Patent issued for automated odor delivery system for animal training

Patent 11583604 was issued in February for the devices developed by BAI to automate olfactory training of animals. The system consists of wireless, compact odor valves that can accurately and repeatably mix up to 4 odors in desired concentrations under computer control. Feedback sensors allow the detection of animal head entries into the odor port and enable fully automated, closed-loop operation of a randomized training protocol. This work has been funded by the Army for explosive detection under multiple contracts. The program goals are to investigate the use of labor-saving methods to increase efficiency of odor training. Although initially developed for rats, it is also applicable to canines and can be used with other odors of interest. Multiple devices have been constructed and remain in use at UVA for ongoing work. An additional patent application has been submitted with claims relating to the use of the system as a whole.