U.S. patent application number 11/228889 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for automatic light-activated portable mist sprayer device.
This patent application is currently assigned to NHC Corporation. Invention is credited to Joseph Thomas Colarusso, Robert Clarence III Pearce, John Roheim.
Application Number | 20060086824 11/228889 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36205325 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060086824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pearce; Robert Clarence III ;
et al. |
April 27, 2006 |
Automatic light-activated portable mist sprayer device
Abstract
A portable, light-activated, mist sprayer system comprising
direct current power supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic
circuitry that evaluates an electrical signal received from the
light sensor to determine whether a "dusk" or "dawn" light
condition exists; a container of treating fluid at a desired
concentration; a motor and pump that are activated at the
appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at
least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the
treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; and a timer that
turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the
spraying cycle. A preferred utility for the system of the invention
is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent
during the periods of significant insect activity that typically
occur around dusk and dawn. An RF receiving unit is also disclosed
for optional activation using a remote transmitter.
Inventors: |
Pearce; Robert Clarence III;
(Arlington, TX) ; Colarusso; Joseph Thomas;
(Arlington, TX) ; Roheim; John; (Flower Mound,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOCKE LIDDELL & SAPP LLP;ATTN: SUE COTT
2200 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 2200
DALLAS
TX
75201-6776
US
|
Assignee: |
NHC Corporation
|
Family ID: |
36205325 |
Appl. No.: |
11/228889 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10970778 |
Oct 21, 2004 |
|
|
|
11228889 |
Sep 15, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
239/337 ; 239/67;
239/68; 239/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/1842 20150401;
A01M 29/34 20130101; Y10T 137/1939 20150401; A01G 13/06 20130101;
A01M 1/245 20130101; Y10T 137/1866 20150401; B05B 9/035 20130101;
B05B 12/124 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/337 ;
239/067; 239/068; 239/069 |
International
Class: |
A01G 27/00 20060101
A01G027/00; F23D 14/28 20060101 F23D014/28; B05B 7/32 20060101
B05B007/32 |
Claims
1. A portable fluid mist sprayer system comprising: a source of
treating fluid; an electrical power source; a pump for pressurizing
the treating fluid as needed to discharge the treating fluid at a
predetermined discharge pressure and flow rate; at least one spray
nozzle configured to receive the pressurized treating fluid and to
discharge the treating fluid in the form of a mist; at least one
flow conduit providing fluid communication between the source and
the at least one spray nozzle; an ambient light sensor; an
electronic control unit that initiates a flow of pressurized
treating fluid to the at least one sprayer head in response to
sensed ambient light of predetermined intensity and duration.
2. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the
treating fluid is selected from liquids, gases, suspensions, and
mixtures thereof.
3. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 2 wherein the
treating fluid is selected from the group consisting of
insecticide, pesticide, fungicide, biocide, insect repellent,
water, air, or mixtures thereof.
4. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 2 wherein the
treating fluid comprises an insect attractant.
5. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 4 wherein the
attractant is carbon dioxide gas.
6. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the
electronic control module further comprises a light level
discrimination module, a pump controller module, and an RF
receiver.
7. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 6 wherein the
light level discrimination module comprises an optical coupler, a
hysteresis detector, dusk and dawn timing discriminators, and a
logic gate communicating with the pump control module.
8. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 6 wherein the
pump control module comprises a misting duration selector, a
misting duration timer and a DC pump controller.
9. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the
electrical power source is at least one battery.
10. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 6 wherein the
electrical power source is a solar cell.
11. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 further
comprising a three-way switch with a test mode.
12. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the
pump is activated in response to ambient light conditions as sensed
by the ambient light sensor.
13. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 10, further
comprising a frame supporting a motor and pump, and a container
supplying treating fluid to the pump.
14. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1, in
combination with a portable carrier device into which the fluid
mist sprayer system is insertable.
15. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 10, further
comprising a dome that is rotatable relative to the frame, with at
least one spray nozzle disposed in the dome.
16. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 14 wherein the
carrier device is a simulated torch, lamp or lantern.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/970,778 as to
all subject matter contained in this application that was
previously disclosed in said parent application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a portable device useful for
spraying a fluid mist through a sprayer head to treat the
atmosphere in a desired location proximal to the device, and more
particularly, to a self-contained, light-activated, pump-driven
mist sprayer that initiates a flow of treating fluid in response to
a sensed ambient light condition of desired intensity and duration.
Once initiated, the flow of fluid mist through the sprayer
desirably continues for an adjustable time interval. A preferred
use of the system is for eradicating or repelling flying or
crawling insects in locations remote from AC power outlets during
the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur
around dusk and dawn. An insect attractant, either alone or in
combination with a pesticide, can also be dispensed using the
subject device.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Problems associated with the presence of mosquitoes and
other flying insects are well known, particularly during summer
months when people typically engage in many outdoor activities.
People have long appreciated the dangers associated with
mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and equine encephalitis.
More recently, publicity associated with the West Nile virus in has
heightened public awareness of dangers that can be associated with
mosquito bites. Additionally, people are generally aware of the
pain, discomfort and potentially dangerous allergic reactions that
can accompany the bites of various flying and crawling insects
encountered outdoors in either urban or rural areas.
[0006] Various chemical sprays and devices have previously been
used to control flying and crawling insects, spiders, and other
such pests. Chemical sprays containing environmentally acceptable
concentrations of insecticides or pesticides have historically been
applied using hand-held sprayers, fogging machines, and the like.
Such sprays are sometimes applied by governmental agencies in
parks, residential neighborhoods and other high-risk urban areas,
but are most often applied by individuals using hand-held sprayers
in and around their own homes and yards. In more rural settings,
sprayer systems have previously been used to spray insecticides or
pesticides in and around barns, livestock holding areas, and the
like. Other devices that have previously been used to control
insects and other pests have incorporated a lure or an attractant,
such as food baits, light, pheromones, or carbon dioxide, to draw
the insects or pests to a trap, electrically energized grid, or
poison.
[0007] Many of the prior art systems and devices for controlling
insects and pests are operated directly by the user. Others are
controlled by timers that are preset to initiate their function at
a particular time and for a particular interval. In some cases, the
electrical energy required to operate the devices, particularly
those disposed in remote or rural areas where electricity is not
readily available, is obtained from batteries or solar cells. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,192,621, for example, discloses a pest control device
for outdoor use comprising a solar-powered fan that enhances the
circulation of odorous repellent to the external ambient
environment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,873 discloses an agricultural
implement for spraying herbicides on weeds that utilizes a
photo-detector circuit to avoid spraying the herbicide on bare
soil. The photo-detector circuit is not affected by changes in
ambient lighting conditions.
[0008] In the related parent application, the contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein, a system is disclosed that
preferably comprises an alternating current power source, ambient
light sensor, electronic circuitry that evaluates an electrical
signal received from the light sensor to determine whether a "dusk"
or "dawn" light condition exists; a container, reservoir or other
source of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a pump that is
activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light
condition; at least one sprayer head and, preferably, an array of
spaced-apart sprayer heads, each having a nozzle that will dispense
a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is
operating; flexible tubing or other conduits providing fluid
communication between the fluid source and the sprayer heads; and a
timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate
the spraying cycle. The electronic control unit disclosed in the
parent application comprises a light level discrimination module, a
pump control module, a power supply module, a remote receiver
module, and optionally, a remote transmitter for activating the
pump control module.
[0009] Various solar-powered devices have previously been disclosed
that utilize solar-powered batteries to store electrical energy
during daylight hours for use in operating electric timers capable
of turning one or more outdoor lights on and off daily and, in some
cases, for powering those lights. The use of photocells for
activating or deactivating a mechanical device upon receipt of
light is also well known. Photocells are most often triggered by
the impingement or interruption of a directed light beam and not by
ambient light. U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,758 discloses receiver circuits
for detecting a target light source that effectively remove
"noise," including ambient daylight, during the operation of such
devices. Other devices have been disclosed that turn one or more
lights on or off in response to predetermined levels of ambient
light.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,366 discloses a highly automated
agricultural production system comprising a weather sensor package
used to measure weather conditions, including the sunlight energy
spectrum, the intensity of which is measured using a plant growth
photometer said to be available from International Light, Inc. The
system is said to optionally include a fluid delivery system useful
in controlling insects and diseases, but is complex and not
desirable for home use.
[0011] Mosquitoes, flies and other insects are most easily
controlled when they are most active, often during the time around
sunrise and sunset. The use of timers alone to activate spraying or
misting systems is often inadequate for initiating spraying at the
onset of the relatively short periods when such pests are most
active. Timers alone are not responsive to variations in daylight
hours, weather conditions and topography that can all affect
ambient light levels and insect activity at a particular time of
day in a particular location.
[0012] Notwithstanding the systems and devices previously
disclosed, a mist sprayer system is needed that is portable and
does not require an AC power source, that will activate
automatically at dusk or dawn and spray for a preset interval, that
can optionally be activated manually or by using a remote
transmitter, and that will be effective for eradicating or
repelling flying and crawling insects, spiders and the like from
outdoor areas in which the system is deployed. A portable mist
sprayer system is also needed that can be easily inserted into any
of a variety of desired carrier devices, such as, for example, a
simulated lamp, lantern or decorative torch.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is a portable, self-contained, mist
sprayer system that preferably comprises a direct current power
supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic circuitry that
evaluates an electrical signal received from the light sensor to
determine whether a "dusk" or "dawn" light condition exists; a
container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a motor and
pump that are activated at the appropriate time as determined by
the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer nozzle that will
dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is
operating; flexible tubing or other conduits providing fluid
communication between the fluid source and the pump inlet, and
between the pump outlet and the sprayer nozzle; and a timer that
turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the
spraying cycle. According to a preferred embodiment of the
invention, the electronic control unit comprises a light level
discrimination module, a pump control module, and optionally, a
remote transmitter for activating the pump control module.
[0014] One preferred application for the system is for spraying a
mist comprising a treating fluid useful for eradicating or
repelling flying or crawling insects such as mosquitoes, wasps,
bees, spiders, and the like, that may be injurious to humans or
livestock. Examples of outdoor areas that can be serviced by the
systems of the invention include, for example, residential or
commercial yard and patio areas, swimming pools, outdoor
restaurants, horse and livestock barns, garbage dumpsters and
compactors, food processing plants, parks and picnic areas, boat
houses, dog kennels, zoos, amusement parks, industrial sites, and
the like. Systems of the invention can similarly be used for
controlling insects and the diseases they carry in vineyards,
vegetable fields, orchards, greenhouses, nurseries and such, or for
repelling dogs and wild animals such as foxes, squirrels, rabbits,
and the like, that can become pests in gardens or other restricted
areas. The portable mist sprayer system of the invention can
desirably be installed and used in a variety of different carrier
devices such as, for example, a torch, lamp or lantern.
[0015] The system of the invention can be easily, effectively and
reliably used to dispense a variety of treating fluids, most
preferably liquids, but optionally, gases or liquids containing
dissolved, entrained or suspended gaseous or powdered solid
components. The treating fluids are preferably dispensed as a mist,
and are preferably selected from known, commercially available
insecticides, pesticides, insect or pest repellents, fungicides,
biocides, and the like, and can optionally include an attractant
component as a lure. It will also be appreciated upon reading the
disclosure that the subject system can likewise be used for
dispensing other treating fluids "on demand" including, for
example, liquid fertilizers, air fresheners, cooling water, and the
like, and at times other than dusk and dawn.
[0016] The system of the invention replaces standard timers or
programmed controllers previously used in automated dispensing
systems, and, because the dispensing cycles are triggered by
prevailing ambient light levels, will typically operate only during
the times when flying and crawling insects and pests are most
active. By automatically initiating chemical treating for defined
intervals during the periods of greatest insect activity, the user
is able to reduce the amount of treating fluid required, and to
thereby achieve better results at lower cost. The system is
automatically responsive to use in various time zones and
topographies, and will automatically adapt to the lengthening and
shortening daylight hours that are normally associated with
seasonal changes. In addition to having an automatic
light-activated capability unlike that of other known portable
sprayer systems and devices, the mist sprayer system of the
invention can also be activated manually or by using a wireless
remote transmitter if desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The apparatus of the invention is further described and
explained in relation to the following drawings wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a simulated torch having
a preferred embodiment of the portable, light-activated mist
sprayer system of the invention installed in it;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an enlarged front elevation view of the upper
portion of the portable light-activated mist sprayer system of the
invention as installed in the simulated torch carrier device, with
the portable mist sprayer system also being depicted in dashed
outline as it would appear if removed from the torch carrier
device;
[0020] FIG. 3 is an enlarged front elevation view, partially in
cross-section and partially broken away, of the portable,
light-activated mist sprayer system of FIG. 2, with the door
opened;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the portable, light-activated
mist sprayer system of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the portable,
light-activated mist sprayer system of FIG. 2;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional front elevation view, partially
broken away, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a simplified front elevation view of an
alternative (round) lantern carrier device with the portable,
light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention installed in
it;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a simplified front elevation view of an
alternative (hurricane) lantern carrier device with the portable,
light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention installed in
it; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a simplified flowchart illustrating
diagrammatically the various components and logic implemented in a
preferred electronic control unit suitable for use in the
light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a simulated tiki torch 10 is depicted
that further comprises an upright shaft portion 12 inserted into
ground 14 and having attached to its top a basket portion 18
supporting a portable, light-activated mist sprayer system 16 of
the invention. Simulated tiki torch 10 is one of many different
types of carrier portable devices that can be used as a stand to
support portable, light-activated mist sprayer system 16. Referring
to FIG. 2, portable, light-activated mist sprayer system 16 is
again depicted in solid outline as installed in the top of basket
18 over shaft portion 12, and is also depicted in dashed outline as
it would appear if removed from basket 18.
[0028] FIGS. 3-6 depict in greater detail the construction and
internal and external elements of a preferred portable,
light-activated mist sprayer system 16 of the invention. Mist
sprayer system 16 has an upper portion comprising a mist sprayer
assembly and a lower portion comprising bottle 20 that preferably
threads into engagement with the underside of frame 24 of the
sprayer assembly. Referring to FIG. 3, the mist sprayer assembly
further comprises as principal elements frame 24, ring 32, collar
40, rotatable dome 62, printed circuit board 76, batteries 46, pump
48, motor 50, pump inlet line 52, pump outlet 54 and outlet line
56, spray nozzle 58, switch 70, RF receiver 72 and light sensor 74.
Bail 44 is attached to collar 40 for use in lifting and handling
portable mist sprayer system 16.
[0029] Printed circuit board 76, pump 48 and motor 50 are all
preferably mounted on frame 24. Ring 32 is desirably threaded onto
the bottom of frame 24 and tightened using downwardly projecting,
circumferentially spaced twist grips 34. Batteries 46, preferably
four 1.5 volt cells, are disposed in recesses at opposite sides of
ring 32, and are contained in that position by the interior walls
of collar 40, which is threaded into engagement with the upwardly
extending portion of ring 32. Sealing rings 36, 38 are provided in
annular grooves on the outside of the lower portion of frame 24 and
on the outwardly facing surface of ring 32, respectively. Motor 50
is preferably a 6-volt DC motor with a gear box driving pump 48.
Batteries 46, RF receiver 72 (for use with an associated remote
transmitter, not shown), switch 70 and light sensor 74 (preferably
a cadmium sulfide sensor) are each connected to printed circuit
board 76, although the wires and electrical connections are not all
depicted in order to simplify the drawings. Dome 62 is preferably
rotatably mounted above pump 48 and motor 50 by means of a retainer
flange 68 disposed beneath inclined dome base 64. Because dome 62
is rotatably mounted on inclined dome base 64, both the radial
spray direction and the vertical spray angle of spray nozzle 58 can
be adjusted by rotating either dome 62 or the entire mist sprayer
system 16. An alternate position for spray nozzle 58 when it dome
62 is rotated relative to dome base 64 is shown in dashed outline
in FIG. 3. Alternatively, more than one spray nozzle can be
provided in mist sprayer system 16 provided that a suitable
manifold or connector is provided at pump outlet 54. A rubber
washer 66 is desirably provided between dome 62 and dome base 64 to
provide some frictional holding force between the underside of dome
62 and the top of dome base 64 as dome 62 is rotated relative to
dome base 64. Rubber washer 66 resists any rotational motion that
might otherwise be imparted to dome 62 as pressurized spray is
discharged through nozzle 58.
[0030] Container 20 is preferably a plastic or metal bottle, most
preferably made of high density polyethylene ("HDPE"), that
desirably contains a replaceable liner bag 22 in which treatment
fluid 30 is prepackaged. Bag 22 is preferably flexible, and is most
preferably made of metallized plastic. Treatment fluid 30 is
preferably a liquid capable of being pumped through at least one
spray nozzle 58 and into the surrounding air. Treatment fluid 30
can comprise a pesticide, insecticide, or other liquid material
that can be dispensed from mist sprayer system 16 to achieve a
beneficial purpose. Although a liquid, which can be atomized by
spray nozzle 58, is preferred for use as treatment fluid 30,
treatment fluid 30 can also be selected from gases, suspensions,
and mixtures thereof. Where gas is used as treatment fluid 30,
container 20 can be pressurized and pump 48 and motor 50 can be
replaced, for example, by a suitable gas dispensing mechanism.
[0031] Pick-up tube 28 is preferably made of HDPE and desirably
extends downwardly to a point near the internal bottom of
replaceable bag 22 inside container 20 to facilitate substantially
complete utilization of treatment fluid 30. Nipple 26 is threaded
onto or otherwise attached to a similarly threaded neck at the top
of bag 22. The top of pick-up tube 28 is desirably in fluid
communication through nipple 26 with flexible tubing 52, which is
attached to the inlet of pump 48, as is more easily seen in FIG. 6.
The neck of bottle 20 is likewise provided with external threads or
another similarly effective attachment device to permit bottle 20
to be releasably connected to the underside of frame 24.
[0032] FIG. 9 is a simplified flowchart illustrating
diagrammatically the various components and logic implemented in a
preferred electronic control unit installed on printed circuit
board 76 and suitable for use in the portable, light-activated mist
sprayer system 16 of the invention, although it will be appreciated
that other similarly effective circuitry and components can
likewise be used in implementing the operational objectives of the
system. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, in light level discrimination
section 100 of portable, light-activated mist sprayer system 16, an
electrical signal received from light sensor 74 (FIG. 1), a
conventional, commercially available device, is received into an
optical coupler. The signal is then split and fed through two
parallel hysteresis detectors to insure that pump 48 is not
activated by transient signals attributable to stimuli other than a
gradual darkening or lightening of ambient light to a predetermined
"trigger" level. So-called "dusk" and "dawn" discriminators then
compare the signal being received from light sensor 74 to
predetermined signal values consistent with "dusk" and "dawn"
ambient light conditions.
[0033] Parallel nand gates receive the signals from the
discriminators, and assuming that the pump start criteria have been
met, signal pump controller module 102 to start motor 50 and pump
48. Pump controller module 102 preferably comprises a misting
duration selector, a misting duration timer, and a DC pump
controller. Three-way switch 70 is provided for use in turning
battery power to light sensor 74 and RF receiver 72 of spray mister
system 16 on or off. The third switch position activates a test
circuit that operates mist sprayer system 16 for a preset interval
such as about five seconds. When system 16 is powered up, motor 50
and pump 48 can be activated either by light sensor 74 or by an RF
signal received from an optional remote transmitter, not shown.
Ambient light sensor 74 is desirably positioned so that it is not
blocked from receiving the prevailing ambient light by trees,
overhangs, screening structures, or the like, although it is not
necessary that it be positioned to receive direct light from the
sun or another light source. When positioning portable mist sprayer
system 16 and light sensor 74, care should also be given to
avoiding locations where flood lights, car lights, or the like, are
likely to impinge directly on the sensor, thereby impeding the
ability of the sensor to monitor the prevailing ambient light
conditions.
[0034] FIG. 7 depicts a simulated lantern 82 comprising portable,
light-activated mist sprayer system 84 as described above installed
inside a carrier device comprising round globe 86 supported by base
88. FIG. 8 similarly depicts a simulated hurricane lantern 90
comprising portable, light-activated mist sprayer system 92 as
described above installed inside a carrier device comprising
protected cylindrical globe 94 supported by base 96, or
alternatively, suspended from extended bail 98. It should be
appreciated, however, that the simulated torch, lantern and
hurricane lantern are simply two of many different types of
portable carrier devices into which the self-contained mist sprayer
system as disclosed herein can be inserted.
[0035] Although the use of batteries is disclosed herein as the
electrical energy source for the preferred embodiment of the
invention, it will be appreciated that solar cells can also be use
to power such portable, light-activated mist sprayer systems if
desired.
[0036] Other alterations and modifications of the invention will
likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon
reading this specification in view of the accompanying drawings,
and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein
be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended
claims to which the inventors are legally entitled.
* * * * *