Patent Description:
Pest control is an increasingly important issue with, for example, rat populations forecast to increase exponentially over the coming years.

Current solutions focus on the use of poisoned bait. Whilst both inexpensive, and easy to implement, the ongoing use of poisons has inadvertently resulted in a number of pests developing immunity, particularly rats. This results in new and still deadlier poisons being used instead.

The use of poisons has a number of associated problems. The use of any noxious substance in dense urban areas (where pest populations are often at their highest) is not ideal and increases the risk of vulnerable persons coming into contact with the poisons, such as children as well as domestic pets.

Poisons are not instantaneous and can lead to prolonged animal suffering. A side effect of this is a poisoned animal may crawl into an inaccessible space and slowly decay resulting in unpleasant noxious odors.

Furthermore, poisons are not selective and target all species, whether a pest, non-pest, or protected species. The impact on the food chain must also be considered as many prey species may consume poisons, such as mice and voles which are in turn consumed by higher predators such as owls, other birds of prey and domestic cats.

The use of mechanical traps is well known. However, these suffer from similar problems to poisoned baits. A simple trap is non-selective, is a risk to vulnerable persons nearby, and easily avoided by adaptive pests. Such traps need to be constantly checked, reset, and maintained to be effective. This is an uneconomical solution.

The use of electrocution traps is also known. However, these suffer from similar problems to mechanical traps and poisons too. They are not selective and dispatched pests must be cleared from the mechanism.

<CIT> describes a rodent trap that has one entrance a rodent to enter therethrough, a bait container for attracting rodents, and an activation sensor for detecting presence of the rodents, and a moveable partition for pushing and entrapping the mouse past the entrance to an electrocution platform.

The invention is defined by appended claim <NUM>. Certain embodiments are defined in the appended dependent claims.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided an animal sorting device according to claim <NUM>.

The urging means suitably comprises a motor connected to at least one paddle. This ensures that the ejection means is an active system and prevents a non-pest creature from dwelling in the trap and keeping target creatures from entering. Alternatively, a motorised paddle ensures that any dispatched creatures (pests) are immediately and effectively cleared from the kill zone such that the trap may be readied to receive a subsequent entrant. This also minimises the likelihood that a subsequent entrant will be able to sense that creatures have perished in the dispatch mechanism previously.

The at least one paddle suitably has a lateral motion of travel. Alternatively, the at least one paddle has a rotatory motion of travel. Advantageously these modes of paddle travel allow the pest trap to be designed to allow an entrant to be shoved by the paddle to the left or right in the case of a lateral moving paddle, or turned a number of degrees by a rotational paddle. Such movements are useful for the design of traps to fit in a particular space. A rotating paddle lends itself to a cylindrical trap which may be fitted in pipes. Lateral motion paddles lend themselves for use in cuboidal traps which may be intended for use in discrete locations or ducting.

The entrant assessment means compares a characteristic of the entrant against a determining value. The determining value suitably may be adjusted. The device compares a creature that has entered the trap against a known value. The value is determinative of the type of creature that has entered. By allowing the value to be adjustable, an end user may fine tune the trap to target specific species. By way of non-limitative example, the device could be set to dispatch only adult rats over a certain weight.

The entrant assessment means is preferably a weighing scales. Weight is one example of a deterministic value. Weighing scales are effective at determining the difference between an adult rat compared to smaller protected species such as voles. Weight may be easily determined through the use of inexpensive and energy efficient piezoelectric sensors.

The dispatching means is advantageously an electrified plate. Electrocution traps have significant advantages over mechanical traps. Electrical traps dispatch pests but maintain the carcass as a single entity whereas a mechanical trap may cause the corpse to rupture leading to excessive mess that needs to be cleaned or acts as a deterrent to further pests entering the trap. An electrical trap may be easily reset for subsequent kills or to administer multiple shocks to ensure that the target is deceased.

The animal sorting device is preferably suspended immediately below a subterranean entrance. One such example is a sewer entrance, below a manhole cover. The sewers are a popular home for pests and therefore it is advantageous to be able to deploy a trap in such environments. Allowing the trap to be mounted immediately below a manhole cover allows for easy access and maintenance by a technician.

The aperture is advantageously connected to a collection vessel. Dispatched pests may be collected in the vessel and safely disposed of, as opposed to the device ejecting a corpse into the surrounding environment. The vessel may be an incorporated element of the device such as a drawer or hopper. Alternatively, the vessel could be an external tank or sack to allow easy removal and replacement.

The animal dispatching means, entrant assessment means, and means to urge are preferably controlled by at least one microcontroller. The use of a microcontroller allows the device to be programmed and implement a range of extra features.

The at least one microcontroller suitably comprises;.

The microprocessor interprets incoming signal and provides a response. The movement sensor is able to detect an entrant to the trap. The settable weighing system weighs the entrant and provides a reading. The settable animal dispatching means controller receives the weight reading and then dispatches the entrant accordingly. A network connection allows data from any of the components to be communicated to any interested party such as a service technician.

The at least one microcontroller preferably further comprises a plurality of sensors detecting at least one condition of the animal sorting device. The sensors are able to detect and communicate positive indications of the following: the presence of an entrant, the location of the entrant in the device, whether the entrance, exit, or aperture are clear, the correct functioning of the means to urge the entrant, the available capacity of the vessel, battery charge, or if the housing is open (for service).

Following a first run cycle, preferably the at least one microcontroller resets the animal sorting device ready to commence a plurality of subsequent run cycles. Without the attendance of the trapper, the device is able to clean and prime itself to continue to provide pest control for a prolonged period of time without external assistance.

The at least one microcontroller suitably adjusts aperture blocks at least at the entrance, exit and aperture from a first open position to a closed second position prior to the animal dispatching means dispatching the pest. This prevents the pest from escaping the device or a second entrant immediately entering the device. The pest is retained until it is successfully dispatched.

Advantageously, upon at least one of the plurality of sensors detecting at least one fault with the at least one condition of the animal sorting device, the at least one microcontroller adjusts aperture blocks at least at the entrance, exit and aperture from a first open position to a closed second position. This prevents an entrant gaining access to a malfunctioning device and causing further damage. This function also makes the trap safe in case any vulnerable person encounters the device.

The microcontroller suitably instructs the settable animal dispatching means controller to disarm the animal dispatching means. This prevents the device from administering an electric shock if, for example, the sensors detect the housing is open for maintenance.

The network connection is preferably a GSM modem. A GSM modem may be used anywhere a signal may be received and does not require cabling to be run to the location of the device which may be remote.

The settable animal dispatching means controller suitably comprises a variable voltage high tension coil. The high tension coil is able to generate a high voltage electric shock suitable for dispatching the target pest.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

With reference to <FIG> there is provided an animal sorting device <NUM> comprising a bait module <NUM> comprising a cylindrical housing with enclosed top and bottom. A fenestrated door <NUM> encloses part of a side wall of the bait module. The fenestrations allow the scent of a bait located within the chamber to permeate through the device to attract and nearby target creatures. The door <NUM> may be sufficiently stiff or comprise a latch so as to prevent any creatures that encounter the bait module <NUM> from opening the door <NUM> and devouring the bait. The door <NUM> suitably slides about the circumference of the cylindrical bait chamber <NUM> or alternatively the door <NUM> may swing open on hinges.

A bullseye spirit level <NUM> is located on a top of the bait module to facilitate device installation insuring the device <NUM> is level. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art any suitable leveling device may be substituted.

The bait module <NUM> is designed to be received by a componentry module <NUM>. The componentry module <NUM> comprises a substantially cuboidal housing <NUM> with recesses to accept handles <NUM> which facilitate device handling and placement. The handles <NUM> may be replaced with a pole such that the device <NUM> may be suspended in a subterranean environment such as a sewer. The pole may be a single piece that is cut to length and fitted into mounted wall sockets at either end or alternatively the pole may be telescopic with a compression fit mechanism to clamp each end of the pole against a respective wall.

The housing <NUM> of the componentry module <NUM> further comprises at least one aperture <NUM> to receive the bait module and allow a service technician to inspect and maintain the internal components of the componentry module <NUM>. These apertures may covered by service hatches <NUM> which require removal prior to inspection.

The componentry housing <NUM> is sealed to prevent environmental ingress such as water or animals and insects. This prevents damage to the internal components. The internal components include a battery, control circuit board (discussed later), fan and any other appropriate electrical components such as sensors.

The battery may be any suitable for providing power sufficient for the device to operate without a service for at least two weeks. The battery may be single use or rechargeable and of any suitable chemistry including but not limited to lead acid, lithium ion, NiCad, NiMH or zinc chloride. Alternatively, should suitable facilities be available in the environment, the device <NUM> may dispense with the battery and be powered from an external source such as a mains power supply. The battery is removeably attached to the other components in order to allow a technician to remove and replace or service the battery.

A fan is included in the componentry module <NUM> to provide a through flow of air about and through the bait chamber <NUM>, the dispatching module <NUM>, and out to the surrounding environment. This air flow carries the scent of the bait held within the dispatching chamber <NUM> and facilitates the attraction of any nearby creatures into the device <NUM>. The fan may be set to operate continuously, at peak activity of a target species (such as at dawn and dusk only), or any other suitable interval as determined by the end user.

A plurality of internal sensors may be included in the device <NUM> to monitor the condition and correct functioning of components within the componentry module <NUM> and act as a fail safe. When an inspection hatch <NUM> of the componentry module <NUM> is opened a door open sensor may be triggered which signals to the control circuit to disconnect power from all the internal components and making the device safe for inspection. A resistivity sensor may be included to monitor the correct functioning of the internal components and in the case of a critical malfunction signal to the control circuit to make the device <NUM> safe and passive to the environment.

The componentry module <NUM> may further comprise electrical and communication contacts to interact with further components located in other modules. The contacts may be plugs which require active disconnection by a service technician or sprung contacts to allow different modules to be easily clicked or locked together.

With reference to <FIG>, a dispatching module <NUM> comprises a cuboidal housing designed to cooperatively fit with the componentry module <NUM> such that the two modules when connected for a substantially unitary device <NUM>. The dispatching module <NUM> comprises an entrance <NUM> to receive an entrant. The entrant may be any mobile creature in the surrounding environment who is lured or stumbles into the device <NUM>. The entrance <NUM> may comprise a socket <NUM> to receive an entrance extension <NUM> such as a tube or ramp to allow an entrant to climb up to the entrance <NUM>. The tube may suitably lead to a buoyant pontoon. The pontoon may float in a liquid flow (such as sewer effluent) providing a platform for a pest, such as a rat to cling onto and climb up onto.

The dispatching module <NUM> comprises an entrant receiving plate <NUM> removed from the entrance <NUM> to the dispatching module <NUM>. The location of the receiving plate <NUM> is to ensure that no service technician or person who stumbles upon the device may interact with the receiving plate <NUM> or dispatching apparatus. Furthermore, an aperture block <NUM> may be deployed between the entrance <NUM> and the receiving plate <NUM> to mechanically separate the entrance <NUM> from the plate. The aperture block <NUM> may suitably be a set of bellows that expand to fill the passageway between the entrance <NUM> and the plate <NUM>. A labyrinth <NUM> may be situated immediately inside the entrance <NUM> to separate the entrance <NUM> and receiving plate <NUM>.

The receiving plate <NUM> is constructed from any suitable electrical conductor, is connected to weighing and electrocution apparatus, and is provided with connections to the control circuit board. The receiving plate <NUM> therefore weighs the entrant and is capable of administering a fatal electric shock to a pest.

With reference to <FIG>and <FIG>, surrounding the plate is a pair of paddles <NUM> slidably mounted to a pair of rods <NUM> which run the length of the dispatching module <NUM>. The pair of paddles <NUM> are connected to a motor by a rack and pinion system (or any other suitable means of connection, such as but not limited to a belt and pulley). The paddles <NUM>, driven by the motor and rack and pinion, move laterally across the receiving plate <NUM> and are therefore able to shove an entrant either to the left or right of the receiving plate <NUM> and through an aperture (or pair of apertures) located in the base of the dispatching module either side the receiving plate <NUM>.

A hopper module <NUM> comprises a cuboidal housing designed to cooperatively fit with the dispatching module <NUM> such that the componentry <NUM>, dispatching <NUM> and hopper <NUM> modules when connected form a substantially unitary device <NUM>.

The hopper module <NUM> has a dividing wall <NUM> which divides the container <NUM> into two sections. The first of these sections <NUM> is an enclosed void space for the collection of dispatched pests which are shunted by the paddles <NUM> in the dispatching module <NUM> through a given aperture (for example, the right hand aperture).

The second section <NUM> comprises a substantially J shaped chute <NUM> leading to an aperture <NUM> in a wall of the hopper module housing. Entrants which are not considered pests are shunted by the paddles <NUM> in the dispatching module <NUM> through a different aperture in the dispatching module <NUM> (for example, the left hand aperture) and ejected via the chute <NUM> out of the device <NUM>.

The paddles <NUM> may be fitted with wiping blades to clean the electrification plate <NUM> as the paddles <NUM> pass over it.

The hopper <NUM> may be constructed to accommodate a significant number of dispatched pests, for example at least <NUM>.

The hopper module <NUM> is equipped with adjustable feet to allow the device to be placed level upon an uneven substrate.

Alternatively, instead of a hopper <NUM>, a collection bag may be used instead to collect the carcasses.

If the device <NUM> is located in an environment where carcasses may be readily disposed of (for example washed away in flowing water), then no collection device <NUM> may be necessary (hopper or bag) and the carcass dropped from the bottom of the device <NUM> into the local environment.

Referring the <FIG> there is depicted a second embodiment of the present disclosure <NUM>. Here the dispatching and componentry modules are combined into a single control module <NUM>. This allows the device to benefit from a reduced form factor for fitting into smaller spaces. Additionally a service technician need only remove the one module <NUM> to service all the internal components of the device <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> is constructed from a durable polymer or metal plates to allow easy replacement should the housing <NUM> become damaged.

The control module <NUM> can be designed to split into two separate modules to allow the componentry module <NUM> to be simply swapped with a freshly serviced unit. This allows the device <NUM> to be put back into operation in the minimum amount of time and the old componentry module which requires servicing to be taken away and serviced at a distribution centre.

External mounts <NUM> on the housing <NUM> allow handles <NUM> to be fitted to the exterior to allow easy transportation of the unit <NUM>. Alternatively, a cradle (for example, formed of sheet metal) can be attached allowing the unit <NUM> to be suspended via poles as per the first embodiment.

The end of the control module <NUM> containing the dispatching module <NUM> comprises a removable cover <NUM> to allow easy cleaning and service of the dispatch module's contents.

The dispatch module <NUM> is arranged and functions as previously described, but with the addition of aperture blocks which can selectively obstruct the entrance <NUM> or dispatch chamber apertures to prevent an entrant leaving during dispatch or to guide a non-pest to the correct exit.

A bait module <NUM> is attached to a rear of the dispatch module <NUM>. The bait module <NUM> is designed for easy removal and refill and comprises a handle <NUM>. The bait module <NUM> comprises a cuboidal housing with a slatted door <NUM> to allow the scent of the bait to permeate. Distribution of the bait scent may be facilitated by a suction fan located within the componentry module <NUM> to draw the scent through the modular housing.

A hopper module <NUM> comprises a cuboidal housing designed to cooperatively fit with the control module <NUM> and has features as previously described with the addition of a rim <NUM> located at an upper internal edge to allow easy attachment of a collection bag. Dispatched pests are dropped straight into a bag held within the hopper <NUM> allowing a technician to collect and dispose of the sacrifices without contacting the bodies.

With reference to <FIG> there is depicted a third embodiment of the present disclosure <NUM>. Here the modules are substantially cylindrical and stack together to form a barrel suitable for locating in environments favoring a tubular shape, such as garbage disposal. The componentry <NUM>, dispatching <NUM> and hopper <NUM> modules are as previously described save for the following differences.

The bait module is integrated as an internal part to the componentry housing <NUM>, therefore only requiring one module to be removed for a service technician to service and rebait the device <NUM>. The componentry module housing <NUM> comprises eyelets <NUM> arranged on the top of the housing <NUM> to allow a carry handle to be fitted or for the device <NUM> to be suspended on a pole.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispatching module <NUM> comprises a turnstile paddle system <NUM> with three paddles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> connected to a central spindle <NUM> which rotates to urge an entrant clockwise or anticlockwise about a central axis of the device <NUM>. It will be apparent that more or less paddles may be used and that the turnstile <NUM> may be located off-centre of the central axis of the device. Depending on the direction of rotation, an animal within the device <NUM> is urged either to an exit <NUM> or for disposal <NUM> in a hopper <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> there is depicted a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure <NUM>. The componentry <NUM>, dispatching <NUM> and hopper <NUM> modules are as previously described save for the following differences.

The componentry module <NUM> is located adjacent the dispatching module <NUM>. The housing <NUM> comprises O-ring seals to ensure the components within are not exposed to the environment the device is located.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispatching module <NUM> comprises a pair of rotating paddles <NUM> that rotate about a substantially horizontal axis. The paddles <NUM> are arranged perpendicular with respect to each other. The electrification and weighing plate <NUM> is arranged upon one the paddles <NUM>.

The componentry <NUM> and dispatch <NUM> modules are hingedly attached to the hopper module <NUM>, thereby allowing a "lid" (composed of the aforesaid modules) to be opened and the hopper <NUM> to be emptied, such as by removal of a pre-placed sack lining the hopper <NUM>. A lock may be provided to latch the hopper <NUM> and "lid" together to prevent unauthorised access.

With reference to <FIG> there is depicted a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure <NUM>. The componentry <NUM>, dispatching <NUM> and hopper <NUM> modules are as previously described.

The bait module <NUM> is located beneath a cap <NUM> (such as, but not limited to, a screw cap) for easy access for refilling.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispatching chamber <NUM> comprises a rotating platform <NUM> located above a rotating paddle <NUM>. The rotating platform <NUM> comprises the weighing and electrification plates <NUM>.

Once the device <NUM> has determined the entrant is a pest and dispatched the pest, or that the entrant is a non-pest, the platform <NUM> rotates, dropping the creature through an aperture <NUM> in a floor of the chamber <NUM>.

The paddle <NUM> is located immediately below the chamber <NUM> and may sit in one of two positions. The first position directs the falling dispatched pest to the hopper module <NUM> for safe disposal. The second position directs the falling non-pest towards an exit <NUM> of the device and back into the local environment.

The hopper module <NUM> comprises a top <NUM> and a bottom <NUM> section. The top section <NUM> releasably attaches (for example, by clips) to the bottom <NUM> storage portion. A collection sack may be secured between the top <NUM> and bottom <NUM> section and the two sections are clipped together.

With reference to <FIG> there is depicted a sixth embodiment of the present invention <NUM>. The componentry, dispatching, and bait modules are combined into a single unit <NUM>. The unit <NUM>, hopper <NUM>, their contents, and function is, save for the below, as previously described.

The unit <NUM> is provided with an environmentally sealed panel (not shown) to protect the internal components from exposure to its environment. The panel, once removed, allows access to the bait chamber, batteries, control circuit, and dispatch mechanism.

The unit <NUM> is provided with a spirit level <NUM> and LED indicator <NUM> light in the form of a halo. The LED indicator light <NUM> conveys an operational status of the device, such as battery charge or hopper capacity (e.g. emitting a red light for a full hopper or any suitable colour/setting combination).

The dimensions of all the embodiments herein are of the order of <NUM> x <NUM> x <NUM> (w x d x h). The hopper <NUM>, if provided with a tapering outer wall may terminate with a width and depth of the order of <NUM> x <NUM>. Although it will be apparent any suitable dimensions may be substituted. The above dimensions are particularly representative of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

With reference the <FIG> the internal layout of the sixth embodiment of the device <NUM> is presented. The dispatching module <NUM> is located in the centre of the unit <NUM> with a battery pack <NUM> immediately beneath and the componentry module <NUM> immediately above. The bait module <NUM> is located towards the rear of the unit <NUM> and is in line with the centre of the dispatching module <NUM>. A fan <NUM> is arranged adjacent the bait module <NUM> to push or pull scent through the unit <NUM> and to the outside to attract entrants.

Upon smelling the waft of bait, an entrant enters through an aperture <NUM> at an end of the unit opposite the bait module <NUM>. The entrance <NUM> is through an elbow joint <NUM>, suitably, but not exclusively formed from molded plastic. The elbow joint <NUM> ensures a <NUM>° turn must be made before the unit <NUM> is accessed by an entrant and provides an additional safety barrier to prevent accidental access, for example, by human fingers. The elbow joint <NUM> suitably allows further tubing, such as flexible corrugated tubing to be connected. This allows the unit <NUM> to be placed in an easily accessible location, but the entrance of the unit to extend to an environment with a high pest concentration. A safety cut out switch is provided to detect when the tubing is connected to the unit <NUM>. The unit <NUM> will only operate once the elbow joint or other tubing is connected.

The entrance <NUM> further comprises a step <NUM> into the dispatching chamber. The step <NUM> is shown as a step down into the chamber but may suitably be a step up. Furthermore, more than one step may be used. The step <NUM> prevents an entrant from backing out of the unit <NUM>. Thus entrance into the unit <NUM> is one way.

Also provided in the unit <NUM> is an aperture <NUM> leading to the hopper <NUM> for disposal of dispatched pests. A second aperture <NUM> leads to the outside of the unit <NUM> to allow for ejection of non-pest entrants.

Feet <NUM> are attached to the base of the unit as well as integral handles <NUM> to allow a service technician to easily handle and set the unit <NUM> down during service.

The hopper <NUM> comprises a domed base <NUM> to prevent dispatched pests from piling in the centre of the hopper <NUM>. This facilitates the efficient use of the space inside the hopper and maximises the hopper capacity.

Referring to Figure <NUM> there is depicted isometric and plan views of the unit <NUM> of <FIG>. Both the bait module <NUM> and dispatching plate <NUM> are slotted into rails <NUM> to allow easy removal for service, cleaning and rebaiting.

With reference to <FIG> there is depicted a circuit diagram of the control circuit board <NUM> which has the following components.

A power supply input <NUM> for connecting to a power source such as a battery or mains power supply.

An alarm sounder <NUM> to produce a sound upon a malfunction or to provide an alert that a service is required.

The control circuit board is provided with network connectivity <NUM>.

The communication network can be a Wide Area Network ('WAN'), an example of which is the Internet. The device may have wired communication emitting and receiving functionality over a wired Local Area Network ('LAN') conforming to the IEEE <NUM> ('Gigabit Ethernet') standard, wherein communication is performed as alphanumeric data using the Internet Protocol (IP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol ('HTTP') or Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol ('HTTPS'), corresponding digital signals being relayed respectively to or from the device by a wired router interfacing the device to a communication network.

Alternatively, the network connection can be wireless communication emitting and receiving functions over a Wireless Local Area Network ('WLAN') conforming to the IEEE <NUM> ('Wi-Fi') standard, wherein communication is performed as alphanumeric data using the same IP, HTIP or HTIPS protocols, corresponding digital signals being relayed respectively to or from the device by a wireless router interfacing with the device.

In the further alternative, the network is a cellular telephone network configured according to any or all of the Global System for Mobile Communication ('GSM'), General Packet Radio Service ('GPRS'), International Mobile Telecommunications-<NUM> (IMT - <NUM>, 'W-CDMA' or '<NUM>') network industry standards, wherein the device receives or emits, text and/or image data encoded as a digital signal over a wireless data transmission.

The control circuit board further comprises a high tension drive circuit <NUM> and coil <NUM> for generating a preset high voltage to administer a killing shock to a pest located in the device.

A plurality of sensors <NUM> are arranged or connected to the control circuit board, including but not limited to;.

The control circuit board <NUM> further comprises a high tension safety cut out switch <NUM> to render the device safe if one of the sensors detect a malfunction or that the device is in a service condition.

The control circuit board <NUM> is equipped with controllers <NUM> to drive the operable elements of the device such as but not including, motors or solenoids driving the fan, paddles, and aperture blocks.

A microprocessor <NUM> and interface electronics <NUM> are located on the board in communication with the above components to relay incoming signals and produce an appropriate response.

A series of settable switches <NUM> are located on the circuit board to allow variables including potential difference, shock duration, shock interval, and weight limit <NUM> to be set. The switches are suitably dual inline package "DIP" switches offering multiple combinations of settings.

The control board periodically checks that no safety switches have been activated, that the battery contains sufficient charge to operate the device, and that the hopper is not full.

If one of the above conditions are false the control board emits an alarm. The device may be set to emit a different alarm for each condition affecting the device, such as short bursts for a low battery to alert a technician that a service is required. Alternatively an LED display or multicolour LED will illuminate a preset colour to indicate a battery charge state.

When a technician presents their token to set the device to service mode, the control circuit board disarms the trap and opens the aperture blocks to allow service.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, when set, the device <NUM> operates as follows. An entrant approaches the device <NUM> and smells the bait within. The entrant then enters the device through the entrance <NUM>, past the labyrinth <NUM> and onto the weighing plate. Sensing an entrant via the motion sensor <NUM>, the control circuit board <NUM> operates an aperture block located at the entrance <NUM> and seals the entrant in. The entrant is then weighed <NUM> and its mass compared against a preset value <NUM>.

If the entrant matches or exceeds the preset value <NUM> it is determined to be a pest. The control circuit board <NUM> electrifies the electrocution plate and administers a preset voltage <NUM> for a preset duration and optionally for a succession of shocks to ensure efficient dispatch of the pest. The control circuit board <NUM> then activated the paddles <NUM> and urges the dispatched pest towards a first aperture leading to a collection hopper or alternative disposal.

If the entrant does not match or exceed the preset value <NUM> it is determined to be a non-pest. The control circuit board <NUM> activates the paddles <NUM> and urges the non-pest toward a second aperture <NUM> and out of the device <NUM>. The control circuit board <NUM>, sensing the non-pest has left may move an aperture block to close the second aperture <NUM> to ensure the non-pest cannot reenter the device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An animal sorting device (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) comprising;
a housing having an entrance (<NUM>, <NUM>), an exit (<NUM>), and an animal dispatch chamber (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>), wherein the animal dispatch chamber comprises;
animal dispatching means (<NUM>) to dispatch the pest;
means to urge either a dispatched pest towards an aperture (<NUM>) or the non-pest towards the exit;
and characterised by
entrant assessment means (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to compare a characteristic of an entrant against a determining value (<NUM>) to determine if the entrant is either a pest or a non-pest; and in that
the means to urge either a dispatched pest towards an aperture (<NUM>) or the non-pest towards the exit comprise aperture blocks which can selectively obstruct the entrance or dispatch chamber apertures to prevent an entrant leaving during dispatch or to guide a non-pest to the exit.