NZ554669A - Deterrent apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A deterrent apparatus for deterring animals from an open space is disclosed. The deterrent apparatus includes a plurality of sensory stimuli, a flexible elongate line, at least one support member, and an actuating unit. The sensory stimuli, which are engaged with the elongate line, generate an auditory or visual signal upon movement. The line is fixed at one end to a terminal support, and attached at the other end to an actuating unit. At least one support member is located between the terminal support and the actuating unit in a linear arrangement. The support member(s) have one or more guides through which the flexible elongate line is slideably supported. The actuating unit is configured to create a substantially sinusoidal wave along the line via a substantially longitudinal oscillation of the line so as to move the sensory stimuli.

Description

554669 No: 554669 Date: 19 April 2007 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION DETERRENT APPARATUS AND METHOD We, A B ANNAND &c CO LIMITED, a company duly incorporated under the laws of New Zealand cnr of Waterholes and Weedons Roads, Springston, Christchurch, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 554669 DETERRENT APPARATUS AND METHOD STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application No. 554669, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus for deterring animals from an open space including, but not limited to; crop fields, pastures, vineyards, waterways, airports and the like.

BACKGROUND ART There are many situations in which it is desirable to deter and repel animals from an open space. These might include, but are not limited to, circumstances where animals may cause economic loss, pollution or create a safety hazard. As an example, birds may cause significant crop damage, and hence cause economic loss, on agricultural land. They may also enter and foul open spaces such as waterways, golf courses, recreational areas and the like, constituting a health hazard due to the presence of pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, intestinal parasites and the like in animal waste. Animals, particularly birds, may also constitute a significant hazard at airports, where if struck by an airplane they can potentially cause a crash. The ability to effectively exclude animals from these areas and others, is therefore of great importance for economic and human safety reasons.

Prior art means for repelling animals such as physical barriers, scarecrows, shooting, gas cannons and the like can be uneconomical, inhumane, inconvenient, prone to habituation and/or constitute a nuisance or risk to persons in adjacent areas. 554669 Moreover, precautions are required to prevent unwanted injury to non-target creatures and/ or humans from any external moving parts, particularly any remotely or independently operated repelling system which may active at unexpected instances. Moving external parts such as flailing, flagellating, or reciprocating parts are particularly hazardous and may contravene health and safety regulations if operated without appropriate (though often expensive and cumbersome guards or shields.

An exemplary prior art animal-deterring device is described in US Patent No. 6,742,470 by Ke/fft/yand involves use of a taut line extending between two posts with containers attached to the line. A solenoid actuating unit is attached to the line and configured to 'pluck' the line to shake the containers and produce noise to scare animals. The Keithly device is typically effective for only a period of time until the animals (birds) become accustomed to the regular noise and are no longer deterred. Furthermore, the Keithly device will not function if the line becomes slack. The Keithly device is not effective if the line has to cover large distances, as the increased tension required makes the chances of the line breaking greater requiring more maintenance. In addition, this poses a hazard to people, animals or objects that are in the vicinity of such a breakage event. To counter this requires numerous lines and actuating units placed adjacent to one another to cover large distances increasing the cost and complexity.

Other known animal deterring devices which also impart a transverse oscillation to a line suffer from the inability to generate a wave of sufficient force when travelling a relatively long distance.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice. -> •< 554669 are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the reference states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms parts of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The present invention is an apparatus particularly suited to startle and repel (hereinafter 'deter') animals from an open space.

To avoid prolixity and aid brevity and convenience, the invention is thus generally described with respect to deterring animals, particularly birds, in 'open spaces', though the invention is not limited to same.

As used herein, the term 'open space' includes all areas that may benefit from the exclusion of animals, crops, defined pathways, airports, sub-surface aquatic 554669 creatures, birds, insects, marine creatures including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and so forth. The term 'line' refers to any elongate element such as rope, wire, nylon, vine, chain, or any other elongate length of material.

In a first aspect the present invention consists in a deterrent apparatus for deterring animals from an open space, said apparatus comprising or including: - a plurality of sensory stimuli which can generate an auditory or visual signal upon movement thereof; - a flexible elongate line to which said sensory stimuli are engaged, said elongate line being fixed at one end to a terminal support, and attached at another end to an actuating unit, - at least one support member located between the terminal support and the actuating unit in a linear arrangement, the support member(s) having one or more guides through which the flexible elongate line is slideably supported, characterised in that said actuating unit is configured to create a substantially sinusoidal wave along the line via a substantially longitudinal oscillation of the line so as to move the sensory stimuli.

Preferably operation of said actuation unit repeatedly applies a substantially longitudinal tension to the line before then releasing the tension, or vice versa.

Preferably said oscillation is at least partially cyclic.

Preferably the actuation unit includes a timing mechanism to regulate the periodicity and duration of said oscillation.

Preferably said sensory stimuli are visual and/or auditory stimuli, attached at 554669 intervals, along said line.

Preferably said stimuli includes at least one of each of a reflective and noisy stimuli.

Preferably said actuating unit includes a rotateable eccentrically positioned attachment point for attachment with said line.

Preferably the path swept by the eccentric rotating line attachment point delineates a circle in a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the line.

Preferably the path swept by the eccentric rotating line attachment point delineates a circle in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the line.

Preferably said actuation unit includes a rotateable disc with said eccentric attachment point attached eccentrically thereto.

Preferably the actuation unit is a linear actuating unit.

Preferably said linear actuating unit is configured to produce linear reciprocations substantially along the attached line's longitudinal axis.

Preferably said deterrent apparatus includes a power source and an adjustable timing controller, capable of initiation and cessation of said line oscillation by said actuation unit.

Preferably said controller is pre-programmed to a pseudo-random schedule, halting activation of said actuation unit after a predetermined number of cycles.

Preferably the timing controller is configured to initiate, cease, or vary the .level of line actuation upon a predetermined parameter being detected. r 6 554669 Preferably the timing controller is connected to a photo-sensor, the controller configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line oscillation by said actuation unit upon receiving a predetermined signal from said photo-sensor.

Preferably the deterrent apparatus includes a suitably programmed central processing unit (CPU) and software embodied in computer readable instructions capable of being read by said CPU, said software defining actuation parameters for controlling operation of said actuation unit.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a deterrent system including a plurality of deterrent apparatus as described with reference to the first aspect of the invention.

Preferably the deterrent system includes a controller capable of selectively actuating one or more of the deterrent apparatus separately and/or simultaneously.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a method of deterring animals from an open space, said method utilising an apparatus as described with reference to the first aspect of the invention, and including the process of repeatedly varying the tension in said line to cause displacement of said sensory stimuli engaged to the line.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a kit for manufacturing a deterrent apparatus for deterring pest animals from an open space, the kit including; an elongate line; plurality of support members and associated guides through which the line may be slideably supported, the support members can be disposed linearly at intervals along the line to define a plurality of catenary shaped zones of the line; 554669 - an actuating unit which can be coupled to the line and which is configured to vary the tension in the line in a substantially longitudinal oscillating manner to create a substantially sinusoidal wave along the line, and - a plurality of sensory stimuli which can be engaged to the line.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a deterrent apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figures 1 and 2.

In another aspect the present invention consists in an actuation unit, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figures 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a sensory stimuli attachment, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figure 5.

In another aspect the present invention consists in a method of deterring animals, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying representations.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 8 2 2 JUL 2009 ^P£|\j BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Referring to figures 1 and 2 a deterrent apparatus 1 is provided in accordance with 554669 one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The deterrent apparatus 1 is to be positioned in an open space such as a field, airport, cropland, garden or the like to deter birds and/or other animals from the open space. The deterrent apparatus 1 has a plurality of sensory stimuli provided in the form of reflective noise attachments 2 {shown in more detail in figure 5) attached to a flexible elongate line 3. The line 3 is fixed at one end to a terminal support post 4, and attached at another end to an actuating unit 5 that is capable of longitudinally oscillating the line 3 to shake the attachments 2. The line 3 is also slideably supported via guides in the form of pulleys (not shown) attached to upright supports in the form of provided in the form of intermediate posts 6.

The actuating unit 5 is configured to apply intermittent oscillation to the line 3 by applying a cyclic variable tension to produce longitudinal oscillation to shake the attachments 2. As shown in figure 2, the line tension can be increased by the actuation unit to a 'taut' position shown as line 3' and decreased to a 'slack' position shown as dotted line 3.

The actuation unit 5 is shown in more detail in figures 3 and 4 and has a support structure 7 with a platform 8 supporting a motor 9 and gearbox 10. The motor 9 is configured to drive a rotating arm 11 via the gearbox 5 and axle 14. A disc 13 is attached to the arm 11 and configured to rotate with the arm 11.

The line 3 is to be attached to the actuation unit 5 via a slip-ring or similar attachment means (not shown) attached to a rotateable eccentrically positioned attachment point provided in the form of protrusion 12 protruding from one face of the disc 13.

The protrusion 12 is mounted eccentrically to the disc 13 to thus provide a means to vary the tension applied to the line 3 as the disc 13 rotates. When rotating about the central axis the eccentrically mounted protrusion 12 provides circular motion which 554669 translates into a sinusoidal motion of the line 3. The path swept by the protrusion 12 and attached line 3 delineates a circle in a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the line 3. However, to prevent the disc impinging on the line 3 as the disc 13 rotates the actuation unit 5 is orientated so the plane of the disc is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the line 3, i.e. as indicated by angle 9.

Figure 2 shows the deterrent apparatus 1 at rest, with the line 3 slackened so that the attachments 2 are closer to the ground than when in the taut state shown as 3'. When the actuation unit 5 is activated disc 13 is rotated and the wire tension increased and then decreases. The attachments 2 are thus cyclically lifted and dropped vigorously to gain momentum and cause significant sinusoidal movement in the line 3. The length of the line 3 may be adjusted to suit the size of the open space and is typically in the range of several hundreds of meters. It is possible that the actuating unit 5 could be situated at a position along the line 3 other than at the line terminus.

The protrusion 12 may be positioned at any number of positions on the face of the disc 13 to adjust the degree of variation between maximum and minimum tension, i.e. the variation will increase, the further the protrusion 12 is positioned from the axis of rotation.

The motor 9, gearbox 10, in use are enclosed within a weatherproof housing (not shown) along with a power source e.g. a deep-cycle battery (not shown) and an adjustable timing controller, capable of initiation and cessation of the line oscillation by the actuation unit 5.

The actuation unit 5 components may be made of any suitable robust, impact resistant material e.g. anodized aluminium, coated steel, fibre reinforced resins or an "stant plastics material. 11 The support 7 comprises a stabilising base structure 15 having two legs 16 a crossbar 17 and stabilising feet 18. The stabilising feet 18 may include a means for fixing the actuation unit 5 to the ground, e.g. the feet 18 may include apertures for receiving locating pins or the like.

The specific design of the supporting structure 7 is not crucial and could be of any height suitable for the specific application, but should be solid and stable enough to provide a solid anchor for the actuation unit 5 and attached line 3, either by weight or physical attachment to the ground.

The timing controller (not shown) includes a control circuit and clock which times the intervals between oscillation cycles and allows the actuation unit 5 to be activated between certain hours, such as dawn to dusk, according to known day lengths. The timing controller is typically programmed to automatically adjust according to available data on day lengths but can be controlled manually if required.

However, the controller is ideally pre-programmed to a pseudo-random schedule, halting activation of the actuation unit 5 after a predetermined number of cycles. The controller can be programmed with several weeks or longer of frequency, cycle number and cycle interval data. The controller is typically pre-programmed with pseudo-random activation intervals that increase in frequency over time. The exact timing depends on the animal species to be deterred but as an example, to deter birds from seed or fruit crops during ripening, the apparatus may be programmed over a six week period with an initial average interval of 8 minutes (pseudo random ±3 minutes) decreasing in average interval by 1 minute per week, ideally the frequency would be no less than every 3 minutes on average as this has been shown to increase the likelihood of habituation in birds.

The controller can also be configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line actuation upon a predetermined parameter being detected. For example, the timing 12 554669 controller can be connected to a photo-sensor (not shown) and configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line oscillation by said actuation unit 5 upon receiving a predetermined signal from the photo-sensor. Thus, the actuation unit 5 can be triggered into operation by light levels, e.g. at dawn and dusk.

The controller is also capable of being re-programmed to provide a different oscillation schedule and is ideally capable of downloading software/firmware from computer readable media such as solid-state memory devices, CD/DVDs, EPROM, flash memory devices or any other storage media. The software may also be updated remotely from a central controller using known techniques.

The ability to re-program the controller can thus provide the ability to easily change the oscillation pattern whenever required, e.g. when animals become accustomed to the oscillation.

The controller is also connected to a monitoring system (not shown) that has a torque meter, tension meter or other means for measuring the tension applied to the line by the actuation unit 5. The controller is configured to automatically shut off if the monitoring system indicates the tension applied is above or below predetermined thresholds, i.e. outside a predetermined operating range. Such thresholds are indicative of faults in the system, e.g. line breakage reduces tension below a threshold while snagging or entanglement of the line increase tension above another threshold.

A speed controlling mechanism (not shown) can be attached to the motor 9 to vary the speed of rotation and the torque introduced to the driving gear. The power source and motor 9 should be sized to provide sufficient power to permit vigorous and repeated rotation of the arm 11 and attached disc 13. All of the electrical/electronic components in the actuation unit are preferably weatherproofed. 554669 With respect to figure 5, reflective noise attachments 2 attached to the line as sensory stimuli include a ring 19 and clip 20 for releasably attaching the ring 19 to the line 3. The attachments 2 are releasably attached to the line 3 so that they can be replaced if damaged, no longer functional or to be replaced by new forms of sensory stimuli. The ring 19 has four highly reflective aluminium plates 21 that reflect light and produce noise when shaken.

Figures 6 and 7 show another embodiment of an actuation unit 100 and is generally similar to the actuation unit 5. Like parts of each actuation unit 100, 5 are thus marked with common reference numerals where appropriate.

The actuation unit 100 excludes the disc 13 and instead includes a rotating arm 11 with protrusion 12 and a slip-ring bearing 101 for attaching the line 3 thereto. A support structure 7 is provided with a platform 8 supporting a solar panel 102 for powering a battery power source and also serves as a partial shelter. A battery and timing controller are also included and housed in a waterproof housing 103. The solar panel 102 trickle-feeds the battery (not shown) to assist in maintaining a consistent power supply.

A 12V electric motor 9 is provided to drive the rotating arm 11 via a gearing mechanism 10. The gearing mechanism includes a first driving gear 104 coupled to a drive-shaft 105. A second gear 106 is coupled to the driving gear 104 via a belt drive mechanism 107. The relative diameters of the first 104 and second 106 gears can be altered to adjust the relative speed and power of the rotating arm 11.

The actuation unit 100 has an emergency stop button 108 and an alarm system (not shown) to warn of impending activation. The alarm system is coupled to a proximity sensor to activate the alarm when a person or object moves within a predetermined range. 14 554669 The actuation unit 100 may be contained within a casing (not shown) to protect against weather damage or damage from the rotating arm 11.

Another type of actuation unit 200 is shown in figure 8 and utilises a linear actuating unit provided in the form of hydraulic ram 200 which has the line 3 attached to one end. The ram 201 is actuable between extended 201 and retracted 201' positions to vary the tension in the line 3, 3' to thereby agitate the line 3. It will be appreciated that other known linear actuating unit mechanisms may also be utilised in the present invention.

A system diagram of the actuation unit 5 is shown in figure 9. The actuation unit 5 incorporates a proximity sensor 501, photo-sensor 502 and warning indicator 503, each connected to a controller 504 with a programmable CPU.

The controller 504 is configured to receive signals from the photo-sensor 502 indicating ambient light levels and can adjust the speed of the motor 9 accordingly. The controller 504 is also capable of storing light data and can be programmed to actuate the motor dependant on the stored light data, e.g. the controller 504 may be programmed to actuate the motor 9 one hour before dawn for an initial one hour time period. It will be appreciated that any actuation schedule can be programmed into the controller to suit the application.

The controller 504 is configured to actuate the warning indicator 503, which may include a flashing light, siren or other auditory or visual alarm when proximity sensor 501 detects a person in close proximity to the actuation unit 5 to thereby warn the person of actuation or impending actuation. Any known proximity sensors may be used in the present invention, e.g. movement sensors, infra-red or video. The controller 504 can also be configured to actuate the warning indicator 503 a mined time before activation. t ♦ 554669 The controller 504 is connected to the motor 9 and is capable of calculating torque applied by the motor 9 to the line 3. The torque applied can be used as an indication of line tension and can therefore be used to detect faults, e.g. snags or breaks in the line 3. The controller 504 is configured to cut power to the actuation unit 5 if a fault is detected. The controller 504 is also configured to actuate the warning indicator 503 in a preset pattern to signal a fault has occurred. In another embodiment, the controller 504 may be connected to a communication device (not shown) for sending a signal to indicate to the operator a fault has occurred.

A speed and on/off switch 505 is provided to allow the user to manually adjust the level of actuation and stop if required. An emergency cut-off switch 506 is also provided to cut power to the actuation unit 5. The actuation unit 5 is powered by a 12V battery that is recharge by a solar panel connected to the battery via a power regulator.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

554669 THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. A deterrent apparatus for deterring animals from an open space, said apparatus comprising or including: - a plurality of sensory stimuli which can generate an auditory or visual signal upon movement thereof; - a flexible elongate line to which said sensory stimuli are engaged, said elongate line being fixed at one end to a terminal support, and attached at another end to an actuating unit, - at least one support member located between the terminal support and the actuating unit in a linear arrangement, the support member(s) having one or more guides through which the flexible elongate line is slideably supported, characterised in that said actuating unit is configured to create a substantially sinusoidal wave along the line via a substantially longitudinal oscillation of the line so as to move the sensory stimuli.

2. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein operation of said actuation unit repeatedly applies a substantially longitudinal tension to the line before then releasing the tension, or vice versa.

3. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said oscillation is at least partially cyclic.

4. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation unit includes a timing mechanism to regulate the periodicity and duration of said oscillation. 17 554669

5. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensory stimuli are visual and/or auditory stimuli, attached at intervals, along said line.

6. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said stimuli includes at least one of each of a reflective and noisy stimuli.

7. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuating unit includes a rotateable eccentrically positioned attachment point for attachment with said line.

8. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the path swept by the eccentric rotating line attachment point delineates a circle in a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the line.

9. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the path swept by the eccentric rotating line attachment point delineates a circle in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the line.

10. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7-9, wherein said actuation unit includes a rotateable disc with said eccentric attachment point attached eccentrically thereto.

11. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the actuation unit is a linear actuating unit.

12. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said linear actuating unit is configured to produce linear reciprocations substantially along the attached line's longitudinal axis.

13. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a power source and an adjustable timing controller, capable of 18 . '* Jt s 554669 initiation and cessation of said line oscillation by said actuation unit.

14. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said controller is preprogrammed to a pseudo-random schedule, halting activation of said actuation unit after a predetermined number of cycles.

15. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the timing controller is configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line actuation upon a predetermined parameter being detected.

16. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the timing controller is connected to a photo-sensor, the controller configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line oscillation by said actuation unit upon receiving a predetermined signal from said photo-sensor.

17. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a suitably programmed central processing unit (CPU) and software embodied in computer readable instructions capable of being read by said CPU, said software defining actuation parameters for controlling operation of said actuation unit.

18. A deterrent system including a plurality of deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

19. A deterrent system as claimed in claim 18, including a controller capable of selectively actuating one or more of the deterrent apparatus separately and/or simultaneously.

20. A method of deterring animals from an open space, said method utilising an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-17 and including the process of repeatedly varying the tension in said line to cause displacement of said 19 v , % * 554669 sensory stimuli engaged to the line.

21. A kit for manufacturing a deterrent apparatus for deterring pest animals from an open space, the kit including: - an elongate line; - plurality of support members and associated guides through which the line may be slideably supported, the support members can be disposed linearly at intervals along the line to define a plurality of catenary shaped zones of the line; - an actuating unit which can be coupled to the line and which is configured to vary the tension in the line in a substantially longitudinal oscillating manner to create a substantially sinusoidal wave along the line, and - a plurality of sensory stimuli which can be engaged to the line.

22. A deterrent apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figures 1 and 2.

23. An actuation unit, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figures 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8.

24. A sensory stimuli attachment, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figure 5.

25. A method of deterring animals, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying representations. A6 Annand & Co Ltd 20 A * 554669 by its authorised agents 11 JUL 2009 21