222) of the first connector (202) that forms the boundary of the axial extension segment (224a) of the L-shaped opening (224), at least one of the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) is rotated relative to each other so that the radial extension pin (254) is now positioned on the circumferential extension segment (224b) of the L-shaped opening (224) (see FIG. 1).

[0044] When the radial extension pin (254) of the second connector (250) is positioned on the circumferential extension segment (224b) of the L-shaped opening (224), the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) are not separated translationally (axially / longitudinally) due to the mechanical interference (i.e., positive mechanical engagement) formed between the radial extension pin (254) of the second connector (250) and the wall portion (222) of the first connector (202), thereby forming an interlocked mechanical connection.

[0045] Additionally, once mechanically fixed, the permanent magnet (260) of the second connector (250) can form a magnetic connection with the cylindrical body (204) of the first connector (202), which prevents the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) from rotating relative to each other, thereby preventing separation of the mechanical connection.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 5, once the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) are connected, the device (100), in particular the collar, forms a continuous single loop closed annular ring (i.e., a 360-degree loop), and when not connected, forms an open annular ring. When the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) are connected, the closed annular ring forms a substantially circular hole (170) having an inner diameter suitable for the device (100) to be worn by an animal. The inner diameter of the device (100) may be in the range of 50 mm to 250 mm, more specifically in the range of 60 mm to 200 mm, and even more specifically in the range of 70 mm to 150 mm.

[0047] Although the device (100) is illustrated with both the first connector (202) and the second connector (250), it should be understood that, particularly when the device (100) is part of a garment or harness that can properly secure the device (100) to an animal without the first connector (202) and / or the second connector (250), either one or both of the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) are not necessarily required.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, the fluid distribution device (300) may be positioned particularly on the side facing the detachable connector device (200) in the device (100). The fluid distribution device (300) and the connector device (200) are positioned at an angle of 180 degrees relative to each other with respect to the center of the closed annular ring.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 2a, the fluid distribution device (300) includes a fluid distribution port (302) and an on / off button switch (304), and the on / off button switch (304) displays a green LED indicator lamp when the power of the fluid distribution device (300) is turned on and turns off a red LED indicator lamp.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, the fluid distribution port (302) and the on / off button switch (304) are placed in a housing (310) that provides a waterproof enclosure for the parts of the fluid distribution device (300) located inside *?*. More specifically, the housing (310) may be sealed to meet IP64 and / or IP67 fluid and dust ingress requirements according to the International Electrotechnical Commission international standard IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013 incorporated herein by reference. By IP64 rating, the enclosure (310) is understood to be protected from total dust ingress as well as from water spray in all directions. By IP67 rating, the enclosure (310) is understood to be protected from total dust ingress as well as from submersion to a depth of 15 centimeters to 1 meter. In satisfying the requirements of IP64, the housing (310) should also be understood to satisfy the requirements of IP00, IP01, IP02, IP03, IP04, IP10, IP11, IP12, IP13, IP14, IP20, IP21, IP22, IP23, IP24, IP30, IP31, IP32, IP33, IP34, IP40, IP41, IP42, IP43, IP44, IP50, IP51, IP52, IP53, IP54, IP60, IP61, IP62 and IP63.In satisfying the requirements of IP 67, the housing (310) should be understood to additionally satisfy the requirements of IP00, IP01, IP02, IP03, IP04, IP05, IP06, IP07, IP10, IP11, IP12, IP13, IP14, IP15, IP16, IP17, IP20, IP21, IP22, IP23, IP24, IP25, IP26, IP27, IP30, IP31, IP32, IP33, IP34, IP35, IP36, IP37, IP40, IP41, IP42, IP43, IP44, IP45, IP46, IP50, IP51, IP52, IP53, IP54, IP55, IP56, IP57, IP60, IP61, IP62, IP63, IP64, IP65 and IP66.

[0051] IP codes, international protection marks, or IEC standard 60529 (sometimes interpreted as intrusion protection marks or IP ratings) classify and evaluate the level of protection provided by mechanical casings and electrical enclosures against intrusion (objects including body parts), dust, accidental contact, and water. As mentioned above, this is issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

[0052] The fluid distribution port (302) may be specifically configured as a spray distribution port that distributes fluid in the form of a pressurized spray under the lower jaw of the animal, particularly close to the nose. In such an example, the fluid distribution device (300) may be more specifically referred to as a spray distribution device.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, the fluid distribution port (302) is aimed such that the primary trajectory of fluid from the longitudinal axis of the fluid valve (330) (see FIG. 2a) and / or the port (302) is at an angle (θ) in the range of 100 to 150 degrees, more specifically in the range of 110 to 140 degrees, and even more specifically in the range of 120 to 130 degrees with respect to the plane of the hole (170). As illustrated, the angle (θ) is 128 degrees. The fluid distribution port (302) is designed to spray fluid in a conical shape at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve (330). The height of the cone may exceed 150 mm, more specifically 200 mm, even more specifically 250 mm, and, for example, 300 mm.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the housing (310) includes an enclosure housing front member (312), an enclosure housing rear member (314), and an enclosure housing upper member (316).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 11, in order to provide electric (battery) power to the fluid distribution device (300), the fluid distribution device (300) includes a rechargeable, removable onboard battery pack (320). The battery pack (320) includes a battery (324) housed / enclosed within a battery pack cover (322). The battery pack (320) can be removablely connected to the housing (310) through a battery pack cover (322) that is connectable to and detachable from the outer side (rear side) of the housing rear member (314), in particular. The battery (324) can be charged through a charging port (326), the charging port (326) may be a USB port and related electronic device, which is also part of the battery pack (320). Referring to FIG. 12, the battery (324) can be charged using an AC / DC transformer / charger (328).

[0056] The housing (310), in particular the housing front member (312), the housing rear member (314) and the housing top member (316), and the battery pack cover (322) may comprise, or be essentially composed of, or be composed of, a polymer, in particular an injection-molded thermoplastic polymer. More specifically, an exemplary thermoplastic polymer may be polyamide (also known as nylon) 6 containing 10% glass fiber reinforcement.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2a through 2c, between the front housing member (312) and the rear housing member, a valve (330), a radio frequency receiver (332) including a spiral antenna (334) and a related electronic device (e.g., a microprocessor, a sound recognition integrated circuit) on a printed circuit board (336), a solenoid driver (338) including a related electronic device (e.g., a microprocessor) on a printed circuit board (340), a (piezo) microphone (342), and a coupling (344) illustrated as a T-coupler are disposed.

[0058] The valve (330) may be, more specifically, an electromechanical (electromagnetic solenoid) valve. Although the valve (330) is depicted as being an electromagnetic (solenoid) valve, other valve configurations may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 2d, when the valve (330) is operated in a known manner, the fluid in the tubular reservoir (118, 138) can flow through the T-coupler (344) and be distributed (sprayed) from the fluid distribution port (302). As illustrated, the T-coupler (344) has fluid passages (350, 352) that are fluidly communicating with each other and a fluid passage (360) of the valve (330). When the valve body (362) of the valve (330) is opened in a known manner through the operation of a solenoid, the fluid from the fluid reservoir (118, 138) flows through each of the fluid passages (350, 352) of the T-coupler (344), flows through the valve (330), and is then distributed from the fluid distribution port (302).

[0060] When the fluid in the tubular reservoir (118, 138) is lowered, additional fluid may be introduced into the tubular reservoir (118, 138) through the valve (232) in the first connector (202). As illustrated in FIG. 13, the fluid may be introduced from a cylindrical pressurized filling / refilling canister (500). The pressurized refilling canister (500) may include a metal reservoir / tank (502) and a filling nozzle (504). The refilling nozzle (504) includes a rigid tubular (hollow) cylindrical stem (506). The reservoir / tank (502) may have a volume of less than about 6 fluid ounces, and more specifically, about 3 fluid ounces.

[0061] To introduce fluid from the tank (502) into the tubular reservoir (118), the filling nozzle (504) can be inserted into the bore (216) of the first connector (202) by translational motion until the filling nozzle (504) contacts the valve body (234) of the valve (232) and presses the valve body (234) to an open position to open the valve (232) against the bias of a spring (not shown). After that, the fluid can flow from the pressurized filling / refilling canister (500) through the first connector (202) to the low-pressure tubular reservoir (118) and the tubular reservoir (138). When the filling of the tubular reservoir (118, 138) is completed, the filling nozzle (504) can be retracted from the bore (216) of the first connector (202) by translational motion until the filling nozzle (504) no longer contacts the valve body (234) of the valve (232), at which time the valve body (234) rises to a closed position to close the valve through the force of a spring and / or pressurized fluid in the tubular reservoir (118, 138).

[0062] It can be understood that using pressurized fluid requires a head space, which is essentially a space for the propellant. However, the device for releasing the pressurized fluid may not be constructed in such a way that the valve fluid passage (360) is positioned in the head space. If the valve fluid passage (360) is positioned in the head space, when opened, the propellant flows through the valve (330) rather than the liquid fluid, particularly as the storage tank is gradually emptied, causing the spray to be missed ("dry" spray) when the liquid is actually supposed to be sprayed.

[0063] The basic geometry of the tubular reservoir (118, 138) results in the head being positioned adjacent to the end regions (122, 142) of the first elongated tubular member / pipe segment (110 / 112) and the second elongated tubular member / pipe segment (130 / 132), and adjacent to the first connector (202) and the second connector (250), due to gravity causing the gaseous propellant to rise above the liquid fluid when the device (100) is suspended around the animal's neck. Thus, the head space is always above the fluid, far from the take-up port of the valve (330). Due to the geometry, it becomes virtually impossible for the animal to receive the wrong spray due to the head space in front of the take-up outlet port. Simply put, due to the geometry of the tank, all the head space is above the dog's neck, and the take-up port for the fluid outlet is always covered with fluid. This eliminates the need for a complex pickup tube that is prone to failure.

[0064] To facilitate fluid transfer from the fluid tank (502) to the tubular reservoir (118, 138), the stem (506) of the filling nozzle (504) may include at least one radial extension pin (508) having a spherical head (510) that acts as a bayonet connector lug (similar to the second connector (250)). Similar to the radial extension pin (254), the radial extension pin (508) may first be placed in the axial extension segment (224a) of the L-shaped opening (224), and after the radial extension pin (508) reaches the end of the wall portion (222) of the first connector (202) forming the boundary of the axial extension segment (224a) of the L-shaped opening (224), at least one of the first connector (202) and the filling nozzle (504) is rotated relative to each other so that the radial extension pin (508) is now placed in the circumferential extension segment (224b) of the L-shaped opening (224).

[0065] When the radial extension pin (508) of the filling nozzle (504) is positioned in the circumferential extension segment (224b) of the L-shaped opening (224), the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) are not separated translationally (axially / longitudinally) due to the mechanical interference (i.e., positive mechanical engagement) formed between the radial extension pin (508) of the filling nozzle (504) and the wall portion (222) of the first connector (202), thereby forming an interlocked mechanical connection. Once the interlocked mechanical connection is formed, the manual force applied to the pressurized refill canister (500) by the user to open the valve (232) by pressing the valve body (234) to the open position can be removed while the tubular reservoir (118, 138) continues to be filled. As such, a unique charging device is included that allows an individual recharging pressurized fluid in a tubular reservoir (118, 138) to easily mechanically connect the recharging canister (500) into place without additional assistance from the individual after connecting the canister (500) while recharging the tubular reservoir (118, 138). This charging device is also unique in that it allows for a leak-free connection and facilitates hands-free charging of the tubular reservoir (118, 138).

[0066] As illustrated, the charging nozzle (504) may be an individual part of the pressurized refill canister (500) that can be connected to the tank (502) by a detachable and releaseable snap-fit ​​connection from the tank (502).

[0067] Alternatively or additionally, to increase the volume of the fluid, the refill canister (500) may be kept connected in the manner described above while the device (100) is used for training, for example, when the device (100) is part of clothing or a chest strap, and the connection of the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) may not be necessary.

[0068] Additionally, when the device (100) is empty, the delay in charging the device (100) can be eliminated in the manner described above. The user can simply remove the empty canister (500) by rapidly rotating the bayonet connector and attach the recharge canister (500) by the same opposite operation. In this way, the ease of using the detachable remote connection canister (500) with the device (100) eliminates the time required to recharge the onboard tubular reservoir (118, 138). When the fluid is emptied from the canister (500), training is interrupted only for the amount of time it takes to remove and replace the canister (500).

[0069] Once the tubular reservoir (118, 138) is filled with fluid and pressurized, the fluid can be dispensed and delivered to the animal. The fluid can be delivered to the animal in the form of a spray, specifically a certain amount of pressurized fluid, to a local area (e.g., face, particularly near the mouth, nose and / or eyes) that is particularly suitable for modifying desired or unwanted behaviors in response to training stimuli during a training session or other training scenario. The fluid used is a liquid generally considered harmless to the animal, and various types of chemicals, including citronella, water, pheromones, and other ingredients, may be used.

[0070] In another embodiment, during a training scenario, the canister (500) can be replaced on the fly with a replacement canister (500) containing a different fluid chemical. By using such a pre-charged, detachable remote-connected canister (500), the animal trainer can easily switch from aversive negative behavior modification to pheromones or other positive reinforcement behavior modifications.

[0071] The device (100) may be worn by the animal, such as by being placed around the animal's neck, but the animal is not required to wear the device (100) for behavior modification. For example, the device (100) may be placed in an area far from the animal (but within the distribution distance) or in an area adjacent to the animal during training, for example, at the end of the leash connected to the animal, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the slender tubing member (110) / tubing segment (112) is placed on the tether (24) of the leash (30), while the fluid distribution device (300) is attached adjacent to the end of the tether (24).

[0072] The annular ring device (100) responds to an auditory signal, for example, a dog barking sound within a preset frequency and decibel range of the microphone (342). However, this response is possible only when the movement of the training animal is detected above a predetermined threshold.

[0073] More specifically, the device (100) can interpret audio input from a dog barking sound using an integrated microphone (342) and a microprocessor. The activation criteria for the spray valve (330) are based on the frequency and decibels of the incoming sound. Again, the microphone and listening circuit are activated only when the device (100) detects movement of a training animal that meets a set of criteria for satisfying movement.

[0074] In a specific embodiment, the ring device (100) may use a sound recognition integrated circuit and a microprocessor to record the unique auditory output of the training animal (e.g., a dog barking sound) so that the animal's perceived auditory input can be used as a trigger for a corrective spray to suppress the animal from barking. The auditory recording of the training animal may be placed directly into the training device (100), a portable remote control, or a portable software application included in a mobile phone or similar smart device. Using this technology significantly reduces the likelihood that the spray training event will be inaccurately triggered by input stimuli from an external source rather than the training animal.

[0075] In a specific embodiment, the tubular fluid reservoir (118) of the annular ring device (100) is extended and concealed within the leash assembly. The device (100) is positioned at the end of the leash near the training animal to modify behavior by facilitating the effective delivery of pressurized fluid, whether to reinforce positive behavior or to suppress negative behavior. It can be understood that this configuration of the spray training device is used for positive reinforcement training of horses through spray delivery devices concealed in the reins and bits, as well as for controlling negative pulling behavior of dogs.

[0076] Another embodiment of the device (100) is behavior modification using positive reinforcement with pheromones specifically formulated for a particular training animal. These synthetic pheromones help control stress-related behaviors and are helpful in situations such as meeting a new pet, visitors, or a new family member, as well as in rewarding other positive behaviors. A person of ordinary skill in the field of animal behavior modification will also know that a number of positive reinforcement fluid formulations can be delivered to a wide range of training animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses. Periods of quietness or non-barking are rewarded with a pheromone spray, or in the case of cats, with a time-based administration.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 14a through 14h, a portable device (e.g., a remote control) (600) is illustrated that communicates electronically and wirelessly with a device (100) worn by a training animal. In this embodiment, the portable device (600) is a trigger that causes a spray event to occur, enabling a human trainer to modify the animal's behavior by suppressing negative behavior with an aversion spray or encouraging positive behavior with a positive / pleasant spray. The portable device (600) communicates directly with the ring device (100) as part of the system (10) and allows various levels of sprayed fluid to be delivered in various behavior modification techniques.

[0078] Another embodiment of the annular ring device (100) is to use an aversion spray to create boundary conditions that exclude a training animal from a specific area. In this embodiment, the annular ring device (100) may be worn by the animal or placed in an area where it is desired to be exclusive to the training animal. When the animal enters a range close to the exclusion area, a trigger condition for the negative behavior spray aversion is met and the spray is delivered to the training animal.

[0079] Another embodiment of the annular ring device (100) may have a battery saving mode for the battery (324). All different functions (GPS, RFID recognition, barking noise processing, solenoid opening and closing) that can be programmed into the printed circuit board (336, 240) operating the leash can be understood as high battery-consuming functions. Animals such as dogs and cats sleep and lie down for 12 to 18 hours a day with almost no movement. Adding a motion sensor that is deactivated when it detects that the dog is resting allows the user of the device (100) to keep the leash on the animal without turning off the power and maintain battery life. Using this function in a non-barking leash allows the dog to bark freely once before a repulsive spray correction. This is an important feature because many pet owners use their dogs as a secondary system to detect when someone is coming to their property. Owners want the dog to bark initially, but they do not want it to bark incessantly.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 15, in a specific embodiment, the annular ring device (100) may be part of a harness (700) used particularly for walking an animal.

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 16, in a specific embodiment, the annular ring device (100) may be part of a garment (illustrated as a petticoat) particularly for keeping the animal warm and / or protecting the animal from the environment.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 17 through 20, another embodiment of the device (100) is illustrated. As illustrated, the device (100) similarly includes a tubular band (102) and a fluid distribution device (300). The detachable connector device (200) has been removed.

[0083] As illustrated, similar to the previous embodiment, the tubular band (102) comprises a first elongated tubular member (110) and a second elongated tubular member (130). The first elongated tubular member (110) comprises a first flexible (elastically deformable) tubular segment (112) having an annular (cylindrical) tubular body (114), which includes a tubular reservoir (118) of the first elongated tubular member (110) and a (cylindrical) lumen (116) providing the tubular band (102) and forming its boundary. Once again, the tubular body (114) is seamless along its longitudinal length.

[0084] Similarly, the second elongated tubular member (130) comprises a second flexible (elastically deformable) tubular segment (132) having an annular (cylindrical) tubular body (134), which comprises a (cylindrical) lumen (136) providing a tubular reservoir (138) and a tubular band (102) of the second elongated tubular member (130) and forms its boundary. Once again, the tubular body (134) is also seamless along its longitudinal length.

[0085] As illustrated, the second end region (122) of the piping segment (112) / tubular body (114) of the first tubular member (110) does not include a second end coupling device (152) or a first connector (202). Rather, a barbed first plug (180) is inserted into the lumen (116) in the second end region (122) of the first piping segment (112), which forms a press-fit (force fit) with the tubular body (114).

[0086] Similarly, the second end region (142) of the pipe segment (132) of the second tubular member (130) / tubular body (134) does not include a second end coupling device (162) or a second connector (250). Rather, a barbed second plug (182) is inserted into the lumen (136) in the second end region (142) of the second pipe segment (132), which forms a press-fit (force) fit with the tubular body (114).

[0087] The device (100) additionally has a housing (310) in which a fluid distribution port (302), an on / off button switch (304), a battery (324), a charging port (326), a fluid valve (330), a printed circuit board (336), and a coupling (344) are disposed inside.

[0088] As illustrated, the first elongated tubular member (110) / pipe segment (112) and the second elongated tubular member (130) / pipe segment (132) form a closed annular ring, wherein at least a portion of each length (190, 192) overlaps (extends parallel to) adjacent to each other. As illustrated, the first elongated tubular member (110) / pipe segment (112) and the second elongated tubular member (130) / pipe segment (132) each have a radial length that encircles an arc of 180 degrees or more, but this may be more dependent on the length of the overlapping portion (190, 192).

[0089] Referring to FIG. 17, in order to place the device (100) around the neck of an animal, the flexible first elongated tubular member (110) / pipe segment (112) and the second elongated tubular member (130) / pipe segment (132) can be elastically deformed from a closed position up to 90 degrees (each surrounding only a 90-degree arc as indicated by the dotted line) and can be bent by hand into an open position having the shape of an approximately U-shaped open annular ring, at which time the animal can place its neck inside the open annular ring. At this time, the flexible first elongated tubular member (110) / pipe segment (112) and the second elongated tubular member (130) / pipe segment (132) are released from the open position and can return to the closed position due to the elastic recovery of the flexible first elongated tubular member (110) / pipe segment (112) and the second elongated tubular member (130) / pipe segment (132).

[0090] In other applications as illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 23, an annular ring device (100), particularly the annular ring device (100) of FIGS. 17 to 20, may be placed on the human body, such as an accessory organ / limb. As illustrated, the annular ring device (100) is placed around the arm, and more specifically, around the wrist. In these applications, the reservoir (118, 138) may be filled with a pressurized liquid hand sanitizer containing alcohol, or other disinfectant fluid, and / or an antiviral fluid capable of killing viruses such as COVID-19, and a certain amount of this hand sanitizer may be dispensed onto the palm by pressing a button switch (304).

[0091] The annular ring device (100) described herein may be used for animal training, confinement, exclusion, or other purposes other than those described. All or part of the variations of the embodiments may be used in conjunction with a spray training program to achieve desired animal behavior. It may also be understood that the training methodology defines the operating parameters of the annular ring device (100). As such, the disclosed embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and various changes, modifications, and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention(s) and the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the invention(s) should be determined without reference to the description of the invention, but instead by reference to the entire scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, it should be understood that the appended claims represent the broadest scope of the invention(s) to which the applicant is entitled to claim, or that they do not necessarily include the only manner(s) in which the invention(s) could be described in the claims, or that all described features are essential.

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] Explanation of the symbols

[0097] 10 systems 20 latches 24 tether 30 leashes 100 annular ring device 102 tubular band 110 First elongated tubular member 112 1st piping segment 114 Annular (cylindrical) tubular body 116 (cylindrical) lumen 118 Fluid Storage 120 First end region of the first elongated tubular member / piping segment 122 Second end region of the first elongated tubular member / piping segment 130 Second elongated tubular member 132 Second piping segment 134 Annular (cylindrical) tubular body 136 (cylindrical) lumen 138 Fluid Storage 140 First end region of the second elongated tubular member / piping segment 142 Second end region of the second elongated tubular member / piping segment 150 First elongated member first end coupling device 152 First elongated member second end coupling device 160 Second elongated member first end coupling device 162 Second elongated member second end coupling device 170 holes 180 plug 182 plug 190 Part of the first slender tubular member / piping segment 192 Part of the second slender tubular member / piping segment 200 detachable connector device 202 1st Connector 204 Cylindrical body 206 Barbed prong 208 O-ring sealant 210 barbs 216 Penetrating Bore 218 Entrance Area 220 Cylindrical Cavity / Socket 222 Cylindrical wall section 224 L-shaped opening 224a Axial extension segment of an L-shaped opening 224b Circumferential extension segment of an L-shaped opening 226 intermediate area 228 Cylindrical cavity / socket 230 cylindrical wall section 232 valve 234 Valve body Exit area 240 250 2nd connector 252 Cylindrical protrusion 254 pins 256 Orthogonal Head 258 terminal part 260 permanent magnets 300 Fluid (Spray) Dispensing Device 302 Fluid (Spray) Distribution Port 304 On / Off Button Switch 310 Housing 312 Housing Front Part 314 Housing rear component 316 Housing upper surface member 320 battery pack 322 Battery Pack Cover 324 battery 326 battery charging ports 328 Battery Charger 330 fluid valve 332 RF Receiver 334 spiral antenna 336 Printed Circuit Board 338 Solenoid drive unit 340 printed circuit board 342 Microphones 344 Coupling / T-Coupler 350 fluid passages 352 Fluid passage 360 fluid passage 362 valve body 500 Pressurized Refill Canister 502 tank 504 Charging Nozzle 506 cylindrical stem 508 pins 510 Orthogonal Head 600 remote control 700 chest strap 800 clothes

Claims

Claim 1 A system (10) for distributing a certain amount of fluid to an animal, comprising an annular ring device (100) configured to extend around an animal, wherein the annular ring device (100) comprises: an electronic fluid distribution device (300) driven by a battery; and includes an attachment band (102) configured to attach the annular ring device (100) including the electronic fluid distribution device to the animal; the attachment band (102) includes a first pipe segment (112), the first pipe segment (112) includes a first reservoir (118); the electronic fluid distribution device (300) distributes fluid from the first reservoir (118), and the first pipe segment (112) includes a first tubular body (114) surrounding a first lumen (116); the first lumen (116) includes the first reservoir (118), and the first pipe segment (112) includes a first end region (120) and a second end region (122); the first end region (120) of the first pipe segment is connected to the electronic fluid distribution device (300); and the second end of the first pipe segment The area (122) is a system (10) including a valve (232) for refilling the first reservoir (118) with fluid. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first tubular body (114) forms a boundary of at least a portion of the first lumen (116) and / or at least a portion of the first reservoir (118). Claim 4 A system (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the first tubular body (114) has a longitudinal length that extends along the longitudinal length of the attachment band (102), and the first tubular body has no seams along the longitudinal length. Claim 5 A system (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the first tubular body (114) has at least one of a cylindrical outer profile, an elliptical outer profile, and a polygonal outer profile; and the first tubular body (114) has at least one of a cylindrical inner profile, an elliptical inner profile, and a polygonal inner profile forming the boundary of the first lumen (116). Claim 6 A system (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the first tubular body (114) is formed from a polymer and / or an extruded tubular body. Claim 7 A system (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the first tubular body (114) has an outer diameter in the range of 6 mm to 12 mm; and the first tubular body (114) has an inner diameter in the range of 4 mm to 10 mm. Claim 8 A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first tubular body (114) has an outer width in the range of 9 mm to 30 mm; and the first tubular body (114) has an outer thickness in the range of 4 mm to 12 mm. Claim 9 A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first tubular body (114) is configured to withstand the pressure of the pressurized fluid in the first reservoir (118) in the range of 5 psi. to 100 psi. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A system (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a pressurized charging or recharging canister (500) and a charging nozzle (504); wherein the valve (232) can be opened by the charging nozzle (504) to transfer fluid from the pressurized charging or recharging canister (500) to recharge the first reservoir (118). Claim 12 In claim 11, the system (10) is characterized in that the charging nozzle (504) is mechanically connectable to the pressurized charging or recharging canister (500) and the connector (202) disposed in the end region (122) of the first piping segment (112). Claim 13 In claim 1, the annular ring device (100) further comprises two coupling connectors including a first connector (202) and a second connector (250); when the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) are connected, the annular ring device (100) forms a closed annular ring; when the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) are connected, the first connector (202) and the second connector (250) form a mechanical connection and / or a magnetic connection; and the valve (232) for refilling the first reservoir (118) with fluid is disposed within the first connector (202), characterized in that the system (10). Claim 14 In claim 13, the system (10) is characterized in that the closed annular ring has an inner diameter in the range of 50 mm to 250 mm. Claim 15 In claim 13, the annular ring device (100) further comprises a second pipe segment (132), the second pipe segment (132) comprises a second tubular body (134) surrounding a second lumen (136); and the second lumen (136) comprises a second reservoir (138), characterized in that the system (10). Claim 16 In claim 15, the system (10) is characterized in that the second tubular body (134) forms the boundary of at least a portion of the second lumen (136) and / or at least a portion of the second reservoir (138). Claim 17 In claim 16, the first pipe segment (112) comprises a first end region (120) and a second end region (122); the first end region (120) of the first pipe segment is connected to the electronic fluid distribution device (300); the second end region (122) of the first pipe segment comprises the first connector (202); the second pipe segment comprises a first end region (140) and a second end region (142); the first end region (140) of the second pipe segment is connected to the electronic fluid distribution device (300); and the second end region (142) of the second pipe segment comprises the second connector (250), characterized in that the system (10). Claim 18 A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic fluid distribution device (300) comprises a fluid distribution port (302), a battery (324), and one or more electronic components; wherein the fluid distribution port (302), the battery (324), and the one or more electronic components are disposed within an enclosure (310), and the enclosure (310) is provided as a sealed enclosure to meet IP64 and / or IP67 fluid and dust ingress requirements according to the International Electrotechnical Commission international standard IEC 60529:1989+A1:1999+A2:2013. Claim 19 A system (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the electronic fluid dispensing device (300) dispenses fluid from the first reservoir (118) as a pressurized spray; the annular ring device is configured to extend around the neck of the animal; and when the annular ring device (100) is attached around the neck of the animal, the electronic fluid dispensing device (300) dispenses a certain amount of pressurized spray near the face of the animal. Claim 20 In claim 18, the electronic fluid dispensing device (300) is triggered to dispense a certain amount of fluid to an animal in response to a predetermined standard placed in the electronic fluid dispensing device (300), and the predetermined standard includes sounds made by the animal and movements of the animal, characterized in that the system (10). Claim 21 A system (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a remote control device (600); wherein the remote control device (600) communicates wirelessly with the electronic fluid distribution device (300). Claim 22 A system (10) characterized in that, in claim 1, the annular ring device (100) is a collar. Claim 23 In claim 22, the system (10) is characterized in that the leash is configured to extend around the neck of the animal. Claim 24 A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the annular ring device (100) is part of a chest harness configured to extend around the body of the animal. Claim 25 A system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the annular ring device (100) is part of a garment.

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