Animal husbandry – Feeding device – Hopper and trough
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-06
2001-08-21
Price, Thomas (Department: 3643)
Animal husbandry
Feeding device
Hopper and trough
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276298
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to squirrel proof bird feeders and includes an electrical circuit for delivering a mild shock to a squirrel attempting to eat seed from the bird feeder. This invention is also related to bird feeders that employ a solar panel to provide electrical power.
2. Description of the Prior Art
This invention is believed to take advantage of certain differences between the physiology of birds and squirrels so that a mild electrical shock can be delivered to squirrels and not to birds in a manner that is believed to differ from the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In summation I feel the design of the Solar feeder is unique in the following respects.
1) The unique way of delivering a shock via the parallel conductor/roof method enables me to radically alter the architecture of the bird feeder. Since the only place a squirrel can stand, is on the metal roof (where he can cause no damage as a result of chewing or scratching) I don't have to concern myself with how a squirrel might cause harm to the feeder. Because as soon as the squirrel comes in contact with the “feed tray” he completes the circuit. Which means I don't have to employ passive methods like shields or guards or mechanical methods based on weight and moving parts, all of which place design constraints on the designer. This parallel conductor/roof method will enable me to create radically new and different designs which squirrels will be unable to damage as a result of chewing or scratching.
2) The electronics of the feeder is unique in the respect that it is solar powered as well as battery powered. In addition the charge is delivered via a charged capacitor which delivers a short duration DC pulse rather than a pulsating continuous DC voltage or a continuous AC voltage. The electronics also has a test indicator L.E.D. which tells the user when it is charged.
A bird feeder in accordance with this invention includes a seed compartment fabricated from an electrically nonconductive material. A feed tray is located at the bottom of the seed compartment. The feed tray collects seed in the seed compartment provides access for birds to eat the seed. Two spaced apart electrically conductive members are positioned adjacent to the feed tray and positioned to provide a platform for birds as the bird eat the seed in the seed tray. The trays are spaced apart by a distance sufficient so that one of the spaced apart electrically conductive members can support a bird, but being spaced close enough so that a squirrel would contact both electrically conductive members. A solar panel and a battery provide a source of electrical energy connected to at least one of the spaced apart electrically members and comprises means for establishing a voltage difference between the two electrically conductive members, the voltage being sufficient to deliver an electrical.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5150665 (1992-09-01), Boaz
patent: 5191857 (1993-03-01), Boaz
patent: 5285747 (1994-02-01), Caldine
patent: 5471951 (1995-12-01), Collins
patent: 5878537 (1999-03-01), Flischel
patent: 5937788 (1999-08-01), Boyd
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