A device for use in detecting metallic objects includes a processor and an electromagnetic radiation source in communication with the processor. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit radiation to heat a metallic object. The device also includes a temperature sensor in communication with the processor. The temperature sensor is configured to detect heat emitted from the metallic object. The device also includes an alarm configured to notify an operator of the presence of the metallic object responsive to a determination by the processor that a temperature threshold has been exceeded.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods of classifying flying insects. The methods utilize recording the wingbeat frequency and amplitude spectrum of flying insects and comparing them to known or created insect models to properly classify the flying insect. The error rate of the classification is reduced by utilizing multiple inputs to the classification system, which may include a precise circadian rhythm for the time of year, current environmental conditions, and flight velocity or direction.

The invention relates to a plant (100) for antiparasitic treatment of crops or spaces comprising an emitter (10) of electromagnetic signals and an electronic control unit (40), to which the emitter (10) is operatively connected. The electronic control unit is configured to control the emitter so that it emits, in succession or simultaneously, a plurality of cycles of electromagnetic signals, said electromagnetic signals having a selectable frequency, cycle by cycle, based on the type of crop or space to be treated or the parasite to be defeated. The invention also relates to a method for antiparasitic treatment of crops or spaces conducted using the plant (100) as defined above.

A method for exterminating a target on a host using ultraviolet (UVC) light. The method includes providing a device configured for emitting UVC light for exterminating the target, selecting a host type from a plurality of host types for the target to be exterminated from, and selecting a target type from a plurality of target types for the target to be exterminated. The method further includes assigning an intensity and an exposure time of UVC light to exterminate the target, wherein the intensity and the exposure time are based at least in part on the host type selected and the target type selected, and wherein the intensity and exposure time together define an extermination program. The method further includes controlling the device to emit UVC light to exterminate the target according to the extermination program.

A mold remediation system includes a processor and an electromagnetic radiation source in communication with the processor. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured to emit radiation to heat a ferromagnetic material in or adjacent to a wall board upon which mold is located. The system also includes a temperature sensor in communication with the processor. The temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the wall board. The processor is configured to compare the temperature of the wall board to a desired temperature to perform mold remediation.

A device for detecting an offending object such as weeds or insects, and addressing the offending object by removing or marking the same. The device has image acquisition and image recognition systems that captures images of plants and automatically responds by way of an action when a weed or insect is identified. The action head may grip the offending object or release a substance such a herbicide to eliminate a weed.

Techniques for detecting and tracking pests such as disease vectors include a directional acoustic sensor or array such as a phased array of microphones or a directional microphone; at least one processor; and at least one memory including one or more sequences of instructions. The memory and instructions and processor cause an apparatus to track an individual or swarm of pests based on direction and acoustic signatures within a beam of the directional acoustic sensor or array, in which the acoustic signature uniquely identifies a type of pest. In some embodiments, remedial apparatus is directed to impose remedial action against the individual or swarm of pests. In some embodiments the remedial apparatus includes an optical barrier.

An apparatus and the associated method which includes means for controlling an invasive organism. The means including a trolling apparatus, for attachment to an associated vehicle. The trolling apparatus is pulled through a body of water in response to movement of the associated vehicle. The housing carries a plurality of UV-C light sources for producing UV-C light at a wavelength of substantially 254 nm, whereby invasive organisms proximate to light emanating from at least one of said UV-C light source whereby invasive organisms are exposed to UV-C light at a wavelength of substantially 254 nm resulting in controlling an invasive organism. Other embodiments, attract organisms such as mosquitos and then expose them to UV-C light. The invention facilitates reduced use of herbicide.

The present invention relates to a method for reducing pathogens in and/or on a subject, comprising exposing the subject to infrared radiation. The source of the infrared radiation comprises in particular a carbon crystal heating element, which can be applied to and/or positioned in the vicinity of a subject. In particular, the method includes treating infections in a tree, such as bleeding canker in horse chestnut trees and/or canker in kiwifruit trees. The method may further include disinfecting articles, for example for pasteurising or sterilising foodstuff.

A device for use in identifying an explosive includes a processor and an induction heat source in communication with the processor. The induction heat source is configured to emit radiation to heat a metallic component of an explosive device by way of induction. The device also includes a temperature sensor in communication with the processor that is configured to detect heat emitted from the metallic component of the explosive device. The processor is configured to identify a location of the metallic component of the explosive device based on the detected heat. A gas sensor is used to detect one or more gases emitted from a non-metallic explosive device. The device further includes an action arm configured to conduct a detonation attempt at the location of the metallic component of the explosive device.