Fishing – trapping – and vermin destroying – Vermin destroying – Insect
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-03-13
Lavinder, Jack W. (Department: 3644)
Fishing, trapping, and vermin destroying
Vermin destroying
Insect
C043S107000, C239S337000, C239S373000, C239S589000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199316
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a slow release of a compressed gas such as but not limited to, carbon dioxide, and an insect trap incorporating such apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In some gas operated apparatuses it is required to provide a continuous flow of gas from a gas supply. Typically this involves the use of relatively expensive and complicated gas flow regulators and monitors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention was developed to provide a simple apparatus that can provide a continuous slow release of gas from an initial gas charge. While the apparatus can be used in many different applications, one recently developed application is in an insect trap.
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for providing a continuous slow release of a compressed gas, the apparatus comprising at least:
a pressure vessel adapted for connection to a supply of compressed gas for holding a volume of said compressed gas; and,
a restrictor tube having a first open end located within the pressure vessel and an opposite second open end located outside the pressure vessel;
whereby, in use, when a volume of gas is transferred from the supply of compressed gas to the pressure vessel, the volume of gas enters the first open end, travels through the restrictor tube and exists from the second open end to provide a continuous slow release of the volume of gas from the pressure vessel.
Preferably the apparatus further includes means for opening, from time to time, a fluid communication path between the supply of compressed gas and the pressure vessel to charge the pressure vessel with said volume of compressed gas.
Preferably said means is automatically operated to cyclically open the communication path for a predetermined first period after the expiration of a predetermined second period.
In an alternate embodiment, said means is automatically operated to open said communication path for a predetermined first period upon detecting a predetermined physical characteristic of, the gas inside the pressure vessel and/or the surrounding environment. The predetermined physical characteristic may include one or more of the following: gas pressure inside the pressure vessel; gas pressure inside the restrictor tube; gas temperature within the pressure vessel; gas temperature within the restrictor tube; a predetermined difference in gas pressure or temperature within the pressure vessel and a predetermined location within the restrictor tube; ambient light; pressure, temperature, wind speed.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an insect trap comprising at least:
a housing defining an insect collection chamber, the housing having one or more apertures to allow an insect to enter the chamber; and,
an apparatus for providing a continuous slow release for compressed gas in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, with the second open end of the restrictor tube located within the insect collection chamber so that the gas is continuously and slowing released into the chamber;
whereby, in use, an insect, upon entering the chamber through said aperture, is asphyxiated by the gas and collects in the chamber.
Preferably the trap further includes a light source for producing a light of a wavelength attractive to a range of insects desired to be trapped.
Preferably said light source includes at least two light emitting devices emitting light of different wavelength.
Preferably said light source includes a light mixer for mixing the light emitted by said light emitting devices.
Preferably said light mixer includes a transparent or translucent prism to which said light emitting devices are optically coupled.
Preferably said prism is provided with an array of surface grooves or scratches for refracting light emitted by said light emitting devices as it passes from the prism to the surrounding atmosphere.
Alternately or in addition the surface of the prism is frosted.
Preferably the insect trap includes a light source circuit for controlling the ON/OFF cycle of the light emitting devices.
Preferably the insect trap includes a body of liquid held in the chamber at a location so that an asphyxiated insect can fall into the liquid.
Preferably the liquid includes a volume of lactic acid.
Preferably the liquid further includes a volume of octenol.
Preferably said second open end of the tube is disposed below the surface level of the liquid so that the gas bubbles through the liquid to reduce its surface tension.
Preferably the gas is one of a character or nature that attracts one or a range of insects desired to be trapped.
Preferably the gas is carbon dioxide.
Preferably the insect includes air circulation means for circulating air through said housing in a direction to produce a down draught near said opening toward said body of liquid.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2083950 (1937-06-01), Guba
patent: 3041773 (1962-07-01), Gagliano
patent: 4332100 (1982-06-01), Schneider
patent: 4506473 (1985-03-01), Waters, Jr.
patent: 4907366 (1990-03-01), Balfour
patent: 5301456 (1994-04-01), Joobin
patent: 5382422 (1995-01-01), Dieguez et al.
patent: 5813166 (1998-09-01), Wigton
patent: 200591 (1985-04-01), None
patent: 20441/92 (1993-01-01), None
patent: 11632/95 (1995-08-01), None
Lavinder Jack W.
Workman & Nydegger & Seeley
LandOfFree
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