Apparatus and method for rotating avian enclosures

• US 20040216689A1
• Filed: 05/07/2004
• Published: 11/04/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Birdquest, LLC
• Original Assignee: Birdquest, LLC
• Inventors: Marshall, Patrick T.
• Granted Patent: US 7,066,109 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 119/428
• CPC Class Codes: A01K 39/0113 with means to prevent other animals or insects, e.g. squirrels or ants, from eating also

Abstract

An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

Claims

1. A method for detecting an animal near an avian enclosure, the method comprising the steps of:

(A) detecting an animal; and

(B) in response to detecting the animal, sending at least one message via wireless interface.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving the at least one message, and in response thereto, providing notification to a user.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the notification to the user comprises an audible sound.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the notification to the user comprises a visible notification.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein step (A) comprises the step of monitoring for at least one predetermined sound.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of determining whether the animal is of a first type or a second type, and wherein step (B) comprises the step of sending a first message via the wireless interface if the animal is of the first type, and sending a second message via the wireless interface if the animal is of the second type.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of rotating the avian enclosure at a first speed if the animal is of the first type.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the first speed is from 3 to 6 revolutions per minute.

9. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of rotating the avian enclosure at a second speed if the animal is of the second type.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the second speed is from 70 to 100 revolutions per minute.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of transmitting at least one message via a wireless remote control in response to a user selecting a predefined function on the wireless remote control.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of receiving the at least one message from the wireless remote control, and in response thereto, performing at least one action.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the at least one action comprises rotating the avian enclosure at a first speed.

14. The method of claim 12 wherein the at least one action comprises rotating the avian enclosure at a second speed.

15. The method of claim 12 wherein the at least one action comprises stopping rotation of the avian enclosure.

16. The method of claim 12 wherein the at least one action comprises changing the speed of rotation of the avian enclosure.