Abstract: Disclosed herein is an insect control system that involves injection of hot liquid (e.g. water or other ecologically suitable liquid) into a mound or nest of target insects. The system includes a tank, a heating component, a hose, a pump and an injector component. The system may further include an actuator to control release of hot liquid through the injector component as well as components to keep the operator safe from hot liquid. Typically, the tank will hold a volume of liquid and the system heats the liquid to about 150° F. or more.

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 system for disinfecting regulated refuse using steam disinfection used a refuse container where the regulated refuse is deposited. Temperature sensors are positioned below and above the refuse to detect the temperature of the disinfecting process, while a recording device operationally connected to the temperature sensors creates an identifying chart, which provides for identification of the time and temperature of processing, origin of the regulated refuse, as well as date and location of the processing.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a method, apparatus and system for treating fire ant mounds. One or more aspects comprise a pressure vessel for holding water and steam, a water-heating circuitous pipe network for heating water and a steam-heating circuitous pipe network for heating steam. A heat source contemporaneously heats the water-heating circuitous pipe network, the steam-heating circuitous pipe network and the pressure vessel. Steam is generated, superheated and is supplied to a probe for applying steam to fire ant mounds. A nozzle containing counter-sunken ports may be attached to the probe. A sliding hammer to aid insertion and extraction may be fixed to the probe. An articulated protective shroud attached to the probe remains in contact with the ant mound surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for killing bed bugs and other insects utilizing steam to increase the temperature of an area beyond the bed bugs' and other insect's thermal death point. Steam created by a steam generator is directed into an area for a sufficient amount of time to ensure that the bed bugs and other insects die. Furthermore, the systems and methods may include a barrier that defines a thermal kill zone which prevents bed bugs and other insects from escaping during treatment. Injection members may be used to more precisely direct steam in specific areas within the thermal kill zone and/or in joints, cracks, or crevices where bed bugs and other insects may be located.

Abstract: An extermination apparatus for extermination of insect pests is disclosed herein, In various aspects, the apparatus includes a housing that defines a chamber within. The chamber has a mouth that may be interposed over a surface to be treated, in various aspects. The housing, in various aspects, is, adapted to admit steam from a steam supply into the chamber. A bonnet may be removably disposed over the mouth of the chamber, with the bonnet being permeable to steam to allow the steam to flow from the chamber through the mouth and through the bonnet disposed over the mouth. Related methods of use of the extermination apparatus are also disclosed herein. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only. This Abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for treating fire ant mounds. The invention comprises a pressure vessel for holding water and steam, a water heating coil for heating water and a steam heating coil for heating steam. A heat source contemporaneously heats the water heating coil, the steam heating coil and the pressure vessel. Steam is generated, superheated and is supplied to a probe for applying steam to fire ant mounds. A nozzle containing countersunken ports may be attached to the probe. A sliding hammer to aid insertion and extraction may be fixed to the probe. An articulated protective shroud attached to the probe remains in contact with the ant mound surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing parasites from bees within a hive. The apparatus has a housing that extends from a first end to a second end and has a hollow interior. An air moving device is attached to the first end and a spout is connected to the second end. A container is located within the hollow interior of the housing and contains a parasite killing solution therein. The spout is then connected to a bee hive such that a heating system in communication with the housing can cause the parasite killing solution to boil allowing the air moving device to take the steam from the parasite killing solution to the interior of the hive to kill parasites.

Abstract: A system for exterminating insects and several embodiments thereof are presented. Steam is generated and transported to a movable applicator. The applicator is positioned over a designated area of ground and the steam is applied exterminating the insects on and/or under the designated area of ground.

Abstract: A system for exterminating insects and several embodiments thereof are presented. Steam is generated and transported to a movable applicator. The applicator is positioned over a designated area of ground and the steam is applied exterminating the insects on and/or under the designated area of ground.

Abstract: A mechanized system for exterminating and several embodiments thereof are presented. Steam is generated and transported to a movable applicator. The applicator is positioned over a designated area of ground and the steam is applied exterminating the insects on and/or under the designated area of ground.

Abstract: A fire ant eradication apparatus comprises a tubular handle having a first end adapted for attachment to a pressurized water source and a second end. The apparatus further includes a conduit having proximal and distal ends relative to a user with the proximal end coupled to the second end of the handle for fluid transmission therebetween. A dispensing assembly is attached to the handle with the conduit extending therethrough. Insecticide is aspirated from the dispensing assembly into the conduit as water flows through the conduit. The conduit includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart nozzle assemblies for dispersing the insecticide from the conduit. The distal end of the conduit includes a point assembly having a cone section and a tip. The upper end of the cone section has a diameter greater than the diameter of the conduit such that the nozzle assemblies will not become clogged with soil as the apparatus is inserted into the ground.

Abstract: A portable, steam weed killing apparatus designed to be environmentally friendly, economical, fast acting and used by an individual standing in an upright position. The apparatus is intended for killing weeds and unwanted plants in gardens, flower beds and along sidewalks by application of concentrated heated water or steam thereto. The apparatus includes electrically powered, portable steam generating unit containing a water reservoir, an electric pump and an electric steam heater. The apparatus also includes an elongated, rigid guide bar with a weed cover attached to its distal end. A flexible hose delivers steam from the steam generating unit to the weed cover. During use, the weed cover is placed over the undesired plant and the steam generating unit is operated to deliver a concentrated amount of steam to the plant located inside the weed cover.

Abstract: A non-toxic fire ant extermination system providing probe injection of scalding water below ground level within a fire ant mound is disclosed. The system includes a propane fueled water heater and water circulating pump capable of heating water in the range of 200 to 210 degrees Fahrenheit and of delivering the same at a flow rate of least three gallons per minute which is effective to eradicate the insects within the core region of a fire ant mound. The injection probe features a cylindrical capture shield which is radially disposed about the probe and adapted for sliding attachment therewith being spring-biased in a downward direction against the surface of the ground during operation thereof to retain the intense heat generated by the process,to capture fire ants emerging from the mound, and to protect the operator from the backflow of scalding water as the treatment proceeds.

Abstract: A method, compositions and apparatus are disclosed for causing the death of pupating insects, especially fleas, at all stages of the life cycle. The invention includes by both direct and residual insecticidal extermination of juveniles, adults, larvae and eggs, and also provides an environment of elevated humidity, temperature and pressure around pupal cocoons to cause the cocoons open quickly, so that the emergent insects are killed by residual insecticide, thus providing complete termination of an insect infestation and prevention of development of new infestations from subsequent emergence of metamorphosed insects from surviving pupa. Extermination occurs from the simultaneous application of a "residual" adulticide, a "residual" larvacide, and high temperature hot water under pressure to the infested location.

Abstract: A method for controlling weeds and undergrowth and for treating plants in agricultural settings is disclosed. The method is characterized by first applying a spray of hot water to the plant, and then applying a foam blanket to the sprayed plants, whereby heat from the hot water spray is held against the plants.

Abstract: A system to exterminate and control subterranean termites and other subterranean pests inhabiting a subterranean area surrounding or in close proximity to a structure having a perimeter near ground level and support pads includes a plurality of first pipes, a plurality of second pipes, a source of steam, a plurality of temperature sensors, a temperature display and a controller. Each pipe has a plurality of holes in its sidewall. The first and second pipes are disposed beneath ground level along the perimeter of the structure and along its support pads, respectively. The source of steam is fluidly coupled to the pipes. Each temperature sensor is disposed adjacent to one of the pipes. The temperature sensors generate temperature signals. The temperature display displays a temperature reading of the temperature adjacent to each pipe in response to the temperature signals. The controller regulates pressure and/or temperature of the source of steam in response to the temperature signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for killing insects in produce, which comprises an outer container; means for dividing a space enclosed by the outer container into first and second internal chambers; means for supporting a plurality of bulk produce bins in the first internal chamber; first and second air passage means for selectively allowing passage of air between the first internal chamber and the second internal chamber; means for circulating air in the second internal chamber successively through one of the air passage means, the first internal chamber, the other of the air passage means, and back into the second internal chamber; and means for heating the circulating air.

Abstract: A method for eradicating fire ants includes connecting a supply of pressurized water to a dispenser handle, forcing water or a water and insecticide mixture out a vertical probe to drench the top of the fire ant mound, slowly inserting the probe into the fire ant mound with the water or water and insecticide mixture flowing, and then slowly pulling the probe out of the mound while flooding the mound with the water and insecticide mixture. A dispenser for accomplishing the method includes a handle that may be attached to a source of pressurized water, a bottle attached to the handle containing insecticide, a vertical probe attached to the handle for injecting water and insecticide into a fire ant mound, a conduit to allow water to pass from the pressurized source through the handle and out the probe, and a means of aspirating insecticide into the water flowing through the handle and the probe.

Abstract: An exterminating arrangement for exterminating the Argentina Fire Ant is disclosed. The arrangement includes a holding and pressure tank, a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the holding and pressure tank, a superheater in fluid communication with the heat exchanger, and a dome in fluid communication with the superheater.

Abstract: An insect killing system is disclosed which comprises a circulation chamber within which steam is allowed to flow and circulate and a differential insect killing cell which forces the steam within the circulation chamber to flow therethrough. In this insect killing system, by guiding the steam in the circulation chamber maintained at a preselected temperature and humidity into the differential insect killing cell, the product temperature or fruit core temperature of raw fruit can be maintained at a desired level so as to kill out the maggots and eggs of insect pests such as orange flies and melon flies attaching to the raw fruit contained within the differential insect killing cell.

Abstract: A tubular ground probe is provided for downward penetration into an underground habitat of insects or animals and the upper end of the probe is provided with inlet means for steam under pressure. A downwardly opening shield is provided on the lower portion of the probe and is slidable therealong and the shield includes a side vent for venting steams erupting from the ground within the confines of the shield downwardly and outwardly from peripheral portion of the shield.

Abstract: An insect killing system is disclosed which comprises a circulation chamber within which steam is allowed to flow and circulate in a transverse or horizontal direction and a differential insect killing cell which forces the steam within the circulation chamber to flow in a vertical direction. In this insect killing system, by guiding the steam in the circulation chamber maintained at preselected temperature and humidity into the differential insect killing cell, the product temperature of fruit core temperature of raw fruit can be maintained at a desired level so as to kill out the maggots and eggs of insect pests such as orange flies and melon flies attaching to the raw fruit contained within the differential insect killing cell.