Linkable insect repeller station and control system

Abstract

An insect repeller station includes a housing defining a volume, a heater assembly disposed within the volume, the heater assembly including a heater housing and a heating element having an aperture, a fluid reservoir supported by the heater assembly and containing a volatilizable insect repellent fluid and a wick extending from the volatilizable insect repellent fluid and into the aperture, the wick emitting the volatilizable insect repellent fluid, an IR window mounted within the heater housing, and a time of flight (ToF) sensor mounted within the heater housing adjacent the IR window.

Description

TITLELINKABLE INSECT REPELLER STATION AND CONTROL SYSTEMBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates in general to insect repeller devices. In particular, this invention relates to an insect repeller device that is linkable to other insect repeller devices and a control unit to regulate the emission of volatile material to control insects and / or create a pleasant outdoor environment within a defined area.

[0002] Outdoor spaces provide an attractive place for people to gather, eat, and relax. However, these spaces also attract insects and other pests which can hamper effective area use and, particularly in a commercial setting, create an undesirable environment which reduces profitability and adversely can impact a facility’s reputation. Individual repeller devices are known and create defined areas of protection from pests. These devices work well but are independently operated and may not provide efficient use of volatized materials which increases costs. Known devices may be linked to provide power for heating elements but do not regulate operation of the devices in response to environmental conditions or to system performance levels.

[0003] The ability to conveniently and effectively control an outdoor environment with respect to pest repelling or ambiance creation is hampered by the ability of repeller devices to communicate and coordinate operational status, adjust output parameters based on local conditions, and accommodate different materials and outputs to provide different environmental effects such as scent regulation, lighting control, and audio outputs. In addition, the outdoor environment provides unfavorable conditions, such as rain, wind, and temperature changes that reduce the ability to efficiently use emissive materials. Thus, it would be desirable to provide an outdoor environmental control system that provides the ability to reduce pest presence, provides a pleasant sensory atmosphere, and is resistant to negative environmental factors that affect operation of the devices.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This invention relates in general to insect repeller devices. In particular, this invention relates to an insect repeller device that is linkable to other insect repeller devices and a control unit to control insects within a defined area. The insect repeller station may operate as a singular unit or as a series of stations placed in selected areas. In one embodiment, the repeller station or stations are powered and operated by a separate hub controller. The repeller stations may also be powered individually, for example by solar, battery, or plug-in power sources. The hub controller may be a separate unit or may be incorporated into one or more of the repeller stations. The hub controller operates the repeller or repellers to emit repellent material, and may determine the duration of repellent material emission based on one or more inputs.

[0005] In one embodiment, an insect repeller station includes a housing defining a volume, a heater assembly disposed within the volume, the heater assembly including a heater housing and a heating element having an aperture, a fluid reservoir supported by the heater assembly and containing a volatilizable insect repellent fluid and a wick extending from the volatilizable insect repellent fluid and into the aperture, the wick emitting the volatilizable insect repellent fluid, an IR window mounted within the heater housing, and a time of flight (ToF) sensor mounted within the heater housing adjacent the IR window.

[0006] In another embodiment, an insect repeller system includes a hub controller having a hub controller body, the hub controller in communication with at least one repeller station and configured to provide at least one of input power to the at least one repeller station or command signals to control a heating element within the at least one repeller station and output of the volatilizable insect repellent fluid for the at least one repeller station. The hub controller includes a power button assembly mounted within the hub controller body. The power button assembly includes a button housing mounted within a surface of the hub controller body, a power button mounted within the buttonhousing and secured therein with a retainer, and a flexible sealing membrane mounted between an outer surface of the power button and an inside surface of the button housing.

[0007] In an additional embodiment, an insect repeller system includes a hub controller having a hub controller body, the hub controller in communication with at least one repeller station and configured to provide at least one of input power to the at least one repeller station or command signals to control a heating element within the at least one repeller station and output of the volatilizable insect repellent fluid for the at least one repeller station. The hub controller body includes a pocket that defines a space for electrical cables, and includes a removably attachable mounting plate. A lower surface of the hub controller body includes a mounting tab defining a mounting slot, wherein the mounting plate is configured for removable attachment to a mounting surface, such that when the mounting plate is attached to a mounting surface, the hub controller body is slid onto the mounting plate such that a portion of the mounting plate is inserted into the slot and locked thereto, and wherein the hub controller includes a power entry module (PEM) within the pocket for connection to a source of power.

[0008] In a further embodiment, an insect repeller station includes a housing defining a volume. A heater assembly is disposed within the volume and includes a heater housing and a heating element having a generally cylindrical heater portion that defines a heater bore. A fluid reservoir bottle is supported by the heater assembly and contains a volatilizable insect repellent fluid and a wick extending from the volatilizable insect repellent fluid and into the heater bore, wherein the wick emits the volatilizable insect repellent fluid. A recycling shield is configured to reduce condensation collection.

[0009] In an additional embodiment, a ground stake for an insect repeller station includes a stake body having three elongated blades defining a Y-shaped transverse section, and a mounting flange, wherein a cavity is centrally formed in an upper portion of the stake body and the mounting flange. A membrane-bolt assembly has a mounting bolt molded into a resilient membrane, wherein the membrane-bolt assembly is mounted within the cavity. The mounting bolt is configured to be threaded into a threaded openingin a base of the insect repeller station, and the ground stake is configured to absorb impact to the repeller station.

[0010] In another embodiment, a ground stake for an insect repeller station includes a stake body having three elongated blades defining a Y-shaped transverse section, and a mounting flange having a ball mounted thereto. The ball is mounted within a ball socket formed in a base of the insect repeller station. The ball of the stake body is configured to disengage from the ball socket when the repeller station experiences an impact.

[0011] In a further embodiment, a ground stake for an insect repeller station includes a stake body having three elongated blades defining a Y-shaped transverse section, a mounting flange having a threaded mounting post extending outwardly therefrom, and a spring interface mounted between the ground stake and an insect repeller station to which the ground stake is attached.

[0012] Various aspects of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a linked insect repeller system in accordance with the invention.

[0014] Fig. 2A is an enlarged view of a first embodiment of the linked insect repeller system illustrated in Fig. 1 shown connected in series.

[0015] Fig. 2B is an enlarged view of a second embodiment of the linked insect repeller system illustrated in Fig. 1 shown connected in parallel.

[0016] Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of an improved insect repeller station according to the invention.

[0017] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the insect repeller station illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0018] Fig. 5 is a partially exploded, cross sectional view of the insect repeller station taken along the line 5 - 5 of Fig. 4 shown without an evaporative fluid bottle.

[0019] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the insect repeller station shown in Fig. 5.

[0020] Fig. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of a lower section of the insect repeller station illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 showing the trough.

[0021] Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view of the insect repeller station taken along the line 8 - 8 of Fig. 4.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the lower section of the insect repeller station illustrated in Fig. 7 showing the evaporative fluid bottle installed.

[0023] Fig. 9A is an enlarged plan view of the recycling shield shown in Fig. 9.

[0024] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the evaporative fluid bottle.

[0025] Fig. 11 is a cross sectional view of the evaporative fluid bottle taken along the line 11 - 11 of Fig. 10.

[0026] Fig. 12 is an alternate cross sectional view of the evaporative fluid bottle shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

[0027] Fig. 13 is a plan view of an inside of the evaporative fluid bottle shown in Figs.10 through 12 and showing the float therein.

[0028] Fig. 14 is a plan view of an inside surface of the evaporative fluid bottle cap shown in Figs. 10 through 12.

[0029] Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the insect repeller station illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0030] Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the lower section of the insect repeller station illustrated in Fig. 15 and showing the modular components thereof.

[0031] Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the support arm illustrated in Fig. 16 and showing the modular components thereof.

[0032] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a hub controller of the linked insect repeller system illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0033] Fig. 19 is a cross sectional view of the hub controller taken along the line 19 - 19 of Fig. 18.

[0034] Fig. 20 is an enlarged cross sectional view of a portion of the hub controller illustrated in Fig. 19.

[0035] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the hub controller illustrated in Fig. 18.

[0036] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the insect repeller station illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 having a known ground stake attached thereto.

[0037] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a known ground stake for use with a repeller station.

[0038] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an improved ground stake for use with a repeller station.

[0039] Fig. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the ground stake illustrated in Fig. 24 shown connected to the insect repeller station.

[0040] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the insect repeller station and attached ground stake illustrated in Fig. 25 shown in a flexed position.

[0041] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a ground stake connection.

[0042] Fig. 28 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a ground stake having an alternate embodiment of the ground stake connection illustrated in Fig. 27 shown connected to the insect repeller station.

[0043] Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the improved ground stake illustrated in Fig. 23 and an associated spring interface shown mounted in the repeller station.

[0044] Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the insect repeller station and attached ground stake illustrated in Fig. 29.

[0045] Fig. 31 is a perspective view of the heater assembly and the trough illustrated in Figs. 5 through 7.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0046] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in Figs. 1, 2A, and 2B an embodiment of a linked insect repeller system, shown generally at 10. The linked insect repeller system 10 is illustrated having at least one emitter or repeller station 12 and a hub controller 14. In other embodiments of the linked insect repeller system 10, the hub controller 14 may be integrated into the repeller station 12. The repeller stations 12 may be connected in series, in parallel, or combinations thereof. For example, in the embodiment of the repeller system 10 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 A, a plurality of the repeller stations 12 are connected or daisy-chained together in series to form an area protected from insect intrusion. In the embodiment of the repeller system 10 illustrated in Fig. 2B, a plurality of the repeller stations 12 are connected together in parallel. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the repeller stations 12 are connected together and to the hub controller 14 to provide power and, in certain embodiments, control communications.

[0047] The hub controller 14 may be connected to an electrical power source, such as a fixed base electrical source found in buildings and homes (typically 110 / 120 volts in the U.S. for example) or an environmental- generated power source such as a solar panel or wind turbine, or have a battery power source. The hub controller 14 may include a stepdown transformer or other means to provide a lower voltage output to the repeller stations 12 when the input power is above the repeller station 12 power requirement. The hub controller 14 may further include an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) converter to provide a DC output from an AC input.

[0048] In one embodiment, the hub controller 14 may be connected to a higher voltage power source in the range of 110 to 120 volts AC and may produce one of a 12 volt, 24 volt, 36 volt, or 48 volt DC output to power each of the repeller stations 12. Any desired input and output voltage combination is within the scope of the invention. In certain embodiments, the repeller system 10 may be battery powered by the individual repeller stations 12. In yet other arrangements, the repeller stations 12, either singularly or as a connected group, may be coupled to solar cell power elements. The hub controller 14may send one or more control signals to each of the repeller stations 12 to control each station’s emission of insect repellent material, as will be described below in detail. The hub controller 14 and / or the repeller stations 12 may be connected through wired and / or wireless means.

[0049] As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the repeller station 12 includes a housing comprising an upper section 16 and a lower section 18. In the illustrated embodiment as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the upper section 16 includes a cylindrical insulating jacket 16A within a cylindrical shroud 16B and defines an interior space 19. A cap assembly 20 includes a base 20A, a recycling shield 20B, and a cap 20C. The base 20A includes a downwardly sloped surface terminating in a centrally formed opening 23, the purpose for which will be described below. As best shown in Fig. 9A, the recycling shield 20B includes a plurality of radially extending openings 21 formed threre through.

[0050] The cap assembly 20 is attached to a first end of the upper section 16 (the upper end when viewing Figs. 5 and 6). In the illustrated embodiment, the insulating jacket 16A is connected to the lower section 18 by a snap fit connection. Similarly, the cap assembly 20 is connected to the upper section 16 by a snap fit connection.Alternatively, the insulating jacket 16A to the lower section 18 connection and the cap assembly 20 to the upper section 16 connection may be accomplished by any desired means, including but not limited to bayonet type connectors, a threaded connection, and a pin and detent connection.

[0051] The inner and outer shrouds 16A and 16B provide protection to components of the repeller station 12 with the interior space 19. For example, a fluid reservoir bottle 22 (not shown in Fig. 5 to more clearly view the structure of the repeller station 12) and a heater assembly 24, both described in detail below, are mounted in the interior space 19 of the upper section 16.

[0052] Referring to Figs. 10 through 14, an embodiment of a fluid reservoir bottle, shown generally at 22, and configured for use with the repeller station 12, is illustrated. The fluid reservoir bottle 22 includes a refill bottle 26 defining a fluid reservoir 28, areservoir cap 30, and a cover or lid 32. The fluid reservoir 28 contains insect repellent fluid (not shown), and a wick 29 that is immersed in the insect repellent fluid and extends longitudinally out from the refill bottle 26.

[0053] The fluid reservoir 28 is illustrated having a generally bowl shaped lower end 34 with two opposing flat faces 36. It will be understood however, the fluid reservoir 28 may have other geometric shapes, such as spherical, cylindrical, oblong spherical, square, rectangular, triangular, or any multi-faceted or smooth geometric shape. The reservoir lid 32 includes a wick port 38 through which the wick 29 extends. The wick 29 has a clearance fit with the wick port 38, also shown in Fig. 14, to allow admission of air into the fluid reservoir 28 for venting purposes. The reservoir lid 32 may be formed from clear plastic, including but not limited to, PETG, PCTG, PET, or other material that is compatible with the repellant formulation, and includes a reservoir neck or mounting hood 40 that has an outer attachment structure to interface with the cap 30 for maintaining the integrity of the wick 29 and the insect repellent fluid within the fluid reservoir 28 during handling and shipping.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer attachment structure is shown as a threaded attachment 42. Alternatively, other attachment means may be used, such as snaps, barbs, an interference fit, and the like to retain the reservoir cap 30 on the refill bottle 26. As best shown in Fig. 9, the mounting hood 40 is configured as two opposing mounting legs 40 A and 40B. Alternatively, in another embodiment (not shown) the reservoir lid 32 may be formed without the mounting hood 40 and instead include a magnet or metal target, such as a washer encircling the wick port 38, wherein the heater assembly 24 may carry the other of the magnet or metal target as an alternative mounting configuration. A float 48, as shown in Figs. 11 through 13, includes a central mounting aperture 49 and is positioned within the fluid reservoir 28. As will be described in detail below, the float 48 is formed from a material that is buoyant such that it will float on the surface of the liquid insect repellent fluid (not shown) therein.

[0055] Although not illustrated, if desired a fluid seal, such as an O-ring, may be provided between the wick 29 and an inside surface of the wick port 38.

[0056] Each leg 40A and 40B of the mounting hood 40 has openings or detents 44 formed therein. The detents 44 are configured to engage with corresponding attachment bosses 46 on the heater assembly 24 to retain the fluid reservoir bottle 22 to the heater assembly 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the detents 44 in the mounting hood 40 engage the attachment bosses 46 in a snap-fit engagement. Alternatively, the attachment bosses 46 may be formed on the mounting hood 40 and extend into detents 44 formed in the heater assembly 24. The mounting hood 40 also provides alignment of the wick 29 to the center of the heater assembly 24.

[0057] The refill bottle 26 may include an RFID tag (not shown) affixed to a lower surface thereof. The RFID tag may be affixed or otherwise attached to the refill bottle 26 by any desired means, including but not limited to adhesive and fasteners. The RFID tag may also be incorporated into a label affixed to the refill bottle 26, or may be molded into the refill bottle 26 and fully encased in plastic to prevent access and tampering by a user.

[0058] It will be understood that the fluid reservoir 28 may be configured to hold any desired amount of insect repellent fluid based on the needs of the user. For example, the fluid reservoir 28 may be configured to hold enough insect repellent fluid for prolonged operation, such as operation over an insect control season. For different parts of the country or different applications, the insect control season may be in a range of 1 to 2 months, 3 to 4 months, 6 months, or more than 6 months.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, the heater assembly 24 is mounted on a support arm 50 within the upper section 16 and cantilevered to the center of the interior space 19 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater assembly 24 is positioned toward an upper portion of the upper section 16 to promote a chimney effect in the interior space 19 of the upper section 16 to establish a natural convective flow pattern. The support arm 50 includes a conduit passage 52 to permit electrical connections between the hub controller 14 and the heater 26. The support arm 50 is mounted to a lower section cover assembly98 of the lower section 18. However, the support arm 50 may be connected to, or integrally formed with, the upper section 16 or the lower section 18. As will be explained below, the support arm 50 and / or the heater assembly 24 may include fluid level sensing structures to determine actual fluid levels of insect repellent fluid as the repeller station 12 is used.

[0060] The heater assembly 24, best shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 31, includes a heater housing assembly 25 having a first portion or heater cover 56 and a second portion or heater housing 58, wherein the heater cover 56 and the heater housing 58 are attached via a snap-fit connection. A heater PCBA 60 is mounted within the heater cover 56. A lower surface of the illustrated heater cover 56 includes a partially conical heater funnel 62.

[0061] The heater cover 56 and the heater housing 58 are formed from any desired rigid, heat resistant plastic including, but not limited to, glass-filled nylon and other heat resistant plastic material. As best shown in Figs. 5 and 8, the partially conical heater funnel 62 advantageously directs air within the insect repeller station 12, as shown by the arrows Al, toward and into a heater aperture or bore 68.

[0062] The heater assembly 24 includes a heating element 64 having the generally cylindrical heater portion 66 that defines the heater bore 68 and is electrically connected to the heater PCBA 60 via electrical connectors 70. A cylindrical, resilient heater gasket or seal 72, such as an O-ring, is mounted between the heater cover 56 and a lower, outside surface of the cylindrical heater portion 66. The heater assembly 24 may be ceramic-based and configured as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor controlled heater. Alternatively, other types of heaters and heater assemblies may be used.

[0063] A heater extension member 74 is mounted about an upper end of the cylindrical heater portion 66. As best shown in Figs. 6, 7, and 17, the heater extension member 74 includes a cylindrical portion 76 attached about the upper end of the cylindrical heater portion 66, and a trap portion 78 defining a cylindrical trough 80. A cylindrical, resilient heater gasket or seal 82, is mounted between the base 20 A of the capassembly 20 and the heater housing 58, and circumferentially around the heater extension member 74.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 6, an IR window 84 is formed in a lower surface of the heater cover 56. The IR window 84 may be surrounded by a seal (not shown). A time-of-flight (ToF) sensor 86 is mounted to the heater PCBA 60 adjacent the level-sense window 84 (above the IR window 84 when viewing Fig. 6).

[0065] The ToF sensor 86 may be any desired ToF sensor, such as a ToF sensor manufactured by STmicroelectronics. The ToF sensor 86 allows for both raw counts and millimeter distance output.

[0066] The IR window 84 may be tuned to eliminate influence from other wavelengths of light. An anti-reflection coating may be provided on a surface of the IR window 84 to reduce cross talk influence between the IR window 84 and the reservoir cap 30. The seal surrounding the IR window 84 reduces dirt, dust, and debris that may block the ToF sensor’s 86 emitter signal. The IR window 84 must be transparent to the wavelength of the ToF sensor 86 emitter. Advantageously, the IR window 84 may be tuned to negate the effects of other wavelengths of light, including ambient light. Although only a portion of the reservoir cap 30 adjacent the IR window 84 need be formed form clear PETG, if desired, the entire reservoir cap 30 may be formed from clear PETG that is transparent to the wavelength of the ToF sensor 86 emitter.Advantageously, PETB has a strong chemical resistance.

[0067] If desired, one or more portions of the reservoir cap 30 adjacent the IR window 84 may be formed from relatively thin clear PETB. The relatively thin portions of the reservoir cap 30 reduce the angle of internal light reflection that can reach back to the ToF sensor 86, and has a positive impact on reducing cross-talk in the ToF sensor 86.

[0068] The float 48 is used as a targeting surface for the ToF sensor 86. The float 48 provides a stronger, more robust signal than a signal from the liquid surface of the insect repellant fluid. The float 48 also provides a helpful visual aid for the repeller station 12 user. The float 48 color may be keyed to characteristics of the fluid reservoir bottle 22,and may be used to identify the type, size, and / or brand of the fluid reservoir bottle 22. The float 48 may be formed from closed cell foam. Alternatively, the float 48 may be formed from any desired material that is chemically compatible with the insect repeller fluid in the fluid reservoir bottle 22, and that moves with the surface of the insect repeller fluid. The float 48 may be provided with a reflective surface. Both the reflective properties of the reflective surface and the choice of color of the float 48 can change the reflective signal strength of the float 48. The float 48 may have any desired size. As illustrated, the wick 29 acts as a guidepost.

[0069] The ToF sensor 86 allows the level of insect repeller fluid in the refill bottle 26 to be actively monitored. This ability removes the need to estimate refill level, and accounts for external factors that would cause release of insect repeller fluid from the refill bottle 26. The use of the ToF sensor 86 will also allow the repeller station 12 to determine if a fluid reservoir bottle 22 is present, and whether the fluid reservoir bottle 22 is empty. The use of the ToF sensor 86 will further provide the linked insect repeller system 10 the ability to warn the user that a fluid reservoir bottle 22 is not present, is not installed correctly, or is positioned at an undesirable angle, and that performance of the repeller station 12 may therefore be degraded.

[0070] The ToF sensor 86 works best when measuring the distance between itself and a solid object. Theoretically, ToF technology, such as the ToF sensor 86, may be used to sense the level of the repellent formulation in the refill bottle 26 without the need for the float 48, however the inclusion of the float 48 increases the reliability of the fluid level measurement.

[0071] Sensing fluid level directly without the use of a float is difficult because of the specular nature of the surface of the fluid coupled with the clear nature of the fluid. It has been shown that the nature of the formulation used in the repeller station 12 negatively impacts the ToF sensor’s 86 ability to provide distance data as it is designed to do.

[0072] The shroud 16B may be made from any suitable material, though material selection and component design are made in conjunction with thermal energy transfer considerations.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment of the repeller station 12, reporting of the fluid level in the refill bottle 26 is accomplished via the hub controller 14. The hub controller 14 may be configured to maintain a log of when one or more of the plurality of repeller stations 12 are on and operating. With a nominal release rate of about 220 mg / hr, the hub controller 14 may calculate an estimated amount of repellant formulation released for the time elapsed since the last fluid level update. The hub controller 14 then subtracts the calculated repellant formulation release from the total remaining repellant formulation displayed to the user as a percentage of total repellant formulation fill. The fluid repellant formulation level is then reported to the user as a graphic displayed, for example, on a mobile device.

[0074] In one embodiment, the shroud 16B may be made from a plastic or polymer material, including but not limited to 20% glass filled polyphenylene ether (PPE) based material, glass filed polypropylene, glass filled nylon, non-glass filled polymers) that insulates the interior volume of the shroud from environmental thermal loads, such as sunlight or surrounding thermal loads (dryer vents, structure thermal radiation, etc.), and thermal sinks, such as wind, water, shade, etc., and slows heat release from the interior volume that is generated by the heating element. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to construct the shroud 16B from a metallic material, particularly for security and durability. As shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 8, the insulating jacket 16A is disposed inside (on, against, or spaced apart from an inner wall of) the shroud 16B, although the shroud 16B may be disposed on, against or outside of the outer surface of the shroud 16B. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud 16B is mounted to the insulating jacket 16A by a threaded connection. The insulating jacket 16A includes a plurality of ramps 92 configured to engage a plurality of corresponding pins or lugs 94 on an upper outside surface of the lower section 18. The insulating jacket 16A may also be connected to thelower section 18 by any desired means, such as with a press fit, a snap fit, or with a threaded connection.

[0075] In general, material selection for components of the repeller station 12 involves consideration of heat transfer between the repeller station 12 and the vaporized insect repellent fluid. Components of the repeller station 12 that are subject to vapor contact may be chosen from materials that have relatively high specific heat, and thereby insulating properties. When these materials do not provide adequate structural or design performance, limiting the thermal mass of relatively low specific heat materials provides a quicker temperature equilibrium with the heated vapor material to minimize condensate formation. Where possible, limiting vapor contact with low specific heat materials also limits condensate formation. Since undesirable contact can draw heat away from the vaporized repellent, two negative effects tend to drive design considerations of the repeller structure and air flow routing:(1) Drawing heat from the vapor onto an adjacent surface trades kinetic energy in the vapor, i.e., the work required to move the vapor out of the repeller station 12, for potential energy in the repeller station 12 material that is waste, i.e., it warms the material surface.(2) If warm vapor cools on a surface, there is increased likelihood that the vapor will condense on that surface and not be exhausted from the repeller station 12, thereby not contributing to protected zone efficacy. Warming the surfaces reduces the potential for condensate formation, albeit at the cost of increased energy input.Alternatively, actively or passively heating the repeller station 12 materials may also be used as to reduce the two negative effects described above.

[0076] The cap assembly 20 may be made of aluminum to provide durability and security, particularly in commercial or public access settings. The recycling shield 20B may be made of an insulating material to shield vapor exposure to large temperature differentials. Alternatively, the recycling shield 20B may be made from a low specificheat material, such as aluminum, titanium, steel, or other metals, and include a structure to reduce the formation of condensate.

[0077] As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the base 20A, the recycling shield 20B, and the cap 20C are formed as separate components. Alternatively, the base 20A, the recycling shield 20B, and the cap 20C may be formed as a single unit.

[0078] As best shown in Fig. 8, the wick 29 extends into the heater bore 68 of the heater assembly 24. The heater assembly 24, including the heating element 64 and the generally cylindrical heater portion 66, vaporizes the insect repellent fluid drawn upwardly through the wick 29 via capillary action. The upper section 16 defines an air inlet 88 between the lower section 18 and the end of the upper section 16 proximate to the lower section 18. A space between the base 20 A and the recycling shield 20B defines an air / vapor outlet 90. As shown in Fig. 5, the air inlet 88, in conjunction with the heater assembly 24, establishes a natural convective current that disperses the vaporized insect repellent fluid outwardly through the air / vapor outlet 90.

[0079] When the repeller station 12 is in operation, vaporized insect repellent fluid may condense as it travels outwardly from the heater assembly 24, as illustrated by the arrows A2. Advantageously, the condensed insect repellent fluid may travel along a lower surface of the recycling shield 20B, then downwardly to and along a surface of the base 20A until it is collected in the trough 80 of the heater extension member 74 as the condensate drips off of the edge of the opening 23 in the base 20A. Because the heater extension member 74 is attached to the heating element 64 and the cylindrical heater portion 66, the condensate collected in the trough 80 will burn off when the repeller station is turned on and operational.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 18 includes a cylindrical insulating jacket 18A within a cylindrical shroud 18B and defines an interior space 96. The lower section cover assembly 98 is mounted to the lower section 18 and includes a lower portion 100, a cover portion 102 and a device PCBA 104 between the lower portion 100 and the cover portion 102. The lower portion 100, cover portion 102, devicePCBA 104 are attached together, such as with threaded fasteners 106. The lower section cover assembly 98 is attached to the insulating jacket 18A. In the illustrated embodiment, a threaded post 108 of the lower section cover assembly 98 is mounted within a corresponding threaded opening 110 in an upper surface 112 of the insulating jacket 18A. A connecting PCBA 114 extends longitudinally through the conduit passage 52 of the support arm 50 and connects the heater PCBA 60 to the device PCBA 104.

[0081] If desired, the lower section cover assembly 98 may include a PCBA 99, as shown in Figs. 5 and 8. The PCBA 99 is configured as a daughter card, has an integrated antenna, and is connected to the device PCBA 104 of the insect repeller device 12. The range of the integrated antenna of the PCBA 99 will be determined by the size and type of insect repeller device 12 to which the PCBA 99 is installed and the size of the refill bottle 26, wherein the size of the refill bottle 26 determines the distance to the RFID tag mounted thereto.

[0082] The RFID tag may include a unique code that identifies the formulation fluid refill bottle type, allows for traceability for the manufacturer and provides other functional tracking capabilities. If desired, data from the RFID tag may be in a chip or in the cloud. The antenna in the PCBA 99 is structured and configured to communicate with the RFID tag affixed to the refill bottle 26. Together, the antenna in the PCBA 99 and the RFID tag define a near field communication (NFC) capability.

[0083] The lower section 18 further includes an on / off power button 116 electrically connected to the device PCBA 104. As shown in Fig. 5, power cables 118 are electrically connected to the device PCBA 104 by a threaded connection for connecting the repeller station 12 to adjacent repeller stations 12, to the hub controller 14, or to another source of electrical power (not shown).

[0084] The lower section 18 also includes a fixed base mounting interface 18C that permits attachment of various mounting structures to provide an array of positioning choices when installing the linked insect repeller system 10. The fixed base mounting interface 18C is mounted in a lower end of the lower section 18 and includes anattachment point 18D, illustrated as a threaded bore in Fig. 5, that accepts a complementary threaded attachment member of mounting structures, such as the ground stake described herein below.

[0085] It will be understood that if the repeller station 12 is not straight, i.e. its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the ground, the ToF sensor 86 may not be provide an accurate reading of the level of insect repeller fluid in the refill bottle 26. Thus, the repeller station 12 may be provided with a tilt sensor (not shown), for example in the upper section 16. The tilt sensor will assist in correcting the insect repeller fluid level read by the ToF sensor 86. The tilt sensor may also provide feedback to the user if the repeller station 12 experiences an impact when attached to a stake and mounted in the ground, or if not installed correctly.

[0086] Referring now to Figs. 18 through 21, the hub controller 14 includes a hub controller body 150. A power button assembly 152 is mounted within a surface 150A of the hub controller body 150 (the upwardly facing surface when viewing Figs. 19 and 20). The power button assembly 152 includes a button housing 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the button housing 154 is mounted within the surface 150A of the hub controller body 150 via a threaded connection. A power button 156 is mounted within the button housing 154 and secured therein with a retainer, such as the illustrated retaining washer 158. A flexible sealing membrane 160 is generally cylindrical and is mounted between an outer surface of the power button 156 and an inside surface of the button housing 154. Upon being pressed by a user, the power button 156 will engage an on / off power switch 162 mounted on a hub controller PCBA 164.

[0087] The hub controller body 150 includes a pocket 166 that defines a space for electrical cables. Additionally, the hub controller body 150 includes a removably attachable mounting plate 168. A lower surface 150B of the hub controller body 150 includes a mounting tab 170 defining a mounting slot 172. The mounting plate 168 may be attached, such as with threaded fasteners (not shown) to a mounting surface, such as a wall. When the mounting plate 168 is mounted to a desired wall or other surface, the hubcontroller body 150 may be slid onto the mounting plate 168, such that a portion of the mounting plate 168 is slid or inserted into the slot 172 and locked thereto, such as with a snap-fit connection.

[0088] As best shown in Fig. 21, the hub controller 14 includes a power entry module (PEM) 174 for connection to a power source. A power cable 176 may be easily installed and removed from the PEM 174. Additionally, a fuse 178 is provided in the PEM 174, wherein the fuse 178 is easily accessible for replacement from the exterior of the hub controller 14. Advantageously, the illustrated embodiment of the hub controller 14 having the removable power cable 176 reduces the risk of killing or permanently damaging the power supply if overloaded, and allows for the hub controller 14 to accept different power cable variations, for example, a standard power cable for the U.S., and a power cable for Europe with ferrites added to the power cable 176 only.

[0089] The illustrated hub controller 14 provides a power source for, and control of, the linked repeller stations 12, as described above. The hub controller 14 may be a separate structure, as illustrated, or may be integrated into one or all of the repeller stations 12. The hub controller 14 may be configured as a timer to energize and deenergize the repeller stations 12 in response to a user time input, or as a photo-sensor or electronic eye to energize the repeller station or stations 12 in response to outdoor light changes, or as a manual on / off switch.

[0090] Alternatively, the hub controller 14 may execute a control algorithm that energizes the heater assembly 14 of one or more of the linked repeller stations 12 in response to certain inputs indicative of insect volume and intensity, also known as insect pressure. In one embodiment, the target insects may be predominantly mosquitos, and the control inputs are factors associated with mosquito presence. Certain inputs are based on transient conditions, such as predicted weather events and patterns, other inputs are based on geography, such as proximity to bodies of water and certain topographies that may promote mosquitos. Examples of transient condition input parameters include, but are not limited to, time of year, wind speed, temperature, humidity, and precipitation -amount over time. These transient inputs may be accessed from web-based providers of weather-related data or may be acquired on site through weather measurement instrumentation. Examples of geography input factors include, but are not limited to, location coordinates, elevation, mapped topographies of standing water, and manually inputted factors for specific localized conditions.

[0091] The hub controller 14 determines mosquito or insect pressure based on selected parameters that are known to promote or have an increased probability of mosquito populations. The hub controller 14 powers the heater assembly 24 which vaporizes a known volume of insect repellent fluid over a specific time period. This provides a material density factor for a given area such that the output provides a desired level of insect control. Alternatively, the hub controller 14 may include different heating schedules for use with different insect chemicals for a variety of purposes. For example, metofluthrin may be used to repel mosquitos in all or in only a few of the repeller stations 12. Other repeller stations 12 may include insect repellent fluids that target other insects or animals (such as, dogs, cats, deer, skunks, and the like). The hub controller 14 may operate each repeller station 12 differently depending on the type of insect repellent fluid and the location of the repeller station 12 relative to the environment. Alternatively, the fluid in one or more of the repeller stations 12 may be formulated to attract certain desirable wildlife, such as hummingbirds, butterflies, and the like, if so desired.

[0092] In one operational arrangement, the hub controller 14 may operate the heater assembly 24 using a closed loop control algorithm to operate the heating element 64 to volatize the insect repellent fluid in a substrate, such as the wick 29. The heater assembly 24 is cycled to create a heated zone around the wick 29 at one or more temperature profiles matched to one or more insect repellent fluid formulas. In the closed-loop control system, power to the heater assembly 24 is regulated based on a relationship between the temperature sensor output, and proximity to a target temperature. If the temperature sensor output is below a lower threshold, power is applied to the heater assembly 24 until an upper threshold is met, at which point the heater assembly 24 is de-powered. The heater assembly 24 will begin to cool once depowered and will again receive power when the lower threshold is met. This cycle continues and creates a steady and consistent temperature in between the upper and lower threshold setpoints. These upper and lower temperature thresholds bound the operating temperature of the heater. Modifying the upper and lower temperature thresholds permits movement of the operating temperature of the repeller station 12 up and down. The varying thresholds permit different volatilizable materials to be used in the same repeller station 12. The thresholds may further be varied to tune performance of the system, either locally or remotely. In certain embodiments, the temperature setpoints may trigger notifications regarding performance and diagnostics. In one example, when a higher than usual temperature threshold is crossed, the hub controller 14 may trigger a fault notification and / or disable the repeller.

[0093] Further, the fluid reservoir bottle 22 may include a chip or other data source (not shown) to indicate the type of insect repeller fluid present, and other information such as refill bottle 26 volume, and capillary substrate material or porosity, which may change or direct the heater assembly 24 cycling and temperature profile. The chip may communicate through contacts in the mounting apertures or detents 44 in the mounting hood 40 that communicate through mating contacts in the attachment bosses 46 of the heater assembly 24. A temperature sensor (not shown), such as a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor, may be provided to determine the temperature of the heating element 64 and the heater portion 66, and that is used in a feedback loop to regulate power to the heater assembly 24 to achieve a target temperature level. Alternatively, the temperature sensor may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor used in conjunction with an open loop control system to create a similar temperature profile.

[0094] The hub controller 14 may further include an analog antenna and a WiFi enabled antenna to provide communication with information sources for various inputs to the control algorithm. These inputs may include remote control access to provideoperational functionality from a remote control, smart phone, computer, or similar device. The hub controller 14 may include a single antenna or multiple antennas for any type of communication desired. Operational parameters and usage data may be communicated to a remote display showing the repeller station 12 operating status, fluid fill level, lighting status, and operating schedule, among other data. The hub controller 14 may also include a manual override or manual discharge intensity feature to permit operation without use of transient and geographical inputs, if desired.

[0095] If desired, the control features and / or the power features of the illustrated hub controller 14 may be integrated into one or more of the repeller stations 12 permitting a single repeller station 12 to operate independently, or allowing a plurality of repeller stations 12 to operate together. The repeller stations 12 may each communicate, either through a wired connection or wirelessly, provide a self-address function upon start-up, and report individual station operating parameters during operation for performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and analytics. Additionally, the repeller station 12 may include a sensor embedded in the refill bottle 26, or in the mounting hood 40 that conveys information regarding the type of insect repeller fluid in the refill bottle 26, an appropriate heating cycle and / or heating parameters to vaporize the contents, the amount of insect repeller fluid in the refill bottle 26, and / or the manufacturer of the refill bottle 26 and its contents.

[0096] Advantageously, as shown in Figs. 15 through 17, the embodiment of the repeller station 12 described and illustrated herein, are configured and manufactured with a modular design that allows for improved manufacturability, an improved assembly process, and easy access to replace parts if a part becomes damaged or non-functional. For example, the modular repeller station 12 includes a removeable power bulkhead, i.e., the upper section 16, aesthetic veneers, such as the shrouds 16B and 18B, that may be removed and replaced, and sealed areas for the PCBAA’s 60, 104, and 114, which can be easily accessed.

[0097] Fig. 22 illustrates the repeller station 12 mounted to a known ground stake 200. The ground stake 200 has a cross-shaped transverse section (when viewed from the top), a stake body 202 having four elongated beams or blades 204 and a mounting flange (not shown) having a threaded mounting post (not shown) extending outwardly from the mounting flange.

[0098] Fig. 23 illustrates an alternate known ground stake 206. The ground stake 206 has a cross-shaped transverse section (when viewed from the top), a stake body 208 having four elongated beams or blades 210 and a mounting flange 212 having a threaded mounting post 214 extending outwardly from the mounting flange 212.

[0099] Each of the ground stakes 200 and 206 are rigid, formed from aluminum, and have a length of about 8.6 in. The stakes 200 and 206 may be difficult for a user to install in hard ground as the user may not be able to push the full length of the stakes 200 and 206 into the hard ground. Additionally, if the repeller station 12 experiences an impact when mounted on the stakes 200 and 206 and installed in the ground, a force on the repeller station 12 may be directed to the mounting feature, such as the threaded mounting post 214, causing the mounting feature to break due to the rigidity of the combined repeller station 12 and the attached stake 200 and 203.

[0100] A first alternate embodiment of the ground stake is shown at 216 in Figs. 24 through 26, and is configured and manufactured to absorb impact to the repeller station 12.

[0101] The illustrated ground stake 216 has a conventional Y-shaped transverse section (when viewed from the top), a stake body 218 having three elongated beams or blades 220, and a mounting flange 222 (the upper surface when viewing Fig. 24). A cavity 224 is centrally formed in an upper portion of the stake body 218 and the flange 222. A bolt defining a threaded mounting post 226 is molded into a resilient housing or membrane 228 and the combined membrane-mounting post assembly 230 is mounted within the cavity 224. The membrane 228 may be from any desired resilient material, including but not limited to silicone. The mounting post 226 is configured to be threadedinto a threaded opening 18D in the repeller station 12, as best shown in Fig. 5. The illustrated stake body 218 may be formed from any desired material, such as plastic.

[0102] It has been shown that when the repeller station 12 is mounted to the ground stake 216 and experiences an impact, the repeller station 12 will flex up to 1 cm while the ground stake 216 remains fixed in place in the ground G, as shown by the arrows C in Fig. 26, which shows an about 1 cm gap between the repeller station 12 and the ground stake 216 when the repeller station 12 experiences and impact force.

[0103] Referring now to Figs. 27 and 28, a second alternate embodiment of a ground stake 250 is shown and is configured and manufactured to disengage from the repeller station 12 upon impact to the repeller station 12.

[0104] The illustrated ground stake 250 includes stake body, such as the stake body 208 described above, and a ball 252 mounted to the mounting flange 254. In lieu of the threaded opening 18D, described above, the repeller station 12 includes a ball socket 256 within which the ball 252 is mounted.

[0105] It has been shown that when the repeller station 12 is mounted to the ground stake 250 and experiences an impact, the repeller station 12 will disengage from the ground stake 250 without damaging either the ground stake 250 or the repeller station 12.

[0106] Fig. 27 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a ball 258 and a corresponding ball socket 260, configured for use in a repeller station 12.

[0107] Referring now to Figs. 29 and 30, an embodiment a spring interface 300 is shown and is configured and manufactured to absorb impact to the repeller station 292. As illustrated, the spring interface 300 is mounted to a stake, such as the stake 206, and further mounted within a lower end of the repeller station 292. As shown in Figs. 29 and 30, the repeller station 292 includes a lower housing 294, similar to the lower housing 18.

[0108] The spring interface 300 includes a mounting interface 302 having a first portion 304, a second portion 306, and a third portion 308 (the lower most portion when viewing Fig. 30. The first portion 304 includes a centrally formed opening 310 and may include a plurality of longitudinally and radially extending walls 312. The second portion306 includes a centrally formed bore 314. The third portion 308 includes a threaded bore 316 configured to receive the threaded mounting post 214.

[0109] A spring anchor 318 extends through the centrally formed opening 310 in first portion 304, and includes a threaded anchor bore 320. A bolt 322 extends through the centrally formed bore 314 of the second portion 306 and is threaded within the threaded anchor bore 320 of the spring anchor 318, thus mounting the spring anchor 318 to the second portion 306. A spring 324, such a coil extension spring, extends between an upper transverse wall 326 of the lower housing 300 and the spring anchor 318. The third portion 308 is attached to the second portion 306, such as with threaded fasteners 307. The threaded mounting post 214 of the stake body 208 of the ground stake 206 is threaded into the threaded bore 316 of the third portion 308, thus attaching the ground stake 206 to the spring interface 300.

[0110] Advantageously, the ground stake 206 is rigidly connected to the third portion 308 of the lower housing 300. It has been shown that when the repeller station 292 is mounted to the ground stake 206 and experiences an impact, the spring 324 will permit flexing movement of the repeller station 292 relative to the ground stake 206, and between the first portion 304 and the second portion 306, allowing the repeller station 292 to pivot about the fixed ground stake 206. After the force of the impact is removed, the repeller station 292 will snap back into its original position on the ground stake 206 due to the force of the spring 324.

[0111] The principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An insect repeller station comprising: a housing defining a volume; a heater assembly disposed within the volume, the heater assembly including a heater housing and a heating element having an aperture; a fluid reservoir supported by the heater assembly and containing a volatilizable insect repellent fluid and a wick extending from the volatilizable insect repellent fluid and into the aperture, the wick emitting the volatilizable insect repellent fluid; an IR window mounted within the heater housing; and a time of flight (ToF) sensor mounted within the heater housing adjacent the IR window.

2. The insect repeller station of claim 1 wherein the fluid reservoir includes a float therein, the float defining a targeting surface for the ToF sensor.

3. The insect repeller station of claim 2 wherein the ToF sensor is positioned to sense the position of the float through the IR window.

4. The insect repeller station of claim 3 wherein the fluid reservoir is a fluid reservoir bottle, the fluid reservoir bottle including a refill bottle defining a fluid reservoir therein, a reservoir cap, and a lid, wherein the fluid reservoir contains insect repellent fluid and a wick that is immersed in the insect repellent fluid and extends longitudinally out from the refill bottle, and wherein the reservoir lid includes a wick port through which the wick extends.

5. The insect repeller station of claim 4 wherein the reservoir lid is formed from clear PETG, clear PCTG, and clear PET.

6. The insect repeller station of claim 5 further including a tilt sensor mounted within the repeller station and configured to provide feedback to a user when the repeller station experiences an impact when mounted in the ground, and is thus no longer positioned with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the ground.

7. An insect repeller system comprising: a hub controller having a hub controller body, the hub controller in communication with at least one repeller station and configured to provide at least one of input power to the at least one repeller station or command signals to control a heating element within the at least one repeller station and output of the volatilizable insect repellent fluid for the at least one repeller station; wherein the hub controller includes a power button assembly mounted within the hub controller body, the power button assembly including: a button housing mounted within a surface of the hub controller body; a power button mounted within the button housing and secured therein with a retainer; and a flexible sealing membrane mounted between an outer surface of the power button and an inside surface of the button housing.

8. An insect repeller system comprising: a hub controller having a hub controller body, the hub controller in communication with at least one repeller station and configured to provide at least one of input power to the at least one repeller station or command signals to control a heating element within the at least one repeller station and output of the volatilizable insect repellent fluid for the at least one repeller station; wherein the hub controller body includes a pocket that defines a space for electrical cables, and includes a removably attachable mounting plate;wherein a lower surface of the hub controller body includes a mounting tab defining a mounting slot; wherein the mounting plate is configured for removable attachment to a mounting surface, such that when the mounting plate is attached to a mounting surface, the hub controller body is slid onto the mounting plate such that a portion of the mounting plate is inserted into the slot and locked thereto; and wherein the hub controller includes a power entry module (PEM) within the pocket for connection to a source of power.

9. The insect repeller system of claim 8 wherein the PEM includes a fuse and is configured for selective installation and removal of a power cable.

10. An insect repeller station comprising: a housing defining a volume; a heater assembly disposed within the volume, the heater assembly including a including a heater housing and a heating element having a generally cylindrical heater portion that defines a heater bore; a fluid reservoir bottle supported by the heater assembly and containing a volatilizable insect repellent fluid and a wick extending from the volatilizable insect repellent fluid and into the heater bore, the wick emitting the volatilizable insect repellent fluid; and a recycling shield configured to reduce condensation collection.

11. The insect repeller station of claim 10 further including a heater extension member; wherein the heater extension member includes a cylindrical portion attached about an upper end of the cylindrical heater portion, and a trap portion defining a cylindrical trough;wherein a cylindrical, resilient heater gasket is mounted between a cap assembly of the insect repeller station and the heater housing, and circumferentially around the heater extension member.

12. The insect repeller station of claim 11 wherein the recycling shield is mounted between a base and a cap, wherein the combined recycling shield, base, and cap define a cap assembly; and wherein the base includes a downwardly sloped surface terminating in a centrally formed opening.

13. The insect repeller station of claim 12 wherein the cap assembly is configured such that when the repeller station is in operation, vaporized insect repellent fluid that condenses as it travels outwardly from the heater assembly travels along a lower surface of the recycling shield, downwardly to, and along, a surface of the base and over an edge of the centrally formed opening in the base until it is collected in the trough of the heater extension member; and wherein the heater extension member is heated by the cylindrical heater portion, and the condensate collected in the trough is burned off.

14. A ground stake for an insect repeller station comprising: a stake body having three elongated blades defining a Y-shaped transverse section; a mounting flange, wherein a cavity is centrally formed in an upper portion of the stake body and the mounting flange; and a membrane-bolt assembly having a mounting bolt molded into a resilient membrane, the membrane-bolt assembly mounted within the cavity, wherein the mounting bolt is configured to be threaded into a threaded opening in a base of the insect repeller station, and wherein the ground stake is configured to absorb impact to the repeller station.

15. The ground stake of claim 14 wherein the resilient membrane is formed from urethane rubber.

16. A ground stake for an insect repeller station comprising: a stake body having three elongated blades defining a Y-shaped transverse section; and a mounting flange having a ball mounted thereto; wherein the ball is mounted within a ball socket formed in a base of the insect repeller station; and wherein the ball of the stake body is configured to disengage from the ball socket when the repeller station experiences an impact.

17. A ground stake for an insect repeller station comprising: a stake body having three elongated blades defining a Y-shaped transverse section; a mounting flange having a threaded mounting post extending outwardly therefrom; and a spring interface mounted between the ground stake and an insect repeller station to which the ground stake is attached.

18. The ground stake of claim 17 wherein the spring interface includes a mounting interface having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, wherein the second portion is mounted between the first portion and the third portion, wherein the first portion includes a centrally formed opening and a plurality of longitudinally and radially extending walls, wherein the second portion includes a centrally formed bore, and wherein the third portion includes a threaded bore configured to receive the threaded mounting post; wherein a spring anchor extends through the centrally formed opening in first portion, and includes a threaded anchor bore;wherein a bolt extends through the centrally formed threaded bore of the second portion and is threaded within the threaded anchor bore of the spring anchor, thus mounting the spring anchor to the second portion; wherein a spring extends between an upper transverse wall of a lower housing of the insect repeller station and the spring anchor; wherein the third portion is attached to the second portion; and wherein the threaded mounting post of the stake body of the ground stake is threaded into the threaded bore of the third portion, thus attaching the ground stake to the spring interface.

19. The ground stake of claim 18 wherein the spring is a coil extension spring.

20. The ground stake of claim 19 wherein the spring permits flexing movement of the insect repeller station relative to the ground stake, and between the first portion and the second portion when the repeller station experiences an impact, allowing the insect repeller station to pivot about the fixed ground stake.

21. The ground stake of claim 20 in combination with an insect repeller station comprising: a housing defining a volume; a heater assembly disposed within the volume, the heater assembly including a heater housing and a heating element having an aperture; a fluid reservoir supported by the heater assembly and containing a volatilizable insect repellent fluid and a wick extending from the volatilizable insect repellent fluid and into the aperture, the wick emitting the volatilizable insect repellent fluid; an IR window mounted within the heater housing; and a time of flight (ToF) sensor mounted within the heater housing adjacent the IR window;wherein the fluid reservoir includes a float therein, the float defining a targeting surface for the ToF sensor; wherein the ToF sensor is positioned to sense the position of the float through the IR window; wherein the fluid reservoir is a fluid reservoir bottle, the fluid reservoir bottle including a refill bottle defining a fluid reservoir therein, a reservoir cap, and a lid, wherein the fluid reservoir contains insect repellent fluid and a wick that is immersed in the insect repellent fluid and extends longitudinally out from the refill bottle, and wherein the reservoir lid includes a wick port through which the wick extends; and wherein the reservoir lid is formed from clear PETG, clear PCTG, and clear PET.

22. The insect repeller station of claim 2 further including a tilt sensor mounted within the repeller station and configured to provide feedback to a user when the repeller station experiences an impact when mounted in the ground, and is thus no longer positioned with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the ground.

Images