US20230090699A1 - System for eradicating fire ants and other insects - Google Patents
System for eradicating fire ants and other insects Download PDFInfo
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- US20230090699A1 US20230090699A1 US17/993,429 US202217993429A US2023090699A1 US 20230090699 A1 US20230090699 A1 US 20230090699A1 US 202217993429 A US202217993429 A US 202217993429A US 2023090699 A1 US2023090699 A1 US 2023090699A1
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- fluid
- heat exchanger
- modular
- application
- stem
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M17/00—Apparatus for the destruction of vermin in soil or in foodstuffs
- A01M17/002—Injection of toxic gases or fluids into the soil
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M2200/00—Kind of animal
- A01M2200/01—Insects
- A01M2200/011—Crawling insects
Abstract
A system for exterminating insects includes a housing, a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing that includes one or more fuel reserves, one or more burners that receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves, and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned to receive heat from the one or more burners, a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly connectable to a residential hose bib, the fluid inlet line fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/071,232 filed Oct. 15, 2020, entitled SYSTEM FOR ERADICATING FIRE ANTS AND OTHER INSECTS, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- The present specification generally relates to pest control systems and, more specifically, to systems for eradicating fire ants using water at an elevated temperature.
- Fire ants are an invasive species of insect that account for millions of dollars in property damage annually and injury to humans and domesticated livestock (e.g., cattle). Present systems for eradicating fire ants are insufficient for treating areas surrounding residential properties due to size and/or operating requirements. Furthermore, the use of pesticides in extermination of pests may lead to contamination of soil and or ground water. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to portable systems for fire ant and/or other insect extermination systems which may be used on and/or around residential properties. Such systems may be used without pesticides thereby providing a more environmentally friendly extermination system.
- In one embodiment, a system for exterminating insects includes a housing, a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing that includes one or more fuel reserves, one or more burners that receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves, and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned to receive heat from the one or more burners, a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly connectable to a residential hose bib, the fluid inlet line being fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line. Fluid within the heat exchanger is heated to an extermination temperature.
- In another embodiment, an application stem for a system for exterminating ants, the application stem includes a modular hollow shaft comprising a first end and a second end and defining one or more perforations adjacent the second end and modular tip receiver opening formed at the second end, a mount for fluidly coupling the modular hollow shaft to a heat exchanger of the system for exterminating fire ants, a modular tip receiver positioned within the modular tip receiver opening, and a modular tip removably coupled to the modular tip receiver, wherein fluid heated within the heat exchanger is supplied with fluid from the heat exchanger through the fluid outlet line, and the fluid exits the application stem through the one or more perforations.
- In yet another embodiment, a system for exterminating insects includes a housing mounted to a chassis including one or more wheels that are rotatably coupled to the chassis, a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing and including one or more fuel reserves, one or more burners that receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves, and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned above the one or more burners to receive heat from the one or more burners, a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and configured to be directly fluidly coupled to a residential hose bib the fluid inlet line being fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line. Fluid within the heat exchanger is heated to an extermination temperature.
- These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.
- The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
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FIG. 1 schematically depicts a system for exterminating insects, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; -
FIG. 2A schematically depicts an application stem configured to be fluidly couple to the system ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; -
FIG. 2B schematically depicts an end of the application step ofFIG. 2A including one or more perforations, a modular tip receiver, and a modular tip, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and -
FIG. 3 schematically depicts a system for exterminating insects, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. -
FIG. 1 schematically depicts an embodiment of a system for exterminating insects. The system generally includes a housing, a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing that includes one or more fuel reserves, one or more burners receiving fuel from the one or more fuel reserves, and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path. A fluid inlet line of the system may be coupled to the housing and configured to be directly fluidly coupled to a residential hose bib. The fluid inlet line is fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger. A fluid outlet line of the system may be coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line, wherein fluid within the heat exchanger is heated to a temperature sufficient to exterminate insects. The system may provide a convenient means for eradicating insects using the heated fluid and may be generally usable and transportable by an individual without the need for any external mechanisms or vehicles for moving the system. Moreover, the system may be directly coupled to a residential hose bib such that a tank or other vessel for transporting large amounts of water is not needed, which may substantially reduce the weight of the system compared to a system including a tank and make the system more portable over uneven terrain. Various embodiments of the system for exterminating insects and the operation thereof will be described in greater detail herein. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 , an embodiment of asystem 10 for exterminating insects is shown. Thesystem 10 may generally include ahousing 12, afluid inlet port 29, afluid outlet port 31, afluid inlet line 13, a fluid-heating assembly 20, afluid outlet line 14, anapplication stem 16, and asupport cart 18. A greater or fewer number of components are contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As will be described in greater detail herein, thesystem 10 may heat fluid traveling through thesystem 10 to an extermination temperature. As used herein the term “extermination temperature” may refer to any temperature sufficient to exterminate an insect. For example, an extermination temperature may be near-boiling and/or above a boiling temperature of the fluid traveling through thesystem 10. In some embodiments, an extermination temperature may include any temperature above about 150 degrees F., such as between 150 degrees F. to about 220 degrees F., or higher. In some embodiments, the extermination temperature may be between about 170 to about 220 degrees F., e.g., about 180 and about 210 degrees F., about 190 and about 200 degrees F., etc. In some embodiments, thesystem 10 may deliver super-heated steam. In such embodiments, the components of thesystem 10 would be sufficiently robust to contain and deliver super-heated steam. - The heated fluid may then flow through the
application stem 16, for example, to exterminate insects. In embodiments, theapplication stem 16 may be inserted into, for example, an ants' nest, to inject the heated fluid through the tunnels of the ants next. The components of the embodiments of thesystem 10 and their operation will be described in greater detail herein. - It is noted that “fluid” as used herein may include any liquid, steam, gas, or combination thereof that may be used for extermination of insects. Some fluids, such as water, which may not have chemical additives so as not to contaminate local soil or ground water. However, other fluids are contemplated and possible, including fluids having any suitable chemical additives which may be heated prior to application. Such chemical additives may include substances useful in destroying insects or other organisms.
- The
housing 12 may include any structure sized and shaped to house one or more components of thesystem 10. For example, thehousing 12 generally has a volume sufficient to house and support the components of the fluid-heating assembly 20. In some embodiments, additional volume within thehousing 12 may be used to store thefluid inlet line 13, thefluid outlet line 14, and/or the application stem 16. However, it is noted that in various embodiments, hooks, mounts, brackets, or the like may be coupled to an exterior surface of thehousing 12 to which one or more components, such as thefluid inlet line 13, thefluid outlet line 14, and/or theapplication stem 16 may be removably mounted. The housing may include one ormore sidewalls 70, atop wall 58, and abase wall 72 that define an enclosedvolume 74 within thehousing 12. - The
housing 12 may be supported by and/or mounted to thesupport cart 18 and may be moveable therewith as described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, thesupport cart 18 may provide thebase wall 72 of thehousing 12. Thehousing 12 may have one or more panels which may be opened and/or closed for access to the enclosedvolume 74 of thehousing 12. For example, one or more doors may be formed within the one ormore sidewalls 70 which may be opened for access to the one ormore fuel reserves 22. In some embodiments, thetop wall 58 or a portion thereof may be movably coupled to the one ormore sidewalls 70 of thehousing 12 and permit access to the components contained therein. Thetop wall 58 may be movably coupled to thehousing 12 using one or more hinges, clasps, fasteners, or the like (not depicted). Moving of thetop wall 58 between a closed position and an open position may permit inspection, isolation, and/or replacement of various components of thesystem 10. - The
fluid inlet port 29 may be mounted to thehousing 12. For example, thefluid inlet port 29 may be mounted to thebase wall 72 of thehousing 12. Thefluid inlet port 29 may be coupled to a fluid inlet line 13 (e.g., a hose) to fluidly couple thefluid inlet line 13 to theheat exchanger 26. For example, thefluid inlet port 29 may include a fitting (e.g., a pipe fitting, a hose fitting, etc.) and be rated to receive fluid from a civil source (e.g., municipal water system) or a fluid reservoir (e.g., a water tank, etc.) that is remote from thehousing 12 such as via thefluid inlet line 13. That is, thefluid inlet port 29 may be rated to receive water at a specific pressure and temperature. For example, thefluid inlet port 29 may generally be rated to receive fluid at about 30 psi to about 60 psi and ground temperature. Accordingly, thefluid inlet port 29 and thesystem 10 may be hooked directly to a residential hose bib, instead of needing a fluid reservoir that must be moved with thesystem 10. This provides for greater flexibility for using thesystem 10 on residential properties at positions that may not otherwise be unreachable via vehicle mounted systems having large fluid reservoirs. - It is noted that in embodiments, wherein the
fluid inlet port 29 is connected to a fluid reservoir such as a water tank, a pump, not shown may be included to cause fluid to flow from the water tank to thefluid inlet port 29 at a desired pressure (e.g., between about 30 psi to about 60 psi. The pump may for part of thesystem 10 or may be part of the water tank. - In embodiments, the
fluid inlet port 29 may include apressure regulating valve 30. Thepressure regulating valve 30 may be a pressure reducing valve that reduces a pressure of fluid flowing through thefluid inlet line 13 prior to entering theheat exchanger 26 to maintain a pressure in theheat exchanger 26. For example, thepressure regulating valve 30 may regulate incoming fluid pressure to be between about 30 psi to about 60 psi, which may prevent over pressurization of theheat exchanger 26. - A
fluid outlet port 31 may be mounted to thehousing 12. For example, thefluid outlet port 31 may be mounted to thehousing 12 on asidewall 70 opposite thefluid inlet port 29. However, in other embodiments, thefluid outlet port 31 may be arranged along thesame sidewall 70 orsidewall 70 from thefluid inlet port 29. Thefluid outlet port 31 may be coupled to thefluid outlet line 14 via a fitting (e.g., a house fitting or the like) that fluidly couples thefluid outlet port 31 to thefluid outlet line 14. Thefluid outlet port 31 may be fluidly coupled to theheat exchanger 26 such that heated fluid flow directly from theheat exchanger 26 through thefluid outlet port 31 for downstream application. - Still referring to
FIG. 1 , the fluid-heating assembly 20 may include one ormore fuel reserves 22, one ormore burners 24, and aheat exchanger 26. The one ormore fuel reserves 22 may be any type of fuel capable of burning to generate heat. For example, the fuel reserves 22 may be propane gas contained in commercially-available propane tanks. Any number of one ormore fuel reserves 22 are contemplated and possible, such as two or more fuel reserves, three or more fuel reserves, etc. In such examples, the one or more fuel reserves may be replaceably positioned within thehousing 12 for convenient replacement or removal due to depletion of fuel in the one or more fuel reserves 22. - Positioned above the one or
more fuel reserves 22 may be the one ormore burners 24. The one ormore burners 24 are operably coupled (e.g., fluidly coupled via one or more fuel lines) to the one ormore fuel reserves 22 to receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves for producing heat via burning fuel from the one or more fuel reserves 22. In embodiments, the one ormore burners 24 may include a plurality of burners arranged within an array, e.g., two or more burners, three or more burners, four or more burners, five or more burners, etc. The burners may be arranged beneath theheat exchanger 26 such that heat produced by the one ormore burners 24 heats theheat exchanger 26 thereby heating fluid flowing within theheat exchanger 26. The one ormore burners 24 may be individually adjustable to increase or decrease the intensity of their associated flame. In other embodiments, theburners 24 may be operated as a group or groups. - The
heat exchanger 26 may be fluidly coupled to thefluid inlet port 29 and thefluid outlet port 31 such fluid upon entering thefluid inlet port 29 flows through theheat exchanger 26 and exits theheat exchanger 26 at thefluid outlet port 31. Theheat exchanger 26 any type ofheat exchanger 26 suitable for direct exposure to flame having any combination of heat transfer features (e.g., parallel flow, counter flow, u-tube, single pass, multi-pass, plate-and-frame, microchannel, finned/unfinned, etc.). For example, theheat exchanger 26 may define asinuous flow path 80 positioned over the one ormore burners 24. Thesinuous flow path 80 may define one or more turns 82 (e.g., two or more turns, five or more turns, six or more turns, etc.). Such that fluid is routed through theheat exchanger 26 so as to pass above the one or more burners 24 a plurality of times (e.g., two or more times, five or more times, six or more times, etc.). Thesinuous flow path 80 may be stacked in the vertical direction as depicted inFIG. 1 , or thesinuous flow path 80 may be horizontally disposed in a single layer as depicted inFIG. 3 . - The
heat exchanger 26 in conjunction with theburners 24 and the fuel reserves 22 may be configured to impart sufficient heat to the fluid to heat the fluid to the extermination temperature, described above. For example, if water is used as the fluid within thesystem 10, theheat exchanger 26 may boil the water and create saturated steam or super-heated steam. In some embodiments, theheat exchanger 26 may be configured to withstand the increased pressure associated with a fluid flashing to a vapor (i.e., boiling). For example, in embodiments that use water as the heated fluid, theheat exchanger 26 and other components of thesystem 10 may be configured to withstand the pressure increase as the water boils in theheat exchanger 26. - In some embodiments, and as noted above, the
system 10 may include a pump or other device for increasing the pressure of the fluid entering thesystem 10. For example, thesystem 10 may include a pump (not depicted) fluidly coupled to thesystem 10 at thefluid inlet port 29 or thefluid outlet port 31 of theheat exchanger 26. The pump may increase the pressure of the fluid in thesystem 10 such that the fluid exits the system through theapplication stem 16 at a higher pressure, thereby increasing an effective distance that fluid can be applied using theapplication stem 16 as described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the pump may be powered by an on-board power supply (not depicted), such as a battery bank, or may be configured to receive electrical power via an electrical wire (not depicted) from a publicly available power source, such as a standard 110 V AC outlet. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 3 , thesupport cart 18 may provide a support for supporting and/or moving one or more components of thesystem 10. Thesupport cart 18 may include achassis 48 that may include one ormore wheels 50 that may include, for example, pneumatic tires. In the depicted embodiment, thesystem 10 includes fourwheels 50, but embodiments may have fewer or more wheels (e.g., 3, 5, 6, etc.). As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thesupport cart 18 may further include asteering mechanism 52 that may steer one or more of thewheels 50. Thesteering mechanism 52 may include anadjustable handle 54 that may adjust based on characteristics of the user. For example, as shown inFIG. 3 , theadjustable handle 54 may pivot at a joint 56 to change a height of a handle to make it convenient for an individual to pull thesystem 10 from one place to another to apply the application stem 16 to eradicate insects. In some embodiments, theadjustable handle 54 may be used to turn one or more of thewheels 50 to steer thechassis 48. - The
fluid inlet line 13 may be coupled to thefluid inlet port 29, via a fitting such as a hose fitting. Thefluid inlet line 13 may be a hose (e.g., a rubber garden-type hose) or similar conduit which may be connected to a fluid source, such as a residential hose bib. In other embodiments, it is contemplated that thefluid inlet line 13 may be connected to other types of fluid sources such as contained fluid reservoirs, wells, or the like. Thefluid inlet line 13 may be flexible such that thehousing 12 and components contained therein may be moved relative to the fluid source to deliver heated fluid to locations displaced from the fluid source. For example, the distance at which thehousing 12 may be moved from the fluid source may only be limited by the length of thefluid inlet line 13, which may be adjusted or replaced based on the needs of the user. For example, for larger properties, a longerfluid inlet line 13 may be used versus a smaller property. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , thefluid outlet line 14 may be coupled to thefluid outlet port 31 and may generally be a flexible, hollow conduit that may fluidly couple thefluid outlet port 31 to anapplication stem inlet 34 of theapplication stem 16. The inlet and outlet of thefluid outlet line 14 may include male and or female threaded connections capable of removably coupling thefluid outlet line 14 to thehousing 12 and theapplication stem 16. Thefluid outlet line 14 may be any conduit rated to hold heated water in the range of about 170 to about 220 degrees F., e.g., about 180 and about 210 degrees F., about 190 and about 200 degrees F., etc. Thefluid outlet line 14 may be, for example, a heavy duty, flexible rubber hose. In embodiments, thefluid outlet line 14 may include insulation to prevent the dissipation of heat before application of the heated fluid with theapplication stem 16 or to permit a user of thesystem 10 to hold thefluid outlet line 14 while heated fluid is passing through thefluid outlet line 14. As noted above, thefluid outlet line 14 may be bendable or flexible such that a user can move the application stem 16 with respect to thehousing 12 to apply theapplication stem 16 as described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, thefluid outlet line 14 may include a temperature and/or pressure gauge, such as thegauge 66 for convenient determination of a temperature and/or a pressure within the fluid outlet line 14 (i.e., at the outlet of the heat exchanger 26). In embodiments, thefluid outlet line 14 may be shorter in length than thefluid inlet line 13. - In embodiments, an
application valve 32 may be positioned between thefluid outlet line 14 and theapplication stem 16. Theapplication valve 32 may be operated by a user to open or close flow through thefluid outlet line 14 to theapplication stem 16. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2A , theapplication valve 32 may be, for example, a ball valve or a gate valve that is removably coupled (e.g., one or more threaded fittings) between thefluid outlet line 14 and theapplication stem 16. Theapplication valve 32 may be a brass inline ball valve, for example. Theapplication valve 32 may isolate flow of heated fluid to theapplication stem 16. Theapplication valve 32 may be fluidly coupled between thefluid outlet line 14 and the application stem 16 to isolate flow to theapplication stem 16 without needing to isolate fluid flow to the fluid-heating assembly 20 and/or thefluid inlet line 13. This may provide a user a more convenient flow isolation capability (e.g., no need to put down theapplication stem 16 and walk back to thehousing 12 and/or the residential hose bib. Theapplication valve 32 may include a handle or other manipulator for controlling valve position between open and closed. In some embodiments, theapplication valve 32 may be electronically controlled using, for example, one or more buttons. In some embodiments, theapplication valve 32 may be used to throttle the flow of heated fluid through thesystem 10 to the application stem 16 to control the amount of fluid entering the ground. That is, in some embodiments, the flow rate of fluid through thesystem 10 may be adjusted using theapplication valve 32. - Referring again to
FIG. 1 , fluid flows through the components of thesystem 10 until it is applied with theapplication stem 16. For example, fluid enters theheat exchanger 26 at thefluid inlet port 29 where it is subsequently heated via theheat exchanger 26. The heated fluid exits theheat exchanger 26 and enters thefluid outlet line 14, which delivers fluid to theapplication stem 16. The application stem 16 will now be described in greater detail. -
FIGS. 2A and 2B show theapplication stem 16 in greater detail. The application stem 16 receives fluid through a fluid coupling with thefluid outlet line 14 at theapplication valve 32. As noted above, theapplication valve 32 may control the flow of fluid from thefluid outlet line 14 to theapplication stem 16. The application stem 16 may further include amount 51, a modularhollow shaft 36, agrip 38, a modular tip receiver 42, and a modular tip 44. Various components of theapplication stem 16 may comprise metallic (e.g., nickel, chrome, etc.) or alloy (e.g., stainless steel) constituents. - The
mount 51 may define the application steminlet 34. The application steminlet 34 may be connected to thefluid outlet line 14 via theapplication valve 32, described above. For example, the application steminlet 34 may have a fluid fitting, such an internally threaded fitting for receiving an externally threaded fitting of thefluid outlet line 14 or theapplication valve 32. Themount 51 may further define anmodular shaft connector 85 which may be removably coupled to the modularhollow shaft 36 and provide fluid communication from thefluid outlet line 14 to the modularhollow shaft 36. - The
mount 51 may include aredirection pipe 46 coupled to and extending between the application steminlet 34 and themodular shaft connector 85. Theredirection pipe 46 may include abend 73, which is shaped to redirect fluid flowing through themount 51 from a first direction to a second direction and into the modularhollow shaft 36. For example, the second direction may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Such redirection may aid in redirecting flow from a substantially horizontal path to the vertical path for injection into the ground, for example. - Coupled to the
mount 51 is thegrip 38. For example, thegrip 38 may be coupled to themount 51 via welding, soldering, or the like. In some embodiments, themount 51 and thegrip 38 may be integrally formed via casting, for example. In some embodiments, thegrip 38 may be mounted to theredirection pipe 46 at thebend 73. Thegrip 38 may generally extend upwards from thebend 73 so as to be parallel to and aligned with the second direction. Thegrip 38 may have a t-handle extension. That is, thegrip 38 may be generally T-shaped. For example, the t-handle extension may include acentral stem 87 and a cross-member 62, wherein the cross-member 62 provides one or more handles to be engaged by a user. The cross-member 62 may be mounted to thecentral stem 87 at amidpoint 88 of the cross-member 62. Accordingly, the cross-member 62 may provide afirst handle 91 and asecond handle 92, which allows for even application of force along the modularhollow shaft 36. That is, the user may more easily apply force along the axis of theapplication stem 16, versus an uneven application of force which may occur if handle did not evenly protrude to either side of thecentral stem 87. In some embodiments, the cross-member 62 may not be a single member, but may include multiple members mounted to either side of thecentral stem 87. - As noted above, the
application stem 16 may include the modularhollow shaft 36 which may be replaceably connected to themount 51. The modularhollow shaft 36 may be generally cylindrical and define afirst end 63 and asecond end 64. The modularhollow shaft 36 may have a high length:diameter (“L:D”) aspect ratio. The high L:D aspect ratio may enable easy penetration of the ground (e.g., top soil, dirt, clay, etc.) or, especially, a fire ant mound, for application of the fluid heated by theheat exchanger 26. The L:D ratio of theapplication stem 16 may be, for example, 20:1, 30:1, 50:1, etc. In embodiments, multiple modular hollow shafts of varying lengths may be provided to be interchanged with one another. That is, a user of thesystem 10 may select a first modular hollow shaft that is a different length than a second modular shaft, based on the particular application and needs of the user. In some embodiments, a modular shaft may be formed of a plurality of interconnectible portions to allow for adjusting a length of the modular hollow shaft, as desired. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the modularhollow shaft 36 may be telescoping to increase or decrease a length of the modularhollow shaft 36. - Connection and disconnection between the modular
hollow shaft 36 and themount 51 may, for example, provide a convenient means for attaching shafts of varying lengths or profiles to theapplication stem 16. In some embodiments, the modularhollow shaft 36 may include a tapered profile such that an outer diameter of the modularhollow shaft 36 decreases in diameter along all or a portion of the length of the modularhollow shaft 36 from the connection with themount 51 to the modular tip 44. Other profiles are considered and the selection of a particular shaft profile and length may be related to the characteristics of the particular nest or insect that is being targeted with thesystem 10. For example, if it is determined that a particular nest is two feet beneath a rocky portion of earth, a shaft profile with a length of at least two feet and with features suited for penetrating rocky earth may be selected by a user. - As best depicted in
FIG. 2B , formed within thesecond end 64 of the modularhollow shaft 36 may be one or more perforations 40 formed through a wall 41 of the modularhollow shaft 36. The perforations 40 may generally be holes through an entire thickness of the wall 41 of the modularhollow shaft 36. Heated fluid may pass through the modularhollow shaft 36 to the perforations 40 and into the earth to eradicate pests as indicated by arrows passing through the perforations 40. In some embodiments, the modularhollow shaft 36 may include two or more perforations, four or more perforations, six or more perforations, eight or more perforations, ten perforations or more perforations, etc. In some embodiments, the perforations 40 may comprise a perforations pattern (e.g., may be evenly spaced about a circumference of the shaft). In embodiments, the perforations 40 are positioned above but adjacent the modular tip receiver 42, which may be positioned within thesecond end 64 of the modularhollow shaft 36. - Still referring to
FIG. 2B , the modular tip receiver 42 and the modular tip 44 may be installed in the modularhollow shaft 36 at thesecond end 64 of the modularhollow shaft 36. The modularhollow shaft 36 includes a modular tip receiver opening 61 at thesecond end 64 that may encircle, for example, a flange that may be permanently or removably coupled to the modularhollow shaft 36 at thesecond end 64. For example, the modular tip receiver 42 may be press fit or be threaded into the modularhollow shaft 36 at thesecond end 64 or may be welded or brazed in place. The modular tip receiver 42 may include a threaded fitting 42 b that is configured to receive a threaded fitting 44 b of the modular tip 44. The modular tip receiver 42 may provide additional strength, stiffness, or supporting area to the modularhollow shaft 36 and provide a place for attachment of the modular tip 44 as described herein. - Still referring to
FIG. 2B , the modular tip 44 may be removably coupled within the modular tip receiver 42. The modular tip 44 may comprise, for example, a threaded fitting 44 b that may removably couple with a threaded fitting 42 b in the modular tip receiver 42, as noted above. Various embodiments of the modular tip 44 comprise different profiles that may be selectable based on the characteristics of the earth into which the modular tip 44 will be inserted. As depicted inFIGS. 2A and 2B , the modular tip 44 may include a brass point with a generally conical profile, but embodiments are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the point may comprise copper, nickel, steel, or similar metal or metal alloy. - In some embodiments, one or more of the modular tip receiver 42 and the modular tip 44 have a sloping external profile 42 a, 44 a. The sloping external profile 42 a, 44 a may assist with insertion of the modular
hollow shaft 36 into the earth. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1-3 , operation of thesystem 10 to eradicate pests will be described in greater detail. A user may pull theadjustable handle 54 to move thesystem 10 to an eradication location. It is contemplated that thesystem 10 may be easily moved about a residential property without need for motorized vehicles or road access. Thesystem 10 may conveniently moves behind the user because it is supported on thechassis 48 by one ormore wheels 50. Thus, an individual user is able to move thesystem 10 to an ant hill or other pest infestation site without assistance of a vehicle or other means of pulling thesystem 10. - Once at the application location (i.e., the eradication location), the user may commence the flow of working fluid to the
system 10. Generally, the working fluid is water from a civil source (e.g., a county water works, etc.) at ground temperature and between 30-60 psi, but this is not required. It is contemplated that water in the liquid state at various temperatures and pressures can be used within thesystem 10. If the pressure in thefluid inlet line 13 is too high, thepressure regulating valve 30 may reduce the pressure of the fluid before it enters theheat exchanger 26. Once liquid is flowing through thefluid inlet line 13 and thepressure regulating valve 30 to theheat exchanger 26, the user may light theburners 24 to heat the fluid within theheat exchanger 26. In some embodiments theburners 24 may be lit prior to flowing fluid through thesystem 10. - As the fluid passes through the
sinuous flow path 80 of theheat exchanger 26 it is heated by theburners 24. The fluid may pass over theburners 24 several times throughsinuous flow path 80 of theheat exchanger 26 until it is sufficiently heated so that it will eradicate insects upon leaving theapplication stem 16. The fluid may be heated, for example, to between 180 and 200 degrees F., though other temperatures are contemplated above. In some embodiments, the intensity of the flame on theburners 24 and/or the rate of fuel consumption in the fluid-heating assembly 20 may be adjusted to heat the fluid more quickly or less quickly within theheat exchanger 26 as desired. - Once the fluid within the
heat exchanger 26 is at sufficient pressure and temperature, as determined, for example, using thegauge 66, theapplication stem 16 may be placed into the earth for application of the heated fluid. A user may handle thegrip 38 to apply theapplication stem 16 into the earth, driving theapplication stem 16 such that it is at a sufficient depth to apply the heated fluid to an insect nest, for example. As noted above, the t-shaped handle helps apply an even force to drive the stem into the ground. The user may then release the heated fluid through theapplication stem 16 by opening theapplication valve 32. - Upon opening the
application valve 32, heated fluid may flow through thefluid outlet line 14, and theapplication stem 16 including the modularhollow shaft 36. The heated fluid may then flow through the perforations 40 at thesecond end 64 of the modularhollow shaft 36 and into the earth. The heated fluid may eradicate insects in the vicinity of theapplication stem 16. Because components of thesystem 10 may be replaced, for example, the modularhollow shaft 36, system parts may be replaced individually as they wear or based on a particular insect eradication site. This may enhance the longevity of thesystem 10 as a whole as well as make it more operationally useful. - Embodiments of the present disclosure can be described with references to the following numerical clauses:
- 1. A system for exterminating insects includes: a housing; a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing and including: one or more fuel reserves; one or more burners that receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves; and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned to receive heat from the one or more burners; a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly connectable to a residential hose bib, the fluid inlet line being fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger; and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that the fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line, wherein the fluid within the heat exchanger is heated to an extermination temperature.
- 2. The system of clause 1, further including an application stem removably coupled to the fluid outlet line, the application stem including: a modular hollow shaft including a first end and a second end and defining one or more perforations adjacent the second end and a modular tip receiver opening formed at the second end; a modular tip receiver positioned within the modular tip receiver opening; and a modular tip removably coupled to the modular tip receiver, wherein the fluid heated within the heat exchanger is supplied with the fluid from the heat exchanger through the fluid outlet line, and the fluid exits the application stem through the one or more perforations.
- 3. The system of any preceding clause, further including an application valve that controls fluid flow to the application stem.
- 4. The system of any preceding clause, the application stem further including a grip.
- 5. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the grip includes a t-handle extension.
- 6. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the application stem further includes: a redirection pipe to which the modular hollow shaft is removably coupled at the first end of the modular hollow shaft, wherein the redirection pipe is couplable to the fluid outlet line, and the fluid is redirected as it flows through the redirection pipe from a first direction to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a grip including a t-handle extension is mounted to the redirection pipe at a transition between the first direction and the second direction.
- 7. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the modular hollow shaft includes at least 10 perforations.
- 8. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the modular tip receiver and the modular tip includes a sloping external profile.
- 9. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the fluid outlet line is rated to hold water at temperatures between about 190 degrees F. to about 200 degrees F.
- 10. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the housing includes a one or more sidewalls and a moveable top moveably coupled to the one or more sidewalls.
- 11. The system of any preceding clause, further including a support cart that includes a chassis and one or more wheels rotatably coupled to the chassis, wherein the housing is mounted to the chassis.
- 12. The system of any preceding clause, wherein the fluid inlet line includes a pressure regulating valve that regulates a pressure of the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger between about 30 psi to about 60 psi.
- 13. An application stem for a system for exterminating ants, the application stem including: a modular hollow shaft including a first end and a second end and defining one or more perforations adjacent the second end and modular tip receiver opening formed at the second end; a mount for fluidly coupling the modular hollow shaft to a heat exchanger of the system for exterminating fire ants; a modular tip receiver positioned within the modular tip receiver opening; and a modular tip removably coupled to the modular tip receiver, wherein fluid heated within the heat exchanger is supplied with the fluid from the heat exchanger through a fluid outlet line, and the fluid exits the application stem through the one or more perforations.
- 14. The application stem of any preceding clause, the application stem further including a grip.
- 15. The application stem of any preceding clause, wherein the grip includes a t-handle extension.
- 16. The application stem of any preceding clause, wherein the mount includes: a redirection pipe to which the modular hollow shaft is removably coupled at the first end of the modular hollow shaft, wherein the redirection pipe is couplable to the fluid outlet line, and the fluid is redirected as it flows through the redirection pipe from a first direction to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and a grip including a t-handle extension is mounted to the redirection pipe at a transition between the first direction and the second direction.
- 17. The application stem of any preceding clause, wherein the fluid outlet line is rated to hold water at temperatures between about 190 degrees F. to about 200 degrees F.
- 18. The application stem of any preceding clause, wherein the modular tip receiver and the modular tip include a sloping external profile.
- 19. A system for exterminating insects including: a housing mounted to a chassis including one or more wheels that are rotatably coupled to the chassis; a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing and includes: one or more fuel reserves; one or more burners that receive fuel from the one or more fuel reserves; and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned above the one or more burners to receive heat from the one or more burners; a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and configured to be directly fluidly coupled to a residential hose bib the fluid inlet line being fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger; and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that the fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line, wherein the fluid within the heat exchanger is heated to an extermination temperature.
- 20. The system of any preceding clause, further including an application stem removably coupled to the fluid outlet line, the application stem including: a modular hollow shaft including a first end and a second end and defining one or more perforations adjacent the second end and a modular tip receiver opening formed at the second end; a modular tip receiver positioned within the modular tip receiver opening; and a modular tip removably coupled to the modular tip receiver, wherein the fluid heated within the heat exchanger is supplied with the fluid from the heat exchanger through the fluid outlet line, and the fluid exits the application stem through the one or more perforations.
- It should now be understood that a system for exterminating insects may include a housing, a fluid-heating assembly housed within the housing and including one or more fuel reserves, one or more burners receiving fuel from the one or more fuel reserves, and a heat exchanger defining a sinuous flow path positioned to receive heat from the one or more burners, a fluid inlet line coupled to the housing and configured to be directly fluidly coupled to a residential hose bib the fluid inlet line being fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger, such that fluid is directed from the fluid inlet line directly to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger; and a fluid outlet line coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger such that fluid is directed from the sinuous flow path of the heat exchanger directly through the fluid outlet line. Fluid within the heat exchanger may be heated to an extermination temperature. The system may further include an application stem that may be configured to apply the heated fluid through one or more perforations to exterminate insects. The system may be generally usable and transportable by an individual without the need for any external mechanisms or vehicles for moving the system. Thus, the system may solve a long-felt but unmet need for mobile insect eradication systems that are transportable by an individual without need for road access and/or vehicle transport.
- It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
- While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.
Claims (6)
1. An application stem for a system for exterminating ants, the application stem comprising:
a modular hollow shaft comprising a first end and a second end and defining one or more perforations adjacent the second end and modular tip receiver opening formed at the second end;
a mount for fluidly coupling the modular hollow shaft to a heat exchanger of the system for exterminating fire ants;
a modular tip receiver positioned within the modular tip receiver opening; and
a modular tip removably coupled to the modular tip receiver, wherein fluid heated within the heat exchanger is supplied with the fluid from the heat exchanger through a fluid outlet line, and the fluid exits the application stem through the one or more perforations.
2. The application stem of claim 1 , the application stem further comprising a grip.
3. The application stem of claim 2 , wherein the grip comprises a t-handle extension.
4. The application stem of claim 1 , wherein the mount comprises:
a redirection pipe to which the modular hollow shaft is removably coupled at the first end of the modular hollow shaft, wherein the redirection pipe is couplable to the fluid outlet line, and the fluid is redirected as it flows through the redirection pipe from a first direction to a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and
a grip comprising a t-handle extension is mounted to the redirection pipe at a transition between the first direction and the second direction.
5. The application stem of claim 4 , wherein the fluid outlet line is rated to hold water at temperatures between about 190 degrees F. to about 200 degrees F.
6. The application stem of claim 1 , wherein the modular tip receiver and the modular tip comprise a sloping external profile.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/993,429 US20230090699A1 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2022-11-23 | System for eradicating fire ants and other insects |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US17/071,232 US11533902B2 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2020-10-15 | System for eradicating fire ants and other insects |
US17/993,429 US20230090699A1 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2022-11-23 | System for eradicating fire ants and other insects |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US17/071,232 Division US11533902B2 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2020-10-15 | System for eradicating fire ants and other insects |
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US20230090699A1 true US20230090699A1 (en) | 2023-03-23 |
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US17/071,232 Active 2040-12-30 US11533902B2 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2020-10-15 | System for eradicating fire ants and other insects |
US17/993,429 Pending US20230090699A1 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2022-11-23 | System for eradicating fire ants and other insects |
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US17/071,232 Active 2040-12-30 US11533902B2 (en) | 2020-10-15 | 2020-10-15 | System for eradicating fire ants and other insects |
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US20220117208A1 (en) | 2022-04-21 |
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