Abstract:
A method for dispersing a bird repellant includes providing a tank defining an interior space, and placing a quantity of bird repellant in liquid form within the interior space of the tank. The method also includes providing a nozzle assembly including at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the interior space of the tank, wherein the at least one nozzle includes a discharge aperture. The method further includes providing an air pressurizing source, and atomizing a portion of the bird repellant by moving air over the discharge aperture of the at least one nozzle via the air pressuring source, thereby providing an atomized bird repellant.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    The present application claims priority from previously-filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/405,633, filed Aug. 23, 2002, and to which priority is claimed. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a method for dispersing a bird repellant, and in particular to a method and related apparatus for atomizing a bird repellant in liquid form.  
           [0003]    Bird repellants are utilized in a wide variety of environments, including fruit orchards, crop fields, barns for livestock, airports, and the like. The bird repellants are typically distributed via large fogging machines that include heating elements, such as heating coils that were heated by an associated spark plug. The heat from the coils vaporize a liquid bird repellant containing the active ingredient of methyl anthranilate, thereby creating a thick “smoke” that hangs in the surrounding air. The methyl anthranilate containing smoke is then inhaled by birds passing therethrough, causing a discomfort to the birds and repelling them from the smoke ladened area.  
           [0004]    Heretofore, the fogging machines as used are not exceedingly effective as the particle size of the vaporized bird repellant is too large to remain airborne for all but a short time period. Further, the heating process associated with the fogging machines results in the created smoke being readily visible to both humans and birds. The visibility to the birds results in the birds simply avoiding the smoke and/or the birds initiating a “self-defense mechanism” in which the birds close a mucous membrane to cover their eyes, and further closing their throats to avoid inhaling the smoke. The visibility to humans creates visual problems within enclosed areas such as aircraft hangars, dairy barns, and the like, and safety problems around airports and highways. Other disadvantages include the significant noise associated with the operation of known fogging devices, the significant cost for bird repellant due to the relative ineffectiveness of the process, and reduced effectiveness of the bird repellant due to the heating process.  
           [0005]    Another known application process includes spraying orchards and fields with bird repellant in liquid form. This is typically accomplished via a commercial spraying operation as is well known. Heretofore, these spraying processes have resulted in a heavy coating of the repellant being placed on the fruits and/or crops, as is required to adequately repel the birds. The heavy coating can cause a distaste to the covered fruit. Another disadvantage of the spraying process is that the chemical methyl anthranilate breaks down into an anthranilic acid that is phototoxic to the leaves of many plants, thereby damaging the associated fruit trees. Other disadvantages include the short active life of the bird repellant once applied, thereby requiring repeated heavy coatings, and the relative ineffectiveness of the repellant when ingested by the birds, thereby again requiring repeatedly heavy applications of the product.  
           [0006]    An effective method for dispersing a liquid bird repellant is desired that is highly effective at repelling birds, is cost effective, reduces the amount of bird repellant required to effectively repel the birds, is safe to use around consumable products, is safe to use around areas such as airports, and may be applied with minimal intrusions.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    One aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for dispersing a bird repellant that includes providing a tank defining an interior space, placing a quantity of bird repellant in liquid form within the interior space of the tank, and providing a nozzle assembly including at least one nozzle in fluid communication with the interior space of the housing, wherein the at least one nozzle includes a discharge aperture. The method further includes providing an air pressurizing source, and atomizing a portion of the bird repellant by moving air over the discharge aperture of the at least one nozzle via the air pressurizing source, thereby providing an atomized bird repellant.  
           [0008]    Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for dispersing a bird repellant utilizing a hazing apparatus that includes a tank having an interior space adapted to receive a liquid within at least a portion thereof, and a nozzle assembly located within the interior space of the tank and having a nozzle housing and at least one nozzle located within the nozzle housing, wherein each nozzle includes a discharge aperture. The apparatus also includes a supply line providing fluid communication between the portion of the interior space of the tank containing the liquid and the at least one nozzle, and a first filter member located so as to filter the fluid prior to the fluid entering the nozzle. The hazing apparatus further includes a compressor in fluid communication with the nozzle housing and adapted to provide an air flow through the nozzle housing, and a controller in operable communication with the compressor. The hazing apparatus still further includes a second filter member located so as to filter an atomized fluid exiting the nozzle assembly. The method includes placing a quantity of bird repellant in liquid form within the interior space of the housing and atomizing a portion of the liquid bird repellant by forcing air over the discharge aperture of the at least one nozzle via the compressor, thereby providing an atomized bird repellant.  
           [0009]    Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for dispersing a bird repellant that includes a tank having an interior space adapted to receive a liquid bird repellant within at least a portion thereof, and a nozzle assembly located within the interior space of the tank and having a nozzle housing and at least one nozzle located within the nozzle housing. The nozzle housing includes a first portion, a second portion and an O-ring providing a fluid-tight seal between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the O-ring is constructed of a material substantially non reactive with the bird repellant. The at least one nozzle is in fluid communication with the portion of the interior space of the tank and is adapted to receive the liquid bird repellant. Each nozzle includes a discharge aperture. The apparatus further includes a compressor in fluid communication with the nozzle housing and adapted to provide an air flow through the nozzle housing and over the discharge aperture of the at least one nozzle, which draws the fluid bird repellant from the at least one nozzle and atomizes the fluid bird repellant to provide an atomized bird repellant.  
           [0010]    The present inventive method and related apparatus provide a low cost and economical solution to dispersing birds from both interior spaces and exterior areas. The methods and related apparatus also provides a low-noise, less obstructive, and less intrusive solution to bird dispersion. Specifically, the methods and apparatus are highly effective at dispersing birds, while reducing the amount of bird repellant required to be effective and simultaneously increasing the relative effectiveness of the repellant, safe to use around consumable products, and safe to use around safety-critical areas such as airports.  
           [0011]    These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]    [0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bird dispersion apparatus embodying the present invention, wherein a portion of a housing and tank of an atomizing unit is cutaway to show components contained therein, and wherein a portion of an outer housing of an air flow delivery unit is cutaway to show components contained therein;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a nozzle assembly and a plurality of fluid communication lines;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the nozzle assembly taken along the line III-III, FIG. 2;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a nozzle;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 5 is a segmented, exploded perspective view of the tank, a filter assembly, and a gauge member; and  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the atomizing unit. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0018]    For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.  
         [0019]    The reference numeral  10  (FIG. 1) generally designates a bird dispersion apparatus embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example, the dispersion apparatus  10  includes an atomizing unit  12  and an air flow delivery unit  14 . The atomizing unit  12  includes a tank  16  having an interior space  18  adapted to receive a bird repellant  20  in liquid form within at least a portion thereof, and a nozzle assembly  22  (FIG. 2) located within the interior space  18  of the tank  16 . The nozzle assembly  22  includes a nozzle housing  24  and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced nozzles  26  contained within the nozzle housing  24 . A plurality of fluid supply lines  28  provide fluid communication between the portion of the interior space  18  of the tank  16  containing the liquid bird repellant  20  and each nozzle  26 .  
         [0020]    The delivery unit  14  includes an outer housing  30  that houses an air compressor  32  and a controller  34  in operable communication with the air compressor  32 . An air supply line  36  provides fluid communication between the air compressor  32  and the nozzle assembly  22 . The air compressor  32  provides an air flow through the supply line  36  to the nozzle housing  24  and over an area surrounding each nozzle  26 , thereby creating a low pressure area surrounding the nozzle  26  via a venturi-type effect and drawing the liquid bird repellant  20  from the nozzles  26  and atomizing the liquid bird repellant  20  to provide an atomized bird repellant  38 .  
         [0021]    The tank  16  of the atomizing unit  12  includes a plurality of sidewalls  40 , a bottom wall  42  and a top wall  44  that cooperate to define the interior space  18 . The tank  16  also includes a refill tube  46  extending upwardly from the top wall  44  and in fluid communication with the interior space  18 , thereby allowing replenishment of the liquid bird repellant  20  into the tank  16 , and a cap member  48  threadably received on the refill tube  46 . The tank  16  further includes an inlet aperture  50  extending through a sidewall  40 , and an exhaust port  52  extending through the top wall  44 . A plurality of walls  54  extend upwardly from the top wall  44  of the tank  16  and are configured to surround the exhaust port  52 . The tank  16  is preferably constructed of a material that is substantially non-reactive with a bird repellant which contains the active ingredient of methyl anthranilate, such as Fog Force as available from Becker Underwood of Ames, Iowa, and Soygold, as available from AG Environmental Products, L.L.C. of Lenexa, Kans., and is more preferably constructed of stainless steel.  
         [0022]    The nozzle housing  24  of the nozzle assembly  22  includes a body member  56  and a cover member  58 . The body member  56  includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures  60  that receive the nozzles  26  therein, and a plurality of hardware receiving apertures  62 , interspaced with the apertures  60 . A centrally-located aperture  61  extends through the body member  56  and threadably receives a fitting  63  providing connection of the nozzle housing  24  to the air supply line  36 . The bottom member  56  further includes a circumferentially extending channel  64 . The cover member  58  includes an outer face  66  and lip portion  68  extending circumferentially about and outwardly from the face  66 . The cover member  58  further includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced frusto conical apertures  70  that receive a portion of the nozzles  26  therein, and a plurality of fastener receiving apertures  72  interspaced with apertures  70 . In assembly, a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as bolts  74  extend through the apertures  72  and are threadably received within the apertures  62 , thereby connecting the cover member  58  with the body member  56  and defining an open space  76  therebetween. An O-ring  78  is located within the channel  64  of the body member  56  and is trapped between the cover member  58  and the body member  56 , thereby creating a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A plurality of O-rings  79  are located about each nozzle  26 , thereby providing a fluid-tight seal between each nozzle  26  and the nozzle housing  24 . The O-rings  78 ,  79  are preferably constructed of a material that is substantially non-reactive with a bird repellant  20  that contains the active ingredient methyl anthranilate, such Fog Force as available from Becker Underwood of Ames, Iowa, and Soygold, as available from AG Environmental Products, L.L.C. of Lenexa, Kans., and is more preferably constructed of VITON® as available from E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company of Delaware.  
         [0023]    Each nozzle  26  (FIG. 4) is a venturi effect-type nozzle that includes a body portion  80 , a head portion  82 , an O-ring receiving channel located between the body portion  80  and the head portion  82 , and male adapted  84 . The head portion includes a plurality of angled slots  86  radiating outwardly towards an outer edge  88  of the head portion  82 . The angled slots  86  operate to more effectively atomize the liquid bird repellant  20  by creating a “tornado-type” effect. Each nozzle  26  further includes a centrally-located discharge aperture  90 .  
         [0024]    The supply lines  28  providing fluid communication between the portion of the tank  16  containing the liquid bird repellant  20  and the nozzles  26  are constructed of a flexible poly-piping and include a proximate end  92  and a distal end  94 . The proximate end  92  of each supply line  28  is coupled with the male adapter  84  of each nozzle  26 . Although illustrated as a press-type fit other methods of connection can be utilized. The distal end  94  of each supply line  28  has a brass filter member  96  connected thereto, and that operates to filter the liquid bird repellant  20  prior to delivery to the associated nozzle  26 .  
         [0025]    The atomizing unit  12  further includes a filter assembly  102  (FIG. 5) that includes a screen member  104  and a filter member  106 . The filter member  106  is constructed of a foam such as Unifoam Polyurethane Foam as available from Adams Foam Rubber of Chicago, Ill. In assembly, the screen member  104  is placed between the walls  54  of the tank  16  and is attached to the tank  16  above the exhaust port  52 .  
         [0026]    The air compressor  32  of the delivery unit  14  is a low-pressure air compressor providing approximately 40 psi at 1.5 cfm. The air supply line  36  provides fluid communication between the air compressor  32  and the nozzle assembly  22  and includes a pair of quick-release adapters  109 , thereby allowing any length of line  36  to be used and allowing the delivery unit  14  to be placed at any distance from the atomizing unit  12 . In the illustrated example, the compressor  32  is in electrical communication with the controller  34  provided in the form of an electrical circuit board. The controller  34  includes a hand-held remote  108  which may be remotely located from the housing  30  of the delivery unit  14 . An automated timing unit  110  is in operable communication with the controller  34  and is adapted to allow preprogramming of the controller  34 , such that the dispersion apparatus  10  may be set to automatically run through specified timed cycles at predetermined time intervals, thereby eliminating the necessity of constant manual operation of the dispersion apparatus  10 . The air compressor  32  of the instant example may further be replaced by a compressor providing a relatively high pressurized air output, thereby allowing a single compressor to be utilized with a plurality of nozzle assemblies  22  remotely located from one another.  
         [0027]    In operation, the controller  34  operates to provide an electrical input to the air compressor  32  that in turn provides pressurized air via supply line  36  to the nozzle assembly  22 . The pressurized air as provided by the compressor  32  is received into the space  76  of the nozzle assembly  22 , thereby forcing air over the discharge aperture  90  of each nozzle  26 , thereby creating a vacuum in the area surrounding each nozzle  26  as caused by a venturi-type effect. The angled slots  86  within the head portion  82  of each nozzle  26  causes a cyclonic action, thereby assisting in a more effective atomizing process. The vacuum draws the liquid bird repellant  20  upwardly through the filter members  96  and supply lines  28  to each associated nozzle  26 . As the liquid bird repellant  20  exits the discharge aperture  90  of each nozzle  26 , the liquid bird repellant  20  is atomized resulting in the atomized bird repellant  38 . The particle size of the atomized bird repellant is preferably ≦about 20 μm, more preferably is ≦about 10 μm, and most preferably is ≦about 10 μm for at least 50% of the atomized bird repellant. It has been determined that sufficient small particles of the bird repellant are required to optimize the effects of the repellant on the inhaling birds. The continuous supply of air from the air compressor  32  to the nozzle housing  24  forces the atomized bird repellant  38  through the apertures  70  of the cover member  58  and into the interior space  18  of the tank  16 . Preferably, the nozzle assembly  22  (FIG. 6) is positioned within the interior space  18  of the tank  16  such that particles of significant size impact a sidewall  40  of the tank  16 , where the larger particles collect and eventually return to the liquid bird repellant  20  to be supplied to the nozzle assembly  22 . Sufficiently atomized bird repellant  38  exits the tank  16  via the exhaust port  52  where the atomized bird repellent  38  is filtered through the filter member  106 . Preferably, the filter member  106  is constructed such that particles larger than about 20 μm are trapped within the filter member, thereby preventing their escape from within the tank  16 , thereby optimizing the effect on the birds.  
         [0028]    A gauge member  112  is provided in operable communication with the interior space  18  of the tank  16  so as to provide a visual indication of the level of the liquid bird repellant  20  within the tank  16 . In the illustrated example, the gauge member  112  includes a pair of fittings and a transparent tube  116 . In operation, fluid enters at least one of the fittings  114  through apertures  118  extending through a sidewall  40  of the tank  16 . The liquid bird repellant  20  then enters the tube  116  where it can be visually inspected.  
         [0029]    The present inventive method and related apparatus provide a low cost and economical solution to dispersing birds from both interior spaces and exterior areas. The methods and related apparatus also provides a low-noise, less obstructive, and less intrusive solution to bird dispersion. Specifically, the methods and apparatus are highly effective at dispersing birds, while reducing the amount of bird repellant required to be effective and simultaneously increasing the relative effectiveness of the repellant, safe to use around consumable products, and safe to use around safety-critical areas, such as airports.  
         [0030]    In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.