Method and apparatus for laser pest control
First Claim
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1. A method for automatic extermination of pests which comprises:
- (A) placing an automatic laser scanning system in a target location frequented by the pests;
(B) scanning the target location according to a predetermined scanning pattern with a laser beam having an intensity sufficient to exterminate the pests;
(C) repeating step (B) multiple times so that the target location is repetitively scanned;
(D) detecting whether or not a pest is present in the target location using an automated sensor;
(E) ceasing scanning if no pest is detected in step (D); and
(F) resuming scanning when a pest is detected in the target location by the sensor.
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Abstract
The invention provides an apparatus and a method for controlling pests which, according to one aspect of the invention, uses a laser beam which is scanned over a defined area and incapacitates sensory organs of various pests when they enter the defined area. Such a pest control system uses a laser source in cooperation with a scanner which then repetitively scans the laser beam throughout the defined area. Any pest which wanders into this area, or is attracted into this area, is likely to sense the laser beam, typically through its eyes or light spot. The laser beam is of sufficient energy to destroy the sensory organ and incapacitate the pest.
50 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for automatic extermination of pests which comprises:
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(A) placing an automatic laser scanning system in a target location frequented by the pests; (B) scanning the target location according to a predetermined scanning pattern with a laser beam having an intensity sufficient to exterminate the pests; (C) repeating step (B) multiple times so that the target location is repetitively scanned; (D) detecting whether or not a pest is present in the target location using an automated sensor; (E) ceasing scanning if no pest is detected in step (D); and (F) resuming scanning when a pest is detected in the target location by the sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for automatic extermination of pests which comprises:
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(A) placing an automatic laser scanning system in a target location frequented by the pests; (B) scanning the target location according to a predetermined scanning pattern with a laser beam having an intensity sufficient to exterminate the pests; (C) repeating step (B) multiple times so that the target location is repetitively scanned; (D) detecting whether or not a pest is present in the target location using an automated sensor; (E) ceasing scanning if no pest is detected in step (D); and (F) resuming scanning following a delay period after a pest has been detected in the target location.
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14. A trap for exterminating pests, comprising:
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a housing having an interior chamber and an opening through which the target pests can enter the chamber; and a source of a laser beam disposed within the housing, which beam is capable of killing or harming the target pests that enter the chamber. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method for automatic extermination of pests which comprises:
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placing an automatic laser system in a target location frequented by the pests; detecting whether or not a pest is present in the target location using an automated sensor; and automatically radiating the target location with a laser beam having an intensity sufficient to exterminate the pests whenever a pest is detected in the target location. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification