U.S. patent application number 11/708753 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-21 for fire ant colony killer.
Invention is credited to Ken McDonald.
Application Number | 20080196297 11/708753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39705431 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080196297 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDonald; Ken |
August 21, 2008 |
Fire ant colony killer
Abstract
A mechanized system for exterminating and several embodiments
thereof are presented. Steam is generated and transported to a
movable applicator. The applicator is positioned over a designated
area of ground and the steam is applied exterminating the insects
on and/or under the designated area of ground.
Inventors: |
McDonald; Ken; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Arthur W. Fisher;Patent Dominion Partnership, LP
6103 Twin Oaks Circle
Dallas
TX
75240
US
|
Family ID: |
39705431 |
Appl. No.: |
11/708753 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
43/130 ;
43/132.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 3/007 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/130 ;
43/132.1 |
International
Class: |
A01M 19/00 20060101
A01M019/00; A01M 1/20 20060101 A01M001/20 |
Claims
1. A mechanized system for exterminating insects on and/or under a
designated area of ground comprising: a steam power source; a
movable applicator for applying steam to the designated area of
ground; steam transport means for delivering steam from the steam
power source to the applicator; and wherein, when the applicator is
moved into position over the designated area of ground and steam is
transported from the steam power source to the applicator, insects
on and/or under the designated area of ground are exterminated.
2. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising; means
coupled to the movable applicator for remotely controlling the
movement of the applicator.
3. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the steam power
source comprises: a tank for storing a steam source; and means for
converting the steam source into steam.
4. The system as set forth in claim 3 wherein the steam source is
water.
5. The system as set forth in claim 3 further comprising: means for
sensing the amount of the steam source in the tank.
6. The system as set forth in claim 5 further comprising; means
coupled to the sensing means for shutting off the steam converting
means when the steam source has dropped to predetermined level.
7. The system as set forth in claim 3 wherein the means for
converting the steam source into steam comprises: a burner for
heating the steam source in the tank for converting the steam
source into steam; and a fuel source coupled to the burner for
delivering fuel to the burner.
8. The system as set forth in claim 7 further comprising: means for
igniting the fuel at the burner.
9. The system as set forth in claim 5 wherein the fuel is a
gas.
10. The system as set forth in claim 3 wherein the means for
converting the steam source into steam comprises: one or more
electrodes immersed in the steam source in the tank for converting
the steam source into steam; and means for applying electrical
power to the electrodes.
11. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: system
transport means for transporting the system to and from designated
areas of ground.
12. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: means
for remotely operating and/or monitoring the system.
13. The system as set forth in claim 1 further comprising: means
for manually lowering and raising the applicator.
14. The system as set forth in claim 13 wherein the means for
manually lowering and raising may be used for transporting the
system.
15. A method of exterminating insects on and/or under a designated
area of ground with a mechanized system comprising the steps of:
generating steam; transporting the steam to an applicator; and
moving the applicator over the designated area of ground.
16. The method as set forth in claim 15 further comprising the step
of: transporting the mechanized system to and/or from the
designated area of ground.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Description of the Related Art
[0001] Insect extermination, particularly for undesirable external
insects, has been largely confined to chemical treatments. Zappers
are used for certain flying insects. These chemical treatments are
often ineffective and always create environmental and health
concerns.
[0002] Fire ants, in particular, are very aggressive and their
bites are always hurtful and sometimes dangerous. The usual result
from a chemical treatment is that the colony relocates. Often, they
become even more aggressive as a result.
[0003] One treatment often employed to exterminate fire ants is to
pour boiling water on the colony bed. However, this treatment is
often only partially effective and rarely kills the queen ants.
Fire ants prepare an elaborate system of tunnels to get from the
nest to the ground surface. The boiling water has the effect of
collapsing these tunnels and thus shielding ants below from
harm.
[0004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a method and apparatus
for a completely effective system for exterminating insects,
particularly fire ants, and safe, both environmentally and for
human and animals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A mechanized method and apparatus for exterminating insects
on and/or under a designated area of ground comprising a steam
power source; a movable applicator for applying steam to the
designated area of ground; steam transport means for delivering
steam from the steam power source to the applicator; and wherein,
when the applicator is moved into position over the designated area
of ground and steam is transported from the steam power source to
the applicator, insects on and/or under the designated area of
ground are exterminated.
[0006] The method and apparatus as described above further
comprising means coupled to the movable applicator for remotely
controlling the movement of the applicator wherein the power source
comprises a motor and a source for electrical power.
[0007] The method and apparatus as described above wherein the
steam power source comprises: a tank for storing a steam source;
and means for converting the steam source into steam.
[0008] The method and apparatus as described above wherein the
steam source is water.
[0009] The method and apparatus as described above further
comprising means for sensing the amount of the steam source in the
tank.
[0010] The method and apparatus as described above further
comprising means coupled to the sensing means for shutting off the
steam converting means when the steam source has dropped to
pre-determined level.
[0011] The method and apparatus as described above wherein the
means for converting the steam source into steam comprises a burner
for heating the steam source in the tank for converting the steam
source into steam and a fuel source coupled to the burner for
delivering fuel to the burner.
[0012] The method and apparatus as described above further
comprising means for igniting the fuel at the burner.
[0013] The method and apparatus as described above wherein the fuel
is a gas.
[0014] The method and apparatus as described above wherein the
means for converting the steam source into steam comprises one or
more electrodes immersed in the steam source in the tank for
converting the steam source into steam and means for applying
electrical power to the electrodes.
[0015] The method and apparatus as described above further
comprising system transport means for transporting the system to
and from designated areas of ground.
[0016] The method and apparatus as described above further
comprising means for remotely operating and/or monitoring the
system.
[0017] The method and apparatus as described above further
comprising means for manually lowering and raising the
applicator.
[0018] The method and apparatus as described above further wherein
the means for manually lowering and raising may be used for
transporting the system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the mechanized
insect exterminator with a steam producer powered by gas.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the mechanized
insect exterminator with an electrically powered steam producer and
apparatus for manually lowering and raising the applicator.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the mechanized
insect exterminator with additional transport and operational
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Whilst the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention
and do not limit the scope of the invention. Moreover, the present
invention, while described for the extermination of fire ants and
fire ant colonies, may be utilized to exterminate a wide variety of
insects.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, a side, cross-sectional view of the
mechanized exterminator 100 is depicted. The apparatus is affixed
to a base 101. The base 101 is made of durable material, such as
steel, for example, and may be of any size, depending on the size
of the apparatus to be secured on it. It will be appreciated that
any suitable material may be used for the base 101. In the instant
embodiment, the base 101 is heavy which will assist in the
application of the steam to the insect colony.
[0024] An applicator 102 for steam is secure to and through the
base 101 and is depicted in FIG. 1 as extending below the bottom
surface of the base. The applicator 102 may be made of any suitable
material such as steel so long as it is able to tolerate the
temperatures of the steam. A material that is heavy and weather and
rust resistant is preferable. The applicator 102 is shown as an
inverted, open and hollow circular hood or cover. It will be
understood that the applicator 102 may be of any suitable size and
shape so long as the opening at the bottom is large enough to cover
a sufficient portion of the insect bed.
[0025] In the instant embodiment of the present invention, the
applicator 102 is shown extending below the bottom surface of the
base 101. In operation, it is desirable to insure that the
applicator 102, when positioned over the insect bed, will extend
slightly into the ground surface thereby preventing or, at least,
minimizing steam from escaping from the sides of the applicator 102
directly into the air. In the instant embodiment of the present
invention, the base 101 is lowered on to the ground such that the
applicator 102 covers the designated area of ground to be treated.
The weight of the base 101, all of the apparatus secured to the
base 101, and the applicator 102 all serve to force the applicator
102 into the ground to ensure maximum application of the steam on
to and into the designated area of ground to be treated.
[0026] It will be appreciated and understood that the present
invention is not limited to the configuration described above. For
example, the applicator 102 need not be secured to the base 101 and
capable of separately being moved into position over the designated
area of ground to be treated independent of the base 101 and other
apparatus secured to the base.
[0027] A steam transport 103 transports steam to the applicator 102
from a boiler 104 secured to the base 101. The steam transport 103
may be made from any suitable material and may be of any suitable
shape and size. It may be permanently secured to the boiler 104
and/or the applicator 102. Alternately, it may be detachable from
the applicator 102 so that, for example, the applicator 102 may be
replaced or so that different size applicators may be used.
Similarly, the steam transport may be detachable from the boiler
104 so, for example, the boiler can be replaced or that multiple
boilers 104 can be secured to the base 101 and used with the same
applicator 102. It will further be appreciated that the steam
transport 103 may be rigid or flexible.
[0028] The boiler 104 includes a burner 108 disposed at the bottom
of the boiler 104 for heating the steam fuel inside the boiler. The
fuel is preferably water but it is understood that the present
invention is not limited to water and that other fuels may be used
and/or additives added. The boiler 104 should have a safe and easy
method (not shown) for replenishing the fuel.
[0029] A conduit 106 connects the burner 108 to a heating fuel
source 105 secured to the base 101. A valve 107 is used to control
to flow of heating fuel from the source 105 to the burner 108. as
depicted in FIG. 1, the heating fuel source 105 is a replaceable
and/or refillable canister with a gas such as propane. It will be
appreciated that any suitable heating fuel may be used with the
present invention and it is not limited to propane. Moreover, the
heating fuel source 105 need not be canister nor need not be
secured to the base 101. For portability, it is preferable to have
a heating fuel source that is easily transported from place to
place.
[0030] In operation, valve 107 of the system 100 is opened and
heating fuel is applied to the burner 108. The heating fuel is
ignited at the burner 108 and the fuel is heated. This action may
take place before or during transport of the system to the
designated area for treatment. Once the fuel is sufficiently
heated, the base 101 is lowered on to the ground such that the
applicator 102 securely covers the designated area of ground for
treatment. The steam from the applicator instantly exterminates any
insects, such as fire ants, on the
[0031] It will be appreciated and understood that the present
invention is not limited to the configuration described above. For
example, the applicator 102 need not be secured to the base 101 and
capable of separately being moved into position over the designated
area of ground to be treated independent of the base 101 and other
apparatus secured to the base.
[0032] A steam transport 103 transports steam to the applicator 102
from a boiler 104 secured to the base 101. The steam transport 103
may be made from any suitable material and may be of any suitable
shape and size. It may be permanently secured to the boiler 104
and/or the applicator 102. Alternately, it may be detachable from
the applicator 102 so that, for example, the applicator 102 may be
replaced or so that different size applicators may be used.
Similarly, the steam transport may be detachable from the boiler
104 so, for example, the boiler can be replaced or that multiple
boilers 104 can be secured to the base 101 and used with the same
applicator 102. It will further be appreciated that the steam
transport 103 may be rigid or flexible.
[0033] The boiler 104 includes a burner 108 disposed at the bottom
of the boiler 104 for heating the steam fuel inside the boiler. The
fuel is preferably water but it is understood that the present
invention is not limited to water and that other fuels may be used
and/or additives added. The boiler 104 should have a safe and easy
method (not shown) for replenishing the fuel.
[0034] A conduit 106 connects the burner 108 to a heating fuel
source 105 secured to the base 101. A valve 107 is used to control
to flow of heating fuel from the source 105 to the burner 108. as
depicted in FIG. 1, the heating fuel source 105 is a replaceable
and/or refillable canister with a gas such as propane. It will be
appreciated that any suitable heating fuel may be used with the
present invention and it is not limited to propane. Moreover, the
heating fuel source 105 need not be canister nor need not be
secured to the base 101. For portability, it is preferable to have
a heating fuel source that is easily transported from place to
place.
[0035] In operation, valve 107 of the system 100 is opened and
heating fuel is applied to the burner 108. The heating fuel is
ignited at the burner 108 and the fuel is heated. This action may
take place before or during transport of the system to the
designated area for treatment. Once the fuel is sufficiently
heated, the base 101 is lowered on to the ground such that the
applicator 102 securely covers the designated area of ground for
treatment. The steam from the applicator instantly exterminates any
insects, such as fire ants, on the designated ground area surface.
The steam also penetrates the nest using the tunnels the fire ants
have constructed. Because only steam is applied, the tunnels will
remain in tact and not collapse, allowing the steam to completely
penetrate and infiltrate the nest. After an appropriate period of
time (depending on the size and depth of the nest underground) such
as, for example, 15 minutes. The entire colony, including the
queens, will be exterminated. The applicator 102 can then be lifted
and moved on to the next colony to be exterminated. The application
is environmentally friendly and not harmful to humans or animals
since only water is used. Of course, care must be taken during
usage to prevent burns by contact with any of the apparatus that is
hot, but the system is designed for easy and safe operation.
[0036] If the designated area to be treated has any grass or plant
life growing, the steam will temporarily kill it. However, the
grass or plant life will grow back.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, a side cross-sectional view of a
different embodiment 200 of the present invention is presented. The
base 201, the applicator 202, the steam transport 203 and the
boiler 204 function in the same manner as described for their
counterparts in FIG. 1; base 101, applicator 102, steam transport
103 and boiler 104, respectively.
[0038] The boiler 204 is equipped with one or more electrodes 208
(instead of a burner) to heat the fuel in the boiler 204. The
electrodes 208 are connected to an electrical power source 205,
such as a battery or generator, by electrical conduits 206. A
switch 207 is used to control the application of electricity to the
electrodes 208 from the power source 205. In operation, the system
200 works the same as that described for system 100 except that
electrical power is used to heat the fuel in the boiler 204.
[0039] Also depicted in FIG. 2 is a simple, manual piece of
apparatus for lowering and lifting the base 201 of system 200. A
pair of wheels 211 are used to transport the system 200. A control
bar 223 in the shape of a three-quarter rectangle has each open end
connected to a wheel 211 by a pin 222. The control bar is also
pivotally connected to both sides of the base 201 by means of a
pivot assembly 221. A hitch 210 is attached to the base 201 for
connecting to a tractor, cart, truck or other vehicle and transport
the system 200 to designated areas of ground for treatment. When
the system is at the designated area, the transporting vehicle may
be unhitched. By raising the control bar 223 and back over the
system 200, the applicator 202 is lowered on to the designated area
of ground for treatment. After the treatment is finished, the
control bar is returned to its previous position, thereby raising
the applicator and the hitch 210 to be reconnected to the vehicle
for further transport.
[0040] The control bar 223 may be made of any suitable material and
may be a variety of shapes. It is preferable, however, that the
control bar 223 be made of a suit material and a suitable shape, so
that the operator will not be burned by operating the control bar
to raise or lower the system 200.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, yet another embodiment of the
present invention is depicted as system 300. The base 301, the
applicator 302, the steam transport 303, the boiler 304, the burner
308, the conduit 306 and the heating fuel source 305 function in
the same manner as described for their counterparts in FIG. 1; base
101, applicator 102, steam transport 103, boiler 104, the burner
108, the conduit 106 and heating fuel source 105, respectively.
[0042] The base 301 is part of a frame assembly 309. The base 301,
and all apparatus secured thereto, can be lowered to ground level
and returned to normal by means of a motor 312 and hydraulic system
313. The frame assembly 309 rides on wheels 311 and is attachable
to a vehicle for transportation by means of a hitch 310.
[0043] The system 300 also includes a control panel 314 secured to
the base 301 by a stem or pedestal 315. The control panel 314
enables the operator to control and monitor the system 300. As
depicted in FIG. 3, the control panel may have steam pressure gauge
320 coupled by conduit 324 to a pressure sensor 321 in or on the
boiler 304 and for monitoring the steam pressure in the boiler 304.
There may also be volume gauge 325 on the control panel 314 coupled
to a sensor 322 in the boiler 304 by a conduit 323 for monitoring
the level of fuel, such as water, in the boiler 304.
[0044] In FIG. 3, valve 307 is an automated valve which can be
controlled remotely by a switch or dial 318 via conduit 319. The
valve 307 may also be connected to sensor 322 via conduit 323 so
that valve 307 is automatically closed if sensor 322 detects a low
volume of fuel level in the boiler 304.
[0045] Control panel 314 has a switch 316 coupled by conduit 317 to
the motor 312 for remotely lowering and raising the base 301.
Additional feature may also be added to the control panel 314. For
example, a sparking switch (not shown) can be added and coupled to
the burner 308, for remotely igniting the fuel at the burner
308.
[0046] Thus, the present invention has been described herein with
reference to particular embodiments for particular applications.
Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present
teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications,
and embodiments within the scope thereof.
[0047] It is, therefore, intended by the appended claims to cover
any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments
within the scope of the present invention.
* * * * *