CA2018547A1 - Electromagnetic insect control - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A device which uses electromagnetic radiation to destroy insects, their eggs, and their larvae.

Description

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ELECTRDMAGNETIC INSECT C~NTRDL

The present invention relates to a device for and methods of destroying insects, their larvae, and their eggs by subjecting them to electromagnetic energy of such frequency and quantity as to cause the temperature of the fluids contained in their ~odies to rise above the level at which life can be sustained.
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The devices and methods described in this text apply to specifically, but not exclusively, insects such as the following household pests: -~ . :
Cockroach (Family Blattidae) - `~
:,, Fleas (Siphonaptera) Termites (Isoptera) Ants (Family Foricidae) Carpenter Ants (Genus Camponotus) Silverfish (Lepismasaccharina) :, .
While poisons in the form of sprays, powders, and baits are effective forms of control, many of these products are -~
harmful to humans and other animals. They also have a detrimental effect in that the target insect can develop resistance to the poison used, requiring larger doses or mDre potent products in order to maintain control.

1. ~' ',':'' 2 ~ 7 Another method of control for pests is fumigation of the ir)fested area. Ihis method, while being effective, requires complete evacuation of the area to be treated along with rern~val of all foodstuffs and clothing due to the toxic nature S of the ccmpounds used.

It is desirable to have a rnethod of pest control that is envirormentally safe while having a detrimental effect on insect pests, their eggs, and larvae. m e present invention relates to a method and the devices necessary to control the numbers of various insects known as pests.

The present invention comprises an cscillator capable of producing electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range connected to a suitable control circuit and power supply and provided with a waveguide to conduct the radiation to its objective.

In one aspect of the invention, an cscillator cperating at a frequency of 2450 Mhz. and producing 3000 Watts of electromagnetic energy is connected along with its supporting circuits to a waveguide which focuses the energy produced cver an area of 50 cm2 to give a concentration of 60 W/cm2.

' !~ 2 ~ 7 In another aspect of the invention, an oscillator operating at a frequency of 2450 Mhæ. and producing lO Kw. of electromagnetic energy is connected, along with its supporting circuits, to a waveguide focusing the energy cver an area of 125 cm2 to give a concentration of 80 W/cm2.
The invention, in one aspect, may have the outer opening of its waveguide placed on a wall or other enclosure to allow the electromagnetic energy to pass through the material of which the wall is constructed to act upon any insects that may 10 be within the enclosure. Provided that the wall or enclosure . :..
is constructed of non-reflective material such as w~od or wallboards of the type generally in use in frame buildings, the energy transmitted will act upon any insects, larvae, or eggs of these insects causing a sharp increase in the temperature of the liquid contents of the insects, larvae, or eggs. Tests have shown that relatively minor temperature increases can cause instant death while while larger amounts of energy causes physical d~struction of insect shells and egg sacks.
In another aspect of this invention, the oscillator and its supporting circuits along with its waveguide may be positioned in a container or structure so as to direct the energy produced onto insects that may be attracted into the container or structure by baits or pheromones.

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The invention, as exemplified in one embodiment, is described with reference to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of one possible configuration of a portable device to generate electromagnetic radiation and conduct this radiation to flat surfaces.
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Figure 2 is a circuit diagram showing the components -required and the electrical connections required to operate the device. ~;-. ';
Referring to the drawing Figure 1, the embodiment of the -invention comprises an oscillator of the magnetron type 10, a -waveguide 12, a cooling fan 14, a transformer 16, a capacitor 18, a timer 20, a diode 22, a fuse and resistor board 23, a ~;
switch 24, a frame 26, and a cover or housing 28.

In a further embodiment o~ the invention, a tray or other container may be added to the invention as shown in Fig 1 so ~-that the tray or oontainer may be made to attract insects by the use of pheromones or baits. In this e~bodiment of the invention, the timer, 20, may be used to operate the device intermittently so as to destroy any insects that are attracted to the tray over a period of time. In this aspect, the invention may be fitted to or installed into vehicles such as trucks, buses, ships, and aircraft in order to control insects that may find their way into these vehicles.

5 rf Although only a single embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated, the present invention is not li~nited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all .
variation~ and m~dificatioDs witDin tDe scoEe cf tDe claims.

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Claims (8)

1. A device using electromagnetic energy to destroy insects, comprising:
an oscillator, its supporting circuits, a power supply, and a suitable waveguide.

2. A device which uses electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency range to disrupt the life cycle of insects.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, which uses a waveguide of such design that the electromagnetic energy passes through certain construction materials to reach insects and their eggs.

4. A device as claimed in claim 1, which is portable and may be used to destroy insects within enclosed areas of dwellings and other buildings.

5. A device as claimed in claim 1, which can be fixed to or included into a structure so as to destroy insects attracted to it by baits or pheromones.

6. A device as claimed in claim 2, which can be installed in vehicles used for the transportation of people, animals, or goods.

1.

7. A device as claimed in claim 2, which may be used to destroy insects, their larvae, and their eggs in carpets, draperies, and furniture

8. A method, using a device as claimed in claim 1, of controlling insect populations.

2.