WO2011120578A1

WO2011120578A1 - Insect trap with upstream attractant

Info

Publication number: WO2011120578A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/054366
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rickard Rosendahl
Original assignee: Amplecta AB
Priority date: 2010-03-31
Filing date: 2010-03-31
Publication date: 2011-10-06

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insect trap (1; 27) comprising a trap inlet (3) and a trap outlet (4). The insect trap (1; 27) further comprises a fan (5) arranged and configured to create an air flow between the trap inlet (3) and the trap outlet (4). The insect trap (1; 27) comprises also a container (6) arranged along a flow path of the air flow in order to trap insects sucked into the insect trap (1; 27) by underpressure formed at the trap inlet (3). The insect trap (1; 27) further comprises an attractant support arrangement (10) for supporting a (chemical) attractant (21) capable of emitting attractant molecules into air surrounding the attractant (21); and a flow passage (35; 24) between the attractant support arrangement (10) and an attractant discharge outlet (20;34) arranged adjacent to the trap inlet (3), to allow for the underpressure formed at the trap inlet (3) to create an attractant flow through the flow passage from the attractant support arrangement (10) to the attractant discharge outlet (20; 34).

Description

INSECT TRAP WITH UPSTREAM ATTRACTANT

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an insect trap comprising a trap inlet and a trap outlet a fan arranged and configured to create an air flow between the trap inlet and the trap outlet; and a container arranged in along a flow path of the air flow in order to trap insects sucked into the insect trap by

underpressure formed at the trap inlet. Technical Background

In large parts of the world, insects in general and various species of mosquitoes in particular are important carriers of different diseases, such as Nile fever, Dengue fever etc. In other parts of the world, such insects may not carry dangerous diseases, but may nevertheless severely influence the behavior of humans.

The number of insects in a given geographical area may be reduced through the use of toxic chemicals, such as insecticides. However, it is generally believed that the use of such chemicals should be avoided if possible.

As a more attractive alternative to the use of insecticides, different types of insect traps have been developed which attract the insects to the trap where the insects are caught and disposed with. This reduces the number of insects and reduces the capacity of the insects to reproduce. Accordingly, the insect population in the vicinity of such an insect trap can be reduced. What is used to attract the insects to the insect trap may vary from application to application. For instance, any one of light, heat, carbon dioxide, moisture, a chemical attractant, or any combination thereof may be used to attract the insects to the insect trap.

For example, US 6 854 208, discloses an insect trap which uses light to attract the mosquitoes to the insect trap. The insect trap according to US 6 854 208 has a cap where a light-source for emitting the light is arranged, and a base with an inlet arranged close to the cap and an outlet arranged at the bottom of the base. The insect trap further comprises a container for holding insects that are caught in the insect trap, and a fan arranged between the inlet and the outlet to create an air flow between the inlet and the outlet through the container. When the insects that are attracted by the light approach the inlet, they are sucked into the container by the air flow. In the container, the insects dry out and die. To supplement the attracting effect of the light, the insect trap in US 6 854 208 is additionally provided with a canister for holding a chemical attractant. The canister is arranged at the bottom of the base of the insect trap in such a way that the air flow through the insect trap is capable of expelling the chemical attractant arranged in the canister through the outlet of the insect trap.

Although the insect trap according to US 6 854 208 appears capable of expelling the chemical attractant into the surrounding atmosphere to thereby attract insects to the insect trap, the chemical attractant is emitted rather far from the inlet, which may confuse the insects and/or cause the insects to move away from the inlet. Summary of the Invention

In view of the above-mentioned and other drawbacks of the prior art, a general object of the present invention is to provide an improved insect trap, and in particular an insect trap capable of more precise attraction of insects at the trap inlet of the insect trap.

According to the present invention, these and other objects are achieved through an insect trap comprising: a trap inlet and a trap outlet; a fan arranged and configured to create an air flow between the trap inlet and the trap outlet; and a container arranged along a flow path of the air flow in order to trap insects sucked into the insect trap by underpressure formed at the trap inlet, wherein the insect trap further comprises: an attractant support arrangement for supporting a chemical attractant capable of emitting attractant molecules into air surrounding the attractant; and a flow passage between the attractant support device and an attractant discharge outlet arranged adjacent to the trap inlet, to allow for the underpressure formed at the trap inlet to create an attractant flow from the attractant support arrangement to the attractant discharge outlet.

As used herein, the term "fan" should be understood as any device capable of providing an air flow. In particular, the fan may be any one of an axial fan, a centrifugal fan, a crossflow fan, etc.

The present invention is based on the realization that the insect catching capability of an insect trap would benefit from providing attractant molecules in the vicinity of the trap inlet, rather than at the trap outlet or spread out around the insect trap. The present inventor has further realized that attractant molecules can effectively be localized at the trap inlet by providing the insect trap with an attractant support arrangement and a flow passage between the attractant support device and an attractant discharge outlet arranged adjacent to the trap inlet. By arranging the attractant discharge outlet sufficiently close to the trap inlet, the air flow between the trap inlet and the trap outlet creates an underpressure at the attractant discharge outlet. When the insect trap is in operation, this underpressure creates an attractant flow from the attractant provided at the attractant support arrangement, through the flow passage to the attractant discharge outlet, where the attractant molecules are presented to the insects.

Obviously, the suction power of the fan provided in an insect trap is not unlimited, which means that the attractant discharge outlet should be arranged relatively close to the trap inlet for the desired attractant flow to occur. Determination of the suitable distance between the attractant discharge outlet and the trap inlet will not involve undue experimentation.

Hereby, attractant molecules can be localized to the vicinity of the trap inlet, so that the attractant molecules can assist in attracting the insects to the trap inlet. As mentioned in the background section, insect traps may use a combination of several attraction means for attracting insects to the insect trap so that the insects come close enough to the trap inlet to be sucked into the insect trap by the underpressure formed at the trap inlet. Through various embodiments of the present invention, an attractant flow can be provided that co-operates with the underpressure and other possible attraction means that are localized at the trap inlet of the insect trap. This provides for more efficient attraction of insects, which can be used to catch more insects and/or may allow for a reduction in the power consumption of the insect trap, since the fan may not need to create such a strong underpressure at the trap inlet if the insects can be lured closer to the trap inlet through the localized provision of attractant molecules at the trap inlet.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, the insect trap may comprise a substantially horizontal upper wall; and a substantially horizontal lower wall, the flow passage being provided between the upper wall and the lower wall.

This is a convenient and compact way of providing the desired flow passage. The discharge outlet may, furthermore, advantageously be formed by at least one peripheral flow gap between the upper wall and the lower wall. That the flow gap is "peripheral" should, in the context of the present application, be understood to mean that the flow gap is provided at the periphery of at least one of the upper wall and the lower wall. In some embodiments, the upper wall and the lower wall may have substantially the same lateral dimensions, and in other embodiments the lateral dimensions may be somewhat different.

Moreover, the lower wall may advantageously be arranged between the attractant support arrangement and the fan, to force at least a substantial portion of the attractant flow to pass the attractant discharge outlet before reaching the fan. By acting as a shield between the attractant support arrangement and the fan, the lower wall can serve to direct the attractant flow towards the trap inlet in a structurally simple way, which facilitates production of the insect trap and keeps the production cost down.

In some embodiments of the insect trap according to the present invention, the upper wall may comprise the attractant support arrangement. The attractant support arrangement may be configured to support the attractant at a side of the upper wall facing away from the lower wall, in which case the upper wall may be provided with at least one opening for allowing attractant flow from the attractant and into the flow passage provided between the upper wall and the lower wall.

In other embodiments of the insect trap according to the present invention, the lower wall may comprise the attractant support arrangement. In this case, the upper wall may be provided with at least one opening to allow air to enter into the flow passage between the upper wall and the lower wall after having passed the attractant support arrangement.

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments, the upper wall may advantageously constitute a protective cap for the insect trap.

Moreover, the flow passage between the upper wall and the lower wall may comprise at least one channel formed between the upper wall and the lower wall, the at least one channel being bounded by the upper wall, the lower wall and side walls. Such channels may, for example, be formed by grooves in either or both of the upper wall and the lower wall. Through the provision of one or more channels the attractant flow can be concentrated where it is considered to contribute the most to attracting insects to the trap. For example, one trap inlet portion of the insect trap may more attractive to insects than other portions of the insect trap due to, for instance, a particular temperature distribution or light-emission direction etc. Through the use of one or more channels, the attractant flow may also be concentrated to the more attractive trap inlet portion to efficiently utilize the combination of the different insect attraction means.

Furthermore, the attractant support arrangement may be arranged to be at a higher vertical level than the trap inlet when the insect trap is in use.

The insect trap according to various embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a light-source for attracting the insects using light.

Alternatively, or in combination with the above-mentioned light-source, the insect trap according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a carbon dioxide source, such as a carbon dioxide generator for generating carbon dioxide to be emitted by the insect trap. The carbon dioxide generator may, for example, be a converter arrangement configured to convert fuel gas, such as methane, propane, butane etc., or a mixture of two or more fuel gases to carbon dioxide. Such conversion may

advantageously be catalytic. This type of converter arrangements per se are well known those skilled in the relevant art. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide source may be provided in the form of a dispenser for dispensing compress carbon dioxide, or carbon dioxide can be provided by illuminating a catalyst, such as titanium oxide with suitable radiation, for example UV-light.

Moreover, the carbon dioxide source, such as the carbon dioxide generator may be arranged to emit carbon dioxide generated thereby into the flow path between the trap inlet and the trap outlet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein:

Fig 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of an insect trap according to the invention;

Fig 2 is a schematic illustration of another embodiment according to the invention. Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

Fig 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of an insect trap 1 according to the invention comprising a cylindrical housing 2, a trap inlet 3 and trap outlet 4. The insect trap 1 further comprises a fan 5 arranged within the housing 2 and a container 6 arranged below and in connection to the housing 2. Throughout the description words such above, below, upper, and lower are intended to have their ordinary meaning and relates to when the insect trap 1 is assembled and ready for operation. The container 6 is air permeable and forms the trap outlets 4. In the exemplary embodiment, walls and base of the container 6 are substantially made of mesh, such that the trapped insects may not escape. Further, the container 6 is detachably arranged to the housing 2 for allowing emptying of the container 6 when it is filled with dead insects. The fan 5 is arranged in a flow duct 13 within the housing 2.

The insect trap 1 further comprises a catalytic converter 14 for converting liquefied petroleum gas to carbon dioxide, for generating heat and as a power supply for the fan 5. The catalytic converter 14 is arranged within the housing 2 and provided with liquefied petroleum gas via a duct between the catalytic converter 14 and a container for liquefied petroleum gas (not shown). It is advantageous to generate carbon dioxide, since it attracts the insects.

The outer surface of the housing 2 may be provided with a pattern that comprises a darker color adjacent to the trap inlet 3 and a lighter color at the other end, that is adjacent to the container 6. For example, the outer surface of the container 6 may be black near the trap inlet 3 and mainly white at the opposite end. This is advantageous since the insects are attracted by the black color.

Further, the insect trap 1 comprises a substantially horizontal upper wall 8 and a substantially horizontal lower wall 9 arranged above the housing 2. The lower wall 9 is arranged on spacers disposed on the upper side of the housing such that the trap inlet 3 is formed between the upper periphery of the container 6 and the periphery of the lower wall 9. The trap inlet 3 extends along a part of the peripheries, but may alternatively extend along

substantially the whole upper periphery of the container 6.The lower wall 9 has a slightly convex form, such that the curvature of the side of the lower wall 9 facing the housing 2 is concave, as is schematically indicated in fig 1 . The lower wall 9 is arranged below the upper wall 8 and comprises an attractant support arrangement 10. The attractant support arrangement 10 comprises an attractant cavity 15 intended for the attractant 21 . The attractant support arrangement 10 is disposed substantially at the center of the lower wall 9. A chemical attractant, such as octenol or a combination of octenol and lactic acid, is arranged on the attractant support arrangement 10. The attractant support arrangement 10 comprises also light-sources, here in form of light emitting diodes 1 1 , arranged around the attractant cavity 15.

The upper wall 8 is formed as a hat and comprises a lower portion 16 and a cylindrical central portion 17 that projects upwards from the lower portion16 of the upper wall 8. The upper wall 8 is detachably arranged to the lower wall 9 for allowing the user to change the attractant 21 . The lower portion 16 is slightly convex ,such that the curvature of the side of the lower portion 16 facing the lower wall 9 is concave as is schematically indicated in fig 1 . The central portion 17 comprises a slightly convex upper surface 18 and at least one air opening 12. The lower portion 16 of the upper wall 8 projects outside both the periphery of the container 6 and the periphery of the lower wall 9 and forms a protective cap for the insect trap 1 . Further, the lower surface of the lower portion 16 comprises grooves 19 extending in a radial direction from vicinity of the attractant support arrangement 10 to a radial position that corresponds to a position peripherally slightly outside the periphery of the lower wall 9. The grooves 19 of the lower portion 16 form a flow passage in form of channels 35 together with the lower wall 9, when the upper wall 8 is arranged above the lower wall 9. A peripheral end of each channel 35 forms an attractant discharge outlet 20 disposed adjacent to, in this case slightly peripherally outside, the trap inlet 3. By arranging grooves 19 on the corresponding side of the lower wall 9 as the fan 5 and the trap inlet 3 in the housing 2, the attractant molecules may be more effectively directed to the attractant discharge outlet 20. Alternatively, the lower surface of the lower portion 16 may comprise strips extending radially, that form channels 35 together with the lower wall 9 and the lower surface of the lower portion 16, when the upper wall 8 is arranged above the lower wall 9. Still

alternatively, the upper wall 8 may comprise spacers, such that a three dimensional channel 35 is formed over substantially the whole area of the lower wall 9.

The air flow for the embodiment in Fig 1 during operation is described below. In operation, the fan 5 arranged in the housing 2 creates an air flow between the trap inlet 3 and the trap outlet 4 and forms an underpressure at the trap inlet 3. Due to the underpressure at the trap inlet 3, air at the attractant discharge outlets 20 is sucked into the trap inlet 3 resulting in an underpressure in the channels 35 and at the attractant support arrangement 10. This in turn results in that air is sucked in through the air opening 12 in the upper wall 8. The air flows towards the attractant 21 , arranged in the attractant support cavity 15, which emits attractant molecules into the air surrounding the attractant 21 . Thereafter, due to the underpressure at the trap inlet 3, the mixture of air and attractant molecules flows along the channels 35 to the attractant discharge outlets 20 adjacent to the trap inlet 3. From the attractant discharge outlets 20, the mixture of air and attractant molecules is further sucked into the trap inlet 3, through the flow duct 13 and further to the container 6, and finally out through the trap outlet 4. Thus, the attractant 21 is arranged upstream of the trap inlet 3. When the mixture at attractant discharge outlets 20 is sucked in, the insects attracted to the trap inlet 3 are sucked through the trap inlet 3 and transported by the air flow through the flow duct 13 to the container 6. Later, the trapped insects in the container 6 will dry out and die.

When the user turns on the insect trap 1 , the catalytic converter 14 will convert liquefied petroleum gas to carbon dioxide and to generate heat and electric power for the fan 5 as well as for the light emitting diodes 1 1 . Besides being attracted by the attractant molecules, the insects will be attracted by the carbon dioxide and the light emitted by the light emitting diodes 1 1 . In addition, the housing 2 will be warmer near the trap inlet 3 than opposite to the trap inlet 3, which also attracts the insects since the insects use infrared vision.

Turning now to Fig 2, another embodiment is described. Fig 2 schematically illustrates a cross section of an insect trap 27 according to the another embodiment of the invention comprising a housing 28. The upper end of the housing 28 comprises a trap inlet portion 22 comprising trap inlets 3. A UV light emitting lamp 23 is arranged within the housing such that the light from the lamp may pass out through the trap inlets 3.

The insect trap 27 further comprises a fan 5 arranged in a flow duct 13 within the housing 28. The flow duct 13 and the fan 5 are arranged

substantially in the center of the housing 28. The insect trap 27 further comprises a power supply for the fan 5 and the lamp 23 (not shown).

The insect trap 27 comprises also a container 6 arranged within the housing 28. The container 6 is air permeable and forms the trap outlets 4. In this exemplary embodiment the container is made of textile mesh, such that the trapped insects may not escape. Further, the base of the container 6 is detachably arranged for allowing emptying of the container 6 when it is filled with dead insects (not shown).

Further, the insect trap 27 comprises a substantially horizontal upper wall 29 and a substantially horizontal lower wall 30 arranged above the housing 28. The upper wall 29 is arranged above and in connection to the trap inlet portion 22 of the housing 28. The lower wall 30 is substantially in one plane and is arranged below the upper wall 29 on spacers disposed on the lower side of the upper wall 29, such that a flow passage 24 is formed between the upper wall 29 and the lower wall 30. The diameter of the lower wall 30 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the trap inlet portion 22 slightly above the trap inlets 3. Thus, a flow gap 25 is formed between the lower wall 30 and the trap inlet portion 22. The flow gap 25 forms an attractant discharge outlet 34 disposed slightly above and peripherally inside the trap inlets 3.

The upper wall 29 is formed in two pieces and comprises a lower portion 31 with a cylindrical central portion 32 that projects upwards from the lower portion 31 of the upper wall 29, and a cap 26. The lower portion 31 is slightly convex , such that the curvature of the side of the lower portion 31 facing the lower wall 30 is concave. The cap 26 is provided to surround the cylindrical central portion 32 and protect an attractant 21 arranged at the support arrangement 10. The cap 26 is detachably arranged to the cylindrical central portion 32 for allowing the user to change the attractant 21 . The cap 26 and the cylindrical central portion 32 comprises at least one air opening 12. The lower portion 31 of the upper wall 29 projects outside both the periphery of the container 6 and the periphery of the lower wall 30 and forms a protective cap for the insect trap 27. The upper wall 29 has a slightly convex form, such that the curvature of the side of the lower wall 30 facing the housing 2 is concave. The upper wall 29 comprises an attractant support arrangement 10, which is disposed substantially at the center of the upper wall 29. The attractant support arrangement 10 comprises an attractant cavity 15 intended for the attractant 21 . Further the attractant support arrangement 10 and the attractant cavity 15 comprises openings 33. A chemical attractant, such as octenol or a combination of octenol and lactic acid, is arranged on the attractant support arrangement 10.

The air flow for the embodiment in Fig 2 during operation is described below. In operation, the fan 5 arranged in the housing 28 creates an air flow between the trap inlet 3 and the trap outlet 4 and forms an underpressure at the trap inlet 3. Due to the underpressure at the trap inlet 3 air at the attractant discharge outlet 34 is sucked to the fan 5 resulting in an

underpressure at the flow passage 24 and at the attractant support arrangement 10. This in turn results in that air is sucked in through the air opening 12 in the upper wall 29. The air flows towards the attractant 21 , arranged in the attractant support cavity 15, which emits attractant molecules into the air surrounding the attractant 21 . Thereafter, due to the

underpressure at the trap inlets 3, the mixture of air and attractant molecules flows through openings 33 in both the attractant cavity 15 and the attractant support arrangement 10, and further along the flow passage 24 to the attractant discharge outlet 34 adjacent to the trap inlet 3. From the attractant discharge outlet 34, the mixture of air and attractant molecules is further sucked towards the fan 5, through the flow duct 13 and further to the container 6, and finally out through the trap outlets 4. Thus, the attractant 21 is arranged upstream of the trap inlets 3. When the mixture at the attractant discharge outlet 34 is sucked in, the insects attracted to the trap inlets 3 are sucked through the trap inlets 3 and transported by the air flow through the flow duct 13 to the container 6. Later, the trapped insects in the container 6 will dry out and die.

When the user turns on the insect trap 27 the fan 5 and the lamp 23 will be powered using a conventional power supply. Besides being attracted by the attractant molecules, the insects will be attracted by light. In addition, the container will be warmer near the trap inlet 3, which also attracts the insects since the insects uses infrared vision.

Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. For example, the insect trap 1 ; 27 according to the invention may be powered in other ways than described above by using any conventional power supply and/or solar cells etc.

Alternatively, one or several of the walls of the container 6 may comprise a non air permeable material while the base would be air permeable, or the base and one or several of the walls may comprise a non air permeable material while one of the walls would be air permeable.

In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1 . An insect trap (1 ; 27) comprising:

a trap inlet (3) and a trap outlet (4);

a fan (5) arranged and configured to create an air flow between said trap inlet (3) and said trap outlet (4); and

a container (6) arranged along a flow path of said air flow in order to trap insects sucked into the insect trap (1 ; 27) by underpressure formed at said trap inlet (3),

wherein said insect trap (1 ; 27) further comprises:

an attractant support arrangement (10) for supporting a chemical attractant (21 ) capable of emitting attractant molecules into air surrounding said attractant (21 ); and

a flow passage (35; 24) between said attractant support arrangement (10) and an attractant discharge outlet (20; 34) arranged adjacent to said trap inlet (3), to allow for said underpressure formed at said trap inlet (3) to create an attractant flow through said flow passage from said attractant support arrangement (10) to said attractant discharge outlet (20; 34).

2. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to claim 1 , comprising:

a substantially horizontal upper wall (8; 29); and

a substantially horizontal lower wall (9; 30),

said flow passage (35; 24) being provided between said upper wall and said lower wall.

3. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to claim 2, wherein said attractant discharge outlet (20; 34) is formed by at least one peripheral flow gap (24) between said upper wall (8; 29) and said lower wall (9; 30).

4. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said lower wall (9; 30) is arranged between said attractant support arrangement (10) and said fan (5), to force at least a substantial portion of said attractant flow to pass said attractant discharge outlet (20; 34) before reaching said fan (5).

5. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said upper wall (8; 29) comprises said attractant support arrangement (10).

6. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said lower wall (9; 30) comprises said attractant support arrangement (10).

7. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said upper wall (8; 29) constitutes a protective cap for said insect trap (1 ; 27).

8. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said flow passage comprises at least one channel (35) formed between the upper wall (8; 29) and the lower wall (9; 30), the at least one channel (35) being bounded by the upper wall (8; 29), the lower wall (9; 30) and side walls.

9. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said attractant support arrangement (10) is arranged to be at a higher vertical level than said trap inlet (3) when said insect trap (1 ; 27) is in use.

10. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light-source (1 1 ; 23) for attracting said insect using light.

1 1 . The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a carbon dioxide generator (14) for generating carbon dioxide to be emitted by the insect trap (1 ; 27).

12. The insect trap (1 ; 27) according to claim 1 1 , wherein said carbon dioxide generator (14) is arranged to emit carbon dioxide generated thereby into said flow path between the trap inlet (3) and the trap outlet (4).