Method for signalling the presence of prey in traps for vermin and device for carrying out this method

• US 20020167409A1
• Filed: 04/01/2002
• Published: 11/14/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 06/08/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gilberto Cristofori, Ugo Gianchecchi
• Original Assignee: Gilberto Cristofori, Ugo Gianchecchi
• Inventors: Cristofori, Gilberto, Gianchecchi, Ugo
• Granted Patent: US 7,026,942 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/573.2
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 23/04 with tipping platforms
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 23/08 with approaches permitting entry only
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 31/002 Detecting animals in a given area

Abstract

A method and a device for automatically detecting and signaling the presence of prey caught in a trap. The trap has inlet ports equipped with a one-way inlet mechanism such that once a rodent has passed a central point the rodent is contained within the trap. After the rodent has passed the central point, the trap is reset to the start position in order to attract additional prey. The trap is provided with a device for signaling the presence of vermin in the trap. The mechanism may be operable via a push button operated by movement of the vermin. Alternatively, means for detecting the rodent may include the use of vertical or horizontally elongated elements that are actuated by the movement of the vermin. A further embodiment includes a photocell, or a sensor, to indicate the presence of rodents. The mechanism for signaling may include lights or sound devices that can be secured to the trap or remotely activated via wired or wireless means. The signaling device can be time delayed such that additional vermin can enter the trap before intervention by the operator and is also capable of monitoring several traps concurrently.

Claims

1. A method for determining the presence of prey in one or more traps having at least one inlet port equipped with means for preventing the prey from escaping, said method comprising:

detecting the presence of the prey in the trap by a detection means;

communicating the detection of the prey to a signaling means; and

,

signaling the detection of the prey.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said signaling comprises audible stimuli.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein said signaling comprises visual stimuli.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein said stimuli comprises light.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said signaling is time delayed according to predetermined criteria.

6. A device for determining the presence of prey in one or more traps having at least one inlet port equipped with means to prevent the prey from escaping, said device comprising:

means for detecting of the presence of prey in said one or more traps;

means for communicating the detection of said prey to a signaling means; and

,

means for signaling the presence of the prey.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said means for signaling comprises audible stimuli.

8. The device of claim 6 wherein said means for signaling comprises visual stimuli.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein said visual stimuli comprises light.

10. The device of claim 6 wherein said signaling means are electronic.

11. The device of claim 6 wherein said signaling means is time delayed according to predetermined criteria.

12. The device of claim 6, wherein said trap comprises:

an inlet port having a tilting platform on a central pin and operatively arranged to be actuated by prey that enter said trap; and

,

a tilting wing hinged on a side pin operatively arranged for actuation by said tilting platform such that the escape of the prey from the trap is prevented.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein said detection means comprises a switch operatively arranged to be engaged by said tilting platform.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein said detection means comprises a switch operatively arranged to be engaged by said tilting wing.

15. The actuator of claim 13 wherein said switch is an electronic device.

16. The actuator of claim 14 wherein said switch is an electronic device.

17. The device of claim 6 wherein said detection means comprises elongated elements extending towards the center of the trap and operated by the movement of the prey in said trap.

18. The device of claim 6, wherein said detection means comprises a photocell.

19. The device of claim 6 wherein said detection means comprises an electronic sensor operatively arranged within the body of the trap.

20. The device of claim 6 wherein said communications means comprises a wire cable.

21. The device of claim 6 wherein said communications means comprises a wireless transmitter and receiver.

22. The device of claim 6 comprising a remote control board responsive to the presence of prey in at least one trap.

23. The device of claim 12 wherein said detection means comprises a magnet secured to one of said tilting devices and an electronic sensor secured to said trap, said magnet and sensor operatively arranged to transmit an electronic signal to said signaling means when said magnet is proximate said sensor.

24. The device of claim 12 wherein said means for signaling comprises a satellite device operatively arranged for detachment from said trap.

25. The device of claim 24 wherein said satellite device is connected to trap by means of a signal transmission cable.

26. The device of claim 25 wherein said signal transmission cable comprises a protective coil.

27. The device of claim 24 wherein said satellite device comprises wireless means for providing transmission of signals.

28. The device of claim 12 wherein said inlet device comprises a tilting plate and a counterweight operatively arranged for automatically returning said trap to the starting position after activation.

29. The device of claim 12 wherein said tilting plate is operatively arranged for snap engagement to said trap.

30. The device of claim 12 wherein said trap comprises a bottom surface, said bottom surface comprising a tray having bait receiving recesses and means for grasping the tray.

31. The device according to claim 12 comprising a protective cover for preventing damage to said trap.

32. The device of claim 12 comprising an antitheft device having a cable connected to the trap and operatively arranged for attachment to a relatively static body.

33. The device of claim 12, wherein said means for preventing escape of prey comprises a pivotable door proximate said inlet, said door being capable of rotation between a closed and an open position upon movement of said prey, and means for electronic detection of said prey comprising magnetic elements on said door, said magnetic elements operatively arranged for communication with a proximity sensor connected to a signaling means.