WO1997037534A1

WO1997037534A1 - Ultrasonic pest repeller

Info

Publication number: WO1997037534A1
Application number: PCT/AU1996/000206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean Gilles Jocelyn Courtin
Original assignee: Jean Gilles Jocelyn Courtin
Priority date: 1994-09-28
Filing date: 1996-04-09
Publication date: 1997-10-16
Also published as: AU3067695A

Abstract

An ultrasonic pest repeller encased in a shell, operated by a battery, includes an ultrasonic transducer/transmitter which emits a frequency, unpleasant to particular pests, in the range 36kHz-41kHz and includes a microprocessor or a timer switch that controls the operational sequence.

Description

ULTRASONIC PEST REPELLER

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a pest repeller and in particular, to a pest repeller that is an electronic device.

A common problem associated with animals, particularly domesticated animals, is the pests that live on the animal or in the surrounding environment. These pests, whether they be, for example, fleas, mosquitos or ticks, cause problems, such as biting, possible subsequent allergic reactions to the bite, and other various medical conditions for the animal and/or for humans that are in close proximity to the pet.

Well known solutions to pest problems include:- use of what is commonly know as a Flea Collar; chemical compositions injected into or ingested by the animal; chemical compositions, whether they be synthetic or natural nature, applied to the animal's coat; or chemical compositions that may be used in the environment where the pests cause the problem, such as use of a Flea Bomb (Trade Mark) in one's home. However these solutions do have some disadvantages, for example, some Flea Collars have an odour that is unpleasant both to the animal and to people the animal comes in close proximity to. Another disadvantage may be that some animals or people may experience allergic reactions to some ingredients of the chemical components, which prevents them from using the product. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved pest repellent which emits ultrasonic waves and is operated by means of a power source, therefore eliminating the use of herbal and chemical ingredients. The ultrasonic device is designed to repel, control and eliminate pests.

The invention, in its broadest sense, includes a device that is operated by means of a power source and which has electronic components, including an ultrasonic transducer/transmitter which emits a frequency that is unpleasant to particular pests.

The device may also include a microprocessor or an on and off controlled/timer switch which is used to determine the operational sequence.

The auditory range of any living organism is susceptible to a range of frequency. The present invention emits a frequency that is between 36 and 41 kHz which is higher than the audible range of humans, therefore a human is not affected by the emission of the device.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood we shall describe, in relation to the accompanying drawing, a particular form of the repeller, together with modifications of this, made in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE Fig 1. Shows a block diagram of the invention, showing the circuitry and components necessary of the operation of the device as defined in this specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE

Referring to Fig 1 a power source is applied to a microprocessor

(1) which controls the output level to the ultrasonic transducer

(2) to adjust the resonant frequency to approximately 40 kHz. The microprocessor may also control a flashing sequence for the LED (3) to indicate the unit is on.

Tests of the invention have been performed on pests and for ease of description, pests referred to hereinunder refer to fleas and mosquitos. It is believed that the invention will also deter like creatures such as ticks. Tests of the invention have determined that the preferred frequency emitted by the device should be 36 kHz to 41 kHz to affect these pests.

In my preferred embodiment the device is powered by a 3 volt battery which supplies a current of 0.4mA to 1.0mA using an ultrasonic transducer/transmitter emitting an ultrasonic wave in the form of a continuous or modulated wave form at 36kHz to 41kHz. This particular frequency targets certain pests, such as fleas and mosquitos. A 3V battery used in association with the invention in this embodiment should have a life of approximately four months. Tests using a 3 volt battery have also shown that use of a current of 0.4 mA has a radiation of ultrasonic waves of approximately 1 metre, which radiation is adequate to repel and eliminate a pest off the body of most domesticated animals.

In this embodiment it is also preferred that there is a microprocessor or an on and off controlled timer switch that produces intermittent timing. I have found that one minute on, one minute off is satisfactory but this can be varied.

In a further embodiment of the invention the device may also be made more powerful by increasing the battery voltage. For example it could be powered by a 6 volt battery which supplies a current of 0.8mA to 1.3mA, or a 9 volt battery which supplies a current of 1.2mA to 2.5mA, and working in the same manner as described hereinabove.

In this embodiment, you increase the current through use a battery of higher voltage, this in turn increases the radiation of the ultrasonic waves to be within a range of approximately one to four metres.

This embodiment may be used in domestic applications such as in a bed-room or kennel. The device may be attached to a bed, thus allowing flea and mosquito free sleep for the user. It is an option of the present invention to include a Light Emitting Diode indication where a light, by flashing, indicates that the unit is operational.

If the device includes a microprocessor it may be arranged so that the transducer/piezo sounder emits an audible sound such as a beep when the battery voltage reaches approximately 2.2 volts, said sound emitted at set intervals, for example every 12 minutes and each said interval containing a repetition of sounds, for example 6 beeps. This signals that the battery life is low and alerts the user to replace the battery to ensure that the device is operating to its full capacity.

The actual circuitry and components of the repeller may be encased within a shell that is preferably of a light, durable, waterproof synthetic material such as plastic or acrylic.

In this invention, the device may be of various sizes, however it is preferable that the device be relatively small as to enable the user to wear the device around the neck, for example attached to a collar or necklace.

The device may be adapted during manufacture to have a power source of any available means, for example, 1.5V, 3V, 6V or 9V battery, solar battery, or mains power. The repeller differs from previously known pest repellents in that the repeller is operated by a power source and emits an ultrasonic wave.

In this invention all timings, frequencies, on-off flash rates are subject to variation.

Whilst several embodiments of the invention have been discussed, it is to be understood that various modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:-

1. An ultrasonic pest repeller that is operated by means of a power source and which has electronic components, including an ultrasonic transducer/transmitter which emits a frequency that is unpleasant to particular pests.

2. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 1 which operates on a AC and/or DC power source.

3. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 2 where the transducer emits a frequency in the range from 36 kHz to 41 kHz.

4. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 3 where the transducer emits a frequency of 40 KHz.

5. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein a device also includes a microprocessor or an on and off controlled/timer switch used to determine an operational sequence.

6. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 5 where the device is intermittently operated for any nominated period of time or continuously.

7. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 6 where a power consumption required to operate the electronic circuitry and components for efficient effectiveness is designated at 0.01mA to 5.0mA to optimise battery life.

8. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 7 where the device includes a Light Emitting Diode that indicates by flashing that the unit is operational.

9. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 8 where the device includes a microprocessor where it is arranged so that the transducer/piezo sounder emits an audible sound to indicate that the battery life is low.

10. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in any of the above claims where the circuitry and components of the ultrasonic pest repeller is encased within a shell.

11. An ultrasonic pest repeller as claimed in claim 10 where the shell is of a light, durable, waterproof material.