Most Relevant Prior Art for US Patent 10,609,904

This analysis identifies prior art cited against U.S. Patent 10,609,904, focusing on references that potentially anticipate its claims under 35 U.S.C. § 102. The priority date for US 10,609,904 is December 17, 2013.

The previously generated "Obviousness Analysis" section identified US 7,614,626 B1 (Aanerud) as a strong primary reference for obviousness. While this section focuses on anticipation, Aanerud's comprehensive disclosure of a similar system makes it highly relevant for evaluating novelty as well.

Here are the most relevant prior art references, based on their disclosures and potential to anticipate claims of US 10,609,904:

Prior Art References

1. US 7,614,626 B1 to Aanerud

• Full Citation: US 7,614,626 B1, "Moving target system"
• Publication Date: November 10, 2009 (filed July 20, 2007)
• Brief Description: Aanerud discloses a moving target system featuring a motorized drive unit and at least one idler unit (transfer pulley unit), an endless cord (lure line), and a target (lure). Both the drive wheel and idler wheel are substantially enclosed within housings. The system aims to provide a moving target for training animals.
• Potential Anticipation: This reference potentially anticipates many elements of Independent Claims 1 and 11. Specifically:
  • A motorized pulley unit (drive unit) and a transfer pulley unit (idler unit) disposed at different locations.
  • A drive housing enclosing a motor and a drive pulley (drive wheel).
  • A transfer housing enclosing a transfer pulley (idler wheel).
  • A lure line (endless cord) engaging the pulleys to form a loop.
  • A lure (target) attached to the lure line.
  • The concept of enclosing the pulleys in housings for safety and to prevent the line from derailing.

2. US 3,965,866 A to Lorentz

• Full Citation: US 3,965,866 A, "Animal exerciser"
• Publication Date: June 29, 1976 (filed February 7, 1975)
• Brief Description: Lorentz describes an animal exerciser where a lure is moved along a track by an endless line driven by a motor. It includes pulleys for guiding the line.
• Potential Anticipation: This reference anticipates the core concept of a motorized lure chasing system for animals, including the use of a motor, pulleys, and an endless line with a lure. It may anticipate the broad elements of a "motorized pulley unit," "transfer pulley unit," "lure line," and "lure" as recited in Independent Claims 1 and 11, although it may not disclose the specific housing features.

3. US 4,738,223 A to Andreasen

• Full Citation: US 4,738,223 A, "Horse training apparatus"
• Publication Date: April 19, 1988 (filed November 13, 1986)
• Brief Description: Andreasen discloses an apparatus for training horses, involving a moving bait or lure to encourage exercise. It utilizes a track system and a propelled element.
• Potential Anticipation: Similar to Lorentz, Andreasen broadly anticipates the idea of an animal training system that uses a moving lure to entice an animal to run. It contributes to the understanding of the state of the art concerning animal exercise systems involving moving targets, potentially anticipating the functional aspects of the "lure chasing system" in Independent Claims 1 and 11.

4. US 6,311,425 B1 to Reelfoot Outdoor Company, LLC

• Full Citation: US 6,311,425 B1, "Flying waterfowl decoy system"
• Publication Date: November 6, 2001 (filed September 21, 1999)
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system for moving a waterfowl decoy along a line, often involving pulleys and a motor. While for decoys rather than animal exercise, the mechanical principles of moving an object along a line using pulleys and a motor are relevant.
• Potential Anticipation: This reference anticipates the mechanical aspects of a motorized pulley system driving a line with an attached object (decoy/lure). Elements such as a "motorized pulley unit," "lure line engaging said drive pulley and said transfer pulley so as to form a loop configuration," and an "attached lure" (decoy) may be present, particularly relevant to the broader features of Independent Claims 1 and 11.

5. US 2015/0027029 A1 to Mager

• Full Citation: US 2015/0027029 A1, "Waterfowl decoy movement device"
• Publication Date: January 29, 2015 (filed July 29, 2013)
• Brief Description: Mager discloses a device to move a waterfowl decoy, employing a motor, line, and pulleys. The filing date of July 29, 2013, makes it prior art to US 10,609,904.
• Potential Anticipation: This reference is particularly relevant as it describes a motorized system for moving an object along a line using pulleys, which directly overlaps with the fundamental components of the '904 patent. It could potentially anticipate the core elements of the "motorized pulley unit," "transfer pulley unit," "lure line," and "lure" in Independent Claims 1 and 11.

It's important to note that while these references present similar systems or components, a detailed claim-by-claim analysis would be required to definitively determine if each and every element of a specific claim in US 10,609,904 is found in a single prior art reference to constitute full anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102. However, Aanerud stands out for its comprehensive disclosure of a safety-enclosed, motorized, multi-pulley system for moving an object along a line, making it a strong candidate for anticipating many features.