PARASITIC ARTHROPOD MITIGATION DEVICE AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the collection of parasitic arthropods. In one specific example, the parasitic arthropod is a tick, which prefers to cling to the tops of foliage, while waiting for a passing host. The apparatus collects the tick. In one example the apparatus uses a suction force to collect the tick. In other examples, cloth designed to have a tick attach itself thereto is passed over a surface where ticks are believed to be present. In some cases the apparatus further comprises an irradiation apparatus. The irradiation apparatus exposes the ticks to a UVC radiation source, designed to disrupt both the life-cycle of the parasites, as well as to eliminate potential blood-borne pathogens that the ticks may be carrying. In one example, the blood-borne illness is Lyme disease.

Claims

1. A device configured to collect and irradiate a harmful parasitic arthropod, comprising: a mechanical suction module configured to collect an arthropod by sucking in said arthropod entrained in a stream of air; at least one collection module configured to collect and localize said arthropod from said stream of air; and an irradiation source configured to irradiate said arthropod when collected and localized within said at least one collection module.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the irradiation source comprises a UVC or germicidal irradiation source.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said irradiation source is configured to render said arthropod harmless.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said irradiation source is configured to kill said arthropod.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein said irradiation source is configured to render an infectious substance carried by said arthropod harmless.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein said arthropod is one of a tick a mosquito, and a flea.

7. A device configured to collect a harmful parasitic arthropod, comprising: at least one of a mechanical roller and a drag mat; said mechanical roller configured to roll over a region, said region believed to be populated by an arthropod; a cover material applied to an external surface of said mechanical roller, said cover material configured to permit an arthropod to attach itself thereto; said drag mat configured to pass over a region, said region believed to be populated by an arthropod, said drag mat comprising a material configured to permit an arthropod to attach itself thereto; and at least one of a handle and a propulsion module; said handle attached to said at least one of said mechanical roller and said drag mat and configured to allow said at least one of said mechanical roller and said drag mat to be propelled by a user over said region so as to collect said arthropod; said propulsion module attached to said at least one of said mechanical roller and said drag mat and configured to allow said at least one of said mechanical roller and said drag mat to be propelled over said region so as to collect said arthropod.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said arthropod is one of a tick a mosquito, and a flea.

9. The device configured to collect a harmful parasitic arthropod of claim 7, further comprising at least one collection module configured to collect said arthropod from said cover material of said mechanical roller or from said drag mat and to localize said arthropod within said at least one collection module.

10. The device configured to collect a harmful parasitic arthropod of claim 9, further comprising an irradiation source configured to irradiate said arthropod when collected and localized within said at least one collection module.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the irradiation source comprises a UVC or germicidal irradiation source.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein said irradiation source is configured to render said arthropod harmless.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein said irradiation source is configured to kill said arthropod.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein said irradiation source is configured to render an infectious substance carried by said arthropod harmless.

15. A method of mitigating arthropods, comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus, comprising: a device configured to collect an arthropod from a region of interest and to localize said arthropod in a collection module; and an irradiation source configured to irradiate said arthropod when localized within said collection module; collecting said arthropod; and mitigating said arthropod by subjecting it to radiation from radiation source.

16. The method of mitigating arthropods of claim 15, wherein said arthropod is one of a tick a mosquito, and a flea.

17. The method of mitigating arthropods of claim 15, wherein the irradiation source comprises a UVC or germicidal irradiation source.

18. The method of mitigating arthropods of claim 15, wherein said irradiation source is configured to render said arthropod harmless.

19. The method of mitigating arthropods of claim 15, wherein said irradiation source is configured to kill said arthropod.

20. The method of mitigating arthropods of claim 15, wherein said irradiation source is configured to render an infectious substance carried by said arthropod harmless.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings described below, and the claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views.

[0050] FIG. 1 depicts parasitic arthropods, such as ticks, clinging to the tops of foliage, whereby an air in-take line is introduced at or around the same elevation, whereby the parasites are subjected to a suction force, designed to exceed the gripping strength of the parasites, resulting in the removal and collection thereof of said parasites.

[0051] FIG. 2 depicts the transport of the parasitic arthropods, from initial collection, to transport to a holding tank, via a mechanically generated suction force. The parasites are extracted from the intake air by means of an aqueous medium, whereby the resulting air is then exhausted through an exhaust port.

[0052] FIG. 3 depicts the operation of a UVC diode array, designed to emit a low frequency wavelength from varying trajectories.

[0053] FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view illustrating both the collection tank, and the external shielding tank which limits exposure to the UVC light source. Furthermore, the collection tank possesses reflective interior walls, whereby UVC wavelengths are reflective in varying trajectories, and designed to provide maximum exposure of UVC light.

[0054] FIG. 5 is an image of a second embodiment configured as a mechanical roller.

[0055] FIG. 6 is an image of the interior structure of the roller illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0056] FIG. 7 is an image of the interior structure of the roller illustrated in FIG. 6 covered with a synthetic fiber cover that is configured to allow ticks to become attached thereto.

[0057] FIG. 8 is an image of the surface of the synthetic fiber cover with a tick attached thereto.

[0058] FIG. 9 is an image of a lawn roller, configured to receive arthropods by means of synthetic fibers.

[0059] FIG. 10 is an image of a portable unit designed to provide mobility for areas consisting of unmanicured foliage, such as can be found along hiking trails and or off-road applications.

[0060] FIG. 11 is an image of the internal irradiation chamber and holding tank.

[0061] FIG. 12 is an image of the holding tank housed within the portable containment unit.

[0062] FIG. 13 is an image of the topside of the portable containment unit.

[0063] FIG. 14 is an image of the right side of the portable containment unit.

[0064] FIG. 15 is an image of the backside of the portable containment unit.

[0065] FIG. 16 is an image of a third embodiment attached to the front of a riding mower.

[0066] FIG. 17 is an image of the third embodiment attached to the front of a riding mower in side view.

[0067] FIG. 18 is an image of a commercial filtration tank.

[0068] FIG. 19 is an image of the commercial filtration tank and central vacuum system components.

[0069] FIG. 20 is an image of the commercial containment housing and filtration tank.

[0070] FIG. 21 is an image of the containment housings enclosed within their interlocking hatches.

[0071] FIG. 22 is an image of interconnecting hoses configured to supply and remove differing air pressures to the filtration tank.

[0072] FIG. 23 is an image of a containment system, mounted to the front of a commercial zero turn mower.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] In general, the invention involves providing apparatus and methods by which arthropods are collected, and can be removed from a region of interest, such as a lawn, a playing field, a walking path or trail, and then the arthropods can be neutralized, all of which is accomplished without the deliberate application of hazardous chemicals to the region of interest. The method includes passing a mechanism that may comprise a surface that arthropods preferentially attach themselves to, or a mechanism that provides suction, or both, over the region of interest, allowing the arthropods to attach themselves to the surface or be collected by the suction force, removing the arthropods from the region of interest, and subjecting the arthropods to a neutralizing field such as electromagnetic radiation (UV light, for example). The arthropods may be collected for further analysis by suitable laboratories, for example to count how many (or what percentage of) arthropods are infected with, or are carriers of, various diseases. This can assist health monitoring agencies to determine where (geographically) such infected arthropods are present, and how severe the danger from specific types of arthropods (and the diseases that they are carrying) may be at a given time.

[0074] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises an electromechanical device, designed to provide intake pressure, or suction, of parasitic arthropods from grasses, and to collect said arthropods in an aqueous medium, whereby said arthropods are subjected to irradiation, such as from a UVC light source. Said collection system is designed to extract parasitic arthropods from grasses, and to neutralize the harmful bacteria in which they may carry, such as Lyme Borreliosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Powassan virus, and or babesiosis; all of which are subject to neutralization through the repeated exposure to an irradiation type light source.

[0075] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[0076] In a first embodiment, a parasitic arthropod collection system, apparatuses, and methods for collecting and neutralizing parasitic arthropods that carry harmful blood-borne pathogens are discussed herein. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0077] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or descriptions below.

First Embodiment

[0078] The first embodiment will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 depicts the initial collection of parasitic arthropods. FIG. 1A1 depicts an intake collection tube, pressurized (or depressurized) so as to generate a suction force (FIG. 1A3) at its opening (FIG. 1A5), and designed to remove parasitic arthropods (FIG. 1A2) from foliage (FIG. 1A4). The intake is designed to be adjustable in elevation, thereby providing a means to align said intake with the height of the source foliage (FIG. 1A4).

[0079] FIG. 2 depicts the processes involved in the collection of parasitic arthropods. The suction force utilized to generate a collective force is generated by mechanical means (FIG. 2A3), which in turn generates a negative pressure at the intake (FIG. 2A1). Parasitic arthropods are pulled from the tops of foliage, and are drawn along an intake line (Fig.A2), and fed to a holding tank (FIG. 2A6). Pressurized air collected in the holding tank (FIG. 2A6), is then exhausted through a port (FIG. 2A5).

[0080] FIG. 3 depicts the primary irradiation source, which involves an array of UVC diodes (FIG. 3A1), positioned to irradiate parasitic arthropods (FIG. 3A2) from a multitude of trajectories (FIG. 3A3). As a result, maximum exposure of UVC radiation (FIG. 3A1) is achieved.

[0081] FIG. 4 depicts the composition of the external holding tank (FIG. 4A3). The external holding tank (FIG. 4A3) is designed to encapsulate an internal holding tank (FIG. 4A1), which is designed to hold an aqueous filtering medium, and to provide maximum exposure to UVC radiation (FIG. 4A2) by means of reflective interior walls (FIG. 4A5).

[0082] The first embodiment of the invention may be provided as a device that attaches to a mechanical object such as a riding mower, as illustrated in FIG. 16. In the alternative, a smaller model may be provided in the form of a man pack that can be worn by a user, with a hose and a vacuum wand as an intake collection tube.

Second Embodiment

[0083] FIG. 5 is an image of a second embodiment configured as a mechanical roller.

[0084] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 may be operated by being attached to a mobile device such as a riding lawn mower, or may be operated by being pushed by a human operator, in a manner similar to a push mower.

[0085] FIG. 6 is an image of the interior structure of the roller illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0086] The device of the second embodiment has an interior structure in the form of a cylinder (which may be hollow or may be solid), and having a pair of end plates that can support a rotational structure aligned along the central axis of the cylinder. The rotational structure may be an axle that extends past each end of the cylinder, and may be constructed of a single axle extending from an exterior surface of the first end plate to an exterior surface of the second end plate, or may be two rotational structures, each one attached to a respective exterior surface of each end plate.

[0087] The device of the second embodiment has a handle structure that allows each rotational structure, and the attached cylinder, to rotate while the handle structure is used to propel the roller over a surface, such as by way of example, a grass lawn. The roller can be propelled by a human, or by a mechanical device such as a riding mower.

[0088] FIG. 7 is an image of the interior structure of the roller illustrated in FIG. 6 covered with a synthetic fiber cover that is configured to allow ticks to become attached thereto.

[0089] FIG. 8 is an image of the surface of the synthetic fiber cover with a tick 810 attached thereto.

[0090] FIG. 9 is an image of a lawn roller, configured to receive arthropods by means of synthetic fibers. The fibers are configured to mimic the characteristics of a host preferred by arthropods. The roller is configured to rotate on top of grass or grasses, so that arthropods will adhere to the synthetic fibers. The rotating action of the roller is designed to prevent the snagging of the synthetic material upon potential debris in the grass.

[0091] The roller of FIG. 9 depicts a combination of both roller and drag mat. The combination of both roller and drag mat provide a dual function, so that arthropods that are not successfully snared by the roller are exposed to a secondary entrapment surface. The elevation bars of FIG. 9 provide a way to elevate the mechanism to facilitate the cleaning of both the roller and drag mat. The mechanism is configured to be positioned onto its gripping handles to provide the necessary elevation for cleaning.

[0092] Either the roller embodiment such as illustrated in FIG. 5, or the embodiment that incorporates the combination of the roller and the drag mat as illustrated in FIG. 9, collectively described as the apparatus, may be propelled by a an animate user (e.g., a person or a work animal) walking behind the apparatus, or by a mechanical device such as a riding mower to which the apparatus is attached.

[0093] FIG. 10 is an image of a portable unit designed to provide mobility for areas consisting of unmanicured foliage, such as can be found along hiking trails and or off-road applications. The unit of FIG. 10 is configured to be supported by legs to provide elevation requirements to receive a drain bucket. Vacuum pressure is channeled from the tanks exhaust, resulting in a lowered internal pressure in the irradiation tank of FIG. 12, thereby generating a vacuum pressure at the tanks vacuum input of FIG. 10. The resulting vacuum pressure provides the suction force to the vacuum nozzle, channeled through a hose, and which is configured to be received by the vacuum input of FIG. 10.

[0094] FIG. 11 is an image of the internal irradiation chamber and holding tank. The irradiation source includes a UVC light source configured to irradiate insects held by the filtering medium. Internal lining of the container which houses the tank is configured to reflect irradiation from the UVC light source. The tank includes an acrylic material designed to block 98% of the irradiation source from exiting the holding tank.

[0095] FIG. 12 is an image of the holding tank housed within the portable containment unit. The tank is configured to receive a UVC light source internally, designed to provide an irradiation source. The vacuum port of FIG. 12 is configured to be submerged within the filtering medium, and which provides a filtering mechanism by forcing collected air through the liquid medium. The filtering is achieved through surface tension between potential debris and the separating medium. The tank is configured to include baffles designed to manipulate the movement of the separating medium, and the unintentional removal of the medium through vacuum pressure.

[0096] FIG. 13 is an image of the topside of the portable containment unit. Depicted in FIG. 13 is the vacuum input, which provides newly acquired air from a collection hose as a result of vacuum pressure. The vacuum line of FIG. 13 channels the vacuum source from the tank's exhaust after having been passed through the filtering medium. The fill port depicted in FIG. 13 provides a dual function as both the inlet for the liquid medium, as well as a refill inlet designed to introduce additional liquid medium to the tank. The refill hose of FIG. 13 provides the refill source, which is channeled from a separate holding tank. Pressure within the irradiation chamber is configured to be adjusted through a relief valve, designed to provide a variable pressure setting.

[0097] FIG. 14 is an image of the right side of the portable containment unit. The containment unit is configured to receive an additional liquid filtering medium by means of a refill hose, configured to provide flow control by means of a refill hose valve. The vacuum hose of FIG. 14 provides a channel of vacuum pressure to a collection nozzle. The collection nozzle is configured to be received by a hose valve. The hose valve is configured to provide a pressure adjustment at the collection nozzle. Vacuum pressure from the portable containment unit of FIG. 14 is configured to be controlled by an electrical switch.

[0098] FIG. 15 is an image of the backside of the portable containment unit. The unit is configured to receive additional liquid filtering medium from a refill storage tank. The refill storage tank is configured to be electrically controlled by a power switch. The refill action utilizes a pumping mechanism whereby the liquid medium is channeled along a hose configured to be received by a refill port. In some embodiments, power to the portable containment unit is supplied by a power inverter. The inverter is configured to receive a 12 volt source.

[0099] The experimental roller was tested in conjunction with a drag mat. The roller provides a preferred medium for some users, as it allows users to roll the grass easily, while avoiding snagging the drag mat on small sticks etc. The observed behavior of the ticks is that they will hunker down into the synthetic threads while the roller is moving, and once the roller comes to a stop, they will begin to move about within 2-3 minutes. This movement allows for an easier collection of the ticks, as they are no longer hunkered down in between the threads, but they climb atop of the threads, making them easier to acquire.

[0100] The drag mat was attached behind the roller to ensure that ticks were preferentially snared in the roller, and that ticks were not missed. In every use of the roller/mat combination to the present time, 100% of the ticks collected were collected by the roller, and none were found on the drag mat. It is possible that if the number of tick was larger, or that if other arthropods of interest were present, that they might be collected on the drag mat.

Third Embodiment

[0101] FIG. 16 is an image of a third embodiment attached to the front of a riding mower.

[0102] FIG. 17 is an image of the third embodiment attached to the front of a riding mower in side view.

[0103] FIG. 18 is an image of a commercial filtration tank. The commercial filtration tank of FIG. 18 includes an air inlet port, fill port, tank drain, and air exhaust port. Vacuum pressure is generated at the exhaust port, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the tank, resulting in air flow at the inlet port as a result of differing pressures. The inlet is configured to receive air from a collection hose, whereby insects will be drawn into the tank as a result of vacuum pressure. The inlet is configured to be below the fill line of the liquid filtering medium, whereby insects are filtered out from the air inlet as a result of surface tension between the insects and the filtering medium. The tank of FIG. 18 is also configured to be emptied of its filtering medium, which exits through a drain plug.

[0104] FIG. 19 is an image of the commercial filtration tank and central vacuum system components. In some embodiments, the vacuum pressure required for filtration is generated by a gas powered engine, configured to draw air from the filtration tanks exhaust port. The drawing of air from the exhaust port causes a reduction in air pressure in the tank, resulting in the generation of air flow at the inlet port. The inlet port is configured to receive air from a vacuum bar. The vacuum bar is configured to draw air through a continuous horizontal slit along the bottom of the vacuum bar.

[0105] FIG. 20 is an image of the commercial containment housing and filtration tank. The filtration tank is configured to receive multiple UVC light sources. Each of the multiple UVC light sources provides an irradiation source capable of sterilization of both bacteria and viruses. The containment housing of FIG. 20 includes both the containment housing and gasoline powered vacuum housing area. The vacuum housing of FIG. 20 also includes an electrical power inverter, which is configured to receive an electrical supply from an electrical power source, such as a host vehicle.

[0106] FIG. 21 is an image of the containment housings enclosed within their interlocking hatches. The air intake of FIG. 21 is configured to generate a low vacuum pressure to the filtration tank, located within the containment housing. The air exhaust of FIG. 21 is configured to exhaust air from the air intake.

[0107] FIG. 22 is an image of interconnecting hoses configured to supply and remove differing air pressures to the filtration tank. The tank exhaust of FIG. 22 is configured to remove air from the filtration tank as a result of vacuum pressure generated from a vacuum source. The air intake of FIG. 22 is configured to supply an air source to the filtration tank. The air source is configured to receive air sources from two separate intakes; (1) a vacuum hose and (2) a vacuum bar. The vacuum bar is configured to be positioned at or around the height of the top of grass or other plant matter.

[0108] FIG. 23 is an image of a containment system, mounted to the front of a commercial zero turn mower. The vacuum bar of FIG. 23 is configured to be suspended at the height of the top of grass. The vacuum bar is configured to generate a thermal source source (IR), by means of a heating element. The vacuum bar is also configured to provide a suspension source for a drag mat. The drag mat is configured to replicate the characteristics of a preferred host for arthropods.

Distinction of the Invention Over the Prior Art

[0109] Traditional tick collection methods often employ a technique referred to as tick dragging, whereby a cloth measuring approximately 1 meter by 1 meter, is used to drag along the surface of foliage in an attempt to exploit the arthropods questing behavior. The nature of questing is to facilitate the adherence to a potential host. However this behavior does not afford one the capacity to differentiate between an actual host, or a synthetic material that has the same physical characteristics of a preferred host. The ticks appendages are configured to establish a snaring action via tiny hook like tips at the ends of their appendages, which help to facilitate adhesion upon the surface of a host. Although this method of dragging has been shown to be an effective means of adhering ticks, its very application places the user in danger of becoming a potential host himself.

[0110] In order to drag the cloth, the user either walks directly in front of the cloth, or off to one side. In either configuration, the user potentially places himself directly in the pathway of the ticks.

[0111] In the present invention, one can avoid this dilemma by treating the foliage (or mitigating the number of arthropods) before the user is required to walk through it. One such device is the roller, which is propelled by a user, who applies a force via a handle as the user walks behind the device. The roller's surface is further configured to possess a synthetic covering which mimics the arthropods preferred host. The roller reduces exposure of a user to the likelihood of acquiring an arthropod as a result of causing adherence of the tick to the synthetic roller prior to the operator passing through the foliage. In this manner, the foliage or grass is treated or swept prior to the user walking through the foliage or grass. Arthropods exposed to the synthetic material are tricked into believing that it is a suitable host, and as a result, will adhere themselves to the material, thereby reducing potential exposure to an operator.

[0112] The rolling action of the device further reduces the potential of friction, which the dragging method suffers from as it is pulled atop of foliage. By dragging a cloth, it is subject to snaring upon debris, such as sticks, for which can reduce its effectiveness. Additionally, the frictional force exhorted upon clinging ticks as a result of being dragged across foliage may result in the loss of some of the ticks. By applying a roller, the action reduces the likelihood of snaring debris as a result of its spinning action, rather than a frictional drag. The ease by which a user can operate the roller, combined with its reduction in exposure to ticks as a user passes through the foliage, make the roller a preferred collection model.

[0113] In each of the embodiments, the invention provides that advantage that the user need not come into contact with a surface that has not been treated to mitigate the number of arthropods.

[0114] In some embodiments, such as the first embodiment that uses suction to mitigate the number of arthropods, the intake can be place in a location such that the surface is treated to mitigate the number of arthropods is treated before the user reaches and contacts the treated surface. In some embodiments, such as the second embodiment configured as a mechanical roller, the user can walk behind the roller, so that the surface is treated to mitigate the number of arthropods before the user contacts the treated surface. In some embodiments, such as the third embodiment attached to the front of a riding mower, the user rides on a mechanical device and does not touch the surface that is being treated at all.

Definitions

[0115] Unless otherwise explicitly recited herein, any reference to an electronic signal or an electromagnetic signal (or their equivalents) is to be understood as referring to a non-volatile electronic signal or a non-volatile electromagnetic signal.

Theoretical Discussion

[0116] Although the theoretical description given herein is thought to be correct, the operation of the devices described and claimed herein does not depend upon the accuracy or validity of the theoretical description. That is, later theoretical developments that may explain the observed results on a basis different from the theory presented herein will not detract from the inventions described herein.

[0117] Any patent, patent application, patent application publication, journal article, book, published paper, or other publicly available material identified in the specification is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material explicitly set forth herein is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the present disclosure material. In the event of a conflict, the conflict is to be resolved in favor of the present disclosure as the preferred disclosure.

[0118] While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in the drawing, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be affected therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims.