NZ540012A - Eradication apparatus, with tunnel and spray means activated via sensors and controller based upon body heat and length of the animal - Google Patents

Abstract

The eradication apparatus consists of a tunnel 2 (which an animal can enter) and spray means 3, and at least one sensor 4 to measure the animalÆs body heat and length. The sensors are connected to an electronic controller 14 which can actuate a spray actuator 10 so as to kill the animal (not shown).

Description

14-08-2006 07:52 from:pc 095763400 to:0064 4 5601691 page:3 540012 Patents Form 5 NEW ZEALAND Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Title: Eradication Apparatus I, Warren Roy Agncw, New Zealand citizen of 2 Young Street, RD 2 Warkworth, do hereby declare this invention to be dcscribcd in the Following statement: 1 4 AUG 2006 *ecniv,0 540012 This invention relates to eradication apparatus. The invention is directed particularly, but not solely, towards an eradication tunnel for predators such as stoats, weasels and rats.

Background of the invention World wide there are serious predation issues for those services facing the task of protecting 5 rare and endangered native wildlife species. Within any country such as New Zealand, the animals causing devastation among many native bird species are the introduced species, such as the mustilidae mammals. Of this family of animals having slender bodies, in NZ the stoat or weasel, with its ability to range widely, swim across streams, lakes and rivers, climb with ease and speed and attack and kill, nesting or feeding birds. This is the main factor in the 10 decline of the iconic NZ kiwi.

Stoats have large territories and can cover 8km in a night as they seek food. The female has one or more dens and lives a life separate from the male. Both stoats and ferrets like to explore tunnels and holes in the search for the food. The Department of Conservation is responsible for the setting of some 100,000 stoat traps each and every day of the year. These 15 traps are metal, spring loaded, and because of their danger to the ground feeding kiwi, are placed in a box with a restricted opening designed to keep kiwi away from the traps. However the kill rate from these traps only averages one stoat for every 300 trap nights. So a huge amount of expense and effort is being channelled into killing a very cunning and wary animal.

In addition to the mustilidae, other slender animals such as feral cats are also a further concern for the Department of Conservation. These animals are trapped when possible and one line of cat traps in the South Island can cover an enormous distance. Again, this is a difficult and expensive control system to both operate and maintain.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved eradication apparatus which 25 will obviate or minimise some, if not all, the aforementioned problems in a simple yet effective manner or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

G:\180651NZ CS 15 Feb 2007 MCG.doc 540012 Statement of invention Accordingly in a first aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in an eradication apparatus, the apparatus comprises a tunnel and spray means, the tunnel being operatively connected to the spray means, the spray means is adapted to spray an animal when said animal passes through the tunnel such that the animal will die, wherein the apparatus includes at least one sensor to measure a desired parameter of the animal within the tunnel, the said at least one sensor is mounted to the tunnel and is operatively connected to an electronic controller which is also connected to the spray means whereby if the sensor measurements fit desired parameters for a target animal species, an electronically initiated spray from the spray means is caused to spray the animal inside the tunnel.

Preferably the spray means is located on the top of the tunnel.

Preferably the spray means includes means extending into the inside of the tunnel, providing at least one exit point therefrom.

Preferably the means is a spray nozzle.

Preferably there can be at least two spray nozzles wherein one is located in and through the top of the tunnel and the other one is located on the base of the tunnel or floor, Preferably there are at least four sensors located at least in the top of the tunnel but located within the tunnel.

Preferably the sensors are located such that they can measure body heat and body length of an animal.

Preferably the spray means includes at least one unit including a canister containing repellent and toxin.

Preferably the canister is pressurized.

Preferably the unit is removably fixed to the outside of the tunnel.

Preferably the unit includes an actuator.

Preferably the unit includes an electronic controller operatively connected to the sensors.

- I NAY 2008 I806S1NZ CS 7 May 200S MCG.doc 540012 Preferably the sensors are operatively connected to the spray unit wherein the sensors are infrared passive sensors.

Preferably the unit has a portable power means is connected to the electronic controller which are connected such that the discharge of the toxic spray is caused when the electronic 5 controller unit receives the correct information from the sensors relating to the body heat and body size of the animal within the apparatus.

Preferably the spray unit also includes a microchip which is adapted to control the action of the actuator and it is this unit which allows for the escape of the pressurised spray.

Preferably the spray unit has a cover to protect the spray unit from weathering and 10 accidentally being knocked.

Preferably the spray unit has a support means.

Accordingly in a second aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of installation of the eradication apparatus as previously disclosed, wherein the following steps include: 1. Locate the tunnel in support surface, eg. on top of ground or inground or on a tree. 2. Fit spray unit to the tunnel to allow spray inside the tunnel. 3. Activate said spray unit to spray only when a target animal enters Preferably after installation of the unit, a cover can be placed over the spray unit part.

Accordingly in a third aspect the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of 20 spraying target animals to eradicate them by operation the eradication apparatus as previously disclosed, wherein the following steps include: 1. In use when a target animal enters the tunnel it will move forward into position where at least one sensor 4 will record a desired parameter of the animal within the tunnel, 18065! NZ CS 7 May 2008 MCG.doc intellectual property office of n.z. 540012 2. If these measurements fit the desired parameters for the target species an electronically elevated pressure spray unit will apply toxic compound directly onto the fur or skin surface of the target species.

Drawing description Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawing: Figure 1 is a schematic perspecti ve view of the eradicator apparatus.

Detailed description of the invention As shown in figure 1, the eradicator apparatus includes a tunnel 2 and spray means 3, The spray means 3 is operatively connected to the tunnel such that when an animal passes therethrough, the animal gets sprayed and will die as a direct result.

The apparatus includes at least one sensor 4 for measuring animal body heat and body length. As shown in figure 1 there can be four sensors - 5, 6, 7 and 8. These sensors can be 15 located anywhere in and on the tunnel, but can be located for example in the top of the tunnel. They are located and spaced such that when an animal passes that they sense the body heat and body length to activate the spray means 3.

Spray means 3 includes the following components of a canister or pressurized can 9, an actuator unit 10, a spray cover 11 and portable power means and electronic controller 12. 20 The components are operatively connected such that they can be powered by the portable power means (not shown). The portable power means can typically be a battery or it may be mains connected or solar power connected. Can 9 includes a propellant and toxin such that a spray can be emitted therefrom.

The spray means 3 can also include as many spray nozzles as required, eg. spray nozzles 13 25 and 14 are shown with one being located at the inner top part of the tunnel and the other spray nozzle 14 being located on the base of the tunnel.

G:\IS0651NZ CS 15 Feb 2007 MCG.doc 540012 Each tunnel has a specified length 15, a height 16, ends 17 and 18, and a base 19 and top 20. The tunnel 2 can have any suitable dimensions as desired, depending on the type of animal being eradicated. Tunnel 2 can be fabricated from any suitable material that enables easy manufacture and easy and lightweight carrying. For example the tunnel can be made out of 5 PVC. Typically the tunnel can be 100mm x 100mm x 1 metre long x 3mm thick. As shown in figure 1, a square shaped tunnel 2 is shown. Tunnel 2 may have a base portion 19 or not, depending on the support surface. The cross sectional shape can also be circular or any other enclosed shape. Other tunnel shapes can include for example a looped tunnel or any other shape that allows for a combined entry and exit end. The apparatus should also be 10 waterproof, lightweight and UV resistant. The apparatus will be of sufficient length to prevent the accidental placement of a hand on the activating sensors, which are placed inside the tunnel.

In use when a target animal enters the tunnel it will move forward into position where a pair of sensors 4 which are linked to the controller 12 will record both the body heat and the body 15 length of the animal within the tunnel. Sensors 4 can be infrared passive sensors. If these measurements fit the desired parameters for the target species an electronically elevated pressure spray unit will apply toxic compound directly onto the fur or skin surface of the target species.

The required volume of toxic compound required to cause the death of the target species can 20 then be applied. As there will be a time factor before the death of the sprayed animal which will have moved away from the trap to die, ideally the applied toxin should not pose a threat of secondary poisoning for any other species which may feed on the body of the dead animal. The required strength of grams/litre for the toxin will need to be determined for each species of animal to be effective. The amount of toxin applied and the mechanism of death 25 will vary depending on the specific toxin used and the particular animals to be targeted.

The discharge of the toxic spray is caused when the electronic controller unit receives the correct information from the sensors relating to the body heat and body size of the animal within the apparatus. A microchip controls the action of the actuator and it is this unit which allows for the escape of the pressurised spray.

The eradicator apparatus is powered by a longlife low powered 9V battery. The control unit along with the actuator is joined to the pressurised spray by a support means such as a screw G:\180651NZ CS 15 Feb 2007 MCG.doc 540012 thread. When required, the pressurised container can be quickly replaced. Optionally the spray unit will have a counter mechanism that will indicate the times the spray unit has been activated. In use the toxic compound will be sprayed onto the back or the underneath of an animal any number of times such as a stoat, to cause its death.

There is also a method of installation for the eradication apparatus. This includes at least some of the following steps: 1. Locate the tunnel on a support surface wherein the support surface may be on top of the ground of within the ground or on a tree. 2. Locate spray unit on top of the tunnel. 3. Activate said spray unit.

You may put on the spray cover 10. The spray cover 10 may be placed over the spray unit after activation. Other steps may include clearing the surrounding area so that a proper track can lead to the tunnel.

Other features may include remote activation, remote alarms or remote locators to indicate 15 when the spray unit has been activated or even when the spray unit has run out of spray.

This invention may broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application individually or collectively in any and all combinations of any two or more of the parts, elements or features and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents, such equivalents are deemed 20 to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Throughout the description and statement of invention of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprises" and "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

The eradication apparatus and its method can have at least one of the following advantages: 1. Modest cost to manufacture. 2. Low operating costs.

G:\180651NZ CS 15 Feb 2007 MCG.doc 540012 3. Simple installation. 4. Species-specific.

. Not a threat to kiwis. 6. Safe to use and operate. 7. Lightweight, strong and waterproof. 8. Portable power system possible. 9. Minimal parts.

. Utilises animals' natural curiosity and hunting pattern to effect eradication.

G:\180651NZ CS 15 Feb 2007 MCG.doc

Claims (3)

1. 540012 -9- WHATI CLAIM IS: 1. Ail eradication apparatus, the apparatus comprises a tunnel and spray means, the tunnel being operatively connected to the spray means, the spray means is adapted to spray an animal when said animal passes through the tunnel such that the animal will die, wherein the apparatus includes at least one sensors to measure a desired parameter of the animal within the tunnel, the said at least one sensor is mounted to the tunnel and is operatively connected to an electronic controller which is also connected to the spray means whereby if the sensor measurements fit desired parameters for a target animal species, an electronically initiated spray from the spray means is caused to spray the animal inside the tunnel.
2. 2. An eradication apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the spray means is located on the top of the tunnel.
3. 3. An eradication apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the spray means includes means extending into the inside of the tunnel, providing at least one exit point 4. An eradication apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the means is a spray nozzle. 5. An eradication apparatus according to claim 4 wherein there can be at least two spray nozzles wherein one is located in and through the top of the tunnel and the other one is located on the base of the tunnel or floor. 6. An eradication apparatus according to claim 5 wherein there are at least four sensors located at least in the top of the tunnel but located within the tunnel. 7. An eradication apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the sensors are located such that they can measure body heat and body length of an animal. 8. An eradication apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the spray means includes at least one unit including a canister containing repellent and toxin. 9. An eradication apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the canister is pressurized. therefrom. intellectual property office OF N.Z. -1 MAY 2008 180651NZ CS 7 May 2008 MCG.doc 540012 -10- 12. An eradication apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the unit includes an actuator. 13. An eradication apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the unit includes an electronic controller operatively connected to the sensors. 14. An eradication apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the sensors are operatively 5 connected to the spray unit wherein the sensors are infrared passive sensors. 15. An eradication apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the unit has a portable power means is connected to the electronic controller which is connected such that the discharge of the toxic spray is caused when the electronic controller unit receives the correct information from the sensors relating to the body heat and body size of the 10 animal within the apparatus. 16. An eradication apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the spray unit also includes a microchip which is adapted to control the action of the actuator and it is this unit which allows for the escape of the pressurised spray. 17. An eradication apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the spray unit has a cover to 15 protect the spray unit from weathering and accidentally being knocked. 18. An eradication apparatus according to claim 17 wherein the spray unit has a support means. 19. A method of installation of the eradication apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the following steps include: Locating the tunnel on a support surface, fitting spray 20 unit to the tunnel to allow spray inside the tunnel and activating said spray unit to spray only when a target animal enters. 20. A method of installation of the eradication apparatus of claim 19 wherein after installation of the unit, a cover can be placed over the spray unit part. 21. A method of spraying target animals to eradicate them by operation the eradication 25 apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the following steps include: in use when a target animal enters the tunnel it will move forward into position where a pair of sensors will record both the body heat and the body length of the animal within the tunnel and if these measurements fit the desired parameters for the target species an G:\180651NZ CS 15 Feb 2007 MCG.doc 540012 -11 - target animal enters the tunnel it will move forward into position where at least one sensor will record a desired parameter of the animal within the tunnel and if these measurements fit the desired parameters for the target species an electronically elevated pressure spray unit will apply toxic compound directly onto the fur or skin surface of the target species. 21. An eradication apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. 22. A method of installation of the eradication apparatus as claimed in claim 18 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. 23. A method of installation of the eradication apparatus as claimed in claim 20 substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing. PIPERS Attorneys for AGlslEW, Warren Roy intellectual property office of n.z. - I MAY 2008 180651 HZ CS 7 May 2008 MCG.doc