Fishing – trapping – and vermin destroying – Traps – Insect
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-08
2001-05-01
Ark, Darren W. (Department: 3643)
Fishing, trapping, and vermin destroying
Traps
Insect
C043S132100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223464
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to termite repellents and, more specifically, to an apparatus for repelling ground termites from a desired area through application of a voltage to the ground surrounding the desired area thereby creating an electrical barrier.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous types of termite repellent devices have been provided in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,635,393; 4,667,436; 4,839,984 and 5,435,096 all are illustrative of such prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,393
Inventor: Harry L. Pfeffer, Sr. et al.
Issued: Jan. 13, 1987
The disclosure relates to a device for killing ants and other insects by electrocution. The device includes an elongated shaft or probe for insertion into the anthill and an adapter for connecting the device to an electrical source. A charge ring is spaced from a charge plate between which ants can pass. When ants attack the device having been inserted into the anthill, those that find themselves between the charge plate and the charge ring will short circuit the device causing the ants to be electrocuted.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,667,436
Inventor: James A. Benson
Issued: May 26, 1987
An apparatus powered by an electric alternating current source comprising an insulator having the upper end of a spike mounted therein and two wires wrapped about the insulator forming a double helical coil. The two wires have a voltage of about 1000-1500 volts placed across them to electrocute fire ants upon contact. The spike is inserted into the ground thus supporting the apparatus in an upright position.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,984
Inventor: Anne L. Saunders et al.
Issued: Jun. 20, 1989
A non-toxic, non-chemical device and system for repelling crawling insects from a structure such as a building and training the insects to go elsewhere includes closely-spaced elongated conductors mounted on an insulating base and having a potential difference applied thereto for providing an insect-stunning short-circuit current of about fifteen microamps. When insects bridge the conductors, they receive a current as a function of their internal resistance. The conductors are mounted via the base along the foundation and about posts and other structures which connect into the building. Preferably, the conductors are also slippery and reflective to assist in repelling and training the insects without bridging the conductors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,096
Inventor: Nelson M. Nekomoto
Issued: Jul. 25, 1995
An apparatus and method utilizing a phase-locked high voltage, high-frequency generator or alternator capable of quasi-unlimited power output for feeding electric power into pest-infected earth via an electric conducting wire, for example termite infested ground Utilizing a conventional line power, the power source produces high energy pulses. The pulses are fed into an under-ground electrical conducting wire for application at high voltages. The voltages penetrate the earth and electrocute and repel the nematrodes and arthropods contained therein.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to termite repellents and, more specifically, to an apparatus for repelling ground termites from a desired area through application of a voltage to the ground surrounding the desired area thereby creating an electrical barrier.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites that will overcome the shortcomings of prior art devices.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites which is able to provide protection for a desired area from termites by treating the ground of the area with an electrical current.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites which is able to provide protection for generally inaccessible areas such as beneath a wooden structure.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites wherein the electrical current is supplied by a plurality of electrodes extending into the ground.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites wherein the plurality of electrodes are in the form of metal stakes which can be easily inserted into the ground.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites wherein the electrodes are in the form of flat metal plates of any desired shape or size.
A yet further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites including two sets of electrodes positioned in the ground on opposing ends of the desired protection area whereby the electrical current flows through the soil and between the two sets of electrodes.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites wherein each set of electrodes includes at least four electrodes.
An even further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites that is simple and easy to use.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for repelling ground termites that is economical in cost to manufacture.
Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds.
An apparatus for repelling ground termites from an area surrounding a structure is disclosed by the present invention. The apparatus is connected to a power source and includes first second sets of electrodes positioned in a ground area on opposing sides of the structure. A first lead line is connected between the first set of electrodes and the power source for supplying an electrical current to the first set of electrodes and a second lead line is connected between the second set of electrodes and the power source for supplying an electrical current to the second set of electrodes. The electrical current supplied to the first and second sets of electrodes is delivered to the ground in which the first and second sets of electrodes is positioned and flows through the ground between the first and second sets of electrodes forming a barrier region within which any termites will be electrocuted. The first and second sets of electrodes preferably include at least four electrodes. Each of the plurality of electrodes in the first and second sets of electrodes are in the form of one of spikes and flat metal plates. The first and second sets of electrodes each extend for a distance longer than the side of the structure on which they are positioned and are positioned at a depth in the ground below a foundation of the structure. The first and second sets of electrodes are also preferably positioned at a distance from each other greater than the width of the structure.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.
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Chang Jerry S
Nekomoto Nelson M
Ark Darren W.
Kroll Michael I.
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