Mouse bait dispenser

Abstract

Mouse bait application device with a frame (1) on which a six-disc (2), a pressure roller (3) and a plowshare (4) are attached, wherein the plowshare (4) is provided with a horizontally oriented and downwardly open tube (5) which is connected to a storage container (6), characterized in that a measuring wheel (7) is arranged on the frame (1) which is connected to a metering disc.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mouse bait application device with a frame to which a six-disc, a pressure roller and a plowshare are attached, wherein the plowshare is provided with a horizontally oriented and downwardly open tube which is connected to a storage container.

[0002] In agriculture, and particularly in feed and food production as well as horticulture, rodents are pests that can lead to significant crop losses. Field mice, in particular, are increasingly proving to be a major problem. This has many causes: Field mice reproduce extremely rapidly, sometimes reaching up to 3,000 mice per hectare. Naturally, such a large population has an enormous food requirement. Changing climatic conditions promote population growth, for example, the often mild autumns with late vegetation end and short frost periods. Winter-covered fields also provide a high supply of plant matter and thus food for the field mice even in winter.

[0003] Various methods are used to control field mice. In smaller areas, poisoned bait is laid out or buried. However, this method is hardly feasible for large fields. For this reason, devices are known that allow for the mechanical application of bait.

[0004] A mouse bait application device, known as the "WUMAKI C3" from Land- und Baumaschinen Service AG in Ettingen, Switzerland, is designed to be attached to agricultural machinery, typically a tractor. The device uses a six-disc cutter to cut into the soil. A plowshare, to which a horizontally oriented, downward-facing tube is attached, creates an artificial mouse tunnel. Bait is fed from a reservoir into the tube and deposited through the opening. A press roller, positioned behind the plowshare in the direction of travel, closes the furrow.

[0005] The well-known mouse bait dispenser fulfills its intended tasks. However, it has been observed that the bait is not always dispensed evenly and therefore not at the desired spacing. Furthermore, when turning the dispenser at the end of the treated area, bait can be unintentionally released onto the surface, leaving it easily accessible at the edge of the area.

[0006] The invention aims to remedy this problem. The invention is based on the objective of creating a mouse bait dispensing device that distributes the bait evenly and prevents it from settling on the surface. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0007] The invention provides a mouse bait application device that distributes the bait evenly and prevents it from settling on the surface. This is achieved by the measuring wheel in conjunction with the metering disc, which determines the driving speed and releases the bait accordingly. Simultaneously, the bait supply can be interrupted if a preset speed is undershot, for example, to prevent bait from settling on the surface when turning at the end of the field.

[0008] The measuring wheel is advantageously height-adjustable. This allows the device to be adapted to different local conditions and mounting situations on the agricultural machine.

[0009] In a further development of the invention, the measuring wheel is equipped with a sensor. The sensor allows the vehicle speed to be determined. Simultaneously, the sensor can detect if the measuring wheel is not rotating, indicating a possible defect or similar issue. The sensor thus increases the operational reliability of the device.

[0010] In this embodiment of the invention, the metering disc is arranged in the reservoir. This spatial proximity allows for a very compact device. At the same time, it enables a simple design.

[0011] Preferably, the metering disc is electrically driven. This enables electronic operation of the device, thereby improving its reliability.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the storage container has a level sensor. The level sensor helps to avoid trips without baiting.

[0013] The height-adjustable six-disc tiller is highly preferred. This allows the device to be adapted to different local conditions and mounting situations on the agricultural machine. At the same time, it allows furrows of varying depths to be cut into the vegetation.

[0014] The ploughshare is height-adjustable, which is advantageous. This allows the device to be adapted to different local conditions and mounting situations on the agricultural machine. It also makes it possible to create furrows at varying depths.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the frame has at least one support leg. This ensures that the device can be safely parked when not in use.

[0016] Because the pressure roller is articulated to the frame via a frame, it is able to compensate for uneven ground.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, a pivotable support foot is arranged at each of the lateral ends of the frame. The support feet ensure that, when the device is not in use, the pressure roller is positioned at a distance from the pipe and thus does not rest on the pipe and damage it.

[0018] Other embodiments and configurations of the invention are specified in the remaining dependent claims. An exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawings and is described in detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1. Three-dimensional representation of a mouse bait dispensing device; Fig. 2 the view of the in Fig. 1 mouse bait dispensing device shown; Fig. 3 the side view of the in Fig. 1 mouse bait dispensing device shown; Fig. 4 the three-dimensional representation of the in Fig.1 mouse bait dispensing device shown from a different perspective.

[0019] The mouse bait dispenser chosen as an exemplary embodiment is designed for mounting on an agricultural machine. When using the device according to the invention, it is mounted at the rear of the agricultural machine and is pulled by it. Hereinafter, "front" denotes a position facing in the direction of travel, while "rear" denotes a position facing against the direction of travel. Furthermore, "top" denotes a position facing away from the ground, while "bottom" denotes a position facing the ground.

[0020] The mouse bait application device consists of a frame 1 to which a six-disc disc 2, a pressure roller 3, and a plowshare 4 are attached. The plowshare 4 is equipped with a tube 5, which is connected to a bait reservoir 6. A measuring wheel 7 is arranged on the frame 1. The mouse bait application device also includes a control and operating unit 8.

[0021] In the exemplary embodiment, the mouse bait dispensing device is designed as a single-track system. This means that it consists of only one six-disc disc 2, one plowshare 4 with tube 5, one storage container 6, and one measuring wheel 7. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, the device can also be designed as a multi-track system, in which case it has several six-disc discs 2, plowshares 4 with tubes 5, and storage containers 6. In such a configuration, all plowshares 4 with their tubes 5 are aligned parallel to each other.

[0022] In this embodiment, frame 1 is made of steel. It consists essentially of square tubes welded together. Frame 1 has a central tube 11 that extends longitudinally along the device, which also represents the direction of travel during operation. The central tube 11 is horizontally oriented.

[0023] A horizontally oriented cross tube 12 is welded to the front end of the central tube 11, forming a T-shaped profile together with the central tube 11 in plan view. A height-adjustable support leg 13 is arranged at each of the free ends of the cross tube 12.

[0024] A standpipe 14 is welded onto the transverse tube 12 as an extension of the central tube 11, extending vertically and thus at right angles to the central tube 11. A diagonal tube 15 is welded between the central tube 11 and the standpipe 13, supporting the standpipe 14.

[0025] A receptacle 16 is arranged at the free end of the standpipe 14. Further receptacles 16 are arranged at the opposite ends of the cross tube 12. The receptacles 16 form the pivot points for attaching the mouse bait dispensing device to a three-point linkage of agricultural machinery, a common feature in agricultural machinery construction.

[0026] The six-disc disc 2 is arranged on the frame 1. In the exemplary embodiment, it is arranged on the cross tube 12. For this purpose, a square tube 21, oriented vertically towards the ground, is welded to the cross tube 12. A height-adjustable arm 22 is arranged on the square tube 21, and the six-disc disc 2 is located at the end of the arm facing away from the square tube 21, so that the six-disc disc 2 is height-adjustable.

[0027] The pressure roller 3 is arranged on the frame 1 such that it is positioned behind the frame 1. The pressure roller 3 is articulated to the frame 1 via a frame 31 in the manner of a drawbar. This allows it to move relative to the frame 1 and thus compensate for unevenness in the ground.

[0028] A pivotable support foot 32 is arranged at each of the lateral ends of the frame 31. Adjacent to the support feet 32, upwardly directed rods 33 are arranged on the frame 31, to which weights (not shown) can be attached. In the simplest form, the weights can be designed like weight plates, which are simply placed onto the rods 33.

[0029] Furthermore, a scraper 34 is arranged on the frame 31, which is in contact with the roller 3 and removes dirt adhering to the roller 3 in a known manner.

[0030] The plowshare 4 is arranged on the frame 1. In the exemplary embodiment, it is arranged on the central tube 11. For this purpose, a bracket 41 is attached to the central tube 11, in which the plowshare 4 is detachably and height-adjustably mounted. The height-adjustable arrangement of the plowshare 4 allows the bait to be placed at different depths in the soil as needed. The detachable mounting allows the plowshare 4 to be replaced, for example, in case of wear.

[0031] To reduce wear, the plowshare 4 in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a composite armor plate. Here, steel forms the base, upon which the wear-resistant surface material, which in its austenitic, martensitic, or combined structure contains, for example, chromium carbide cores, is applied. Compared to the material used for the composite armor plate, hardened steel, for example, is subject to ten times greater wear.

[0032] At its lower end, the plowshare 4 has the tube 5, which is horizontally oriented and open at the bottom. The tube 5 has a torpedo-like shape. In the exemplary embodiment, the tip of the tube 5 is made of the same material as the plowshare 4.

[0033] The pipe 5 is connected to the bait reservoir 6. For this purpose, a downpipe 42 is guided along the plowshare 4, which in the exemplary embodiment extends vertically along the rear end of the plowshare 4 and terminates in the pipe 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the downpipe 42 is connected at its upper end, the end furthest from the pipe 5, to the reservoir 6 by means of a hose 43.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment, the storage container 6 is held by two supports 61, which are welded to the central tube 11. It can be closed with a lid 62. The storage container 6 has a substantially V-shaped cross-section, giving it two legs oriented at an angle to each other. A pot-shaped depression 63 with a circular cross-section is formed at the bottom of one leg. A pipe section 64 is formed at the bottom of the depression 63, to which the hose 43 is connected, thus creating the connection between the pipe 5 and the storage container 6.

[0035] The reservoir 6 contains a level sensor (not shown) and a metering disc (also not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, the metering disc is arranged in the cup-shaped recess 63. In this embodiment, the metering disc is provided with holes through which the bait is conveyed from the reservoir 6. Other configurations are, of course, also possible. The metering disc is electrically driven, with the drive in this exemplary embodiment being a stepper motor. In this exemplary embodiment, the motor is arranged in a housing 65 below the bottom of the cup-shaped recess 63.

[0036] A measuring wheel 7 is arranged on the frame 1. In the exemplary embodiment, it is arranged on the cross tube 12. For this purpose, a square tube 71, oriented at an angle towards the ground, is pivotally connected to the cross tube 12 so that the measuring wheel 7 can compensate for unevenness in the ground. The measuring wheel 7 is height-adjustable. It has pins 72 at regular intervals around its circumference, which ensure that the measuring wheel 7 rotates reliably even on slippery ground.

[0037] The measuring wheel 7 is connected to the metering disc. In the exemplary embodiment, the measuring wheel 7 is electronically connected to the metering disc. For this purpose, the measuring wheel 7 is equipped with a sensor that measures the speed during operation of the device. The sensor is connected to the control and operating unit 8, which in turn is connected to the motor that drives the metering disc. As a result, the motor, and thus the metering disc, can be operated depending on the speed during use of the device according to the invention. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, the measuring wheel 7 can be mechanically connected to the metering disc. In this case, for example, the measuring wheel 7 and the metering disc can be connected to each other via a drive shaft.

[0038] Before using the mouse bait application device according to the invention, it is attached to the three-point linkage of an agricultural machine using the mountings 16, and the hopper 6 is filled with bait. The bait consists of poisoned lentils or poisoned wheat. The height-adjustable components, consisting of the coulter 2, plowshare 4, and measuring wheel 7, are then set to the desired height. Additionally, the support legs 13 and the mounting legs 32 are folded in or retracted. Using the three-point linkage, the device is raised, and the combination of the agricultural machine and the mouse bait application device is driven to the area to be treated.

[0039] Upon reaching the area to be cultivated, the three-point linkage, and thus the device according to the invention, is lowered while driving slowly. During this process, the pressure roller 3 and the measuring wheel 7 come into contact with the ground. The six-disc unit 2, as well as the plowshare 4, penetrates the soil to a certain extent, with the tube 5 penetrating completely into the soil. The tube 5 can penetrate up to 25 cm into the soil.

[0040] As the plow moves, the six-disc cutter 2 cuts through the vegetation on the ground, creating a narrow furrow. The tube 5 then creates an artificial path at the desired depth. To prevent daylight from penetrating, the trailing press roller 3 closes the furrow, while the torpedo-shaped tube 5 keeps the artificial path intact. This is ensured by the fact that the tube 5 extends behind the press roller 3.

[0041] As the vehicle moves, the measuring wheel 7 rotates. The sensor on the measuring wheel transmits its measured data to the control unit 8, which forwards it to the motor that drives the metering disc. The metering disc then pumps the bait from the reservoir 6 through the pipe section 64 into the hose 43 and from there into the downpipe 42. From there, the bait enters the pipe 5, from whose opening it passes into the underground tunnel.

[0042] Control unit 8 is set so that the metering disc only begins to pump bait at a predetermined speed, e.g., approximately 1.5 km / h. This prevents bait from being unintentionally released onto the surface, for example, when turning at the end of a field.

[0043] With this invention, the bait is always placed at the permissible and predetermined distance from one another, depending on the speed. At the same time, the placement of bait on the surface is prevented. Furthermore, the fill level sensor ensures that the user of the mouse bait dispenser according to the invention can be warned before the reservoir is completely empty, thus preventing accidental operation of the device when the reservoir is empty.

Claims

[1] Mouse bait application device with a frame (1) to which a six-disc (2), a pressure roller (3) and a plowshare (4) are attached, the plowshare (4) being provided with a horizontally oriented and downwardly open tube (5) which is connected to a storage container (6), characterized by , that a measuring wheel (7) is arranged on the frame (1) which is connected to a metering disc. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the measuring wheel (7) is height-adjustable. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the measuring wheel (7) is equipped with a sensor. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the metering disc is arranged in the reservoir (6). [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the metering disc is electrically driven. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the storage container (6) has a level gauge. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the six-disc (2) is height-adjustable. [8] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the ploughshare (4) is height-adjustable. [9] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the frame (1) has at least one support (13). [10] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the pressure roller (3) is articulated to the frame (1) via a frame (31). [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized by , that a support foot (32) is pivotably arranged in each of the side ends of the frame (31).

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