WO2019099181A1

WO2019099181A1 - Fanless mosquito monitoring and control trap using pesticide-impregnated cloth

Info

Publication number: WO2019099181A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/058076
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip G. Koehler; Roberto M. Pereira; My Ung NHAT
Original assignee: University Of Florida Research Foundation; Done Thanh Incense, Llc
Priority date: 2017-11-16
Filing date: 2018-10-30
Publication date: 2019-05-23

Abstract

Solar-powered fan-less insect trap, device, system and method for monitoring and control of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses, incorporating an insecticide-impregnated cloth that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The novel trap is not noisy and does not require external power supplies nor batteries and is both low cost and low maintenance.

Description

FANLESS MOSQUITO MONITORING AND CONTROL TRAP USING PESTICIDE-

IMPREGNATED CLOTH

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/587,049, filed on November 16, 2017, entitled“FANLESS MOSQUITO MONITORING AND CONTROL TRAP USING PESTICIDE- IMPREGNATED CLOTH,” the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to controlling mosquitoes, and in particular to solar-powered fan-less mosquito traps, devices, systems and methods for monitoring and control of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses, such as Aedes incorporating an insecticide-impregnated cloth which can be used both indoors and outdoors.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0003] Arboviruses caused by mosquitoes are a growing problem in the United States and throughout the world. Available mosquito traps generally require fans to trap mosquitoes or other means to kill mosquitoes. Many of these traps are noisy and are not suitable for indoor use.

[0004] Additionally, the traps with fans either require direct electric power supplies or powerful heavy batteries requiring frequent recharge.

[0005] Using electric power supplies or batteries are not recommended for indoor locations limiting their usefulness.

[0006] Furthermore, these prior art type traps generally require constant refilling or replacement of attractants. [0007] Other types of devices, such as electrical bug zappers require a lot of electrical power, which can be undesirable as well as be expensive to operate and run over time, and be dangerous to humans and animals that come in contact with the electrified screens.

[0008] Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THU INVENTION

[0009] The subject disclosure relates to solar-powered fan-less mosquito traps, devices, systems and methods for monitoring and control of mosquitos.

[0010] In one aspect, among others, a device to kill insects comprises a housing having a light source inside for attracting insects into the housing. The light source is powered by a power source and the housing has at least one opening. The device further comprises a food source attractant inside the housing for attracting the insects into the housing. The device further comprises a mesh treated with insecticide for covering the at least one opening into the housing and a screen for covering an exterior of the mesh. The insects attracted to the light source pass through the screen and are killed by the insecticide treated mesh.

[0011] In some aspects, the light source includes: at least one UV (ultraviolet) LED (light emitting diode). In some aspects, the at least one UV LED is approximately 365 nm. In some aspects, the at least one UV LED includes a plurality of UV LEDs, each emitting in an approximately 120-degree fan direction. In some aspects, the power source includes a rechargeable battery. In some aspects, the power source includes a solar panel electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery and the solar panel is configured to charge the

rechargeable battery. In some aspects, the power source includes a wall plug for plugging into a 120 volt power supply. In some aspects, the housing includes a generally cylindrical configuration with a closed top and closed bottom. In some aspects, the at least one opening includes a circumferential opening about sides of the cylindrical configuration. [0012] In some aspects, the insecticide treated mesh and the screen are each tubular and are concentric with one another. In some aspects, the insecticide treated tubular mesh is spaced apart from the tubular screen. In some aspects, the spaced apart includes a spacing of approximately ½” to approximately 1”. In some aspects, the insecticide includes permethrin.

In some aspects, the mesh includes a fabric. In some aspects, the screen comprises at least one of: metal, plastic or nylon. In some aspects, the openings in the screen are larger in diameter than openings in the mesh. In some aspects, the screen openings have diameters of up to approximately ¼”, and the mesh openings have diameters of between approximately ½ mm and approximately 1 mm. In some aspects, the food source attractant comprises at least one of: carbon dioxide, octenol or lactic acid. In some aspects, the carbon dioxide is formed from titanium oxide and a carbon coating. In some aspects, the food source attractant is formed from a degradable plastic.

[0013] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. In addition, all optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments are usable in all aspects of the disclosure taught herein. Furthermore, the individual features of the dependent claims, as well as all optional and preferred features and modifications of the described embodiments are combinable and interchangeable with one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. [0015] FIG. 1 A is a front view of an insect killing device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1B is a top view of the insect killing device of FIG. 1 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2A is a side view of the insect killing device of FIG. 1 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2B is a top view of the insect killing device of FIG. 2A along arrows 2B without the roof according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 3A is another example of the front view of the insect killing device of FIG. 1 A showing the insecticide treated mesh and protective screen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3B is a top view of the insect killing device of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4A is a side view of the insect killing device of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 4B is a cut view of the insect killing device of FIG. 4A along arrows 4B looking up from the cut view line in FIG. 4A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insect killing device of FIGS. 1-4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the solar panel and battery light wiring used in the device of FIGS. 1-5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 7 is an enlarged top view of the insect killing device of FIGS. 1-5 without the roof according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [0026] FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of the insect killing device of FIGS. 1-5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another example of an insect killing device that is collapsible, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 9A illustrates a collapsible inspected killing device in a non-collapsed configuration. FIG. 9B illustrates that insect killing device in a collapsed configuration. FIG. 9C illustrates an example of the insect killing device with a detachable solar panel according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

[0029] In the Summary above and in the Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features (including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification does not include all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspects and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0030] In this section, some embodiments of the invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used to indicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the present disclosure improves on existing traps that either incorporate a fan to trap insects ( e.g ., mosquitoes) or other means to kill the insects. The fan-less trap of the present disclosure allows the trap to be operated with minimum power, just enough to operate a LED UV light to attract mosquitoes. Mosquitoes come in contact with an insecticide-impregnated cloth and die. Dead mosquitoes can be collected for monitoring of mosquito population size or the presence of mosquito-bourne diseases.

[0032] A primary objective of the present disclosure is to provide solar-powered fan-less mosquito traps, devices, systems and methods for monitoring and control of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses such as Aedes mosquitoes incorporating an insecticide-impregnated cloth which can be used both indoors and outdoors.

[0033] A secondary objective of the present disclosure is to provide effective solar-powered fan-less mosquito traps, devices, systems and methods for monitoring and control of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses such as Aedes mosquitoes that have low-maintenance and low costs.

[0034] A third objective of the present disclosure is to provide effective solar-powered fan less mosquito traps, devices, systems and methods for monitoring and control of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses such as Aedes mosquitoes that do not require electrical power supplies or heavy batteries.

[0035] A fourth objective of the present disclosure is to provide effective solar-powered fan less mosquito traps, devices, systems and methods for monitoring and control of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses such as Aedes mosquitoes for use in military, commercial and residential applications.

[0036] Turning now to FIG. 1 A, shown is a front view of an example of an insect killing device 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The insect killing device 100 comprises a UV (ultraviolet) LED (light emitting diode) panel 1, a UV LED 2, an insecticide treated mesh 3 ( e.g mesh, fabric), a weather resistant roof 4, a solar panel 5, a battery 6, a collection tray 7, a protective screen 8, and a mosquito food attractant 9. FIG. 1B is a top view of the insect killing device 100 of FIG. 1 A.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the insect killing device 100 can have a generally cylindrical configuration. However, the device can comprises other shaped configurations such as, for example, a box shape, rectangular, triangular, and/or other shapes as can be appreciated. In some implementations, the insect killing device 100 can have a diameter of approximately 8 inches to approximately 10 inches, and a height of approximately 3 inches to approximately 10 inches.

[0038] The roof 4 of the insect killing device 100 is weather resistant and be formed from plastic, aluminum, galvanized steel, and the like. On top of the roof 4 can be a solar panel 5. In one non-limiting example, the solar panel 5 can comprise a 3.5 watt, 6-volt 583 ma solar panel manufactured by Sunnytech®. However, the solar panel 5 can comprises any other type of solar panel as can be appreciated. The solar panel 5 is used to charge the battery 6. In one non-limiting example, the battery 6 comprises a USB/DC (direct current) solar lithium ion/polymer charger. However, the battery 6 can comprise any other type of battery 6 as can be appreciated.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the battery 6 can provide power to the UV LED panel 1. In some implementations, the UV LED panel 1 can be approximately 3 inches long by approximately ½ inch wide with six LEDs, three or more or less on each side. Each of the LEDs 2 can be approximately 365 nm UV that each emit at approximately 120 degrees in generally a cone shape. In other implementations, the size and width of the panel 1 as well as the number of LEDs 2 on the LED panel 1 can vary.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the LED panel 1 and LEDs 2 can be positioned inside the insect killing device 100 between the roof 4 and a collection tray 7. The collection tray 7 is configured to collect dead insects. In some implementations, the collection tray 7 can comprise a pizza pan type tray, having a disc shape with raised outer edges. The collection tray 7 can comprises metal, and/or other material as can be appreciated.

[0041] On a top of a middle portion of the collection tray 7 can be an insect food attractant 9. The insect food attractant 9 can comprises carbon dioxide, octanol, lactic acid and/or any other attractant as can be appreciated.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the food attractant 9 can be imbedded in a plastic that can have a titanium oxide/carbon coating to produce carbon dioxide as the mosquito attractant 9. The plastic can be degradeable when exposed to UV light, and can release the attractant 9. An off-the-shelf example of a food attractant 9 can be the Octenol Mosquito Attractant by Flowtron®.

[0043] Surrounding the LED panel 1, LEDs 2, and food attractant 9 between the roof 4 and the mosquito collection tray 7, can be two concentric tubes. For example, the protective screen can comprises an outer tube 8. The protective screen 8 can be formed from metal, such as galvanized metal or aluminum, or plastic, or nylon, with screen openings of up to approximately 1/2 inch in diameter. The insecticide treated mesh 3 can comprise an inner concentric tube.

[0044] The insecticide treated mesh 3 can be a fabric or similar material treated with an insecticide, such as but not limited to approximately 1.64% permethrin, with the mesh being a product, such as but not limited to the Mattress Liner manufactured by ActiveGuard®, and the like. The openings in the insecticide treated mesh 3 can be approximately l/2mm to approximately 3mm and up to allow LED light attraction through the insecticide treated mesh 3.

[0045] The protective screen 8 can have screen openings generally larger than the openings of the inner insecticide treated mesh 3. The opening would allow mosquitos access to the insecticide treated mesh 3, but prevent people from contacting the insecticide on the insecticide treated mesh 3. In some implementations, the spacing between the outer tubular protective screen 8 and the insecticide treated mesh 3 can be approximately ½ inch to approximately 1 inch.

[0046] In operation, the UV LEDs 2, when turned on, and the food attractant 9 can attract insects ( e.g ., mosquitos) into the insect killing device 100. The protective screen 8 helps prevent users from directly contacting the insecticide treated mesh 3. The openings in the screen 8 help prevent larger insects from entering and passing through.

[0047] FIG. 2A is a side view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 A according to various

embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B is a cut view of the device 100 of FIG. 2A looking toward the roof 4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A is another front view of the device 100 of FIG. 1 A showing the insecticide treated mesh 3 and the protective screen 8 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B is a top view of the device of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A is a side view of the device 100 of FIG. 3 A according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B is a cut view of the device of FIG. 4A without the roof 4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device 100 of FIGS. 1-4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the solar panel 5 and battery light wiring used in the device 100 of FIGS. 1-5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates positive wire 10 and negative wire 11 being used to connect the solar panel 5 to battery 6. FIG. 6 further illustrates the positive wire 10 and negative wire 11 connecting the battery 6 to the UV LED panel 1 comprising the LEDs 2 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As discussed, the solar panel 5 is configured to charge the battery 6 which in turns powers the LED panel 1. FIG. 7 illustrates is an enlarged top view of the device 100 of FIGS. 1-5 without the roof 4 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an enlarged front view of the device 100 of FIGS 1-5 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] According to various embodiments, the insect killing device 100 can be rigid.

Alternatively, the insect killing device 100 can be collapsible. FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate an example of a collapsible mosquito killing device 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the protective screen 8 is designed to be collapsible such that when not in use, the mosquito killing device 100 can be in a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 9B. According to various embodiments, the protective screen 8 can formed from a flexible material, such as nylon, and the like, so that the protective screen can collapse with the the insecticide treated mesh 3, with the roof 4 and collective tray 7 sandwiching the UV LED panel 1 and UV LEDS 2 therebetween. In some implementations, the solar panels 5 can be detachable. FIG. 9C illustrates the insect killing device 100 with the solar panel 6 being detached yet still connected via the wire 10 to the insect killing device 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] In a test run 50 (fifty) mosquitos were killed in approximately one (1) hour with the device 100 of the present disclosure. [0051] Although the preferred embodiment is shown with a solar panel for supplying a power source for the battery, the invention can be use with a wall type plug for use with a 110 to 120 volt power supply.

[0052] The insect killing device 100 can be used during the day or at night, and be used both indoors and outdoors. The device can be portable so as to be easily transportable for different applications and locations.

[0053] In addition to the foregoing, the various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, the embodiments set for in the following clauses.

[0054] Clause 1. A device to kill insects, comprising: a housing having a light source inside for attracting insects into the housing, the light source being powered by a power source, the housing having at least one opening; a food source attractant inside the housing for attracting the insects into the housing; a mesh treated with insecticide for covering the at least one opening into the housing; and a screen for covering an exterior of the mesh, wherein the insects attracted to the light source pass through the screen and are killed by the insecticide treated mesh.

[0055] Clause 2. The device of clause 1, wherein the light source includes: at least one UV (ultraviolet) LED (light emitting diode).

[0056] Clause 3. The device of clause 2, wherein the at least one UV LED is approximately 365 nm.

[0057] Clause 4. The device of clause 2, wherein the at least one UV LED includes: a plurality of UV LEDs, each emitting in an approximately l20-degree fan direction.

[0058] Clause 5. The device of clause 1, wherein the power source includes a rechargeable battery. [0059] Clause 6. The device of clause 1, wherein the power source includes a solar panel electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery, the solar panel being configured to charge the rechargeable battery.

[0060] Clause 7. The device of clause 1, wherein the power source includes a wall plug for plugging into a 120 volt power supply.

[0061] Clause 8. The device of clause 1, wherein the housing includes a generally cylindrical configuration with a closed top and closed bottom.

[0062] Clause 9. The device of clause 8, wherein the at least one opening includes a circumferential opening about sides of the cylindrical configuration.

[0063] Clause 10. The device of clause 9, wherein the insecticide treated mesh and the screen are each tubular and are concentric with one another.

[0064] Clause 11. The device of clause 10, wherein insecticide treated tubular mesh is spaced apart from the tubular screen.

[0065] Clause 12. The device of clause 11, wherein the spaced apart includes a spacing of approximately ½” to approximately 1”.

[0066] Clause 13. The device of clause 1, wherein the insecticide includes permethrin.

[0067] Clause 14. The device of clause 1, wherein the mesh includes a fabric.

[0068] Clause 15. The device of clause 1, wherein the screen comprises at least one of: metal, plastic or nylon.

[0069] Clause 16. The device of clause 1, wherein openings in the screen are larger in diameter than openings in the mesh.

[0070] Clause 17. The device of clause 16, wherein the screen openings have diameters of up to approximately ¼”, and the mesh openings have diameters of between approximately ½ mm and approximately 1 mm. [0071] Clause 18. The device of clause 1, wherein the food source attractant comprises at least one of: carbon dioxide, octenol or lactic acid.

[0072] Clause 19. The device of clause 18, wherein the carbon dioxide is formed from titanium oxide and a carbon coating.

[0073] Clause 20. The device of clause 18, wherein the food source attractant is formed from a degradable plastic.

[0074] It should be noted that ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such a range format is used for convenience and brevity, and thus, should be interpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. To illustrate, a concentration range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited concentration of about 0.1 wt% to about 5 wt%, but also include individual concentrations (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and the sub-ranges (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.3%, and 4.4%) within the indicated range. The terms“about” and“approximately” can include traditional rounding according to significant figures of numerical values. In addition, the phrase“about ‘x’ to‘y’” includes“about‘x’ to about‘y”\ Additionally, preferred amounts and ranges can include the amounts and ranges referenced without the prefix of being approximately or about.

[0075] While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A device to kill insects, comprising:

a housing having a light source inside for attracting insects into the housing, the light source being powered by a power source, the housing having at least one opening;

a food source attractant inside the housing for attracting the insects into the housing; a mesh treated with insecticide for covering the at least one opening into the housing; and

a screen for covering an exterior of the mesh, wherein the insects attracted to the light source pass through the screen and are killed by the insecticide treated mesh.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the light source includes: at least one UV (ultraviolet) LED (light emitting diode).

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one UV LED is approximately 365 nm.

4. The device of claim 2, wherein the at least one UV LED includes: a plurality of UV

LEDs, each emitting in an approximately 120-degree fan direction.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source includes a rechargeable battery.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source includes a solar panel electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery, the solar panel being configured to charge the rechargeable battery.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the power source includes a wall plug for plugging into a 120 volt power supply.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a generally cylindrical configuration with a closed top and closed bottom.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least one opening includes a circumferential opening about sides of the cylindrical configuration.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the insecticide treated mesh and the screen are each tubular and are concentric with one another.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein insecticide treated tubular mesh is spaced apart from the tubular screen.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the spaced apart includes a spacing of approximately ½” to approximately 1”.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the insecticide includes permethrin.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the mesh includes a fabric.

15. The device of claim 1, wherein the screen comprises at least one of: metal, plastic or nylon.

16. The device of claim 1, wherein openings in the screen are larger in diameter than openings in the mesh.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the screen openings have diameters of up to approximately ¼”, and the mesh openings have diameters of between approximately ½ mm and approximately 1 mm.

18. The device of claim 1, wherein the food source attractant comprises at least one of: carbon dioxide, octenol or lactic acid.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the carbon dioxide is formed from titanium oxide and a carbon coating.

20. The device of claim 18, wherein the food source attractant is formed from a degradable plastic.