DK181166B1

DK181166B1 - A device for destruction of rodents, in particular rat

Info

Publication number: DK181166B1
Application number: DKPA202070776A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Juul Larsen Bent
Original assignee: Bent Juul Larsen Aps
Priority date: 2020-11-24
Filing date: 2020-11-24
Publication date: 2023-03-21
Also published as: DK202270393A1; DK202070776A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for destruction of rodent, in particular rats. The device comprising rodent destruction zone, a tubular connection having a rodent entry comprising a one way entry gate, the tubular connection forming a passage between the one way entry gate and the rodent destruction zone. a rodent detector is preferably arranged to detect presence of a rodent in the rodent destruction zone and activate a destruction device. A destructed rodent receptacle is arranged below the rodent destruction zone. An activatable trapdoor is arranged to close a downwardly facing through-going opening provided between the rodent destruction zone and an inner volume of the destructed rodent receptacle so that upon activating the trapdoor to open, a rodent recently destructed in the rodent destruction zone falls under gravity action into the inner volume of the destructed rodent receptacle.

Description

DK 181166 B1 1

A DEVICE FOR DESTRUCTION OF RODENTS, IN PARTICULAR RAT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Rodents, and in particular rats are becoming an increasingly larger problem when leaving close to human populations. As is well known, rodents easily adapts to new environments and may even become immune to poison designed to destruct the rodents. Further, rodents often lives in areas difficult to access for humans and/or tools.

The rodents have also been found to be able to carry and spread diseases affecting human beings.

Today a number of different devices for destruction of rodents are readily available.

One example is disclosed in US2009/0223112A1 detailing a vermin trap apparatus and method. The trap comprises a movable path between the entrance and the bait, and sensor means adjacent the movable path for detecting vermin presence on the path. When a vermin detection signal is sent to control means, the control means causes a movable clamping member to trap the vermin for electrocution.

Also provided are methods of the path to rotate and/or pivot, thereby dislodging

DK 181166 B1 2 the electrocuted vermin and into a containment region. Methods for electrocuting vermin are also disclosed.

However, is has been found that while the available devices are capable of destructing rodents, they often suffer from being less effective for destructing rodents in larger number and require often maintenance to operate efficiently.

Hence, an improved device for destruction of rodents would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient and/or reliable device would be advantageous.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art.

In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a device for destructions of rodents that potentially may be applicable to destruct rodent fast and efficient with an intensive need for maintenance of the device. It may be seen as a further object of the present invention to provide a device for destruction of rodents that are easily emptied for destructed rodents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a device for destruction of rodents, in particular rats, the device comprising e a tubular rodent destruction zone forming a dead end at one end and delimited by a one way exit gate at an opposite end, e a tubular connection having a rodent entry comprising a one way entry gate, the tubular connection forming a passage between the one way entry gate and the rodent destruction zone preventing a rodent to leave the tubular section at other positions than at the rodent destruction zone when the one way entry gate is closed, and being adapted to allow a rodent to move by its own motion from the rodent entry and to the rodent destruction zone; e a rodent detector arranged to detect presence of a rodent in the rodent destruction zone;

DK 181166 B1 3 e an activatable destruction device configured to destructing a rodent positioned in the rodent destruction zone in response to the rodent detector detects a rodent in the rodent destruction zone; e a destructed rodent receptacle arranged below the rodent destruction zone, said destructed rodent receptacle being adapted to contain fluid and a plurality of destructed rodents; e an activatable trapdoor arranged to close a downwardly facing through- going opening provided between the rodent destruction zone and an inner volume of the destructed rodent receptacle so that upon activating the trapdoor to open, a rodent recently destructed in the rodent destruction zone falls under gravity action into the inner volume of the destructed rodent receptacle, said activatable trapdoor being delayed activated, relatively to activating the destruction device, in response to the rodent detector detects a rodent in rodent destruction zone, and e a scent source device adapted to introduced a scent into the rodent destruction zone, through the tubular connection and out through the rodent entry to attract rodent to enter into the device through the rodent entry.

By this, a device for destruction of rodents is provided which is found to effectively destroy rodents without the need for frequently maintenance. Further, since the rodents are kept in a receptacle, until being disposed the risk of dead rodents lying around in the environment is at least limited.

In preferred embodiments, the device for destruction of rodents may comprise a rodent guiding device comprising a delimiting wall section defining a concave volume as seen from the interior of said volume, the extends in a longitudinal direction and has at both ends connections adapted to connect the rodent guiding device with pipes, such as pipes forming part of a downpipe arrangement, the rodent guiding device comprising opposite to the delimiting wall section a rodent exit passage said passage extends meandering with a first section of the passage extending oblique away and upward from the concave volume and with a second section extending in downward direction and being configured to prevent a rodent from turning around and going upward through the second section, wherein first section comprising one or more gripping element for a rodent to engage for

DK 181166 B1 4 moving through the first section, wherein the rodent guide device exit is connected to the rodent entry.

In preferred embodiments, the one way entry gate and/or the one way exit gate may comprise a gate comprising a flap, a hinge at an upper end of the flap configured to connect the flap rotatably to a pipe to rotate between a first position where the flap is orientated vertically to close a passage and a second position where the flap is orientated horizontally to open a passage, a counter balance weight rigidly connected to the flap, said counter balance weight comprising an element extend outside a vertical plane defined by the flap being positioned vertically to bias by gravity forces the flap into its vertical position, said counter balance weight is adapted to allow a rodent to push on the flap when in closing position to bring the flap at least towards its open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention and in particular preferred embodiments according to the invention will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show ways of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

Figure 1 schematically illustrates in a cross sectional view a first embodiment of a device for destruction of rodents;

Figure 2 schematically illustrates in a cross sectional view details of a second embodiment of a device for destruction of rodents;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates in a cross sectional view details of a third embodiment of a device for destruction of rodents;

Figure 4 schematically illustrates in a cross sectional view a sprinkling device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, fig.4a illustrates the sprinkling device in a cross sectional view in a plane along the height of the destructed rodent receptacle and fig. 4b illustrates the sprinkling device in a top- view along cut-line A-A;

DK 181166 B1

Figure 5 schematically illustrates in a cross sectional view a cleaning device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5a is a side view of the destructed rodent receptacle and fig. 5b is a cross sectional view along the cut- 5 line A-A shown in fig. 5a;

Figure 6 schematically illustrates in a cross sectional view (ordinary hatching has been left out) a rodent guiding way according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 7 schematically illustrates one way gates according to preferred embodiments of the invention;

Figure 8 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the device is connected to an underground passage, such as a sewer (ground level is labelled 45). Only part of the device is shown.

Figure 9 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the device is connected to an elevated position (ground level is labelled 45). Only part of the device is shown.

Figure 10 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which the device comprising a double entrance device. The device for destruction of rodents is shown from above.

Figure 11 schematically illustrates an embodiment according to which surplus fluid surplus fluid receptacle left out.

Figure 12 schematically illustrates another embodiments according to which surplus fluid surplus fluid receptacle left out.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Reference is made to fig. 1 schematically illustrating a device for destruction of rodent. The device is illustrated in a cross sectional view in longitudinal extending plane mid-way between width of the device. The device shown is intended for destruction of rats and the dimensioning of the device is chosen accordingly. If

DK 181166 B1 6 other types of rodents are to be destructed, e.g. mice, the passage in the device through which the rodents move can be scaled accordingly.

In general, the passages formed in the device are typically dimensions so that the rodent can only move in one direction, that is the dimensions are sufficiently small so that a rodent cannot turn around.

The device shown has tubular rodent destruction zone 5 forming a dead end at one end and delimited by a one way exit gate 6 at an opposite end. The one way exit gate 6 is a gate or door hinged at an upper end to allow it to swing open into the destruction zone 5. At a lower end, a stop is arranged which prevent the gate or door to swing backward. The gate or door may be biased by a spring toward its closing position, obviously biased to an extend that allow the rodent to push the gate or door open, so as to assure that the gate is kept closed when not opened by a rodent.

The device also has a tubular connection 13 having a rodent entry 2 with a one way entry gate 3. The one way entry gate 3 is similar or even identical in function as the one way exit gate 6. The tubular connection 13 provides a passage between the one way entry gate 3 and the rodent destruction zone 5 and is formed to prevent a rodent to leave the tubular section 3 at other positions than at the rodent destruction zone 5 when the one way entry gate 3 is closed. This is typically provided by the tubular connection 13 being free of larger openings in wall elements of the tubular connection. By larger openings is meant openings allowing rodent to pass through. In some embodiments, no openings are provided in the tubular connection 13. The tubular connection 13 is further adapted to allow a rodent to move by its own motion from the rodent entry 2 and to the rodent destruction zone 5 by not having obstacles preventing the rodent to move and in case of the tubular connection 13 having a pitch, that the pitch is sufficiently low to allow the rodent to move such as climb.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the tubular connection 13 is shown as having a principal axis being vertical along at least a section thereof. However, the tubular section 13 may be provided with a principal axis being different from vertical, e.g. being inclined 45 degrees relative to vertical. It is noted, that the

DK 181166 B1 7 design of the tubular section should be designed so as to allow the rodent to move towards the rodent destruction zone 5.

Further, while fig. 1 illustrates that the rodent entry 2 faces opposite (by 180 degrees) to the longitudinal extension of device for destructing rodents, the invention is not limited to this configuration, the rodent entry 2 may essentially faces in any desired direction. One such example is shown in fig. 10 where the rodent entry 2 faces a direction being 90 degrees to the longitudinal extension of the device for destructing rodents.

The dimension of the tubular connection as well as the rodent entry is preferably made in accordance with regulations, which for the case of rats e.g. stipulates that a diameter may not exceed 55 mm. However, in some cases, the dimension can be selected as desired as long as the dimension of the rodent entry is dimensioned as required. In order to easily adapt the device to different regulations and/or different rodents, the device may further comprise a restrictor 40. The restrictor 40 as shown in fig. 1 is designed to fit outside the rodent entry 2, typically in a snug-fit or secured thereto. As shown the entry opening in the restrictor is smaller than the rodent entry 2 whereby the restrictor is the element defining the size of the animal that can enter. The restrictor 40 may alternatively be a tubular element fitted inside the rodent entry 2.

A rodent detector 14 is arrange arranged to detect presence of a rodent in the rodent destruction zone 5. Such a detector 14 may be a weight sensor providing a readout in response to a rodent passing and standing on the sensor, it may be an optical sensor detecting, motion sensor and/or a thermos sensor sensing body temperature of a rodent. The purpose of the rodent detector is to detect a rodent in the destruction zone 5 and in response to a positive detection activate a number of actions to be carried out by the device.

One such action is to destruct the rodent. To this, the device comprising an activatable destruction device 7 configured to destruct a rodent positioned in the rodent destruction zone 5 in response to the rodent detector 14 detects a rodent in the rodent destruction zone 5. When a rodent enters into the destruction zone 5 and the detector 14 detects this, this readout from the detector is send to a

DK 181166 B1 8 control unit 20 which activates the destruction device 7. The destruction device is typically kept activated for a pre-determined time period to make sure that the rodent is destructed.

When the rodent has been destructed, the destruction zone 5 is cleared to be made ready for destruction of another rodent. As shown in fig. 1. a destructed rodent receptacle 8 is arranged below the rodent destruction zone 5 and is arranged for receiving a destructed rodent And is being adapted to contain fluid and a plurality of destructed rodents.

Access to the destructed rodent receptacle 8 from the destruction zone is provided by an activatable trapdoor 15. The trapdoor 15 is arranged to close a downwardly facing through-going opening (as seen from the destruction zone 5) provided between the rodent destruction zone 5 and an inner volume of the destructed rodent receptacle 8 so that upon activating the trapdoor 15 to open, a rodent recently destructed in the rodent destruction zone 5 falls under gravity action into the inner volume of the destructed rodent receptacle 8. The activatable trapdoor is activated delayed, relatively to activating the destruction device 7, in response to the rodent detector detects a rodent in rodent destruction zone 6 to assure that only destructed rodents falls into the destructed rodent receptacle 8. The activating of the trapdoor 15 and the delaying thereof is typically handled by the control unit 20. The trapdoor 15 is equipped with an actuator, such as a electro- mechanical actuator, such as a solenoid to close it. This actuator can also be responsible for the openings of the trapdoor 15. Alternatively, the trapdoor 15 can be maintained in its closing position by an electromagnetic force which can be shut-off by the control unit 20.

A scent source device 1 is provided and this scent source device 1 is adapted to introduce a scent into the rodent destruction zone 5, through the tubular connection 13 and out through the rodent entry 2 to attract rodent to enter into the device through the rodent entry 2. As illustrated in fig. 1, the scent source device 1 may be in the form of a chamber in which a material, typically a biological material releasing a rodent attractive scent as a scent source, can be arranged. The scent source device contains an opening (not shown in fig. 1) for introducing the material into the chamber. The scent source 1 is fluidicly

DK 181166 B1 9 connected with the destruction zone to allow the scent to enter into the destruction zone. In fig. 1, this connection is in the form of a plurality of scent transferring openings 21. While the scent can spread all the way to and out of the rodent entry 2, a fan, ventilator or the like (not shown) can be provided in the device to force the scent to and out of the rodent entry 2. While only one scent source is disclosed, further scent sources can be provided.

The scent source may also be provided by arranging a pressurized canister containing and attractive scent in the scent source device 1. In such an embodiment, the control unit 20 is configured to control a valve connected to the canister to release scent at predefined intervals or constantly release scent.

While the control unit 20 disclosed above it disclosed as a single unit, the control unit 20 may be divided into separate elements each controlling one of the actions.

Such elements are connected to each other to share data about action to allow e.g. the trapdoor 20 to open when the destruction device 7 has ended its operation.

The one way entry gate 3 and/or the one way exit gate 6 is (are) in some embodiments trapdoor(s) biased towards its(their) closing position by an amount allowing a rodent to push the trapdoor(s) open. The biasing is typically provided by a mechanical spring.

In the shown embodiment, the activatable destruction device 14 comprising a first knife arranged on a first reciprocating actuator. This first knife arranged to reciprocate up and down at a position configured to hit the neck of a rodent. In another embodiment (not illustrated), the activatable destruction device 7 may be an electrical conductive material arranged at the floor of the rodent destruction zone 5. As detailed above, the rodent detector 14 detects a rodent and actives the activatable destruction device 14 in response to such detection, that is activates the actuator to move the knife down and subsequently up either behead the rodent or break the neck of the rodent, or power the electrical conductive material to electrocute the rodent.

DK 181166 B1 10

As can be realized from fig. 1, the device may advantageously be equipped with two rodent detectors 14a and 14b in the rodent destruction zone 5. As illustrated, one detector 14a, a 1st rodent sensor, may be arranged at the end most away from the one way exit gate 6 and this detector 14 detects that a rodent is in a favourable position for destruction by detecting a rodent being positioned at this end. At the other end of the destruction zone 6 another detector 14b, 2™ rodent sensor, may be arranged. This sensor 14b can be used to determining if the rodent is fully contained in the destruction zone 6. By this, a signal can also be generated to close the one way exit gate 6 upon detection of no rodent or a part there of is detected at the sensing position of rodent sensor 14b. It is preferred to keep the exit gate 6 closed until it can assured that the destructed rodent is in the receptacle 8, which can be detected by the sensor 14a do not detects any rodent.

As also illustrated a rodent sensor, 3 rodent sensor, can be arranged at the rodent entry 2. This sensor is typically used to control whether or not to allow opening of the one way entry gate 3. In some embodiments opening is only allowed upon a free passage, that is the passage in which the rodent enters do not contain any other rodents.

The rodent sensors 14a, 14b, and 14c are typically infra-red sensors where by body heat from a rodent is measured by detecting infra-red radiation irradiated from a rodent.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, two gates are shown namely entry gate 3 and exit gate 6. Preferred embodiments of the present invention may comprise a number of further gates arranged in the rodent direction way 4. In such embodiments the further gates are preferably arranged with such distance between them so that only a single rodent can be present in the space between two gates. By opening and closing the gates in sequence, rodents can line up in the direction passage 4. As an example, first the exit gate 6 is opened and when the rodent waiting behind has entered the destruction zone 5, the exit gate 6 is closed and subsequently the gate behind the exit gate 6 is opened to allow a rodent to enter into the space behind the exit gate 6 where after the gate behind the exit gate is closed. This cascading of opening and closing is continued until the entry gate is opened and closed. Rodent sensors may be arranged in space

DK 181166 B1 11 between gates similar to the sensors arranged in the destruction zone to detect presence of rodents.

It is noted that the gates disclosed herein are configured to allow scent to pass.

This could e.g. be done by providing openings in the gate to allow scent but not rodent to pass through and/or by leaving a gap between the rim of the gate and the adjacent wall.

It is often preferred to destruct the rodent by breaking the neck of the rodent and in such cases, the knife may advantageously has a rounded tip configured to cut or brake the neck of a rodent when activated. Further, the travel of the knife towards the floor of the destruction zone 5 is often limited to leave a gap between the edge of the knife and the flor to prevent beheading.

To make it even more certain that the rodent is destructed fast and efficient, the activatable destruction device may comprise a second knife 17 arranged on a second reciprocating activator. This is illustrated in fig. 2 wherein the second knife 17 is shown as arranged to reciprocate up and down in front of the first knife at a position configured to hit the spine of a rodent. By “in front of” is referred to the direction which the rodent moves and with its nose pointing towards the first knife 7.

The actuators for the first and the second knife may both be solenoids activated by the control unit 20.

The tubular connection comprises a rodent direction way 4 is shown as having vertical pitch. By this is meant that the rodent moves upward from the rodent entry 2 and to the rodent destruction zone 5. It is noted that vertical pitch does not as such refers to a structured not proceeding also in a horizontal plane. Such a vertical pitch is shown in fig. 1, there the rodent direction way 4 is in the form of a tubular spiral. In other embodiments the rodent direction way 4 may comprising a staircase and/or a tubular spiral and/or helix or even combinations thereof.

However, it is preferred, as otherwise outlined herein that the rodent cannot escape from the rodent direction way 4 at other positions that at the one way exit gate 6.

DK 181166 B1 12

The rodent direction way 4 may advantageously be configured for extending down to an underground passage 15 such as a flow line of a sewer system, with the rodent inlet 2 arranged to allow a rodent present in the underground passage 15 to enter into the rodent direction way 4. By this, a device is provide in which a rodent is attracted by the scent to leave the flow line and ending up in the destruction zone 5 for destruction. In such embodiment, it is preferred to have the destruction at ground level with the rodent entry 2 and entry grate 3 in the underground passage and the rodent direction way 4 thereby leads the rodent upward. However, the rodent direction way 4 may alternatively be configured to lead the rodent downward if desired.

In order to increase the likelihood that a rodent is properly positioned for destruction in the destruction zone, the device may further have an activatable rodent restraining device 18. One such restraining device 18 is illustrated in fig.3 where the rodent restraining device comprises a concave element arranged to reciprocate up and down and configured to in its further most down position to restrain a rodent between the floor of the rodent destruction zone 5 and the interior cavity of the concave element. The rodent restraining device 18 is activated by the control unit and the reciprocating action may be provided by a solenoid as disclosed in connection with the knife(s). As an alternative to the concave element an activatable claw can be fitted. The rodent restraining device 18 is activated in response to the rodent detector 14 detects a rodent in the rodent destruction zone 5.

As apparent from the disclosure herein, rodents destructed by the device end up in the destructed rodent receptacle 8 and as the device typically is designed for continuously use over many weeks or even months, there is often a need for emptying the destructed rodent receptacle 8. To this, the device may further comprises a connection for emptying the destructed rodent receptacle 11 for fluid and destructed rodents (the vertical dotted lines in fig. 1 indicates that the connection extends outside the receptacle 9, however it may extend inside the receptacle). While this may be a hatch or other suitable closable openings into the rodent destruction receptacle 8, the particular preferred embodiment shown in fig. 1 comprises a tubular channel having a connection for emptying the destructed

DK 181166 B1 13 rodent receptacle 8. As shown, the tubular channel extends vertically above the upper end of the receptacle 8. This kind to tubular channel is particular advantageously in embodiments where the destructed rodent receptacle 8 contains a fluid, typically a fluid to preserve or at least preventing to some extends the rodents from decomposing. In such embodiments, the destructed rodent receptacle 8 can be emptied by suction, e.g. by a gully emptier sucking fluid together with destructed rodents out of the receptacle. When the receptacle 8 has been emptied, fluid is reintroduced into the receptacle. This way of emptying the receptacle 8 is advantageously in the sense that the destructed rodents can be handled without the need for handling by human hands thereby at least mitigating the risk of spreading contamination and/or infecting a human emptying the receptacle 8 with e.g. rodent carried diseases. Further, the destructed rodents can be emptied at a dump facility in a manner at least minimizing the risk of spreading contamination and/or rodent carried diseases and eventually, if that is the aim, be safely disposed e.g. by incineration.

Since destructed rodents introduced into the destructed rodent receptacle 8 represent and addition of volume the fluid in the receptacle 8 may have a possibility to flow out of receptacle. To allow for this, the device may further have a surplus fluid receptacle 9 and an overflow connection 12 fluidicly connecting the inner volume 9. As illustrated in fig. 1, the overflow connection 12 being arranged in the destructed rodent receptacle 8 at position be distant from a lower most position of the interior volume of the destructed rodent receptacle 8.

As for the destructed rodent receptacle 8, the device may further have a connection for emptying the surplus fluid receptacle 10 for fluid (the vertical dotted lines in fig. 1 indicates that the connection extends outside the receptacle 8, however it may extend inside the receptacle). This connection may be in shape and function as the one disclosed for the destructed rodent receptacle 8.

In a particular preferred embodiment, the destructed rodent receptacle 8 and when equipped the surplus fluid receptacle 9 is/are adapted to contain brine without essentially being exposed to corrosion. This could be provided by e.g. manufacturing the various parts in stainless steel or by a suitable surface coating.

DK 181166 B1 14

Reference is made to fig. 4 illustrating a sprinkling device 22 arranged inside a destructed rodent receptacle 8. The sprinkling device comprising one or more sprinklers 23 arranged at an upper end of the destructed rodent receptacle 8 to sprinkle fluid downwardly into the destructed rodent receptacle 8. The one or more sprinklers 23 are in the preferred embodiment being in fluidic connection (not shown) with the surplus fluid receptacle 9 through a pump to pump fluid contained in the surplus fluid receptacle 9 out through the one or more sprinklers 23.

The sprinklers are arranged so as to sprinkle the fluid onto rodents located in the destructed rodent receptacle, that is in a direction having at least a downward component. In fig. 4, the sprinkling of fluid is shown the dotted line coming from each sprinkler 23. In fig. 4a the sprinkling is shown downward and in fig. 4b, the sprinkling is shown inwardly to illustrate that the sprinkling may be centred if desired. Typically, the sprinklers 23 are arranged so as to sprinkle rodents potentially not fully submerged. Thus, to allow for such adjustment, the sprinklers may be rotatably arranged so as to allow for changing their sprinkling direction.

The sprinklers are typically operated each time a rodent enters into the destructed rodent receptacle 8 by the control unit receives a signal preferably from the rodent detector 14a and in some embodiments preferably also from rodent detector 14b that a rodent has been destructed and placed in the destructed rodent receptacle 8. Upon receipt of such a signal, the control unit activates the pump which results in that fluid present in the surplus fluid receptacle is pump out through the sprinklers 23 towards the rodent(s) located in the destructed rodent receptacle 8.

If no surplus fluid receptacle is present, fluid is typically contained in a container from where the fluid is pump towards and through the sprinklers 23.

The purpose of sprinkling the rodent with a fluid and preferably also maintain the rodent at least partially submerged in such a fluid is to avoid or at least mitigate rotting of the rodents. If has been found that brine, such as an aqueous solution saturated with salt (NaCl) is a good option. Other fluidic solutions can be used and

DK 181166 B1 15 even fluidic solutions destroying bacteria and/or virus can be used. Thus, the fluid may in general be a preserving fluid.

When a rodent enters into the destructed rodent receptacle 8 and a preserving fluid is present in that receptacle about two-third of the rodent will not be submerged. This, of course depends on the density of fluid and the rodent. Thus, a larger volume of the rodent will be exposed condition not containing the preserving fluid and to prevent or mitigate rotting the rodent is sprinkled with the preserving fluid.

Upon emptying of the destructed rodent receptacle 8 it may be desired to clean the inner surface of the receptacle 8. To this, a cleaning device 26 as shown in fig. 5 can be used. The cleaning device 26 has one or more cleaner fluid outlets 28 (in fig. 4, only one is illustrated) arranged at an upper end of the destructed rodent receptacle 8. Each outlet 28 is arranged to outlet cleaner fluid in a direction having a horizontal direction (the direction may also be horizontal). By having a horizontal direction is meant the flow direction is angled slightly, such as between 5 and 10 degrees, or even such as between 5 and 20 degrees downward relatively to horizontal.

As also shown each cleaner fluid outlets 28 is arranged to apply cleaner fluid to the inner side of vertical extending walls of the destructed rodent receptacle 8. In this shown embodiment, the cleaner fluid is applied in tangential direction of said inner side of the vertical extending walls.

By this, a downwardly swirling flow is provided along the inner walls of the destructed rodent receptacle 8 which swirling motion cleans the surface. The thereby introduced fluid is emptied out through the connection for emptying destructed rodent receptacle 8.

The each of the cleaner fluid outlets 28 is fluidic connected to a cleaner fluid inlet 29 arranged accessible from outside of the rodent destruction device. In the shown embodiment, the cleaning device 26 is provided by connecting a line to the wall of the destructed rodent receptacle 8 and providing a bore essentially

DK 181166 B1 16 tangentially with the wall of the receptacle 8 which bore is connected with the line.

To guide the cleaning fluid upon entry into the destructed rodent receptacle 8 the cleaning device 26 may further have a deflector device 27 arranged at said upper end of the destructed rodent receptacle 8 and having a surface facing said one or more cleaner fluid outlets 28 to deflect cleaner fluid from flowing in an inward direction. Thus, in case the cleaning fluid enters the receptacle 8 with a flow component facing inward, the flow impinges the deflector device 27 and is thereby turned into a direction aligned with the surface of the deflector device. In the shown embodiment, the deflector device 27 is a tubular structure mimicking the course of the inner surface of the destructed rodent receptacle 8. Such a configuration has the potential to turn flow in a direction parallel with the course of the destructed rodent receptacle 8.

The shape of the destructed rodent receptacle 8 and the surplus fluid receptacle 9 may be selected among a variety of different shapes. However, from a practical point of view, the receptacle may often be box-shaped, triangular, polygonal or cylindrically shaped. In case of cylindrically shaped, the longitudinal direction may be vertical, but can also be orientated differently such as horizontal or even slanted.

The individual elements of an embodiment of the invention may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way such as in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of separate functional units. The invention may be implemented in a single unit, or be both physically and functionally distributed between different units and processors.

It is noted that the destructed rodent receptacle 8 and the surplus fluid receptacle 9 may both be made fluidicly tight.

The actuators disclosed herein may be electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuators.

DK 181166 B1 17

As can be readily understood from the description presented herein, the device may in many embodiments be power consuming. It is preferred the power used is electrical power and such electrical power may be provided by connecting the device to the mains. Alternatively or in combination therewith, the power may be provided by solar panels in which case it is preferred to equip the device with a electrical storage, such as a battery, for the solar cells to charge and for providing electrical power to the various power consuming parts of the device.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a rodent guiding device 30. An embodiment of such a guiding device is shown in fig. 6 and comprises a delimiting wall section defining a concave volume 31 as seen from the interior of said volume. The concave volume 31 is designed to prevent rodent to move further up along the wall section defining the concave volume. The concave volume 31 extends in a longitudinal direction and has at both ends connections 34 adapted to connect the rodent guiding device 30 with pipes, such as pipes forming part of a downpipe arrangement.

The shown embodiment is especially designed to form part of a piping in e.g. multi-storeys building where waste water is fed into a sewer system in the ground.

The rodent guiding device 30 has opposite to the delimiting wall section a rodent exit passage 37. This passage extends meandering with a first section 38 of the passage extending oblique away and upward from the concave volume 31 and with a second section 39 extending in downward direction and being configured to prevent a rodent from turning around and going upward through the second section. To allow the rodent to reach the second section 39, first section 38 has one or more gripping element for a rodent to engage for moving through the first section.

In preferred embodiments, the rodent guiding device 30 the one or more gripping elements 32 comprising staircase and/or a netting.

DK 181166 B1 18

A rodent guiding element according may advantageously be connected to the rodent entry 2 with the rodent guiding device exit 35 connected to the rodent entry 2.

As disclosed herein, the invention makes use of one way gates, such as the one way entry gate 3 and the one way exit gate 6. Two embodiments of such gates are shown in fig. 7. Kindly observe that fig. 7 A)-C) show an opening sequence, whereas fig. 7D shows a modified embodiment relatively to fig. 7A. Further, fig. 7 illustrates the gate device installed in pipe in a cross sectional view.

The gate device shown comprises a flap 42. In the shown embodiment, the flap 42 is a curved element mimicking the interior surface of the underground passage 16, in which the gate device is installed, when the gate is open as shown in fig. 7C. It is noted that the gate device is not limited to being installed in an underground passage and can be installed in any piping.

The gate has a hinge at an upper end of the flap 42 configured to connect the flap 42 rotatably to a pipe to rotate between a first position where the flap 42 is orientated vertically to close a passage and a second position where the flap 42 is orientated horizontally to open a passage.

A counter balance weight 41 is connected rigid connected to the flap 42, wherein the counter balance weight 41 comprising an element extend outside a vertical plane defined by the flap 42 when positioned vertically to bias by gravity forces the flap into its vertical position. The counter balance weight is adapted to allow a rodent to push on the flap 42 when in closing position to bring the flap 42 at least towards its open position. The gate renders it possible for multiple rodent to pass through one after another but not return.

The gate shown in fig. 7D has a retaining device 44 allowing a rodent to pass only in one direction when the gate is installed in a piping. The gate comprising a flap 42 retaining device 44, such as an electromagnet, adapted to maintain the flap in its closing position when a rodent pushes on the flap in its closing position. When the retaining device 44 is active, a rodent cannot push-open the gate. The

DK 181166 B1 19 activation and deactivation is controlled by the control unit as otherwise disclosed herein.

Reference is made to fig. 10 schematically illustrating a device for destruction of rodent, where the device further comprising a double entrance device 47. The double entrance device 47 is placed close to a wall element 47, such as a building wall of a house or similar construction and typically at the ground. It has been realized that rodents prefer to move along wall elements at the ground and to allow for more efficient catch of rodents moving in both direction the double entrance device 47 is applied which device has entries 48 arranged in the path the rodents move. The entries 48 lead to the one way entry gate 3 by being formed as a tubular members forming a manifold.

Reference is made to figs. 11 and 12 schematically illustrating embodiments in which inter alia the surplus fluid receptacle has been left out. Such a surplus fluid receptacle and other features disclosed here could be included it desired.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, the rodent direction way 4 is in the form of an inclined tube. This rodent direction way 4 could be equipped with gripping elements (as the ones disclosed in connection with fig. 6) to ease a rodents passage of the rodent direction way 5. The rodent direction way forms a passage from ground level and up towards the destruction zone 5.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, the destructed rodent receptacle 8 is placed below ground 45. Within the scope of the invention is embodiments in which the receptacle 8 is placed only partly below ground 45. By placing the rodent receptacle below ground 45, the tubular connection 13 may extend horizontally thereby ease the rodent passage towards the destruction zone 5. Further, the destructed rodent receptacle may be provided by a hole, e.g. dug, in the ground.

By this, the destructed rodent may be disposed by removing the device and filling the hole.

The destructed rodent receptacle may in some embodiments be provided by e.g. a bucket or a container easy removable from the device. Such a bucket, container,

DK 181166 B1 20 a bag (typically made from plastic) or combinations thereof (e.g. a bag arranged in a bucket) can after removal be emptied and re-arranged in the device.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is to be interpreted in the light of the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms “comprising” or “comprises” do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as “a” or “an” etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

List of reference symbols used

I scent source device 2 rodent entry 3 One way entry gate 4 rodent directing way 5 rodent destruction zone 6 one way exit gate 7 activatable destruction device 8 destructed rodent receptacle 9 surplus fluid receptacle 10 connection for emptying surplus fluid receptacle 11 connection for emptying destructed rodent receptacle 12 overflow connection 13 tubular connection 14a 1st rodent detector 14b 2"! rodent detector 14c 3% rodent detector

DK 181166 B1 21 15 activatable trapdoor 16 underground passage 17 second knife 18 rodent restraining device 19 concave element 20 control unit 21 scent transferring openings 22 Sprinkling device 23 Sprinkler 24 Distribution line 25 Infeed line 26 Cleaning device 27 Deflector device 28 Cleaner fluid outlet 29 Cleaner fluid inlet 30 Rodent guiding device 31 concave volume 32 Gripping element 33 Downpipe 34 Connection (between downpipe and rodent guiding device) 35 Rodent guiding device exit 36 Delimiting wall section 37 Rodent exit passage 38 First section of rodent exit passage 39 Second section of rodent exit passage 40 Restrictor 41 Counter balance weight 42 Flap 43 Hinge 44 Retaining device

Ground 46 Wall element, such as a building wall 47 Double entrance device 48 Entry of double entrance device

Claims

DK 181166 B1 22 Patent claim

1. Device for killing rodents, especially rats, which device comprises e a tubular rodent killing zone (5), e a tubular connection (13) with a rodent entrance (2); e a rodent detector (14) arranged to detect the presence of a rodent in the rodent extermination zone (5); e an activatable killing device (7) configured to kill a rodent positioned in the rodent killing zone (5) in response to the rodent detector (14) detecting a rodent in the rodent killing zone (5); e a killed rodent container (8) arranged below the rodent killing zone (5), said killed rodent container (8) being arranged to contain fluid, such as a water solution saturated with salt (NaCl), and a plurality of killed rodents; e an activatable limb (15) adapted to close a downward-facing, through opening provided between the rodent killing zone (5) and an inner volume of the killed rodent container (8) so that upon activation of the limb (15) so that it opens, a rodent recently killed in the rodent killing zone (5) falls under the influence of gravity into the inner volume of the killed rodent container (8), said activatable limb being activated offset, in relation to activation of the killing device (7), in response to the rodent detector detects a rodent in the rodent extermination zone (5), and an odor source device (1) is arranged to introduce an odor into the rodent extermination zone (5), through the tubular connection (13) and out through the rodent entrance (2) to attract the rodent to enter the device through the rodent entrance (2), characterized in that e the tubular rodent extermination zone (5) which forms a dead end at one end and bounded by a one-way exit door (6) at an opposite end, e the rodent entrance (2) comprises a one-way entrance gate (3), the tubular connection (13) forming a passage between the one-way entrance gate (3) and the rodent extermination zone (5), which prevents a rodent from leaving the tubular section (3) at other positions than at the rodent extermination zone (5) , when the one-way entrance gate (3) is closed, and is

DK 181166 B1 23 arranged to allow a rodent to move itself from the rodent entrance (2) and to the rodent killing zone (5).

2. Device according to claim 1, where the one-way entrance door (3) and/or the one-way exit door (6) is a limb(s) biased towards the closed position thereof to an extent which allows a rodent to push the limb(s) open or the limb(s) to be activated by an actuator.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the activatable killing device (7) comprises a first knife arranged on a first reciprocating actuator, said first knife being arranged to move up and down at a position configured to hit the neck of a rodent, an electrically conductive material arranged at the floor of the rodent kill zone (5) and/or a CO2 source configured to increase the concentration of CO: in the rodent kill (5) to a level which kills a rodent.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the blade has a rounded tip and/or serrated tip configured to cut or break the neck of a rodent when activated.

5 Device according to any one of claims 3 or 4, the activatable killing device comprises a second knife (17) arranged on a second reciprocating activator, said second knife (17) being arranged to move up and down in front the first blade at a position configured to strike the spine of a rodent.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular connection (13) comprises a rodent routing path (4) with vertical rise.

7. Device according to claim 6, where the rodent diversion path (4) comprises a staircase and/or a tubular spiral or helix, to bring the rodent up and/or down in level relative to the position of the rodent entrance (2).

8. Device according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the rodent diversion path (4) is configured to extend down to a

DK 181166 B1 24 underground passage (15) such as a flow line in a sewer system, where the rodent entrance (2) is arranged to allow a rodent present in the underground passage (15) to enter the rodent diversion path (4).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an activatable rodent restraint device (18), said rodent restraint device comprising a concave element adapted to move up and down and configured to, in its lower position, restrain a rodent between the bottom of the rodent killing zone (5) and the inner cavity of the concave element and/or an activatable claw, wherein the rodent restraint device (18) is activated in response to the rodent detector (14) detecting a rodent in the rodent killing zone (5).

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a connection (11) for emptying the dead rodent container (8) for fluid and dead rodents.

11. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an excess fluid container (9) and an overflow connection (12) which fluidly connects the inner volume of the killed rodent container (8) and the excess fluid container (9), said overflow connection (12) is provided in the killed rodent container (8) at a position remote from a lower position of the inner volume of the killed rodent container (8).

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises a connection for emptying the excess fluid container (10) of fluid.

13. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rodent is selected from the group consisting of rats, mice.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, where the killed-rodent container (8) and, depending on claim 12, the excess fluid container (9) are arranged to contain brine, without essentially being exposed to corrosion.

DK 181166 B1 25

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sprinkling device (22), said sprinkling device comprising one or more sprinklers (23) arranged at an upper end of the killed rodent container (8) to sprinkle fluid downwards in the killed rodent container (8), the one or more sprinklers (23) preferably being in fluid communication with the excess fluid container (9) through a pump to pump fluid contained in the excess fluid container (9) out through the one or more sprinklers ( 23).

16. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising cleaning device (26), said cleaning device (26) comprising one or more cleaning fluid outlets (28) arranged at an upper end of the killed rodent container (8) in order to discharge cleaning fluid in a horizontal direction, or in a direction with a horizontal direction, said one or more cleaning fluid outlets (28) being arranged to apply cleaning fluid to the inside of vertically extending walls of the killed rodent container (8), preferably by applying the cleaning fluid in the tangential direction of said insides of the vertically extending walls, said cleaning fluid outlet (28) being fluidically connected to a cleaning fluid inlet (29) arranged accessible from the outside of the rodent killing device.

17. Device according to claim 16, where the cleaning device (26) further comprises a deflection device (27) arranged at said upper end of the killed rodent container (8) and with a surface facing said one or more cleaning fluid outlets (28) in order to deflect the cleaning fluid from flowing in an inward direction.

Device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a rodent guide device (30) comprising a bounding wall section defining a concave volume (31) viewed from the inside of said volume, which extends in a longitudinal direction and at both ends have connections (34) arranged to connect the rodent guide device (30) with pipes, such as pipes which are part of a downpipe device, the rodent guide device (30) opposite the delimiting wall section comprising a rodent exit passage (37), said passage extending meandering with a first paragraph (38) of the passage,

DK 181166 B1 26 which extends obliquely away and upwards from the concave volume (31), and with a second section (39) which extends in a downward direction and which is configured to prevent a rodent from turning around and move upwards through the second section, where the first section (38) includes one or more gib members that a rodent can grasp and move through the first section, where the rodent guide outlet (35) is connected to the rodent inlet (2).

19. Device according to claim 18, where the one or more gripping elements (32) comprise a staircase and/or a net.

20. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one-way entrance door (3) and/or the one-way exit door (6) comprises o a door comprising a flap (42), e a hinge at an upper end of the flap (42) configured to connecting the flap (42) rotatably to the pipe to rotate between a first position where the flap (42) is oriented vertically to close a passage and a second position where the flap (42) is oriented horizontally to open a passage, e a counterweight (41) fixedly connected to the flap (42), said counterweight (41) comprising an element which extends outside a vertical plane defined by the flap, which is positioned vertically to bias the flap to its vertical position via gravity , said counterweight is arranged to allow a rodent to push the flap (42) when it is in the closed position to bring the flap (42) at least towards the open position thereof.

21. Device according to claim 20, further comprising a retention device which only allows a rodent to pass in one direction when the door is installed in a pipe system, the door comprising a flap (42) retention device (44), such as an electromagnet, arranged to maintain the flap in its closed position when a rodent pushes the flap in its closed position.