U.S. patent number RE40,884 [Application Number 10/826,905] was granted by the patent office on 2009-09-01 for apparatus and method for monitoring termite activity.
Invention is credited to Michael J. Masterson.
United States Patent |
RE40,884 |
Masterson |
September 1, 2009 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring termite activity
Abstract
Apparatus, for detecting the presence and eating activity of
organisms such as termites that damage structures, includes a body;
a wooden bait element controllably exposed to the organisms within
a cavity of the body, and having an applied bait substance; a side
wall of the body having a vertically spaced plurality of smoothly
converging entrance passages for admitting the organisms, a
consumable porous barrier covering each of the entrance passages.
Spring tension is applied to an upper end of the bait element, an
opposite end being anchored to the body. A flag member that is
connected to the upper end of the bait element projects from the
body when the bait element is weakened to the predetermined amount
by the organisms.
Inventors: |
Masterson; Michael J. (Covina,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
24518983 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/826,905 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09628463 |
Jul 31, 2000 |
06370811 |
Apr 16, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
43/121; 116/208;
116/283; 340/573.1; 43/124; 43/131; 43/132.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M
1/026 (20130101); A01M 1/2011 (20130101); A01M
2200/011 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A01M
1/10 (20060101); A01M 1/02 (20060101); A01M
17/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;43/132.1,107,131,124,121 ;116/208,212,280,281,283,200,201
;340/573.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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Other References
Su et al., A System for Eliminating of Subterranean Termite
Colonies,
http://flrec.ifas.ifl.edu/entomo/Structural_Entomology/Termite97/Termite9-
7.htm, visited Feb. 23, 2005. cited by other .
"Systematic Termite Control.TM." brochure; FMC Corporation; Jul.
1999; 2 pp. cited by other .
"Termatrol Pro" brochure; Sector Diagnostics, LLC; no date; 2 pp.
cited by other .
"Quarterra Extended Inspection Interval Station" brochure;
Ensystex; no date; 2 pp. cited by other .
U.S. Appl. Ser. No. 10/407,253 which is a reissue application of
Pat. No. 6,2166,918. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Ark; Darren W
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stoel Rives LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for signaling a cumulative amount of weakening of a
test material resulting from exposure to a hazardous environment
.Iadd.in the ground containing material-consuming
organisms.Iaddend., comprising: (a) .[.a.]. .Iadd.an elongated
.Iaddend.body; (b) a test element supported relative to the body
and comprising the test material; (c) .[.means.]. .Iadd.openings
extending through the body, the openings being transverse to a
longitudinal axis of the body, the openings being operative
.Iaddend.for controllably exposing the test element to the
hazardous environment .Iadd.containing the material-consuming
organisms and for providing passage for the organisms through the
body to the test material.Iaddend.; (d) means for applying a load
force to the test element, the load force being effective for
displacing a portion of the test element when there is a
predetermined amount of weakening of the test element .Iadd.caused
by consumption thereof by the organisms.Iaddend.; (e) a flag member
movably supported relative to the body and coupled to the test
element for movement in projecting relation to the body when the
test element is weakened to the predetermined amount.Iadd., with at
least a portion of the flag member being movable from a first
position enclosed within the body to a second position upward and
out of the body beyond the hazardous environment.Iaddend..
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein .[.the means for controllably
exposing comprises.]. the body having a cavity for enclosing the
test element.[., a side wall of the body having an opening therein
for communicating with the hazardous environment.]. .
3. Apparatus for detecting the presence and eating activity or
organisms that damage structures by consuming portions thereof, the
apparatus comprising: (a) .[.a.]. .Iadd.an elongated .Iaddend.body;
(b) a bait element supported relative to the body and comprising a
consumable structural material; (c) .[.means.]. .Iadd.openings
extending through the body, the openings being transverse to a
longitudinal axis of the body, the openings being operative
.Iaddend.for controllably exposing the bait element to the
organisms .Iadd.and for providing entrance passages for the
organisms through the body to the bait element.Iaddend.; (d) means
for applying a load force to the bait element, the load force being
effective for displacing a portion of the bait element when there
is a predetermined amount of weakening of the bait element
.Iadd.caused by consumption thereof by the organisms.Iaddend.; (e)
a flag member movably supported relative to the body and coupled to
the bait element for movement in projecting relation to the body
when the bait element is weakened to the predetermined amount by
the organisms.Iadd., with at least a portion of the flag member
being movable from a first position enclosed within the body to a
second position upward and out of the body beyond the hazardous
environment.Iaddend..
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein .[.the exposing means
comprises.]. the body .[.having.]. .Iadd.has .Iaddend.a cavity for
enclosing the bait element, .Iadd.wherein the openings are in
.Iaddend.a side wall of the body .[.having an entrance passage
formed therein for admitting the organisms.]. .
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the exposing means further
comprises a barrier member covering the entrance .[.passage.].
.Iadd.passages.Iaddend., the barrier member being formed of a sheet
of consumable porous material.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the sheet of consumable porous
material is perforated for enhancing communication with the
entrance .[.passage.]. .Iadd.passages.Iaddend..
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the consumable material of the
barrier member is selected from the group consisting of balsa wood,
pine, and cardboard.
8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the body comprises an outer
portion and a telescopically separable core portion, the bait
element and the flag member being supported within the core
portion, the sheet of consumable porous material being connected to
the outer portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the entrance .[.passage.].
.Iadd.passages .Iaddend..[.extends between a first opening in an
outwardly facing surface of.]. .Iadd.extend through .Iaddend.the
side wall .[.and a second opening in an inwardly facing surface of
the side wall, the first opening having a first area, the second
opening having a second area being less than the first area.]. ,
the .Iadd.entrance .Iaddend..[.passage.]. .Iadd.passages
.Iaddend.smoothly tapering .[.between the first area and the second
area.]. .Iadd.from a first larger diameter distal to the bait
element to a smaller diameter proximate the bait
element.Iaddend..
10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the body forms an elongate
housing having respective bottom and top extremities, the entrance
.[.passage.]. .Iadd.passages .Iaddend.being .[.one of a.].
vertically spaced .[.plurality of entrance passages.]. , and a
consumable porous barrier member covering each of the entrance
passages.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the entrance passages and
the barrier member are on a first face of the body, the body also
including a second face having counterparts of the entrance
passages and the barrier member.
12. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the means for applying a load
force comprises.Iadd.: a spring, .Iaddend.a first coupling for
anchoring one end .[.to.]. .Iadd.of .Iaddend.the bait element to
the body, a second coupling for connecting an opposite end of the
bait element .Iadd.to the spring.Iaddend., .[.and a.]. .Iadd.the
.Iaddend.spring .[.for.]. applying tensile load to the bait element
through the second coupling.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the flag member is connected
to the second coupling.
14. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the bait element has a bait
substance applied thereto.
15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the bait element is a wood
member.
16. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the bait element is a
cardboard member.
17. A method for monitoring a predetermined cumulative eating
activity of organisms on a bait member, comprising: (a) providing a
housing body having an elongate cavity and a side wall passage
.Iadd.that extends through the housing body in a direction that is
transverse to a longitudinal axis of the housing body.Iaddend.; (b)
anchoring one end of the bait member to the body with the bait
member extending within the cavity; (c) connecting a flag member to
an opposite end of the bait member with the flag member extending
to .Iadd.a position .Iaddend.proximate a flag opening of the body;
(d) connecting a spring member between the flag member and the
housing body for tensioning the bait member.Iadd., wherein upon
consumption by eating activity of the organisms, the bait member is
sufficiently weakened and fractures whereupon the flag member is
moved via action of the spring member from a first position
enclosed within the housing body to a second position upward and
out of the housing body.Iaddend.; (e) placing the housing body in a
medium subject to infestation by the organisms with the side wall
passage being accessible by the organisms and the flag opening
being located outside the medium; and (f) periodically observing
the housing body for display .[.to.]. .Iadd.of .Iaddend.the flag
member in .[.an extended.]. .Iadd.the second .Iaddend.position
thereof.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising interposing a
consumable porous barrier between the medium and the side wall
passage for preventing the medium from contacting the bait
member.
19. Apparatus for detecting the presence and eating activity of
organisms that damage structures by consuming portions thereof, the
apparatus comprising: (a) a body forming an elongate housing having
respective bottom and top extremities; (b) a bait element supported
relative to the body and comprising a wood member having a bait
substance applied thereto; (c) means for controllably exposing the
bait element to the organisms, comprising the body having a cavity
for enclosing the bait element, a side wall of the body having a
vertically spaced plurality of entrance passages formed therein for
admitting the organisms, .Iadd.each of .Iaddend.the entrance
passages extending between a first opening in an outside surface of
the side wall and a second opening in an inside surface of the side
wall, the first opening having a first area, the second opening
having a second area being less than the first area, the passages
smoothly tapering between the first area and the second area, a
consumable porous barrier member covering each of the entrance
passages, the entrance passages and the barrier member being on a
first face of the body, the body also including a second face
having counterparts of the entrance passages and the barrier
member; (d) means for applying a load force to the bait element,
comprising a first coupling for anchoring one end .[.to.]. .Iadd.of
.Iaddend.the bait element to the body, a second coupling for
connecting an opposite end of the bait element, and a spring for
applying tensile load to the bait element through the second
coupling, the load force being effective for displacing a portion
of the bait element when there is a predetermined amount of
weakening of the bait element; (e) a flag member movably supported
relative to the body and connected to the second coupling for
movement in projecting relation to the body when the bait element
is weakened to the predetermined amount by the organisms.Iadd.,
with at least a portion of the flag member being movable from a
first position enclosed within the body to a second position upward
and out of the body.Iaddend..
.[.20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the bait element has a
bait substance applied thereto..].
.[.21. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the bait element is a
wood member..].
22. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the .[.bait element is a
cardboard.]. .Iadd.wood .Iaddend.member .Iadd.is selected from the
group consisting of balsa wood or pine.Iaddend..
.Iadd.23. A method for monitoring structural weakening of a
material, the weakening resulting from exposure to subterranean
organisms, the method comprising: placing a tubular-shaped body,
with a longitudinal axis in a vertical orientation, at least
partially in soil, the material being entirely disposed within the
body; applying a force to the material, the force being effective
to cause a displacement of at least a portion of the material when
there is a weakening of the material; providing a passageway
through at least a portion of the body from the soil toward the
material, the passageway being transverse to the longitudinal axis
of the body, wherein the passageway is enclosed by one or more
sidewalls, the passageway having a diameter being dimensioned to
permit travel of the subterranean organisms from the soil toward
the material and being tapered from a wide diameter end proximate
to the soil to a narrow diameter end proximate to the material,
whereby the passageway directs the subterranean organisms toward a
specific portion of the material where the subterranean organisms
can cause a weakening of the material; and in response to the
displacement, signaling the weakening of the material resulting
from its exposure to the subterranean organisms, the signal
comprising an exterior projection of a signaling member from the
body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: limiting
exposure of the material to the soil while permitting exposure of
the material to the subterranean organisms..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The method of claim 23, wherein the passageway is tapered
substantially linearly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The method of claim 23, wherein the signaling member
comprises a flag and the signaling step comprises: ejecting at
least a portion of the flag from the body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The method of claim 23, further comprising: providing an
annular-shaped skirt around the body near an end of the body distal
from the soil, the skirt covering the ground in an area around the
body, whereby the skirt provides a moisture barrier around the body
and thereby enhances the attractiveness of the material to the
subterranean organisms..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The method of claim 23, further comprising: providing an
outer housing around the body, the outer housing having an opening
for permitting access of the subterranean organisms to the
passageway..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The method of claim 23, wherein the body has an elongate
shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. A device for signaling the presence of a
material-consuming organism, the device comprising: a body having
an outer wall; a material consumable by the organism, the material
being entirely disposed within the body; an opening through the
wall, the opening being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the
body, the opening having a diameter dimensioned to permit the
organism to fit through the opening; a passage in the body
extending at least partially between the opening and the material,
the passage having a sidewall enclosing the passage, the passage
dimensioned to permit the organism to travel through the passage to
reach the material, wherein the sidewall of the passage is tapered
from a wide diameter end distal to the material to a narrow
diameter end proximate to the material, whereby the tapered
sidewall of the passage directs the organism to a specific portion
of the material where the organism can consume the material and
thereby cause a structural weakening of the material; and a spring
in tension with the material so as to apply a force to the
material, the force being sufficient to cause a displacement of at
least a portion of the material when there is a structural
weakening of the material, the displacement effectuating an
exterior projection of a signaling member from the body indicating
the presence of the organism in the device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The device of claim 30, wherein the sidewall is tapered
substantially linearly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. The device of claim 30, further comprising: a barrier
disposed between the outer wall and the material, the barrier being
at least partly effective in excluding soil particles from entering
the passage but not excluding the organism from entering the
passage..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The device of claim 32, wherein the barrier comprises
perforations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The device of claim 33, wherein the material consumable
by the organism emits an odor attractive to the organism, the
perforations enhancing communication of the odor out of the
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The device of claim 32, wherein the barrier is
porous..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The device of claim 30, wherein the device is
positionable in soil where the material-consuming organism may be
present and the signaling member comprises a flag, wherein the flag
is coupled to the material for movement in projecting relation to
the body in a direction away from the soil in response to the
displacement..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The device of 30, further comprising: an annulus-shaped
skirt disposed around the body near a top of the body for placement
above ground..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. A device for signaling the presence of a
material-consuming organism, the device comprising: a body housing
having an outer wall defining an inner cavity; a body core,
separable from the body housing, disposed within the inner cavity
in a removably telescopic orientation; a material consumable by the
organism, the material being disposed within the body core; an
opening through the outer wall of the body housing, the opening
dimensioned so that the organism can fit through the opening and
reach the material, whereby the organism can consume the material
and thereby cause a structural weakening of the material; and a
spring in tension with the material so as to apply a force to the
material, the force being sufficient to cause a displacement of at
least a portion of the material upon structural weakening of the
material, the displacement effectuating a signaling member moving
from a first position enclosed within the body to a second position
upward and out of the body for indicating the presence of the
organism in the device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The device of claim 38, further comprising: a barrier
disposed outside the body core, the barrier being substantially
impervious to soil but not impervious to the organism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The device of claim 39, wherein the barrier comprises
perforations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The device of claim 40 wherein the material consumable by
the organism emits an odor attractive to the organism, the
perforations enhancing communication of the odor out of the
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The device of claim 39, wherein the barrier is
porous..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. The device of claim 39, wherein the barrier is separable
from the body housing and the body core and is removably insertable
therebetween..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. The device of claim 39, wherein the barrier is consumable
by the organism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.45. The device of claim 38, further comprising: a passage
formed on the body core and extending at least partially between
the opening and the material consumable by the organism when the
body core is engaged within the body housing, the passage having a
sidewall, the passage dimensioned to permit the organism to travel
through the passage toward the material..Iaddend.
.Iadd.46. The device of claim 45, wherein the sidewall of the
passage is tapered from a wide end distal to the material
consumable by the organism to a narrow end proximate to the
material consumable by the organism, whereby the tapered sidewall
of the passage directs the organism to a specific location on the
material for consumption..Iaddend.
.Iadd.47. The device of claim 46, wherein the sidewall is tapered
substantially linearly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.48. The device of claim 38, wherein the signaling member
comprises a flag coupled to the material for movement in projecting
relation to the body core in response to the
displacement..Iaddend.
.Iadd.49. The device of claim 38, further comprising: an
annulus-shaped skirt disposed around the body housing near a top
end of the body housing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.50. A device for signaling the presence of a
material-consuming organism, the device comprising: a body housing
having an outer wall defining an inner cavity, the outer wall
comprising an opening dimensioned so that the organism can fit
through the opening; a body core within the body housing, the body
core substantially filling the cavity, the body core comprising a
radial passage, a front face of the radial passage overlapping the
opening, the passage dimensioned so that the organism can fit
through the passage; a material consumable by the organism within
the body core, the material extending most of a length of the body
housing, whereby the organism can reach the material by traveling
through the opening and the passage, and whereby the organism can
consume the material and thereby cause a structural weakening of
the material; and a spring in tension with the material so as to
apply a force to the material, the force being sufficient to cause
a displacement of at least a portion of the material when there is
a structural weakening of the material, the displacement
effectuating an indication of the presence of the organism in the
device comprised of a flag member moving from a first position
enclosed within the body housing to a second position upward and
out of the body housing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.51. The device of claim 50, wherein the outer wall is
approximately cylindrical in shape..Iaddend.
.Iadd.52. The device of claim 50, wherein the material and the
spring are approximately centered about a central vertical axis of
the device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.53. The device of claim 50, further comprising: a barrier
disposed outside the body core, the barrier being substantially
impervious to soil but not impervious to the organism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.54. The device of claim 53, wherein the barrier comprises
perforations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.55. The device of claim 54 wherein the material consumable by
the organism emits an odor attractive to the organism, the
perforations enhancing communication of the odor out of the
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.56. The device of claim 53, wherein the barrier is
porous..Iaddend.
.Iadd.57. The device of claim 53, wherein the barrier is consumable
by the organism..Iaddend.
.Iadd.58. The device of claim 50, wherein the passage has a
sidewall that is tapered from a wide diameter end distal to the
material consumable by the organism to a narrow diameter end
proximate to the material consumable by the organism, for directing
the organism to a specific location on the material for
consumption..Iaddend.
.Iadd.59. The device of claim 58, wherein the sidewall is tapered
substantially linearly..Iaddend.
.Iadd.60. The device of claim 50, wherein the flag member is
coupled to the material for movement in projecting relation to the
body core in response to the displacement with at least a portion
of the flag member extending externally from the body housing and
being viewable from a distance indicating presence of
material-consuming organisms in the device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.61. The device of claim 60, further comprising: an
annulus-shaped skirt disposed around the body housing near a top
end of the body housing..Iaddend.
.Iadd.62. A device for signaling the presence of material-weakening
organisms, the device comprising: a body having an exterior wall; a
plurality of transverse outer openings in the exterior wall of the
body, dimensioned to permit the organisms to fit through; a cavity
within the body, the cavity having an interior wall, the cavity
being substantially smaller than the body; a plurality of
transverse inner openings in the interior wall of the cavity,
dimensioned to permit the organisms to fit through; a material
disposed within the cavity; wherein the organisms, when in contact
with the material, cause a structural weakening of the material; a
spring in tension with the material so as to apply a force to the
material, the force being sufficient to cause a displacement of at
least a portion of the material when there is a structural
weakening of the material, the displacement effectuating an
exterior projection of a signaling member moving from a first
position enclosed within the body to a second position upward and
out of the body for indicating the presence of the organisms in the
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.63. The device of claim 62, wherein the inner openings in the
interior wall of the cavity are smaller than the outer openings in
the exterior wall of the body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.64. The device of claim 62, further comprising: a barrier
disposed outside of the openings in the interior wall of the
cavity..Iaddend.
.Iadd.65. The device of claim 64, wherein the barrier comprises
perforations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.66. The device of claim 65, wherein the material disposed
within the cavity emits an odor attractive to the organisms, and
the perforations enhance communication of the odor out of the
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.67. The device of claim 62, wherein the signaling member
comprises a flag coupled to the spring, the flag moving in
projecting relation to the body in response to the
displacement..Iaddend.
.Iadd.68. The device of claim 62, further comprising: an
annulus-shaped skirt disposed around the body near an end of the
body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.69. A device for signaling the presence of subterranean
material-weakening organisms in soil, the device comprising: a
body, having an exterior wall, for at least partial submersion in
soil leading with a bottom end of the body, the body having a top
end opposite from the bottom end; a plurality of transverse
openings in the exterior wall of the body, dimensioned to permit
the organisms to fit through; a material disposed within the body,
wherein the organisms, when in contact with the material, cause a
structural weakening of the material; a cavity within the body, the
cavity being substantially smaller than the body, the cavity being
near the top end of the body; a spring disposed within the cavity,
the spring being held in tension by the material such that a
structural weakening of the material causes an end of the spring to
undergo a displacement, the displacement effectuating an exterior
projection of a signaling member moving from a first position
enclosed within the body to a second position upward and out of the
body for indicating the presence of the organisms in the
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.70. The device of claim 69, wherein the body is generally
elongate in shape from the top end to the bottom end..Iaddend.
.Iadd.71. The device of claim 69, further comprising: a second
cavity within the body, the second cavity being substantially
smaller than the body, the second cavity containing the material,
the second cavity having an interior wall, the interior wall having
an opening dimensioned to permit the organisms to fit
through..Iaddend.
.Iadd.72. The device of claim 69, further comprising: a barrier
disposed outside of the material..Iaddend.
.Iadd.73. The device of claim 72, wherein the barrier comprises
perforations..Iaddend.
.Iadd.74. The device of claim 73, wherein the material disposed
within the cavity emits an odor attractive to the organisms, and
the perforations enhance communication of the odor out of the
device..Iaddend.
.Iadd.75. The device of claim 69, wherein the signaling member
comprises a flag coupled to the spring, the flag moving in
projecting relation to the body in response to the
displacement..Iaddend.
.Iadd.76. The device of claim 69, further comprising: an
annulus-shaped skirt disposed around the body near the top end of
the body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.77. A device for monitoring structural weakening of a
material disposed within a body to be placed at least partially in
soil, the weakening resulting from exposure to subterranean
organisms, the device comprising: means for applying a force to the
material, the force being effective to cause a displacement of at
least a portion of the material when there is a weakening of the
material; a tubular-shaped body housing the material, the material
being entirely disposed within the body, the body being placed in
the soil and having a passageway disposed through at least a
portion of the body from the soil toward the material, the
passageway being transverse to a longitudinal axis of the body,
wherein the passageway is enclosed by one or more sidewalls, the
passageway being dimensioned to permit travel of the subterranean
organisms from the soil toward the material and being tapered from
a wide diameter end proximate to the soil to a narrow diameter end
proximate to the material, whereby the passageway directs the
subterranean organisms toward a specific portion of the material
where the subterranean organisms can cause a weakening of the
material; and means for signaling the weakening of the material, in
response to the displacement, resulting from the material's
exposure to the subterranean organisms, the means for signaling
comprising a signaling member, with at least a portion of the
signaling member being movable from a first position enclosed
within the body to a second position out of the body..Iaddend.
.Iadd.78. A device for monitoring structural weakening of a
material disposed within a body to be placed at least partially in
soil, the weakening resulting from exposure to subterranean
organisms, the device comprising: a spring mechanism that applies a
force to the material, the force being effective to cause a
displacement of at least a portion of the material when there is a
weakening of the material; a tubular-shaped body housing the
material, the material being entirely disposed within the body, the
body being placed in the soil and having a passageway disposed
through at least a portion of the body from the soil toward the
material, the passageway being transverse to a longitudinal axis of
the body, wherein the passageway being dimensioned to permit travel
of the subterranean organisms from the soil toward the material,
the passageway having a larger diameter opening proximate to the
soil relative to a narrower diameter opening proximate to the
material, whereby the passageway directs the subterranean organisms
toward a specific portion of the material where the subterranean
organisms can cause a concentrated weakening of the material; and
means for signaling the weakening of the material, in response to
the displacement, as a result of the material's exposure to the
subterranean organisms..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to pest control, and more
particularly to monitoring termite activity proximate and
especially under building structures.
Termite infestation and damage is a continuing problem in buildings
having wood structure. Traditionally, the structures are inspected
only infrequently, such as in connection with a sale, at which time
considerable damage may have been done, with expensive repairs
being required. Termite infestation and damage is generally not
readily apparent, and partial dismantling of building structures in
order to locate possible infestation has to be weighed against the
damage done by such dismantling and the cost of restoration. Even
professional inspections are not always effective with respect to
inaccessible structure.
Accordingly, various non-invasive devices have been developed for
detecting termite activity, such devices being implanted in the
ground around and/or under homes or other building structures. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,726 to Thorne et al. and U.S. Pat. No.
5,901,496 to Woodruff disclose ground-implantable devices for
detecting termite activity, the devices having a perforate outer
housing for permanent ground implantation, and a removable
perforate cartridge having bait therein. The cartridge is removed
and visually inspected for detection of termite activity. These
devices of the prior art exhibit a number of disadvantages; for
example: 1. They are ineffective in that active termite
infestations may be ignored because: a. the unit does not get
proper inspections; b. the original placement of the unit is
difficult to determine; c. an aggressive termite colony was not
identified early; and 2. They are difficult to install and monitor,
especially when implanted in crawl space under structures.
Thus there is a need for a device that facilitates detection and
monitoring of infestation of soil environments of building
structures by destructive organisms, that is both effective and
easy to use, and that is inexpensive to provide.
SUMMARY
The present invention meets this need by providing a monitoring
device having a direct indication of a predetermined amount of
cumulative destructive activity of invasive organisms such as
termites. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
signaling a cumulative amount of weakening of a test material
resulting from exposure to a hazardous environment includes a body;
a test element supported relative to the body and comprising the
test material; means for controllably exposing the test element to
the hazardous environment; means for applying a load force to the
test element, the load force being effective for displacing a
portion of the test element when there is a predetermined amount of
weakening of the test element; a flag member movably supported
relative to the body and coupled to the test element for movement
in projecting relation to the body when the test element is
weakened to the predetermined amount. The means for controllably
exposing can include the body having a cavity for enclosing the
test element, a side wall of the body having an opening therein for
communicating with the hazardous environment. As used herein
"hazardous environment" means an environment that may be
deleterious to the strength of a structural material.
In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for detecting the
presence and eating activity of organisms that damage structures by
consuming portions thereof includes the body; a bait element
supported relative to the body and comprising a consumable
structural material; means for controllably exposing the bait
element to the organisms; means for applying a load force to the
bait element, the load force being effective for displacing a
portion of the bait element when there is a predetermined amount of
weakening of the bait element; a flag member movably supported
relative to the body and coupled to the bait element for movement
in projecting relation to the body when the bait element is
weakened to the predetermined amount by the organisms.
The exposing means can include the body having a cavity for
enclosing the bait element, a side wall of the body having an
entrance passage formed therein for admitting the organisms.
Preferably the exposing means further includes a barrier member
covering the entrance passage and being formed of a sheet of
consumable porous material for excluding foreign material from the
entrance passage. The consumable material of the barrier member is
preferably perforated for enhanced communication of bait odor out
of and of the organisms into the entrance passage. The barrier
member can also act as an attractant, being selected, for example,
from the group consisting of balsa wood, pine, and cardboard.
Preferably the body has an outer portion to which the sheet of
consumable porous material is connected and a telescopically
separable core portion that supports the bait element and the flag
member for facilitating removal and inspection of the bait element
without disturbing the outer body and the sheet of porous
material.
The entrance passage can extend between a first opening in an
outside surface of the side wall and a second opening in an inside
surface of the side wall, the first opening having a first area,
the second opening having a second area being preferably less than
the first area, the passage smoothly tapering between the first
area and the second area for concentrating eating activity at a
specific location along the bait element. The body can form an
elongate housing having respective bottom and top extremities, the
entrance passage being preferably one of a vertically spaced
plurality of entrance passages for exposure to organisms at plural
depths within the hazardous environment, a consumable porous
barrier member covering each of the entrance passages. The entrance
passages and the barrier member can be on a first fade of the body,
the body preferably including a second face having counterparts of
the entrance passages and the barrier member for exposing the bait
element to organisms approaching from different directions.
The means for applying a load force can include a first coupling
for anchoring one end to the bait element to the body, a second
coupling for connecting an opposite end of the bait element, and a
spring for applying tensile load to the bait element through the
second coupling. The flag member can be connected to the second
coupling. The bait element can be a word member having a bait
substance applied thereto.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for monitoring a
predetermined cumulative eating activity of organisms on a bait
member includes: (a) providing a housing body having an elongate
cavity and a side wall passage; (b) anchoring one end of the bait
member to the body with the bait member extending within the
cavity; (c) connecting a flag member to an opposite end of the bait
member with the flag member extending to proximate a flag opening
of the body; (d) connecting a spring member between the flag member
and the housing body for tensioning the bait member; (e) placing
the housing body in a medium subject to infestation by the
organisms with the side wall passage being accessible by the
organisms and the flag opening being located outside the medium;
and (f) periodically observing the housing body for display to the
flag member in an extended position thereof.
The method can further include interposing a consumable porous
barrier between the medium and the side wall passage for preventing
the medium from contacting the bait member.
DRAWING
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
invention will become better understood with reference to the
following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings,
where:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a termite monitoring apparatus according
to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a lateral sectional view on line 3--3 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view on line 4--4 of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION
The present invention is directed to a device and method for
detecting and monitoring the activity of invasive destructive
organisms such as termites. With reference to FIGS. 1-4 of the
drawings, a monitoring apparatus 10 includes a generally
cylindrical housing body 12 having an elongate main cavity 14 for
receiving a test element 16, a plurality of entrance passages 18
being formed in one or more side walls 20 of the body 12 for
admitting the organisms (not shown). The test element 16 is
typically in the form of a cardboard strip or rod, wooden rod or
dowel, which can be impregnated or coated with a suitable
attractant such as phermone, the element 16 thus also being
sometimes referred to herein as a bait element. A stop member 22 is
attached at a bottom extremity of the bait element 16 for anchoring
engagement proximate a lower extremity of the main cavity 14. Also,
a flag member 24 is connected to a top extremity of the bait
element 16 by a flag fitting 26, the flag member 24 being axially
movable from a first position as shown by solid lines to a second
position as shown by broken lines in FIG. 3. The flag member 24
extends within a flag cavity 28 that forms an enlargement of the
main cavity 14, the cavity 28 extending to the top of the housing
body 12. An upper portion of the flag cavity 28 is enlarged,
forming a spring cavity 30 for accommodating a stop ring 32 that
projects laterally from the flag member, and a compression spring
34 that is interposed between the stop ring and a bottom extremity
of the spring cavity 30 for biasing the flag member toward the
second position thereof, the stop ring 32 abutting a main cap 54
(further described below) that forms an upper extremity of the
spring cavity 30 in the second position of the flag member 24.
Thus, when a predetermined amount of weakening of the test element
16 occurs, the element fractures in tension, whereupon the flag
member 24 snaps to the second position thereof in projecting
relation to the housing body 12, being viewable from a distance as
a direct indication of the corresponding cumulative consumption of
the element 16.
The stop member 22 and the flag fitting 26 can be attached to the
test element 16 by any suitable means, such as by an adhesive,
and/or by a coupling pin (not shown) that projects laterally
through the element 16 and opposite walls of the stop member (and
the flag fitting). As shown in FIG. 3, the stop member 22 is
retained against upward movement by an anchor ledge 36 that
projects inwardly within the main cavity 14 of the body 12.
A preferred configuration of the entrance passages 18 has each
passage formed with a large outwardly facing first opening 38 and a
much smaller second opening 40 into the main cavity 14, the passage
18 being smoothly inwardly tapered from a first area corresponding
to the first opening 38 to a second area corresponding to the
second opening 40 for focusing invasive activity at a particular
location along the test element 16.
A principal feature of the present invention is that each entrance
passage 18 is covered by a porous barrier member 42 that is easily
consumed by invasive organisms seeking access to the bait element
16 after the apparatus 10 is imbedded in soil that may contain the
organisms. Thus the first openings 38 of the entrance passages 18
can be quite large without being blocked by pebbles or clods of the
soil. More particularly, it is expected that the invading organisms
will not entirely consume the portions of the barrier member 42
that cover the first openings 38, the barrier member being at least
partially effective in excluding the soil particles from the
entrance passages 18. Further, the soil particles that do get in
the passages are likely to fall below the second openings 40
without blocking them. Moreover, the enhanced area of the first
openings 38 serves to enable the passage of gaseous attractant
matter through the porous barrier member 42 at a rate at least as
great as that permitted by the smaller area of the second openings
40. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the first openings 38 can have a
rounded rectangular of other non-circular shape for more fully
utilizing the area of the side walls 20 of the body 12. Further,
the barrier members are preferably perforated as indicated at 43
for enhanced communication of gaseous attractant into the soil, and
for facilitating entry of termites or other invasive organisms. As
best shown in FIG. 4, the barrier members 42 are retained in
respective side walls 20 of the body 12 by pairs of flange portions
44, the barrier members being inserted (or removed for replacement)
from the top of the body 12.
A drain opening 46 is provided at the bottom of the main cavity 14
as shown in FIG. 3 for draining moisture that might otherwise
accumulate therein, the opening 46 being recessed above a bottom
extremity of the housing body 12 for spacing soil therefrom when
the apparatus 10 is in use. Moisture released into the soil from
the opening 46 creates an environment that is attractive to
termites. As shown in FIG. 4, at least a lower portion of the main
cavity .[.12.]. .Iadd.14 .Iaddend.optionally extends laterally as
indicated at .[.12'.]. .Iadd.14' .Iaddend.by a sufficient distance
from the anchor ledge 36 for allowing the test element having the
stop member 22 thereon to be lowered through the flag cavity 28
into the main cavity 14, and moved laterally into engagement with
the anchor ledge 36, the anchor ledge 36 being open toward the
enlarged cavity portion .[.12'.]. .Iadd.14'.Iaddend..
Preferably the second openings 40 of the entrance passages 18 in
respective side walls 20 of the body 12 are at corresponding
locations along the test element 16 for further concentrating
invasive activity at those locations, thereby further accelerating
fracture of the test element 16 to more effectively and repeatably
indicate a degree of infestation as the predetermined weakening of
the test element 16.
The apparatus 10 also includes a skirt member 48 for facilitating
imbedded placement of the housing body 12 vertically oriented and
at a desired depth in soil. The skirt member also collects
condensation, which typically occurs between the soil and the
skirt-member. The skirt member 48 is generally circular, having an
outwardly and downwardly extending main portion 49 for directing
the condensation away from the housing body 12, and a downwardly
projecting flange portion 50 for imparting stiffness to the skirt
member, which is also formed with a central opening for passage of
an upper portion of the housing body 12. The outwardly directed
condensation advantageously creates an enlarged moisture barrier
around the housing 12, thereby enhancing the attraction of termite
activity to the monitor apparatus 10.
The body 12 is formed with an outwardly projecting skirt lip 52
which rests on the skirt member 48, the skirt member resting on the
ground and being retained on the body 12 against the lip 52 by the
weight of the body 12 and the other components of the apparatus 10.
A main cap 54 covers the top of the body 12 and the barrier members
42 for shedding moisture that might fall on the apparatus 10, the
main cap 54 having a central opening 55 for exposing the flag
cavity 28, the flag member 24 extending partway through the opening
55 in the first position thereof. The main cap is upwardly convex
for enhancing the shedding of moisture, and for smoothly deflecting
passing objects such as lawnmowers and the like that may be used in
the vicinity of the apparatus 10. The flag member 24 is exposed by
extending through the main opening 55 in the second position
thereof, upward movement of the flag member being limited by the
stop ring 32 contacting the underside of the main cap 55. In the
exemplary configuration of the apparatus 10 as shown in the
drawings, the housing body 12 is generally triangular in
cross-section. Of course, there can be other numbers of the side
walls 20, with square and other polygonal cross-sectional shapes
being contemplated.
Preferably the housing body 12 is separable, including a core
portion 12' that holds the test element 16 together with the flag
member 24 and its associated hardware, the designation 12
pertaining to an outer body portion having the flange portions 44
and the lip 52 formed thereon. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first
openings 38 are formed in the core portion 12'. Also, a bail member
56 is pivotally connected at the top of the core portion 12' for
facilitating removal thereof axially from the top of the body 12
when the main cap 54 is removed, the cap 54 having snap-engagement
with a cap lip 58 that is spaced above the skirt lip 52 on the
outer body 12. Thus the core portion 12' can be removed from the
main body portion 12 and inspected without disturbing either the
body 12 or the barrier members 42 that are retained thereby. As
further shown in FIG. 4, the enlarged cavity potion 14' can extend
through a side wall 20' of the core portion 12', the side wall 20'
not having the vertically spaced entrance passages 18 formed
therein. However, the main body portion 12 is provided with
counterparts of the flange portions 44 and the barrier member 42
facing the side wall 20'. In the alternative of the housing body 12
having the core portion 12' being integrally formed, the enlarged
cavity portion 14' can be open to the outside, being covered by one
of the barrier members 42.
Although the present invention has been described in considerable
detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other
versions are possible. For example, The housing body 12 can have a
generally circular cross-section, a single tubular member being
substituted for the barrier members 42. Also, the stop member 22
can be configured for snap-engagement with the anchor ledge 36, the
body 12 being formed without the enlarged cavity portion 14'.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not
necessarily be limited to the description of the preferred versions
contained herein.
* * * * *
References