U.S. patent application number 14/276372 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for hydronic heating system and method for pest control.
This patent application is currently assigned to Technologies Holding Corp.. The applicant listed for this patent is Technologies Holding Corp.. Invention is credited to Todd R. DeMonte, Sean M. Ebert, Michael J. Steffes.
Application Number | 20140245656 14/276372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46489653 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140245656 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeMonte; Todd R. ; et
al. |
September 4, 2014 |
HYDRONIC HEATING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PEST CONTROL
Abstract
A method for killing pests including bed bugs in an affected
area comprises heating a fluid to a first temperature and supplying
the fluid to each of a plurality of heat exchanger units. The
method continues by positioning each of the plurality of heat
exchanger units within an associated region of an affected area,
each heat exchanger unit being operable to emit heated air by
transferring heat from the fluid to ambient air within the affected
area. The method concludes by positioning a plurality of air movers
proximate to each of the plurality of heat exchanger units, the
plurality of air movers being operable to circulate heated air
emitted by the plurality of heat exchanger units and inhibit
stratification of the heated air. In operation, a temperature
difference between the fluid received by the plurality of heat
exchanger units and the ambient air within the affected area
results in the affected area being raised to a target temperature
greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Inventors: |
DeMonte; Todd R.; (Cottage
Grove, WI) ; Ebert; Sean M.; (Fitchburg, WI) ;
Steffes; Michael J.; (Stoughton, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Technologies Holding Corp. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Technologies Holding Corp.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
46489653 |
Appl. No.: |
14/276372 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13007021 |
Jan 14, 2011 |
8756857 |
|
|
14276372 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
43/132.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 1/2094
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
43/132.1 |
International
Class: |
A01M 1/20 20060101
A01M001/20 |
Claims
1. A method for killing pests including bed bugs in an affected
area, comprising: heating a water-glycol fluid mixture to a
temperature greater than 170 degrees Fahrenheit; receiving the
heated water-glycol fluid mixture as a single supply fluid stream;
splitting the single supply fluid stream into a plurality of supply
fluid streams; receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of
supply fluid streams at a corresponding one of a plurality of heat
exchanger units, and emitting heated air from each heat exchanger
unit by transferring heat from the water-glycol fluid mixture to
ambient air within the affected area; circulating the heated air to
inhibit stratification of the heated air; receiving the
water-glycol fluid mixture as a plurality of return fluid streams
from the plurality of heat exchanger units; and merging the
plurality of return fluid streams into a single return fluid
stream; wherein a temperature difference between the fluid received
by the plurality of heat exchanger units and the ambient air within
the affected area results in the affected area being raised to a
target temperature greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat exchanger
units comprises one heat exchanger unit for every 300 square feet
within the affected area.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of heat exchanger
units comprises at least two heat exchanger units for every 300
square feet within the affected area.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein circulating the heated air
comprises circulating the heated air when the temperature of the
ambient air within the affected area is equal to or below a target
temperature, the method further comprising ceasing circulation of
the heated air when the temperature of ambient air within the
affected area is above the target temperature.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein circulating the heated air
comprises circulating the heated air toward the floor of the
affected area.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising separating a plurality
of contaminated items within the affected area to facilitate
heating each item to the target temperature.
7. A method for killing pests including bed bugs in an affected
area, comprising: heating a fluid to a first temperature; supplying
the fluid to each of a plurality of heat exchanger units;
positioning each of the plurality of heat exchanger units within an
associated region of an affected area, each heat exchanger unit
being operable to emit heated air by transferring heat from the
fluid to ambient air within the affected area; and positioning a
plurality of air movers proximate to each of the plurality of heat
exchanger units, the plurality of air movers being operable to
circulate heated air emitted by the plurality of heat exchanger
units and inhibit stratification of the heated air, wherein a
temperature difference between the fluid received by the plurality
of heat exchanger units and the ambient air within the affected
area results in the affected area being raised to a target
temperature greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein: the fluid comprises water-glycol
mixture; and the first temperature is greater than 170 degrees
Fahrenheit.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising positioning a supply
manifold between a burner and the plurality of heat exchanger
units, the supply manifold comprising: a first input port
configured to receive the fluid via a supply line from the burner;
and a plurality of output ports, each output port being coupled to
a selected one of a first plurality of hoses each associated with a
respective one of the plurality of heat exchanger units, the
plurality of output ports supplying the fluid to each of the
plurality of heat exchanger units.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising positioning a return
manifold between the burner and the plurality of heat exchanger
units, the return manifold comprising: a plurality of input ports,
each input port being coupled to a selected one of a second
plurality of hoses each associated with a respective one of the
plurality of heat exchanger units, the plurality of input ports
receiving the fluid from each of the plurality of heat exchanger
units; and an output port configured to return the fluid received
from the plurality of heat exchanger units to the burner for
recirculation, the fluid returned to the burner via a return
line.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein positioning each of the
plurality of heat exchanger units within an associated region of an
affected area comprises positioning at least six heat exchanger
units within at least six associated regions, each associated
region comprising approximately 300 square feet within the affected
area.
12. The method of claim 7, wherein a ratio of the air movers to the
heat exchanger units is at least one to one.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of heat
exchanger units comprises a thermostat configured to cause an
associated heat exchanger unit to: circulate the heated air when
the temperature of the ambient air within the affected area is
equal to or below the target temperature; and cease circulation of
the heated air when the temperature of ambient air within the
affected area is above the target temperature.
14. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of air movers are
configured to circulate the heated air emitted by the plurality of
heat exchanger units toward the floor of the affected area.
15. The method of claim 7, further comprising coiling a portion of
at least one of the first plurality of hoses to form a pile of
coiled hose such that radiant heat from the portion of the at least
one of the first plurality of hoses may be transferred to a hard to
heat item within the affected area.
16. The method of claim 7, further comprising separating a
plurality of contaminated items within the affected area to
facilitate heating each contaminated item to the target
temperature.
17. The method of claim 7, further comprising individually handling
and exposing a contaminated item to the heated air within the
affected area to facilitate heating the contaminated item to the
target temperature.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/007,021, entitled "Hydronic Heating System
and Method for Pest Control," which was filed on Jan. 14, 2011,
which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to pest control
and more particularly to a hydronic heating system and method for
killing bed bugs in an affected area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is not uncommon for pests such as bed bugs and other
insects to infest structures and other enclosed spaces that are
also inhabited or otherwise used by humans. This is particularly
true in enclosed spaces that are located within certain climates
and/or enclosed spaces that are frequented by the public. The
insects, which generally hide during the day, emerge from cracks
and crevices at night to feast on human blood while the human
inhabitants are asleep. For example, hotels may become infested
with bed bugs or other pests when those insects are brought in by
overnight guests. The problem is not isolated to hotels that
service over night visitors, however. Other spaces that may become
infested include office and commercial buildings, private
dwellings, and vehicles. Accordingly, the need exists for effective
and efficient systems and methods for killing and removing bed bugs
and other pests within an enclosed area. Systems and methods for
the removal of bed bugs and other pests, however, have proven
inadequate in various respects.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to embodiments of the present disclosure,
disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems for
killing and/or removing pests such as bed bugs from an affected
area may be reduced or eliminated.
[0004] In certain embodiments, a system for removing pests from an
affected area includes a burner for heating a fluid. Heat exchanger
units are placed within associated regions of the affected area.
Each heat exchanger unit receives the fluid from the burner and
emits heated air by transferring heat from the fluid to ambient air
within the affected area. Air movers are positioned to circulate
the heated air emitted by the heat exchanger units and prevent
temperature stratification of the heated air. A temperature
difference between the fluid received by the heat exchanger units
and the ambient air within the affected area results the affected
area being raised to a target temperature greater than 122 degrees
Fahrenheit.
[0005] Particular embodiments of the present disclosure may provide
one or more technical advantages. For example, the temperature
within an affected area may be elevated to a temperature suitable
for killing bed bugs and other pests without causing damage to the
affected area or its contents. In particular, the temperature of an
affected area may be thoroughly and uniformly heated to a
temperature that is approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Such a
temperature has been shown to be effective in killing bed bugs and
other pests that have infested the area without causing damage to
the structure or its contents. An additional advantage may be that
treatment temperatures on the order of approximately 140 degrees
Fahrenheit may be tolerated by persons entering the affected area
during treatment. Accordingly, structures such as hotels, office
spaces, commercial buildings, private dwellings, and vehicles may
be rid of bed bug infestations.
[0006] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include
some, all, or none of the above advantages. One or more other
technical advantages may be readily apparent to those skilled in
the art from the figures, descriptions, and claims included
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] To provide a more complete understanding of the present
invention and the features and advantages thereof, reference is
made to the following description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates an example hydronic system for pest
control, according to certain embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an example mobile heating unit for use in
conjunction with the hydronic system depicted in FIG. 1, according
to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an example manifold for use in
conjunction with the hydronic system depicted in FIG. 1, according
to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example heat exchanger unit for use in
conjunction with the hydronic system depicted in FIG. 1, according
to certain embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example hydronic method for pest
control, according to certain embodiments of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an example hydronic system 100 for pest
control, according to certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. In general, system 100 includes equipment and
components for heating an affected area 102 and its contents to a
temperature sufficient to kill bed bugs and other insects that may
have infested affected area 102. The term "affected area" is
intended to include any enclosed space that may become infested
with bed bugs or other insects or pests. Though an affected area
102 may typically include a space within an interior of the
building or other structure, it is recognized that the affected
area 102 may include any enclosed space that is interior or
exterior to a structure. In certain embodiments, affected area 102
may include a building or structure or any portion thereof. For
example, affected area 102 may include a hotel, an office space, a
commercial building, or a private dwelling. However, affected area
102 may also include a personal vehicle or a vehicle used in mass
transportation such as a bus or airplane. Any of the described
structures or other enclosed spaces may require treatment when the
enclosed space becomes infested with bed bugs or other pests.
Affected area 102 may be considered an acute infestation site where
there has been visual confirmation of a nesting area of bedbugs or
other insects or where a trained scent detection dog has alerted to
the presence of bedbugs. Generally, a nesting area may include
several to dozens of bed bugs.
[0014] Affected area 102 may be divided into multiple smaller
regions 104a-f. In certain embodiments, treatment may be localized
and monitored for each region. This may be particularly appropriate
during the treatment of large spaces such as hotels, offices,
commercial buildings, and private dwellings. In certain other
embodiments, treatment may monitored for affected area 102 as a
whole. During treatment of affected area 102, the internal
temperature of affected area 102 and the contents contained therein
may be increased to an elevated temperature sufficient to result in
the killing of bed bugs and other insects or pests. Generally, a
mobile heating unit 106 may be located external to affected area
102 and may be used to heat a fluid that is then transported via
one or more tubes or hoses to one or more heat exchangers 108
within the regions 104a-f of affected area 102. In particular
embodiments, a heat exchanger unit 108 may be associated with each
region 104. As will be described in more detail below, mobile
heater unit 106, heat exchangers 108a-f, and the fluid received by
these components may cooperate to heat affected area 102 to a
target temperature that is sufficient to kill pests such as bed
bugs and other insects.
[0015] Mobile heating unit 106 operates to continually circulated a
fluid 110 through system 100. FIG. 2 illustrates an example mobile
heating unit 106 for use in conjunction with the hydronic system
100 depicted in FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the
present disclosure. As depicted, mobile heating unit 106 includes a
burner 112 that is powered by a fuel source 114. Fluid 110 may be
transported to, from, and/or through mobile heating unit 106 via
one or more hoses 116. Specifically, a pump 118 may receive fluid
110 via hoses 116 and operate to circulate fluid 110 to burner 112
and through system 100, generally.
[0016] In certain embodiments, fuel source 114 may include diesel.
However, it is generally recognized that propane, natural gas, or
any other material that can be used to produce energy for powering
burner 112 and heating fluid 110 may be used. Likewise, though
fluid 110 may include water, glycol, or a combination of water and
glycol, it is recognized that fluid 110 may include any fluid or
combination of fluid appropriate for convective heat transfer.
[0017] In operation, pump 118 receives fluid via a hose 116 and
pushes fluid 110 through burner 112, which is heated by fuel source
114. Burner 112 transfers heat derived from fuel source 114 to
fluid 110. In certain embodiments, burner 112 may include a
thermostat 111 or other controller that may be used to modulate or
selectively control the temperature of fluid 110 such that a target
temperature of fluid 110 is reached. Thermostat 111 may include
predefined settings that cause the temperature of the heat transfer
fluid 110 to be increased until an affected area 102 reaches a
desired temperature and then decrease when affected area 102
reaches the desired temperature. For example, burner 112 may
include a thermostat that is set to increase the temperature of the
heat transfer fluid 110 before the temperature of the ambient air
in affected area 102 reaches a temperature of 140 degrees
Fahrenheit and then decrease the temperature of the heat transfer
fluid 110 when the temperature of the ambient air in affected area
102 reaches the target temperature.
[0018] As another example, burner 112 may include an aquastat
thermometer that is set to shut burner 112 off when the temperature
of fluid 110 exceeds an upper limit and then cycle burner 112 back
on when the temperature of fluid 110 dips below a lower limit. In
certain embodiments, thermostat 111 may control the operation of
burner 112 such that fluid 110 is heated to a target temperature of
greater than 170 degrees Fahrenheit. In a particular embodiment,
for example, thermostat 111 may control the temperature of burner
112 such that fluid 110 is heated to a target temperature of
approximately 185 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0019] The temperature of fluid 110 may be selected based on the
temperature that is to be achieved within affected area 102 during
the treatment process. For example, an ambient air temperature of
approximately 122 degrees Fahrenheit may be sufficient in the
eradication of bed bugs and other insects. Because the heat is
derived from the heated fluid 110, the temperature of fluid 110 may
be selected to ensure that the target temperature within affected
area 102 is greater than 122 degrees Fahrenheit, in certain
embodiments. In a particular embodiment, a fluid temperature
greater than 170 degrees Fahrenheit may result in the temperature
within affected area 102 reaching the a temperature greater than
approximately 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0020] In certain embodiments, merely heating the air within
affected area 102 to a temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit may be
insufficient to ensure that all contents within affected area 102
are adequately and thoroughly heated throughout to the minimum
temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, in a particular
embodiment, a target temperature of approximately 135 to 145
degrees Fahrenheit may be desired within affected area 102. Such a
temperature may more readily ensure that all areas of affected area
102 and all contents within affected area 102 are thoroughly and
entirely heated above the minimum temperature required to kill the
bed bugs or other pests. Because the heat is derived from the
heated fluid 110, the temperature of fluid 110 may be selected to
ensure that the target temperature within affected area 102
approximates 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, in certain embodiments.
In a particular embodiment, a fluid temperature on the order of
approximately 180 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit may result in the
temperature within affected area 102 reaching the desired 135 to
145 degrees Fahrenheit. In certain embodiments, mobile heating unit
106 may be housed in a trailer or commercial truck such that the
components of mobile heating unit 106 (i.e., fuel source 204,
burner 202, and pump 208) may be easily moved to and from a job
site. In addition to housing mobile heating unit 106, the trailer
or commercial truck may include adequate storage space for storing
other components of system 100 during transport to and from the
jobsite. For example, storage space within the trailer may be used
to store heat exchangers 108, any required hoses such as hoses 116,
extension cords, fans, or other equipment while the items are being
transported to and from the job site and when they are not being to
treat an infested area. Where mobile heating unit 106 is contained
within a trailer or commercial vehicle, an ingress/egress may be
built into one or more sides or doors of the trailer or vehicle to
receive hoses 116.
[0021] Returning to FIG. 1, at least one of hoses 116 (shown as
supply hose 116a) is used to transport heated fluid 110 from mobile
heating unit 106 to affected area 102. Thus, supply hose 116a may
extend from mobile heating unit 106 to a component of system 100
located in or proximate to affected area 102. In certain
embodiments, supply hose 116a may extend from mobile heating unit
105 to a supply manifold 120. Supply hose 116a may transport fluid
to supply manifold 120. In the depicted example, supply manifold
120 is located within affected area 102. However, it may be
desirable in certain embodiments, to place supply manifold 120
outside affected area 102.
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an example supply manifold 120 for use in
conjunction with the hydronic system 100 depicted in FIG. 1,
according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.
Generally, supply manifold 120 operates as a junction for the
splitting a single stream of fluid 110 received from mobile heating
unit 106 into multiple streams of fluid 110 that may be transported
to heat exchangers 108a-f. Specifically, supply manifold 120
comprises a channel that is configured to split fluid 110 received
via supply hose 116a into multiple fluid streams that are
transported via supply lines 122a-f to heat exchangers 108a-f.
Thus, supply manifold 120 includes a single input port 124, an
interior channel 126, and multiple output ports 128.
[0023] In a particular embodiment where system 100 includes six
heat exchangers 108a-f, as depicted in FIG. 1, supply manifold 120
provides a junction for splitting fluid received via supply hose
116a into six fluid streams that are carried via six supply lines
122a-f to the six heat exchangers 108a-f. Thus, as depicted in FIG.
3, supply manifold 120 includes a single input port 124 that
couples to supply hose 116a. For splitting fluid 110 into the six
fluid streams for the six respective heat exchangers 108, supply
manifold 120 also includes six output ports 128a-f. In operation,
fluid 110 enters supply manifold 120 through input port 124. The
fluid 110 then travels through interior channel 126 where it is
split to six fluid streams. The six fluid streams exit supply
manifold 120 through the six output ports 128a-f. Each of the six
output ports 128a-f are coupled to a supply line 122a-f.
[0024] The diameters of supply hose 116a and supply lines 122a-f
may be selected to maintain a desired level of fluid flow within
the hoses. In a particular embodiment, supply hose 116a may have a
diameter of approximately 1 inch. Accordingly, input port 124 may
be of any appropriate size to receive and couple to the hose having
a diameter of approximately 1 inch. To maintain the adequate fluid
flow, each of supply lines 122a-f may have a diameter of
approximately 3/4 of an inch, in certain embodiments. Thus, each of
output ports 128a-f may be of the appropriate size and
configuration to receive and couple to a hose having a diameter of
approximately 3/4 of an inch. It is generally recognized, however,
that the dimensions described are mere examples, and supply hose
116a and supply lines 122a-f may be of any suitable diameter for
maintaining the desired fluid flow within system 100. Likewise,
input port 124 and output ports 128a-f may be any size and
configuration to facilitate the coupling of the hoses to supply
manifold 120.
[0025] Returning to FIG. 1, heat exchangers 108a-f receive fluid
110 heated by mobile heating unit 106 via supply lines 122a-f. To
ensure that the interior of affected area 102 is thoroughly and
uniformly heated to a temperature that is proximate the target
temperature, multiple heat exchangers 108a-f may be placed at
multiple locations within affected area 102.
[0026] Specifically, the interior of affected area 102 may be
divided into as many regions 104a-f as necessary based on the
square footage or volume of affected area 102 and the amount of
heat that each heat exchanger unit 108a-f is capable of providing.
In certain embodiments, each heat exchanger unit 108 may be capable
of heating an area of approximately 300 square feet to a target
temperature greater than 122 degrees. In a particular embodiment,
for example, each heat exchanger unit 108 may be capable of heating
an area to a target temperature of approximately 135 to 145 degrees
Fahrenheit. As described above, such temperatures have been shown
to be adequate for killing bed bugs and other pests. Additionally,
such a temperature may be sufficient in ensuring that the entirety
of affected area 102 reaches at least the minimum temperature
required. As a further advantage, a temperature of greater than 122
degrees Fahrenheit may be tolerated by persons and most contents.
Where each heat exchanger unit 108 is capable of servicing a region
104a-f of approximately 300 square feet during the treatment
process, an affected area 102 covering an area of approximately
1800 total square feet may be divided into six regions 104a-f of
approximately 300 square feet each. A heat exchanger unit 108a-f
may then be selectively positioned in the center of each region
104a-f for the effective treatment of bed bugs contained within the
regions 104a-f of affected area 102.
[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an example heat exchanger unit 108 for
use in conjunction with the hydronic system depicted in FIG. 1,
according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. As
depicted, heat exchanger unit 108 comprises a self-contained
hydronic heating coil and fan unit. Thus, heat exchanger unit 108
includes both a heat exchanger 126 and a power fan 128. Heat
exchanger 126 may include a fluid-to-air heat exchanger or radiator
that transfers thermal energy from fluid 110 to air that is blown
over radiator 126 by fan 128. In this manner, heat exchanger unit
108 may be used to heat the ambient air in the area surrounding
heat exchanger 126 to the desired temperature. Where heat exchanger
unit 108 includes both a heat exchanger and a fan 128, heat
exchanger unit 108 may be referred to as a "fan coil."
[0028] Specifically, heated fluid 110 is received by heat exchanger
unit 108 via supply line 122. The heated fluid 110 is received at a
first temperature. The heated fluid 110 is circulated through one
or more tubes or pipes 130 in radiator 126. While fluid 110 is
being circulated through radiator 126, a fan 128 is operated to
draw in ambient air 132 from the area surrounding heat exchanger
unit 108. The air 132 may be drawn in through an opening 134 and
may be received at a second temperature that is generally equal to
the temperature of the enclosed space. As the air 132 is blown
across radiator 126, the heat in fluid 110 conducts to the outer
surface of radiator 126 and transfers into the cooler ambient air
132. The difference in the temperature between the heated fluid 110
at the first temperature and the ambient air 132 at the second
temperature causes the temperature of ambient air 132 to increase
to a third temperature as it is blown over radiator 126 by fan 128.
The heated air 132 then exits heat exchanger unit 108 through an
exit opening 136 and is pushed by fan 128 into an associated region
104 of affected area 102.
[0029] In certain embodiments, heat exchanger unit 108 may include
a thermostat 138 for controlling heat output. Thermostat 138 may
operate to measure the temperature of ambient air 132 as it is
being received by heat exchanger unit 108.
[0030] In certain embodiments, thermostat 138 may be used to
selectively control fan 128 in response to the temperature of
ambient air 132. Specifically, in certain embodiments, thermostat
138 may be set to shut fan 128 off when the temperature of air 132
being received exceeds an upper limit. Thermostat 138 may also be
set to turn fan 128 on when the temperature of air 132 being
received dips below a lower limit. For example, where a target
temperature in the range of 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit is
desired for the eradication of bed bugs within affected area 102,
thermostat 138 may be set to shut fan 128 off when the temperature
of air 132 being received in opening 134 exceeds 145 degrees
Fahrenheit. Thermostat 138 may be then be set to turn fan 128 on
when the temperature of air 132 being received in opening 134 dips
below 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, where a target
temperature of approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit is desired,
thermostat 138 may be set to shut fan 128 off when the temperature
of the ambient air 132 being received by heat exchanger unit 108 is
equal to or below 140 degrees Fahrenheit and turn fan 128 on when
the temperature of ambient air 132 being received by heat exchanger
unit 108 is above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0031] In certain other embodiment, thermostat 138 may be used to
cause heated fluid 110 to bypass heat exchanger unit 108 in
response to the temperature of ambient air 132. Specifically, in
certain embodiments, thermostat 138 may be set to cause heated
fluid 110 to bypass heat exchanger unit 108 when the temperature of
air 132 being received exceeds an upper limit. Thermostat 138 may
also be set to cause heated fluid 110 to not bypass heat exchanger
unit 108 when the temperature of air 132 being received dips below
a lower limit. For example, where a target temperature in the range
of 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit is desired for the eradication of
bed bugs within affected area 102, thermostat 138 may be set to
cause heated fluid 110 to bypass heat exchanger unit 108 when the
temperature of air 132 being received in opening 134 exceeds 145
degrees Fahrenheit. Thermostat 138 may be then be set to cause
heated fluid 110 to not bypass heat exchanger unit 108 when the
temperature of air 132 being received in opening 134 dips below 135
degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, where a target temperature of
approximately 140 degrees Fahrenheit is desired, thermostat 138 may
be set to cause heated fluid 110 to bypass heat exchanger unit 108
when the temperature of the ambient air 132 being received by heat
exchanger unit 108 is above 140 degrees Fahrenheit and cause heated
fluid 110 not to bypass heat exchanger unit 108 when the
temperature of ambient air 132 being received by heat exchanger
unit 108 is equal to or below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. In certain
embodiments, an infrared and/or wireless thermometer may be used to
verify that the area within affected area 102 is thoroughly heated
to the desired temperature.
[0032] Returning to FIG. 1, each region 104 of affected area 102
may include at least one air mover 142 for further circulating the
heat emitted by heat exchanger unit 108. It is generally recognized
that heated air 132 rises toward the ceiling of affected area 102
upon exiting heat exchanger unit 108. To prevent the natural rise
of hot air, one or more air movers 142 may be positioned proximate
each heat exchanger unit 108. In certain embodiments, the air
movers 142 may include standard propeller type fans. However, it is
recognized that any suitable devices for producing a current of air
may be used to better circulate the air emitted by heat exchangers
108a-f.
[0033] Multiple air movers 142 may be positioned within a region
104a-f associated with a heat exchanger unit 108a-f. In certain
embodiments, the ratio of air movers 142 to heat exchanger units
108a-f may be at least two air movers for every heat exchanger unit
108a-f. While any appropriate number of air movers 142 may be used,
it may be appropriate in some regions 104a-f to use two or three
air movers 142 for each heat exchanger unit 108a-f. One or more
additional air movers 142 may also be selectively positioned
relative to heat exchanger 108 or another air mover 142 to promote
the circulation of air through the treatment area 104a-f in a
desired direction. For example, air movers 142 may be positioned
relative to heat exchanger units 108a-f such that a clock-wise or
counter-clockwise airflow pattern is achieved through treatment
area 104a-f. Additionally, one or more air movers 142 may be
positioned along walls and pointed in a direction to further
facilitate the desired circulation pattern.
[0034] Additionally or alternatively, one or more air movers 142
may be positioned to promote circulation through closets or other
hard-to-heat areas within regions 104a-f. For example, sliding
closet doors may be moved to a center position in the doorway. An
air mover 142 may then be positioned to blow heated air 132 into
the opening on one side of the door and allowed to exhaust out the
opening on the other side of the door.
[0035] To further aid in the circulation of heated air and prevent
the natural rising of heated air, the output side of air mover 142
may be configured to direct air output by air mover 142 toward the
floor of the affected area 102. For example, the configuration of
output side of air mover 142 may be such that the heated air is
directed towards the baseboards or floor of affected area 102. In
certain embodiments, the output side of air mover 142 may include a
modified circle that includes on elongated corner configured to
direct air in a generally downward direction. An example of such an
air mover may be that sold under the name Phoenix
[0036] Axial Air Mover with FOCUS.TM. Technology or Quest Air AMS
30 by Therma-Stor, L.L.C., which is described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,331,759 issued Marco A. Tejeda and assigned to Technologies
Holdings Corp. of Houston, Tex.
[0037] As described above, heated fluid 110 may be continuously
cycled through system 100. Thus, heated fluid 110 that is received
and used by heat exchanger units 108 to heat the ambient area in a
treatment area 104 may be returned to mobile heating unit 106. As
described above, heat exchanger units 108 may receive the fluid 110
at a temperature of approximately 185 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit, in
certain embodiments. However, as heat exchanger units 108 transfer
the thermal energy in heated fluid 110 to air 132 that is received
by heat exchanger units 108, the temperature of heated fluid 110
may decrease. For example, the temperature of heated fluid 110 may
decrease approximately 10 degrees as the fluid passes through heat
exchanger unit 108. Accordingly, where heated fluid 110 is received
by heat exchanger unit 108 at a temperature on the order of 185 to
195 degrees Fahrenheit, fluid 110 may exit heat exchanger unit 108
via an exit port 146 (depicted in FIG. 4) at a temperature on the
order of approximately 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower
temperature fluid 110 is then returned to mobile heating unit 106
for reheating and recirculation through system 100.
[0038] To return fluid 110 to mobile heating unit 106, each heat
exchanger unit 108 may be coupled to a return line 150a-f. Return
lines 150a-f transfer fluid 110 from areas 104a-f to a return
manifold 152 that may be located near an ingress of affected area
102, in certain embodiments. It is generally recognized that return
manifold may be configured substantially like supply manifold 120
described above with regard to FIG. 3. However, in contrast to
supply manifold 120, return manifold 152 may include multiple input
ports for receiving multiple fluid streams from return lines 150a-f
and a single output port for transporting a single fluid stream to
mobile heating unit 106. As such, multiple streams of fluid 110 may
be received at the input ports of return manifold 152. Return
manifold 152 may be configured to then merge the multiple input
streams of fluid 110 into a single return fluid stream that is
returned to mobile heating unit 106 via a return supply hose
116b.
[0039] Similar to supply hose 116a and supply lines 150a-f, the
diameters of return hose 116b and return lines 150a-f may be
selected to maintain a desired level of fluid flow within the
hoses. Accordingly, in a particular embodiment, each of return
lines 150a-f may have a diameter of approximately 3/4 of an inch.
Accordingly, each output port of return manifold 152 may be of any
appropriate size to receive and couple to the hose having a
diameter of approximately 3/4 of an inch. In contrast, return line
116b may have a diameter of approximately 1 inch, and a
corresponding output port may be of the appropriate size and
configuration to receive and couple to a hose having a diameter of
approximately 1 inch. Similar to supply hose 116a and supply lines
150a-f, however, it generally recognized that the described
dimensions are for example purposes only. Return hose 116b and
return lines 150a-f may be of any suitable diameter for maintaining
the desired fluid flow within system 100.
[0040] Some items or areas within affected area 102 may be
considered hard to heat areas. Such items or areas may include
items stored in closets and drawers. Large soft items such as couch
cushions and mattresses may also be considered hard-to-heat items.
Hard-to-heat items may not reach the temperature required to kill
the bed bugs or other pests during the treatment process unless
adequate steps are taken to ensure complete and thorough heating.
Accordingly, additional measures may be taken to ensure thorough
distribution of heat through an affected area 102 and its infested
contents in some instances.
[0041] As one example, the temperature radiated by the hoses
carrying fluid 110 may be thermally transferred to hard-to-heat
areas and items. Specifically, one or more of supply hose 116a,
return hose 116b, supply lines 122a-f, and/or return lines
150a-fmay be coiled in a region 104 of affected area 102. As
depicted in FIG. 1, for example, region 104d includes a pile 156 of
coiled return line 150d. Pile 156 of coiled return line 150d may be
placed in a hard-to-heat area such as a closet or a corner. Return
line 150d, which is used to transport fluid 110 at a temperature of
approximately 175 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit may naturally transfer
heat that may be used to elevate the temperature of a portion of
region 104 that might otherwise not reach the desired temperature.
Since supply hose 116a and supply lines 122a-f may transport fluid
at temperatures even higher than that transported by return lines
150a-f, supply hose 116a and supply lines 122a-f may be effective
in providing additional thermal energy to hard-to-heat areas than
return lines 150a-f.
[0042] It is also recognized that tightly packed contents within
affected area 102 may be resistant to being completely heated
throughout. This may be particularly true for the contents within
closets and drawers. For example, items hung on hangers that are
closely packed together may be heated to the desired temperature on
the some exposed surfaces but the centers of such items may not
reach temperatures required to kill any bugs or other pests located
on such items. To ensure thorough heating, the items within closets
or other tight spaces may be separated such that each item may be
sufficiently enveloped in the heat emitted from system 100.
Similarly, stacked articles such as clothing or towels may be
separated so that the items do not touch one another. As a result,
heat more readily circulates around and through the items.
[0043] As another example, furniture may be positioned at least six
to 12 inches away from walls to facilitate air flow into the
furniture and through the room. Additionally, the cushions from a
couch may be removed and separated. Mattresses and box springs may
be separated from one another and turned on their sides and propped
against each other to form an upside down "V". Positioning the
mattress and box springs in this manner facilitates air flow across
the surfaces having the most surface area.
[0044] In some instances, merely separating the items may not
ensure thorough and complete heating of the articles. A more
effective method for providing thorough and complete treatment of
the items may include placing the items directly on the hoses that
are used to transport fluid 110. Accordingly, items may be removed
from closets and drawers in some instances. Likewise, items that
are stacked or piled may be separated. The items from the closets,
drawers, and piles may then be placed on top of hose 116, supply
line 122a-f, return line 150a-f, or pile 156 of coiled hoses. As
just one example, the cushions from a couch or other piece of
furniture may be removed and placed on the hoses. Heat may then be
transferred directly from the hoses into the couch cushions or
other articles. Bed bugs or other pests that have infested the
couch cushions may be killed when the couch cushions absorb enough
heat from the hose to raise the internal temperature of the couch
cushion to a temperature on the order of approximately 135 to 145
degrees Fahrenheit but not less than 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0045] Additionally or alternatively, a person responsible for
performing the treatment of affected area 102 may enter the
affected area 102 and rearrange hard-to-treat items midway through
the treatment process. Stated differently, a person may enter the
affected area 102 and specifically expose its contents to the high
temperature ambient air in the affected area 102. For example,
midway through the treatment process, the person may individually
expose articles such as clothing, pillows, bedding, towels, and
other soft items to the high temperature ambient air. Where the
ambient air in affected area 102 has reached the required
temperature for killing the bed bugs or other pests, exposing the
items to the high temperature ambient air (e.g., by placing the
items in front of an air mover 142 or a heat exchanger 108) may
increase the internal temperature of the item to a level sufficient
to rid the item of live bed bugs or other insects. Similarly, items
may be rearranged midway through the treatment process. For
example, furniture may be rearranged such that a couch is stood up
on end to ensure that the underside of the cushions and the
underside of the couch are heated to the required temperature.
[0046] Various modifications may be made to system 100. For
example, though the target temperature of affected area 102 during
treatment may be approximately 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, the
provided temperature range is just one example of a suitable
temperature range that may be used to effectively rid a affected
area 102 of a bed bug or other insect infestation.
[0047] As another example, though it is described above that a heat
exchanger may be provided for every 300 square feet of area within
affected area 102, more or less heat exchanger units may be used
per square foot. In certain embodiments, the number of heat
exchanger units 108 used may depend additional factors. For
example, more heat exchanger units may be required for an area
below grade. Thus, while only one heat exchanger unit may be
required to sufficiently elevate the temperature of a 300 square
foot area on a level of a dwelling that is above grade, more heater
exchanger units 108 may be required to sufficiently elevate the
temperature of a 300 square foot area in a basement. In a
particular embodiment, two heat exchanger units may be required for
every 300 square feet in a basement or other below-grade area.
Likewise, more heat exchanger units may be required to thoroughly
and sufficiently elevate the contents of affected area 102 when
that area is cluttered with an excessive amount of contents. Thus,
in particular embodiments, two heat exchanger units 108 may be
required for every 300 square feet in an affected area having an
excessive amount of contents. Naturally, it also follows that more
than two heat exchanger units 108 may be required for every 300
square feet of area where that area is both below grade and
contains an excessive amount of contents.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates an example hydronic method for pest
control, according to certain embodiments of the present
disclosure. The method begins with the preparation of the affected
area 102 at step 200. Preparing affected area 102 may include
capping any sprinkler heads with insulating caps. Insulating caps
may include a hollow, modified-hemispherical shaped Styrofoam cover
that are attached to the sprinkler head. In certain embodiments,
dry-ice or frozen ice packs can be placed inside the insulating cap
to cool the sprinkler heads during the treatment process and
further ensure that the sprinkler heads will not trigger during the
treatment process. Additionally, preparing the affected area 102
may include removing heat sensitive contents from the infested
area. Heat sensitive contents may include any material, equipment,
or other contents that could be harmed by temperatures that reach
or exceed approximately 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Items that fall
within this category may be treated separately outside of the
affected area.
[0049] At step 202, the equipment used in the treatment process is
prepared. Preparation of the equipment may include positioning the
mobile heating unit 106 relative to the affected area 102. In a
particular embodiment, mobile heating unit 106 may be positioned
within 600 feet horizontally and 100 feet vertically from an
ingress point to affected area 102. Additionally, supply manifold
120 and return manifold 152 may be positioned within the affected
area 102 at a location that is preferably close to an ingress of
affected area 102. The hoses and lines of system 100 may then be
distributed. For example, each of main supply hose 116a and main
return hose 116b may be coupled to mobile heating unit 106 and the
appropriate ports of supply manifold 120 and return manifold 152,
respectively.
[0050] Further preparation of the equipment may include placing
heat exchanger units 108 and air movers 142 in the appropriate
locations within affected area 102. As described above, affected
area 102 may be divided into regions 104, and a heat exchanger unit
108 may be positioned within each 300 square foot region, in
certain embodiments. Air movers 142 may then be positioned
proximate heat exchanger units and in any configuration suitable
for facilitating a desired circulation pattern. Supply lines 122a-f
and return lines 150a-f may then be routed from the supply manifold
120 and return manifold 150, respectively, to each heat exchanging
unit 108. Heat exchanger units 108a-f may then be turned on.
[0051] Additional preparations may include the placement of one or
more infrared and/or wireless thermometers within affected area
102. For example, a thermometer may be placed within each region
104a-f. In certain embodiments, infrared or wireless thermometers
may be placed in the more insulated areas that are harder to
thoroughly heat. For example, infrared or wireless thermometers may
be placed in corners where poor air flow is anticipated. Wireless
thermometers may also be placed under furniture or under stacks of
clothing or other soft articles. In certain embodiments, the
thermometers may communicate wirelessly with one or more computers
or other control centers. Wireless data-logging software may be
used to record the internal temperature of affected area 102 both
prior to and during the treatment process.
[0052] At step 204, the equipment may be turned on. Specifically,
each of mobile heating unit 106 and heat exchangers 108a-f may be
turned on. In a particular embodiment, a thermostat within mobile
heating unit 106 may be set to a temperature on the order of
approximately 180 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Mobile heating unit
106 may then heat fluid 110 to a temperature within the desired
temperature range. For example, the burner may heat a glycol fluid
to a temperature on the order of approximately 180 to 195 degrees
Fahrenheit. In some instances, the temperature of fluid 110 may be
monitored during the warm-up phase. Within affected area 102, heat
exchanger units 108 are powered up. The thermostat on each heat
exchanger unit 108a-f may be set to a temperature on the order of
approximately 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, in certain
embodiments. In certain embodiments, heat exchanger units 108a-f
may not be powered up until the temperature of fluid 110 reaches a
temperature of at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0053] At step 206, the heated fluid 110 is then supplied to the
heat exchanger units 108. Specifically, and as described above, a
pump 118 associated with mobile heating unit 106 may be used to
push heated fluid 110 through a supply line 116a to transport fluid
110 from mobile heating unit 106 to a supply manifold 120. The
heated fluid 110 may then be separated into multiple fluid streams.
Each fluid stream is transported via supply line 122a-f to a heat
exchanger unit 108a-f.
[0054] At step 208, the ambient air within affected area 102 is
heated to a "warm up" target temperature (e.g., 122 degrees
Fahrenheit). Specifically, each heat exchanger unit 108a-f is used
to transfer heat from fluid 110 to ambient air 132 flowing through
each heat exchanger unit 108a-f. Heat exchanger unit 108a-f
receives fluid 110 at a first temperature that may be on the order
of approximately 180-195 degrees Fahrenheit, in certain
embodiments. In contrast, the ambient air 132 may be received by
each heat exchanger unit 108a-f at a second temperature. At the
beginning of the treatment process, the temperature of ambient air
132 that is received by each heat exchanger unit 108a-f may be
substantially equal to normal room temperature. The temperature
difference between fluid 110 at the first temperature and ambient
air 132 results in heat transfer from fluid 110 to ambient air 132
as it is blown through heat exchanger unit 108a-f. The heated air
is then emitted into affected area 102.
[0055] In certain embodiments, air movers 142 may be turned on once
the ambient air in the affected area 102 has remained at or above
the "warm up" target temperature (e.g., 122 degrees Fahrenheit) for
at least fifteen minutes. Air movers 142 operate to circulate the
heated air emitted by heat exchanger units 108a-f and prevent
stratification of the heated air. Additionally, air movers 142
promote circulation of the heated air 132 around the regions
104a-f. Heated air 132 cycles through the room and may be returned
to heat exchanger unit 108a-f where it is again pushed through heat
exchanger unit 108a-f until the temperature of ambient air 132
reaches the target temperature.
[0056] At step 210, the affected area 102 is monitored. Infrared or
wireless thermometers may be used to spot-check the surface
temperatures within regions 104a-f. In particular embodiments, a
target temperature on the order of 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit
may be desired. A minimum temperature of approximately 122 degrees
Fahrenheit may be desirable to result in the effective treatment of
a site infested with bed bugs or other pests. The equipment may be
adjusted at step 212 until the desired temperature is obtained. For
example, equipment may be repositioned as needed to equalize the
rate of heating across regions 104a-f. Additionally, the
temperature of fluid 110 may be optionally increased up to a
temperature on the order of approximately 195 degrees Fahrenheit if
more heat is desired within the affected area 102.
[0057] After the temperature of the ambient air in affected area
102 reaches the target temperature, persons involved in the
treatment process may enter affected area 102 to individually
handle and expose the contents to the high temperature ambient
air.
[0058] Handling the contents may include turning items within
affected area 102 to ensure that all surfaces of the contents are
exposed to the high temperature ambient air. For example, clothing,
furniture, mattresses, box springs, and other moveable contents may
be repositioned. Infrared and/or wireless thermometers may be used
to check surface temperatures of the contents that are not
adequately exposed to air flow.
[0059] Contents that do not have a temperature reading above the
minimum of 122 degrees Fahrenheit may be repositioned. Equipment
may be repositioned as well until measurements indicate that all
regions 104a-f and all contents within these regions 104a-f reach
the target temperature.
[0060] At step 214, shut down is initiated. Burner 112 of mobile
heating unit 106 may be turned off. Pump 118 within mobile heating
unit 106 may be shut off once the temperature of fluid 110
decreases to a temperature where the hoses can be handled
comfortably. In a particular embodiment, pump 118 may be shut off
when the temperature of fluid 110 falls below 122 degrees
Fahrenheit. Heat exchanger units 108a-f may also be turned off To
initiate the cooling of affected area 102 and its contents, air
movers 142 may be repositioned. A portion of air movers 142 may be
used to blow the heated air out of the affected area 102. Other air
movers 142 may be positioned to blow air outside into the affected
area 102. Hoses 116 and supply lines 122 and 150 may be removed
from affected area 102 when they have cooled enough to be
comfortably handled. The contents of affected area 102 may then be
returned to their original places within affected area 102.
[0061] Although the present invention has been described with
several embodiments, diverse changes, substitutions, variations,
alterations, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in
the art, and it is intended that the invention encompass all such
changes, substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications
as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *