A device for destruction of rodents, in particular rat

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for destruction of rodents, in particular rats. Preferred embodiments of the invention relates to a device comprising a guideway having one or more wall section(s) forming an elongate passage having two ends one or both ends of which are open ended, and a downward facing opening to be at least partially covered by a terrain on which the device is placed during use, or the elongate passage forms a tubular element at least along a section of the elongate passage. Preferred embodiments also comprises an activatable, such as reactivatable, destruction device being activatable by receipt of an electrical signal.

Description

[0001] A DEVICE FOR DESTRUCTION OF RODENTS, IN PARTICULAR RAT

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for destruction of rodents, in particular rats. Preferred embodiments of the invention relates to a device comprising a guideway having one or more wall section(s) forming an elongate passage having two ends one or both ends of which are open ended, and a downward facing opening to be at least partially covered by a terrain on which the device is placed during use, or the elongate passage forms a tubular element at least along a section of the elongate passage. Preferred embodiments also comprises an activatable, such as reactivatable, destruction device being activatable by receipt of an electrical signal.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Rodents, and in particular rats are becoming an increasingly larger problem when living close to human populations. As is well known, rodents easily adapts to new environments and may even become immune to poison designed to destruct the rodents. Further, rodents often lives in areas difficult to access for humans and / or tools.

[0006] The rodents have also been found to be able to carry and spread diseases affecting human beings.

[0007] Today a number of different devices for destruction of rodents are readily available. However, is has been found that while the available devices are capable of destructing rodents, they often suffer from being less effective for destructing and are designed so that rodents become suspicious about the device and consequently not enter the device.

[0008] Hence, an improved device for destruction of rodents would be advantageous, and in particular a more efficient and / or reliable device would be advantageous.

[0009] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art. In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a device for destructions of rodents that potentially may be applicable to destruct rodent fast and efficient while being designed in a manner not scaring rodents off.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Thus, the above described object and several other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the invention by providing a device for destruction of rodents, in particular rats, the device comprising

[0013] • a guideway having one or more wall section(s) forming: o an elongate passage having two ends one or both ends of which are open ended, and

[0014] ■ a downward facing opening, preferably to be at least partially covered by a terrain on which the device is placed during use, or a sideway facing opening and a bottom, or

[0015] ■ the elongate passage forms a tubular element at least along a section of the elongate passage;

[0016] • an activatable, such as reactivatable, destruction device being activatable by receipt of an electrical signal, the destruction device being positioned in a destruction zone of the elongate passage, wherein an elongate length of the elongate passage is longer than an elongate length of the destruction zone, the destruction device comprises a destruction element being reciprocatable moveable between o a first position in which the destruction element allows a rodent to pass through the destruction zone, preferably along the terrain, and o a second position in which the destruction element extends downwardly inside the destruction zone, preferably towards the downward facing opening, in an amount sufficient to destruct a rodent situated in the destruction zone and, preferably, on the terrain, by braking the spine and / or neck of a rodent;

[0017] • a rodent detector configured to detect a presence of a rodent in the destruction zone and activate the destruction device upon detection of a rodent in the destruction zone, a control unit being configured to receive a signal from the rodent detector signalling the presence of a rodent in the destruction zone and activate the destruction device to move destruction element to the second position.

[0018] Preferred embodiments comprising a counterpressure element arranged at the downward facing opening in the destruction zone, which counterpressure element co-operates with the destruction element to brake the spine and / or neck of a rodent situated in between the counter pressure element and the destruction element positioned in the second position.

[0019] A destruction zone as used herein preferably refers to a region inside the elongate passage inside which region a rodent will be hit, preferably at the spine and / or neck of the rodent, by the destruction element. In preferred embodiment, the destruction zone may be or comprises the volume(s) occupied inside the elongate passage by the destruction element in its second position. In embodiments, where the destruction element comprising more than one blade, the destruction zone may be or comprises each of the volumes occupied inside the elongage passage by the blades in the second position of the destruction element. The destruction zone may in some embodiment include the volume(s) inbetween neigbouring blades..

[0020] The invention relates in a second aspect to a livestock farming facility comprising

[0021] • an enclosure for retaining livestock, the enclosure having a bottom configured for allowing material, such feed leftovers, faeces, originating from farming the livestock in in the enclosure to fall under action of gravity through the bottom,

[0022] • a void arranged below the bottom of the enclosure, and configured to receive the material falling through the bottom, a device according to the first aspect of the invention with the guideway facing an interior of said void.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The present invention and in particular preferred embodiments thereof will now be described in more detail with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show ways of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of device for destruction of rodent; in the view, a side panel has been removed to reveal interior components of the device,

[0026] Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, also with the side panel removed.

[0027] Fig. 3 shows six different configurations of destruction elements according to preferred embodiment. The configurations are each shown in a bottom view.

[0028] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates another embodiment. In Fig. 4 interior structures are illustrated by broken lines.

[0029] Fig. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate another embodiment, Fig. 5B illustrates details of a receptacle for receiving destructed rodents indicated in Fig. 5A.

[0030] Figs. 6A-6D schematically illustrate another embodiment. Fig. 6A is a front view photograph showing the embodiment with the destruction element in the second position, Fig. 6B is a front view photograph showing the embodiment with the destruction element in the first position. Fig. 6C and D are cross sectional views indicated in Figs. 6A and B,

[0031] Fig. 7 is a top view photograph of a pipe configured to receive the tubular component of destruction device,

[0032] Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiments of a livestock farming facility.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Reference is made to Fig. 1 and 2 showing a preferred embodiment of device for destruction of rodents, in particular rats. In the Fig. 1 and 2, the device is shown without a front cover plate to render some of the interior visible. In use, a such a front cover plate is applied to avoid access the interior without removing the front cover plate.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the device comprising a guideway 1 having one or more wall sections forming an elongate passage 2 having two ends 3a, 3b. One or both ends may be are open ended. In the illustrated embodiment, the both ends are open ended. A rodent to be destructed may enter the passage 2 through one of such open ends. The one or more wall sections is / are preferably made from metal.

[0036] The elongate passage 2 has a downward facing opening 4 to be at least partially covered by a terrain on which the device is placed during use, that is during use of the device, the device is arranged on the terrain with the downward facing opening 4 being covered by the terrain. As a rodent entering into the passage 2 does not experience a change in terrain when entering the passage 2, it is more likely that the rodent actually enters into the passage 2.

[0037] The device also has an activatable, such as reactivatable, destruction device 5. The destruction device 5 is configured to destruct a rodent by e.g. braking the spine and / or neck of the rodent.

[0038] The destruction device is activatable by receipt of an electrical signal as will be detailed further below.

[0039] The destruction device 5 is positioned in a destruction zone 6 of the passage 2.

[0040] The elongate length of the elongate passage 2 is longer than an elongate length of the destruction zone 6. The destruction device comprises a destruction element 7 which is reciprocatable moveable between a first and a second position.

[0041] In the first position the destruction element 7 allows a rodent to pass through the destruction zone 6 along the terrain but not obstructing the elongate passage 2.

[0042] In the second position the destruction element 7 extends downwardly inside the destruction zone 6 towards the downward facing opening 8 in an amount sufficient to destruct a rodent situated in the destruction zone and on the terrain. To increase the action of the destruction element 7 on the spine of the rodent, a counterpressure element 11 may be arranged at the downward facing opening 4 in the destruction zone 6. This counterpressure element 8 co-operates with the destruction element 7 to brake the spine and / or neck of a rodent situated in between the counter pressure element 11 and the destruction element 7 positioned in the second position. The movement of the destruction element 7 towards the second position should preferably be fast so as to avoid a rodent from detecting the movement and secure that the destruction element 7 hits the rodent so as to brake the spine and / or neck of the rodent.

[0043] The travel of the destruction element 7 is typically adjustable, so that a clearance between a lower edge of the destruction element and e.g. the counter pressure element, the terrain, a wall member is present in the second position. Typical values for the clearance is about 1.5 mm, such as about 3.0 mm. However, the value of the clearance is typically selected so that an efficient destruction of the rodent is provided without separating the rodent in separate parts.

[0044] Activation of the destruction device to move the destruction element 7 from the first position to the second position is initiated by a rodent detector 8 configured to detect a presence of a rodent in the destruction zone 6. When the rodent detector 8 detects a rodent, the signal is transmitted to a controller, typically the control unit 12, which activates the destruction device 5.

[0045] Accordingly, the destruction device comprises a control unit 12 being configured to receive a signal from the rodent detector 8 signalling the presence of a rodent in the destruction zone 6 and activate the destruction device 5 to move to the second position.

[0046] The device may be equipped with a trap-door at the end 3a and / or 3b. Such a trap-door is configured to allow a rodent to enter into the elongate passage but prevent the rodent from leaving the elongate passage through the trap-door. Accordingly, such a trap-door form a one way passage. Preferably, such a trapdoor is made from metal. In preferred embodiments, the destruction device 5 comprises an actuator 9 configured to provide the reciprocatable movement of the destruction element 7 between the first position and the second position. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the actuator 9 is a pneumatic actuator operated by pressurised air, and the device further comprises a compressed air reservoir 10 fluidicly connected to the actuator. The actuator is when the destruction device is in the first position retracted and extracts when the destruction element moves towards the second position. The fluidic connection between the compressed air reservoir 10 and the actuator comprising an electronic valve which is opened by the controller, typically the control unit 12, when the destruction device 5 is activated.

[0047] Although the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has a downward facing opening 4, the elongate passage may be embodied as a tubular passage. In such embodiments, the destruction element 7 extends, in the second position, towards and an adjacent wall member of the tubular element in an amount sufficient to destruct a rodent situated in the destruction zone. Adjacent wall member refers to a wall member towards which the destruction element extends while moving to the second position of the destruction element 7.

[0048] As it is preferred that the destruction device can be placed in different position without the use of excessive tools and manhandling, the risk of an unintended removal of the destruction device may be a reality. To allow for easy tracking of the destruction device, a tracking device 13, preferably being a GPS based tracking device, configured to provide a position of the device may be provided in the destruction device.

[0049] As the destruction device, in preferred embodiments, is designed to place the device so that the downward facing opening faces the terrain and thereby preventing human access to the destruction element 7, it may be advantage to monitor whether the destruction device unintentionally has e.g. tipped over and prevent activation of the destruction device 5 in such circumstances. To accomplish this aim, the destruction device may be equipped with a tilt detector 14 configured to detect a tilt of the device and providing a tilt signal to the control unit 12. The control unit 12 is in such embodiments configured to inhibit movement of the destruction element if the tilt signal signals that the device is tilted more than a predetermined angle, such as 15 degrees, relatively to vertical. It is noted that such a tilt detector may also be used in other embodiments, not necessarily having a downward facing opening facing the terrain.

[0050] The inventor has realized that some rodents are highly sensitive to sound and / or vibrations and that sound and / or vibrations may scare a rodent from entering into elongate passage 2. To avoid or at least mitigate scaring away rodents, the control unit 12 and the destruction device 5 may be configured to be in an electrical sleep-mode and wake-up upon receipt of said signal from the rodent detector 8. By this, the sound and / or vibrations is / are kept at low level(s).

[0051] When, in particular, the control unit 12 is in a electrical sleep-mode, the rodent detector 8 is still active to detect the presence of a rodent and the control-unit although being in a sleep-mode monitors for an signal from the rodent detector 8 and wakes-up when a signal is received from the rodent detector 8, whereafter the control unit 12 activates the destruction device 5.

[0052] When the device also has a tilt detector, this tilt detector may still be active when the control unit 12 is in the electrical sleep-mode and wakes-up if the tilt detector detects a tilt.

[0053] In preferred embodiments, the functionality of the control unit 12 is in the electrical sleep-mode to monitor a signal from the rodent detector 8 and / or the tilt detector. Such a monitoring involves a substantially lower power consumption during sleep-mode compared to an awake-mode of the control unit 12, whereby sound and / or vibrations produced by the control unit 12 is reduced compared with the awake-mode.

[0054] Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the destruction device is configured to soundless and / or vibrationless, or essentially soundless and / or essentially vibrationless, prior to activation of the destruction device 5.

[0055] As a rodent is destructed inside the elongate passage 2, there may be a need for removing the rodent to allow for destruction of further rodents by the device. To avoid regularly manually inspection for destructed rodents, the destruction device may comprise a communication device 15 configured to receive an activated signal from the control unit 12 or the destruction device 5 signalling that the destruction device 5 has been activated and transmit a wireless message, preferably over a mobile communication network, containing information about that the destruction device 5 has been activated.

[0056] To increase safety in use of the destruction device, the destruction device 5 may be reactivatable where reactivation of the destruction 5 requires executing a reactivation sequence manually.

[0057] In preferred embodiments, the rodent detector 8 comprises a PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor), but other sensors may be used.

[0058] As perhaps most clearly visible in Fig. 2, the destruction element 7 may comprise two blades 16 which preferably is arranged with a tapering distance to each in a horizontal direction. In general, the destruction element 7 preferably comprises two blades 16 both extending in vertical direction.

[0059] Reference is made to Fig. 3 which shows six different configurations of destruction elements according to preferred embodiment. The configurations are each shown in a bottom view. In the illustrated embodiments, the destruction elements comprising blades 16. Such blades are typically made from metal, and it may be preferred to provide the blades 16 with blunt edge(s) hitting the rodent to avoid separation of the rodent.

[0060] As illustrated in Fig. 3a, b and f, the destruction element 7 may comprise two blades arranged side-by-side relatively to a longitudinal direction of the elongate passage 2. The longitudinal direction is typically the direction between two ends 3a, 3b. The blades 16 are configured to span at least partly, such as substantially fully, a width of the destruction zone 6 where the width is a direction transvers to the longitudinal direction. The span of the blades are preferably selected so that a rodent cannot escape being hit by the blade 16 by getting around the blade 16 and at the same time assure that the blade(s) hits the spine and / or neck of the rodent. Fig. 3a illustrates a specific embodiments of the blades 16 according to which the two blades 16 are arranged with a tapering distance in a horizontal direction. In Fig. 3 horizontal is the plane of the figure sheet.

[0061] Fig. 3f illustrates another specific embodiment of the blades 16 according to which the two blades 16 are connected with each other along a vertically extending axis so that the two blades have V-shaped cross sections. Here, vertically refers to a line perpendicular to the plane of the figure sheet.

[0062] Fig. 3b illustrates another specific embodiment of the blades 16 according to which the two blades 16 are arranged parallelly to each other in a horizontal direction.

[0063] The invention is not limited to two blades and preferred embodiments may comprise a single blade, three, four, five, six or even more blades 16. Fig. 3c-e illustrate embodiments having four blades. These four blades 19 are arranged side-by-side relatively to a longitudinal direction of the elongate passage similar to the embodiments disclosed having two blades 16.

[0064] Fig. 3c illustrates an embodiment with four blades, where two innermost blades of the four blades are arranged with a tapering distance to each other in horizontal direction, similarly to the embodiment of Fig. 3a. Two outermost blades 16 are arranged parallelly to a neighbouring of the inner most blade 16 as illustrated.

[0065] Fig. 3d illustrates an embodiment having four blades 16, where the four blades 16 blades are arranged parallelly to each other. The blades 16 may be arranged with equidistant longitudinal distance.

[0066] Fig. 3e illustrates an embodiment having four blades 16, where two innermost blades of the four blades are arranged parallelly with each other and two outmost blades of the four blades 16 are arranged with a tapering distance to each in a horizontal direction.

[0067] Although not illustrated, the destruction element 7 may comprise a single blade 16. In attempt to lure a rodent to the destruction zone 6, the device may comprise a scent source 17 having a scent appealing to a rodent to lure a rodent into the destruction zone 6. Although the scent source 17 is illustrated to be located in the destruction zone 6, the scent source 17 may be located at another position. Further, multiple scent sources may be located at different positions in the destruction device, typically with the aim of providing a scent trail leading towards and preferably into the destruction zone 6

[0068] To further prevent humans to e.g. place a hand in the elongate passage 2 the device may further comprise at least one restriction element 18 configured to restrict entrance by a human hand into the elongate passage 2 and is typically arranged at one or both ends 3a, 3b. The restriction element 18 is typically designed to allow a rodent to enter into the elongate passage 2. In preferred embodiments, the restriction passage 18 is pivotally arranged to the elongate passage 2, so as to allow the restriction element 18 to pivot up and down to increase or decrease an entrance opening, preferably around a pivot axis being perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the elongate passage 2.

[0069] Reference is made to Fig. 4 schematically illustrating another embodiment of a destruction having many similarities with the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. However, where the device of Fig. 1 has the actuator 9 and the destruction device 5 arranged to move in a vertical direction, the device of Fig. 4 has the actuator 9 and destruction device 5 arranged to move in horizontal direction as illustrated by the arrows sketched on the blades in Fig. 4. Other features disclosed in connection with the aforementioned figures may be applied to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4. As the elongate passage 2 in the illustrated embodiment has a vertical extending sidewall, a counter pressure element may be left out. However, such a counter pressure element may be provided to provide sufficient rigidity to destruct a rodent e.g. in case the sidewall does not provide such sufficient rigidity.

[0070] In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the elongate passage 2 has a downward facing opening 4. However, a destruction device according to preferred embodiment of the invention may, instead of having such a downward facing opening, have a wall member (not illustrated) so the that elongate passage forms a tubular element though-out the extent of the elongate passage or along a section of the elongate element, such as a section enclosing the destruction zone 6. Thus, also the embodiments shown in Fig. 1 and 2 may have such a wall member. The wall member may have closed outer surface and / or comprising openings, such as being formed from a net. Preferably, the wall member is made from metal.

[0071] Fig. 5A and 5B illustrates a device as illustrated in Fig. 4 in combination with a receptacle 19 for receiving destructed rodents. In the illustrated embodiment, the device for destructing rodents is placed above, such as on top of, the receptacle 19 which is placed on a terrain. Gangways 20, preferably made from metal, are provided at both ends 3A, 3B of the elongate passage 2 to allow a rodent an easy ascent to the elongate passage 2. It is noted that one of the gangways 20 may be omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate passage forms a tubular element, that is the elongate passage has a wall member forming a bottom of the elongate element. However, an opening is provided in a region around the destruction zone 6 to allow a destructed rodent to fall into the receptacle 19 after destruction.

[0072] When a rodent enters into the destruction zone 6, the closing element 22 of the receptacle 19 is closed and may act as a counter pressure element 11. Once the rodent is detected, the destruction device is activated to destruct the rodent. After a short while, such as 1-5 seconds after the destruction device has been activate, an actuator mechanism opens the closing member 22 for a time period be sufficient for the destructed rodent to fall in the interior of the receptacle, where after the actuator mechanism closed the closing member 22. As illustrated, the receptacle 19 is arranged relatively to the destruction zone 6 so that a destructed rodent falls under the action of gravity into the receptacle 19.

[0073] Accordingly, the receptacle comprising a closing member 22, which in an open state allow a rodent to fall into the receptacle and which in a closed state closes the receptacle 19.

[0074] While Fig. 5A illustrates the receptacle 19 as being located on a terrain, the receptacle 19 may be lowered either partly or fully into the terrain. Reference is made to Figs. 6A-D illustrating an embodiment of a device for destruction of rodents. The labelling of features also shown in other figures herein are labelled with the same numerals. As illustrated , the device comprising an elongate passage 2 having two ends 3a, 3b where both ends are open ended. The elongate passage 2 has a backwall 29, a ceiling 30, a bottom 27, and a sideway facing opening (26).

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, the device has a tubular component 24 extending downwardly below the elongate passage 2. This tubular component 24 is typically configured for being inserted into an open end of a vertically arranged pipe 23 like the one illustrated in Fig. 7. Accordingly, when the tubular component 24 is inserted into a vertical pipe 23 a passage is provided into the interior of the pipe through the tubular component 24.

[0076] As shown in Figs. 6A and 6B, the illustrated device comprises a platform 25 arranged at an upper end of the tubular component 24. This platform extending circumferentially to the tubular component 24 at least from the two ends 3a, 3b - in the illustrated embodiment, the platform extend 360 degrees - so as to provide a rodent pathway exterior to the two ends 3a, 3b, while leaving a passage into the tubular component 24 of sufficient size to allow a rodent to pass through an upper opening of the tubular component 24.

[0077] The platform 25 is typically dimensioned so that an underside of the platform 25 abuts an upper end to the pipe, typically by extending radially outward from the tubular component. By this, the destruction device rest on top of the vertical pipe 30 by the underside of the tubular component 24 abuts the upper end of the vertical pipe 30.

[0078] When a rodent approaches the destruction device it will most likely proceed along the pathway provided by the platform. In preferred embodiment, the destruction device has a scent source as otherwise disclosed herein (not illustrated) which will lure the rodent into the destruction zone 6. A rodent detector 8 as otherwise disclosed here detect a rodent in the destruction zone and activates the destruction device 5 so that the destruction element in form of two blades 16 moves downwardly and brakes the spine and / or neck of the rodent. Thus, when no rodent is detected, the destruction element is in a first position allowing a rodent to pass through the destruction zone and with a rodent detected in the destruction zone, the destruction element moves downwardly toward the bottom 27 in an amount sufficient to destruct the rodent by braking the spine and / or neck of the rodent.

[0079] As perhaps most clearly seen in Fig. 6D, the bottom 27 is inclined towards the tubular component 24. By inclined toward the tubular component is preferably meant that the bottom 27 is inclined so that an object not being fixed to the bottom 27 will due to gravity move towards and fall into the tubular component 24. Thus, when a rodent has been destructed and the destruction elements is retracted to the first position, the destructed rodent will typically drop into the tubular component 27, and if the tubular component 24 is inserted in a pipe, the rodent will fall into the pipe.

[0080] In preferred embodiments, the bottom is inclined by an angle (alpha) being larger than 4 degrees, such as larger than 6 degrees, and smaller than 15 degrees, such as smaller than 10 degrees.

[0081] In preferred embodiments, the tubular component 24 is inserted in a sewer pipe forming part of a sewer system in which rodents have a habitat. A rodent, which is lured to the destruction device may enter into the elongate passage 2 through one of the ends 3a, 3b and be destructed by the destruction element 7 (blades in Figs. 6A-D). After retraction of the destruction element 7, the rodent will drop into the sewer pipe and into the sewer.

[0082] Control of the device for destruction of rodents comprises in a preferred embodiment, the following steps.

[0083] As detailed above, the device comprises a rodent detector 8 detecting a rodent and the control unit activates the destruction device 5. In preferred embodiment, the rodent detector is a PIR sensor sensing infrared heat from the rodent.

[0084] As detailed, the destruction device is controlled by a control unit 12, typically being a computer based control unit. In preferred embodiments, the device is configured to transmit information via a telecommunication network. The telephone number to transmit information to is stored in the control unit and input preferably through a USB connection to the control unit.

[0085] The device preferably comprises and on / off switch which can turn on and off the device.

[0086] The device preferably also comprises a test-button which when pressed activates the destruction device 5, which can be used to test the function of the destruction device 5. In preferred embodiments, the test function is only possible after a start-up sequence (detailed below) has been executed. After the test-button has been pressed, the destruction device is preferably configured so that in order to use the device, the device must be tuned-off and on.

[0087] A light based indicator is preferably provided in the destruction device. The controller, typically the control unit 12, is configured to provide the following light patterns in a preferred embodiment:

[0088] • Slowly flashing (e.g. with 1 seconds interval) indicates an start-up sequence

[0089] • Fast flashing indicates a test has been carried out or one more errors, such as a tilt (e.g. produces by movement of a rodent), has occurred

[0090] • Constant light e.g. in 15 seconds indicated that the device has been activated or tested and the destruction element(s) 7 is(are) in the second position

[0091] An activating sequence may comprise the following steps:

[0092] • The on / off switch is placed in on

[0093] • An upstart sequence is carried out, typically by the control unit 12, during which the destruction device 5 is made ready for activation

[0094] • When the upstart sequence is completed, the light based indicator shows constant light for e.g. 15 seconds, and an SMS is send to the phone number containing information about that the device is armed, that is ready for destruction of a rodent. • The device is now in a waiting mode, awaiting activation either by the PIR sensor / rodent detector 8 or test button.

[0095] • When the PIR sensor / rodent detector 8 senses a signal or test button is used, an SMS is send containing information about that the device has been activated.

[0096] • The device enters into a safety mode which requires that the device has to be turned off and on before it can be activated again.

[0097] In preferred embodiments, any reactivation of the destruction element 5 requires that the device is turned off and on.

[0098] Reference is made to Fig. 8 schematically illustrating a livestock farming facility. The livestock is preferably hens or pigs but the invention is not limited to hens or pigs. The livestock facility has an enclosure 32 for retaining livestock, which enclosure may be in the form of a cage or a stable. The enclosure having a bottom configured for allowing material, such feed leftovers, faeces, originating from farming the livestock in in the enclosure to fall under action of gravity through the bottom. This may be provided by the bottom having through going openings of a size allowing matter to pass while still allowing for the livestock to walk of the bottom.

[0099] A void 33 is arranged below the bottom of the enclosure 32, and configured to receive the material falling through the bottom. Material contained in the void will most likely attract rodents, in particular rats towards the void.

[0100] To destruct attracted rodents, the livestock farming facility comprises a device for destruction rodent 31 according to an embodiment of the invention. The is typically arranged with the guideway facing an interior of void 33. In some preferred embodiments, the guideway form the only entrance into the void 33, whereby rats trying to enter the void 33 will be destructed in the attempt.

[0101] In other embodiments, the void 33 is closeable, e.g. by raisable wall part whereby upon closing the void, the only way out will be though the guideway 1 of the device for destruction of rodents 31, whereby rodents will be destructed in their attempt to leave the void 33. ITEMIZED LIST OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0102] Item 1. A device for destruction of rodents, in particular rats, the device comprising

[0103] • a guideway (1) having one or more wall section(s) forming: o an elongate passage (2) having two ends (3a, 3b) one or both ends of which are open ended, and

[0104] ■ a downward facing opening (4) to be at least partially covered by a terrain on which the device is placed during use, or a sideway facing opening (26) and a bottom (27), or

[0105] ■ the elongate passage forms a tubular element at least along a section of the elongate passage;

[0106] • an activatable, such as reactivatable, destruction device (5) being activatable by receipt of an electrical signal, the destruction device (5) being positioned in a destruction zone (6) of the elongate passage (2), wherein an elongate length of the elongate passage is longer than an elongate length of the destruction zone (6), the destruction device comprises a destruction element (7) being reciprocatable moveable between o a first position in which the destruction element (7) allows a rodent to pass through the destruction zone (6) along the terrain, and o a second position in which the destruction element extends downwardly inside the destruction zone (6) towards the downward facing opening (8) or bottom (27) in an amount sufficient to destruct a rodent situated in the destruction zone and on the terrain;

[0107] • a rodent detector (8) configured to detect a presence of a rodent in the destruction zone (6) and activate the destruction device (5) upon detection of a rodent in the destruction zone (6)

[0108] • a control unit (12) being configured to receive a signal from the rodent detector (8) signalling the presence of a rodent in the destruction zone (6) and activate the destruction device (5) to move destruction element (7) to the second position.

[0109] Item 2. A device according to item 1, comprising

[0110] • a counterpressure element (11) arranged at the downward facing opening (4) in the destruction zone (6), which counterpressure element (8) co- operates with the destruction element (7) to brake the spine and / or neck of a rodent situated in between the counter pressure element (11) and the destruction element (7) positioned in the second position

[0111] Item 3. A device according to item 1 or 2, wherein the destruction device (5) comprises an actuator (9) configured to provide the reciprocatable movement of the destruction element (7) between the first position and the second position.

[0112] Item 4. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the actuator (9) is a pneumatic actuator operated by pressurised air, and the device further comprises a compressed air reservoir (10) fluidicly connected to the actuator.

[0113] Item 5. A device according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a tracking device (13), preferably being a GPS based tracking device, configured to provide a position of the device.

[0114] Item 6. A device according to any one of the preceding item, comprising a tilt detector (14) configured to detect a tilt of the device and providing a tilt signal to the control unit (12), the control unit (12) is configured to inhibit movement of the destruction element if the tilt signal signals that the device is tilted more than a predetermined angle, such as 15 degrees, relatively to vertical.

[0115] Item 7. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the control unit (12) and the destruction device (5) are configured to be in an electrical sleepmode and wake-up upon receipt of said signal from the rodent detector (8).

[0116] Item 8. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the device is configured to soundless and / or vibrationless prior to activation of the destruction device (5).

[0117] Item 9. A device according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a communication device (15) configured to receive an activated signal from the control unit (12) or the destruction device (5) signalling that the destruction device (5) has been activated and transmit a wireless message, preferably over a mobile communication network, containing information about that the destruction device (5) has been activated.

[0118] Item 10. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the destruction device (5) is reactivatable and reactivation of the destruction (5) requires executing a reactivation sequence manually.

[0119] Item 11. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the rodent detector (8) comprises a PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor).

[0120] Item 12. A device according to any on of the preceding items, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising two blades arranged side-by-side relatively to a longitudinal direction of the elongate passage (2), the blades (16) being configured to span at least partly, such as substantially fully, a width of the destruction zone (6).

[0121] Item 13. A device according to item 12, wherein the two blades are arranged with a tapering distance in a horizontal direction.

[0122] Item 14. A device according to item 13, wherein the two blades (16) are connected with each other along a vertically extending axis so that the two blades have V-shaped cross sections.

[0123] Item 15. A device according to item 12, wherein the two blades (16) are arranged parallelly to each other in a horizontal direction.

[0124] Item 16. A device according to any one of the preceding items 1-11, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising four blades (16) arranged side-by-side relatively to a longitudinal direction of the elongate passage.

[0125] Item 17. A device according to item 16, wherein two innermost blades of the four blades are arranged with a tapering distance to each other in horizontal direction and two outermost blades (16) are arranged parallelly to a neighbouring of the inner most blade (16). Item 18. A device according to item 16, wherein the four blades (16) blades are arranged parallelly to each other.

[0126] Item 19. A device according to item 16, wherein two innermost blades of the four blades are arranged parallelly with each other and two outmost blades of the four blades (16) are arranged with a tapering distance to each in a horizontal direction.

[0127] Item 20. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising two blades (16) arranged with a tapering distance to each in a horizontal direction.

[0128] Item 21. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising two blades (16) both extending in vertical direction.

[0129] Item 22. A device according to any one of the preceding items 1-11, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising a single blade (16).

[0130] Item 23. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the device comprising a scent source (17) having a scent appealing to a rodent to lure a rodent into the destruction zone (6).

[0131] Item 24. A device according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the device comprising at least one restriction element (18) configured to restrict entrance by a human hand into the elongate passage (2).

[0132] Item 25. A device according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a tubular component (24) extending downwardly below the elongate passage (2), the tubular component (24) is configured for being inserted into an open end of a vertically arranged pipe (23).

[0133] Item 26. A device according to item 25, comprising a platform (25) arranged at an upper end of the tubular component (24) and extending circumferentially to the tubular component (24) at least from the two ends (3a, 3b) so as to provide a rodent pathway exterior to the two ends (3a, 3b), while leaving a passage into the tubular component (24) of sufficient size to allow a rodent to pass through an upper opening of the tubular component (24).

[0134] Item 27. A device according to item 25 or 26, wherein the bottom (27) is inclined towards the tubular component (24).

[0135] Item 28. A device according to item 28, wherein the bottom is inclined by an angle (alpha) being larger than 4 degrees, such as larger than 6 degrees, and smaller than 15 degrees, such as smaller than 10 degrees.

[0136] Item 29. A device according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a receptacle (19) for receiving destructed rodents, said receptacle (19) being arranged relatively to the destruction zone (6) so that a destructed rodent falls under action of gravity into the receptacle (19).

[0137] Item 30. A device according to item 29, wherein said receptacle comprising a closing member (22), which in an open state allow a rodent to fall into the receptacle and which in a closed state closes said receptacle (19).

[0138] 31. A livestock farming facility comprising

[0139] • an enclosure (32) for retaining livestock, the enclosure having a bottom configured for allowing material, such feed leftovers, faeces, originating from farming the livestock in in the enclosure to fall under action of gravity through the bottom,

[0140] • a void (33) arranged below the bottom of the enclosure (32), and configured to receive the material falling through the bottom,

[0141] • a device according to any one of the preceding items arranged with the guideway facing an interior of said void (33).

[0142] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specified embodiments, it should not be construed as being in any way limited to the presented examples. The scope of the present invention is set out by the accompanying claim set. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Also, the mentioning of references such as "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims with respect to elements indicated in the figures shall also not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features mentioned in different claims, may possibly be advantageously combined, and the mentioning of these features in different claims does not exclude that a combination of features is not possible and advantageous.

[0143] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS USED

[0144] 1 Guideway

[0145] 2 Elongate passage

[0146] 3a, 3b Ends

[0147] 4 Downward facing opening

[0148] 5 Destruction device

[0149] 6 Destruction zone

[0150] 7 Destruction element

[0151] 8 Rodent detector

[0152] 9 Actuator

[0153] 10 Compressed air reservoir

[0154] 11 Counter pressure element

[0155] 12 Control unit

[0156] 13 Tracking device

[0157] 14 Tilt detector

[0158] 15 Communication device

[0159] 16 Blades

[0160] 17 Scent source

[0161] 18 Restriction element

[0162] 19 Receptacle for receiving destructed rodents 20 gangway

[0163] 21 Opening

[0164] 22 Closing element

[0165] 23 Vertical pipe (of a sewer) 24 Tubular component

[0166] 25 Platform

[0167] 26 Sideway facing opening

[0168] 27 Bottom

[0169] 28 Guide for blades 16 29 Backwall

[0170] 30 Ceiling

[0171] 31 Device for destruction of rodents

[0172] 32 Enclosure

[0173] 33 Void below enclosure

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device for destruction of rodents, in particular rats, the device comprising• a guideway (1) having one or more wall section(s) forming: o an elongate passage (2) having two ends (3a, 3b) one or both ends of which are open ended, and■ a downward facing opening (4) to be at least partially covered by a terrain on which the device is placed during use, or a sideway facing opening (26) and a bottom (27), or■ the elongate passage forms a tubular element at least along a section of the elongate passage;• an activatable, such as reactivatable, destruction device (5) being activatable by receipt of an electrical signal, the destruction device (5) being positioned in a destruction zone (6) of the elongate passage (2), wherein an elongate length of the elongate passage is longer than an elongate length of the destruction zone (6), the destruction device comprises a destruction element (7) being reciprocatable moveable between o a first position in which the destruction element (7) allows a rodent to pass through the destruction zone (6), and o a second position in which the destruction element extends downwardly inside the destruction zone (6) towards the downward facing opening (8), the bottom (27) or an adjacent wall member of the tubular element in an amount sufficient to destruct a rodent situated in the destruction zone;• a rodent detector (8) configured to detect a presence of a rodent in the destruction zone (6) and activate the destruction device (5) upon detection of a rodent in the destruction zone (6)• a control unit (12) being configured to receive a signal from the rodent detector (8) signalling the presence of a rodent in the destruction zone (6) and activate the destruction device (5) to move destruction element (7) to the second position.

2. A device according to claim 1, comprising• a counterpressure element (11) arranged, preferably at the downward facing opening (4), in the destruction zone (6), which counterpressureelement (8) co-operates with the destruction element (7) to brake the spine and / or neck of a rodent situated in between the counter pressure element (11) and the destruction element (7) positioned in the second position3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the destruction device (5) comprises an actuator (9) configured to provide the reciprocatable movement of the destruction element (7) between the first position and the second position.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (9) is a pneumatic actuator operated by pressurised air, and the device further comprises a compressed air reservoir (10) fluidicly connected to the actuator.

5. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tracking device (13), preferably being a GPS based tracking device, configured to provide a position of the device.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claim, comprising a tilt detector (14) configured to detect a tilt of the device and providing a tilt signal to the control unit (12), the control unit (12) is configured to inhibit movement of the destruction element if the tilt signal signals that the device is tilted more than a predetermined angle, such as 15 degrees, relatively to vertical.

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (12) and the destruction device (5) are configured to be in an electrical sleepmode and wake-up upon receipt of said signal from the rodent detector (8).

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to soundless and / or vibrationless prior to activation of the destruction device (5).

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a communication device (15) configured to receive an activated signal from the control unit (12) or the destruction device (5) signalling that the destruction device (5) has been activated and transmit a wireless message, preferably over amobile communication network, containing information about that the destruction device (5) has been activated.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the destruction device (5) is reactivatable and reactivation of the destruction (5) requires executing a reactivation sequence manually.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rodent detector (8) comprises a PIR sensor (passive infrared sensor).

12. A device according to any on of the preceding claims, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising two blades arranged side-by-side relatively to a longitudinal direction of the elongate passage (2), the blades (16) being configured to span at least partly, such as substantially fully, a width of the destruction zone (6).

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the two blades are arranged with a tapering distance in a horizontal direction.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the two blades (16) are connected with each other along a vertically extending axis so that the two blades have V- shaped cross sections.

15. A device according to claim 12, wherein the two blades (16) are arranged parallelly to each other in a horizontal direction.

16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising four blades (16) arranged side-by-side relatively to a longitudinal direction of the elongate passage.

17. A device according to claim 16, wherein two innermost blades of the four blades are arranged with a tapering distance to each other in horizontal direction and two outermost blades (16) are arranged parallelly to a neighbouring of the inner most blade (16).

18. A device according to claim 16, wherein the four blades (16) blades are arranged parallelly to each other.

19. A device according to claim 16, wherein two innermost blades of the four blades are arranged parallelly with each other and two outmost blades of the four blades (16) are arranged with a tapering distance to each in a horizontal direction.

20. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising two blades (16) arranged with a tapering distance to each in a horizontal direction.

21. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising two blades (16) both extending in vertical direction.

22. A device according to any one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein the destruction element (7) comprising a single blade (16).

23. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprising a scent source (17) having a scent appealing to a rodent to lure a rodent into the destruction zone (6).

24. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprising at least one restriction element (18) configured to restrict entrance by a human hand into the elongate passage (2).

25. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a tubular component (24) extending downwardly below the elongate passage (2), the tubular component (24) is configured for being inserted into an open end of a vertically arranged pipe (23).

26. A device according to claim 25, comprising a platform (25) arranged at an upper end of the tubular component (24) and extending circumferentially to the tubular component (24) at least from the two ends (3a, 3b) so as to provide a rodent pathway exterior to the two ends (3a, 3b), while leaving a passage into thetubular component (24) of sufficient size to allow a rodent to pass through an upper opening of the tubular component (24).

27. A device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the bottom (27) is inclined towards the tubular component (24).

28. A device according to claim 28, wherein the bottom is inclined by an angle (alpha) being larger than 4 degrees, such as larger than 6 degrees, and smaller than 15 degrees, such as smaller than 10 degrees.

29. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a receptacle (19) for receiving destructed rodents, said receptacle (19) being arranged relatively to the destruction zone (6) so that a destructed rodent falls under action of gravity into the receptacle (19).

30. A device according to claim 29, wherein said receptacle comprising a closing member 22, which in an open state allow a rodent to fall into the receptacle and which in a closed state closes said receptacle (19).

31. A livestock farming facility comprising• an enclosure (32) for retaining livestock, the enclosure having a bottom configured for allowing material, such feed leftovers, faeces, originating from farming the livestock in in the enclosure to fall under action of gravity through the bottom,• a void (33) arranged below the bottom of the enclosure (32), and configured to receive the material falling through the bottom,• a device according to any one of the preceding claims arranged with the guideway facing an interior of said void (33).

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