Modularly expandable plasma system for controlled eradication of ectoparasites, in particular in livestock farming

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for combating infestation with ectoparasites, comprising a plurality of parasite traps (2) which are to be distributed in the spatial region (3) of the infestation and which each have a plurality of slip holes (7) arranged next to one another, wherein each of the slip holes (7) has a free cross-section with a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter in the diameter range of 0.5 to 5 mm, the majority of the slip holes (7) are formed between a first electrode (10) provided with a dielectric shielding (8) and a second electrode (10) that can be removed from the first electrode (9), and the first electrodes (9) and the second electrodes (10) of the plurality of parasite traps (2) are wired or can be wired to a high voltage source (6), wherein the high voltage source (6) is designed to apply a voltage (22) of this type of varying amplitude between the first electrodes (9) and second electrodes (10) such that dielectric barrier discharge occurs in the slip holes (7).

Description

[0001] REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 1 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025

[0002] RHP Ref.: 22083PCT ZCO6

[0003] Patent application: File number not yet assigned

[0004] Priority: 29.10.2024 (DE 10 2024 131 549.0)

[0005] Title: Modularly expandable plasma system for the controlled killing of

[0006] Ectoparasites, especially in livestock farming

[0007] Applicant: University of Applied Sciences and Arts

[0008] Hildesheim / Holzminden / Göttingen

[0009] MODULARLY EXPANDABLE PLASMA SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROLLED KILLING OF ECTOPARASITES, ESPECIALLY IN LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRY

[0010] TECHNICAL AREA OF INVENTION

[0011] The invention relates to a device for combating an infestation with ectoparasites. In particular, the invention relates to a device having the features of the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0012] Ectoparasites can include, for example, red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae). Red mites can occur in pullet and laying hen husbandry and directly and indirectly harm the infested flocks, for example, by increasing susceptibility to other parasites and diseases, as well as through side effects of antiparasitic drugs used to combat red mite infestations.

[0013] STATE OF THE ART

[0014] From DE 198 08 745 A1, a method for trapping the red poultry mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) in poultry houses or housing equipment and for destroying the trapped mites, as well as a device usable for this purpose, is known, comprising the features of the preamble of independent claim 1. To trap the red poultry mite, at least one trap with dark channels is arranged in the poultry houses or housing equipment. The clear width of the dark channels is a maximum of 3 mm. The trap may be constructed with corrugated cardboard strips. After infestation with the red poultry mite, the trap is removed, and the mites are destroyed. Destruction can be achieved by burning the mites along with the trap. Before removing the traps and burning them with the mites contained therein, REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 2 - Originally filed version 22083PCT 27.10.In 2025, the mites will still be active in the respective housing system. If parts of the traps are treated with an acaricide, as also proposed in DE 198 08 745 A1, the mites will indeed be inactivated before the respective trap is removed, but chemicals that are potentially harmful not only to the mites will be introduced into the housing system.

[0015] From WO 2007 / 006423 A1, a method for controlling the red mite in aviaries is known by means of specially designed perches in the bird enclosures, as well as a further device usable for this purpose, comprising the features of the preamble of independent claim 1. Specifically, the bird enclosure contains at least one perch for the birds, which includes cavities with openings to the outside. The cavities and openings are designed so that they are accepted by the red mites as shelter. For this purpose, the openings have a clear width of 0.3 to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm. Specifically, the openings can be in the form of slits with a width of 0.3 to 3 mm, preferably 0.5 to 2 mm, and a length of 0.5 to 5 cm, preferably 1.5 to 4 cm. The seating element is connected to the housing in such a way that the red bird mites can reach the bird via the seating element.This well-known method also kills the red mites living in the cavities. To kill the red mites, the perches are removed from the housing. The mites are then killed by cooling them to -18°C, heating them to 60°C, blowing air or steam through the openings and cavities of the perches, or introducing a disinfectant into the openings and cavities. This method also has the disadvantage that the red mites are only activated once the perches have been removed from the birds' housing and subjected to one of the described treatments. To inactivate the mites beforehand, an acaricidal agent, which is at least potentially hazardous to health, is also supposed to be present in the cavities of the perches.

[0016] From a lecture by T. Barthels: Perennial problem: red bird mite, cold

[0017] Atmospheric pressure plasma as a new method for regulation and control, Lohmann Süd, third producer forum, Bad Windsheim, September 28, 2023, see https: / / lohmann-sued.de / fileadmin / user_upload / PDF / Handout_2023.09.28_FLI_Bartels_-_Dauerbrenner_rote_ Vogelmilbe kaltes_Atmosphaerendruckplasma_als_neues_Verfahren_zur_Regulierung_und_ REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 3 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT October 27, 2025

[0018] The concept of generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma using a dielectric barrier discharge as a plasma source for controlling the red poultry mite in all developmental stages is described in the document "Bekaempfung.pdf". The cold atmospheric pressure plasma is generated by applying an alternating voltage between an electrode equipped with a dielectric shield and a grounding electrode positioned at a distance from the dielectric shield. An illustration shown in the presentation depicts a bioplastic dielectric with a surface structured by parallel ridges, extensively covered with red poultry mites. Details of a specific device for controlling the red poultry mite using cold atmospheric pressure plasma were not provided in the presentation.

[0019] RÜSTER, Vanessa: Use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma against poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) as an innovative component in an integrated pest management. Hannover, 2024. VI, 103 pp. Hannover, Univ. Veterinary Med. Hannover, Diss., 2024, date of oral examination 16.04.2024, describes the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma against the red poultry mite.

[0020] TASK OF INVENTION

[0021] The invention is based on the objective of demonstrating a device with the features of the preamble of independent claim 1, with which ectoparasites can be directly inactivated within an area infested by them, without the use of chemical acaricides.

[0022] SOLUTION

[0023] The object of the invention is achieved by a device having the features of independent claim 1. The dependent claims disclose preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] An inventive device for combating an infestation with ectoparasites, comprising a plurality of parasite traps to be distributed in the spatial area of ​​the infestation, each trap having a plurality of escape holes arranged side by side, wherein each of the REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 4 - Originally filed version 22083PCT 27.10.2025

[0026] The device, which has a free cross-section with a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, is characterized in that the gaps are formed between a first electrode provided with a dielectric shield and a second electrode that can be removed from the first electrode, and in that the device has a high-voltage source with which the first electrodes and the second electrodes of the plurality of parasite traps are wired or can be wired, wherein the high-voltage source is configured to apply a voltage of varying amplitude between the first electrodes and the second electrodes such that dielectrically hindered discharges occur in the gaps.

[0027] In the device according to the invention, the entry holes are formed between the first electrode, which has a dielectric shield, and the second electrode, which serves as a counter electrode, and are of a suitable size for ectoparasites, such as red mites, to readily retreat into them. By applying a voltage of varying amplitude, dielectrically hindered discharges are induced directly in these entry holes. These discharges can occur either directly through or over the ectoparasites, thereby directly damaging them, or they can be gas discharges that generate a cold atmospheric pressure plasma in the entry holes, which also has a lethal effect on the ectoparasites located there. Both forms of action affect the ectoparasites at all stages of their development.

[0028] The small diameters of the escape holes result in very small distances between the dielectric shielding of the first and second electrodes, and they can also represent point-like and line-like contacts between the dielectric shielding and the second electrode. Nevertheless, the dielectrically hindered discharges can be induced using a voltage of relatively small varying amplitude, for which detailed instructions follow. Firstly, the small amplitude simplifies the provision of the varying voltage by the high-voltage source. Secondly, it results in significant advantages in the electromagnetic compatibility of the device. A device according to the invention radiates much less electrical power into its surroundings via the parasite traps, which act as antennas, than is usually the case with similarly large-area arrangements for generating cold atmospheric pressure plasma using higher voltages.REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 5 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025.

[0029] The killing of ectoparasites in their hiding places by means of dielectrically hindered discharges or the cold atmospheric pressure plasma generated in this way can be triggered at any time in the device according to the invention by generating and applying a voltage of varying amplitude between the first and second electrodes. In the case of light-shy ectoparasites, such as red mites, the dielectrically hindered discharges can be carried out selectively after the beginning of each light phase, when the ectoparasites have retreated into their dark hiding places. It has been found that a relatively short treatment repeated at intervals is advantageous, which will be explained in more detail below. However, continuous treatment of the ectoparasites with dielectrically hindered discharges is not necessary.

[0030] In cases of heavy infestation, the emergence holes can be cleaned of the dead ectoparasites within them at some point during the day. In cases of light infestation, one can wait until further ectoparasites have retreated into the emergence holes during the next light phase and have been killed there by the dielectrically inhibited discharges. The removal of the ectoparasites from the emergence holes is simplified in the device according to the invention because the second electrode can be removed from the first electrode or its dielectric shield. This allows the areas of the first electrode or its dielectric shield and the second electrode that define the emergence holes to be easily exposed for the removal of the dead ectoparasites.

[0031] Specifically, the gaps can be formed by channels in the dielectric shielding of the first electrode, which are covered by a flat surface of the second electrode. Specifically, the depth of these channels can be 1 to 3 mm, while the maximum width of the channels can be 1 to 6 mm. Further details regarding possible channel cross-sections will follow. Adjacent to the channels, the flat surface of the second electrode can be in contact with the dielectric shielding of the first electrode or maintain a very small gap from it.

[0032] Where maximum and minimum diameters of the loopholes are mentioned here, these refer to diameters that extend through the centroid of the respective loophole in its cross-section. The maximum diameter is then the largest diameter through the centroid, and the minimum diameter is the smallest diameter through the centroid. (REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 6 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025)

[0033] In the device according to the invention, the second electrode can also have a dielectric shield. Preferably, however, the second electrode is a grounding electrode without a dielectric shield, which prevents any electrostatic charging of the device according to the invention in the area of ​​the second electrode and the adjacent areas of the dielectric shield of the first electrode.

[0034] The high-voltage source of the device according to the invention can be configured to apply a relatively low square wave voltage with an amplitude in the range of 2 kV to 12 kV, preferably in the range of 4 kV to 8 kV, and a frequency in the range of 100 Hz to 1000 Hz, preferably in the range of 200 Hz to 500 Hz, between the first and second electrodes. The amplitude range of 2 kV to 12 kV represents a very low amplitude of the varying voltage for generating a cold atmospheric pressure plasma. Typical amplitudes are in the range of 16 to 30 kV. The frequency of the square wave voltage is also low compared to the frequencies of conventional varying voltages used to generate a cold atmospheric pressure plasma, particularly when considering the frequency not only as the repetition rate of the amplitude changes but also as the reciprocal of the resulting pulse durations of the varying voltage.Typically, very short voltage pulses are used to generate cold atmospheric pressure plasmas, where the reciprocal of the pulse duration is in the megahertz range. Conversely, the square wave voltage preferably used in the device according to the invention has very steep edges and thus very high voltage change rates, which are advantageous for initiating dielectrically hindered discharges at comparatively low amplitudes of the applied varying voltage. However, it should be noted that the field strengths of electric fields that develop in the gaps as a result of the varying voltage applied between the first and second electrodes cannot have a perfectly rectangular shape due to the electrical capacitances between the electrodes.However, with increasing electrical power of the high-voltage source per unit area of ​​the parasite traps, the field strength curve approaches an ideal rectangular shape. REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 7 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025.

[0035] If the pulses of the rectangular voltage are of equal length to the intervals between the pulses, and the rectangular voltage can be symmetrical to the voltage of zero between the electrodes, the electromagnetic compatibility of the device according to the invention is maximized and the electromagnetically radiated power from it is minimized.

[0036] Only a relatively short time is required to kill the ectoparasites located in the entry holes of the respective parasite traps. Therefore, the high-voltage source of the device according to the invention can be configured to apply the varying voltage alternately between the first and second electrodes of different subgroups of the majority of parasite traps. This significantly reduces the power of the high-voltage source required to generate the varying voltage with the desired field strength profile in the entry holes between the first and second electrodes of each parasite trap.

[0037] If the high-voltage source is configured to apply the varying voltage for a limited number of 2 to 20 sub-periods, preferably 5 to 12 sub-periods, each lasting 0.5 s to 6 s, preferably 1 s to 3 s, at intervals of 5 s to 20 s, preferably 10 s to 15 s, between the same first and second electrodes, the use of the device according to the invention results in an optimal efficiency of the electrical energy used to kill the ectoparasites. It is sufficient to apply the varying voltage once during each light-dark cycle in the area of ​​ectoparasite infestation after the start of the light phase for the 2 to 20 sub-periods. The precise time after the start of the light phase should be chosen so that the ectoparasites have already retreated as completely as possible into their hiding places.

[0038] If the emergence holes formed in the parasite traps have a constant cross-section between their open ends, the killed ectoparasites are particularly easy to remove from the emergence holes, especially after removing the second electrode from the dielectric shield of the first electrode. Nevertheless, the emergence holes may have such an irregular shape that there is no clear view between their ends. This can increase the emergence holes' affinity for the ectoparasites. REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 8 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025

[0039] The escape holes of the parasite traps of the device according to the invention can have various shapes. For example, the cross-sections of the escape holes on one side, particularly in the dielectric shielding of the first electrode, can be bounded by a sine wave, a trapezoidal function, a rectangular function, or a sequence of semicircular and / or quarter-circular arcs, optionally combined with straight sections. On the opposite side, particularly in the region of the second electrode, the cross-sections of the escape holes can be bounded by a continuous straight line. Shapes of the escape holes in which the distance between the dielectric shielding of the first electrode and the second electrode varies continuously are preferred, as is the case with the aforementioned shapes, except for the one-sided boundary by a rectangular function.

[0040] Advantageous further developments of the invention result from the patent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0041] The advantages of features and combinations of features mentioned in the description are merely exemplary and can have an effect alternatively or cumulatively, without the advantages necessarily having to be achieved by embodiments according to the invention.

[0042] Regarding the disclosure content—not the scope of protection—of the original application documents and the patent, the following applies: Further features can be derived from the drawings—in particular, the geometries depicted and the relative dimensions of several components to one another, as well as their relative arrangement and functional connection. The combination of features from different embodiments of the invention or from features of different claims is also possible, deviating from the chosen cross-references of the claims, and is hereby encouraged. This also applies to features that are illustrated in separate drawings or mentioned in their description. These features can also be combined with features from different claims.Similarly, features listed in the patent claims may be omitted for further embodiments of the invention, but this does not apply to the independent patent claims of the granted patent. REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 9 - Originally filed version 22083PCT 27.10.2025.

[0043] The features mentioned in the claims and the description are to be understood, with regard to their number, as meaning that exactly that number or a greater number than that stated is present, without the need for the explicit use of the adverb "at least". Thus, for example, if a high-voltage source is mentioned, this is to be understood as meaning that exactly one high-voltage source, two high-voltage sources, or more high-voltage sources are present. The features listed in the claims may be supplemented by further features or may be the only features that the subject matter of the respective claim possesses.

[0044] The reference numerals contained in the patent claims do not constitute a limitation of the scope of the subject matter protected by the patent claims. They serve only the purpose of making the patent claims easier to understand.

[0045] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] The invention will now be further explained and described with reference to preferred embodiments shown in the figures.

[0047] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a device according to the invention for combating an infestation with ectoparasites.

[0048] Fig. 2 is a cross-section through a parasite trap of the device according to Fig. 1 in a first embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 3 is a cross-section through a parasite trap of the device according to Fig. 1 in a second embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 4 is a cross-section through a parasite trap of the device according to Fig. 1 in a third embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows the waveform of a rectangular voltage generated by a high-voltage source of the device according to Fig. 1; and REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 10 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025

[0052] Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B illustrate a time regime during the operation of the device according to the invention as shown in Fig. 1.

[0053] FIGURE DESCRIPTION

[0054] The device 1, shown in a block diagram in Fig. 1, is used to combat infestations of ectoparasites, in particular, but not exclusively, red mites. The device 1 comprises a plurality of parasite traps 2. The parasite traps 2 are to be arranged within the area 3 of the infestation. Fig. 1 indicates that the parasite traps 2 comprise two subgroups 4, each consisting of five parasite traps 2. Both the number of subgroups 4 (two) and the number of parasite traps 2 in each subgroup 4 (five) are only examples. The number of subgroups 4 can be any number between 2 and 32, for example, 4 or 8, and the number of parasite traps 2 in each subgroup 4 can also be less than or significantly greater than five. The parasite traps 2 of each subgroup 4 are connected in parallel to each other via separate cables 5 to a high-voltage source 6 of the device 1.

[0055] The cables serve to apply a voltage of varying amplitude, supplied by the high-voltage source 6, to a first electrode and a second electrode of each parasite trap. Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through a region of a first embodiment of one of the parasite traps 2. Straight or irregular openings 7, open at both ends, are formed between a dielectric shield 8 of a first electrode 9 and a second electrode 10 without a dielectric shield. Specifically, channels 11 are formed in the dielectric shield 8, which are covered by a flat surface 12 of the second electrode 10, so that the channels 11 are closed on all sides in the cross-section shown. The surface 13 of the dielectric shield 8 facing the surface 12 of the second electrode 10 is bounded in the cross-section according to Fig. 2 by a rectangular function 14.The width 15 of the channels 11, ranging from 1 to 3 mm, tends to be slightly larger than the depth 16 of the channels, ranging from 0.5 to 3 mm. The maximum diameter of the channels 11 through their respective centroids in the cross-section shown in Fig. 2 is slightly larger than the width 15, and the minimum diameter of the channels 11 is equal to the depth 16. The spacing 17 between the channels, shown in Fig. 2 as slightly smaller than the width 15 of the channels, can also be equal to or slightly larger, ranging from 1 to 3 mm. A minimum thickness 18 of the dielectric shielding in the area of ​​REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 11 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025.

[0056] The base of the channels 6 is typically 1 mm. The useful minimum thickness 18 of the dielectric shield 8 at the base of the channels 11 depends, in addition to the maximum voltage applied between the electrodes 9 and 10, on the dielectric properties of the material used for the dielectric shield 8, which can be an easily moldable plastic.

[0057] By applying the high voltage of varying amplitude generated by the high-voltage source 6 according to Fig. 1 between the electrodes 9 and 10, dielectrically hindered discharges are induced in the openings 7 by the dielectric shield 8. The dielectric hindrance limits the currents flowing during the discharges. Nevertheless, the dielectrically hindered discharges are highly effective against ectoparasites located in the openings 7. This effectiveness is due, firstly, to the fact that the dielectrically hindered discharges induce currents directly through or via the ectoparasites, and secondly, to the fact that the dielectrically hindered discharges generate a cold atmospheric pressure plasma in the openings 7 in which reactive physicochemical species form that act upon the ectoparasites.Both methods of application have a lethal effect on ectoparasites at all stages of their development. Applying a voltage of varying amplitude to electrodes 9 and 10 does not pose a risk to poultry located in area 3 as shown in Fig. 1. The externally exposed second electrode 10 is grounded, and the first electrode 9 is shielded by insulation 19 in addition to the dielectric shield 8. Thus, direct contact with electrode 9 is impossible even when electrode 10 is removed from the dielectric shield to open the exit holes 7 or expose the channels 11. With a favorable choice of the shape, amplitude, and frequency of the varying voltage, the emission of electromagnetic waves from the respective parasite trap 2 is limited, despite its typically 0.2 to several decimeters in area, so that this also does not result in a risk to poultry located in area 3 as shown in Fig. 1.1 is located.

[0058] In the embodiment of the parasite trap 2, the cross-section of which is shown in Fig. 3, the surface of the dielectric shield 8 follows a sinusoidal function 20 in the cross-section shown. This results in the distance between surfaces 12 and 13 varying in the area of ​​each escape hole 7, i.e., assuming all values ​​from zero to the depth 16 of the channels 11 in the dielectric shield 8. In the use of the device 1, this simplifies the ignition of dielectrically hindered discharges in the channels 11. According to Fig. 3 REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 12 - Originally filed version 22083PCT 27.10.2025, the channels 11, with a width 15 equal to the period of the sinusoidal function 20, are directly adjacent to each other via linear contact areas of surfaces 12 and 13.

[0059] In the embodiment of the parasite trap 2, the cross-section of which is shown in Fig. 4, the surface 13 in the cross-section has the shape of a triangular function 21, the individual triangles of which are separated from each other by the distances 17. The triangular function 21 also simplifies the ignition of the dielectrically hindered discharges in each escape hole 7, since the distances between the surfaces 12 and 13 within each channel 11 vary from zero to a depth 16.

[0060] Fig. 5 illustrates the waveform of the voltage 22 with varying amplitude A. Specifically, this is a unipolar rectangular voltage with an amplitude of 6 kV relative to ground and a frequency of 500 Hz. These are relatively small values ​​for amplitude and frequency for a variable-amplitude voltage used to generate dielectrically hindered charges. However, for a rectangular waveform, these values ​​are sufficient to induce the dielectrically hindered discharges in the narrowly defined gaps 7 shown in Figs. 2 to 4. At the same time, the comparatively low amplitude and frequency values ​​of the voltage 22 result in a comparatively low power output of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the parasite traps. The power output of this radiation is further limited by the fact that the subgroups 4 shown in Fig. 1 are alternately subjected to the voltage 22 with varying amplitude.

[0061] Fig. 6A illustrates how the two groups 4 according to Fig. 1 are alternately subjected to the voltage 22 according to Fig. 5 for partial periods 23 and 23' of 2 seconds each, with 6 partial periods 23 and 23' respectively following one another. Such a temporal regime has proven particularly effective in killing ectoparasites, especially red mites. More precisely, this temporal regime maximizes the lethality of the ectoparasites in relation to the electrical energy used.

[0062] Fig. 6B indicates a light-dark cycle 24 of 24 hours with a solid line. A period 25, in which the device according to the invention is operated by generating the voltage 22 according to Fig. 5 with the high-voltage source 6, occurs after the beginning of a light phase 26 of the light-dark cycle 24. The period 25 can be used for a large number of subgroups 4 of the parasite traps 2, which also each one after the other complete a cycle with the REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 13 - Originally filed version 22083PCT 27.10.2025

[0063] The time regimes according to Fig. 6A can be completed in a few minutes or even 1 to 2 hours. However, in relation to the duration of the entire light-dark cycle 24, period 25 is only short. During the light phase 26, period 25 can be followed by cleaning of the parasite traps, for which purpose the second electrode 10 can be removed from the first electrode 9 to remove dead ectoparasites from the channels 11. Such cleaning of the parasite traps is facilitated by the second electrode 10 being removable from the dielectric shield 8 of the first electrode 9. Cleaning does not need to be carried out daily, i.e., during every light phase 26, if the infestation with ectoparasites is not so heavy that the emergence holes 7 are completely or at least substantially filled by the light-shy ectoparasites at the beginning of each light phase 26. If the

[0064] However, if the entry holes 7 are completely filled with killed ectoparasites, further ectoparasites can only enter the entry holes and be killed therein after the previously killed ectoparasites have been removed.

[0065] REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 14 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025

[0066] REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0067] 1 Device

[0068] 2 parasite traps

[0069] 3 Area of ​​infestation

[0070] 4 subgroup

[0071] 5 cables

[0072] 6 High-voltage source

[0073] 7 loopholes

[0074] 8 dielectric shielding

[0075] 9 first electrode

[0076] 10 second electrode

[0077] Channel 11

[0078] 12 Surface area of ​​the second electrode 10

[0079] 13 Surface area of ​​the first electrode 9

[0080] 14 Rectangle function

[0081] 15 width

[0082] 16 Depth

[0083] 17 distance

[0084] 18 Minimum thickness

[0085] 19 Insulation

[0086] 20 Sine function

[0087] 21 Rectangle function

[0088] 22 Voltage of varying amplitude 3, 23' partial period

[0089] 24 light-dark cycles

[0090] 25 period

[0091] 26 Light phase

Claims

REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 15 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Device (1) for combating an infestation with ectoparasites, comprising a plurality of parasite traps (2) to be distributed in the spatial area (3) of the infestation, each trap having a plurality of adjacent exit holes (7), each exit hole (7) having a free cross-section with a maximum diameter and a minimum diameter in a diameter range of 0.5 to 5 mm, characterized in that the plurality of exit holes (7) is formed between a first electrode (9) provided with a dielectric shield (8) and a second electrode (10) removable from the first electrode (9), and in that the device (1) comprises a high-voltage source (6) to which the first electrodes (9) and the second electrodes (10) of the plurality of parasite traps (2) are wired or can be wired, the high-voltage source (6) being configured toto apply a voltage (22) of varying amplitude between the first electrodes (9) and the second electrodes (10) such that dielectrically hindered discharges occur in the gaps (7).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the slip holes (7) are formed with channels (11) in the dielectric shielding (8) of the first electrode (9) which are covered by a flat surface (12) of the second electrode (10).

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the depth (16) of the channels (11) is 0.5 to 3 mm and the maximum width (15) of the channels is 1 to 6 mm.

4. Device (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the second electrode (10) does not have a dielectric shield (8).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-voltage source (6) is configured to generate the voltage (22) of varying amplitude as a square wave voltage with an amplitude in the amplitude range of 2 kV to 12 kV, preferably in the amplitude range of 4 kV to 8 kV, and a frequency in the frequency range REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 16 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025 from 100 Hz to 1000 Hz, preferably in the frequency range of 200 Hz to 500 Hz between the first electrodes (9) and the second electrodes (10).

6. Device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that pulses of the rectangular voltage are of equal length to the intervals of the pulses, wherein, optionally, the rectangular voltage is symmetrical.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high voltage source (6) is configured to apply the voltage (22) of varying amplitude alternately between the first electrodes (9) and the second electrodes (10) of different subgroups (4) of the plurality of parasite traps (2).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the high-voltage source (6) is configured to apply the voltage (22) of varying amplitude for 2 to 20 partial periods (23), preferably for 5 to 12 partial periods (23), of a duration of 0.5 to 6 s, preferably of 1 to 3 s, at partial period intervals of 5 to 20 s, preferably of 10 to 15 s, between the same first electrodes (9) and second electrodes (10), wherein, optionally, the high-voltage source (6) is configured to apply the voltage (22) of varying amplitude once during each light-dark cycle (24) in the area (3) of infestation after the beginning of the light phase (25).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slip holes (7) have a constant cross-section between their open ends, wherein, optionally, the slip holes (7) do not have a clear view between their ends.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slip holes (7) in cross-section on one side are formed by: a sine curve (20), a trapezoidal function, a triangular function (21), a rectangular function (14) or a sequence of semicircular arcs and / or quarter-circular arcs and, optionally, straight line segments REHBERG HÜPPE + PARTNER - 17 - Originally submitted version 22083PCT 27.10.2025 and are bounded on their opposite side by a continuous straight line.

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