WO2007010282A1

WO2007010282A1 - Electrical apparatus for repelling birds

Info

Publication number: WO2007010282A1
Application number: PCT/GB2006/002746
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ray Ritson
Original assignee: Pestration Limited
Priority date: 2005-07-22
Filing date: 2006-07-24
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Also published as: GB0515030D0

Abstract

An electrical apparatus (44) for repelling birds, the apparatus comprises at least one first electrically conductive element (46) adapted to receive a first electrical potential, and at least one second electrically conductive element (48) adapted to receive a second electrical potential, different from the first electrical potential. The electrical apparatus is arranged such that the or each first electrically conductive element (46) is adjacent to a second electrically conductive element (48), the said first and second electrically conductive elements (46, 48) are electrically insulated from each other. The apparatus further comprises a third electrically conductive element (50), the third electrically conductive element lying on top of the first and second electrically conductive elements (46, 48) in contact therewith.

Description

ELECTRICAL APPARATUS FOR REPELLING BIRDS

The present invention relates to an electrical apparatus for repelling birds from areas where their presence is unwanted. The invention relates particularly, but not exclusively, to an electrical apparatus for repelling birds from buildings, airports and the like.

Birds often perch on upward facing surfaces of buildings, and can in the process cause a nuisance. Perching by birds is particularly undesirable when the building is for example a listed building, a building of historical importance, or a monument of some kind, where bird lime from guano can cause permanent damage. The presence of birds is even more undesirable at or near an airport or a landing strip, when the presence of birds can be extremely dangerous. This problem is exacerbated by the growing trend for birds such as pigeons to become tamed and therefore more likely to perch in heavily populated areas.

There is therefore an increasing requirement for birds to be repelled from certain areas, such as those described above.

United States Patent Serial Number 6,006,698 discloses an electrical bird repelling device comprising a base made of an insulating material, and one or more electrically conductive rails disposed on the base. An electric potential is applied to each of the rails such that there is a potential difference between the two rails. When a bird lands on the electrical device and bridges the two rails, current flows between the two rails and the bird is given a mild electric shock which repels the bird from the area of the electrical device.

Despite providing a useful means of repelling birds, there are significant disadvantages associated with the electrical bird repelling device of United States Patent Serial Number 6,006,698. In particular, if, as may often be the case, a bird lands on only one rail, and does not bridge the two rails each having a different electrical potential, there is no current flow, and therefore the bird is not given an electric shock and is therefore not repelled from the area of the electrical device. In view of this, the electrical device of United States Patent Serial No. 6.006.698 is reliant upon the bird bridging the two rails, and is not effective at repelling birds if the bird stands lengthways on one rail.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved apparatus for repelling birds.

Summaty of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an electrical apparatus for repelling birds, the apparatus comprising:

at least one first electrically conductive region adapted to receive a first electrical potential;

at least one second electrically conductive region adapted to receive a second electrical potential, different from the first electrical potential; and

at least one electrically insulating medium separating a said first electrically conductive region from a said second electrically conductive region;

wherein at least one first electrically conductive region has at least four said second electrically conductive regions arranged such that they surround die at least one first electrically conductive region, and such that they are directly adjacent thereto.

This provides the advantage that a bird landing on the bird repelling apparatus is more likely to land with one foot resting on a region having a first potential and another foot resting on a region having a second potential, than to land with both feet on a region having the same potential which would not produce the desired effect which is to provide the bird with a small electric shock.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one said first electrically conductive region forms part of a first electrically conductive layer; at least one said second electrically conductive region forms part of a second electrically conductive layer; at least one said electrically insulating medium forms part of a first electrically insulating layer disposed between said first and second electrically conductive layers; and said second electrically conductive layer has at least one aperture therethrough, whereby a portion of said first electrically conductive layer is exposed through at least one said aperture.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one first electrically conductive protrusion connected to said first electrically conductive first layer, wherein at least one said first protrusion protrudes through at least one said aperture of the second electrically conductive layer.

It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises at least one second electrically conductive protrusion connected to said second electrically conductive second layer.

This provides the advantage that the bird repelling device is easily assembled, having a single layer providing a first potential to each protrusion disposed thereon, and further single layer providing a second potential to each protrusion disposed thereon.

It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a second electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of said second electrically conductive layer remote from said first electrically conductive first layer and comprising at least one aperture therethrough to enable said first and second protrusions to protrude therethrough.

This provides the advantage that the bird is more likely to bridge a protrusion held at a first potential and a protrusion held at a second potential when it lands on the bird repelling apparatus, than it would be if no second electrically insulating layer, which is an upper layer, were provided. If no upper layer were provided, the bird would be more likely to perch wholly on a single protrusion, thereby not bridging die positive and negative protrusions, thereby rendering die bird repelling apparatus ineffective. Moreover, the second electrically insulting layer provides protection from moisture and the elements.

Preferably, the distance between an electrically conductive protrusion of the first electrically conductive layer and an electrically conductive protrusion of the second electrically conductive layer is at least 0.025m.

This provides the advantage that smaller birds are not harmed in any way by the apparatus in that they would be too small to bridge the positive and negative protrusions and would therefore not be given an electric shock.

It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises at least one third electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of the first electrically conductive layer remote from said second electrically conductive layer.

It is preferred that at least one said first electrically insulating layer comprises a single layer of electrically insulating material having at least one aperture to enable said first protrusions to protrude therethrough.

Preferably, the electrical potential applied to the first and second electrically conductive regions is pulsed.

This provides the advantage that an electric shock of only limited duration is given to a bird landing on the bird repelling apparatus, and as a result, the bird is less likely to be harmed.

It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a fourth electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of said second electrically insulating layer remote from the second electrically conducting layer.

Even though said fourth electrically insulating layer effectively covers the pins, an AC coupling effect causes electrical energy to be paired through the insulation and have a similar effect of providing a W

bird with a small electric shock if it bridges the pins. This provides the advantage that the apparatus may be supplied as a sealed unit and is thereby safer to handle by personnel during installation.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical apparatus for repelling birds, the apparatus comprising:

at least one first electrically conductive element adapted to receive a first electrical potential; and

at least one second electrically conductive element adapted to receive a second electrical potential, different from the first electrical potential,

wherein at least one said first electrically conductive element is movable between a first condition, in which the first electrically conductive element is electrically insulated from the or each said second electrically conductive element, and a second condition, in which the first electrically conductive element is electrically connected to at least one said second electrically conductive element.

This provides the advantage that, when a bird lands on a first electrically conductive element, the first electrically conductive element moves from its first condition to its second condition and an electrical connection between the first electrically conductive element and at least one second electrically conductive element is made, resulting in the bird being given a small electric shock.

The apparatus may further comprise at least one electrically insulating medium separating a said first electrically conductive element from the or each said second electrically conductive element.

The electrically insulating material may be at least one air gap.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one said first electrically conductive element is a male electrode, and at least one said second electrically conductive element is a female electrode, whereby at least one male electrode locates inside a corresponding female electrode when pressure is applied to said male electrode. This provides the advantage that, when a bird lands on a first electrically conductive element, the male electrode is inserted into the female electrode, providing a robust electrical connection between the two with no slippage between the two.

The electrical apparatus may also be provided with a first electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of at least one said second electrically conductive element remote from the or each said first electrically conductive element. This provides the advantage that the apparatus may be in mat form, and as such may be conveniently placed over a surface to be protected, and then moved as required.

The electrical apparatus may also be provided with a second electrically insulating layer having at least one aperture therethrough, whereby a portion of at least one said first electrically conductive element is exposed through at least one said aperture.

In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical apparatus for repelling birds, the apparatus comprising: -

wherein the electrical apparatus is arranged such that the or each first electrically conductive element is adjacent to a second electrically conductive element, the said first an second electrically conductive elements being electrically insulated from each other and, and

further comprising a third electrically conductive element, wherein the third electrically conductive element lies on top of the first and second electrically conductive elements in contact therewith.

The said first and second electrically conductive elements preferably Ke in substantially the same plane and advantageously, the third electrically conductive element is substantially planar. The said at least one first electrically conductive element and the said at least one second electrically conductive element may be in the form of an elongate electrically conductive track. Preferably, the electrically conductive elements are attached to or form part of an insulating body.

In a preferred embodiment the first and second electrically conductive elements are arranged in parallel and may comprise tracks. The electrically conductive elements may be metallic and preferably include copper. Alternatively, the electrically conductive elements may include carbon, and preferably carbon fibre.

The third electrically conductive element comprises a flexible material, which is preferably an electrically conductive plastics material. Such material may be formed by mixing small pieces of electrically conductive material, for example carbon fibre, with a plastics material before extrusion or otherwise forming the final material. Alternatively, the electrically conductive material might be formed from a plastics material in which pieces of electrically conductive material are embedded, for example recycled car tyres, which include electrically conductive materials. In such an example there is not necessarily a requirement for mixing the electrically conductive material with the plastics material prior to mixing, as the electrically conductive material is embedded within the rubber of the tyres. Nevertheless, it may be necessary to mix the plastics material in which electrically conductive elements are embedded with further plastics material prior to extrusion, in order to arrive at an end product of the desired properties. Advantageously, the material from which the third electrically conductive layer is made is impermeable to moisture.

The insulating body mounting the first and second electrically conductive elements may be shaped to co-operate with the third electrically conductive layer and may be bonded to form a mat containing conductive strips.

The said insulating layer and third electrically conductive layer provide protection from moisture and the elements. An electrically insulating air gap may be provided between the upper surface of the first and second electrically conductive elements and the underside of the third electrically conductive element, the weight of a bird (or other animal) pressing the third conductive layer onto the first and second electrically conductive elements and thereby receiving an electric shock.

A pulsed electrical potential is applied to the first and second electrically conductive elements. The potential difference between the first and second electrically conductive elements causes current to flow between them and through the third electrically conductive element in contact with said first and second electrically conductive elements. When a bird lands on the electrical apparatus the bird receives an electric shock.

The electrical apparatus may be in the form of a track, comprising a number of inter-connecting units. The size of the track may be varied by connecting the required number of units. This also provides the advantage that the track can be made cover corners of buildings by fitting a corner unit to the track. Units may be connected side by side as well as end to end.

This provides protection from moisture and the elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate a number of embodiments of an electrical apparatus for repelling birds (or other animals) according to the invention and are by way of example:

Figure 1 shows a partially cut away perspective view of an electrical apparatus for repelling birds embodying a first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a side sectional view of a first electrically conductive element and a second electrically conductive element in situ, embodying a second aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of an electrical apparatus for repelling birds embodying a second aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an electrical apparatus for repelling birds embodying a third aspect of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the internal parts of components of the electrical apparatus embodying a third aspect of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a connector element of the apparatus embodying the third aspect of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a part of a corner element of the apparatus embodying the third aspect of the present invention;

Figure 8 is another schematic representation of the electrical apparatus embodying the third aspect of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an exploded view of a connector element of the apparatus embodying the third aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation view from the underside of the connector element of the apparatus shown in Figure 9.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

With reference to Figure 1, a bird repelling apparatus 2 comprises a first electrically conductive layer 6 made from adhesive-backed aluminium foil, a first electrically insulating layer 8 made from rubber matting disposed above the first electrically conductive layer 6, and a second electrically conductive layer 10 made from metal foil disposed above the first electrically insulating layer 8. The apparatus 2 further comprises a second electrically insulating layer 12 made from rubber matting disposed above the second electrically conductive layer 10, and a third electrically insulating layer 4 made from an electrically insulating material such as rubber matting, which is disposed below the first electrically conductive layer 6. Alternatively, the electrically insulating layers may be made from any suitable polymer. The layers 12 and 14 form upper and base layers respectively. Each layer may be bonded to an adjacent layer by means of suitable adhesive such as two part epoxy resin or hot melt adhesive.

The apparatus 2 further comprises a plurality of first electrically conductive spaced apart protrusions in the form of pins 14, disposed over the surface of the first electrically conductive layer 6. Each pin 14 incorporates a pin head 15. The first electrically conductive layer 6 further includes an electrically conductive strip 16 which is connected to a power supply (not shown), and which holds the first electrically conductive layer 6 and thus the pins 14, at a positive potential.

The apparatus 2 further comprises a plurality of second electrically conductive spaced apart protrusions in the form of pins 18, disposed over the surface of the second electrically conductive layer 10. Each pin 18 incorporates a pin head 19. The second electrically conductive layer 10 further includes an electrically conductive strip 20 which is also connected to a power supply (not shown), and which holds the second electrically conductive layer 10 and thus the pins 18, at a negative potential. The second electrically conductive layer 10 further includes a plurality of apertures 21 which are spaced from the pins 18.

Each pin 14 of the first electrically conductive layer 6 protrudes through an aperture 23 of the first electrically insulating layer 8, and an aperture 21 of the second electrically conductive layer 10.

Moreover, each pin 14, 18 protrudes through corresponding apertures 22 of the second electrically insulating layer 12, resulting in an array of pins 14, 18, and in particular pin heads 15, 19, being exposed through the apertures 22 of the second electrically insulating layer 12.

10 The array of pin heads 15, 19 are uniformly arranged in a plurality of rows and columns such that in each row, the pins alternate between those at a positive potential and those at a negative potential. Similarly, in each column, the pins alternate between those at a positive potential and those at a negative potential. In view of this arrangement, apart from those pins disposed towards the edge of the bird repelling device 2, each pin is surrounded by four pins held at a different potential to itself.

The pins 14, 18 are made form a non-corrosive material.

If a bird or other unwanted creature lands on the bird repelling device 2, and bridges a positive pin 14 and a negative pin 18, the potential difference between the two causes a small current to flow through the bird, resulting in the bird being given a small electric shock, which manifests itself as a tingling sensation throughout its feet and legs. The electric shock is not strong enough to cause harm to the bird, but is sufficient to deter the bird from the area of the bird repelling apparatus 2. The distance between the pins is typically at least 0.025m, so that smaller birds are not harmed. The potential difference between the first and second electrically conductive layers 6 and 10 may be increased in order to deter larger birds such as seagulls.

The bird repelling apparatus 2 is of a convenient size such as 1.0m x 0.2m x 0.03m. However, it is to be appreciated that the bird repelling apparatus 2 is flexible enough for the mat to be easily movable and adaptable, and may be cut and shaped such as to fit various surfaces. Moreover, a plurality of bird repelling apparatuses 2 may be placed side by side and interlocked in order to fit a larger surface. The bird repelling apparatus 2 is made from flexible materials such as metal foil and rubber, and so is flexible, thereby allowing the bird repelling apparatus to be located over non-planar surfaces. Further the bird repelling apparatus 2 is resilient to weather conditions.

The bird repelling apparatus 2, one example of which is described above, provides a user with a convenient and effective means of repelling birds and other unwanted creatures from areas which it is desired to be kept free of birds, but also provides a bird repelling apparatus which does not cause

11 harm to the bird, and which is therefore humane. The bird repelling apparatus 2 is robust, but easy to cut and shape and attach to building surfaces.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment has been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alternatives and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In particular, it is to be appreciated that the bird repelling apparatus may be employed to repel unwanted creatures other than birds, such as vermin, or cockroaches. In the case whereby the electrical device is employed to repel cockroaches, the distance between the first and second electrical regions would be less than 0.025m. In the case whereby the electrical device is employed to repel larger animals such as vermin, the distance between the first and second electrical regions would be around 0.25m.

It is also to be appreciated that the material of the electrically insulating layers may vary. For example, the electrically insulating layers may be made form flexible polyurethane film of lmm thickness and a shore hardness of 80. Alternatively, the electrically insulating layers may be made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polythene, or recycled car tyres.

Moreover, it is to be appreciated that protrusions 14, 18 may alternatively take the form of staples.

Further, the first electrically conductive region may be made from aluminium adhesive tape.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, a bird repelling apparatus 24 comprises a plurality of first electrically conductive elements 26, each being in the form of an elongate metallic shank 28 having a flanged upper end 30.

The apparatus 24 further comprises a plurality of second electrically conductive elements 32, each being in the form of an elongate metallic hollow shank 34 having a flanged lower end 36. When in its first condition, the shank 28 of the first electrically conductive element 26 locates inside the

12 hollow shank 34 of the second electrically conductive element 32, but a spring element (not shown) maintains the Erst electrically conductive element 26 in a position whereby there is no electrical contact between the first electrically conductive element 26 and the second electrically conductive element 32, and there exists an air gap between the two.

The apparatus 24 further comprises a first electrically insulating layer 38 made from rubber matting disposed below the second electrically conductive elements. The apparatus 24 further comprises a second electrically insulating layer 40 made from rubber matting and having a plurality of apertures 42 disposed over the surface of the layer 40. The apertures 42 are disposed such that the flanged ends 30 of the first electrically conductive elements protrude through the second electrically insulating layer 40. The layers 38 and 40 form lower and upper layers respectively.

The apparatus 24 further includes a means (not shown) for holding the first electrically conductive elements 26 at a positive potential, and a means for holding the second electrically conductive elements 32 at a negative potential.

The array of first electrically conductive elements 26 are uniformly arranged in a plurality of rows and columns.

If a bird or other unwanted creature lands on the bird repelling apparatus 24, and in particular on a region having an exposed flanged end 30 of a first electrically conductive element 26, pressure is applied to the first electrically conductive element 26 and the spring force provided by the spring is overcome, resulting in the first electrically conductive element moving downwardly inside the hollow shank 34 of the second electrically conductive element 32 such that an electrical connection is made between the first 26 and the second 32 electrically conductive elements. The potential difference between the two elements causes a small current to flow through the bird, resulting in the bird being given a small electric shock, which manifests itself as a tingling sensation throughout its feet and legs.

13 The electric shock is not strong enough to cause harm to the bird, but is sufficient to deter the bird from the area of the bird repelling apparatus 24.

The bird repelling apparatus 24 is of a convenient size such as 1.0m x 0.2m x 0.03m. However, it is to be appreciated that the bird repelling apparatus 24 is flexible enough for the mat to be easily movable and adaptable, and may be cut and shaped such as to fit various surfaces. Moreover, a plurality of bird repelling apparatuses 24 may be placed side by side and interlocked in order to fit a larger surface. The bird repelling apparatus 24 is made from flexible materials such as rubber matting, and so is flexible, thereby allowing the bird repelling apparatus to be located over non-planar surfaces. Further, the bird repelling apparatus 24 is resilient to weather conditions.

The bird repelling apparatus 24, one example of which is described above, provides a user with a convenient and effective means of repelling birds and other unwanted creatures from areas which it is desired to be kept free of birds, but also provides a bird repelling apparatus which does not cause harm to the bird, and which is therefore humane.

With reference to Figures 4 to 6, a bird repelling apparatus 44 comprises a plurality of units 58, 64, and 66, each unit comprising a plurality of first electrically conductive elements 46, 46', 46" (referred to collectively hereinafter as 46) and a plurality of second electrically conductive elements 48, 48' and 48" (referred to collectively hereinafter as 48). In the present example each of the first and second electrically conductive elements is in the form of an elongate metal track, which metal is preferably copper or a copper alloy.

The electrically conductive elements 46, 48 are arranged in a base layer 52, which in the present example is formed from extruded polypropylene. The electrically conductive elements 46, 48 sit in channels 72 (into which they are a push fit) which lie in parallel such that there is no electrical contact between the first electrically conductive element 46 and the second electrically conductive element

14 48. Each end of the electrically conductive elements 46, 48 extends beyond the base 52 and includes an aperture 54 which attaches to a peg 60 of the unit 58.

Each unit 58, 64 and 66 further comprises a third electrically conductive element in the form of a layer of electrically conductive material 50, 50' and 50" (referred to collectively hereinafter as 50). The layer of electrically conductive material 50 (see Figure 8) rests on the surface of the electrically conductive elements 46 and 48 and the potential difference between the conductive elements 46 and 48 causes a current to flow through the layer of electrically conductive material 50. When a bird (or other animal) comes to rest upon the surface of the material 50 it receives an electric shock.

The electrically conductive layer 50 and the base material 52 are both formed by extruding polypropylene. The polypropylene used in the electrically conductive layer 50 includes a matrix of electrically conductive carbon fibres introduced into the polypropylene prior to extrusion thereof. The conductive layer 50 and the base material 52 each include part of a male/female connector. The male/female connectors comprise a channel 69, 69', 69" (referred to collectively hereinafter as 69) a tongue 70, 70', 70" (referred to collectively hereinafter as 70). The tongue 70 is pressed into the channel 69 to attach the base material 52 to the electrically conductive layer 50. In the unit 66 each tongue 70 (there are four across the width of the base 52 in the present example) is bonded to a corresponding channel 69 by the use of an adhesive applied to male/female connector prior to the tongue 70 being pressed into the channel 69, which is done by means of a rolling process. The electrically conductive elements 46 and 48 are effectively clamped in place between the layer of conductive material 50 and the non-conductive base 52.

Best illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, in the units 58 and 64 the male/female connectors are located at the edges only and the tongues 70' and 70" are pressed into the respective channels 69', 69" manually and without use of an adhesive. In unit 58 a bridge 62 forms a conductive path between conductive elements 46', while the bridge 62' forms a conductive path between conductive elements 48'. The

15 bridges 62, 62' each include apertures 73 positioned to align with pegs 60' and 68 extending upward from the upper surface of the base material 52, the apertures being a push fit onto the pegs 60' and 68. Pushing the bridges onto the pegs 60', 68 secures them to the base 52'.

In unit 64, the electrically conductive elements 46" and 48" are held in place by nature of the push fit between the conductive elements and the channels 72. When assembled, as illustrated in Figure 5 the conductive elements 46" are attached to the conductive elements 46' and the conductive elements 48" to the conductive elements 48' of adjoining units 58. Further the base 52' of unit 58 abuts the edge of the base 52" of unit 64. The electrically conductive elements 46" and 48" include apertures 74 which locates on a peg 60 of the unit 58. Further, as can be seen from Figure 9, a clip 75 of the layer of conductive material 50 engages with an opening 79 of the base 52 to firmly secure the elements of the unit 64 together.

Referring now to Figure 10, the connector unit 58 includes terminals 77 and 78 which provide for attachment to a source of electrical power, the terminal 77 being connected to conductive element 46 and the terminal 77 being connected to conductive element 58. A pulse generator (not shown) can be connected to the system at any connector unit 58, thus allowing flexibility for installation.

The apparatus illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 8 is double width. An electrical connection is made between electrically conductive elements 46 and 48 of the units 58 (and hence 64 and 66) by means of connectors 76 and 76'. These connectors are similar to connectors 62 and 62' and include apertures which engage with pegs 80 to secure them in position on the base.

The apparatus may be configured in many different ways. For example, if a surface includes corners, corner units 64 may be used (note corner units 64 having different angles may be produced). Where the surface is wider than one unit 58, 64, 66, two sets of units may be joined together side-by-side. Where the surface is long, any combination of units 58, 64, 66 may be used (depending on the shape

16 of the surface). In the present embodiment at least one end of the apparatus must terminate with connector units 58.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 10 is simple to manufacture and results in successful deterrent of birds (or other animals). Whereas in the prior art whether a bird (or other animal) receives an electric shock depends on where the bird (or other animal) is located, in this embodiment it does not matter where the bird (or other animal) is located, it will always receive an electric shock if it lands on the surface of the third electrically conductive element.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above embodiment has been described by way of example only, and not in any limitative sense, and that various alternatives and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

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Claims

1. An electrical apparatus for repelling birds, the apparatus comprising: -

wherein the electrical apparatus is arranged such that the or each first electrically conductive element is adjacent to a second electrically conductive element, the said first an second electrically conductive elements being electrically insulated from each other, and

2. An electrical apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the said first and second electrically conductive elements lie in substantially the same plane, and the said third electrically conductive element is substantially planar.

3. An electrical apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the said at least one first electrically conductive element and the said at least one second electrically conductive element are in the form of an elongate electrically conductive track.

4. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrically conductive elements are attached to or form part of an insulating body.

5. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second electrically conductive elements are arranged in parallel.

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6. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the third electrically conductive element comprises a flexible material.

7. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the third electrically conductive element is an electrically conductive plastics material.

8. An electrical apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the said electrically conductive plastics material is formed by mixing discrete small pieces electrically conductive material with the plastics material prior to forming thereof.

9. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the third electrically conductive element is formed by extrusion.

10. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the material from which the third electrically conductive layer is made is impermeable to moisture.

11. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the insulating body mounting the first and second electrically conductive elements is shaped to co-operate with the third electrically conductive layer, the said shape providing an attachment means, which means provides for attachment of the said insulating body to the said third electrically conductive layer.

12. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a pulsed electrical potential is applied to the first and second electrically conductive elements.

13. An electrical apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of interconnecting units, each unit comprising an electrical apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 12

14. An electrical apparatus for repelling birds substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to Figures 4 to 10 of the drawings.

15. An electrical apparatus for repelling birds, the apparatus comprising:

19 at least one second electrically conductive region adapted to receive a second electrical potential, different from the first electrical potential; and

wherein at least one first electrically conductive region has at least four said second electrically conductive regions arranged such that they surround the at least one first electrically conductive region, and such that they are direcdy adjacent thereto.

16. An apparatus according to Claim 15, wherein at least one said first electrically conductive region forms part of a first electrically conductive layer; at least one said second electrically conductive region forms part of a second electrically conductive layer; at least one said electrically insulating medium forms part of a first electrically insulating layer disposed between said first and second electrically conductive layers; and said second electrically conductive layer has at least one aperture therethrough, whereby a portion of said first electrically conductive layer is exposed through at least one said aperture.

17. An apparatus according to Claim 16, further comprising at least one first electrically conductive protrusion connected to said first electrically conductive first layer, wherein at least one said first protrusion protrudes through at least one said aperture of the second electrically conductive layer.

18. An apparatus according to Claim 16 or 17, further comprising at least one second electrically conductive protrusion connected to said second electrically conductive second layer.

19. An apparatus according to Claim 17 or 18, further comprising a second electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of said second electrically conductive layer remote from said first electrically

20 conductive first layer and comprising at least one aperture therethrough to enable said first and second protrusions to protrude therethrough.

20. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the distance between an electrically conductive protrusion of the first electrically conductive layer and an electrically conductive protrusion of the second electrically conductive layer is at least 0.025m.

21. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 16 to 20, further comprising at least one third electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of the first electrically conductive layer remote from said second electrically conductive layer.

22. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 16 to 21, wherein at least one said first electrically insulating layer comprises a single layer of electrically insulating material having at least one aperture to enable said first protrusions to protrude therethrough.

23. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 15 to 22, wherein the electrical potential applied to the first and second electrically conductive regions is pulsed.

24. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 21, 22 or 23 further comprising a fourth electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of said second electrically insulating layer remote from the second electrically conducting layer.

25. An electrical apparatus for repelling birds substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings.

26. An electrical apparatus for repelling birds, the apparatus comprising:

21 at least one second electrically conductive element adapted to receive a second electrical potential, different from the first electrical potential,

wherein at least one said first electrically conductive elements is movable between a first condition, in which the first electrically conductive element is electrically insulated from the or each said second electrically conductive element, and a second condition, in which the first electrically conductive element is electrically connected to at least one said second electrically conductive element.

27. An apparatus according to Claim 26, further comprising at least one electrically insulating medium separating a said first electrically conductive element from the or each said second electrically conductive element.

28. An apparatus according to Claim 27, wherein the electrically insulating material may be at least one air gap.

29. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 26 to 28, wherein at least one said first electrically conductive element is a male electrode, and at last one said second electrically conductive element is a female electrode, whereby at least one male electrode fits inside a corresponding female electrode when pressure is applied to said male electrode.

30. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 26 to 29, further comprising a first electrically insulating layer disposed on a side of at least one said second electrically conductive element remote from the or each said first electrically conductive element.

31. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 26 to 30, further comprising a second electrically insulating layer having at least one aperture therethrough, whereby a portion of at least one said first electrically conductive element is exposed through at least one said aperture.

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32. An electrical apparatus for repelling birds substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings.

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