Selective detection of bed bugs

Abstract

To provide detection, monitoring and control of insects, including bed bugs.SOLUTION: A device, a system and a method of controlling pests are disclosed. A pest control device includes a controller and a sensor having a sensor cell. A surface of the sensor cell is coated with an agent that reacts with a targeted biochemical analyte secreted by pests. In the method, the controller is coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor cell indicative of a rate of change in sensor mass detected on the surface of the sensor cell, determine whether the rate of change in the sensor mass based on the received sensor data exceeds a predefined threshold rate, and transmit a pest detection alert notification to a server in response to a determination that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 577,437, filed October 26, 2017, and U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 509,501, filed May 22, 2017, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to pest control, and more particularly to the detection, monitoring, and control of insects, including, for example, bedbugs. [Background technology]

[0003] Recent data suggests that infestations of bedbugs (Cimex spp.) in human dwellings are on the rise. At least 92 species have been identified worldwide, of which at least 16 are found in the North American continent. In general, bedbugs are pests that parasitize hosts including humans and various domesticated animals. It is believed that infestations of bedbugs are now a major problem, at least in part because long-lasting residual insecticides are no longer used to control bedbug populations. Furthermore, increased international travel and growing insecticide resistance have caused bedbug infestations to spread and become extremely difficult to control with insecticides. In terms of scale, such infestations are of particular concern to hoteliers, cruise ships, trains, daycare facilities, and others, due to the reputational risk to their businesses caused by bad press and harsh reviews. Other problem areas tend to include nursing homes, barracks, dormitories, hospitals, and various other densely populated dwellings. However, single-family homes can be adversely affected as well.

[0004] Exemplary bedbug behavioral studies are described in Corraine A. McNeill et al., Journal Of Medical Entomology, 2016 July 1. 53(4):760-769, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Exemplary bedbug mating behavior and pheromones studies are described in Vincent Harraca et al., BMC Biology. 2010 Sept 9; 8:121 and Joelle F Olson et al., Pest Management Science, 2017 January; 73(1): 198-205, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Suitable sampling and preconcentration techniques are described in Maria Rosa Ras et al., Trac Trends In Analytical Chemistry, 2009 Mar. 28(3): 347-361, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Exemplary antibody detection methods for bedbugs are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,500,643 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0137501, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. An exemplary detection system based on image analysis is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,664,813, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a pest control device is disclosed. The pest control device includes a sensor including a sensor cell and a controller coupled to the sensor. The surface of the sensor cell is coated with an agent that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest. The controller is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor cell indicating a rate of change of a sensor mass detected on the surface of the sensor cell, determine whether a rate of change of the sensor mass based on the received sensor data (hereinafter also referred to as a rate of change) exceeds a predefined threshold (hereinafter also referred to as a threshold rate), and transmit a pest detection alert notification to a server in response to determining that the rate of change exceeds the predetermined threshold rate. The rate of change correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

[0006] In some embodiments, the pest control device may include a handle that provides a grip for an operator to move the pest control device to identify localized areas of a target biochemical analyte.

[0007] In some embodiments, the controller may be further configured to start a timer when the rate of change exceeds a predefined threshold rate and to stop the timer when the rate of change falls back below the predefined threshold rate, determine the amount of time that the rate of change of the sensor mass exceeds the predefined threshold rate, and determine whether the amount of time is greater than the predefined time.

[0008] In some embodiments, the controller may send a pest detection alert notification in response to determining that the amount of time is greater than a predefined amount of time.

[0009] In some embodiments, the predefined threshold rate may be a baseline rate of mass change (hereinafter also referred to as mass change rate) in the presence of bedbugs.

[0010] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include an analyte found in the secretions of bedbugs. For example, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (TH). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (TO). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the agent may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the agent may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0012] In some embodiments, the sensor may be a quartz crystal microbalance. In some embodiments, the sensor cell may be a quartz crystal resonator.

[0013] According to another aspect, a method of detecting the presence of a pest is disclosed. The method includes receiving data from a sensor indicative of a rate of change of a sensor mass, determining whether the rate of change of the sensor mass exceeds a predefined threshold rate, and transmitting a pest detection alert notification to a server in response to determining that the rate of change exceeds the predefined threshold rate. The sensor includes a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by the pest, and the rate of change of the sensor mass correlates with an increase in concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method may include starting a timer when the rate of change exceeds a predefined threshold rate, stopping the timer when the rate of change falls back below the predefined threshold rate, determining an amount of time that the rate of change of the sensor mass exceeded the predefined threshold rate, and determining whether the amount of time is greater than the predefined time.

[0015] In some embodiments, transmitting the pest detection alert notification may include transmitting the pest detection alert notification in response to determining that the amount of time is greater than a predefined amount of time.

[0016] In some embodiments, the predefined threshold rate may be a baseline rate of mass change in the presence of bedbugs.

[0017] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (T2H). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (T2O). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the coating may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the coating may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0019] In some embodiments, the sensor may be a quartz crystal microbalance.

[0020] In some embodiments, the surface of the sensor cell may be coated with a coating gel composite that includes a polymer gel and a drug.

[0021] In some embodiments, the polymer gel can have a high viscosity and high thermochemical stability to form a stable coating on the surface of the sensor cell, hi some embodiments, the polymer gel can have a low molecular weight.

[0022] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be at least one of polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamine-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), and polymers containing silicon (Si) and iron (F).

[0023] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polysiloxane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be a bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be poly-2-dimethylamine-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be a polymer containing silicon (Si) and iron (F).

[0024] According to another aspect, a method of detecting the presence of a pest is disclosed. The method includes receiving first sensor data from a sensor, receiving second sensor data from the sensor, determining a first slope of a signal change based on the first and second sensor data, receiving third sensor data from the sensor, determining a second slope of the signal change based on the second and third sensor data, determining whether the second slope differs from the first slope, and transmitting a pest detection alert notification to a server in response to determining that the second slope differs from the first slope. The sensor includes a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by the pest, and the signal change correlates with an increase in a concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

[0025] In some embodiments, the method further includes starting a timer when the second slope differs from the first slope, receiving sensor data from the sensor and determining a slope of the signal change based on the sensor data while the timer is running, detecting no change in slope and stopping the timer, determining a time interval measured by the timer, and determining whether the time interval is greater than a predefined time. In some embodiments, transmitting the pest detection alert notification includes transmitting the pest detection alert notification in response to determining that the time interval is greater than the predefined time.

[0026] In some embodiments, the predefined threshold rate may be a baseline rate of mass change in the presence of bedbugs.

[0027] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (T2H). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (T2O). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0028] In some embodiments, the coating may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the coating may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0029] In some embodiments, the sensor may be a quartz crystal microbalance.

[0030] In some embodiments, the coating comprises a polymer gel and a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI) or a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0031] In some embodiments, the polymer gel can have a high viscosity and high thermochemical stability to form a stable coating on the surface of the sensor cell, hi some embodiments, the polymer gel can have a low molecular weight.

[0032] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be at least one of polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamine-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), and polymers containing silicon (Si) and iron (F).

[0033] In some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be fluoroalcohol polysiloxane. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be a bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be poly-2-dimethylamine-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the polymer gel may be a polymer containing silicon (Si) and iron (F).

[0034] According to another embodiment, a method includes determining an amount of drug available on a pest detection sensor to react with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest, determining whether the amount of drug is below a threshold level, and sending a notification to a server indicating that the sensor requires maintenance in response to determining that the amount of drug is below the threshold level. The amount of drug coated on the pest detection sensor decreases as the drug reacts with the target biochemical analyte.

[0035] In some embodiments, the agent may include a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the agent may include a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

[0036] In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include an analyte found in the secretions of bedbugs. For example, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-hexenal (TH). Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include trans-2-octenal (TO). In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal. In some embodiments, the target biochemical analyte may include 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

[0037] In some embodiments, the threshold level is determined based on the minimum amount of agent required to react with the target biochemical analyte.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the compound of formula I

[0039] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, wherein X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x(SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is hydrogen, C3 to C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5is selected from the group consisting of R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 , and R 4’ are each independently hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, and C6-C 10 aryl; R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0040] In some embodiments, X can be S. In some embodiments, Z 1 may be O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 Each may be O. In some embodiments, X may be S and Z 1 and Z 2 may each be O.

[0041] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4~C 10 For example, in some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 may each be octyl.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 At least one of R may be linked to a polymeric bulking group. 1 and R 2 At least one of may be hydrogen.

[0043] In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group may be selected from the group consisting of silicones, polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyaramids, polyurethanes, polystyrenes, epoxies, rubbers, starches, proteins, celluloses, acrylates, ABS polymers, PEEK polymers, polyols, polyethers, polyether polyols, and copolymers of two or more of the above. For example, in some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group may be a silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group may be crosslinked.

[0044] In some embodiments, R 1 has the formula CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 It may be.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol can have a weight between about 350 Da and about 5000 Da.

[0046] In some embodiments, a can be 1.

[0047] In some embodiments, R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 , and R 4’ may each be hydrogen.

[0048] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has the formula

[0049] [ka] wherein R 1 and R 2 may each independently be hexyl or octyl. For example, in some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 may each be octyl.

[0050] In some embodiments, the thiol group may have a pKa of about 1 to about 4.

[0051] According to another embodiment, the compound of formula II

[0052] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, wherein X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 , and R 4’ are each independently hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, and C6-C 10 aryl; R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; R 6 is C1~C 12 Alkyl or oxo substituted C1-C 12 is alkyl, a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0053] In some embodiments, R 6can be propyl or pentyl. For example, in some embodiments, R 6 may be pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 may be 1-oxopropyl or 1-oxopentyl.

[0054] According to another embodiment, the compound of formula III

[0055] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, wherein X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S; R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is C3~C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the compound of formula IV

[0057] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, wherein X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5, -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; R 6 is C1~C 12 Alkyl or oxo substituted C1-C 12 is alkyl, a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0058] According to another embodiment, the pest control device includes a housing including an internal chamber, a plurality of inlets opening into the internal chamber, and a plurality of internal walls dividing the internal chamber into a plurality of channels. Each channel is sized to receive one or more pests. The pest control device includes any sensor shown and / or described herein and any controller shown and / or described herein. The sensor is attached to the housing.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include an airflow device configured to generate an airflow to draw air from the interior chamber along the multiple channels to the sensor.

[0060] In some embodiments, the housing may include a first panel that is movable relative to a second panel to provide access to the interior chamber.

[0061] In some embodiments, the first panel may be pivotally connected to the second panel.

[0062] In some embodiments, the housing may include an impermeable liner between the outer periphery of the first panel and the outer periphery of the second panel to minimize loss of target biochemical analytes through the gap between the peripheries.

[0063] In some embodiments, the impermeable liner may be an aluminized film.

[0064] In some embodiments, the first panel may include a base surface and a number of interior walls extending from the base surface.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first panel may include a beveled surface located on the exterior of each entrance for directing pests to the corresponding entrance.

[0066] In some embodiments, the plurality of interior walls may include a pair of guide walls and a barrier wall located on either side of the inlet. Each guide wall may extend in a first direction and define a first channel of the plurality of channels. The barrier wall may extend in a second direction, spaced apart from an end of the guide wall, perpendicular to the first direction.

[0067] In some embodiments, the barrier wall may include a first wall portion extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a second wall portion extending from an end of the first wall portion, and a third wall portion extending from an opposite end of the first wall portion. The second wall portion may extend parallel to the guide wall and cooperate to define a second channel of the plurality of channels. The second wall portion may extend parallel to the guide wall and cooperate to define a third channel of the plurality of channels.

[0068] In some embodiments, the first channel can be configured to direct the airflow in a first direction, and the second and third channels can be configured to direct the airflow in a third direction opposite the first direction.

[0069] In some embodiments, the barrier wall can be a first barrier wall and the plurality of interior walls can include a second barrier wall spaced from an end of the first barrier wall. The first barrier wall and the second barrier wall can cooperate to define a fourth channel configured to direct airflow in a first direction.

[0070] In some embodiments, the fourth channel may be offset from the inlet of the housing.

[0071] In some embodiments, the sensor may be located within an interior chamber of the housing.

[0072] In some embodiments, the airflow device may be located within the interior chamber.

[0073] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include an external pre-concentrator.

[0074] In some embodiments, the pre-concentrator may include a heating element to increase the temperature within the internal chamber.

[0075] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may include a sheet that sorbs the target biochemical analytes.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sheet may be made from a woven or non-woven fibrous material and may include a sorbent powder between the fibers of the sheet of fibrous material.

[0077] In some embodiments, the preconcentrator may include multiple sheets made of woven or non-woven fibrous material that sorbs target biochemical analytes and contains a sorbent powder between two sheets of fibrous material.

[0078] In some embodiments, the pre-concentrator may include a tube that extends from one of the inlets to the sensor and sorbs the target biochemical analyte.

[0079] In some embodiments, the pre-concentrator may include a test chamber sized to receive a quantity of a target biochemical analyte.

[0080] In some embodiments, the pre-concentrator may include a surface configured to sorb a target biochemical analyte at a first temperature and release the target biochemical analyte at a second temperature.

[0081] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include a heating element operable to selectively regulate the temperature of the interior chamber.

[0082] In some embodiments, the heating element may be operable to increase the temperature to kill pests within the inner chamber.

[0083] In some embodiments, the housing may be configured to be secured to the bed.

[0084] In some embodiments, the pest control device may further include a bed headboard, and the housing is configured to be secured to the bed headboard. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0085] The detailed description makes particular reference to the following drawings: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of at least one embodiment of a pest control system including a plurality of pest control devices. [Diagram 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of at least one embodiment of a pest control device that may be included in the pest control system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3]3 is a perspective view of at least one embodiment of a pest control device detection sensor that may be included in the pest control device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of at least one embodiment of a gateway of the pest control system of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 2 is a simplified flow chart of a control routine for the pest control system of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a simplified flow chart of a first embodiment of a control routine for the pest control system of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a simplified flow chart of a first embodiment of a control routine for the pest control system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8A] 4 is a simplified flow chart of a second embodiment of a control routine for the pest control system of FIG. 1. [Figure 8B] 4 is a simplified flow chart of a second embodiment of a control routine for the pest control system of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment of a pest control device attached to the headboard of a bed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a top view of the pest control device of FIG. 9 in an open configuration. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the pest control device of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top view of the pest control device of FIG. 9 in a closed position. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inlet opening of the pest control device of FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a cross-sectional view of at least one embodiment of a detection sensor of a pest control device including a sensor cell and a sensor coating coated on a surface of the sensor cell, the sensor coating comprising a coating gel composite made from a polymer gel and an agent that detects an analyte found in bed bug secretions. [Figure 15]FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the mass change of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated gel composite caused by the reaction of a drug in the PDMS coated gel composite with a target biochemical analyte present in the air surrounding the PDMS polymer gel. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a graph illustrating the mass change of a polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS) coated gel composite caused by the reaction of a drug in the PMPS coated gel composite with a target biochemical analyte present in the air surrounding the PMPS polymer gel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0086] While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. However, there is no intention to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0087] 1, a pest control system 100 for detecting the presence of pests is shown. The system 100 illustratively includes one or more pest control devices 102 in communication with a central pest data management server 104 over a network 106. The central pest data management server 104 is further configured to communicate with one or more client computing devices 108 over a network 110 and transmit information received from the pest control devices 102.

[0088] The pest control device fleet 102 includes a plurality of pest control devices 108. Each pest control device 108 is configured to detect the presence of bed bugs and provides sensor data indicative of the detection of bed bugs, as described in more detail below. The pest control devices 108 transmit the sensor data to the central pest data management server 104 via the network 106. To do this, in the illustrative embodiment, the plurality of pest control devices 120 communicate with a gateway 122 to transmit the sensor data to the network 106. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments or other pest control fleets 102, one or more control devices 120 may communicate directly with the network 106.

[0089] The gateway 122 may be embodied as any type of computing or computer device capable of wirelessly communicating with the pest control devices 120 and the network 106. In some embodiments, a range extender or repeater may be used to extend the range of communication between the pest control devices 102 and the gateway 122. Additionally, the gateway 122 may incorporate a two-way transceiver for communicating with the pest control devices 120 and / or the repeater and the network 106. In an illustrative embodiment, the gateway device may incorporate digital cellular technology to enable communication with the network 106. An exemplary system of repeaters and gateway devices is shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 8,026,822, issued Sep. 8, 2009, and expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0090] The network 106 may be embodied as any type of network capable of facilitating communication between the gateway 122 of the pest control devices 120 and the central pest data management server 104. In an illustrative embodiment, the network 106 may be embodied as a cellular network or a wireless wide area network (WAN) using a cellular network. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the network 106 may be embodied as or otherwise include a wireless local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or a publicly available global network such as the Internet. Thus, the network 106 may include any number of additional devices, such as additional computers, routers, and switches, to facilitate communication therethrough. In other embodiments, each of the pest control sensors 120 may include separate transmitters and receivers for transmitting and receiving data from the server 104 using the network 106. In still other embodiments, the gateway 122 may be configured to be hardwired to the network 106 via a cable.

[0091] The server 104 includes communication middleware, application software 140, and database 142. It should be appreciated that the server 104 may be located on-site with the pest control devices 120 or off-site. The server 104 may be embodied as any type of computing or computing device capable of performing the functions described herein, including, without limitation, a server, computer, multi-processor system, rack-mounted server, blade server, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, wearable computing device, network appliance, web appliance, distributed computing system, processor-based system, and / or consumer electronic device. It should be appreciated that the server 104 may be embodied as a single computing device or a collection of distributed computing devices. In the illustrative embodiment, the server 104 provides various virtual / logical components to enable the aggregation of the sensor data of each of the pest control devices 120 received via the gateway 122 into the database 142. It should be appreciated that the server 104 may communicate with all the remote pest control devices 102, evaluate the obtained data, and take corresponding actions using an application service provider (ASP) model. Among other things, the server 104 collects sensor data from the pest control devices 102, aggregates and processes the sensor data, and determines what information should be delivered to customers or technicians. Additionally, the server 104 facilitates data archiving, notification, and reporting processes.

[0092] The client computing device 108 may be embodied as any type of computing or computing device capable of communicating with the server 104, including, without limitation, a computer, a multiprocessor system, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computing device, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system, a processor-based system, and / or a consumer electronic device. In an illustrative embodiment, the client computing device 108 can selectively access the server 104 through a network 110. The client computing device 108 may include a browser subsystem, a spreadsheet interface, an email interface, a short message service (SMS) interface, and other interface subsystems.

[0093] Network 110 may be embodied as any type of network capable of facilitating communication between client computing devices 108 and central pest data management server 104. In an illustrative embodiment, network 110 may be embodied as a wireless local area network (LAN) or a publicly available global network such as the Internet. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, network 110 may be embodied as or otherwise include a cellular network or a wireless wide area network (WAN). Thus, network 110 may include any number of additional devices, such as additional computers, routers, and switches, to facilitate communication therethrough.

[0094] 2, a pest control device 120 for detecting the presence of pests is shown in more detail. The pest control device 120 includes a housing 202 defined by an exterior wall 204 and a top cover 206 about an interior chamber 208. In an illustrative embodiment, the interior chamber 208 houses a sensor 210, a controller 212, a power source 214, and wireless communication circuitry 216. In some embodiments, the interior chamber 208 may house a local indicator 218.

[0095] The sensor 210 is configured to detect a target biochemical analyte found in the pest secretions. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, the sensor 210 is configured to detect a target biochemical analyte found in the secretions of bedbugs. The sensor 210 is coupled to a conduit 222 on each side of the sensor 210, which extends through the exterior wall 204 at an inlet 224 and an outlet 226. Bedbug secretions enter the inlet 224 and flow through the conduit 222 to the sensor 210. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, a fan 220 may be positioned in the interior chamber 208 near the outlet 226 to draw air from the inlet 224 through the sensor 210 and towards the outlet 226.

[0096] The sensor 210 may be embodied as any type of device, circuit, or component capable of performing the functions described herein. In an illustrative embodiment, the sensor 210 is embodied as a resonant sensor, such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 210 includes a sensor cell or quartz crystal resonator 230, whereby the conduit 222 extends into the quartz crystal resonator 230 and distributes air through the quartz crystal resonator 230. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the sensor 210 may include a series of multiple sensor cells or quartz crystal resonators 230 arranged in parallel, whereby the conduit 222 is divided into multiple lines among the multiple quartz crystal resonators 230 and distributes air through each of the quartz crystal resonators 230.

[0097] In use, the power source 214 provides power to the sensor 210 to vibrate the quartz crystal resonator 230, which is configured to measure the frequency of the vibration. The quartz crystal resonator 230 is further configured to generate sensor data including the frequency of the vibrating quartz crystal resonator 230, which is indicative of a mass change on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. It should be appreciated that the frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal resonator 230 generally depends on the sensor mass detected on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. For example, as more mass is deposited on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230, the frequency of vibration decreases. Thus, the change in mass per unit area can be determined based on the sensor data received from the quartz crystal resonator 230. Thus, the controller 212 of the pest control device 120 can further determine the change in sensor mass based on the change in frequency of vibration. In some embodiments, the sensor 210 can be a small-scale QCM sensor, such as an open QCM. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the sensor 210 may be any type of mass resonator capable of detecting the presence of a target biochemical analyte. In some embodiments, the sensor 210 may be embodied as a cantilever sensor. In other embodiments, the sensor 210 may be embodied as a cantilever sensor.

[0098] 3, the quartz crystal resonator 230 is coated with a sensor coating 306 on a surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. In an illustrative embodiment, the quartz crystal resonator 230 includes a quartz crystal 302 and an electrode 304. It should be appreciated that the sensor coating 306 may be deposited on the entire surface of the quartz crystal 302 or on a portion of the surface.

[0099] In an illustrative embodiment, the sensor coating 306 is made from an agent that reacts with a target biochemical analyte found in the bedbug secretions. In an illustrative embodiment, the target biochemical analyte is an unsaturated aldehyde compound, such as, for example, trans-2-hexenal (TH), trans-2-octenal (TO), 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal. In an illustrative embodiment, a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI) is used to form the sensor coating 306 because it selectively reacts with T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal. In an illustrative embodiment, dioctyl-CTI has the formula

[0100] [ka] wherein R 1 and R 2 is each octyl. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the agent may be a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI) or other CTI functional group that reacts with the target biochemical analyte. When dioctyl-CTI reacts with T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal, it produces a product having a higher molecular weight than dioctyl-CTI alone. In an illustrative embodiment, the product has the formula

[0101] [ka] wherein R 1 and R 2 are octyl, and R 6is pentyl. In some embodiments, dioctyl-CTI may be mixed with a polymer to increase the viscosity of the dioctyl-CTI, resulting in a uniform film of dioctyl-CTI on the quartz crystal resonator 230 and preventing repellency of the dioctyl-CTI composite on the quartz crystal resonator 230. It should be recognized that the frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal resonator 230 depends in part on the mass of drug coated on the quartz crystal resonator 230.

[0102] In some embodiments, the agent of the sensor coating 306 is represented by Formula I

[0103] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, wherein X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is hydrogen, C3 to C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 , and R 4’ are each independently hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, and C6-C 10 aryl; R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0104] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S and Z 1 and Z 2 are O respectively.

[0105] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are identical. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4 to C 10 In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4~C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each independently C6-C8 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. 1 and R 2 are octyl, respectively.

[0106] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 At least one of R is linked to a polymeric bulking group. 1 and R 2 At least one of is hydrogen.

[0107] In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the above. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is crosslinked.

[0108] As used herein, "polymeric bulky group" refers to oligomers and polymers, which in some embodiments are silsesquioxanes. Examples of silsesquioxane compounds are described in Cordes, D., et al., Chem.Rev.2010, 11, 2081-2173, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 is the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 has.

[0110] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0111] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0112] In some embodiments, R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 , and R 4’ are hydrogen.

[0113] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol has the formula

[0114] [ka] wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently hexyl or octyl.

[0115] In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 1 to about 4. In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 2.5.

[0116] In some embodiments, the cyclic thiol is part of a composition that does not include a metal thiol chelator. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 8. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 7.

[0117] In some embodiments, when the agent of the sensor coating 306 reacts with a target biochemical analyte, a cycloadduct is formed. In some embodiments, the cycloadduct is represented by Formula II

[0118] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x(SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 , and R 4’ are each independently hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, and C6-C 10 aryl; R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; R 6 is C1~C 12 Alkyl or oxo substituted C1-C 12 is alkyl, a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0119] In some embodiments, R 6 is propyl or pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is 1-oxopropyl or 1-oxopentyl.

[0120] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S and Z 1 and Z 2 are O respectively.

[0121] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are identical. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4 to C 10 In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4~C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. 1 and R 2 are octyl, respectively.

[0122] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 At least one of R is linked to a polymeric bulking group. 1 and R 2 At least one of is hydrogen.

[0123] In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the above. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is crosslinked.

[0124] In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 is the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 has.

[0125] In some embodiments, the cycloadduct has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cycloadduct has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the cycloadduct has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0126] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0127] In some embodiments, R 3 , R 3’ , R 4 , and R4’ are hydrogen.

[0128] In some embodiments, the cycloadduct has the formula

[0129] [ka] wherein R 1 and R 2 are each independently hexyl or octyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is propyl or pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is 1-oxopropyl or 1-oxopentyl.

[0130] In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 1 to about 4. In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 2.5.

[0131] In some embodiments, the cycloadduct is part of a composition that does not include a metal thiol chelator. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 8. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 7.

[0132] In some embodiments, the agent of the sensor coating 306 is represented by Formula III

[0133] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, During the ceremony, X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene)x y R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is C3~C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) yR 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0134] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S and Z 1 and Z 2 are O respectively.

[0135] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are identical. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4 to C 10 In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4~C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each independently C6-C8 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. 1 and R 2are octyl, respectively.

[0136] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 At least one of R is linked to a polymeric bulking group. 1 and R 2 At least one of is hydrogen.

[0137] In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the above. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is crosslinked.

[0138] In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 is the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 has.

[0139] In some embodiments, the thiol has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the thiol has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the thiol has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0140] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0141] In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 1 to about 4. In some embodiments, the thiol group has a pKa of about 2.5.

[0142] In some embodiments, the thiol is part of a composition that does not include a metal thiol chelator. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 8. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 2 to about 9. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH of about 7.

[0143] In some embodiments, when the agent of the sensor coating 306 reacts with a target biochemical analyte, an adduct is formed. In some embodiments, the adduct is represented by Formula II

[0144] [ka] or a tautomer thereof, wherein X is S or O; Z 1 and Z 2 are each independently O or S, R 1 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5, -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 2 is hydrogen, C1-C 12 Alkyl, C2-C 12 Alkenyl, C6-C 10 Aryl, 5-7 membered heteroaryl, -OR 5 , -SR 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , -(SC1-C4 alkylene) y (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y R 5 , C1-C3 alkylene (OC1-C4 alkylene) x (SC1~C4 alkylene) y R 5 , and C1-C3 alkylene (SC1-C4 alkylene) y(OC1-C4 alkylene) x R 5 is selected from the group consisting of R 5 is hydrogen, C1-C8 alkyl, C2-C8 alkenyl, C6-C 10 aryl, and polymeric bulky groups; R 6 is C1~C 12 Alkyl or oxo substituted C1-C 12 is alkyl, a is 0 or 1, x and y each independently represents an integer of 1 to 10.

[0145] In some embodiments, R 6 is propyl or pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is pentyl. In some embodiments, R 6 is 1-oxopropyl or 1-oxopentyl.

[0146] In some embodiments, X is S. In some embodiments, Z 1 is O. In some embodiments, Z 2 is O. In some embodiments, Z 1 and Z 2 are each O. In some embodiments, X is S and Z 1 and Z 2 are O respectively.

[0147] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are identical. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4 to C 10 In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are C4~C 10 alkyl and are the same. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2are each independently C6-C8 alkyl. In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 are each C6-C8 alkyl and are the same. 1 and R 2 are octyl, respectively.

[0148] In some embodiments, R 1 and R 2 At least one of R is linked to a polymeric bulking group. 1 and R 2 At least one of is hydrogen.

[0149] In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is selected from the group consisting of silicone, polyolefin, polyamide, polyester, polycarbonate, polyaramid, polyurethane, polystyrene, epoxy, rubber, starch, protein, cellulose, acrylate, ABS polymer, PEEK polymer, polyol, polyether, polyether polyol, and copolymers of two or more of the above. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silicone. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is silsesquioxane. In some embodiments, the polymeric bulky group is crosslinked.

[0150] In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x R 5 In some embodiments, R 1 -(OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 or C1-C3 alkyl (OC1-C4 alkyl) x (SC1-C4 alkyl) y R 5 In some embodiments, R 1is the formula -CH2O(CH2)3S(CH2)3R 5 has.

[0151] In some embodiments, the adduct has a weight of about 200 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the adduct has a weight of about 350 Da to about 5000 Da. In some embodiments, the adduct has a weight of about 1000 Da to about 5000 Da.

[0152] In some embodiments, a is 1.

[0153] As discussed above, the agent of the sensor coating 306 is configured to react with the target biochemical analyte to produce a higher molecular weight product. In use, an initial increase in sensor mass detected on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230 is determined based on the sensor data. As discussed above, in an illustrative embodiment, the sensor data includes the frequency of the vibrating quartz crystal resonator 230, and the change in frequency is generally proportional to the change in sensor mass. Thus, the initial increase in sensor mass is determined by measuring the change in frequency of the vibrating quartz crystal resonator 230, as discussed in more detail below.

[0154] In some embodiments, the initial increase in sensor mass may also be determined based on an absolute change in mass. To do this, the initial increase in sensor mass may be measured by comparing the current surface mass to the initial surface mass of the quartz crystal resonator 230 before the reaction. It should be appreciated that detection of subsequent increases in sensor mass is determined by comparing the current surface mass of the quartz crystal resonator 230 to the subsequent surface mass.

[0155] The mass change generally correlates with the concentration of the target biochemical analyte detected in the quartz crystal resonator 230. However, it should be recognized that the amount of agent available to react with the target biochemical analyte may affect the reaction rate, thereby affecting the mass change and / or the rate of mass change detected on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. Such an increase in mass associated with the reaction is detected by the controller 212 of the pest control device 102, which will be discussed in more detail in Figures 6 and 8.

[0156] In some embodiments, the rate of mass change may be affected by the detection response time of the sensor 210. The detection response time may be increased if an accumulation of the target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the sensor 210 is required to generate a signal or sensor data that reaches a measurable change indicative of the presence of bedbugs. In other words, if the concentration of the target biochemical analyte is low, the mass change of the quartz crystal resonator 230 resulting from the reaction may not be sufficient until the target biochemical analyte accumulates to a predetermined amount. In some embodiments, a preconcentrator is used to reach a minimum predetermined amount of the target biochemical analyte, so that the sensor 210 can immediately detect low concentrations of the target biochemical analyte.

[0157] It should be noted that the amount of agent in the sensor coating 306 decreases as the agent reacts with the target biochemical analyte. It should be recognized that in some embodiments, the reaction can be reversed from product to agent based on heat. In such an embodiment, the pest control device 120 further includes a heating element (not shown). When the amount of agent in the sensor coating 306 reaches a threshold level, the pest control device 120 applies heat to the quartz crystal resonator 230 to reverse the reaction and recover the agent in the sensor coating 306. In some embodiments, the pest control device 120 can generate a local or remote alarm indicating that the sensor 210 requires maintenance to replenish the agent in the sensor coating 306 or to replace the quartz crystal resonator 230 or the sensor 210.

[0158] Referring again to FIG. 2, the controller 212 may be embodied as any type of controller, circuit, or component capable of performing the functions described herein. The controller 212 is configured to determine the presence of bedbugs by analyzing sensor data generated by the sensor 210. Specifically, in an illustrative embodiment, the quartz crystal resonator 230 of the sensor 210 generates the sensor data. The sensor data includes, among other things, a mass change on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. It should be appreciated that the mass change on the quartz crystal resonator 230 indicates that a drug in the sensor coating 306 of the quartz crystal resonator 230 is being converted into a product having a different molecular weight, and that the rate of mass change is generally proportional to the rate of the reaction that converts the drug into the product.

[0159] As discussed above, in an illustrative embodiment, the product resulting from the reaction of the agent (e.g., dioctyl-CTI) with the target biochemical analyte, such as T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal, has a higher molecular weight compared to the molecular weight of dioctyl-CTI. Thus, the controller 212 determines whether the mass increase exceeds a predefined threshold rate. The predefined threshold rate is a reference mass change rate in the presence of bedbugs. For example, in some embodiments, the reference mass change may be a minimum mass change rate in the presence of bedbugs. In other embodiments, the reference mass change may be a minimum mass change rate plus some additional safety factor to avoid false positives or undesired detections. For example, in some cases, environmental factors such as temperature and humidity of the air surrounding the sensor 210 may affect the accuracy of the detected mass change rate, causing sensor drift. Some additional safety factors can be included to compensate for unexpected environmental effects and to reduce unwanted detections due to sensor drift.

[0160] As discussed above, the initial increase in sensor mass detected on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230 is determined by measuring the change in frequency of the vibrating quartz crystal resonator 230. In some embodiments, as discussed above, the initial increase in sensor mass may also be determined based on an absolute change in mass by comparing the current mass of the quartz crystal resonator 230 to the initial mass of the quartz crystal resonator 230 before reaction. It should be appreciated that detection of subsequent mass increases is determined by comparing the current mass of the quartz crystal resonator 230 to the subsequent mass of the quartz crystal resonator 230. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the sensor data may be processed at the server 104.

[0161] In some embodiments, the sensor 210 may detect the presence of bedbugs by detecting a decrease in sensor mass upon heating the quartz crystal resonator 230. To do this, the sensor 210 may determine the mass detected on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230 before and after heating the quartz crystal resonator 230 and determine whether the mass change exceeds a predefined threshold. As discussed above, upon heating the quartz crystal resonator 230, products resulting from the reaction of the agent with the target biochemical analyte release the target biochemical analyte, causing a decrease in sensor mass and detecting the presence of bedbugs.

[0162] In some embodiments, the sensor 210 can determine both mass gain and mass loss and eliminate false positives or unwanted detections. For example, in some cases, environmental factors such as dust or other particles in the air surrounding the sensor 210 can interact with the agent in the sensor coating 306 and increase the sensor mass detected on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. In such embodiments, if the increase in sensor mass before heating exceeds a predefined first threshold, while the decrease in sensor mass after heating does not exceed a predefined second threshold, the sensor 210 can identify a false positive or unwanted detection.

[0163] The power source 214 may be embodied as any type of device, circuit, or component capable of providing power to components of the pest control device 120, such as the controller 212, the sensor 210, the wireless communication circuitry 216, the local indicator 218, or, if necessary, the fan 220. In some embodiments, the power source 214 may be an electrochemical cell or battery.

[0164] The wireless communication circuitry 216 may be embodied as any type of device, circuit, or component capable of enabling communication between the pest control device 104 and the gateway 122. Each pest control device 120 is configured to periodically or continuously communicate with the gateway 122 to transmit sensor data to the server 104 using the network 106. For example, the sensor data may include notifications such as detection of bedbugs and / or an indication that a sensor requires maintenance, among others. To do this, the wireless communication circuitry 216 may be configured to use any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communication) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WiMax, LTE, 5G, etc.) that effect such communication.

[0165] The local indicator 218 may be embodied as any type of indicator capable of generating an alert to notify an operator or technician. For example, the local indicator 218 may be embodied as a visual and / or audible indicator. In some embodiments, the visual indicator 218 may include a light emitting diode (LED), fluorescent light, incandescent light, and / or neon type light source. The audible indicator may generate an alarm sound to notify the technician. In an illustrative embodiment, the local indicator 218 generates an alarm indicating the presence or absence of bed bugs. For example, in some embodiments, the LED light indicator 218 may be energized to project a colored light, change color, or change from a non-blinking light to a blinking light to indicate the presence of bed bugs. In other embodiments, the audible local indicator 218 may generate a sound to indicate the presence of bed bugs.

[0166] In some embodiments, the local indicator 218 may output a signal indicating whether the sensor 230 requires maintenance. For example, a local alert may indicate a malfunction of the sensor 230. In some embodiments, a local alert may indicate depletion of a drug in the sensor 210. In such embodiments, a voltage may be applied to the LED light indicator 218 to project a colored light, change color, or change from a non-blinking light to a blinking light to indicate the presence of bedbugs. It should be appreciated that the color of the LED light indicator 218 indicating sensor maintenance may be different than the color of the LED light indicator 218 indicating the detection of bedbugs. In some embodiments, a visual indicator may be used to indicate the presence of bedbugs and an audible indicator may be used to indicate that the sensor 210 requires maintenance, or vice versa.

[0167] In some embodiments, the pest control device 120 may further include a handle (not shown) on the housing member 202 to provide a grip for an operator or technician. A technician can grasp the handle of the pest control device 120 and manually move the pest control device 120 to identify localized areas of target biochemical analytes indicative of the presence of bedbugs.

[0168] 4, the gateway 122 includes a controller 402 including a memory 404, a wireless network interface 406 including an antenna 408, and a modem 412 including an antenna 414. The controller 402 may be embodied as any type of controller, circuit, or component capable of performing the functions described herein, including without limitation a computer, a multiprocessor system, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable computing device, a network appliance, a web appliance, a distributed computing system, a processor-based system, and / or a consumer electronic device. In some embodiments, the controller 402 may be of the microcontroller type, such as Model No. C805F120 offered by Cygnal Technologies.

[0169] The memory 404 may be embodied as any type of volatile or non-volatile memory or data storage capable of performing the functions described herein. In operation, the memory 404 may store various data and software used during operation of the gateway 122, such as programs, libraries, and drivers. In some embodiments, the memory 404 may temporarily store and aggregate sensor data received from the pest control devices 120 before transmitting the sensor data over the network 106 to the server 104.

[0170] In the illustrative embodiment, the modem 412, including an antenna 414, is configured to interface with the cellular or wireless WAN network 106 to communicate with the network 106. In some embodiments, the modem 408 may utilize General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) over Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocols. In some embodiments, the modem 408 may be of the dial-up and / or coaxial cable type of hardwired connection.

[0171] In the illustrative embodiment, a wireless network interface 406 including an antenna 408 is configured to interface with a wireless communication network defined by a corresponding pest control group 102 to communicate with the pest control devices 120. In some embodiments, the wireless communication network may be of the local area network (LAN) type.

[0172] 5, in use, the pest control system 100 may execute a routine 500 to detect the presence of bed bugs. The routine 500 begins at block 502, where the communications components of the pest control system 100 are initialized to form new communications paths from each of the pest control devices 120 to the server 104 or the client computing device 108. For example, the wireless network interface 406 and the modem 412 of the gateway 122 may be initialized to establish a link to the network.

[0173] In block 504, each of the pest control devices 120 acquires and analyzes data generated by the sensor 210 of the pest control device 120. As described above, in the illustrative embodiment, the sensor 210 includes a quartz crystal resonator 230 configured to output sensor data, and the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230 has a sensor coating 306 including a drug. As discussed above, the drug of the sensor coating 306 selectively reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by the pest. During the reaction, the drug is converted into a product having a different molecular weight compared to the molecular weight of the drug. As discussed above, the quartz crystal resonator 230 outputs sensor data including a frequency of vibration indicative of a mass change at the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. As discussed above, the change in frequency is generally proportional to the change in sensor mass deposited on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230. Thus, the controller 212 of the pest control device 120 analyzes the sensor data of the quartz crystal resonator 230 and determines the presence of the pest based on the level of mass change. This is discussed in more detail in Figures 6 and 7.

[0174] In some embodiments, the sensor data may include the status of the sensor 210. For example, the status of the sensor 210 may include the amount of drug remaining in the sensor coating 306. As discussed above, the frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal resonator 230 depends in part on the mass of drug coated on the quartz crystal resonator 230. Thus, the remaining drug coated on the quartz crystal resonator 230 may be estimated based on the frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal resonator 230. In other embodiments, each of the pest control devices 120 determines the amount of drug converted to a product, thereby determining the amount of drug remaining in the sensor coating 306. It should be appreciated that a sufficient amount of drug in the sensor coating 306 is necessary to accurately detect the presence of a pest.

[0175] At block 506, the sensor data of the pest control device 120 is transmitted to the pest data management server 104. To do this, the pest control device 120 transmits the sensor data to the gateway 122. The gateway 122 then transmits the sensor data over the network 106 to the server 104.

[0176] At block 508, the server 104 outputs the sensor data. In some embodiments, the server 104 may perform corresponding operations using the applications 140. For example, the applications 140 include a notification and alert service that can dispatch alerts to the client computing device 108 based on conditions set in the database 142.

[0177] 6 and 7, in use, the controller 212 of the pest control device 120 may execute a routine 600 for detecting the presence of bed bugs by determining the rate of change of the sensor mass, and a routine 700 for determining whether to issue an alert notification. The routine 600 begins at block 602 where the controller 212 determines whether the sensor 210 of the pest control device 120 is active. If the controller 212 determines that the sensor 210 is not active, the routine 600 loops back to block 602 to continue monitoring the active sensor 210. However, if the controller 212 determines that the sensor 210 is active, the routine 600 proceeds to block 604.

[0178] At block 604, the controller 212 receives sensor data from the sensor 210. In an illustrative embodiment, the sensor or quartz crystal microbalance 210 generates sensor data indicative of a mass change on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230 of the quartz crystal microbalance 210. As described above, the sensor data includes a frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal resonator 230, which is generally proportional to the change in sensor mass. Based on the received sensor data, at block 606, the controller 212 determines a rate of change in the sensor mass (i.e., the rate of mass change on the surface of the quartz crystal resonator 230).

[0179] At block 608, the controller 212 determines whether the determined rate of change of the sensor mass exceeds a predefined threshold rate. It should be appreciated that the predefined threshold rate is a reference rate of mass change in the presence of bedbugs and is used to reduce false positive detection of bedbugs. As discussed above, the reference rate of mass change is a minimum rate of mass change in the presence of bedbugs. In some embodiments, the reference rate of mass change may be the minimum rate of mass change plus some additional safety factor to avoid false positives or unwanted detections.

[0180] If the controller 212 determines that the rate of change does not exceed the predefined threshold rate, the controller 212 determines that bed bugs have not been detected and the routine 600 jumps to block 710 of the routine 700 shown in FIG. 7, which will be described in more detail below. However, if the controller 212 determines that the rate of change does exceed the predefined threshold rate, the routine 600 proceeds to block 610. In block 610, the controller 212 starts or initiates a timer when the rate of change of the sensor mass exceeds the predefined threshold rate. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the controller 212 may record the start time when the rate of change of the sensor mass exceeds the predefined threshold rate. In other words, the start time is the time when the pest control device 108 detects the presence of bed bugs.

[0181] To further reduce false positive detections of bed bugs, the controller 212 determines how long the rate of mass change has exceeded a predefined threshold rate. To do this, the controller 212 receives subsequent sensor data from the sensor 210 in block 612. Based on the subsequent sensor data, the controller 212 determines the rate of change of the sensor mass in block 614.

[0182] At block 616, the controller 212 determines whether the rate of change based on the subsequent sensor data still exceeds the predefined threshold rate. If the controller 212 determines that the rate of change exceeds the predefined threshold rate, the routine 600 loops back to block 612 to continue receiving subsequent sensor data. However, if the controller 212 determines that the rate of change does not exceed the predefined threshold rate, the routine 600 proceeds to block 618.

[0183] At block 618, the controller 212 stops the timer. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the controller 212 records the end time at which the rate of change exceeds a predefined threshold rate. In other words, the end time is the time at which the pest control device 108 no longer detects the presence of bed bugs. The routine 600 then proceeds to block 702 of routine 700 shown in FIG. 7 to determine whether to issue an alert notification.

[0184] 7, in block 702, the controller 212 determines the time interval measured by the timer. It should be appreciated that the determined time interval indicates the time when a bedbug is detected.

[0185] At block 704, the controller 212 determines whether the time interval is greater than a predefined time. As discussed above, the predefined time is used to reduce false positive detections. If the time interval is less than the predefined time, the controller 212 determines that such detection is likely a false positive and the routine 700 jumps to block 708, where the controller 212 records the time interval. False positives may be due to, for example, unexpected environmental factors, unexpected device malfunctions, and / or human error.

[0186] However, if the controller 212 determines that the time interval is greater than the predefined time, the routine 700 proceeds to block 706. At block 706, the controller 212 issues a bed bug detection alert notification. In some embodiments, the controller 212 may issue a local bed bug detection alert notification via the local indicator 218. In other embodiments, the controller 212 may issue a bed bug detection alert notification to the server 104. At block 708, the controller 212 records the time interval.

[0187] Following detection of the presence of bedbugs, the controller 212 further determines the drug level of the sensor coating 306 on the quartz crystal resonator 230 of the sensor 210 to determine when to replenish the sensor coating 306 on the quartz crystal resonator 230 or when to replace the quartz crystal resonator 230 and / or the sensor 210. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the controller 212 may determine the drug level and the presence of bedbugs simultaneously.

[0188] At block 710, the controller 212 determines the level of drug in the sensor coating 306 on the quartz crystal resonator 230. To do this, in some embodiments, the controller 212 may determine the drug level based on the sensor data at block 712. As discussed above, the frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal resonator 230 depends in part on the mass of drug coated on the quartz crystal resonator 230. Thus, the controller 212 can estimate the amount of drug remaining based on the corresponding frequency of vibration of the quartz crystal resonator 230.

[0189] In some embodiments, at block 714, the controller 212 can determine the drug level by analyzing the rate of change of the sensor mass. For example, the controller 212 can determine the rate of change of the sensor mass over a predetermined time period and calculate the total mass change over the predetermined time period. It should be appreciated that the total mass change is the weight difference between the weight of the product produced over a predetermined time period and the weight of the drug that reacted with the target biochemical analyte to produce the product. The controller 212 can calculate the amount of drug consumed during the reaction from the total mass change. Thus, the controller 212 can determine the amount of drug remaining on the quartz crystal resonator 230 available to react with the target biochemical analyte.

[0190] In some embodiments, at block 716, the controller 212 can determine the drug level in the sensor 210 by comparing the current sensor mass to a theoretical sensor mass, which is the sensor mass that would be expected if all of the drug in the sensor coating 306 was converted to product.

[0191] At block 718, the controller 212 determines whether the level of the drug is below a threshold level. The threshold level is set based on the minimum amount of drug in the sensor coating 306 required to react with the target biochemical analyte. In other words, if the level of the drug is below the threshold level, the drug is depleted and no further reaction can occur.

[0192] If so, the routine 700 proceeds to block 720, where the controller 212 issues a notification to replace the sensor 210. In some embodiments, the controller 212 may issue a local replacement notification via the local indicator 218. In other embodiments, the controller 212 may issue a notification to the server 104.

[0193] However, if the controller 212 determines that the medication level is above the threshold level, the routine 700 skips block 720. The routine 700 loops back to block 604 of routine 600 of FIGURE 6 to continue receiving sensor data to determine the presence of bedbugs and the level of medication in the sensor 210.

[0194] 8A and 8B, in use, the controller 212 of the pest control device 120 may execute an alternative routine 800 that replaces the routine 600 for detecting the presence of bed bugs by comparing the rate of change of frequency over time. The routine 800 begins at block 802 where the controller 212 determines whether the sensor 210 of the pest control device 120 is active. If the controller 212 determines that the sensor 210 is not active, the routine 800 loops back to block 802 to continue monitoring the active sensor 210. However, if the controller 212 determines that the sensor 210 is active, the routine 800 proceeds to block 804.

[0195] At block 804, the controller 212 receives first sensor data, followed by second sensor data after a predefined time. As discussed above, in an illustrative embodiment, the sensor data includes the frequency of the vibrating quartz crystal resonator 230. Thus, at block 806, the controller 212 determines a first slope of the frequency change (i.e., the rate of change of the frequency) during the predefined time based on the first and second sensor data. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the controller 212 determines a first slope of any signal change based on the first and second sensor data.

[0196] The controller 212 then receives further subsequent sensor data after a predefined time period, at block 808. The controller 212 then determines a second slope of the frequency change based on the second and subsequent sensor data, at block 810.

[0197] At block 812, the controller 212 determines whether the second slope is different from the first slope. In other words, the controller 212 compares the rates of change of the first and second frequencies. As discussed above, the change in frequency indicates a change in sensor mass. However, it is noted that the sensitivity and / or accuracy of sensor detection may be reduced by sensor drift over time, preventing the controller 212 from detecting the presence of low levels of the target biochemical analyte. Thus, by calculating the difference in the rate of frequency change to determine the presence of bedbugs, the controller 212 can minimize the impact of possible sensor drift when monitoring over time.

[0198] If the controller 212 determines that the second slope is not different from the first slope (i.e., the rate of change of frequency is not changing), the controller 212 determines that a bedbug has not been detected and the routine 800 jumps to block 710 of the routine 700 shown in FIG. 7.

[0199] However, if the controller 212 determines that the second slope is different from the first slope, the routine 800 proceeds to block 814 shown in Figure 8B, where the controller 212 starts a timer to indicate the start time when the controller 212 detects an abrupt change in frequency. In other words, the start time is the time when the pest control device 108 detects the presence of bed bugs.

[0200] To further reduce false positive detections of bed bugs, the controller 212 determines how long the rate of change of frequency (i.e., the rate of change of the sensor mass) has been changing. To do this, the controller 212 receives subsequent sensor data from the sensor 210 in block 612. Based on the subsequent sensor data, the controller 212 determines a subsequent slope of the frequency change in block 818.

[0201] At block 820, the controller 212 determines whether the subsequent slope is different from the previous slope. It should be appreciated that the previous slope is the slope determined immediately prior to the subsequent slope. If the controller 212 determines that the slope has changed, the routine 800 loops back to block 816 to continue receiving subsequent sensor data. However, if the controller 212 determines that the slope has not changed, the routine 800 proceeds to block 822.

[0202] At block 822, the controller 212 stops the timer, indicating an end time when the controller 212 detects no frequency change. In other words, the end time is the time when the pest control device 108 no longer detects the presence of bed bugs. The routine 800 then proceeds to block 702 of routine 700 shown in Figure 7 to determine whether to issue a bed bug detection alert notification based on the time interval between the start time and the end time, as discussed in detail above.

[0203] It should be appreciated that the sensor 210 may be embodied as other types of sensors capable of detecting a target biochemical analyte. For example, as discussed above, the sensor 210 may be embodied as a cantilever sensor. In such an embodiment, the cantilever sensor includes a body and one or more cantilevers protruding outwardly from the body. Each cantilever is coated with an agent that reacts with a target biochemical analyte and is configured to oscillate vertically. To initiate oscillation of each cantilever, the cantilever sensor is excited by resistive heating, inducing a thermal expansion mismatch between the layers. If the agent on the vibrating cantilever reacts with the target biochemical analyte, an increase in the mass of the cantilever changes the resonant frequency of the vibrating cantilever. As discussed above, the frequency change can be used to detect the presence of bedbugs. In some embodiments, the cantilever sensor may further include a piezoresistive pressure sensor. In such an embodiment, the piezoresistive pressure sensor measures the degree of deformation (eg bending) of the cantilever during vibration and determines the presence of bedbugs if the degree of deformation is greater than a predefined threshold.

[0204] 9-12, another embodiment of a pest control device (hereinafter pest control device 890) is shown. In an illustrative embodiment, the pest control device 890 includes a sensor 908 located within the containment device 900. It should be appreciated that the sensor 908 may be in the form of the sensor 210 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8 or any of the other sensors described above. The containment device 900 is configured to create favorable conditions (e.g., a color, temperature, texture, and / or odor that is pleasing to the target pest) that attract the pests to enter and congregate within the containment device. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, the containment device 900 includes a light blocking material that attracts pests, such as, for example, bed bugs, that prefer dark, shaded environments. Additionally, in an illustrative embodiment, the containment device 900 includes an attractive color that is pleasing to the target pests.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 9 , the containment device 900 is configured to be secured to a headboard 952 of a bed 950. For example, the containment device 900 may be secured to a surface of the headboard 952 facing toward a wall of the room opposite the bed mattress 954. Such a containment device 900 is configured to attract pests, such as bedbugs, that have a preferred home near the bed or mattress. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the containment device 900 may be secured to any surface of the bed 950 using fasteners or adhesives that do not produce volatile compounds that may react with the target analytes or otherwise interfere with the sensors. In other embodiments, the containment device 900 may be placed near the bed 950 or any other environment prone to pest infestation.

[0206] Containment device 900 includes an interior chamber 940 and a number of inlets 928 that open into chamber 940 to allow entry of pests. It should be appreciated that each inlet 928 is sized to allow easy access for the pest and to provide oxygen into containment device 900 to contain the pest. To do this, the width of each inlet 928 may be determined based on the size of the target pest to ensure that each inlet 928 is sized to allow entry of the target pest while reducing unnecessary loss of the target analyte due to diffusion into the environment of containment device 900. For example, if containment device 900 is configured to detect the presence of bedbugs, the optimal width of each inlet 928 may range from 3 mm to 100 mm.

[0207] In an illustrative embodiment, the containment device 900 is configured to be opened by a technician or other user to allow access to the chamber 940. Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, the containment device 900 is shown in its open configuration. The containment device 900 includes a bottom panel 902 and a top panel 904 pivotally connected to the bottom panel 902 via a hinge 906. The hinge 906 allows the top panel 904 to move relative to the bottom panel 902, thereby allowing access to the interior chamber 940. In use, the containment device 900 is folded via the hinge 906 such that the top panel 904 is positioned above the bottom panel 902 and the containment device 900 is closed (see Figures 9 and 12-13). It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the bottom panel 902 may be connected to the top panel 904 via other types of fasteners that allow the panels to move apart, allowing access to the interior chamber 940.

[0208] As shown in Figure 10, the bottom panel 902 includes an exterior frame 912 and a number of openings 914 disposed within the exterior frame 912. The top panel 904 also includes an exterior frame 922 that cooperates with the exterior frame 912 of the bottom panel 902 to define an interior chamber 940. The top panel 904 also includes a number of openings 924 disposed within its exterior frame 922 that are configured to align with corresponding openings 914 in the bottom panel 902 to define an entrance 928 to the containment device 900 when the containment device 900 is closed (i.e., when the top panel 904 is folded over the bottom panel 902 via the hinges 906, as shown in Figures 11 and 12).

[0209] The panels 902, 904 further include an inner surface 918, 926, respectively. In an illustrative embodiment, the inner surfaces 918, 926 are coated with a textured material to attract pests into the containment device 900. For example, the textured material may be a fibrous material. The textured material is configured to provide traction to move pests along the inner surfaces 918, 926 into the containment device 900. For example, the textured material may be woven (e.g., cloth) or non-woven (e.g., paper) and may be made from synthetic, natural, or mixed fibers. In some embodiments, the textured material may be colored to attract pests. For example, red shades and black paper may be used to attract bedbugs. It should be appreciated that the textured material is configured to sorb little or no target analytes to prevent or minimize interference with sensor detection. In some embodiments, the thickness of the textured material may be optimized to reduce sorption of target analytes.

[0210] Additionally, the bottom panel 902 further includes a number of interior walls 916 extending from the inner surface 918. As described in more detail below, the number of interior walls 916 divide the interior chamber 940 into a number of channels 932. Each channel 932 is sized to receive one or more pests and is configured to direct airflow from the inlet 928 toward the sensor 908, as indicated by arrow 934. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the flow channels 932 may taper toward the periphery of the containment device 900. Such tapered flow channels 932 are adapted to increase the concentration of the target analyte within the containment device 900 by limiting diffusion of the target analyte into the narrowing flow channel 932, thereby reducing loss of the target analyte to the air space surrounding the pest.

[0211] The plurality of interior walls 916 includes a plurality of guide walls 936 and a plurality of barrier walls 938. Each guide wall 936 is located on either side of the inlet 928 and extends in a first direction as indicated by arrow 968. Each pair of the guide walls 936 defines an inlet channel 960 of the plurality of channels 932. Each barrier wall 938 is located spaced from an end of the guide wall 936 and includes a first wall portion 942, a second wall portion 944 extending from an end of the first wall portion 942, and a third wall portion 946 extending from an opposite end of the first wall portion 942 to form a generally U-shaped barrier.

[0212] The first wall portion 942 is configured to extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, while the second wall portion 944 and the third wall portion 946 extend parallel to the guide wall 936. It should be appreciated that the second wall portion 944 cooperates with the guide wall 936 to define a first side channel 962 of the plurality of channels 932, while the third wall portion 946 cooperates with the guide wall 936 to define a second side channel 964 of the plurality of channels 932. As discussed above, the plurality of channels 932 cooperate to define a flow path within the interior chamber 940, as indicated by arrow 934, from the inlet 928 toward the sensor 908. To do this, the first channel 960 is configured to direct the airflow from the corresponding inlet 928 in a first direction, and the first and second side channels 962, 964 are configured to direct the airflow in a third direction opposite the first direction, as indicated by arrow 970. Additionally, a fourth channel 966 is defined between the barrier walls 938, specifically between the third wall portion 946 of one barrier wall 938 and the second wall portion 944 of another barrier wall 938, to direct airflow in a first direction, as indicated by arrow 972. As can be seen in FIG. 10 , the fourth channel 966 is offset from the inlet 928 of the containment device 900.

[0213] As further shown in FIG. 10 , the containment device 900 includes a sensor 908 and an airflow device 910 that draws airflow through the flow path toward the sensor 908. In an illustrative embodiment, the airflow device 910 is an air pump, such as a peristaltic or diaphragm pump. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the airflow device 910 may be embodied as a compressor, a Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) device, or a fan. The sensor 908 and the air pump 910 are disposed on the top panel 904 of the containment device 900 such that the sensor 908 and the air pump 910 are located within the interior chamber 940 of the containment device 900. The sensor 908 and the air pump 910 are located above the inner surface 926 of the top panel 904 such that when the containment device 900 is closed, the sensor 908 and the air pump 910 do not engage the plurality of interior walls 916, thereby avoiding interference with the airflow and / or the ability of pests to move through the interior chamber 940. In an illustrative embodiment, an air pump 910 is located between the outer frame 922 and the sensor 908 to draw air from an inlet 928 toward and through the sensor 908. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the air pump 910 may be excluded from the containment device 900. In such embodiments, the sensor 908 may rely on natural airflow within the interior chamber 940 to deliver target analytes secreted by the pest to the sensor 908 for detection.

[0214] In some embodiments, the sensor 908 may include a barrier sheet that covers the sensor 908. The barrier sheet is made from a mesh material and prevents pests from directly contacting the sensor 908. It should be appreciated that the mesh material does not block the diffusion of target analytes.

[0215] As discussed above, the sensor 908 is configured to detect the presence of a pest. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, the sensor 908 is embodied as a resonating sensor, such as a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) or a small scale QCM sensor. As described in detail above, the resonating sensor 908 is configured to detect the presence of a pest by detecting the presence of a target biochemical analyte secreted into the air by the pest. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the sensor 908 may be embodied as a cantilever sensor for detecting the presence of a pest, as described in detail above. It should also be appreciated that the sensor 908 may be any of the sensors described above with respect to FIGS. 1-8.

[0216] In some embodiments, the sensor 908 may be located outside the containment device 900. In such embodiments, the sensor 908 is coupled to the containment device 900 via a conduit adapted to direct airflow from the containment device 900 and provide air into the sensor 908 for detection. In some embodiments, the end of the conduit may be inserted into the interior chamber 940 to a depth of 15 cm to create a draft-free environment in the interior chamber 930 that is attractive to drafty pests (e.g., bedbugs). In some embodiments, the conduit may be inserted along one of the edges of the interior chamber 930. In other embodiments, the conduit may be oriented at an angle of up to 90° relative to one of the edges of the containment device 900.

[0217] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the containment device 900 may include a heating element to regulate the temperature within the internal chamber 940. In such embodiments, the containment device 900 may also include a controller for operating the heating element and maintaining the temperature of the internal chamber 940 up to 40° C. above ambient temperature to create a favorable environment for bed bugs. Additionally, in some embodiments, the controller may further increase the temperature to approximately 100° C. to kill any pests detected within the internal chamber 940. In such embodiments, the controller may increase the temperature to approximately 100° C. from the entrance 928 of the containment device 900 toward the barrier wall 938 to prevent the bed bugs in the internal chamber 940 from exiting the containment device 900.

[0218] In some embodiments, the containment device 900 may further include a preconcentrator that accumulates the target analytes and releases the accumulated target analytes for detection of pests. The preconcentrator may be embodied as one or more sheets that sorb the target biochemical analytes covering at least a portion of the inner surface 918, 926 of the containment device 900 (e.g., one or more paths from the inlet 928 to the sensor 908). For example, the one or more sheets may be made of an analyte-sorbing material or a woven or non-woven fibrous material. In some embodiments, the one or more fibrous sheets may include a sorbent powder between the fibers of the sheet of fibrous material or between two sheets of fibrous material for higher sorption. It should be appreciated that the preconcentrator may be configured to sorb and accumulate the target analytes for a period of time and release the accumulated target analytes at one time upon heating to provide a more concentrated target analyte for detection by the sensor. This reduces diffusion of the target analyte into the air space surrounding the pest, allowing the sensor 908 to detect the presence of fewer pests.

[0219] For example, the preconcentrator may be configured to absorb target analytes at a first temperature and release the absorbed target analytes at a second temperature. For example, in some embodiments, the preconcentrator may be a fibrous material, such as paper, filled with, for example, a sorbent powder and located on at least one of the inner surfaces 918, 926. In such embodiments, the preconcentrator has a sorption phase and a desorption (i.e., release) phase. During the sorption phase, the heating element may be operated to increase the temperature inside the containment device 900 to a temperature above the ambient temperature to attract pests, and the preconcentrator is configured to absorb target analytes secreted by the pests. During the desorption or release phase, the heating element is operated to further increase the temperature inside the containment device 900, and the target analytes are desorbed or released from the preconcentrator. Desorption of the target analytes increases the concentration of the target analytes that are drawn by the air pump 910 to the sensor 908 for pest detection. It should be appreciated that during the desorption phase, the sensor 908 may detect the presence of pests continuously or intermittently.

[0220] In some embodiments, the pre-concentrator may be embodied as a tube or column extending from the inlet 928 of the containment device 900 to the sensor 908. In such embodiments, the tube is made from an analyte sorption material configured to sorb target biochemical analytes as air surrounding the containment device 900 passes through the tube. Heating the tube rapidly desorbs the collected analytes therein. It should be appreciated that an air pump 910 facilitates drawing the desorbed target analytes released from the pre-concentrator to the sensor 908 for detection.

[0221] In some embodiments, the containment device 900 may include multiple heating elements. The heating elements may be uniformly distributed along the flow path to propagate a heat pulse from the inlet 928 toward the sensor 908. For example, to sequentially desorb the target analytes from the preconcentrator, the heating elements may be activated from the heating elements furthest from the sensor 908 to the heating elements closest to the sensor 908, or vice versa. The air pump 910 may then be activated to draw air into the sensor 908. As fresh air is drawn from outside the inner chamber 940 through the inlet 928 toward the sensor 908, the air collects the target analytes desorbed from the preconcentrator into the inner chamber 940 and carries them into the sensor 908, providing a higher concentration of the target analytes for pest detection.

[0222] It should be appreciated that the preconcentrators may be aligned along the periphery of the containment device 900. In some embodiments, the preconcentrators are positioned adjacent to the sensor 908 and opposite the air pump 910, such that the sensor 908 is located between the air pump 910 and the preconcentrator. Such a configuration allows the air pump 910 to draw desorbed target analytes released from the preconcentrator to the sensor 908 for detection. In some embodiments, the sensor 908 may include an internal preconcentrator. In some embodiments, the external preconcentrator may be embodied as a test chamber sized to receive a quantity of the target analyte.

[0223] In some embodiments, a barrier may be positioned between the perimeter 912 of the bottom panel 902 and the perimeter 922 of the top panel 904 when the containment device 900 is in a closed configuration to prevent target analytes from diffusing out of the containment device 900. For example, the barrier may be embodied as a lining between the perimeters 912, 922 and may be an aluminized film. Such a barrier may increase the concentration of target analytes in the containment device 900 for detection by the sensor. The barrier may further provide favorable conditions by establishing a draft-free zone within the containment device 900 to attract pests that dislike drafty locations (e.g., bed bugs).

[0224] 12 and 13, in use, the containment device 900 is folded such that the rim 922 of the top panel 904 is positioned above the rim 912 of the bottom panel 902. As discussed above, when the containment device 900 is in a closed configuration, the inner surface 918 of the bottom panel 902 faces but is spaced from the inner surface 926 of the top panel 904 to define an inner chamber 940 that is configured to allow pests to migrate into the inner chamber 940. In an illustrative embodiment, the width of the inner chamber 940 (i.e., the distance between the inner surface 918 of the bottom panel 902 and the inner surface 926 of the top panel 904) decreases toward the sensor 908, narrowing the flow path near the sensor 908 and limiting the diffusion of the target analyte into the narrow flow path, thereby increasing the concentration of the target analyte closer to the sensor 908. However, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the width of the inner chamber 940 may be consistent throughout the containment device 900.

[0225] 13, the bottom panel 902 further includes a plurality of beveled surfaces 920, each of which is located outside a respective entrance 928 to guide pests to a corresponding entrance 928. In an illustrative embodiment, the width of each beveled surface 920 may range from 3 mm to 100 mm corresponding to the width of each entrance 928. In some embodiments, the bottom panel 902 may include one beveled surface 902 extending along the entire width of the bottom panel 902.

[0226] As shown in FIG. 9 , in an illustrative embodiment, the containment device 900 is adapted to be positioned or secured to a headboard 952 of a bed 950 such that the bottom panel 902 is located between the headboard 952 and the top panel 904 of the bed. When the containment device 900 is secured to the headboard of the bed, each angled surface 920 is configured to bridge between a surface of the headboard 952 of the bed and a respective entrance 928, thereby allowing pests to move from the bed into the containment device 900. It should be appreciated that the angled surfaces 920 may be coated with a textured material similar to the material on the inner surface 918 of the bottom panel 902 to attract and move pests up along the angled surfaces 920 into the containment device 900. In some embodiments, the angled surfaces 920 may be colored to create favorable conditions that attract pests to the containment device 900.

[0227] In the illustrative embodiment, the containment device 900 has a rectangular shape, however, it should be appreciated that the containment device 900 may be a polygon, a polygon with rounded corners, an oval, or a circle. It should be appreciated that the exterior surface of the containment device 900 may be an attractive color to attract pests. For example, the exterior surface of the containment device 900 may be a shade of red or black to attract bedbugs. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, both the bottom panel 902 and the top panel 904 may be flat or curved to define the interior chamber 930 of the containment device 900. In other embodiments, one of the panels may be flat and the other curved to reduce material used.

[0228] In an illustrative embodiment, the containment device 900 further includes a local indicator. The local indicator is coupled to the sensor 908 via a wire and is located on an exterior surface of the top panel 904 of the containment device 900. However, in some embodiments, the local indicator may be located outside the containment device 900 via a wire. In other embodiments, the local indicator may be wirelessly coupled to the sensor 908 of the containment device 900. Similar to the local indicator 218 discussed in detail above, the local indicator may be embodied as any type of indicator capable of generating an alarm to notify an operator or technician. For example, the local indicator of the containment device 900 may be embodied as a visual and / or audible indicator. In some embodiments, the visual indicator may include a light emitting diode (LED), a fluorescent light, an incandescent light, and / or a neon type light source. The audible indicator may generate an alarm to notify a technician. In an illustrative embodiment, the local indicator generates an alarm indicating the presence or absence of bedbugs. For example, in some embodiments, a voltage may be applied to an LED light indicator to project a colored light, change color, or change from a non-blinking light to a blinking light to indicate the presence of bedbugs, hi other embodiments, an audible local indicator may emit a sound to indicate the presence of bedbugs.

[0229] In other embodiments, containment device 900 may include wireless communication circuitry for communicating with a pest control system or server to notify when a pest is detected and / or if a sensor requires maintenance. As discussed in detail above, the wireless communication circuitry may be configured to use any one or more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communication) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WiMax, LTE, 5G, etc.) to effect such communication.

[0230] In use, an operator or technician may attach the containment device 900 to the headboard 952 of a bed 950 to detect the presence of pests, such as bedbugs, that have a preferred habitat near the bed or mattress. The containment device 900 is oriented such that the bottom panel 902 of the containment device 900 is positioned above the surface of the headboard 952 of the bed. This allows the angled surface 920 of the containment device 900 to bridge between the surface of the headboard 952 of the bed and the entrance 928, allowing the pests to migrate from the headboard 952 of the bed to the interior chamber 930 of the containment device 900. As discussed above, the angled surface 920 may be stained or coated with a textured material to create favorable conditions that attract the target pests along the angled surface 902 to the interior chamber 930.

[0231] The air pump 910 of the containment device 900 is continuously or periodically activated to draw air from the inlet 928 to draw target biochemical analytes from the area surrounding the pest in the interior chamber 930 towards the sensor 908. As air is drawn into the sensor 908, the sensor 908 is configured to detect the target biochemical analytes in the air to detect the presence of the pest. For example, the sensor 908 is configured to detect target biochemical analytes such as T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, and / or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal to detect the presence of bedbugs in or near the containment device 900. The sensor 908 then sends a signal to a local indicator to generate an alarm notifying an operator or technician of the presence of bedbugs.

[0232] As mentioned above, the containment device 900 may not include any airflow device, such as, for example, an air pump 910. In the absence of an air pump 910 to draw air towards the sensor 908, the sensor 908 relies on the target analyte present in the air surrounding the pest to reach the sensor 908 primarily via diffusion through the air in the interior chamber 940. In other words, the target biochemical analyte molecules will spread in all possible directions from the source (i.e., the bedbug releasing the analyte) through the air in the interior chamber 930 of the containment device 900. In such an embodiment, the location of the sensor 908 in the interior chamber 940 may be selected to minimize the maximum diffusion path (e.g., an open path from the inlet 928 to the sensor 908). The containment device may further include an impermeable liner (e.g., an aluminized film) placed in the gap between the outer rims 912, 922 of the top and bottom panels 902, 904, respectively, to minimize loss of target analytes through the gap and maximize the concentration of target analytes in the interior chamber 940 for detection by the sensor. It should be appreciated that in such embodiments, the containment device may further include a preconcentrator similar to the preconcentrator detailed above. In other embodiments, the containment device may further include one or more heating elements similar to the heating elements detailed above.

[0233] 14, another embodiment of a sensor 1000 is shown. Similar to sensor 210, sensor 1000 includes a sensor cell 1002 (e.g., a quartz crystal resonator) and a sensor coating 1004 coated on a surface of sensor cell 1002. In an illustrative embodiment, sensor coating 1004 includes a coating gel composite made of a polymer gel and a drug (e.g., dioctyl-CTI). As discussed above, the drug is configured to react with a target biochemical analyte 1006 (e.g., T2H, T2O, 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal, or 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal) found in bedbug secretions.

[0234] In an illustrative embodiment, the polymer gel may have a high viscosity (e.g., a jelly-like consistency) and exhibit viscoplastic properties (e.g., yield stress) as well as high thermochemical stability to form a stable coating on the surface of the sensor 1002. Thus, rather than directly coating an agent on the surface of the sensor 1002, the polymer gel is adapted to form a medium for immobilizing an agent on the surface of the sensor 1002. Furthermore, in an illustrative embodiment, a polymer gel having a relatively low molecular weight was used to achieve a desired viscosity level of the polymer gel and increase the detection sensitivity of the target biochemical analyte, as discussed further below. It should be appreciated that the liquid used to dissolve the polymer to form the polymer gel depends on the type of polymer to achieve a stable interface with high thermochemical stability. Exemplary polymer gels may include polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS), polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), fluoroalcohol polycarbosilane available from Seacoast Science, Inc. of Carlsbad, California, commercially available as SC-F101, fluoroalcohol polysiloxane available from Seacoast Science, Inc. of Carlsbad, California, commercially available as SXFA, bisphenol-containing polymer (BSP3), poly-2-dimethylamine-ethyl-methacrylate (PDMAEMC), or polymers containing silicon (Si) and fluorine (F). It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the coating gel composite may include two or more polymer gels.

[0235] In use, as shown in FIG. 14, the target biochemical analyte 1006, typically present in gaseous form in the air surrounding the sensor 1000, diffuses into the coating-gel complex of the sensor coating 1004. The diffused target biochemical analyte 1006 then reacts with the drug present in the coating-gel complex to produce a product of drug and target biochemical analyte having a higher molecular weight than the drug alone. In an illustrative embodiment, a low molecular weight polymer gel is used to form the coating-gel complex, such that even small weight changes can be detected to indicate the presence of small amounts of the target biochemical analyte 1006. It should be appreciated that the diffused target biochemical analyte 1006 that has not yet reacted with the drug may be released back into the air based on the solubility of the coating-gel complex.

[0236] In an illustrative embodiment, the sensor coating 1004 was formed by spin coating, using a spin coater to deposit a uniform film on the surface of the sensor cell 1002. To form a thin uniform coating, a thick layer of the coating gel compound was deposited on the sensor cell 1002, and excess coating gel compound was removed by applying centrifugal force while spinning with a spin coater. In some embodiments, spray coating may be used to form the sensor coating 1004 by spraying a mist of a quantity of the coating gel compound onto the sensor cell 1002. The mist may be generated using an atomizer nozzle (e.g., piezoelectric or pressurized gas driven), an inkjet print head (e.g., piezoelectric or thermal), or a similar device that ejects a single droplet of solution at a time. In other embodiments, the sensor coating 1004 may be formed using capillary deposition, soft lithography (e.g., microcontact printing), or dip coating methods. It should be appreciated that in each embodiment, the coating gel compound may be diluted with a volatile solvent to control the viscosity of the coating gel compound during the coating process.

[0237] Referring now to FIG. 15, a graph illustrates the mass change of a coating-gel composite containing a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer gel and a CTI agent. As discussed above, the mass change is caused by the reaction of the CTI agent in the PDMS coating-gel composite with trans-2-hexenal (T2H) (i.e., the target biochemical analyte) present in the air surrounding the PDMS coating-gel composite. To ensure that the PDMS coating-gel composite is clean before introducing the target biochemical analyte, the temperature was increased to about 50° C. for about 110 minutes between t0 and t1. As discussed above, the reaction of the target biochemical analyte with the agent can be thermally reversible. By heating the PDMS coating-gel composite at about 50° C. for about 110 minutes, any target biochemical analyte that has reacted with the agent in the PDMS coating-gel composite is removed from the PDMS coating-gel composite. Furthermore, any target biochemical analytes that diffused in the PDMS-coated-gel composite that may not have reacted with the drug can still be released from the PDMS-coated-gel composite.

[0238] At t2, the temperature was reduced to about 35° C. and maintained at about 35° C. It should be noted that the weight of the PDMS-coated-gel composite remained relatively constant until the target biochemical analyte was introduced at t3. In other words, in the absence of the target biochemical analyte, no significant weight change was detected in the PDMS-coated-gel composite containing the PDMS polymer gel and the CTI drug.

[0239] At t3, the sample containing the target biochemical analyte was released into the air surrounding the PDMS-coated gel composite until t4. The target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the PDMS-coated gel composite is adapted to diffuse into the PDMS-coated gel composite based on the solubility of the PDMS-coated gel composite. If the target biochemical analyte diffuses into the PDMS-coated gel composite, the target biochemical analyte is configured to react with the target biochemical analyte in the PDMS-coated gel composite to generate a product of the drug and the target biochemical analyte having a molecular weight larger than that of the drug alone. Thus, as seen in FIG. 15, the weight plot continuously increases during the release of the target biochemical analyte from t3 to t4, indicating an increase in the weight of the PDMS-coated gel composite.

[0240] When the flow of the sample was stopped at t4, the weight of the PDMS-coated gel composite was slightly decreased. Such weight loss may be caused by the release of unreacted target biochemical analytes from the PDMS-coated gel composite. For example, the target biochemical analytes in the air surrounding the sensor 1000 may have diffused into the PDMS-coated gel composite between t3 and t4, but have not yet reacted with the drug in the PDMS-coated gel composite. Such unreacted target biochemical analytes are adapted to diffuse back from the PDMS-coated gel composite to the surrounding air. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reaction between the drug and the target biochemical analyte may be reversible. In such embodiments, in the absence of the surrounding target biochemical analyte, the product of the drug and the target biochemical analyte may revert back to the reactant (i.e., the drug and the target biochemical analyte) over time.

[0241] At t5, the sample containing the target biochemical analyte was reintroduced into the air surrounding the sensor 1000. The weight of the PDMS coated-gel composite again continued to increase due to reaction between the target biochemical analyte in the sample and the drug in the PDMS coated-gel composite.

[0242] 16, a graph illustrates the mass change of another coated-gel composite including a polymethylphenylsiloxane (PMPS) polymer gel and a CTI agent. Similar to FIG. 15, the mass change is caused by a reaction between the CTI agent in the PMPS coated-gel composite and trans-2-hexenal (TH) (i.e., the target biochemical analyte) present in the air surrounding the PMPS coated-gel composite.

[0243] To ensure that the PMPS-coated gel composite was clean before introducing the target biochemical analyte, the temperature was increased to about 50° C. for about 110 minutes between t0 and t1. As discussed above, the reaction between the target biochemical analyte and the drug may be thermally reversible. By heating the PMPS-coated gel composite at about 50° C. for about 110 minutes, any target biochemical analyte that reacted with the drug in the PMPS-coated gel composite is removed from the PMPS-coated gel composite. Furthermore, any target biochemical analyte that diffused in the PMPS-coated gel composite that may not have reacted with the drug may be released from the PMPS-coated gel composite.

[0244] At t2, the temperature was reduced to about 35° C. and maintained at about 35° C. It should be noted that the weight of the PMPS-coated gel composite remained relatively constant until the target biochemical analyte was introduced at t3. In other words, in the absence of the target biochemical analyte, no significant weight change was detected in the PMPS-coated gel composite containing PMPS polymer gel and CTI drug.

[0245] At t3, the sample containing the target biochemical analyte was released into the air surrounding the PMPS-coated gel composite until t4. The target biochemical analyte in the air surrounding the PMPS-coated gel composite is adapted to diffuse into the PMPS-coated gel composite based on the solubility of the PMPS-coated gel composite. If the target biochemical analyte diffuses into the PMPS-coated gel composite, the target biochemical analyte is configured to react with the target biochemical analyte in the PMPS-coated gel composite to generate a product of the drug and the target biochemical analyte having a molecular weight larger than that of the drug alone. Thus, as seen in FIG. 16, the weight plot continuously increases during the release of the target biochemical analyte from t3 to t4, indicating an increase in the weight of the PMPS-coated gel composite.

[0246] When the flow of the sample was stopped at t4, the weight of the PMPS-coated gel composite was slightly decreased. As discussed above, such weight loss may be caused by the release of unreacted target biochemical analytes from the PMPS-coated gel composite. For example, the target biochemical analytes in the air surrounding the sensor 1000 may have diffused into the PMPS-coated gel composite between t3 and t4, but have not yet reacted with the drug in the PMPS-coated gel composite. Such unreacted target biochemical analytes are adapted to diffuse back from the PMPS-coated gel composite into the surrounding air. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the reaction between the drug and the target biochemical analyte may be reversible. In such embodiments, in the absence of the surrounding target biochemical analyte, the product of the drug and the target biochemical analyte may revert back to the reactant (i.e., the drug and the target biochemical analyte) over time.

[0247] At t5, the sample containing the target biochemical analyte was reintroduced into the air surrounding the sensor 1000. The weight of the PMPS-coated-gel composite again continued to increase due to reaction between the target biochemical analyte in the sample and the drug in the PMPS-coated-gel composite.

[0248] While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail by the drawings and foregoing description, it is understood that such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered illustrative and non-restrictive in nature, and that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0249] There are several advantages of the present disclosure that arise from various features of the methods, devices, and systems described herein. It should be noted that alternative embodiments of the methods, devices, and systems of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described, but may benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those skilled in the art can readily devise their own implementations of methods, devices, and systems that incorporate one or more features of the present invention and are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0250] 100 Pest Control Systems 102 Pest control devices 104 Pest Data Management Server 106 Network 108 Client Computing Devices 110 Network 120 Pest control devices 122 Gateway 140 Applications 142 Database 202 Housing 204 Exterior Wall 206 Top cover 208 Inner Chamber 210 Sensor / Quartz Crystal Microbalance 212 Controller 214 Power supply 216 Wireless communication circuits 218 Local Indicator 220 Fan 222 Conduit 224 Entrance 226 Exit 230 Quartz crystal resonator 302 Quartz crystal 304 Electrode 306 Sensor Coating 402 Controller 404 Memory 406 Wireless Network Interface 408 Antenna 410 Modem 412 modem 414 Antenna 500 Routines 502 Block 504 Block 506 Block 508 Block 600 Routines 602 Block 604 Block 606 Block 608 Block 610 Block 612 Blocks 614 Block 616 Blocks 618 Block 700 Routines 702 Block 704 Block 706 Block 708 Block 710 Block 712 blocks 714 Blocks 716 Blocks 718 Blocks 720 Block 800 Routine 802 Block 804 Block 806 Block 808 Block 810 Block 812 Blocks 814 Blocks 816 Blocks 818 Blocks 820 Block 822 Block 900 Devices 902 Bottom Panel 904 Upper Panel 906 Hinge 908 Sensor 910 Air Pumps / Airflow Devices 912 Outer frame 914 Opening 916 Internal wall 918 Inner surface 920 Slanted surface 922 Outer frame 924 Opening 926 Inner surface 928 Entrance 930 Inner Chamber 932 Flow Channel 934 Arrow 936 Guide Wall 938 Barrier Wall 940 Inner Chamber 942 First wall section 944 Second wall section 946 Third wall section 950 Beds 952 Headboard 954 Mattress 960 First Channel 962 1st Side Channel 964 Second Side Channel 966 4th Channel 968 Arrow 970 Arrow 972 Arrow 1000 Sensors 1002 Sensor cell 1004 Sensor Coating 1006 Target biochemical analytes

Claims

1. 1. A method for detecting the presence of a pest, comprising: receiving first sensor data from a sensor; receiving second sensor data from the sensor a predefined time after receiving the first sensor data; determining a first slope of a signal change based on the first and second sensor data, the first slope being a rate of change of frequency based on the first and second sensor data; receiving third sensor data from the sensor a predefined time after receiving the second sensor data; determining a second slope of a signal change based on the second and third sensor data, the second slope being a rate of change of frequency based on the second and third sensor data; determining whether the second slope is different from the first slope; sending a pest detection alert notification to a server in response to determining that the second slope differs from the first slope; the first sensor data, the second sensor data, and the third sensor data include a frequency; The method, wherein the sensor comprises a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by a pest, and the signal change correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte.

2. initiating a timer when the second slope differs from the first slope; receiving sensor data from the sensor and determining a slope of a signal change based on the sensor data while the timer is running; detecting no change in gradient and stopping the timer; determining a time interval measured by the timer; and determining whether the time interval is greater than a predefined time; transmitting the pest detection alert notification includes transmitting a pest detection alert notification in response to determining that the time interval is greater than the predefined time. The method of claim 1.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined threshold is a baseline rate of mass change in the presence of bedbugs.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI).

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises trans-2-hexenal (T2H).

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises trans-2-octenal (T2O).

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a quartz crystal microbalance.

11. a sensor including a coating that reacts with a target biochemical analyte secreted by the pest; a controller coupled to the sensor, receiving first sensor data from the sensor; receiving second sensor data from the sensor a predefined time after receiving the first sensor data; determining a first slope of a signal change based on the first and second sensor data, the first slope being a rate of change of frequency based on the first and second sensor data; receiving third sensor data from the sensor a predefined time after receiving the second sensor data; determining a second slope of a signal change based on the second and third sensor data, the second slope being a rate of change of frequency based on the second and third sensor data; determining whether the second slope is different from the first slope; sending a pest detection alert notification to a server in response to determining that the second slope differs from the first slope; the first sensor data, the second sensor data, and the third sensor data include a frequency; wherein the signal change correlates with an increase in the concentration of the target biochemical analyte; Pest control devices.

12. initiating a timer when the second slope differs from the first slope; receiving sensor data from the sensor and determining a slope of a signal change based on the sensor data while the timer is running; detecting no change in gradient and stopping the timer; determining a time interval measured by the timer; and determining whether the time interval is greater than a predefined time; transmitting the pest detection alert notification includes transmitting a pest detection alert notification in response to determining that the time interval is greater than the predefined time.

12. The pest control device of claim 11.

13. 12. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the predefined threshold is a baseline rate of mass change in the presence of bedbugs.

14. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the coating comprises a dioctyl cyclic thiol intermediate (dioctyl-CTI).

15. 12. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the coating comprises a cyclic thiol intermediate (CTI).

16. 12. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises trans-2-hexenal (T2H).

17. 12. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises trans-2-octenal (T2O).

18. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises 4-oxo-(E)-2-hexenal.

19. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the target biochemical analyte comprises 4-oxo-(E)-2-octenal.

20. 12. The pest control device of claim 11, wherein the sensor is a quartz crystal microbalance.

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