Abstract:
An animal repellant system which includes triggering means for detecting the presence of animals within a particular area and generating signals indicative thereof. The animal repellant system includes a controller operable to receive the signals generated by the triggering means and to issue command signals responsive thereto, and deterrent means for effectuating a repellant component of the animal repellant system in response to the command signals issued by the controller, thereby dissuading the animals from entering the particular area.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority from provisional application Ser. No. 60/616,568, filed Oct. 6, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is generally directed to animal repellant systems and is more specifically directed to a controller based system that is capable of exploiting several different techniques to deter certain animals from entering particular areas.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     By nature animals roam from one location to another seeking food, water, and shelter. As a result it is inevitable that at times they encroach upon people&#39;s property. In some instances an animal&#39;s presence can be beneficial, yet there are other situations in which an animal&#39;s presence is destructive, burdensome, dangerous, annoying or otherwise undesirable. Skunks, bear, deer, birds, woodchucks, rabbits, dogs, cats, cows, horses, and many other animals may from time to time roam onto and undesirably intrude upon one&#39;s property.  
         [0004]     History provides an example of such undesirable animal intrusions in the case of deer. Nationally, whitetail deer population estimates range from 20 million to 33 million, which represents a larger deer population than that which existed when Christopher Columbus arrived five centuries ago, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Dec. 1, 2004. Deer can be destructive and the damage they inflict on property is getting worse every year as their population grows. By nature, deer live on the edge of the forest where they can graze on plants, flowers and small trees while using the woods for cover. This makes residential backyards and commercial nurseries particularly inviting to deer. In fact, deer can eat as much as 3,000 pounds of plant matter a year or approximately 2,000,000 leaves. It is estimated that they cause more than $1 billion in residential property damage annually. Such grazing by deer can cause landscape damage, thus reducing the attractiveness of the property to potential buyers.  
         [0005]     Many types of devices and methods have been and are presently being used to discourage animals, such as deer, from causing damage to landscaping material, such as perimeter fencing, which may or may not be electrified, as well as the covering of shrubs with some type of netting. These arrangements are time consuming and impair the aesthetics of the property to be protected. A keen sense of hearing and ability of animals, such as deer, to triangulate the exact origin of sounds is the animal&#39;s main defense against predators and danger in general. However, audio frequency emission systems for repelling deer presently in use are difficult to install and generally operate continuously thereby allowing deer to become accustomed to the constant audio output and thereby making the devices ineffective.  
         [0006]     There is a need to provide a method or system for repelling animals that is convenient, is highly efficient and does not pose a physical risk to wildlife, pets and human beings. Prior art methods and systems for addressing these needs were either too expensive, inhumane, ineffective or a combination of all of these. Based on the foregoing, it is the general object of the present invention to improve upon or overcome the problem and drawbacks of the prior art.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     According to one aspect of the present invention, an animal repellant system is provided which includes a triggering means for detecting the presence of animals in a particular area and generating signals indicative thereof. The animal repellant system can include a controller in communication with the triggering means to receive the signals generated therefrom and to issue command signals responsive thereto. The animal repellant system also includes deterrent means for effectuating a repellant component of the animal repellant system in response to the command signals, thereby dissuading animals from entering into the particular area.  
         [0008]     Another aspect of the current invention relates to an animal repellant system wherein the triggering means includes but is not limited to motion detectors, interrupted beam photo sensors, photo cells including photo cells with day and night program changes, pressure switches, and input from bi-directional data links. The triggering means can generate command signals or be connected to a controller which may be programmed to vary command signals according to non-periodic time and frequency patterns. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the controller produces the command signals.  
         [0009]     In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the deterrent means includes a power amplifier and audio driver that generates sound in response to commands issued from the controller. The sound generated by the controller can be in the ultrasonic range, the sonic range or a combination thereof. Piezo electric audio drivers are preferred for effectuating sound wave type repellant components. When using piezo-electric audio drivers it is preferable that the wave signals be square waves which contain a fundamental frequency plus harmonic frequencies. Certain audio drivers which are constructed to increase the distortion of the audio output beyond that which is inherent in the square wave that is fed to the audio driver, can also be used in the present invention. Although piezo-electric audio drivers are preferred, the present invention is not limited in this regard as Terfenol (ETREMA TERFENOL-D is registered trademark of Edge Technologies, Inc., Registration No. 1512330) dynamic, ribbon, electrostatic, and plasma audio drivers may also be used. While audio drivers have been described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other deterrent means such as strobe lights, sprinklers, alarm systems and spot lights can also form a repellant component of the present invention.  
         [0010]     When audio drivers are used, pattern variations in audio output can be governed by the controller through generation and transmission of command signals and wave signals. The command signals can include wave signals such as but not limited to square waves, saw-tooth waves and sine waves The controller can cause a number of changes in the output of one or more repellant components using a preprogrammed protocol. Fore example, frequency, duration, number and direction of audio drivers actuated, selection of different frequency patterns, cancellation of ambient noise, total time interval in which command signals are generated, cadence type output defining the order or pattern in which sound is made, range and decibel level of the command signals and time interval where no frequency output occurs, can be changed. The preprogrammed protocol can also vary changes in the command signals over a random series of steps. In addition, the preselected time interval can be varied depending upon the signals generated from the triggering means.  
         [0011]     A further aspect of the current invention relates to an arrangement of animal repellant systems comprising at least two animal repellant systems that are connected by a bidirectional communication network linking the controller in each of the animal repellant systems to at least one other animal repellant system. The arrangement can include at least two animal repellant systems controlled by a central controller or by a controller contained in each animal repellant system which works cooperatively with other controllers in a bidirectional communication network. The bi-directional communication network can be in the form of dedicated communication wiring, power wires used for communication and wireless radio frequency transceivers for communication purposes. In one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the power wires are used for bi-directional communication, measures well known to those skilled in the relevant art of communication over power wires are implemented to reduce noise levels and attenuation at operating frequencies. The animal repellant system can also communicate using standard protocols such as phone, cable or the internet. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an animal repellant system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the animal repellent system illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing detail regarding the bottom of the controller.  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of the animal repellant system of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of a projection cone for providing square wave distortion in practicing the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic view showing a repellant system operatively connected to a microphone to detect and cancel ambient noise.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing a plurality of animal repellant systems connected in a serial pattern with individual controllers housed within each animal repellant system.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram similar to that shown in  FIG. 6  but showing a network of animal repellant systems controlled by a central controller.  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a top view of an arrangement of animal repellent systems, of the present invention, situated on a parcel of land, and further illustrating overlapping ranges of the repellent systems.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9   a  is a schematic diagram illustrating communication links between the controller and the motion detectors of the animal repellant system, using separate wires for bi-directional communication and power transmission.  
         [0021]      FIG. 9   b  is a schematic diagram illustrating communication links between the controller, and the motion detectors of the animal repellant system, using the power wires for both bi-directional communication and power transmission.  
         [0022]      FIG. 9   c  is a schematic diagram illustrating communication links between the controller, and the motion detectors of the animal repellant system, using separate wires for power transmission and a wireless link for bi-directional communication. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates an animal repellant system  10 , including a control module  12  housing a controller positioned therein. The control module  12  includes four ports  14  each housing a motion detector  16  for detecting a presence of animals in a particular area and for generating signals indicative thereof. The four motion detectors  16  are positioned in an array defining an approximately common plane. Each motion detector  16  is substantially evenly spaced around a first perimeter of the animal repellent system  10  and positioned about 90 degrees from another motion detector.  FIG. 1  further shows an animal repellant  10  system including eight audio drivers  18  arrayed uniformly around a second perimeter of the animal repellant system  10  for multidirectional broadcasting a repellant component consisting of sound waves. While sound waves have been described above, the present invention is not limited in this regard as sprinklers, spotlights, scent dispensers, and strobe lights can also be used. Although the motion detectors  16  are shown on the approximately common plane, the invention is not limited in this regard, as the motion detectors  16  can be positioned on more than one plane and different planes. While four motion detectors  16  are shown evenly spaced and positioned about 90 degrees apart, the present invention is not limited in this regard as at least one motion detector can be used and motion detectors can be non-evenly spaced around the animal repellant system  10 .  
         [0024]     Again referring to  FIG. 1 , an attachment clip  20  projects outwardly from a bottom  26  of the control module  12 . The attachment clip includes rotational hinging grooves  22  and an attachment slot  24  which are adapted to rotatably mate complementarily with a support post and bracket (not shown) which has corresponding mated hinge guides that allow the animal repellant system  10  to be rotated at least 90 degrees in either direction. While the attachment clip  20  has been shown, the invention is not limited in this regard as other mechanisms for rotatably mounting the animal repellant  10  system to the support post can be employed.  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  illustrates a first data port  30  and a second port  32  positioned on the bottom  26  of the control module  12 . The first data port  30  and the second port  32  are protected by flexible boots (not shown) positioned therein. The first data port  30  houses connections  34  for phone lines, the internet, and USB lines, for field maintenance and reprogramming of the controller. The second port  32  houses dip switches  36  for controlling operational modes of the animal repellant system  10 . Although the flexible boots are shown for protection of the first data port  30  and second port  32 , the invention is not limited in this regard as a cover positioned over the first data port and the second port, such that a tool would be required to remove the cover, can also be used. While the data port  30  and the second port  32  are shown, the present invention is not limited in this regard as radio frequency, internet, and other communication devices can be used.  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows the animal repellent system  10 , including the controller  40  and four motion detectors  42  for detecting the presence of an animal or other moving heat source, in the particular area. The motion detectors  42  include a built-in time delay circuit which delays transmission of a motion signal  44  until a predetermined time elapses. Motion signals  44  are continuously or intermittently relayed to the controller  40 . Although the above mentioned embodiment of the present invention discloses the motion detector  42 , the current invention is not limited in this regard as interrupted beam photo sensors, photo cells including photo cells with day and night program changes, pressure switches, and input from bi-directional data links, can also be used. While the motion detector  42  is shown with the time delay, the controller  40  can also be used to provide the time delay function.  
         [0027]      FIG. 3  also shows the audio driver  18  connected to a control relay  54  and a power amplifier  50  for output of sound waves. The controller  40  generates wave signals  48  and command signals  46 . The controller  40  includes a protocol  58  for varying the command signals  46  according to a pattern. The wave signals  48  are transmitted to a power amplifier  50  for generation of amplified wave signals  52  of high wattage output and transmission of the amplified wave signals  52  to the control relay  54 . The control relay  54  receives the amplified wave signals  52  and transmits the amplified wave signals  52  to the audio driver  18  for broadcasting a repellant component consisting of a pattern of varied frequency ultrasonic sound waves  57 . Although the animal repellant system  10  described above is operative primarily in the ultrasonic frequency range, the animal repellant system can also operate in the sonic range or in a combination of sonic and ultrasonic ranges.  
         [0028]      FIG. 3  also shows strobe lights  70  built into the animal repellant system  10  and connected to a strobe light driver  68 . A scent dispensing module  74  connected to a scent dispenser driver  72 , is also schematically illustrated. The command signals  46  are transmitted to the strobe light driver  68  for activation of the strobe lights  70  thereby effectuating the repellant component consisting of high intensity light flashes. Command signals  46  are also transmitted to the scent dispenser driver  72  for activation of the scent dispensing module  74  thereby effectuating the repellant component consisting of at least one scent. While strobe lights  70  and scent dispensing modules  74  are shown, the current invention is not limited in this regard, as other repellant components including but not limited to a sprinkler system for effectuating a repellant component consisting of water, an audible range sound delivery system, such as an alarm system, for effectuating a repellant component consisting of audible sound and spot lights for effectuating a repellant component consisting of light, can also be used. While the strobe lights  70  are shown built into the animal repellant system  10 , the present invention is not limited in this regard as the strobe lights can be separate from the animal repellant system.  
         [0029]      FIG. 3  also illustrates a sensor  64  for determining whether power supply is available to the animal repellant system  10  and annunciating a status of the power supply. The sensor  64  is shown with back-up battery power  62 . The animal repellant system  10  is shown connected to a 24 volt alternating current power supply  60 . The connections  34  for phone lines, the internet, and USB lines, for field maintenance and reprogramming of the controller  40 , are also shown. The animal repellant system  10  also includes the dip switches  36  for controlling operational modes of the animal repellant system  10 . Although the sensor  64  is shown for determining whether power is available to the animal repellant system  10 , the present invention is not limited in this regard as other sensors can also be used to determine and annunciate other parameters of the animal repellant system. While the  24  volt alternating current power supply  60  is shown, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other power supplies can also be used, including but not limited to, solar and battery power.  
         [0030]      FIG. 4  illustrates a piezo electric audio driver  80  emitting square wave signals  86  characterized by at least one frequency and wave length for use with the animal repellant system  10 . The piezo electric audio driver  80  includes a projection cone  82  which broadcasts the square wave signals  86 . The projection cone  82  has a throat  84  section which produces inter-modulation and harmonic distortion, caused by a non-linear compression of air in the throat  84  of the projection cone  82 . While the square wave  86  is shown, other wave forms such as saw-tooth and sine waves can also be used. Although the piezo electric audio drivers  80  have been described, the present invention is not limited in this regard, in that other audio drivers can be used including but not limited to, Terfenol (ETREMA TERFENOL-D is registered trademark of Edge Technologies, Inc., Registration No. 1512330) dynamic, ribbon, electrostatic, and plasma audio drivers or a combination thereof.  
         [0031]      FIG. 5  illustrates a microphone  98  coupled to the audio driver  18 . The microphone  98  detects ambient noise  102  and converts the ambient noise into noise wave signals  94 . The microphone  98  transmits the noise wave signals  94  through the communication link  100  to the controller  40 . The noise wave signals  94  are analyzed by the controller  40 , wherein the controller generates canceling wave signals  96  which are exactly opposite to and 180 degrees out of phase with the noise wave signals  94 . The audio driver  18  emits the canceling wave signals  96  to create a null-zone  104  wherein no ambient noise is present. While the microphone  98  is shown coupled to the audio driver  18 , the present invention is not limited in this regard as the microphone may be positioned remotely.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6  shows at least two animal repellant systems  10  connected in series by links  114  such that the animal repellant systems activate simultaneously upon receipt of the motion signal  44 . Each link  114  is illustrative of both a bi-directional communication link and a power wire. While simultaneous activation has been described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as independent activation of the animal repellant systems  10  is also possible.  
         [0033]      FIG. 7  illustrates a network  122  of animal repellant systems  110  controlled by a central controller  130  connected by links  126  to each animal repellant system in the network. The central controller  130  activates each animal repellant system  110  simultaneously. The central controller  130  also simultaneously activates sprinklers  132 , spotlights  134 , scent dispensers  136 , strobe lights  138 , and an alarm system  139  through links  128 . Although the central controller  130  is shown to activate the animal repellant systems  110 , sprinklers  132 , spotlights  134 , scent dispensers  136 , strobe lights  138 , and alarm system  139  simultaneously, the present invention is not limited in this regard, in that the controller  130  can provide other activation sequences. In other embodiments of the present invention, a control module of a home security system can be interfaced with the central controller  130 .  
         [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , six animal repellent systems  10  are positioned around a residential structure  160 , affixed to a parcel of land  170 . The animal repellant systems  10  have an effectiveness range  185  of up to 360 degrees. The animal repellant systems  10  are shown positioned such that the effectiveness ranges  185  overlap. The effectiveness ranges  185  are further defined by a radius extending outwardly from the animal repellant systems  10  by a distance, at which the repellant component diminishes by less than half. The animal repellant system  10  illustrates uses of ultrasonic waves  150  as the repellant component wherein the ultrasonic waves deflect off the structure  160  and shrubs  190 . Deflection of ultrasonic waves  150 , broadcast at a frequency from the animal repellant system  10 , causes interference patterns which change when the frequency of the ultrasonic wave changes. While animal repellant systems  10  are shown positioned around the residential structure  160 , the present invention is not limited in this regard as the animal repellant systems can be positioned on and around residential structures and other structures and locations.  
         [0035]      FIG. 9   a  shows the power supply  60  providing power through a power wire  230  to the controller  40  and three motion detectors  42 . A separate communication wire  240  connects the controller  40  with the motion detectors  42 , providing bi-directional communication therebetween. The bi-directional communication wire  240  is shown arranged in tandem with the power wires  230 .  FIG. 9   b  illustrates use of power wires  250  for transmission of power from the power supply  60  to the controller  40  and three motion detectors  42 . In  FIG. 9   b , the power wires  250  are also used for bi-directional communication between the controller  40  and three motion detectors  42 .  FIG. 9   c  illustrates use of a wireless system including transceivers  270  for generation of a wireless radio frequency link  280  for bi-directional communication between the controller  40  and the three motion detectors  42 .  FIG. 9   c  illustrates use of a separate power wire  260  for transmission of power to the controller  40  and three motion detectors  42 . While  FIGS. 9   a ,  9   b  and  9   c  illustrate bi-directional communication between the controller  40  and the motion detectors  42 , the present invention is not limited in this regard as bi-directional communication using the separate wire, the power wire and the wireless system can also be used for bi-directional communication between other components of the animal repellant system  10  including but not limited to the power amplifier  60 , the audio driver  18 , the scent dispersing drivers  68  and the strobe light drivers  68 .  
         [0036]     Although the present invention has been disclosed and described with reference to certain embodiments thereof, it should be noted that other variations and modifications may be made, and it is intended that the following claims cover the variations and modifications within the true spirit of the invention.