Pest control and detection system with conductive bait matrix
Inventors
Cink, James H. • Storey, Greggory K. • Jordan, Kyle K. • Austin, James W. • Evanhoe, Charles E. • Ivy, Bart • Engels, Daniel W. • Freeman, Daniel • Lauffenburger, Kenneth • Dills, Thomas • Brown, Kenneth S. • Leichter, Cheryl
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10729116-B2
Publication Date
2020-08-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
A pest control and/or detection system generally includes an electrically conductive bait matrix including at least one carrier material that is at least one of palatable, a phagostimulant and/or consumable and/or displaceable by pests, and a plurality of electrically conductive particles. The electrically conductive particles are substantially randomly interspersed throughout the at least one carrier material. The at least one carrier material includes a thermoplastic material and/or a resin.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a remotely monitored pest control and detection system using one or more electrically monitored bait stations. Each bait station includes an electrically conductive bait matrix having a first end and a second end, with a first electrode in electrical contact with the first end and a second electrode in electrical contact with the second end. An electrical current passes through the bait matrix, producing a first signal based on the electrical current through the bait matrix.
The bait station also includes an environmental sensor spaced apart from the bait matrix and producing a second signal. A data collection system monitors the first and second signals and adjusts the first signal based on the second signal to provide a resulting signal. The resulting signal indicates at least one electrical characteristic of each bait station upon meeting or exceeding a threshold value.
The conductive bait matrix includes randomly interspersed electrically conductive particles in a carrier, such as a cellulosic and/or thermoplastic resin including low-melt polyester. The system transmits electrical characteristics for remote or cloud services using a mesh network, and uses electrical measurement and adjustment of resistance, capacitance, and impedance with environmental sensor adjustment.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim provides a pest monitoring system with an electrically monitored bait station and a data collection system that adjusts a monitored signal using an environmental sensor signal, producing a resulting signal that indicates an electrical characteristic when a threshold is met or exceeded. The independent claim covers 1 inventive feature, and the dependent claims further specify the electrical characteristics and transmission to a distributed network system.
Electrically monitored bait stations with conductive bait matrix and electrodes
The system includes one or more electrically monitored bait stations, each bait station comprising an electrically conductive bait matrix with a first end and a second end; a first electrode in electrical contact with the first end; a second electrode in electrical contact with the second end; and a first signal produced by an electrical current passing through the bait matrix from the first electrode to the second electrode.
Environmental sensor spaced apart from the bait matrix producing an environmental signal
Each bait station includes an environmental sensor spaced apart from the bait matrix and producing a second signal.
Adjusting the monitored bait signal using the environmental sensor signal to provide a resulting signal
A data collection system is capable of monitoring the first and second signals and adjusting the first signal based on the second signal to provide a resulting signal.
Threshold-triggered indication of electrical characteristics
The resulting signal indicates at least one electrical characteristic of each bait station upon meeting or exceeding a threshold value.
Resulting signal indicates resistance, capacitance, and/or impedance
The at least one electrical characteristic indicated includes one or more of resistance, capacitance, and impedance.
Transmitting the resulting signal to a distributed network system
The system transmits the resulting signal to a distributed network system.
Overall claim coverage centers on monitoring a first electrical signal produced by an electrical current through an electrically conductive bait matrix in an electrode-coupled bait station, using a spaced environmental sensor to adjust that signal, and providing a resulting signal that indicates electrical characteristics when a threshold is met or exceeded. Dependent claims narrow the electrical characteristics to resistance, capacitance, and impedance and add transmitting the resulting signal to a distributed network system.
Stated Advantages
Provides a resulting signal indicating at least one electrical characteristic of each bait station upon meeting or exceeding a threshold value.
Documented Applications
Remote monitoring of pest control and detection using electrically monitored bait stations, including remote or cloud communication of electrical characteristics via a mesh network.
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