MXPA00012195A - Control agent delivery system - Google Patents

Abstract

A control agent delivery system useful for applying a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or other biocide to a target area that is not directly accessible or that is hazardous to the user. A projectile that embodies a polymeric shell containing a liquid, gel or powder including a control agent such as a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or other biocide is also disclosed, together with a launching device for the subject projectiles and methods of use.

Description

SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR CONTROL AGENT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a system that is useful for supplying a liquid, gel or powder that is useful for delivering to a target site or area that is hazardous or generally inaccessible. More particularly, this invention relates to the propellant supply of breakable, fracturable or fragmentable projectiles containing predetermined amounts of control agents such as pesticides, herbicides, biocides and fungicides, in target areas that are otherwise not easily accessible to the user. Upon impact, in or near a target area, the projectiles fracture or break and disperse at or around the target. The preferred propulsive force is generated with compressed gas such as air or carbon dioxide. 2. Description of the Related Art Control agents such as pesticides, herbicides, biocides and fungicides, typically are applied using spray type applicators or aerosol propellants. When such devices are used, the active ingredient, often diluted with water or another solvent, is propelled to a target area through a spray nozzle, which typically has a range of less than about 4.57 m (15 ft). Difficulties are often encountered, however, in using such apparatuses and methods to apply control agents to targets outside that range, located above the ground or floor level, or located at otherwise dangerous sites. For some purposes, such as the eradication of wasp nests, a different application system is required for safety reasons, even when the nest is reachable with a conventional spray type applicator. When spray devices are used to apply a pesticide to swarming nests or insect hives, it has been observed that disturbed insects can follow the pesticide stream back to their source, thus exposing the user to a high probability of suffer painful stings and dangerous allergic reactions. Injection devices suitable for use in extermination applications are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,564,705; 5,058,312 and 5,361,533. A spring-energized injection device for use in trapping animals is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,340,645. ^. Bullets propelled by ammunition or compressed gas for use in riot control is described in US Patents Nos. 3,791,303; 3,894,492; 3,901,158; 3,951,070; 5,009,164; and 5,035,183. Projectiles designed for paintball applications are described in US Patents. Nos. 5,254,379; 5,353,712; 5,393,054 and 5,639,526. These projectiles are typically durable enough to withstand the launch without releasing the contents but will fragment or break before impact with a person or object. Paintball projectiles can be made with rigid, semi-rigid or flexible casings and can be made using materials such as linear polymers, gelatin, moldable starch and water in mixtures, for example that are substantially impervious to the substance contained within the casing. . When polymers are employed to produce the covers, a photodegradable additive may be incorporated into the polymer for environmental purposes. Various structural features and manufacturing techniques can be employed when producing paintball projectiles, to affect the manner in which projectiles explode or fragment upon impact. These include notching, etching, embossing and otherwise varying the wall thickness of the projectiles. Substances described in the above patents as to be supplied through the use of these "paint ball" projectiles include water, glycerin, glycol, paints, dyes and other dyeing agents, bulking agents, starch, vegetable oil, mineral oil, smoke and tear gas. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a control agent delivery system is described for use in applying substances such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and other biocides to targets located in areas that are not directly accessible or that are potentially dangerous for the user. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed a control agent delivery system comprising a projectile containing a substance selected from the group consisting of liquids, gels and powders, the substance containing at least one control agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, the projectile is deformed in a destructive manner with impact with a target. According to another preferred form of the invention, there is described a projectile comprising a substantially spherical, substantially rigid polymeric cover, having incorporated a liquid, gel or powder comprising at least one control agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a projectile is described comprising an outer wall made of a polymeric film and containing a liquid, gel or powder comprising at least one control agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, an apparatus is described comprising a projectile launching device, preferably using a compressed gas such as air or carbon dioxide as a propellant, in combination with the projectile of the invention . According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the projectile launching device and the projectile are dimensioned cooperatively and configured, such that they are not used in conventional paintball systems. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for applying a control agent to a target is described, the method comprising the steps of providing a projectile containing a control agent such as a pesticide, herbicide, biocide or fungicide, loading the projectile into a projectile launching device, directing the projectile launching device towards a target and operating the projectile launching device to launch the projectile at the target, the projectile is fracturable upon impact with the target or an object close to the target. target, in this way contacting the target with the control agent. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method is described for contacting or treating fauna or flora, especially pests, fungi and the like, located on hard to reach or otherwise dangerous sites, with a control agent through the use of a fracturable or fragmentable projectile that is propelled by a projectile launching device from a remote site to the intended use site. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The apparatus of the invention is further described and explained in relation to the following figures of the drawings in which: Figure 1 is a simplified perspective view of a control agent delivery system of the invention, which it is used to remove a nest of wasps from a higher support; Figure 2 is a simplified cross-sectional elevation view illustrating a projectile of the invention having there placed a control agent in the form of a powder containing a control agent; and Figure 3 is a simplified perspective view of another embodiment of the projectile portion of the invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MODALITIES Control agents such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, are often required in sites that are inaccessible or difficult or dangerous to reach. These sites of potential use may include, for example, commercial buildings, warehouses, barns, trees, cooling towers and the like. Occasionally, the site of potential use is accessible although it presents another potential hazard, such as insects that form stinging swarms, for a user attempting to apply a control agent using conventional aerosols or other spray devices. Most applicators for control agents such as pesticides, herbicides and fungicides are only useful for targets located within approximately 4.57 m (15 ft) of the user. There is also a need for a control agent supply system that can deliver greater force to an objective than can be generated using conventional spray devices without recourse to ammunition or explosives. An example of this need is the removal of a wasp nest, which can be difficult or impossible to move from a support surface out of reach by dew just. Now with reference to Figure 1, a control agent delivery system 10 of the invention, preferably comprises projectile 12, in combination with a projectile launching device 14, which is illustrated as being employed according to the method of the invention for launching the projectile 12 towards a target 15 on a trajectory indicated by the arrows 18. The projectile launching device 14 may be made in many different shapes and configurations, but preferably comprises a gate or compressed gas supply pipe 48, which communicates with and directs controlled bursts of compressed gas from a source (not shown) to a projectile launch chamber 50. It will be appreciated upon reading this description that the length and configuration of the launch chamber 50 may vary from that shown in Figure 1, and for example may include a longer barrel to facilitate orienting the projectile 12. The launch device of projectile 14 is preferably maneuvered easily in order to allow variation of the launch direction and trajectory by the user . The projectile launch device 14 conveniently utilizes as the projectile propellant, a compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or air, this propellant can be supplied by a commercially available cartridge, pre-packaged or by a compressed air system manually pumped from a type similar to those used in commercially available nozzle or paintball guns. If other reasons are desired for safety, the caliber of the projectile 12 and the launch chamber 50 can be selected to prevent the exchange of conventional paintballs and paint ball launching device, with those employed in the agent supply system of the paintball. control 10 of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1, projectile 12 comprises a generally spherical cover 28, having two outer sections joined on line 30, each section having notched, etched or otherwise weakened by fracture 32 lines, designed to promote fragmentation and dispersion upon impact with the target 15. A control agent such as a pesticide, herbicide or fungicide in liquid, gel or powder form, is conveniently placed inside the cover 28. Upon impact with a target 15, which is illustrated more particularly as a nest of warnings 16 in Figure 1, the cover 28 fractures, producing a plurality of scattered cover fragments 24 and a dispersion control agent 26 on and around the nest of wasps 16 and any wasps (not shown) around of the same. The dynamic forces exerted by the projectile 12 against the nest wasps 16 also causes the nest to break at its point of connection 20 to the surface 22 of which it was previously suspended. According to another embodiment of the invention, projectiles containing an inert substance such as water or chemically inactive powder or gel can also be launched before or after the projectile (s) 12 containing a control agent, for example if shots are required in order to detach a suspended insect nest. Another preferred projectile 34 of the invention is further described and explained with reference to Figure 2, which illustrates a spherical polymeric cover substantially comprising wall sections 36a and 36b joined on the seam 38. The wall sections 36a and 36b may be molded, for example of a linear polymer such as crystal polystyrene, which is relatively brittle and inflexible compared to modified impact resistant polymers and consequently is more likely to fragment upon impact when thrown against a solid target according to the method of the invention . Optional known additives that promote photo-degradation or bio-degradability of the polymer after use, may also be included, if desired. The wall thickness of the wall sections 36a, 36b can be selected according to the size and weight of the projectile, and the magnitude of the propulsive force, to avoid fracture during launch, but to fracture before impact with a target. As previously mentioned, the weakened fracture lines as illustrated in Figure 1 can also be incorporated into the structures of the wall sections 36a, 36b to affect the probability and pattern of impact disintegration. A preferred way to join the wall sections 36a, 36b to produce a continuous projectile cover 34 is by sonic welding. The seams 38 can be molded in a configuration that promotes frictional engagement and weldability, using known technology. Structures and manufacturing techniques for producing and filling the covers for the projectiles 34 that resist fracture during launch, but which promotes complete rupture before impact with a purpose, is described for example in US Patents. Nos. 5,254,379 and 5,639,526, the descriptions of which are hereby incorporated by reference and are part of it. Again with reference to Figure 2, the substance 40 containing within the cover the projectile 34, may be in liquid, solid or gel form, and if it is a solid, it is preferably a finely divided powder. When the substance 40 is a liquid, a more consistent flight path from the projectile throwing device to the target is facilitated by minimizing any unfilled spaces within the cover and by incorporating a ballasting agent, such as an inert powder in the container. the liquid By producing the substance 40 to be loaded into the projectiles 34, an inert carrier or diluent can be used in addition to the control agent to increase weight or volume as desired. Suitable carrier materials for particular systems may include, for example, water, glycols, diatomaceous earth, fumed silica * or corn starch, and mixtures thereof. Figure 3 describes one of the many other alternative embodiments of projectile configurations useful in the present invention. With reference to Figure 3, projectile 42, which contains a substance comprising a control agent, is configured more like a conventional ammunition cartridge and preferably comprises a substantially rigid open-ended cylindrical body 44 connected to a deformable nose. in destructive form 46 that conveniently fragments upon impact with a target to disperse the control agent. More preferably, the cylindrical body 44 is also designed and constructed in such a way that it fragments on impact to improve dispersion of the coh áqíi liaß? mp? edas It is understood and appreciated upon reading this description that other control agents such as antimicrobial agents, algicides, animal control agents, spill control agents and the like can also be employed. within the system and method of the invention and that the dosage proportions may vary. Examples of pesticides that can be employed as control agents in the present invention include pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide, permethrin, chloropyrifos, propoxur, bacillus turingiensis, hydromethyliron, fipronil and other similarly effective compounds. Examples of herbicides that can be employed as control agents in the present invention include bromacil, dicamba, glyphosate and other similarly effective compounds.

Examples of fungicides that can be employed as control agents in the present invention include benomyl, cyproconazole, imazalil and other similarly effective compounds. According to the method of the invention, a destructibly deformable projectile is filled with a substance containing a control agent such as a pesticide, herbicide, fungicide or other biocide, loaded in a projectile launching device, directed towards a target and launched selectively towards the target when activating the projectile launch device. The projectile is propelled towards the target by a burst of compressed gas such as carbon dioxide or air that generates a force applied to the projectile within the projectile launching device. The projectile is deformed in a destructive manner by impact with the target or with another objective near the target when breaking, fracturing or similar, to disperse the control agent on the target and an area close to the target. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the present method also includes the step of physically moving the target from one position to another upon impact by a projectile as described above. According to still another embodiment of the invention, at least one projectile containing only an inert substance is thrown towards a target already before or subsequent to the launching of a projectile containing a control agent. Using the system and method of the invention, control agents are delivered and successfully applied to targets at distances in the range of about 3.05 to 13.72 meters (10 to about 45 feet) or more relative to the user with reduced danger and risk to the user . The system and method of the invention are useful for treating areas that are hazardous or otherwise not accessible using known conventional applicator means for like agents. Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewise be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the reading specialty of the present disclosure and it is intended that the scope of the invention described herein be limited only by the broader interpretation of the appended claims to which The inventors are legally entitled.

Claims (39)

1. CLAIMS 1. A control agent delivery system comprising a projectile containing a substance selected from the group consisting of liquids, gels and powders, the substance containing at least one control agent selected from the group consisting of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, the projectile is deformed in a destructive way before impact with a target.
2. 2. The control agent supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the projectile fractures upon impact with a target.
3. 3. The control agent supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the projectile is broken before impact with a target.
4. 4. The control agent supply system according to claim 2, characterized in that the projectile comprises a substantially rigid, polymeric cover.
5. 5. The control agent supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover is made of polystyrene.
6. 6. The control agent supply system according to claim 4, characterized in that the cover is substantially spherical.
7. 7. The control agent supply system according to claim 3, characterized in that the projectile comprises an outer wall made of a polymeric film.
8. 8. The control agent supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymeric film weakens at predetermined sites.
9. 9. The control agent supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a projectile launching device.
10. 10. The control agent supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the projectile launching device further comprises a source of compressed gas propellant.
11. 11. The control agent supply system according to claim 10, characterized in that the compressed gas is selected from the group consisting of air and carbon dioxide.
12. 12. The control agent supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the substance is a powder that also comprises a filling material selected from the group consisting of diatomaceous earth, smoked silica, corn starch and mixtures thereof . The control agent delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control agent is a pesticide selected from the group consisting of pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide, permethrin, chloropyrifos, propoxur, bacillus turingiensis, hydromethylnon and fipronil . The control agent delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control agent is a herbicide selected from the group consisting of bromacil, dicamba and glyphosate. 15. The control agent delivery system according to claim 1, characterized in that the control agent is a fungicide selected from the group consisting of benomyl, cyproconazole and imazalil. 16. The control agent supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that the substance comprises at least one pesticide and at least one plague attractant. 17. The control agent supply system according to claim 16, characterized in that the plague attractant is a feed attractant. 18. The control agent supply system according to claim 16, characterized in that the plague attractant is a pheromone. 19. A method for applying a control agent to an objective, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of providing a projectile containing a control agent selected from the group consisting of a pesticide, herbicide and fungicide, loading the projectile into a projectile launching device directing the projectile launching device towards a target and actuating the projectile launching device to propel the projectile towards the objective, the projectile is deformed in a destructive manner before impact on the target, to disperse the control agent in an area close to the target, thus contacting the target with the control agent. 20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the projectile is destructively deformed before impact with an object close to the target. 21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the projectile fractures before impact on the target. "22. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the projectile is broken before impact on the target. according to claim 19, characterized in that the projectile is propelled towards the target from the projectile launching device by a compressed gas 24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the compressed gas is selected from the group consisting of air and carbon dioxide 25. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the control agent is dispersed in a liquid 26. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the control agent is dispersed in a liquid. 27. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the control agent is dispersed in a powder. 28. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the target is coated by the control agent. 29. The method according to claim 19, characterized by the additional step of moving the objective before impact by the projectile. 30. The method according to claim 19, characterized by the additional step of subsequently casting toward a target at least one destructively deformable projectile containing a substance selected from the group consisting of liquids, gels and powders, the substance does not contain an agent of control . 31. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the control agent is a pesticide selected from the group consisting of pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide, permethrin, chloropyrifos, propoxur, bacillus turingiensis, hydromethylnon and fipronil. 32. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the control agent is a herbicide selected from the group consisting of bromacil, dicamba and glyphosate. 33. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the control agent is a fungicide selected from the group consisting of benomyl, cyproconazole and imazalil. 34. A wasp nest removal product characterized in that it comprises a destructively deformable projectile containing at least one lethal pesticide for the wasps. 35. The product for wasp nest removal according to claim 34, characterized in that the pesticide is selected from the group consisting of pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide, permethrin, chloropyrifos, propoxur, bacillus turingiensis, hydromethyliron and fipronil. 36. The wasp nest removal product according to claim 34, characterized in that the projectile further comprises a liquid, gel or powder carrier. 37. The product for wasp nest removal in accordance with claim 34, characterized in that the projectile comprises a substantially rigid cover. 38. The wasp nest removal product according to claim 37, characterized in that the cover is a polymeric material that fractures upon impact with a nest of wasps. 39. The product for wasp nest removal according to claim 37, characterized in that the cover is substantially spherical.