Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Transmitter systems – Animal control
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-03
2001-10-02
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Transmitter systems
Animal control
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298011
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Mosquito infestation has become more prevalent and is particularly bothersome in wetland areas. This has been seen to represent a particular problem in view of the health risks often posed by mosquitos. For example, diseases which are fatal to mankind are now being transmitted by mosquito bites.
Devices and methods for trapping and killing mosquitos are well known in the art, but these are generally either ineffective or subject to various problems. For example, current methods for elimination of mosquitos may employ aerial spraying of pesticides over large areas, as over wetlands. However, while these methods may be effective the procedure is expensive and can often be harmful to humans and other species. Also, aerial sprays tend to migrate and affect areas other than that which is originally intended. Moreover, these can be quite harmful to the environment. Other methods exist, such as electric insect killers and the like, which are not entirely effective. Personal sprays are of limited effectiveness and are also subject to environmental concerns.
Thus, although a great deal of effort is expended annually by individuals, groups and municipalities to control the high mosquito population, these efforts have been seen to have limited benefits and may themselves cause problems. As increased emphasis is placed on outdoor recreation, more effective measures are needed to control the mosquito population, particularly since they can carry a variety of diseases.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a simple, convenient and expeditious method of controlling the mosquito population.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method as aforesaid which inexpensively kills mosquito larvae, thus effectively controlling the mosquito population.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a method as aforesaid which is essentially free from hazards and adverse side effects.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It has now been found that the foregoing objects and advantages can be readily obtained in accordance with the method of the present invention.
The present invention provides a method for killing mosquito larvae, which comprises: subjecting mosquito larvae in a body of water to one of cavitation and acoustic resonance with structures within the mosquito larvae from an acoustic transducer, resulting in killing adjacent mosquito larvae. The acoustic transducer is immersed in a body of water containing mosquito larvae. In preferred embodiments, the acoustic transducer is energized resulting in acoustic resonance of the larval air bladder or cavitation. In acoustic resonance, the resonant frequency of the air bladder is from 16 kHz to 32 kHz with less than 1 watt of energy required to start the process. Desirably, the transducer is moved across the body of water as by a boat to affect different areas of the body of water as needed. Alternately, transducers can be dipped in storm catch basins, installed permanently in small bodies of water, such as ponds, or installed in backpack units for operators who wade through marsh areas, etc. Preferably, an amplifier is connected to said transducer.
It has been found that the foregoing method is effective in killing mosquito larvae.
Further features of the present invention will appear hereinbelow.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4284845 (1981-08-01), Belcher
patent: 4484316 (1984-11-01), Nakagawa
patent: 5241778 (1993-09-01), Price
patent: 5528049 (1996-06-01), Callahan
patent: 11-561963 (1999-03-01), None
patent: 2000-570401-A (2000-08-01), None
Nyberg Herbert J.
Nyberg Michael H.
Bachman & LaPointe P.C.
Lobo Ian J.
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