Abstract: A fertilizer having a source of carbon dioxide, a source of nitrogen, and a source of carbohydrate, and an acid in an amount to provide increased retention of carbon dioxide in the soil. A method of enhancing the growth of plants by applying the fertilizer to soil containing the plant, the acid increasing retention of the carbon dioxide in the soil, and the plant exhibiting enhanced growth from the combination of the nitrogen, carbon dioxide and carbohydrate.

Abstract: A medical device configured to prevent bug infestation is disclosed. The medical device may be a dialysis machine (e.g., a peritoneal dialysis machine) for conducting dialysis treatments. The medical device (e.g., dialysis machine) including an ultrasonic generator and emitter arranged and configured to emit an ultrasonic high frequency sound to prevent bug infestation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing measured amounts of a granular material, wherein one embodiment is a dispensing apparatus having a dispensing body, a handle and a handle extension coupled between the handle and the dispensing body. The dispensing body has a measuring container with a cavity of known volume, as well as a filling mechanism and a dispensing mechanism. The filling mechanism is selectively activated to fill the cavity of the measuring container with the granular material, and the dispensing mechanism is selectively activated to release the granular material from the cavity to dispense only the predetermined amount of the granular material that fills the cavity of the measuring container from the apparatus. A trigger on the handle is coupled to the filling mechanism and the dispensing mechanism via a linkage in the handle extension, and activation of the trigger selectively activates the filling mechanism and the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting an animal to an area includes a housing, recordable memory media contained within the housing for storing a pre-recorded ultrasonic sound and a prerecorded audible sound. An audible sound emitter contained within the housing is also provided for emitting the prerecorded audible sound. Further, an ultrasonic sound emitter contained within the housing for emitting the prerecorded ultrasonic sound and second pre-recorded sounds that simulate first and second distinct sounds each made by a species of animal in the environment. A user interface, such as a hand held unit, is also provided to play back the audible and ultrasonic sounds simultaneously to produce a blended sound for attracting an animal. The apparatus may further include a first amplifier for amplifying the audible sound and a second amplifier for amplifying the ultrasonic sound.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a diagnosis and treatment integrated soft medical robot for gastrointestinal endoscopy, including a robot body, a camera, illumination devices, a flexible dielectric elastomer actuator, air cylinders, linear motors, a controller and external hoses. The robot body is a multichannel hose, and includes a central channel and circumferential channels, the central channel is configured to accommodate conducting wires and signal wires, the circumferential channels include at least three microfluid channels. The linear motors control fluid pressures in the microfluid channels by driving piston rods of the air cylinders so that the robot body steers through being driven by fluid. The camera performs real-time image acquisition. The controller controls the flexible dielectric elastomer actuator to capture a target. The disclosure realizes the real-time image acquisition on a digestive tract, particularly a lesion, and can integrally and fast complete diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wrist band or other wearable accessory that includes insect repelling material.

Abstract: In one aspect, a controller for engaging with augmented reality (AR) content and/or virtual reality (VR) content includes a housing and a wrist strap engageable with the housing. The controller also includes at least one reel engageable with the housing and the wrist strap to move the housing relative to the wrist strap while the wrist strap is worn by a person to simulate force indicated in the AR or VR content.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting objects includes a plurality of devices and a network assembly. The plurality of device assemblies includes an object detector assembly, a termite trap assembly, and a pest trap assembly. The object detector assembly includes a device implemented along the outer perimeter of a house in order to detect various objects. Additionally, the termite trap assembly includes a cardboard cutout with a high cellulose content having conductive ink. Furthermore, the pest trap assembly includes a housing having a trap door that is used to capture pests such as rodents and mice. Each of the devices are in communication with the network assembly via a low power wide area network. Each of the devices may also act as a repeater thereby further extending the range of communication for each of the devices.

Abstract: A device for reducing ground mole tunneling.

Abstract: A system for fumigating soil includes applying a fumigant film component and an underlying drip tape element to the soil to be treated. A non-tarp method can also be used through permanently buried drip tape (SDI) that is at least 8 inches deep and utilizes the soil above as the barrier to prevent the fumigant from escaping. The drip tape element is communicably connected through a throttle valve to a pressurized liquid supply of fumigant having a low boiling point and a high vapor pressure. The valve is opened to dispense vaporized fumigant into the soil and dissipation of the fumigant is controlled so that more effective soil fumigation is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to termite preferred resource compositions and methods. In embodiments, the present invention is directed to termite preferred resource compositions including materials from a Sabal palm tree material (Sabalpalmetto; Family Arecaceae) and a pesticide toxic to one or more species of termites. In additional embodiment's, the present invention is directed to a method of creating a termite assurance program to limit termite damage to a structure including the steps of providing an initial investigation of termite detection, damage, or activity for a structure; placing a termite station comprising a housing, at least one entry point in the housing allowing for ingress and egress of a termite, and materials from a Sabal palm tree contained within the housing in an area proximate the structure, and inspecting the termite station for live termites or evidence of termite activity after it is placed.

Abstract: A galleryless piston for an internal combustion engine is provided. The piston has a monolithic piston body including an upper wall forming an upper combustion surface with first and second portions. The first portion extends annularly along an outer periphery of the upper wall and the second portion includes a combustion bowl. The first portion can also include valve pockets formed therein to reduce weight. The upper wall has an undercrown surface directly opposite the second portion of the upper combustion surface. To enhance cooling, a center portion of the undercrown surface is concave, such that oil is channeled during reciprocation of the piston from one side to the opposite side of the piston. The concave center portion is axially offset from the surrounding area of the undercrown surface.

Abstract: A gypsum panel includes a gypsum core containing a termiticide with poor water solubility, wherein the gypsum core has a first end region, a center region, and a second end region having an equal thickness and extending along a thickness direction from one surface side to another surface side, the termiticide is contained in each of the first end region, the center region, and the second end region, and a content of the termiticide in the center region is lower than a content of the termiticide in the first end region and in the second end region.

Abstract: A method of determining a cognitive state of an experimental animal in a cage is provided. The cage includes one or more walls that enclose a living space for containing the experimental animal, and a heating structure. The method includes installing a card with at least a first type of sequestered olfactory compound, directing the heating structure to selectively heat the card to release the first type of sequestered first type of olfactory compound to subject the experimental animal to a novel olfactory experience, creating a first assessment of a behavior of the laboratory animal, subjecting the experimental animal to experimental procedures and/or waiting a selected amount of time, directing the heating structure to selectively heat the card to release more of the first type of sequestered olfactory compound, creating a second assessment of a behavior of the experimental animal, and evaluating the first and second assessments to determine the cognitive state of the experimental animal.

Abstract: The invention refers to a vacuum cleaner (10) comprising a housing (15) with first components arranged therein which interoperate with one another in order to realize a first air flow (42??) for a vacuum cleaning functionality. The first components comprise a first electric motor (40) and a first turbine (38) actuated by the first electric motor (40) in order to create the first air flow (42??) and a low-pressure in a dust collecting chamber (22) of the vacuum cleaner (10) provided with an inlet opening (24) in order to suck in dust and small particles into the dust collecting chamber (22). The vacuum cleaner (10) further comprises second components separate from the first components and the second components interoperate with one another in order to realize a second air flow (100) for a purifying functionality of dust-laden air surrounding the vacuum cleaner (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for applying a superimposed time-varying frequency electromagnetic wave to a target object or a target region that is formed by the target object and a medium surrounding the target object, comprising a device for generating a superimposed time-varying frequency electromagnetic wave where the time-varying AC wave is riding on the predefined DC bias voltage. When applied to the object or region, the superimposed time-varying frequency electromagnetic wave is able to induce a flow of ionic current having a DC component traveling in a pulsating and time-varying manner in the target object and/or in the medium and effect induced vibration of electrons and molecules of the target object and the medium. The invention also relates to a method applying a superimposed time-varying frequency electromagnetic wave to a target object or a target region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for preventing corrosion of at least one metallic structure in an electrolyte medium, comprising applying a superimposed time-varying frequency electromagnetic wave to the structure, the method comprising the steps of generating a superimposed time-varying frequency electromagnetic wave (DAC wave) where an AC driving signal with time-varying frequency is riding on a DC output with a predefined DC bias voltage, transmitting the DAC wave current to one or more emitters, emitting the DAC wave via the one or more emitters, placing the one or more emitters at a spaced distance from the metallic structure, subjecting the metallic structure to the DAC wave current, controlling the negative return current of the DAC wave from the metallic structure, such that the DAC wave is distributed across the structure surface and directly excites a target region of the metallic structure, and wherein the excitation induces a flow of ionic current having a DC component travelling in a

Abstract: A kit for extermination of pest animals in furniture and a method for using the kit are disclosed. A sheet is provided over upholstered furniture. The sheet may be provided with ballast at the edges for keeping the sheet more or less fixed. Heated air is forced underneath the sheet. The furniture is preferably provided with an air treatment module for forcing air through the upholstery like a mattress. This allows the heated air provided by the forced air supply to be provided to the upholstery via the inside, highly increasing efficiency of heat treatment of the furniture. A way of controlling temperature of air provided by the forced air supply is disclosed, as well as a way of controlling temperature of air actually within the spaced defined by the positioned sheet. The latter allows for improved control of maintaining a temperature at which for example bed bugs are killed.

Abstract: Various embodiments mitigate the risk of frequency-lock in systems having multiple resonators by dynamically changing the frequency at which at least one of the resonators is driven. More particularly, the drive frequency of at least one of the resonators is changed often enough that the multiple resonators do not have time to achieve frequency lock. Changes in the oscillation of the resonators may be analyzed to determine, for example, acceleration of such systems. Some embodiments implement self-test by assessing expected performance of a system with toggling drive frequencies. More particularly, some embodiments implement self-test by artificially inducing displacement of a movable member of a system.

Abstract: Present invention is a device and a method for collecting targeted insects or targeted insect communities on plants. It can be used to non-destructively collect insect communities from a single plant. Alternatively, it can be used to collect a targeted insect from a plant. Present invention consists of the following elements: a first hose; an extended air nozzle; a thumb lever push valve; a brass barb; a second hose; a knapsack; a pneumatic mini timer; a carbon dioxide flow regulator; a carbon dioxide tank; a bag; a drawstring; and a glass vial. The present invention can be used as follows: consulting a chart; setting carbon dioxide flow regulator; setting pneumatic mini timer; deploying a bag over a plant; cinching said bag; depressing thumb lever; shaking bag to relocate targeted insects from bag into the glass vial; detaching glass vial; and capping glass vial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for exterminating and/or driving away pests, more particularly insects, preferably Nematocera and Brachycera. The fundamental inventive idea is that of using individual small drops to exterminate or drive away pests. Risk to humans is advantageously avoided.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of pest elimination including all life stages of bed bugs. The present disclosure includes articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests.

Abstract: A termite barrier seal including a hollow seal body having a wall surrounding an axial bore extending from an insertion end to a surface end. A closure formation is located about the surface end for engagement with a closure for the orifice of the bore at the surface end of the seal body. A one-way valve at or intermediate the insertion end and the surface end of the seal body, the one-way valve arranged to permit liquid flow through the axial bore, but to prevent liquid flow to the surface end. An external seal about the seal body for sealing the wall of the seal body against the internal surface of a hole drilled through a concrete slab. An internal seal engages the seal body for sealing the wall against an external face of an injector when inserted into the bore of the seal body.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and controlling cellulose-consuming pests in a predetermined location provides for the use of an assembly that has a main body with a cylindrical upper portion and a lower portion continuously co-axially formed with the upper portion. The lower portion is formed as blades meeting at a lowermost point and defining a sharp bottom point that helps penetrate the soil in the selected location. A plurality of cellulose-containing bait units are detachably fitted in the lower portion and the upper portion. The bait units fitted in the lower portion are retained by the blade portions, which engage radial slots of the bait units. A moisture-retaining member is positioned in the upper portion above an uppermost of the bait units. A removable cap frictionally fittingly engages with the upper portion. The cap has an opening allowing water to be poured into the main body to moisten the bait units and make them more attractive to foraging insects.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring and controlling cellulose-consuming pests in a predetermined location above ground level or in the walls of buildings, such as on or in interior or exterior walls of residential or commercial buildings, aboard boats and watercraft, directly on infested support members like beams, studs, and joists, attached to landscape features like timbers, fences, and sheds, and on infested trees. The system is meant to be an attractive system to the termites, rather than an interceptor system like the present art. A plurality of cellulose-containing bait units are removably placed in the assembly. A moisture-retaining member is positioned in the upper portion above an uppermost of the bait units. A removable cap frictionally fittingly engages with the upper portion. The cap has an opening allowing liquid, such as water, to be poured into the main body to moisten the bait units and make them more attractive to foraging insects.

Abstract: In an above-ground termite station for detecting and controlling termites above ground in an operating configuration of the termite station, a container of the termite station defines an interior space and is at least in part configured for abutting against and being mounted on an above-ground mounting surface. The container is configurable between a closed configuration and an open configuration in which the interior space of the container is accessible while the container is mounted on the mounting surface. A cartridge is sized and configured for insertion in and removal from the interior space of the container and is generally an aggregation member, a bait matrix separate from the aggregation member, and a holder at least in part holding the aggregation member and bait matrix in assembly with the holder for positioning of the cartridge relative to the interior space of the container as a single unit.

Abstract: A waterproof lockable door and a pressure adjusted plug thereof are provided. An electronic device is formed with an opening having an annular wall. The waterproof lockable door includes a cover member having at least one through hole and a pressure adjusted plug including a waterproof member and at least one fastening unit. The waterproof member includes at least one fastening hole. The fastening unit is formed with a head portion and a rod portion, and the rod portion is received in the through hole and moves relative to the cover member, thereby driving the outer periphery of the waterproof member to be tightly adjacent to annular wall. Accordingly, the tolerance of the annular wall and the waterproof member and the air pressure inside an opening both force the waterproof member to move.

Abstract: Described herein is a refrigeration system for bedbug eradication. The refrigeration system comprises a generator, a condensing unit, and a portable evaporating and blowing unit connected with the condensing unit for transporting into a bedbug-infested room of a building. Temperature sensors are used for monitoring an ambient temperature in the bedbug-infested room to ensure that the temperature drops to a predetermined temperature to kill the bedbugs and their eggs. Moisture in the bedbug-infested room is removed with a dehumidifier prior to cooling down the bedbug-infested room with the evaporating and blowing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing biological detection. The system includes: at least one polymodal sensor for collectively detecting at least two conditions; and at least one node, each node including at least one of the polymodal sensors. The system also includes at least one data collector; each data collector communicating with one or more of the at least one node, and each data collector storing local information in a local knowledge base and providing a treatment dispensing unit, and at least one server, each server communicating with one or more of the at least one data collector, and each server updating a global knowledge base. The at least two conditions are utilized in detecting the presence of biological activity from either one or both knowledge bases.

Abstract: The present invention provides an encasement for preventing arthropods contamination of an object or for decontaminating an object contaminated with arthropods. The encasement comprises an enclosure defining an aperture, the enclosure being formed of an arthropod impervious material. The encasement also comprises a cover formed of an arthropod impervious material and shaped to cover the aperture, the cover being attachable to the enclosure to prevent arthropods from escaping or entering the encasement. The encasement also comprises a heating source linked to the encasement for heating an interior of the encasement and a heater control device connected to the heating source for controlling the temperature within the encasement. The aperture is sized to allow use of the object upon separation of the cover from the enclosure and the enclosure and cover are sized and shaped to completely house the object upon attachment between the cover and the enclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of pest elimination including all life stages of bed bugs. The present disclosure includes articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating bedbug infestations, that involves filling the lower portions of the void spaces inside a wall with a thick and stable foam, to form a foam barrier inside the walls, allowing the foam barrier to collapse over time to coat portions of the interior of the wall with residual foam. The foam may contain a non-repellant pesticide, but certain foams are effective in treating bedbugs even if the foam does not contain any pesticide.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer knife presents a leading edge and rear tube receiving portion. The rear tube receiving portion is precision cast to frictionally receive the distal end of a flexible polymer fertilizer tube which is connected, at least indirectly, to an implement fertilizer tank. The rear tube receiving portion also has at least one opening at the lower end thereof for allowing fertilizer to escape from the flexible polymer fertilizer tube into the surrounding soil during a fertilizing operation.

Abstract: An acoustic signal for attracting rats comprising a playback recording or synthetic generation of vocalizations of rats or mice is provided. The vocalizations may be of rat pups, and may be characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 1.8-7.5 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the ranges of 21-24 kHz, 40-50 kHz and/or 60-96 kHz. The vocalizations may be of adult male rats, including courting adult male rats, characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 15-20 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the range of 20-100 kHz. The vocalizations may be of adult female mice, including nursing adult female mice, characterized by sonic frequency components in the range of 8-12 kHz and/or ultrasonic frequency components in the range of 25-100 kHz.

Abstract: A grain pest control apparatus includes an input unit adapted to accept input of grain; a heating unit adapted to heat the grain supplied from the input unit; and a removal unit adapted to remove heat from the grain heated by the heating unit, wherein the removal unit includes a cylindrical body provided with an air passage hole in a wall surface and adapted to receive the heated grain and a heat collecting chamber installed by surrounding the cylindrical body and connected to an exhaust channel, and removes heat from the heated grain by causing air supplied into the cylindrical body to pass through the air passage hole and escape via the heat collecting chamber.

Abstract: A method for controlling bivalve growth in a static or semi-static service water system of a plant is disclosed. Upon detecting an increase in the concentration of veligers or settlement stage bivalves, potassium is introduced into the service water to obtain a potassium cation concentration of between 10 mg/l and 150 mg/l for a period of 2 to 30 days. The methods are particularly useful for controlling zebra mussel growth in service water systems for fire prevention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for eliminating parasites and parasitic insects. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for eliminating parasitic insects, such as bed bugs through use of uniform directional heating. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, radiant heat is used over a designated period of time (e.g., cleaning cycle) in order to eliminate parasites in a contaminated area enveloped by a blanket like structure.

Abstract: A device for the extermination of burrowing vermin is disclosed. The device is configured as a plenum chamber having an intake adapted for sealed communication with the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. An outflow conduit communicates between the plenum chamber and a burrow entrance for vermin such as gophers. Heat and gas under pressure from the engine is communicated through the outflow conduit to the burrow along with any fumes from heated liquid or solids deposited to the plenum chamber to rid the burrow of any subterranean occupants.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with electropositive metals, including apparatuses and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs.

Abstract: A tool to pierce burrowing rodent infested grounds to find their tunnels and deposit poison therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for using microwave energy for treating an infected site infested with insects or other small pests is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a source of microwave energy connected to a power source and a power controller, a transmission element, and an antenna. The apparatus can also comprise an isolator to protect the source of microwave energy. Methods to use such an apparatus for treatment of an infected site is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the eradication and killing of microorganisms from among insects and worms in an aqueous system, especially for the control and eradication of the larvae. A sustained reduction or killing of the larvae is achieved by a two-step method in which insecticides and a zooplankton community are used as biological agents. The insecticides specifically kill the larvae present in the aqueous system. The biological agents, which according to the invention preferably comprise competitors for food of the above microorganisms/larvae, prevent repopulation. The combined use of insecticidal and biological treatment in aqueous systems allows an efficient and permanent eradication.

Abstract: An artificial predator is a robotic system that does two tasks at the same time by eating An artificial predator will harvest chemical energy from the environment in which it lives by (eating) a target species. The target species is programmed into the robot. The robot uses neural nets (or similar system) for discerning what to target and what to ignore. Then the robot can convert this food into energy. After this process is completed, the robot will continue to hunt and consume its target species. The robot would move through the ecosystem, whether it is natural or manmade. It can be trained to attack a specific target. One potential target would be a plant like a weed on a large agricultural farm. Another potential target could be a pest such as an invasive species of plant or animal. This robot can detect and destroy pests.

Abstract: A composition in compacted form for use for termite monitoring and control comprises a cellulose material which may be purified cellulose or microcrystalline cellulose as a base bait, the composition being compacted to an optimum density of not less than approximately 1.033 g/cc. Also disclosed is a method for monitoring and controlling termite infestations which comprises the steps of a) preparing such a composition; b) placing the composition in a bait station; c) monitoring the station at periodic time intervals for termites; and d) upon observing termite infestation in the bait station, replacing the above composition with a bait composition containing a termite killing agent.

Abstract: A method of treating soil adjacent a structure generally includes positioning an injection apparatus over a first injection site generally adjacent a structure. The injection apparatus is operated to inject pesticide down into the soil at the first injection site without prior disturbance of the soil at the first injection site. The injection apparatus is moved over a second injection site at least in part different from the first injection site and generally adjacent the structure. The injection apparatus is operated to inject pesticide down into the soil at the second injection site and without prior disturbance of the soil at the second injection site.

Abstract: A process for removing or treating harmful biological and chemical substances from an enclosure, such as a building or vehicle by using heated air. The method of the present invention is non-toxic and can be performed in a relatively short amount of time while effectively killing and removing a large proportion of dead organisms and substantially reducing volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the migration of termites into a structure is provided including the steps of forming a band across exposed faces of external masonry walls of the structure wherein the band is disposed above ground level and includes, at least in part, a settable composition wherein in a set condition the settable composition is sealably engaged with a physical termite barrier, said physical termite barrier forming at least part of a termite barrier extending between a concrete slab of the structure and a mortar course in the external masonry walls.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide dispensers and delivery devices that release their contents at sustained rates. An exemplary device may include one or more reservoirs for holding a solid, semisolid, liquid or gaseous substance that may be released outside the device. Exemplary devices enable sustained release of their contents over a predetermined period of time, for example, up to a month or more. Exemplary devices also enable release of the contents according to, for example, predetermined release rates and profiles customized for the use of the device. Each reservoir of the device may include one or more apertures through which the contents may be released outside the reservoir. Each aperture may be covered by one or more porous membranes to allow sustained release of the contents of the reservoir.

Abstract: A pesticide delivery system integrated into an overflow drain system of a bathtub, a sink, or any other water-retaining basin. The pesticide delivery system includes a pesticide intake segment passing through a transition passage, wherein the transition passage is formed through a wall of a section of the overflow drain system. A fluid retentive seal is located between an exterior of the pesticide intake segment and the overflow conduit wall. A pesticide distribution conduit extends from a distribution end of the pesticide intake segment to a termination end. Pesticide can be discharged through a pesticide delivery port located at an end of the pesticide distribution conduit or through a plurality of pesticide distribution ports spatially located along the pesticide distribution conduit. A plurality of pesticide distribution continuation conduits can be in fluid communication with the pesticide distribution conduit to distribute the pesticide along various directions and locations.

Abstract: A fossorial animal control product and related methods are disclosed herein. The fossorial animal control product is a non-toxic and biodegradable super absorbent polymer combined with a compost agent. The fossorial animal control product is disposed in a fossorial animal burrow. When hydrated and allowed a sufficient amount time to expand, the fossorial animal control product obstructs the entrance to the burrow, a portion of the burrow or substantially fully obstructs burrow. The fossorial animal control product releases water and nutrients over time within the burrow. This assists flora proximate to the burrow that were damaged by fossorial animal activity to recover. Use of the fossorial animal control product also fills ground surface voids created by fossorial animals thus reducing trip hazards commonly encountered in playgrounds or sporting facilities.