WO2008130247A1

WO2008130247A1 - An apparatus and method for deterring animals or birds

Info

Publication number: WO2008130247A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2008/000083
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jay Scanlon; Bruce John Robertson; Christopher James Allington
Original assignee: Ab Annand & Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-04-19
Filing date: 2008-04-21
Publication date: 2008-10-30
Also published as: NZ554669A

Abstract

A deterrent apparatus for deterring animals from an open space, said apparatus including: - a plurality of sensory stimuli which can generate an auditory or visual signal upon movement thereof; - a flexible elongate line to which said sensory stimuli are engaged, said elongate line being fixed at one end to a terminal support, and attached at another end to an actuating unit, characterised in that said actuating unit is configured to create a wave along the line via a substantially longitudinal oscillation of the line so as to move the sensory stimuli.

Description

AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERRING ANIMALS OR BIRDS

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application No. 554669, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for deterring animals from an open space including, but not limited to; crop fields, pastures, vineyards, waterways, airports and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

There are many situations in which it is desirable to deter and repel animals from an open space. These might include, but are not limited to, circumstances where animals may cause economic loss, pollution or create a safety hazard. As an example, birds may cause significant crop damage, and hence cause economic loss, on agricultural land. They may also enter and foul open spaces such as waterways, golf courses, recreational areas and the like, constituting a health hazard due to the presence of pathogens such as salmonella, E. coli, intestinal parasites and the like in animal waste. Animals, particularly birds, may also constitute a significant hazard at airports, where if struck by an airplane they can potentially cause a crash. The ability to effectively exclude animals from these areas and others, is therefore of great importance for economic and human safety reasons.

Prior art means for repelling animals such as physical barriers, scarecrows, shooting, gas cannons and the like can be uneconomical, inhumane, inconvenient, prone to habituation and/or constitute a nuisance or risk to persons in adjacent areas. Moreover, precautions are required to prevent unwanted injury to non-target creatures and/ or humans from any external moving parts, particularly any remotely or independently operated repelling system which may active at- unexpected instances. Moving external parts such as flailing, flagellating, or reciprocating parts are particularly hazardous and may contravene health and safety regulations if operated without appropriate (though often expensive and cumbersome guards or shields.

An exemplary prior art animal-deterring device is described in US Patent No. 6,742,470 by Keithly and involves use of a taut line extending between two posts with containers attached to the line. A solenoid actuating unit is attached to the line and configured to 'pluck' the line to shake the containers and produce noise to scare animals. The Keithly device is typically effective for only a period of time until the animals (birds) become accustomed to the regular noise and are no longer deterred. Furthermore, the Keithly device will not function if the line becomes slack. The Keithly device is not effective if the line has to cover large distances, as the increased tension required makes the chances of the line breaking greater requiring more maintenance. In addition, this poses a hazard to people, animals or objects that are in the vicinity of such a breakage event. To counter this requires numerous lines and actuating units placed adjacent to one another to cover large distances increasing the cost and complexity.

Other known animal deterring devices which also impart a transverse oscillation to a line suffer from the inability to generate a wave of sufficient force when travelling a relatively long distance.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems br at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications, cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the reference states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents forms parts of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions; be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus particularly suited to startle and repel (hereinafter 'deter') animals from an open space.

To avoid prolixity and aid brevity and convenience, the invention is thus generally described with respect to deterring animals, particularly birds, in 'open spaces', though the invention is not limited to same.

As used herein, the term 'open space' includes all areas that may benefit from the exclusion of animals, crops, defined pathways, airports, sub-surface aquatic environments, and the like. The term 'animals' as used herein denotes land dwelling creatures, birds, insects, marine creatures including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and so forth. The term 'line' refers to any elongate element such as rope, wire, nylon, vine, chain, or any other elongate length of material.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a deterrent apparatus to deter animals from an open space, said apparatus including:

a plurality of sensory stimuli which can generate an auditory or visual signal upon movement thereof;

a flexible elongate line to which said sensory stimuli are engaged, said line being fixed at one end to a terminal support, and attached at another end to an actuating unit,

characterised in that said actuating unit is configured to create a wave along the line via a substantially longitudinal oscillation of the line so as to move the sensory stimuli.

In a preferred form the present invention also provides an apparatus for repelling animals from an open space comprising:

- a flexible, horizontally extending, line;

- guides located on support members to support the line at intervals;

- a stable terminal attachment;

- sensory stimuli;

- an actuating unit configured to cause substantial longitudinal movement of the line by way of alternate tensioning and slackening of the line so as to move the sensory stimuli; - a power source connected to the actuating unit; and

- a timing mechanism associated with the actuating unit to regulate the periodicity and duration of the movement of the line.

The term 'substantially longitudinal' as referred to herein refers to a reciprocating movement of the line which has a longitudinal component which is equal to, or greater, than any vertical or transverse component of movement.

Preferably, said line passes through, and is slideably supported by, one or more guides located on support members. The line thus extends in use from the actuating unit across an open region to the end support, with guides and support members spatially disposed along the line length providing weight-bearing support. The line is preferably also free to pass through a portion of each guide, typically a fitting on an upper portion, to provide a degree of line movement about the line's longitudinal axis.

It should be appreciated that reference to an 'end' of the line should not be seen to be limited to a terminal end of the line, and therefore also includes any part of the line that can be fixed to a support or actuating unit.

In preferred embodiments, operation of said actuation unit repeatedly applies a substantially longitudinal tension to the line before then releasing the tension, or vice versa. These, cyclical tension fluctuations cause the line to be stimulated to oscillate between a 'slack' state and a 'taut' state, causing individual portions of the line between two guides and between any two guides and the terminal support to generate a wave.

In one embodiment, the actuating unit includes a timing mechanism to regulate the periodicity and duration of the oscillation.

Preferably, said support members are substantially identical posts, and along with the guides support the line at discrete intervals a defined distance above a terrain surface. The guides and support members help allow the present invention to effect a wave along a line spanning relatively long distances, e.g. greater than fifty metres.

Preferably, said sensory stimuli are visual and/or auditory stimuli, attached at intervals, along said line. The stimuli preferably include high-visibility, colourful, reflecting, distinctive, noisy articles and/or any combination or permutation of same. For example, the sensory stimuli may take visual and/or auditory deterrent forms such as flags, streamers, reflective and/or coloured surfaces, metal structures containing rattles, bells, clappers or any other noise-generating items and can be tailored to the animal species of interest. These may or may not be attached to a leader line to attain additional deflection. The exact nature of the elements or the method of attachment is not important so long as sufficient auditory or visual response is produced upon activation of the actuation unit and/or agitation of the line.

Preferably, said stimuli includes at least one of each of a reflective and noisy sensory stimuli. Thus, the deterrent apparatus will produce all of movement, reflectance and noise when actuated, potentially maximizing the deterrent effect.

In one embodiment, said actuating unit provides a vigorous substantially longitudinal intermittent movement of the line to generate momentum for the wave and thereby agitate the deterring stimuli.

In an alternative embodiment, said actuating unit includes a rotatable eccentrically positioned attachment point for attachment with said line. The rotating attachment point may be located on a variety of elements including a circular disc, an elongate arm, or the like.

In one embodiment, the path swept by the eccentric rotating line attachment point delineates a circle in a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the line, preferably substantially vertically.

In an alternative embodiment, the plane of said path swept is circular in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the line. Such a motion causes the line to rotate in an analogous manner to a skipping rope, causing the sensory stimuli to be agitated through variations in the applied centripetal force caused by variations in the rotation speed.

A significant advantage of an actuating unit utilizing a fully rotating, line attachment point in comparison to one oscillating solely through an arc of less than 180° is the significantly increased variation in the longitudinal movement of the line, i.e. up to double the change in line tension. Furthermore, the nature of the resultant sinusoidal motion produces a variable speed of the longitudinal line movement and markedly less violent decelerations, resulting in markedly less jarring and potentially detrimental line movements. The varying speed of line movement in each cycle assists in providing variations in the oscillatory motion of the line and therefore the motion of the sensory stimuli, thereby providing varying noise and/or visual stimulation in each cycle.

Preferably, said actuating unit includes a rotateable disc with said eccentric attachment point attached eccentrically thereto, preferably to a face of said disc. Provision of such a rotating disc reduces the likelihood of the line getting tangled or fouled relative to a rotating arm which may contact the line and wrap the line about a drive-shaft.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuating of the line is generated by an actuation unit in the form of a linear actuating unit. Preferably, said linear actuating unit is configured to produce linear reciprocations substantially along the attached line's longitudinal axis. In each of the above embodiments, the actuation causes sudden, unexpected and preferably ongoing movement of the visual and/or auditory stimuli, resulting in the startling of the animals and their evacuation from the open space adjacent the line.

According to a further aspect, the apparatus includes a power source and an adjustable timing controller, capable of initiation and cessation of said line oscillation by said actuation unit.

Preferably, said power source includes a power generator such as a wind turbine or solar panel, thereby providing a means to generate power without connection to a 'mains' power source.

Preferably, said timing controller is programmable, remotely operable, and/or manually adjustable.

Thus, in one embodiment, the apparatus can be activated at predetermined time intervals, preferably pre-programmed to a pseudo-random schedule, halting activation of said actuation unit after a predetermined number of cycles. The pseudorandom timing of the stimulus decreases the likelihood of the animals habituating to the region adjacent the line and thus becoming ineffective.

Preferably, the timing controller can be configured to initiate, cease or vary the level of line actuation upon a predetermined parameter being detected, e.g. time of day, weather, light level, season, soil PH, animal detection, fault, or any other predetermined parameter. For example, the timing controller may be configured to halt activation of the actuation unit if a fault is detected, e.g. a break or snag in the line, or if the line is not operating at optimal tension.

Preferably, the deterrent apparatus includes a tension meter for measuring the tension of said line applied by said actuation unit. The deterrent apparatus may thus be monitored to detect faults as indicated by too little (break), or too much (snag) tension in the line and stop the actuation unit to prevent damage.

It will be appreciated that numerous monitoring mechanisms and systems may be utilized with the present invention and are considered within the scope of the present invention. By way of example, the deterrent apparatus may pass operating information to a remote monitoring system that receives and processes the information before returning appropriate operating instructions.

In one embodiment the deterrent apparatus may include one or more of various sensor-types, e.g. proximity, photo, acoustic, vibratory, infra-red and/or stress sensors for monitoring the operation of the deterrent apparatus to indicate faults or efficacy.

Sensors may also be used to warn persons approaching the deterrent apparatus for safety purposes, e.g. a proximity sensor may be provided that is configured to pass an activation signal to an auditory or visual alarm when the sensor detects movement and/or a heat signature (infra-red) within a predetermined range.

Preferably, the timing controller is connected to a photo-sensor or the like, the controller configured to initiate, cease or vary the level of line actuation by said actuation unit upon receiving a predetermined signal from said photo-sensor. Thus, the deterrent apparatus can be configured to change the line agitation upon the photo sensor detecting certain light levels, e.g. the line may be agitated more vigorously at dawn and dusk.

Preferably, the deterrent apparatus includes a suitably programmed CPU and software embodied in computer readable instructions capable of being read by said CPU, said software defining actuation parameters for controlling operation of said actuation unit.

Preferably, the software is resident in a computer readable medium and may be updated or replaced. The variation and timing of agitation can thus be easily varied by changing the software used. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that known programmable systems may be utilised with the present invention such as EPROM, EEPROM and other programmable logic circuits or computer systems.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided software configured to control a deterrent apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a kit for manufacturing a deterrent apparatus for deterring pest animals from an open space the kit comprising:

- an elongate line;

plurality of support members and associated guides that can be disposed at intervals along the line to define a plurality of catenary shaped zones of the line;

- an actuating unit which can be coupled to the line and which is configured to vary the tension in the line in a substantially longitudinal oscillating manner, and

- a plurality of sensory stimuli which can be engaged to the line.

Preferably, said oscillating manner is cyclic.

Preferably, the said suspension means supports the line in a manner to allow the length of line between adjacent suspension means to vary.

In a further aspect the present invention consists in a deterrent apparatus for deterring pest animals from an open space comprising:

- a flexible elongate line suspended in a manner to define a plurality of catenary shaped zones, - an actuating unit capable of varying the tension of the line at each catenary shaped zone, and

wherein engaged to the line are a plurality of sensory elements that will move upon the varying of tension of the line in a substantially longitudinal manner.

In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a method of deterring pest animals from an open space, utilising an apparatus that includes a flexible elongate line suspended in a manner to define a plurality of catenary shaped .zones, an actuating unit to vary the tension of the line at each catenary shaped zone, and wherein engaged to the line are a plurality of sensory elements that will move upon the varying of tension of the line, wherein the method comprises:

repeatedly varying the tension in said line to cause displacement of said sensory auditory elements which are engaged to the line.

It will be appreciated that while the present invention has been described with respect to a single unit and line, multiple lines may be connected to a single actuation unit or multiple deterrent apparatus used in a deterrent system.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a deterrent system including a plurality of deterrent apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described.

Preferably, the deterrent system includes a controller capable of selectively actuating one or more of the deterrent apparatus separately and more preferably also simultaneously. The deterrent system can thus be configured to successively repel animals from an open space by actuation deterrent apparatus separately, together or in a pattern. The provision of such a deterrent system can increase the potential randomisation of sensory stimuli over discrete or all parts of the open space to thereby decrease likelihood of animal habituation. In an alternative embodiment the deterrent system may not include a common controller and each deterrent apparatus may be programmed to actuate independently.

The present invention also resides broadly in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of a deterrent apparatus in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a side view of the deterrent apparatus of figure 1 with line shown moving between 'slack' and 'taut' positions;

Figure 3 shows an enlarged pictorial view of the actuation unit shown in figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 shows a pictorial view of an opposing side of the actuation unit of figure 3;

Figure 5 shows an example of sensory stimuli according to one preferred embodiment; Figure 6 shows a pictorial view of an actuation unit according to another preferred embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a pictorial view of an opposing side of the actuation unit of figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a pictorial view of an actuation unit in the form of a linear actuating unit according to yet another preferred embodiment;

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to figures 1 and 2 a deterrent apparatus 1 is provided in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The deterrent apparatus 1 is to be positioned in an open space such as a field, airport, cropland, garden or the like to deter birds and/or other animals from the open space. The deterrent apparatus 1 has a plurality of sensory stimuli provided in the form of reflective noise attachments 2 (shown in more detail in figure 5) attached to a flexible elongate line 3. The line 3 is fixed at one end to a terminal support post 4, and attached at another end to an actuating unit 5 that is capable of longitudinally oscillating the line 3 to shake the attachments 2. The line 3 is also slideably supported via guides in the form of pulleys (not shown) attached to upright supports in the form of provided in the form of intermediate posts 6.

The actuating unit 5 is configured to apply intermittent agitation to the line 3 by applying a cyclic variable tension to produce longitudinal oscillation to shake the attachments 2. As shown in figure 2, the line tension can be increased by the actuation unit to a 'taut' position shown as line 3' and decreased to a 'slack' position shown as dotted line 3.

The actuation unit 5 is shown in more detail in figures 3 and 4 and has a support structure 7 with a platform 8 supporting a motor 9 and gearbox 10. The motor 9 is configured to drive a rotating arm 11 via the gearbox 5 and axle 14. A disc 13 is attached to the arm 11 and configured to rotate with the arm 11.

The line 3 is to be attached to the actuation unit 5 via a slip-ring or similar attachment means (not shown) attached to a rotateable eccentrically positioned attachment point provided in the form of protrusion 12 protruding from one face of the disc 13.

The protrusion 12 is mounted eccentrically to the disc 13 to thus provide a means to vary the tension applied to the line 3 as the disc 13 rotates. When rotating about the central axis the eccentrically mounted protrusion 12 provides circular motion which translates into a sinusoidal motion of the line 3. The path swept by the protrusion 12 and attached line 3 delineates a circle in a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the line 3. However, to prevent the disc impinging on the line 3 as the disc 13 rotates the actuation unit 5 is orientated so the plane of the disc is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the line 3, i.e. as indicated by angle θ.

Figure 2 shows the deterrent apparatus 1 at rest, with the line 3 slackened so that the attachments 2 are closer to the ground than when in the taut state shown as 3'. When the actuation unit 5 is activated disc 13 is rotated and the wire tension increased and then decreases. The attachments 2 are thus cyclically lifted and dropped vigorously to gain momentum and cause significant sinusoidal movement in the line 3. The length of the line 3 may be adjusted to suit the size of the open space and is typically in the range of several hundreds of meters. It is possible that the actuating unit 5 could be situated at a position along the line 3 other than at the line terminus.

The protrusion 12 may be positioned at any number of positions on the face of the disc 13 to adjust the degree of variation between maximum and minimum tension, i.e. the variation will increase, the further the protrusion 12 is positioned from the axis of rotation.

The motor 9, gearbox 10, in use are enclosed within a weatherproof housing (not shown) along with a power source e.g. a deep-cycle battery (not shown) and an adjustable timing controller, capable of initiation and cessation of the line agitation by the actuation unit 5.

The actuation unit 5 components may be made of any suitable robust, impact resistant material e.g. anodized aluminium, coated steel, fibre reinforced resins or an impact resistant plastics material.

The support 7 comprises a stabilising base structure 15 having two legs 16 a crossbar 17 and stabilising feet 18. The stabilising feet 18 may include a means for fixing the actuation unit 5 to the ground, e.g. the feet 18 may include apertures for receiving locating pins or the like.

The specific design of the supporting structure 7 is not crucial and could be of any height suitable for the specific application, but should be solid and stable enough to provide a solid anchor for the actuation unit 5 and attached line 3, either by weight or physical attachment to the ground.

The timing controller (not shown) includes a control circuit and clock which times the intervals between agitation cycles and allows the actuation unit 5 to be activated between certain hours, such as dawn to dusk, according to known day lengths. The timing controller is typically programmed to automatically adjust according to available data on day lengths but can be controlled manually if required.

However, the controller is ideally pre-programmed to a pseudo-random schedule, halting activation of the actuation unit 5 after a predetermined number of cycles. The controller can be programmed with several weeks or longer of frequency, cycle number and cycle interval data. The controller is typically pre-programmed with pseudo-random activation intervals that increase in frequency over time. The exact timing depends on the animal species to be deterred but as an example, to deter birds from seed or fruit crops during ripening, the apparatus may be programmed over a six week period with an initial average interval of 8 minutes (pseudo random ±3 minutes) decreasing in average interval by 1 minute per week, ideally the frequency would be no less than every 3 minutes on average as this has been shown to increase the likelihood of habituation in birds.

The controller can also be configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line actuation upon a predetermined parameter being detected. For example, the timing controller can be connected to a photo-sensor (not shown) and configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line agitation by said actuation unit 5 upon receiving a predetermined signal from the photo-sensor. Thus, the actuation unit 5 can be triggered into operation by light levels, e.g. at dawn and dusk. . .. .

The controller is also capable of being re-programmed to provide a different agitation schedule and is ideally capable of downloading software/firmware from computer readable media such as solid-state memory devices, CD/DVDs; EPROM, flash memory devices or any other storage media. The software may also be updated remotely from a central controller using known techniques.

The ability to re-program the controller can thus provide the ability to easily change the agitation pattern whenever required, e.g. when animals become accustomed to the agitation.

The controller is also connected to a monitoring system (not shown) that has a torque meter, tension meter or other means for measuring the tension applied to the line by the actuation unit 5. The controller is configured to automatically shut off if the monitoring system indicates the tension applied is above or below predetermined thresholds, i.e. outside a predetermined operating range. Such thresholds are indicative of faults in the system, e.g. line breakage reduces tension below a threshold while snagging or entanglement of the line increase tension above another threshold.

A speed controlling mechanism (not shown) can be attached to the motor 9 to vary the speed of rotation and the torque introduced to the driving gear. The power source and motor 9 should be sized to provide sufficient power to permit vigorous and repeated rotation of the arm 11 and attached disc 13. All of the electrical/electronic components in the actuation unit are preferably weatherproofed.

With respect to figure 5, reflective noise attachments 2 attached to the line as sensory stimuli include a ring 19 and clip 20 for releasably attaching the ring 19 to the line 3. The attachments 2 are releasably attached to the line 3 so that they can be replaced if damaged, no longer functional or to be replaced by new forms of sensory stimuli. The ring 19 has four highly reflective aluminium plates 21 that reflect light and produce noise when shaken.

Figures 6 and 7 show another embodiment of an actuation unit 100 and is generally similar to the actuation unit 5. Like parts of each actuation unit 100, 5 are thus marked with common reference numerals where appropriate.

The actuation unit 100 excludes the disc 13 and instead includes a rotating arm 11 with protrusion 12 and a slip-ring bearing 101 for attaching the line 3 thereto. A support structure 7 is provided with a platform 8 supporting a solar panel 102 for powering a battery power source and also serves as a partial shelter. A battery and timing controller are also included and housed in a waterproof housing 103. The solar panel 102 trickle-feeds the battery (not shown) to assist in maintaining a consistent power supply.

A 12V electric motor 9 is provided to drive the rotating arm 11 via a gearing mechanism 10. The gearing mechanism includes a first driving gear 104 coupled to a drive-shaft 105. A second gear 106 is coupled to the driving gear 104 via a belt drive mechanism 107. The relative diameters of the first 104 and second 106 gears can be altered to adjust the relative speed and power of the rotating arm 11.

The apparatus 2 has an emergency stop button 108 and an alarm system (not shown) to warn of impending activation. The alarm system is coupled to a proximity sensor to activate the alarm when a person or object moves within a predetermined range.

The actuation unit 100 may be contained within a casing (not shown) to protect against weather damage or damage from the rotating arm 11.

Another type of actuation unit 200 is shown in figure 8 and utilises a linear actuating unit provided in the form of hydraulic ram 200 which has the line 3 attached to one end. The ram 200 is actuable between extended 200 and retracted 200' positions to vary the tension in the line 3, 3' to thereby agitate the line 3. It will be appreciated that other known linear actuating unit mechanisms may also be utilised in the present invention.

A system diagram of the actuation unit 5 is shown in figure 9. The actuation unit 5 incorporates a proximity sensor 501 , photo-sensor 502 and warning indicator 503, each connected to a controller 504 with a programmable CPU.

The controller 504 is configured to receive signals from the photo-sensor 502 indicating ambient light levels and can adjust the speed of the motor 9 accordingly. The controller 504 is also capable of storing light data and can be programmed to actuate the motor dependant on the stored light data, e.g. the controller 504 may be programmed to actuate the motor 9 one hour before dawn for an initial one hour time period. It will be appreciated that any actuation schedule can be programmed into the controller to suit the application.

The controller 504 is configured to actuate the warning indicator 503, which may include a flashing light, siren or other auditory or visual alarm when proximity sensor 501 detects a person in close proximity to the actuation unit 5 to thereby warn the person of actuation or impending actuation. Any known proximity sensors may be used in the present invention, e.g. movement sensors, infra-red or video. The controller 504 can also be configured to actuate the warning indicator 503 a predetermined time before activation.

The controller 504 is connected to the motor 9 and is capable of calculating torque applied by the motor 9 to the line 3. The torque applied can be used as an indication of line tension and can therefore be used to detect faults, e.g. snags or breaks in the line 3. The controller 504 is configured to cut power to the actuation unit 5 if a fault is detected. The controller 504 is also configured to actuate the warning indicator 503 in a preset pattern to signal a fault has occurred. In another embodiment, the controller 504 may be connected to a communication device (not shown) for sending a signal to indicate to the operator a fault has occurred.

A speed and on/off switch 503 is provided to allow the user to manually adjust the level of actuation and stop if required. An emergency cut-off switch 504 is also provided to cut power to the actuation unit 5. The actuation unit 5 is powered by a 12V battery that is recharge by a solar panel connected to the battery via a power regulator.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. A deterrent apparatus for deterring animals from an open space, said apparatus including:

- a plurality of sensory stimuli which can generate an auditory or visual signal upon movement thereof;

- a flexible elongate line to which said sensory stimuli are engaged, said elongate line being fixed at one end to a terminal support, and attached at another end to an actuating unit,

2. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flexible elongate line passes through, and is slideably supported by, one or more guides located on support members.

3. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein operation of said actuation unit repeatedly applies a substantially longitudinal tension to the line before then releasing the tension, or vice versa.

4. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said agitation is at least partially cyclic.

5. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation unit includes a timing mechanism to regulate the periodicity and duration of said oscillation.

6. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said sensory stimuli are visual and/or auditory stimuli, attached at intervals, along said line.

7. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said stimuli includes at least one of each of a reflective and noisy stimuli.

8. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said actuating unit includes a rotateable eccentrically positioned attachment point for attachment with said line.

9. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the path swept by the eccentric rotating line attachment point delineates a circle in a plane substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the line.

10. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the path swept by the eccentric rotating line attachment point delineates a circle in a plane substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the line.

11. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8-10, wherein said actuation unit includes a rotateable disc with said eccentric attachment point attached eccentrically thereto.

12. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-7, wherein the actuation unit is a linear actuating unit.

13. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said linear actuating unit is configured to produce linear reciprocations substantially along the attached line's longitudinal axis.

14. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a power source and an adjustable timing controller, capable of initiation and cessation of said line agitation by said actuation unit.

15. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said controller is preprogrammed to a pseudo-random schedule, halting activation of said actuation unit after a predetermined number of cycles.

16. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the timing controller is configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line actuation upon a predetermined parameter being detected.

17. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the timing controller is connected to a photo-sensor, the controller configured to initiate, cease, or vary the level of line agitation by said actuation unit upon receiving a predetermined signal from said photo-sensor.

18. A deterrent apparatus for repelling animals from an open space comprising:

- a flexible, horizontally extending, line;

- guides located on support members to support the line at intervals;

- a stable terminal attachment;

- sensory stimuli;

- an actuating unit configured to cause substantial longitudinal movement of the line by way of alternate tensioning and slackening of the line so as to move the sensory stimuli;

- a power source connected to the actuating unit; and

19. A deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including a suitably programmed central processing unit (CPU) and software embodied in computer readable instructions capable of being read by said CPU, said software defining actuation parameters for controlling operation of said actuation unit.

20. A deterrent apparatus for deterring pest animals from an open space comprising:

- a flexible elongate line suspended in a manner to define a plurality of catenary shaped zones,

- an actuating unit capable of varying the tension of the line at each catenary shaped zone, and

21. A deterrent system including a plurality of deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

22. A deterrent system as claimed in claim 21, including a controller capable of selectively actuating one or more of the deterrent apparatus separately and/or simultaneously.

23. Software configured to control a deterrent apparatus as claimed in claim 19.

24. A method of deterring animals from an open space, said method utilising an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-19and including the process of repeatedly varying the tension in said line to cause displacement of said sensory stimuli engaged to the line.

25. A kit for manufacturing a deterrent apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-20, said kit including:

- a plurality of sensory stimuli;

- a flexible elongate line to which said sensory stimuli are capable of being engaged,

- an actuating unit.

26. A kit for manufacturing a deterrent apparatus for deterring pest animals from an open space, the kit including:

- an elongate line;

- plurality of support members and associated guides . that can be disposed at intervals along the line to define a plurality of catenary shaped zones of the line;

- a plurality of sensory stimuli which can be engaged to the line.

27. . A deterrent apparatus, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figures 1 and 2.

28. An actuation unit, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in the accompanying representations.

29. A sensory stimuli attachment, substantially as hereinbefore described, with respect to, and as shown in figure 4.

0. A method of deterring animals, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying representations.