Element B: DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF PRIOR SOLUTION ATTEMPTS

Introduction

This paragraph should include information about how you went about your patents search, problems that you encountered along the way, what exactly you were looking for. If you found something during this search that solved your initial problem, this is where you would indicate that you needed to start from the beginning with a new problem.

Patent #2: Squirrel repellent system (No picture provided)

Patent Number: US6923977B1

Date of Patent: 2 August, 2021

Patent Abstract: A non-toxic animal repellent system which may be used to prevent squirrels from entering residential or commercial buildings using a composition having castor oil, habanero pepper extract and white distilled vinegar. The composition may be sprayed onto surfaces or combined with petroleum jelly and applied to surfaces with a brush.

Pros and Cons: Although this method of preventing squirrels works, the spray could cause issues to other animals. To further improve this product, the spray repellent should be infused into the wire insulators.

Patent #3: Environmentally sealed cable breakout assemblies

Patent Number: US9548601B2

Date of Patent: 1 January, 2017

Patent Abstract: A cable breakout assembly is provided, including a feeder cable, a breakout structure having a first end threadedly engaged with a cable nut having a single-port cable gland through which the feeder cable extends, a central conduit which houses the sections of the feeder cable passing there through, and an opposed second end threadedly engaged with a cable nut having a multi-port cable gland, whose number of ports corresponds to the number of splices of the feeder cable--ultimate cable protection.

Pros and Cons: The multiport cable protection serves as an effective method in order to prevent wire damage. In contrast, this product can be modified to be more compact, with smaller wires, in order to prevent electrical interference from other cables.

Patent #4: Continuous coating apparatus for electroceramic coating of metal coil or wire

Patent Number: US20170145580A1

Date of Patent: 27 May, 2017

Patent Abstract: A system and a process for continuously electrolytically coating a light metal coil is provided. The system includes a bath containing a precursor for an electroceramic coating on a light metal coil and containing a cathodic connection, at least one motor connected to at least one motive assembly to impart movement to the coil.

How does it work?

The process includes electrifying bare coil with a voltage and a current, passing the electrified bare light metal coil through a bath having a cathodic connection and containing an aqueous solution with a precursor for an electroceramic coating, and electrochemically reacting the light metal coil with the precursor thereby generating a coated light metal coil having an electroceramic coating on at least one surface.

Pros and Cons:

(+) Relative low density coating (electroceramic coating) prevents several problems including environment & animal disturbance, corrosion, and thermal expansion.

(-) Since batch coating without unwinding creates flaws in the actual coating and electroceramic coatings on wires create an inconsistent process when dealing with high voltages

Patent #5 Squirrel-Preventing optical cable

Patent Number: CN201903680U

Date of Patent: 2020-12-21

Patent Abstract: The utility model discloses a squirrel-preventing optical cable, which comprises a sheath, a cable core and a metal armored layer, wherein the cable core and the metal armored layer are arranged in the sheath; and the sheath is coated with an outer protecting layer and fixedly connected with the outer protecting layer. The squirrel-preventing optical cable has a dual-layer structure; the sheath is coated with an additionally-arranged glass fiber; when the squirrel bites through the sheath and bites to the glass fiber, a fiber glass filament strikes into flesh at the mouth side of the squirrel, so that the glass fiber filament is stopped from being nibbled at the same position by the squirrel and further the optical cable is protected. The squirrel-preventing optical cable has the characteristics of reasonable structural design, favorable effect of preventing the squirrel, convenience in construction and use, and the like. In addition, the remarkable social benefit and economic benefit are obtained.

Pros and Cons:

• The Squirrel-preventing optical cable consists of a glass fiber coated metal sheath, preventing squirrels from biting and chewing on insulations which is very relatable to Cap Cable’s objective.

• This product can be modified to explicitly not hurt squirrels with the use of non-harmful materials. The glass fiber incorporated on the multi-layered metal sheath is primarily used to strike into the flesh at the mouth side of the squirrel.

Patent #6: Biological, water insoluble coating delivery system for capsaicin and other macrofouling inhibitors

Patent Number: US10053584B1

Date of Patent: 2018-8-21

Patent Abstract: A blend of capsaicin or other active ingredients, beeswax and a solid hydrogenated vegetable tri-glyceride is used to produce a crayon-like delivery system that is rubbed on an underwater surface to produce a durable coating that inhibits fouling.

Pros and Cons:

• This patent allows for a coating to be applied to cables, which is both durable and water in-soluble. Outlined in the patent is the process by which a crayon-like compound, which includes the squirrel repellent capsaicin. A similar coating could be applied to cables.

• The patent outlines the creation of a “crayon-like” product that prevents “anti-fouling” or microorganisms from adhering to the hull of a ship. However, with ships so large, such a small product would be difficult to apply, maybe a molten micro-spray could be more effective in this application, especially in manufacturing.

Patent #7: Combination animal repellents

Patent Number: US9572348B2

Date of Patent: 27-2-21

Patent Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the control and management of wildlife populations (including domesticated animals) and pests such as rodents, birds including geese, deer and other herbivores such as rabbits, ground hogs, raccoons, moose and elk, tunneling animals such as moles, voles and gophers and insects, carnivores and other organisms such as predators. Specifically provided are FIFRA exemption-based formulations which may be applied to natural or artificial surfaces.

Pros and Cons:

• Repels animals temporarily

• Doesn't work in the long term

Patent #8: Method and apparatus for the control of vermin

Patent Number: US20040200131A1

Date of Patent: 2004-10-14

Patent Abstract: An apparatus for the delivery of toxicant to vermin includes an expandable conduit having an entry and exit for vermin, and which is expandable upon installation into an area determined to be suitable for vermin control. A toxicant is placeable in the expanded conduit such that vermin will contact the toxicant when passing through the conduit. In another apparatus, a toxicant is disposed within a conduit having an entry and exit for vermin. The toxicant is secured within the conduit to prevent spillage of the toxicant upon installation of the apparatus. The toxicant may be preloaded in a container. Methods for using the apparatuses are also described.

Pros and Cons:

• This is a small device which is relatively capable of ridding squirrels from wires and attics

• It could be made smaller and cheaper so it could cover a wider region of the wire.

Patent #9: Combined bait with a rat-poisoning action

Patent number: EP1279334B1

Date of Patent: 11 August, 2007

Patent abstract: A process for preparing a combined bait with a rat-poisoning action which comprises mixing a rodenticidal active principle dispersed in a fluid carrier with a combined component in solid form to allow the absorption of said active principle on the part of said component in solid form, the addition of a baiting component in the form of paste or flour and mixing to obtain the uniform distribution of the rodenticidal active principles in the baiting components.

Pros and Cons:

• Poison mixed in with thick substances (not classified) and pulverized cereals results in high diffusion, thus having a more stronger effect on squirrels

• Rodents (specifically squirrels) are physically harmed during the process

Rodent-proof Vinyl Adhesive Tape (Manufactured by Honda)

Pros:

• Prevents against rodents with "minimal" capsaicin used.

• Purchased many times, showing its effectiveness

• Relatively inexpensive (65 feet for $46 USD)

Cons:

• Not easily integrated into system (user installed)

• Not feasible for non-automotive applications

PetCords Dog and Cat Cord Protector- Protects Your Pets from Chewing Through Insulated Cables up to 10ft, Unscented, Odorless

Pros:

• Prevents animals from chewing to wire

• Clear so you can see if there are any issues

• Odorless so that animals can safely chew it

• Works on almost all types of cables

Cons:

• Tested on dogs and cats but not squirrels

• Isn't the healthiest if the animal eats the sleeving

• Expensive

DX-Series Distribution – Mil-Tac Rodent Deterrent (FRP) Cables

Pros:

• Inhibits rodents from chewing through with fiberglass yarns

• Primarily for military, meaning higher quality

Cons:

• Thicker cables

• Does not prevent future damage

• Designed for one cable type, using regular jackets and insulation

• Limited run, smaller company

Citations (use easybib.com)

HITEKER CO Ltd, J. I. A. N. G. S. U. (2010, December 21). CN201903680U - squirrel-preventing optical cable. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/CN201903680U/en.

Boyce, P. (2002, August 9). US6923977B1 - squirrel repellant system. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US6923977?oq=squirrel%2Brepellent.

Strasser, M., Torri, D., Vega, A., Mahmood, N., & Whitcomb, R. (2010, September 21). US9548601B2 - Environmentally Sealed Cable Breakout Assemblies. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9548601B2/en?oq=US9548601B2.

Dolan, S. E., Ziehm, M. W., Kuhns, E. C., & Lombardo, M. (2014, August 7). US20170145580A1 - continuous coating apparatus for electroceramic coating of metal coil or Wire. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US20170145580A1/en?oq=US20170145580A1.

毛文沛, & 周礼文. (2010, December 21). CN201903680U - squirrel-preventing optical cable. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/CN201903680U/en?oq=CN201903680U.

Beckham, L. S. (2016, June 6). US10053584B1 - biological, water insoluble coating delivery system for capsaicin and other macrofouling inhibitors. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US10053584B1/en?oq=US10053584B1.

Messina, J. J. (2011, November 10). US9572348B2 - combination animal repellents. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9572348B2/en?oq=US9572348B2.

Middlebrook, J., Middlebrook, B., Middlebrook, C., Middlebrook, D., & Middlebrook, H. (2003, March 13). US20040200131A1 - Method and apparatus for the control of Vermin. Google Patents. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040200131A1/en?oq=US20040200131A1.

Zambotto, P., Zambotto, P., & Tagliaro, M. (2001, July 24). EP1279334B1 - combined bait with a rat-poisoning action. Google Patents. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://patents.google.com/patent/EP1279334B1/ar.

Summary:

Overall the product should be to size and use most of the components given. It should be a mix of chemistry, biology, and also engineering to create this product. The wires are different approaches of how people have prevented animals from chewing up the cables while the other types of products are either to show what other products have done and what not to do. A great example of what not to do is the use of rat poison to help "eradicate" the squirrels in the area. This is when all the other patents come in. With the combination of all of these patents will make it so Cap-Cable can develop and optimal product to reduce squirrel damage.