Tracking system, apparatus and method
View Patent ↗A remotely-locatable tracking device and system is presented for use with a projectile that contacts a mobile target. The device is particularly useful with hunting arrows that contact a target animal. The device detaches from the arrow and attaches to the animal upon impact. The device is preferably comprised of a passive transponder and the system preferably uses a handheld transceiver to locate the transponder attached to the target animal.
1. A remotely-locatable tracking device comprised of:
a transponder assembly:
said assembly being releasably affixed adjacent to a shaft of an arrow by a structure, said structure being an adjustable friction device selected from the group consisting of a detent ball spring or a peg-and-hole configuration; and
means for attaching said assembly to a target upon impacting the target with the arrow.
2. The tracking device of claim 1 , wherein said means for attaching the releasably affixed structure to said target includes a fragmentation broadhead having at least one break-away component.
3. The tracking device of claim 1 , wherein said transponder is passive.
4. The tracking device of claim 1 further comprising a second transponder integral to the arrow shaft.
5. The tracking device of claim 4 , wherein said second transponder emits a uniquely identifiable signal relative to the transponder contained within the releasably affixed—transponder assembly.
6. The tracking device of claim 1 , wherein said device is detectable by a transceiver within a range of about 50 yards to about 500 yards.
7. The tracking device of claim 1 wherein said device is locatable at a range in excess of 500 yards.
8. A remotely-locatable tracking device comprised of:
a transponder assembly;
said assembly being releasably affixed adjacent to a shaft of an arrow by a structure, said structure being a break-away connector selected from the group consisting of a washer insert with a snap-joint, a washer insert with a spring clip, a washer insert with a stretch tube or an adhesive bond, and;
means for attaching said assembly to a target upon impacting the target with the arrow.
9. The tracking device of claim 8 , wherein said means for attaching the releasably affixed structure to said target includes a fragmentation broadhead having at least one break-away component.
10. The tracking device of claim 8 further comprising a second transponder integral to the arrow shaft.
11. The tracking device of claim 10 , wherein said second transponder emits a uniquely identifiable signal relative to the transponder contained within the releasably affixed—transponder assembly.