LIQUID ATTRACTANT DISPENSING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic dispensing device for a liquid attractant, comprising at least: - a housing having at least one reservoir for containing the liquid attractant and a pump attached to the reservoir for dispersing the liquid attractant via a dispersing nozzle (51) - a proximity sensor for detecting the presence of an animal near the housing - a battery for powering the dispensing device and a solar panel for charging the battery - a means for reversibly attaching the housing to a support. The device includes an electronic controller connected at least to the proximity sensor and the pump and configured to trigger the dispersal of a predefined quantity of the liquid attractant after receiving a detection signal emitted by the proximity sensor.A predefined time interval is used to delay successive dispersions of the predefined quantity of the liquid attractant in order to limit the dispersion frequency. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2,

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR DISPENSING LIQUID ATTRACTANT PRODUCT TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the protection of the environment and biodiversity and more particularly to a device for distributing a liquid attractant product for an animal population, in particular large game. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Preserving the environment and protecting biodiversity are major challenges aimed at limiting or eliminating the negative impact of human activity on its environment and ensuring the proper functioning of ecosystems.

[0003] Regulating animal species is a way of preserving biodiversity. In the prior art, there are methods and devices for regulating populations, such as, for example, the supply of food via baiting, which consists of attracting game by bringing grain to a hunting ground, the grains being placed in a feeder. There are also viscous attractant products such as tar made from pine sap, which is frequently coated on tree trunks in a given area to attract, in particular, large game, such as wild boar or deer.

[0004] However, all these methods and devices have drawbacks because they require regular human presence and intervention in the area that we wish to preserve. This does not allow for effective protection of the environment or biodiversity. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome certain drawbacks of the prior art by providing a device which makes it possible in particular to improve the protection of the environment and biodiversity.

[0006] This aim is achieved by a device for automatically dispensing a liquid attractant product comprising at least: - a housing comprising at least one reservoir for containing the liquid attractant product and a pump attached to the reservoir for dispersing the liquid attractant product via a dispersion nozzle (51) -a proximity sensor to detect the presence of an animal near the box -a battery to power the dispensing device and a solar panel to charge the battery - a reversible means of fixing the housing to a support the device being characterized in that it comprises an electronic controller connected at least to the proximity sensor and to the pump and, configured to trigger the dispersion of a predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product after receiving a detection signal emitted by the proximity sensor, a time interval being predefined to delay the successive dispersions of the predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product in order to limit the dispersion frequency.

[0007] According to another feature, the controller comprises: - a counter to determine the number of emissions of a predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product - a processor for calculating the quantity of liquid attractant product remaining in the tank according to the predefined quantity, the number of determined emissions of said quantity - a means of communication for transmitting data relating to the distribution devices to a remote server and at least providing information on the calculated quantity of remaining liquid attractant product.

[0008] According to another feature, the transmitted data includes at least the geolocation of the automatic distribution device.

[0009] According to another particularity, the housing further comprises at least: a first compartment in which at least one electronic card is arranged comprising the controller, the pump, a pump support and the battery; a second compartment in which the reservoir containing the liquid attractant product is placed the two compartments being separated by a common wall

[0010] According to another feature, the rear face of the first compartment is configured to receive a solar charge regulator.

[0011] According to another feature, the device comprises a regulator cover to protect the charge regulator.

[0012] According to another feature, the device comprises a housing cover for closing the upper part of the housing.

[0013] According to another feature, the housing further comprises an anti-theft device controlled by the controller to secure said device.

[0014] According to another feature, the pump and the dispersion nozzle have flow rates determined as a function of the composition of the liquid attractant product, which comprises at least one appetizing additive with an aroma and a resinous material based on oak and / or beech diluted in a denatured alcohol to fluidify / liquefy the attractant product thus formed and allow its dispersion, the ratio of the components determining the viscosity of the product as a function of which the flow rates of the pump and the nozzle are determined.

[0015] The invention also relates to an appetizing product formed to be dispersed by the automatic dispensing device described above.

[0016] This aim is achieved by a liquid attractant product comprising at least: - a resinous material based on oak and / or beech - an appetizing additive with a flavoring; and - a denatured alcohol to fluidify / liquefy the attractant product thus formed and allow its dispersion by a distribution device described above.

[0017] The invention also relates to a method for improving the control of the migratory flow of an animal population.

[0018] This aim is achieved by a method of monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area, said method comprising at least: -the deployment in said area of ​​a network of distribution devices as described in the present invention - transmission of data relating to the dispersion of liquid attractant product from each distributor to a server -determination for each dispenser of the quantity of liquid remaining for the predefined time interval -determination of regions with a high probability of animal presence based on the quantities of remaining liquid determined and the geolocation of distribution devices.

[0019] According to another feature, a dispersion of attractant product by at least one box can be triggered remotely by the server in the absence of presence detection by the proximity sensor, in order to attract animals into areas where they are not present.

[0020] The invention also relates to an infrastructure for improving the control of the migratory flow of an animal population.

[0021] This aim is achieved by a system for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area comprising at least one set of distribution devices as described in the present invention and computer means for implementing the method for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population described in the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE FIGURES

[0022] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

[0023] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of an exploded view of the automatic dispensing device, according to one embodiment; [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of the assembled distribution device [Fig. 3] is a schematic representation of a profile view of the dispensing device, according to one embodiment; [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a top view of the dispensing device, according to one embodiment; [Fig.5] is a schematic representation of the distribution device attached to a tree trunk according to one embodiment.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Numerous combinations can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention; the person skilled in the art will choose one or the other depending on the economic, ergonomic, dimensional or other constraints that he must respect.

[0026] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a device or apparatus in the form of a box fixed to a support, for example and in a non-limiting manner a post or a tree, in a forest. The device automatically distributes a liquid attractant product for large game, for example, and in a non-limiting manner, wild boar and deer.

[0027] The liquid product is preferably a sap-based resinous material, for example such as that generally known as "Norway tar", the latter being made from pine sap, but in the present invention, such a resin will preferably be made from oak and / or beech. Furthermore, in the present application, this resin is made liquid to be dispersed, i.e. sprayed using a housing of the present application. The product is therefore also sometimes called "liquid tar" in the present application, but in a non-limiting manner.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the liquid attractant product may contain an anti-parasitic treatment that is safe for humans. Thus, the product is called an attractant in the present application because it comprises a wood-based resin that attracts animals, or even aromatic additives in certain embodiments, but this product may also be prophylactic thanks to anti-parasitic compounds or other molecules that prevent diseases. Thus, the term attractant is not limiting and the product may have other advantageous functions for the preservation of wildlife.

[0029] The liquid attractant product is placed in a reservoir arranged in the housing. The device is reversibly fixed using a support to a tree or a post at a determined height to prevent the device from being unhooked or damaged by animals, such as for example a height of between 1 and 2.5m, preferably 1.5m, from the ground.

[0030] Advantageously, those skilled in the art will understand that the reversible fixing of the The distribution device allows for improved maintenance of the device in the event of a breakdown, as the device can be separated from the support and replaced with another device without the need to disassemble everything. There is also an economic gain since the support will be used.

[0031] The distribution device is powered by a battery (or electric accumulators) which is charged by a solar panel arranged on said device.

[0032] Those skilled in the art will thus understand that the device as described in the present invention has an automatic and autonomous operation, which makes it possible to limit human presence, which until now was the only possible solution. Advantageously, such autonomy makes it possible to preserve the balance of the ecosystem in which it is installed, in particular forests, by reducing human presence for maintenance, in particular for the electrical supply of said device.

[0033] The device further comprises at least one presence sensor or detector which reacts to the passage of animals and sends a signal to a controller disposed in the housing of the device. Such a sensor may be of various types, in particular a proximity sensor.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will understand that the dispensing device can be equipped with different types of sensors, for example ultrasonic sensors or cameras with motion detectors also making it possible to capture images of the environment.

[0035] After detecting an animal presence, the device delivers, via a pump and a dispersion nozzle (51), a defined quantity, for example and in a non-limiting manner 6 ml of the liquid attractant product, for example liquid tar, contained in the reservoir. Preferably, the reservoir has a capacity of between 30 and 100 cl, preferably 50 cl. The liquid product then flows slowly onto the trunk of the tree or the post via a flexible pipe fixed against the trunk or the post. In another variant, the device comprises a nozzle (51) or a pipe fixed to the end of the pump.

[0036] The pump and the dispersion nozzle (51) have flow rates determined according to the composition of the liquid attractant product, which comprises at least one liquefied oak and / or beech-based resinous material. In certain embodiments, the product comprises an appetizing additive with a flavor, such as cherry, truffle, raspberry, chestnut or other flavors suitable for the types of animals that are to be attracted. The oak and / or beech-based resinous material is said to be liquefied because it is diluted in a solvent suitable for the type of resin, preferably alcohol, generally denatured alcohol, to fluidify / liquefy the attractant product thus formed and allow its dispersion. The ratio between the various components determines the viscosity of the product according to which the flow rates of the pump and the nozzle (51) are determined. Thus, it is possible to provide various types of nozzles and / or of pumps depending on the types of product to be dispersed since there is a synergy between the product and the device.

[0037] In certain embodiments, in the case where the liquid attractant product contains an antiparasitic treatment, the dispensing device may advantageously have a prophylactic aim, namely, contribute to and improve the fight against the proliferation of diseases which can be contracted by an animal population, for example large game.

[0038] Preferably, the controller of said device allows a time delay of the dispensing device or apparatus, for example, and in a non-limiting manner, of approximately one minute between each dose or defined quantity delivered. Thus, a time interval is predefined to time the successive dispersions of the predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product in order to limit the frequency of dispersion.

[0039] In certain embodiments, the device is provided with a switch, the actuation of which allows it to be put into operation.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the housing of the dispensing device is provided with an anti-theft device to secure said device and its storage of the liquid attractant product.

[0041] Various illustrative and non-limiting examples of the dispensing device will now be described in a little more detail, in particular with regard to its various components. Figures [Fig.l] to [Fig.5], illustrate an example of the device for dispensing the liquid attractant product seen from different angles.

[0042] In figure [Fig.l] representing an exploded view of the distribution device (1). Said device (1) comprises a housing (2) comprising at least a first compartment (Cl) and a second compartment (C2) separated by a common wall. The first compartment (Cl) being configured to receive at least one pump (5), a battery (6), an electronic card (4) comprising at least one controller (40) for controlling the pump (5) and a pump support (50) on which the pump (5) rests. The rear face of the first compartment (Cl) is configured to receive a solar charge regulator (7), for example and in a non-limiting manner a 10A PWM VECHLINE 12-24V regulator. The charge regulator (7) makes it possible to transform the energy produced by a solar panel (not shown) to the battery which will power the electronic card (4) and the pump (5).The device (1) comprises a regulator cover (8) configured to protect the regulator (7) against external factors (rain, dust, etc.). The second compartment (C2) is configured to receive the reservoir intended to contain the liquid attractant product. An orifice or opening is provided in the common wall to allow the pump (5) to draw from the reservoir and disperse the liquid attractant product via the nozzle.

[0043] The device further comprises a housing cover (20), as illustrated in the figures [Fig.l] to [Fig.4], to close, using screws for example, the upper part of the housing.

[0044] The housing comprises at the end of its base, a fixing means (F) (see [Fig.l]) oriented towards the rear face of the housing. This fixing means allows the housing to be fixed reversibly on a housing support (9), for example via a nut.

[0045] The device also comprises a housing support (9) comprising at its end a fixing means, such as for example a screw intended to fix the device to the trunk of a tree, as illustrated in [Fig.5] or a wooden post.

[0046] In some embodiments, the housing support (9) may comprise at its end a fixing means for being fixed to a post made from a material other than wood.

[0047] In some embodiments, the controller comprises: - a counter to determine the number of emissions of a predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product - a processor for calculating the quantity of liquid attractant product remaining in the tank according to the predefined quantity, the number of determined emissions of said quantity - a means of communication for transmitting data relating to the distribution devices to a remote server and at least providing information on the calculated quantity of remaining liquid attractant product.

[0048] Preferably, the transmitted data includes at least the geolocation of the automatic distribution device, in particular when several devices are deployed in the same area monitored by the invention.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the liquid attractant or liquid appetizer comprises at least:

[0050] - a resinous material based on oak and / or beech - an appetizing additive with a flavoring; and - a denatured alcohol to fluidify / liquefy the attractant product thus formed and allow its dispersion by a distribution device described above.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the appetizing additive has, for example and in a non-limiting manner, a “black truffle” aroma and for composition: - natural flavoring substances - vegetable oil, preferably sunflower, - antioxidant: rosemary extracts E392 (0.3%) -comosic acid / camosol: 0.0120 -0.0135% (limited substances).

[0052] The said additive has the following specifications: a) organoleptic characteristics: -Appearance: liquid -Taste / smell: Light yellow / characteristic of fresh black truffle b) physicochemical characteristics: -density (d20 / 20): 0.89; 0.93 -solubility: fat-soluble -flash point (closed cup): > 60 + / - 1°C. The said additive with "black truffle" aroma can be stored for 18 months and kept at room temperature (around 18°C) in its original, well-closed packaging away from light, humidity and air. The recommended dosage is between 0.5-1.5% maximum.

[0053] In certain embodiments, the appetizing additive has, for example and in a non-limiting manner, a “chestnut” flavor and for composition: -flavoring preparations, a natural flavoring substance -invert sugar, propylene glycol (20.2%), water -hazelnut (allergen) - coumarin 18mg / Kg and caffeine 5mg / Kg (limited substances).

[0054] Said additive has the following specifications: a) organoleptic characteristics: -Appearance: liquid -Taste / smell: Brown / characteristic of chestnut - brown b) physicochemical characteristics: -density (d20 / 20): 1.26; 1.30 -solubility: water-soluble - alcoholic strength by volume: 1.1% vol. + / - 0.1% -flash point (closed cup): > 60 + / - 1°C. The said additive with "chestnut" aroma can be stored for 18 months and kept at room temperature (around 18°C) in its original, well-closed packaging away from light, humidity and air. The recommended dosage is between 0.5-1.5% maximum.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the appetizing additive has, for example and in a non-limiting manner, a “cherry” flavor and for composition: -flavoring preparations, natural flavoring substances -invert sugar syrup,

[0056] Said additive has the following specifications: a) organoleptic characteristics: -Appearance: red liquid -Taste / smell: characteristic of cherry b) physicochemical characteristics: -density: 1.340 + / - 0.010 - Dry extract (°Brix): 70.0 + / - 2.0 pH: 3.5 + / - 1.0 The said additive with "cherry" flavor can be stored for 14 months and kept at room temperature (approximately 18°C) in its original, well-closed packaging, protected from light, humidity and air. The recommended dosage is between 0.1-1.5% maximum.

[0057] Denatured alcohol is for example denatured ethyl alcohol (denatured ethanol) with the following characteristics: Origin: agricultural Density (20°C): 0.8-0.815 Appearance: Clear Coloration: Colorless mass content: >= 96% (v / v)

[0058] Advantageously, the person skilled in the art will understand that the addition of an appetizing additive with different flavors or odors makes it possible to obtain a liquid appetizing product which can vary according to the seasons and therefore to have at one's disposal an appetizing product according to a seasonal need. In addition, the resin and the other components can vary not only according to the seasons but also according to the geographical area and the type of animals whose movements one wishes to monitor, or even regulate.

[0059] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the method of monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area comprises at least: -the deployment in said area of ​​a network of distribution devices as described in the present invention. - transmission of data relating to the dispersion of liquid attractant product from each distributor to a server -determination for each dispenser of the quantity of liquid remaining for the predefined time interval -determination of regions with a high probability of animal presence based on the quantities of remaining liquid determined and the geolocation of distribution devices.

[0061] In certain embodiments, a dispersion of attractant product by at least one box can be triggered remotely by the server in the absence of presence detection by the proximity sensor, in order to attract animals into areas where they are not present. Thus, the invention makes it possible, for example, to regulate the presence of animals in various parts of the monitored area and prevent them from concentrating in the same places or approaching dangerous places, such as, for example, roads or other human installations.

[0062] The invention also relates to a system for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the system for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area comprises at least one set of distribution devices as described in the present invention and computer means for implementing the method for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population described in the present application.

[0064] The present application describes various technical features and advantages with reference to the figures and / or the various embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical features of a given embodiment may in fact be combined with features of another embodiment, unless otherwise specified, or unless the combination does not provide a solution to at least one of the technical problems mentioned in the present application. In addition, the technical features described in a given embodiment may be isolated from the other technical features of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified.

[0065] It should be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention allows embodiments in many other specific forms without departing from the field defined by the scope of the appended claims, they should be considered by way of illustration and the invention should not be limited to the details given above.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (1) for automatically dispensing a liquid attractant product comprising at least: - a housing comprising at least one reservoir for containing the liquid attractant product and a pump attached to the reservoir for dispersing the liquid attractant product via a dispersion nozzle (51) - a proximity sensor for detecting the presence of an animal close to the housing - a battery for powering the dispensing device and a solar panel for charging the battery - a means for reversibly attaching the housing to a support - an electronic controller connected at least to the proximity sensor and to the pump and configured to trigger the dispersal of a predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product after receiving a detection signal emitted by the proximity sensor, a time interval being predefined to delay the successive dispersals of the predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product in order to limit the dispersal frequency,characterized in that the controller (40) comprises: - a counter for determining the number of emissions of a predefined quantity of the liquid attractant product - a processor for calculating the quantity of liquid attractant product remaining in the tank as a function of the predefined quantity, the determined number of emissions of said quantity - a communication means for transmitting to a remote server data relating to the dispensing devices and at least providing the calculated quantity of liquid attractant product remaining.,

2. Automatic dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitted data comprise at least the geolocation of the automatic dispensing device (1).

3. Automatic dispensing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing further comprises at least: a first compartment (Cl) in which are arranged at least one electronic card (4) comprising the controller (40), the pump (5), a pump support (50) and the battery (6); a second compartment (C2) in which is arranged the reservoir containing the liquid attractant product the two compartments (Cl, C2) being separated by a common wall.

4. Automatic dispensing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the rear face of the first compartment (Cl) is configured to receive a solar charge regulator (7).

5. Automatic dispensing device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a regulator cover (8) to protect the load regulator (7).

6. Automatic dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a housing cover (20) for closing the upper part of the housing (2).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing further comprises an anti-theft device controlled by the controller to secure said device.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pump and the dispersion nozzle (51) have flow rates determined as a function of the composition of the liquid attractant product, which comprises at least one appetizing additive with an aroma and a resinous material based on oak and / or beech diluted in denatured alcohol to fluidify / liquefy the attractant product thus formed and allow its dispersion, the ratio of the components determining the viscosity of the product as a function of which the flow rates of the pump and the nozzle (51) are determined.

9. Method for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area, said method being characterized in that it comprises at least: - the deployment in said area of ​​a network of distribution devices (1) according to claims 1 to 8 - the transmission of data relating to the dispersion of liquid attractant product from each distributor to a server - the determination for each distributor of the quantity of liquid remaining for the predefined time interval - the determination of the regions with a high probability of animal presence as a function of the quantities of remaining liquid determined and the geolocation of the distribution devices.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that a dispersion of attractant product by at least one box can be triggered remotely by the server in the absence of presence detection by the proximity sensor, in order to attract animals into areas where they are not present.

11. Method according to one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that the dispersed attractant product comprises at least: - a resinous material based on oak and / or beech - an appetizing additive with an aroma; and - a denatured alcohol to fluidify / liquefy the attractant product thus formed and allow its dispersion by the distribution devices.

12. System for monitoring and / or regulating an animal population in a given area comprising at least one set of distribution devices according to one of claims 1 to 8 and computer means for implementing the monitoring method according to one of claims 9 to 11.

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