Automatic light-activated portable mist sprayer device

• US 20060086824A1
• Filed: 09/15/2005
• Published: 04/27/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: NCH Corporation
• Original Assignee: NHC Incorporated
• Inventors: Pearce, Robert Clarence III, Colarusso, Joseph Thomas, Roheim, John
• Application Number:
  US11/228,889
• Publication Number:
  US 20060086824A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 239/337
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 13/06 Devices for generating heat, smoke or fog in gardens, orchards or forests, e.g. to prevent damage by frost
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 1/245 for pesticide application or distribution, e.g. using a network of pipes
• CPC Class Codes: A01M 29/34 specially adapted for insects
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 12/124 responsive to distance between spray apparatus and target
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 9/035 to several spraying apparatus B05B9/0423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1842 Ambient condition change responsive
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1866 For controlling soil irrigation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1939 Atmospheric

Abstract

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

Claims

1. A portable fluid mist sprayer system comprising:

a source of treating fluid;

an electrical power source;

a pump for pressurizing the treating fluid as needed to discharge the treating fluid at a predetermined discharge pressure and flow rate;

at least one spray nozzle configured to receive the pressurized treating fluid and to discharge the treating fluid in the form of a mist;

at least one flow conduit providing fluid communication between the source and the at least one spray nozzle;

an ambient light sensor;

an electronic control unit that initiates a flow of pressurized treating fluid to the at least one sprayer head in response to sensed ambient light of predetermined intensity and duration.

2. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the treating fluid is selected from liquids, gases, suspensions, and mixtures thereof.

3. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 2 wherein the treating fluid is selected from the group consisting of insecticide, pesticide, fungicide, biocide, insect repellent, water, air, or mixtures thereof.

4. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 2 wherein the treating fluid comprises an insect attractant.

5. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 4 wherein the attractant is carbon dioxide gas.

6. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the electronic control module further comprises a light level discrimination module, a pump controller module, and an RF receiver.

7. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 6 wherein the light level discrimination module comprises an optical coupler, a hysteresis detector, dusk and dawn timing discriminators, and a logic gate communicating with the pump control module.

8. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 6 wherein the pump control module comprises a misting duration selector, a misting duration timer and a DC pump controller.

9. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the electrical power source is at least one battery.

10. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 6 wherein the electrical power source is a solar cell.

11. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 further comprising a three-way switch with a test mode.

12. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1 wherein the pump is activated in response to ambient light conditions as sensed by the ambient light sensor.

13. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 10, further comprising a frame supporting a motor and pump, and a container supplying treating fluid to the pump.

14. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 1, in combination with a portable carrier device into which the fluid mist sprayer system is insertable.

15. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 10, further comprising a dome that is rotatable relative to the frame, with at least one spray nozzle disposed in the dome.

16. The portable fluid mist sprayer system of claim 14 wherein the carrier device is a simulated torch, lamp or lantern.