U.S. patent application number 11/332733 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-29 for fan type chemical diffusing apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Fumakilla Limited. Invention is credited to Atsushi Matsuda, Kazunori Yamamoto, Satoshi Yamasaki.
Application Number | 20060137241 11/332733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27481098 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060137241 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamasaki; Satoshi ; et
al. |
June 29, 2006 |
Fan type chemical diffusing apparatus
Abstract
A fan type debugging apparatus is provided in which the active
ingredient impregnated body or mass is disposed in a wind inlet
side of the fan type blower and is designed to provide a wind force
resistance which in terms of the proportion of current consumption
by the motor in the presence of the active ingredient impregnated
body or mass to current consumption by the motor in the absence of
the active ingredient impregnated body or mass, ranges from 5 to
25%.
Inventors: |
Yamasaki; Satoshi;
(Hiroshima, JP) ; Yamamoto; Kazunori; (Hiroshima,
JP) ; Matsuda; Atsushi; (Hiroshima, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRISHAUF, HOLTZ, GOODMAN & CHICK, PC
220 Fifth Avenue
16TH Floor
NEW YORK
NY
10001-7708
US
|
Assignee: |
Fumakilla Limited
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
27481098 |
Appl. No.: |
11/332733 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10181573 |
Jul 18, 2002 |
|
|
|
PCT/JP01/00610 |
Jan 30, 2001 |
|
|
|
11332733 |
Jan 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/125 ; 422/124;
43/132.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/2033 20130101;
A61L 9/122 20130101; A01N 25/00 20130101; A61L 9/042 20130101; A01M
1/2055 20130101; A01N 25/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
043/125 ;
422/124; 043/132.1 |
International
Class: |
A61L 9/12 20060101
A61L009/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 6, 2000 |
JP |
P2000-59867 |
Apr 12, 2000 |
JP |
P2000-110326 |
Apr 12, 2000 |
JP |
P2000-110348 |
Apr 27, 2000 |
JP |
P2000-127749 |
Claims
1. A fan type debugging apparatus for repelling and expelling a
noxious or harmful insect with an active ingredient containing as
its principal component at least one chemical having a vapor
pressure of not less than 1.0.times.10.sup.-4 mmHg at a temperature
of 30.degree. C. and effective to act as an insecticide or
acaricide or to control growth, or to hinder bloodsucking, biting
or eating behavior, of the insect, or to repel the insect, or
effective to prevent any other damage by the insect, the apparatus
having an active ingredient impregnated body or mass adapted to
retain and release by volatilization said active ingredient, and
including a fan type blower powered to be driven by a motor,
wherein: said active ingredient impregnated body or mass is
disposed in a wind inlet side of said fan type blower and is
designed to provide a wind force resistance R which in terms of the
proportion of current consumption E2 by said motor in the presence
of said active ingredient impregnated body or mass to current
consumption El by said motor in the absence of said active
ingredient impregnated body or mass, ranges from 5 to 25% where R
is expressed by the equation: R=100-E2/E1.times.100.
2. A fan type debugging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said active ingredient impregnated body or mass is configured from
at least one sort of bodies selected from the group which consists
of particles, granules, lines, strings, threads and filaments.
3. A fan type debugging apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein
said active ingredient impregnated body or mass comprises a
particulate mass including at least one material selected from the
group which consists of cellulose, polymeric water absorptive
material, polymeric oil absorptive material and gel.
4. A fan type debugging apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said motor comprises an energy saving type motor having a current
consumption not greater than 100 milliamperes when unloaded with a
voltage of 1.5 volt applied thereto.
Description
[0001] This application is a Divisional Application of Ser. No.
10/181,573 filed Jul. 18, 2002, which is a U.S. National Phase
Application under 35 USC 371 of International Application
PCT/JP01/00610 filed Jan. 30, 2001.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a fan type chemical
diffusing apparatus of volatilizing a chemical, a technique for
diffusing an active ingredient of a volatile chemical such as an
insecticide, insect repellent or moth-proofing agent, aromatic
chemical and deodorant by ventilating a carrier body impregnated
with the active ingredient while utilizing a fan type blower
powered by a motor.
[0003] More specifically, the invention relates to a fan type
debugging apparatus for repelling and exterminating or excluding
noxious or harmful insects including bugs such as mosquitoes,
flies, cockroaches, mites, ants and centipedes and clothing bags
such as skin beetles and clothes moths by ventilating a carrier
body impregnated with an active ingredient while using a fan type
blower powered by a motor energized by a battery or cells.
BACKGROUND ART
[0004] A fan type chemical volatilizing and diffusing apparatus has
been known which is designed to diffuse into the atmosphere, e. g.,
in a room an active ingredient of a volatile chemical such as an
insecticide, insect repellent or moth-proofing agent, aromatic
chemical and deodorant by the force of a wind.
[0005] This typical fan type chemical volatilizing and diffusing
apparatus is provided with an air inlet for admitting air from the
outside into the apparatus body and an air outlet for sending out
air admitted. In the air flow passage between the air inlet and the
air outlet there are mounted a fan type blower driven by a motor
and an active ingredient carrier body impregnated with an active
ingredient. Provided also in the apparatus body is a room for
accommodating a battery for powering the motor and hence the fan
blower.
[0006] The active ingredient impregnated body is disposed either in
the air flow passage between the air inlet and the fan or in the
air flow passage between the fan and the air outlet. Thus, the
apparatus is of the type in which rotating the fan to send air
causes the active ingredient in the impregnated body to diffuse
through the air outlet into the atmosphere.
[0007] As shown in JP U H06-4393A, another fan type chemical
diffusing apparatus has been known in which the fan in a fan type
blower itself contains a volatile chemical.
[0008] The typical fan type chemical diffusing apparatus mentioned
above is provided with the fan type blower and the active
ingredient impregnated body separately in the apparatus body and
formed with an air flow passage in the apparatus body. As a result,
it is forced to be complex in structure and makes the apparatus
large in size.
[0009] The requirement that the active ingredient impregnated body
and the fan be arranged to efficiently send air into, through and
out of the active ingredient impregnated body tends to make the
apparatus structure complex and large in size.
[0010] If the apparatus is to be powered by a battery, providing a
space for accommodating the battery in the apparatus makes the
apparatus even more complex and larger in size.
[0011] It should be noted in particular that the site in which the
active ingredient impregnated body is placed determines the size of
the apparatus and a degree of its complexity.
[0012] The fan type chemical diffusing apparatus disclosed in JP U
H06-4393A by having the fan effectively functioning as the active
ingredient impregnated body seeks to resolve the problem of how it
can efficiently be arranged and to simplify the apparatus
structure. However, many problems still remain unresolved, for
example, as regards an unsatisfactory durability (e. g.,
brittleness) of the fan which must be made by forming, a limited
impregnable amount (small amount) of an active ingredient and, if
the fan is of replacement type, the time, labor and cost entailed
for replacement, which may make the apparatus poor in utility and
serviceability.
[0013] As an example of the fan type chemical diffusing apparatus
using a fan type blower, a debugging apparatus of first type for
repelling and exterminating or excluding a noxious or harmful
insect has also been disclosed which is designed to volatilize a
chemical by providing an air flow through the chemical by means of
a fan blower driven by a motor. See, for example, JP P S53-14329A,
JP U S61-182273A, JP U H06-75179A, WO96/04786, JP P H08-154554A, JP
P H11-504627A and JP P H11-28040A.
[0014] As another example as disclosed in JP P H05-68459A, a
debugging apparatus of second type has also been disclosed in which
a volatile chemical is retained within the chemical diffusing fan
which may be rotated to volatilize the chemical.
[0015] Further, as another example, a third type of debugging
apparatus has been known as disclosed in JP P H07-111850A, a third
type of debugging apparatus has been disclosed in which a carrier
impregnated with a chemical and also functioning to rectify a gas
flow is disposed in the air intake side of a fan which may be
rotated to cause an air flow created to volatilize the
chemical.
[0016] The first type debugging apparatus seems to lack
concreteness and seems to have many problems to be resolved for
practical use.
[0017] The second type debugging apparatus is technologically
concrete and practical but if ever practiced seems to lack
flexibility. A need to make the retainer larger in size in order to
volatilize a larger amount of a chemical proportionally increases
energy needed to drive the fan.
[0018] The third type debugging apparatus is technologically
concrete and practical but is noted to require the carrier not only
to be larger in area but to have a shape suitable to reduce air
resistance as much as possible. As the present inventors' scrutiny
indicates, the idea of requiring the active ingredient impregnated
body to be larger in area in order to volatilize a larger amount of
the active ingredient must be justified. But, the idea of requiring
it to be shaped so as to reduce wind resistance as much as possible
was found much questionable.
[0019] For to remove wind resistance means reducing wind pressure
per unit area and this would reduce a force to detach the chemical
from the carrier. Then, the phenomenon would take place that the
wind passes away from the carrier without enough carrying the
chemical, or a reduction in chemical concentration per unit air
flow. This is a loss in wind force and in other words a loss in
driving energy.
[0020] In contrast, excessively increasing air resistance would
reduce the wind speed of a wind coming out of the air outlet and
lose the capacity to carry the chemical far.
[0021] As an example of the debugging apparatus using a fan type
blower, a fourth type of such apparatus has also been proposed
which is designed to volatilize a chemical by providing an air flow
through the chemical by means of a fan blower driven by a motor.
See, for example, JP P S53-14329A, JP U S61-182273A, JP U
H06-75179A, WO96/04786, JP P H08-154554 and JP P H11-504627A.
[0022] Further, as another example, a fifth type of debugging
apparatus has also been proposed as disclosed in JP P H11-28040A
which comprises a DC motor powered by a battery and a fan to be
driven by the DC motor to provide an air flow through a chemical
for its volatilization.
[0023] The fourth type debugging apparatus seems to lack
concreteness for using a battery as power supply and seems to have
many problems to be resolved for practical use.
[0024] The fifth type debugging apparatus is an apparatus with a
battery as power supply and is shown in its second apparatus to
have a current consumption of not greater than 100 milliamperes
when the DC motor is unloaded. However, no consideration appears to
be taken, e. g., in efficiently using the battery to allow the
chemical to be volatilized for a prolonged time period.
[0025] Thus, a fan type debugging apparatus for repelling and
excluding harmful or noxious insects as previously described is
used as placed on a storage space in a house in order to run over a
long period of time or as carried by a worker for use to run
outdoors. It is therefore desirable that the apparatus have the
ability to volatilize a chemical for a long time without the need
to change the battery.
[0026] Another example of the fan type debugging apparatus has also
been known as disclosed, for example, in JP P H11-308955A.
[0027] This fan type debugging apparatus has an apparatus body
provided with a motor, a fan, a battery and a chemical retainer and
is operable to provide an air flow through the chemical retainer
from the fun by driving the motor with the battery power to
volatilize the chemical. It is shown that the motor is
intermittently operated to iteratively have a time period of air
flow and a time period of halt alternately with the time period of
halt being ten times or more as long as the time period of air
flow.
[0028] The fan type debugging apparatus referred to above is
designed for use as placed in a storage space such as a wardrobe or
closet and is there found to extend the debugging component enough
inside the closed space and capable of maintaining its efficacy
enough for a long time.
[0029] However, using this type of apparatus as placed in a living
space in a dwelling proves it insufficiently efficacious.
[0030] There have also bee known chemical volatilizing and
diffusing methods using the wind force of a fan to volatilize and
diffuse a volatile chemical into the atmosphere. For example, JP U
S61-182273A discloses applying a wind from the fan to a chemical
impregnated retainer body having a moderate air permeability, and
JP P H07-11850A discloses defining a relationship between a fan's
wind force and a permeability.
[0031] To the present inventors' knowledge, all the chemical
impregnated or retainer bodies (active ingredient impregnated
bodies) so far proposed in the prior art are bodies which are
solidified and monolithic. For this reason, they provide-an
effective means if chemicals to be carried thereby are high in
vapor pressure and thus highly volatile. If a need arises to
volatilize a chemical which is less volatile or hard to volatilize
or to volatilize a plenty of a chemical at a time, it has become
necessary to take a measure such as: (1) to make larger the area of
volatilization of a chemical impregnated body; (2) to make larger
voids in a chemical impregnated body to facilitate wind passage;
and to intensify the fan's output.
[0032] It has been found, however, that any of these measure cannot
be taken without making larger the entire volume of the chemical
impregnated body, or without making the fan larger in size or
deteriorating energy efficiency. Especially, an increase of the
chemical impregnated body in size brings about the problems as
follows: [0033] (1) Local changes in air flow within the chemical
impregnated body. Thus, as it becomes distant especially from the
wind blow outlet, the air flow per unit time tends to be reduced by
an air resistance that develops in the chemical impregnated body.
If the chemical impregnated body is larger in the direction of the
wind, the wind force which the chemical impregnated body
instantaneously receives varies from one site to another. This
leads to an unbalance of volatilization over the entire impregnated
body and prevents the chemical from volatilizing stably. [0034] (2)
Even if the situation (1) develops, stable volatilization will be
possible even for the solidified, monolithic chemical impregnated
body if the chemical impregnated is quickly made even in the body.
However, increase in the size of the chemical impregnated body
makes longer the distance for the chemical to move and requires
longer time for the chemical to be made even in the body. [0035]
(3) An increase in size of the chemical impregnated body for the
reason of the problem mentioned at (1) above also brings about a
drop in the air flow per unit time from the air outlets
(volatilization outlets) of the chemical impregnated body
receptacle, which leads to a drop in the ability of the chemical to
volatilize into a room and in turn to a drop in the efficacy of the
chemical. Made to resolve these problems, an attempt to intensify
the fan's wind force is an attempt to waste energy and proves
inefficient and uneconomical.
[0036] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a fan type chemical diffusing apparatus that can resolve
one or more of the problems mentioned earlier.
[0037] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
fan type debugging apparatus for repelling and exterminating or
expelling a noxious or harmful insect that permits an active
ingredient to be volatilized in a maximum amount with a minimum
input driving energy.
[0038] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
fan type debugging apparatus operated with a battery which permit a
chemical to be volatilized over a prolonged time period without the
need to exchange the battery.
[0039] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
fan type debugging apparatus usable in a living space, proving a
sufficient efficacy and capable of maintaining the sufficient
efficacy for a prolonged time period.
[0040] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a
chemical volatilizing method that permits a volatile chemical
having insecticide, insect repellent or growth control function to
be diffused and dispersed stably by a wind force over a prolonged
time period for a variety of noxious or harmful insects, regardless
of the vapor pressure the chemical possesses and the amount of
volatilization the chemical is aimed for.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0041] There is provided in accordance with the present invention
in a first form of implementation thereof a fan type chemical
diffusing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: an
apparatus main body having an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan
type blower disposed in the apparatus main body and having a fan
casing, a fan provided with a hollow space, and a motor; and an
active ingredient impregnated body or mass disposed in the hollow
space for containing an active ingredient, wherein the fan type
blower is adapted and operative to send air from the air inlet
through the hollow space into and out of the air outlet.
[0042] This first form of implementation of the present invention
that requires that a fan be uniquely provided with a hollow space
adapted to accommodate therein an active ingredient impregnated
body or mass only requires the apparatus body portion to have a
space therein just enough to accommodate the fan blower, and
eliminates the conventional need to provide an extra space for
separately accommodating an active ingredient impregnated body.
[0043] This simplifies the apparatus body interior structurally and
makes the apparatus compact and small sized.
[0044] Also, eliminating the requirement to dispose the active
ingredient impregnated body beside the fan blower in the body
portion of the apparatus, it enhances its design flexibility.
[0045] Also, the fan is found not to reduce its durability and
capable of retaining a sufficient amount of an active
ingredient.
[0046] In the construction stated above, the active ingredient
impregnated body or mass is preferably fixed to one of the said fan
casing and the apparatus main body.
[0047] This specific construction permits the active ingredient
impregnated body or mass to be placed as non-rotatable with the fan
and to be kept not to increase the rotational resistance of the
fan, and thus not to create a waste in its driving force.
[0048] In the construction stated above, the active ingredient
impregnated body or mass is preferably mounted removably in the
hollow space.
[0049] This construction makes the apparatus economical because it
then requires only the active ingredient impregnated body or mass
to be exchanged while leaving the fan intact.
[0050] Extensive and zealous investigations and experiments
conducted by the present inventors with what have been stated
hereinbefore taken into consideration have revealed that there is a
delicate balancing relationship between wind resistance and amounts
of volatilization of an active ingredient and has led them to the
form of implementation of the invention mentioned below.
[0051] Thus, in accordance with a second form of implementation of
the present invention there is provided a fan type debugging
apparatus for repelling and excluding or expelling a noxious or
harmful insect with an active ingredient containing as its
principal component at least one chemical having a vapor pressure
of not less than 1.0.times.10.sup.-4 mmHg at a temperature of
30.degree. C. and effective to act as an insecticide or acaricide
or to control growth, or to hinder bloodsucking, biting or eating
behavior, of the insect, or to repel the insect, or effective to
prevent any other damage by the insect, the apparatus having an
active ingredient impregnated body or mass adapted to retain and
release by volatilization the active ingredient, and including a
fan type blower powered to be driven by a motor, characterized in
that: the said active ingredient impregnated body or mass is
disposed in a wind inlet side of the said fan type blower and is
designed to provide a wind force resistance R which in terms of the
proportion of current consumption E2 by the said motor in the
presence of the said active ingredient impregnated body or mass to
current consumption E1 by the said motor in the absence of the said
active ingredient impregnated body or mass, ranges from 5 to 25%
where R is expressed by the equation: R=100-E2/E1.times.100.
[0052] This second form of implementation of the present invention
enables a motor driving energy to be efficiently utilized to
volatilize a plenty of active ingredients, and provides
volatilization of a maximum amount of the active ingredient and
thus a maximum extent of vermin or insect damage prevention at a
minimum amount of input energy.
[0053] In order to achieve the object or objects mentioned before,
extensive investigations and experiments conducted by the present
inventors in variously changing fan's air resistance index, fan
size and weight and motor parameters have led them to the following
form of implementation of the invention.
[0054] Thus, in accordance with a third form of implementation of
the present invention there is provided a fan type debugging
apparatus for repelling and excluding a noxious or harmful insect
with an active ingredient containing as its principal component at
least one chemical having a vapor pressure of not less than
1.0.times.10.sup.-4 mmHg at a temperature of 30.degree. C. and
effective to act as an insecticide or acaricide or to control
growth, or to hinder bloodsucking, biting or eating behavior, of
the insect, or to repel the insect, or effective to prevent any
other damage by the insect, the apparatus having an active
ingredient impregnated body or mass adapted to retain and release
by volatilization the said active ingredient, and including a fan
type blower powered to be driven by a motor which is in turned by a
battery, characterized in that the said fan type blower comprises a
fan having: an air resistance f which when expressed by current
consumption I.sub.1 by the said motor loaded with the said fan
divided by current consumption I.sub.0 by the said motor when
unloaded with the said fan, ranges not less than 1 but not greater
than 17; a size in a range between 20 mm and 100 mm in diameter;
and a weight in a range between 1.5 gram and 8 grams, wherein
values of the said fan air resistance, size and weight are selected
as aforesaid and further so that the current consumption by the
said motor loaded with the said fan has a current value such that
the ratio of a time period in which the said fan can be driven by
the said battery to the capacity of the said battery is not less
than 5%.
[0055] This third form of implementation of the present invention
permits a motor to be driven effectively to ventilate an active
ingredient impregnated body or mass for a prolonged gross time
period without the need to exchange a battery and thus the active
ingredient to be volatilized for such a long gross period without
the need to replace the battery for.
[0056] The failure of the conventional fan type debugging apparatus
if used as placed in a living space to yield enough efficacy as
mentioned herein earlier was reasoned by the present inventors as
follows: [0057] In contrast to a wardrobe or closet in which the
conventional fan type debugging is usable as placed and which is
opened or closed usually only twice or so a day in the morning and
evening, a living space has a number of visitors and is opened and
closed frequently a day, and hence has air entry and exit much more
than the storage space. [0058] For this reason, making the time
period in which the air flow is halted so long as ten times longer
than the time period in which air is driven to flow prevents the
debugging agent (active ingredient) from spreading and diffusing
enough to an extent that a satisfactory efficacy is obtained.
[0059] Extensive and zealous investigations and experiments
conducted by the present inventors with these reasons taken into
consideration have led them to the following form of implementation
of the invention:
[0060] Thus, in accordance with a fourth form of implementation of
the present invention there is provided a fan type debugging
apparatus for repelling and excluding a noxious or harmful insect
with an active ingredient containing as its principal component at
least one chemical having a vapor pressure of not less than
1.0.times.10.sup.-4 mmHg at a temperature of 30.degree. C. and
effective to act as an insecticide or acaricide or to control
growth, or to hinder bloodsucking, biting or eating behavior, of
the insect, or to repel the insect, or effective to prevent any
other damage by the insect, the apparatus having an active
ingredient impregnated body or mass adapted to retain and release
by volatilization the said active ingredient, and including a fan
type blower powered to be driven by a motor, characterized in that:
the said fan type blower is operable to iteratively run and halt
alternately with a time period of halt not more than 9 (nine) times
as long as a running time period, the said time period of halt
being also a time period in which a current or quantity of
electricity not lost therein is more than a current or a quantity
of electricity consumed in excess by the said motor in the said
running time period.
[0061] This fourth form of implementation of the present invention
permits an apparatus if used as placed in a living space to provide
a sufficient efficacy and to retain this efficacy for a prolonged
period of time.
[0062] In a construction as stated above, desirably:
[0063] The said active ingredient impregnated body or mass
comprises a mass of discrete particles impregnable with the said
active ingredient and the said particles each have a shape such
that a maximum area of contact with one particle with another is
not larger than one half of a total surface area thereof;
[0064] The said active ingredient impregnated body or mass
comprises a mass of discrete particles impregnable with the said
active ingredient and the said particles have a real volume which
as expressed by [apparent volume.times.(1-percentage of void or
voids/100)] ranges from 5.times.10.sup.-5 to 5.times.10.sup.5
mm.sup.3 per particle.
[0065] The said fan type blower is adapted to send air into,
through and out of the said active ingredient impregnated body or
mass receptacle which comprises an active ingredient impregnated
mass of discrete particles with an air flow therethrough ranging
between 0.01 and 1.0 m.sup.3/min., and the said particles then have
a specific gravity ranging between 0.005 and 0.5; and/or
[0066] At least one of the said active ingredient impregnated body
or mass and a receptacle therefor is pre-treated for an
antistatic.
[0067] These and other features, objects and advantages of the
present invention will become more readily apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description
of the preferred forms of embodiment thereof as illustrated in the
various drawing Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0068] In the accompanying drawings:
[0069] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view that
diagrammatically depicts a fan type chemical volatilizing diffusing
apparatus according to a first form of embodiment of the present
invention;
[0070] FIG. 2 is a transverse cross sectional view of the apparatus
taken along the lines II-II as viewed in the direction indicated by
the arrows in FIG. 1;
[0071] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross sectional view that
diagrammatically depicts a fan type debugging apparatus for
repelling and exterminating noxious or harmful insects according to
a second form of the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 4 is a transverse cross sectional view of the debugging
apparatus shown in FIG. 3;
[0073] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic explanatory view of a fan type
debugging apparatus for repelling and exterminating noxious or
harmful insects according to a third form of the present
invention;
[0074] FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic explanatory view of a fan type
debugging apparatus for repelling and exterminating noxious or
harmful insects according to a fourth form of the present
invention;
[0075] FIG. 7 is a front view of an operating member in the
apparatus shown in FIG. 6;
[0076] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram that illustrates the amount
of electric current consumed in the apparatus shown in FIG. 6 while
it is cyclically turned on and off;
[0077] FIG. 9 is a graph in which the rates of chemical
volatilization for different types of bodies impregnated with a
given chemical are plotted with respect to days of use in a fifth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0078] FIG. 10 is a graph in which the rates of chemical
volatilization from a chemical impregnated body when impregnated
with different chemicals are plotted with respect to a time
parameter; and
[0079] FIG. 11 is a perspective view that diagrammatically depicts
a means for volatilizing a chemical from a mass of granules
impregnated with the chemical forming a chemical impregnated body
according to the present invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0080] An explanation is first given in respect of an apparatus
according to the first form of embodiment of the present
invention.
[0081] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus comprises an
apparatus main body or body portion 1 which as a whole is in the
form of a substantially rectangular box having its one side portion
2 and its other side portion 3.
[0082] The first side portion 2 is made up of a substantially
rectangular side face plate 2a and a first, a second, a third and a
fourth end face plate 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e which are continuous with
the peripheral portion of the side face plate 2a. The first side
portion 2 is thus in the form of a substantially rectangular box
with one side face open. Disposed between the first and second end
face plates 2b and 2c which are opposed to each other and lying
closer to the third end face plate d is a partition plate 4
fastened thereto, whose horizontal cross section is shaped
substantially in the form of letter "U", and which subdivides the
apparatus body portion 1 into a fan type blower accommodating
chamber 5 and a battery chamber 6.
[0083] The third end face plate 2d is formed with an opening 7
shown as closed with a cover 8 for putting dry cells 9 in and out
of the battery chamber 6 by opening the cover 8.
[0084] The other side portion 3 is planar and is removably attached
to an opening 10 formed by the first, second, third and fourth end
face plates 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. The other side portion 3 is so
attached, e. g., in a snap fit or in a hinged door fit.
[0085] A fan type blower 11 is shown disposed in the fan type
blower accommodating chamber 5 and comprises a fan casing 12, a fan
13 and an electric motor 14.
[0086] The fan casing 12 which comprises its one side face plate
12a, other side face plate 12b and peripheral face plate 12c has a
recess 15 formed in a center region of the one side face plate 12a
so as to sink towards the opening 10 to hold the motor 14 therein.
The other side face plate 12b is formed with a large diameter
hollow 16 which is toroidal.
[0087] The peripheral face plate 12c is formed with a discharge or
delivery outlet 17 which is continuous with an air outlet 18 formed
in the first end face plate 2b.
[0088] The fan 13 is configured in the form of a centrifugal fan,
comprising a rotary disk 13a and a large number of radially
extending blades 13b fastened thereto closer to its periphery. The
rotary disk 13a is formed closer to its center with a cylindrical
and a planner portion 19 and 20 forming a hollow that sinks towards
the large diameter hollow 16, and providing an annular hollow space
21 between the cylindrical portion 19 and the blades 13b. The
hollow space 21 is open to communicate with the atmosphere via an
intake opening 22 between the large diameter hollow 16 of the other
side face plate 12b and the cylindrical portion 19.
[0089] The motor 14 has its drive shaft 14a connected to the planar
portion 20 of the fan 13 and is driven to rotate the fan 13.
[0090] Unloadably loaded in the hollow space 21 of the fan 13 is a
cartridge-type active ingredient or a carrier body or mass 23 for
the active ingredient.
[0091] The active ingredient carrier body or mass 23 includes a
housing 24 that is hollow and toroidal in which a large number of
particulate or granular processed goods 25 of active ingredient are
contained. In loading the body 23, the housing 24 may be inserted
from the intake opening 22 into the hollow space 21 and then fixed
in position by fastening attachment pieces 24a provided for the
housing 24 to the other side face plate 12b of the fan casing 12 by
means of machine screws 26.
[0092] The housing 24 is formed with a large number of air outlets
27 opposed to the blades 13b and air inlets 28 which are opposed to
air intake ports 29 formed in the other side portion or member 3.
The other side member 3 is provided with an airflow guide 30.
[0093] In operation, rotating the fan 13 by the motor 14 causes air
to be drawn from the atmosphere through the intake ports 29 and the
air inlets 28 into the housing 24 and, ventilating the particulate
processed goods 25, allows the chemical to volatilize and then
spread into the atmosphere through the air outlets 27, the
discharge outlet 17 and the air outlet port 18.
[0094] Then, with the active ingredient impregnated body or mass 23
itself non-rotated, the fan 13 is prevented from increasing its
rotational resistance.
[0095] Also, the ability to take the active ingredient impregnated
body or mass 23 out of the hollow space 21 into the outside of the
apparatus body portion 1 by removing the other side member 3 and
loosening the machine screws 26 allows the active ingredient
impregnated or carrier body or mass 23 to be exchanged as
desired.
[0096] An explanation is next given in respect of modifications of
the first form of embodiment of the invention.
[0097] Thus, first with respect to the direction of ventilation,
while in the form of embodiment described above air is drawn
through a lower surface to flow out through a side surface of the
fan type blower 11 with its axis of rotation (i. e., the drive
shaft 14a of the motor 14) set to extend vertically, as an
alternative air can be, e. g., drawn through one side surface to
flow out through another side surface, or drawn through an upper
surface to flow out through a side surface of the fan type blower
11 with the air inlet and outlet ports 29 and 18 properly
rearranged.
[0098] Likewise, the form of the apparatus can be altered according
to its aimed use. For example, it is possible to set the axis of
rotation of the fan type blower 11 (i. e., the drive shaft 14a of
the motor 14) to extend in a transverse (front and rear) direction,
thus to make the apparatus longer vertically and suitable for
placement in a vertical clearance.
[0099] For the fan 13 of the fan type blower 11 for use in the
present invention, in order to change the air flow from an axial
direction to a radial direction, use is made of a centrifugal fan
in which a centrifugal force is applied to impart an energy to the
flow.
[0100] A centrifugal fan is preferable for the fan 13 because it
has a large number of blades which are wider in width and lower in
height, and structurally it has no blade but a hollow space in its
central area.
[0101] A centrifugal fan is preferable also because it is high in
blast power and relatively small in size.
[0102] Illustrative are, for example, a turbo fan, an airfoil fan,
a limited load fan, a radial fan, a multi-blade fan and so on.
[0103] It is also preferable that a centrifugal fan as mentioned
above be placed in a volute, spiral or scroll casing designed to
bring together efficiently winds produced by rotating the fan and
then to let them out.
[0104] For the active ingredient impregnated body or mass 23 for
loading in the hollow space 21 of the above mentioned centrifugal
fan, use may also be made of processed goods or a formed body or
bodies which can be impregnated with a volatile chemical as an
active ingredient.
[0105] Illustrative are, for example, processed goods so as to have
an active ingredient coated thereon by spraying or the like, or
such processed goods accommodated in air-permeable housing as in
the case of FIGS. 1 and 2, or a formed body or bodies such as of a
synthetic resin containing an active ingredient.
[0106] No limitation is imposed on materials that may make up the
processed goods or formed body except that they must be capable of
fully containing an active ingredient and that they must be capable
of releasing it when ventilated.
[0107] Illustrative for such materials are, for example, pulp,
paper such as filter paper or cardboard, a natural fiber such as of
cotton, wool or chingma, an artificial fiber such as of polyester,
nylon or polyolefine, a carbon fiber, a glass fiber, a ceramic, a
synthetic resin such as of polyolefine, polyvinyl chloride or
high-oil-absorptive polymer, nonwoven fabric, and a porous natural
material.
[0108] No limitation is imposed on the shape or configuration of
the active ingredient impregnated body either, except that the body
must be disposed in the hollow space of the centrifugal fan.
Illustrative for the shape and configuration are, for example,
circular, semicircular, square and polygonal frames, and a toroidal
hollow body.
[0109] No limitation is imposed on the size or geometry of the
active ingredient impregnated body either, except that the body
must be readily disposed in that hollow space and that the body
must not impair the fan to rotate.
[0110] No limitation is imposed on the thickness or length of the
active ingredient impregnated body either, which relates to the
content of the active ingredient impregnant, except that it may be
sized to meet with its aimed use. The body may even be designed to
have its length in excess of the length of the hollow space.
[0111] Also, as for loading the active ingredient impregnated body
or mass, while in the form of embodiment described the housing 24
in which particulate processed goods 25 as the active ingredient
impregnated body are packed is shown to be inserted into the hollow
space 21 in the centrifugal fan 13 and to be fastened to the fan
casing 21, such a housing 24 may be fastened directly to the
apparatus main body portion 1, e. g., by means of a clamping plate
as separately prepared. It is also possible to provide the
apparatus main body portion 1 with an opening for insertion (e. g.,
in a region of the air intake port 29 in the other side portion 3)
so that the housing 24 may be inserted therethrough and then
fastened so.
[0112] Also, the fastening means is not limited to a machine nut or
nuts but may adopt an adhesive or cladding means. It is preferable
that any such means be selected according to the particular form of
the active ingredient impregnated body designed for its intended
use.
[0113] Also, illustrative for the battery or cell 9 used to power
driving the fan type blower 11 are, for example, a primary cell or
battery such as an alkaline dry cell, a manganese dry cell, a
button type cell, an air cell or lithium ion cell, and a secondary
cell or battery such as a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium ion
cell.
[0114] A suitable choice of a particular cell or battery may be
made in conjunction with its kind (e. g., either alkaline or
manganese, or unit 1 or unit 2 type), its number and its manner of
connection (parallel or series) in consideration of its use
conditions and period, the kind of the motor and fan used.
[0115] The fan type blower 11 for driving may also be powered by
the commercial AC supply (e. g., with 100 volts). Then, it will
become necessary to provide the apparatus internally or externally
with an AC-DC converter.
[0116] Also, a fan type chemical diffusing apparatus according to
the present invention is not limited to a dedicated or exclusive
apparatus as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 but may be applied to any home
or office electrical appliance using a centrifugal fan as well, to
provide it with the capability of repelling and exterminating
noxious or harmful insects, deodorizing an offensive odor, and
emanating fragrance or aroma.
[0117] The present invention, if implemented into, e. g., a battery
type portable apparatus that has no particular limitation on the
place of installment or that can be used anywhere is found to be
useful and advantageous.
[0118] Illustrative for the volatile chemical for use in the
present invention are included, among a variety of chemicals, an
insecticide, an insect repellent, an aromatic and a deodorant.
[0119] The insecticides should preferably be pyrethroid
insecticides of which at least one chemical selected from the group
which consists of terallethrin, prallethrin, furamethrin,
allethrin, and empenthrin may be used as particularly
advantageous.
[0120] For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one
chemical may be used as preferred which is selected from the group
consisting of pyriproxyfen, methoprene and hydroprene.
[0121] Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an
ultraviolet absorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated
body and/or compounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a
casing for the active ingredient impregnated body will enable an
implementation of the present invention to be used stably for a
prolonged period of time. It also enables use in the outdoors.
[0122] End point marking methods which are essential to the
preparation of a chemical include a method of using a lipophilic
anthraquinone dye for the impregnated body if hydrophilic and
utilizing the phenomena that the color of the dye if dissolved in
the chemical is recognizable and that when the chemical is
evaporated out the dye gets into the body to make its color
unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a color
changeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing
organic compound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron
releasing organic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer.
Further included is a method in which the rate of sublimation of a
subliming agent is made substantially equal to the rate of
volatilization of the chemical. While any one of these methods may
be used singly, the use of a change in color and a subliming agent
in combination will make one feel the use actually and thus would
be preferred.
[0123] The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as
required by adjusting the area of a vent opening that may be
provided for a casing containing the subliming agent.
[0124] Also for the active ingredients described, there is no
limitation imposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants
(insect repellents) listed below, in any combination with a
proportion as desired.
[0125] For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a
variety of volatile insecticides so far used may be utilized.
Illustrative are pyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides
and organophosphorus insecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are
known to be high in safety and have been used well, of which
preferred examples are listed below, each given in the order of the
general name, the chemical name and the parenthesized trade name
followed by the producer. [0126] allethrin:
d1-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2- cyclopentenyl
d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0127]
d1.cndot.d-T80-allethrin: d1-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl
d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0128] d1.cndot.d-T-allethrin:
d1-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl d-trans-chrysanthemat
(Bioallethrin) [0129] d.cndot.d-T-allethrin:
d-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclopentenyl d-trans-chrysanthemat
(Esbiol) [0130] d.cndot.d-T80-prallethrin:
(+)-2-methyl-4-oxo-3-(2-propionyl)-2-cyclopentenyl
(+)-cis/trans-chrysan-themat (Etoc, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0131]
resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat
(Chrythron, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0132]
d1.cndot.d-T80-resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl
d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Chrythron forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0133] empenthrin: 1-ethynyl-2-methyl-2-pentenyl
d1-cis/trans-3-(2,2-dimethyl vinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1-cyclopropane
carboxylate (Vaporthrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0134]
terallethrin:
d1-3-allyl-2-methyl-4-oxo-2-cyclo-pentenyl-d1-cis/trans-2,2,3,3-tetrameth-
yl-cyclo-propane carboxylate (Knoxthrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0135] phthalthrin: N-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimide)-methyl
d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Neopynamin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0136] d1.cndot.d-T80-phthalthrin:
(1,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,3-dioxo-2-indolyl)methyl
d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Neopynamin forte, Sumitomo Chemical
Co.) [0137] furamethrin: 5-propargyl-2-furylmethyl d-cis/trans
chrysanthemat (PynaminD, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0138] permethrin:
3-phenoxybenzyl
d1-cis/trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1-cyclopropane
carboxylate (Eksmin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0139] phenothrin:
3-phenoxybenzyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Sumithrin, Sumitomo
Chemical Co.) [0140] imiprothrin:
2,4-dioxo-1-(prop-2-inyl)-imidazolidine 3-yl methyl
(1R)-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pralle, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0141]
fenvalerate:
.alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-methyl butylate
(Sumicidin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0142] cypermethrin:
.alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl
d1-cis/trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane
carboxylate (Agrothrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0143] cyphenothrin:
(.+-.) .alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (+)-cis/trans-chrysanthemat
(Gokilaht, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0144] ethofenprox:
2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methyl propyl-3-phenoxybenzyl ether (Trebon)
[0145] tefluthrin: 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-methyl
benzyl-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethyl-1-cyclopropan-
e carboxylate [0146] fenpropathrin: .alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl
cis/trans-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl cyclopropane carboxylate [0147]
fenfluthrin:
2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl-d1-cis/trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2'-dimet-
hyl-1-cyclopropane carboxylate [0148] 1-ethynyl-2-methyl-2-pentenyl
cis/trans-2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-1-cyclopropane carboxylate
[0149] For specific examples of the organophosphorus insecticides
may be listed the following: [0150] diazinon: (2-isopropyl-4-methyl
pyrimidil-6)-diethyl thiophosphate (Diazinon) [0151] fenitrothion,
MEP; O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)thiophosphate
(Sumithion) [0152] pyridaphention;
O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-oxo-2-phenyl-2H-pyridazin-6-yl)phosphorothioate
(Ofunack) [0153] malathion: dimethyl dicarbetoxy ethyl
dithiophosphate (Malathon) [0154] dipterex:
O,O-dimethyl-2,2,2-trichloro-1-hydroxyethyl phosphonate [0155]
chlorpyrifos:
O,O-dimethyl-O-(3,5,6-trichlor-2-pyridyl)-phosphorothioate [0156]
fenthion:
O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-methyl-4-methylthio-phenyl)-phosphorothioate
(Baytex) [0157] dichlorvos: O,O-dimethyl-2,2-dichlorovinylphosphate
(DDVP) [0158] propetamphos:
O-[(E)-2-isopropoxycarbonyl-1-methyl-vinyl]-O-methylethylphosphoramidethi-
oate (Safurotin) [0159] Abate:
O,O,O',O'-tetramethyl-O,O'-thiodi-P-phenylene phosphorothioate
[0160] prothiofos: dithiophosphoric acid O-2,4-dichlorophenyl
O-ethyl S-propyl ester (Tokuthion) [0161] phoxim:
O,O-diethyl-O-(.alpha.-cyano benzylidene amino)thiophosphate
[0162] For oxadiazol insecticides may be listed the following:
[0163] methoxadiazone:
5-methoxy-3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-O-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-(3H)-one
(Elemic)
[0164] For chloro nicotine insecticides may be listed the
following: [0165] imidacloprid: 1-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl
methyl)-N-nitro imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine (Admire) [0166]
acetamiprid:
(E)-N.sup.1-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-N.sup.2-cyano-N.sup.1-
methyl acetone amidine (Mospilan)
[0167] According to the apparatus described of the present
invention, having the fan 13 configured to provide in its bulk,
volume and size a hollow space 21 adapted to accommodate an active
ingredient impregnated body 23 only requires the apparatus body
portion 1 to have a space therein just enough to accommodate the
fan blower 11, and eliminates the conventional need to provide an
extra space for separately accommodating the active ingredient
impregnated body 23.
[0168] This simplifies the apparatus body interior structurally and
makes the apparatus compact and small sized.
[0169] Also, eliminating the requirement to separately dispose the
active ingredient impregnated body beside the fan blower in the
body portion 1 of the apparatus, it enhances its design
flexibility.
[0170] Also, the fan is found not to reduce its durability and
capable of retaining a sufficient amount of an active
ingredient.
[0171] According to the apparatus described of the present
invention, the active ingredient impregnated body 23 not rotated
with the fan 13 is kept not to increase the rotational resistance
of the fan 13, and thus does not create a waste in its driving
force.
[0172] The apparatus described of the present invention is
economical because it requires only the active ingredient
impregnated body 23 to be exchanged while leaving the fan 13
intact.
[0173] An explanation is next given in respect of a fan type
debugging apparatus for repelling and exterminating noxious or
harmful insects according to second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0174] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the debugging apparatus has a
body portion 31 substantially in the form of a rectangular box,
comprising an upper face plate 32, a lower face plate 33, a first
pair of opposed side plates 34 and a second pair of side plates 35,
defining and enclosing its interior therewith. A partition plate 36
is provided to subdivide with the side face plates 34 and 35, this
interior into an upper and a lower space or compartment 37 and
38.
[0175] The upper space 37 has a fan type blower 40 mounted therein
together with an electric motor 39 for powering the same. The fan
blower 40 comprises a fan 41 and a fan casing 42, the latter
serving to accommodate and/or to protect the fan 41, and/or to
rectify a wind created and/or to intensify the wind force. In the
form of embodiment illustrated, the fan 41 is constituted by a
silocco fan with the fan casing 42 having its air intake side in
communication with an air intake port 43 formed in the partition
plate 36 and its outlet side in communication with an air discharge
port 44 formed in one of the second pair of side face plates
35.
[0176] The lower space 38 has a casing 45 for an impregnated body
mounted removably therein as opposed to the air intake port 43.
[0177] The impregnated body casing 45 is made of a material and/or
has a shape that excels in air permeability to permit air to
smoothly pass therethrough.
[0178] The impregnated body casing 45 has an active ingredient
impregnated body 46 placed therein for accommodation and/or
protection thereby.
[0179] At least a portion of the impregnated body casing 45 which
contacts with the impregnated body 46 is made of plastic comprising
at least one of polyester, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, ABS,
polystyrene, AS, methacrylate resin, polyvinyl alcohol, EVA, phenol
resin, silicone resin, polyamide resin, polyacetal resin,
polycarbonate resin and thermoplastic polyester resin.
[0180] The lower space 38 also has a battery or cells 47 detachably
mounted therein, the battery or cells 47 are for driving the motor
39.
[0181] In operation, driving the fan 41 with the motor 39 causes
air as indicated by the arrow a to be drawn into the fan casing 42
past the impregnated body casing 45, the impregnated body 46 and
the intake port 43.
[0182] Air drawn into the fan casing 41, creating a wind which is
rectified and/or whose wind force is intensified thereby, is
allowed to flow out through the outlet port 44 as indicated by the
arrow b.
[0183] This permits an active ingredient impregnated in the active
ingredient impregnated body 46 to volatilize and then through the
air outlet port 44 to diffuse into the atmosphere.
[0184] In the form of embodiment of the present invention
illustrated, for the purposes of convenience a value that may be
termed as "wind force resistance value" R is established. In
deriving a wind force resistance value, while it may ought to
measure the wind (air) speed or air flow quantity direct, a method
of measuring the amount of electric current consumption in the
motor that varies as the air resistance of the active ingredient
would give rise to less measurement error though it is indirect.
Accordingly, the latter method is adopted here in the present
invention.
[0185] The fan type debugging apparatus described should preferably
be provided with an impregnated body casing designed to accommodate
and/or to protect an active ingredient impregnated body in
consideration of performance and stability and in use safety.
[0186] Also, the fan blower described should preferably be provided
with a fan, a fan casing designed to accommodate and/or to protect
the fan, and/or to rectify the wind of air an/or to intensify the
wind force of air, and an electric motor.
[0187] The active ingredient impregnated body should preferably
have a shape or configuration which rather than being a honeycomb
form having an air or gas rectifying function is a form of material
that is large in effective area which is at least one material
selected from the group that consists of a mass of granules, a mass
of strips and a mass of strings, filaments or threads. It is also
preferable from the standpoints of retention and/or release of the
active ingredient that the particulate material forming the active
ingredient impregnated body be composed of at least one material
selected from the group which consists of a cellulose, a polymeric
water absorptive agent, a polymeric oil absorptive agent and a
gel.
[0188] The active ingredient is preferably an insecticide or a
growth control agent that is effective to one or more kinds of
insecticides but is not harm to men and beasts.
[0189] The insecticides should preferably be pyrethroid
insecticides of which at least one chemical selected from the group
which consists of terallethrin, prallethrin, furamethrin,
allethrin, and empenthrin is particularly advantageous.
[0190] For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one
chemical is preferred which is selected from the group consisting
of pyriproxyfen, methoprene and hydroprene.
[0191] For the fan as a source that produces a wind force or power,
use is preferably made of a silocco fan and/or axial fan
configuration. If a silocco fan configuration is used, it is
desirable that fan casing is used which is desired to bring winds
together around the fan.
[0192] In order to exhibit a maximum effect of repelling and
exterminating noxious or harmful insects at a minimum energy, use
is preferably made of a power saving type motor having a current
consumption of 100 mA or less under no load conditions with an
applied voltage of 1.5 volts. Also, using a battery or cells as a
power supply for such a motor enhances the serviceability of an
apparatus according to the invention in the sense that it does not
choose a place for installment. The upper limit set at 100 mA or
less for permissible current consumption is based on the assumption
that a time period of at least 12 hours will be required for use
with a unit 3 type cell battery that is high in general-purpose
properties.
[0193] Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an
ultraviolet absorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated
body and/or compounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a
casing for the active ingredient impregnated body will enable an
implementation of the present invention to be used stably for a
prolonged period of time. It also enables use in the outdoors.
[0194] End point marking methods which are essential to the
preparation of a chemical include a method of using a lipophilic
anthraquinone dye for the impregnated body if hydrophilic and
utilizing the phenomena that the color of the dye if dissolved in
the chemical is recognizable and that when the chemical is
evaporated out the dye gets into the body to make its color
unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a color
changeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing
organic compound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron
releasing organic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer.
Further included is a method in which the rate of sublimation of a
subliming agent is made substantially equal to the rate of
volatilization of the chemical. While any one of these methods may
be used singly, the use of a change in color and a subliming agent
in combination will make one feel the use actually and thus would
be preferred.
[0195] The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as
required by adjusting the area of a vent opening that may be
provided for a casing containing the subliming agent.
[0196] As a wind or winds created by the rotation of the fan driven
by the motor, it is also desirable that air flow in the order of
the air intake port, the active ingredient impregnated body, the
fan, the fan casing and the air outlet port.
[0197] Also for the active ingredients described, there is no
limitation imposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants
(insect repellents) listed below, in any combination with a
proportion as desired.
[0198] For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a
variety of volatile insecticides so far used may be utilized.
Illustrative are pyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides
and organophosphorus insecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are
known to be high in safety and have been used well. Specific
examples of the pyrethroid insecticides, the organophosphorus
insecticides the oxadiazol insecticides and chloro nicotine
insecticides have been listed hereinbefore in connection with the
first form of embodiment of the present invention.
[0199] For specific examples of the growth control agent may be
listed the following: [0200] pyriproxyfen: 4-phenoxy phenyl
(RS)-2-(2- pyridyl oxy)propyl ether [0201] methoprene:
11-methoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-dodecadienoic acid-1-methyl ethyl
ester [0202] hydroprene: ethyl (2E,
4E)-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,4-do-decadienoate [0203] phenoxy carb: ethyl
[2-(4-phenoxy phenoxy)ethyl]carbamate
[0204] For specific examples of the insect repellent may be listed
the following: [0205] N,N-diethyl-m-toluamid (deet) [0206] dimethyl
phthalate [0207] dibuthyl phthalate [0208] 2-ethyl-1,3-hexane diol
[0209] 1,4,4a,5a,6,9,9a,9b-octa hydrodibenzofuran-4a-carbardehyde
[0210] di-n-propyl isothinchomeronate [0211] p-dichloro benzene
[0212] di-n-butyl succinate [0213] diethyl amid caprate [0214]
N-propyl acetanilide [0215] .beta.-naphthol [0216] camphor
[0217] For representative natural volatile oils and their
components may be listed the following: citral, citronellal,
citronellol, eugenol, methyleugenol, geraniol, cinnamic aldehyde,
linalool, perilla aldehyde, nepetalic acid, methylheptanone, decyl
aldehyde, myrcene, geraniol acetate, thymol, limonene, cineol,
pinene, cymene, terpinene, sabinene, elemene, cedrene, elemol,
pidrol, cedrol, hinokithiol, thujaprisin, troporoid, hinokithin,
thujopsen, borneol, camphene, terpineol, terpinyl ester, dipentene,
phellandrene, caryophyllene, vanillin, furfural, furfuryl alcohol,
pinocarveol, pinocarvone, myrtenol, verbenone, carvone, eudesmol,
pepritone, thujene, phankyl alcohol, methyl anthranilate,
bisabolene, bengaptol (spelled phonetically), nonyl aldehyde, nonyl
alcohol, nootkatone, octyl aldehyde, linalyl acetate, geranyl
acetate, nerolidol, ocimene, methyl anthranilate, indole, jasmone,
benzaldehyde, pulegone, and so forth.
[0218] Isomers and/or derivatives of the above
[0219] Volatile oils including at least one selected from the
above.
[0220] In addition to an anti-oxidizing agent and an ultraviolet
absorbing agent for preventing degradation of the active ingredient
described, there may be incorporated an inhibitor, depressor and/or
retardant for adjusting the amount of volatilization of the active
ingredient, a substance or substances having a function or
functions of giving out fragrance, deodorizing and/or sterilizing
as desired in accordance with the present invention.
[0221] Next, mention is made of specific examples.
[0222] A fan type debugging apparatus as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 was
used. As the active ingredient impregnated body, use was made of
two impregnated masses of granules made of cellulose and having
diameters of 4 mm and 2 mm, respectively [supplied-by Rengo, K. K.
under the trade name of Viscopar (spelled phonetically)], and an
impregnated mass of strips made of paper cut into a size of 0.3
cm.times.70 cm. Investigations were made of a relationship between
the amount of impregnation or loading and the wind force resistance
R values that these bodies were assumed to have as derived from the
measured values of current consumption E2 of the motor. The results
of the investigations are summarized in Table 1 below. Values of
current consumption when the impregnated bodies were unused are
shown as E1.
[0223] Investigations were also conducted of extents of the
knockdown efficacy of these bodies impregnated with an active
ingredient for common house mosquitoes and house flies and had
results which are also included as efficaciousness in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Impregnated Loading Amount (g) Mass
Uninstalled- E1- 0.1 0.2 0.5 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 Granular Current
9.5 -- -- 9.3 8.4 8.0 7.6 7.2 6.9 Impregnated (mA)- Mass E2- (4 mm
diameter) Wind Force 0.0 -- -- 2.1 11.6 15.8 20.0 24.0 27.8
Resistance (%)- R- Efficaciousness -- -- -- D B A B B C Granular
Current 9.5 -- -- 8.4 7.8 7.5 7.3 7.0 6.7 Impregnated (mA)- Mass
E2- (2 mm diameter) Wind Force 0.0 -- -- 11.6 17.9 21.1 23.2 26.3
29.3 Resistance (%)-R- Efficaciousness -- -- -- B A B B C D
Strip-like Current 9.5 9.1 8.6 7.8 7.3 6.9 -- -- -- Impregnated
(mA)- Mass E2- Wind Force 0.0 4.2 9.5 17.9 23.2 27.8 -- -- --
Resistance (%)-R- Efficacious -- C B A B C -- -- --
[0224] Criterion used for the efficaciousness is as shown in Table
2 below. Efficaciousness tests were carried out by leaving an
approximately 100 number of sample insects free in a 8.5 straw mat
size(14.0 m.sup.2) living room, and counting the number of insects
knocked down with elapse of time from the commencement of
volatilization of the active ingredient. The test results are
indicated in KT.sub.50 values calculated by Bliss' probit method.
For the active ingredient, use was made of terallethrin in an
amount of loading of 300 mg for one specimen. The criterion for
efficaciousness was adopted with reference to results of test
likewise done for a heat vaporization liquid agent or a
mosquito-repellent incense currently made available in the market.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Efficaciousness A(Accepted) B(Accepted)
C(Unaccepted) D(Unaccepted) Knock-down Efficacy for Common House
0.about.10 10.about.20 20.about.30 30.about. Mosquitoes KT.sub.50
(minute) Knock-down Efficacy for House Flies 0.about.15 15.about.30
30.about.60 60.about. KT.sub.50 (minute)
[0225] The fan type debugging apparatus used in the above mentioned
investigations and tests had the fan 41 made as a silocco fan
directly connected to an electric motor 39 (supplied by Mabuchi
Motor Co., Ltd. under the product name RF-330TK-07800) having a
current consumption of 4 mA under no load conditions with an
applied voltage 1.5 volts, the fan also having a fan casing 42 so
disposed as to surround the fan 41. The casing 45 for accommodating
an active ingredient impregnated body or mass was disposed on the
side of the air intake port 43 to the fan 41. For the battery 47,
two unit 3 type alkaline dry cells connected in series are
used.
[0226] From the results of the investigations and tests mentioned
above, it has been determined that if the wind force resistance R
of the active ingredient impregnated body or mass 46, namely the
proportion of the motor current consumption E2 when the active
ingredient impregnated mass 46 is loaded to the motor current
consumption E1 when the active ingredient impregnated mass 46 is
unused (R=100-E2/E1.times.100) is less than 5% or not less than
26%, enough debugging efficacy is not obtainable. However, when
that proportion lies in a range of 5 to 25%, it has been found that
enough debugging efficacy can be obtained.
[0227] The present invention enables a motor driving energy to be
efficiently utilized to volatilize a plenty of an active
ingredient, and provides volatilization of a maximum amount of the
active ingredient and thus a maximum extent of vermin or insect
damage prevention at a minimum amount of input energy.
[0228] The present invention provides volatilizing a plenty amount
of an active ingredient by using an active ingredient impregnated
body or mass that is large in effective area and also by efficient
utilization of a wind created.
[0229] The present invention is advantageous from the standpoints
of either or both of retention and volatilization of an active
ingredient.
[0230] The present invention provides reliably bringing about
vermin or insect damage preventing effect to a maximum possible
extent at a minimum of input energy.
[0231] An explanation is next given in respect of a third form of
embodiment of the present invention.
[0232] Referring to FIG. 5, a fan type debugging apparatus for
repelling and exterminating noxious or harmful insects according to
the third form of embodiment is provided that comprises a body
portion 51 provided with a motor 52, a fan 53 for driving by the
motor 52, an active ingredient impregnated body or mass 14 to be
ventilated by the fan 53, and a battery 55 that serves as a power
supply for the motor 52, wherein the battery, the motor and the fan
constitutes a fan type blower for ventilating the active ingredient
impregnated body or mass to volatilize an inactive ingredient
therein.
[0233] The battery 55 is exchangeable by taking off a cover 56.
[0234] Such a fan type debugging apparatus was implemented by using
a multi-blade fan for the fan 53, a motor having a voltage
application of 3.0 volts and a current consumption of 6
milli-amperes (made by Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. product RF-330TK)
for the motor 52, two unit 3 type alkaline dry cells in series for
the battery 55, a particulate cellulose or a mass of cellulose
particles for the active ingredient carrier body or mass 54, and
terallethrin in an amount of 300 mg for the active ingredient for
impregnation in the carrier mass 54.
[0235] For experimentation, a fan type debugging apparatus so
implemented was placed in a 8 straw mat size (size 13.2 m.sup.2)
living room and used every day with a running time duration of 12
hours/day.
[0236] As a result, the 45-th day the fan blower ran no longer,
meaning that it had run for a real total of 480 hours, and in that
period of running of the fan blower there had been detected no
mosquito bite.
[0237] The active ingredient carrier body or mass should preferably
be configured in at least one form selected from the group which
consists of a form of granules or particles, a form of lines or
strips and a form of strings, filament or threads which all provide
a large effective area. It should preferably be composed of at
least one material selected from the group which consists of
cellulose, polymeric water absorptive material, polymeric oil
absorptive material and gel. Those selections are desirable from
the standpoint of either or both of retention and release of an
active ingredient.
[0238] For the active ingredient, preference is given of an
insecticide or growth control agent which is not only efficacious
to a noxious or harmful insect but is high in safety to men and
beasts. Such insecticides are preferably pyrethroid insecticides of
which terallethrin prallethrin, furamethrin, allethrin and
empenthrin are particularly advantageous. Such particular
pyrethroid insecticides may be used singly or in combination.
[0239] For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one
chemical may be used as preferred which is selected from the group
consisting of pyriproxyfen, methoprene and hydroprene.
[0240] Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an
ultraviolet absorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated
body and/or compounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a
casing for the active ingredient impregnated body will enable an
implementation of the present invention to be used stably for a
prolonged period of time. It also enables use in the outdoors.
[0241] End point marking methods which are essential to the
preparation of a chemical include a method of using a lipophilic
anthraquinone dye for the impregnated body if hydrophilic and
utilizing the phenomena that the color of the dye if dissolved in
the chemical is recognizable and that when the chemical is
evaporated out the dye gets into the body to make its color
unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a color
changeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing
organic compound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron
releasing organic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer.
Further included is a method in which the rate of sublimation of a
subliming agent is made substantially equal to the rate of
volatilization of the chemical. While any one of these methods may
be used singly, the use of a change in color and a subliming agent
in combination will make one feel the use actually and thus would
be preferred.
[0242] The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as
required by adjusting the area of a vent opening that may be
provided for a casing containing the subliming agent.
[0243] Also for the active ingredients described, there is no
limitation imposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants
(insect repellents) listed below, in any combination with a
proportion as desired.
[0244] For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a
variety of volatile insecticides so far used may be utilized.
Illustrative are pyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides
and organophosphorus insecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are
known to be high in safety and have been used well. Specific
examples of the pyrethroid insecticides, the organophosphorus
insecticides the oxadiazol insecticides and chloro nicotine
insecticides have been listed hereinbefore in connection with the
first form of embodiment of the present invention. Also, specific
examples of growth control agent, specific examples of the
repellent and its components, and specific examples of natural
volatile oil and its components have been listed hereinbefore in
connection with the second form of embodiment of the present
invention.
[0245] In addition to an anti-oxidizing agent and an ultraviolet
absorbing agent for preventing degradation of the active ingredient
described, there may be incorporated an inhibitor, depressor and/or
retardant for adjusting the amount of volatilization of the active
ingredient, a substance or substances having a function or
functions of giving out fragrance, deodorizing and/or sterilizing
as desired in accordance with the present invention.
[0246] For the fan 53 in the fan type blower for use in the present
invention, use may, if air is to flow from the axial direction to
the radial direction, be made of a centrifugal fan in which a
centrifugal force is applied to impart an energy to the flow. If
air is to flow in the axial direction, use may be made of an axial
fan in which a lift force of the blade is used to impart energy to
the flow.
[0247] Illustrative of the centrifugal fan are, for example, a
turbo fan, an airfoil fan, a limited load fan, a radial fan, a
multi-blade fan and so on.
[0248] Here, preferred are centrifugal funs and more preferred is a
multi-blade fan.
[0249] It is also preferable that a centrifugal fan as mentioned
above be placed in a volute, spiral or scroll casing designed to
bring together efficiently winds produced by rotating the fan and
then to let them out.
[0250] In designing the fan type blower made by the fan 53 mounted
to the motor 52, it has been found it important that as the load
which acts on the motor 52 the index of air resistance f of the fan
be taken into account which is equal to motor current consumption
I.sub.1 with a motor loaded with the fan divided by motor current
consumption I.sub.0 with the motor unloaded, and that the
relationship be made here: 1<f<17, preferably
1<f<5.
[0251] The index of air resistance f represents the air resistance
that a fan blade receives when the fan 53 rotates and is
conveniently expressed here by the ratio of current consumption of
the motor 52 when it is loaded with the fan 53 to current
consumption of the motor 52 when it is unloaded.
[0252] As the index of air resistance f increases, the current
consumption of the motor 52 loaded with the fan 53 increases. Thus,
it has been found that increasing the index of air resistance f to
18 or more significantly reduces the hours in which the fan 53 can
run without changing the battery.
[0253] Also, increasing the index of air resistance f tends to
increase the fan in size. And, increasing the index of air
resistance f to 18 or more makes the apparatus body 51 excessively
bulky and makes it inconvenient for use. For example, the apparatus
will become unhandy.
[0254] The fan 53 in size should advantageously have a diameter of
20 to 100 mm, preferably 30 to 60 mm. With a diameter of 20 mm or
less, the fan will be too small in diameter to efficiently send
air. If it is of axial type, the fan with a diameter of 20 mm or
less will have an area of a blade that is too small to give it
enough lift force. Also, if it is of centrifugal type, the fan with
a diameter of 20 mm or less will be too small in fan diameter to be
given enough centrifugal force.
[0255] Attempting to obtain enough air flow requires the fan to be
rotated with an increased number of rotation. This increases motor
current consumption and also requires a higher voltage to be
applied. It leads to increasing the number of cells for use and
makes the apparatus unsuitable in both total weight and cost.
[0256] With a diameter of 100 mm or more, the apparatus 51 will
become excessive bulky to the extent that it can no longer be a
potable or handy debugging apparatus.
[0257] The fan 53 in weight should advantageously range between 1.5
and 8 g. With a weight of less than 1.5 g, the fan 53 will be
unable to send air in a necessary and sufficient volume.
[0258] With a weight in excess of 8 g, the fan 53 will become too
heavy, bringing about the inconveniences that the motor 52 needs
for too high a power for starting and must have an excessive
current consumption.
[0259] The motor 52 as mentioned before should advantageously be a
motor of energy saving type that has a voltage application of 3
volts and that can be driven with a current consumption of 35 mA or
less when it is unloaded.
[0260] The motor 52 having a current consumption of 36 mA or more
when it is unloaded significantly reduces the hours in which the
fan type blower can run without changing the battery.
[0261] For the battery 55, use may be made of one or more of
general purpose cells commercially available, such as alkaline dry
cells, manganese dry cells and so forth. As illustrative for
practical applications of the invention are one unit 3 type
manganese dry cell (with a cell capacity of 1200 mAhr), one unit 3
type alkaline dry cell (with a battery capacity of 2300 mAhr), two
unit 3 type alkaline dry cells (with a battery capacity of 4600
mAhr), one unit 2 type alkaline cry cell (with battery capacity of
6900 mAhr), one unit 1 type alkaline dry cell (with a battery
capacity of 11500 mAhr), two unit 2 type alkaline dry cells (with a
battery capacity of 13800 mAhr) and two unit 1 type alkaline dry
cells (with a battery capacity of 23000 mAhr).
[0262] The battery capacity here represents a load (amount of
current) which makes the "battery life" 1 hour under the assumption
that the battery life is the time elapsed for a 1.5 volt battery
(cell or cells) in voltage to drop to 0.9 volt. In other words, the
battery capacity means the amount of electric current that makes
the voltage of a 1.5 volt battery (cell or cells) drop to 0.9 volt
in an hour.
[0263] While there are slight differences in indicating the battery
capacity, there do not affect the present invention, and the
battery capacities shown above are illustrative only and are not
intended to limit the present invention.
[0264] Pre-establishing the index of air resistance f of the fan
53, the size of the fan 53, the weight of fan 53 and the current
consumption I.sub.0 of the motor 52 when it is unloaded each in the
range described provides a debugging apparatus that is portable or
handy. These parameters may be so pre-established in various
combinations to give rise to such an apparatus with a varied time
duration in which they can operate without changing the
battery.
[0265] Such a time duration, i. e., the hours in which a debugging
apparatus as described can operate without changing the battery can
be prolonged in accordance with the present invention by
establishing the current consumption of the motor loaded with the
fan so that the ratio of the operable time duration to the battery
capacity has a value of not less than 5%, preferably not less than
10%, and more preferably not less than 20%.
[0266] For example, if the fan loaded motor current consumption is
set at about 27.4 mA, the apparatus with a battery capacity of
about 2300 mAhr can operate only for a total time duration of about
84 hours, making the ratio of the operable time duration to the
battery capacity about 3.7%.
[0267] However, if the fan loaded motor current consumption is set
at about 20 mA, the apparatus with the same battery capacity can
operate for a total time duration of 115 hours, thus making the
ratio 5%.
[0268] Assuming that the apparatus is used for 12 hours a day, it
can be seen that the former with the ratio of 3.7% allows it to be
used for 7 days only and the latter with the ratio of 5% permits it
to be used for 9 days.
[0269] Mention is next made of specific examples of the third form
of embodiment of the present invention.
[0270] With the use of various types of the fan and motor in an
apparatus as shown in FIG. 5, the time duration of the apparatus
until it becomes inoperative was measure, however, without using
the active ingredient impregnated body or mass 54. The test results
are shown in Table 3 below. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Battery Capacity
(mA hr) 1200 2300 4600 6900 11500 13800 23000 Fan Fan Fan Fan Fan
Fan Fan Test I.sub.0 I.sub.1 OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT Ratio No.
mA f mA hr hr hr hr hr hr hr (%) Motor used 1 2 2 4 480 980 1920
2880 4800 5760 9600 41.7 Trial product 2 2 16 32 60 120 240 360 600
720 1200 5.2 Trial product 3 6 2 12 160 320 640 980 1600 1920 3200
13.9 Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. RF-330TK 4 6 5 30 64 128 256 384 640
768 1280 5.6 Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd. RF-330TK 5 14 2 28 69 137 274
411 686 823 1371 6.0 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. MDN3BT3CPA 6
22 1.5 33 58 116 233 349 582 698 1164 5.1 Tokyo Parts Industry,
Ltd. FC8 7 30 1.1 33 58 116 233 349 582 698 1164 5.1 Tokyo Parts
Industry, Ltd. FSB3 Com. 1 2 20 40 48 96 192 288 480 576 980 4.2
Trial product Com. 2 6 188 10 18 36 71 107 178 213 356 1.5 Mabuchi
Motor Co., Ltd. RF-330TK Com. 3 14 2.3 32.2 45 90 180 270 450 540
900 3.9 Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. MDN3BT3CPA Com. 4 22 5 110
17 35 70 105 175 209 349 1.5 Tokyo Parts Industry, Ltd. FC8 Com. 5
40 2 80 24 48 96 144 240 288 480 2.1 Tokyo Parts Industry, Ltd.
FSB3 Com. 6 50 20 1000 2 4 8 12 19 23 38 0.2 Mabuchi Motor Co.,
Ltd. RE-140RA I.sub.0: Current consumption of the motor unloaded.
I.sub.1: Current consumption of the motor loaded with the fan f:
Index of fan air resistance Fan OPT (hr: Fan operating hours)
Ratio: Fan OPT hr/Battery capacity (mA hr) (%) Com: Comparative
test
[0271] Current consumption was measured using Kenwood Co., Digital
Multimeter DL-712. Measurement was made at a wiring between the
motor 52 and the battery 55.
[0272] Test Nos. 1 to 7 met all of the three requirements described
of this form of embodiment of the invention.
[0273] Comparative Tests 1 to 6 include those which met only one of
the three requirements of the invention, those which met two of
those requirements and those which met all of those
requirements.
[0274] Compare test results of Test Nos. 1 and 2 with those of
Comparative Test 1. All these tests used the same motor. Comparing
Test No. 1 with Comparative Test 1, it is seen that between those
tests using the same battery capacity of 2300 mAhr (corresponding
to two unit 3 type alkaline cells connected in series) there is a
difference in fan operating time as many as 24 hours. And, if the
battery capacity is raised to 23000 mAhr (corresponding to two unit
1 type alkaline cells connected in parallel), the difference in fan
operating time duration becomes as many as 220 hours, thus
manifesting a significant economical difference: Comparison of Test
No. 1 with Comparative Test 1 manifests even more the economical
difference between the inventive apparatus and the prior art.
[0275] Comparison of Test Nos. 3 and 4 with Comparative Test 2 has
the same or similar results.
[0276] Next, compare test results of Test No. 5 with those of
Comparative Test 3. Comparative Test 3 used a current consumption
of the motor unloaded and an index of air resistance of the fan
each within the corresponding requirement of the present invention
but, having the result of a poor operating time duration,
represents an example showing that economy is not attainable
depending on a certain combination of them. Using a battery
capacity of 2300 mAhr (corresponding to two unit 3 type alkaline
cells connected in series), it is seen that Test No. 5 had a fan
operating time duration longer than Comparative Test 3 by as many
as 47 hours. And, if the battery capacity is raised to 23000 mAhr
(corresponding two unit 1 type alkaline cells connected in
parallel), the difference in fan operating time duration becomes as
many as 471 hours.
[0277] Comparison of Test No. 6 with Comparative Test 4 has the
same or similar results.
[0278] Next, compare the test results of Test No. 3 with those of
Comparative Test 5. These tests used the same fan index of air
resistance (not meaning that they used the same fan). Comparative
Test 5 had a current consumption of the motor unloaded that is
outside of the range the present invention requires. Comparison of
these tests makes the difference manifest.
[0279] It should be noted that Comparative Test 6 which satisfied
none of the requirements evidences uneconomicalness of the prior
art.
[0280] From the foregoing test results, it will be evident that
satisfying all of the requirements according to the present form of
embodiment of the invention provides a prolonged fan operating time
duration.
[0281] A fan type debugging apparatus according to this form of the
present invention allows a motor to be driven and thus a fan to
send air to and ventilate a body or mass impregnated with an active
ingredient, over a prolonged total number of hours without changing
the battery, thereby permitting the active ingredient to volatilize
over such an extended time period without requiring a battery
change.
[0282] There is also provided a portable or handy debugging
apparatus for repelling and exterminating noxious or harmful
insects.
[0283] An explanation is next given in respect of a fourth form of
embodiment of the present invention.
[0284] Referring to FIG. 6, an apparatus according to the forth
form of embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus body or
body portion 51 provided with an electric motor 52, a fan 53, a
body or mass 54 impregnated with an active ingredient and a battery
55. The battery 55 can be replaced for by putting a cover 56 out of
place.
[0285] The motor 52 and the fan 53 constitute a fan type blower
which sends air to and ventilates the active ingredient impregnated
body or mass 54 to volatilize the active ingredient.
[0286] The apparatus body portion 51 also incorporates a current
control circuit unit 57 such as a timer that controls power to the
motor 52. By manipulating an operating member 58 such as a dial
provided therefor, the power control circuit unit 57 is designed to
turn the energizing current to the motor 52 on and off
alternately.
[0287] For example, the operating member 58 as shown in FIG. 7 may
have graduations 58a and a knob or button 58b such that setting the
button 58b to a given graduation 58a establishes a particular
current on and off time as desired.
[0288] The current control circuit unit 57 may have an operating
and a halting time period pre-established therein so that with a
power switch turned on, the motor 52 may be driven for the
pre-established operating time period and may be halted for the
pre-established halting time period with the cycle repeated.
[0289] The operating and halting time periods have the following
relationship.
[0290] The halting time period is here defined as a time period
that in the length of time is not greater than 9 (nine) times as
long as the operating time period and in which the amount of
electric current (quantity of electricity) not lost is greater than
the amount of electric current (quantity of electricity) which is
consumed when the motor commences to be driven and which is in
excess of a stable electric current that appears thereafter.
[0291] Mention is made more specifically of the halting time
period.
[0292] The electric current rises to a value I.sub.1 when the motor
commences to be driven. A lower stable value of electric current
I.sub.2 appears with a certain lapse of time to after the current
begins to flow.
[0293] The amount of electric current (quantity of electricity)
S.sub.1 that is consumed after the motor starts to be driven and
within the lapse of time t.sub.0 until the current becomes stable
is greater than the amount of electric current (quantity of
electricity) S.sub.2 that is consumed within the same length of
time t.sub.0 after the current becomes stable. And, there is an
excess current consumption (consumed quantity of electricity):
S.sub.1-S.sub.2.
[0294] If the motor is driven or operated for a time period t, and
halted for a time period t.sub.2, then the amount of electric
current (quantity of electricity) S.sub.3 not consumed during the
halting time period t.sub.2 is expressed by t.sub.2.times.I.sub.2
(stable electric current magnitude).
[0295] If the amount of electric current (quantity of electricity)
S.sub.3 that is not consumed in the halting time period t.sub.3 is
less than the excess current consumption (consumed quantity of
electricity) S.sub.1-S.sub.2 that occurs when the motor starts to
be driven, then it does not make sense to apply an electric current
intermittently because the total current consumption (consumed
quantity of electricity) when the current is applied intermittently
becomes greater than the total current consumption (consumed
quantity of electricity) when the current is applied continuously.
Accordingly, the halting time period t.sub.2 must be a time period
as mentioned above in which the amount of electric current
(quantity of electricity) S.sub.3 not consumed in the time period
t.sub.2 is greater than the excess current consumption (consumed
quantity of electricity): S.sub.1-S.sub.2 when the motor starts to
be driven.
[0296] Such a halting time period t.sub.2 is expressed by the
inequity: t.sub.2>(S.sub.1-S.sub.2)/I.sub.2.
[0297] The operating time period and the halting time period can be
pre-established, depending on purposes, in various manners, e. g.,
in units of days, hours, minutes and seconds. For example, the
motor (fan) may periodically be operated or driven for one day and
halted for one day, driven for 1 hour and halted for 2 hours,
driven for 10 minutes and halted for 50 minutes, and/or operated
for 30 seconds and halted for 20 seconds.
[0298] A halting time period of any length of time is sufficient
unless it is less than 9 times as long as the operating or driving
time period. It should, of course, be established with due
consideration taken for room active ingredient richness at the
halting time period, and a reduction in room active ingredient
richness per unit of time.
[0299] Also, the operating time period must be a time period that
is efficacious and enough to exterminate a particular noxious or
harmful insect or insects to be exterminated. For example, for
female stegomyia mosquitoes it is a time period required for their
50% to be knocked down or for them to refrain from taking
bloodsucking behavior. For clothes moths it is a time period needed
for their 50% to be knocked down or for them to refrain from taking
food harming behavior. The operating time period is determined with
a combination of a particular noxious or harmful insect, a
particular active ingredient and a particular motor taken into
account.
[0300] For the fan in the fan type blower for use in the present
invention, use may, if air is to flow from the axial direction to
the radial direction, be made of a centrifugal fan in which a
centrifugal force is applied to impart an energy to the flow. If
air is to flow in the axial direction, use may be made of an axial
fan in which a lift force of the blade is used to impart energy to
the flow.
[0301] Illustrative of the centrifugal fan are, for example, a
turbo fan; an airfoil fan, a limited load fan, a radial fan, a
multi-blade fan and so on.
[0302] Here, preferred are centrifugal funs and more preferred is a
multi-blade fan.
[0303] It is also preferable that a centrifugal fan as mentioned
above be placed in a volute, spiral or scroll casing designed to
bring together efficiently winds produced by rotating the fan and
then to let them out.
[0304] Also, illustrative for the battery or cell used to power
driving the fan type blower are, for example, a primary cell or
battery such as an alkaline dry cell, a manganese dry cell, a
button type cell, an air cell or lithium ion cell, and a secondary
cell or battery such as a nickel cadmium battery or a lithium ion
cell.
[0305] A suitable choice of a particular cell or battery may be
made in conjunction with its kind (e. g., either alkaline or
manganese, or unit 1 or unit 2 type), its number and its manner of
connection (parallel or series) in consideration of its use
conditions and period, the kind of the motor and fan used.
[0306] The active ingredient impregnated body should preferably
have a shape or configuration which besides a honeycomb form having
an air or gas rectifying function is a form of material that is
large in effective area which is at least one material selected
from the group that consists of a mass of granules, a mass of
strips and a mass of strings, filaments or threads. It is also
preferable from the standpoints of retention and/or release of the
active ingredient that the particulate material forming the active
ingredient impregnated body be composed of at least one material
selected from the group which consists of a cellulose, a polymerie
water absorptive agent, a polymeric oil absorptive agent and a
gel.
[0307] The active ingredient is preferably an insecticide or a
growth control agent that is effective to one or more kinds of
insecticides but is not harm to men and beasts.
[0308] The insecticides should preferably be pyrethroid
insecticides of which at least one chemical selected from the group
which consists of terallethrin, prallethrin, furamethrin,
allethrin, and empenthrin is particularly advantageous.
[0309] For growth control (inhibiting) agents, at least one
chemical is preferred which is selected from the group consisting
of pyriproxyfen, methoprene and hydroprene.
[0310] Also, compounding an anti-oxidizing agent and/or an
ultraviolet absorbing agent into the active ingredient impregnated
body and/or compounding an ultraviolet absorbing agent into a
casing for the active ingredient impregnated body will enable an
implementation of the present invention to be used stably for a
prolonged period of time. It also enables use in the outdoors.
[0311] End point marking methods which are essential to the
preparation of a chemical include a method of using a lipophilic
anthraquinone dye for the impregnated body if hydrophilic and
utilizing the phenomena that the color of the dye if dissolved in
the chemical is recognizable and that when the chemical is
evaporated out the dye gets into the body to make its color
unrecognizable. Also included is a method of utilizing a color
changeable pigment made of a color changeable electron releasing
organic compound and a desensitizer, or a color changeable electron
releasing organic compound, a desensitizer and a color developer.
Further included is a method in which the rate of sublimation of a
subliming agent is made substantially equal to the rate of
volatilization of the chemical. While any one of these methods may
be used singly, the use of a change in color and a subliming agent
in combination will make one feel the use actually and thus would
be preferred.
[0312] The rate of sublimation can be adjusted at a value as
required by adjusting the area of a vent opening that may be
provided for a casing containing the subliming agent.
[0313] Also for the active ingredients described, there is no
limitation imposed in using the insecticides and/or rejectants
(insect repellents) listed below, in any combination with a
proportion as desired.
[0314] For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a
variety of volatile insecticides so far used may be utilized.
Illustrative are pyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides
and organophosphorus insecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are
known to be high in safety and have been used well. Specific
examples of the pyrethroid insecticides, the organophosphorus
insecticides the oxadiazol insecticides and chloro nicotine
insecticides have been listed hereinbefore in connection with the
first form of embodiment of the present invention. Also, specific
examples of growth control agent, specific examples of the
repellent and its components, and specific examples of natural
volatile oil and its components have been listed hereinbefore in
connection with the second form of embodiment of the present
invention.
[0315] In addition to an anti-oxidizing agent and an ultraviolet
absorbing agent for preventing degradation of the active ingredient
described, there may be incorporated an inhibitor, depressor and/or
retardant for adjusting the amount of volatilization of the active
ingredient, a substance or substances having a function or
functions of giving out fragrance, deodorizing and/or sterilizing
as desired in accordance with the present invention.
[0316] Mention is next made of tests and their results.
[0317] Using a fan type debugging apparatus as shown in FIG. 6,
tests were conducted as for bloodsucking by female stegomyia
mosquitoes.
[0318] The motor used in the fan type debugging apparatus was an
motor of model RF-330TK made by Mabuchi Motor Co., Ltd.
[0319] The battery consisted of two unit 3 type alkaline cells
connected in series.
[0320] The chemical used was terallethrin and the impregnatable or
carrier body was a mass of granules or particles made of a
cellulose.
[0321] Conditions of the tests were as follows: [0322] The tests
were carried out in 4.5, 8, 10 and 12 straw mat (7.4, 13.2, 16.5
and 19.8 m.sup.2) living rooms. [0323] One of the four walls of
each room had a ventilating window of 1 m.times.1 m size which was
left open in all the times. [0324] A room temperature of 25.degree.
C. was held substantially constant. [0325] The period of each of
the tests was for half a year (180 days). [0326] Ones of which use
periods are less than half a year was replaced each time. [0327]
The days of measurement were 1st, 15.sup.th, 30.sup.th, 60.sup.th,
and 120.sup.th days. [0328] In each of the rooms an air permeable
cage was placed in which one (1) female mouse was loosed together
with twenty (20) female stegomyia mosquitoes and its bloodsucking
was checked after 24 hours. [0329] The amount of charge of the
chemical was set up for each number of straw mats (area). [0330]
The test results were marked with .circleincircle. if the rate of
knockdown is 90% or more, with .largecircle. if it is 50% or more
and with .DELTA. if it is less than 50%, and with .times. if there
was bloodsucking.
[0331] The results of the test in the 4.5 straw mat (7.4 m.sup.2)
room are shown in Table 4 below. TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Results of
Tests in a 4.5 Straw Mat Room Test Amount 1-st 15-th 30-th 60-th
120-th No. of Charge t.sub.2/t.sub.1 Days of Use Day Day Day Day
Day Test 1 1.3 g 2 60 days .circleincircle. .circleincircle.
.circleincircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. Test 2 1.3 g 5 120
days .circleincircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
.largecircle. Test 3 1.3 g 9 200 days .largecircle. .DELTA. .DELTA.
.DELTA. .DELTA. Com. 1.3 g Continuous 20 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
1 Com. 1.3 g 10 220 days .DELTA. X .DELTA. X X Test 2 Com. 1.3 g
t.sub.2 < (S.sub.1 - S.sub.2)/I.sub.2 18 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
3
[0332] The results of the test in the 8 straw mat (13.2 m.sup.2)
room are shown in Table 5 below. TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Results of
Tests in a 8 Straw Mat Room Test Amount 1-st 15-th 30-th 60-th
120-th No. of Charge t.sub.2/t.sub.1 Days of Use Day Day Day Day
Day Test 1 2.2 g 2 60 days .circleincircle. .circleincircle.
.circleincircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. Test 2 2.2 g 5 120
days .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
.DELTA. Test 3 2.2 g 9 200 days .largecircle. .DELTA. .DELTA.
.DELTA. .DELTA. Com. 2.2 g Continuous 20 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
1 Com. 2.2 g 10 220 days .DELTA. .DELTA. X X X Test 2 Com. 2.2 g
t.sub.2 < (S.sub.1 - S.sub.2)/I.sub.2 18 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
3
[0333] The results of the test in the 10 straw mat (16.5 m.sup.2)
room are shown in Table 6 below. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Results of
Tests in a 10 Straw Mat Room Test Amount 1-st 15-th 30-th 60-th
120-th No. of Charge t.sub.2/t.sub.1 Days of Use Day Day Day Day
Day Test 1 2.8 g 2 60 days .circleincircle. .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test 2 2.8 g 5 120
days .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
.DELTA. Test 3 2.8 g 9 200 days .largecircle. .DELTA. .DELTA.
.DELTA. .DELTA. Com. 2.8 g Continuous 20 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
1 Com. 2.8 g 10 220 days .DELTA. X X X X Test 2 Com. 2.8 g t.sub.2
< (S.sub.1 - S.sub.2)/I.sub.2 18 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
3
[0334] The results of the test in the 12 straw mat (19.8 m.sup.2)
room are shown in Table 7 below. TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Results of
Tests in a 12 Straw Mat Room Test Amount 1-st 15-st 30-st 60-st
120-st No. of Charge t.sub.2/t.sub.1 Days of Use Day Day Day Day
Day Test 1 3.3 g 2 60 days .circleincircle. .circleincircle.
.circleincircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. Test 2 3.3 g 5 120
days .circleincircle. .largecircle. .largecircle. .largecircle.
.DELTA. Test 3 3.3 g 9 200 days .largecircle. .DELTA. .DELTA.
.DELTA. .DELTA. Com. 3.3 g Continuous 20 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
1 Com. 3.3 g 10 220 days .DELTA. .DELTA. X X X Test 2 Com. 3.3 g
t.sub.2 < (S.sub.1 - S.sub.2)/I.sub.2 18 days .circleincircle.
.largecircle. .circleincircle. .circleincircle. .largecircle. Test
3
[0335] Test Nos. 1 to 3 were longer in days of use than Comparative
Test I in which electric current is applied continuously, but were
able to achieve efficacy equivalent to that achieved by Comparative
Test 1. Test No. 1 allowed days of use three times longer than the
case of continuous use but had the efficacy substantially equal to
that achievable by the latter. Test No. 2 allowed days of use six
times longer than the case of continuous use and had no
bloodsucking although it saw some drop in efficacy towards the end
of the days. Test No. 3 failed to achieve an eminent knock-down,
but were so efficacious enough to prevent blood sucking and allowed
days of use 10 times longer than the case of continuous use.
[0336] Comparative Test 2 was long in days of use but had
bloodsucking by mosquitoes.
[0337] Comparative Test 3 was enough in efficacy, but became short
in days of use in spite of the fact that current is turned on and
off, evidently because of the failure to satisfy the requirement:
t.sub.2>(S.sub.1-S.sub.2)/I.sub.2.
[0338] It has thus been shown that a fan type debugging apparatus
according to the present invention if used in a living space
achieves sufficient efficacy and maintains the same for a prolonged
period of time.
[0339] It will be appreciated that any of the second to fourth
forms of embodiment of the present invention as described is
applicable individually in a combination to the first form of
embodiment of the invention described.
[0340] An explanation is next given in respect of a fifth form of
embodiment of the present invention.
[0341] In order to resolve Problem (1) mentioned hereinbefore in
the discussion of the Background Art, a chemical impregnated or
carrier body (an active ingredient impregnated or carrier body) is
made granular or particulate, i. e., made in the form of a mass of
particles or granules, and these chemical impregnated or carrier
particles or granules are themselves agitated. This has been found
to make even the amounts of wind or air flows which the carriers
receive, thereby preventing the amount of the chemical that
remained in the chemical impregnated particulate mass or body from
varying depending on a local site in air flow direction. The
effects have been demonstrated from the tests conducted of which
methods and test results are stated below.
[0342] A test apparatus was made on placing in a square wind blow
outlet of 8 cm side an impregnated body receptacle made of a
cylinder of 8 cm inner diameter and 10 cm height and with nets put
up to cover its top and bottom. The receptacle accommodated therein
a mass of 2 grams in weight of granules having a diameter of 4 mm
and impregnated with a chemical of 300 milligrams in weight. Local
variations were measured of the amount of the chemical that
remained in that mass after a run of three (3) full (24 hours)
days.
[0343] As a comparative, local variation were also measured of the
chemical that remained in a monolithic immobile body of honeycomb
shape impregnated with the chemical placed in a same square wind
blow outlet of 8 cm side. Test results are shown in Table 8 below.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Granular Site* of Mass impregnated with
Monolithic Body Impregnated Measurement Chemical (Invention) with
Chemical (Comparative) 0.about.1 cm 63.81 41.02 2.about.3 cm 65.30
73.24 4.about.5 cm 64.97 95.67
Numeric values in the table indicate amounts that remain for 100 of
charge of the chemical. Each site of measurement is indicated by
the distance from the blow outlet of the chemical impregnated mass
or body.
[0344] In Table 8, the numeric values each indicate an amount that
remains for 100 of charge of the chemical. Each site of measurement
is indicated by the distance from the blow outlet of the chemical
impregnated granular mass or monolithic body.
[0345] When use is made of a chemical impregnated monolithic body,
it is seen that a chemical tends to volatilize more at sites closer
to the fan blow outlet, and very little at sites remote from it
where 90% or more of the chemical tends to remain. In contrast, if
use is made of a granular or particulate mass impregnated with the
chemical, it is shown that there is substantially no difference in
the amount than remains between locally different sites by virtue
of the fact that the chemical impregnated granular or particulate
mass while being constantly agitated acts to volatilize the
chemical.
[0346] Also, in order to resolve Problem (2) mentioned previously
in the discussion of the Background Art, a measure as mentioned
below has been taken. Thus, the chemical impregnated body is made
in the form of a mass of particles or granules whose number in a
given space is increased. This makes smaller each individual
chemical carrying particle or granules and in turn makes shorter
the distance of travel of the chemical. As a result, the chemical
as it volatilizes from the outer surfaces of the chemical
impregnated particulate mass is more quickly replenished from the
interior into those outer surfaces, thereby making the density or
concentration of the chemical in the mass even over its entire
volume. A state of stabilized volatilization of the chemical is
thus established. Further, it is also conceivable to add any of
various kinds of solvents as a measure to promote evenness in
distribution of the chemical on each individual chemical carrying
particle or granule. This is found to be an effective measure for a
chemical that is high in viscosity and low in mobility.
[0347] Tests were also conducted to investigate patterns of
volatilization of a chemical from a chemical impregnated
particulate mass according to the present invention and a chemical
impregnated monolithic body in the prior art. Each of these
chemical carriers had an identical kind and amount of chemical
impregnated therein, and was run for fifteen (15) consecutive days.
On each of the fifth, tenth and fifteenth day a measurement is made
of the amount of the chemical that remained, from which the amount
of volatilization of the chemical per unit time is estimated. Test
results are shown in Table 9 below and also in the graph of FIG. 9.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Effective Initial Amount Rate of Charge that
Volatil- Chemical Days of Running Amount remained ization Carrier
0-5 5-10 10-15 (mg) (mg) (%) Chemical 2.64 2.50 2.33 1005 105.93
89.46 Impregnated Particulate Mass Chemical 2.59 2.18 1.29 998
273.65 72.58 Impregnated Monolithic Body
[0348] From the test results shown in Table 9 above and the graph
of FIG. 9, it is seen that in the monolithic body the rate of
volatilization is lowered substantially proportionally from the
start of running while in the particulate mass the amount of
volatilization is stably maintained. This stabilized amount of
volatilization over a prolonged time period is thought to be
attributable to the fact that agitating or stirring the chemical
carrier particles used to form the chemical impregnated mass makes
even the concentration of the chemical over its entire volume and
causes the chemical to flow or move dynamically on each individual
carrier particle. It is also thought to be attributable to the fact
that a reduction in weight as a result of volatilization of the
chemical causes lowering the specific gravity of each of the mass
and the impregnant chemical, which in turn increases the mobility
of the chemical carrier particles; as a result, the increased
mobility still maintains the amount of volatilization of the
chemical substantially at a given level though the concentration of
the chemical is lowered.
[0349] Also, as for the effective rate of volatilization which is
the proportion of the amount of chemical that is its initial charge
amount minus the amount that remains on the 15.sup.th day to its
initial charge amount shown in Table 9, it is seen that the value
of 89.46% in the case of the particulate mass compared with the
value of 72.58 in the case of monolithic body indicates that the
particulate mass allows a highly efficient volatilization of the
chemical.
[0350] Further, in order to resolve Problem (3) mentioned
hereinbefore in the discussion of the Background Art, a measure as
stated below has been taken. Thus, effective utilization of energy
is attained by causing chemical carrier particles as the chemical
impregnated mass to receive both types of winds, i. e., winds from
the fun and winds created when they are themselves rotated. This
makes the total required surface area of the mass as a whole
smaller than that of a conventional body, and reduces the loss of a
wind force. Table 10 shows results of tests using a chemical
impregnated particulate mass according to the present invention and
a chemical impregnated monolithic body of honeycomb shape in the
prior art in which both the particulate mass and monolithic body
had an identical real volume, and a wind force was measured at each
of sites 5 cm upper and 10 cm upper, respectively, of the chemical
volatilizing outlet. The test results, here again, show that the
particulate porous mass is more favorable than the monolithic
porous body, by evidencing that the former produces a greater wind
speed, and is lesser in the loss of wind force, than the latter.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Wind Speed (m/sec) Chemical Chemical
Chemical impregnated impregnated impregnated Particulate Monolithic
Mass or Body Site of Measure Mass Body Uninstalled 5 cm upper from
1.6 1.0 2.4 volatilizing outlet 10 cm upper from 0.8 0.5 1.2
volatilizing outlet Real Volume of chemical 4.05 4.10 --
impregnated Mass or Body (cm.sup.3)
[0351] The foregoing tests and test results have also revealed the
following: Thus, in order to maintain the amount of volatilization
of a chemical over a prolonged time period by preventing local
variation of volatilization in the chemical impregnated particulate
mass while effectively utilizing wind force energy of the fan, it
is desirable that the chemical carrier particles forming the
particulate mass be stirred or agitated moderately or to a proper
extent. To this end, it has been found that certain requirements as
mentioned below be met.
[0352] First, there is a requirement that relates to the
configuration of the chemical carrier particles. It is desirable
that the chemical carrier particles have a shape that minimizes
their mutual frictional drag or resistance leading to a loss of
energy when they are agitated, i. e., a shape of particles such
that the maximum area of contact of one particle with another be
not in excess of one half of its total surface area. Specifically,
it is desirable that the chemical carrier particles be each in the
form of a sphere which should be the shape that provides a minimum
friction.
[0353] A second requirement for the chemical carrier particles
requires that the particles as a particulate mass have an
appropriate set of abilities for the chemical, i. e., the ability
to be loaded (impregnated) with the chemical, the ability to unload
(release) the chemical, and the ability to promote the chemical to
be made even quickly in the particulate mass. The ability to be
loaded with chemical depends on the real volume of the particulate
mass, and the ability to unload the chemical and the ability to
promote the chemical to be quickly made even depend on the density
and thus the porosity of the particulate mass.
[0354] The real volume of a particulate mass required for this
aspect of the present invention can be derived from its porosity
and apparent volume, and can be adjusted as desired in a range as
mentioned below with the properties of the chemical such as its
vapor pressure and viscosity taken into account. The real volume of
a chemical carrier particulate mass, as expressed by [apparent
volume.times.(1-porosity/100)], should desirably range, for each
particle, from 5.times.10.sup.-5 to 5.times.10.sup.5 mm.sup.3,
preferably from 5.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.times.10.sup.3 mm.sup.3,
more preferably from 5.times.10.sup.-2 to 5.times.10.sup.-1
mm.sup.3. And, the amount of volatilization and the number of days
in which efficacy is to last can be adjusted by the number of the
chemical carrier particles and the concentration of the chemical to
be carried thereby.
[0355] A third requirement for the chemical carrier or impregnated
particulate mass requires that it have a specific gravity in a
range from 0.005 to 0.5 when the air flow per unit time of the wind
that passes through a receptacle which accommodates the chemical
carrier particulate mass ranges between 0.01 and 1.0 m.sup.3/min.
If, however, a large fan having an air flow of 1.0 m.sup.3/min or
more is used, the chemical carrier particulate mass can be used
even if it has a specific gravity of 0.5 or more.
[0356] A fourth requirement may further be included that requires
that either or both of the chemical carrier particulate mass or its
receptacle be processed for an antistatic. For there is a
possibility that an electrostatic if it develops may act to impede
agitation between the chemical carrier particles or between the
chemical carrier particles and their receptacles.
[0357] In view of the foregoing, a chemical volatilizing apparatus
is provided in accordance with the present invention, characterized
in that a mass of a particulate material or particles is
accommodated in a receptacle and is impregnated therein with a
chemical to serve as a carrier therefor, the carrier particles
being ventilated with winds from a fan and, while being agitated or
stirred by wind forces, permitting the chemical impregnated in the
particulate mass to volatilize.
[0358] A chemical volatilizing apparatus according to the present
invention as described is also characterized in that each of the
chemical carrier particles should preferably have a shape such that
the maximum area of contact of one particle with another is not
more than one half of the total surface area of the particle.
[0359] A chemical volatilizing apparatus according to the present
invention as described is also characterized in that the real
volume of a chemical carrier particulate mass, as expressed by
[apparent volume.times.(1-porosity/100)], should desirably range,
for each particle, from 5.times.10.sup.-5 to 5.times.10.sup.5
mm.sup.3, preferably from 5.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.times.10.sup.3
mm.sup.3, more preferably from 5.times.10.sup.-2 to
5.times.10.sup.-1 mm.sup.3.
[0360] A chemical volatilizing apparatus according to the present
invention as described is also characterized in that the chemical
carrier or impregnated particulate mass should preferably have a
specific gravity in a range from 0.005 to 0.5 when the air flow per
unit time of the wind that passes through a receptacle which
accommodates the chemical carrier particulate mass ranges between
0.01 and 1.0 m.sup.3/min.
[0361] A chemical volatilizing method according to the present
invention as described is further characterized in that either or
both of the chemical carrier particulate mass for chemical
volatilization or its receptacle should preferably be pre-processed
for an antistatic.
[0362] While mention is made below of specific examples of this
aspect of the present invention, it should be understood that the
present invention is not limited thereto.
[0363] A chemical for use in the present invention as impregnated
in the chemical carrier particulate mass may be any one of known
volatile chemicals should be selected according to an aimed use
thereof.
[0364] For example, in killing insects, any one or more of a
variety of volatile insecticides so far used may be utilized.
Illustrative are pyrethroid insecticides, carbamate insecticides
and organophosphorus insecticides. Pyrethroid insecticides are
known to be high in safety and have been used well, of which
specific examples are listed below, each given in the order of the
general name, the chemical name and the parenthesized trade name
followed by the producer. [0365] allethrin: 3-allyl-2-methyl
cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one-1-yl d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin,
Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0366] d1.cndot.d-T80-allethrin:
3-allyl-2-methyl cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one-1-yl
d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pynamin forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0367] d1.cndot.d-T-allethrin: 3-allyl-2-methyl
cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one-1-yl d-trans-chrysanthemat (Bioallethrin)
[0368] d.cndot.d-T-allethrin: d-3-allyl-2-methyl
cyclopenta-2-ene-4-one-1-yl d-trans-chrysanthemat (Esbiol) [0369]
d.cndot.d-T80-prallethrin: d-2-methyl-4-oxo-3-propargyl
cyclopento-2-enyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthe-mat (Etoc, Sumitomo
Chemical Co.) [0370] phthalthrin:
N-(3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalimide)-methyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat
(Neopynamin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0371] d-T80-phthalthrin:
(1,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,3-dioxo-2-indolyl)methyl
d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Neopynamin forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0372] resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl
d1-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Chrythron, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0373] d.cndot.d-T80-resmethrin: 5-benzyl-3-furylmethyl
d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Chrythron forte, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0374] permethrin: 3-phenoxybenzyl
d1-cis/trans-2,2di-methyl-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)cyclopropane
carboxylate (Eksmin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0375] phenothrin:
3-phenoxybenzyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthe-mat (Sumithrin, Sumitomo
Chemical Co.) [0376] fenvalerate:
.alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-3-methyl butylate
(Sumicidin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0377] cypermethrin:
.alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl
d1-cis/trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl cyclopropane
carboxylate (Agrothrin, Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0378] cyphenothrin:
.alpha.-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Gokilaht,
Sumitomo Chemical Co.) [0379] empenthrin: 1-ethynyl-2-methyl
pento-2-enyl d-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Vaporthrin, Sumitomo
Chemical Co.) [0380] terallethrin:
2-allyl-3-methyl-2-cyclopentene-1-one-4-yl-2,2,3,3,
tetramethyl-cyclopropane carboxylate (Knoxthrin, Sumitomo Chemical
Co.) [0381] improthrin: 2,4-dioxo-1-(prop-2-inyl)-imidazolidin-yl
methyl (1R)-cis/trans-chrysanthemat (Pralle, Sumitomo Chemical Co.)
[0382] ethofenprox: 2-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-methyl
propyl-3-phenoxybenzyl ether (Trebon)
[0383] Also, listed below are illustrative for other chemicals that
may be used as insecticides, rejectant, potency intensifiers and
growth control agents. [0384] acetamiprid:
N'-[(6-chloro-3-pyridyl)methyl]-N.sup.2-cyano-N'-methyl acetone
amidine (Mospilan) [0385] diazinon: (2-isopropyl-4-methyl
pyrimidil-6)-diethyl thiophosphate (Diazinon) [0386] fenitrothion,
MEP: O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)thiophosphate
(Sumithion) [0387] pyridaphention:
O,O-dimethyl-O-(3-oxo-2-phenyl-2H-pyridazin-6-yl) phosphothioate
(Ofunack) [0388] malathion: dimethyl dicarbetoxy ethyl
dithiophosphate (Malathon) [0389] imidacloprid:
1-(6-chloro-3-pyridyl methyl)-N-nitro imidazolidin-2-ylideneamine
(Admire) [0390] dichlorvos: O,O-dimethyl
O-(2,2-dichloro)vinylphosphate (DDVP) [0391] benzil benzoate [0392]
isobornyl thiocyanoacetate (IBTA) [0393] dehydro acetate [0394]
piperonyl butoxide (P. B.) [0395] paraoxy benzoic acid [0396]
phenyl salicylate [0397] S-421 [0398] N-(2-ethyl hexyl)-bicyclo [2,
2, 1]-hepta-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxy imid (Synepirin 222) [0399]
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamid (Deet) [0400] Pyriproxyfen: 4-phenoxy phenyl
(RS)-2-(2-pyridyl oxy) propyl ether (Sumilarv)
[0401] Next, mention is made of usable materials for chemical
carrier or impregnable particles or particulate mass. Illustrative
are, for example, viscose, linter and inorganic substances such as
calcium silicate. Alternatives may be porous bodies formed as row
materials synthetic fibers such as of polypropylene and they may
also be activated carbon. Among them, a plant derived material such
as pulp, viscose or linter is most preferred as a raw material for
chemical carrier or impregnable particle or particulate material in
view of their specific gravity and chemical carrying capacity. Such
materials which are commercially available include foamed cellulose
beads made of pulp and viscose as main raw materials and supplied
from Rengo, K. K. under the trade name of Viscopar (spelled
phonetically).
[0402] Promoting agitation of the chemical impregnated carrier
particles as mentioned above requires them to be light weighted
being lower in specific gravity. Their receptacle is preferably
made of plastic which is by nature electrically nonconductive,
light weighted and also economical. However, plastic by frictional
or rubbing contact tends to bear electrostatic charges and once
charged to be hard to set them free. Therefore, it is possible for
the chemical carrier particles which are lower in specific gravity,
when stirred to impede the agitation and thus to become detrimental
to energy efficiency. It is thus desirable to apply an anti-static
treatment to the chemical carrier particles and preferably to their
receptacle as well. A typical plastic anti-static treatment widely
method is by an additive and to this end makes use of a surface
active agent. In such methods, an anti-static agent may be coated
on the surfaces of a plastic (surface coating method) or
alternatively be mixed into a plastic body (mixing method). Such
agents are anionic, cationic, non-ionic or bipolar ionic active
agents suitably adapted to the methods. A variety of chemicals
having a surfactant as their principal ingredient are commercially
available. Examples are "Sanstat AA", "Sanstat 2012A" and "Sanstat
249" made by Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd., and "Colcoat SP-2001"
and "Colcoat SP-2002" featuring the transparency as nonductive
coating" made by Colcoat, K. K (all spelled phonetically).
[0403] For purposes of the present invention, it is also possible
to use one or more of an anti-oxidizing agent, an ultraviolet
absorbing agent, an aromatic, a deodorant and so forth to add a
stability enhancing efficacy, synergistic efficacy and bells and
whistles.
[0404] Where it is desired for a chemical which is less volatile to
be volatilized effectively, a method is conceivable which is
designed to promote volatilization by heating the carrier particle
receptacle, the fan itself or any peripheral member.
EXAMPLE 1
[0405] On the side to the square blow outlet of 8 cm side of a DC
brushless axial fan motor made by K. K. Siko Giken, there was
placed a chemical containing cylindrical cartridge of 18 cm inner
diameter and 10 cm high with its top bottom covered with nets. The
cartridge accommodated therein a mass of 2 grams in weight of
particles of 2 mm diameter constituted by foamed cellulose beads,
impregnated with 300 milligrams of prallethrin. The apparatus in
operation was cyclically turned on and off with an on time of 12
hours and an off time of 12 hours and with the cycle repeated 30
times. Changes with time in the amount of volatilization measured
of the chemical and are plotted in the graph shown in FIG. 10. The
knock-down potency against common house mosquitoes also measured is
shown in Table 4. It should be noted here that the amount of
volatilization is indicated by a value per unit time (hour)
calculated from the chemical residue that was extracted from the
chemical impregnated particulate mass and measured at a given time
interval. The potency or efficaciousness is represented by results
of tests conducted in a 8 straw mat (13.2 m.sup.2) size closed
space at a constant temperature of 25.degree. C.
[0406] The apparatus used in this Example had a fan motor mounted
therein and a construction in which as shown in FIG. 11 a body
portion 61 had a blow outlet (not indicated in the Figure) top-open
on which a particulate mass accommodating receptacle 63 was mounted
with its top and bottom covered with nets 62a and 62b. In
operation, as the fan is rotated, winds blow up from the net 62b of
the bottom of the receptacle 63 to fluidize the particulate mass,
indicated by discrete particles 64, accommodated therein and in the
meantime to permit the chemical impregnated in the mass to
volatilize and then to diffuse through the upper net 62a into the
outside together with the winds.
EXAMPLE 2
[0407] Using the same apparatus, a test was conducted in which the
particulate mass was again a mass of 2 grams in weight of foamed
cellulose beads of 2 mm diameter which in this example was
impregnated with 1200 milligrams of allethrin. Under the same test
conditions as in Example 1, changes in the volume of volatilization
of the chemical and the knock-down potency for common house
mosquitoes were measured. Results of the test are shown in FIG. 10
and Table 11.
EXAMPLE 3
[0408] Using the same apparatus, a test was conducted in which the
particulate mass was a mass of 2 grams in weight of foamed
cellulose beads of 4 mm diameter which in this example was
impregnated with 1000 milligrams of terallethrin. Under the same
test conditions as in Example 1, changes in the volume of
volatilization of the chemical and the knock-down potency for
common house mosquitoes were measured. Results of the test are
shown in FIG. 10 and Table 11.
EXAMPLE 4
[0409] Using the same apparatus, a test was conducted in which the
particulate mass was a mass of 2 grams in weight of foamed
cellulose beads of 4 mm diameter which in this example was
impregnated with 2000 milligrams of empenthrin. Under the same test
conditions as in Example 1, changes in the volume of volatilization
of the chemical and the knock-down potency for common house
mosquitoes were measured. Results of the test are shown in FIG. 10
and Table 11. TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Chemical Amount of
Impregnated Knock-down Chemical Chemical Particles Efficacy
KT.sub.50 (min) Identification (mg/2 g) Diameter(mm) 1-st 15-th
30-th prallethrin 300 2 2.33 2.57 2.74 allethrin 1200 2 2.52 2.84
3.04 terallethrin 1000 4 3.06 3.79 4.23 empenthrin 2000 4 5.29 5.33
5.47
[0410] As mentioned previously, an apparatus according to the
present invention permits a volatile chemical having insecticide,
rejectant or growth control function to be diffused and dispersed
stably by a wind force over a prolonged period of time for a
variety of noxious or harmful insects, regardless of the vapor
pressure the chemical possesses and the amount of volatilization
the chemical is aimed for.
[0411] Although the present invention has been described
hereinbefore in terms of the presently preferred forms of
embodiments with respect to or embodied in a fan type chemical
diffusing apparatus of volatilizing a chemical, it is to be
understood that such disclosure is purely illustrative and is not
to be interpreted as limiting. Consequently, without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, various alterations,
modifications, and/or alternative applications of the invention
will, no doubt, be suggested to those skilled in the art after
having read the preceding disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended
that the following claims be interpreted as compassing all
alterations, modifications, or alternative applications as fall
within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *