Ambit of the Invention

The present invention concerns a device for activating and shutting off electrical circuits for ensuring the safety of horizontal and current-leading rails and wires as well as mainly vertically standing current-leading sheets and rails for dispelling pests and vermin.

Background for the Invention

Pests and vermin in the form of animals moving mainly on the ground may be prevented from entering a geographical area by using a device comprising a source for electricity and where said source of electricity is connected to a number of electrically uninsulated current-leading wires, said current-leading wire(s) being placed on the ground, or alternatively or additionally in one embodiment to an object at a maximum distance from the ground of maximally about 50 cm above the ground for creating a current-leading obstacle against entry of such pests or vermin into said area, even if this does not represent any limitation for the scope of use for the device according to the invention. Relevant pests or vermin such as rodents (mice, rats, etc.), insects (cockroaches, beetles, ants, termites, etc.), spineless animals/nematodes (snails, etc.) and reptiles (snakes, geckos, etc.) are able to cause great damage to buildings, storehouses, installations, etc. as well as to transmit diseases or increase the fear of being outdoors.

Many humanly erected buildings and installations such as food stores, corn silos, restaurants, schools, kindergartens, parks, transport vehicles (ships, cars, planes), etc. may be the target of attacks from, or the residence of, pests or vermin that may cause damage to the stored objects (food, corn, etc.), the inventory in the installations (furniture, electrical systems, wires, etc.) or the installations per se (wooden beams (loadbearing or scaffolding), insulation, etc.). Consequently it is of importance that such pests or vermin are prevented from access to such buildings and installations.

Additionally, and on account of the danger of disease transmission represented by such animals, it may be desirable or advisable to euthanize such animals in some such relevant areas. For instance it may be desired to reduce or eliminate tribes of rats that may live in city sewers. Such tribes of rats and mice and other vermin or pests may also reside in buildings or in areas where there is plenty of food, e.g. in restaurants, diners, parks, recreational areas, schools, kindergartens, etc.

Also when controlling insect pests (cockroaches, carpenter ants, termites, etc.) it may be relevant to euthanize the vermin/pest instead of only preventing its access to one area (larder, food storage, kitchen, etc.). In addition, larger rodents such as moles may cause damage to crops such as carrots, turnips, potatoes, cabbages, etc. and it may also be desired to keep such animals away from the relevant crop (at least until it has been harvested and after harvesting when the harvest is being stored in storage buildings).

One of the difficulties with such electrically conducting systems is, particularly when it comes to openings which are used by humans and domestic animals (dogs, cats, pigs, other pets), farm animals (horses, goats, sheep), to prevent these animals and humans from becoming electrically jolted when they move through such openings (doors, gates, wickets, etc.) when such a dismissing system is active. In many cases it is desired to have such dismissing systems activated as long as possible, preferably continuously or semi-continuously, but then it is obviously desired to have a device for deactivating such a system in areas where humans and desired animals that are not pests or vermin move about, e.g. in doorways where humans and domestic animals/pets have to be able to move as well.

Consequently a need exists for a device or a system which distinguishes between humans/domestic animals/pets and pests/vermin in a dismissing system against pests/vermin where electricity is used as a scaring or euthanizing device.

Prior Art

Formerly, it has been normal to euthanize the relevant pests. It has for example been common to lay out mouse and rat poison to remove mice and rats from e.g. housing areas. The disadvantage with such a practice is, however, that other animals than those being considered as the relevant vermin/pests, may ingest such poison as well. For example pets such as dogs or cats or other domestic animals such as porcupines or small birds may ingest such poison and thereby die, which may even exacerbate the pest/vermin problem (e.g. whereby cats that hunt and kill rodents are removed from an environment by them accidentally ingesting such distributed poison or eating prey that have ingested such poison). Another aspect of controlling pests and vermin is that the pests or vermin normally exist within a natural environment, a so-called biotope. By e.g. removing rodents from a natural habitat the food basis for predators within the same area is removed. This may have as a consequence that animal species lose their existence foundation on account of human intervention in a natural balance.

In many ways it is consequently advisable to use a controlling device for pests and vermin that does not in any unadvisable way upset such a natural balance in a biotope.

A formerly known device having as an object to prevent pests or vermin from entering private houses is an electrical generator of ultrasound where the ultrasound is perceived as unpleasant or frightening for the pests or vermin, but where the frequency interval of the generated ultrasound lies in an interval that is inaudible for the human ear. However, a disadvantage with such a generator is that the generated sound after a while is no longer perceived as sufficiently unpleasant or frightening to the vermin or pests since the relevant vermin or pests become accustomed to the sound over time.

It is also known a number of mechanical mouse and rat traps where the animals are lured to the traps by a titbit or snack which is secured to the trap, and where the trap is triggered by an activating mechanism/trigger associated with the food so that the trap is triggered or activated when the animal attempts to get hold of the food, or the trap is connected to a mechanical or electrical trigger becoming activated when the animal steps on the trigger or is registered to be in the vicinity of the trap. Such mechanical traps are, however, all supposed to kill the animals.

Concerning insects, devices exist that are based on the circumstance that many insects (mosquitoes, night moths, moths, etc.) are attracted to light and heat

(many insects react to, and are attracted to, radiation in the infrared spectrum) so that they will fly to any source of light. By connecting the source of light to e.g. an electricity-conducting grid or mesh, the insects will become killed when flying to the light source. Such devices are, however, not meant for larger pests or vermin such as mammals (rodents and animals of a corresponding size).

Furthermore, devices are known from WO 2004 21780, US patent 4.165.577 and US patent 6.223.464 where electricity-conducting wires are used for killing ants/termites, wherein two electricity-conducting wires are passed parallel and in proximity to each other under an overhang where the ants are forced to pass the overhang and thereby contact the electricity-conducting wires for thereby to be killed by an electrical shock.

From US patent 5.007.196 is known a device where electrical conductors are used that are meant to kill insects. In such a device, however, a very low amperage and voltage is used so that such a device is not meant for larger animals such as reptiles (snakes, geckoes, etc.) and rodents (rats, mice, moles, gophers, etc.).

Also in US patent 5.435.096 it is disclosed the use of electricity to euthanize nematodes and arthropods and particularly ants and termites. In such a device a set high-voltage current is used wherein neither the voltage nor the amperage is varied in any significant degree, and such devices are not meant for deterring larger animals such as rodents or reptiles.

In US patent 3.366.854 it is disclosed an electrical device for euthanizing birds. There the electricity is conducted in wires which are led to landing pegs for the birds and wherein the birds are jolted electrically if they touch the landing pegs in such a way that contact is established between the wires and the toes of the birds. Such a device, however, is not meant for rodents or reptiles.

In none of these known devices has it been taken into account that domestic animals, pets or humans inadvertently may touch the electrical devices, particularly in areas where the humans/domestic animals/pets are forced to pass, such as in doorways, gates, entrances to cellars, entrances to garages, entrances to barns, etc. The basis for the device/system according to the present invention is that a size is selected for the pests/vermin towards which the dismissing system is to be active and for smaller animals so that the dismissing system is to be active against rats and animals of a smaller size such as mice, snakes, non-flying insects, etc. so that the electricity for dismissing such pests/vermin is passed to the relevant non- insulated rails or wires that will be touched, as long as animals that are smaller than a previously selected size are moving about in the area where the dismissing system/device is located.

Consequently a need exists for a device and/or a system that is able to dismiss pests/vermin based on size and wherein the effect of such a device or system is not reduced over time and which in one embodiment does not harm the relevant domestic animals/pets/humans in such a way that the balance of nature around the effective area of the device is not unduly disturbed. Furthermore, in one alternative there is a need for a device wherein the electricity may be regulated to be adjusted to the size of the pests/vermin that are to be dismissed.

Previously electrical fences have been known comprising a number of vertical poles/fence posts where there electrically conducting wires run between the fence posts/poles, where touching these wires leads to the experience of an electrical jolt for the individual touching the wires. Such fences are frequently used in outfields or domesticated fields for fencing in horses, cattle, sheep or goats within a restricted area such as a training area (horses) or a crop area (cattle) or even simply an area for the animals to be kept.

As opposed to the device for keeping the animals out or dismissing the pests/ vermin, such prior art electrical fences are structured to keep the relevant domesticated animals inside an area and are not meant or structured to keep pests/vermin outside an area so that the height of the electrical wires is far taller than the height of the wires in the dismissal system used in doorways as explained supra, and the electrical wires are not at all located on the ground or run horizontally as is relevant for the device/system according to the present invention. The electrical current which is conducted in wires in electrical fences is additionally of a constant voltage and amperage, is conducted continuously and is not varied in any way. For these reasons electrical fences used and constructed today are not suitable for the same purposes as the electrically-conducting wires in the dismissing device/system according to the present invention, as will be explained infra.

Since doors/gates represent openings into buildings or restricted areas where humans and animals that move about have to pass by moving on the ground, in such areas it is sufficient to place the dismissing device/system in the form of electrically-conducting non-insulated rails/wires running horizontally between the door or gate sides. In geographical areas where it is desired to sluice the animals into a selected area, the device/system according to the present invention may form such a sluice where the pests/vermin do not, or are very reluctant to, pass beyond the borders of the sluice. In connection with erecting electrically- conducting doorways/gate listings according to the present invention, in one embodiment it is desired to pass the listing a distance up along the side listings of the door to ensure that the pests/vermin are not able to climb along the side listings of the door without touching the non-insulated electrically-conducting wires/listings. The height/vertical distance along the vertical door/port listings the electrically conducting door/port listings according to the invention is/are to be located may be determined by the person skilled in the art or the user of the device/system. In another embodiment of the device/system according to the invention comprising the electrically-conducting device comprises a cloth or sheet of an electrically non-conducing material such as silicon-covered cloth, wherein the electrically conducting and electrically non-insulated wires are secured to the ground in the lengthwise direction of the sheet so that the wires run mainly parallel to the ground.

General Disclosure of the Invention

The device and system according to the present invention will be explained infra with reference to the enclosed figures wherein :

Fig. 1 shows an excerpt of an embodiment of a horizontal listing according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a possible wiring diagram for the current conduction in two electrical circuits S1,S2, said electrical circuits governing which one of the circuits, whereof one includes current-conducting and non-insulated wires or lists S3, and the second circuit comprises at least insulated wires S4 through which the electrical current is conducted, that are to be activated.

The present invention concerns a device of the type defined in claim 1. Further- more, the invention concerns the use of such a device for keeping pests and vermin outside of a geographical area. The invention also concerns embodiments wherein the device comprises a gate listing/threshold listing running mainly horizontally between the frames of a door or gate opening, alternatively comprising a sheet or strip having mainly the same structures as the threshold listing, but wherein the sheet or strip stands vertically and runs over a geographical area such as a play- ground, a garbage shed, a cultivated area, etc. or combinations thereof. The invention also pertains a system wherein such a device is included, where said system also comprises a photo cell 7 and a photo emitter 8 sending light 9 to the photo cell 7, said photo cell 7 controlling which one of the said electrical circuits S1,S2 comprising current-conducting insulated wires S4 or non-insulated wires S3, that is to be activated. For a living creature to register an electrical jolt (frightening or euthanizing), it must in one way or another short out or close an electrical circuit. This may be achieved in principally three ways. One way is that electrical current is conducted in two (non-insulated) wires wherein the animals short-circuit these wires by touching both of them simultaneously and wherein the animal is of such a character that it is able to conduct electrical current and is capable of feeling this electrical current. The second way is that the animal completes an electrical circuit by it touching two wire ends or earth for thereby completing an electrical circuit wherein electrical current may be conducted. The third way is for the animal to come into an electrical high-voltage field for functioning as a bridge where a spark may arise discharging the electrical field. The device according to the present invention may take advantage of all these alternatives, but will preferably use the option wherein the animal shorts out an electrical circuit by touching at least two electrically conducting and non-insulated wires 2, 2', 2" simultaneously or by touching such a wire 2 while the animal is simultaneously electrically grounded.

The device according to the present invention comprises a number of non-insulated and electrical current-conducting wires, rails or listings 2, 2', 2" which are located on top of a substrate 1 of an electrically non-conducting or electrically insulating type such as plastic, ceramics, wood or similar or that has been made electrically non- conducting by being covered with such an electrically non-conducting or insulating material. The substrate may in this connection be in the form of a rigid material for making a threshold listing, door listing or gate listing, or it may be made of a more pliable or supple material such as a cloth material being covered or clad with an insulating material such as e.g. silicon or some other polymeric material/plastic material. In the embodiment wherein the device is a cloth or sheet of material being used outdoors (e.g. in gates, outdoors gates, etc. there will be put demands on the pliability or suppleness of the sheet or cloth so that it may e.g. be passed around an area such as a garbage container, a sand-box for playing, a storage room or shed, etc.). Such a suppleness or pliability should be present in the electrically insulating material in hot (up to 40 °C) conditions as well as cold (down to -40 °C) weather conditions. The listings 1,1' ,1" are preferably non-covered and open in the entire length of the device. The length of the device (infra called gate- listing or threshold listing) is arbitrary, but will in one embodiment cover at least the width of a door opening or gate opening where it is located. It is preferred that the threshold listing is also somewhat wider than the door opening where it is to be located so that the ends of the threshold listing may ascend along the door frames (not shown). In an alternate embodiment the device according to the invention may also include heating elements 10 that may heat the device. This embodiment is suitable for locations where there exists a possibility for the device to be covered with snow and/or ice so that the electrically conducting listings 1,1' ,1" will be continuously short-circuited. The location of a heat listing, a heating element, a heating plate, etc. 10 beneath the device according to the invention will contribute with melting such ice/snow and may furthermore contribute with keeping the gate listing/ threshold listing dry. The electrical circuit S4 may in one embodiment conduct electrical current that may provide energy to such a heat listing or warming plate 10. The heating listing, the heating element or heating plate 10 may alternatively get energy from another source. In the embodiment wherein the device according to the invention is a cloth, the substrate in the device should not be wetted by water/be water repellent to the extent that such a cloth may be placed outdoors and thereby be exposed to precipitation in the form of rain, sleet, ice or snow that may short-circuit the electrical circuits between the current-conducting non- insulated rails/wires 2, 2', 2". One possible such material may be a silicone-covered cloth. In the embodiment wherein the current-conducting non-insulated wires/rails 2, 2', 2" are stitched to the substrate 1, which may be a silicone-covered cloth, it is also preferred that the threads used in the seams also are of a corresponding or the same water-repellent material.

The design of the gate listing/threshold listing according to the invention is preferably in a form that may lead water away. This may be achieved by including an elevated area or section along its lengthwise mid-section for leading water towards the edges of the threshold listing and further into the environment, or it may be equipped with grooves wherein water may collect and be led away. It is furthermore preferred in one embodiment that the substrate material 1 of the device is made of a water-repellent and electrically insulating material such as a hydrophobic plastic material e.g. polyethylene (PE), PVC (polyvinylchloride), PU (polyurethane), PTF (polyterephthalate), silicone etc. or compositions thereof. Glazed ceramics is another material that may be used, but will normally be too rigid or stiff to be preferred.

The device in the form of a threshold listing/gate listing or a cloth according to the invention may in one form of use enclose an area or an object or may reside in an opening where pests or vermin are to be deterred from entering. The device is equipped with electrical current-conducting wires 3 and listings 2,2'2", said wires 3 and listings 2, 2', 2" being connected to an electrical source for direct current or alternating current. Since an electrical jolt not will be noticed unless the one touching the relevant current-conducting wire 2, 2', 2" completes an electrical circuit (like an electrical switch) or transfers the electrical current to earth (that also will represent closing the electrical circuit), as explained supra, the current-conducting and non-insulated wires or lists 2, 2', 2" in the device according to the invention will in one embodiment be insulated from each other (e.g. by being equipped with insulating material between the wires or being placed at a distance from each other so that the electrically-conducting parts of the device do not touch each other). In such an embodiment the non-insulated wires 1,1' ,1" will be placed at a distance from each other sufficiently close to ensure that touching one wire automatically leads to touching another wire simultaneously as well so that an electrical circuit is established by the touch. The distance between the non-insulated parts of the current-conducting rails or wires 2, 2', 2" may in such an embodiment be a reciprocal distance from each other within the interval 0.5 - 10 mm, wherein the distance between the rails/wires 2, 2', 2" in this connection represents the length of an imaginary line drawn perpendicularly between two points on each rail or wire that are opposite each other. In such an embodiment there will run at least two electrically conducting rails/wires 2, 2', 2" in the device.

Alternatively, there may in a possible embodiment run only one at least partially non-insulated electrically-conducting wire, rail or listing 2, 2', 2" over a distance wherein the electrically-conducting circuit is closed by the touching of the

electrically-conducting wire, listing or rail 2, 2', 2" so that there is established an electrical circuit between the electrically-conducting wire, listing or rail 2, 2', 2" and earth.

Alternatively in a further possible embodiment there may run two non-insulated wires or rails 2, 2', 2" parallel to each other wherein the distance between the wires and the distance between the wires have been adjusted to each other so that there will be a current spark between the wires if a current-conducting object is placed between the current-conducting wires.

The conductivity of an organism is to a certain degree dependent on the fluid/liquid content of the organism. Mammals normally have a water content of between 75- 90% (w/w) calculated on the weight of the animal, normally with a number of electrolytes such as salt ions, so that they are suitable for conducting electrical current. The conductivity for electrical current in an organism is also to a certain degree connected to the surface condition of the animal (dry/moist/wet). Electricity conducted through an individual may be dangerous and perceived as unpleasant for different reasons. Animals and persons with a nerve system where the nerve impulses are conducted in nerve networks as electrical impulses are sensitive for externally supplied electrical current. Externally supplied electrical current may over-stimulate the muscles and negate the natural nerve impulses being conducted via the somatic or the will-controlled nerve system as well as the autonomous or non-will-controlled nerve system. This leads to "nerve signals" making the muscles contract continuously and enter a cramp-like condition (rigor) as long as the external electrical current is supplied. This may be lethal to mammals if nerve impulses to the heart are negated so that the heart enters into a cramp-like condition and stops pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. Even if electricity is not passed through the heart, said cramp-like condition in the muscles is perceived as unpleasant and frightening.

For an animal the size of a human to be killed with electrical current, the animal must close an electrical circuit through the heart, wherein the amperage is about 100 milliamperes (mA). The least lethal amperage for humans lies normally within the interval 100-300 mA. The voltage is in this connection not of great importance since an individual may well survive an electrical current jolt with a voltage of several thousand volts (V) as long as the amperage is not particularly large (below said amperage of 100 mA, e.g. less than 10 mA or less than 5 mA such as within the interval 1 to 10 mA or 5 - 10 mA). For humans, an amperage below 1 - 5 mA will barely be registered. Nonetheless amperages within this interval (below 5 mA) may be used in a device and system according to the present invention, since the device and system according to the present invention has as one of its objectives to distinguish smaller organisms (rodents, insects, reptiles, etc.) and larger organisms (pets such as cats and dogs, domestic animals such as pigs, cows, horses, etc.) as well as humans (adults as well as children).

The current intervals (amperage and voltage) mentioned supra refer to direct current. Alternating current is perceived much more intensively since the polarization in such alternating electrical current changes continuously. Within a commercial current network using e.g. a voltage of 110 - 220 V, it is standard to use alternating electrical current of about 50-60 Hz, i.e. the polarity of the electrical current changes 50 to 60 times per second. If such an electrical current passes through an animal with a nerve system, the muscle contractions caused by this alternating electrical current will vary correspondingly, being perceived as if the muscle contractions are completely out of control (which they are). Both the voltage and frequency in commercial electrical current grids in different countries may vary. Normal public and commercial electrical power grids that are used normally have a voltage of 110 or 220 V alternating current at a frequency of 50-60 Hz, but other voltages and frequencies (in alternating electrical current) may be used in the device and system according to the present invention. The voltage used in the device and system according to the invention may vary depending on the type of device and system that is relevant based on a practical perspective. If a condenser principle is used to deter animals from entering into a geographical area (see supra) it may be relevant to use a voltage of several thousand volts down to about 1.5 V, e.g. 50000 V and below, e.g. 40000 V, 30000 V, 20000 V,

18000 V, 17000 V, 16000 V, 15000 V, 14000 V, 13000 V, 12000 V, 11000 V,

10000 V, 9000 V, 8000 V, 7000 V, 6000 V, 5000 V, 4000 V, 3000 V, 2000 V, 1000 V and down to a commercial voltage of 400 V, 220 V and 110 V or lower such as 100 V, 86 V, 64 V, 52 V, 40 V, 36 V, 24 V, 12 V, 6 V. The lower voltages of 86 V and below may also be relevant for direct current where there may be used e.g. one or more batteries). In connection with alternating current it will be possible to transform the voltage being used in the system into an appropriate voltage.

In relation to humans a current of the type alternating current with a voltage of 220 V, an amperage of 60-100 mA and a frequency of 60 Hz will normally be lethal, whereas a direct current under the same conditions would have to have an amperage of 300-500 mA to be lethal for humans. This information will be useful when amperage, voltage, type of current (direct/alternating current), frequency etc. is to be selected for the settings in the system according to the invention.

Another type of damage that may be inflicted on biological tissue by a current running through the tissue is tissue damage that may give rise to so-called

electroporation of cell membranes in tissue being exposed to electrical current.

Such damage is inflicted on a cellular level and affects the cells so that the inflicted tissue dies. Such tissue damage may in posterity also be the cause of secondary damage by dead tissue becoming attacked by and/or eaten by e.g. bacteria, yeast or virus. Damage by electroporation may be particularly relevant for organisms with a high water content and with a moist surface such as snails.

On account of the electrical resistance of electrical conductors, such electrical conductors become heated when electricity is passed through them. This may also be taken into consideration when the electrical circuit, voltage and amperage is to be selected for the system and device according to the invention. In view of the amperage being used in the system and device according to the invention in most cases is meant not to kill animals but instead deter them from entering a geographical area, a voltage within the above mentioned unpleasant but not lethal interval is selected. Based on Ohm's Law (U = R I, wherein U is the voltage in Volts, R is the resistance in Ohms and I is the amperage in Amperes being passed through an electrical conductor), the voltage will vary linearly with the amperage in a circuit with a constant electrical resistance. It is thus possible to vary the voltage by varying the amperage in a given electrically conducting wire with a constant electrical resistance and vice versa.

The touching per se of electrical objects by the relevant animal is of relevance in relation to whether or not the animal is to be deterred/scared or euthanized. The touching of an active non-insulated live electrical wire and earth or two electrical wires of opposite polarity simultaneously, where the touching points lie at opposite ends of the animal (e.g. front and back leg) will normally conduct electrical current through the entire body of the animal (having as a consequence that e.g. the heart of the animal stops beating). However, the touching of such wires by two fingers or toes will not lead electrical current through the body of the animal, but only through those parts that touch the wires. This may be used when designing the threshold listing according to the invention in such a way that the relevant animal is scared away from the door/gate opening.

In another embodiment it has been taken into account the type of animal that it is relevant to deter. Animals with a dry surface and that are relatively large (e.g. predators such as bears, wolves, hyenas, lions, etc. or reptiles such as snakes) are able to resist more electricity than smaller animals with a moist surface (e.g.

nematodes/snails) or smaller animals with an electrically conducting exoskeleton (insects such as ants, termites, grasshoppers, etc.). In one embodiment it may be appropriate to regulate the electrical current by e.g. including a converter/trans- former in the electrical circuit and/or equip the electrical circuit with an adjustable electrical resistance. Based on the general Ohm's Law (see supra) the voltage of an electrical circuit may be controlled by regulating the electrical resistance in the circuit as long as the amperage of the circuit is constant or the amperage of a circuit may be varied by using an adjustable resistance if the voltage is constant.

The reason why electrical damage is often associated with high voltage is exactly that at a constant resistance a high voltage also indicates a high amperage (also taken from Ohm's Law). The amperage in an electrical circuit is related to the number of free electrons that may be transported by the circuit, where the electrons run from the negative to the positive pole of the circuit, whereas the current runs from the positive to the negative pole. The properties of a material to function as an electrical insulator or an electrical conductor are related to the material's ability to supply the electrical circuit with free electrons. Metals with free electrons in a metallic molecular structure or grid as well as liquids with positively or negatively charged ions (e.g. water with at least one dissolved salt or a liquid medium with a dissolved salt) are normally good electrical conductors. This is one of the reasons why it is desirable to keep the threshold and gate list according to the invention dry.

Air is considered to be a good insulator since the main components of air (mainly molecular oxygen, molecular nitrogen and a small amount of carbon dioxide as well as traces of other gases such as hydrogen, helium, noble gases, etc.) do not have or liberate with difficulty free electrons, and consequently do not give rise to any electrical current. The voltage of electrical fields in air may be high (see supra) but will not be harmful or lethal since there initially do not travel any electrons between the poles associated with air. The property of conducting electrical current in a capacitor/condenser depends on the distance between the condenser plates and this property increases or diminishes proportionally with the square of the distance between the condenser plates. If an electrical conductor is placed between the poles of such an electrical field, where the electrical conductor is able to liberate free electrons, the distance between the condenser plates becomes in practice reduced and an electrical current will run through the condenser with a strength associated with the conductor's capacity of supplying free electrons. If the electrical conductor e.g. is an animal, the animals need not be euthanized by placing it in an electrical field of such an electrical circuit based on the animal's capability of supplying free electrons between the electrical poles of the condenser. This makes it possible for the threshold listing according to the invention to use an electrical field between the electrical conductors as well as electrically-conducting wires, since an electrical field is equally well suited for scaring or dismissing animals if the animal completes an electrical circuit by its very existence between the electrical poles of the electrical field.

The electrical current used in the device and system according to the invention may be direct current or alternating current depending on the source of the electrical current. If the electrical current originates from a commercial electricity grid of a local generator/emergency aggregate, the current will normally be of an alternating type, whereas the current will be of a direct type if it originates from e.g. a battery or a solar panel. Alternating current may be converted to direct current by using a rectifier. As a source for direct electrical current it may be used single batteries or batteries connected to each other in parallel or series. There may e.g. be used a battery or batteries with a voltage of 1.5 V, 9 V, 12 V or 24 V.

The electrically-conducting wires may also be coupled in an electrical circuit in parallel or series. The wiring has an effect on the working of the external circuit of the system according to the invention. If the number of non-insulated or partly insulated electrical wires or rails 2, 2', 2" are connected in parallel, the voltage over the parallel-wired circuit will have a voltage equal to any one of the circuit branches in the parallel circuit, whereas the total amperage in the parallel-wired part of the circuit will be equal to the sum of the amperages in all of the separate branches of the parallel wiring (I = I _x + I ₂ + . + I _n wherein I represents the total amperage of the parallel-wired circuit consisting of n branches, and I _n represents the amperage of the n ^th branch of the parallel-wired circuit, wherein n is an integer representing the number of the relevant branches of the parallel-wired circuit) and the inverse of the total resistance of the parallel-wired circuit is equal to the sum of inverse of each resistance of in the parallel-wired circuit (1/R = 1/ri + l/r ₂ + .... + l/r _n , wherein R represents the total electrical resistance (in Ohm) of the parallel-wired circuit and r _n represents the electrical resistance in the n ^th branch of the parallel- wired circuit, wherein n represents an integer). These relationships may be of use when circuits of the system according to the invention are made and wired.

With reference to the figures in the present disclosure, it will be observed that the circuits S3 wherein the electrically conducting rails 2, 2', 2" are present, preferably are wired in parallel with the circuits S4 for the insulated circuits 3 conducting electrical current. Such a wiring will make it possible to control which one of the circuits S3 or S4 or both simultaneously that conduct the electrical current. One or both of the circuits S3 or S4 may also comprise a signal such as a light signal showing whether or not electrical current runs in the circuit.

In one embodiment it may be relevant to let the electrical circuit S4 comprise the electrically isolated wires 3 in the device according to the invention, conduct electrical current continuously and let the switch SI be the switch determining whether electrical current is to be passed in the non-insulated wires or rails 1,1' ,1" in the circuit S3. Since these circuits in one embodiment are connected in parallel the voltage over the circuit branches will equal each other. Alternatively in a different embodiment it may be possible to connect the switches S1,S2 in cooperation with each other so that it will be possible to control which one of the circuits S3 and/or S4 that are to conduct electrical current or if the device according to the invention is to be current-free by both the switches S1,S2 being disconnected.

Such alternatives may be controlled by the photocell 7,8 that may register e.g. movement in the area around the threshold listing 1. In one embodiment the photocell 7,8 will register movement at a distance above the threshold listing 1. When the photocell 7,8 registers movement, it will automatically disengage the electrical current to the device or alternatively disengage the electrical power supply to the circuit S3 comprising the non-insulated wi res/I istings/rai Is 2, 2', 2". In such an embodiment it will be safe for animals and humans being over a certain height and being registered by the photocell 7,8 to touch the non-insulated electrical current-conducting wires/listings/rails 1,1' ,1" since the electrical circuit containing these element no longer conducts electrical current because the switch SI or both the switches S1,S2 then are activated/deactivated so that at least the one electrical circuit S3 or both the electrical circuits S3,S4 then do not conduct electrical current. It is possible to wire the non-insulated wires/railings 2, 2', 2" in series and/or parallel with each other in the device according to the invention, preferably in parallel. It is also possible in one embodiment to wire several devices according to the invention to each other lengthwise. In such an embodiment the respective non-insulated wires/rails 2, 2', 2" and the underlying wires 3 in adjacent devices will be connected electrically to each other so that an extension of the device with the same electrical properties as each single element will be formed.

The electrical current being passed through the non-insulated circuits 2, 2', 2" in the device and system according to the invention, may in one embodiment be constant or may in another embodiment be variable. If the experienced effect to the electrical current is to be perceived more strongly by the individual touching the non-insulated electrical wires 2, 2', 2" (and thereby short out the relevant electrical circuit having been made electrically conducting by inactivating the registering device 8,9), the electrical current being passed through the wires/listings/rails 2, 2', 2" may be in the form of pulses or pulse trains. This means that the electrical current is varied between zero and the selected maximum value at intervals of e.g. 1000 pulses per minute. The electrical pulse train in the device or system according to the invention may vary from 0 to 10000 pulses per minute, e.g. from 100 to 5000 pulses per minute or from 500 to 10000 pulses per minute or from 700 to 1000 pulses per minute such as 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100,

1200, 1300, 1400 or 1500 pulses per minute. Such a pulse will be independent from whether it is used direct current or alternating current in the device or system. For enhancing the frightening effect of the electrical jolt in the device or system according to the invention, it is preferred that there is used pulses or direct current in the system, but this is not required, and it may, as mentioned supra, also be used commercial alternating electrical current in the system or device according to the invention. This may be selected by the user or installing person and will represent the skill of the relevant skilled person based on knowledge about which animals that are to be dismissed, which animals that are to be let past the device/ system, the local conditions in the relevant geographical area (temperature, weather conditions, exposure of the device to external conditions) etc.

As being relevant for alternating electrical current as well as for electrical pulses, such manipulations of the electricity in organisms being sensitive for fluctuations in electrical or magnetic fields will, make the organisms pause or flee. An electrical wire will, when supplied with electrical current, form a circular magnetic field around the wire, and an electromagnet is formed by winding electrically conducting wires in a helix or spiral. Such devices may be used if the organisms being sensitive for magnetic fields are to be scared or dismissed from entering into a geographical area. In this connection insects and snails may be mentioned as organisms being sensitive for electrical and magnetic fields.

Since electrical jolts are not noticed unless the individual touching the electrically conducting wires or rails 1,1' ,1" closes an electrical circuit (in the same manner as a switch) or transfers electrical current to earth (also representing closing an electrical circuit), the electrically non-insulated wires 2, 2', 2" are in one embodiment completely separate from each other (e.g. by being equipped with electrically insulating material between themselves and/or by being located at a distance from each other so they do not touch each other). In such an embodiment the electrically conducting wires and/or rails 2, 2', 2" will be located as close to each other that the touching of one of them automatically will have as a consequence that another one simultaneously is touched so that an electrical circuit is

established as explained supra. The distance between the non-insulated sections of the electrically conducting wires, rails or listings 2, 2', 2" in the device according to the invention will in one embodiment have a distance from each other in the interval 0.1 - 1.0 cm. The number of non-insulated wires, listings or rails 2, 2', 2" is arbitrary. A number of 3 is shown in the embodiment being present in Fig. 1. The number is normally at least one (in which case it is necessary to include touching of earth to ensure that the relevant organism experiences an electrical jolt), but will preferably include two or more.

Alternatively or additionally it may be possible to equip the system according to the invention with an earthed metal rail where the touching of one of the non-insulated electrically conducting wires/listings/rails 2, 2', 2" and the earthed metal rail also will have as a consequence that the individual touching the system in this manner, receives an electrical jolt.

For selecting the size of the animals that are to be scared or dismissed by touching the device according to the invention, in one embodiment the vertical height of the photocell 7,8 is adjusted and determined. This is indicated in Fig. 1 by the aid of vertical arrows indicating that the light emitter 8 and the light receiver 9 may be varied vertically and that the height of the light beam 9 above the rails 1,1' ,1" thereby will determine if the circuit S3 is to be activated. In one embodiment the electrical current in the system will run through the wires in the circuit S4 when the light beam 9 in the photo receiver 7,8 registers movement in the area above the device/threshold listing according to the invention, whereas it will re-direct the electrical current to the circuit S3 when it does not register any movement. In such an embodiment there will be conducted electrical current in the system according to the invention continuously (unless a main switch is turned off or the electricity source for the system has been removed). In an alternative embodiment the photo-registering device 7,8 will be operated by a separate electrical circuit and will activate the device/threshold listing according to the invention when it registers movement in the area about the device/threshold listing. In alternative

embodiments one, two or all of the circuits in the system according to the invention may be equipped with warning devices showing that one, two or all of the circuits of the system are engaged and are leading electrical current.

The registration of animals or humans in the vicinity of the device/system according to the invention may also be conducted by other devices than a photo registrator. As an example such a registration may be accomplished with a temperature sensor or similar. It is, however, preferred that there is conducted electricity through the wires 2, 2', 2" as long as organisms exceeding a certain size are not registered and that he electrical current is switched off when such a registration is made by a surveillance device/ controlling mechanism for the system. The system according to the present invention for rejecting/controlling the entrance in geographical areas and buildings, comprises a source for electricity and wherein said source for electricity is connected to a number of electrical current-conducting wires in addition to at least one device/threshold list/sheet as explained supra, therein the threshold list in one embodiment may be mounted on the surface of an electrically isolating substrate 1. The electrically isolating substrate 1 may be equipped with securing devices 4,5 such as holes for screws and/or may be on its underside be equipped with a tacky substance. It is also possible to secure the device according to the invention alternatively or additionally with clamps (not shown). The system according to the invention comprises a device according to the invention connected/wired into an electrical circuit for supplying electrical voltage to the electrically non-insulated wires and/or rails 2, 2', 2" as well as a photosensor 7,8,9 registering movement in the area about or over the threshold listing 1 as explained supra. A threshold listing and a sheet may also be connected to each other, wherein the photosensor 7,8,9 also controls the supply of electrical current to the wires/listings 2, 2', 2" in the sheet.

In such an embodiment wherein the device according to the invention is a door listing/threshold listing/gate listing, such a listing may be embedded inside the threshold or the underlying material in such a way that that only the electricity- conducting and non-insulated wires/rails/listings 1,1' ,1" are exposed inside the threshold. The system and wiring may be as explained supra.

Examples

Infra there are provided examples of possible constructions of threshold devices and sheets according to the invention. Example 1

This example concerns a threshold listing as shown in Fig. 1 with an optical sensor for detecting pests or vermin moving in the area from a floor surface and up to 10 cm above this surface. This threshold listing was placed as a threshold in a door between two rooms. The rooms could be closed so that the threshold listing was the only way between the two rooms, and the threshold listing was connected to an electrical circuit as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The threshold listing was made of plastic (polyethylene) and had two electrically non-insulated rails embedded into the plastic material so that the threshold listing displayed a smooth upper surface. This device was placed between the doorframes of a door for preventing the pests/vermin from passing the threshold listing. The non-insulated electricity- conducting rails were connected to a source for electrical current (220 V alternating electrical current transformed to 600 V and being passed through the wires in pulse trains of 600 pulses per minute) and were turned on and off as a response to measurements from the sensor so that organisms above the size of 10 cm in height would disconnect the electrical current through the threshold listing while the electrical current was pulsing continuously through the wires when a registering of organisms above this above-mentioned height was not made.

Rats (10 animals) were liberated into one of the rooms and were surveyed to see if any one of them would pass the electrical threshold listing. The rats were observed during two days and nights, but none of them passed the threshold listing from one room to the other room despite rats being curious by nature and despite the circumstance that they were not fed during the test. The surveillance showed that the rats generally avoided coming into contact with the threshold listing.

Example 2

This example was conducted in the same way as in Example 1, but with mice as test animals (the same number as in Example 1). The surveillance was conducted in the same way. Here none of the mice passed the threshold listing during two days and two nights either.

Example 3

This example was conducted with a length of silicon-covered cloth wherein there were stitched electrically non-insulated electrically conducting wires in the lengthwise direction of the cloth with a distance between the wires of 0.5 cm. The wires in said cloth were connected to a source of electricity providing the same electrical pulses as explained in Example 1. Said cloth was secured to the walls in the one room (secured with sticky tape with the rear side of the cloth facing the wall of the room and with the electrically conducting and non-insulated wires facing outwears from the walls).

In this example it was observed that none of the animals approached or touched the walls carrying the cloth.