Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pest electrocution device, especially for electrocution of rodents such as rats, mice and the like. The device is especially designed for use above ground, as opposed to the same applicant's pending application relating to a device and method, suitable for use below ground, i.e. especially in sewers and other pipe systems as well as above ground.

Background of the Invention

In the art a number of different devices have been suggested for controlling pests such as rodents. Various methods are used in order to deter or exterminate the rodents, and particularly devices using electrical means in order to electrocute the pests have been suggested previously. One such example is described in WO 2007/024143 where a rodent trap comprises a floor in which floor three electrodes are arranged. The electrodes are typically connected to a source of current providing between 2.8 and 4 kilo volts at 250 Hz. The trap is supplied with energy from 4 AA batteries. Furthermore a sensor is provided which sensor detects a rodent in the trap after which the sensor activates an electronic circuitry which exercises a so-called kill cycle. The electrodes are constantly maintained with a current such that as a rodent steps onto the electrode, the conductivity between two electrodes changes dramatically which is the input the sensor uses in order to activate the kill cycle. After the kill cycle is completed the floor of the trap in which the electrodes are incorporated will turn, whereby the dead rodent will fall down under and outside the trap.

A further example is described in US 2006/0123693. The construction of this device is more or less similar to the one mentioned above with the difference that the electrodes embedded in the floor are connected to two separate electric circuits. The first circuit will induce a minimum current in the electrodes. As soon as a leak current is detected by electronic circuitry, the second electronic circuitry is activated whereby a relatively high current is conducted through the rodent placed on the electrodes. This will effec- tively electrocute the rodent. The first circuitry is supplied by for example a 12 volt battery of the type used in motorcycles whereas the second circuitry may be supplied with power from the power grid. In WO 2004/030450, US 2008/120895 and WO 2007/121554 further prior art devices are described which all more or less are constructed in the same manner as already described above.

A general problem with these devices is the fact that either they consume power all the time, which puts a limit to how long the apparatus can operate without being serviced, or that there is a large amount of electronic equipment, sensors, control systems, communication modules etc., which makes them very fragile such that they are not suitable to be placed in a harsh environment such as for example outdoors, cold storage facilities or other storage facilities with exposure to snow, rain, dust and the like where often especially rats constitute a large problem. Finally, the constructions themselves do not foresee that pollution etc. may create circumstances in the traps which can lead to leak currents such that the trap may be activated without a rodent being present in the trap.

A further device is disclosed in US 2,677,209. In this device a tunnel is provided running through a housing. In the tunnel is placed some bait. As the pest enters the tunnel, two doors pivot into position, blocking the ends of the tunnel. At the same time a third door opens to an adjacent chamber, in which a netting is arranged in a top wall. The netting allows light in, and the pest is thereby lured into the chamber. In the floor of the chamber is arranged an array of electrodes. These are activated, directing a high voltage through the pest which thereby is electrocuted. The power source appears to be the grid, not making the device particularly mobile or usable in remote locations. This device is relying on a number of trap doors cooperating to open and close at the correct moment, in order for the pest not to escape the trap. Furthermore, as the pest is electrocuted, the carcass remains in the electrocution chamber, thereby emitting a foul smell as the carcass decomposes. It will therefore require regular monitoring and emptying of the trap in order not to deter further pests from entering the trap.

A still further device is disclosed in US 2,469,454. In this device a passage is provided through the device. The passage is limited by a U-shaped channel and for most of the way the housing of the entire device. A middle section of the floor of the channel is separated from the channel and arranged such that it may pivot, especially when an animal steps on the section of floor, it may pivot downwardly. The floor section has an arm which when being pivoted engages a micro switch and thereby creates a current. Above the separate section of the floor another pivotable member is arranged, which when the floor section pivots, is released and pivots downwardly in the channel, thereby coming into contact with the animal. The pivotable member is also electrically connected, such that as the member comes into contact with the animal on the separate section of the floor, a current will flow and electrocute the animal.

A serious drawback with this device is the fact that in order to connect the circuitry and allow the current to electrocute the animal, the two electrodes have to create electrical contact with the animal. Tests clearly indicate that the fur of for example rats, stoats, martens, weasels and the like is highly electrically insulating when dry, such that the risk of mal-function is very high. Furthermore, especially with rats, when they are exposed to electrical shocks, they will jump - typically forward. In the prior art device there is a risk they will jump out of the electrocution electrodes altogether and thereby escape. Furthermore, extensive tests carried out by the inventor of the present invention indicate that especially rats are very intelligent creatures which will communicate any dangers to other animals in the vicinity. For these purposes it is essential that a very fast and efficient execution of the rodent is effected before the rodent has a chance to communicate the presence of danger to other animals in the vicinity.

With many of the prior art devices mentioned above, leak currents, will often warn the rodent that there is an unusual and potentially dangerous apparatus present. Object of the Invention

It is therefore the purpose of the present invention to alleviate the disadvantages with the prior art devices and provide some further advantages which make the invention very efficient in use, ensure the complete electrocution of the rodent as fast as possible and ensure that the rodent reliably activates the apparatus without the creation of any leak currents or other unfortunate happenings which could alarm and scare off the rodents. Furthermore a multi-use apparatus with a minimum of maintenance is provided.

Description of the Invention

The present invention addresses this by providing a pest electrocution device, especially for electrocution of rodents such as rats, mice and the like, where said device, in a housing comprises at least two electrodes where a first electrode is connected to a first electrical terminal and the other electrode are connected to an oppositely charged electrical terminal, where said electrodes are arranged in a position where the pest will pass, characterized in that the device comprises a tunnel which tunnel stretches through said housing , where the electrodes are arranged electrically insulated from each other and the tunnel, and where said electrodes are not in contact with the floor of the tunnel, where a trigger device is provided in said tunnel, and where said trigger device triggers the electrocution of the pest by activating pivoting means connected to the electrodes, pivoting said electrodes into a first position elevated above said floor, and substantially simultaneously electrifying said electrodes.

By arranging the electrodes not to be in contact with the floor any moisture or other pollutants which may enter the pest electrocution device will not give rise to leak cur- rents, which provides advantages in the shape of not using power when there is no pest present, not confusing any control sensors, or electronic circuitry and not scaring off the rodents in that the rodents are very sensitive to currents. The electrodes are separated from the floor by just one or two millimeters, which will be enough to isolate the electrodes completely from the floor of the tunnel, and at the same time the rodents will recognize the tunnel floor as a safe passage and therefore enter the pest electrocution device without hesitation. The separation may be achieved by suspending the electrodes above the floor, or by providing recesses in the floor, and fitting the electrodes into said recesses, but not in contact with the floor. Preferably the electrode's upper surface is arranged coplanar with the floor surface. By fitting the electrodes into recesses it is possible to make the floor appear substantially unbroken.

By providing means which are actively triggered it is ensured that a pest is present in the correct position before the electrocution cycle initiates. For some of the prior art devices the electrocution cycle or other means to exterminate the pests may be inadvertently activated by the pest before it is in the proper position. For example for rats which are relatively intelligent rodents this may give the rat the possibility to alarm other rats in the vicinity whereby the trap will be rendered more or less useless for a period until the warning from the rat has been forgotten by the other rats, which typically will take 5-8 days. Therefore, by providing a mechanical depression of the electrodes it is ensured that a pest is positively present inside the device in the correct position before the electrocution cycle is initiated. The chance of a successful result is hereby increased dramatically.

Also the provision of three or more electrodes creates a larger field where the electrocution may take place, such that any movement by the animal does not lead to its escape. The basic problem of luring the pest into the trap is achieved in the following manner. Tests and observations have shown that rodents, and in particular rats, when walking on the ground prefer to walk close to vertical surfaces such as walls and the like. They feel safer than in the open. Furthermore they are reluctant to climb upwards and/or enter dark spaces they are not familiar with. Therefore by arranging the entrance to the trap close to the bottom surface of the housing, which in use will be close to the ground, there is no inclination for the rats to overcome. Furthermore, by arranging the tunnel substantially close to a sidewall of the housing it is possible to arrange the entrance close to a wall where the rodent will naturally follow during its travel. The tunnel may be substantially straight, and therefore allow the rodent to see through the tun- nel to the other side of the trap, whereby it will not hesitate entering the trap. These features are not recognized in the prior art, and as such the prior art traps are not successful in luring the pests into the traps. The performance of the prior art traps are therefore irrelevant if the pests will not enter the traps. In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention the trigger device is suspended in the pest's path, and where said trigger device incorporates a magnet, such that as the pest engages the member the change in magnetic field will be detected by a Hall ele- ment which in turn activates an electronic circuit, or alternatively where the trigger device is one or more heat sensors, arranged in said tunnel, which sensors upon detecting a sudden change in temperature activates an electronic circuit, where said electronic circuit thereafter energizes the electrodes and controls the electrocution of the pest.

By suspending the trigger device incorporating a magnet in the pests path, such that as the pest engages the member the change in magnetic field will be detected by a Hall element, which thereafter energizes the electrodes and activates an electronic circuit, which electronic circuit controls the electrocution of the pest, it is achieved that a low power detection unit is provided. The trigger device may advantageously be made from a transparent polymer material. Tests have clearly indicated that rats' behavior above ground as opposed to underground (in sewers) is such that they are much more likely to enter places where they can see light at the other side. Therefore by providing a through-going tunnel, and a transparent trigger device, the rat will not hesitate to enter the electrocution device.

The alternative of providing a heat sensor also provides for a trigger device which does not block the view through the tunnel of the electrocution device. By providing the heat sensor with an additional thermo sensor such that the reference temperature inside the tunnel may be measured and compared to a temperature in front of the heat sensor when a rat is present, the difference in temperature and change in temperature when a rat is present, will indicate that a body is present inside the trap such that the electrocution process may commence. One drawback of this use of heat sensors is for electrocution devices arranged in especially hot climates where the ambient temperature is rela- tively high, even in the shadow of the tunnel, such that only a very limited temperature difference is available between the ambient and for example a rat present in the sensor's sensing area. In such instances the mechanical device described above in the shape of a trigger member being suspended in the tunnel will always regardless of the ambient temperature give a positive indication when a body is present inside the electrocution device.

By activating the pivoting means as mentioned above the pest is elevated from the floor before the electrocution commences such that any chance of discharging the electrical current of the device per se due to foreign debris present on the floor short circuiting the electrodes is avoided. At the same time as the pest which is to be electrocuted is carried by the electrodes a very positive contact is achieved between the separate electrodes and the pest such that a reliable and fast electrocution may be carried out.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention the electrocution device has a further step with the pivoting means such that after the pest has been electrocuted with the electrodes in the first position, the pivoting means pivots the electrodes further into a second position, in which position the electrocuted pest will slide off the elec- trades.

In order to facilitate that the electrocution device may be used repeatedly without being inspected and emptied it is important to remove the electrocuted pests from the electrocution tunnel and the electrodes in order to make these ready for the following pest to be electrocuted. By further pivoting the electrodes into the second position the pest will due to the influence of gravity slide off the electrodes which are hereafter ready for reuse and may be pivoted back into the original position.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention the electrodes are mounted on a movable wall part of said tunnel, and the pivoting means comprises an actuator, connected to a frame, which frame in one end is pivotably connected to a bottom of said electrocution device, and in the opposite end is connected to the moveable wall part. With this embodiment a relative simple mechanical construction is achieved whereby it becomes possible to elevate the electrodes together with a wall member into the desired first and second positions by simply using a pivotable frame member which may be pivoted around a point outside the tunnel. In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention the frame comprises a second frame arranged parallel to a stationary wall of the tunnel, in the position where the electrodes are adjacent the floor, and where the second frame is adapted to be used for mounting a flexible bag for receiving the electrocuted pest.

The tunnel will typically comprise a floor, two sidewalls and a ceiling such that as a pest enters the electrocution device, only the tunnel is visible to the pest. As one wall is attached to the frame member, the second wall may advantageously be stationary, and by further arranging a second frame, for example by welding or bolting it onto the first frame such that the plane of the second frame is perpendicular to the plane of the first frame, it is possible to arrange a flexible bag, for example a plastic bag around the second frame. By furthermore arranging the second frame as close to the stationary wall as possible and thereby as close to the electrodes as possible it is achieved that as the frame is elevated into the second position where the pest slides off the electrodes, the plastic bag mounted on the second frame will receive the pest which thereafter will be contained inside the plastic bag.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention when the second frame is in a position parallel to the stationary wall, the second frame will engage the stationary wall, thereby creating a substantially air tight connection, optionally by means of a gasket mounted on the stationary wall, facing the second frame.

In this manner the second wall will also serve as a lid for the plastic bag containing the dead pest and by further providing a gasket, for example in the shape of bubble plastic or other very resilient material on the side of the stationary wall facing the second frame member, it is possible to create a substantially odour-tight seal between the plastic bag mounted on the second frame and the stationary wall. The gasket may also be mounted on the second frame and at the same time serve to fix the plastic bag to said frame. By using a U-shaped gasket, the gasket may be fitted over the second frame after the plastic bag has been fitted, such that the opening in the U, is fitted over the second frame, thereby fastening the bag and the gasket. In this manner it will only be necessary to make control visits to the electrocution device at longer intervals in that the electrocuted rats are automatically packaged in a substantially odour-tight manner thereby not causing any undesired odour pollution to the immediate environment.

In order to efficiently electrocute the pests the following parameters should be adhered to such that the current potential between the electrical poles are 2 KV to 8 KV more preferred 3 KV to 5 KV, and that the current is between 10 mAmp and 40 mAmp, most preferred not more than 30 mAmp, and that electric current is maintained for a period of between 60 sec. to 180 sec, more preferred 75 sec. to 120 sec, and most preferred 120 sec.

Although tests with the apparatus indicate that the electrocution of the rats is completed effectively after approximately 60 seconds, it is preferable to maintain the cycle for substantially longer in order to ensure that a complete electrocution of the rat has been achieved. This is due to the fact that the environment may alter the conductivity of the rat such that in some instances it may be necessary to prolong the circuit. For these purposes and in order to ensure an efficient extermination a substantially longer maintenance of the current is maintained. Furthermore, as the power consumption is relatively low, the power supply will be able to provide for a substantial number of electrocutions before needing to be recharged or replaced.

In a still further advantageous embodiment the electronic circuitry is arranged in a separate housing, arranged remotely from the chamber or tunnel, and where said elec- tronic circuitry optionally is connected to:

- a source of renewably energy and/or;

- an electrical power grid and/or;

- a GSM module for communication with a remote control station and/or;

- a Bluetooth wireless communication device

- a GPS module.

As the inventive electrocution device is suitable for being placed above ground both inside as well as outside, the electronic circuitry may be exposed to varying environ- mental impacts, both with respect to temperature, rain, snow wind etc. With this inventive embodiment the electronic circuitry is arranged in a friendlier environment, also from a service point of view. The provision of a GSM module or Bluetooth wireless communication device provides the further advantages of being able to wirelessly check on the trap, i.e. check for activity, failure or any other malfunction which may occur without having to dismantle the trap or even inspect the site on which the trap is placed. The GPS module allows to monitor the geographical position of the trap, which is important in case of theft, or in order to locate a particular trap in a large installation.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention the floor of the tunnel is made from wood, modified plastics, modified rubber or any other suitable non-metallic material.

For a number of reasons it is advantageous to use non-metallic materials. First and foremost the fact that most non-metallic materials are non-conductive ensures that the risk of leak currents or short-circuits is drastically minimized. Furthermore, tests have indicated that especially rats are more likely to enter tunnels having a wooden floor than for example tunnels with a metal floor. For this reason it is important to provide a surface for the pest such that they are not stressed or scared away from the tunnel but by selecting appropriate materials and for example a transparent trigger member an effort is made in order to provide the best conditions in order to lure the pest into the trap.

In a still further advantageous embodiment according to the invention a bait station is arranged inside the chamber or tunnel in a position opposite the entrance to the tunnel or chamber, where said bait station, at regular intervals, may issue bait scents and/or where means are provided in front of the entrance to the tunnel or chamber where scent traces corresponding to the pest's urine, in particular rat urine may be deposited.

The bait station is obviously provided in order to lure the rat to enter in the hope that there might be a source of food inside the chamber or tunnel. By furthermore or alter- natively providing scent traces, typically in the shape of the pest's urine, the rats will feel safe to follow the route. Substantial studies of especially a rat's behavior indicated that rats will almost continuously lay down a track of urine scents such that other rats upon detecting the scents from the first rat will register that they are on a safe and proven track. In this manner, by laying out an artificial urine scent leading into the chamber or tunnel, this scent track will lure the pest into the device and thereby render the device more effective.

As already mentioned above, the invention is also directed to a method of using an electrocution device as mentioned above, where the different embodiments of the method as defined in the claims provides the advantages mentioned above with relation to the device as such.

Description of the drawing

The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein, for all illustrations the device's housing as well as certain other components not important for the invention are either illustrated as transparent or not illustrated at all, where:

Figure 1 illustrates an electronic pest eliminating device 1 according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the electrocution device in its normal "ready mode" position;

Figure 3 illustrates as fig 2, however with the device in electrocution mode; Figure 4 illustrates as fig 2, however in "emptying" position;

FFiigguurree 55 iilllluussttrraatteess a front view of the electrocution device where the second frame is pivoted into "bag replace" mode.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

In figure 1 is illustrated an electronic pest eliminating device 1 according to the invention. In order to be able to describe how the invention works the housing 2 as well as some of the other components are illustrated as transparent. In the housing is provided entrance openings 3, 4 allowing a pest to enter the tunnel 5 provided inside the housing 1. In the tunnel is provided a trigger device 6. In this example in the shape of a plate member suspended from a wall of the tunnel 5 such that as a pest touches the trigger member 6 it will be registered that a pest is present inside the tunnel 5. The floor 7 of the tunnel is in this embodiment made from wood and is provided with a plurality of depressions 8.

In the depressions, electrodes 9 are arranged suspended above the floor 7 but at the same level as the top-side of the floor 7 such that a substantially flush and level floor surface will be provided inside the tunnel. The electrodes 9 arranged in the depressions 8 are spaced from the floor 7 such that no electrical contact may be created between the floor 7 and the electrodes 9.

The electrodes are connected as will be explained below to a first frame 10 which is pivotably connected to the bottom 11 of the housing. The pivotable connections on the illustrated embodiment is in the shape of hinge members 12, 13. An actuating member 14 is provided in order to create the pivoting movements which will be explained below with reference to the further figures. In this embodiment the actuating member 14 is a two step air cylinder which will retract and thereby position the first frame 10 in the first and second positions as well as the standard ready state as illustrated in figure 1.

As schematically indicated the housing 2 has releasable fastening means 15 such that an upper part 2 of the housing may be released from a bottom part 16 thereby exposing the interior of the pest electrocution device in order to carry out emptying, service etc.

The wall 17 delimits a chamber 18 inside the housing 2. In this chamber 18 all necessary electronic and electric equipment may be housed away from the other section of the housing in which the pivotable frame member 10, electrodes etc. are arranged. In this chamber 18, the tunnel has fixed walls, and the floor is not provided with elec- trades.

On the first frame 10 is arranged a second frame 20 which will be further explained especially in connection with figure 4. The second frame 20 is arranged parallel to sidewalls of the tunnel, but outside the tunnel and substantially perpendicular to the first frame 10.

In this particular embodiment the second frame 20 is mounted for separate pivotal movements relative to the first frame 10 by means of hinges 21, 22 which by means of rods 23, 24 connect the hinges to the second frame 20. The rods are by means of clips 25, 26 loosely fastened to the first frame 10 such that the pivotal movement of the first frame 10 when activating the actuator 14 will also make the second frame 20 follow the movement of the first frame. The functioning of this special construction of the second frame will be explained with reference to figure 5.

With reference to figures 2, 3 and 4 the functioning of the device will be explained.

In figure 2 is illustrated a front view of the electrocution device in its normal position, i.e. where the electrocution device is ready to receive a pest to be electrocuted. The entrance opening 3, 4 to the tunnel is visible and suspended in the tunnel is the trigging member 6 in the shape of a transparent member such that the rat/pest standing at an entry opening will be able to see light at the other side of the tunnel. The sidewall 30 is a stationary wall mounted to the bottom of the housing 2 such that as the first frame 10 as well as the second frame 20 is elevated, the stationary wall will remain fastened to the bottom of the housing 2. As the first frame 10 is elevated, the other sidewall 31 will move together with the first frame. On the sidewall 31 is provided electrode fastening means 33 such that electrodes 9 mounted in the electrode fastening means 33 will be elevated together with the movable sidewall 31.

The triggering of the device is in this embodiment instigated by the suspended triggering member 6 being moved. This movement causes a magnet 32 to move relative to a Hall element 34 thereby generating a current which is used as input for the electrocution sequence.

When a rat enters the trap and moves the triggering member 6 thereby generating an input signal, the electronic circuitry which will not be explained in connection with this application triggers the actuator to move the first frame into a first position as illus- trated with reference to figure 3. In this position the first frame 10 is elevated such that the electrodes 9 are lifted free of the floor 7. In this position the electrocution of the pest placed on the electrodes will take place. As the tunnel encloure is substantially maintained as the movable sidewall 31, the roof of the tunnel 40 and the stationary sidewall 30 still delimit the tunnel and thereby hinder the escape of the pest from the electrodes 9.

Once the electrocution cycle is terminated and the pest is dead, the actuator 14 brings the first frame into its second position as illustrated with reference to figure 4. Above the electrocution cycle has been described. In this position the first frame 10 is arranged in an angle whereby a pest lying on the electrodes 9 will slide off the electrodes such that by lowering the first frame 10 back into the position depicted in figure 2, the electrocution device is empty and prepared for receiving the following pest. A plastic bag 35 is in this example arranged on the second frame 20 such that as the pest slides off the electrodes 9, it will be collected in the plastic bag 35. In this manner a substantially hygienic solution for collecting the pest is provided. After having completed the electrocution cycle and the emptying in first respectively second position of the first frame member 10 the actuator 14 releases thereby allowing the first frame 10 back into the original position as depicted with reference to figure 2.

In the embodiments where a bag 35 is used fastened to the second member 20 as illustrated in figure 4 either the stationary wall 30 or the second frame 20 may be provided with gasket means such that as the second frame is brought into the position as illustrated in figure 2 immediately adjacent the stationary wall 30 a substantially gastight seal is created between the stationary wall 30 and the second frame 20 such that any odour generated by the electrocuted pest in the plastic bag 35 is substantially prevented from escaping to the ambient environment.

In order to be able to empty the bag the second frame 20 may advantageously as illus- trated in figure 5 be pivoted into a substantially vertical position whereby the bag 35 may be retrieved independently of the first frame, the tunnel and the other components of the electrocution device. Therefore, by removing the housing 2 tilting the second frame 20 into the position illustrated in figure 5 the plastic bag 35 may easily be retrieved.

Depending on the dimensions of the entrance openings 3, 4 it may be necessary to pro- vide safeguarding means such that unintended electrocution may be avoided. Typically, the diameter of the entrance openings 3, 4 will be approximately 60 mm. It is possible for a small child to insert an arm into the tunnel thereby running the risk of inadvertently activating the trigger member 6 initiating the electrocution process which may be very harmful to a small child. It may therefore be desirable to install for example pho- toelectric detectors detecting when something enters the tunnel by the entrances 3, 4. By detecting something entering the entrance and moving away from the photoelectric sensor before activating the triggering member 6 it is fairly safe to assume that it is an animal with a defined length which has passed the photoelectric sensor before activating the trigger member. An arm of a child would maintain activation of the photoelec- trie sensor when activating the triggering member and as such the system would know that either it was an extremely long animal or something else was amiss thereby not activating the electrocution cycle.

Although not illustrated it is of course possible to provide a bait station inside the housing 2 in an attempt to lure a certain pest to enter the electrocution device 1. Furthermore, by dimensioning the entrance openings 3, 4 to a certain measure, it is possible to selectively decide which type of pest the specific pest electrocution device is aimed at.