Abstract: A removable birdstop closure for preventing the entry of birds and other small animals into the headcasing of a roadway luminaire through the opening at the rear of the luminary that can be installed around standardized 1.25? or 2.00? headpoles. Retaining means on the birdstop closure permits easy installation and removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing multiple vaccinations of poultry simultaneously is described. A neck injection, breast injection, two wing injections, and an eye mist or drop may be performed in one operation. The apparatus holds the bird in position for precise location of injections, thereby reducing wasted vaccine. The risk of injury to the bird during the process is minimized by greatly reducing the manual handling of the bird during vaccination. Vaccination costs are also reduced by the reduction of labor otherwise required in this process.

Abstract: An animal deterring device has a carrier with first and second conductive traces that are separated by an arc suppressor. Most typically, the arc suppressor is configured to eliminate short circuiting of the device when exposed to fog, dew, rain, or animal excrements while at the same time to allow an animal to contact both conductive traces at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus to prevent birds from crashing into glass is affixed over the exterior of a window glass. It comprises two parallel rods of equal length between which are affixed a plurality of fine strings. The strings are perpendicular to the rods and parallel to one another. Either of the rods, which are identical, is affixed horizontally to a surface above the glass window. The second rod is positioned horizontally beneath the glass area so that the said strings run straight and parallel over the glass. Thus, by placing strings at a distance in front of the glass so as to allow their reflections to be noticed by approaching birds, which reflections will be seen by the birds as converging and separating and perceived as motion that will warn them off. The second horizontal rod can be affixed to the surface directly below the glass, or alternatively, it may simply hang by its own weight. The apparatus is adjustable to fit windows of varying heights by means of rolling one rod towards the other.

Abstract: A perch assembly for a bird includes a substantially cone-shaped body including an open bottom and opposed upper and lower surfaces that narrow from the open bottom to an opposed vertex, and a perch for a bird carried by the substantially cone-shaped body proximate to the vertex. An annular waste-collection trough is formed in and encircles the bottom of the substantially cone-shaped body. A handle is attached to the vertex of the substantially cone-shaped body and extends downwardly from the vertex with respect to the lower surface to a lower end located below and away from the bottom of the substantially cone-shaped body.

Abstract: A handheld, hatchling holder not only simplifies manual examinations but also better protects the hatchling's welfare. The welfare concerns include not only bruising but also yolk-sac rupture. The handheld, hatchling holder has a cupped seat portion for cupping the ventral-end of a hatchling. The cupped seat portion is apertured, as with an opening. The hatchling is seated on the handheld, hatchling holder such that the cupped seat portion provides support to portions of the hatchling's perineal area that surrounds the alimentary vent (cloaca) as the alimentary vent is situated for exposure by the opening. The holder and opening facilitates not only welfare-friendly discharge of the meconium in the hatchling's alimentary vent through the opening but also welfare-friendly examination of the distended innards of the vent for markers of gender. The quality of the meconium discharge (or absence thereof) also facilitates determining whether the hatchling exceeds a hydration standard or not.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for repelling geese include a solar-powered, photocell controlled flasher for disposition on a body of water or on land where geese inhabit. The method includes the steps of intermittently flashing a light into an area where geese sleep, and disturbing the geese from rest.

Abstract: An avian averting system for buildings including multiple structures includes multiple base strips, each of the base strips having electrical conductors attached thereto; an electrical power supply; and releasable fasteners for releasably fastening the base strips to the structures. A method is provided which includes the steps of: releasably attaching a bird aversion system to a first one of the structures; then maintaining the bird aversion system attached until the birds are conditioned to avoid the structure; then removing the bird aversion system from the first structure; then releasably attaching the bird aversion system to a second one of the structures; and then maintaining the bird aversion system attached to the second structure until the birds are conditioned to avoid the second structure.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a surgical isolator and cradle, suitable for the use in a surgical method involving the removal of prematura eggs from birds m order to generate germ-free eggs and birds. In particular, the surgical isolator is used in the generation of birds of specified germ-free status.

Abstract: A device to repel and disperse waterfowl entering a proscribed area consists of a laser beam generator generating a laser beam, and a photoelectric switch is provided so that the inventive device is only activated from dusk to dawn. A motion sensor senses the presence of waterfowl and activates the light beam source that is aimed into the area. In the preferred embodiment, a timer is provided that may be set for a desired duration. When the desired duration has elapsed, the controller deactivates the light beam source. The light beam source may consist of a single laser beam or a multiplicity of laser beams shining into the protected area. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a single laser beam is split into a plurality or multiplicity of beams using a suitable beam splitter.

Abstract: A bird deterrent apparatus for preventing birds from landing near a location to be protected, such as, but not limited to, a boat. The bird deterrent apparatus is easy to install and remove, and does not interfere with the normal use of the location. The bird deterrent apparatus comprises a line retractor, a retractable barrier line, and associated hardware and barrier line guides to secure the line retractor and the barrier line to structural elements in proximity to the location to be protected from perching birds and their associated debris.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for repelling grackles away from their tree roosts by continuously or intermittently (i) moving/rustling limbs, branches and leaves in the tree and (ii) causing low decibel sounds to be emanated that scare grackles and disrupts the natural roosting environment. The invention is cost effective, non-lethal to the grackles, and uses no chemicals/pesticides. The invention protects property and person from the damaging, unhealthy and annoying effects of grackle waste droppings and crowing noise. The invention contributes to the profitability of commercial enterprise by repelling and averting grackles away from trees on or near (i) fields used by farmers for growing crops such that the crops and seedlings will not be eaten by nearby roosting grackles, and/or (ii) retail commercial establishments such that customers will not avoid patronizing the nearby merchants simply because of the presence of grackles and their noises and droppings.

Abstract: Relatively powerful hand-held computing devices, Digital Signal Processors, Audio signal processing technology, voice recognition technology, expert systems, Hidden Markov Models, and/or neural networks are employed in a device capable of real-time automated species identification by listening to bird vocalizations in the field, analyzing their waveforms, and comparing these waveforms against known reference samples.

Abstract: A bird deterrent apparatus for preventing birds from landing near a location to be protected, such as, but not limited to, a boat. The bird deterrent apparatus is easy to install and remove, and does not interfere with the normal use of the location. The bird deterrent apparatus comprises a line retractor, a retractable barrier line, and associated hardware and barrier line guides to secure the line retractor and the barrier line to structural elements in proximity to the location to be protected from perching birds and their associated debris.

Abstract: Poultry processing methods and systems that provide for the processing of poultry at a plurality of processing stations, with the poultry being transferred between stations using an automated conveying system. Each individual poultry is retained in a poultry carrier designed to be conveyed by the automated conveying system. Each of the poultry carriers is preferably designed to retain only one individual poultry at a time. The systems and methods may also include identification tags that may be used to direct the poultry through the processing system with the automated conveying system. The identification tags may be associated with the poultry themselves or they may be associated with the poultry carriers.

Abstract: A method for making a sex determination in avian hatchlings involves the following activities. A process line is equipped to process an endless plurality of hatchlings. The process line has an ultrasound inspection station for the hatchlings. The ultrasound inspection results are analyzed to find the presence of given sex-determinative structure for each hatchling. If the given sex-determinative structure is found then a first category assignment is made. The hatchling is sorted according to its category assignment. The category assignments might number two or three or so including positively-identified one sex, positively-identified other sex, and default to waste for any of various reasons.

Abstract: A bird deterrent has a base and at least one branched spike extending from the base. The branching can occur anywhere along the spike, and a single branch point can give rise to multiple branches. Spikes can have multiple branches. The various branches can be of any suitable length(s), and can be oriented in any suitable direction(s).

Abstract: Birds carry many parasites and other diseases, which pose a health risk to humans which come into contact with their habitat. However, ultrasonic waves agitate and deter birds and other pests from roosting in nearby areas. The disclosed device utilizes solar energy to power a battery pack, which in turn activates both a tone generator and its adjoining amplifier to create and emit the annoying ultrasound. In this way, birds are dissuaded from gathering in particular areas where the ultrasonic device is in use, and humans are provided a more healthy and disease-free environment.

Abstract: An accuracy of the sex determination which is visually inspected by human based on a reference drawing of an egg shape prepared for every parent chicken is insufficient and it takes much time to perform such a determination. Thus, the sex of the fertilized egg is determined by using parameters representing features developed on a surface shape of the above described fertilized egg which are quantified based on contour image data of the above described fertilized egg obtained by taking an image of the fertilized egg which is placed on a setting stand.

Abstract: A radio wave system for repelling birds from aircraft that includes a directional radio wave transmitting rod, a frequency transmitter unit wired to the directional radio wave transmitting rod, and an activation switch in controlling connection with the frequency transmitting unit. The frequency transmitting unit generates and transmits radio wave signals, when the activation switch is in an on position, to the directional radio wave transmitting rod which emits a cone shaped radio wave signal in front of an aircraft. The cone shaped radio signal is emitted at a frequency detected by birds in flight which are deflected onto a flight path which avoids collisions between the birds and the aircraft.

Abstract: Poultry processing methods and systems that provide for the processing of poultry at a plurality of processing stations, with the poultry being transferred between stations using an automated conveying system. Each individual poultry is retained in a poultry carrier designed to be conveyed by the automated conveying system. Each of the poultry carriers is preferably designed to retain only one individual poultry at a time. The systems and methods may also include identification tags that may be used to direct the poultry through the processing system with the automated conveying system. The identification tags may be associated with the poultry themselves or they may be associated with the poultry carriers.

Abstract: Hatchling processing methods and systems that provide for the processing of hatchlings at a plurality of processing stations, with the hatchlings being transferred between stations using an automated conveying system. Each of the hatchlings is retained in a hatchling carrier designed to be conveyed by the automated conveying system. Each of the hatchling carriers is preferably designed to retain only one hatchling at a time. The systems and methods may also include identification tags that may be used to direct the hatchling through the processing system with the automated conveying system. The identification tags may be associated with the hatchlings themselves or they may be associated with the hatchling carriers.

Abstract: An artificial grass surface (10) suited for bordering a runway (12) of an airfield in order to reduce the presence of birds in the airfield. The artificial grass surface (10) includes a pile fabric (14) having a plurality of pile elements (20) extending from a backing mat (18) and resembling grass. A water barrier (24) is provided for preventing water from percolating to the compacted soil surface. An infilled particulate material (22) is dispersed among the pile elements (20). A stabilizer is provided to resist dislodgment of the infilled particulate material (22) at the edges of the runways by the thrust of jet engines and to keep the particulate material (22) in the pile elements (20) when the edges of the runways are vacuumed to remove silt.

Abstract: An antiperch device for deterring birds from perching on undesired perch locations. The device includes various embodiments which are constructed of wires forming arcs and/or wires that are parallel to and spaced above an object such as a light fixture to be protected. The wires are sufficiently flexible and have a small enough diameter to prevent the birds from getting a secure footing thereon but are sufficiently stiff to keep the birds from reaching the object.

Abstract: An avian medicament or pest control product is a combination of a medicament or pest control release agent, as well as at least two impregnable devices that have been specially impregnated the medicament or pest control release agent, and then also at least one fastener for piercing through some chosen anatomy of the avian specimen and retaining one impregnable device aside an entry wound and another impregnable device aside the exit wound. The fastener and impregnable devices are scaled sufficiently small to minimize stress or other ill effects on the health or productivity of the specimen, whose natural movements over time are consequently anticipated upon to disperse the release agent across his or her body through the oil and wax of his or her feathers.

Abstract: A feather assembly prevents birds from flying into a glass window or door. The feather assembly comprises a length of line and a plurality of brightly colored feathers secured to the line at spaced locations. The feather assembly is secured over a glass window or door such that it sways from one side of the glass to the other in the wind. The bright colors, motion and birds' natural aversion to loose feathers scare wilds birds away from windows or doors.

Abstract: A bird deterrent device generally has a base, a plurality of mutually parallel directing channels, and a plurality of spikes extending from the base. The channels are preferably disposed in rows so they are not only mutually parallel, but also coplanar. The spikes are inserted into the channels, and then at least some of them are bent out so that the top ends of at least some of the various spikes are oriented at least 5 degrees out of parallel with respect to each other. The resulting spikes are therefore “fanned out,” and tend to prevent birds from landing in the immediate vicinity of the device. The bottom of the spikes are fixed into the base in some manner, preferably using a second bend and then crushing portions of the base adjacent to the bent sections to maintain the spike in places.

Abstract: A hazard warning device for night-migrating birds is provided which warns the birds of the presence of a fixed structure or obstacle, e.g., a building or communications tower, against which the birds could collide during night-migration. The device includes a speaker affixed to the structure and a recorder connected to the speaker for, when activated, supplying to the speaker, for continuous broadcast thereby, an infrasonic signal which naturally causes the birds to avoid the structure. In one embodiment, the signal has a frequency close to that of a natural topographic feature and causes the birds to avoid the structure based on the workings of the innate navigational system of the birds. In another embodiment, the recorder supplies a signal which reproduces or mimics the sound of thunder and/or the sound of a lightning strike.

Abstract: This invention provides for a method of keeping animals away from a location comprising subjecting the location to a light beam or subjecting the animals to the light beam. Also provided for is a method for disturbing the nocturnal nesting areas of water fowl by subjecting those nocturnal nesting areas to a light beam.

Abstract: An automatic machine for the multiple vaccination of chicks and similar birds, having at least one pair of side-by-side holders, each receiving a chick to be vaccinated.

Abstract: A duck shooting resort layout having a body of water, a peripheral embankment encircling the water, a duck hunting region within the resort, and duck hunting blinds within the hunting region from which hunters may shoot ducks. The resort includes trained ducks taught to fly only within the hunting region. Multiple embodiments, with islands, piers, or embankment fingers, are described that safely allow a high density of hunters within a given land area. A method of training ducks to fly only within the hunting region is described. A construction method for the resort layout is described that allows a terrain to be sculpted into the structure of the invention at a minimum of cost and movement of dirt. The water depth may increase toward the channel ends for harvesting fish by partial draining, and fish grading screens may be provided at the ends for harvesting fish.

Abstract: A containment/exclusion boom including a support system which can be positioned in a body of water, a curtain made of a flexible fabric that allows movement of water therethrough, the curtain being connected to the support system, and a bird deterring device connected to either the support system or the curtain, the bird deterring device being effective to deter birds from perching on the containment/exclusion boom. Also disclosed is a method of using the containment/exclusion boom to isolate an area in a body of water.

Abstract: A duck shooting resort layout having a body of water, a peripheral embankment encircling the water, a duck hunting region within the resort, and duck hunting blinds within the hunting region from which hunters may shoot ducks. The resort includes trained ducks taught to fly only within the hunting region. Multiple embodiments, with islands, piers, or embankment fingers, are described that safely allow a high density of hunters within a given land area. A method of training ducks to fly only within the hunting region is described. A construction method for the resort layout is described that allows a terrain to be sculpted into the structure of the invention at a minimum of cost and movement of dirt. The water depth may increase toward the channel ends for harvesting fish by partial draining, and fish grading screens may be provided at the ends for harvesting fish.

Abstract: A method is provided for dispersing pigeons from a building structure in which the pigeons roost. The method utilizes a horizontally oriented light beam. The light beam is positioned two to six inches above the surface on which the pigeons roost. The beam, when it is normal to a pigeon's eye and strikes the eye, causes the pigeon discomfort and makes it fly away from the building structure. The beam is utilized for at least three consecutive days.

Abstract: A poultry agitator is operable for use in conjunction with long rectangular confined poultry houses equipped with a flow-through ventilation system. The agitator imitates the action of a human moving through a congregation of birds to encourage the birds to exercise, feed and intake water. The agitator is formed as a continuous cable that is supported in a circumferential route around the poultry house. The cable is entrained around a drive wheel that is operable to circulate the flexible cable and the agitator members attached thereto. A stop mechanism halts the movement of the agitator members near the end of the building and effects a reversal of the direction of operation of the drive wheel to cause the agitator to be returned to the initial home position. The cable is supported from spaced hangers without the need for massive support beam structure to carry the agitator along its path of travel along the side walls of the poultry house. The agitator is clamped on the cable to move therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for transporting a large number of live poultry from one location to another. Using a tray, the birds are loaded and transported to the new location where the tray is lifted upward and/or laterally into a position for unloading which is convenient relative to the features present at the new location. When the apparatus reaches the new location, a gate on the leading edge of the tray is opened and the birds are forcibly moved across the floor of the tray through the open gate and into the desired location. Movement of the birds is caused in one disclosed embodiment by equipping the tray with a slippery floor and tilting the tray toward the open gate. In one alternative disclosed embodiment, movement of the birds is caused by equipping the floor of the tray with a conveyor belt and a rake to gently push the birds toward the open gate.

Abstract: A method (22) and apparatus (20) for training a bird (24) to refrain from uttering a vocalization exceeding a predetermined acoustic level is provided. A control area (26) containing the bird (24) is illuminated with a light (32) coupled to a power source (74) through a normally-closed switch (76). A microphone (40) monitors the control area (26) and captures a sound (28) uttered by the bird (24) to produce an audio signal (86). The audio signal (86) is amplified. A discrimination unit (54) determines if the audio signal (86) exceeds a predetermined threshold (50). A timing unit (60) is triggered when the audio signal (86) exceeds the threshold (50). In response to an output (62) of the timing unit (60), a switching unit (78) opens the normally-closed switch (76) to darken the control area (26) and the bird (24) for a predetermined duration (68). After the predetermined duration (68), the switch (76) is allowed to close and the control area (26) and the bird (24) are re-illuminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring woodpeckers from tapping on and excavating within a utility pole or the like includes a housing having mounting flanges for direct attachment to the pole so as to receive vibrations therefrom. A transducer is attached to the mounting wall so as to convert the vibrations preferentially over airborne sounds into signals. A circuit compares the vibrations with a long term average and emits an output in response to detection above a threshold, whereupon the outputs are counted and if the number within a predetermined time exceeds a preset minimum a sound transmitter is actuated for emitting a deterrent sound externally of the housing. A memory contains a plurality of separate audible deterrent sounds including some of the same species and some of predators which act as a deterrent to the woodpeckers and these are selected sequentially and transmitted after a delay to avoid habituation.

Abstract: An antiperch device for deterring birds from perching on undesired perch locations. The device includes various embodiments which are constructed of wires forming arcs and/or wires that are parallel to and spaced above an object such as a light fixture to be protected. The wires are sufficiently flexible and have a small enough diameter to prevent the birds from getting a secure footing thereon but are sufficiently stiff to keep the birds from reaching the object.

Abstract: Automation of delivery of newborn avian chicks into grow-out houses is accomplished by use of a delivery vehicle which has a powered telescoping conveyor mounted to this vehicle. The vehicle is positioned at one of the personnel doors of a grow-out house and the conveyor extended into the interior of the building. A moving blower is provided at the discharge end of the telescoping conveyor to distribute the chicks over the floor of a grow-out house in such a manner as to prevent piles of chicks from forming.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an elongated deterrent strip for mounting to an inanimate object to discourage birds and other pests from resting on that object. The strip comprises a base of electrically non-conductive material. The strip in lateral cross-section has peripheral edges normally lying in a plane and a raised concave center portion. The base has spaced notches along each edge to provide flexibility to the base, whereby the base may be bent both out of the plane and within the plane. The strip further comprises two electrically conductive wires secured to and extending along the upper surface of the base, over the notches. The wires are spaced so that pest's feet will contact both wires when perched on the base. The wires are connectable to an energy source so that the bird or other pest's feet will short the wires when it is perched on the strip, giving a mild shock to the pest to discourage it from continuing its perch on the strip.

Abstract: An external stimuli is provided that alerts animals to danger and/or repels the animals from certain areas. More specifically, the system and method of the present invention uses an external stimuli, such as, for example, pulsing microwaves, vibration or supersonic sound waves, in order to alert birds or other animals of danger and/or repel these same birds or animals from specific areas. These produced external stimuli may provide a reversible unpleasant sensation to the birds and other animals so that they will not only be repelled from a specific area, such as an airport, but also will avoid returning to such area. One such unpleasant sensation that is virtually harmless to the birds and other animals is the sensation of dizziness.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing a novel male parent line and a female parent line of meat-type chickens that are complementary to each other genetically so that upon mating the males of the male parent line to the female of the female parent line, the day-old chicks may be auto-sexed by down color by unskilled labor. The male chicks will be yellow-white down color, and the female chicks will be of reddish or buff down color. They may be readily separated by sex at the hatchery, transported to different brooder houses, and grown out separately on differently formulated feeds by sex; and although the female chicks nay start with some red feathers, these feathers will "fade out" in color and become white at broiler age. The male chicks start out with white feathers and retain white feathers at broiler age. Thus, all broilers are marketed with white feathers, eliminating any possibility for dark pin feathers on the dressed, eviscerated carcasses.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibitively preventing birds from gathering comprises at least three support columns, wire members tightly spanned between adjacent said support columns, and a plurality of magnet members disposed onto said wire members respectively. An improved apparatus according to the present invention includes an oscillation transmission mechanism to transmit oscillating motion from one to another adjacent wire members. In this apparatus, when a single wire oscillates, one and another of adjacent wire members oscillate by means of the oscillation transmission mechanism.

Abstract: The method according to the invention is permanent preservation against pesky birds and pest animals from a site where they cause damages. The method comprises: a dislodging phase where at least two frightening devices are installed on the site. The number of devices installed depends on the kind of site and the surface area of the site. For a short period of time during the dislodging phase, an intensive action of the frightening devices is sustained to dislodge the birds. The dislodging phase is followed by a dissuasion phase to dissuade the birds from returning back to the site. The dissuasion phase includes an active action of the frightening devices for three days. The active action is less severe than the intensive action of the dislodging phase. Finally, there is a controlling phase including a continuous action of the frightening devices to permanently prevent any bird or animal from settling on the site.

Abstract: A training device for teaching a bird to recite words, sounds or music is described. The device has a digital recording and playback device for recording and playing a desired message, a pattern generator that controls the playing of the desired message for a predetermined number of times at predetermined intervals; and a controller for variably adjusting the time between playing intervals and the number of times the desired message is played at each playing interval.

Abstract: A method and device for cleaning a bird whose plumage has been soiled by pollution are provided, in which the bird is placed in a cage and the bird, with the exception of its head, is subjected to the action of jets of cleaning and rinsing liquid issuing from a plurality of nozzles rotating inside a tank in which said cage is placed.

Abstract: An attachment used with a sensor, which includes an exposed sensing element, for preventing birds and animals from perching over the sensing element is disclosed. The attachment includes an elongated bent rod and a mechanism for mounting the rod to one of the side walls of the sensors. When mounted to the sensor's side walls, the bent configuration of the rod defines an open area adjacent the sensing element, which is exposed from an end wall of the sensor. The rod's distal end segment extends longitudinally over and is spaced from the sensing element, while the other segments of the rod are spaced laterally and diagonally from the sensing element. The distal end segment is spaced above the top of the device at a specific height to prevent interference with the operation of the device while preventing birds and animals from moving between the distal end segment and the sensing element. In addition, the laterally extending segments of the rod are inclined to prevent birds and animals from perching on them.

Abstract: A device that automatically repeats a prerecorded message for training a bird to mimic the message. The device is sized such that it may be attached to a bird cage by adjustable clips. The device electronically records and stores a message spoken by the user and plays back the message through a speaker for the bird at intervals determined by a timer. A user may record any type of message that the user wishes for the bird to learn. The message may be of variable length up to 60 seconds in duration. The user may select a delay interval between one second and thirty minutes by utilization of the timer. Once the user activates the play-back, the device will play the prerecorded message at a selected volume, automatically repeating in intervals equal to that selected by the user. Thereafter, the device will continue to repeat the prerecorded message at the selected interval until the user deactivates the device.

Abstract: A device that automatically repeats a prerecorded message for training a bird to mimic the message. The device is sized such that it may be attached to a bird cage by adjustable clips. The device electronically records and stores a message spoken by the user and plays back the message through a speaker for the bird at intervals determined by a timer. A user may record any type of message that the user wishes for the bird to learn. The message may be of variable length up to 60 seconds in duration. The user may select a delay interval between one second and thirty minutes by utilization of the timer. Once the user activates the play-back, the device will play the prerecorded message at a selected volume, automatically repeating in intervals equal to that selected by the user. Thereafter, the device will continue to repeat the prerecorded message at the selected interval until the user deactivates the device.