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INPI

Annales

Session 2013

Brevets d'invention

Secteur mécanique/électricité

Examen d’aptitude en vue de l’inscription sur la liste

des personnes qualifiées en propriété industrielle

Épreuve écrite n°1

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Page 1 sur 37

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Page 2 sur 37

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Page 3 sur 37 SUJET DE LA PREMIERE EPREUVE ECRITE

LETTRE DU CLIENT

CABINET MAUS 3, rue Mole

F-75999 Paris Cedex

Messieurs,

Je reviens vers vous pour vous décrire notre création afin que vous puissiez préparer une demande de brevet français. Nous ne souhaitons pas déposer plusieurs demandes de brevet pour cette innovation, ni recevoir des notifications d’irrégularité.

Lors d’une recherche sur internet, nous avons identifié quatre documents qui nous semblent intéressants. Dans la partie introductive de la demande de brevet, vous voudrez bien commenter brièvement la pertinence de ces quatre documents, au regard des revendications que vous aurez préparées.

Notre société conçoit et commercialise en France et à l’étranger des pièges pour animaux nuisibles, par exemple des pièges cages, des pièges déclenchés par pression sur une palette, ou encore des pièges à lacet maintenant l’animal prisonnier par un nœud coulant.

Nos activités sont règlementées en France, la loi fixant les types de pièges autorisés, ainsi que les conditions pour devenir piégeur agréé et les conditions d’utilisation des pièges homologués.

Nous venons de présenter un prototype de notre création aux autorités, pour homologation.

Les pièges peuvent dégager des odeurs, réduisant notablement l’efficacité des pièges, les nuisibles devenant méfiants. Il est également bien connu que les pièges peuvent être dangereux à mettre en place, en particulier lorsqu’ils comportent des pièces mobiles maintenues sous pression ou lorsqu’ils comportent des appâts empoisonnés.

Un piège pour animal nuisible doit idéalement être sélectif: un animal non nuisible, un animal appartenant à une espèce protégée ou un animal domestique peut actionner un piège et être blessé, en particulier lorsqu’il cherche à se dégager. Un piège pour animal nuisible doit permettre la capture à coup sûr de l’animal nuisible ou garantir que l’animal nuisible piégé soit effectivement tué par l’actionnement du piège.

Notre création est illustrée, dans ses principes, dans la figure ci jointe et se présente en vue de dessus sous la forme générale d’un boîtier 1 parallélépipédique. Les boîtiers peuvent être empilés ou placés côte à côte avec un encombrement minimal.

A titre indicatif, pour la capture d'animaux nuisibles tels que rats ou souris, nous avons

constaté qu'un boîtier parallélépipédique de longueur 27 cm, de largeur 12 cm et de hauteur

6 cm, donnait des résultats très satisfaisants.

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Page 4 sur 37 Le boitier 1 comporte une ou des entrées 2, par exemple une de chaque côté lorsque le boîtier est parallélépipédique. Le boîtier est avantageusement réalisé en matériau transparent tel que polycarbonate, notamment vendu sous la dénomination Makrolon®, par la société Bayer. Le boîtier 1 comprend un orifice de sortie 3 sur lequel est monté un embout 4, cet embout 4 étant de préférence conique.

A l'intérieur du boîtier 1 se trouve un boîtier appât 5 contenant une réserve de nourriture, telle que par exemple céréales en barre. Cette réserve de nourriture est rendue accessible à un animal entrant dans le boîtier 1, au travers d'un grillage 6. Le boîtier 1 est pourvu d'un détecteur de présence 7, de type infrarouge. Ce détecteur 7 présente un angle de détection de plus ou moins 15 degrés et est placé à mi longueur d'une paroi latérale du boîtier 1.

Un aspirateur (non représenté sur la figure) est relié à l'embout conique 4 par l'intermédiaire d'un tuyau souple. Le boîtier est alimenté par une prise male 8 et est pourvu d'un disjoncteur unipolaire 9, une prise femelle 10 permettant l'alimentation électrique de l'aspirateur. Un aspirateur d'une puissance de l'ordre de 1000 watts et d'une capacité de 20 litres donne des résultats tout à fait satisfaisants, pour la configuration de boîtier représentée. La consommation électrique du boîtier est de l'ordre de 0,1 Watt pour les paramètres donnés auparavant.

Le boîtier comporte un plancher plan sur lequel l’animal peut se déplacer. Dans une réalisation élaborée, nous avons également prévu de placer des chicanes entre l’entrée 2 et la réserve de nourriture, ces chicanes tirant avantage du comportement naturel d’exploration des rongeurs, les obstacles formés par les chicanes augmentant par ailleurs l’effet de l’aspiration.

La forme et la taille des ouvertures latérales 2 sont adaptées à l'animal à capturer. Pour la capture des souris, nous avons constaté que des résultats satisfaisants sont obtenus pour des ouvertures latérales rondes d'un diamètre de l'ordre de 27 mm, l'ouverture 11 de l'embout conique 4 étant également ronde et d'un diamètre de l'ordre de 27 mm.

Lorsqu'un nuisible tel qu'une souris entre dans le boîtier 1 par une ouverture latérale 2, le détecteur infrarouge de mouvement 7 envoie un signal, un circuit de temporisation permettant un envoi différé du signal de commande d'aspiration, la temporisation pouvant aller de 5 secondes à environ 12 minutes. Lorsque plusieurs boîtiers sont utilisés, les signaux envoyés par les boîtiers 1 sont comptabilisés dans une unité centrale de commande et dans une mémoire de chaque boitier, permettant de déplacer les boitiers dans lesquels aucun animal ne vient ou de placer des boitiers supplémentaires à proximité des boitiers très visités.

Dans une première étape d’utilisation de notre innovation, aucun signal d’aspiration n’est envoyé lors de la détection de mouvement. Nous avons constaté qu’une telle manière de procéder augmente le nombre de captures ultérieures, les nuisibles étant probablement moins méfiants.

La mise en place du détecteur infrarouge sur le côté assure une efficacité élevée au piège, le

déclenchement de l'aspiration étant effectué alors que l'animal est au plus près de l'orifice

d'aspiration 11. La temporisation permet de rassurer l'animal qui peut déguster l'appât

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Page 5 sur 37 contenu dans la boite 5, au travers du grillage 6. Un temps de temporisation élevé permet de commander l'aspiration alors que l'animal est devenu relativement moins méfiant.

Au passage dans l'embout conique 4, l'animal est étourdi ou assommé, lorsque l'on souhaite capturer les animaux vivants et que l'embout conique définit un angle de l'ordre de quelques degrés à 45 degrés environ. Lorsque l'angle formé par l'embout conique 4 est de l'ordre de 90 degrés, la section de passage de cet embout conique n'étant que légèrement supérieure au gabarit de l'animal à capturer (par exemple section de passage ronde de diamètre 27 mm pour la capture des souris), la mort de l’animal est instantanée lors de son aspiration.

Un produit désodorisant peut être placé dans la cuve de l'aspirateur, permettant de masquer les odeurs des animaux tombant dans cette cuve. Le tuyau d'aspiration peut aussi comporter une ou plusieurs valves diminuant le risque de remontée d'odeurs depuis la cuve de l'aspirateur jusqu'au boîtier 1.

Dans une variante de notre dispositif, le plancher du boitier est électriquement conducteur et une décharge électrique est appliquée à l’animal pour l’étourdir avant aspiration.

Veuillez agréer, Messieurs, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

Annexes :

Figure présentant notre conception

Documents antérieurs 1 à 4

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Page 6 sur 37 Notre boîtier

7

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Page 7 sur 37 Document 1 antérieur

[0001] The invention relates to a system for combating pests, such as mice and rats, with an electronic registration unit, connectable with one or a number of rodent detectors, selectively mountable in an area to be covered by the system, which on detection of such a rodent give a signal to the registration unit.

[0002] In this known system use is made of measuring boxes, provided with detectors which react on the body-heat of for example mice. Such measuring boxes are positioned unobtrusively at selective locations in an area to be guarded, for example a shop storehouse or production area, and will produce a signal on detection of for example a mouse, that is converted into a counting pulse, which can be counted and registered in the measuring box itself or in a central registration unit, with which all boxes are connected. On the basis of the measuring results it can be determined at what locations measures, such as the positioning of poisonous bait, should be taken.

[0003] Such a system provides the advantage, that the measures to be taken, such as the distribution of poisonous bait, can be restricted to those locations, where this is most meaningful. However the disadvantage remains, that in this case as well poisonous bait is still used. If other combating measures are considered, such as the positioning of suitable traps, this is accompanied by the disadvantage, that combating of the pest becomes rather cumbersome.

[0004] It is now the object of the invention to provide a system, as described in the beginning, with which said disadvantages are avoided, and whereby it will be possible to combate a local pest of for example mice or rats in the fastest and most efficient way.

[0005] The invention provides a system as described in the beginning, this system comprising one or a number of luring boxes, selectively disposed in the areas to be covered by the system.

[0006] As known, animals, such as mice and rats show the natural tendency to crawl into enclosed areas by way of small apertures. Based on this natural tendency to crawl into enclosed areas, the invention makes effective use of luring boxes, provided with an adapted small aperture, through which for example a rat or a mouse may enter, and also provided with a suction duct, through which, if connected with a strong suction unit, the animal is subsequently discharged at high speed and will most likely be killed by the impact. The invention efficiently combines the use of such luring boxes with a detection and registration system, whereby each luring box comprises its own detector, and produces a signal, that may be used on the one hand to register such an animal, and on the other hand to trigger the suction system.

[0007] The movement detector is a micro-switch acting on contact or on weight. It may be positioned for example behind the rodent aperture of such a luring box.

[0008] With the system according to the invention it is possible on the one hand to position

the luring boxes without them being connected with the suction unit, in order to register in the

same manner, where the rodents to be combated, occur most. Thereafter it can then be

decided which luring boxes of the system should be connected with the suction system,

whereafter the system is effective for the factual combating.

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Page 8 sur 37 [0009] It is also possible to use a continuous mounting, whereby all luring boxes are directly connected with the suction system or a central suction system, and that will instantaneously react, on being signalled by the detectors. By the application of luring boxes in combination with a suction system, in a registration system controlled by detectors, a universal system is obtained, both suitable for registration exclusively, elimination exclusively, as well as the combination of registration and elimination. Such a system can be installed conveniently in an area to be guarded, for example a storage, shop, production area, and the connecting tubes of the suction system can be connected and disconnected as desired. On turning to actual combating, only the suction installation has to be mounted and to be connected.

[0010] The invention will be illustrated in more detail by way of an embodiment with reference to Fig.1 showing a diagrammatically presented embodiment with only one luring box.

[0011] In the drawing a suction unit is indicated with 1. This suction unit may consist of a heavy vacuum-cleaner, or a vacuum drum, which is maintained under vacuum by external means, or a strong centrifugal motor with chip box. By way of a suction tube 2 this suction unit 1 is connected with the suction tube at the rear of a luring box 5, at its front provided with an entrance aperture 6, dimensioned in such a way, that a small rodent, such as a mouse, may just enter therethrough. A sensor is mounted in the luring box, near the aperture 6, which is activated by the presence of a rodent. The detector circuit is further connected with a central registration unit 12 by way of a connecting cable 11, which unit is provided with a presentation panel 13 and a printer outlet 14.

[0012] Though in the diagrammatic presentations of Fig.1 only one luring box is shown, which is connected with the suction unit 1, it will be understood, that in practice a number of such luring boxes 5, disposed at various positions in an area to be guarded, may be connected with a central suction unit.

[0013] If such a system is operative, the detector, mounted in said box, will signal the presence of a rodent, when the rodent enters the luring box 5, which signal will be processed to an outlet signal, that is passed to the central registration unit 12 by way of the connection cable 11. This pulse is counted by way of a suitable counter circuit and the number registered per luring box is shown on the presentation panel 13 and is stored in a memory, of which a list may be printed at intervals. If the suction unit 1 is not connected with the luring boxes, a selective registration takes place, from which can be concluded, which luring box or luring boxes should eventually be connected with the suction unit 1. If the latter is connected, each connected luring box will accomplish its eliminating activity, that is, as soon as a rodent has arrived into the interior area of the luring box 5 through an aperture 6, the suction unit is activated by the detection signal, so that the animal is removed at short notice through the suction tube 2 to the suction unit 1.

[0014] The suction unit is activated by the detection signal of the luring box and remains operative for a specific period of time, which can be adjusted in the suction unit.

[0015] A signalling device (for example a lamp or counter) is mounted on the suction unit,

indicating, whether the suction unit has been operative, thus avoiding unnecessary control of

the receptacle in the suction unit.

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Page 9 sur 37 [0016] The signalling remains present until it is reset manually.

[0017] It is also possible to register and to eliminate simultaneously, whereby the suction unit and the registration unit operate in combination.

[0018] Though the invention has been illustrated in the above by way of a system for combating a rodent pest, it will be obvious that it can be used for combating other pests as well by suitable modifications.

[0019] In such a case the dimensions of the various boxes and their apertures will have to be adapted to the size of the animals to be trapped.

[0020] In addition a number of variations are possible, which all fall within the scope of the

present invention. This for example the suction tubes of a number of luring boxes may

emerge into the container of the suction unit, or may be connected with a distribution duct,

connected therewith. In addition each luring box may comprise its own registration in the

form of a continuous counter, instead of using a central registration unit.

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Page 10 sur 37

Document antérieur D1 figure

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Page 11 sur 37 Document D2 antérieur

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for trapping and processing small animals such as rats or the like.

[0002] The applicant has already developed a method and an apparatus for trapping and processing small animals such as rats by delivering a rat with a carrier on an air flow to a prescribed processing position, killing the rat in that position, and packing the killed rat in a vinyl bag. This prior apparatus employs a suction fan for generating an air flow in a tube for trapping and delivering rats. If the tube is installed in a wide area, then the suction fan is required to have a large suction capability, with the result that the apparatus will be expensive to construct and large in size.

[0003] Since trapped rats as they are conveyed with carriers on an air flow in the tube are of various sizes, there will often be formed clearances between the rats and the inner wall of the tube, and the air flow will be of a reduced conveying capability. The carrier which is soft, spherical in shape, and of substantially the same diameter as the inside diameter of the tube, is placed in the tube when a rat is trapped. The carrier then pushes the trapped rat while being conveyed on the air flow to deliver the rat to the processing position. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a means for supplying the carriers into the tube. Inasmuch as the carriers used are of a yieldable material such as sponge, rather than a rigid material, they cannot be supplied by an automatic supply device in the field of automatic machines. The prior apparatus operates on the premise that rats will enter the trapping tube. Although the rats have a tendency to enter a small passage such as a tube, the reliance on such an animal behaviour is a negative trapping method, and a periodical supply of rat-attracting chemicals into the tube would be effective in positively trapping rats.

[0004] Therefore, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a control means effective in conveying small animals in a wide range of sizes with a small suction capability.

According to the present invention, an air flow is supplied only in a tube which a rat has entered, among a plurality of trapping tubes, and the other tubes are supplied with no air flow. As a result, the air flow passes only in the tube which the rat has entered and a rat conveying tube. A processing device may therefore be of a small suction capability, and the air flow produced thereby can effectively be utilized.

[0005] A second object of the present invention is to supply soft carriers stably into a tube when conveying a trapped small animal. A number of carriers are stacked and stored in each of a plurality of storage tubes. The lowermost carrier in each of the storage tubes can be urged and guided toward a supply position by the air flow produced at the time of conveying a trapped rat. Since the carriers in the storage tube are successively fed to the supply position by the air flow produced in the trapping tube, there are required no special drive source and feed mechanism for delivering the carriers, with the result that the carrier supply device is simple in construction. As many carriers can be stored in each storage tube, a continuous rat trapping and conveying capability will be ensured for a long period of time.

[0006] A third object of the present invention is to supply a small amount of a rat-attracting

chemical with an air flow each time a rat is trapped. The rat-attracting chemical in a container

is automatically supplied in a small quantity into the trapping tube under the vacuum of an air

flow produced when the trapped rat is conveyed. With this arrangement, the air flow

produced to convey the trapped rat causes an air stream to flow upwardly from the bottom in

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Page 12 sur 37 the container, thus blowing up the rat-attracting chemical in the container. Therefore, the rat- attracting chemical is supplied on the air stream into the trapping tube each time a rat is trapped. This makes it possible to provide automatic attraction of rats into the trapping tube.

Where the rat-attracting chemical contains a disinfectant and a sterilizer, it can disinfect and sterilize the interior of the trapping tube. If the rat-attracting chemical is a liquid, it remains as effective because of its ability to vaporize through air bubbles generated.

[0007] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

[0008]

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an entire automatic trapping and processing apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view of a shutter assembly:

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a pneumatic piping arrangement;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an electric control circuit;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a carrier supply device;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a pusher; and

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a device for supplying a rat-attracting chemical.

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus 1 for automatically trapping and processing rats or the like.

[0010] The apparatus 1 essentially comprises devices 2 for supplying a rat-attracting chemical, devices 3 for supplying carriers, and a common processing device 4. The devices 2, 3 are associated respectively with a plurality of trapping tubes 5. The processing device 4 is connected to an end of a conveying tube 6.

[0011] The trapping tubes 5 are divided from the conveying tube 6. Each of the trapping tubes 5 has a plurality of entry openings 7 defined in a side wall thereof. The entry openings 7 can be opened and closed by doors 8 which are driven to move horizontally by a common air cylinder 9 serving as a driver means.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a shutter 10 disposed between each of the tubes 5 and the tube 6 and an air cylinder 11 serving as a driver means for driving the shutter 10. The tubes 5, 6 are connected with each other through the shutter 10 in a closed casing 12. The shutter 10 is connected by a connector 13 to the air cylinder 11. A sponge body 14 is bonded to the surface of the shutter 10 facing the tube 6 for allowing the shutter 10 to be fitted intimately in the opening of the tube 6.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a piping arrangement for the air cylinders 9, 11. A source 17 of air 16

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Page 13 sur 37 under pressure is connected by a pipe 18 through a three-port solenoid- operated directional control valve 19 to the air cylinders 9, 11 and an air cylinder 31 (FIG. 5), described later. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the air cylinders 9, 10 comprises a spring-biased single- acting cylinder.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an electric control circuit 20 associated with each of the tubes 5. A sensor 21 for detecting a rat entry and a timer relay 22 which will be de-energized with a time delay are connected in series to each other and also connected to a power supply 23. The directional control valve 19 has a solenoid 24 connected to the power supply 23. A normally- closed contact 25 actuatable by the timer relay 22 is connected in series to the solenoid 24 and also connected to the power supply 23. A contact 26 for holding the timer relay 22 is connected parallel to the sensor 21. The sensor 21 is disposed adjacent to each of the entry openings 7 in each tube 5. The sensor 21 will be energized when a small animal such as a rat enters the tube 5 through the entry opening 7 adjacent to that sensor 21.

[0015] FIGS. 5 and 6 show the device 3 for supplying carriers 27 into the tubes 5, 6. The device 3 has a tube 28 disposed in a housing 37 and connected to the rear end of each tube 5 through a T-joint tube 34. In the tube 28, there is disposed a pusher 29 having a receiver 30 and reciprocably movable by the cylinder 31 of the double- acting type mounted on an upper surface of the tube 28 and an auxiliary tension spring 33. The pusher 29 has a number of vent holes defined in its upper surface. A filter 32 is detachably mounted in the rear opening of the tube 28. The T-joint tube 34 is connected to a T-shaped supply tube 35 including a horizontal tube portion coupled to a number of vertical parallel storage tubes 36 disposed in the housing 37. A number of carriers 27 are stacked and stored in each of the storage tubes 36. The carriers 27 have a diameter substantially equal to the inside diameters of the tubes 5, 6, and are made of a soft sponge material. A filter 50 is mounted on an end of the supply tube 35.

[0016] FIG. 7 shows the device 2 positioned in the housing 37 for supplying a rat-attracting chemical 38 at a constant rate into the tube 28. The rat-attracting chemical 38 which is in the form of powder is stored in a container 39. The container 39 has an upper supply port 40 joined through a supply tube 41 to a supply port 42 in the tube 28. The container 39 includes a bottom portion having an air inlet port 49 connected to an air inlet tube 43 extending vertically upwardly. The container 39 includes an upper charging port 44 projecting laterally and closed by a cover 45. A drive source 46 is mounted above the container 39 and connected to a vibrating rod 47 extending in the container 39. The drive source 46 imparts rotary, vibratory, or reciprocating motion to the vibrating rod 47.

[0017] The processing device 4 includes therein a suction fan and an automatic packing machine for killing conveyed rats and automatically packing the killed rats as in vinyl bags.

[0018] Operation of the automatic trapping and processing apparatus 1 is as follows:

In a standby condition, the directional control valve 19 is shifted to the solid-line position as

shown in FIG. 3, and the air cylinders 9, 10 are in the returned position under the use of their

springs. The entry openings 7 are uncovered by the covers 8 and the openings of the

conveying tube 6 are all closed by the shutters 10. The pusher 29 is displaced to the right

(FIG. 5) or in the advanced position. When a rat enters an entry opening 7 and approaches

the sensor 21, the sensor 21 is energized to enable the timer relay 22 to close the holding

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Page 14 sur 37 contact 26 and simultaneously close the contact 25 to energize the solenoid 24. The directional control valve 19 is now shifted to the broken-line position (FIG. 3) to allow air 16 under pressure to flow through the pipe 18 into the air cylinders 9, 11, 31. The air cylinder 9 associated with the tube 5 which the rat has entered moves the covers 8 to close the entry openings 7, thus trapping the rat in the tube 5. The air cylinder 11 associated with the tube 5 which the rat has entered retracts the shutter 10 to uncover the opening of the conveying tube 6. At this time, only the air cylinders 9, 11 which are associated with the tube 5 which the rat has entered are operated, and the other tubes 5 remain in the standby condition. The air cylinder 31 retracts the pusher 29 to receive one carrier 27 in the receiver 30. Then, the pusher 29 is moved forward under the force of the tension spring 33 to automatically supply the carrier 27 into the trapping tube 5.

[0019] The processing device 4 is responsive to a detected signal from the sensor 21 to start the suction fan therein for producing an air flow 48 in the tube 6 in a conveying direction. The suction capability required by the processing 4 needs only to be large enough to produce the air flow 48 necessary to convey a rat in one tube 5 and the common tube 6.

[0020] When the air flow 48 is produced in the tube 5 in which the rat is trapped, the carrier 27 is forced out of the receiver 30 and moved on the air flow 48 through the tubes 5, 6 while pushing the trapped rat until they enter the processing device 4. Even if the trapped rat is small in size, the carrier 27 behind the rat substantially fully closes the inner space in the tubes 5, 6 while being elastically deformed. Therefore, the trapped rat can reliably and efficiently be carried by the carrier 27 through the tubes 5, 6 to the processing position in the processing device 4.

[0021] The air flow 48 is also generated in the T-joint tube 34, the supply tube 35, and the storage tube 36. The carriers 27 in the storage tubes 36 are drawn by the air flow 48 toward the lower end of the T-joint tube 34, with the lowermost carrier 27 contacting the upper surface of the pusher 29. Accordingly, no special drive source is required for successively supplying the carriers 27.

[0022] The air flow 48 also acts in the supply tube 41 to produce a vacuum therein.

Therefore, ambient air flows through the air inlet tube 43 into the container 39 to blow up the rat-attracting chemical 38, which is supplied in a small quantity through the supply 41 and the tube 28 into the trapping tube 5 and the conveying tube 6. The rat-attracting chemical 38 is thus distributed in the trapping tube 5 in readiness for a next cycle of rat trapping operation.

The rat-attracting chemical 38 may be mixed with a sterilizer and a disinfectant to sterilize and disinfect the interior of the tubes 5, 6. Where the rat-attracting chemical 38 is in the form of powder, it can lubricate the interior of the tubes 5, 6.

[0023] If there is an air passage formed in the rat-attracting chemical 38, then an upper layer of the rat-attracting chemical 38 would not be stirred upwardly, failing to supply a required amount of the rat-attracting chemical 38. To prevent this difficulty, the drive source 46 is actuated to rotate, vibrate, or reciprocate the rod 47 to eliminate the air passage formed in the rat-attracting chemical 38. It is preferable to agitate the rat-attracting chemical 38 periodically each time the sensor 21 is energized or after one cycle of operation.

[0024] A given period of time after the above cycle of operation has been completed, the

timer relay 22 opens the contact 25 and the holding contact 26. The directional control valve

19 now returns to the original position, allowing the air cylinders 9, 11 to return automatically

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Page 15 sur 37 to their standby position under the bias of the springs. The processing device 4 kills the rat by suffocating it as through introduction of a gas, and packs the killed rat and the carrier 27 in a closed vinyl bag, which will thereafter be discharged into a container.

[0025] While the trapping tubes 5 are placed on a floor, they may be installed in the ceiling.

Bendable vinyl tubes may be connected to the entry openings 7 and directed so as to be open at rat paths. With this arrangement, since a rat tends to enter a hole, it will move through the vinyl tube and then through the entry opening coupled thereto into the trapping tube.

[0026] Although a certain preferred embodiment has been shown and described, it should be understood that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0027] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the following claims and/or in

the accompanying drawings may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be

material for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

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Page 16 sur 37

Document antérieur D2 figure

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Page 17 sur 37

Document antérieur D2 figure

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Page 18 sur 37 Document D3 antérieur

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for use in controlling animals like rats, mice and similar in a trap, wherein the animals are guided into the chamber via an entrance device connected with an activation mechanism which may be released by an animal via a detection unit.

[0002] Extermination of rats typically takes place by putting down poison or by trapping, the putting down of poison being the most widely used method. The use of poisonous substances is problematic per se, and the direct drawbacks of the use are well-known. They may be injuries in humans, e.g. in that children unintentionally eat some of the poison, or in livestock and pets, e.g. pigs, cows, cats and dogs, in that these eat some of the poison deposits put down. When the rats have been exterminated, there will typically be residues of the poison deposits, which are gradually spread to the detriment of the environment.

However, one of the greatest problems is considered to be a rapid development of resistance in rats to even the most recent types of poison. According to persons skilled in the field this may mean that putting down of poison will be ineffective within a few years. Seen from an animal ethical point of view, the use of the existing poisonous substances causing the animals to die from internal bleedings, is moreover unethical. Notwithstanding this, the use of poison for the extermination of rats is still the most widely used method.

[0003] As regards trapping with traps of the prior art, this is considered to be relatively difficult even by persons skilled in the field, and is mostly used where the use of poison is outright prohibited or where it is undesirable or impossible for other reasons. This applies e.g. in the food processing sector, in the health sector and generally within buildings.

Practical experience with the traps known in the market, such as latch traps and net traps, shows very clearly that the traps directly or indirectly impart negative experience to the rats being trapped which they may communicate to their fellow creatures which then avoid the traps. Caught rats can thus leave odour traces which warn the remaining animals of danger and make them keep away.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a method for control of the animals which is both effective and gentle.

[0005] The invention, in a first aspect, provides a method for use in the trapping of animals like rats, mice and similar animals, comprising the steps of admitting animals into an entrance compartment, detecting the entrance of an animal by means of a detection unit, incrementing a count of number of animal entrances in a counter, comparing the count to a predetermined first limit, and, in case said count has reached said first limit, activating a door means so as to admit an animal into a chamber, and closing said door means behind the animal to trap it.

[0006] In this method the animals are allowed to pass the detection unit of the trap and thus

visit the entrance area of the trap several times before the entrance device to the chamber is

activated, whereby the animals gain a certain familiarity with the trap. Some of the individuals

are thus given the opportunity to visit the trap a couple of times before they are caught. They

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Page 19 sur 37 are hereby allowed to return to the group and communicate the positive experience they have gained with the trap. The animals can be made additionally confident vis-a-vis the trap in that, in contrast to the use of bait, actual feeding of the animals takes place in connection with the entrance device. The experience of the animals is that they can freely come and go in the trap as they want, and that they are fed. The occasional disappearance of one individual animal is not sufficient to alert its fellow creatures.

[0007] In most situations, such as in case of rats and mice, killing of the caught animals takes place, which may be done with a gas, preferably carbon dioxide. In some situations, e.g.

when catching weasels, such as mink, it may be desired to keep these alive, e.g. in order to return animals which have escaped from a fur farm.

[0008] The invention, in a second aspect, provides a device for use in the trapping of animals like rats, mice and similar animals, comprising an entrance compartment, a detection unit adapted for detecting the presence of an animal in said entrance compartment and for incrementing a count of animals detected, activation means adapted for comparing said count to a predetermined first limit and for activating, once said count has reached said first limit, the release of a door means so as to admit an animal into a chamber, and the subsequent closing of said door means behind the animal to trap it.

[0009] By selection of material, construction, design and bait the trap may be made luring and tempting for the animals. The possibilities of the vermins getting negative experiences in and by the trap are eliminated, e.g. by avoiding repulsive shapes, surfaces, sounds, smells, and by making the trapping and killing functions lenient, gentle, quick and comparatively noiseless, in order to keep to a minimum any pain or fear caused in the animals when they are caught and killed, and in order that the trap generally does not disturb or startle animals present in and around the trap.

[0010]The trap may be provided with an adjustable limiter device adapted to inhibit the operation of the trap, once the maximum number of vermins which the trap can hold has been reached. The maximum limiter may be based on electronic or mechanical counting.

This eliminates the risk of overfilling with the associated implication that the trap might be blocked in a totally or partially open state with the possibility for the animals to communicate negatively with the fellow creatures.

[0011] In addition to familiarity with the trap, quick and lenient treatment of the animals during catching and killing is also extremely important.

[0012] When, according to the invention, the entrance device to the killing chamber is

constructed as a self-closing drop door, a very gentle treatment of the vermins is obtained. A

drop door moreover eliminates the risk of the animals communicating negatively with the

surroundings. The drop door will disappear below the animal, without any possibility of the

animal leaving warning odour traces on the door.

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Page 20 sur 37 [0013] The device according to the invention may be embodied in the form of a closed box with the drop door mounted on the top.

[0014] A special embodiment of the drop door has a curved cross-section and is suspended rotatable about a longitudinal axis so that once the latch is released, the door rotates by the load of an animal standing on it. This embodiment is particularly suitable for use in traps with a tunnel into which the animals can crawl. When the axis of rotation of the door is offset relatively to the centre of gravity of the door so that the door is rotated solely by the weight of the animal, a simple structure is obtained without power means for causing the rotation.

When the door rotates, the animal chutes down into the killing chamber.

[0015] When using selected gases, e.g. carbon dioxide, ethical killing of trapped animals may be obtained, said killing being initiated with a quick, painless anesthetization which also precludes the risk that the animals will have time to communicate negatively with the surroundings e.g. before their dissipation of anxiety smells begins. It is important that the animals are anaesthetized quickly. This may be achieved by a design of the trap where the animals are killed by a gas heavier than atmospheric air, preferably carbon dioxide, and where the killing chamber is filled, at least partially, with the gas in advance so that the concentration is sufficient for anesthetization and killing of the animals. The animals will thus drop directly down into an atmosphere of poisonous gas, which contributes to quick killing, which in turn means that the animals will not have time to communicate negatively with their fellow creatures. The actual fall down through the drop door will not in itself cause the air to be knocked out of the animal, but will after all cause extra deep breaths which promote quick anesthetization. Additionally, with a curved shape of the drop door, the animals will tend to land on their back or side, which in turn has a positive influence on quick killing.

[0016] In principle, with a gas heavier than air, it is sufficient to fill the killing chamber at the installation or at a maintenance visit, but after all some gas will gradually be lost by diffusion, which may be compensated in that the trap is constructed such that the killing chamber is automatically replenished with gas from a gas reservoir at regular intervals.

[0017] To facilitate emptying of the trap and to avoid contact with the animals, the killing chamber may be provided with a drawer into which the animals fall and are killed. Particularly hygienic, the drawer may be lined with a bag in which the animals are collected.

Alternatively, the chamber may be constructed such that the bag may be suspended directly in it. The use of a gas-tight plastics bag additionally reduces the diffusion of the gas.

[0018] A preferred embodiment of the trap comprises an aggregate of two units, viz. a

catching unit with drop door and containing the operational mechanical/electronic parts in

general and intended for mounting on top of the killing chamber, which constitutes the other

unit. This facilitates the construction and maintenance of the trap. In another structure, at

least the gas bottle is arranged in a separate compartment in connection with the killing

chamber, preferably at the side of it, which provides good tilting stability as the gas bottle is

relatively heavy in relation to the trap in general.

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Page 21 sur 37 [0019] The functions of the trap may expediently be controlled by a microprocessor by means of which information on the number of animal visits may be collected and processed.

Of course, it may be the same animals which pass the detector unit several times. The use of a microprocessor also permits easy adjustment of the limiting number of visits counted before releasing the trap, which may even be made self-adapting in dependence on the frequency of the visits. If the visits are quite frequent, indicating that many animals are present, the limiting number of visits may be increased, and conversely the limiting number may be reduced if the visiting frequency is low, indicating that there are only few animals.

The adaptation of the limiting number of visits may of course also be designed purely mechanically, e.g. with a mechanical counter unit.

[0020] It will be appreciated that the trap may be provided with a switch for activating and deactivating the killing device, so that the trap may also be used for just catching live animals.

[0021] At certain locations, such as e.g. in the food industries, it is desired to watch a given area tor the presence of vermins. On the other hand, it is not desired to have armed traps which need regular attention if vermins are indeed rare in the area. This is solved according to the invention by arranging in the area a logging device with an entrance for the animals in connection with which a detection device is arranged for recording animals in the device. In the event that vermins in the area are recorded, traps may subsequently be armed for catching them.

[0022] The logging device itself may substantially correspond to a trap without chamber, drop door and killing device. For example, the logging device may be constructed as a detachable part of the trap, which may then be used separately. In the event that vermins are observed, the logging device may be coupled to the rest of the trap which is then armed.

[0023] An example of a rattrap according to the invention will be described more fully below in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a rattrap according to a first embodiment of the invention as seen in longitudinal section,

FIG. 2 schematically shows the rattrap of FIG. 1 as seen in a transverse section,

FIG. 3 schematically shows a rattrap according to a second embodiment of the invention as seen in perspective,

FIG. 4 shows a rattrap according to a third embodiment of the invention as seen in side view, FIG. 5 shows the rattrap from FIG. 4 in transverse section,

FIG. 6 shows a portion of FIG. 5 to an enlarged scale and with further details, in particular details of a release mechanism for use in the rattrap according to the third embodiment.

[0024] All figures are schematic and not necessarily drawn to scale and only show details

deemed necessary for enabling those skilled in the art to practice the invention, whereas

other details are omitted. All the figures use the same reference numerals for identical or

similar items.

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Page 22 sur 37 [0025] Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 and 2 for a description of the rattrap according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0026] In principle, the rattrap may be structured from two part units, viz. a catching unit 1 and an underlying killing unit 2. The catching unit 1 is formed with a longitudinal tunnel- shaped compartment 3 defined by the walls of the catching unit and a drop door 4 of curved cross-section. Entrance into the tunnel 3 is obtained via an entrance pipe 5 detachably connected on the end of the catching unit 1. A feed dispenser 6 with bait for the rats is provided opposite the entrance opening of the tunnel. The length of the tunnel is adapted so that only one rat at a time can be present in it. It is likewise ensured that the rats do not rest in the entrance pipe in that this is provided with side openings. The floor is rough, while the passages in general have smooth and/or soft shapes and faces to facilitate the comings and goings of the rats.

[0027] The various functions of the trap are controlled by an electronic control unit 7 which is battery-powered. A sensor unit adapted for detecting the presence of a rat is positioned immediately in front of the feed dispenser in the ceiling of the tunnel. The sensor unit communicates with the control unit, which is moreover connected to an activator 8 in the form of a small air cylinder, alternatively an electromagnet which is activated by an electronically controlled air valve. This air valve operates a hold and release latch 9 for the drop door 4 which is rotatable suspended in the catching unit by a suspension at both ends.

The activator is driven by compressed air from a carbon dioxide bottle, which is used for killing the rats, as will be explained later. The weight of the drop door and its offset suspension axis relative to the centre of gravity are adapted so that the drop door, solely by the weight of a rat, rotates instantaneously when the door is released so that the rat falls, or rather chutes down into the underlying killing unit 2, and so that the door, by its own weight, returns to the starting position likewise instantaneously. To dampen the impact of the drop door against the side wall in the trap in the extreme positions, shock absorbers, e.g. rubber mouldings, are provided on the points of impact.

[0028] The collection and killing unit 2 consists of a box 11 with an opening at the top defined by the drop door 4 and a box- or drawer-shaped insert 12 adapted for collecting the falling rats. The insert 12 may be pulled out from one end of the killing unit and may be lined with a plastic bag 13 for collecting the dead rats so that these may be collected and discharged in a packaged state. Thus, direct contact with the animals is avoided.

[0029] The insert is shown here as a pull-out drawer. In other embodiments it might be

constructed as a tilting drawer. Depending on the connection between the catching and

killing units, the drawer may be redundant. For example, if the catching unit is pivotally

connected with the killing unit or may be lifted off, the actual killing unit may be provided with

a collection bag or other form of disposable insert. Carbon dioxide from a pressure bottle 16

with liquid carbon dioxide is used for killing the rats. To keep the operational parts of the trap

assembled, the carbon dioxide bottle 16 is arranged in the catching unit, from which a pipe

leads down into the killing unit via a reduction and control valve and terminates at a distance

above the bottom in the insert 12. Since carbon dioxide is heavier than atmospheric air, it will

settle on the bottom of the insert that is filled about 70%, which has been found sufficient by

experience to anaesthetize a rat within quite few seconds and subsequently kill it. As the rat

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Page 23 sur 37 falls down, the carbon dioxide will be stirred up in the entire chamber below the drop door, which promotes quick anesthetization of the rat.

[0030] Gradual loss of some of the carbon dioxide by diffusion cannot be avoided completely, but the process is slowed down when the insert is formed with an airtight plastics bag. The electronic control unit 7, which operates the control valve, may be set by a timer to replenish the insert with gas at regular intervals. One replenishment per 24 hours has been found to be sufficient.

[0031] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 for a description of the rattrap according to the second embodiment of the invention. The rattrap of the second embodiment is constructed in basically the same manner as the trap according to the first embodiment, the difference being the structure of the drop door which is here constructed as two downward pivotable flaps 17, each hinged at the respective lateral sides. Other parts are similar to the first embodiment. Alternatively, the door may be constructed as a sliding door adapted for being pulled aside.

[0032] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4 and 5 for a description of a rattrap according to a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from the first and the second embodiment in that a separate utility chamber 18 is provided at the side of the killing chamber 13, said utility chamber being capable of accommodating gas bottle, valve and electronics. The upper part 1 has a drop door 4, feed dispenser and sensor unit in the same manner as the first embodiment. The upper part 1 is hinged 19 to the lower part 2 at the end opposite the entrance, so that it can tilt forward, and a closing buckle 20 for locking to the lower part 2 is arranged at the other end. Bowl-shaped carrier handles 21 facilitating the handling of the trap are secured in recesses in the sides. The outer wall 22 of the utility chamber 18 is hinged 23 at the underside about a longitudinal axis so that the wall may be pivoted down. In the closed position, the wall is kept in position in that the roof part has an upright flap which grips behind the outer wall 25 of the upper part 1. To allow opening, the upper part 1 must thus first be pivoted forwards to release the outer wall 22.

[0033] To stabilize the drop door 4, this is provided with end members having circular incisions adapted to the cross-section of the entrance 3.

[0034] Reference is now made to FIG. 6 for a description of details of an opening mechanism for use in the rattrap according to the third embodiment. The opening mechanism provides a means for positive opening of the drop door 4. The opening mechanism basically comprises a block 27 mounted adjacent the underside of the door. The block 27 is capable of cooperating with a release pawl 28. The mutual engagement faces are toothed or are provided with a frictional surface, so that the pawl holds the drop door in the starting position with certainty, as shown in the drawing. An air cylinder 29 connected with the gas bottle serves to release the pawl.

[0035] Activation of the cylinder causes its piston 30 to affect the pawl on the underside of its

protruding nose portion 31 so that the pawl pivots upwards. The end of the pawl is connected

by a pull wire 21 with the underside of the drop door so that the drop door is activated

positively for rotation when the pawl is released. A stop 33 is arranged to limit the movement

of the pawl. The stop is arranged so that the pawl automatically falls back to the starting

position, and relatively quickly, in which it engages the engagement face on the block. In this

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Page 24 sur 37 respect, the pivot point of the pawl is arranged above its centre of gravity, just as the point of attack of the pull wire is arranged on the other side of the pivot point of the drop door.

[0036] The opening mechanism of FIG. 6 is readily adapted to use with other embodiments of the rattrap according to the invention.

[0037] In principle, a device for logging rats or mice present in a given area may be integrated in the upper part 1 of the trap where the activation of the drop door is disconnected. Or a special device may be made for the purpose, i.e. with an entrance chamber, a feed device and an electronic unit, including sensor unit and indicator.

[0038] In the two first examples, the carbon dioxide bottle is placed in the catching unit, alternatively it may be placed in the killing unit as shown in the last example, where the lower position inter alia contributes to greater standing stability of the trap.

[0039] The invention thus provides an effective trap with an animal ethical killing form owing to its lenient treatment of the vermins.

[0040] Even though specific embodiments have been explained above, this explanation is

not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

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Page 29 sur 37 Document D4 antérieur

[0001] La plupart des pièges existants et destinés à la capture d'animaux possèdent des pièces en mouvement qui ont un fonctionnement brusque pour agir à la fois brutalement et subitement afin de surprendre l'animal.

[0002] Il est fréquent que l'animal pris soit blessé, voire mutilé, ce qui, bien entendu, le fait souffrir mais ce qui a en outre un effet négatif pour la prise ultérieure d'autres animaux de la même espèce. En effet, souvent l'animal crie et prévient ainsi ses congénères.

[0003] On utilise aussi le poison mais son usage est parfois difficile et même impossible en raison de la proximité d'aliments par exemple. De toutes façons, certaines espèces ont la faculté de s'accoutumer et il faut souvent changer de poison. La plupart du temps, les poisons efficaces tuent les animaux en les faisant souffrir et leur mort constatée de visu par les autres individus provoque leur méfiance et augmente leur prudence instinctive.

[0004] Par ailleurs, il est toujours très déplaisant de retirer l'animal pris et cela est parfois dangereux quand l'animal est blessé ou est, tout simplement, le vecteur de certains parasites, ce qui est le cas du rat.

[0005] Outre le désagrément et le danger du retrait du cadavre, cette opération nécessite des contacts physiques avec certaines parties du piège, contacts que certaines espèces d'animaux ressentent et interprètent comme un signal de danger, et cela a pour effet de détourner les animaux du piège, lequel devient inefficace.

[0006] La présente invention remédie à tous ces inconvénients en prévoyant une structure qui ne donne aux animaux aucun indice de danger, qui les tue sans souffrance et qui évite à l'homme tout contact à la fois déplaisant et inopportun.

[0007] A cette fin, l'invention a pour objet un piège pour détruire des animaux nuisibles, du type comprenant une enceinte confinée dont l'intérieur communique avec l'extérieur par au moins un passage calibré pour ménager un passage d'un animal, caractérisé en ce que l'enceinte contient deux éléments conducteurs de l'électricité reliés à une source de courant et séparés l'un de l'autre selon une distance au plus égale à la distance normale existant entre deux parties d'un animal à détruire.

[0008] Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention

- un obstacle est interposé entre le passage et l'un au moins des éléments conducteurs, obstacle qui s'oppose à l'accès direct à l'un au moins des éléments conducteurs et qui autorise le passage d'un animal à piéger ;

- l'obstacle est formé par un plancher qui s'étend plus haut que l'un au moins des éléments

conducteurs ;

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Page 30 sur 37 - l'enceinte a une face ouverte et est montée mobile par rapport à un caisson extérieur;

- le caisson possède une prise de courant intérieure alimentée depuis l'extérieur et en regard de laquelle se trouve une fiche solidaire de l'enceinte et reliée aux éléments conducteurs ;

- l'un des éléments conducteurs est sur le fond de l'enceinte et l'autre constitue au moins en partie un support pour un appât ;

- les deux éléments conducteurs sont sur le fond de l'enceinte, l'un au moins étant monté pivotant à la manière d'un trappe et associé à un mécanisme tel qu'un électro aimant destiné à provoquer le pivotement du ou des éléments puis son/leur retour à la position d'origine, le piège devant être placé au-dessus d'un réceptacle ;

- le piège comporte un organe de signalisation électrique qui est alimenté dès que le courant passe d'un élément conducteur à l'autre.

[0009] L'invention sera mieux comprise par la description détaillée ci-après faite en référence au dessin annexé. Bien entendu la description et le dessin ne sont donnés qu'à titre d'exemple indicatif et non limitatif.

[0010] La figure 1 est une vue schématique en perspective avec arrachement d'un piège selon un mode particulier de réalisation de l'invention.

[0011] La figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'un piège selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention.

[0012] La figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'un piège selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention.

[0013] Les figures 4 à 6 sont des vues schématiques en coupe montrant des variantes de réalisation d'un piège conforme à l'invention équipé d'un obstacle.

[0014] En se reportant à la figure 1, on voit un mode de réalisation d'un piège selon l'invention qui comporte une enceinte 1 en matériau isolant (bois par exemple) qui a une face supérieure 2 ouverte mais qui peut être confinée quand elle est introduite, à la manière d'un tiroir, dans un caisson extérieur 3 également en matériau isolant qui, lui, présente une face verticale 4 libre.

[0015] La face verticale 5 de l'enceinte 1 est traversée d'un trou 6 qui constitue un passage faisant communiquer l'intérieur de l'enceinte 1 et l'extérieur.

[0016] Le fond horizontal 7 de l'enceinte 1 reçoit deux plaques métalliques 8 et 9 constituant

deux éléments conducteurs de l'électricité, séparées l'une de l'autre selon une petite

distance et reliées à une source de courant 10. Elles sont électriquement isolées puisque

l'enceinte 1 comme le caisson 3 sont en matériau isolant.

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Page 31 sur 37 [0017] La face verticale de l'enceinte 1 est solidaire de deux broches 12 et 13 maintenues rigidement à l'horizontale et reliées respectivement aux plaques 8 et 9 par des fils 14 et 15.

En regard des broches 12 et 13, se trouvent des douilles 16 et 17 fixées à la paroi arrière 18 du caisson 3. Ces douilles sont reliées par des fils 19 et 20 à la source 10.

[0018] Le piège qui vient d'être décrit fonctionne de la manière suivante.

L'enceinte est engagée à fond dans le caisson 3 et l'on s'assure que les broches 12 et 13 sont bien engagées dans les douilles 16 et 17, la source de courant 10 étant effectivement en service.

[0019] Au préalable, on a éventuellement disposé un appât dans le fond de l'enceinte 1. A ce sujet, il faut préciser que certains animaux ont une tendance naturelle à explorer toutes les cavités qu'ils rencontrent au hasard de leurs déplacements et, notamment, à emprunter tous les passages qui se présentent à eux. On sait, pour cela, qu'il n'est pas toujours utile de placer un appât, et un moyen connu de détruire les souris consiste simplement à placer des fourreaux en carton dans les endroits fréquentés par elles et à placer un produit toxique dans les fourreaux. Les souris passent préférentiellement par les fourreaux, même si elles ont à l'extérieur toute la place nécessaire à leurs déplacements. Le produit toxique, qui n'est pas un appât alléchant, n'est pas consommé. Il agit par contact et les souris sont contaminées puis tuées.

[0020] Ici, le piège se présente conne une cavité et l'on peut penser que les individus de certaines espèces nuisibles emprunteront le passage 6 sans qu'un appât ait été placé dans l'enceinte 1. Pour d'autres espèces, un appât pourra être indispensable.

[0021] L'animal est donc supposé être entré dans l'enceinte 1. En fonction de sa taille, on a disposé les plaques 8 et 9 plus ou moins près l'une de l'autre mais toujours en ménageant un espace afin que le circuit électrique soit ouvert.

[0022] Dès que l'animal touche les deux plaques 8 et 9, il ferme le circuit électrique et meurt immédiatement par électrocution. Naturellement, on prend garde que le courant et la tension soient de nature à provoquer cette électrocution sans coup férir.

[0023] Il faut remarquer que la mort étant instantanée et provoquée par arrêt cardiaque,

l'animal n'est pas blessé et ne souffre pas. Il ne laisse aucune trace de sang et ne dégage

aucune odeur. Aucun indice de poison ou de produit toxique ne risque d'éveiller des

soupçons. Sa mort n'attire donc pas l'attention des autres individus et le piège peut

fonctionner plusieurs fois de suite, même si un cadavre reste étendu sur les plaques 8 et 9, à

condition qu'une au moins des plaques 8-9 reste accessible et que le second animal puisse

la toucher pour fermer le circuit par son propre corps, éventuellement en touchant le premier

cadavre qui reste conducteur.

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Page 32 sur 37 [0024] Pour retirer le ou les cadavres de l'enceinte 1, on retire celle-ci hors du caisson 3 et, ce faisant, on désolidarise les broches 12 et 13 des douilles 16 et 17, ce qui ouvre le circuit électrique. On porte l'enceinte 1 jusqu'au-dessus d'un réceptacle tel qu'une poubelle, on l'incline et le ou les cadavres tombent par simple gravité.

[0025] L'enceinte 1 joue donc trois rôles : confinement propice à la capture des animaux, moyen de sécurité par ouverture automatique du circuit électrique et moyen de transport des cadavres évitant tout contact avec ceux-ci.

[0026] Il faut, bien entendu, retirer les cadavres avant le début de la décomposition organique pour éviter tout dégagement d'odeur et, ainsi, le piège reste tout à fait anodin, sans nécessiter de nettoyage - ou autres soins particuliers.

[0027] Pour certaines espèces particulièrement sur leurs gardes vis-à-vis de l'homme et, donc, très méfiantes devant les objets touchés par des humains, il peut s'avérer utile de saisir l'enceinte 1 par l'intermédiaire d'un gant, d'une feuille plastique éliminant toute trace de contact.

[0028] Sur la figure 1, on voit que l'on a relié le circuit électrique principal par des fils 22 et 23 à un relais auto-stable 24 lui-même connecté par des fils 25 et 26 à une lampe 27. Ainsi, dès qu'un animal ferme le circuit électrique en faisant contact entre les plaques 8 et 9, le relai se met en position de fermeture du circuit d'alimentation de la lampe 27, celle-ci restant allumée tant que l'on n'a pas agi sur le relai 24 pour le remettre en position d'ouverture du circuit.

[0029] De la sorte, l'usager est prévenu que le piège a fonctionné, dès qu'il voit que la lampe 27 est allumée.

[0030] Naturellement, on peut remplacer la lampe 27 par tout autre moyen destiné à attirer l'attention de l'usager.

[0031] En se reportant maintenant à la figure 2, on voit un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention selon lequel on fait appel à un appât. Les mêmes éléments que ceux de la figure 1 portent les mêmes références.

[0032] Ici, l'enceinte 1 ne contient qu'une seule plaque conductrice 8 munie d’un prolongement redressé 8a auquel la broche 12 est fixée. Au-dessus de la plaque 8, se trouve un crochet 30 en matériau conducteur et qui reçoit un appât figuré en A.

[0033] La broche 13 est solidaire du crochet 30. Pour accéder à l'appât A, l'animal B doit

nécessairement se trouver sur la plaque 8 et l'appât A doit être disposé de telle manière qu'il

laisse la possibilité au crochet 30 d'être accessible. Une solution peut consister, par

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Page 33 sur 37 exemple, à frotter le crochet avec du lard car son odeur est très alléchante pour les rongeurs tels que les rats et souris et qu'il en suffit de très peu de quantité.

[0034] On peut aussi prévoir un crochet assez long et placer l'appât loin de son extrémité libre pour inciter l'animal à poser sa patte de devant sur le crochet.

[0035] Comme précédemment, l'animal ferme le circuit électrique mais, ici, en établissant le contact entre la plaque 8 (reliée à l'un des pales de la source 10 par la broche 12, la douille 16 et le fil 19) et le crochet 30 (relié à l'autre pale de la source 10 par la broche 13, la douille 17 et le fil 20).

[0036] On n'a pas représenté le circuit d'avertissement mais bien entendu il peut aussi être prévu avec ce mode de réalisation.

[0037] Pour évacuer le cadavre de l'animal, 1, on agit comme précédemment décrit : on retire l'enceinte 1 du caisson 3 et on retourne l'enceinte 1 au-dessus d'un réceptacle dans lequel le cadavre tombe par gravité.

[0038] On note que le crochet 30 est particulièrement accessible puisqu'il est proche de la face ouverte 2 de l'enceinte 1. L'appât peut donc facilement être mis en place et renouvelé.

[0039] En se reportant à la figure 3, on voit un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention selon lequel les plaques 8 et 9 sont montées pivotantes selon un axe longitudinal, l'enceinte 1 étant placée au-dessus d'un réceptacle 31.

[0040] Quand un animal touche les deux plaques 8 et 9 en même temps, il ferme le circuit et il est électrocuté, comme on l'a décrit plus haut. Mais ici, en outre, il provoque le pivotement des plaques 8 et 9 qui fonctionnent à la manière d'une trappe. Pour cela, des fils respectivement 32, 33, 34 et 35 sont connectés aux fils 19 et 20.

[0041] Quand le circuit électrique est fermé du fait de la présence d'un animal sur les plaques 8 et 9, le courant parcourt les fils 32 à 35 et aboutit à des électroaimants 36 et 37 qui, de ce fait sont excités. Ils sont coordonnés de telle manière avec les plaques 8 et 9 qu'ils provoquent le pivotement de celles-ci, aidées en cela par le poids du cadavre. Celui-ci continue de fermer le circuit tant qu'il touche les deux plaques 8 et 9 à la fois de sorte que les électroaimants 36 et 37 restent excités et les plaques 8 et 9 abaissées. Dès que le cadavre tombe dans le réceptacle 31, il rouvre le circuit électrique et les électroaimants 36 et 37 ne sont plus excités. Alors, les plaques 8 et 9 reviennent à leur position horizontale d'origine, soit par l'action de retour des électroaimants 36 et 37, soit sous l'effet de ressorts (non représentés).

[0042] On peut rendre mobile une seule des plaques 8 et 9 si l'on veut simplifier les circuits

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