초록 ▼

A bird-deterring apparatus for protecting agricultural crops and other areas from marauding birds and/or other pests comprises one or more supports for holding a wire or other elongated member in a taut condition over the area being protected. Preferably, the support system comprises at least two no

A bird-deterring apparatus for protecting agricultural crops and other areas from marauding birds and/or other pests comprises one or more supports for holding a wire or other elongated member in a taut condition over the area being protected. Preferably, the support system comprises at least two nominally upright support columns in a spaced apart relationship spanning the area to be protected and a predetermined number of wires tautly secured between these columns. Noise-making containers including, in the preferred embodiment, metal pellets and glass shards are flexible suspended from the taut wires at selected intervals. A system for moving the taut wires preferably in a sudden manner to shake or rattle noise-making containers is provided. A control system is provided to actuate this wire movement and noise-production, either in response to a sensing of a bird(s) or pest, or at preprogrammed times that are effective in scaring the bird/pest and that preferably are random or unexpected so that the bird/pest does not become accustomed or “immune” to the noise.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An animal-deterring apparatus for protecting agricultural crops and other areas where the presence of birds and other animals is undesirable, said apparatus comprising: a support system in the area where the presence of the birds or other animals is undesirable; a taut wire secured to the su

1. An animal-deterring apparatus for protecting agricultural crops and other areas where the presence of birds and other animals is undesirable, said apparatus comprising: a support system in the area where the presence of the birds or other animals is undesirable; a taut wire secured to the support system to extend in said area; an actively-actuated system for moving the taut wire to produce a noise that frightens the birds or other animals, the actively-actuated system comprising a solenoid being connected to said taut wire and adapted to pluck the taut wire; and a control system operatively connected to said actively-actuated system for moving the taut wire to control when noise is produced. 2. An animal-deterring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a noise-making unit connected to the taut wire, wherein said noise-making unit makes said noise when the taut wire is moved by the actively-actuated system.3. An animal-deterring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said noise-making unit is a container with a plurality of metal pellets and glass shards contained within the container.4. A animal-deterring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control system comprises a timer and an electrical power circuit connected to the solenoid and wherein the control system causes the solenoid to move the taut wire in accordance with a pre-programmed actuation sequence.5. A animal-deterring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control system comprises a sensor system for sensing the presence of birds at or near said area being protected, and an electrical power circuit having an electrical power output operatively connected to the solenoid.6. An animal-deterring apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said sensor system is selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, an optical sensor and a sound sensor.7. A bird deterring apparatus for protecting agricultural crops and other areas where the presence of birds is undesirable, said apparatus comprising: at least two nominally upright support columns, at least one taut wire securely connected between said support columns, at least one noise making container flexibly suspended from said taut wire, a means for moving taut wire, said means for moving comprising a solenoid having a coil portion and a core portion, the core portion being connected to said taut wire, and a means for controlling said means for moving. 8. A bird deterring apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said noise making container is formed from a metal, said container including a plurality of metal pellets and glass shards.9. A bird deterring apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said means for controlling comprises a timer and an electrical power circuit connected to the coil of the solenoid whereby the taut wire is moved in accordance with a pre-programmed actuation sequence.10. A bird deterring apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said means for controlling comprises a means for sensing the presence of birds and an electrical power circuit having an electrical power output connected to the coil of the solenoid.11. A bird deterring apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said means for sensing is selected from the group consisting of a motion sensor, an optical sensor and a sound sensor.