Pest deterrent

• US 6,718,681 B2
• Filed: 10/09/2002
• Issued: 04/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Tarseam S. Bhullar
• Original Assignee: Tarseam S. Bhullar
• Inventors: Bhullar, Tarseam S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jordan, Charles T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Alimenti, Susan C.
• Application Number:
  US10/266,618
• Publication Number:
  US 20030101634A1
• Time in Patent Office: 552 Days
• Field of Search: 43/1, 340/557
• US Class Current: 43/1
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/226 by using waves, fields or rays, e.g. sound waves, microwaves, electric waves, magnetic fields, light rays
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 2200/012 Flying insects
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/08 using reflection, colours or films with specific transparency or reflectivity
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/10 using light sources, e.g. lasers or flashing lights
• CPC Class Codes: F41H 13/0056 for blinding or dazzling, i.e. by overstimulating the opponent's eyes or the enemy's sensor equipment

Abstract

A repellent laser beam device for preventing pests, such as birds, from feeding on fruits in a field. The device is mounted on a tripod and housed in a weather-protected box. It is mounted so as to be adjustable in height and angle. A control unit causes a laser beam to sweep a field in vertical and horizontal patterns, frightening birds and other pests away. The laser beam is of a wavelength seen by birds or other animals and merely frightens them away rather than blinding them. The patterns and speed of the scanning device are variable. The device is powered by a rechargeable battery and includes a solar panel system for recharging the batteries. The system is operable by photocell controlled switches, eliminating the need for human, manual on-off switching.

Claims

1. A bird deterrent apparatus for protecting a field of crops, said apparatus comprising:

at least one laser unit emitting a laser light beam having a wavelength sufficient to frighten flying birds away from a field of crops without causing harm to the birds;

a scanner system disposed within said at least one laser unit for directing the laser light beam in a scanning pattern;

means for adjustably supporting said at least one laser unit at an elevated position, said supporting means includes a tripod having a mast with a vertically adjustable upper platform, wherein said upper platform pivotally and rotatably supports said at least one laser unit;

a halyard mounted at a top end of said mast for hoisting and lowering said upper platform;

control means disposed proximate said supporting means for actuating said at least one laser unit and adjusting the scanning pattern of the emitted laser light beam across the field of crops;

battery power supply means disposed proximate said supporting means for providing electrical power to the apparatus;

a vertically adjustable lower platform mounted at a lower portion of said mast for supporting said control means and said battery power supply means; and

a solar panel assembly mounted to said upper platform for recharging said battery supply means.

2. The bird deterrent apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one laser unit is housed within a weather-protected box.

3. The bird deterrent apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laser light beam emitted from said at least one laser unit has a wavelength in the range overlapping between ultraviolet and visible light.

4. The bird deterrent apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one laser unit includes two oppositely disposed laser units.

5. The bird deterrent apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said battery power supply means includes at least one rechargeable gel battery pack.

6. The bird deterrent apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the laser light beam emitted from said at least one laser unit has a wavelength between about 432 nanometers to about 633 nanometers.