Abstract A dynamic apparatus for establishing sight and sound stimuli patterns that are contiguous to agricultural crops, which patterns are generally avoided by crop pests. A rotary structure, which is supported for movement about a generally vertical axis, carries a plurality of weighted lines that are revolved (extended by centrifugal force) to provide the stimuli patterns. The lines as disclosed carry sound-producing weights and the apparatus includes a control means for varying the lengths of the lines extending from the rotary structure. Specifically, the lines may be controlled to be: fully retracted when the apparatus is being started, extended while the apparatus is rotating, retracted while the apparatus is being stopped and oscillated while the apparatus is in operation. Such movements are accomplished by a motor that is supported on the rotor along with a plurality of spools for receiving and dispensing the lines.
An apparatus for protecting agricultural crops for pests, comprising: a support means for providing a stable support adjacent said crops; a rotor means affixed on said support means, said rotor means including a rotary member for rotating with respect to said support means; at least one line; at least one line control means attached to said line and affixed to said rotary member and including means for withdrawing and extending a free flexible length of said line from said rotary member; and motive means coupled to said rotary member for driving said rotary member to provide centrifugal forces on said free flexible length of said line whereby to support said free flexible length of line vertically in moving above said crops.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
121 words
An apparatus for protecting agricultural crops for pests, comprising: a support means for providing a stable support adjacent said crops; a rotor means affixed on said support means, said rotor means including a rotary member for rotating with respect to said support means; at least one line; at least one line control means attached to said line and affixed to said rotary member and including means for withdrawing and extending a free flexible length of said line from said rotary member; and motive means coupled to said rotary member for driving said rotary member to provide centrifugal forces on said free flexible length of said line whereby to support said free flexible length of line vertically in moving above said crops.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said line control means includes a spool means, said line being carried on said spool means, and further including means for actuating said spool means for winding and unwinding said line from said spool means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 2, further including control means for cyclically operating said line control means for actuating said spool means to periodically reverse said spool means whereby to continuously wind and unwind line.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, including a pair of said line control means each for providing a variable length of free line extending in diametrically opposed directions from said rotary member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, further including a sound-producing weight affixed to said length of line.