Abstract: The invention relates to a method of impacting the fruit production of a plant or crop by applying short-duration thermal shock streams of hot air to the plant periodically to impact the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway mechanisms in a plant thereby improving its fruit. The method includes the steps of (1) passing by the plant in a row at a speed of 1-5 mph in an improved Thermal Plant Treatment (TPT) machine, (2) ejecting from the TPT machine at least one hot stream of air in the direction of the unit plant area for no more than 15 seconds per unit plant area per pass, (3) optionally measuring the thermal shock profile that the plant is subjected with thermal sensors, and (4) repeating the thermal shock profile treatment steps (1) and (2) at pre-determined regular intervals over at least a fraction of the crop year.

Abstract: A bug killing gun includes a compressed gas source fluidly connected to a chamber connected to a barrel. A compressed gas release mechanism is connected to the compressed gas source. A projectile storage magazine stores particulate projectiles and is located adjacent the chamber. A projectile loading mechanism moves the projectiles into the chamber from the magazine. A cocking mechanism is mechanically connected to the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism, and the projectile loading mechanism. A stock houses and supports the compressed gas source, the compressed gas release mechanism, the barrel, the chamber, the projectile storage magazine, the cocking mechanism and the projectile loading mechanism. When the gun is cocked, the projectile loading mechanism loads a predetermined quantity of the particulate projectiles into the chamber. When the compressed gas release mechanism is activated the projectiles are ejected from the chamber into the barrel and expelled from the gun.

Abstract: A method for thermal pest control in fruit production and agriculture involves projecting at least one stream of hot air to a crop from a movable vehicle which moves in a direction substantially parallel to rows of the crop. The stream of hot air can be projected substantially parallel to, substantially transverse to, or substantially oblique to the rows of the crop.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly insect eradication method and apparatus for removing invasive insects from tunnels bored through and within trees and other similarly composed structures by providing a canister containing a pressurized, non-flammable, non-ozone depleting fluorocarbon propellent disposed therein with the propellent having a pre-use internal pressure in the approximate range of about 75 psig to 150 psig and where the pressure is sufficient to introduce some or all of the propellent into the internal portion of an insect tunnel bored in an invaded structure. A gas introduction nozzle is inserted into an entrance or exiting insect bore in such a manner so as to cause a valve mechanism, in operative communication with the nozzle and cannister to be displaced and allow the propellent to exit the canister and enter the internal portion of the invaded insect bore to displace or otherwise eradicate the insect.

Abstract: A method for thermal pest control in fruit production and agriculture involves projecting at least one stream of hot air to a crop from a movable vehicle which moves in a direction substantially parallel to rows of the crop.

Abstract: A flying insect repellant system includes a duct system, a blower, and a plurality of delivery mechanisms. The duct system has an intake end and a least one exhaust end for the delivery of air. The blower is connected to the intake end of the duct system. A plurality of delivery mechanisms, conjunctively defining a perimeter, each delivery mechanism having at least one orifice being connected to one of said exhaust ends, each said delivery mechanism having an airflow emanating therefrom traveling greater than approximately 1½ miles per hour.

Abstract: A flying insect repellant system includes a duct system, a blower, and a plurality of delivery mechanisms. The duct system has an intake end and a least one exhaust end for the delivery of air. The blower is connected to the intake end of the duct system. A plurality of delivery mechanisms, conjunctively defining a perimeter, each have at least one orifice and are connected to an exhaust end of the duct system. Each delivery mechanism is configured for creating a boundary of moving air sufficient to inhibit flying insects from penetrating therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously inspecting and treating a pet for the presence of unwanted insects by applying an insecticide or ointment directly to a pet's skin, hair, or fur. The apparatus comprises a blower to part the pet's hair or fur, a light to enhance visibility, a detachable pump sprayer to disperse the insecticide or ointment, and tweezers to grip and extract an insect.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus is disclosed for mechanically removing and destroying insects and related pests from low growing crops. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is affixed to a three-point hitch and power takeoff of a standard farm tractor and comprises a dual fan assembly connected by forced air ducts and suction hoses to a plurality of suction shoes. One of the fans forces air through ducts to individual intakes on the shoes, where the air is directed through manifolds down to oppositely aligned blast channels on the lower edges of plant tunnels. These channels lead the forced air current up toward pest receiving outlets in the top center of the interior of each tunnel. Suction hoses, leading from the other fan, apply a partial vacuum to expansion compartments located directly above the pest receiver outlets.In operation, the eradictor is lowered over parallel rows of plants until the plant tunnels enclose subject plants.