Device for electrocuting a rodent

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for electrocuting a rat, the device comprising a prechamber (1) with openings (1A, 2A) that are capable of being closed by flaps (V1, V2) sliding in angle irons. When the flaps (V1, V2) move downward, vibrations are generated in the prechamber (1).

Description

[0001] Device for electrocuting a rodent

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for electrocuting at least one rodent animal, in particular a rat, by at least one electric discharge, said device comprising at least one partially inclined channel (7) with an inlet (7A) and an outlet (7B) opening into an electrocution chamber (8) associated with at least (*) one electrocution means (9) adapted to subject an animal present in the chamber to an electric discharge, and (*) a means (90D) for detecting the presence of a rodent animal in said electrocution chamber (8), said means (90D) for detecting the electrocution chamber (8) emitting a control signal to the electrocution means (9) to bring it from a rest position preventing electrocution to an electrocution position capable of subjecting a rodent animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) to an electric discharge for a given minimum electrocution time.

[0003] Many rat and mouse traps with electric shock to kill them have already been marketed. While these traps have a certain effectiveness immediately after installation, the rats and mice to be trapped easily get used to the traps, making them less and less effective over time. In addition, electrocution of a trapped animal is not guaranteed, the animal then makes a movement to move away from the electrocution electrodes. This non-electrocution then leaves the animal alive in the trap, often injured and very aggressive, posing a problem for the user when resetting the device or when emptying the tank if necessary. Rats and mice easily detect the presence of new objects in their environment, making them very wary of any new objects placed in their environment.A rat or mouse that is not trapped correctly is an animal that can give a danger signal to other rats and mice, thus making the trap ineffective or ineffective in the future.

[0004] Document US2015 / 0150236 discloses a device comprising a rotating electrocution chamber. In this trap, the rat must climb a short ramp leading to the outside environment to reach the rotating chamber. When the door of the rotating chamber is opened, the rat will immediately sense the existence of danger as soon as a rat has been trapped.

[0005] Document US2007 / 0245617 discloses a device for electrocuting a rodent at least by an electric discharge. This device comprises a narrow channel with an elbow to direct the rodent towards an electrocution chamber with a tilting bottom. Nothing attracts or pushes the rodent to move towards the entrance of the narrow channel and in it, in particular given the presence of straight elbows, and given the significant length of the channel. This trap does not allow to thwart the wariness of a rat.

[0006] Document JP2022 / 169233 discloses a rat trap, comprising a chamber for attracting the rat, said chamber having a sliding bottom. According to this document, once the rat is detected in the chamber, the bottom slides to drop the rat into a chamber having a horizontal electrode and a vertical electrode. Rats are intelligent and very agile animals, so that as soon as a rat senses a sliding movement of the bottom, it will turn around and jump out of the trap. In the event that a rat were to fall into the receiving chamber to be electrocuted, this dead rat will create a sort of short circuit, so that a new trapped rat may not be electrocuted sufficiently, this unkilled rat then being able to leave the receiving chamber the next time the sliding bottom is opened.

[0007] Document US3064386 discloses a rodent trap comprising a chamber with a movable door and a bottom adapted to generate an electrocution. Once a rat is electrocuted, other rats will not be willing to enter the electrocution chamber, as the rats sense the danger.

[0008] To solve this problem, the device according to the invention of the type described in the first paragraph of this document is essentially characterized in that:

[0009] 1 / the device comprises a pre-chamber (1) advantageously substantially longitudinal defined by one or more substantially opaque walls, possibly movable or removable (certain side walls may be movable or removable or partially movable or removable, when for example the device is placed against a wall or an object), said pre-chamber having:

[0010] (a) a first open end (IA) associated with a first substantially opaque, substantially vertical and at least partially metallic flap (VI), said first flap (VI) having substantially vertical edges (VIO, Vil) guided in at least partially metallic vertical slides (10, 11) between (*) a high or open position for which the first flap (VI) does not close the first open end (IA) so as to form a passage towards the pre-chamber (1) for said at least one rodent animal to be electrocuted, and (**) a low or closed position for which the first flap (VI) substantially completely closes the first open end (IA) to prevent the passage of a rodent animal through said first open end (IA) into the pre-chamber (1) and out of the pre-chamber (1), said first flap (VI) and / or at least one vertical slide (10, 11) guiding a substantially vertical edge

[0011] (V10, Vil) of the first flap (VI) is / are associated with at least one means (12, 13) for limiting the vertical movement of the first flap (VI) relative to the vertical slides (10, 11) at least towards the low position, advantageously also towards its high position, said first flap (VI) and / or at least one of the vertical slides (10, 11) being adapted to generate a metallic noise during the movement of the first flap (VI) towards its low position, in particular in the vicinity of its low position.

[0012] The metallic noise generated during the downward movement of the flaps (VI) and (V2) puts the animal to be electrocuted present in the pre-chamber (1) in a state of stress, thus reducing its distrust and favoring its instinct to escape from the pre-chamber (1), thus pushing it to engage in the inclined channel (7) leading it to the electrocution chamber (8).

[0013] (b) a first control system (100) associated with said first flap (VI), said first control system (100) having a positioning means activatable between a position of holding in the high position for which the first flap (VI) is held in its high position and a position of not holding in the high position for which the first flap (VI) is able to move or to be moved downwards along the slides (10, 11) towards its low position in less than 5 seconds, advantageously in less than 2 seconds, preferably in less than 1 second, preferably in less than 500 ms;

[0014] (c) a second open end (2A) associated with a second flap (V2) that is substantially opaque, substantially vertical and at least partially metallic, said second flap (V2) having substantially vertical edges (V20, V21) guided in at least partially metallic vertical slides (20, 21) between (*) a high or open position for which the second flap (V2) does not close the second open end (2A) so as to form a passage towards the pre-chamber (1) for said at least one rodent animal to be electrocuted, and (**) a low or closed position for which the second flap (V2) substantially completely closes the second open end (2A) to prevent the passage of a rodent animal through said second open end (2A) into the pre-chamber (1) and out of the pre-chamber (1), said second flap (V2) and / or at least one vertical slide (20, 21) guiding a substantially vertical edge (V20,V21) of the second flap (V2) is / are associated with at least one means (22,23) for limiting the vertical movement of the second flap (V2) relative to the vertical slides (20,21) at least towards the low position, advantageously also towards its high position, said second flap (V2) and / or at least one of the vertical slides (20,21) being adapted to generate a metallic noise during the movement of the second flap (V2) towards its low position, in particular in the vicinity of its low position,

[0015] (d) a second control system (100) associated with said second shutter (V2), said second control system (100) having a positioning means activatable between a position of holding in the high or open position for which the second shutter (V2) is held in its high position and a position of not holding in the high position for which the second shutter (V2) is able to move or to be moved downwards along the slides (20, 21) towards its low position in less than 5 seconds, advantageously in less than 2 seconds, preferably in less than 1 second, preferably in less than 500 ms; in which preferably, the second control system (100) and the first control system (100) form only a single control system.

[0016] (e) a bottom (5) at least partially open in the vicinity of the first open end (IA) over a length of at least 20cm and at least partially open in the vicinity of the second open end (2A) over a length of at least 20cm, said bottom (5) being advantageously open substantially from the first open end (IA) to the second open end (2A), said first open end and second open end being advantageously distant from each other by at least 50cm, preferably 60 to 100cm. It has been observed that the presence of a bottom at least partially open, in particular totally or substantially totally open, was beneficial in order not to disturb the habits of rats and mice, the latter then being less fearful when passing through the pre-chamber (1).

[0017] (f) a high wall (6) opposite said bottom (5) having an opening (60) for the inlet (7A) of the channel (7) leading to the electrocution chamber (8), and

[0018] (g) a means (15, 15bis) for detecting the presence of a rodent animal in a detection zone (16) of the pre-chamber (1), said detection zone (16) being remote from the first open end (IA) and the second open end (2A) of the pre-chamber (1), said detection means (15) of the pre-chamber (1) being adapted to emit a control signal to the first and second control systems or to the single control system to control the passage of the positioning means (100) of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from their position of holding in the high position to their position of not holding in the high position, in the event of detection of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) (by the sensor 15, 15bis). and in that

[0019] 2 / the electrocution chamber (8) associated with the electrocution means (9) adapted to subject the rodent animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) to an electric discharge comprises at least one ventilation means (80) to allow outside air to pass into said electrocution chamber (8) and, advantageously, a lighting means (81) to ensure lighting or the passage of outside light into said electrocution chamber (8), said ventilation means advantageously being a lighting means. It has been observed that the presence of ventilation makes it possible to promote a current of air between the pre-chamber (1), so that the animal is less afraid to move in the channel, the latter thinking that the channel is a channel leading to the outside environment, and therefore a way to escape from the trap.

[0020] In the present specification and claims, shutter is understood to mean a wall which in the low or closed position is capable of closing the first or second open end. The shutter is in particular and even preferably in the form of a partition or a movable panel of the guillotine type, preferably metallic. The partition or panel then advantageously moves substantially in a vertical plane, when the partition or panel passes from its high (or open) position to its low (or closed) position. The partition or panel (advantageously metallic, steel, advantageously galvanized or with a matte-looking coating) then forms a sort of guillotine. The lower edge of the movable partition or panel is advantageously folded back to form a bead, to avoid a sharp effect of the lower edge.This bead prevents cutting or nicking a rat's tail, which prevents a piece of the rat's tail from preventing the closure of a movable partition or panel. A rat receiving a brief, blunt blow to its tail will tend to want to move away from the partition or panel, thus ensuring that the entire rat is trapped in the pre-chamber. Cutting or nicking a rat's tail will cause suspicion for other rats to be trapped, particularly due to deposits of blood drops.

[0021] The device according to the invention may be of the single-outlet or multiple-outlet type, but advantageously of the multiple-outlet type, preferably then with an automatic resetting system of the device for a new outlet.

[0022] According to advantageous embodiments, the device according to the invention comprises one or more of the following characteristics:

[0023] * the positioning means (100) for the first flap (VI) and the positioning means (100) for the second flap (V2) each comprise at least one electrical mechanism, such as an electromagnet (1053) and / or a motor (100M), capable of moving from a position of holding the first flap (VI) and / or the second flap (V2) in their high position in an up or open position to a position of not holding in an up or open position, or even to a low position, in less than 1 second, advantageously in less than 0.1 second, while the first flap (VI) and second flap (V2) and their vertical slides are adapted so that the movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from an up position to a down position is achieved by the effect of gravity and / or by a motorization (100M) of the mechanical device (100), in less than 1 second.This ensures a rapid closing movement, and therefore the generation of a short or brief noise, when closing the shutters or at the end of closing the shutters, thus ensuring significant stress for the animal present in the pre-chamber, this stress often combining with a start from the animal, then putting it in a situation of panic, pushing it to try to escape from the pre-chamber. and / or.

[0024] * the first and second flaps are each associated with a motorized mechanical device adapted to ensure the passage of the first or second flap from its high position to its low position, and from its low position to its high position in less than 1 second, preferably in less than 500 ms, but are preferably associated with the same motorized mechanical device, said same motorized mechanical device being adapted to ensure the passage of the first and second flaps from their high position to their low position, and from their low position to their high position, at least substantially at the same time, in less than 1 second, advantageously in less than 500 ms. and / or

[0025] * the pre-chamber (1) defines a volume between the first and second open ends (1A, 2A), while the channel (7) has a portion (75) extending into the volume of the pre-chamber, said channel advantageously having a flared or truncated cone-shaped open end extending into said volume of the pre-chamber (1). This optional embodiment is advantageous. and / or

[0026] * the first flap (VI) and the second flap (V2) are each mounted relative to their slides (10, 11; 20, 21) so as to allow vibration of the flap in question (VI, V2) when the latter or a part integral with it (13, 23) comes into contact with a stop (12, 22) of a slide (10, 20) or of an element (wall 6) of the device, in particular of an element associated with the upper wall (6) of the pre-chamber (1) during a movement of the flap in question from its upper position to its lower position. The rapid movement of the flaps towards their lower position ensures an impact of the flap or of a part integral with the flap with a stop, advantageously metallic, preferably associated with the upper wall (6) of the pre-chamber (1).This then ensures the movement of two noise waves in the prechamber (1) from the first flap and the second flap respectively, noise waves which are directed towards each other, thus ensuring double stress to the animal, putting it in a greater state of panic, since a feeling of aggression comes from the two entrances of the prechamber. Such movement is advantageously carried out at least by a motorized mechanical device, this allowing rapid movements of the flap or flaps between their low position and their high position, to generate continuous vibrations over a period of 1 to 20 seconds, or a series of periods of continuous vibrations of 1 to 20 seconds, spaced between them by a period of non-vibration of 1 to 10 seconds.and / or the electrical mechanism comprises a motorization (100M) adapted to move the first shutter and / or the second shutter (VI, V2) from its / their high position to its / their low position, and from its / their low position to its / their high position, said motorization (100M) being advantageously controlled to ensure a series of small movements of partial opening and closing of one of said first and second shutters or of said first and second shutters, said small movements preferably being operated to move the first shutter and / or the second shutter over a distance of less than 3cm, advantageously less than 2cm, preferably less than 1cm, relative to its / their low position, wherein advantageously the number of small movements is from 2 to 10, in particular from 2 to 5, and / or preferably the small movements are operated over a period of less than 10 seconds, advantageously less than 5 seconds. and / or.

[0027] * the pre-chamber (1) is associated with at least one infrared sensor (15), advantageously with at least two infrared sensors (15, 15 bis) to determine the presence of a rodent animal in the detection zone (16) of the pre-chamber (1), said infrared sensor or said infrared sensors (15, 15 bis) emitting

[0028] (*) a signal to the control systems or the single control system (100) to bring the positioning means of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a holding position in a high position of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to a non-holding position in the high position allowing a movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) towards their low position at least by the effect of gravity and / or by the motorized mechanical device (100), (**) as well as a signal to arm the electrocution means (9) in a state allowing at least one electric discharge to be generated in the electrocution chamber (8), in particular when the presence of an animal is detected by a sensor 90D in the electrocution chamber 8.

[0029] This sensor or sensors 15,15bis make it possible to determine whether the animal to be trapped is located in an area far from the openings, to prevent the animal's tail from still being at the level of a flap, and therefore to ensure that the animal is not in a position allowing it to prevent the downward movement of a flap or in a position preventing it from moving towards and in the channel 7 towards the electrocution chamber 8. and / or

[0030] The electrocution means (9) adapted to subject an electric shock to an animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) comprises an electrocution cell (91) having at least one series of electrically conductive elements (92,93,94,95).

[0031] A series of at least two first conductive elements (93,95) in the form of electrically conductive plates, each with a contact surface of at least 3 cm 2 (advantageously from 3 to 50cm 2, preferably 10 to 40cm 2 ) and connected to a generator (97) of series of trains of modulated electrical pulses of decreasing voltage amplitude (A) varying from a maximum absolute voltage amplitude greater than 1000V, but less than 10000V (for example less than 7000V, or even less than approximately 6000 Volts, such as 3 to 4000V) to a minimum absolute voltage amplitude of less than 10V, with a frequency of more than 100Hz, advantageously from 100 to 500Hz, for at least 15 seconds, each decreasing train of modulated electrical pulses (Tl El, Tl E2, etc.) comprising at least 10 oscillations of more than 500V in absolute value, two successive series of trains of modulated electrical pulses being spaced from each other by a period without modulated electrical pulses of a duration of at least 500ms, said period without electrical impulses.

[0032] At least two first electrically conductive elements (93,95) of said series being spaced from each other by an intermediate zone (ZI) having a minimum width between said two first conductive elements considered (93,95) of between 3cm and 10cm, advantageously from 4cm to 8cm, said intermediate zone (ZI) forming an electrically insulated zone with respect to said two first conductive elements considered (93,95), the at least two first conductive elements (93,95) of said series being electrically insulated from the metal mass of the device and being electrically insulated from the earth (TE).

[0033] At least one electrically conductive intermediate element (94) in the form of an intermediate plate with a contact surface of at least 3 cm 2 (advantageously from 3 to 50cm 2 , preferably 10 to 40cm 2 , more particularly 20 to 30cm 2) extends in the intermediate zone (ZI) between said two first conductive elements (93,95) of the series spaced from each other, the intermediate element (94) of the intermediate zone (ZI) being electrically isolated from the series of at least two first conductive elements (93,95) and being connected to the negative terminal of the battery (96), possibly via the electrical pulse generator, or to a grounding means (TE) or to the metal mass of the device.

[0034] At least one electrically conductive front element (92) extends in a front zone (ZA) located furthest from the outlet (7B) of the channel (7) opening into the electrocution chamber (8) relative to said two first conductive elements (93, 95), said at least one conductive front element (92) being electrically insulated from said series of at least two first conductive elements (93; 95), said at least one conductive front element (92) being connected to an earthing means (TE) or to the metal mass of the device, possibly via the electrical pulse generator 97.

[0035] The electrocution cell (91) advantageously comprises an electrically non-conductive base (91B) carrying the series of electrically conductive elements (92, 93, 94, 95). The cell is advantageously made of hard plastic (for example ABS), carrying at least said two first conductive elements (93, 95), at least the at least one intermediate element (94) and the at least one front conductive element (92). and / or

[0036] * at least one intermediate element (94) is connected to the negative terminal of the at least one electric battery (96), advantageously via the generator 97, said intermediate element (94) being electrically isolated from the metal mass of the device and from the earth, and / or

[0037] * the front conductive element (92) is connected, advantageously via the generator 97, either to the negative terminal of the at least one electric battery, or to the metal ground of the device, the latter being connected to an earthing means, said front conductive element (92) being insulated from the base (91B) which is not electrically conductive of the electrocution cell. and / or

[0038] * the electrocution chamber (8) has an elongated shape and has at least one lower longitudinal wall (91B) forming the base of the electrocution chamber (8), and one or more longitudinal guide walls (91L, 91S) adapted to guide the rodent animal to be electrocuted towards the electrocution cell 9,

[0039] At least the lower longitudinal wall (91B) and the longitudinal guide wall(s) (91L, 91S) are essentially made of an electrically non-conductive material, in particular of a hard plastic material, for example ABS.

[0040] The electrocution chamber (8) extends between (*) a front end (8A) having a passage communicating with the outlet (7B) of the partially inclined channel (7), and (**) a rear end (8B) opposite said front end (8A), said rear end (8B) comprising a closing means (8B0) advantageously having a series of orifices (8B1) allowing air to pass between the electrocution chamber (8) and the external environment, said closing means being advantageously made at least partially of an electrically conductive material, connected to the metallic mass (MM) or to the earth (TE).

[0041] The detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber (8) is adapted to detect the presence of an animal close to the rear end (8B) or the presence of an animal in an area of ​​the electrocution chamber (8) comprising at least two first conductive elements (93, 95) connected to the generator 97. and / or

[0042] * the lower longitudinal wall (91B) is pivotally mounted relative to one or more longitudinal guide walls 91L, 91S between a raised position for which the lower longitudinal wall is in a substantially horizontal position to form the base of the electrocution chamber 8, and a lowered position for which the electrocution chamber (8) is open, the pivoting of the lower longitudinal wall (91B) being controlled by a motorized mechanical device, which is advantageously the motorized mechanical device for raising or lowering the flap(s) VI, V2.and / or the motorized mechanical device controlling the pivoting of the lower longitudinal wall 91B is also the motorized mechanical device controlling the movement of the first and second flaps between their high position and their low position, said mechanical device being advantageously adapted so that it controls a pivoting of the lower longitudinal wall (91B) towards its substantially horizontal position, at the same time as a movement of the flaps towards their low position, and so that it controls a pivoting of the lower longitudinal wall towards its lowered position, at the same time as a movement of the flaps towards their high position. In the present specification, motorized mechanical device or motorized mechanical mechanism designates a device or mechanism comprising at least one motor, advantageously electric, which is capable of moving one or more flaps, in one direction or in both directions. and / or.

[0043] * the detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber (8) is associated with a timer (90T) to delay by 0.1 seconds to 2 seconds, advantageously by 0.2 seconds to 1 second, the passage of the electrocution means (9) from its rest position to its electrocution position. and / or

[0044] * the electrocution means (9) comprises a generator of a series of trains of electrical pulses (97) or of successive series of trains of modulated electrical pulses, said generator being associated with:

[0045] (a) means for receiving a signal for activating the electrocution means, for example from one or more means for detecting or sensing (90D) the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber,

[0046] (b) means for controlling the duration of the electrocution period by series of successive electrical pulse trains lasting from 20 seconds to 120 seconds, advantageously from 45 to 75 seconds, (c) control means interrupting the transfer of electrical pulses from the generator 97 to said at least two first conductive elements (93, 95) after a series of successive pulse trains during a period of non-transmission of at least 1 to 10 seconds, advantageously between 1 and 5 seconds, said control means being advantageously associated with a device for earthing said at least two first conductive elements (93, 95) during the period of non-transmission of electrical pulses,

[0047] (d) means for controlling activation of the electrocution means (90) limiting the duration of activation since receipt of an activation signal of the electrocution means to less than 5 minutes, advantageously to less than 4 minutes, for example between 90 seconds and 3 minutes, and advantageously

[0048] (e) means for controlling inactivation of the electrocution means (90) for at least 1 minute, advantageously at least 2 minutes, after a period of electrocution (90), and

[0049] (f) preferably a timer (90T) for delaying activation of the electrocution means (90) for at least 15 seconds following detection of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the detection means (90D). and / or

[0050] * the electrical pulse train generator is a generator (97) of a series of successive trains of modulated electrical pulses of absolute maximum amplitude (A) between 2000V and 7000V, each train of modulated electrical pulses comprising at least 8 modulations with an absolute value of more than 1000V, over a time period of less than 2ms, advantageously less than 1ms, while advantageously, the generator (97) is configured so that the modulation of the electrical pulse trains is such that in absolute value, the amplitude of the electrical pulses of a train is less than 25% of the absolute maximum amplitude 2ms after the start of a pulse train considered. and / or

[0051] * the generator (97) is adapted to emit a series of trains of modulated electrical pulses varying in the range from +7000V to -7000V (for example in the range from -6000V to +6000V, or -5000V to +5000V, such as in the range from -3000V to +3000V) the damping of the pulses in the range from +500V to -500V being carried out with 10 to 16 modulations, each modulation lasting less than 0.1 millisecond, advantageously less than 0.05 millisecond. and / or

[0052] * the first flap (VI) and the second flap (V2) are associated with a motorized movement mechanism or motorized mechanical device (100) adapted to at least move the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from their low position to their high position, and / or the device comprises a control means (101) of said motorized movement mechanism (100) or of the motorized mechanical device of the first and second flaps (VI, V2), said control means (101) of the motorized movement mechanism of said first and second flaps (VI, V2) or of the motorized mechanical device of the first and second flaps receiving at least:

[0053] - a signal detecting the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) or a signal for the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to move from a high position to a low position;

[0054] - a signal detecting the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the detection means (90D), and

[0055] - a signal for emitting an electric discharge by the electrocution means (90) in the electrocution chamber (8); and / or said control means (101) of the motorized movement mechanism (100) or of the motorized mechanical device determining whether, during a determined period of time from the reception of the signal for detecting the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) by the detection means (15) and / or the signal for the passage of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a high position to or in a low position, it has not received a signal for emitting an electric discharge in the electrocution chamber (8), said control means (101) emits at least:

[0056] - a signal to return the electrocution means (9) to its rest position, and

[0057] - a signal to the displacement mechanism (100) to return the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to the high position, and maintain them in the high position. and / or

[0058] * the device includes one or more of the following safety features:

[0059] - a safety device (110) on the supply of electrical current to the electrocution means (90) depending on the position of the flaps (VI, V2), so that as long as one of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) is not in the low position, the electrocution means (90) is kept in a rest position;

[0060] - an external brightness detector (111) for the device acting on a switch (110) supplying power to the electrocution means (90), so that as long as a brightness greater than a given brightness is detected, the external brightness detector (111) controls the electric current supply switch (110) to keep the electrocution means (90) in the rest position, and / or a switch (112) supplying electric current to the positioning means to keep the shutters (VI, V2) in the high position;

[0061] - a motion detector (113) of the device acting on a power switch (110) of the electrocution means (90), so that as soon as a movement of the device is detected by the motion detector (113), the motion detector (113) controls the power switch (110) with electric current to keep the electrocution means (90) in the rest position,

[0062] - a movement detector (90D) of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8), which when it detects a movement of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) after a period of electrocution, acts on a power switch (110) of the electrocution means (90) and / or on the electrical pulse generator to ensure either a new phase of electrocution, or to emit a control signal from the switch (110) to maintain the electrocution means (90) in the rest position, and

[0063] - a combination of such securities, and / or

[0064] * the device comprises: (*) a reservoir (200) for collecting one or more electrocuted animals in the electrocution chamber (8), and (*) a transfer mechanism (150) for transferring an animal after its electrocution to the reservoir (200), said transfer mechanism (150) being controlled after a given minimum electrocution time, and being advantageously controlled by a movement sensor (90D) emitting a transfer signal after detecting the absence of movement of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) for a given period following an electrocution step or after a period of time following a given electrocution time. and / or

[0065] * the electrocution chamber (8) is associated with a movement detector (90D) of the animal, said detector (90D) sending a signal of movement of the animal to a control means (97) of the electrocution means (90) to subject the animal to an electric shock, to ensure that the electrocution means (90) subjects the animal to an electric shock by means of a series of trains of modulated electric pulses at least as long as a movement of the animal is detected by the movement detector (90D), and advantageously also for a given minimum period of time following the detection of a last movement of the animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the movement detector (90D). and / or

[0066] * the transfer mechanism (150) is movable between a first position in which the transfer mechanism (150) is turned towards the electrocution chamber (8) and a second position in which the transfer mechanism (150) is turned towards the reservoir (200) so that the electrocuted animal falls into the reservoir (200), said transfer mechanism (150) being controlled by a control means to move it from its first position to its second position in less than 15 seconds after a minimum electrocution time or after the movement detector (90D) no longer detects movement of an animal for a given minimum period of time, and from its second position to its first position in less than 15 seconds after movement of the transfer mechanism from its first position to its second position. and / or

[0067] * the transfer mechanism control means (150) is adapted to control a movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) towards their low or high position when said transfer mechanism control means returns the transfer mechanism to its first position or to control a movement of the transfer mechanism from its first position to its second position. and / or

[0068] * that the electrocution chamber (9) comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the first side wall and distant from the first side wall, and in that the detection means or device (90D) for detecting the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber (9) comprises (a) at least one infrared ray emitting element mounted on the first side wall, (b) at least one infrared ray receiving element mounted on said first side wall or mounted on a support arranged behind at least one window, advantageously screened, which the first wall has to allow the passage of infrared rays through said at least one window, said receiving element being adjacent to said emitting element, said receiving element being advantageously located less than 2 cm from the emitting element, preferably less than 1 cm from the emitting element, and (c) a reflector element mounted on the second side wall,said reflecting element being arranged so as to return infrared rays emitted by the emitting element to at least one receiving element.,

[0069] This is particularly interesting because as soon as the rat presents its snout or a part of its body in front of the emitting element or the receiving element, the infrared signal is no longer detected by the receiving element, which makes it possible to send a control signal to the electrocution means. This also makes it possible to send the control signal of the electrocution means while being certain of the correct positioning of the rat in the electrocution chamber (9).

[0070] The fact of arranging the transmitter 907 and the receiver 901 outside the electrocution chamber (8), the infrared rays passing through a window advantageously screened in a side wall, makes it possible to protect the transmitter and the receiver against attacks by rats, but above all makes it possible to place the transmitter and the receiver in an area which is not soiled by rats (area which remains clean). This makes it possible to avoid numerous operating errors, which then results in a reduction in the number of rats electrocuted. The reflector 904 is advantageously mounted removably relative to a wall 8P1 of the electrocution chamber 8. Preferably, the reflector is mounted on a slide passing through the upper part of the chamber 8 and opening onto a slot in the cover IC. The reflector can thus be removed from the chamber 8, and in particular from the device, for example to clean it or to replace it with another reflector.

[0071] During an electrocution step, advantageously, the transmitters and the receiver, as well as the sensors 15, 15bis are no longer supplied with current. This is of interest for their protection. and / or

[0072] * the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflecting element is / are associated with one or more modules with LED or LEDs to emit one or more visible light signals (wavelength between 380 and 780 nm) from said first wall towards the electrocution chamber (8) in an area located less than 3 cm from the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or from the second wall in an area located less than 3 cm from the reflecting element and / or in an area located less than 3 cm from the at least one window, advantageously at least in an area located between the emitting element and the receiving element or at least below the area located between the emitting element and the receiving element or in an area located under the emitting element and / or the receiving element or in an area at least under the reflecting element or adjacent to the reflecting element or in an area located under the at least one window.Advantageously, one or more LED modules are carried by the transmitter support and the receiver located behind a wall of the chamber, the LED light then being visible from inside the chamber through one or more windows 906. It has been noted that the emission of visible light points (advantageously intermittent) in the vicinity of the transmitter element and / or the receiver element attracted the rat towards this transmitter element and / or this receiver element, thus promoting the correct positioning of the rat in the electrocution chamber.

[0073] During an electrocution step, the LED module(s) are no longer supplied with current, to protect it or them from electric shock. and / or the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflector element is / are associated with one or more windows communicating with the interior volume of a collection drawer (200) for dead rats, said window(s) (906) being at least partly located less than 3cm from the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflector element, advantageously at least in an area located between the emitting element and the receiving element or under this area, preferably ventilation holes communicating with the dead rat collection drawer are present in the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflector element.

[0074] Advantageously, ventilation holes communicating with the dead rat collection drawer are present in the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflector element. Preferably, these ventilation holes communicating with the collection drawer are associated with a fan to push the air from the drawer through the ventilation holes towards the electrocution chamber and its channel 7. Advantageously, during an electrocution step, the fan is no longer supplied with electric current.

[0075] The electrocution chamber (8) may also be associated with a device for emitting sounds, in particular ultrasounds, preferably of the type similar to those emitted by rats trapped in the pre-chamber 1. and / or

[0076] The electrocution chamber (8) has or is associated with a connection with a valve controllable between an open position and a closed position, said connection being adapted to be connected to a CO2 tank or cartridge. The opening of the valve is activated when the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber is detected, for example by the detection means (90D). This makes it possible to calm the animal during the electrocution phase. This is particularly advantageous when trapping large rodents, such as raccoons. The CO2 is for example introduced into the electrocution chamber (8) through one or more openings (80) of the ventilation means. For example, an opening (80) is connected to a CO2 tank by a pipe with a controllable valve. and / or

[0077] The electrocution chamber (8) and / or the pre-chamber (1) is / are associated with one or more cameras, for example activated upon detection by a detection means of the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) and / or in the pre-chamber (1). This or these cameras are connected to a control device connected by wireless communication to a remote control device of an operator. The remote control device may be a portable device or a control center capable of controlling the operation of several devices according to the invention. The control device sends one or more images of the animal present in the pre-chamber and / or the electrocution chamber, and asks an operator (possibly with the use of artificial intelligence) to validate the activation of the electrocution cell. This is particularly useful for traps for large rodents, such as raccoons.The operator or artificial intelligence then makes it possible to avoid electrocuting animals that are not trapped, or even to send an operator to free the trapped non-harmful animal. This remote control device also makes it possible to remotely activate the device, depending on the time of day. This also makes it possible to monitor the presence of animals in the pre-chamber, to determine if the bait is appropriate or if it needs to be changed.

[0078] An additional camera may also be provided to determine the number of electrocuted rats or other rodents present in the collection bin (200). Sending images from this camera, as well as possibly other data from the device, allows an operator to determine whether an intervention is required, for example to empty the collection bin (200), to put in new bait or another bait, to carry out a cleaning operation on the device, to recharge the gas tank or install a new cartridge, to change batteries or recharge the battery(ies) supplying power to the device, and / or the device according to the invention is controlled by an artificial intelligence which, after analyzing one or more images, determines whether the trapped animal belongs to the target group, and in this case activates the electrocution command.If the trapped animal does not belong to the target group, a message is sent to the device to open one or more doors to release the trapped animal and / or to an operator to release the trapped animal, and / or the pre-chamber is associated with a feeder automatically releasing, at predetermined times, one or more doses of food, and / or.

[0079] * a combination of two or more of these details or characteristics.

[0080] The invention also relates to the use of a device according to the invention (as disclosed above) for killing rodent animals, in particular rats. Other rodents can also be trapped. The size of the device will then be adapted to the size of the rodent to be eliminated. Examples of rodents other than rats include mice, field mice and raccoons, the latter forming a colony of pests in Europe, without any natural predators in Europe.

[0081] Particularities and details of advantageous embodiments given by way of example only, will emerge from the following description in which reference is made to the attached drawings.

[0082] In these drawings,

[0083] - figure 1 is a side view of a device according to the invention, with the pre-chamber flaps in the closed position, the collecting tray located above the pre-chamber,

[0084] - figures 2 and 3 are side views of the device of figure 1 with the shutters in the lowered or closed position,

[0085] - figures 4 and 5 are side views with the shutters in the raised or open position,

[0086] - figure 6 is a sectional view along line VI-VI of figure 1,

[0087] - figure 7 is a sectional view along line VII-VII of figure 1,

[0088] - figure 8 is a sectional view along line VIII-VIII of figure 1,

[0089] - figure 9 is a top view of the device of figure 1 without the cover (section along line IX-IX),

[0090] - Figure 10 is a sectional view of the device of Figure 9 along the line X-X,

[0091] - Figure 11A is a perspective view of the device of Figure 9, with the upper wall removed and with the drawer for collecting dead rats in the open position, while Figure 11B is a perspective view of a wall for closing an opening of the pre-chamber;

[0092] - figure 12 is a schematic view of the device of figure 1, without the drawer 200, nor side walls, and

[0093] - Figure 13 is a view of a series of modulated electrical pulse trains used to electrocute the rat in the electrocution chamber, and

[0094] - Figure 14 is a larger scale view of a train of modulated electrical pulses.

[0095] - figure 15 is a schematic view of an electrocution cell,

[0096] - figure 16 is a perspective view of the electrocution chamber with its cell in a horizontal position located above the collection drawer,

[0097] - Figure 17 is a sectional view of the electrocution chamber with the cell in the downwardly facing position for transferring an electrocuted rat into the collection drawer;

[0098] - Figure 18 is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of the electrocution cell, and

[0099] - figure 19 is a schematic view of the safety features of the device according to the invention.

[0100] - figure 20 is a schematic view of a motorized mechanical device ensuring the movement of the flaps VI, V2 and the transfer system 150;

[0101] - figure 21 is a view of the motorized mechanical device of figure 20, in another position; - figure 22 is a schematic perspective view of a single-socket device according to the invention with electromagnets for holding the shutters (VI, V2) in the open position;

[0102] - Figure 23 is a side view of the device of Figure 22;

[0103] - Figure 24 is a side view of the device of Figure 22, after removing the side and top walls;

[0104] - Figure 25 is a perspective view of the drawer for removing the dead rat from the electrocution chamber;

[0105] - Figures 26A, 26B and 26C are schematic views of a preferred detection means for controlling an electrocution step.

[0106] In these figures, the reference signs indicated refer to elements and means as described in the description of embodiments. The same reference sign is used to designate similar elements or elements having the same function.

[0107] The device of Figure 1 is a device for electrocuting at least one rodent animal, in particular a rat by at least one electric discharge, said device comprising at least one partially inclined channel (7) with an inlet (7A) and an outlet (7B) opening into an electrocution chamber (8) associated with at least (*) one electrocution means (9) adapted to subject an animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) to an electric discharge, and (*) one means (90D) for detecting (such as a motion sensor) the presence of a rodent animal in said electrocution chamber (8),said detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber (8) emitting a control signal to the electrocution means (9) to bring it (*) from a rest position preventing an electrocution step to (**) an electrocution position capable of subjecting a rodent animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) to an electric discharge for a given minimum electrocution time or minimum electrocution period.,

[0108] The device comprises a pre-chamber (1) advantageously substantially longitudinal defined by one or more substantially opaque walls, said pre-chamber (1) is located at a level lower than the electrocution chamber (8), this pre-chamber having:

[0109] (a) a first open end (IA) associated with a first substantially opaque, substantially vertical and at least partially metallic flap (VI), said first flap (VI) having substantially vertical edges (VIO, Vil) guided in at least partially metallic vertical slides (10, 11) between (*) a high position for which the first flap (VI) does not close the first open end (IA) so as to form a passage from the outside to the pre-chamber (1) for said at least one rodent animal to be electrocuted, and (**) a low position for which the first flap (VI) substantially completely closes the first open end (IA) to prevent the passage of a rodent animal through said first open end (IA) into the pre-chamber (1) and out of the pre-chamber (1) (the trapped animal then remaining trapped in the pre-chamber 1), said first flap (VI) and / or at least one vertical slide (10, 11) guiding a substantially vertical edge (V10,VII) of the first flap (VI) is / are associated with at least one means (12, 13, the means 12 is for example produced by bending the lower end of the vertical slides 10, 11. The means 13 is for example a finger integral with the flap VI abutting against an upper wall of the prechamber 1) to limit the vertical movement of the first flap (VI) relative to the vertical slides (10, 11) at least towards the low position, advantageously also towards its high position, said first flap (VI) and / or at least one of the vertical slides (10, 11) being adapted to generate a metallic noise during the movement of the first flap (VI) towards its low position, in particular in the vicinity of its low position,

[0110] (b) a first control system (100) associated with said first shutter (VI), said first control system (100) having a positioning means activatable at least between (*) a position of holding in the high or open position for which the first shutter (VI) in the high position is held in its high position and (**) a position of not holding in the high or open position for which the first shutter (VI) in the high position is able to move or be moved downwards along the slides (10, 11) towards its low position in less than 5 seconds, advantageously in less than 2 seconds, preferably in less than 1 second;

[0111] (c) a second open end (2A) associated with a second flap (V2) that is substantially opaque, substantially vertical and at least partially metallic, said second flap (V2) having substantially vertical edges (V20, V21) guided in at least partially metallic vertical slides (20, 21) between (*) a high position for which the second flap (V2) does not block the second open end (2A) so as to form a passage towards the pre-chamber (1) for said at least one rodent animal to be electrocuted and (**) a low position for which the second flap (V2) substantially completely blocks the second open end (2A) to prevent the passage of a rodent animal through said second open end (2A) into the pre-chamber (1) and out of the pre-chamber (1), said second flap (V2) and / or at least one vertical slide (20, 21) guiding a substantially vertical edge (V20, V21) of the second flap (V2) is / are associated with at least one means (22,23) to limit the vertical movement of the second flap (V2) relative to the vertical slides (20,21) at least towards the low position, advantageously also towards its high position, said second flap (V2) and / or at least one of the vertical slides (20,21) being adapted to generate a metallic noise during the movement of the second flap (V2) towards its low position, in particular in the vicinity of its low position,

[0112] (d) a second control system (100) associated with said second flap (V2), said second control system (100) having a positioning means activatable at least between (*) a position of holding in the high position for which the second flap (V2) in the high position is held in its high position and (**) a position of not holding in the high position for which the second flap (V2) in the high position is able to move or to be moved downwards along the slides (20, 21) towards its low position in less than 5 seconds, advantageously in less than 2 seconds, preferably in less than 1 second, more particularly less than 500 ms.

[0113] In the embodiment of Figure 1, the first control system and the second control system form only one control system 100 ensuring at the same time for the first shutter and for the second shutter, either that they are kept in the high or open position, or that they are not kept in the high position to allow the first and second shutters to move or to be moved at the same time to their low position or to close respectively the first end and the second end of the pre-chamber 1. This single control system or embodiments thereof will be described in more detail in Figures 20 and 21.

[0114] (e) a bottom (5) (partially shown in broken lines in Figure 4 or 12) at least partially open in the vicinity of the first open end (IA) over a length of at least 20cm and at least partially open in the vicinity of the second open end (2A) over a length of at least 20cm, said bottom (5) being advantageously open substantially from the first open end (IA) to the second open end (2A), said first open end and second open end being advantageously spaced apart from each other by at least 50cm, preferably 60 to 100cm, (the pre-chamber (1) has the shape of a longitudinal channel extending between the ends (1A, 2A) with a bottom (5) open between the two ends, so as not to disturb the rat when it enters the pre-chamber through a bottom different from the floor where the device is placed. The total length of the pre-chamber (1) is for example from 60 to 100cm)

[0115] (f) a high wall (6) opposite said open bottom (5) having an opening (60) forming the entrance (7A) of the channel (7) leading to the electrocution chamber (8) or allowing a part of the channel (7) to extend partially into the pre-chamber (1), this channel (7) has an inclined part (70) with asperities or slots (71) to facilitate the rat's ascent in the channel (7) towards the substantially horizontal part (72) ending in the opening (7B) communicating with the electrocution chamber (8). In particular, the portion 75 of the channel 7 extending into the pre-chamber 1 has slots (71), this then allowing the rat odors from the channel to spread better in the pre-chamber 1 so that the rat to be trapped is less stressed.

[0116] The channel 7 optionally, but advantageously, has a portion 75 which extends into the volume defined by the pre-chamber 1, below the upper part of the interior volume of the pre-chamber (wall 6). This portion 75 is advantageously flared. The length of this portion 75, optionally but advantageously flared, extending into the volume of the pre-chamber below the wall 6 is preferably 30 to 65 mm, in particular 40 to 50 mm. It has been noted that the fact that a portion of the channel 7 extends into the upper part of the volume of the pre-chamber, in particular a portion 75 having a flare, for example truncated, for the inlet 7A, promotes the passage of a rat into the channel 7, when the latter becomes trapped in the pre-chamber 1 with the flaps VI, V2 in the low or closing position.(g) one or more means (15, 15bis) for detecting the presence of a rodent animal in a detection zone (16) of the pre-chamber (1), said detection zone (16) being remote from the first open end (IA) and the second open end (2A) of the pre-chamber (1), said detection means (15) of the pre-chamber (1) being adapted to emit a control signal to the first and second control systems (100) to control the passage of the positioning means of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from their position of holding the flaps in the high position to their non-holding position allowing the flaps to slide quickly from their high or open position to their low or closed position.The means 15, 15bis for detecting the presence of a rat in the pre-chamber 1 are, for example, infrared detectors, each infrared detector comprising, on a vertical wall of the pre-chamber 1, a transmitter and, on the other wall, a receiver arranged to receive an infrared signal from the transmitter. When the infrared signal emitted by a transmitter is no longer picked up by the receiver, the flaps VI, V2 are released to close the open ends of the pre-chamber in less than 100 milliseconds.

[0117] In the embodiment shown, the electrocution chamber is located at a level higher than the wall (6) of the pre-chamber (1). The device is in the form of a metal box with a cover IC (shown in broken lines in Figure 11A) which is advantageously removable or pivoting to provide access to the internal mechanisms of the box, a drawer 200 for collecting the electrocuted rats can be removed from the box to facilitate emptying it of dead rats. A removable or pivoting side panel IL provides side access to the battery, control systems, etc. of the device. Side walls of the box, in particular of the pre-chamber 1, can be at least partially removable or pivoting. When the box is placed against a wall, the side wall of the pre-chamber bearing against the wall can either be partially removed, so that a side wall of the pre-chamber is formed by a portion of the wall.The drawer 200 may be provided with closable windows 200A, to allow an operator to view the contents of the tank from the outside, and with internal (electric) lights 200B for illuminating the interior of the drawer 200, particularly in the closed position. This allows light from the drawer to be visible through one or more windows 906 of the electrocution chamber 8. The drawer 200 slides in the frame of the device. This drawer advantageously has a safety feature preventing any electrocution step until the drawer 200 is properly closed. This safety feature advantageously constitutes an additional safety feature preventing any electrocution step after a first manual safety feature locking the device in the operating position after its placement in the area where rats are to be trapped.

[0118] The electrocution chamber (8) associated with the electrocution means (9) adapted to subject the rodent animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) to an electric discharge comprises at least one ventilation means (80) for allowing outside air to pass into said electrocution chamber (8) and, advantageously, a lighting means (81) for ensuring lighting or the passage of outside light into said electrocution chamber (8), said ventilation means (80) being advantageously also a lighting means (81) allowing the passage of outside light to the entry device into the electrocution chamber (8). This ensures that the rat is less disturbed with respect to its environment outside the device, and encourages the rat to move in the electrocution chamber towards the ventilation grid (80) which allows outside air and outside light to pass through.The rat arriving in the electrocution chamber then thinks that the only way out of the trap is on the side of grid 80.

[0119] This ventilation grille also allows noise from outside the device to enter the electrocution chamber (8), further encouraging the rat to climb into channel 7 to head into the electrocution chamber.

[0120] The electrocution chamber (8) comprises a first vertical side wall 8P1 and a second vertical side wall 8P2 opposite the first side wall and distant from the first side wall 8P1. (see figure 26A)

[0121] The detection means or device (90D) for detecting the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) comprises (a) at least one infrared ray emitting element 907 (emitting a beam of rays) mounted on the first side wall 8P1, (b) at least one infrared ray receiving element 901 mounted on said first side wall 8P1 (the receiving element having sensors over an area wider than that determined by the width of the emitted beam), said receiving element being adjacent to said emitting element, said receiving element being advantageously located less than 2 cm from the emitting element, preferably less than 1 cm from the emitting element 907, and (c) a reflector element 904 mounted on the second side wall 8P2,said reflector element 904 (wider than the width of the emitted beam) being arranged so as to return infrared rays emitted by the emitting element 907 towards at least one receiving element or a part thereof (901). This is particularly interesting because as soon as the rat presents its snout or a part of its body in front of the emitting element 907 or the receiving element 901, or even in front of the reflector element 904, the infrared signal is no longer detected by the receiving element 901, which makes it possible to send a control signal to the electrocution means 9. This also makes it possible to send the control signal of the electrocution means while being certain of the correct positioning of the rat in the electrocution chamber (8). To further attract the rat to move towards the emitting element 907 and / or the receiving element 901,the side wall 8P1 has a side window 906 communicating with the dead rat collection volume of the drawer 200. This is interesting because the rat located in the electrocution chamber is attracted by the odor emitted by the dead rats which have stayed in the drawer 200. Similarly, the side wall 8P2 can have under or in the vicinity of the reflector element 904 a window to allow the odor of rats located or having stayed in the drawer 800 to pass through. To bring the odor left by rats in the electrocution chamber to the channel 7, it is advantageous to provide a fan in the electrocution chamber to create a current of air laden with rat odor. Such a fan could also have been placed in the dead rat collection tray 200, to bring odor into the electrocution chamber via the windows 906, this air movement then also passing partially into the channel 7.,

[0122] Preferably, the emitting element and / or the receiving element is / are associated with one or more modules with LED or LEDs 902 to emit one or more visible light signals (wavelength between 380 and 780 nm) from said first wall in an area located less than 3 cm from the emitting element and / or the receiving element, advantageously in an area located between the emitting element and the receiving element. It has been noted that the emission of visible light points (advantageously intermittent) in the vicinity of the emitting element and / or the receiving element attracted the rat towards this emitting element and / or this receiving element, thus promoting the correct positioning of the rat in the electrocution chamber.

[0123] The emitting element 907 and the receiving element and the reflector element are associated with windows 906 communicating with the interior volume of a dead rat collection drawer 200. In the form shown, a first window is located under the emitting element and the receiving element, while a second window is located under the reflector element. It has been noted that these windows make it possible to attract the attention or curiosity of the rats, by the odor coming from the drawer 200. This makes it possible to ensure that the rats are in a correct position to ensure optimal electrocution. These windows are located at least partly at a distance of less than 3.5 cm from the emitting element, the reflector element or the receiving element, this to ensure that as soon as the infrared signal is no longer received by the receiving element, the electrocution cell is activated to electrocute the rat.In a possible variant, ventilation holes 906 for allowing the passage of rat odor from the drawer 200 are provided in the reflector element, as well as in the area between the emitting element and the receiving element. The windows 906 are advantageously provided with a grid. The windows can also be formed by a series of slots made directly in the walls of the electrocution chamber.

[0124] The infrared signal emitting and receiving elements, as well as the LED module(s), are advantageously protected by a grid against rat attacks. Rays thus pass between the bars of the grid towards the reflector element 904, to be redirected towards the receiving element 901, through the grid.

[0125] Figure 26A is a cross-section of the electrocution chamber 8 (section in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 8L of the chamber 8), while Figures 26B and 26C are partial views of the opposite side walls 8P1 and 8P2 (sectional views respectively along line XXVIB and line XXVIC).

[0126] In the multi-socket variant, the infrared ray transmitter and receiver are arranged outside the electrocution chamber, the infrared rays passing through a window 906 of the side wall 8P2, this open window being grilled. The inner face of the wall 8P1 is then provided with a reflector. Figure 11B shows in perspective a flap VI, V2 for closing an opening of the pre-chamber 1. The flap comprises a folded or folded lower end edge intended to touch the ground in the closed position of the flap (lowered position). This folded or folded portion makes it possible to avoid severing the tail of a rat during the downward movement of the flap, while giving a boost to the rat with its tail still extending outside the volume of the pre-chamber 1. This then encourages the rat to move with stress towards the interior of the pre-chamber 1, to go towards the entrance 7A of the channel 7.The flap possibly has a ventilation window V150, V250 advantageously closable, so that an operator can see if an animal is trapped in the pre-chamber 1, while not being able to move in the channel 7. The operator can then release this animal. Instead of this window, the flap can be associated with a camera to view the interior volume of the pre-chamber. Such a camera can also be mounted on a wall of the pre-chamber. Such a flap is particularly interesting for single-socket rat electrocution devices. The presence of a window in the flaps is not essential for the multi-socket trap, since the control device 900 controls the opening and closing of the flaps automatically.

[0127] The open ends of the pre-chamber 1 are each advantageously provided with an electromagnet 1053 intended to at least keep the flap VI, V2 in the open position, the rod or finger 1053D of the electromagnet then serving as a support for the folded or folded lower edge of the flap. This electromagnet receives a control signal when the presence of an animal is detected in the pre-chamber 1 by one or more detectors 15 or 15 bis to bring the finger into a position no longer extending under the flap or under the folded or folded edge or into a notch in the lower edge, so as to allow the flap to move, by gravity or via a mechanical device, downwards. In the closed position of the flap, the finger advantageously extends above the upper edge of the flap, so as to oppose an opening of the flap, as long as the finger of the electromagnet is located above the upper edge of the flap.In the case of an uneven floor, the lower edge of the shutter in the closed position can be moved away from the optimal closing position, so that the upper edge of the shutter can then extend to a level higher than the level of the finger. However, so that the finger 1053D can also serve as a means for locking the shutter in the lowered position, the shutter may have one or more openings V151, V251 adapted to receive part of the finger. Locking the shutters in the closed position is advantageous in order to prevent a user from being able to open the shutters, the opening of these being possible only once the rod of the electromagnet is commanded to the retracted position, for example once the control mechanism has determined the end of an electrocution step or the placing of the device in a state not allowing an electrocution step.

[0128] The positioning means for the first flap (VI) and the positioning means for the second flap (V2) may each comprise at least one separate electrical mechanical mechanism, but preferably the same mechanical mechanism 100. In the case where electromagnets are used to hold the flaps in the high and / or low position, activation of the mechanical mechanism by a motor is only possible after the movement of the rods of the electromagnets into a position allowing downward or upward movement of the flaps.

[0129] This unique electrical mechanism comprises a motorization (100M) adapted to move the first shutter and the second shutter (VI, V2) at the same time from their high position to their low position, and from their low position to their high position, said motorization (100M) being advantageously controlled to ensure a series of small movements of partial opening and closing of said first and second shutters, said small movements preferably being operated to move the first shutter and the second shutter over a distance of less than 3cm, advantageously less than 2cm, preferably less than 1cm, relative to their low position.

[0130] Advantageously the number of small movements being from 2 to 10, in particular from 2 to 5, and / or preferably the small movements are carried out over a period of less than 10 seconds, advantageously less than 5 seconds.

[0131] These small movements of the flaps relative to their low or closed position prevent the tail of a trapped rat from remaining blocked by a flap in the lowered position, and provide additional stress for the rat trapped in the pre-chamber, this then pushes it to move towards the central area of ​​the pre-chamber (1), in the vicinity of the entrance 7A of channel 7.

[0132] If the sensor(s) 15, 15bis still detect the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber, after a determined period (for example without an electrocution step having been carried out for a determined time), the motorized mechanism can either be controlled to generate small movements of the flaps again to stress the trapped animal again, or be controlled to generate an opening of the flaps, to allow the trapped animal to exit the pre-chamber 1.

[0133] The first flap (VI) and second flap (V2) and their vertical slides are adapted so that the movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) at least from a high or partially high or open position to a low position is carried out by the motorized mechanical device 100 in less than 1 second, in particular in less than 0.1 second. This rapid closing movement of the flaps (VI, V2) generates a sharp noise, which creates stress for the rat trapped in the pre-chamber, said rat then perceiving as the only exit from the pre-chamber, the inlet 7A of the channel 7, which then guides it towards the electrocution chamber. The perception by the rat of outside noise, outside air and a certain outside brightness via the grid (80) of the electrocution chamber, as well as the smell of rats having passed through the electrocution chamber encourages the rat to climb into the channel 7 to go into the electrocution chamber.

[0134] Advantageously, the first flap (VI) and the second flap (V2) are each mounted relative to their slides (10, 11; 20, 21) so as to allow vibration of the flap in question (VI, V2) when the latter or a part integral with it (13, 23) comes into contact with a stop (12, 22) of a slide (10, 20) or of an element of the device, in particular of an element associated with the upper wall (6) of the pre-chamber (1) during a movement of the flap in question from its high or partially high position to its low position. These vibrations then generate acoustic waves in the pre-chamber (1) which can be reflected between the metal flaps (VI, V2) and the metal walls of the pre-chamber (1).The reflection of the sound waves in the prechamber (1) creates additional panic stress for the rat, the latter then aspiring to escape from the prechamber (1) through the only opening available to it, namely the channel (7) advantageously extending partially into the prechamber (1).

[0135] In the embodiment shown, the pre-chamber (1) is associated with at least two infrared sensors (15, 15 bis) for determining the presence of a rodent animal in the detection zone (16) of the pre-chamber (1), said infrared sensors (15, 15 bis) (when one or the sensors determine the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber 1, for example by non-reception of the infrared signal by a receiving element) emitting (*) a signal to the control systems (100) for switching the positioning means (100) of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a holding position in a high position of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to a non-holding position allowing movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from their high position to their low position at least by the motorized mechanical device 100, (**) as well as a signal for arming the electrocution means (9,91) in a state allowing at least one electric discharge to be generated in the electrocution chamber (8), when the animal presses on the electrocution means (9) thus forming an electric circuit between electrically conductive elements connected to the generator 97.,

[0136] Advantageously, the infrared sensor(s) (15, 15 bis) are arranged to detect the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) in the zone 16 comprising the inlet 7A or flared inlet 75 of the channel 7. The channel 7 has a substantially circular passage cross-section.

[0137] The electrocution means (9) adapted to subject an electric shock to an animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) comprises an electrocution cell (91) having at least one series of electrically conductive elements (92, 93, 94, 95). (see figure 15) Said conductive elements are advantageously separated from each other by an electrically non-conductive zone. The width of this electrically non-conductive zone between two adjacent conductive elements is advantageously 5 to 20 mm, in particular 8 to 12 mm.

[0138] A series of at least two first conductive elements (93,95) in the form of electrically conductive plates, each with a contact surface of at least 3 cm 2 (for example from 3 to 50 cm 2 , for example from 10 to 40cm 2 , especially 20 to 30cm 2) are connected to the positive terminal of at least one electric battery (96) with the interposition of a generator (97) of successive series of trains of modulated electric pulses of decreasing voltage amplitude (A) varying from a voltage amplitude in maximum absolute value greater than 2000V (for example between 2500V and 10000V in absolute value), the modulation being such that the amplitude of the voltage of a train is reduced to less than 10V in absolute value in less than 2 milliseconds, in particular less than 1 millisecond. Each train advantageously comprises electric pulses of more than 1000V in absolute value, for example from 4 to 10 pulses of more than 1000V in absolute value. The generator emits successive trains with a frequency of 100 to 500 Hz, advantageously 150 to 300 Hz, in particular 180 to 240 Hz.Each pulse train has a portion with flattened or substantially pulseless pulses over a period of 1 to 5 ms, for example 2 to 4 ms.

[0139] The generator is adapted to emit successive series of successive modulated pulse trains, each series of successive pulse trains being carried out for a period of 20 seconds to 120 seconds, in particular 20 to 60 seconds, while two successive series of successive pulse trains are spaced apart by a non-electrocution time of 500 ms to 10 seconds, in particular 1 to 5 seconds. This period of non-electrocution or non-sending of a train of electrical pulses to the conductive elements is advantageously used for grounding the various conductive elements 92, 93, 94, 95. This grounding can be controlled by the generator 97.

[0140] Figure 13 shows a portion of a series of successive modulated pulse trains, while Figure 14 shows a modulated pulse train.

[0141] As a particular example ensuring approximately 100% electrocution of trapped rats, the generator emits:

[0142] - a first series of modulated pulse trains with a maximum amplitude of 2500 to 10000V in absolute value with at least 8 pulses with an amplitude of more than 1000V in absolute value, said first series of trains being operated for 45 seconds to 75 seconds,

[0143] - a rest period without electrical impulses, advantageously grounding, for 1 to 10 seconds;

[0144] - a second series of modulated pulse trains with a maximum amplitude of 2500 to 10000V in absolute value with at least 8 pulses with an amplitude of more than 1000V in absolute value, said first series of trains being operated for 45 seconds to 75 seconds,

[0145] - a rest period without electrical impulses, advantageously grounding, for 1 to 10 seconds;

[0146] - a third series of modulated pulse trains with a maximum amplitude of 2500 to 10000V in absolute value with at least 8 pulses with an amplitude of more than 1000V in absolute value, said first series of trains being operated for 15 seconds to 45 seconds.

[0147] The total duration of electrocution is controlled to be at least 120 seconds, preferably at least 180 seconds, for example from 180 seconds to 300 seconds.

[0148] In Figure 14, the generator actually emits pulses of modulated amplitude varying between -3000V and +3000V. The generated pulse train successively presents a negative pulse followed by a positive pulse. Tl

[0149] The first two conductive elements (93, 95) are spaced from each other by an intermediate zone (ZI) having a minimum width between said two first conductive elements considered (93, 95) of between 3 cm and 10 cm, advantageously from 4 cm to 8 cm, said intermediate zone (ZI) forming an electrically insulated zone with respect to said two first conductive elements considered (93, 95), the at least two first conductive elements (93, 95) of said series being electrically insulated from the metal mass (MM) of the device and being electrically insulated from the earth (TE), as well as from the base 91B of the electrocution chamber.

[0150] An intermediate element (94) in the form of an intermediate plate with a contact surface of at least 3 cm 2 (for example from 3 to 50cm 2 , such as 10cm 2 , 15cm 2 , 20cm 2 , 25cm 2 , 30cm 2 , 40cm 2) extends in the intermediate zone (ZI) between the first two conductive elements (93,95) of the series spaced from each other, the intermediate element (94) of the intermediate zone (ZI) being electrically isolated from the series of at least two first conductive elements (93,95) and being connected to the negative terminal of the battery (96), via the generator (97) with advantageously the interposition of a switch which can be part of the generator 97. This switch 97bis makes it possible to isolate the battery 96 as long as no animal is detected in the electrocution chamber. This electrically conductive intermediate element is isolated from the earth and the metal mass of the device, as well as from the base 91B.

[0151] An electrically conductive front element (92) extends in a front zone (ZA) located furthest from the outlet (7B) of the channel (7) opening into the electrocution chamber (8) relative to the series of at least two first conductive elements (93, 95). The zone ZA is adjacent to the grid 80. The conductive front element (92) is electrically isolated from said series of at least two first conductive elements (93; 95), said at least one conductive front element (92) being connected to the negative terminal of the battery via the generator 97, while then being isolated from the earth and the metal ground of the device. In the latter case, the intermediate element 94 and the front element are then connected to each other by an electrically conductive bridge.

[0152] The electrocution cell (91) comprises an electrically non-conductive base (91B) (for example made of ABS or other rigid plastic material) serving as a support for the series of electrically conductive elements (92, 93, 94, 95). The base 91B is insulated from the mass of the device and from the earth. This base 91B forms the base of the electrocution chamber 8. The guide walls 91L (substantially vertical side walls) of the electrocution chamber 8 (see Figure 16) are advantageously made of electrically insulating material or are electrically insulated from the earth and from the metal mass of the device. The side walls 91L may be of the type shown in Figures 26A to 26C.

[0153] With this configuration, an animal detected by sensor 90D in the electrocution chamber is subjected to modulated electrical pulses between electrode 94 and electrode 95, and between electrode 93 and electrode 94, as well as between electrode 93 and electrode 92. The animal is thus subjected to significant electric shocks for the part of the animal located in the intermediate zone ZI.

[0154] The intermediate element (94) and the front element (92) are connected to each other and to the negative terminal of the electric battery (96), said intermediate element (94) and the front element being electrically isolated from the metal mass of the device and from the earth.

[0155] The electrocution chamber 8 has guide walls 91L for guiding the movement of the animal towards the front zone ZA and the grid 80 (which has a wall 80P closing the chamber 8 above the open end 2A). When a guide wall is metallic and insulated from the earth and the metal ground of the device, and insulated from the battery, this wall can form an electrical bridge for the passage of current through the animal between the positive and negative poles of the battery, via the generator 97.

[0156] The intermediate element (94), as well as the front conductive element are connected to the negative terminal of the electric battery (96), via the generator, said intermediate element (94) and the front conductive element being electrically isolated from the metallic mass of the device and from the earth, and from the base (91B) which is not electrically conductive of the electrocution cell 91.

[0157] The electrocution chamber 8 has guide walls to guide the movement of the animal towards the front zone ZA and the grid 80.

[0158] The electrocution chamber (8) has an elongated shape and has at least one lower longitudinal wall (91B) forming a bottom, and one or more longitudinal guide walls (91L, 91S) adapted to guide the rodent animal to be electrocuted towards the electrocution cell, the lower wall 91B is pivotally mounted relative to a side wall 91L, the side walls being connected to each other by a ceiling 91S.

[0159] The lower longitudinal wall (91B) and the longitudinal guide wall(s) (91L, 91S) are essentially made of an electrically non-conductive material, to ensure that the rat is properly engaged on the electrocution cell 91, before an electrocution step is started.

[0160] The electrocution chamber (8) extends between (*) a front end (8A) having a passage communicating with the outlet (7B) of the partially inclined channel (7), and (**) a rear end (8B) opposite said front end (8A), said rear end (8B) comprising a closing means (8B0) advantageously having a series of orifices (8B1, 80) allowing air to pass between the electrocution chamber (8) and the external environment, said closing means being advantageously made at least partially of an electrically conductive material, connected to the metallic mass (MM) or to the earth (TE), (see figures 15 to 17)

[0161] The detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber (8) is adapted to detect the presence of an animal close to the rear end (8B) or the presence of an animal in an area of ​​the electrocution chamber (8) comprising at least two first conductive elements (93,95) connected to the positive terminal of the battery (96). This ensures that the rat is correctly positioned on the electrocution cell 91 when current is supplied to the first conductive elements (93,95), thus ensuring correct electrocution of the animal.

[0162] The detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber (8) is associated with a timer (90T) to delay by 0.1 seconds to 2 seconds, advantageously by 0.2 seconds to 1 second, the passage of the electrocution means (9) from its rest position to its electrocution position.

[0163] This timer (90T) advantageously forms part of a control system 900 of the electrocution means (9).

[0164] The control system 900 comprises a generator of a series of electric pulse trains (97) associated with (a) a means for controlling the duration of an electrocution period to less than 3 minutes from the passage of current in the electrocution chamber (8), (b) a means for controlling activation of the electrocution means (90) limiting the duration of activation of the start of the electrocution means to less than 5 minutes from the emission of the control signal by the detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber, (c) a means for controlling inactivation of the electrocution means (90) for at least 2 minutes, after an electrocution period or after a period of non-electrocution for at least 3 minutes following activation of the electrocution means (90), (d) a timer 90T for delaying activation of the electrocution means (90) for at least 15 seconds following the detection of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the detection means (90D),and (e) a switch (98) for controlling the flow of current between the intermediate element 94 and the negative terminal of the battery 96.,

[0165] Advantageously, during an electrocution step, the control device 900 stops the supply of electrical current to the detection sensors 15, 15bis, 90D, any lamps 902 and any fan and any motor controlling the opening and closing of the shutters, to ensure that these elements are insulated in the most optimal way possible with respect to the mass of the device.

[0166] The first flap (VI) and the second flap (V2) are associated with a motorized movement mechanism (100) adapted to at least move the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from their low position (shown in Figure 21) to their high position (shown in Figure 20), but preferably also from the high position to the low position. This device 100 comprises a motor 1000 capable of moving rods (100T).

[0167] The device comprises a control means (101) for said movement mechanism (100) of the first and second flaps (VI, V2), this movement mechanism (100) forming a single control system for the positioning means of said first and second flaps (VI, V2) to maintain them in the high position, said control means (101) (which may be part of the general control system 900 of the electrocution cell 9) of the movement mechanism 100 of the flaps (VI, V2) receiving at least:

[0168] - a detection signal from the sensor(s) of the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) or a signal of passage (from a detector 15ter) of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a high position to a low position; - a detection signal of the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the detection means (90D) (possibly via the electrocution control system 900), and

[0169] - a signal for emitting an electric discharge by the electrocution means (90) in the electrocution chamber (8).

[0170] Said control means (101) of the movement mechanism (100) determines whether, during a determined period of time from the reception of the signal detecting the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) by the detection means (15 / 15 bis) and / or the signal for the passage of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a high position to or in a low position (detector 15ter), it has not received a signal for emitting an electric discharge (from the control device 900) in the electrocution chamber (8) or a signal that the generator 97 has not emitted a series of trains of modulated electric pulses, said control means (101) emits at least:

[0171] - a signal to return the electrocution means (9) to its rest position, and

[0172] - a signal to the displacement mechanism (100) to return the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to the high position.

[0173] The device further comprises the following safety devices, acting on the electrocution control system (900) and / or the control means (101) or a centralized system controlling the electrocution and the control of the shutters (900 + 101):

[0174] - a safety device (110) on the supply of electrical current to the electrocution means (90) depending on the position of the flaps (VI, V2), so that as long as one of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) is not in the low position, the electrocution means (90) is kept in a rest position;

[0175] - an external brightness detector (111) for the device acting on a switch (110) supplying power to the electrocution means (90), so that as long as a brightness greater than a given brightness is detected, the external brightness detector (111) controls the electric current supply switch (110) to bring and maintain the electrocution means (90) in the rest position, and / or a switch (112) supplying electric current to the positioning means to maintain the shutters (VI, V2) in the high position;

[0176] - a motion detector (113) of the device acting on a power switch (110) of the electrocution means (90), so that as soon as a movement of the device is detected by the motion detector (113), the motion detector (113) controls the power switch (110) with electric current to keep the electrocution means (90) in the rest position,

[0177] - a movement detector (90D) of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8), which when it detects a movement of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) after a period of electrocution, acts on a power switch (110) of the electrocution means (90) and / or on the generator (97) of electrical pulses and / or on the electrocution control system 900 to ensure either a new phase of electrocution, or to emit a control signal of the switch (110) to maintain the electrocution means (90) in the rest position.

[0178] - a position detector of the mobile base 91B, said position detector when it detects an open position of the mobile base 91B, emits a control signal to the power switch (110) in electric current to maintain the electrocution means (90) in the rest position.

[0179] The device comprises: (*) a removable reservoir (200) for collecting one or more electrocuted animals in the electrocution chamber (8), and (*) a transfer mechanism (150) for transferring an animal after its electrocution in the reservoir (200), said transfer mechanism (150) being controlled after a given minimum electrocution time, and being advantageously controlled by a movement sensor (90D) emitting a transfer signal after detecting the absence of movement of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) for a given period following an electrocution step or after a period of time following a given electrocution time. The absence of movement in the electrocution chamber 8 for more than 60 to 120 seconds is a guarantee that the dead animal is indeed dead, its blood having coagulated.

[0180] The electrocution chamber (8) is associated with a movement detector (90D) of the animal, said detector (90D) sending a movement signal of the animal to a control means (97 / 900) of the electrocution means (9,90) to subject the animal to an electric discharge, to ensure that the electrocution means (9,90) subjects the animal to an electric discharge or successive discharges at least as long as a movement of the animal is detected by the movement detector (90D), and advantageously also for a given minimum period of time following the detection of a last movement of the animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the movement detector (90D).

[0181] After an electrocution step, the control device 900 delays the actuation of the device 150 for transferring the electrocuted rat to the collection drawer 200, for a period of 2 to 4 minutes. If the detector 90D still detects movement of the rat in the electrocution chamber, the control device 900 sends a signal for a new electrocution step. If after three successive electrocution steps for the same trapped animal, movement is still detected in the electrocution chamber, the control device puts the trap in a safety position with the flaps in the open position, and emits an error signal.

[0182] If after an electrocution step, for example after two minutes after the end of the electrocution step, the detector 90D no longer determines movement in the electrocution chamber, the control device 900 commands the activation of the transfer device 150 to transfer the electrocuted rat into the drawer 200.

[0183] However, before activating the transfer device 150, the control device 900 then determines by the presence sensors 15, 15bis whether another rat would still be trapped in the pre-chamber 1 with the flaps VI, V2 in the closed position.

[0184] In the event of detection of a rat trapped in the pre-chamber, the control device 900 immediately commands the closing of the base 91B of the electrocution chamber. This closing can be carried out after a brief step of opening the shutters associated with the activation of the transfer device, this ensuring significant stress to the rat already trapped in the pre-chamber 1. These movements are so rapid that the already trapped rat does not have time to react to exit the pre-chamber through one of the openings. The closing or opening of the base 91B of the electrocution chamber 8 can also be carried out separately and independently of the opening or closing of the shutters.

[0185] The transfer mechanism (150) comprises the movable base 91B (the movable base 91B tilts) between a first position in which the base 91B is facing the electrocution chamber (8) (horizontal position) and a second position in which the movable base 91B is facing the tank (200) so that the electrocuted animal on the movable base falls into the tank (200), said transfer mechanism (150) being controlled by a control means 201 to move it from its first position to its second position in less than 15 seconds after a minimum electrocution time or after the movement detector (90D) no longer detects movement of an animal for a given minimum period of time, and from its second position to its first position in less than 15 seconds after movement of the transfer mechanism from its first position to its second position.The means 201, when activated for a transfer operation, releases the pivoting of the base 91B by the effect of gravity, while after a step of tilting the base 91B, the means 201 is adapted to return the base 91B to a substantially horizontal position, and to maintain the base 91B in this position until the end of a next step of electrocuting a rat.

[0186] Advantageously, the means for controlling the transfer mechanism (150) for returning the base 91B to a horizontal position is also adapted to control a movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) towards their high position. Figures 20, 21 and 22 show embodiments of the same motor ensuring a movement of the flaps and a movement of the transfer mechanism (150).

[0187] If the tank 200 is filled with dead rats, a control device keeps the flaps in the down position or prevents the flaps from moving upwards, this to prevent an animal from entering the pre-chamber.

[0188] The device advantageously comprises a passage to the rat collection tray, this passage allowing, in the event of an electrocution problem (for example, a battery problem), the rat that has not been correctly electrocuted to escape from the collection tray to the outside. This then makes it possible for the user removing the collection tray from the device to avoid finding himself with one or more live and aggressive rats, or even rats eating each other. Figure 20 shows a single movement system 100 ensuring the movement of the flaps VI, V2 from their closed position to their high position (pre-chamber 1 open at both ends) and from their high position to their low position, as well as the movement of the base 91B of the electrocution chamber from its position for transferring a rat to the collection drawer 200 to its raised position closing the lower opening of the electrocution chamber 8.In Figure 20, the system is arranged with the flaps in the up position and the base 91B in the down position, rats being able to enter the pre-chamber 1, while the odor of the rats located in the drawer 200 can be released into the electrocution chamber 8 and pass into the channel 7, to attract the rats once present in the pre-chamber to enter the channel 7.

[0189] This unique system 100 (corresponding to the control system for the first shutter and to the control system for the second shutter) includes a bar 1000 mounted to rotate relative to the structure of the box. This bar 1000 carries in a fixed manner, (*) a bar or plate 1001 connected by an articulation / pivot 1001A to a plate 1001B attached to the first flap VI via a pivot 1001C (the movement of the flap VI being guided by the slides 10, 11.), (*) a bar or plate 1002 connected by an articulation / pivot 1002A to a plate 1002B attached to the second flap V2 via a pivot 1002C (the movement of the flap V2 being guided by the slides 20, 21), (*) a bar or plate 1003 connected by an articulation / pivot 1003A to an intermediate plate 1003B, said intermediate plate 1003B being connected by means of an articulation 1003C to an arm 1003D secured to the shaft 100MA of the motor or geared motor 100M, and (*) an arm 1005 connected to the base 91B via a system of intermediate bars.The base 91B is pivotally mounted relative to an edge of a side wall of the electrocution chamber 8. The intermediate bar system comprises an L-shaped plate (1005L) one wing of which is integral with the base 91B, said wing being adjacent the pivot axis of the base on the edge of a side wall of the electrocution chamber 8. The other wing of the L-shaped plate (1005L) is connected by a bar 10051 to the bar 1005. The bar 10051 is connected to the bar 1005 via a pivot 1005A and to a wing of the plate 1005L via a pivot 1005C. The L-shaped plate 1005L, the bar 1005 and the intermediate bar 10051 substantially form an articulated geometric shape (which could have been an articulated parallelogram) with the fixed axes of rotation being the axis of the shaft 1000 and the axis of rotation of the base 91B.

[0190] The rotation of the shaft 100MA in the X direction causes a downward rotation / pivot of the arm 1003D, which then causes a rotational movement of the bar 1000 (direction XI), via the bar 1003. The rotation of the bar 1000 then causes the bars or plates 1001 and 1002 to rotate in the XI direction, which ensures a downward movement (arrow B) of the flaps VI, V2 (towards their closed position), while the rotation of the bar 1005 results in a rotation in the Y1 direction of the base 91B relative to the side wall of the electrocution chamber, to bring the base 91B into a position closing the bottom of the chamber 8. For a rotation of the shaft 100MA of approximately 180°, a pivoting of the base 91B of approximately 90° to a horizontal position corresponds. In this horizontal position, the electrocution chamber is advantageously armed to be ready for the passage of an electric current between the electrocution electrodes.

[0191] Figure 21 shows the position of the parts after 180° rotation of the 100MA shaft of the 100M engine, with the flaps VI and V2 in the lowered position to close the inlets of the pre-chamber 1.

[0192] The rotation of the bar 1000 in the X' direction brings the base 91B back to the open position shown in Figure 20. The rotation of the shaft 100MA in the X' direction of the bar 1003D in the X' direction, which will result in an upward movement of the bar 1003B, then generating via the bar 1003 a rotation of the shaft in the X'1 direction. The rotation of the shaft 1000 in the X'1 direction will generate a rotation of the bars 1001, 1002 and 1005 in the X'1 direction. This will generate an upward movement H of the flaps VI, V2 towards their open position, allowing the passage of an animal into the pre-chamber 1. The rotation of the bar 1005 in the direction X'1 will generate a rotation in the direction Y'1 of the base 91B, which will allow the rat electrocuted in the electrocution chamber to fall by gravity into the collection drawer 200.

[0193] The rotation of the bar 1000 is carried out over approximately 90°. To better control the pivoting of the arm 1003D, the pivot 1003C or a part attached to said pivot is advantageously guided in a window 1010 of a guide support 1011. The window 1010 facilitates the control of the operation of the motor by guiding the movements of the arm 1003D, so as to avoid a blockage of the motor. Once a rat is trapped in the pre-chamber (1), the geared motor 1000 can be controlled to activate a series of small movements of the flaps VI, V2 relative to their low position. This then ensures the generation of additional noise at the flaps, this additional noise stressing the rat even more to encourage it to climb into the channel (7). It has also been noted that a stressed rat arriving in the electrocution chamber is electrocuted more quickly.

[0194] The bars or plates or arms 1003 and 1003D are adapted so that a rotation of the bar 1003D with a given angular amplitude (for example 180°) generates a rotation of the bar 1003 with a reduced amplitude, for example between 90 and 150°). The bars 1003, 1003D and 1003B define three sides of a geometric shape of variable shape, the vertices of which are the axes of the bar 1000, of the shaft 100MA, and of the pivots 1003A and 1003C. The bar 1000 and the plates or bars 1001, 1002, 1001B, 1002B form means for holding the flaps VI, V2 in the high position and in the low position controlled by the single motorized control system 100. Once the flaps VI, V2 are in the high or low position, the geared motor 100 is no longer supplied with current so that the high or low position of the flaps is maintained. Locking of the flaps in the high position and / or in the low position is possible via one or more electromagnets.

[0195] When an animal is detected in the pre-chamber 1, the downward movement of the flaps VI, V2 can be free, or controlled by the motor by a rotation of the shaft 100MA in the X direction. This downward movement of the flaps causes the rotation of the bar 1000, and a movement of the base 91B to close the bottom of the electrocution chamber 8. When an animal is detected in the pre-chamber 1, the motor or geared motor 100M can be activated to generate a series of small movements of the flaps relative to their low position, thereby generating additional noise at the flaps, but also allowing the tail of a trapped animal not to remain blocked under a flap. This rapid movement of the flaps pushes the animal trapped in the pre-chamber to stay away from the moving flaps, then pushing it towards the entrance 7A of the channel 7.This movement of the flap generates stress in the rat, which causes it to move away from the flaps towards the 7A entrance of the canal.

[0196] The pivot 1001C, 1002C may include a protrusion adapted to form a means 13, 23 for limiting the downward movement of the flaps. Similarly, the 90° arcuate window 1010 makes it possible to limit the downward and upward movement of the flaps. The radius of this arcuate window corresponds to the distance separating the shaft axis 100MA and the axis of the pivot 1003C. The pivot, when it touches one end of the window 1010, also generates a slight noise useful for further stressing the trapped rat.

[0197] In the embodiment of Figures 20 and 21, the single control system for opening and closing the shutters and tilting the base of the electrocution chamber is of the type for which the closing movement of the shutters is associated with a movement returning the base to a horizontal position, while a movement of the base towards a transfer position of an electrocuted rat is associated with an upward movement (opening) of the shutters. The control system could have been different, for example at least partially disconnecting the movement of the base 91B of the chamber 8 from that of the shutters, with for example a means for maintaining the base 91B in a horizontal position until an electrocution step has been initiated.

[0198] Advantageously, during a downward movement of the flaps, the control device ensures a series of slight upward movements of the flaps, to accentuate noises in the pre-chamber 1. These small jerky movements of the flaps are then accompanied by slight pivoting movements of the base 91B of the electrocution chamber 8, these pivoting movements of the base 91B are useful for evacuating any waste present on the base 91B and / or for generating a slight blast of air in the electrocution chamber 8 and / or in the drawer 200, which can be detected by the rat trapped via the channel 7. This will further encourage a rat trapped in the pre-chamber 1 to try to escape from the pre-chamber 1 via the channel 7, the rat thinking by the smell left by other rats that these other rats were able to escape from the trap via the channel 7.

[0199] The embodiment of Figure 22 is a device for single rat capture similar to the form shown in the preceding figures. The major differences of the device of Figure 22 from the device of the preceding figures will be described below.

[0200] This device of figure 22 comprises flaps VI, V2 movable vertically relative to the slides 10, 11, 20, 21 by the effect of gravity. The flaps VI, V2 each have two recesses or notches (lower and upper) 1050 and a handle 1051. Each flap cooperates with an electromagnet 1053 capable of moving a rod 1054 against a spring, said spring pushing the rod 1054 of the electromagnet towards a flap.The end of the rod 1054 of the electromagnet 1053 is directed by the spring towards a flap, when this end of the rod is pushed into the lower recess or notch 1050 of a flap, the electromagnet maintains the flap in the high position, while when said end of the rod is inserted into the upper recess or notch of the flap, the flap is maintained in the low position, to prevent a rat trapped in the pre-chamber from being able to escape through the ends, the latter then being obliged to try to escape through the channel 7 whose flared end extends into the volume of the pre-chamber 1. This also makes it possible to prevent an operator from being able to lift a flap while the electromagnet is in a position pushing the rod 154 into an upper notch or recess of the flap.For example, an operator can lift the shutter after pressing on a rod of the electromagnet, this movement then advantageously controlling a safety device which de-energizes the electrocution chamber.

[0201] Instead of having an upper recess 1050 to hold a flap in the down position by the rod 1054 of an electromagnet 1053, the positioning of the electromagnet and / or the shape of the flap could have been adapted so that the rod 1054 of an electromagnet extends above an upper edge of the flap to hold the relevant flap in the down position.

[0202] To release the flaps from their up position, a current is sent to the electromagnets to generate a magnetic force acting on the rod against the spring to allow the end of the rod out of the lower recess 1050 of the flap in question, then allowing the flap to slide downwards by the effect of gravity. After a predetermined time, for example 1 to 2 seconds, the electromagnet is no longer supplied with electric current, so that by the effect of the spring, the rod is moved towards the flap in the down position. The end of the rod is then engaged in the upper recess to oppose an upward movement of the flap or to limit the upward movement of the flap.

[0203] The recesses or notches 1050 are advantageously elongated vertically (parallel to the axis of the slides 10, 11, 20, 21 in which the edges of the shutters slide. This ensures good engagement of the end of the rod of the electromagnet in a recess despite the presence of an object or the tail of a rat at an open end of the pre-chamber during the downward movement of the shutter.

[0204] The electrocution chamber 8 has a bottom forming the base 91B.

[0205] This base 91B is covered with an electrically insulating material. On this base are placed the electrodes 92, 93, 94, 95. These electrodes are spaced from each other and are distant from the side walls 91L of the electrocution chamber 8. The electrocution chamber 8 cooperates with the cover IC carrying a side wall 91L. In the closed position of the cover IC, the electrocution chamber 8 is closed. This cover IC also makes it possible to evacuate an electrocuted rat from the chamber 8. The base 91B is located along the upper face of the upper wall 6 of the pre-chamber 1. This upper wall 6 carries the electromagnets 1053 along its face facing the pre-chamber 1. An intermediate partition 11 divides the area of ​​the device located above between, on the one hand, a part 1E comprising a box IEB with the battery and the control device, and a portion of the channel 7, and on the other hand the electrocution chamber 8.The inner partition 11 has an opening forming a passage for the end of the channel 7 which extends into the volume of the electrocution chamber 8.

[0206] The electrodes 92,93,94,95 are similar to those of the multi-socket device described in the previous figures.

[0207] In the embodiment of figures 22 to 25 (single socket), the electrocution chamber 8 is formed by a fixed base 91B carrying the electrodes, and by an inverted drawer 200' sliding relative to the frame of the device. This inverted drawer 200' is associated with the vertical side walls of the electrocution chamber 8, these walls are adapted to allow a sliding movement of the drawer 200' without the side walls abutting against the electrodes of the base 91B. This sliding movement then makes it possible to push or pull the dead rat out of the frame and to make it fall out of the part of the chamber carried by the drawer 200'.

[0208] The drawer 200' is advantageously associated with a rat presence sensor in the electrocution chamber, this sensor then sending a signal to activate the passage of current to the electrocution electrodes; as well as preferably a safety device preventing the passage of current to the electrodes until the drawer is in the correctly closed position, for example with a locking means. However, preferably, the interior wall of the inverted drawer has a window 906 provided with a grid adapted to allow the passage of a detection ray or rays, for example an infrared ray. This makes it possible to mount the transmitter and receiver of (infrared) rays on the frame of the rat trap, said transmitter and receiver then being in an area protected from attack by a rat.

[0209] For the single-outlet device, an additional safety device 99 is installed, this safety device comprising a handle 99A movable between a "dead" position and another "Live" position. This handle 99A controls a valve 99B pivotally mounted relative to an adjacent axis 99C of the upper wall 6 of the pre-chamber 1 or adjacent to an edge of the portion 75 of the channel extending into the pre-chamber 1. By pivoting the button 99A to the "Live" position, the valve 99B is placed in front of the inlet 7A of the channel 7, thus preventing any animal from passing from the pre-chamber 1 into the inclined plane (position shown in Figure 24 with the valve shown in broken lines). In addition, advantageously, an electrical safety device allows the electrocution device to be placed in a non-operating position to prevent any electrocution when placing the handle 99A in the "Live" position.If, on the other hand, the operator pivots the lever 99A towards the "Dead" position, the valve 99B pivots 180° so that it no longer extends in front of the inlet 7A of the channel 7, thus allowing the rat to pass into the channel 7. In this position, the lever advantageously allows a safety device to allow current to pass to the electrocution electrodes, as soon as an animal is detected in the electrocution chamber by the detection device.

[0210] The operation of this device for a single rat capture is for example as follows:

[0211] The operator pulls on the shutters VI, V2 by means of their handle 1051 to bring them into their high position (end of the pre-chamber 1 are open), possibly by exerting pressure on the rod to bring it into a position away from the shutter. The shutters are held in the high position, thanks to the ends of the rods of the electromagnets which are pushed by the spring into the lower recess of the shutters.

[0212] The operator then engages the general control device 900, and places the lever 99 in the "Dead" position, if the trap is equipped with such a lever. When an animal is detected in the pre-chamber 1 by one or more detectors 15, 15bis, the general control device emits a signal to send an electric current to the electromagnets, so that the rods are moved into a retracted position against the springs. The ends of the rods are then brought out of the lower recess or notch 1050, allowing the flaps to slide downwards.

[0213] The control device comprises a means for limiting the time the rods are kept in the retracted position to less than 1 second from the sending of electric current to the electromagnets, so that when the shutter is in the low position, the rods of the electromagnets are pushed by the springs so that the end of a rod facing a shutter engages in the upper recess or notch 1050 of said shutter, thus forming a means opposing an upward movement of the shutter.

[0214] This downward movement of the flaps generates noise in the prechamber, to stress the rat trapped in the prechamber and force it to attempt to escape via channel 7 which has a portion extending into the volume of the prechamber. The rat trapped in the pre-chamber 1 hears the outside noise and smells the outside air via the channel and the openings 80 of the electrocution chamber 8. The trapped rat then attempts to escape from the pre-chamber 1 by climbing into the channel 7. The rat thus emerges into the electrocution chamber 8. The detector 90D determines a position of the rat close to the openings 80. When the presence of the rat close to the opening 80 is detected, a signal is sent to the general control device to send a series of modulated electrical pulse trains (as described above for the first embodiment) to the electrodes 92, 93, 94, 95 to ensure electrocution of the animal.

[0215] As long as the detector 90D detects the presence of a moving animal in the electrocution chamber, trains of modulated electrical pulses are sent to the electrodes to continue the electrocution step. This electrocution step is continued for 10 to 30 seconds after no movement of the animal in the electrocution chamber 8 is detected.

[0216] If, for a specified period after the start of detection of an animal in the chamber 8, the presence of a moving animal is still detected, the control device stops sending trains of modulated electrical pulses.

[0217] The trap can operate on batteries (especially rechargeable ones) and / or from a mains power supply, advantageously via a transformer.

[0218] If for a given period of time, for example between 1 and 5 hours, the shutters have remained in the closed position without any electrocution, the control device opens the shutters.

[0219] The control device 900 of the embodiments advantageously comprises means making it possible to indicate to the operator one or more of the following information (in the form of a visual, luminous and / or audible signal, possibly to a wireless mobile communication device):

[0220] - capture of an electrocuted animal or number of electrocuted animals

[0221] - number of animals electrocuted in the tank

[0222] - presence of a moving animal in the electrocution chamber;

[0223] - presence of a moving animal in the pre-chamber

[0224] - device errors (error in closing one or more shutters, error in an electrocution step, battery charge too low, error in the electrical circuit, error in one or more sensors), to determine possible errors in the device, the control device 900 tests the correct operation of the sensors or of the mechanical device or of the electrocution cell each time the device is powered up or after a power-up cycle of the device or after a number of electrocution steps.

[0225] - need to empty the tank, especially in case of heatwave.

[0226] - automatic opening of the shutters (after a period of time following the detection of an animal in the pre-chamber;

[0227] - images of the interior of the pre-chamber and / or the electrocution chamber and / or the dead rat collection tank etc.

[0228] The invention also relates to the use of a device according to the invention, in particular of the type described above.

[0229] Tests were carried out with the device according to the invention. These tests showed the following points:

[0230] - capture and electrocution of several rats in the same evening, and this over several days. The rats, despite the electrocution of some, remained relatively unafraid of the device placed in their environment.

[0231] - no bird capture (via a day / night sensor or a clock, it is possible to set the operation of the device to allow operation only during the night or part of it)

[0232] - more than 95% of rats entering the pre-chamber headed towards the electrocution chamber;

[0233] - Rats entering the prechamber but not the electrocution chamber are released after a period of time. It has been observed that these rats were trapped again afterwards. - The effectiveness of the electrocution chamber in electrocuting rats is almost 100%.

[0234] - ease of movement of the device which is associated with a rechargeable battery. The device could remain active for a week.

[0235] - the rats are disturbed as little as possible from their environment, thus minimizing their wariness about entering the pre-chamber.

[0236] - the timer to delay the start of an electrocution step after the rat is detected in the electrocution chamber (e.g. from 200ms to 1 second) has proven useful especially for large rats.

[0237] - The electrodes in the electrocution chamber are advantageously made of stainless steel. Their arrangement and the timer have proven useful in ensuring instant electrocution without the animal jumping, thus preventing the animal from injuring or biting itself, which then causes the electrodes to become dirty, which then reduces their effectiveness.

[0238] - The device can be single-trapped or the same electrocution system can be associated with several different pre-chambers connected by different channels to the electrocution chamber.

[0239] - The closing and opening of the shutters are advantageously motorized, so as to ensure opening or closing in less than 0.2 seconds.

[0240] - the sensors for detecting the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber and in the electrocution chamber are advantageously of the infrared type.

Claims

Claims 1. Device for electrocuting at least one rodent animal, in particular a rat by at least one electric discharge, said device comprising at least one partially inclined channel (7) with an inlet (7A) and an outlet (7B) opening into an electrocution chamber (8) associated with at least (*) one electrocution means (9) adapted to subject an animal present in the chamber to an electric discharge, and (*) a means for detecting (90D) the presence of a rodent animal in said electrocution chamber (8), said means for detecting (90D) the electrocution chamber (8) emitting a control signal to the electrocution means (9) to bring it (*) from a rest position preventing electrocution to (**) an electrocution position capable of subjecting a rodent animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) to an electric discharge for a given minimum electrocution time,characterized in that the device comprises a pre-chamber (1) advantageously substantially longitudinal defined by one or more substantially opaque walls, possibly movable or removable, said pre-chamber having:, (a) a first open end (IA) associated with a first substantially opaque, substantially vertical and at least partially metallic flap (VI), said first flap (VI) having substantially vertical edges (V10, V11) guided in at least partially metallic vertical slides (10, 11) between (*) a high position for which the first flap (VI) does not close the first open end (IA) so as to form a passage towards the pre-chamber (1) for said at least one rodent animal to be electrocuted and (**) a low position for which the first flap (VI) substantially completely closes the first open end (IA) to prevent the passage of a rodent animal through said first open end (IA) into the pre-chamber (1) and out of the pre-chamber (1), said first flap (VI) and / or at least one vertical slide (10, 11) guiding a substantially vertical edge (V10, V11) of the first flap (VI) is / are associated with at least one means (12,13) to limit the vertical movement of the first flap (VI) relative to the vertical slides (10, 11) at least towards the low position, advantageously also towards its high position, said first flap (VI) and / or at least one of the vertical slides (10, 11) being adapted to generate a metallic noise during the movement of the first flap (VI) towards its low position, in particular in the vicinity of its low position, (b) a first control system (100) associated with said first shutter (VI), said first control system (100) having a positioning means activatable between (*) a position of holding in the high or open position for which the first shutter (VI) is held in its high position and (**) a position of not holding in the high or open position for which the first shutter (VI) is able to move or to be moved downwards along the slides (10, 11) towards its low position in less than 5 seconds, advantageously in less than 2 seconds, preferably in less than 1 second; (c) a second open end (2A) associated with a second flap (V2) that is substantially opaque, substantially vertical and at least partially metallic, said second flap (V2) having substantially vertical edges (V20, V21) guided in at least partially metallic vertical slides (20, 21) between (*) a high position for which the second flap (V2) does not block the second open end (2A) so as to form a passage towards the pre-chamber (1) for said at least one rodent animal to be electrocuted and (**) a low position for which the second flap (V2) substantially completely blocks the second open end (2A) to prevent the passage of a rodent animal through said second open end (2A) into the pre-chamber (1) and out of the pre-chamber (1), said second flap (V2) and / or at least one vertical slide (20, 21) guiding a substantially vertical edge (V20, V21) of the second flap (V2) is / are associated with at least one means (22,23) to limit the vertical movement of the second flap (V2) relative to the vertical slides (20,21) at least towards the low position, advantageously also towards its high position, said second flap (V2) and / or at least one of the vertical slides (20,21) being adapted to generate a metallic noise during the movement of the second flap (V2) towards its low position, in particular in the vicinity of its low position, (d) a second control system (100) associated with said second shutter (V2), said second control system (100) having a positioning means activatable between (*) a position of holding in the high or open position for which the second shutter (V2) is held in its high position and (**) a position of not holding in the high or open position for which the second shutter (V2) is able to move or to be moved downwards along the slides (20, 21) towards its low position in less than 5 seconds, advantageously in less than 2 seconds, preferably in less than 1 second, in particular in less than 500 ms, in which preferably the second control system (100) and the first control system (100) form only a single control system for the first and second shutters (VI, V2); (e) a bottom (5) at least partially open in the vicinity of the first open end (IA) over a length of at least 20cm and at least partially open in the vicinity of the second open end (2A) over a length of at least 20cm, said bottom (5) being advantageously open substantially from the first open end (IA) to the second open end (2A), said first open end and second open end being advantageously distant from each other by at least 50cm, preferably from 60 to 100cm, (f) a high wall (6) opposite said bottom (5) having an opening (60) forming the entrance (7A) of the channel (7) leading to the electrocution chamber (8), and (e) means (15) for detecting the presence of a rodent animal in a detection zone (16) of the pre-chamber (1), said detection zone (16) being remote from the first open end (IA) and the second open end (2A) of the pre-chamber (1), said means (15) for detecting the pre-chamber (1) being adapted to emit a control signal to the first and second control systems or to the single control system to control the passage of the positioning means of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from their position of holding in the high position to their position of not holding in the high position, in the event of detection of an animal in the pre-chamber (1); and characterized in that the electrocution chamber (8) associated with the electrocution means (9) adapted to subject the rodent animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) to an electric discharge comprises at least one ventilation means (80) to allow outside air to pass into said electrocution chamber (8) and, advantageously, a lighting means (81) to ensure lighting or the passage of outside light into said electrocution chamber (8), said ventilation means advantageously also being a lighting means.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning means (100) for the first flap (VI) and the positioning means (100) for the second flap (V2) each comprise at least one electrical mechanism, such as an electromagnet (1053) and / or motor (100M), capable of moving from a position for holding the first flap (VI) and the second flap (V2) respectively in their high position to a non-holding position, or even to a low position, in less than 1 second, advantageously in less than 0.1 second, and in that the first flap (VI) and second flap (V2) and their vertical slides are adapted so that the movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a high position to a low position is achieved by the effect of gravity and / or by a motorization of the mechanical device (100), in less than 1 second.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first flap (VI) and the second flap (V2) are each mounted relative to their slides (10, 11; 20, 21) so as to allow vibration of the flap in question (VI, V2) when the latter or a part integral with it (13, 23) comes into contact with a stop (12, 22) of a slide (10, 20) or of an element of the device, in particular of an element associated with the upper wall (6) of the pre-chamber (1) during a movement of the flap in question from its high position to its low position.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and second flaps are each associated with a motorized mechanical device adapted to ensure the passage respectively of the first or second flap from its high position to its low position, and from its low position to its high position in less than 1 second, preferably in less than 500ms, but are preferably associated with the same motorized mechanical device, said same motorized mechanical device being adapted to ensure the passage of the first and second flaps from their high position to their low position, and from their low position to their high position, at least substantially at the same time, in less than 1 second, advantageously in less than 500ms.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electrical mechanism comprises a motorization (100M) adapted to move the first shutter and / or the second shutter (VI, V2) from its / their high position to its / their low position, and from its / their low position to its / their high position, said motorization (100M) being advantageously controlled to ensure a series of small movements of partial opening and closing of one of said first and second shutters or of said first and second shutters, said small movements preferably being operated to move the first shutter and / or the second shutter over a distance of less than 3cm, advantageously less than 2cm, preferably less than 1cm, relative to its / their low position, in which advantageously the number of small movements being from 2 to 10, in particular from 2 to 5, and / or preferably the small movements are operated over a period of less than 10 seconds,advantageously less than 5 seconds., 6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pre-chamber (1) is associated with at least one infrared sensor (15), advantageously with at least two infrared sensors (15, 15 bis) to determine the presence of a rodent animal in the detection zone (16) of the pre-chamber (1), said infrared sensor or said infrared sensors (15, 15 bis) emitting (*) a signal to the control systems (100) for switching the positioning means of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a holding position in a high position of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to a non-holding position allowing movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) towards their low position at least by the effect of gravity and / or by the motorized mechanical device, (**) as well as a signal for arming the electrocution means (91) in a state allowing at least one electric discharge to be generated in the electrocution chamber (8).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pre-chamber (1) defines a volume between the first and second open ends (1A, 2A) and in that the channel (7) has a portion extending into the volume of the pre-chamber, said channel advantageously having a flared or truncated cone-shaped open end extending into said volume of the pre-chamber (1).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the electrocution means (9) adapted to subject an electric discharge to an animal present in the electrocution chamber (8) comprises an electrocution cell (91) having at least one series of electrically conductive elements (92, 93, 94, 95), including a series of at least two first conductive elements (93, 95) in the form of electrically conductive plates each with a contact surface of at least 3 cm 2 (such as 3 to 50cm 2 , advantageously from 10 to 40cm 2 , preferably 20 to 30cm 2 ) and connected to a generator (97) of series of trains of modulated electrical pulses of decreasing voltage amplitude (A) varying from a maximum absolute voltage amplitude greater than 1000V, but less than 10000V, to a minimum absolute voltage amplitude of less than 10V, with a frequency of more than 100Hz, for at least 15 seconds, each decreasing modulated electrical pulse train comprising at least 10 oscillations of more than 500V in absolute value, two successive series of successive modulated electrical pulse trains being spaced from each other by a period without modulated electrical pulses of a duration of at least 500ms, said period without electrical pulses, at least two first electrically conductive elements (93,95) of said series being spaced from each other by an intermediate zone (ZI) having a minimum width between said two first conductive elements considered (93.95) between 3cm and 10cm,advantageously from 4cm to 8cm, said intermediate zone (ZI) forming an electrically insulated zone with respect to said first two conductive elements considered (93,95), the at least two first conductive elements (93,95) of said series being electrically insulated from the metallic mass (MM) of the device and being electrically insulated from the earth (TE); at least one electrically conductive intermediate element (94) in the form of an intermediate plate with a contact surface of at least 3 cm, 2 , advantageously from 3 to 50cm 2 , preferably 10 to 40cm 2, and extending in the intermediate zone (ZI) between said two first conductive elements (93,95) of the series spaced from each other, the intermediate element (94) of the intermediate zone (ZI) being electrically isolated from the series of at least two first conductive elements (93,95) and being connected to the negative terminal of the battery (96), possibly via the electrical pulse generator, or to a grounding means (TE) or to the metal mass (MM) of the device; at least one electrically conductive front element (92) extending in a front zone (ZA) located furthest from the outlet (7B) of the channel (7) opening into the electrocution chamber (8) relative to said two first conductive elements (93,95), said at least one electrically conductive front element (92) being electrically isolated from said series of at least two first conductive elements (93;95), said at least one conductive front element (92) being connected to a grounding means (TE) or to the metal mass (MM) of the device, possibly via the electrical pulse generator; the electrocution cell (91) advantageously comprising a base (91B) which is not electrically conductive, advantageously made of hard plastic material, carrying at least said two first conductive elements (93, 95), at least the at least one intermediate element (94) and the at least one conductive front element (92).; 9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one intermediate element (94) and the front conductive element are connected to the negative terminal of the at least one electric battery (96), advantageously via the generator (97), said intermediate element (94) and the front conductive element (92) being electrically insulated from the metallic mass of the device, from the earth and from the electrically non-conductive base (91B) of the electrocution cell.

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the electrocution chamber (8) has an elongated shape and has at least one lower longitudinal wall (91B) forming the base of the electrocution chamber (8), and one or more longitudinal guide walls (91L, 91S) adapted to guide the rodent animal to be electrocuted towards the electrocution cell, in that at least the lower longitudinal wall (91B) and the longitudinal guide walls (91L, 91S) are essentially made of an electrically non-conductive material, in particular of hard plastic material, in that the electrocution chamber (8) extends between (*) a front end (8A) having a passage communicating with the outlet (7B) of the partially inclined channel (7), and (**) a rear end (8B) opposite said front end (8A),said rear end (8B) comprising a closing means (8B0) advantageously having a series of orifices (8B1) allowing air to pass between the electrocution chamber (8) and the external environment, said closing means being advantageously made at least partially of an electrically conductive material, connected to the metal mass (MM) or to the earth (TE), and in that the detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber (8) is adapted to detect the presence of an animal close to the rear end (8B) or the presence of an animal in an area of ​​the electrocution chamber (8) comprising at least two first conductive elements (93, 95) connected to the generator (97)., 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that the detection means (90D) of the electrocution chamber (8) is associated with a timer to delay by 0.1 seconds to 2 seconds, advantageously by 0.2 seconds to 1 second, the passage of the electrocution means (9) from its rest position to its electrocution position.

12. Device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the lower longitudinal wall (91B) is pivotally mounted relative to the longitudinal guide wall(s) between a raised position in which the lower longitudinal wall is in a substantially horizontal position to form the base of the electrocution chamber, and a lowered position in which the electrocution chamber (8) is open, the pivoting of the lower longitudinal wall (91B) being controlled by a motorized mechanical device.

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the motorized mechanical device controlling the pivoting of the lower longitudinal wall (91B) is also the motorized mechanical device controlling the movement of the first and second flaps between their high position and their low position, said mechanical device being advantageously adapted so that it controls a pivoting of the lower longitudinal wall (91B) towards its substantially horizontal position, at the same time as a movement of the flaps towards their low position, and so that it controls a pivoting of the wall lower longitudinal to its lowered position, at the same time as a movement of the flaps to their high position.

14. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrocution means (9) comprises a generator of a series of trains of electrical pulses (97) associated with: (a) means for receiving a signal for activating the electrocution means, for example from one or more means for detecting or sensing (90D) the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber, (b) means for controlling the duration of the electrocution period by successive trains of electrical pulses lasting from 20 seconds to 120 seconds, advantageously from 45 to 75 seconds, (c) a control means interrupting the transfer of electrical pulses from the generator 97 to said at least two first conductive elements (93,95) after a pulse train during a non-transmission period of at least 1 to 10 seconds, advantageously between 1 and 5 seconds, said control means being advantageously associated with a device for earthing said at least two first conductive elements (93,95) during the non-transmission period, (d) means for controlling activation of the electrocution means (90) limiting the duration of activation since receipt of an activation signal of the electrocution means to less than 5 minutes, advantageously to less than 4 minutes, for example between 90 seconds and 3 minutes, and advantageously (e) means for controlling inactivation of the electrocution means (90) for at least 1 minute, advantageously at least 2 minutes, after a period of electrocution (90), and (f) preferably a timer (90T) for delaying activation of the electrocution means (90) for at least 15 seconds following detection of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the detection means (90D).

15. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical pulse train generator is a generator (97) of a series of modulated electrical pulse trains (Tl El, Tl E2) with an absolute maximum amplitude (A) of between 2000V and 10000V, each modulated electrical pulse train (Tl El, Tl E2) comprising at least 8 modulations with an absolute value of more than 1000V, over a time period of less than 2ms, advantageously less than 1ms, and in that advantageously, the generator (97) is configured so that the modulation of the electrical pulse trains is such that in absolute value, the amplitude of the electrical pulses is less than 25% of the absolute maximum amplitude 2ms after the start of a pulse train.

16. Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the generator (97) is adapted to emit a series of trains of modulated electrical pulses varying in the range from +6000V to -6000V, the damping of the pulses in the range from +500V to -500V being carried out with 10 to 16 modulations, each modulation lasting less than 0.1 milliseconds, advantageously less than 0.05 milliseconds.

17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first flap (VI) and the second flap (V2) are associated with a movement mechanism (100), advantageously the same mechanism, adapted to at least move the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from their low position to their high position substantially at the same time, and in that the device comprises a control means (101) for said movement mechanism (100) of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) and first and second control systems (100) for the positioning means of said first and second flaps (VI, V2) to maintain them in the high position, said control means (101) of the movement mechanism of the flaps (VI, V2) receiving at least: - a signal detecting the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) and / or a signal for the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to move from a high position to a low position; - a signal detecting the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the detection means (90D), and - a signal for emitting an electric discharge by the electrocution means (90) in the electrocution chamber (8); said control means (101) of the movement mechanism (100) being configured to determine whether, during a determined period of time from the reception of the signal for detecting the presence of an animal in the pre-chamber (1) by the detection means (15) and / or the signal for the passage of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) from a high position to or in a low position, it has not received a signal for emitting an electric discharge in the electrocution chamber (8), said control means (101) emits at least: - a signal to return the electrocution means (9) to its rest position, and - a signal to the displacement mechanism (100) to return the first and second flaps (VI, V2) to the high position, and maintain them in the high position.

18. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises one or more of the following safety features: - a safety device (110) on the supply of electrical current to the electrocution means (90) depending on the position of the flaps (VI, V2), so that as long as one of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) is not in the low position, the electrocution means (90) is kept in a rest position; - an external brightness detector (111) for the device acting on a switch (110) supplying power to the electrocution means (90), so that as long as a brightness greater than a given brightness is detected, the external brightness detector (111) controls the electric current supply switch (110) to keep the electrocution means (90) in the rest position, and / or a switch (112) supplying electric current to the positioning means to keep the shutters (VI, V2) in the high position; - a motion detector (113) of the device acting on a power switch (110) of the electrocution means (90), so that as soon as a movement of the device is detected by the motion detector (113), the motion detector (113) controls the power switch (110) in electric current to maintain the electrocution means (90) in the rest position, - a movement detector (90D) of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8), which when it detects a movement of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) after a period of electrocution, acts on a power switch (110) of the electrocution means (90) and / or on the electrical pulse generator to ensure either a new phase of electrocution, or to emit a control signal of the switch (110) to maintain the electrocution means (90) in the rest position, and - a combination of such securities.

19. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: (*) a reservoir (200) for collecting one or more electrocuted animals in the electrocution chamber (8), and (*) a transfer mechanism (150) for transferring an animal after its electrocution to the reservoir (200), said transfer mechanism (150) being controlled after a given minimum electrocution time, and being advantageously controlled by a movement sensor (90D) emitting a transfer signal after detecting the absence of movement of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) for a given period following an electrocution step or after a period of time following a given electrocution time.

20. Device according to claim 19, characterized in that the electrocution chamber (8) is associated with a movement detector (90D) of the animal, said detector (90D) sending a signal of movement of the animal to a control means (97) of the electrocution means (90) to subject the animal to an electric shock, to ensure that the electrocution means (90) subjects the animal to an electric shock by means of a series of trains of modulated electric pulses at least as long as a movement of the animal is detected by the movement detector (90D), and advantageously also for a given minimum period of time following the detection of a last movement of the animal in the electrocution chamber (8) by the movement detector (90D).

21. Device according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the transfer mechanism (150) is movable between a first position in which the transfer mechanism (150) is turned towards the electrocution chamber (8) and a second position in which the transfer mechanism (150) is turned towards the reservoir (200) so that the electrocuted animal falls into the reservoir (200), said transfer mechanism (150) being controlled by a control means to move it from its first position to its second position in less than 15 seconds after a minimum electrocution time or after the movement detector (90D) no longer detects movement of an animal for a given minimum period of time, and from its second position to its first position in less than 15 seconds after movement of the transfer mechanism from its first position to its second position.

22. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the transfer mechanism control means (150) is adapted to control a movement of the first and second flaps (VI, V2) towards their high position when said transfer mechanism control means returns the transfer mechanism to its first position or to control a movement of the transfer mechanism from its first position to its second position.

23. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrocution chamber (8) comprises a first side wall and a second side wall opposite the first side wall and distant from the first side wall, and in that the detection means or device (90D) for detecting the presence of an animal in the electrocution chamber (8) comprises (a) at least one infrared ray emitting element mounted on the first side wall, (b) at least one infrared ray receiving element mounted on said first side wall or mounted on a support arranged behind at least one window, advantageously meshed, which the first wall has to allow the passage of infrared rays through said at least one window, said receiving element being adjacent to said emitting element, said receiving element being advantageously located less than 2 cm from the emitting element,preferably less than 1 cm from the emitting element, and (c) a reflector element mounted on the second side wall, said reflector element being arranged to return infrared rays emitted by the emitting element to at least one receiving element., 24. Device according to claim 23, characterized in that the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflecting element is / are associated with one or more modules with LED or LEDs to emit one or more visible light signals (wavelength between 380 and 780 nm) from said first wall towards the electrocution chamber (8) in an area located less than 3 cm from the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or from the second wall in an area located less than 3 cm from the reflecting element and / or in an area located less than 3 cm from the at least one window, advantageously at least in an area located between the emitting element and the receiving element or at least below the area located between the emitting element and the receiving element or in an area located under the emitting element and / or the receiving element or in an area at least under the reflecting element or adjacent to the reflecting element or in an area located below at least one window.

25. Device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflecting element is / are associated with one or more windows communicating with the interior volume of a collection drawer (200) for dead rats, said window(s) (906) being at least partly located less than 3cm from the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflecting element, advantageously at least in an area located between the emitting element and the receiving element or under this area, preferably ventilation holes communicating with the dead rat collection drawer are present in the emitting element and / or the receiving element and / or the reflecting element.

26. Use of a device according to any one of the preceding claims for killing rodent animals, in particular rats.

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