초록 ▼

A device for training animals such as rats, dogs, etc. to recognize and associate target odors/scents with food. The training device, sometimes referred to herein as an odor or scent training device, includes a feeding dish/pan that is configured to have food positioned therein. The scent training d

A device for training animals such as rats, dogs, etc. to recognize and associate target odors/scents with food. The training device, sometimes referred to herein as an odor or scent training device, includes a feeding dish/pan that is configured to have food positioned therein. The scent training device creates a scent curtain of a target scent above the food so that the animal's nose and head first penetrate the scent curtain before the animal can eat the food. As such, each time the animal reaches for more food in the feeding dish, an association between the reward of food and the target scent is strengthened.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A scent training device, comprising: a feeding dish having a bottom surface and at least an outer sidewall defining a trough in which a food item can be disposed, wherein the outer sidewall defines an access opening of the feeding dish;a base member positioned below the feeding dish to define an

1. A scent training device, comprising: a feeding dish having a bottom surface and at least an outer sidewall defining a trough in which a food item can be disposed, wherein the outer sidewall defines an access opening of the feeding dish;a base member positioned below the feeding dish to define an internal chamber between the feeding dish and the base member;an elevated section comprising a substantially vertical surface extending above the trough and including one or more openings extending through the substantially vertical surface from the internal chamber to the feeding dish at a location adjacent the access opening; anda scent distribution module positioned in the internal chamber configured to force a target scent from the internal chamber through the one or more openings in the substantially vertical surface of the elevated section to create a scent curtain that is directed laterally across the access opening above the food item which can be disposed in the trough. 2. The scent training device of claim 1, wherein the elevated section comprises a portion of the outer sidewall that is adjacent to the access opening. 3. The scent training device of claim 1, wherein the feeding dish comprises a raised central member extending from the bottom surface, and wherein the elevated section comprises a portion of the raised central member that is adjacent to the access opening. 4. The scent training device of claim 1, wherein the scent distribution module comprises: a scent tray configured to retain a target scent source material therein, wherein the scent tray includes a plurality of apertures extending through one or more surfaces of the scent tray; anda fan positioned in proximity to the scent tray so as to force air through the scent tray. 5. The scent training device of claim 4, wherein the base member includes an air intake opening, and wherein the fan is positioned between the air intake opening and the scent tray so as to draw air through the air intake opening and force the air drawn through the air intake opening through the scent tray. 6. The scent training device of claim 4, further comprising: a rechargeable power source positioned in the internal cavity to deliver power to the fan. 7. The scent training device of claim 4, wherein the scent tray is configured to retain the target scent source material therein, wherein the target scent source material is associated with at least one of a narcotic scent, an explosives scent, a chemical and biological agent scent, a currency scent, a foodstuff scent, an insect scent, or a cancer cell scent. 8. The scent training device of claim 1, further comprising: an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) (AC/DC) converter connected to a power cord. 9. The scent training device of claim 1, wherein the internal chamber is substantially sealed to create a pressure differential between the internal chamber and an outside environment. 10. The scent training device of claim 1, wherein the base member is detachably secured to the feeding dish. 11. The scent training device of claim 1, further comprising: a module configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote control that enables a user to remotely activate the scent distribution module positioned in the internal chamber to force the target scent from the internal chamber through the one or more openings in the elevated section. 12. An apparatus, comprising: a feeding dish configured to retain a food item therein, wherein the feeding dish defines a trough and an access opening;a base member positioned to below the feeding dish to define an internal chamber between the feeding dish and the base member;an elevated section comprising a substantially vertical surface extending above the trough and having one or more openings extending through the substantially vertical surface from the internal chamber to the feeding dish; anda scent distribution module positioned in the internal chamber, comprising: a scent tray configured to retain a target scent source material therein, anda ventilated fan positioned in proximity to the scent tray so as to force air through the scent tray and out of the internal chamber through the one or more openings in the substantially vertical surface of the elevated section in a direction that is substantially parallel to and above contents of the through. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the elevated section comprises a portion of an outer sidewall of the feeding dish that is adjacent to the access opening. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the feeding dish comprises a raised central member extending from the bottom surface, and wherein the elevated section comprises a portion of the raised central member that is adjacent to the access opening. 15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base member includes an air intake opening, and wherein the fan is positioned between the air intake opening and the scent tray so as to draw air through the air intake opening and force the air drawn through the air intake opening through the scent tray. 16. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a power source positioned in the internal cavity to deliver power to the fan. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery pack. 18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the internal chamber is substantially sealed to create a pressure differential between the internal chamber and an outside environment. 19. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base member is detachably secured to the feeding dish. 20. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a module configured to wirelessly communicate with a remote control that enables a user to remotely activate the scent distribution module positioned in the internal chamber.