CA2158287A1 - Sensor activated pest control aspirators - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a series of physical pest control devices, herein referred to as "SENSOR ACTIVATED PEST CONTROL ASPIRATORS" or "S.A.P.C.A.". This invention is designed to capture pests like a lurking-robotic pest predator. This invention provides improvement to existing traps in that trapping takes place without the pest becoming engaged in or on the trapping device.
Consequently, the efficiency of trapping is enhanced for common applications such as roaches. silverfish and mice, and is particularly useful in new applications for the control of social Hymenoptera (wasps, hornets, bumble bees, honey bees, Africanized bees, and fire ants). The embodiment of this invention is a pest catching system that incorporates a true motion detecting sensor (not just a trigger) in turn connected to a responding-vacuum aspirator to specifically form a S.A.P.C.A.
action-head. This action-head incorporates the sucking aspirator end and the sensor into a functional form for each particular pest application. At an opportune moment, in response to an approaching or passing pest animal, the S.A.P.C.A.
suddenly draws in and captures the pest. An array of design models differ to suit the pest and the application. The positioning of the S.A.P.C.A. action-head at specific locations, specifically where a particular pest type instinctively frequents, is of importance.

Description

21582~7 SENSOR ACTIVATED PEST CONTROL
ASPIRATORS

This invention relates to a series of physical pest control devices, herein l~rel-ed to as "SENSOR ACTIVATED PEST CONTROL ASPIRATORS"
or "S.A.P.C.A.". This invention is dçcigned to perform external capture of pests without the pest's eng~g~m~nt in or on the trap. This invention responds to the increasing market dçm~nds for chemical-free and respoll~ible pest control products.
Fxisting and related trap systems include vacuum and fan suction systems.
However, to activate such traps it appears that none have, as yet, incorporated the use of the common switched infrared motion detector, herein rerel,ed to as "sensor(s)." These sensors are now widely used in alarm systems and home outdoor lighting systems. I believe, none have married a vacuum &ipi~aling system with a motion sensor as a pest control device. Further, each application design is particularly made to match the s~,c~ifi~ nature of each pest type.
To date, it appears that all existing traps require the ~n~a~m~nt of the pest into a trapping system. Engaged either by the direct application of a human operator or by the insect being lured within the trap system. Specifically, these traps require that the pest must be at a specific location inside or on the trap where the pest displaces a trigger mçch~nic~m or obstructs a light source to activate the trapping 21~8287 device. Fxi~ting traps do not actually sense the movement of an approaching pest in that they depend on a specific positioning or engaged action of the pest to trigger the trapping device.

I have found that these disadvantages can be overcome. Thereby, trapping can become more efficient and useful and also become newly applicable in an array of new pest control situations. This invention, S.A.P.C.A., shows improvements to existing traps in that external trapping takes place without the pest becoming engaged in or on the trap device. Consequently, the efficiency of trapping is enhanced for common applications such as roaches, silverfish, spiders and mice, and particularly useful in new applications for the control of social Hynlellol)lera (wasps, hornets, bumble bees, honey bees, Africanized bees, and fire ants).
The closest related product or patent found is the Sensor-Triggered Suction Trap For Collechng Gravid Mosquitoes (U.S. Patent 5,123,201, June 23, 1992).
As ~ullh~ed in Table 1, this patent differs in application, purpose, sensor type and overall design and function.

CONTRASTS OF I~VENTIONS
CHARACTERISTICS S AP C A U.S. Patenf 5,123,201 Claims Purpose pest control * insect collection in name Sensor position at the aspirating mounted on or in a container 1 & 2 end of a vacuum or vessel Sensor type true motion sensor an ~iiDned 3, "_, 9, transmille./rcc~;~e~ 10, Il, requiring a specific point 12," "~, interruption for activation of 14, 15, a tri~er circuit 16, 17,"

Activationrequirement movement within l~gge.ed by a Point sDecific 1, 2, 3, 8, an area interruption 11,13, 20 Organism types pest insects and design is for collection of 19, 20 rodent control gravid (i.e. with eggs) insects Location of aspiration an external area a sPecific internal point "1, 2, 6"
Use of attractants not specific to attractants, and attractive 1, 2, 8, claims herein surface 13, 19, 20 * Fxterl~led applications claimed herein include cleaning (automated dust pan), pollination control, and indirect pest control (capture and release) The embodiment of this invention is an external pest catching system that incorporates a true motion sensing d~ r (not just a trigger) in turn connected to a responding-vacuum aspirator to specifically form a S.A.P.C.A. action-head.
This action-head incorporates the sucking-aspirator end and the motion detector into a functional form for each particular pest application. At an opportune moment, in response to an approaching or passing pest animal, the S.A.P.C.A.
suddenly aspirates and captures the pest. This can be likened to a lurking-robotic pest predator. The monkfish is a naturally occurring eAalllple of this visually-sensoled aspiration of prey. The positioning of the S.A.P.C.A. action-head, sper.ific~lly where a particular pest type instinctively frequents, is of importance.
The characteristics of the holding chamber and one-way gates for the captured pests can be of many existing designs and arrangelllellls and is not important to the inventiveness claimed herein. In fact, a holding challlber can be compl~t.o.1y bypassed where the captured pests are immedi~t~1y and automatically expelled to the outdoors. An array of design models differ in their functional form to suit the pest and the application.

For the control of SOCIAL HYMENOPTERA, the application design of this invention allows for easy positioning of the action-head within proAinl,~y (about l0 cm) of the hive entrance. This S.A.P.C.A. autom~tic~lly turns on and off to suck up each passing pest without causing hive agitation and without the use of ch~;llLr~l~ or damage to any structure.

.

For the control of ROACHES, DOMESTIC INSECTS AND MICE, this design looks like a baseboard. This model can be a built-in or a movable baseboard design. Here, the invention's functional form (action-head) is designed as a crack, crevice andlor a hole where crawling pests instinctively go. Installed at several points in a kitth~n, for eAal-lpl~, pests are autom~tic~lly aspirated on approaching or passing in proAi.ll.ly of these baseboard openings.

The arolelllenlioned baseboard designs could be marketed as an AUTOMATED DUST PAN where the vacuum is activated as a consequence of the sweeping motion of a broom. As a result, the S.A.P.C.A. autom~tic~lly assists in the removal of the dirt. The inventor thelt;role makes claim to this sensor activated cleaning application as well.

For the control of FLYING ~NSECTS, this design fits to a window. Most insects, houseflies for eA~Ilple, demonstrate positive phototaxis and positive geotaxis. This means that, most often, they in~tinctively crawl upward and ;wly fly toward light. The S.A.P.C.A. window design is mounted to the indoors-top edge of the glass. The S.A.P.C.A. action-head looks down and flush to the glass. Consequently, insects are autom~tic~lly aspirated when they instinctively come into PrOAil~ Y of the action-head.

2l~8287 -For the control of pests around GARBAGE, this garbage can design captures crawling pests at the base, and flying insects are captured about the rim or top of the can.

For the control of SEWER-RATS, this model is made to be lowered into sewers. It would be resistant to damage within that environment and equipped with a powerful vacuum.

For the control of OUTDOOR-CRAWLlNG INSECTS, a barrier design can be put into place where the action-head is desi~ned to cover a long and narrow dist~nce. For t;A~l.~le, it can be placed around a tree trunk, a flower pot, a garden or even around an entire house. The use of multiple sensors, fiber optics or other means will allow for the turns and rli~t~nces covered in these designs. Thereby all cl~wlil~ pests can be captured and prevented from reaching the protected area.

For INDIRECT PEST CONTROL, extended applications of this invention would make use of specific lures within the action-head's opel~Ling area to capture a target pest. EA~IIPIeS of lures include pheromones, baits, odors, decoys and ultra-violet light. Furthermore, the holding chamber for the captured pests can be modified for treatment such as disease inoculation, sterilization, or scent marking, and then the release of the treated pest. With this capture and release method, the pest population can be controlled indirectly.

2l~8~8~

For PLANT POLLINATION, the inventor recognizes another extended use of this invention, where pollinators may be lured to captivity, treated, and again released. Tre~l...~l.l~ can include scent-m~rking, pollen-bathing, or tre~tm~nt with other products that can effect the desired plant-pollination process, or conversely to cause plant sterilization.

With the advent of today' s availability of low cost sensors and v~cuum~, the above are but a few illustrated ~x~,.ples of creative designs and applications of this invention.

FIGURES

The following drawings illustrate the embodiments of this invention in three di~el e designs and applications.
FIGURE 1 shows a BASEBOARD DESIGN for crawling domestic pests;
FIGURE 2 shows a HIVE DESIGN for social insect pests;
FIGURE 3 shows a WINDOW DESIGN for flying pests.

Figure 1 portrays this invention in the form of a BASEBOARD DESIGN. The left and the right side of the baseboard (B) can be considered independent, where the left is designed for mice (M), and the right for cockroaches (R). The sensor (S) has activated the aspirator (V) in response to detection of near-by pest. The mouse is being drawn into the hole (H).
Likewise, the cockroaches are being drawn into the crack (C).

Figure 2 depicts this invention in the form of a HIVE DESIGN, where the action-head (A ~ S) is positioned near the hive entrance (E). On entering or leaving the hive (H) located inside a wall, the wasps (W are detected by the sensor (S). In turn, the aspil~lor (V) is activated and the wasps are sucked up by the aspil ~lhlg end (A).

Figure 3 illustrates this invention in the form of a WINDOW DESIGN. Here, flies (F) on a window (W) are detected by the sensor (S). Consequently, the aspirator (V) is activated and the flies are aspirated into the holes (A) and captured.

Claims (9)

1) A line of responsive physical-pest-control devices in which each design model is comprised of:

a) a sensor, and b) an aspirator, incorporated together into a "functional form" so as to cause external trapping of a near-by pest, likened to a lurking-robotic-pest predator (or the prey aspirating action of the monk fish). Herein the invention is referred to as "Sensor Activated Pest Control Aspirators" or "S.A.P.C.A.".

2) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in part a of claim 1 where "SENSOR" primarily refers to, but not limited to, the switched-infrared-motion detectors commonly used in home security systems and outdoor lighting. These sensors are capable of "sensing" an approaching pest and in turn control activation of the aspirator. This capacity to "sense" is not meant to include the use of triggers that depend on the pest to physically displace them as that of a mouse trap or the point specific interruption of a light transmitter/receiver system.

3) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in part b of claim 1 (and claim 2) where "ASPIRATOR"
refers to any vacuum sucking system suited in capacity to draw into captivity a target pest in a given application.

4) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in claim 1.(2, and 3) where "FUNCTIONAL FORM"
refers to:

a) the way the sensor and aspirator end are positioned to form the aspirator action-head. That is to say, the sensor and sucking end are both pointed to, and functional within a common area, b) the appearance and size of this said "action-head" varies in design to best suite the pest type and its' application, c) said sensor activates the aspirator.
This said invention, by virtue of its' designs, causes a pest to automatically and suddenly be aspirated from a selected exterior location. The purpose of this invention is to control a target pest type by capture. This external trapping mimics a sudden aspiration and capture of a prey by a predator like that of a monk fish.

5) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in claim 1. 2. 3 and 4 where "PEST" refers to:

a) problematic animals that humans wish to control, and b) animals to which this technology can be applied by virtue of size and expected behavior.

Examples include mice, silverfish, cockroaches, flies, and social Hymenoptera such as wasps and bees.

6) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in claims 1, 2 and 3. and particularly as in part b of claim 4 where "DESIGN" refers to specific forms of physical appearance and capacity. These designs are matched to specific pest types and/or applications. For example, it is known that roaches crawl into cracks, flies go to light, mice go into holes. Therefore, each application model may be made to mimic the instinctive attractions of a given pest.
The concepts for application of the invention models are demonstrated in the following four examples;

a) A hive design where the S.A.P.C.A. action-head is mounted on an adjustable stand so as to easily be positioned and pointed to the entry of a hive.

b) A mouse design where this invention's action-head forms a baseboard appearance with a mouse hole.

c) A roach (crawling insect) design where this invention's action-head forms a baseboard appearance with a crack or crevice opening.

d) A fly design where this invention is fixed to the glass atop a window so as to sense and aspirate flies from across the top edge of said window.

7) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and particularly in parts b and c of claim 6, where this invention is used in a CLEANING APPLICATION instead of strictly pest control. In this application, sweeping action of a broom activates the said S.A.P.C.A. baseboards. As a result, the S.A.P.C.A. automatically assists in the removal of the dirt like an automated dust pan. Here, for this claim and extended application of this same invention, the word "pest" is replaced with "waste" that is collected by sweeping.

8) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, were the invention is used for INDIRECT PEST CONTROL. This is to say, the target pest is captured, treated (in a treatment chamber), and then released. The addition of lures (pheromones, baits, decoys, odors, etc.) and/or treatment chambers to this invention are simply extended methods of use thereof.

9) A S.A.P.C.A. as defined in claims 1, 2, 3, and 4, were the invention is not used for pest control, but for PLANT POLLINATION or sterilization. Here, pollinating insects are captured, treated, and then released. Treatment, in this case, is with pollen, scent markers or other products that affect the means of pollination (or sterilization) of a target plant. Here, for this claim and extended application of this invention, the word "pest" is replaced with "pollinator."