EP3054769A1 - Dispositif de surveillance, et système et procédé pour surveiller l'état d'un piège pour animaux indésirables - Google Patents

Dispositif de surveillance, et système et procédé pour surveiller l'état d'un piège pour animaux indésirables

Info

Publication number
EP3054769A1
EP3054769A1 EP14793311.3A EP14793311A EP3054769A1 EP 3054769 A1 EP3054769 A1 EP 3054769A1 EP 14793311 A EP14793311 A EP 14793311A EP 3054769 A1 EP3054769 A1 EP 3054769A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
monitoring device
trap
engagement member
alert signal
detecting means
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP14793311.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Francis Joseph Anderson
Trevor John HAYDEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Traptec Ltd
Original Assignee
Traptec Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Traptec Ltd filed Critical Traptec Ltd
Publication of EP3054769A1 publication Critical patent/EP3054769A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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
    • A01M23/00—Traps for animals
    • A01M23/24—Spring traps, e.g. jaw or like spring traps
    • 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
    • A01M23/00—Traps for animals
    • A01M23/24—Spring traps, e.g. jaw or like spring traps
    • A01M23/245—Auxiliary devices for spring traps, e.g. attaching systems
    • 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
    • A01M23/00—Traps for animals
    • A01M23/24—Spring traps, e.g. jaw or like spring traps
    • A01M23/30—Break-back traps, i.e. mouse-trap type
    • 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

Definitions

  • a monitoring device a system and a method
  • the present invention relates to a monitoring device for monitoring the status of a trap for vermin and other animals, and in particular, though not limited to a monitoring device for monitoring the status of a trap for rodents, for example, a mousetrap, a rat trap or the like.
  • the invention also relates to a system and to a method for monitoring the status of a trap for vermin and other animals.
  • Traps of the spring loaded type for trapping vermin for example, rodents such as rats, mice and the like are in common usage.
  • Such traps in general, comprise a base element, a portion of which forms a lower jaw of the trap.
  • An upper jaw typically is formed by an upper member which is pivotally coupled to the base element, so that the upper jaw is pivotally moveable from a set or open state spaced apart above the lower jaw and a sprung state with the jaws gripping a rodent therebetween.
  • the pivotal member which forms the upper jaw is generally spring urged into engagement with the lower jaw.
  • appropriate bait is placed on the base element inwardly of the lower jaw, and the upper jaw is urged against the spring urging into the set or open state spaced apart from the lower jaw.
  • the baited set trap is then placed on a floor or other surface to await the arrival of a rodent.
  • the rodent On the rodent attempting to take the bait, the rodent trips the set upper jaw, with the result that the upper jaw is spring urged towards the lower jaw to trap the rodent between the two jaws.
  • Such traps are commonly laid in locations where hygiene is of utmost priority, for example, in factories producing foodstuffs and drinks, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, restaurants and the like. Since it is undesirable to leave a sprung trap with a rodent entrapped therein for any length of time, it is a statutory requirement in many jurisdictions that all such traps must be inspected at twenty-four-hourly intervals.
  • such traps are set and laid by service companies, which provide a rodent control, catching and trapping service.
  • the operating bases of such service companies may be quite some distance from the client companies, and indeed, it is not unusual for such rodent control service companies to operate within a radius of 50km or more from their base. Accordingly, the requirement of a twenty-four-hour inspection of all such rodent traps requires considerable travelling by inspectors, which is particularly time consuming. Indeed, in many cases it is not unusual during inspections to find traps which are still in their set state. Accordingly, many journeys carried out by inspectors of such rodent traps are largely unnecessary, since no rodents have been trapped. However, since there is always a possibility of a rodent being trapped, all such traps must still be inspected at twenty-four-hourly intervals.
  • the present invention is directed towards providing such a device, a system and a method.
  • a monitoring device for monitoring the status of a trap for vermin or other animals, the device comprising a detecting means for detecting movement of the trap or a part thereof and for producing an electrical alert signal in response to movement of the trap or a part thereof, and a transmitting means for transmitting the alert signal.
  • the detecting means is configured to detect movement of the trap or a part thereof resulting from springing of the trap.
  • the detecting means is configured to detect weight, and the detecting means is responsive to a change in the effective weight of the trap.
  • the detecting means is responsive to a reduction in the effective weight of the trap.
  • a co-operating means co-operating with the detecting means is provided for transferring the effective weight of the trap to the detecting means.
  • the detecting means comprises a bi-state detecting means sequentially operable in a first state and a second state.
  • an engagement member engageable with the trap and co-operable with the detecting means is provided for changing the state of the detecting means from one of the first state and the second state to the other one of the first state and the second state in response to movement of the trap or a part thereof.
  • the engagement member is resiliently urged into engagement with the trap.
  • the monitoring device comprises a housing.
  • the detecting means is responsive to movement of the trap or a part thereof relative to the housing to produce the alert signal.
  • the housing comprises a support element.
  • the support element is configured to support the trap thereon.
  • the support element comprises a top portion of the housing having a generally upwardly facing surface forming a support surface of the support element and configured to engage an underside of the trap.
  • at least one first locating element is provided on the housing for locating the trap on the upwardly facing surface of the support element with a portion of the trap engaging the engagement member
  • a plurality of first locating elements are provided on the housing.
  • the engagement member extends through the housing for engaging the trap.
  • the engagement member is configured to engage an underside of the trap.
  • the engagement member is configured to engage a side portion of the trap.
  • the engagement member is moveable relative to the detecting means in response to movement of the trap or a part thereof for altering the state of the detecting means from the one of the first and second states to the other one of the first and second states.
  • the detecting means is held in the one of the first and second state by the engagement member in response to engagement of the engagement member by the trap.
  • the engagement member is disengageable from the detecting means in response to movement of the trap or a part thereof, and the detecting means operates from the one of the first and second states to the other one of the first and second states in response to disengagement of the detecting means by the engagement member.
  • a retaining element is provided, the retaining element being engageable with the engagement member for retaining the engagement member in engagement with the detecting means, the retaining element being configurable to detect movement of a moveable part of the trap, and being disengageable from the engagement member in response to movement of the moveable part of the trap.
  • the retaining element is retained in releasable engagement with the engagement member until movement of the moveable part of the trap occurs.
  • the retaining element is retained in engagement with the engagement member by a releasable securing means.
  • the releasable securing means comprises a magnet.
  • the retaining element comprises a retaining plate.
  • At least one second locating means extending from the housing is engageable with the retaining element for locating the retaining element on the housing engageable with the engagement member.
  • each second locating element comprises one of a pair of interengageable complementary formations, the other one of the interengageable complementary formations being formed on the retaining element.
  • the retaining element is configured for connecting to the moveable part of the trap.
  • the detecting means comprises a bi-state switch element.
  • the bi-state switch element comprises a mono-stable switch element.
  • the detecting means comprises a micro-switch.
  • the transmitting means comprises a wireless transmitter.
  • the transmitting means is configured to transmit the alert signal at a radio wave frequency.
  • the transmitting means is configured to transmit an identifying code identifying the monitoring device.
  • the identifying code is selectable.
  • a plurality of identifying code generating switches are provided to allow selection of an N-bit identifying code, where N is the number of identifying code generating switches.
  • the identifying code generating switches are located in the housing.
  • the transmitting means is configured to transmit the identifying code identifying the monitoring device along with the alert sign
  • the transmitting means of the monitoring device is configured to transmit the alert signal for a predefined time period after detection of movement of the trap or a part thereof.
  • the predefined time period during which the alert signal is transmitted by the transmitting means is less than one second.
  • the predefined time period during which the alert signal is transmitted by the transmitting means is less than 100 milliseconds.
  • the predefined time period during which the alert signal is transmitted by the transmitting means is less than 10 milliseconds.
  • the transmitting means is configured to transmit the alert signal for the predefined time period at first predefined time intervals.
  • the first predefined time interval lies in the range of 1 second to 10 seconds.
  • the first predefined time interval lies in the range of 3 seconds to 5 seconds.
  • the first predefined time interval is approximately 4 seconds.
  • the transmitting means is configured to transmit a predefined signal at first predefined time intervals.
  • the transmitting means is configured to transmit the identifying code of the monitoring device along with the predefined signal.
  • each second predefined time interval is of duration lying in the range of 12 hours to 36 hours.
  • each second predefined time interval is of duration of approximately 24 hours.
  • the transmitting means comprises a short range transmitter.
  • the range of the transmitting means lies in the range of 15 metres to 100 metres.
  • the range of the transmitting means lies in the range of 25 metres to 75 metres.
  • the range of the transmitting means is approximately 50 metres.
  • the transmitting means is located in the housing.
  • the monitoring device comprises a trap mounted thereon.
  • the invention provides a system for monitoring the status of at least one trap for vermin or other animals, the system comprising one of the monitoring devices according to the invention for each trap, and a central communications apparatus comprising a wireless receiver for receiving the alert signal from the at least one monitoring device.
  • an indicating means is provided in the central communications apparatus, the indicating means being responsive to a received transmitted alert signal for indicating reception of the alert signal by the wireless receiver.
  • the indicating means comprises a means for producing a human sensory perceptible signal.
  • the indicating means comprises a light source for producing light.
  • the indicating means comprises a sound producing element for producing an aurally perceptible sound.
  • the indicating means comprises a sound generator.
  • a communications module in the central communications apparatus for communicating with a remote computer or a mobile telephone via a telecommunications network for alerting to the reception of the alert signal from the at least one monitoring devices by the wireless receiver.
  • a microphone is located in the central communications apparatus, the microphone being coupled to the communications module in order to permit a maker of a telephone call to the communications module to listen to the sound produced by the indicating means.
  • the communications module is responsive to reception by the wireless receiver of the alert signal from the at least one monitoring device for transmitting a predefined text message to the remote computer or the mobile telephone.
  • the central communications apparatus comprises a signal processor for reading signals received by the wireless receiver, and for controlling operation of the communications module in response to signals received by the wireless receiver.
  • the signal processor is responsive to the absence of the predefined signal at the end of any one of the second predefined time intervals for operating the communications module to transmit a signal indicating the absence of the predefined signal at the end of the one of the second predefined time intervals.
  • the signal processor is configured to operate the communications module to send a text message indicative of the absence of one of the predefined signals at the end of one of the second predefined time intervals.
  • the communications module is configured to transmit each text message in a GSM protocol.
  • each message transmitted by the communications module is configured to contain one of the identifying code of the monitoring device from which the alert signal is received and an identifying code of the central communications apparatus.
  • the invention also provides a method for monitoring the status of a trap for vermin or other animals, the method comprising monitoring for movement of the trap or a part thereof, transmitting an alert signal in response to movement of the trap or a part thereof being detected.
  • a monitoring device according to the invention is provided for monitoring the trap for movement thereof or for movement of a part thereof.
  • a central communications apparatus for receiving the alert signal transmitted by the monitoring device, and for transmitting a text message via a telecommunications network for reception by a computer or a mobile telephone, the text message comprising data indicating the reception by the central communications apparatus of the alert signal from the monitoring device.
  • the advantages of the monitoring device according to the invention are many.
  • the monitoring device according to the invention avoids the need for regular inspections of traps, and indeed, such traps need only be visited when a rodent or other animal has been caught in the trap, since the alert signal produced by the monitoring device in response to a trap being sprung can be used to notify a remote office of a service company which services the traps that the trap has been sprung.
  • the existence of the alert signal from the monitoring device may be relayed to the office of the service company servicing the traps by a text message.
  • a person in a house or premises in which a monitoring device associated with a trap has produced an alert signal may advise the service company servicing the trap of the existence of the alert signal by a phone call, a text message, an e-mail or the like.
  • the monitoring device according to the invention in avoiding the need for routine inspections of traps at, for example, 24-hourly intervals, reduces the amount of driving an inspector must do in order to carry out such routine inspections, thus saving considerably on motor fuel and in turn reducing contamination of the environment, and also significantly saving on manpower and man hours required for carrying out such routine inspections.
  • a further advantage of the invention is that by providing a sound generator and a microphone in the central communications apparatus, the functionality of each monitoring device can be readily determined by a person setting up the system 4 by merely setting up a phone call to the communications module of the central communications apparatus in order to listen for the sound produced by the sound generator when a mousetrap or a rat trap is disengaged from the corresponding monitoring device.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a monitoring device according to the invention for monitoring the status of a trap for vermin
  • Fig. 2 is a partly cutaway perspective view of the monitoring device of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the monitoring device of Fig. 1 with a portion of the device removed,
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the monitoring device of Fig. 1 illustrated in combination with a vermin trap
  • Fig. 5 is a partly cutaway perspective view of the monitoring device of Fig. 1 in combination with the vermin trap of Fig. 4
  • Fig. 6 is a block representation of circuitry of the monitoring device of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 7 is a block representation of a system according to the invention comprising a plurality of the monitoring devices of Fig. 1 ,
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a central communications apparatus of the system of Fig. 7,
  • Fig. 9 is a block representation of the central communications apparatus of Fig. 8,
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the monitoring device of Fig. 1 illustrated in combination with another type of vermin trap,
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a monitoring device according to another embodiment of the invention for monitoring the status of a trap for vermin,
  • Figs. 12(a) and (b) are side elevational and perspective views, respectively, of a detail of the monitoring device of Fig. 11 ,
  • Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the monitoring device of Fig. 11 illustrating a mousetrap in block representation located in the monitoring device,
  • Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of the monitoring device of Fig. 11 with a mousetrap illustrated in block representation mounted on the monitoring device,
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a detail of the monitoring device of Fig. 11 .
  • Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the device of Fig. 15 of the monitoring device of Fig. 11 ,
  • Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional end elevational view of the monitoring device of Fig. 11 with a rat trap illustrated in block representation located thereon,
  • Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 15 illustrated as it would be in use in the monitoring device of Fig. 11 with the rat trap mounted thereon,
  • Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the monitoring device of Figs. 1 to 6 illustrated for use with a cage type trap, and
  • Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the monitoring device of Fig. 1 illustrated in use with a cage type trap.
  • a monitoring device for monitoring the status of a trap for vermin, in this embodiment of the invention for monitoring the status of a mousetrap, indicated generally by the reference numeral 2, or a rat trap 71 as will be described below with reference to Fig. 10.
  • the monitoring device 1 as will be described in detail below, is provided for supporting the mousetrap 2 thereon, the status of which is to be monitored.
  • the monitoring device 1 in combination with the trap 2 supported thereon forms a combination, indicated generally by the reference numeral 3, also according to the invention.
  • the monitoring device 1 may be used in a system also according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 4, which is illustrated in Fig. 7, which comprises a plurality of the monitoring devices 1 for monitoring the status of respective ones of mouse and/or rat traps 2 and/or 71.
  • the system 4 is described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 7.
  • the mousetrap 2 comprises a base element 5 which defines a lower jaw 6.
  • An upper member 7 is pivotally coupled to the base element 5 by a pivot shaft 9, and forms an upper jaw 10.
  • a torsion spring (not shown) on the pivot shaft 9 acting between the base element 5 and the upper member 7 urges the upper member 7 towards the base element 5 in the direction of the arrow A, for in turn urging the upper jaw 10 from a set or open state (not shown) with the upper jaw 10 spaced apart above the lower jaw 6 to a sprung state illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5 for trapping a mouse between the lower jaw 6 and the upper jaw 10.
  • a bait platform (not shown) is located in an area 11 inside the lower jaw 6 in the trap 2, on which bait is placed when the upper jaw 10 is being set.
  • the bait platform (not shown) co-operates with the upper member 7, so that when a mouse attempts to take the bait, the upper member 7 is released from the set state to spring the mousetrap 2.
  • Such mousetraps as the mousetrap 2 will be well known to those skilled in the art, and are generally formed from a rigid plastics material by injection moulding.
  • the monitoring device 1 comprises a housing 15 having a base 16 and an upper one-piece cover 17 on which the mousetrap 2 is supported.
  • the base 16 and the cover 17 both of plastics material together define a hollow interior region 18.
  • a detecting means for detecting when the mousetrap 2 has transitioned from the set state to the sprung state comprises a switch element, which in this embodiment of the invention comprises a mono-stable, bi-state, normally closed circuit micro-switch
  • An actuator arm 20 of the micro-switch 19 is engageable by an engagement member 23.
  • the engagement member 23 is slideably mounted in an opening 26 in the cover 17, and terminates at its upper end in an abutment element 25 extending externally of the cover 17 through the opening 26 for engaging the mousetrap 2 on an underside 27 thereof when the mousetrap 2 is supported on the cover 17 for in turn detecting movement of the mousetrap 2 relative to the housing 15.
  • the torsion spring (not shown) in such mousetraps as the mousetrap 2 is sufficiently strong that on springing of the mousetrap 2 from the set state to the sprung state with a rodent trapped therein, the mousetrap 2 is urged upwardly from the housing 15, and thus disengages the engagement member 23, thereby indicating springing of the mousetrap from the set state to the sprung state.
  • the actuator arm 20 of the micro-switch 19 is pivotally coupled to the micro-switch at 24, and is spring urged about the pivot 24 in the direction of the arrow B for holding the micro-switch 19 in its normally closed circuit first state.
  • the spring urging of the actuator arm 20 in the direction of the arrow B urges the actuator arm 20 into engagement with the engagement member 23.
  • the spring urging of the actuator arm 20 in the direction of the arrow B is insufficient to support the weight of the mousetrap 2, and when the mousetrap 2 is supported on the cover 17 in engagement with the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23, the weight of the mousetrap 2 is sufficient to overcome the spring urging of the actuator arm 20 in the direction of the arrow B, and the engagement member 23 is depressed downwardly into the housing 15, with the abutment element 25 thereof flush with the cover 17.
  • the engagement member 23 with the abutment element 25 is of length such that when depressed downwardly into the housing 15 by the mousetrap 2 with the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23 flush with the cover 17, the engagement member 23 is urged into engagement with the actuator arm 20, and in turn urges the actuator arm 20 about the pivot 24 in the direction of the arrow C, to in turn retain the micro-switch 19 in an open circuit second state.
  • the mousetrap 2 On springing of the mousetrap 2, the mousetrap 2 rises from the cover 17 of the housing 15, thereby disengaging the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23, resulting in the engagement member 23 being urged upwardly by the spring urging of the actuator arm 20, and the micro-switch 19 transitioning from the open circuit second state to its normally closed circuit first state, in order to produce an alert signal, as will be described below, indicating springing of the mousetrap 2.
  • the monitoring device 1 detects springing of the mousetrap 2 by detecting movement of the mousetrap 2, which essentially is detected by detecting the effective weight of the mousetrap 2 bearing on the engagement member 23, and in turn bearing on the actuator arm 20 of the micro-switch 19.
  • a signal processing means namely, a microprocessor 41, which is located in the housing 15, and which is described in more detail below, reads the output of the micro-switch 19, in order to detect the state of the micro-switch 19 as will be described below, for in turn detecting the status of the mousetrap 2 and producing the alert signal.
  • a microprocessor 41 which is located in the housing 15, and which is described in more detail below, reads the output of the micro-switch 19, in order to detect the state of the micro-switch 19 as will be described below, for in turn detecting the status of the mousetrap 2 and producing the alert signal.
  • the cover 17 comprises a top wall 28, a pair of opposite side walls 29 extending downwardly therefrom, and a front wall 30 and a rear wall 31 extending downwardly from the top wall 28 joining the side walls 29.
  • a portion 33 of the top wall 28 inclines downwardly towards the front wall 30 and forms a support element 32 having a generally upwardly facing and downwardly inclined support surface 34, on which the mousetrap 2 is supported.
  • the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23 extends through the opening 26 into the support element 32 of the top wall 28.
  • a first locating means for locating the mousetrap 2 on the support element 32 comprises a plurality, in this embodiment of the invention three first locating elements 35, 36 and 37 extending upwardly from the support element 32 for locating a rear wall 40 of the base element 5 of the mousetrap 2 on the support element 32 with the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23 engaging the underside 27 of the rear wall 40 of the mousetrap 2.
  • the locating element 35 is adapted to engage an inner side of the rear wall 40 of the base element 5 of the mousetrap 2, while the locating elements 36 and 37 are adapted to engage an outer side of the rear wall 40 of the base element 5 of the mousetrap 2.
  • a pair of opposite side locating elements 43 formed in the top wall 28 also act as the first locating means for locating the mousetrap 2 on the support element 32.
  • the side locating elements 43 are spaced apart substantially the width of the base element 5 of the mousetrap 2, and engage opposite side walls 44 of the base element 5 of the mousetrap 2 for centrally locating the mousetrap 2 on the support element 32.
  • microprocessor 41 for determining the state of the micro-switch 19.
  • the microprocessor 41 determines that the engagement member 23 is no longer engaged by the mousetrap 2.
  • a transmitting means namely, a radio frequency wireless transmitter 46 located on the printed circuit board 38 is operated by the microprocessor 41 in response to the micro- switch 19 transitioning into the closed circuit first state for transmitting an alert signal indicative of the mousetrap 2 having been sprung.
  • the alert signal is stored in the microprocessor 41.
  • the microprocessor 41 when operating the transmitter 46 to transmit the alert signal, also operates the transmitter 46 to transmit an identifying code indicative of the identity of the monitoring device 1 along with the alert signal.
  • a bank 48 of twelve bi-state switches 49 located on the base 16 within the hollow interior region 18 of the housing 15 are configured as bits of a 12-bit code which forms the identifying code of the monitoring device 1.
  • the switches 49 of the bank 48 switches the power supply from the battery 45 to produce the 12-bit identifying code.
  • the identifying code is pre-selected by setting the switches 49 of the bank 48 of the switches.
  • the microprocessor 41 reads the code from the bank 48 of the switches 49, and operates the transmitter 46 to transmit the identity code along with the alert signal.
  • the microprocessor 41 is programmed to operate the transmitter 46 to transmit the alert signal and the identifying code for a first predefined time period of the order of 100 milliseconds on detecting transitioning of the micro-switch 19 into the closed circuit first state and periodically at first predefined time intervals of approximately five seconds each for the first predefined time periods of 100 milliseconds.
  • the durations of the first predefined time period and the first predefined time interval will be set depending on local conditions, and may be greater or less than 100 milliseconds and 5 seconds, respectively.
  • the microprocessor 41 of the monitoring device 1 is also programmed that at second predefined time intervals the transmitter 46 of the monitoring device 1 is operated to transmit a predefined signal, which in this case includes the identifying code of the monitoring device 1 as a heartbeat signal for reception by a central communications apparatus 50 which will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9 to confirm that the monitoring device 1 is still functional.
  • the second predefined time intervals at which the heartbeat signal is transmitted by the monitoring device 1 is a 24-hour time interval. Thus, at the end of every 24-hour time period, the monitoring devices transmit the heartbeat signal.
  • the transmitter 46 of the monitoring device 1 has a relatively short transmission range in order to minimise power consumption from the battery 45. In this embodiment of the invention the transmission range of the radio transmitter 46 is approximately 75 metres.
  • the system 4 comprises a plurality of the monitoring devices 1 , on which respective corresponding mousetraps 2 are supported.
  • the system 4 also comprises a central communications apparatus 50 for receiving alert signals transmitted by the respective monitoring devices 1 in response to a corresponding mousetrap 2 being sprung, and for relaying the alert signal to a central control station 51 , which typically would be located in an office of a service provider which services the mousetraps 2.
  • the apparatus 50 comprises a housing 53 of plastics material within which a signal processor, in this case a microprocessor 54 is located on a printed circuit board 55 for controlling operation of the apparatus 50.
  • a radio receiver 56 also located on the printed circuit board 55 receives transmitted alert signals, together with the identifying code of the monitoring devices 1 from the respective monitoring devices 1.
  • a radio transmitter 57 is located on the printed circuit board 55 for purposes which will be described below.
  • An indicating means in this case a sound generator, in this case a buzzer 58 also located on the printed circuit board 55 is operated under the control of the microprocessor 54, so that on an alert signal being received by the radio receiver 56, the microprocessor 54 operates the buzzer 54 for a predefined time period, in this embodiment of the invention approximately two seconds to give an aural indication of the receipt by the apparatus 50 of one of the alert signals.
  • the indicating means also comprises a light emitting diode 59 mounted on the housing 53 is also operated under the control of the microprocessor 54. The light emitting diode 59 is powered up by the microprocessor 54 on an alert signal being received by the apparatus 50. The microprocessor 54 retains the light emitting diode 59 powered up until it is reset by an operator having removed the vermin trapped in the mousetrap 2, which triggered the corresponding monitoring device 1 to transmit the alert signal.
  • a communicating means comprising a communications module 60 is also located in the housing 53 for communicating the apparatus 50 with a telecommunications network, typically, a mobile phone telecommunications network.
  • the communications module 60 comprises a microprocessor 61 which is mounted on a printed circuit board 52 located in the housing 53.
  • the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60 communicates with the microprocessor 54 through a cable 42 which is connected to the printed circuit board 52 through a socket 63, and is connected to the printed circuit board 55 through a socket 47.
  • the communications module 60 comprises a GSM module 64 and a SIM card 65.
  • the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60 stores a predefined alert text message which indicates receipt by the central communications apparatus 50 of an alert signal from one of the monitoring devices 1.
  • the microprocessor 54 determines the receipt by the radio receiver 56 of an alert signal, the microprocessor 54 communicates with the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60, and instructs the microprocessor 61 to operate the GSM module 64 and the SIM card 65 to transmit the predefined stored alert text message indicating the presence of the alert signal to one or more predefined telephone numbers stored in the SIM card 65.
  • the stored telephone numbers may be one or more telephone numbers of mobile phones of authorised persons of the vermin control service provider or of a modem into which a computer 66 would be connected in the central control station 51.
  • the microprocessor 61 through the GSM module 64 and the SIM card 65 dials up the relevant telephone numbers and transmits the predefined alert text message.
  • an operator can be dispatched to the site of the system 4 to remove the trapped mouse from the relevant mousetrap 2.
  • the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60 is programmed to operate the GSM module 64 and the SIM card 65 to transmit a system heartbeat signal, which identifies the central communications apparatus 50, to the telephone numbers stored in the SIM card 65 at system predefined time intervals of approximately 24 hours, although the system predefined time intervals may be any intervals ranging from 12 hours to 36 hours.
  • the system heartbeat signal is transmitted to indicate that the system 4 is operational. On a system heartbeat not being received from the central communications apparatus 50 at the end of one of the system predefined time intervals, thus indicating that the system 4 is no longer operational, appropriate action may be taken.
  • the microprocessor 54 of the central control apparatus 50 is also programmed to operate the transmitter 57 to transmit an apparatus heartbeat signal at apparatus predefined time intervals which typically are approximately three-hourly intervals, although the apparatus predefined time intervals may vary from as little as one hour to up to ten hours. It is envisaged that in large buildings a number of systems 4 will be located in the building, and each system 4 will comprise a plurality of monitoring devices for the respective mousetraps and a central communications apparatus 50. However, in order to save costs, each central communications apparatus 50 will not be provided with a communications module 60. Only one of the central communications apparatus 20 of a plurality of the systems 4 will be provided with a
  • the other central communications apparatus 50 will communicate with the central communications apparatus 50 which comprises the communications module 60 through the radio transmitter 57 of those central communications apparatus 50 and the receiver 56 of the central communications apparatus 50 which comprises the communications module 60.
  • the microprocessor 54 of that central communications apparatus 50 When one of the central communications apparatus 50 which does not include a communications module 60 receives an alert signal from one of its monitoring devices 1 of that system 4, the microprocessor 54 of that central communications apparatus 50 operates its transmitter 57 to transmit the alert signal which is received by the central communications apparatus 50 which comprises the communications module 60.
  • the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50 which comprises the communications module 60 communicates with the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60 and instructs the microprocessor 61 to transmit the alert signal, which is transmitted to the telephone numbers stored in the SIM card 65.
  • the microprocessors 54 of the central communications apparatus 50 may also be programmed to listen for alert signals from other ones of the central communications apparatus 50, and on receipt of an alert signal, to retransmit that alert signal through its transmitter 57, so that the retransmitted alert signal would be picked up by the central communications apparatus 50 which comprises the communications module 60.
  • the microprocessor 54 of each of the central communications apparatus 50 may be programmed to operate the transmitter 57 to transmit the apparatus heartbeat signal at the apparatus predefined time intervals for receipt by the central communications apparatus 50 which comprises the communications module 60.
  • the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50 On failure to receive any one of the apparatus heartbeat signals at the end of the relevant apparatus predefined time interval, the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50, which comprises the communications module 60, would be programmed to instruct the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60 to transmit a signal to the telephone number stored in the SIM card 65 indicating failure of one of the communications apparatus 50.
  • microprocessors 54 of the communications apparatus 50 which do not include a communications module 60, would be programmed to listen for apparatus heartbeat signals transmitted by other ones of the central communications apparatus 50 and to retransmit those apparatus heartbeat signals for reception by the central communications apparatus 50 which includes the microprocessor 60.
  • a microphone 67 is also provided in the communications module 60 for picking up a sound produced by the buzzer 58. This allows an operator who is setting up mousetraps 2 on the respective monitoring devices 1 to check that the monitoring devices 1 , when supporting the mousetraps 2 are fully functional.
  • an operator with a mobile phone dials the number of the communications module 60. With the telephone call set up between the mobile phone of the operator and the communications module 60, the operator removes the mousetrap 2 from the monitoring device 1 in order to simulate springing of the mousetrap 2.
  • the monitoring device 1 should transmit an alert signal, which is then received by the radio receiver 56 of the central communications apparatus 50.
  • the microprocessor 54 of the apparatus 50 on receipt of the alert signal operates the buzzer 58, the sound of which is then picked up by the microphone 67. The operator thus hears the buzzer through the telephone call which has been set up between the mobile phone of the operator and the communications module 60, thus confirming that the monitoring device 1 is fully functional.
  • a step down mains transformer 68 located in the housing 53 steps down an AC mains supply to a suitable voltage which is applied to a regulated power supply 69 which is also located in the housing 53.
  • the regulated power supply 69 is connected to the printed circuit board 55 for powering the microprocessor 54, the radio receiver 56, the buzzer 58 and the light emitting diode 59.
  • the communications module 60 of the central communications apparatus 50 is powered by the regulated power supply 69.
  • a battery back-up 62 maintains power to the regulated power supply 69 in the event of an AC mains failure.
  • the communications module 60 is connected to the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50 through the cable 42.
  • the central communications apparatus 50 may be provided without the communications module 60, and in which case, the central communications apparatus 50 would be periodically checked by an operator on the site of the system 4 to ascertain if an alert signal had been received by the central communications apparatus 50.
  • the operator would merely inspect the light emitting diode 59, and if the light emitting diode was powered up, indicating receipt of an alert signal from one of the monitoring devices 1, the operator could then either remove the trapped animal from the relevant mousetrap, or alternatively, could contact the vermin control service provider by phone, e-mail or otherwise requesting that an operator be dispatched to remove the trapped mouse.
  • central communications apparatus 50 is not provided with a communications module 60
  • one of the communications modules 60 would be plugged into the central communications apparatus 50 to communicate with the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50.
  • the communications module 60 On completion of setting up of the system 4, the communications module 60 would be disconnected and removed from the central communications apparatus 50.
  • the alert signal would then be produced by powering up the light emitting diode 59, and could also be produced by powering the buzzer 58, although in many cases it is envisaged that the alert signal may be produced by powering up the light emitting diode 59 either continuously or intermittently to flash on and off.
  • a visual display may be provided on the housing 53 which would indicate the precise monitoring device 1 from which the alert signal was received.
  • the microprocessor 54 in the central communications apparatus 50 would be programmed to display the identifying code of the monitoring device from which the alert signal was received on the visual display.
  • the microprocessor 54 of the apparatus 50 may be provided with a look-up table which would cross-reference the identity codes of the monitoring devices, with the identity of the locations in the particular building in which the respective monitoring devices are located, and the microprocessor 54 of the apparatus 50 would then instead of displaying the identifying code of the relevant monitoring device, would display the identity of the location in the building at which the relevant monitoring device 1 is located.
  • the central communications apparatus 50 In use, where it is desired to set a number of mousetraps 2 in a building, the central communications apparatus 50 is located in a central position in the building so that it will be within the transmission range of the monitoring devices, and the central communications apparatus 50 is then connected into a mains power supply, and powered up.
  • the monitoring devices 1 are then placed in the locations at which the mousetraps 2 are to be located.
  • the mousetraps 2 are then placed on the monitoring devices 1.
  • the operator placing the mousetraps 2 on the monitoring devices 1 sets up a telephone call from his or her mobile phone to the communications module 60 of the central communications apparatus 50.
  • the functionality of the monitoring device 1 is then tested as described above by initially placing the mousetrap 2 on the monitoring device 1 , and then removing the mousetrap from the monitoring device 1, thus simulating springing of the mousetrap 2.
  • the removal of the mousetrap 2 from the monitoring device 1 results in an alert signal being transmitted by the monitoring device 1 which is received by the central communications apparatus 50, thus resulting in the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50 activating the buzzer 58.
  • the sound of the buzzer 58 is picked up by the microphone 67 of the communications module 60.
  • the operator can confirm that the monitoring device 1 is fully functional, and the mousetrap 2 is replaced on the monitoring device 1 with the mousetrap 2 depressing the engagement member 23 into the housing 15 of the monitoring device 1.
  • the mousetrap 2 is then baited and set.
  • the system 4 is set up and is ready for use.
  • the monitoring devices 1 of the system 4 at the end of each second predefined time interval of 24 hours transmits its identification code as a heartbeat signal.
  • the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50 monitors for the heartbeat signals, and once the heartbeat signals from all the monitoring devices 1 have been received at the appropriate times, no action is taken. However, in the absence of a heartbeat signal from any one of the monitoring devices 1 , the microprocessor 54 of the central communications apparatus 50 is programmed to communicate with the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60, and instructs the microprocessor 61 to operate the GSM module 64 and the SIM card 65 to output a predefined text message to the telephone numbers stored in the SIM card 65 indicating the failure of one of the monitoring devices 1.
  • the predefined text message indicating failure of one of the monitoring devices 1 is stored in the microprocessor 54.
  • the corresponding monitoring device 1 transmits the alert signal which is received by the radio receiver 56 of the central communications apparatus 50, and the microprocessor 54 activates the buzzer 58 to produce a sound signal, and powers up the light emitting diode 59.
  • the microprocessor 54 communicates with the microprocessor 61 of the communications module 60 instructing the microprocessor 61 to operate the GSM module 64 and the SIM card 65 to output a text message indicating the presence of an alert signal to the telephone numbers stored in the SIM card 65.
  • the monitoring device 1 is illustrated in a combination also according to the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, with a rat trap 71.
  • the rat trap 71 is substantially similar to the mousetrap 2 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • the main difference between the rat trap 71 and the mousetrap 2 is in the sizes of the two traps, and the strength of the torsion spring (not shown) which urges the upper jaw 10 from the set state to the sprung state.
  • the base element 5 of the rat trap 71 is both wider and longer than the base element 5 of the mousetrap 2.
  • the rear wall 40 of the rat trap 71 is engaged and located on the device 1 by the first locating elements 35, 36 and 37 in a similar manner as the first locating elements 35, 36 and 37 locate the rear wall 40 of the mousetrap 2.
  • the rat trap 71 is substantially the width of the support element 32, which is formed in the top wall 28 of the housing 15, and in order to locate the rat trap 71 centrally on the top wall 28 of the housing 15, second locating elements 73 extending upwardly from the top wall 28 of the housing 15 engage the inner sides of the respective side walls 44 of the rat trap 71.
  • use of the monitoring device 1 with the rat trap 71 is similar to its use with the mousetrap 2 as described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6, and in this case the top wall 28 forms the support element over substantially its entire width for supporting the rat trap 71 thereon.
  • a monitoring device for use in conjunction with the central communications apparatus of the system 4 described with reference to Fig. 9, for monitoring the status of a rodent trap.
  • the monitoring device 1 is suitable for monitoring the status of a mousetrap 2 and a rat trap 71 , both of which are illustrated in block representation only, the mousetrap 2 being illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, and the rat trap 71 being illustrated in Fig. 17, and both are similar to the mousetrap 2 and the rat trap 71 of Figs. 1 to 10, respectively.
  • the monitoring device 80 comprises a housing 84 and a base element 85 extending from the housing 84 for supporting either the mousetrap 2 or the rat trap 71 thereon.
  • the housing 84 defines a hollow interior region 86 within which a micro-switch 88 is located.
  • the micro-switch 88 is substantially similar to the micro-switch 19 of the monitoring device 1.
  • the micro-switch 88 is mounted on a printed circuit board 90 located in the hollow interior region 86.
  • An engagement member 91 extends from the hollow interior region 86 through a bore 92 in a front wall 93 of the housing 84 and is slideably mounted in the bore 92.
  • the engagement member 91 is engageable with an actuator arm (not shown) of the micro-switch 88, and a distal end 94 of the engagement member 91 forms an abutment end of the engagement member 91 , which extends externally of the housing 84 for engaging a rear end wall 95 of either the mousetrap 2 or the rat trap 71 when located on the base element 85.
  • the rear end wall 95 engages the distal end 94 of the engagement member 91 , thus urging the engagement member 91 into the hollow interior region 86 of the housing 84 for in turn retaining the micro-switch 88 in the open circuit second state.
  • the engagement member 91 On disengagement of the engagement member 91 by the mousetrap 2 or rat trap 71 , the engagement member 91 under the spring action of the actuator arm (not shown) of the micro-switch 88 is urged outwardly of the hollow interior region 86, and the micro-switch 88 transitions into its normally closed circuit first state, thereby producing an alarm signal, which is read by a microprocessor 41 similar to the microprocessor 41 of the monitoring device 1.
  • the microprocessor 41 is mounted on the printed circuit board 90, as is a transmitter 46, which is similar to the transmitter 46 of the monitoring device 1 , for transmitting the alert signal under the control of the microprocessor 41 for reception by the central communications apparatus 50.
  • a battery powers the signal processor 41 and the transmitter 46 on the printed circuit board 90, and also provides a voltage to the input of the micro-switch 88, and the switched output from the micro-switch 88 is read by the microprocessor 41.
  • first locating elements 98 are engageable with corresponding receiver bars 99 extending across corresponding first recesses 100 in the base element 85 adjacent respective opposite sides thereof, for centrally locating the mousetrap 2 or the rat trap 71 centrally on the base element 85.
  • Each first locating element 98 is cranked at 101 and comprises a locating member 102 extending from an engagement element 103.
  • Each receiver bar 99 is of substantially rectangular transverse cross-section, and the engagement elements 103 define an elongated engagement slot 104 which is engageable with the corresponding receiver bar 99 across its minimum dimension.
  • each first locating element 98 extends into the engagement element 103 from an engagement recess 105 located in the engagement element 103 adjacent the distal end thereof.
  • Each locating member 102 comprises a first engagement face 106 for engaging an outer surface of an adjacent side wall 108 of the mousetrap 2 when the mousetrap 2 is located on the base element 85 for centring the mousetrap 2 side to side on the base element 85, and when the first locating element 98 is engaged on the corresponding receiver bar 99 with the receiver bar 99 engaged in the engagement slot 104 of the engagement element 103, see Figs. 14 and 16.
  • each first locating element 98 defines a second engagement face 109 which is engageable with an outer surface of a corresponding side wall 108 of the rat trap 71 when each of the first locating elements 98 is engaged on the corresponding receiver bar 99 with the receiver bar 99 engaged by the engagement recess 105 of the engagement element 103 of the first locating element 98 for in turn centring the rat trap 71 side to side on the base element 85, see Figs. 17 and 18.
  • Second recesses 110 formed on respective opposite sides of the base element 85 accommodates the first locating elements 98 in the position illustrated in Fig. 17 for centring the rat trap 71 on the base element 85.
  • a second locating means in this embodiment of the invention a wedge-shaped second locating element 112 is engageable with either one of a first engagement opening 113 and a second engagement opening
  • the second locating element 112 defines a first face 115 for engaging a front end wall 117 of either the mousetrap 2 or the rat trap 71, and an inclined second face 118 engageable with a corresponding abutment edge 120 of the respective first and second openings 113 and 114 for urging the mousetrap 2 or the rat trap 71 located on the base element 85 into engagement with the engagement member 91 extending from the hollow interior region 86 of the housing 84 for in turn retaining the micro-switch 88 in the open circuit second state.
  • the second locating element 112 terminates at its lower end in a pair of downwardly extending clip elements 122 which are engageable in a corresponding retaining ring 124 for in turn retaining the second locating element 112 captive in the base element 85.
  • a transfer slot 126 extends between the first and second engagement openings 113 and 114, and the width W across the clip elements 122 is sufficiently small to permit the second locating element 112 to be urged through the transfer slot 126 between the first and second engagement openings 113 and 114, depending on whether a mousetrap 2 or a rat trap 71 is to be located on the base element 85 by the second locating element 112.
  • the force of the springing of the mousetrap causes the mousetrap to rise from the base element 85 and disengage the base element 85 and in turn the engagement member 91 , thereby allowing the micro-switch 88 to transition into the closed circuit first state.
  • the microprocessor 41 On the microprocessor 41 detecting the voltage on the output terminal of the micro-switch 88 indicating that the mousetrap 2 has been sprung, the microprocessor 41 operates the transmitter 46 for transmitting an alert signal indicating that the trap has been sprung and also for transmitting the identity code of the device 80 for reception by the central communications apparatus 50.
  • the operation of the monitoring device 80 and the transmission of the alert signal back to the central monitoring station 51 is similar to that described for the system 4 with reference to Figs. 7 to 9.
  • the first locating elements 98 are engaged with the receiver bars 99 with the receiver bars 99 engaged in the engagement recesses 105, so that the second engagement faces 109 of the locating members engage the respective side walls 108 of the rat trap 71.
  • the second locating element 112 is engaged in the second engagement opening 114 and is operated in a similar manner in the second engagement opening 114 as it is in the first engagement opening 113 for in turn locating and urging the rat trap 71 on the base element 85 with the rear end wall 95 of the rat trap 71 engaging the engagement member 91 and the front end wall 93 of the housing 84.
  • the monitoring device 1 of Figs. 1 to 6 is illustrated in use in conjunction with a cage type trap 140, typically of the type which would be used for trapping rats and larger animals such as foxes, badgers, and the like.
  • the monitoring device 1 is located on top of the cage trap 140, and a releasable retaining means provided by a releasable retaining element 141 of plastics material is provided for releasably retaining the micro-switch 19 in the open circuit second state until the cage trap 140 has been sprung.
  • the retaining element 141 is connected to a trapdoor 143 of the trap 140 by a ligature, in this embodiment of the invention a string 145 or a light, flexible wire.
  • the retaining element 141 comprises a plate 146 having a pair of spaced apart retaining fingers 147 extending therefrom for engaging the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23, and for urging and retaining the engagement member 23 depressed into the housing 15 with the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23 flush with the top wall 28.
  • a securing means namely, a permanent magnet 148 is mounted on the top wall 28 on the inner side thereof in the area defining the support element 32.
  • the permanent magnet 148 is co-operable with a disc 149 of magnetic material embedded in the plate 146 of the retaining element 141 for releasably retaining the retaining element 141 secured to the support element 32 on the support surface 34 thereof with the retaining fingers 147 engaged with the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23 for in turn depressing the engagement member 23 into the housing 15 with the abutment element 25 flush with the top wall 28 of the housing 15, for in turn retaining the micro-switch 19 in the open circuit second state.
  • a pair of engagement fingers 150 extending outwardly from the plate 146 on opposite sides thereof releasably engage corresponding engagement recesses 155 formed in the second locating elements 73 for locating and centring the retaining member 141 on the support element 32.
  • Each second locating element 73 comprises a pair of upstanding members 154 which define the engagement recess 155 therein for releasably engaging the corresponding engagement finger 150.
  • a connecting element 157 extends upwardly from the plate 146 of the retaining element 141 to which one end of the string 145 is secured.
  • a right-angle duct 158 extending through the connecting element 157 accommodates the string 145 therethrough. The other end of the string 145 is secured to the trapdoor 143 of the trap 140.
  • the monitoring device 1 is mounted on the top of the trap 140.
  • the plate 146 of the retaining element 141 is located on the support element 32 with the engagement fingers 150 engaged in the engagement recesses 155.
  • the co-operating action of the permanent magnet 148 and the disc 149 in the plate 146 of the retaining element 141 retains the plate 146 in engagement with the support surface 34 of the support element 32, and in turn retains the retaining fingers 147 engage with the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23 with the engagement member 23 depressed into the housing 15 with the abutment element 25 thereof flush with the support surface 34 of the support element 32.
  • the engagement member 23 With the engagement member 23 so depressed into the housing 15, the engagement member 23 retains the micro-switch 19 in the open circuit second state.
  • One end of the string 145 is secured to the connecting element 157 of the retaining element 141 , and the other end of the string 145 is secured to the trapdoor 143 of the trap 140 with the trapdoor in the open set state illustrated in full lines in Fig. 20.
  • the trapdoor 143 is spring urged from the set state to the sprung state illustrated in broken lines in Fig. 20 with the trapdoor 143 closing the trap 140.
  • the movement of the trapdoor 143 from the set state to the sprung state pulls the string 145, which thereby disengages the retaining element 141 from the support element 32, and disengages the retaining fingers 147 from the abutment element 25 of the engagement member 23.
  • the actuator arm 20 of the micro-switch 19 is spring urged in the direction of the arrow B, thus transitioning the micro-switch 19 from the open circuit second state to its normally closed circuit first state.
  • the microprocessor 41 on detecting the change in state of the micro-switch 19 operates the transmitter 46 to transmit the alert signal which is in turn received by the central communications apparatus 50.
  • operation of the monitoring device 1 in conjunction with the cage type trap 140 is similar to its operation with a conventional mouse or rat trap.
  • monitoring device 80 has been described as comprising both first and second locating elements, in certain cases, it is envisaged that the first locating elements may be dispensed with and the second locating element only would be required for urging the mouse or rat trap 2 or 71 into engagement with the engagement member 91 and the front end wall 93 of the housing 84.
  • the second locating element may be removable from the first and second engagement openings 113 and 114, and to avoid the second locating element 112 being mislaid, the second locating element 112 may be attached to the base element 85 at a convenient location by a string, chain or other such ligature.
  • the transfer slot 126 between the first and second engagement openings 113 and 114 could be dispensed with.
  • the monitoring device 1 has been described and configured to support a rodent trap thereon for engagement by the engagement member 23, it is envisaged that the monitoring device may be configured to abut a side or end of the rodent trap, and in which case, the engagement member 23 would extend sidewardly from the housing 15 of the monitoring device for engaging a corresponding side or end wall of the rodent trap.
  • the detecting means has been described as comprising a micro-switch, any other suitable detecting means may be provided, and while the micro-switch has been described as being a mono-stable bi-state switch, while this is desirable, it is not essential, and the micro-switch may be a bi-stable bi-state switch.
  • any other suitable engagement means and actuating means may be provided for engaging the micro-switch and the rodent trap.
  • the micro-switch of the monitoring devices has been described as being in a normally closed circuit first state and an open circuit second state, it will be appreciated that the micro-switch or other suitable detecting means may be provided to be in a closed circuit state in response to a trap depressing the engagement member into the housing of the monitoring device with the abutment element of the engagement member flush with the housing 15, and the micro-switch or other suitable detecting means would then transition from the closed circuit state to the open circuit state in response to disengagement of the engagement member by the trap, thereby triggering the alert signal. While the monitoring devices have been described for use with two types of rodent traps, namely, a mousetrap and a rat trap, it is envisaged that the monitoring devices may be used in conjunction with any other type of rodent or vermin trap.
  • each monitoring device may be provided with a transmitter of sufficient strength that the central communications apparatus 50 could be omitted, and the transmitter of the monitoring device 1 would be of sufficient strength to transmit a signal to be picked up by the central monitoring station.
  • each monitoring device instead of being provided with a wireless transmitter, each monitoring device may be provided with a telecommunications module for communicating with a remote central station via a telecommunications network.
  • each monitoring device has been described as having a transmission range of up to 75 metres, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the transmission range of the transmitter of each monitoring device may be any suitable transmission range, either greater than or less than 75 metres. While specific time periods have been described during which the alert signal is transmitted, the alert signal may be transmitted for any suitable predefined time period, either once or periodicially after the corresponding trap having been sprung. While a particular type of retaining means has been described with reference to Figs. 19 and 20 for use with the monitoring device, when the monitoring device is being used with a cage type trap, any other suitable retaining means for retaining the engagement member depressed into the housing of the monitoring device may be provided.
  • the monitoring device of Figs. 1 to 6 has been illustrated for use with a particular type of cage type trap, the monitoring device of Figs. 1 to 6 may be used with any other type of cage type trap, irrespective of the size of the cage trap or the size of the animal for which the cage trap is suitable.
  • the central communications apparatus may be provided to be battery powered only where the system would be used in locations where a mains electricity supply is not provided, for example, in cases where the monitoring device and the central communications apparatus are being used outdoors in connection with cage traps and the like.
  • predefined time periods and predefined time intervals and durations have been described as being of specific durations, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the predefined time periods, the predefined time intervals as well as the durations in general are given as typical durations, but, in general, will be variable in order to suit local conditions.
  • the indicating means may only comprise one of the light emitting diode 59 and the buzzer 58, and in general, it is envisaged that the indicating means will only comprise the light emitting diode, and in such cases the buzzer could also be provided, but it would be disabled after the set-up tests had been completed.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Pest Control & Pesticides (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Insects & Arthropods (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Catching Or Destruction (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif de surveillance (1) pour surveiller a détente d'une souricière (2), qui comprend un boîtier (15) sur lequel est soutenue la souricière (2). Un micro-commutateur (19) situé dans le boîtier (15) est maintenu dans un second état de circuit ouvert par l'action de la souricière (2) sur un élément de prise (23) qui agit à son tour sur un bras d'actionneur (20) du micro-commutateur (19) pour retenir le micro-commutateur (19) dans le second état de circuit ouvert. La détente de la souricière (2) permet à la souricière (2) de se détacher du dispositif de surveillance (1), ce qui détache l'élément de prise (23). Cela a pour résultat que le micro-commutateur (19) passe du second état de circuit ouvert à son premier état de circuit normalement fermé. Un microprocesseur (41) pour détecter le changement d'état du micro-commutateur (19) actionne un émetteur (46) pour émettre un signal d'alerte pour réception par un appareil de communications centrales distant, qui relaye à son tour le signal d'alerte à une station de commande centrale distante.
EP14793311.3A 2013-10-09 2014-10-09 Dispositif de surveillance, et système et procédé pour surveiller l'état d'un piège pour animaux indésirables Withdrawn EP3054769A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IES20130312 2013-10-09
PCT/IE2014/000017 WO2015052694A1 (fr) 2013-10-09 2014-10-09 Dispositif de surveillance, et système et procédé pour surveiller l'état d'un piège pour animaux indésirables

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3054769A1 true EP3054769A1 (fr) 2016-08-17

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EP14793311.3A Withdrawn EP3054769A1 (fr) 2013-10-09 2014-10-09 Dispositif de surveillance, et système et procédé pour surveiller l'état d'un piège pour animaux indésirables

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WO (1) WO2015052694A1 (fr)

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WO2017149163A1 (fr) * 2016-03-04 2017-09-08 Arctic Systems Aps Dispositif de surveillance pour un piège à rats
NL2018579B1 (nl) * 2017-03-24 2018-10-03 Maarten Crezee Hendrik Val voor het vangen van dieren, in het bijzonder muizen
CN108849836B (zh) * 2017-05-09 2023-11-10 高峰 电路装置及含该电路装置的捕鼠器
US11564386B2 (en) 2017-08-22 2023-01-31 Vm Products, Inc. Methods and systems of pest management
GB2578734A (en) 2018-11-05 2020-05-27 Rentokil Initial 1927 Plc Rodent traps
SE543735C2 (en) * 2019-10-11 2021-07-06 Alert House Aps A rodent trap configured to detect at least three distances
CN116112414B (zh) * 2023-04-13 2023-10-27 广州安粤信息科技有限公司 一种边缘计算网关设备远程巡检系统

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US7026942B2 (en) * 1999-06-08 2006-04-11 Gilberto Cristofori Method for signalling the presence of prey in traps for vermin and device for carrying out this method
US6415544B1 (en) * 2000-04-28 2002-07-09 Bell Laboratories, Inc. Rodent trap with entrapping teeth
US6775946B2 (en) * 2001-06-11 2004-08-17 The Chamberlain Group, Inc. Remote identifying animal trap
JP4267268B2 (ja) * 2002-07-31 2009-05-27 ファームエイジ株式会社 動物捕獲監視システム、情報管理センター及びトラップユニット
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