A system for distributing pest attractants or repellents, and corresponding replenishment methods and techniques.

Abstract

A system for dispensing a pest attractant or repellent into an ambient environment includes a primary container for storing a fluid, a control volume coupled to the primary container, a first flow restrictor arranged to regulate the flow of fluid between the primary container and the control volume, a second flow restrictor arranged to regulate the flow of fluid from the control volume, and an evaporation medium located at or downstream of the first flow restrictor, wherein at least one of the first and second flow restrictors is a controllable flow restrictor, and the system further includes electronically controllable actuation means for actuating the controllable flow restrictor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices for automatically replenishing substances that are attractive or repellent to pests.

Background Art

[0002] Rodents, flies, cockroaches, and other unpleasant insects and animals (hereinafter collectively referred to as "pests") rely heavily on odors (specific chemical substances in the air) for activities such as moving, searching for food, and mating. These odors include pheromones, which are odors emitted by other pests of the same species (e.g., for mating), and kairomones, which are odors emitted by food sources. When used in pest traps, these odors are called attractants and are widely used in both pest traps and pest detectors (collectively referred to as "traps"), and can be natural odors or synthetic odors designed to mimic natural odors.

[0003] Solutions with a long service life have a significant advantage over systems with a short service life because they reduce the labor and consumable costs of the entire system. However, most attractants are composed of highly volatile odor chemical substances that are difficult to maintain over a long period.

[0004] The service life is a combination of the storage life and the duration of the attracting effect, which we name the "attractable life". The storage life means the amount of time that can be stored without deterioration (a significant decrease in attractiveness). The attractable life means the amount of time that the system can maintain sufficient attractiveness to the target pests.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a system that can stably store an attractant over a long period and release it slowly.

[0006] Some pest traps have systems that release attractants slowly and indiscriminately. Some of these solutions include: a wick protruding from a bottle filled with liquid attractant; a pot of attractant that evaporates when the lid is peeled off; and plastic pods filled with attractant housed in a small bag, which releases the attractant through the plastic when opened. Some of these solutions address the issue of long shelf life, but fail to achieve both long shelf life and effective attractant life. In particular, all of these solutions suffer from one or more of the following severe constraints.

[0007] The mechanisms that regulate the rate of attractant distribution are diffusion or evaporation. Since the rates of both mechanisms are strongly correlated with temperature, performance becomes inconsistent as the temperature changes. This is important because it limits the temperature range in which such systems are effective. Furthermore, excessively high concentrations can result in the attractant no longer being attractive, or sometimes even becoming repulsive.

[0008] These attractants are typically composed of multiple chemical components, each possessing different properties (such as evaporation rates). This means that the most volatile chemicals evaporate first, and the proportion of attractive chemicals also changes over time. The relative evaporation rates of chemicals also vary with temperature. This is problematic because the proportion of attractive chemicals is often a crucial factor in an attractant's ability to maintain its attractiveness. Fluctuations in this proportion can even make an odor unattractive or even arousing.

[0009] Attracting chemicals often decompose slowly (over several weeks) due to oxygen or water vapor, and since this is due to the oxygen and water diffusing within the storage material, they do not need to be directly exposed to air. Because it is impossible to manufacture materials that allow attractants to pass through but not oxygen or water vapor, uncontrolled distribution methods cannot solve this problem.

[0010] As a result of the problems detailed above, attractants require periodic maintenance to introduce or replenish the chemicals. A major cost associated with replacement or work and attractant distribution systems is labor. Pest monitoring is often carried out in locations that are not easily accessible. This means that any maintenance or replacement work in attractant distribution systems is expensive. In certain cases, the demand for long-lasting attractant solutions is particularly strong. Automated "smart" monitoring systems (which do not require periodic manual inspections and can be designed to operate for extended periods between maintenance) are available.

[0011] One way to solve the aforementioned problems is to control the release of fresh attractant. There are mechanisms for distributing the attractant (controlled distribution systems). One example is the use of high-pressure canisters (i.e., aerosols) and a mechanism for releasing them, which is similar to an automatic household air purifier. Manufacturing these controlled systems is expensive because both the production and filling of the canisters are costly. The canisters are also large, which limits the placement and portability of the device. For example, they cannot be placed under a bed.

[0012] Other problems associated with these conventional systems include the fact that the attractant dissipates rapidly within seconds, requiring the mechanism to have a high starting force. This results in the use of large amounts of power, necessitating large batteries or mains power sources that are often unavailable. This further exacerbates the size, weight, and cost issues of these conventional solutions. As a result of these problems, conventional mechanisms for distributing attractants operate for only a short time, making them unsuitable for many applications.

[0013] In summary, pest attractant distribution systems cannot operate for extended periods and are not inexpensive to manufacture. These factors together are important criteria for pest capture and monitoring operations. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a system is provided for distributing an insect attractant or repellent to the surrounding environment, the system comprising a main container for storing a fluid, a control volume unit coupled to the main container, a first flow limiter positioned to regulate the flow of the fluid between the main container and the control volume unit, a second flow limiter positioned to regulate the flow of the fluid from the control volume unit, and an evaporation medium located in or downstream of the first flow limiter, wherein at least one of the first and second flow limiters is a controllable flow limiter, and the system further comprises an electronically controllable actuation means for operating the controllable flow limiter.

[0015] This system allows for precise control of the rate at which attractants or repellents are distributed under very low power conditions. Using a control volume section to which the attractant or repellent is transferred before being distributed to the surrounding environment means that a known amount of the attractant or repellent can be distributed at a known rate (which can be selected from other factors based on measured values ​​of variables such as temperature, humidity, or both).

[0016] Furthermore, the attractant or repellent is only exposed to the environment after being transferred to the control volume section; that is, the main container itself is never directly exposed to the surrounding environment. This is particularly important when the attractant or repellent uses several compounds that evaporate at different rates, because it ensures that the fluid in the main container is preserved without evaporation and that all compounds are distributed at the appropriate rate. Consequently, the service life of the attractant or repellent is extended compared to conventional systems that rely solely on evaporation without a control volume section and multiple flow limiters.

[0017] Furthermore, keeping the aforementioned fluid in the main container, which is separated from the surrounding environment, ensures that the attractant or repellent does not deteriorate due to oxygen or water vapor in the atmosphere. The control volume section essentially acts as an airlock between the main container and the surrounding environment.

[0018] Furthermore, the presence of a control volume section means that the controllable flow limiter can be operated with minimal energy, unlike conventional aerosol-type distributors which require considerable energy to open the seal on the aerosol cylinder or similar device for a predetermined period. This system is far smaller and less expensive to manufacture than aerosol-based systems.

[0019] Combining low-power, long-lasting attractants or repellents extends the service life of the system described above in the present invention and reduces the costs associated with system maintenance (since the attractants or repellents do not need to be replaced periodically). Furthermore, the system of the present invention is small in scale and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0020] The insect attractant or repellent may be stored in liquid form in the main container and can evaporate when released from the controlled volume section into the surrounding environment, preferably via an evaporation medium such as a wick.

[0021] Attractants or repellents are evaporated into the evaporation medium during use.

[0022] The evaporation medium may have at least one evaporation surface on which the insect attractant or repellent evaporates. Preferably, the at least one evaporation surface is located downstream of the first flow limiter.

[0023] The control volume section may optionally be defined by a volume section formed between the first and second flow limiters. For example, the volume section may take the shape of a fluid conduit between the first and second flow limiters.

[0024] The controllable flow limiter is suitably controllable between a first open position and a second position in which the fluid flow is restricted. In the first open position, the fluid can flow freely, but in the second position, the fluid flow is restricted to a much lower velocity than in the first open position (e.g., a negligible velocity). Optionally, the restricted position may be a closed position in which the fluid cannot flow through the controllable flow limiter.

[0025] In some embodiments, both the first and second flow restrictors may be independent controllable flow restrictors.

[0026] A flow restrictor can be any device that can restrict (i.e., limit) the flow of a fluid (preferably a liquid) through a conduit (e.g., a tube, pipe, or the like). A controllable flow restrictor can be a valve or any other device that can adjust the flow of the fluid controllably.

[0027] For example, a controllable flow restrictor may be adapted to restrict the flow of a fluid by compressing a flexible conduit containing the fluid. The flexible conduit may be coupled to the main container, for example, via the first flow restrictor. Such an arrangement can be manufactured relatively cheaply, and the energy required to open and close the flow restrictor is minimal.

[0028] A controllable flow restrictor may compress a flexible conduit They are compelled to do so and may include an elastic member (such as a spring). That is, the flow restriction may be in a default configuration, and energy may be input into the system to operate and open the controllable flow regulator.

[0029] Optionally, the second flow restrictor may contain the evaporation medium, and the evaporation medium may be coupled to the ambient environment. For example, the evaporation medium may be a wick. The evaporation medium can regulate the flow of fluid from the control volume by evaporating. In other words, the flow rate can be regulated by the evaporation rate.

[0030] As described above, the fluid is preferably a liquid, and the liquid can evaporate from the evaporation medium towards the ambient environment during use.

[0031] The evaporation medium itself may define the control volume. For example, the control volume may be the volume of fluid corresponding to the volume of fluid held by the evaporation medium when the evaporation medium is saturated.

[0032] Alternatively, the first flow limiter may contain the evaporation medium, the evaporation medium may be coupled to an evaporation chamber, the control volume section is defined by the evaporation chamber, and during use, the fluid evaporates toward the evaporation chamber. The control volume section is a combination of a saturated evaporation chamber and a saturated evaporation medium.

[0033] In this alternative system, the second flow limiter may be a controllable flow limiter, and adjusting the flow of fluid from the control volume section may include releasing the evaporated fluid from the evaporation chamber into the surrounding environment.

[0034] Optionally, the second flow limiter may include a control volume section. For example, if the flow limiter includes an evaporating medium, the evaporating medium may define the control volume section.

[0035] Preferably, the main container and control volume section are made from a single flexible pouch. This means that the system's fluid can be easily and inexpensively replaced by simply replacing the pouch when it is depleted, so other components (such as relatively expensive actuators) do not need to be replaced every time the fluid is depleted.

[0036] The pouch may also include an integrated evaporation medium, such as a core.

[0037] Alternatively, the system may include a distribution tube connected to the main container. This distribution tube may include a control volume section.

[0038] In one embodiment, the main container may be pressurized. For example, the container may be pressurized by gravity, compressive force from an elastic member, or by a pressurized gas or high-pressure gas.

[0039] The control volume section may be coupled to the surrounding environment. The second flow limiter may regulate the fluid flow from the control volume section to the surrounding environment.

[0040] In one embodiment, the control volume section may be a fixed volume section. For example, the control volume section may be selected to provide a single dose of an attractant or repellent.

[0041] Alternatively, the control volume section may be an adjustable volume section (for example, the control volume section may be adjusted to account for changes in environmental factors such as temperature). The control volume section can be made adjustable by adjusting the position of the first, second, or both flow limiters.

[0042] Furthermore, the system may further include means for electronically monitoring the volume of fluid distributed toward the control volume section, and the controllable flow limiter is controllable based on the monitored volume.

[0043] The first and second flow limiters of the system are preferably connected in series with each other. In other words, the first flow limiter is coupled to the main vessel, and the second flow limiter is coupled to the main vessel via the first flow limiter.

[0044] The system may further include one or more further vessels, each containing one or more additional fluids. These further vessels may be coupled to the system between the first and second flow limiters, or behind the second flow limiter (i.e., not between the first and second flow limiters). The further vessels may optionally be coupled to the system via one or more further flow limiters.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, a refilling mechanism for an insect attractant or repellent is provided for use in the system of the first aspect, the refilling mechanism comprising the main container. Such a refilling mechanism allows for easy and low-cost replacement of the insect attractant or repellent. This refilling mechanism requires only relatively inexpensive components such as a spring, the attractant or repellent, and plastic parts, and does not require any expensive components such as a motor or actuator, thus contributing to cost reduction. All expensive components are located elsewhere in the system.

[0046] Preferably, the replenishment system includes a first flow limiter, the first flow limiter is configured to work in conjunction with the actuator of the first embodiment.

[0047] Optionally, the first flow limiter is moved to the closed position. to bias It may include an elastic member configured in such a way.

[0048] The replenishment method may include a small bag, the small bag including a tearable portion that can be removed to expose the evaporation medium inside the small bag.

[0049] A further aspect of the invention provides a method for distributing a fluid of an insect attractant or repellent to the surrounding environment, the method comprising regulating the flow of the fluid from a main container containing the fluid toward a control volume unit coupled to the main container using a first flow restrictor, and regulating the flow of the fluid from the control volume unit toward the surrounding environment using a second flow restrictor, wherein at least one of the first and second flow restrictors is a controllable flow restrictor, and regulating at least one of the flow of the fluid from the main container toward the control volume unit and the flow of the fluid from the control volume unit toward the surrounding environment involves opening the controllable flow restrictor by an electronically controllable actuation means, the evaporation medium is located in or downstream of the first flow restrictor.

[0050] This method shares the advantages described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0051] Preferably, this method further includes reading input data that includes time, temperature, or humidity, or all of these.

[0052] This method may further include determining, based on input data, whether or not a fluid needs to be distributed.

[0053] This method may further include closing a controllable flow limiter after a predetermined period of time. Closing the flow limiter means stopping or significantly reducing the fluid flow.

[0054] The controllable flow limiter may be closed when a specified electrical input is detected, and this closing may occur after a predetermined period of time.

[0055] Adjusting the fluid flow from the control volume section toward the surrounding environment may include evaporating the fluid.

[0056] In an alternative embodiment, a system is provided for distributing an insect attractant or repellent to the surrounding environment, the system comprising a main container for storing a fluid, a controllable flow limiter positioned to regulate the flow of the fluid from the main container, and a fluid volume sensor adapted to measure the volume of the fluid distributed by the controllable flow limiter (when the system is in use).

[0057] The controllable flow limiter may be controllable between a first open position and a second position in which the fluid flow is restricted. The second position may be a closed position in which the fluid cannot flow.

[0058] Preferably, the system further includes a control element configured to actuate a flow limiter that is controllable between the first and second positions.

[0059] Preferably, during use, the control element is configured to activate a flow limiter to a second position when the fluid volume sensor indicates that a predetermined volume of fluid has been distributed.

[0060] The system may further include a core-like evaporation medium bonded to the surrounding environment, preferably a liquid, which evaporates from the evaporation medium towards the surrounding environment during use.

[0061] The controllable flow limiter may be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment of the invention. For example, the controllable flow limiter may be a valve or other type of controllable flow limiter, and the controllable flow limiter may be arranged to limit the flow of fluid by compressing a flexible conduit containing the fluid. The controllable flow limiter may further include an elastic member biased to compress the flexible conduit.

[0062] The fluid is distributed toward an evaporation medium such as a core, and the fluid volume sensor includes a pair of electrodes configured to measure the electrical impedance of the evaporation medium, thereby determining the humidity level of the evaporation medium (i.e., the volume of the distributed fluid).

[0063] Alternatively, the fluid volume sensor may use other means, such as an optical sensor for detecting the fluid volume, or a mass of evaporation medium, to determine the aforementioned fluid volume.

[0064] In yet another alternative embodiment, a method is provided for distributing a fluid of an insect attractant or repellent into the surrounding environment, the method comprising: opening a flow restrictor coupled to a main container containing the fluid; using a fluid volume sensor to measure the volume of the fluid distributed by the flow restrictor; and closing the flow restrictor when a predetermined volume of the fluid (detected by the fluid volume sensor) has been distributed.

[0065] Closing a flow limiter means stopping or significantly reducing the flow of fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail here with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1a-1c] Figures 1a to 1c show cross-sections of an embodiment of the distributor mechanism. [Figure 2a-2b] Figures 2a and 2b show small bags for storing and distributing the attractant. [Figure 3a-3c] Figures 3a to 3c illustrate the interchangeable cartridge and how it is attached to and interacts with non-disposable parts of a system that includes an actuator. [Figure 4a-4b] Figures 4a and 4b show an alternative embodiment in which gravity is used instead of a spring to pressurize the liquid. [Figure 5a-5b] Figures 5a and 5b show an alternative embodiment using a rigid container compartment housing. [Figures 6a-6b] Figures 6a and 6b show alternative embodiments in which the evaporation medium (like a core) is not connected to the channel. [Figures 7a-7c] Figures 7a to 7c show an alternative embodiment in which the evaporation medium is incorporated outside the channel. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment in which the attractant evaporates and enters a chamber having an opening controlled by an actuator. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a flowchart illustrating how to operate the system's control mechanism. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows a circuit block diagram that drives the actuators for the system. Detailed explanation

[0067] This disclosure provides systems and methods for controlling the distribution of substances that are attractive or repelling to pests. In this specification, references to attractants should be understood to mean attractants or repellents. In one embodiment, the system distributes a controlled amount of attractant to a medium by evaporation. In the system, a controlled amount of a high-concentration liquid attractant is released from a compartment of its container into a second compartment. From this second compartment, the liquid attractant can slowly move toward a surface from which it evaporates.

[0068] This system substantially solves the aforementioned problems by significantly increasing the time that the capture or monitoring system can maintain its usefulness without maintenance. This is because the attractant in the device can be stored for long periods without degradation or leakage. The attractant can be released with control as needed. The system can also do this at low cost in a practical form suitable for a wide variety of applications.

[0069] From now on, embodiments will be described only for illustrative purposes.

[0070] Referring to Figure 1a, a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a distribution system for long-term operation is shown with the attractant not being distributed. A liquid-resistant pouch 1 containing a liquid attractant is provided in a container 2 made of a flexible material. The pouch is placed on a substantially rigid floor 3.

[0071] The attractant is stored in the container section of pouch 2, which is held there by a first seal or flow limiter at point 4. The first seal is a component that temporarily seals the pouch, so when this first seal is opened, the attractant can be dispensed from the container section 2. In this embodiment, the seal functions by tightening the pouch between a compliant material 5, such as a nitrile rubber cord, and the floor 3. However, it is obvious that similar methods could be used to prevent the liquid from leaking out of the pouch, such as bending, twisting, or pinching the pouch. The compliant material 5 is held in place by a rigid component 6 that is freely movable vertically. This component 6 is held by a rigid housing 7 so that it can move substantially only vertically with respect to the floor 3. Component 6 is held against the pouch by tightening the pouch seal with a spring 8. This spring means that the pouch can be sealed indefinitely without expending power, as the pouch is sealed when there is no physical input such as lifting the lever 6. A second seal or flow limiter is located at point 9. This second seal seals the pouch material around the "core" material 10. The surface 11 of the compliant component is held downward by a rigid component 12 that is firmly attached to the housing roof 13. The second seal is not a perfect seal and substantially restricts the flow through it, so that when opened, the flow through the first seal is greater than the flow through the second seal. The second seal is always closed. The liquid in the container 2 is pressurized by the pressure plate 15 and a second spring 16 that pushes the pressure plate downward. The present invention includes any method for pressurizing the liquid in the pouch, and alternative embodiments include using gravity to pressurize the liquid, using a spring to roll the pouch, pressurizing the volume around the pouch, and using a plunger mechanism such as a syringe as a spring-pressurized pouch. In the illustrated embodiment, both the pouch spring 16 and the valve spring 8 are pre-installed compression springs that provide expansion forces between the housing roof 13, the plate 15, and the component 6, respectively.The small bag container section 1 and the small bag channel section channel 22 are supported by the housing floor 3.

[0072] In this embodiment, housing components 3, 6, 12, and 13 are shown substantially parallel to each other. It is evident that the components do not need to be parallel or adjacent to each other. The container subsystem, consisting of the pouch 1, plate 15, spring 16, and floor 3, can be positioned or oriented in any direction corresponding to the discharge subsystem, which consists of the control volume channel 23, the first seal at point 4, the second seal at point 9, and the accompanying spring and mechanism. It is also evident that the "core" 10 is not required for operation, and that it can function without it. Different embodiments of the "core" are also possible; for example, it may be positioned not inside the pouch, so that the liquid is distributed into it.

[0073] In Figure 1b, since the seal is open, the pressure that has risen within the pouch pushes the liquid into channel 23, filling it to capacity. The spring 16 is selected to provide sufficient pressure to fully inflate channel 23. As a result, a nearly constant amount of liquid will be contained within the channel after the valve is opened. In an alternative embodiment, it can be seen that the channel is not fully inflated. When channel 23 is fully inflated, this liquid volume will hereafter be referred to as the control volume. In this embodiment, the control volume cannot be changed. The high flow resistance of the second seal at the core 10 and point 9 prevents any significant amount of liquid from leaking out of the channel when the first seal is open. This core, clamped between the pouch members, prevents the liquid from passing instantaneously but allows it to pass through very slowly over time. Alternatively, this component 12 may be part of the housing roof 13. Once sufficient time has elapsed to inflate the channel, however, before a significant amount of liquid has passed through the second seal point 9, the first seal closes.

[0074] Figure 1c shows an embodiment after the first seal 4 has been closed again, with the fluid control volume remaining in the channel 23. When the first seal is closed, it seals in a nearly constant volume of liquid. In this state of the system, the liquid in the channel 23 is slowly absorbed into the wick 10 and evaporates (25).

[0075] It can be seen that if there is no core in the channel and the channel is not in a horizontal plane, the liquid may not reliably flow out of the channel. In an embodiment that avoids this, a spring is used to apply a small amount of pressure to the channel. In an alternative method that achieves the same effect, a roller moving across the channel functions similarly. An alternative method with a vertically oriented channel, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b, can function similarly. If the above mechanism is used, it is not necessary to integrate the core into the channel.

[0076] Since the control volume section can be resized to suit specific applications, this should be understood as meaning that the volume of liquid distributed with each operation can be easily changed. Because the volume, surface area, material, and porosity of the exposed wick can be changed to suit specific applications, the evaporation rate can also be easily changed. Here, it should be noted that, since the evaporation rate can be limited, the wick can be kept saturated between distribution operations to maintain a constant distribution rate, provided environmental conditions are maintained. Alternatively, the distribution volume section can be made smaller than the amount the wick can hold, allowing for finer control of the distribution rate, but this may consume slightly more power.

[0077] Figures 4a and 4b show an alternative embodiment in which gravity is used to pressurize the liquid in the first valve. When the first valve 4 is opened, this pressure pushes it into channel 23. Figure 4a shows the system when it is full of liquid, and Figure 4b shows the embodiment of Figure 4a after about half of the fluid has been distributed. The valve 4, flow limiter 9, channel 23, and wick 10 are the same as those detailed in Figures 1a-1c, but oriented differently. The volume of liquid distributed can remain substantially constant despite any fluctuations in pressure within the first valve, because the volume of channel 23 remains constant.

[0078] Figure 6a shows an alternative embodiment in which a controlled second seal 27 is used and the wick 26 is located outside the channel. This second seal 27 closes when the first seal 4 opens and then opens when the first seal closes. In some applications, this improves the consistency of the distribution operation. In another alternative embodiment, one or both of the seal components can move along the direction of the channel so that the controlled volume and amount of attractant distributed each time the first seal opens can be varied.

[0079] Figure 6b shows another alternative embodiment in which flow limiters 24, 14 are used between the container 2 and the channel 23. Flow limiting means that when the second valve 27 is closed, the channel 23 can be slowly filled from the container 2. When the second valve 27 is opened, the channel becomes empty before a considerable amount of liquid passes through the flow limiter 24. The second valve is then closed, allowing the channel 23 to be refilled. This is achieved by the flow resistance of the flow limiter 24 being substantially higher than the flow limiting condition when the second valve 27 is open.

[0080] Another embodiment of this design uses two storage pouches, where the two liquids are combined at some point before the attractant leaves the device. For example, the system may have two pouches joined by a common channel.

[0081] A preferred embodiment of pouch 1 is fabricated from a flexible vapor barrier, such as a metallized polymer film, which is flexible and prevents the ingress of oxygen or water vapor, as well as the diffusion and evaporation of liquid from the pouch through the walls. The material is permanently sealed around the edges, such as by heat sealing, which bonds two layers of film together, and is widely used for the storage of perishable items. The core 10 is placed inside the pouch before the permanent sealing operation to fix it in place and to avoid creating a gap around the outside of the core. Alternatively, the core 10 may be placed after the permanent sealing operation to facilitate the manufacturing process. In this alternative embodiment, the second seal at point 9 is used solely to prevent liquid leakage and is required to be instantaneously incorporated into the housing, either after or before the pouch is filled with liquid.

[0082] An alternative embodiment of this pouch 1 and channel 23 is when they are separate parts connected to each other by a tube, as illustrated in Figures 5a-5b and 7a-7c.

[0083] Figure 5a shows an alternative embodiment in which the container portion 2 that holds the liquid is a rigid portion 57, and the liquid inside is pressurized using a plunger 58. Figure 5b shows a similar system, but the liquid is pressurized using a pressurized gas 59. Other possible similar embodiments include separating the gas and liquid using a plunger, or alternatively, pressurizing the outside of a flexible pouch with gas in a sealed chamber. Figures 5a and 5b show the container 2 attached to the distribution channel 23 using a tube 28.

[0084] In an alternative embodiment, the distribution channel may be a rigid tube or chamber between the first and second valves or limiters. In this embodiment, the channel is filled with air as the liquid evaporates from the core and leaves the channel. As the channel fills (when the first valve opens), the air is pushed out of the channel, and since the flow limiter can be designed to have lower resistance to gas than to liquid, the air is pushed out instantaneously as the channel fills.

[0085] Figures 7a to 7c show alternative embodiments of the first valve, flow limiter, and channel. All three drawings show a flexible tube 28 that is clamped or twisted to prevent flow by the first valve mechanism 4.

[0086] Figure 7a shows a core 29 attached to the tube. In this embodiment, the core is selected to exhibit considerable resistance to the flow (for example, a porous material with small pore size). In this embodiment, the core combines the functions of the core 10 shown in the previous figure and the flow limiter 9.

[0087] Figure 7b shows an embodiment of the distribution section that does not have a channel 23 or a separate flow limiter 9 as in other embodiments. The core 29 is designed so that the volume of liquid that can be held within the core when saturated becomes the desired distribution volume. This can be achieved by utilizing the effect of surface tension to prevent further flow into the core when it is saturated. Alternatively, the volume can be controlled using the amount of time that the valve 4 is open. It should be noted that the valve 4 can be installed by clamping not only the tube but also the core. The core again combines the functions of the core 10 and flow limiter 9 shown in the previous figure.

[0088] Figure 7c shows a similar embodiment to Figure 7b, but with the addition of a sensing electronic component that detects how much liquid the wick has absorbed. In this embodiment, electrodes inside the wick are used to measure electrical impedance and detect the level of moisture inside the wick. Many other sensing techniques can be used, such as the weight or optical properties of the wick. Sensor 30 is connected to a control system 31. In this embodiment, this data is used to control the valve and replace the delay element 52 shown in Figure 9 (described later).

[0089] Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where there is no valve in front of the wick 19. The liquid 2 is stored in the pouch 1, and since the liquid is in contact with the wick 19, the wick becomes permanently saturated. The wick is held in place in the pouch by pressure applied outside the pouch at location 18. The attractant evaporates from the wick 19 toward the control volume section 63 (20). The attractant is released from the opening 62. Moving the slider 61 in direction 41 changes the size of the opening 62. This movement can be actively controlled using an actuator and control system, or it can be set manually by a person. Alternatively, the control volume section 63 may be very small relative to the wick area. This means that moving the slider 41 can change the area of ​​the exposed wick, and thus can affect the evaporation rate accordingly. In this embodiment, the wick 19 acts as one flow limiter, and the slider 61 acts as another.

[0090] Figures 2a and 2b show a preferred embodiment of the pouch in which the core 10 is completely sealed within the pouch member 1, and the pouch can be filled and stored before being later incorporated into the housing as shown in Figures 1a-1c. Hatched areas 32 and 33 indicate the location of the pouch, where the first and second seals 4 and 9 apply pressure to the pouch, respectively. 2 indicates the location of the container, and 34 indicates the location of the channel. There is a notch 35 that causes the pouch to be torn along the tear line 36. In an alternative embodiment, it is understood that the pouch is cut or manufactured so that it is filled only when the first seal is in place. When the end tab 37 is torn, the core 10 is exposed, allowing the attractant to evaporate after distribution.

[0091] Figures 3a-3c show cross-sections of an embodiment in which an electromechanical actuator (not shown) is used to open and close the first seal 4, allowing liquid to flow into the channel 23. In one embodiment, the components of the liquid container are replaceable, so that an empty pouch can be removed and a fresh, full pouch can be installed. It is advantageous for the system not to make the actuator mechanism, which can be an expensive component, a consumable part of the system. To achieve this, a replaceable cartridge 38 containing many of the components of the mechanism shown in Figures 1a-1c is connected to a permanent component of the system 44. Such an embodiment has the advantage of being inexpensive to manufacture, as the replaceable cartridge 38 contains only springs 8, 16, plastic parts, and pouches. This results in a significant cost reduction over the system's service life compared to other commercially available methods.

[0092] Figure 3a shows a removable element 38 having a housing 39. A first valve spring 8 holds the first valve in a closed position and is held downward by a roof 13 which is part of the housing element 39. The first valve consists of a rigid lever component 6 that holds a compliant material 5. A channel 42 is pressed between the compliant material 5 and a floor 3 to close, and the floor is part of the housing 39. The rigid component 6 is held in place at one end by a pivot 43. The removable housing element also includes a hook 46 used to position it and attach it to a permanent element. The permanent element 44 has a slot 45 that holds and positions the hook 46, a cam 47 that rotates on an axis 48, and an actuator that drives the cam. Figure 3a shows the two system elements, the cartridge and the main housing, separated before mounting. The valve spring 8 pushes the valve closed when the two parts are separated, which means the attractant cartridge can be passively delivered and stored without distributing any attractant. This also means that no power is required to keep the distribution system sealed.

[0093] Figure 3b shows the cartridge 38 and main housing 44 clipped together with the first seal closed. The clip 46 engages with the mounting mechanism 45 to securely hold the cartridge in place and align the rigid lever 6 with the cam 47. This is the state of the system immediately after the cartridge is clipped, and this is also the state of the system during the distribution operation. As shown in Figures 1a and 1c, the first seal 4 remains closed.

[0094] Figure 3c shows the mechanism that achieves the state shown in Figure 1b. This is achieved by operating a motor that rotates the cam 47. Then, the rigid valve lever 6 is pushed up, opening the first seal. The fluid can then enter the channel 23. The position of the cam may be controlled by position feedback such as an encoder or microswitch, or by alternating with a mechanical endstop to control its rotation. In other embodiments, the motor can be driven by open-loop control or simple timing control.

[0095] An alternative embodiment of this design does not have a removable cartridge 38 and a permanent component 44 that can be separated. It is a single unit that is replaced or replenished when either the attractant or the power runs out.

[0096] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the control system logic operating in the control system 31. Data such as time, humidity, and temperature are input to the system 49. A logic element 50 receives the data and uses it to decide whether or not to distribute any liquid. If it is decided not to distribute, the program returns to the read data state 49; if it is decided to distribute, the control system performs operation 51 to open the first seal 4. Once the first seal is open, the liquid can enter the channel 23, and the distribution process described above begins. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1a-1c and 3a-3c, where the second seal is passive, there is a delay 52 that allows the liquid in the channel 23 to reach the control volume section, but is not too long to allow a significant amount of liquid to pass through the second seal 9. After the delay, the first seal 4 closes (53), and the program returns to start (49). In an alternative embodiment, it can be seen that there is no data input, and the control system periodically opens and closes the first seal at a predetermined speed.

[0097] Figure 10 shows an example of an operating system for distributing liquid. A microcontroller 54 executes a control sequence and makes decisions. The microcontroller signals a motor driver, such as an H-bridge 60, which supplies power to the motor 55, causing the motor to rotate forward or backward as needed. There is feedback from a sensor 56 attached to the motor output, which feeds information back to the microcontroller. Alternatively, if a cam acts against an endstop, no feedback is required.

Claims

1. A system for distributing insect attractants or repellents to the surrounding environment, A main container for storing fluids, A control volume section connected to the main container, A first flow limiter is positioned between the main container and the control volume section to regulate the flow of the fluid, A second flow limiter is positioned to regulate the flow of the fluid from the control volume section, The first flow limiter mentioned above, or the evaporation medium located downstream thereof, Including a microcomputer, The first flow restrictor is a controllable flow restrictor arranged to restrict the flow of the fluid by compressing a flexible conduit containing the fluid, and the controllable flow restrictor includes an elastic member that is biased to compress the flexible conduit. The system further includes electronically controllable actuation means for operating the controllable flow limiter, The system is configured such that the microcomputer controls the electronically controllable actuator to open the controllable flow limiter and close the controllable flow limiter after a predetermined time.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control volume section is defined by a volume section formed between the first and second flow limiters.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controllable flow limiter is controllable between a first position in which it is open and a second position in which the flow of the fluid is restricted.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein both the first and second flow limiters are controllable flow limiters.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controllable flow limiter is a valve.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second flow limiter includes the evaporation medium, and the evaporation medium is coupled to the surrounding environment.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the evaporation medium defines the control volume section.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first flow limiter includes the evaporation medium, the evaporation medium is coupled to an evaporation chamber, the control volume section is defined by the evaporation medium and the evaporation chamber, and during use, the fluid evaporates toward the evaporation chamber.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second flow limiter includes the control volume unit.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the main container and the control volume section are formed from a single flexible pouch.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the main container is connected to a distribution tube.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the main container is pressurized.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second flow limiter is adapted to regulate the flow of the fluid from the control volume toward the surrounding environment.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control volume unit is coupled to the surrounding environment.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control volume section is a fixed volume section.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control volume section is an adjustable volume section.

17. The system according to claim 1, further comprising means for electronically monitoring the volume of the fluid distributed toward the control volume section, wherein the controllable flow limiter is controllable based on the monitored volume.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second flow limiters are connected in series.

19. The system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more further containers each containing one or more further fluids.

20. A method for distributing a fluid containing an insect attractant or repellent into the surrounding environment, The flow of the fluid from the main container containing the fluid toward a control volume section coupled to the main container is regulated using a first flow restrictor, wherein the first flow restrictor is arranged to restrict the flow of the fluid by compressing a flexible conduit containing the fluid, and the first flow restrictor includes an elastic member that is biased to compress the flexible conduit. This includes adjusting the fluid flow from the control volume section toward the surrounding environment using a second flow limiter, Adjusting the flow of the fluid from the main container toward the control volume section includes distributing the fluid from the main container toward the control volume section by opening the first flow limiter using an electronically controllable actuation means, and then closing the first flow limiter after a predetermined period of time, or Adjusting the flow of the fluid from the control volume to the surrounding environment includes distributing the fluid from the control volume to the surrounding environment by opening the second flow limiter using an electronically controllable actuation means, and then closing the second flow limiter after a predetermined period of time, and The evaporation medium is located in or downstream of the first flow limiter, in this method.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising reading input data.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein adjusting the flow of the fluid from the control volume section toward the surrounding environment includes evaporating the fluid.

Images