Abstract: The present specification relates to a clothing treatment apparatus and a control method therefor, the clothing treatment apparatus comprising: a plurality of inverters for controlling the motors of a drum, a compressor, and a blowing fan; a converter for converting input power input from an external source and outputting the converted power to the inverters; and a control unit for controlling the plurality of inverters and the converter.

Abstract: In order to easily regulate the supply of welding wire to the welding point during a welding process, the electrical potential produced by the welding current around the electrode is tapped with the welding wire and the control of the welding wire feed speed is carried out on the basis of the tapped potential and this control results in an average welding wire feed speed being established.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for controlling and monitoring a mosquito misting system. The apparatus includes a chemical reservoir, a delivery system, a spray system, one or more sensors, a communication network and a misting management unit. The sensors may detect normal and abnormal operations of the misting system and send this data to the misting management unit. The misting management unit may then analyze the data and determine the problem. If the problem can be fixed without personnel, the misting management unit may simply adjust the system and fix the problem. If the problem requires personnel, the system may automatically schedule the service call based on a number of criteria.

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 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 high pressure injection system for applying a pesticide includes a portable, handheld application tool and a manifold head connected to the application tool. The manifold head has at least one internal passage. At least one high pressure nozzle is positioned in the manifold head and in fluid communication with the at least one internal passage. The at least one high pressure nozzle is operable at pressures between about 25 psi and about 10,000 psi. A contact plate is mounted to the manifold head and has at least one opening aligned with the at least one high pressure nozzle. A source of pesticide is fluidly connected to the at least one high pressure nozzle. A discharge valve is moveable between a closed position wherein the pesticide is inhibited from flowing to the at least one high pressure nozzle and an opened position wherein pesticide flows to the at least one high pressure nozzle.

Abstract: An system and method for coupling a capsule body and cap is provided. The system and method provide a first conduit configured to align a capsule body and a second conduit configured to align a capsule cap. The system and method provide for a pressure-relief cavity in at least one of the first conduit and the second conduit.

Abstract: The present application includes a module including a panel positionable in or at an opening of an enclosed space to define a fumigation chamber. A fumigation inlet can be arranged in the panel to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamger. Mixing fans are provided that can circulate gases within the fumigation chamber. A system control box can be linked to the fumigant delivery orifice and valve system to control the flow of gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel can be secure against the passage of fumigant by a seal located around a perimeter of the panel.

Abstract: A method and semi-permanent system for applying various pesticides within an interior space of a building structure includes a pipeline having a plurality of solenoid valves, each valve controlled by a microcontroller so that a predetermined amount of pesticide is distributed according to a predetermined, sequential timed firing sequence. The pipeline is installed external to an interior wall surface and may extend to areas far removed from the wall. A second pipeline supplies air to the solenoid valves and the microcontroller controls the flow of air to the valves so that an effective wet spray-cold aerosol fogging may be achieved. One or more sensors may be used to monitor the interior space of the building for purposes of safety. The entire system may be controlled through a computer interface, a network interface controller, a web-based interface, or a wireless device interface.

Abstract: Such apparatuses are used for discharging active substances along with various carrier media, water often being used as a carrier medium. In order to ensure that the water perfectly nebulizes together with the active substance, the mist pipe (10) comprises at least three additional pipes (3 to 6) which partly surround each other to form annular chambers (31 to 33). Such a mist pipe (10) allows the size distribution of the drops to be kept within narrow limits even when water is used as a carrier medium. The nebulizer and the mist pipe (10) are mainly used in the health sector, in agriculture, plantations and greenhouses, for protecting supplies and for disinfection purposes on humans, in animal husbandry, and in food production.

Abstract: A fragrance diffuser kit is provided comprising a decanter, a fragrance refill set, a removable snuffer cap and a removable decorative vented lid. The decanter may be selected from a plurality of unique and decorative designs that are suitable for prominent display as a piece of home décor. The fragrance refill set comprises a bottle of high-quality fragrance composition for filling the decanter and a replacement wick, whereby the user may select and change the fragrance emitted by the fragrance diffuser. The decanter incorporates a wick holder having a top opening that communicates with a top opening in the decanter body so that a wick from the fragrance refill set may be inserted and held in a position to absorb and emit the fragrance composition contained in the decanter. The snuffer cap may be used to stop the emission of the fragrance composition and the vented lid may be used to hide the wick and snuffer cap, if present.

Abstract: A mount for aiming and firing an aerosol spray can having housing with legs extending from a housing point creating a central axis whereby the housing and aerosol can freely rotate 360 degrees serving to stir the can contents and having rotative fasteners for fixing the angle of the housing and therefore spray path to a desired target and an adjustable laser for targeting and calibrating the device, with an access door and locking member for securing an aerosol spray can therein, whereby when actuated via remote control, operates to turn a cam and series of linkages in a manner whereby a pushrod is driven downwards to discharge the held aerosol can at an interval relative to the cams speed setting.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for killing insects on vegetation using an insecticide, where the insecticide does not contact the vegetation. In one embodiment, an absorbent material is placed on an upper surface of a disc mower. The absorbent material is soaked with insecticide, and as a tractor moves the mower through a field of hay, insects land on the insecticide-laden material and die from the toxic effect of the insecticide. In another embodiment, an L-shaped blade outfitted with an insecticide-laden mat is mounted transverse to the front of an all-terrain vehicle or a tractor, which is driven through a field. The blade, or alternatively a feeder bar attached to the blade, brushes the tips of vegetation in the field, causing bugs and insects to fly, fall or jump from the vegetation onto the insecticide-laden mat, where the insecticide kills some, most or all of the bugs and insects.

Abstract: As shown in FIG. 1 there is one embodiment of a fumigation apparatus in the form of a module (8) including a panel (10) which can be positioned in or at an opening of an enclosed space in use to define a fumigation chamber. Fumigant inlet means in the form of an orifice (12) are arranged in the panel (10) to allow a flow of a fumigant directly into the fumigation chamber. A nominal number of mixing fans, in this case two fans (16) and (18), thoroughly circulate gases within the fumigation chamber when operating. The module (8) includes a system control box (14) linked to the fumigant delivery orifice (12) and valve system which functions to control the flow of toxic gas into the fumigation chamber. The panel (10), when positioned in use, is secure against the passage of fumigant and gases by means of an inflatable rubber seal (22) which is located around a lip edge perimeter of the panel (10).

Abstract: This invention provides a safe and effective product for extinguishing of insects (particularly Wasps, Bees and other flying insects). The device comprises a spray can or other spraying type device containing glue which can be sprayed in conjunction with an insecticide which is effective against nesting and/or other flying insects. When the user approaches a hornet's nest the individual can spay this device at the opening of the hole which will effectively seal the hole (entrance to the nest) and kill the inhabitants. Typically (prior to this invention) one would spray a wasp nest and run for their lives in hope of not getting stung. This device will saves thousands or lives and will be a significant advance in the art of preventing medical and loss of work and other cost due to bee and wasp stings.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purpose of dispensing a chemical agent whose function is to detract or alternatively attract and destroy, insects, in particular, flying insects. The apparatus consists of a chemical source, a connection to a fluid source, usually water, a reservoir for chemical mixing and a pump for mixing and creating pressure. Mixing reservoir is of such size to eliminate any chance of chemical mixture separation and where the chemical mixture is agitated prior to each dispensing cycle. Fluid is disbursed under pressure through a series of atomizing devices, interconnected to the apparatus through a flexible plastic delivery conduit. The Apparatus functions are controlled through the use of an electronic interface. Preferred agent used is pyrethrum based, naturally occurring or synthesized, which possesses an antagonistic effect toward targeted pests but apparatus is designed to be adaptable to a wide range chemicals.

Abstract: A device for safely exterminating and removing insects and their nests includes a mesh basket supported on the distal end of a telescopically extendable pole. The basket is structured to partially collapse and includes a rubber gasket around an open top for sealed engagement against the surface surrounding the nest, thereby effectively containing the nest and capturing flying and crawling insects in the basket. A pressurized canister containing a chemical substance snaps into operable position on the pole, near the basket. A handle on the proximal end of the pole includes a trigger for actuating release of the chemical substance from the pressurized canister and towards the nest, thereby killing the captured insects. A blade supported within the basket enables removal of the nest from the surface after all of the insects have been exterminated. A splash shield removably attaches to the pole, below the basket, to protect the user from the chemical sprayed on the nest.

Abstract: A system and method for vehicular mounted chemical and organic agent delivery. An apparatus and method are disclosed wherein an aluminum frame is utilized to mount a high power blower. The apparatus is designed to be mounted on a vehicle. A chemical or organic agent is loaded into a reservoir also mounted on the vehicle. By the use of a peristaltic pump, the chemical or organic agent is pumped into a nozzle and introduced into the wind flow, thereby allowing for airborne application of the agent. The apparatus has the ability to adjust the rate of the pump in accordance with a predetermined or constantly ascertained ground-speed. A user operates the vehicle and applies the chemical or organic agent at will.

Abstract: A spray shield assembly for providing an expandable spray shield connectable to a variety of sprayer types. The spray shield assembly includes a shield member having an accordion section to permit expanding a length of the shield member. The spray shield assembly includes a plurality of interchangeable lids, each lid being designed for attachment to a particular type of sprayer including a garden hose type sprayer and a bottle type sprayer.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus for spraying agricultural chemicals over shrubbery and small size trees and plants in early stages of their growth positioned in arrays with empty areas therebetween, has a storage for an agricultural chemicals to be sprayed, a spraying assembly having the shape of an upside down “U” and provided with a plurality of spraying nozzles, a detector for detecting the presence of a plant, and an activator for activating the spraying nozzles, after the detector detects a plant, to spray the plant inside the spraying assembly, the spraying assembly having a substantially flat frame composed of a plurality of substantially flat elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing pheromones, semiochemicals, and other materials that can control the behavior or physiology of insects and other pests are described. The dispensers (AgJets) use electronic dispensing technology such as that used in ink jet printing. The units have a self-containing reservoir for the to-be-dispensed chemical, and they are capable of being activated to dispense by an electromagnetic signal from a broadcasting controller unit. Picoliter volumes of pheromones and semiochemicals can be dispensed in drop-on-demand mode. The units for dispensing shall be powered by battery and/or solar energy for hands-off operation in remote sites. The units may also have weather monitoring devices (thermometer, anemometer, humidity measurement), and such climactic information can be transmitted to central receiving stations and/or used locally in the AgJet device to control chemical dispensing.

Abstract: A liquid insecticide applicator in the form of a trigger pump having a detachable, semirigid, tubular extended nozzle press fit into a recess within a nipple along the discharge end of the pump assembly is provided. When the extended nozzle is engaged to the pump assembly, the applicator is suitable for applying or injecting insecticides such as solutions of containing disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (D.O.T.) into holes or wall voids. When the extended nozzle is disengaged from the pump assembly, the applicator can deliver contents in a spray, suitable for treating larger surfaces, such as large areas of exposed wood. Preferably, the liquid insecticide solution used with the applicator is a 5% to 20% water solution of a DOT mixture comprising disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, colored pigment, and a bittering agent of either sucrose octa-acetate or denatonium benzoate.

Abstract: An insecticide method to control and kill insects in the exterior walls of architectural structures, and the apparatus for doing so. This method is particularly useful for stucco walls and involves cutting cavities in the stucco wall near the soil line around the circumference of the structure. An inspection panel permits visual inspection to determine if insects are present. If so, a termiticide can be injected into the cavity. Alternatively, tubing with periodic holes and injection ports for dispensing an insecticide can be placed in the cavity. This apparatus includes an inspection panel to aide in the detection of insects and also a protection panel which is painted or fabricated to coordinate with or match the exterior wall. A method is also provided for making bait available to the insects that traverse the cavity and injecting an insecticide into the cavity when insects appear.

Abstract: Spraying tubes (20 . . . ) through each of which a plurality of spraying holes are perforated along the longitudinal axis of each tube are placed in prescribed positions upper than feces boards (10 . . . ) of henhouses; and the spraying tubes (20 . . . ) are connected to agent-supplying means for supplying an agent such as a tank, a pump, etc. and airsupplying means for supplying compressed air such as a compressor, etc. The spraying holes make an angle not smaller than 5 degrees and not greater than 90 degrees as measured downward from the horizontal plane at the time of spraying an agent, in order to make it possible to spray the agent to feces boards (10 . . . ) and feces floor (12). The eggs of pests such as housefly and the like laid on the feces adhering to the feces boards and feces floor can efficiently and certainly be controlled.

Abstract: An assembly for spraying a poultry house or the like with liquid biocide having a frame on which there is a spray manifold connectable to a biocide supply hose, the frame having a single front support in the form of a wheel or a skid and two rear supports in the form of skids, the frame being triangular and having lateral deflector plates mounted on its periphery.

Abstract: An insect repellant method and apparatus that can protect a defined area from insects for a determinable time period. The invention may be practiced in conjunction with or independent of normal building systems. The invention creates an invisible veil of protection against insects.

Abstract: A retrofittable insecticide distribution system comprising an above ground horizontal pipe (20) having a plurality of vertical pipes (30) penetrating into the ground. Fluid absorbing means (56) in housings (50) are provided around the ends of horizontal and vertical members and communicate with the horizontal pipes or a vertical pipe. Insecticide can be introduced into the system either by pumping or by being placed in an elevated reservoir (90) with gravity providing the pumping force. The vertical pipes in the ground can be provided with a variety of distribution means, including simple holes, a downwardly oriented sprinkler head (42) or a distribution ball (44) having a plurality of slots (46) filled with plastic beads (48).

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 system for thoroughly spraying buildings with a pesticide. A truck carries a tank of liquid pesticide, a hose on a reel and a pump for pumping pesticide into the hose. A cart including a tube having a first end for connection to the hose and a second end carrying one or more spray heads is placed at the far end of a building with the hose extending the length of the building and out a door to the truck. The tube is mounted on at least two wheels, with a sled member supporting the end of the tube adjacent to the hose connection. The spray heads produce a pattern in approximately a vertical plane perpendicular to the length of the tube and hose. As the hose is reeled up, the cart is pulled across the floor of the building, with the fan-like spray pattern fully treating the building interior.

Abstract: A robot system for exterminating termites living in wood structural members under the floor of an architectural structure. The robot system comprises a robot including an onboard computer which is electrically connected through radio communication with a host computer located outside the robot. The robot includes a main body and is equipped with a locomotive mechanism including a pair of caterpillars located on the opposite sides of the main body. The caterpillars are driven by driving motors mounted on the robot and can be independently operated. The robot includes a mechanism for controlling the vertical positions of various sections of the main body relative to the caterpillars. A nozzle mechanism for spraying chemical or insecticide and a CCD camera are mounted on the main body. The onboard computer and host computer are operatively associated with each other to control the driving motors, the vertical position controlling mechanism, the nozzle mechanism and the CCD camera.

Abstract: A retrofittable insecticide distribution system comprising an above ground horizontal pipe (20) having a plurality of vertical pipes (30) penetrating into the ground. Fluid absorbing means (56) in housings (50) are provided around the ends of horizontal and vertical members and communicate with the horizontal pipes or a vertical pipe. Insecticide can be introduced into the system either by pumping or by being placed in an elevated reservoir (90) with gravity providing the pumping force. The vertical pipes in the ground can be provided with a variety of distribution means, including simple holes, a downwardly oriented sprinkler head (42) or a distribution ball (44) having a plurality of slots (46) filled with plastic beads (48).

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 housing for disposition of a conventional aerosol fogger having an upright spraying mechanism wherein the housing securely maintains the aerosol fogger perpendicular to a mounting surface such as a wall or ceiling. The apparatus employs a housing having an elongated cylindrical chamber for slidably insertion of the fogger canister. Upon insertion, an end cap is used to seal the chamber opening and further force the canister into a predetermined position within the chamber. Opposite the frontal opening, the chamber terminates in a end wall having a centrally disposed aperture designed to allow protrusion of the fogger's dispersion nozzle further engaging a trigger mechanism of said dispersion nozzle thereby causing expulsion of fogger canister contents though said end wall aperture.

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: The disclosure describes a system for spraying an insecticide or the like, automatically and for a given period of time. The system includes a spray applicator mounted on a rotary table so as to direct a spray of insecticide all around the axis of the rotary table upon rotation of the latter. The rotary table includes a housing with a rotatable base, which is fixed at the top, a shaft extending in the housing and maintained fixed with respect to the housing. The base should be rotatable with respect to the housing. A rotatable sleeve is mounted at the bottom of the fixed shaft and is operatively connected to the rotatable base. A gear arrangement which is motor operated causes rotation of the sleeve and thereby rotates the base. An insecticide which is preferably mixed continuously is continuously fed to the spray applicator.

Abstract: Electrostatic spraying for pesticides comprises an electrically conducting or semi-conducting surface; means for supplying liquid adjacent the surface; and a field intensifying member in close proximity to the surface. A process for the ultra-low volume application of concentrated pesticidal formulations by means of the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A dispenser for active ingredients is disclosed which provides zero-order rate of release of essentially all of the active ingredients. The dispenser comprises a rate-controlling membrane and a solid microporous polymeric reservoir having interconnected or continuous pores capable of retaining the active ingredient by capillary forces, the reservoir being such that the active ingredient is essentially insoluble therein.