Abstract: An insect trap is provided with a bottle for holding insects and a conically-shaped insert for insertion into the bottle The insert includes holes for permitting light and visibility. The trap and/or trap insert may be made from a plastic or a polymer. Further, insect attracting scents may be injected or impregnated into the plastic or polymer. A chemical exhibiting phosphorescence or photoluminescence may also be combined with the plastic and/or polymer.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for generating answers to questions. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an input query; conducting a search to identify candidate answers to the input query, and producing a plurality of scores for each of the candidate answers. For each of the candidate answers, one, of a plurality of candidate ranking functions, is selected. This selected ranking function is applied to the each of the candidate answers to determine a ranking for the candidate answer based on the scores for that candidate answer. One or more of the candidate answers is selected, based on the rankings for the candidate answers, as one or more answers to the input query. In an embodiment, the ranking function selection is performed using information about the question. In an embodiment, the ranking function selection is performed using information about each answer.

Abstract: Novel devices and methods of capturing, controlling and preventing infestation of insects using microfabricated surfaces are provided. In particular, a mechanism of insect capture inspired by the microstructures of the leaf surfaces of plants and the key features of those surfaces with respect to the capture and control of pests have been determined and engineered into a variety of microfabricated surfaces capable of reproducing the effectiveness of these physical capture methods.

Abstract: Multipurpose apparatus capable of attracting, trapping, damaging instantly and subsequent killing of insects including mosquitoes which comprises of a supporting cylindrical body (3) with open ends, the body provided with a removable cover (1) on open top end (2) fixed with supporting legs (12) leaving sufficient gap between cover and body, having a UV lamp (6) with a protective safety cover (4) fitted internally below top open end and a removable insect collecting part (8) installed at other end, UV lamp is closely enclosed with a heat conducting wire mesh (5) which further extends horizontally to entire diameter of axial fan's opening, an axial fan (7) is fitted above the protective wire mesh guard (17) and beneath UV lamp and heat conducting wire mesh (5).

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides an apparatus for trapping insects for purposes of monitoring insect load and in some cases studying the captured insects, and methods for using the same. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for trapping insects once they emerge from the soil, such as corn rootworm beetles and related insects, and methods for assembling and using the same. The apparatus comprises a frame having an open bottom and a removable top panel having at least one plant slot configured to receive a plant and a capture chamber opening configured to receive a capture chamber; a flexible sealing structure configured to seal the plant slot on the top panel; and a securing mechanism configured to secure the flexible sealing structure such that a seal is created about the plant to prevent the egress of the insects about the plant.

Abstract: An insect trap system including a housing having first and second opposing ends, the first opposing end defining an aperture, an insect attractant module configured to create an airborne attractant zone, a fan disposed and configured to draw air into the housing through the aperture, a gate configured to operate in a first state wherein airflow through the aperture is inhibited by the gate, and to operate in a second state wherein airflow through the aperture is not substantially inhibited by the gate, wherein the gate is maintained in the first state for a predetermined first time such that the airborne attractant zone is formed and the gate is maintained in the second state for a second predetermined time such that insects within a capture zone are compelled to enter the housing through the aperture, wherein the gate is configured to alternate between the first and second states.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an article for preventing pests from gaining entrance to a building structure. The article comprises a length of fibrous fabric and a plurality of adhesive strips. The fabric is designed for adhesive attachment to a dwelling or building structure adjacent points of entry and the adhesive strips are designed for adhesively attaching the fabric in snug adjacency to the outfitted building structure. The fabric is impregnated with at least one pesticide composition and has outwardly extending fibers for entangling the legs of pests attempting to gain entrance to the building structure by maneuvering across the fabric to points of entry. These outwardly extending fibers thus directly deposit pesticide composition on the pests for preventing them from gaining entrance to the building structure. Importantly, the fabric is brilliantly colored or has highly light reflective coloration for attracting the pests to the pesticide-impregnated fabric for contact treatment.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner (preferably polyester), a first layer of tacky film, stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky waterproof compound, and a second release liner (preferably polyethylene). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected.

Abstract: A prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. The invention comprises a protective release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a fiber reinforced material (preferably fiberglass), a second layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, and a layer of protective film.

Abstract: A tutorial method for teaching the scoring of open-ended questions holistically includes displaying a student response to a scorer and permitting the scorer to access a rubric containing the rules for scoring that response. The scorer can choose a display form from a handwritten form and a typed text form that retains and originally present errors. Following the scorer's having entered a score, a model score is displayed so that a scoring efficacy may be determined. Annotations prepared by expert scorers may be accessed to enhance the learning process. In addition, a running correlation between the model and entered scores is calculated and displayed for the scorer over a tutorial session that includes attempts at scoring different responses. The system includes a processor, a workstation, and software for performing the above-described method.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a prefabricated barrier for providing protection to subterranean walls and other structural members against both penetration by water and by termites, are disclosed. The barrier has a tacky and waterproof compound, preferably an asphaltic compound, protected by a release liner which is peeled from the web immediately prior to installing the web on building surfaces. A layer of stainless steel mesh is used to inhibit passage of termites. In the first embodiment, the invention comprises protective film (preferably polyester), stainless steel mesh, tacky waterproof compound, and a release liner (preferably polyethylene). In the second embodiment, the layers include a release liner, a first layer of tacky compound, a stainless steel mesh, a second layer of tacky compound, and a second release liner (or protective film). The double release liner embodiment is symmetrical, and can therefore be installed with either side against the surface to be protected.

Abstract: An insect trap includes a substantially cylindrical, hollow base component having an open top in communication with an interior chamber and a chemical attractant device received therein. Superimposed on the open top is a mesh screen that is precoated with an insect eradicating substance. A plurality of legs extend from the bottom surface of the base component for supporting the base component a predetermined distance above a supporting surface. In addition, the interior chamber may be selectively enclosed with a transparent, semi-spherical lid member whenever the device is not in use. The chemical attractant is released to the surrounding environment to attract insects to the insecticide coated mesh screen where they are eradicated.

Abstract: A flytrap includes a container, a cap covering the top opening of the container, a support member supporting the container thereon, and a tray for receiving baits therein. The container has a bottom wall formed integrally with an upward projection at a central portion thereof, and a cylindrical surrounding wall so as to define an annular groove in the bottom wall between the projection wall and the surrounding wall. A liquid unit is received in the groove below the upper opening and includes a sterilizing liquid and an edible oil. The support member has a skirt portion fixed to the periphery of the bottom wall of container, and a plurality of vertical legs which have upper ends fixed to the skirt portion and which are placed on a floor. The tray is also placed on the floor under the skirt portion of the support member. The legs are located around the tray. Flies enter the container via the upper opening of the support member, thereby contacting the edible oil and drowning in the sterilizing liquid.

Abstract: A simple three-piece insect trap for attracting and capturing flying insects consists of a hollow, opaque bait container having a neck with openings for admitting flies and a body for holding insect bait, a cone section mounted on the bait container neck for directing insects upward, and a transparent top cover mounted around the cone section for trapping the insects. The upper wall of the bait container body extends inwardly toward the neck of the bait container to form a shelf on which flying insects can land when attracted by volatile constituents which emanate from bait within the body. Moreover, an outwardly opening annular cavity is formed between the shelf on the bait container and the lower wall of the cone section, each of which are opaque to encourage flies to enter the neck through the apertures. When insects enter the aperture, they are discouraged by darkness from flying toward the bait in the opaque bait container.

Abstract: An assembly for an insect trap including a curvilinear cover member having an inlet for attracted insects is set forth. The inlet is adapted to prevent return of trapped insects through the inlet. Also set forth is a bag having a mouth, the bag having a band below the mouth, the band being peripherally expandable to be forced over the periphery of the cover and to conform with the shape of said periphery. Finally a ring-like element C-shaped in cross section is adapted to clamp the mouth of the bag between said element and the cover.

Abstract: An insect trap for attracting and capturing flying insects. The apparatus includes a chamber for holding an insect attractant and exposing the same to a current of air, and having a first opening allowing passage of air but not insects therein. Positioned opposite the first opening, at least one funnel-shaped entrance to the chamber allows entry of the insects into the trap, as well as passage of air currents and entrained attractant odors out of the trap. An insect collection container, optionally having a one-way entrance, is also provided, and communicates with the chamber through a second chamber opening and the one-way entrance. Proper orientation of the trap in the wind is achieved by mounting a wind vane or fins onto the exterior of the chamber so as to position the first opening upwind, and the funnel-shaped entrance to the chamber downwind from the first opening.

Abstract: Entry structure for a containment type insect trap having a flexible containment bag is disclosed. A first disposable configuration of my entry structure provides a vaned column slidably carried in a fastening plate to move from an inward closed position to an outward open position to provide a trap that may be used as its own container for merchandising, opened for use and after use closed to be used as a disposal container. A second reusable configuration of my entry structure releasably fastens the entry structure to the fastening plate so that both may be reused with new containment bags and attractant. The vaned configuration of the entryway column aids insect entrapment and dispersement of airborne odoriferous attractant from the trap containment bag. The trap provides the common amenities of known containment type insect traps to aid insect attraction, entrapment, killing, and disposal.

Abstract: A multiple chamber fly trap contains approximately concentric screens defining a region within the inner screen into which the flies enter for the bait, an annular second region between the screens into which the flies enter to escape to the light, and a third region below the second region into which the flies drop after exhaustion. A plurality of openings between the consecutive regions allow passage of the flies from the first to the second to the third and into a removable collector which is preferably a disposable bag.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a novel trap which is specifically useful for the entrapment of Heliothis virescens and related insects. The trap comprises a skewed frusto-conic member having open ends and fabricated from a reticulated, flexible, synthetic material. At one open end, a container fabricated from reticulated side walls of a synthetic, polymeric resin secures and closes that open end. A removable closure allows entry into the chamber formed in the container. The trap is supported with the container closed end uppermost and the opposite open end lowermost. Support means in a simple embodiment comprises lacings or loops secured to a staff.

Abstract: A fly trap in the form of a double arched disposable element formed from a single blank and retained in functional shape by identical end plates having recesses to receive the ends of the disposable element. The element forms a bridge between the end plates and has windows to provide light from the top and a cut-out section which folds in a reverse direction to the arched portions to provide an entrance chamber for the insects.

Abstract: An insect controlling device and method which provides an environment within foraminous barrier to which at least certain fertilized female insects will be attracted to deposit their eggs, and in the barrier assuring wasting of the thus deposited insect eggs. The barrier may take a number of different forms for selectively controlling various species of insects, such as fruit flies, house flies, mosquitos and the like. The barrier may serve the dual function of insect control and predatory creature food supply, such as a bird feeder, fish feeder, or the like. For mosquito control the barrier prevents hatched mosquito larva or mosquitos from escaping a body of water in which the mosquitos may incubate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attracting and killing mosquitos and other similar insects are disclosed. The device includes a body, within which is disposed heat generating means, and a surrounding porous sleeve which contains a charge of water and which carries a sticky substance on its outer surface. Upon activation of the unit, both heat and moisture are radiated to the surrounding environment, and the mosquitos and other insects which are thereby attracted to the device will adhere to the sticky substance and eventually be destroyed.

Abstract: A prefabricated approximately T-shaped blank of flexible sheet material with a pair of screened openings spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal portion of the blank is foldable along spaced parallel folded lines into a flat trap structure composed of outer and inner arch-shaped walls with screened skylights therein, the inner screened skylight having a small exit port therein. The structure thus formed has a floor panel with approximate arch-shaped side wings foldable upward therefrom into end closures for the structure, these wings containing small entrance doors near their fold edges. The screens are cemented to the border areas around their respective openings and these cemented areas covered by pairs of half-I-shaped border flaps integral with the blank and folded therefrom over the cemented areas.

Abstract: A prefabricated T-shaped blank of flexible sheet material with a pair of screened openings spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal portion of the blank is foldable along spaced parallel fold lines into a fly trap structure composed of outer and inner arch-shaped walls with screened skylights therein, the inner screened skylight having a small exit port therein. The structure thus formed has a floor panel with approximately arch-shaped side wings foldable upward therefrom into end closures for the structure, these wings containing small entrance doors near their fold edges.