CA2153219A1 - Apparatus for discouraging animal disruption of flowerbeds and the like - Google Patents
Apparatus for discouraging animal disruption of flowerbeds and the likeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2153219A1 CA2153219A1 CA002153219A CA2153219A CA2153219A1 CA 2153219 A1 CA2153219 A1 CA 2153219A1 CA 002153219 A CA002153219 A CA 002153219A CA 2153219 A CA2153219 A CA 2153219A CA 2153219 A1 CA2153219 A1 CA 2153219A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- valve
- detector
- motion
- output signal
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M29/00—Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M31/00—Hunting appliances
- A01M31/002—Detecting animals in a given area
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
- Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Birds (AREA)
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
Gardeners' have employed many methods to keep cats and other animals from enter-ing and causing disruption to flowerbeds and the like. Such methods have included fences, electrified ground panels and the deliberate cultivation of plants noxious to the animals. The invention disclosed herein details a simple yet effective alternative device to those currently available, that does not, in any way, cause harm to the animal and which is comprised of a motion detector having a sensitivity adjustment control for setting the range within which detection takes place. The motion. detector controls the operation of a water flow control valve which is normally biased closed pending receipt of an electrical signal from the detec-tor, which signal is generated by the detector in response to movement within the detector's operating range. Upon receipt of the detector signal a solenoid on the water flow control valve activates, biasing the valve open and permitting water flow from a conventional garden hose supply, through the valve to a perforated spray head. The spray head may be arranged around the perimeter of a flowerbed to create a "wall" of water, or may be nothing more than a simple oscillating or rotary sprinkler. The duration of the water spray may be set utilizing a timer function of the motion detector, which timer limits the duration of the detector's elec-trical output signal and hence the water spray.
Description
21~3219 This invention relates to the i~ield of gardening and the like and more specifically, to an apparatus adapted to dissuade aninnals from entering and disrupting flowerbeds and the like.
It is not unusual for homeo~ners to expend many hours and a Cu~id~,l dblc amount of labour in the cultivation and raising of flowers in an effort to add beauty to their gardens.
05 Such flowers and other plants are, more of en than not, grouped into flowerbeds for I . . A A; 111; ~ A I ;~ I' ' of visual appeal and ease of Ul~fu~ , these flowerbeds seem to represent an attraction for the ullwanted and unwelcome attention of j-r ~ ,od pets -most notably cats, which appear to view the beds as nothing more than eA~tended litter boxes and, in the process of"covering their tracks" cause ~,o.~ disruption to the layout of o the bed and the flowers therein.
Rcr- ~ni7in~ this problem and attempting to devise means to keep cats and other ani-mals out of their flowerbeds has llead I~UIIICO~ and others to employ a great deal of inventive ingenuity over the years. Solutions range from simple fences to electrified ground panels, while more extreme methods encompass everything from the use of BB guns to laying out of poisoned bait.
While it is appreciated that sllch animal activity is a continuing source of both frustra-tion and annoyance, many would argue for a means of alleviating the problem that, in its activation, causes no harm to the animal.
The invention disclosed hereinafter presents such a device. The device utili~es the simple expedient of spaying the offending animal with water prior to the animal's entrance into the flowerbed, thus J;~,uu- ~ lg further attempts at entry. The device is comprised of a motion detector having a sensitivi~y adjustment cofflrol for setting the range within which detection takes place. The motion detector controls the operation of a water flow control valve which is normally biased clos.ed pending receipt of an electrical signal from the detec-2s tor, which signal is generated by the detector in response to movement within the detector's operating range. Upon receipt of the detector signal a solenoid on the water flow control valve activates, biasing the valve oF~en and permitting water flow from a ~.UII~ ~,llLio,l_l garden hose supply, through the valve to a perforated spray head. The spray head may be arranged around the perimeter of a flowerbe~ to create a "wall" of water, or may be nothing more than a simple oscillating or rotary sprinkler. The duration of the water spray may be set utiLing a timer function of the motion detector, which timer limits the duration of the detector's elec-0 21~i3Z~ ~
trical output signal and hence the ~vater spray.
While the water spray is sufficient, in and of itself, to deter most cats firom further activity, the sudden ~ of the spray also startles most other animals into retreat.
According to one aspect, t~len, the present invention is a device for d ~-05 animals from disrupting flowerbeds and the like ~
electronic motion detection means for generating an electrical output signal in response tothe approach of an animal to the p,erimeter of a flowerbed and the like;
electrically activated solenoid water valve means having a water inlet port means and a water outlet port means, the valve normcllly blocking water flow firom the inlet port means to the o outlet port means and activated to permit water flow from the inlet port means to the outlet port means in response to the elecl rical output signal from the motion detector;
water delivery means for directing the flow of water firom the water valve means outlet port means in a ~ de~el IIUIIed spray pattern;
timing control means for adjusting the water valve means activation time so as to automati-s cally shut off the flow of water fiom the water valve means output port means within a 1~lrl1: Irl ll ~d elapsed time; and sensitivity control means for adjusting the range within which moving objects are first regis-tered by the electronic motion detection means.
According to another aspect, the present invention is a timed, garden sprinkler system 20 triggered by the approach of animals and the like and comprised of:
electrical and electronic circuitry illLe., ' so as to produce an electrical output signal in response to motion;
electrical and electronic circuitry ;ll~tl ~u~le~ d SO as to provide an adjustable, timed digital pulse count, which timed pulse count electrically controls the duration ofthe electrical out-2s put sign~l from the motion responsive circuitry; -2-~3219 electrical and electronic circuitry ;~ u~ul~,L~d so as to provide adjustable sensitivity con-trol over the motion responsive circuitry whereby the range at which the motion responsive circuitr,v triggers the generation of the electrical output signal in response to movement can be varied;
05 normally closed, solenoid activated., water flow control valve, which valve is engagable to its open position in response to the al~plication of the electrical output signal from the motion responsive circuitry and is maintail1ed in the open position for the duration of the electrical output signal; and means for directing a flow of watl~r from the opened water flow control valve to multiple lo target locations.
The invention, as exemplifie;i by a presently preferred ~ o.l; ~ ~ is described more fully hereinafter having reference tl~ the ~ ,ul~pr~ g drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the preferred ~l.,I,uJ;.ll~ of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a pictorial view of the clllbod;lll~ showing the relative positioning of the vari-ous i~
Figure 3 is a somewhat schematic wiring diagram showing the electrical /UlllI~ iUII of the power source with the motion detector amd the solenoid activated water flow control valve;
Figure 4 is a cut-a-way view of thl~ water flow control valve; and 20 Figure5isabottomplanviewoftllemotiondetectorillustratingthei..~,ul~old~iulloftiming and sensitivity control adjustment l~oints.
Referring now to figures 1 to 5 it may be seen that the presently preferred ~ b~ "
of the instant invention is comprised of a motion detector 10 illl,OI~ol ~ both sensitivity 12 and timing 14 control elements. It will be understood that the motion detector 10 is of 2s conventional design and well kno~vn to those skilled in the art, and is of the type which comprises a m-lltif~r~tP~ lens assembly 16 wherein each facet of the lens 16 behaves as an ~153219 individual heat detecting zone. Electrical and electronic circuitry i..L~;..,~in~ J with thelens assembly 16 detects a change in the heat level of each lens 16 zone, interprets this heat level change as movement, designated in figure 1 as input signal 18, and produces an electri-cal output signal 20 in response.
05 The range within which movement (signal 18) will be detected by the detector 10 may be adjusted by means of the sensitivity control element 12 while the duration of the output signal 20 is governed by the operation of the timing control element 14.
The motion detector 10 elec~rical output signal 20 is directed to the input terminals 22 of a solenoid activated water flow control valve 24, which valve 24 is of a type well known 0 to those skilled in the art and is comprised of a solenoid plunger 26, spring loaded 28 to close off a pilot hole 30 in a flexible diaphragm 32 and wherein water from a normal household water supply 42, connected to a l~alve 24 inlet port 34 enters a cavity 36 above the dia-phragm 32 via a bleed hole 38. The total force of the water above the diaphragrn 32 exceeds the force of the water below the diaphragm 32 and the diaphragm 32 is thus maintained in a normally closed position. Application of the electrical output signal 20 to the valve 24 input terminals 22 energizes the valve 24 solenoid, raises the plunger 26 against the action of the spring 28 and thus uncovers the pilot hole 30 in the diaphragm 32. This action lowers the water pressure above the diaphragm 32, unseats the diaphragm 32 and perrnits the flow of water from the valve 24 inlet port .34 through the valve 24 to a valve 24 outlet port 40.
Water 44 flows out of the valve 24 to an elongate perforated spray head 46, which spray head 46 is preferably constlructed of pliable material capable of hand moulding to follow the contours of the perime~er of subject flowerbeds and the like which the user is desirous of guarding. In the alternative the output water flow 44 may be directed to a con-ventional oscillating or rotary sprinkler (not shown), if such is deemed to be sufficient by the 2s user to dissuade animals from entering the subject flowerbed and the like.
Referring specifically to figure 3 it will be seen that the electrical connection between the motion detector 10, the solenoid activated water flow control valve 24 and the house-hold electrical supply line of 110 ~olts is comprised of joining the household "hot" power line 48 to the motion detector 10 "hot" power line 48'. The household "neutral" power line 50 runs ~ub~L~ lly unbroken to one terminal 22 of the solenoid activated water valve 24 and is joined at a convenient and electrically safe point along is length by the motion detector 10 "neutral" power line ~0'. The output line 52 of the motion detector 10, i.e., the line ~, 21332~9 carrying electrical output signal 20, is terminated in a connection to the other terminal 22 of the solenoid activated water valve :~4. It is to be noted that all electrical, - are to be made in a manner, and utilizing su,~h l,UII.~ ;OII~Ll coMecting devices as is approved under prevailing Electrical Codes. The filse breaker assembly (not shown) protecting the house-os hold supply is preferably of the "g]^ound fault ;ll~ll U~J~iUII'` type.
The water valve 24, its asso~,iated water 42 and 44, and electrical ~ 50 and 52 are housed in a receptacle 54 of ~,Ol~v~ ;ullal design constructed firom non-conducting material such as plastic. Although not specifically illustrated in the ~ y;ll~ drawing figures it is preferable to incorporâte one or more drainage holes in the body of the recepta-o cle 54 to prevent a build up of water within the confines of the receptacle 54 in the event of water leâkage from the water valve 24 and/or its associated water lines 42 and 44. The motion detector 10 is mounted to l,he exterior of the receptâcle 54 by any ,UII. .,.I~;<Jllal and upli~l~means,sothatthelensl60fthedetectorlOfacesawayfromthesurfaceofthe receptacle 54.
In use, 110 volt household electrical power is provided to the motion detector 10 The range of the motion detector 10 is adjusted via the sensitivity control element 12 to establish a distance within which moving objects will be recognized as such by the detector 10. The duration of the detector 10 output signal 20 and thus the duration of the water spray avail-able at the spray head 46, is set via the timing control element 14. Household water is supplied to the solenoid activated ~ater valve 24 via valve 24 inlet port 34 and is coMected to valve 24 inlet port 34 by conventional garden hose coupling means. The spray head 46 is positioned on the perimeter of a flowerbed or the like and coMected to the valve 24 outlet port 40 by conventional garden hose coupling means. Any movement within the predeter-mined range of the motion detectl~r 10, triggers the output signal 20 of the detector 10, 2s which signal 20, in turn, activates the water flow control valve 24 delivering a flow of water to the spray head 46 for a ~, ~A~ d timed duration.
It is clear from the foregoing description that the ~l.L~ ofthe present invention thus provides an effective and relatively harmless means of dissuading animal incursion, and subsequent disruption, of flowerb~ds and the like without the need for constant gardener vigilance.
Although the above description contains many ~ . these should not be con-strued as limiting the scope of the present invention but rather as simply an illustration of a 1 2~3219 presently preferred n~ .. cf the invention. It is apparent that the ,,..I~o~ 1 de-scribed herein admits of several variations without, in amy manner, detracting from the spirit of the invention. For example, while the preferred ~ ' utilizes a motion detector which operates by detecting chang,es in relative heat and illLel~JI eLillg such changes as move-05 ment, detectors based on different ,~perating principles, such as ultrasonics, and having simi-lar pt;lIùllllallC,C ~ r' ;~ 5~ would serve equally as effectively. Likewise, while the pre-ferred n~ o- l ~ utilizes a solem)id activated water valve of the type described herein, the reader will be aware that several differing types of water valves are readily available which serve :>ub lallLi~ the same functic,n and are thus suitable for use in an alternate ~...l .o l; , .1 o of the present invention. It should ~lso be readily discernible that the method of housing and mounting the various co,l~,u"~ of the present invention may be varied uu..~ J~;~ly in accordance with ~ g an~/or industrial design ~; L~ e~ ,lb. Thus the scope ofthe present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legr11 equivalents rather than by the description herein provided.
It is not unusual for homeo~ners to expend many hours and a Cu~id~,l dblc amount of labour in the cultivation and raising of flowers in an effort to add beauty to their gardens.
05 Such flowers and other plants are, more of en than not, grouped into flowerbeds for I . . A A; 111; ~ A I ;~ I' ' of visual appeal and ease of Ul~fu~ , these flowerbeds seem to represent an attraction for the ullwanted and unwelcome attention of j-r ~ ,od pets -most notably cats, which appear to view the beds as nothing more than eA~tended litter boxes and, in the process of"covering their tracks" cause ~,o.~ disruption to the layout of o the bed and the flowers therein.
Rcr- ~ni7in~ this problem and attempting to devise means to keep cats and other ani-mals out of their flowerbeds has llead I~UIIICO~ and others to employ a great deal of inventive ingenuity over the years. Solutions range from simple fences to electrified ground panels, while more extreme methods encompass everything from the use of BB guns to laying out of poisoned bait.
While it is appreciated that sllch animal activity is a continuing source of both frustra-tion and annoyance, many would argue for a means of alleviating the problem that, in its activation, causes no harm to the animal.
The invention disclosed hereinafter presents such a device. The device utili~es the simple expedient of spaying the offending animal with water prior to the animal's entrance into the flowerbed, thus J;~,uu- ~ lg further attempts at entry. The device is comprised of a motion detector having a sensitivi~y adjustment cofflrol for setting the range within which detection takes place. The motion detector controls the operation of a water flow control valve which is normally biased clos.ed pending receipt of an electrical signal from the detec-2s tor, which signal is generated by the detector in response to movement within the detector's operating range. Upon receipt of the detector signal a solenoid on the water flow control valve activates, biasing the valve oF~en and permitting water flow from a ~.UII~ ~,llLio,l_l garden hose supply, through the valve to a perforated spray head. The spray head may be arranged around the perimeter of a flowerbe~ to create a "wall" of water, or may be nothing more than a simple oscillating or rotary sprinkler. The duration of the water spray may be set utiLing a timer function of the motion detector, which timer limits the duration of the detector's elec-0 21~i3Z~ ~
trical output signal and hence the ~vater spray.
While the water spray is sufficient, in and of itself, to deter most cats firom further activity, the sudden ~ of the spray also startles most other animals into retreat.
According to one aspect, t~len, the present invention is a device for d ~-05 animals from disrupting flowerbeds and the like ~
electronic motion detection means for generating an electrical output signal in response tothe approach of an animal to the p,erimeter of a flowerbed and the like;
electrically activated solenoid water valve means having a water inlet port means and a water outlet port means, the valve normcllly blocking water flow firom the inlet port means to the o outlet port means and activated to permit water flow from the inlet port means to the outlet port means in response to the elecl rical output signal from the motion detector;
water delivery means for directing the flow of water firom the water valve means outlet port means in a ~ de~el IIUIIed spray pattern;
timing control means for adjusting the water valve means activation time so as to automati-s cally shut off the flow of water fiom the water valve means output port means within a 1~lrl1: Irl ll ~d elapsed time; and sensitivity control means for adjusting the range within which moving objects are first regis-tered by the electronic motion detection means.
According to another aspect, the present invention is a timed, garden sprinkler system 20 triggered by the approach of animals and the like and comprised of:
electrical and electronic circuitry illLe., ' so as to produce an electrical output signal in response to motion;
electrical and electronic circuitry ;ll~tl ~u~le~ d SO as to provide an adjustable, timed digital pulse count, which timed pulse count electrically controls the duration ofthe electrical out-2s put sign~l from the motion responsive circuitry; -2-~3219 electrical and electronic circuitry ;~ u~ul~,L~d so as to provide adjustable sensitivity con-trol over the motion responsive circuitry whereby the range at which the motion responsive circuitr,v triggers the generation of the electrical output signal in response to movement can be varied;
05 normally closed, solenoid activated., water flow control valve, which valve is engagable to its open position in response to the al~plication of the electrical output signal from the motion responsive circuitry and is maintail1ed in the open position for the duration of the electrical output signal; and means for directing a flow of watl~r from the opened water flow control valve to multiple lo target locations.
The invention, as exemplifie;i by a presently preferred ~ o.l; ~ ~ is described more fully hereinafter having reference tl~ the ~ ,ul~pr~ g drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of the preferred ~l.,I,uJ;.ll~ of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a pictorial view of the clllbod;lll~ showing the relative positioning of the vari-ous i~
Figure 3 is a somewhat schematic wiring diagram showing the electrical /UlllI~ iUII of the power source with the motion detector amd the solenoid activated water flow control valve;
Figure 4 is a cut-a-way view of thl~ water flow control valve; and 20 Figure5isabottomplanviewoftllemotiondetectorillustratingthei..~,ul~old~iulloftiming and sensitivity control adjustment l~oints.
Referring now to figures 1 to 5 it may be seen that the presently preferred ~ b~ "
of the instant invention is comprised of a motion detector 10 illl,OI~ol ~ both sensitivity 12 and timing 14 control elements. It will be understood that the motion detector 10 is of 2s conventional design and well kno~vn to those skilled in the art, and is of the type which comprises a m-lltif~r~tP~ lens assembly 16 wherein each facet of the lens 16 behaves as an ~153219 individual heat detecting zone. Electrical and electronic circuitry i..L~;..,~in~ J with thelens assembly 16 detects a change in the heat level of each lens 16 zone, interprets this heat level change as movement, designated in figure 1 as input signal 18, and produces an electri-cal output signal 20 in response.
05 The range within which movement (signal 18) will be detected by the detector 10 may be adjusted by means of the sensitivity control element 12 while the duration of the output signal 20 is governed by the operation of the timing control element 14.
The motion detector 10 elec~rical output signal 20 is directed to the input terminals 22 of a solenoid activated water flow control valve 24, which valve 24 is of a type well known 0 to those skilled in the art and is comprised of a solenoid plunger 26, spring loaded 28 to close off a pilot hole 30 in a flexible diaphragm 32 and wherein water from a normal household water supply 42, connected to a l~alve 24 inlet port 34 enters a cavity 36 above the dia-phragm 32 via a bleed hole 38. The total force of the water above the diaphragrn 32 exceeds the force of the water below the diaphragm 32 and the diaphragm 32 is thus maintained in a normally closed position. Application of the electrical output signal 20 to the valve 24 input terminals 22 energizes the valve 24 solenoid, raises the plunger 26 against the action of the spring 28 and thus uncovers the pilot hole 30 in the diaphragm 32. This action lowers the water pressure above the diaphragm 32, unseats the diaphragm 32 and perrnits the flow of water from the valve 24 inlet port .34 through the valve 24 to a valve 24 outlet port 40.
Water 44 flows out of the valve 24 to an elongate perforated spray head 46, which spray head 46 is preferably constlructed of pliable material capable of hand moulding to follow the contours of the perime~er of subject flowerbeds and the like which the user is desirous of guarding. In the alternative the output water flow 44 may be directed to a con-ventional oscillating or rotary sprinkler (not shown), if such is deemed to be sufficient by the 2s user to dissuade animals from entering the subject flowerbed and the like.
Referring specifically to figure 3 it will be seen that the electrical connection between the motion detector 10, the solenoid activated water flow control valve 24 and the house-hold electrical supply line of 110 ~olts is comprised of joining the household "hot" power line 48 to the motion detector 10 "hot" power line 48'. The household "neutral" power line 50 runs ~ub~L~ lly unbroken to one terminal 22 of the solenoid activated water valve 24 and is joined at a convenient and electrically safe point along is length by the motion detector 10 "neutral" power line ~0'. The output line 52 of the motion detector 10, i.e., the line ~, 21332~9 carrying electrical output signal 20, is terminated in a connection to the other terminal 22 of the solenoid activated water valve :~4. It is to be noted that all electrical, - are to be made in a manner, and utilizing su,~h l,UII.~ ;OII~Ll coMecting devices as is approved under prevailing Electrical Codes. The filse breaker assembly (not shown) protecting the house-os hold supply is preferably of the "g]^ound fault ;ll~ll U~J~iUII'` type.
The water valve 24, its asso~,iated water 42 and 44, and electrical ~ 50 and 52 are housed in a receptacle 54 of ~,Ol~v~ ;ullal design constructed firom non-conducting material such as plastic. Although not specifically illustrated in the ~ y;ll~ drawing figures it is preferable to incorporâte one or more drainage holes in the body of the recepta-o cle 54 to prevent a build up of water within the confines of the receptacle 54 in the event of water leâkage from the water valve 24 and/or its associated water lines 42 and 44. The motion detector 10 is mounted to l,he exterior of the receptâcle 54 by any ,UII. .,.I~;<Jllal and upli~l~means,sothatthelensl60fthedetectorlOfacesawayfromthesurfaceofthe receptacle 54.
In use, 110 volt household electrical power is provided to the motion detector 10 The range of the motion detector 10 is adjusted via the sensitivity control element 12 to establish a distance within which moving objects will be recognized as such by the detector 10. The duration of the detector 10 output signal 20 and thus the duration of the water spray avail-able at the spray head 46, is set via the timing control element 14. Household water is supplied to the solenoid activated ~ater valve 24 via valve 24 inlet port 34 and is coMected to valve 24 inlet port 34 by conventional garden hose coupling means. The spray head 46 is positioned on the perimeter of a flowerbed or the like and coMected to the valve 24 outlet port 40 by conventional garden hose coupling means. Any movement within the predeter-mined range of the motion detectl~r 10, triggers the output signal 20 of the detector 10, 2s which signal 20, in turn, activates the water flow control valve 24 delivering a flow of water to the spray head 46 for a ~, ~A~ d timed duration.
It is clear from the foregoing description that the ~l.L~ ofthe present invention thus provides an effective and relatively harmless means of dissuading animal incursion, and subsequent disruption, of flowerb~ds and the like without the need for constant gardener vigilance.
Although the above description contains many ~ . these should not be con-strued as limiting the scope of the present invention but rather as simply an illustration of a 1 2~3219 presently preferred n~ .. cf the invention. It is apparent that the ,,..I~o~ 1 de-scribed herein admits of several variations without, in amy manner, detracting from the spirit of the invention. For example, while the preferred ~ ' utilizes a motion detector which operates by detecting chang,es in relative heat and illLel~JI eLillg such changes as move-05 ment, detectors based on different ,~perating principles, such as ultrasonics, and having simi-lar pt;lIùllllallC,C ~ r' ;~ 5~ would serve equally as effectively. Likewise, while the pre-ferred n~ o- l ~ utilizes a solem)id activated water valve of the type described herein, the reader will be aware that several differing types of water valves are readily available which serve :>ub lallLi~ the same functic,n and are thus suitable for use in an alternate ~...l .o l; , .1 o of the present invention. It should ~lso be readily discernible that the method of housing and mounting the various co,l~,u"~ of the present invention may be varied uu..~ J~;~ly in accordance with ~ g an~/or industrial design ~; L~ e~ ,lb. Thus the scope ofthe present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legr11 equivalents rather than by the description herein provided.
Claims (6)
1. A device for discouraging animals from disrupting flowerbeds and the like comprising:
electronic motion detection means for generating an electrical output signal in response to the approach of an animal to the perimeter of a flowerbed and the like;
electrically activated solenoid water valve means having a water inlet port means and a water outlet port means, the valve normally blocking water flow from the inlet port means to the outlet port means and activated to permit water flow from the inlet port means to the outlet port means in response to the electrical output signal from the motion detector;
water delivery means for directing the flow of water from the water valve means outlet port means in a predetermined spray pattern;
timing control means for adjusting the water valve means activation time so as to automati-cally shut off the flow of water from the water valve means output port means within a predetermined elapsed time; and sensitivity control means for adjusting the range within which moving objects are first regis-tered by the electronic motion detection means.
electronic motion detection means for generating an electrical output signal in response to the approach of an animal to the perimeter of a flowerbed and the like;
electrically activated solenoid water valve means having a water inlet port means and a water outlet port means, the valve normally blocking water flow from the inlet port means to the outlet port means and activated to permit water flow from the inlet port means to the outlet port means in response to the electrical output signal from the motion detector;
water delivery means for directing the flow of water from the water valve means outlet port means in a predetermined spray pattern;
timing control means for adjusting the water valve means activation time so as to automati-cally shut off the flow of water from the water valve means output port means within a predetermined elapsed time; and sensitivity control means for adjusting the range within which moving objects are first regis-tered by the electronic motion detection means.
2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the water valve control means is of the type having an internal flexible diaphragm, the body of which bounds a primary pilot hole and a secondary bleed hole.
3. The structure of claim 2 further including a solenoid activated spring loadedplunger bar disposed substantially perpendicular to the diaphragm and positionedso that one end of the bar is normally in intimate contact with the diaphragm and covers the pilot hole therein.
4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the water delivery means is comprised of elongate tube means, closed at one end thereof and incoporating at the other end couplingmeans to enable substantially watertight connection to the outlet port means of the water valve means.
5. The structure of claim 4 further including a multiplicity of small diameter perforations positioned along the length of the elongate tube means.
6. A timed, garden sprinkler system triggered by the approach of animals and the like and comprised of:
electrical and electronic circuitry interconnected so as to produce an electrical output signal in response to motion;
electrical and electronic circuitry interconnected so as to provide an adjustable, timed digital pulse count, which timed pulse count electrically controls the duration of the electrical out-put signal from the motion responsive circuitry;
electrical and electronic circuitry interconnected so as to provide adjustable sensitivity con-trol over the motion responsive circuitry whereby the range at which the motion responsive circuitry triggers the generation of the electrical output signal in response to movement can be varied;
normally closed, solenoid activated, water flow control valve, which valve is engagable to its open position in response to the application of the electrical output signal from the motion responsive circuitry and is maintained in the open position for the duration of the electrical output signal; and means for directing a flow of water from the opened water flow control valve to multiple target locations.
electrical and electronic circuitry interconnected so as to produce an electrical output signal in response to motion;
electrical and electronic circuitry interconnected so as to provide an adjustable, timed digital pulse count, which timed pulse count electrically controls the duration of the electrical out-put signal from the motion responsive circuitry;
electrical and electronic circuitry interconnected so as to provide adjustable sensitivity con-trol over the motion responsive circuitry whereby the range at which the motion responsive circuitry triggers the generation of the electrical output signal in response to movement can be varied;
normally closed, solenoid activated, water flow control valve, which valve is engagable to its open position in response to the application of the electrical output signal from the motion responsive circuitry and is maintained in the open position for the duration of the electrical output signal; and means for directing a flow of water from the opened water flow control valve to multiple target locations.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002153219A CA2153219A1 (en) | 1995-07-04 | 1995-07-04 | Apparatus for discouraging animal disruption of flowerbeds and the like |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002153219A CA2153219A1 (en) | 1995-07-04 | 1995-07-04 | Apparatus for discouraging animal disruption of flowerbeds and the like |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2153219A1 true CA2153219A1 (en) | 1997-01-05 |
Family
ID=4156172
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002153219A Abandoned CA2153219A1 (en) | 1995-07-04 | 1995-07-04 | Apparatus for discouraging animal disruption of flowerbeds and the like |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2153219A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111621955A (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2020-09-04 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | Washing machine safety protection control method and washing machine |
-
1995
- 1995-07-04 CA CA002153219A patent/CA2153219A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN111621955A (en) * | 2019-02-28 | 2020-09-04 | 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 | Washing machine safety protection control method and washing machine |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 19980706 |