Automatic light-activated portable mist sprayer device

Abstract

A portable, light-activated, mist sprayer system comprising direct current power supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic circuitry that evaluates an electrical signal received from the light sensor to determine whether a “dusk” or “dawn” light condition exists; a container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a motor and pump that are activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; and a timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the spraying cycle. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. An RF receiving unit is also disclosed for optional activation using a remote transmitter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 970,778 as to all subject matter contained in this application that was previously disclosed in said parent application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to a portable device useful for spraying a fluid mist through a sprayer head to treat the atmosphere in a desired location proximal to the device, and more particularly, to a self-contained, light-activated, pump-driven mist sprayer that initiates a flow of treating fluid in response to a sensed ambient light condition of desired intensity and duration. Once initiated, the flow of fluid mist through the sprayer desirably continues for an adjustable time interval. A preferred use of the system is for eradicating or repelling flying or crawling insects in locations remote from AC power outlets during the periods of significa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] The system of the invention can be easily, effectively and reliably used to dispense a variety of treating fluids, most preferably liquids, but optionally, gases or liquids containing dissolved, entrained or suspended gaseous or powdered solid components. The treating fluids are preferably dispensed as a mist, and are preferably selected from known, commercially available insecticides, pesticides, insect or pest repellents, fungicides, biocides, and the like, and can optionally include an attractant component as a lure. It will also be appreciated upon reading the disclosure that the subject system can likewise be used for dispensing other treating fluids “on demand” including, for example, liquid fertilizers, air fresheners, cooling water, and the like, and at times other than dusk and dawn.

[0016] The system of the invention replaces standard timers or programmed controllers previously used in a...

Problems solved by technology

Problems associated with the presence of mosquitoes and other flying insects are well known, particularly during summer months when people typically engage in many outdoor activities.

Additionally, people are generally aware of the pain, discomfort and potentially dangerous allergic reactions that can accompany the bites of various flying and crawling insects encountered outdoors in either urban or rural areas.

The system is said to optionally include a fluid delivery system us...

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