Abstract: An apparatus and method of attracting and trapping insects which includes an elongate strip of trapping material having a sticky substance thereon. In one embodiment, the trapping material is provided as two adjacent plies which are unwound from a feed roll across feed rollers to a take-up roller. A trapping area is provided between the feed rollers. The supply and feed rollers and take-up rollers may be contained in a cartridge which is disposable. The cartridge can be inserted in a housing having auxiliary components such as electrical components and lighting. In alternate embodiments, the trapping material may be a filament-like material or may be tubular material which is provided in flattened form and expanded to tubular shape in the trapping area and thereafter rewound on the take-up roll.

Abstract: N-Tetradecyl formate has been found to be effective as a sex pheromone mimic for disrupting the reproductive cycle of insects, especially the Heliothis complex which includes Heliothis zea (corn earworm), Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm), and Heliothis armigera. The compound and compositions containing the compound n-tetradecyl formate may be applied to crops which are subject to damage by such insects in any suitable manner, for example, in sprays, dusts and powders. Particularly effective compositions comprise polymeric particles or flakes containing n-tetradecyl formate. The particles or flakes may have an adhesive coating so that upon application the particles become attached to the upper leaves, stalks, etc. where the insects tend to be more concentrated.

Abstract: A thermal motor is disclosed for converting heat energy to hydramechanical energy. A plurality of heat-responsive elements are mounted on a rotor to periodically expose the elements to heating and cooling. Thermally responsive elements generate a mechanical movement in response to the heating and cooling. The mechanical movement actuates a hydraulic cylinder which, in turn, operates a hydraulic motor. The output of the hydraulic motor is used to perform useful work and also to rotate the rotor. In one preferred form, the heat-responsive elements are in the form of bimetallic strips which mechanically deflect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for evenly disseminating by broadcast techniques trace quantities of biologically active chemicals such as nutrients, insecticides, fungicides, growth regulators and the like. The biologically active chemical is encapsulated in a microdispenser such as a filamentary conduit of regulated cross-section and length. The filled microdispensers are then metered into a moving carrier fluid stream, preferably air, and the carrier fluid containing the microdispensers is then evenly dispensed throughout the area. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the microdispensers are coated with a second material which may be either another biologically active material or a sticker for attaching the microdispenser to living organisms such as plants or animals. The method and apparatus is also applicable to biologically active chemicals contained in laminated microdispenser structures for dissemination and release.

Abstract: An insect trap including a cover assembly having a central projecting mounting hub and a disposable panel releasably engageable with the hub. The panel is coated with an appropriate trap substance which entangles the insects. Flexible mounting fingers are carried on the interior of the hub to frictionally secure the trap in an operative position on a stalk, branch, or other similar object.