CA1152204A - Pest control apparatus - Google Patents
Pest control apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1152204A CA1152204A CA000401412A CA401412A CA1152204A CA 1152204 A CA1152204 A CA 1152204A CA 000401412 A CA000401412 A CA 000401412A CA 401412 A CA401412 A CA 401412A CA 1152204 A CA1152204 A CA 1152204A
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- transducer
- housing
- sound waves
- oscillator
- frequency
- Prior art date
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Abstract
PEST CONTROL APPARATUS
Abstract Of The Disclosure Ultrasonic pest control apparatus comprising an elongated housing having opposite ends, a sound generator carried by the housing adjacent one end thereof and including at least one transducer for providing output sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, the sound waves being directed outward-ly from the end of the housing and having a frequency normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like, and an electrical connector element at the other end of the housing adapted to be inserted manually into a standard electrical outlet receptacle commonly found in buildings and the like. The connector can be of the prong type or of the threaded type commonly found on the base of electric lamps. The transducer preferably is driven in a manner such that the generated sound waves are a composite output in the form of a random pattern of harmonies.
Abstract Of The Disclosure Ultrasonic pest control apparatus comprising an elongated housing having opposite ends, a sound generator carried by the housing adjacent one end thereof and including at least one transducer for providing output sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, the sound waves being directed outward-ly from the end of the housing and having a frequency normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like, and an electrical connector element at the other end of the housing adapted to be inserted manually into a standard electrical outlet receptacle commonly found in buildings and the like. The connector can be of the prong type or of the threaded type commonly found on the base of electric lamps. The transducer preferably is driven in a manner such that the generated sound waves are a composite output in the form of a random pattern of harmonies.
Description
20~
Baekground of the Inyent;on . . _ This invention relates to the art of controll-ing pests such as rodents and the like, and more particular-ly to a new and improved apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasonic waves for controlling such pests.
This application is a division of co-pendIng Canadian application serial num~er 312,859 filed Oetober 6, 1978.
It has been discovered that ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency normally inaudible to humans ean be effeetive to repel pests sueh as rodents and the like. In the design of apparatus for generating and radiating ultra-sonie sound waves for controlling such pests, there are a number of important factors to be considered. The sound waves should be emitted in a manner providing maximum stress and irritation to the pests while at the same time being eonsistent with human safety. It would be highly desirable to provide such apparatus which can be installed both ~0 meehanieally and eleetrieally with little or no alterations or modifieations to existing building structures or environ-ments where the apparatus is to operate.
P~ 2 -llS22~4 Summary of the Invention It is, there~ore, an object of this invention to provide a new and improved apparatus $or generat;ng and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for the control of pests such as rodents and the like.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such apparatus which can be installed mechanîcally -~ and electr;cally with minimal or no modifications to existing structures.
It is a furth~er object of this i`nvention to pro-vide such apparatus which can be installed by hand in a routine manner.
It is a further object of this ;nvention to pro-vide such apparatus which is relatively simple in construc-tion and econom;cal to manufacture and use.
The above objects are met by the parent applica-tion by way of an apparatus for generating and radiating ultra-sonic sound waves for the control of pests comprising:
a) an elongated housing having two ends; b) sound generat-ing means carried by the housing adjacent one end thereof, the sound generating means comprising at least one trans-ducer means for providing sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, the sound waves being in a frequency range normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like; c) the sound gener-ating means being positioned to direct the output sound waves outwardly away from the end of the housing; d) an electrical connector fixed to the other end of the housing and intcgral with the housing adapted to be in-serted manually in a standard electrical outlet receptacle co~lmonly found in buildings and the like, there being Pg/~ - 3 -l~SZ2Q4 mechanical engagement between the connector and the outlet receptacle to mechanically support the hQusing in the outlet; e) electrical conductor means for connect-ing the connector electrically to the sound generating means; and f) the connector when inserted in an outlet providing the sole supply of electric current to the sound generating means and simultaneously providing the sole mechanical support for the housing.
On the other hand, the above objects are also met by the invention of this application which provides an apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for the control of pests comprising: a) a housing having at least one end; b) sound generating means carried by the housing adjacent the one end and comprising a transducer for providing sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, the sound waves being at frequencies normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like; c) driver means carried by the housing and connected to the transducer for applying an electrical signal to the transducer in a manner causing the transducer to provide a composite output in the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking in the ultrasonic frequency range; and d) means carried by the housing for supplying electrical current to the driver means.
The foregoing and additional advantages and characteri~ing features of the present invention will be-come clearly apparent upon a reading of the ensuing detail-ed description together with the included drawing wherein:
Pg/~ - 4 -1~522~
Brief Description of the Drawing Figures . _ ... .
Fig. 1 is a side elevational yiew with parts removed and some parts in section of apparatus for gener-ating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves Eor controll-ing pests in accordance with the present invention;
Pg/~ - 4A -llSZ2~)4 Fig 2 is a plan view o the apparatus of Fig l;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken about on line 3-3 in Fig. l;
Fig 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the sound generatin8 means of ~he apparatus of Fig. l;
Fig, S iæ a ~ragmentary elevational view, partly in 6ection, illustrating an alternative transducer and mounting arrangement for the apparatus of~Fig. l;
Fig~ 6 is a plan view o~ the apparatus of ~ig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a 6ectional view~taken about on lines:7-7 in : ~ig. 6; ~ ~
~ ig. 8 1s a schematic circuit diagram of the sound generating means of the apparatus o~ Fig. S, Fig~ 9 is a side elevational view illustrating apparAtus according to another embod~iment of the present invention; and Fig. lO i8 a fragmentary ele~ational view of the apparatus of Fig. ~ rotated ninety degrees about the vertical axis thereof.
~ Detailed De~cription Of TA- Illu~crated Embodiment6 `~; In prior art apparatus for~generating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for the control of pests such ~
rodents and the like, a transducer ls carried by a housing having a reflector fixed to one end of the housing, and an 06cillator connected to the transducer applies to the transducer 1~22~4 an electrical signal for producing ultrasonic sound waves normally lnaudible to humans and irritatin~ to the pests.
An electrical supply cord leads away from the housing for connection to an electrical l~ne located away or re=ote from the hou~ing, and often ~ome~addltional mechanIcal supporting or holdlng~arrangEment mus~ be provided for the apparatus. In the apparRtus according to the~present inventlon, an~eLongated housing``h~s two ends, typically opposite ends, an electrlcallya operated sound generator is~càrried by~the~housing ad~acent one end thereo~and positioned for~providing:output ultrasonic .. j ~, ~
sound wa~ies dlrected outwardly~away from the end of~the~hou~ing, and an:: ~ trical connector~ ;i8~: provided aS the other~,end of the hous1ng~ dapted to be inserte~d~manaally into a standard electti-cal o~tlet,ree~p~acle commoff~ . found in bui~dlngs and~the llke~for,~uppLying electri¢al~current to the:sound gener~tor and mecb~,~nically supporti ~ a?paratus.:~ The conne~ o~
can be~'o~.the prong type or::it,~ an be o'f the threaded~type com~o~1yi ~ d on the baoe ~o~ ~electric 1amps. The oound generating means can compr1se,,`~ae least one transducer having a natural'~frequency of oscil;l~:~tlon, osclllator means.~for applying~.an~electrlcal sign-l *o the transducer at -~si~al frequancy different fro~ ebe~transducer natural frequency, and timing means for controllin~.the`oscill~tor tuty cycle, thereby i~.
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1~S~:204 providing a composite output of sou~d waves In the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking.
Fig. 1 shows pest control apparatus accordin~ to the pxesent invention including a housing ~enerally designated 1 which i8 so~ewhat elongated in overall shape, h~ving a longitudinal axis in overall shape, having a long$tudinal axi~
and opposite ends. Housing 12 i~ pro~ided with an electrical connector element generally designated 14 at one end thereof which ~B adapted to be inserted manually into a standard electrical outlet receptacle commonly found in buildings and the like. In the device ~hown connector 14 ls of ~he type commonly found on the base or ends of electric lamps or light bulb~ and includes a generally cylindrical con~uctive portion 16 of metal provided with sxternal threads whereby it can be screwed by hand into a conventional socket, a separate conduc-tive element 18 o~ metal generally in the form of a contact button or disc at the outer end face thereof, and a body of insulative material 20 ~cparating the threaded portion 16 from the contact 18. Connector 14 is fixed at the end of housing 12 and disposed such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical or sleeve portion 16 is substantially coincident with the longitudinal ~xis of the hou~ing 12, the contact 18 is di~posed in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of housing 12 and cylinder~l6, and the center of contact 18 is generally coincident with the common axes.
li52204 The houslng 12 includes a fir~t annular wall portion:24 extending from connector 14 and increasing in diameter along the longltudinal axis of housing 12 in a direction ~way from connector 14. The portion 24 ~ of generally conical formation having an overall longitudinal length slightly less than the length of connector 14. The portion 24 meets one end of another housing portion or section 26 of ~ubstantially cylindr~cal shape but of ~lightly increasing dlameter in a direction longitudinally along the axis of housing 12 and axially awRy from section 24. The longit~dinal len~th of section 26 i8 slightly more than twice ~hat of section 24.
Section~26, in turn, meets another housing ~ection 28 of increasing diameter in a direction axially away from section 26 and ha~ing an overall length less than the length of section 26 but greater than the length of section 24. Sections 28 and 24 describe relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 substantially similar angles. In other words, sections 24 and 28 increase in diameter at substantially the same rate. Section 28 meets another hou~ing wall section 30 of relatively more gradually increasing diameter in a direction~axially away from section 28. Section 30 is of a length approximately two and one-half that of section 28, and it terminates in an annular bead 32 which defin~ the opposite end of housing 12. The circular area or region defined by bead 32 has a diameter approximately five times the diameteE of cylindrical portion 16 of connector 14.
. ~ , ~152~04 The end of housing 12 ad~acent bead 32, i.e. agially opposite the connector 14, recelves an element generally design~ted 36 which closes the interior of housing 12 and serves as a base or supporting means for other components of the system in a manner which will be de~cribed.
The element 36 includes a main body portion 38 which i8 planar, som~what disc-shaped and which i8 formed to lnclude a circumferential annular rim or flange 40 having an outer diamete;r substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing wall portion 30 at a short distance axially inwardly of the annular bead 32. Element 36 al80 iS formed to include 8 first central cyllndric~l extension 42 of relatively short axial length extendlng in an axial direction toward the end o housing 12 containing bead 32 which meet~
a radially inwardly extend~ng surface portion 44 which, ln tur~, meets a second ~ylindrlcal extensio~ 46 shown in further detail in Fig. 3 and extendin~ in an axial tirection toward bead 32. Extension 46 i8 of a diameter less than extension 42 but i6 of greater axial len~th.
The extension 46 meets a radi~lly inwardly extending flan~e portion 48 having a central openin~ 50 therein. The element 36 can be ~oined to the housing 12 in variou~ suitable ways, one of which will be described presently.
The apparatu~ of the present in~ention further comprises first transducer means in the form of a ring 60 carried by the supporting element 36 and having a natural frequency of _g _ 1152~4 oscillation. Transducer 60 functions to provide output sound waves in the ultrasonic range when energized by an appropriate electrical signal in a manner which will be described in detail presently. The annular-shaped tran~duc~r 60 is dispo~ed with the longitudinal axis thereof ~enerally coincident with the lon$itudinal axis of housing 12.
Transducer 60 is located on the side of supporting elemen~ 36 facing outwar~ly in the direction of the outer annular bead 32, ~nd ~n the apparatus shown transducer 60 is generelly outwardly~concentric with respect to extension 46. In addition, transducer 60 is movably carried by the supporting element 36 in a manner allowing a limited degree of movement in an axial direction. In particular, transducer ~0 is mounted by means of an annular ring 62 of resilient material. The m-terial of ring 62 should provide a cushioning or resilient type of mounting for transducer 60 and be of a nature such that it does not absorb ~oisture, i.e. is~water resistant.
One form of material found to perform satisfactorlly is 40 durometer neoprene rubber. As shown in Fig. 3, the rubber rin~ 62 has an inner diameter greater than the outer dia~eter o extension 46 and has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of extension 42.
Opposi~e ~aces of the ring 62 are secured to the outer surface of the flsnge portion444 and to the annular end face of trans-ducer 60 by suitable bonding material, for example a 732 RTV
~5%204 silicone rubber cement co~mercially a~ailable from ~o~
Corning under the registered trademark Silastic.
The apparatus of the present invention urther comprlses second transducer mean~ generally designated 74 and also carried by the supportlng element 36. Transducer 74 has a natural frequency of oscillation and functions to provide output sound waveB in the ultrasonic range ~hen ener~ized by an appropriate electrical sigDal in a manner which will be described ln detail presently.~ Transducer 74 is in the form of a disc~ disposed ln a pl~ne~generally perpendicular to the longltudlnal axls of housing~l2 and is located within the transducer 60. In particular, transducer 74 is positioned generally centrally of transducer 60 wlth the longitudinal axi~
thereof generally coincident wlth the longitudinal axis of housing 12. Transducer 74 is of the diaphragm type and is movably carried by element 36 in a manner allowing a limited degree of movement in an axial direction. The mounting means for transducer 74 comprises a di~c-shaped element 75 of a diameter slightly l~rger than that of the transducer 74 having one surface thereof fixed to a surface of transducer 74 and having the opposite surface thereof fixed to the outer surface of the radlal flange 48. The mounting element 75 is of a suitable resllient material, for exsmple rubbe~,which is fixed to transducer 74 and surface 48 by suitable means, for example the aforementioned silicone rubber cement.
~52~04 The apparatus of the present invention further comprises driver meanR 76 electrically connected to the fir~t ~nd second transducers 60 and 74, rQsp~ctively, for applying electrical signals to the transducers in a manner causing them to provide output sound waves in a manner which will be described. In the appsratus shown ~n Fig. l, the driver mean~ is represented diagr~matically at 76 and i8 posi~ioned with~n the hou6ing 12.
The driver means comprises appropriate electrical components and circuitry which will be described in detail presently, and as ~hown in Fig. 1 driver mean 76 is connected by electrical line6 77,78 to the electrical connector 14, in particular to corre~po~ding ones of the contact portion 16 and 18. The driver means 7~ iB attached ~o a supporting plate 79 which, in turn, i8 positioned in spaced, generally parallel relation to the supportlng element 36, and both are ~ounted or ~oined to housing 12 in the followin~ manner. Located around about the inner urface of housing 12 ad~acent portions 28,30 are a plurality, two of which are shown in Fig. l, of mounting bodies or extensions each designated 80 having a first inner . ~ ~
surface 82 which is disposed generally parallel to the longitu-dinal axis of housing 12 and a second inner surface 84 disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the lonRitudinal axis of housing 12. The element~ 80 are of a size such that the ~urfaces 82 allow suficient room therebetween to accomodate the size of ~152~
the driver means 76. The driver supportin~ plate 79 18 placed in seating contact agAinst the surfaces 84 as shown in ~ig. 1, a plurality of spacer elements or sleeves are placed be~ween supporting plate 79 and supportin~ element 3~, and the combination of suppor~ing element 36 and plate 7g are mounted to the member~ 80 by means of screwC 88 which are received in the spacers 86 extending from the el~ment 36 through the mounting plate 79 and into the bodies 80. Other mounting arrangements can of course be e~ployed ~or 3Oining supporting element 36 and plate 79 in spaced relation to the interior surface of~.housing 12.
The electr~cal circuit of driver means 76 is illustrated in Fig, 4, and electrical power for 4perating the driver me~n~ is provided by a power supply which is connected through connector element 14 when inserted in an electrical outlet receptacle to a standard 120 volt or ~40 volt a.c. line. In particular, the power ~upply includes an input termlnal 8trip containing terminals 91-95, and lines 77 and 78 connect tenminals 91 and 94, respectively, to portions 16 and 18 of the electrical connector element 14. In the circuit shown, if a 3um~er wire is connected 3Oining terminals 92 and 93 the sy~tem operates from a 240 volt line, and if ~umper wires are connected joining terminals 91 and 93 and ~oining ~S2~:04 terminals 92 and 94 the circuit operates from a 120 volt line.
Alternatively, if desired electrical power can be supplied ~o through a conventional cable having a standard three prong plu~ on the end thereof for insertion in a standard line receptacle in which case leads 77 and 78 would be connected electric~lly through ~he cable to two of the plug prongs and the third prong would be connected by a cable lead to terminal 95. Terminals 91-94 are connected to the primary wir.ding of a transformer 96, and terminal 95 i8 the ground terminal.
In particular, terminal 91 i8 connected throu~h a fuse 98 to transformer terminal 99, and terminals 92-94 are connected to transformer primary terminals 100-102, respectively.
The secondary winding of transformer 96 i8 connected by Iines 103,104 to a full wave d~ode bridge rectifier 106, the output of which is connected to one terminal of a capacitor 108, the other terminal which is conaected to the circuit ground or reference. The series combination of a resistor 109 and capacitor llO i8 connected across capacitor 108. The series combination of resistor 11 and Zenerdiode 112 i8 connected across capacitor 110. Another capacitor 113 is connected across diode 112.~ The power supply provides tw~
output volta~e levels on lines 114, 116 and in the circuit shown the output voltage on line 114 i~ sbout 50 volts positive and the output voltage on line 11~ is about fifteen volts po~itive, By way of illustration, in thec~ircuit shown, transformer 96 is commercially available from the Signal Transformer Co. under the designation DPC-34-300, and the rectifier 106 i8 commercial-ly ~vailable under the designation Erie FWB 300LA. Capacitors 115~20~
10~ and 110 both have a magnitude of about 220 microfarads, and resistor 109 has a magnitude of about 27 ohms. Resistor 111 has a magnitude of abou~ 1.5 kilohms, capacitor 113 has a magnitude of 33 microfarads, and diode 112 has a breakdo~n voltage of about 15 volts.
The transducer 60 and 74 are~shown schematic~lly in Fig.
4 and the driver means according to the present invention comprises o cillator means generally designate~ 120aand drivingly coupled to the transducer 60 for applying to transducer 60 to an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of transducer 60. In particular, oscillator 120 includes a integrated circuit timer 122 whlch in the present illustratlon is the commercial-ly available Signetics NE555 timer. The various terminal pin numbers of that particular timer are indicated in Fig. 4.
Terminal number 1 is connected to the circu~t electrical ~round or reference, and terminal number 8 is connected to line 116 which provides the voltage Vcc. The series combination of a fixed resistor 124 and a variable resistor or p~tentiometer 126 is cormected between the terminals 7 and ~ in the manner shbwn.
Terminals 2 and 6 are connected to~ether, a capacitor 128 iB
connected between terminals 6 and 1, and a capacitor 130 is connected between terminals 1 and 5. Terminal number 1 also is connected to the circuit ground or reference. Terminal 4 i8 connected by a line 132 to other components of the driving means in a manner which will be described.
The terminal designated 3 of timer 122 is the output, and it is connected by a line 134 to one terminal of a resistor 136, the other terminal of which is cor,nected to a power trans-istor designated 13~ whlch is of the NPN type havin~ base, llS2;i~
collector, an~ emitter t~rmin~ls 140,142 ~ 4r~ spe'~tivel~. T~e other terminal o~ resistor 136 i~ connected to base terminal 14Q, emitter terminal 14~ i9 connected to the reference or ground, ~nd a resistor 146 i8 connected across the base and emitter t~rminals. The collector terminal of tran~lstor 142 i8 con~ected to one terminal of the transducer 60, and the other terminal of tr~nsducer 60 is connected to the circuit re~erence or ground. The collector terminal 142 also i~
connected through the series combination of an inductor 150 and resiætor 152 to line 144 ~roviding thc V positi~e voltage.
One form of transducer 60 found to perform ~atisfactorily is a~ailable commercially from Edo We~tern Corp. of Salt L&ke City, Utah under the designation EC-64 and having a natur~l frequency of oscillation of about 20.5 ~ilohertz. The frequency of the osci~làtor output signal on line 134 i8 set by potentiometer 126 to ~e about 1-3 percent greater than the transducer natural frequency as will be described in detail presently.
The driver means further comprises o~cillator means generally designated 1~0 drivlngly coupled to the trsn~ducer 74 for applying to the transducer an elec~rical ~ignal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of transducer 74. Oscillator 1~0 includes an integrated circuit ~imer 1~2 which, like timer 122, i8 of the Signetics NE555 type wherein 11522()4 the terminal pin numbers of tha~ particular device are indicated in Fig. 4. Terminal number 8 is connected to line 116 supplying the voltage Vcc, and terminal 7 is connected through the series combination of a fixed resistor 164 and a ~ariable re~istor or potentiometer 166 to termincl 8. Terminals 2 and 6 are connect-ed together, ~erminal 6 is connected through a capacitor 168 to terminal 1, and terminal 1 i8 connected through a capacitor 170 to terminal S. Terminal number 1 also i~ connected to the clrcuit reference or ground. Terminal number 4 is connected by a line 172 to other component~ of the driving means in a manner which will be described. The output of timer 16 is on terminal number 3 which is connected by a line 174 to one terminal of a resistor 175, the other terminal of which is connected to a power transistor 176 having base, collector and emitter terminals 177,178 and 179, respectively. Resistor 175 is connected to base term~inal 177. Emltter terminal 179 i8 connected to the circuit reference or ground, and a protective diode 180 is connected between the base and emitter termlnals. Diode 180 conduc~s ang negative spike to ground and protect~ against negative overshoot. A re~istor 173 i~ connected across diode 180. The collector termin~l 178 of the transistor is connected by a line 181 to one terminal of ~ransducer 74, and the other terminal of transducer 74 i9 colmected to the circuit re~erence or ground. The collec~or terminal 178 al80 is connected through an inductor 180 to line ll~t which provides the voltage V positive.
-~7-llS2209~
i One form of transducer 74 found to perform satisfactorily i8 available commercially from Linden Laborator~es under thé
designation P/N 70120-23 and having a natural frequency of oscillation of sbout 24.3 kiloher~z. The frequency of the oscillator output ~ignal on line 174 i8 set by potentiometer 166 to be about L-3 percent greater than the transducer natural frequency as wlll be described in detail preser.~
The driver means further includes timing means generally designated 184 connected in controlling relation to the oscilla-tor~ 120 and 160 for controlling the duty of the oscillators.
In other words, timer 184 functlons to turn the oscil~ators on and off at predetermined lnterval~. In particular, the timing means 184 functions like a gwitch to turn the osclllators 120 and 160 on and off at a regular rate whereby the output signals from the o~clllator~are applied to the transducer~ in .
a controlied on and off manner. The timing mean~ 184 includes an inte~rated circult timer device 186 which, like the devices 122 and~162, is the commercially available Si$netics NE555 timer. The terminals of the device are numbered corresponding to that particular co~mercial timer. Terminal number 8 li : , connected to line 116 which supplies the voltage Vcc. Terminals
Baekground of the Inyent;on . . _ This invention relates to the art of controll-ing pests such as rodents and the like, and more particular-ly to a new and improved apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasonic waves for controlling such pests.
This application is a division of co-pendIng Canadian application serial num~er 312,859 filed Oetober 6, 1978.
It has been discovered that ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency normally inaudible to humans ean be effeetive to repel pests sueh as rodents and the like. In the design of apparatus for generating and radiating ultra-sonie sound waves for controlling such pests, there are a number of important factors to be considered. The sound waves should be emitted in a manner providing maximum stress and irritation to the pests while at the same time being eonsistent with human safety. It would be highly desirable to provide such apparatus which can be installed both ~0 meehanieally and eleetrieally with little or no alterations or modifieations to existing building structures or environ-ments where the apparatus is to operate.
P~ 2 -llS22~4 Summary of the Invention It is, there~ore, an object of this invention to provide a new and improved apparatus $or generat;ng and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for the control of pests such as rodents and the like.
It is a further object of this invention to provide such apparatus which can be installed mechanîcally -~ and electr;cally with minimal or no modifications to existing structures.
It is a furth~er object of this i`nvention to pro-vide such apparatus which can be installed by hand in a routine manner.
It is a further object of this ;nvention to pro-vide such apparatus which is relatively simple in construc-tion and econom;cal to manufacture and use.
The above objects are met by the parent applica-tion by way of an apparatus for generating and radiating ultra-sonic sound waves for the control of pests comprising:
a) an elongated housing having two ends; b) sound generat-ing means carried by the housing adjacent one end thereof, the sound generating means comprising at least one trans-ducer means for providing sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, the sound waves being in a frequency range normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like; c) the sound gener-ating means being positioned to direct the output sound waves outwardly away from the end of the housing; d) an electrical connector fixed to the other end of the housing and intcgral with the housing adapted to be in-serted manually in a standard electrical outlet receptacle co~lmonly found in buildings and the like, there being Pg/~ - 3 -l~SZ2Q4 mechanical engagement between the connector and the outlet receptacle to mechanically support the hQusing in the outlet; e) electrical conductor means for connect-ing the connector electrically to the sound generating means; and f) the connector when inserted in an outlet providing the sole supply of electric current to the sound generating means and simultaneously providing the sole mechanical support for the housing.
On the other hand, the above objects are also met by the invention of this application which provides an apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for the control of pests comprising: a) a housing having at least one end; b) sound generating means carried by the housing adjacent the one end and comprising a transducer for providing sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, the sound waves being at frequencies normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like; c) driver means carried by the housing and connected to the transducer for applying an electrical signal to the transducer in a manner causing the transducer to provide a composite output in the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking in the ultrasonic frequency range; and d) means carried by the housing for supplying electrical current to the driver means.
The foregoing and additional advantages and characteri~ing features of the present invention will be-come clearly apparent upon a reading of the ensuing detail-ed description together with the included drawing wherein:
Pg/~ - 4 -1~522~
Brief Description of the Drawing Figures . _ ... .
Fig. 1 is a side elevational yiew with parts removed and some parts in section of apparatus for gener-ating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves Eor controll-ing pests in accordance with the present invention;
Pg/~ - 4A -llSZ2~)4 Fig 2 is a plan view o the apparatus of Fig l;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken about on line 3-3 in Fig. l;
Fig 4 is a schematic circuit diagram of the sound generatin8 means of ~he apparatus of Fig. l;
Fig, S iæ a ~ragmentary elevational view, partly in 6ection, illustrating an alternative transducer and mounting arrangement for the apparatus of~Fig. l;
Fig~ 6 is a plan view o~ the apparatus of ~ig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a 6ectional view~taken about on lines:7-7 in : ~ig. 6; ~ ~
~ ig. 8 1s a schematic circuit diagram of the sound generating means of the apparatus o~ Fig. S, Fig~ 9 is a side elevational view illustrating apparAtus according to another embod~iment of the present invention; and Fig. lO i8 a fragmentary ele~ational view of the apparatus of Fig. ~ rotated ninety degrees about the vertical axis thereof.
~ Detailed De~cription Of TA- Illu~crated Embodiment6 `~; In prior art apparatus for~generating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for the control of pests such ~
rodents and the like, a transducer ls carried by a housing having a reflector fixed to one end of the housing, and an 06cillator connected to the transducer applies to the transducer 1~22~4 an electrical signal for producing ultrasonic sound waves normally lnaudible to humans and irritatin~ to the pests.
An electrical supply cord leads away from the housing for connection to an electrical l~ne located away or re=ote from the hou~ing, and often ~ome~addltional mechanIcal supporting or holdlng~arrangEment mus~ be provided for the apparatus. In the apparRtus according to the~present inventlon, an~eLongated housing``h~s two ends, typically opposite ends, an electrlcallya operated sound generator is~càrried by~the~housing ad~acent one end thereo~and positioned for~providing:output ultrasonic .. j ~, ~
sound wa~ies dlrected outwardly~away from the end of~the~hou~ing, and an:: ~ trical connector~ ;i8~: provided aS the other~,end of the hous1ng~ dapted to be inserte~d~manaally into a standard electti-cal o~tlet,ree~p~acle commoff~ . found in bui~dlngs and~the llke~for,~uppLying electri¢al~current to the:sound gener~tor and mecb~,~nically supporti ~ a?paratus.:~ The conne~ o~
can be~'o~.the prong type or::it,~ an be o'f the threaded~type com~o~1yi ~ d on the baoe ~o~ ~electric 1amps. The oound generating means can compr1se,,`~ae least one transducer having a natural'~frequency of oscil;l~:~tlon, osclllator means.~for applying~.an~electrlcal sign-l *o the transducer at -~si~al frequancy different fro~ ebe~transducer natural frequency, and timing means for controllin~.the`oscill~tor tuty cycle, thereby i~.
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:
,':
1~S~:204 providing a composite output of sou~d waves In the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking.
Fig. 1 shows pest control apparatus accordin~ to the pxesent invention including a housing ~enerally designated 1 which i8 so~ewhat elongated in overall shape, h~ving a longitudinal axis in overall shape, having a long$tudinal axi~
and opposite ends. Housing 12 i~ pro~ided with an electrical connector element generally designated 14 at one end thereof which ~B adapted to be inserted manually into a standard electrical outlet receptacle commonly found in buildings and the like. In the device ~hown connector 14 ls of ~he type commonly found on the base or ends of electric lamps or light bulb~ and includes a generally cylindrical con~uctive portion 16 of metal provided with sxternal threads whereby it can be screwed by hand into a conventional socket, a separate conduc-tive element 18 o~ metal generally in the form of a contact button or disc at the outer end face thereof, and a body of insulative material 20 ~cparating the threaded portion 16 from the contact 18. Connector 14 is fixed at the end of housing 12 and disposed such that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical or sleeve portion 16 is substantially coincident with the longitudinal ~xis of the hou~ing 12, the contact 18 is di~posed in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of housing 12 and cylinder~l6, and the center of contact 18 is generally coincident with the common axes.
li52204 The houslng 12 includes a fir~t annular wall portion:24 extending from connector 14 and increasing in diameter along the longltudinal axis of housing 12 in a direction ~way from connector 14. The portion 24 ~ of generally conical formation having an overall longitudinal length slightly less than the length of connector 14. The portion 24 meets one end of another housing portion or section 26 of ~ubstantially cylindr~cal shape but of ~lightly increasing dlameter in a direction longitudinally along the axis of housing 12 and axially awRy from section 24. The longit~dinal len~th of section 26 i8 slightly more than twice ~hat of section 24.
Section~26, in turn, meets another housing ~ection 28 of increasing diameter in a direction axially away from section 26 and ha~ing an overall length less than the length of section 26 but greater than the length of section 24. Sections 28 and 24 describe relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 substantially similar angles. In other words, sections 24 and 28 increase in diameter at substantially the same rate. Section 28 meets another hou~ing wall section 30 of relatively more gradually increasing diameter in a direction~axially away from section 28. Section 30 is of a length approximately two and one-half that of section 28, and it terminates in an annular bead 32 which defin~ the opposite end of housing 12. The circular area or region defined by bead 32 has a diameter approximately five times the diameteE of cylindrical portion 16 of connector 14.
. ~ , ~152~04 The end of housing 12 ad~acent bead 32, i.e. agially opposite the connector 14, recelves an element generally design~ted 36 which closes the interior of housing 12 and serves as a base or supporting means for other components of the system in a manner which will be de~cribed.
The element 36 includes a main body portion 38 which i8 planar, som~what disc-shaped and which i8 formed to lnclude a circumferential annular rim or flange 40 having an outer diamete;r substantially equal to the inner diameter of the housing wall portion 30 at a short distance axially inwardly of the annular bead 32. Element 36 al80 iS formed to include 8 first central cyllndric~l extension 42 of relatively short axial length extendlng in an axial direction toward the end o housing 12 containing bead 32 which meet~
a radially inwardly extend~ng surface portion 44 which, ln tur~, meets a second ~ylindrlcal extensio~ 46 shown in further detail in Fig. 3 and extendin~ in an axial tirection toward bead 32. Extension 46 i8 of a diameter less than extension 42 but i6 of greater axial len~th.
The extension 46 meets a radi~lly inwardly extending flan~e portion 48 having a central openin~ 50 therein. The element 36 can be ~oined to the housing 12 in variou~ suitable ways, one of which will be described presently.
The apparatu~ of the present in~ention further comprises first transducer means in the form of a ring 60 carried by the supporting element 36 and having a natural frequency of _g _ 1152~4 oscillation. Transducer 60 functions to provide output sound waves in the ultrasonic range when energized by an appropriate electrical signal in a manner which will be described in detail presently. The annular-shaped tran~duc~r 60 is dispo~ed with the longitudinal axis thereof ~enerally coincident with the lon$itudinal axis of housing 12.
Transducer 60 is located on the side of supporting elemen~ 36 facing outwar~ly in the direction of the outer annular bead 32, ~nd ~n the apparatus shown transducer 60 is generelly outwardly~concentric with respect to extension 46. In addition, transducer 60 is movably carried by the supporting element 36 in a manner allowing a limited degree of movement in an axial direction. In particular, transducer ~0 is mounted by means of an annular ring 62 of resilient material. The m-terial of ring 62 should provide a cushioning or resilient type of mounting for transducer 60 and be of a nature such that it does not absorb ~oisture, i.e. is~water resistant.
One form of material found to perform satisfactorlly is 40 durometer neoprene rubber. As shown in Fig. 3, the rubber rin~ 62 has an inner diameter greater than the outer dia~eter o extension 46 and has an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of extension 42.
Opposi~e ~aces of the ring 62 are secured to the outer surface of the flsnge portion444 and to the annular end face of trans-ducer 60 by suitable bonding material, for example a 732 RTV
~5%204 silicone rubber cement co~mercially a~ailable from ~o~
Corning under the registered trademark Silastic.
The apparatus of the present invention urther comprlses second transducer mean~ generally designated 74 and also carried by the supportlng element 36. Transducer 74 has a natural frequency of oscillation and functions to provide output sound waveB in the ultrasonic range ~hen ener~ized by an appropriate electrical sigDal in a manner which will be described ln detail presently.~ Transducer 74 is in the form of a disc~ disposed ln a pl~ne~generally perpendicular to the longltudlnal axls of housing~l2 and is located within the transducer 60. In particular, transducer 74 is positioned generally centrally of transducer 60 wlth the longitudinal axi~
thereof generally coincident wlth the longitudinal axis of housing 12. Transducer 74 is of the diaphragm type and is movably carried by element 36 in a manner allowing a limited degree of movement in an axial direction. The mounting means for transducer 74 comprises a di~c-shaped element 75 of a diameter slightly l~rger than that of the transducer 74 having one surface thereof fixed to a surface of transducer 74 and having the opposite surface thereof fixed to the outer surface of the radlal flange 48. The mounting element 75 is of a suitable resllient material, for exsmple rubbe~,which is fixed to transducer 74 and surface 48 by suitable means, for example the aforementioned silicone rubber cement.
~52~04 The apparatus of the present invention further comprises driver meanR 76 electrically connected to the fir~t ~nd second transducers 60 and 74, rQsp~ctively, for applying electrical signals to the transducers in a manner causing them to provide output sound waves in a manner which will be described. In the appsratus shown ~n Fig. l, the driver mean~ is represented diagr~matically at 76 and i8 posi~ioned with~n the hou6ing 12.
The driver means comprises appropriate electrical components and circuitry which will be described in detail presently, and as ~hown in Fig. 1 driver mean 76 is connected by electrical line6 77,78 to the electrical connector 14, in particular to corre~po~ding ones of the contact portion 16 and 18. The driver means 7~ iB attached ~o a supporting plate 79 which, in turn, i8 positioned in spaced, generally parallel relation to the supportlng element 36, and both are ~ounted or ~oined to housing 12 in the followin~ manner. Located around about the inner urface of housing 12 ad~acent portions 28,30 are a plurality, two of which are shown in Fig. l, of mounting bodies or extensions each designated 80 having a first inner . ~ ~
surface 82 which is disposed generally parallel to the longitu-dinal axis of housing 12 and a second inner surface 84 disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the lonRitudinal axis of housing 12. The element~ 80 are of a size such that the ~urfaces 82 allow suficient room therebetween to accomodate the size of ~152~
the driver means 76. The driver supportin~ plate 79 18 placed in seating contact agAinst the surfaces 84 as shown in ~ig. 1, a plurality of spacer elements or sleeves are placed be~ween supporting plate 79 and supportin~ element 3~, and the combination of suppor~ing element 36 and plate 7g are mounted to the member~ 80 by means of screwC 88 which are received in the spacers 86 extending from the el~ment 36 through the mounting plate 79 and into the bodies 80. Other mounting arrangements can of course be e~ployed ~or 3Oining supporting element 36 and plate 79 in spaced relation to the interior surface of~.housing 12.
The electr~cal circuit of driver means 76 is illustrated in Fig, 4, and electrical power for 4perating the driver me~n~ is provided by a power supply which is connected through connector element 14 when inserted in an electrical outlet receptacle to a standard 120 volt or ~40 volt a.c. line. In particular, the power ~upply includes an input termlnal 8trip containing terminals 91-95, and lines 77 and 78 connect tenminals 91 and 94, respectively, to portions 16 and 18 of the electrical connector element 14. In the circuit shown, if a 3um~er wire is connected 3Oining terminals 92 and 93 the sy~tem operates from a 240 volt line, and if ~umper wires are connected joining terminals 91 and 93 and ~oining ~S2~:04 terminals 92 and 94 the circuit operates from a 120 volt line.
Alternatively, if desired electrical power can be supplied ~o through a conventional cable having a standard three prong plu~ on the end thereof for insertion in a standard line receptacle in which case leads 77 and 78 would be connected electric~lly through ~he cable to two of the plug prongs and the third prong would be connected by a cable lead to terminal 95. Terminals 91-94 are connected to the primary wir.ding of a transformer 96, and terminal 95 i8 the ground terminal.
In particular, terminal 91 i8 connected throu~h a fuse 98 to transformer terminal 99, and terminals 92-94 are connected to transformer primary terminals 100-102, respectively.
The secondary winding of transformer 96 i8 connected by Iines 103,104 to a full wave d~ode bridge rectifier 106, the output of which is connected to one terminal of a capacitor 108, the other terminal which is conaected to the circuit ground or reference. The series combination of a resistor 109 and capacitor llO i8 connected across capacitor 108. The series combination of resistor 11 and Zenerdiode 112 i8 connected across capacitor 110. Another capacitor 113 is connected across diode 112.~ The power supply provides tw~
output volta~e levels on lines 114, 116 and in the circuit shown the output voltage on line 114 i~ sbout 50 volts positive and the output voltage on line 11~ is about fifteen volts po~itive, By way of illustration, in thec~ircuit shown, transformer 96 is commercially available from the Signal Transformer Co. under the designation DPC-34-300, and the rectifier 106 i8 commercial-ly ~vailable under the designation Erie FWB 300LA. Capacitors 115~20~
10~ and 110 both have a magnitude of about 220 microfarads, and resistor 109 has a magnitude of about 27 ohms. Resistor 111 has a magnitude of abou~ 1.5 kilohms, capacitor 113 has a magnitude of 33 microfarads, and diode 112 has a breakdo~n voltage of about 15 volts.
The transducer 60 and 74 are~shown schematic~lly in Fig.
4 and the driver means according to the present invention comprises o cillator means generally designate~ 120aand drivingly coupled to the transducer 60 for applying to transducer 60 to an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of transducer 60. In particular, oscillator 120 includes a integrated circuit timer 122 whlch in the present illustratlon is the commercial-ly available Signetics NE555 timer. The various terminal pin numbers of that particular timer are indicated in Fig. 4.
Terminal number 1 is connected to the circu~t electrical ~round or reference, and terminal number 8 is connected to line 116 which provides the voltage Vcc. The series combination of a fixed resistor 124 and a variable resistor or p~tentiometer 126 is cormected between the terminals 7 and ~ in the manner shbwn.
Terminals 2 and 6 are connected to~ether, a capacitor 128 iB
connected between terminals 6 and 1, and a capacitor 130 is connected between terminals 1 and 5. Terminal number 1 also is connected to the circuit ground or reference. Terminal 4 i8 connected by a line 132 to other components of the driving means in a manner which will be described.
The terminal designated 3 of timer 122 is the output, and it is connected by a line 134 to one terminal of a resistor 136, the other terminal of which is cor,nected to a power trans-istor designated 13~ whlch is of the NPN type havin~ base, llS2;i~
collector, an~ emitter t~rmin~ls 140,142 ~ 4r~ spe'~tivel~. T~e other terminal o~ resistor 136 i~ connected to base terminal 14Q, emitter terminal 14~ i9 connected to the reference or ground, ~nd a resistor 146 i8 connected across the base and emitter t~rminals. The collector terminal of tran~lstor 142 i8 con~ected to one terminal of the transducer 60, and the other terminal of tr~nsducer 60 is connected to the circuit re~erence or ground. The collector terminal 142 also i~
connected through the series combination of an inductor 150 and resiætor 152 to line 144 ~roviding thc V positi~e voltage.
One form of transducer 60 found to perform ~atisfactorily is a~ailable commercially from Edo We~tern Corp. of Salt L&ke City, Utah under the designation EC-64 and having a natur~l frequency of oscillation of about 20.5 ~ilohertz. The frequency of the osci~làtor output signal on line 134 i8 set by potentiometer 126 to ~e about 1-3 percent greater than the transducer natural frequency as will be described in detail presently.
The driver means further comprises o~cillator means generally designated 1~0 drivlngly coupled to the trsn~ducer 74 for applying to the transducer an elec~rical ~ignal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of transducer 74. Oscillator 1~0 includes an integrated circuit ~imer 1~2 which, like timer 122, i8 of the Signetics NE555 type wherein 11522()4 the terminal pin numbers of tha~ particular device are indicated in Fig. 4. Terminal number 8 is connected to line 116 supplying the voltage Vcc, and terminal 7 is connected through the series combination of a fixed resistor 164 and a ~ariable re~istor or potentiometer 166 to termincl 8. Terminals 2 and 6 are connect-ed together, ~erminal 6 is connected through a capacitor 168 to terminal 1, and terminal 1 i8 connected through a capacitor 170 to terminal S. Terminal number 1 also i~ connected to the clrcuit reference or ground. Terminal number 4 is connected by a line 172 to other component~ of the driving means in a manner which will be described. The output of timer 16 is on terminal number 3 which is connected by a line 174 to one terminal of a resistor 175, the other terminal of which is connected to a power transistor 176 having base, collector and emitter terminals 177,178 and 179, respectively. Resistor 175 is connected to base term~inal 177. Emltter terminal 179 i8 connected to the circuit reference or ground, and a protective diode 180 is connected between the base and emitter termlnals. Diode 180 conduc~s ang negative spike to ground and protect~ against negative overshoot. A re~istor 173 i~ connected across diode 180. The collector termin~l 178 of the transistor is connected by a line 181 to one terminal of ~ransducer 74, and the other terminal of transducer 74 i9 colmected to the circuit re~erence or ground. The collec~or terminal 178 al80 is connected through an inductor 180 to line ll~t which provides the voltage V positive.
-~7-llS2209~
i One form of transducer 74 found to perform satisfactorily i8 available commercially from Linden Laborator~es under thé
designation P/N 70120-23 and having a natural frequency of oscillation of sbout 24.3 kiloher~z. The frequency of the oscillator output ~ignal on line 174 i8 set by potentiometer 166 to be about L-3 percent greater than the transducer natural frequency as wlll be described in detail preser.~
The driver means further includes timing means generally designated 184 connected in controlling relation to the oscilla-tor~ 120 and 160 for controlling the duty of the oscillators.
In other words, timer 184 functlons to turn the oscil~ators on and off at predetermined lnterval~. In particular, the timing means 184 functions like a gwitch to turn the osclllators 120 and 160 on and off at a regular rate whereby the output signals from the o~clllator~are applied to the transducer~ in .
a controlied on and off manner. The timing mean~ 184 includes an inte~rated circult timer device 186 which, like the devices 122 and~162, is the commercially available Si$netics NE555 timer. The terminals of the device are numbered corresponding to that particular co~mercial timer. Terminal number 8 li : , connected to line 116 which supplies the voltage Vcc. Terminals
2 and 6 are connected together, and terminal 2 is connected through the serie~ c~mbination of fixed resistors 188 and 190 to terminal 8. Terminal ~umber 7 is connected by line 192 to the ~unction of the resistors 188,190. Terminal 6 is connected through a capacitor 194 to terminal 1, terminal 1 i8 connected through a capacitor 196 to terminal 5, and terminal 1 18 115~2~4 is connected to the circuit ground or reference. The output of timer 186 is on terminal 3 which i8 connected by lines 132 and 172 to timers 122 and 162, respectively.
The frequency of the s~uare wave output of timer 186 is determined by the valueq of capacitor 194 and resistors 18~,190.
By way of illustration, in the circuit shown, resistor 124 has a magnitude of 33 kilohms, resistor 12~ is a 100 kilohm potentiometer, capacitor 12~ ha~ a magnitude of 390 picofarads, capacitor 130 has a magnitude of 0.01 microfarads, resistor 136 has a magnitude of 3.3 kilohms, resistor 146 has a ma~nitude of 1 kilohm, ~nductor 150 has a magnitude of 18 millihenrie~, and resistor 152 has a magnitude of 152 ohms. Resistor 164 has a magnitude of 33~kilohms, resistor 166 is of 100 kiIohm potentiometer, capacitor 168 has a magnitude of 330 picofarads, capacitor 170 ha~ a magnitude of 0.01 microfarads, resistor 173 has a magnitude of 1 kilohm, ~ ~ .
resistor 175 has a magnitude of 1.5 kilohms, and inductor 182 has a magnltude of 10 millihenries. Resistor 188 has a magnitude of 220 kilohms, resistor 190 has a magnitude of 100 kilohms, capacitor 194 has a magnitude of 10 microfarads, and capacitor 196 has a magnitude of 0.01 mlcrofarad. The transducers ~0 and 74 are of the piezoelectric crystal type and having a capacltive reactance depending upon the particular transducer resonant frequency.
Voltage V plus has a magnitude of 50 volts.
l~S220~
The apparatus of Figs. 1-4 operates in the following manner. One or more units of apparatus i8 installed in a room or area from which it is desired to repel and eliminate pests such a~ rodents. Advantageously, each unit i8 installed simply by grasp$ng it by hand and inserting the connector 14 into a standard internally threaded socket or reeeptacle commonly found on walls and ceilings of buildings and then rotating the entire device by hand to screw ~he connector 14 into the socket in a manner similar to installin~ an incandescent electric lamp or light bulb. When the connector 14 is tight in the~socket outlet, an electric circuit ~i8 made from the supply line through connector portions 16 and 18 and leada 77 and 78, respectively to the power supply~portion of the driver circuit 76. ~ a~tageously, the mechanical engagement between connect~r 14 and the socket serves to hold or ~upport the entire unit mechanically thereby avoiding the need to provide separate supporting arrangements. Each unit is lnstalled in a manner to be ~disposed to direct the output ultrasonic sound waves~generally in the region of the ground or floor where the rodents and like pests normally travel. Thus, the units typically would be screwed into sockets located on ceilings or on walls at a relatlvely low height near the Ploor. While an important advantage of the apparatus 18 the capability of installstion in existing sockets in a building, additional sockets can of course be wired in the building or area at locations speclally selected for the apparatus. The apparatus is relatively small in size and light in wei~ht and convenient ilS220~
to install in a variety of locations, and it i8 compatible electrically with stPndard 120 volt or 240 volt a.c.
lines in the manner previously described. Furthermore, the apparatus u8e8 only about 40 watts of power and therefore i8 econ~mical to operate. The pest control apparatus finds wide use in such locations as food warehouse~, supermarkets, restsurants and feed mill~ to mention Just a few.
As shown in Fig. 4, each~transducer 60 and 74 i~
connected to the source of positive voltage ~V when the corre~ponding power tr~nsducer transistors 138 and 176, re~pectively, is turned off. The correspo~din~ oscillator6 apply to the transistors square wave sign~ls to turn the transistors off and on at substantially the oscillator signal frequency. As a result, the transducer~ 60 and 74 ere driven or oscillated by these signals, ~nd the transducers are driven by signal~ having a frequency different from the natural frequency of the corresponding transducer.
In particular, potentiometers 126 and 16~ of the corresponding oQcillators are set to apply square wave signals to transducers 60 and 74, respectively having a frequency about 1 to 3 percent greater than the natural oscillation frequency. The trans-ducers are driven at frequencies above their natural frequencies to avoid preduclng output waves at a frequency less than about 20 ~ ertz which is about the thre~hold frequency below which the effect on pests such a~ rodents may begin to be less 115Z20~
efective. The resulting frequencies will never be below the transducer resonant or natural frequency which ~erves as a lower limit or stabilizer. In addition, timer 186 serves to turn the oscillators on and off at a predetermined rate, ~nd according to a preferred mode of the present invention the oscillators are on ~bout 60 percent of the time and off about 40 percent of the time under control of timer 184. In the clrcult shown in Flg. 4, the o~tput sguare wave from term~nal 3 o timer 184 has a frequency of about 0.25 hertz.
As a re~ult of the foregolng, the pest control apparatus provides a compo6ite output in the form of a random pattern of harmonics in the ultrasonic frequency range which is normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pes~ such as rodents and the llke. In particular,~ ~he provisions of the two transducers wh~ch mo&t of the time will be providing output sound waves of slightly dlfferent frequencies will give rise to variation in amplitute known as beats, Each transducer, being~driven at a frequency sllghtly ~reater than its natural frequency of oscillation will behave in a manner seeking or hunting for lt~ natural frequency. This give8 rise to a peaking effect as the transducer nears it8 natural or resonant frequency, and the foregoing 18 similar to the wowing phenomenon in broadcast communications where unstable frequenc-ies givè rlse to variatlons in soun~. Another illustration of the foregolng phenomenon 18 a mls-tuned radio recelver which is seeking or hunting~the resonant frequency at which llS220~
it normally would be tuned, the receiver cycling back and forth about the re~onant frequency and exhibiting a momentary sharp increase or peaking of amplitude each time the natural frequency is reached momentarily. As each transducer hunts or seeks its natural or resonant frequency, but never stabilizing there, harmonics of the lnstant~neous transducer frequency also are produced. The random nature of the output pattern provided by the foregoing is furthered by the oper~tion of timer 184 which turns the oscillators on and off at a predetenmined rate.
In addition, the provision of two transducers provides a relative-ly more potent noise lev~l or ampli~ude, for example about 120 decibels a8 compared to about 9Q-9S decibels for a ~ingle tran~ducer device.
The foregoing l~ enhanced by the mounting and relative locatlons of the transducers. The res~lient or floating nature of the mounting of transducers 60 and 74 to supporting element 26 i9 believed to contribute to the peaking effect. Also, the location of the button or disc-shaped transducer 74 within the ring-shaped transducer 60 results in output vibrations from the center transducer dr~ving the surrounding transducer which aug~ents the foregoing random behavior. Positioning the outer end face of transducer 74 axially inwardly of the ou~ end face llS220~
of transducer 60 a small distance, such as 1/16 inch, accentuates the fore~oing. The central transducer 74, being of the diaphragm type, vlbrates in an axial direction pro & dl~gg output vibrations in a relatively straight, conccntrated outwardly extending beam or path. The ring transduc-r;60 vibrates in a radlal direction~produc~ an outwardly extending so cwhat conical shaped pattern of sound waveR~guldcd~by xeflector 44 and~inter-acting along the central axial rcgion thereof wlth vibrations from the~central transducer.
.~ . . ~ .
The~square wave output ~ignals~on lines 134 and 174 from timers 122 and 162, r~espectively.~purposely re not synchronized 80 astd contribu~e further to thc foregoing rantom behavior.
The inductors 150 and 182 connectct to the transducers ~60~and 74, respectively, shift the phase of the s~uare wave signal ; applled to the transducer. The diferent ma~nitutes of resistors~l36 and 175 were found~to providc the best match to the capacitance of the respectivé transducers.
The~ ultrasonic sound waves produced by the apparatus of the present invention are normally inaudible to human-~and intolerable by p~8t8 such as rodents and the like. The ultra-sonic sounds are greatly disturbing and irritatlng to the ~; rodents, repelling them fro~ the vicinity of the apparatus there-by keeping them ~way from food, upsetting their mating habl~s - and having a generally deleteri~ous efPect on the~ nervous systems. The apparatu~ of the present inventi.on, having two :', ' , , l~S%~
transducers and charac~erized by the random output sound pattern, peaking, noise level increase and other attributes tescribed hereinabove produces the foregoing effects on pest6 such as rodents ~nd the like very effectively. In addition, the random nature of the output ultrasonic waves produced by the apparatus of the present invention precludes the rodents from ever becoming accustomed to or de~elopin~ tolerance for the ulrasonic output.
Fig8 . 5 - 7 illU trate apparatus according to another - -embodiment of the present invention wherein the sound generating means includes a single transducer. The housing and electrical connector in the apparatus of this embodiment are identical to those of the embodiment of Figs. 1-4 and, accordingly, are identlfied by the eame reference numerals and having a prime designation. The apparatus of Figs. 5-7 includes an element generally designated 220 which closes the interior of housing 12i and serves as a base or supporting means for other components of the system in a manner similar to that of the supporting element 26 in the embodiment of Fi~s. 1-4. The element 220 includes a main body portion 222 which is planar, some~h~t disc-~haped, and wh~ch i6 formed to include a circumferential annular rim or flange 224 having an outer surface shaped to conform to the inner surface of the wall portion 30' ad~acent the opening thereof in which the element 220 ls received The element has a central opening, preferably clrcular, in the body portion 2~2.
~152204 The apparatus of this embod~ment fur~her com~rise~ a single tran~ducer mean~ generally designated 228 which has a natural frequency of oscillation and function~ to provide output sound waves in ~he ultrasonic range when energized by an appropriate electrical 6ignal ln a manner which will be de~cribed in detail presently:. Transducer 228, like tran~ducer 74 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, i8 in the form of a disc and i8 of suff$cient axial length such that a portion ex~ends axially beyond the ~upporting element 220 in a direction toward the end of the housing 12' including bead 32' and a portion thereof extends axialIy inwardly of supporting element 220 into the interior of the housing 12'. Transducer 228 i5 of the diaphragm type with the 8en8itive surface thereof facing outwardly toward the bead 32'. In the apparatus shown, the transducer 228 i8 provided with a relatively thin backing plate or base 230, preferably of metal. Tran~ducer 228 extends through the central opening in supporting element 220, ~he backing element 230 18 located within the interior of housing 12' and disposed generally parallel to the body portion 222 of supporting element 220, and a sealing means in the form of an 0-ring 232 is positioned between the inner surface of body portion 22~ and the surface of plate 230 facing surPace 222. 0-ring 232 has an inner di~meter substantially equal to the outer diameter of transducer 228 and serves to provide a gas-tight seal between transducer -2~-1~$2;~0~
228 an~ supporting element 220 whereby the interior of housing 12' i8 sealed in gas-tight relationship to the externsl environment so ~hat the app~rhtu~ is safely u~able in explosive and inflamable atmospheres. The combination of tran~ducer 228 and backing plate 230 i8 held in fixed relation to the supporting element 220 by means of a plurality of faste~ing arrangements in~luding a rubber grommet 234, bolt 236, washer 238 and nut 240. As 6hown in Fig. fi, the backing plate 230 i8 generally trian~ular-shaped, and there are three faste~ng arrangements each lo,cated at an ~pex of the trian~le. A driver means 76' for transducer 228 i8 supported in hou~ing 12' in a manner similar to driver 76 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4.
Fig. 8 shows the circuit and components of driver means 76' for transducer 228, and the driver means i8 operated from a power supply which can be identical to the power supply shown in Fig. 4. In thi~ connection, the lines 11~' and 116' in the circuit of Fig. 8 would be connec~ed to the lines 114 and 116, respectively, of the po~er supply of Fi8. 4.
The circuit of Fig. 8 include~ 06cillator mean~ generally designated 270 drivingly coupled to the transducer 228 for applying to the transducer an electrical signal ha~ing a frequency different from the natural or re~onant frequency of oscillation of the transducer 228. In particular, oscillator 270 includes an integrated circuit timer 272, which in the present example is the commercially available -~7-11.5Z2~
Signetics NE555 timer, and the variou~ terminal pln number~
of that particular timer are indlcated in ~ig. 8. Terminal number 8 is connected by a line 274 to line 116' which provides the voltage Vec. The series comblnation of a fixed resistor 27~ and a variable resistor or potentiometer 278 are connected between the terminals 7 and 8, and the junction of the resistors is connected by 8 line ?~0 to the terminal number 2. Term~nal 2 al~o i~ connected to te~minal 6, which, in turn, is connected by a capacitor 282 to the circuit ground or reference point. Terminal 1 is connected by a llne 284 to the clrcuit ground or reference point, and terminal 5 is connected through a capacitor 286 to the circuit reference po~nt.
Terminal 4 is connected by a line 288 to another component of driving means in a manner which will be de6cribed. The ter-minal designated 3 of the timer 272 ls the output and lt i8 connected to one terminal of R resistor 292, the other terminal of which i8 connected to a power transistor deslgnated 294 which i8 of the NPN type having base, collector and emitter terminals 296,298 and 300, respectively. The other terminal of reslstor ~92 i8 connected to base termlnal 296 and also 18 connected through the parallel combination of a resistor 302 and a protective diode ~04 to the circuit ground or reference point. Emitter termlnAl 300 al~o i~ connected to the ground.
The collector terminal 298 of transistor 294 1~ connected to one terminal of the transducer 22~, the other terminal of which is connected to the circuit ground. The collector terminal also i8 connected through an inductor 308 to line line 114' providing the V positive voltage.
~1522(~9~
The driver mean~ further includes timing mean~ ~enerally de~ignated 310 connected in controlling relation to the oscillator 270 ~or controlling the oscillator duty cycle. In particular, the timing mean~ 310 functions like a switch to turn the oscillator 270 on and off at a regular rate whereby the output signal from ~he oscillator is applied to the tran~ducer in a controlled on and off manner. The timing me~a~
310 include6 an integrated circuit timer device 31Z which, ~ e the de~ice 272, is the commerclally avallable Signetics NE555 tlmer. The terminals of the device are numbered corre~-ponding to those of that commerc~ally iden~ified timer. Ter-minal number 8 i8 connected by a line 314 to the line 166' which supplied the voltage Vcc. The terminals 4 and 8 are connected together by a line 31~. Ter~inal number 2 is connected to terminal 8 through the series combination of fixed resistor~ 318 and 320 and line 314. The ~unction of re~i~tors 318,320 i8 connected by a line 322 to the terminal 7.
Terminal~ 2 and 6 are connected together and terminal 6, in turn, is connected through a capacitor 324 to the circuit ground or reference point. Terminal 1 i9 connected through a line 326 to the circuit ground or ~eference point, and terminal 5 i8 connected through a capacitor 328 to the circuit ground or reference point. The ou~put terminal 3 1~ connected by line 288 to the oscillator 270.
liSZZ~4 By way of illustration, in the circuit shown, transducer 228 i8 of the piezoelectric crystal type having a capacitive reactance depending upon the transducer resonant frequency.
One transducer found to perform ~atisfactorily iB commercially available from Linden Laboratories under the designation P/N 7Q140 having a resonant fre~uency of about 24.6 kilohertæ.
Resistor 276 has a ma~nitude of 33 kilohm~, resistor 27~ is a 100 kilohm potentiometer, capacitor 282 has a magnitude of 330 picofaradæ, capacitor 286 has a magnitude of Q.Ol micro-fara~, resistor 2g2 has a magnitude of 1.5 kilohms, re.si tor 302 has a ma~nitude of 1 kilohm, and ~nductor 308 has a magnitude of 10.5 millihenries. Resistor 318 has a magnitude of 220 kilohms, resistor 320 has a magnitude o~ 100 ki$ohms, capacitor 324 has a magnitude of 10 microfarads and capacitor 328 has a magnitude of 0.01 m~crofarads.
The apparatus of Fig. 8 operates in the ~ollowing manner.
Potentiometer 27S is set 80 that oscillator 270 drives trans-ducer 228 through ~ ansistor 294 at a frequency about 1-3 per-cent greater than the natural or resonant frequency of trans-ducer 228 in a manner similar to the circuit of Fig~ 4~. As a result, there is a peaking~ln the ultrasonic output as transducer 228 hunts or seeks ~t~ natural frequency as explained in connection with~;/Fig. 4. The e~fect o ~his frequency hunting and peaking i9 enhanced by the operation of timer 310 which causes o~cillator 270 to be on 60 percent of the time and off 40 percent of the time. In this connection the square wave output on line 288 ha~ a frequerlcy of about 0.25 hertz. The output ultraaonic waves are normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests ~uch a~ rodents and the li~. Thuæ, the apparatus of Figæ. 5-8 is both highly effective in repelling pests such as roderits 1152209~
and usable in explosive and inflammable atmQ~pheres.
Figs, 9 and 10 illustrate pest control apparatu~ according to another embodiment of the pre6ent invention. The housing i8 identical to the housings of the previou3 embodiments and, accordingly, the housing and portion~ thereo~ in Figs. 9 and 10 are identi~ied by the same reference numerals pro~ided wlth a double prime de~ignation. The apparatus of Fig~, 9 a~d 10 can include either a pair of transducers as in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4 or a ~ingle transducer as ln the embodiment of Figs, 5-7, both with the correspondln~ appropriate d~l~er means, In ths embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10, the end 340 of houæing 12" opposite the end containing bead 32" is provided with a pair of prongs 342,344 extending o~wardly f~om the end of the housing in spaced-apart generally parallel relation.
Prongs 342,344 are of length, ~idth and thickne~s and are spaced corre~pondingly to standard ~lug type electrical connector~ which are in~erted by hand into standard electr~cal outlet receptacles. Prongs 342,344 are ~isposed ~ubstantlally parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 12" and sub~tant~ally perpendicular to end sur~ace 340.
Housing 12", like the housings in the pre~eding embodiments, i8 of electrically insulative material, and in this embodi-ment the body defining sur~ace 340 serves to in~ulate the prongs 342,344 electr~cally from each other. The prongs 342,344 are connected by electrical leads (not shown) in the housing 12" to terminals 91 and ~4 of the powex supply section as in the preceding embodiments. A third prong 346 115Z2(~q;
can be provided spaced fro~ prong~ 342,344 in a manner similar to standard three prong plug8. In this case, pron~
34~ would be connected by another lead (not ~hown) to reference terminal 95 of ~he po~er ~upply.
The apparatus of thi~ embodiment iB in~talled 6imply by grasping hou~ing 12" by hand and mo~ing pr~ngs 342,344 ~nto correspondin~ openings o~ a conventional socket found on walls or ceilings oX buildings and the like. ~len the prongs are moved or inserted into place in the ~ocket slots or openings, the apparatus i8 connected electrically to the 8upply l~ne and simultaneously mechanically held or supported as in the previouR ~embodiment~. Accoxdingly, the apparatus of th~s embodiment having a prong type electric~l connector f~xed to one end of the housing has all the advantnges of the other embodiment~. In all embod~ments, the apparatus i8 of a ~ize and ~eight maklng ~t convenient and easy ~o handle and in~tall, for example the longitudinal di~tance from connector portion 18 to bead 32 being i the neighborhood of ten inch~s.
A plurality of units of the pre~ent invention can be arranged in an opposed-~paced apart relationRhip 8UC~I that the ultrasonic ~ound waves o~ e~ch work ~gainst the other to maximize the effects. In particular, each Imit can be installed in a support, for example by a verti.cally di~posed ~52204 rod or sultable support. Each unit i8 mechanically and electrically connected ~o a recep~cle in the support, and the units are located an appropr~ate distance such as 2-3 feet above the floor or ground to which the xupport is fixed.
The units are disposed in face-~o-~ace or opposed alignment, i.e. the sound-emitting end o~ one unlt faces the sound-e~itting end of the other uni~. The units are spaced apart an appropriate horizontal distance and have a co~mon longitudinal axis. The two units thus are in spaced apart alignment ~o that the sound wave~ o one unit work against or oppose the sound waves of the other unit. In the region between the two units ^~here Is a maximizing of the effects of the large number of frequen ies, random pattern of haromics and amplitude pea~ing effects provided by the units.
This is especially irritating and harmful to the rodents and similar pests and therefore highly effective in repelling them.
In addition, the resulting output pattern has significant strength in directions perpeNdicular to the common longitudinal axis of the units. ~or exEmple, if the distance between units measured along the common axi8 i~ 30 feet, a signif~cant level of ou~put sound waves will be present about seven~ flve feet in either perpendicular direction from the axis along the midpoint between the units.
It is therefore apparent that the present invention accomplishe3 itQ inkended ob~ects. ~hile ~everal embodiments of the presen~ invention have been described in detall, this is for the purpose of illustration, not lim~tation.
The frequency of the s~uare wave output of timer 186 is determined by the valueq of capacitor 194 and resistors 18~,190.
By way of illustration, in the circuit shown, resistor 124 has a magnitude of 33 kilohms, resistor 12~ is a 100 kilohm potentiometer, capacitor 12~ ha~ a magnitude of 390 picofarads, capacitor 130 has a magnitude of 0.01 microfarads, resistor 136 has a magnitude of 3.3 kilohms, resistor 146 has a ma~nitude of 1 kilohm, ~nductor 150 has a magnitude of 18 millihenrie~, and resistor 152 has a magnitude of 152 ohms. Resistor 164 has a magnitude of 33~kilohms, resistor 166 is of 100 kiIohm potentiometer, capacitor 168 has a magnitude of 330 picofarads, capacitor 170 ha~ a magnitude of 0.01 microfarads, resistor 173 has a magnitude of 1 kilohm, ~ ~ .
resistor 175 has a magnitude of 1.5 kilohms, and inductor 182 has a magnltude of 10 millihenries. Resistor 188 has a magnitude of 220 kilohms, resistor 190 has a magnitude of 100 kilohms, capacitor 194 has a magnitude of 10 microfarads, and capacitor 196 has a magnitude of 0.01 mlcrofarad. The transducers ~0 and 74 are of the piezoelectric crystal type and having a capacltive reactance depending upon the particular transducer resonant frequency.
Voltage V plus has a magnitude of 50 volts.
l~S220~
The apparatus of Figs. 1-4 operates in the following manner. One or more units of apparatus i8 installed in a room or area from which it is desired to repel and eliminate pests such a~ rodents. Advantageously, each unit i8 installed simply by grasp$ng it by hand and inserting the connector 14 into a standard internally threaded socket or reeeptacle commonly found on walls and ceilings of buildings and then rotating the entire device by hand to screw ~he connector 14 into the socket in a manner similar to installin~ an incandescent electric lamp or light bulb. When the connector 14 is tight in the~socket outlet, an electric circuit ~i8 made from the supply line through connector portions 16 and 18 and leada 77 and 78, respectively to the power supply~portion of the driver circuit 76. ~ a~tageously, the mechanical engagement between connect~r 14 and the socket serves to hold or ~upport the entire unit mechanically thereby avoiding the need to provide separate supporting arrangements. Each unit is lnstalled in a manner to be ~disposed to direct the output ultrasonic sound waves~generally in the region of the ground or floor where the rodents and like pests normally travel. Thus, the units typically would be screwed into sockets located on ceilings or on walls at a relatlvely low height near the Ploor. While an important advantage of the apparatus 18 the capability of installstion in existing sockets in a building, additional sockets can of course be wired in the building or area at locations speclally selected for the apparatus. The apparatus is relatively small in size and light in wei~ht and convenient ilS220~
to install in a variety of locations, and it i8 compatible electrically with stPndard 120 volt or 240 volt a.c.
lines in the manner previously described. Furthermore, the apparatus u8e8 only about 40 watts of power and therefore i8 econ~mical to operate. The pest control apparatus finds wide use in such locations as food warehouse~, supermarkets, restsurants and feed mill~ to mention Just a few.
As shown in Fig. 4, each~transducer 60 and 74 i~
connected to the source of positive voltage ~V when the corre~ponding power tr~nsducer transistors 138 and 176, re~pectively, is turned off. The correspo~din~ oscillator6 apply to the transistors square wave sign~ls to turn the transistors off and on at substantially the oscillator signal frequency. As a result, the transducer~ 60 and 74 ere driven or oscillated by these signals, ~nd the transducers are driven by signal~ having a frequency different from the natural frequency of the corresponding transducer.
In particular, potentiometers 126 and 16~ of the corresponding oQcillators are set to apply square wave signals to transducers 60 and 74, respectively having a frequency about 1 to 3 percent greater than the natural oscillation frequency. The trans-ducers are driven at frequencies above their natural frequencies to avoid preduclng output waves at a frequency less than about 20 ~ ertz which is about the thre~hold frequency below which the effect on pests such a~ rodents may begin to be less 115Z20~
efective. The resulting frequencies will never be below the transducer resonant or natural frequency which ~erves as a lower limit or stabilizer. In addition, timer 186 serves to turn the oscillators on and off at a predetermined rate, ~nd according to a preferred mode of the present invention the oscillators are on ~bout 60 percent of the time and off about 40 percent of the time under control of timer 184. In the clrcult shown in Flg. 4, the o~tput sguare wave from term~nal 3 o timer 184 has a frequency of about 0.25 hertz.
As a re~ult of the foregolng, the pest control apparatus provides a compo6ite output in the form of a random pattern of harmonics in the ultrasonic frequency range which is normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pes~ such as rodents and the llke. In particular,~ ~he provisions of the two transducers wh~ch mo&t of the time will be providing output sound waves of slightly dlfferent frequencies will give rise to variation in amplitute known as beats, Each transducer, being~driven at a frequency sllghtly ~reater than its natural frequency of oscillation will behave in a manner seeking or hunting for lt~ natural frequency. This give8 rise to a peaking effect as the transducer nears it8 natural or resonant frequency, and the foregoing 18 similar to the wowing phenomenon in broadcast communications where unstable frequenc-ies givè rlse to variatlons in soun~. Another illustration of the foregolng phenomenon 18 a mls-tuned radio recelver which is seeking or hunting~the resonant frequency at which llS220~
it normally would be tuned, the receiver cycling back and forth about the re~onant frequency and exhibiting a momentary sharp increase or peaking of amplitude each time the natural frequency is reached momentarily. As each transducer hunts or seeks its natural or resonant frequency, but never stabilizing there, harmonics of the lnstant~neous transducer frequency also are produced. The random nature of the output pattern provided by the foregoing is furthered by the oper~tion of timer 184 which turns the oscillators on and off at a predetenmined rate.
In addition, the provision of two transducers provides a relative-ly more potent noise lev~l or ampli~ude, for example about 120 decibels a8 compared to about 9Q-9S decibels for a ~ingle tran~ducer device.
The foregoing l~ enhanced by the mounting and relative locatlons of the transducers. The res~lient or floating nature of the mounting of transducers 60 and 74 to supporting element 26 i9 believed to contribute to the peaking effect. Also, the location of the button or disc-shaped transducer 74 within the ring-shaped transducer 60 results in output vibrations from the center transducer dr~ving the surrounding transducer which aug~ents the foregoing random behavior. Positioning the outer end face of transducer 74 axially inwardly of the ou~ end face llS220~
of transducer 60 a small distance, such as 1/16 inch, accentuates the fore~oing. The central transducer 74, being of the diaphragm type, vlbrates in an axial direction pro & dl~gg output vibrations in a relatively straight, conccntrated outwardly extending beam or path. The ring transduc-r;60 vibrates in a radlal direction~produc~ an outwardly extending so cwhat conical shaped pattern of sound waveR~guldcd~by xeflector 44 and~inter-acting along the central axial rcgion thereof wlth vibrations from the~central transducer.
.~ . . ~ .
The~square wave output ~ignals~on lines 134 and 174 from timers 122 and 162, r~espectively.~purposely re not synchronized 80 astd contribu~e further to thc foregoing rantom behavior.
The inductors 150 and 182 connectct to the transducers ~60~and 74, respectively, shift the phase of the s~uare wave signal ; applled to the transducer. The diferent ma~nitutes of resistors~l36 and 175 were found~to providc the best match to the capacitance of the respectivé transducers.
The~ ultrasonic sound waves produced by the apparatus of the present invention are normally inaudible to human-~and intolerable by p~8t8 such as rodents and the like. The ultra-sonic sounds are greatly disturbing and irritatlng to the ~; rodents, repelling them fro~ the vicinity of the apparatus there-by keeping them ~way from food, upsetting their mating habl~s - and having a generally deleteri~ous efPect on the~ nervous systems. The apparatu~ of the present inventi.on, having two :', ' , , l~S%~
transducers and charac~erized by the random output sound pattern, peaking, noise level increase and other attributes tescribed hereinabove produces the foregoing effects on pest6 such as rodents ~nd the like very effectively. In addition, the random nature of the output ultrasonic waves produced by the apparatus of the present invention precludes the rodents from ever becoming accustomed to or de~elopin~ tolerance for the ulrasonic output.
Fig8 . 5 - 7 illU trate apparatus according to another - -embodiment of the present invention wherein the sound generating means includes a single transducer. The housing and electrical connector in the apparatus of this embodiment are identical to those of the embodiment of Figs. 1-4 and, accordingly, are identlfied by the eame reference numerals and having a prime designation. The apparatus of Figs. 5-7 includes an element generally designated 220 which closes the interior of housing 12i and serves as a base or supporting means for other components of the system in a manner similar to that of the supporting element 26 in the embodiment of Fi~s. 1-4. The element 220 includes a main body portion 222 which is planar, some~h~t disc-~haped, and wh~ch i6 formed to include a circumferential annular rim or flange 224 having an outer surface shaped to conform to the inner surface of the wall portion 30' ad~acent the opening thereof in which the element 220 ls received The element has a central opening, preferably clrcular, in the body portion 2~2.
~152204 The apparatus of this embod~ment fur~her com~rise~ a single tran~ducer mean~ generally designated 228 which has a natural frequency of oscillation and function~ to provide output sound waves in ~he ultrasonic range when energized by an appropriate electrical 6ignal ln a manner which will be de~cribed in detail presently:. Transducer 228, like tran~ducer 74 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4, i8 in the form of a disc and i8 of suff$cient axial length such that a portion ex~ends axially beyond the ~upporting element 220 in a direction toward the end of the housing 12' including bead 32' and a portion thereof extends axialIy inwardly of supporting element 220 into the interior of the housing 12'. Transducer 228 i5 of the diaphragm type with the 8en8itive surface thereof facing outwardly toward the bead 32'. In the apparatus shown, the transducer 228 i8 provided with a relatively thin backing plate or base 230, preferably of metal. Tran~ducer 228 extends through the central opening in supporting element 220, ~he backing element 230 18 located within the interior of housing 12' and disposed generally parallel to the body portion 222 of supporting element 220, and a sealing means in the form of an 0-ring 232 is positioned between the inner surface of body portion 22~ and the surface of plate 230 facing surPace 222. 0-ring 232 has an inner di~meter substantially equal to the outer diameter of transducer 228 and serves to provide a gas-tight seal between transducer -2~-1~$2;~0~
228 an~ supporting element 220 whereby the interior of housing 12' i8 sealed in gas-tight relationship to the externsl environment so ~hat the app~rhtu~ is safely u~able in explosive and inflamable atmospheres. The combination of tran~ducer 228 and backing plate 230 i8 held in fixed relation to the supporting element 220 by means of a plurality of faste~ing arrangements in~luding a rubber grommet 234, bolt 236, washer 238 and nut 240. As 6hown in Fig. fi, the backing plate 230 i8 generally trian~ular-shaped, and there are three faste~ng arrangements each lo,cated at an ~pex of the trian~le. A driver means 76' for transducer 228 i8 supported in hou~ing 12' in a manner similar to driver 76 in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4.
Fig. 8 shows the circuit and components of driver means 76' for transducer 228, and the driver means i8 operated from a power supply which can be identical to the power supply shown in Fig. 4. In thi~ connection, the lines 11~' and 116' in the circuit of Fig. 8 would be connec~ed to the lines 114 and 116, respectively, of the po~er supply of Fi8. 4.
The circuit of Fig. 8 include~ 06cillator mean~ generally designated 270 drivingly coupled to the transducer 228 for applying to the transducer an electrical signal ha~ing a frequency different from the natural or re~onant frequency of oscillation of the transducer 228. In particular, oscillator 270 includes an integrated circuit timer 272, which in the present example is the commercially available -~7-11.5Z2~
Signetics NE555 timer, and the variou~ terminal pln number~
of that particular timer are indlcated in ~ig. 8. Terminal number 8 is connected by a line 274 to line 116' which provides the voltage Vec. The series comblnation of a fixed resistor 27~ and a variable resistor or potentiometer 278 are connected between the terminals 7 and 8, and the junction of the resistors is connected by 8 line ?~0 to the terminal number 2. Term~nal 2 al~o i~ connected to te~minal 6, which, in turn, is connected by a capacitor 282 to the circuit ground or reference point. Terminal 1 is connected by a llne 284 to the clrcuit ground or reference point, and terminal 5 is connected through a capacitor 286 to the circuit reference po~nt.
Terminal 4 is connected by a line 288 to another component of driving means in a manner which will be de6cribed. The ter-minal designated 3 of the timer 272 ls the output and lt i8 connected to one terminal of R resistor 292, the other terminal of which i8 connected to a power transistor deslgnated 294 which i8 of the NPN type having base, collector and emitter terminals 296,298 and 300, respectively. The other terminal of reslstor ~92 i8 connected to base termlnal 296 and also 18 connected through the parallel combination of a resistor 302 and a protective diode ~04 to the circuit ground or reference point. Emitter termlnAl 300 al~o i~ connected to the ground.
The collector terminal 298 of transistor 294 1~ connected to one terminal of the transducer 22~, the other terminal of which is connected to the circuit ground. The collector terminal also i8 connected through an inductor 308 to line line 114' providing the V positive voltage.
~1522(~9~
The driver mean~ further includes timing mean~ ~enerally de~ignated 310 connected in controlling relation to the oscillator 270 ~or controlling the oscillator duty cycle. In particular, the timing mean~ 310 functions like a switch to turn the oscillator 270 on and off at a regular rate whereby the output signal from ~he oscillator is applied to the tran~ducer in a controlled on and off manner. The timing me~a~
310 include6 an integrated circuit timer device 31Z which, ~ e the de~ice 272, is the commerclally avallable Signetics NE555 tlmer. The terminals of the device are numbered corre~-ponding to those of that commerc~ally iden~ified timer. Ter-minal number 8 i8 connected by a line 314 to the line 166' which supplied the voltage Vcc. The terminals 4 and 8 are connected together by a line 31~. Ter~inal number 2 is connected to terminal 8 through the series combination of fixed resistor~ 318 and 320 and line 314. The ~unction of re~i~tors 318,320 i8 connected by a line 322 to the terminal 7.
Terminal~ 2 and 6 are connected together and terminal 6, in turn, is connected through a capacitor 324 to the circuit ground or reference point. Terminal 1 i9 connected through a line 326 to the circuit ground or ~eference point, and terminal 5 i8 connected through a capacitor 328 to the circuit ground or reference point. The ou~put terminal 3 1~ connected by line 288 to the oscillator 270.
liSZZ~4 By way of illustration, in the circuit shown, transducer 228 i8 of the piezoelectric crystal type having a capacitive reactance depending upon the transducer resonant frequency.
One transducer found to perform ~atisfactorily iB commercially available from Linden Laboratories under the designation P/N 7Q140 having a resonant fre~uency of about 24.6 kilohertæ.
Resistor 276 has a ma~nitude of 33 kilohm~, resistor 27~ is a 100 kilohm potentiometer, capacitor 282 has a magnitude of 330 picofaradæ, capacitor 286 has a magnitude of Q.Ol micro-fara~, resistor 2g2 has a magnitude of 1.5 kilohms, re.si tor 302 has a ma~nitude of 1 kilohm, and ~nductor 308 has a magnitude of 10.5 millihenries. Resistor 318 has a magnitude of 220 kilohms, resistor 320 has a magnitude o~ 100 ki$ohms, capacitor 324 has a magnitude of 10 microfarads and capacitor 328 has a magnitude of 0.01 m~crofarads.
The apparatus of Fig. 8 operates in the ~ollowing manner.
Potentiometer 27S is set 80 that oscillator 270 drives trans-ducer 228 through ~ ansistor 294 at a frequency about 1-3 per-cent greater than the natural or resonant frequency of trans-ducer 228 in a manner similar to the circuit of Fig~ 4~. As a result, there is a peaking~ln the ultrasonic output as transducer 228 hunts or seeks ~t~ natural frequency as explained in connection with~;/Fig. 4. The e~fect o ~his frequency hunting and peaking i9 enhanced by the operation of timer 310 which causes o~cillator 270 to be on 60 percent of the time and off 40 percent of the time. In this connection the square wave output on line 288 ha~ a frequerlcy of about 0.25 hertz. The output ultraaonic waves are normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests ~uch a~ rodents and the li~. Thuæ, the apparatus of Figæ. 5-8 is both highly effective in repelling pests such as roderits 1152209~
and usable in explosive and inflammable atmQ~pheres.
Figs, 9 and 10 illustrate pest control apparatu~ according to another embodiment of the pre6ent invention. The housing i8 identical to the housings of the previou3 embodiments and, accordingly, the housing and portion~ thereo~ in Figs. 9 and 10 are identi~ied by the same reference numerals pro~ided wlth a double prime de~ignation. The apparatus of Fig~, 9 a~d 10 can include either a pair of transducers as in the embodiment of Figs. 1-4 or a ~ingle transducer as ln the embodiment of Figs, 5-7, both with the correspondln~ appropriate d~l~er means, In ths embodiment of Figs. 9 and 10, the end 340 of houæing 12" opposite the end containing bead 32" is provided with a pair of prongs 342,344 extending o~wardly f~om the end of the housing in spaced-apart generally parallel relation.
Prongs 342,344 are of length, ~idth and thickne~s and are spaced corre~pondingly to standard ~lug type electrical connector~ which are in~erted by hand into standard electr~cal outlet receptacles. Prongs 342,344 are ~isposed ~ubstantlally parallel to the longitudinal axis of housing 12" and sub~tant~ally perpendicular to end sur~ace 340.
Housing 12", like the housings in the pre~eding embodiments, i8 of electrically insulative material, and in this embodi-ment the body defining sur~ace 340 serves to in~ulate the prongs 342,344 electr~cally from each other. The prongs 342,344 are connected by electrical leads (not shown) in the housing 12" to terminals 91 and ~4 of the powex supply section as in the preceding embodiments. A third prong 346 115Z2(~q;
can be provided spaced fro~ prong~ 342,344 in a manner similar to standard three prong plug8. In this case, pron~
34~ would be connected by another lead (not ~hown) to reference terminal 95 of ~he po~er ~upply.
The apparatus of thi~ embodiment iB in~talled 6imply by grasping hou~ing 12" by hand and mo~ing pr~ngs 342,344 ~nto correspondin~ openings o~ a conventional socket found on walls or ceilings oX buildings and the like. ~len the prongs are moved or inserted into place in the ~ocket slots or openings, the apparatus i8 connected electrically to the 8upply l~ne and simultaneously mechanically held or supported as in the previouR ~embodiment~. Accoxdingly, the apparatus of th~s embodiment having a prong type electric~l connector f~xed to one end of the housing has all the advantnges of the other embodiment~. In all embod~ments, the apparatus i8 of a ~ize and ~eight maklng ~t convenient and easy ~o handle and in~tall, for example the longitudinal di~tance from connector portion 18 to bead 32 being i the neighborhood of ten inch~s.
A plurality of units of the pre~ent invention can be arranged in an opposed-~paced apart relationRhip 8UC~I that the ultrasonic ~ound waves o~ e~ch work ~gainst the other to maximize the effects. In particular, each Imit can be installed in a support, for example by a verti.cally di~posed ~52204 rod or sultable support. Each unit i8 mechanically and electrically connected ~o a recep~cle in the support, and the units are located an appropr~ate distance such as 2-3 feet above the floor or ground to which the xupport is fixed.
The units are disposed in face-~o-~ace or opposed alignment, i.e. the sound-emitting end o~ one unlt faces the sound-e~itting end of the other uni~. The units are spaced apart an appropriate horizontal distance and have a co~mon longitudinal axis. The two units thus are in spaced apart alignment ~o that the sound wave~ o one unit work against or oppose the sound waves of the other unit. In the region between the two units ^~here Is a maximizing of the effects of the large number of frequen ies, random pattern of haromics and amplitude pea~ing effects provided by the units.
This is especially irritating and harmful to the rodents and similar pests and therefore highly effective in repelling them.
In addition, the resulting output pattern has significant strength in directions perpeNdicular to the common longitudinal axis of the units. ~or exEmple, if the distance between units measured along the common axi8 i~ 30 feet, a signif~cant level of ou~put sound waves will be present about seven~ flve feet in either perpendicular direction from the axis along the midpoint between the units.
It is therefore apparent that the present invention accomplishe3 itQ inkended ob~ects. ~hile ~everal embodiments of the presen~ invention have been described in detall, this is for the purpose of illustration, not lim~tation.
Claims (14)
1. Apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for control of pests comprising;
a) a housing having at least one end;
b) sound generating means carried by said housing adjacent said one end and comprising first and second transducer means for providing sound waves when driven by corresponding electrical signals, said sound waves being at frequencies normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like, and drive means connected to said first and second trans-ducer means for applying electrical signals to said first and second transducer means in a manner causing said first and second transducer means to provide a composite output in the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking in the ultrasonic frequency range; and c) means carried by said housing for supplying electrical current to said driver means.
a) a housing having at least one end;
b) sound generating means carried by said housing adjacent said one end and comprising first and second transducer means for providing sound waves when driven by corresponding electrical signals, said sound waves being at frequencies normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like, and drive means connected to said first and second trans-ducer means for applying electrical signals to said first and second transducer means in a manner causing said first and second transducer means to provide a composite output in the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking in the ultrasonic frequency range; and c) means carried by said housing for supplying electrical current to said driver means.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second transducer means has a natural frequency of oscillation and wherein said driver means comprises:
a) first oscillator means drivingly coupled to said first transducer means for applying to said transducer an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of said first transducer means; and b) second oscillator means drivingly coupled to said second transducer means for applying to said transducer an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of said second transducer means.
a) first oscillator means drivingly coupled to said first transducer means for applying to said transducer an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of said first transducer means; and b) second oscillator means drivingly coupled to said second transducer means for applying to said transducer an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of said second transducer means.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said driver means further includes timing means connected in controlling relation to said first and second oscillator means for switching said first and second oscillator means on and off at a predetermined rate.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1, further including means for mounting said first and second transducer means in a manner providing a limited degree of movement between said first and second transducer means and said housing.
5. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first and second transducer means each has a generally circular peripheral shape, said first and second transducer means being in generally concentric relation.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein one of said transducer means is generally annular in shape and the other of said transducer means is generally disc-shaped and positioned within said one transducer means.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first transducer means is in the form of a ring having a natural frequency of oscillation, said second transducer means is in the form of a disc having a natural frequency of oscillation, said second transducer means being positioned within said first transducer means, and said driving means includes a first oscillator for applying to said first transducer means an electri-cal signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of said first transducer means and a second oscillator for applying to said second transducer means an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of said second transducer means, and timer means connected in controlling relation to said first and second oscillators for switching said oscillator on and off at a predetermined rate.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 further including first and second mounting means for mounting said first and second transducers, respectively, in a manner allowing a limited degree of movement between said first and second transducer means and said housing.
9. In combination with the apparatus of claim 1, another identical apparatus thereby providing a system comprising two units of said apparatus, said units being spaced apart and disposed in opposed alignment with the housing end of one unit facing the housing end of the other unit in a manner such that the ultrasonic sound waves generated and radiated from one unit work against the ultrasonic sound waves generated and radiated by the other unit.
10. Apparatus for generating and radiating ultrasonic sound waves for the control of pests comprising:
a) a housing having at least one end;
b) sound generating means carried by said housing adjacent said one end and comprising a transducer for providing sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, said sound waves being at frequencies normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like;
c) driver means carried by said housing and connected to said transducer for applying an electrical signal to said transducer in a manner causing said transducer to provide a composite output in the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking in the ultrasonic frequency range;
and d) means carried by said housing for supplying electrical current to said driver means.
a) a housing having at least one end;
b) sound generating means carried by said housing adjacent said one end and comprising a transducer for providing sound waves when driven by an electrical signal, said sound waves being at frequencies normally inaudible to humans and intolerable by pests such as rodents and the like;
c) driver means carried by said housing and connected to said transducer for applying an electrical signal to said transducer in a manner causing said transducer to provide a composite output in the form of a random pattern of frequencies and amplitude peaking in the ultrasonic frequency range;
and d) means carried by said housing for supplying electrical current to said driver means.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10, further including timing means connected in controlling relation to said oscillator means for switching said oscillator means on and off at a controlled rate.
12. Apparatus according to claim 10 further including an element associated with said housing and closing the interior thereof, said element having an opening therethrough, said transducer extending through said opening in said element, and means for providing a gas-tight seal between said transducer and said element in a manner sealing closed said interior of said housing.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said transducer is generally disc-shaped having an axial length such that portions of said transducer are on opposite sides of said element and wherein said sealing means comprises an O-ring carried by said transducer sealingly contacting said transducer and the side of said element facing said housing interior.
14. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transducer has a natural frequency of oscillation and wherein said driver means applies to said transducer an electrical signal having a frequency different from the natural frequency of said transducer.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401412A CA1152204A (en) | 1977-10-11 | 1982-04-21 | Pest control apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/840,536 US4178578A (en) | 1977-10-11 | 1977-10-11 | Pest control apparatus |
| US840,536 | 1977-10-11 | ||
| US05/887,601 US4392215A (en) | 1977-10-11 | 1978-03-17 | Pest control apparatus |
| US887,601 | 1978-03-17 | ||
| CA312,859A CA1134020A (en) | 1977-10-11 | 1978-10-06 | Pest control apparatus |
| CA000401412A CA1152204A (en) | 1977-10-11 | 1982-04-21 | Pest control apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1152204A true CA1152204A (en) | 1983-08-16 |
Family
ID=27426111
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000401412A Expired CA1152204A (en) | 1977-10-11 | 1982-04-21 | Pest control apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1152204A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010148473A1 (en) * | 2009-06-25 | 2010-12-29 | Terrghia Incorporated | Method for insect control |
| WO2012088584A1 (en) * | 2010-12-27 | 2012-07-05 | Norma O'hara | Methods for modification of insect behaviour |
-
1982
- 1982-04-21 CA CA000401412A patent/CA1152204A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010148473A1 (en) * | 2009-06-25 | 2010-12-29 | Terrghia Incorporated | Method for insect control |
| WO2012088584A1 (en) * | 2010-12-27 | 2012-07-05 | Norma O'hara | Methods for modification of insect behaviour |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |