Immobilisation device

Abstract

The invention provides a device for use in partially or fully immobilising animals such as cattle, sheep and the like. The device includes a probe for insertion in the anal canal of the animal the probe comprising a pair of spaced electrodes connected by way of electrical conductors to a power source. The power source providing a pulsed electrical current having a voltage of between 2 and 10 Volts and a frequency of between 20 and 50 Hz to the electrodes.

1 . A device for use in immobilising animals comprising an elongated probe and an electrical power source, said probe comprising a rear end, a front end for insertion into the anal canal of an animal, first and second electrodes spaced from each other on the outer surface of said probe and electrical conductors extending from the electrodes and adapted for connection to the electrical power source, and wherein the electrical power source supplies an electrical current of between about 250 mA and 400 mA with a potential of between about 1 and 11 Volts and a frequency of between about 20 and 50 Hz.  
   
   
       2 . A device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the electrical power source supplies an electrical current having a potential of between 2 and 10 Volts.  
   
   
       3 . A device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the electrical power source supplies an electrical current having a frequency of about 30 Hz.  
   
   
       4 . A device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the elongated probe has a right circular cylindrical configuration.  
   
   
       5 . A device as recited in  claim 2  wherein the front end has a tapered rounded tip.  
   
   
       6 . A device as recited in  claim 1  wherein the first electrode has an annular configuration and is located proximate the front end of the probe, and wherein the second electrode has an annular configuration and is located proximate the first electrode.  
   
   
       7 . A device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the first and second electrodes are separated by an annular groove in the probe.  
   
   
       8 . A device as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the second electrode extends from a position proximate the first electrode to the rear end of the probe.  
   
   
       9 . A device as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the electrodes are stainless steel electrodes.  
   
   
       10 . A device for use in immobilising animals comprising an elongated probe and an electrical power source, said probe comprising a rear end, a front end for insertion into the anal canal of an animal, first and second electrodes having annular configurations, said first and second electrodes being spaced from each other along a length of said probe, and electrical conductors extending from the electrodes and adapted for connection to the electrical power source, wherein the electrical power source provides an electrical current to an animal of between about 250 mA and 400 mA with a potential of between about 1 and 11 Volts and a frequency of between about 20 and 50 Hz during operation of the device.