US4658386A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic sound wave generating device for repelling animals
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1985-02-01
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Granted: 1987-04-14
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Expires: 2005-02-01
Abstract
Abstract A device for repelling animals is disclosed which is adapted for use with refuse and garbage containers to discourage entry therein by foraging animals. The device comprises: (a) a detector for remote-sensing the presence of an animal within its vicinity; (b) an ultrasonic sound generator for producing an animal-repelling ultrasonic sound wave; and (c) means for temporarily activating the ultrasonic sound generator when the detector has sensed the presence of an animal within its vicinity.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth L. Morris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 07:51
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01M; A01M29/00; A01M29/16; A01M29/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
In a refuse container of the type which includes a receptacle and a lid removably fitted to the receptacle, a device carried in the container and operable for repelling animals present in the vicinity of the container location, the device comprising as components embodied in the lid (a) a detector for remote-sensing infra-red radiation emitted by an animal present within its infra-red radiation sensing range, said detector including a plurality of detecting elements received in the lid at the circumference thereof and disposed in spaced array about said circumference; (b) ultrasonic sound generator means for producing an animal-repelling ultrasonic soundwave; and (c) means for temporarily activating the ultrasonic sound generator when presence of an animal is sensed by any of the detecting elements.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
In a refuse container of the type which includes a receptacle and a lid removably fitted to the receptacle, a device carried in the container and operable for repelling animals present in the vicinity of the container location, the device comprising as components embodied in the lid (a) a detector for remote-sensing infra-red radiation emitted by an animal present within its infra-red radiation sensing range, said detector including a plurality of detecting elements received in the lid at the circumference thereof and disposed in spaced array about said circumference; (b) ultrasonic sound generator means for producing an animal-repelling ultrasonic soundwave; and (c) means for temporarily activating the ultrasonic sound generator when presence of an animal is sensed by any of the detecting elements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The refuse container of claim 1, in which the sound generator means comprises a plurality of ultrasonic sound generators arrayed in like correspondence with the plurality of detecting elements, each detecting element being connected to a corresponding sound generator whereby the output from an activated sound generator is in the direction from which animal emitted radiation was detected.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The refuse container of claim 1, in which the container lid has a circular circumferential rim, the detecting elements being recessed in the rim and configured with curvature to complement that of said rim.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The refuse container of claim 1, which further comprises a secondary detector for detecting disturbance of said container by one of tilt thereof and lid removal therefrom, said secondary detector being operable to temporarily activate the ultrasonic sound generator.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-04-13 | 1990-10-13 | 1991-04-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-04-13 | 1994-10-13 | 1995-04-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-04-13 | 1998-10-13 | 1999-04-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |