Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Transmitter systems – Animal control
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-26
2001-10-09
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Transmitter systems
Animal control
C119S719000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301194
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a self-powered means for repelling insects and rodents. More specifically, the repellent device of the invention is a thermoelectrically powered insect and rodent repellent device which uses an ultrasonic device to generate a repelling frequency.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Insects, primarily mosquitoes, and rodents can be an annoyance for outdoor activities and pose a health danger due to the transmission of disease. Current technology for abating insects and rodents generally includes insecticides, insect repellents, insect electrocution devices, citronella candles, smoldering combustion materials, and collection devices. Many of these insect and rodent abatement devices are safe for neither humans nor the environment; they have limited mobility; and they have limited use time associated with their utilization. These are problems which the current invention solves. An ultrasonic insect and rodent abatement system which utilizes a low-grade heat source is desired.
The invention is adaptable for portability, daytime and nighttime use, camping, boating, use during natural disasters. This invention is environmentally sound and may use a multiplicity of low-grade heat sources for its operation. It is convenient to describe the invention with particular reference to a combustible gas heat source.
Prior art teachings, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,049, issued to Phillip S. Callahan, assignor, on Mar. 16, 1995, discloses a frequency emitter for control of insects including a pumping radiation, with a molecular vibratory modulation or a scatter surface, to generate radiation frequencies to control or attract insects. The frequency emitter, however, does not disclose a low-grade heat source of power. Also, the frequency emitter does not disclose that it is capable of using a multiplicity of low-grade heat sources for its operation. Moreover, while thermoelectric devices are known which use a Seebeck effect to generate voltage potential, there is no disclosure nor suggestion of a thermoelectric powered generator insect and rodent abatement system.
Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a self-powered ultrasonic insect and rodent repellent device which utilizes a low-grade heat source to power a thermoelectric generator which is thereby advantaged over current technology. The present invention addresses the need for a versatile and ecologically sound means to repel insects and rodents by utilizing an ultrasonic device combined with a thermoelectric generator. This invention can use a multiplicity of low-grade heat sources for its operation, giving it broad ranges of use, long-term use, portability and autonomy from the standard power grid. By combining an electronic ultrasonic repelling device with a thermoelectric solid-state power-generating device, a superior insect abatement system is achieved.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, these and other objects and advantages are addressed as follows. An ultrasonic insect and rodent repellent device powered by a thermoelectric solid state generator having a heat source is disclosed, wherein the ultrasonic insect and rodent repellent includes a heat source, a heat source energized thermoelectric device for producing power which, in turn, activates an ultrasonic generator to produce sound frequencies for repelling insects and rodents. The thermoelectric device has a hot side and a cool side, one to be applied close to the heat source and the other to be as cool as possible under the circumstances. Disclosed are various sources of heat, various ignition sources for the heat source, the portability of the invention due to its non-reliance on an electrical power grid for operational power, various ways to use excess power generated and the use of a gas catalytic combustor.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic insect and rodent repellent device may include a heat collection plate to be put into communication with the thermoelectric device, such that the heat collection plate maintains a consistently high rate of heat transfer from the heat source and, therefore, enhances electrical energy production.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic insect and rodent repellent device includes a finned heat sink on the cool side of the thermoelectric device, and the thermoelectric device is coupled to a direct current (DC) electric fan that is powered by a portion of the electrical energy produced by the thermoelectric device, and with the added air flow across the heat sink, provides improved cooling on the heat sink to maximize power generation by maintaining a high temperature differential across the thermoelectric device.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the mechanical and thermal connection of the hot side of the heat collection plate to the heat source is accomplished by means of mounting hardware.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical output of the thermoelectric device is sufficient to produce a large enough electrical supply to power both the ultrasonic device and the cooling fan, thereby maximizing the frequency generation and the cooling efficiency of the system.
In another embodiment of the present invention, scents may be used in the combustion process to enhance the insect repelling effectiveness.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, a photoelectric detector may be utilized to automatically regulate gas flow and ignition during sunlight and nighttime hours to conserve fuel and prolong the useful operation of the device. The photoelectric device can detect the lack of sunlight and will turn on a switch that in turn can regulate a fuel valve to turn on the gas during low light periods. A battery-powered igniter may be used to restart combustion of the gas, which would now be available to the combustion area. It is anticipated that the battery can be trickle charged by the thermoelectric device during generator operation.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the ultrasonic frequency generation may be accomplished by the use of either single directional large field or multidirectional large field generators. In the case of mosquito repelling ultrasonic devices, the ultrasonic device mimics the vibration of a male mosquito, i.e. 330 wing beats per second. This drives off female mosquitoes and stops them from biting. Such ultrasonic devices often operate in the high frequency sound range of approximately 15-40 KHz. Such a frequency generator will find particular utility in the present invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3891962 (1975-06-01), White
patent: 4689776 (1987-08-01), Thorndyke
patent: 5214411 (1993-05-01), Herbruck
patent: 5528049 (1996-06-01), Callahan
Cargill Lynn E.
Lobo Ian J.
Powell Mary H.
LandOfFree
Self-powered insect and rodent repellent device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Self-powered insect and rodent repellent device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Self-powered insect and rodent repellent device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2610671