Heat system for killing pests

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 9226489
  • Patent Number
    9,226,489
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, March 15, 2012
    12 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, January 5, 2016
    8 years ago
Abstract
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of pest elimination including all life stages of bed bugs. The present disclosure includes articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests.
Description
FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of pest elimination. The present disclosure includes articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests such as arthropods, rats, and mice. The present disclosure is especially suited for killing all life stages of bed bugs.


BACKGROUND

Some methods of pest treatment require discarding suspected infested articles. These items can be expensive to replace, especially in the case of large objects like furniture, mattresses, and box springs. Some methods of pest treatment exclusively rely on pesticides, which may be restricted or prohibited on certain items, particularly items that contact people. Finally, some methods of pest treatment use heat but can damage objects, create cold spots that provide a harborage for pests, require large amounts of heat, or are energy inefficient, for example in the case of heat treatments that heat entire rooms or buildings.


It is against this background that the present disclosure is made.


SUMMARY

Surprisingly, it has been found that an infested article or suspected article can be treated by using high heat temperatures and without damaging the article itself.


In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a method of treating an article suspected of being infested. In the method, an article is placed inside of an enclosure, the enclosure is sealed, and the temperature inside of the enclosure is ramped up at a rate of from about 10 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit per hour, or 1 degree Fahrenheit every six minutes, until a temperature of at least 115° F. is reached. Once 115° F. is reached, the temperature is held for at least four hours. Thereafter, in some embodiments, the temperature may be slowly decreased at a rate of about 10 to about 15 degrees an hour, or one degree every six minutes, until the original starting temperature (which may be room temperature) is reached.


In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a method of automatically adjusting the temperature inside of a sealed enclosure in order to treat an article. In this method, a flexible, inflatable enclosure and heating system are provided. The heating system has a heater. The heating system also has at least one thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and located inside of the inflated enclosure. The thermocouple measures the actual air temperature inside of the enclosure (Tactual). The heating system also includes a programmable logic controller electrically connected to the heater and the thermocouple and programmed with a predetermined temperature ramp rate controlled by a set point temperature (Tsetpoint) and a target temperature (Ttarget). The programmable logic controller increases the temperature inside of the enclosure by increasing the Tsetpoint one degree every six minutes until Ttarget is reached, comparing the Tactual to the Tsetpoint, and adjusting the heater in response to the difference between Tactual and Tsetpoint. In some embodiments, the programmable logic controller also controls the decrease in temperature.


In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a flexible and inflatable enclosure for treating an article suspected of being infested with an arthropod or other pest. The enclosure has a floor, a ceiling, and at least one wall, where at least part of the ceiling or the wall can be partially removed to allow for the selected article to be placed inside of the enclosure.


In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a treatment system. The system includes a flexible and inflatable enclosure having a floor, a ceiling, and at least one wall, where at least part of the ceiling or wall can be at least partially removed to allow for the selected article to be placed inside of the enclosure. The system also includes a heating system with a first heater, a thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and configured to be located inside of the inflated enclosure, and a programmable logic controller electrically connected to the first heater and the thermocouple. In some embodiments, the system can also include a fan designed to be used inside of the inflated enclosure, and an external support structure.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES


FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.



FIG. 2 shows a diagram of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.



FIG. 3 shows a diagram of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.



FIG. 4 shows a schematic of an exemplary enclosure and heating system.



FIG. 5 shows the exterior of a heater.



FIG. 6 shows the interior of a heater.



FIG. 7 shows temperature data from a hotel room heat test.



FIGS. 8A and 8B show bed bug adult and egg mortality at various temperatures.



FIG. 9 shows temperature data from a heated enclosure with a mattress in it.



FIG. 10 shows a diagram of an exemplary temperature control program for the programmable logic controller.





In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize certain features relevant to the present disclosure. Reference characters denote like features throughout the Figures.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to articles, systems, and methods of heat treatment to target and kill pests including all life stages of bed bugs. Surprisingly, it has been found that gradually increasing the temperature inside of an enclosure allows for heat treatment of articles that are believed to be infested with pests without adversely affecting the article. In the past, these articles may have been discarded instead of treated in part because their size and internal spaces did not lend them to be effectively treated with pesticides, traditional heat treatments can damage the article, and label restrictions on pesticides did not allow for treatment of items that contact humans on a regular basis. Exemplary articles include mattresses, box springs, and furniture, although any article would benefit from the disclosed methods, articles, and systems. Articles, systems, and methods disclosed herein are effective at eliminating pests including 100% of bed bug eggs, nymphs, and adults.


The Enclosure and Treatment System


In some embodiments, the present disclosure includes a flexible and inflatable enclosure. Using a flexible and inflatable enclosure allows the enclosure to be easily set up and taken down from one treatment site to the next. The enclosure, when inflated, can take on a variety of shapes including a sphere, a cylinder, a cube, and a box. A cube and a box are preferred shapes because they are practical and easy to manufacture. A sphere with a flat bottom is also a preferred shape because it circulates air uniformly throughout the interior which minimizes cold spots. While an inflatable enclosure is disclosed, it is understood that other enclosures could be used such as a flexible enclosure with an internal or external frame to hold the enclosure up. In some embodiments, the enclosure does not need to be inflatable or flexible. In these embodiments, the enclosure may be rigid. The rigid enclosure may also be foldable or collapsible. Exemplary rigid enclosures could include pre-formed rigid panels that are assembled into the final enclosure, foldable panels that can be assembled into the final enclosure, or expandable panels that can be assembled into the final enclosure. The rigid enclosure may optionally be insulated.


An exemplary enclosure is shown in FIG. 1. Alternative enclosures are shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4. Referring now to FIG. 1, if the enclosure forms a cube or a box, then the enclosure 10 includes a floor 12, a ceiling 14, and four walls 16, 18, 20, and 22. While four walls are shown in FIG. 1, it understood that shapes with one wall, or other combination of walls, could be used (as in the case of a sphere or cylinder). Note that the wall does not need to be flat. In order to facilitate getting large objects in and out of the enclosure, one wall 18 and the ceiling 14 are preferably at least partially removable. In some embodiments, the one wall 18 and the ceiling 14 can be connected to each other, and the ceiling can be connected to the rest of the enclosure on one side (near wall 22 for example), so that the ceiling and the wall together form a large flap that comes over the top and down one side of the enclosure. This “flap” can be connected to the rest of the enclosure, for example by using a zipper 24. In other words, the enclosure can be opened by unzipping one wall and the ceiling, and peeling back the wall and ceiling to allow for an article to be placed inside of the enclosure, and then the ceiling and the wall can be placed back into position and zipped up to seal the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a hook and loop sealing system that goes over the zipper to further insulate the interior of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure may also include a hook and loop sealing system on the exterior of each window so as to minimize any heat loss when the window is not being used.


In some embodiments, the enclosure includes an external support structure, skeleton, or frame 26. While such a structure, skeleton, or frame may be unnecessary in order for the enclosure to be able to inflate and stand on its own, it has been found that a structure, skeleton, or frame aids in preventing the formation of cold spots on the inside of the enclosure. If part of the enclosure collapses or a corner gets pinched while the enclosure is inflated, then the hot air may not circulate to that portion of the enclosure. If the temperature of that spot does not rise to 115° F. and remain there for the designated period of time, that spot may become a harborage for pests. If pests survive inside the enclosure, then the enclosure can actually become a source of contamination when the enclosure is taken down and transported to the next location. In some embodiments, the structure is a plurality of bars located on the corners of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the structure is a scaffolding or frame that attaches to the bottom, sides, and top of the enclosure.


In some embodiments, the enclosure is made of insulated material that makes the enclosure energy efficient. An example of insulated material is the Norpac R2 and Norpac M3 Insulation, commercially available from Norpac LLC (Rogers, Minn.), which may be used together as a combination Norpac R2/M3 material from Norpac LLC and can also be used together with Thinsulate™ Insulation FR from 3M (St. Paul, Minn.). Other types of insulation that might be suitable include Thermal-Wrap® nuclear-grade blanket insulation (Transco Products), HeatShield products (Heatshield), heat blankets (Heatcon), swimming pool thermal covers, outdoor plant covers, Kevlar tarps, polystyrene, Thinsulate, insulated canvas, vinyl, space blankets, Nomex, and Thermarest materials. In some embodiments, the material selected has an R-value, which is a measure of thermal resistance, of about 0.5, about 0.8, about 1, about 1.4, about 2, about 3, about 4, at least 0.5, at least 0.8, at least 1, at least 1.4, at least 2, at least 3, or at least 4. A person skilled in the art will understand that achieving the desired temperatures is a combination of temperature, insulation, time and energy variables. Increasing the insulation may mean that the energy going into the system can be reduced. Likewise, decreasing the insulation may mean that the energy going into the system needs to be increased. The insulation material can be modified depending on whether the enclosure is designed to be reused or a one-time use enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure is made from flame retardant material. In some embodiments, the enclosure is made from a material that does not absorb pesticides and can be cleaned easily. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a layer of canvas, vinyl, or other thick, durable material on the floor that is designed to protect the floor from the articles that are moved in and out of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the interior of the enclosure is made of a light colored material. Using a light colored material allows users or operators to visually inspect the inside for pests. In some embodiments, the enclosure is made from material that is configured for a one-time use that is disposed of after that use. In other embodiments, the enclosure is made from material that is configured to be reused.


In some embodiments, the enclosure has one or more windows 28 located in at least one wall. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes a window on each wall. In some embodiments, the enclosure includes an inlet hole 30 and an outlet hole 32. When the enclosure is connected to a heating system, the duct 34 bringing air from the heater is placed in the inlet hole 30 and the duct 36 removing air from the enclosure is placed in the outlet hole 32. The enclosure can also include an optional thermocouple 52 and thermocouple securing device 54 located in the cold spot of the enclosure. The location of the cold spot varies depending on the heater location and article setup. For example, when the heater is in a corner of a cube, then the cold spot is usually in the corner that is diagonally opposite the heater. When the heater is placed in the middle of a wall of a cube or rectangle, then the cold spot may be in both corners of the opposite wall. Further, the articles that are located in the enclosure can create cold spots. For example, if bed linens are piled in a corner without airflow under or around it, a cold spot can form underneath the linens. By placing a thermocouple 52 in the cold spot, the operator can ensure that the temperature of the cold spot reaches 115° F. and maintains that temperature over time. Exemplary thermocouple securing devices 54 include a strap secured by snaps or hook and loop, a buckle, or a permanent sleeve or loop that the thermocouple is threaded through.


In some embodiments, the floor is connected to the walls with a seam where the seam is at least one inch off of the ground. The advantage of having the seam slightly off of the ground is that it makes it less likely that pests will find the seam and nest in it.


When the enclosure is inflated, it preferably has an internal volume of at least about 6, about 50, about 368, or about 800 cubic feet.


Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the enclosure is used in conjunction with a heating system 38. The heating system includes a first heating element 40, at least one thermocouple 52 attached to the thermocouple plug 42 and electrically connected to the heater and configured to be located inside of the inflated enclosure, and a programmable logic controller 44 electrically connected to the first heater and the thermocouple. It is understood that a PC board or other controller could be used instead of a programmable logic controller. The heating system can also include an internal fan 50. The heater may include a split inlet duct that allows either fresh air or return air to be run through the heater. Alternatively, the duct may not be split, but may include a manifold that allows for either fresh or recirculated air to flow into the enclosure. Using return air may be more energy efficient because the air is already hotter than ambient air. The heating system is connected to the enclosure through the ducts 34 and 36, shown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, duct 34 may include a manifold that opens and closes to the outside. This manifold would allow fresh air to circulate into the enclosure. This is useful and can be open when inflating the enclosure. Once the enclosure is inflated, it may be beneficial to close the fresh air manifold and allow only recirculated hot air to circulate. This would avoid having to heat fresh air. Duct 36 may also include a manifold that opens and closes to the inside of the enclosure. This manifold may be closed while the enclosure is inflating. Once the enclosure is inflated, the manifold can be opened to allow hot air to recirculate from the enclosure to the heater and then back to the enclosure. In some embodiments, the heating system 38, instead of duct 34, may include the manifold that opens to the outside. The heating system also includes a fan 50 for blowing the hot air into the enclosure and for facilitating the return of air from inside of the enclosure. The fan 50 is also responsible for inflating the enclosure. In some embodiments, the heater includes a second heating element 46 to maximize heat output. If two heating elements are used, then the system preferably works off of two different 15 amp circuits. In one exemplary embodiment, the first heating element can be sized to accommodate a maximum 12 amp current draw on the circuit while powering the heating element and the fan internal to heater and the second heating element is slightly larger and accommodates the PLC while staying under the maximum 12 amp current draw.


The heater can be equipped with various safety features. For example, the controller can be programmed to automatically start the shut down process or shut off completely if the temperature does not reach a desired temperature within a longer period of time, or if it reaches too hot of a temperature within a period of time. For example, if the temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature such as 110° F. or 115° F. within a certain period of time such as 10 hours, 12 hours, or 16 hours, the heater can start decreasing the temperature by 1 degree every 6 minutes or 5 or 10 degrees every hour. In another example, if the temperature reaches a higher temperature such as 120° F., 125° F., or 130° F. within an hour, 2 hours, or 4 hours, the controller can be programmed to start the process of decreasing the temperature by 1 degree every 6 minutes or 5 or 10 degrees every hour. Also, in this example, the controller can be programmed to simply shut down the heater altogether and allow the temperature to cool down on its own. The controller can also be programmed to alert a user or operator that the treatment was not successful. This would allow the user or operator to correct any problems with the system and run the cycle again, or provide an alternative pest treatment. The controller can also be equipped to remotely alert the user or operator that there is a problem on the user or operator's mobile phone, pager, email, or text.


In addition to the enclosure and the heating system, the system can optionally include an internal fan inside of the inflated enclosure. This fan helps circulate the air inside of the enclosure to reduce the likelihood of cold spots inside of the enclosure. Eliminating cold spots inside of the enclosure is important. If the temperature of any spot inside of the enclosure does not reach the minimum temperature needed to kill the pests, then that spot can become a source of contamination. If the system includes an internal fan, the system preferably includes relays and controls that determine if the internal fan inside of the enclosure was powered on and working throughout the heating cycle. The system can also include a stand for supporting the article to be treated. The stand should be designed in a way to maximize the air circulation around the article while minimizing cold spots in and around the article and around the stand. In some embodiments, the stand is L-shaped. In some embodiments, the stand has a minimum of a 1-inch clearance between the floor and the article on the stand to ensure proper circulation. The stand is preferably made of a heat-conducting material such as metal. This also helps eliminate cold spots.


Methods of Use


To set up the enclosure, the deflated enclosure is spread out and hooked up to the heater. The articles are placed inside of the deflated enclosure. In some embodiments, the items are placed in the enclosure in such a way that the item has at least a 1 inch space on all sides between the article and the floor, walls, and other articles in the enclosure once the enclosure is set up or inflated. In some embodiments, the article has at least a 1-2 inch space around the article and the walls, floors, or other articles of the assembled or inflated enclosure. Leaving space around the article is important to assure proper air flow around the article. The heater is turned on and the manifold in the inlet duct 34 is opened to allow air to flow into the deflated enclosure in order to heat and inflate it. While the enclosure is inflating, the manifold in outlet duct 36 is closed. Once the enclosure is inflated, the manifold in the inlet duct 34 is closed, and the manifold in outlet duct 36 is opened. This allows for the warm air inside of the enclosure to be recirculated.


In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method for treating a suspected infested article. The method includes placing an article inside of an enclosure such as the one described above, sealing the enclosure, and then adjusting the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature is gradually increased at a predetermined controlled rate, and then held at a peak temperature for a predetermined period of time, and then gradually decreased at a predetermined controlled rate. In an embodiment, the temperature is increased from room temperature at a rate of from about 10 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit every hour or one degree every six minutes. The temperature may be increased more slowly over a longer period of time. For example, the temperature can be ramped up at from about 1 to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit every hour. But, the temperature should not be ramped up too quickly for sensitive articles or the article may be damaged. The temperature is increased until the temperature reaches a predetermined peak temperature. The various life stages of bed bugs die at a temperature of about 115 degrees Fahrenheit. But, the articles being treated can include larger objects that have internal spaces that could be infested with pests (i.e., furniture, mattresses, and box springs). Therefore, it may be beneficial to increase the temperature higher than the minimum needed to kill all life stages of pests. Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature inside of the enclosure is increased to at least about 115° F., at least about 118° F., at least about 120° F., at least about 130° F., or at least about 180° F. and then held at that temperature for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined temperature hold time will vary depending on the temperature, but the temperature can be held from about 1 minute to about 10 hours, about 1 hour to about 5 hours, about 2 hours to about 4 hours, or longer periods of time such as about 2 hours to about 8 hours, or about 8 hours to about 24 hours. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the temperature inside of the enclosure is gradually ramped down from the peak temperature to room temperature at a predetermined controlled rate. In an embodiment, the temperature is decreased to room temperature at a rate of from about 10 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit every hour. As with the ramp up, the temperature can be decreased more slowly or over a longer period of time. Care should be taken not to decrease the temperature too quickly for sensitive articles and risk damaging the articles. Alternatively, the heater can be turned off and the temperature inside of the enclosure can be allowed to return to room temperature on its own. This is most effective when the insulation on the enclosure helps the temperature decrease slowly enough, or where the articles inside of the enclosure are not sensitive to a rapid temperature decrease.


It is especially important to control the temperature increase and decrease when treating articles that are made of multiple materials, such as furniture. Furniture often is made of multiple types of wood, composites, laminates, plastics, and adhesives. If the temperature of the furniture is increased or decreased too quickly, the different materials may change temperature at different rates which could cause the piece of furniture to warp. An alternative embodiment of the present disclosure can be used with articles that are not as temperature sensitive as furniture where the temperature is increased or decreased as quickly as possible. This can be useful when treating non-sensitive items such as soft goods, bedding, curtains, towels, personal items, and clothes. In one preferred embodiment, the disclosed system is designed to have two modes of operation where a user can select a rapid temperature increase and decrease if non-temperature-sensitive articles are being treated or a controlled, slow temperature increase and decrease if temperature sensitive articles are being treated.


In some embodiments, the temperature is automatically adjusted by the programmable logic controller on the heating system. In this method, the heating system has a heater. The heating system also has at least one thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and located inside of the inflated enclosure. The thermocouple measures the actual air temperature inside of the enclosure (Tactual). The heating system also includes a programmable logic controller electrically connected to the heater and the thermocouple. In some embodiments, the programmable logic controller is programmed with predetermined temperature ramp rate controlled by a set point temperature (Tsetpoint) and a target temperature (Ttarget). In some embodiments, the controller can be programmed by a user or operator to vary the temperature ramp rate and hold time. An exemplary predetermined ramp rate may be 1 degree Fahrenheit every six minutes. It is understood that other ramp rates could be used including partial degree increments. It is also understood that step increases could be used where the programmable logic controller increases the temperature by, for example, 5 or 10 degrees and then holds that temperature for a period of time such as 60 minutes. In one exemplary embodiment, the programmable logic controller increases the air temperature inside of the enclosure by increasing the Tsetpoint one degree every six minutes until Ttarget is reached, comparing the Tactual to the Tsetpoint, and adjusting the heater in response to the difference between Tactual and Tsetpoint. The heater can be adjusted in several ways. For example, the heater can be adjusted by simply turning the heater on and off. The heater can also be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the power to the heater. And the heater can be adjusted by modifying a ratio of “on time” to “off time”. If Tactual<Tsetpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater on, increase the power to the heater, increase the amount of “on time,” or decrease the amount of “off time.” If Tactual>Tsetpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater off, decrease the power to the heater, decrease the amount of “on time,” or increase the amount of “off time.” Once Tsetpoint=Ttarget, the programmable logic controller holds the Ttarget for a predetermined period of time (for example, for four hours) and continues to compare the Tactual to the Tsetpoint (which is now also Ttarget) and adjust the heat up or down to maintain Ttarget. After the temperature has been held for the predetermined period of time, in some embodiments, the programmable logic controller also controls the decrease in air temperature inside of the enclosure by decreasing the Tsetpoint one degree every six minutes until Tactual=the original Tactual, which could be room temperature, comparing the Tactual to the Tsetpoint, and turning the heater on or off in response to the difference between Tactual and Tsetpoint. Tactual<Tsetpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater on, increase the power to the heater, increase the amount of “on time,” or decrease the amount of “off time.” If Tactual>Tsetpoint, then the programmable logic controller can turn the heater off, decrease the power to the heater, decrease the amount of “on time,” or increase the amount of “off time.” This is generally shown in FIG. 10.


In an embodiment, the heating system can include a second thermocouple where a first thermocouple measures the air temperature inside of the enclosure and a second thermocouple measures the air temperature inside of an article, such as a piece of furniture or a mattress. In this embodiment, the first thermocouple controls the temperature ramp rate controlled by a set point temperature, Tsetpoint, (both increase and decrease) but the second thermocouple controls whether the temperature inside of the enclosure has reached Ttarget. Using two thermocouples is a more sophisticated way to control the temperature increase and decrease while ensuring that the air temperature inside of an article maintains a high enough temperature.


Exemplary articles to be treated include a mattress, a boxspring, bedding, nightstands, furniture, mirrors, pictures, light fixtures, window treatments, clothing, appliances, commercial fixtures, telephones, remote controls, alarm clocks and small electrical items, luggage, personal items, and pet bedding. The article can be located in a variety of places including a hotel, a house, an apartment or multi-family complex, restaurants, an office building, a movie theater, a train, a bus, an airplane, a car, a truck, a retail store, a college dormitory, a doctor's office, a veterinary clinic, a hospital, and a nursing home. The article can also be a large article such as manufacturing equipment, a bus, a car, a truck, an airplane, or a train.


In addition to using heat to kill pests, the methods disclosed herein can be used in conjunction with pesticides and/or as part of a pest treatment program.


The present disclosure may be better understood with reference to the following examples. These examples are intended to be representative of specific embodiments of the disclosure, and are not intended as limiting the scope of the disclosure.


EXAMPLES
Example 1
Hotel Room Heat Test


FIG. 7 shows temperature data collected during a treatment of an entire hotel room. The entire room was heated up and the temperature was taken at different locations within the room. The lethal temperature needed to kill bed bugs is 115° F. FIG. 7 shows that the ceiling of the room gets very warm, but the floor is still below the lethal temperature, making it a place for bed bugs to hide and survive the treatment. Lethal temperatures may be achieved at the floor but large fans and substantially more electric power would be required which could be costly and not practical.


Example 2
Efficacy of High Temperatures on Bed Bug Adults and Eggs Over Time

Example 2 evaluated the temperature required to kill bed bug adults and eggs. The example evaluated three elevated temperatures (100° F., 115° F., and 130° F.) for mortality among bed bug adults and eggs when exposed to heat for 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours. Ten adult bed bugs and ten eggs were evaluated for each time and temperature period. The eggs were observed at two weeks for hatch. The beg bug adults were evaluated immediately upon removal from the heated container. FIGS. 8A and 8B show the efficacy of high temperatures on bed bug adults and eggs over time. The figures show that that temperature alone is not enough to be effective, but that a combination of high temperatures and time is needed. FIGS. 8A and 8B show that maintaining 115° F. for four hours is effective against eggs and adults. FIGS. 8A and 8B also show that if the temperature is increased, the amount of time can be decreased as 130° F. was effective against eggs and adults in 30 minutes.


Example 3
Heat Trial Run on a Mattress

Example 3 determined the heat penetration into the interior of a mattress. For this example, thermocouples were placed at various locations inside of an enclosure and inside of a mattress. FIG. 9 shows that an internal air temperature inside of the enclosure of 123° F. is high enough to raise the temperature of the interior of the mattress to the required 115° F. The air around the exterior and the air in the interior of the article being treated must reach 115° F., otherwise, the interior spaces of the article, particularly with large articles like furniture and mattresses, can become a harborage for bed bugs.


The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the disclosed compositions and methods of use. Since many embodiments of the disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims.

Claims
  • 1. A method of treating an article comprising: (A) placing an article inside of a flexible, enclosure, the enclosure comprising a floor, at least one wall, and a ceiling;(B) sealing the enclosure;(C) increasing the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure at a rate of from about 1 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until a temperature of at least about 115° F. is reached, wherein the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure is increased by blowing hot air from a heater, and wherein the heating is monitored by at least one thermocouple located inside the enclosure and electrically connected to the heater; and(D) maintaining a temperature of at least about 115° F. for a predetermined period of time,wherein the enclosure is constructed to be capable of treating furniture, a mattress, a box spring, or a combination thereof.
  • 2. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising decreasing the temperature inside of the sealed enclosure at a rate of from about 1 to about 15 degrees Fahrenheit per hour until the temperature reaches room temperature.
  • 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the group consisting of a mattress, a box spring, a piece of furniture, personal belongings and combinations thereof.
  • 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure further comprises a support structure.
  • 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of bars configured to be connected around the exterior of the inflated enclosure.
  • 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is made of an insulated material.
  • 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is made of a flame-retardant material.
  • 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the interior of the enclosure is a light-colored material.
  • 9. A method of controlling the temperature inside of an enclosure as part of a method of treating an article, the method of controlling comprising: increasing the temperature inside a flexible and inflatable enclosure by using a heating system comprising (i) a heater;(ii) a blower configured to blow hot air from the heater;(iii) at least one thermocouple electrically connected to the heater and located inside of the inflated enclosure and measuring temperature Tactual; and(iv) a controller electrically connected to the heater and the thermocouple and programmed with a first mode that increases and decreases the temperature inside of the enclosure as quickly as possible and a second mode comprising a predetermined temperature ramp rate, a temperature set point (Tsetpoint), and a target temperature (Ttarget), the controller increasing the temperature inside of the enclosure by (a) increasing the Tsetpoint one degree every six minutes until Ttarget is reached;(b) comparing the Tactual to the Tsetpoint; and(c) turning the heater on or off in response to the difference between Tactual and Tsetpoint.
  • 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature inside the sealed enclosure is increased at a controlled rate of heating, and wherein the rate of heating is controlled by a controller coupled with the at least one thermocouple, the controller being programmed to maintain a predetermined ramp rate.
  • 11. The method of claim 4, wherein the support structure is an external support structure.
  • 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is inflatable.
  • 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is collapsible.
  • 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure comprises one or more windows positioned on the at least one wall.
  • 15. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one thermocouple is located in a cold spot.
  • 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the enclosure has a use state and a non-use state, and wherein the enclosure has a volume of at least 50 cubic feet when the enclosure is in the use state.
  • 17. A method of treating an article comprising: (A) placing an article inside of an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: (i) a floor, a ceiling, and a plurality of walls defining an interior space having a volume from about 368 to about 800 cubic feet, wherein at least one wall comprises an opening mechanism comprising a zipped closure, a hook and loop closure, or both, allowing displacement of the wall to provide access to the interior space, wherein at least some of the floor, ceiling, and plurality of walls are constructed of a flexible material having an R-value from about 1 to about 4, and wherein the flexible material comprises a light colored surface facing the interior space;(ii) an external frame, wherein the external frame attaches to the enclosure at a plurality of attachment points; and(iii) at least one window positioned on at least one of the plurality of walls, and a hook and loop sealing system outside of the window;(B) closing the enclosure;(C) increasing a temperature of the interior space by blowing hot air from one or more heaters until the temperature is at least about 115° F.; and(D) maintaining the temperature of at least about 115° F. for a predetermined period of time,wherein the enclosure is constructed to be capable of treating furniture, a mattress, a box spring, or a combination thereof.
  • 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the plurality of walls comprises four walls.
  • 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the external frame attaches to the floor, ceiling, and plurality of walls.
  • 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the external frame comprises a plurality of bars.
  • 21. The method of claim 17, wherein the flexible material comprises an insulated material.
  • 22. The method of claim 17, wherein the flexible material comprises a material selected from Norpac, Thinsulate, Thermal-Wrap, HeatShield, Nomex, Thermarest, Kevlar, insulated canvas, vinyl, polystyrene, space blanket, thermal cover, or other insulated material, and combinations thereof.
  • 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the floor comprises vinyl or canvas.
  • 24. The method of claim 17, wherein the R value of the flexible material is from about 1.4 to about 3.
  • 25. The method of claim 17, wherein the R value of the flexible material is about 2.
  • 26. The method of claim 17, wherein displacement of the wall creates an opening that facilitates placing furniture, a mattress, a box spring, or a combination thereof inside the enclosure.
  • 27. The method of claim 17, wherein the temperature is gradually increased.
  • 28. The method of claim 17, wherein the temperature of the interior space is increased to about 120° F. or higher.
  • 29. The method of claim 17, wherein the heater is configured to not exceed a maximum temperature.
  • 30. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined period of time is from about 1 minutes to about 8 hours.
  • 31. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined period of time is from about 1 hour to about 4 hours.
  • 32. The method of claim 17, wherein the predetermined period of time is from about 2 hours to about 4 hours.
  • 33. The method of claim 17, wherein the temperature is increased using more than one heating element.
  • 34. The method of claim 17, wherein the one or more heating elements have a current draw of less than 15 amp.
  • 35. The method of claim 17, wherein the opening mechanism comprises a zipped closure and a hook and loop closure, and wherein the hook and loop closure can be used to seal over the zipped closure.
  • 36. The method of claim 17, wherein the enclosure comprises a stand placed in the interior space for supporting the article to be treated.
  • 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the stand is made of metal.
  • 38. The method of claim 17, wherein the article is selected from a mattress, a box spring, a piece of furniture, bedding, personal belongings and combinations thereof.
  • 39. The method of claim 17, further comprising placing a plurality of articles inside the enclosure.
  • 40. The method of claim 17, wherein articles are treated at a hotel, a house, an apartment or multi-family complex, a restaurant, an office building, a movie theater, a train, a bus, an airplane, a car, a truck, a retail store, a college dormitory, a doctor's office, a veterinary clinic, a hospital, or a nursing home.
  • 41. The method of claim 17, wherein the article comprises a vehicle or manufacturing equipment.
  • 42. A method of treating an article comprising: (A) placing an article inside of an enclosure, the enclosure comprising: (i) a floor, a ceiling, and a plurality of walls defining an interior space, wherein at least one wall comprises an opening mechanism allowing at least partial displacement of the wall to provide access to the interior space; and(ii) a frame capable of being attached to the enclosure at a plurality of attachment points,wherein the enclosure is collapsible;(B) closing the enclosure;(C) increasing a temperature of the interior space by blowing hot air from one or more heaters until the temperature is at least about 115° F.; and(D) maintaining a temperature of at least about 115° F. for a predetermined period of time,
  • 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the opening mechanism comprises a zipped closure, a hook and loop closure, or both.
  • 44. The method of claim 42, wherein the flexible material has an R-value from about 0.5 to about 4.
  • 45. The method of claim 42, wherein the temperature reaches 120 to 130° F. within one hour.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/454,255 filed Mar. 18, 2011, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

US Referenced Citations (142)
Number Name Date Kind
51493 Tapper Dec 1865 A
56008 Clarke Jul 1866 A
57338 Lake Aug 1866 A
137936 Legab Apr 1873 A
139562 Fewell Jun 1873 A
161032 Hawkins Mar 1875 A
168306 Watkins Sep 1875 A
317322 Dosh May 1885 A
431815 Linder et al. Jul 1890 A
481270 Baggesen Aug 1892 A
616049 Archer Dec 1898 A
844919 Brundin Feb 1907 A
1614157 Schneider Jan 1927 A
3056415 Nimmo Jul 1962 A
3327441 Kelly Jun 1967 A
3594481 Lindberg et al. Jul 1971 A
3676486 Nikles et al. Jul 1972 A
3714947 Hardy Feb 1973 A
3878570 Donnelly Apr 1975 A
3901437 Harkins Aug 1975 A
4033367 Johnston Jul 1977 A
4086424 Mellen, Sr. Apr 1978 A
4228511 Simcoe et al. Oct 1980 A
4305235 Roston Dec 1981 A
4323582 Siegel et al. Apr 1982 A
4327710 DeLoach et al. May 1982 A
4416658 Numazawa et al. Nov 1983 A
4524264 Takeuchi et al. Jun 1985 A
4557317 Harmon, Jr. Dec 1985 A
4702413 Beckey et al. Oct 1987 A
4788149 Cerami et al. Nov 1988 A
4817329 Forbes Apr 1989 A
4843576 Smith et al. Jun 1989 A
4941499 Pelsue et al. Jul 1990 A
4953320 Nelson Sep 1990 A
4958456 Chaudoin Sep 1990 A
4961283 Forbes Oct 1990 A
4966755 Smith Oct 1990 A
5011909 Borovsky et al. Apr 1991 A
5058313 Tallon Oct 1991 A
5203108 Washburn, Jr. Apr 1993 A
5244001 Lynch Sep 1993 A
5282334 Kimura Feb 1994 A
5349778 Chu Sep 1994 A
5358934 Borovsky et al. Oct 1994 A
5439821 Borovsky et al. Aug 1995 A
5459130 Borovsky et al. Oct 1995 A
5471782 Brittell Dec 1995 A
5479743 Queen et al. Jan 1996 A
5501976 Borovsky et al. Mar 1996 A
5555927 Shah Sep 1996 A
5569401 Gilliland et al. Oct 1996 A
5575106 Martin et al. Nov 1996 A
5613320 Thomasson et al. Mar 1997 A
5629196 Borovsky et al. May 1997 A
5638848 November Jun 1997 A
5641463 Langhart Jun 1997 A
5658130 Goldstein Aug 1997 A
5661637 Villaume Aug 1997 A
5768907 Lee Jun 1998 A
RE35834 Miller Jul 1998 E
5792419 Williamson et al. Aug 1998 A
5792750 Borovsky et al. Aug 1998 A
D426596 Polk Jun 2000 S
6141901 Johnson Nov 2000 A
6171561 Williamson et al. Jan 2001 B1
6192598 Halverson et al. Feb 2001 B1
6279261 Binker et al. Aug 2001 B1
6302094 Wehrly Oct 2001 B1
6313441 Schaper et al. Nov 2001 B1
6327812 Hedman Dec 2001 B1
6337080 Fryan et al. Jan 2002 B1
6467215 Nelson et al. Oct 2002 B1
6568123 Nelson et al. May 2003 B2
6588140 Johnson Jul 2003 B1
6612067 Topp Sep 2003 B2
6647661 Grigorov Nov 2003 B2
6678994 Topp Jan 2004 B2
6772829 Lebrun Aug 2004 B2
6827036 Connolly Dec 2004 B2
6901317 Starner May 2005 B2
7134239 Barra Nov 2006 B2
7168630 Ketcha Jan 2007 B1
7195025 Choi et al. Mar 2007 B2
7335733 Paesen et al. Feb 2008 B2
7410058 Kirkegaard Aug 2008 B2
7481234 Gustafson Jan 2009 B1
7591099 Lang Sep 2009 B2
7676985 Perkins Mar 2010 B1
7690148 Hedman Apr 2010 B2
7719429 Barber May 2010 B2
7743552 Borth Jun 2010 B2
7926222 Molnar Apr 2011 B2
9101125 Knote Aug 2015 B2
20010004813 Hedman Jun 2001 A1
20020011020 Nelson Jan 2002 A1
20020040027 Karrer et al. Apr 2002 A1
20020062852 Jopp et al. May 2002 A1
20020066223 Hedman et al. Jun 2002 A1
20030029605 Lebrun Feb 2003 A1
20030078390 Paesen et al. Apr 2003 A1
20030170257 Trimnell et al. Sep 2003 A1
20040039431 Machold et al. Feb 2004 A1
20040231687 Kirkegaard Nov 2004 A1
20050000937 Chiang et al. Jan 2005 A1
20050086858 Schmidt Apr 2005 A1
20050123556 Nuttall et al. Jun 2005 A1
20050220662 Hedman Oct 2005 A1
20050246942 Mueller et al. Nov 2005 A1
20050268543 Hicks et al. Dec 2005 A1
20060057100 Geier et al. Mar 2006 A1
20060269582 Bruins et al. Nov 2006 A1
20060277830 Boggs, Jr. Dec 2006 A1
20070016271 Hammond Jan 2007 A1
20070031411 Trimnell et al. Feb 2007 A1
20070044372 Lang et al. Mar 2007 A1
20070050903 Sappenfield Mar 2007 A1
20070283986 Baum Dec 2007 A1
20080014111 Hedman Jan 2008 A1
20080148624 Borth et al. Jun 2008 A1
20080221536 Thomsen et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080222808 Bell et al. Sep 2008 A1
20080248534 Lim et al. Oct 2008 A1
20080264925 Lockhart Oct 2008 A1
20090049764 McCulloch et al. Feb 2009 A1
20090211148 McCarty Aug 2009 A1
20100065094 Ways Mar 2010 A1
20100071258 Molnar Mar 2010 A1
20100186792 Imhof Jul 2010 A1
20100329649 Potter Dec 2010 A1
20110063798 Denter et al. Mar 2011 A1
20110289825 James Dec 2011 A1
20120060407 Lindsey Mar 2012 A1
20120096761 Smith Apr 2012 A1
20120186138 Bell et al. Jul 2012 A1
20120216444 Raud et al. Aug 2012 A1
20120233907 Pattison Sep 2012 A1
20130263496 Maloney et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130269239 Whitley et al. Oct 2013 A1
20130276357 Knote Oct 2013 A1
20130276358 Knote Oct 2013 A1
20140013653 Lander Jan 2014 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (110)
Number Date Country
2387235 Nov 2002 CA
43 40 798 Jun 1995 DE
692 30 043 Jan 2000 DE
202004003142 Jun 2004 DE
698 36 759 Oct 2007 DE
603 16 443 May 2008 DE
0 298 599 Jan 1989 EP
0 575 952 Dec 1993 EP
0 673 387 Sep 1999 EP
0 963 694 Dec 1999 EP
0 963 694 BI Dec 2002 EP
1 356 730 Oct 2003 EP
1 220 604 Nov 2004 EP
1 029 044 Dec 2006 EP
1 034 273 Dec 2006 EP
1356730 Jun 2007 EP
1 811 224 Jul 2007 EP
1 521 524 Sep 2007 EP
1 942 300 Jul 2008 EP
1 969 971 Sep 2008 EP
1 706 033 Jul 2010 EP
1 443 958 Dec 2010 EP
1 283 716 Mar 2012 EP
1 571 911 Jun 2012 EP
0963694 Dec 2012 EP
359938 Oct 1931 GB
1089853 Nov 1967 GB
1092421 Nov 1967 GB
1244 414 Sep 1971 GB
2 096 569 Oct 1982 GB
2 195 875 Aug 1987 GB
2 195 078 Mar 1988 GB
2 206 790 Jan 1989 GB
2430158 Mar 2007 GB
57-75654 May 1982 JP
58-72504 Apr 1983 JP
59-196439 Nov 1984 JP
59-196440 Nov 1984 JP
60-61509 Apr 1985 JP
60-199804 Oct 1985 JP
64-37958 Feb 1989 JP
64-38004 Feb 1989 JP
1-93505 Apr 1989 JP
1-156901 Jun 1989 JP
1-170468 Jul 1989 JP
1-212560 Aug 1989 JP
1-282619 Nov 1989 JP
2-40306 Feb 1990 JP
2-65868 Mar 1990 JP
2-282308 Nov 1990 JP
3-44305 Feb 1991 JP
3-133906 Jun 1991 JP
3-151308 Jun 1991 JP
4-185766 Jul 1992 JP
4-185767 Jul 1992 JP
4-217606 Aug 1992 JP
4-235141 Aug 1992 JP
4-343853 Nov 1992 JP
5-4901 Jan 1993 JP
5-17310 Jan 1993 JP
5-178706 Jul 1993 JP
5-255026 Oct 1993 JP
5-294895 Nov 1993 JP
6-16503 Jan 1994 JP
6-311980 Nov 1994 JP
6-346373 Dec 1994 JP
7-173005 Jul 1995 JP
7-279049 Oct 1995 JP
7-279050 Oct 1995 JP
7-287013 Oct 1995 JP
7-316003 Dec 1995 JP
8-56543 Mar 1996 JP
8-188510 Jul 1996 JP
8-188966 Jul 1996 JP
9-67396 Mar 1997 JP
9-108337 Apr 1997 JP
9-159584 Jun 1997 JP
9-227305 Sep 1997 JP
10-36201 Feb 1998 JP
10-150902 Jun 1998 JP
10-203907 Aug 1998 JP
11-19088 Jan 1999 JP
11-240802 Sep 1999 JP
2001120145 May 2001 JP
2001157538 Jun 2001 JP
2001316212 Nov 2001 JP
2003-95827 Apr 2003 JP
2004-65140 Mar 2004 JP
2005-255209 Sep 2005 JP
2005255209 Sep 2005 JP
WO 9413698 Jun 1994 WO
WO 9715600 May 1997 WO
WO 9816107 Apr 1998 WO
WO 9924567 May 1999 WO
WO 9927104 Jun 1999 WO
WO 0180881 Nov 2001 WO
WO 0189295 Nov 2001 WO
WO0189295 Nov 2001 WO
WO 0205644 Jan 2002 WO
WO 03030931 Apr 2003 WO
WO 03103395 Dec 2003 WO
WO 2004014134 Feb 2004 WO
WO 2004045291 Jun 2004 WO
WO 2004082376 Sep 2004 WO
WO 2005067798 Jul 2005 WO
2006-188503 Jul 2006 WO
WO 2007027601 Mar 2007 WO
WO 2008051501 May 2008 WO
WO 2010036331 Apr 2010 WO
WO 2010096184 Aug 2010 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (12)
Entry
Leventhal, Stephanie, “UF creates cheap way to battle bed bugs,” article from The Independent Florida Alligator, Jul. 14, 2009, 3 pages.
Lupo, Lisa, “Treating with Heat, A Simple Principle—A Complex Application,” QA Magazine. Mar./Apr. 2008, 4 pages.
“NorpacR2 Arctic Outdoor Shelter Fabric” press release, dated prior to Aug. 2007 ice fishing season. 2 pages.
Pereira et al., “Lethal Effects of Heat and Use of Localized Heat Treatment for Control of Bed Bug Infestations,” Journal of Economic Entomology, vol. 102, No. 3. Entomological Society of America, Jun. 2009. 7 pages.
Printout from http://www.bedbugchaser.com/about—BedBug—Chaser.html, dated Jun. 14, 2011, 1 page.
Printout from http://www.mypmp.net/bed-bugs/the-heat-on?print=1 printed Dec. 4, 2009 from a post dated Nov. 23, 2009, 1 page.
“Propane-fueled Thermal Remediation” technology fact sheet, Propane Education and Research Council. Mar. 2007, 2 pages.
Smith, Charles. “Turning the heat up under infested homes/popular alternative to fumigation attacks. mold and fungus.” posted on SFGate.com. dated Aug. 30, 2003, accessed via http://articles.sfgate.com/2003-08-30/home-and-garden/17505027 1—heat-treatment-fumi . . . On Dec. 15, 2009. 2 pages.
Tjernlund AirShare Ventilators products brochure, Jan. 2009, 2 pages.
Tjernlund UnderAire Crawl Space Ventilators products brochure, 2006, 2 pages.
Tjernlund Ventilation Products brochure, copyright 2009, 4 pages.
International Search Report and Written Opinion mailed Sep. 10, 2012.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20120233907 A1 Sep 2012 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
61454255 Mar 2011 US