EP3945812A1

EP3945812A1 - Rodent trap with airgun

Info

Publication number: EP3945812A1
Application number: EP20715372.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hans Knudsen
Original assignee: Ratel Aps
Current assignee: Ratel Aps
Priority date: 2019-04-01
Filing date: 2020-03-31
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Also published as: DK201900382A1; DK180698B1; WO2020201241A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a rodent trap for placement in the bottom part of a manhole in a sewage system, the rodent trap comprising: - a compressed gas operated airgun; and - a first sensor system configured for detecting a rodent and for activating a triggering mechanism in the airgun in response to a detection of a rodent.

Description

Rodent trap with airgun

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of rodent traps, and in particular to rodent traps for use in sewage systems.

Background of the Invention

A number of traps are known in the art. Some are known using poison for killing rodents, and other traps are poison free. The poison free traps generally fall in two categories, these being mechanical traps, such as those disclosed in EP2115227 and WO2018050393, and electrical traps.

When operating a trap in a sewage system, the trap will normally be fixed in relation to an upstream or downstream sewage pipe. The traps fixed in the sewage pipe risk clogging the sewage system if objects in the sewage water, such as toilet paper, adhere thereto. Furthermore, they introduce a pressure drop in the system reducing the maximum flowrate through the sewage system. Another issue is that rats tend to be very observant with regards to foreign objects in the sewage pipe and are therefore easy to scare. Hence, the use of fixation means blocking a part of the cross-section in the sewage pipe is problematic. The trap disclosed in EP2115227 prolongs the sewage pipe into the well increasing the risk of clogging. Furthermore, the trap has shown to have periodic problems with retracting the spears after an activation, further increasing the risk of clogging.

Object of the Invention

The objective of the present invention is to provide a rodent trap for use in a manhole of a sewage system that avoid clogging of the sewage pipes. Description of the Invention

A first aspect relates to a rodent trap comprising a compressed gas operated airgun.

A second aspect relates to a rodent trap for placement in the bottom part of a manhole in a sewage system, the rodent trap comprising a compressed gas operated airgun.

A third aspect relates to a rodent trap comprising:

- a compressed gas operated airgun comprising one or more projectiles, and adapted for launching one of said projectiles away from said airgun; and

- a first sensor system configured for detecting a rodent and for activating a triggering mechanism in said airgun in response to a detection of a rodent, said triggering mechanism adapted to launch one of said projectiles away from said airgun and towards said detected rodent.

A fourth aspect relates to a rodent trap comprising a compressed gas operated airgun comprising one or more projectiles and adapted for launching one of said projectiles away from said airgun.

In the present context, the term“airgun” should be understood broadly. The term “airgun” is used herein to describe all projectile launching devices using any fluid and/or any variety or combination(s) of fluids for propellant (such as nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, etc.) and is not exclusive to devices powered specifically by“air”. It represents a convenient and popular term used to classify all such fluid powered devices. A pistol grip or rifle butt is not necessary for the function of the trap as there is no user present to hold the airgun.

The use of an airgun removes the known problems with spears or pistons failing to retract and thereby clogging the sewage pipe. Here, a projectile is launched from the airgun towards a registered rodent, and the rodent is killed

instantaneously. The reason for using compressed air rather than ignition to launch the projectile is due to the risk of inflammable gasses within the sewage system.

The projectile may be of any type and may even be water. One preferred type of projectile is metallic, plastic, or biodegradable round shots of various calibre. This type is preferred as it is more easily used in various types of multi-projectile magazines. Other types of projectiles of the same materials as above and having different shapes may also be used.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises a first sensor system configured for detecting a rodent and for activating a triggering mechanism, preferably electronic, in the airgun in response to a detection of a rodent.

The first sensor system is configured to register when a rodent is within reach of a projectile launched from the airgun. The first sensor system may comprise electronic sensors, such as infrared sensors or other movement sensors, but of course nothing prevents other sensors from being used, such as sound sensors. The sensor may even rely entirely on mechanics, such as a push rod or plate. The first sensor system may also comprise a camera provided with an automatic image recognition system configured for detecting a rodent and preferably configured for predicting the movements of the rodent based on said image recognition. The image recognition may e.g. be identification of the body and/or head and/or tail of the rodent, and thereby being able to identify the direction that the rodent is moving.

The rodent trap may also comprise a light sensor being in communication with the triggering mechanism and/or the first sensor system, such that the triggering mechanism or the first sensor system is interrupted when light occurs that is above a preset threshold intensity. This configuration prevents accidents due to e.g. erroneous activation of the trap in case of ordinary localized work

illumination, including e.g. also in daylight at ground level or in artificial work illumination at the bottom of a manhole or light due to TV inspection. Such light- activated safety means may of course also be adapted to be such that it switches off the triggering mechanism or the first sensor system merely if a superposed well cover is opened in daylight.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises a housing adapted for hanging from a wire attached to the upper part of a manhole.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises a housing with a wire adapted for attachment to the upper part of a manhole.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises a housing adapted for resting on the bench of a manhole, e.g. across the sewage channel in the bottom of the manhole. The housing may be configured such that a muzzle of the airgun is pointing downwards.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises means adapted for tilting the airgun, preferably in response to sensor input from the first sensor system. Such means may e.g. be a motor. The airgun may be mounted in a bracket adapted for being tilted, e.g. by the use of a motor. Alternatively, the airgun may be tiltably mounted within or on the rodent trap, such as within the rodent trap housing.

In one or more embodiments, the first sensor system comprises a camera provided with an automatic image recognition system configured for detecting a rodent and preferably configured for predicting the movements of the rodent.

In one or more embodiments, the first sensor system comprises a camera provided with an automatic image recognition system configured for detecting a rodent and preferably configured for predicting the movements of the rodent, wherein the camera is configured to instruct the means adapted for tilting the airgun in response to predicted movement of a detected rodent.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap further comprises a housing adapted for covering the compressed gas operated airgun and with an opening in its bottom for receiving the airgun’s muzzle. The housing is preferably watertight, and a sealing (e.g. a packing, gasket, or seal) may be positioned in the opening of the housing and around the airgun’s muzzle. Such a sealing may e.g. be an O-ring.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap further comprises a housing adapted for covering the compressed gas operated airgun and with an opening in its bottom for receiving the airgun’s muzzle; wherein the housing is attached to a backplate extending below the airgun’s muzzle. The purpose of the backplate is several. First, it may function as the backplate of the housing. Secondly, it may aid in positioning the airgun’s muzzle a preset distance from the bottom of the manhole. Thirdly, it may help prevent the trap from rotating around its axis when hung from a wire. In one or more embodiments, a wire is attached to the upper part of the backplate. The wire is adapted to mount the trap in the upper part of the manhole. The backplate may be of a weight allowing the trap to hang steadily from the wire, even during flooding of the manhole.

In one or more embodiments, a bracket, such as an angle bracket, is either a) attached to, or b) formed in the lower end of the backplate and extending away from the housing. The bracket is adapted for engaging with the upper part of a sewage pipe in the manhole when inserted therein, but only while a wire coupled to the backplate or directly to the housing provides an upwards force on the trap when mounted in the upper part of the manhole. Hence, the bracket is not intended to engage with the sewage pipe on its own but is merely intended as a hook or forklift that needs the upwards force to function. This configuration avoids blockage of the sewage pipe, thereby removing the risk of clogging.

In one or more embodiments, the first sensor system is mounted in or to the bottom of the housing.

In one or more embodiments, the first sensor system comprises a plurality of motion sensors positioned around the airgun’s muzzle.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap further comprises a housing adapted for covering the compressed gas operated airgun and with an opening in its bottom for receiving the airgun’s muzzle; wherein the housing is adapted for resting on the bench of a manhole, e.g. across the sewage channel in the bottom of the manhole.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap further comprises:

- a housing adapted for covering the compressed gas operated airgun and with an opening in its bottom for receiving the airgun’s muzzle; and

- means adapted for tilting the airgun within said housing.

In one or more embodiments, the first sensor system is configured to predict the movement of a detected rodent and to activate the means adapted for tilting the airgun within said housing in response to a predicted movement of a detected rodent.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises a light source adapted for aiding a worker in positioning the trap correctly within the manhole. The light source may be positioned on the trap, e.g. on the housing, such that it point downwards relative to the trap, thereby enabling the worker to position the airgun correctly in relation to the center of the sewage pipe opening and/or to the center of the sewage channel in the bottom of the manhole. In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises a temperature sensor. Preferably, the temperature sensor may be configured to deactivate the airgun if a preset temperature threshold, e.g. a temperature interval, or an upper limit, or a lower limit, is exceeded.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap comprises a temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature within the sewage channel at the bottom of the manhole. This configuration may prevent falls triggering by heated water passing through the sewage pipes.

The gas cartridge operated device, as well as other non-electrical devices, has the advantage of being usable in ATEX areas without the risk of igniting gas or flammable fluid.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap further comprises a spring, for example a helical spring, adapted for direct or indirect attachment to a flexible member, such as a rope.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap further comprises a sensor configured to activate and deactivate the triggering mechanism, wherein the spring is connected to a pull rod adapted for being connected to said flexible member, and wherein the sensor is configured to either activate or deactivate the triggering mechanism when the pull rod compresses the spring, and configured to, respectively, deactivate or activate the triggering mechanism when the spring is relaxed. This configuration secures that the trigger mechanism cannot be activated before the trap has been properly mounted.

In one or more embodiments, the rodent trap further comprises a sensor configured to activate and deactivate the triggering mechanism, wherein the spring is connected to a pull rod adapted for being connected to said flexible member, and wherein the sensor is configured to either activate or deactivate the triggering mechanism when the pull rod extends the spring, and configured to, respectively, deactivate or activate the triggering mechanism when the spring is relaxed.

In one or more embodiments, the push rod comprises a magnet, and wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor or the like.

The term "Hall effect sensor" as used herein can refer to a sensor with respective circuitry suitable to generate a digital signal or pulse, or work as a magnetic switch latch, based on a change in magnetic field. The sensor can include a device or element having an electric current running through it, and can further be associated with an amplifier and a trigger.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a",

"an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and/or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

It should be noted that embodiments and features described in the context of one of the aspects of the present invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

The invention is described in more detail in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the figures. Brief description of the figures

Figure 1 is a front view of a rodent trap in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of a rodent trap in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

Figure 3 is a bottom view of a rodent trap in accordance with various

embodiments of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a rodent trap in accordance with various embodiments of the invention mounted in the bottom part of a manhole;

Figure 5 shows a second sensor system in accordance with various

embodiments of the invention, where the spring is compressed; and

Figure 6 shows a second sensor system in accordance with various

embodiments of the invention, where the spring is relaxed.

References

10 Well

12 Side branch sewage pipe

20 Rodent

100 Trap

110 Airgun

120 First sensor system

122 Sensor

130 Housing 132 Backplate

134 Bracket

136 Cavity

138 Cover

140 Second sensor system

142 Spring

144 Pull rod

145 Magnet

146 Hall effect sensor

148 Housing

150 Rope or wire

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figure 1 is a front view of a rodent trap 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. The rodent trap 100 comprises a compressed gas operated airgun 110; and a first sensor system 120 configured for detecting a rodent and for activating a triggering mechanism in the airgun 110 in response to a detection of a rodent. The airgun 110 is here shown positioned in a housing 130 (shown transparent in order to show the airgun within). The specific construction of the airgun is not particularly relevant for the present invention. However, it is preferred that the trigger mechanism is electronic such that it may easily be activated by the first sensor system or a control unit in communication with both the trigger mechanism and the first sensor system. The rodent trap is here shown with a backplate 132 extending below the airgun’s muzzle.

As seen in Figure 2, a bracket 134 is attached to the lower end of the backplate 132. The bracket 134 extends away from the housing 130, and is present as part of the mounting mechanism (see Figure 4).

In Figure 3, the bottom part of the trap is shown. The trap comprises four infrared motion sensors 122 positioned around the airgun’s muzzle 112. In principle all four sensors should be activated in order to activate the trigger mechanism. This is to avoid falls activations reacting to small floating objects, but more importantly also to avoid hitting the rodent without killing it. Therefore, the sensors are positioned such that the rodent will be hit in the heart and/or spine area.

In Figure 4, the trap is shown mounted in a manhole 10. The rodent trap 100 is mounted to the side branch sewage pipe 12 with a method similar as the one disclosed in EP2685015, hereby incorporated by reference. In short, the method comprises the following steps:

a) releasably attaching the rodent trap to a mounting pole;

b) attaching a flexible member to the rodent trap;

c) lowering the rodent trap down the well by means of the pole, and keeping an end of the flexible member above the well;

d) inserting the bracket of the backplate into the side branch pipe by means of the pole;

e) tightening the flexible member along the inner wall and above the branch pipe of the well, providing a substantially vertical upwards force on the rodent trap, thereby fixing the bracket against an upper part of the side branch pipe;

f) fixating the flexible member inside the well; and

g) releasing the mounting pole from the rodent trap and withdrawing the mounting pole from the well.

The flexible member may be simply a rope with an inherent flexible

characteristic, or the rope or wire , where it is engaged with the rodent trap, may be provided with a spring, for example a helical spring, such that the spring force is determining the force by which the bracket is urged against the upper section of the branch pipe.

Figure 5 shows a second sensor system 140 configured to control when the first sensor system should be activated or deactivated. When the first sensor system is deactivated, the triggering mechanism cannot be activated, and there is no risk of firing the airgun, e.g. during transportation or service. The second sensor system 140 is here shown incorporated in the housing 130 but may also be configured with its own housing 148, e.g. mounted to the backplate 132 as seen in Figure 4. The second sensor system 140 is here exemplified comprising a pull rod 144 with a spring 142 and a magnet 145 mounted thereto, and a Hall effect sensor 146. In Figure 5, the is no substantially vertical upwards force exerted on the rodent trap via the rope or wire 150. Hence, the magnet 145 is positioned within the bottom of a cavity 136 of the housing 130, next to the Hall effect sensor 146. A cover 138 is positioned above the cavity 136. The cover 138 is provided with an opening of a size securing that the spring 142 cannot escape said cavity 136, while allowing the pull rod 144 to partly move in and out. Once an upwards force is exerted on the rodent trap via the rope or wire 150, as is the case when the rodent trap is mounted within e.g. a manhole, the magnet 145 is raised within the cavity 136 of the housing 130, and will thereby dislocate relative to the Hall effect sensor 146 (Figure 6). The Hall effect sensor 146 will in response thereto activate the first sensor system. The construction may obviously be done differently, such that it will be a stretched spring that results in the activation of first sensor system. The important part is the dislocation of a magnet relative to a Hall effect sensor or the like.

Claims

1. A rodent trap (100) comprising:

- a compressed gas operated airgun (110) comprising one or more projectiles, and adapted for launching one of said projectiles away from said airgun; and

- a first sensor system (120) configured for detecting a rodent and for activating a triggering mechanism in said airgun in response to a detection of a rodent, said triggering mechanism adapted to launch one of said projectiles away from said airgun and towards said detected rodent.

2. A rodent trap (100) according to claim 1 , further comprising a multi-projectile magazine.

3. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1-2, wherein the projectiles are metallic, plastic, or biodegradable round shots.

4. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1-3, wherein the triggering mechanism is electronic.

5. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1-4, further comprising a housing (130) adapted for covering the compressed gas operated airgun (110) and with an opening in its bottom for receiving the airgun’s muzzle (112); wherein the housing (120) is attached to a backplate (132) extending below the airgun’s muzzle (112).

6. A rodent trap (100) according to claim 5, wherein a bracket (134), such as an angle bracket, is either a) attached to, or b) formed in the lower end of the backplate (132) and extending away from the housing (130).

7. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 5-6, wherein the first sensor system is mounted in or to the bottom of the housing.

8. A rodent trap (100) according to claim 7, wherein the first sensor system comprises a plurality of motion sensors positioned around the airgun’s muzzle.

9. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1-4, further comprising a housing adapted for covering the compressed gas operated airgun and with an opening in its bottom for receiving the airgun’s muzzle; wherein the housing is adapted for resting on the bench of a manhole, e.g. across the sewage channel in the bottom of the manhole.

10. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1-9, further comprising:

- means adapted for tilting the airgun within said housing.

11. A rodent trap (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first sensor system is configured to predict the movement of a detected rodent and to activate the means adapted for tilting the airgun within said housing in response to a predicted movement of a detected rodent.

12. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1-11 , wherein the first sensor system comprises a camera provided with an automatic image

recognition system configured for detecting a rodent and preferably configured for predicting the movements of the rodent.

13. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 1-12, further comprising a spring, for example a helical spring, adapted for direct or indirect attachment to a flexible member, such as a rope.

14. A rodent trap (100) according to claim 13, further comprising a second sensor system configured to activate and deactivate the triggering mechanism, wherein the spring is connected to a pull rod adapted for being connected to said flexible member, and wherein the sensor is configured to either activate or deactivate the triggering mechanism when the pull rod compresses the spring, and configured to, respectively, deactivate or activate the triggering mechanism when the spring is relaxed.

15. A rodent trap (100) according to claim 13, further comprising a sensor configured to activate and deactivate the triggering mechanism, wherein the spring is connected to a pull rod adapted for being connected to said flexible member, and wherein the sensor is configured to either activate or deactivate the triggering mechanism when the pull rod extends the spring, and configured to, respectively, deactivate or activate the triggering mechanism when the spring is relaxed.

16. A rodent trap (100) according to any one of the claims 14-15, wherein the push rod comprises a magnet, and wherein the sensor is a Hall effect sensor or the like.