Apparatus and method for rotating avian enclosures

• US 7,066,109 B2
• Filed: 05/07/2004
• Issued: 06/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/10/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Birdquest, LLC
• Original Assignee: Birdquest, LLC
• Inventors: Marshall, Patrick T.
• Primary Examiner(s): PRICE JR, RICHARD THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US10/840,836
• Publication Number:
  US 20040216689A1
• Time in Patent Office: 781 Days
• Field of Search: 119 522- 524, 119/57.8, 119/57.9, 119718-721
• US Class Current: 119/57.9
• 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 weight of an animal;

(B) determining whether the animal is of a first type or a second type based on the detected weight of the animal;

(C) sending a first message via the wireless interface if the animal is of the first type; and

(D) sending a second message via the wireless interface if the animal is of the second type.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of receiving the first and second messages, and in response thereto, providing notification to a user.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of rotating the avian enclosure at a first speed if the animal is of the first type.

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

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of rotating the avian enclosure at a second speed if the animal is of the second type.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the second speed is from 70 to 100 revolutions per minute.