Method and system for warning birds of hazards

• US 5,774,088 A
• Filed: 05/08/1997
• Issued: 06/30/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: University Of Pittsburgh (University of Pittsburgh of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education)
• Original Assignee: University Of Pittsburgh (University of Pittsburgh of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education)
• Inventors: Kreithen, Melvin L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lobo, Ian J.
• Application Number:
  US08/852,915
• Time in Patent Office: 418 Days
• Field of Search: 342/22, 367/139, 116/22 A
• US Class Current: 342/22
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 15/02 Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals A01K15/04 takes precedence; Electric shock devices circuits therefor H03K3/537; Toys specially adapted for animals
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/10 using light sources, e.g. lasers or flashing lights
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/26 specially adapted for birds, e.g. electrified rods, cords or strips
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 31/002 Detecting animals in a given area
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 80/10 Arrangements for warning air traffic

Abstract

A hazard warning system radiates pulses of microwave energy in the frequency range of 1 GHz to about 40 GHz to alert and warn target flying birds of the presence of wind turbine electrical generators, power distribution systems, aircraft, and other protected areas from hazardous intrusion. The warning system includes a control unit governing pulse control circuitry that outputs pulses ranging from about 5 μs to about 25 μs in duration. These pulses trigger a pulsed source of microwave energy that is coupled to a microwave antenna that emanates the warning radiation. The radiation is sensed by the birds auditory system, attaining their attention to the presence of the protected area. The sensed radiation itself may cause the birds to veer from a collision course, or supplemental hazard-warning radiation including ultraviolet light and infrasound may also be employed. A proximity detector can enhance operating efficiency by steering the antenna toward a detected target. Further, the warning system can remain in a standby mode until alerted by the proximity detector to the presence of target birds, whereupon the warning system begins to output pulsed microwave energy. The pulse control circuitry may be caused to generate complex pulse trains that can preferably evoke a biologically significant response within recipient birds. The warning system operates at the speed of light, and can transmit a benign warning, transparently to humans. Not only is an area protected by the system, but the birds themselves can be protected from the area.

Claims

1. A method for benignly communicating the presence of an object to a flying vertebrate, the method comprising the following steps:

propagating a region at least partially surrounding said object with pulses of microwave energy having an average power level of about 1 mw/cm², wherein said pulses of microwave energy are selected to elicit a warning signal within said flying vertebrate'"'"'s auditory system without physically harming said flying vertebrate.