Apparatus and method for rotating avian enclosures

Abstract

An apparatus and method provide rotation of avian enclosures. In a first mode of operation, the apparatus automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a slow speed when a bird is detected, and automatically rotates the avian enclosure at a faster speed when a larger animal, such as a squirrel, is detected. In a second mode of operation, the apparatus may be controlled using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action. In a third mode of operation, the apparatus sends one or more signals via wireless transmission to a wireless notification device, which notifies a user of the presence of a bird or a larger animal. The user then has the option of using a wireless remote control to perform a desired action, which may include rotating the avian enclosure at a desired speed, stopping rotation of the avian enclosure, activating a beeper or vibrator, etc.

1 . An apparatus comprising: 
 an animal sensing mechanism that detects an animal;    a wireless transmitter; and    a controller coupled to the animal sensing mechanism and the wireless transmitter, the controller sending at least one message via the wireless transmitter.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the controller sends at least one message via the wireless transmitter when the animal sensing mechanism detects an animal.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a bird feeder coupled to the apparatus, wherein the controller sends at least one message via the wireless transmitter when an amount of feed in the bird feeder is below a predetermined threshold value.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an audio input mechanism coupled to the controller that monitors for at least one predetermined sound.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the controller sends at least one message via the wireless transmitter when the audio input mechanism detects the at least one predetermined sound.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a wireless receiver that receives the at least one message from the wireless transmitter and, in response thereto, provides notification to a user.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein a wireless remote control comprises the wireless receiver.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the notification to the user comprises an audible sound.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the notification to the user comprises a visible notification.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the controller determines from the animal sensing mechanism whether the animal is of a first type or a second type, and wherein the controller sends a first message via the wireless interface if the animal is of the first type, and sends a second message via the wireless interface if the animal is of the second type.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising a motor coupled to the controller, wherein the controller runs the motor at a first speed if the animal is of the first type.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  wherein the first speed is from 3 to 6 revolutions per minute.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 10  further comprising a motor coupled to the controller, wherein the controller runs the motor at a second speed if the animal is of the second type.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the second speed is from 70 to 100 revolutions per minute.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the wireless remote control comprises a transmitter that transmits a message in response to the user selecting a predefined function on the wireless remote control.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus of  claim 15  further comprising a wireless receiver coupled to the controller and a motor coupled to the controller, wherein the wireless receiver receives the message transmitted from the wireless remote control, and in response thereto, the controller performs at least one action.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the at least one action comprises running the motor at a first speed.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus of  claim 17  wherein the at least one action comprises running the motor at a second speed.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the at least one action comprises stopping the motor.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the at least one action comprises changing the speed of the motor.  
   
   
       21 . The apparatus of  claim 16  further comprising an audio device coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one action comprises creating a sound on the audio device.  
   
   
       22 . The apparatus of  claim 16  further comprising a vibrator coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one action comprises activating the vibrator.  
   
   
       23 . An apparatus for attaching to an avian enclosure comprising: 
 a motor that is coupled to the avian enclosure when the apparatus is attached to the avian enclosure such that running the motor causes rotation of the avian enclosure;    a wireless receiver; and    a controller coupled to the motor and the wireless receiver, the controller receiving at least one message via the wireless receiver and performing at least one action corresponding to the received message.    
   
   
       24 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein the at least one action comprises running the motor at a first speed.  
   
   
       25 . The apparatus of  claim 24  wherein the at least one action comprises running the motor at a second speed.  
   
   
       26 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein the at least one action comprises stopping the motor.  
   
   
       27 . The apparatus of  claim 23  wherein the at least one action comprises changing the speed of the motor.  
   
   
       28 . The apparatus of  claim 23  further comprising an audio device coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one action comprises creating a sound on the audio device.  
   
   
       29 . The apparatus of  claim 23  further comprising a vibrator coupled to the controller, wherein the at least one action comprises activating the vibrator.