Sensing devices, systems, and methods particularly for pest control

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present invention relates to data gathering and sensing techniques, and more particularly, but not exclusively, relates to techniques for gathering data from one or more pest control devices.

[0003] The removal of pests from areas occupied by humans, livestock, and crops has long been a challenge. Pests of frequent concern include various types of insects and rodents. Subterranean termites are a particularly troublesome type of pest with the potential to cause severe damage to wooden structures. Various schemes have been proposed to eliminate termites and certain other harmful pests of both the insect and noninsect variety. In one approach, pest control relies on the blanket application of chemical pesticides in the area to be protected. However, as a result of environmental regulations, this approach is becoming less desirable.

[0004] Recently, advances have been made to provide for the targeted delivery of pesticide chemicals. U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,090 to Su is one example. Another example directed to termite control is the SENTRICON™ system of Dow AgroSciences that has a business address of 9330 Zionsville Road, Indianapolis, Ind. In this system, a number of units each having a termite edible material are placed in the ground about a dwelling to be protected. The units are inspected routinely by a pest control service for the presence of termites, and inspection data is recorded with reference to a unique barcode label associated with each unit. If termites are found in a given unit, a bait is installed that contains a slow-acting pesticide intended to be carried back to the termite nest to eradicate the colony.

[0005] However, techniques for more reliably sensing the activity of termites and other pests is desired. Alternatively or additionally, the ability to gather more comprehensive data relating to pest behavior is sought. Thus, there is a continuing demand for further advancement in the area of pest control and related sensing technologies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention includes a unique sensing technique applicable to the control of pests. In another embodiment, a unique technique to gather data concerning pest activity is provided. A further embodiment includes a unique pest control device to detect and exterminate one or more selected species of pest. As used herein, a “pest control device” refers broadly to any device that is used to sense, detect, monitor, bait, feed, poison, or exterminate one or more species of pest.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a unique pest control system. This system includes a number of pest control devices and an apparatus to gather data from the pest control devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus communicates with the pest control devices using wireless techniques and can also be arranged to locate the devices. The pest control devices can be of different types, at least some of which are configured to provide information relating to different levels of pest activity in addition to an indication of whether pests are present or not.

[0008] Still another embodiment of the present invention includes a pest control device with a circuit including one or more sensing elements operable to be consumed or displaced by one or more pests. This circuit monitors an electrical and/or magnetic property of the one or more sensing elements that is indicative of different nonzero levels of pest consumption or displacement.

[0009] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a pest control device includes a circuit with an element operably changed by a degree of consumption or displacement that is comprised of an electrically conductive, nonmetallic material. Additionally or alternatively, this element can be composed of a material having a volume resistivity of at least 0.001 ohm-cm.

[0010] In still another embodiment, a sensor includes one or more portions operable to be separated or removed from each other and a circuit operable to monitor a property corresponding to electrical capacitance that changes with removal or separation of the one or more portions from the sensor. This separation or removal can occur due to consumption or displacement by pests; wear, erosion, or abrasion by mechanical means, and/or a chemical reaction. Accordingly, the sensor can be used to monitor various pest activities, mechanical operations, and chemical alterations to name only a few.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a pest control device includes a unique monitoring bait that is at least partially comprised of a magnetic material. In a further alternative, a pest control device includes one or more environmental sensors to gather data about one or more corresponding environmental characteristics.

[0012] Other embodiments, forms, aspects, features, and objects of the present invention shall become apparent from the drawings and description contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a first type of pest control system according to the present invention that includes several of a first type of pest control device.

[0014]
FIG. 2 is a view of selected elements of the system of FIG. 1 in operation.

[0015]
FIG. 3 is an exploded, partial sectional view of a pest monitoring assembly of the first type of pest control device.

[0016]
FIG. 4 is an exploded, partial sectional view of the pest monitoring assembly of FIG. 3 along a view plane perpendicular to the view plane of FIG. 3.

[0017]
FIG. 5 is a partial, top view of a portion of a communication circuit subassembly of the pest monitoring assembly shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0018]
FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of the first type of pest control device with the pest monitoring assembly of FIG. 3.

[0019]
FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of the first type of pest control device with a pesticide delivery assembly in place of the pest monitoring assembly of FIG. 3.

[0020]
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of selected circuitry of the system of FIG. 1.

[0021]
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of circuitry for the pest monitoring assembly of FIG. 3.

[0022]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of one example of a process of the present invention that may be performed with the system of FIG. 1.

[0023]
FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of a second type of pest control system according to the present invention that includes a second type of pest control device.

[0024]
FIG. 12 is an exploded, partial assembly view of the second type of pest control device.

[0025]
FIG. 13 is an end view of an assembled sensor of the second type of pest control device.

[0026]
FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a third type of pest control system according to the present invention that includes a third type of pest control device.

[0027]
FIG. 15 is a partial cutaway view of a sensor for the third type of pest control device.

[0028]
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the sensor for the third type of pest control device taken along the section line 16-16 shown in FIG. 15.

[0029]
FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of a fourth type of pest control system according to the present invention that includes a fourth type of pest control device.

[0030]
FIG. 18 is a partial cutaway view of a sensor for the fourth type of pest control device.

[0031]
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the sensor for the fourth type of pest control device taken along the section line 19-19 shown in FIG. 18.

[0032]
FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic view of a fifth type of pest control system according to the present invention that includes pest control devices of the second, third, and fourth types, and further includes a fifth type of pest control device.

[0033]
FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic view of a sixth type of pest control system according to the present invention that includes a sixth type of pest control device.

[0034]
FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic view of a seventh type of pest control system according to the present invention that includes a seventh type of pest control device.

[0035]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of one example of a procedure of the present invention that may be performed with one or more of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or seventh systems.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0037]
FIG. 1 illustrates pest control system 20 of one embodiment of the present invention. System 20 is arranged to protect building 22 from damage due to pests, such as subterranean termites. System 20 includes a number of pest control devices 110 positioned about building 22. In FIG. 1, only a few of devices 110 are specifically designated by reference numerals to preserve clarity. System 20 also includes interrogator 30 to gather information about devices 110. Data gathered from devices 110 with interrogator 30 is collected in Data Collection Unit (DCU) 40 through communication interface 41.

[0038] Referring additionally to FIG. 2, certain aspects of the operation of system 20 are illustrated. In FIG. 2, a pest control service provider P is shown operating interrogator 30 to interrogate pest control devices 110 located at least partially below ground G using a wireless communication technique. In this example, interrogator 30 is shown in a hand-held form convenient for sweeping over ground G to establish wireless communication with installed devices 110. Additional aspects of system 20 and its operation are described in connection with FIGS. 8-10, but first further details concerning a representative pest control device 110 are described with reference to FIGS. 3-7.

[0039] FIGS. 3-7 illustrates various features of pest control device 110. To initially detect pests, pest control device 110 is internally configured with pest monitoring assembly 112. Referring more specifically to FIGS. 3 and 4, pest monitoring assembly 112 is illustrated along centerline assembly axis A. Axis A coincides with the view planes of both FIGS. 3 and 4; where the view plane of FIG. 4 is perpendicular to the view plane of FIG. 3.

[0040] Pest monitoring assembly 112 includes sensor subassembly 114 below communication circuit subassembly 116 along axis A. Sensor subassembly 114 includes two (2) bait members 132 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). Bait members 132 are each made from a bait material for one or more selected species of pests. For example, bait members 132 can each be made of a material that is a favorite food of such pests. In one example directed to subterranean termites, bait members 132 are each in the form of a soft wood block without a pesticide component. In other examples for termites, one or more of bait members 132 can include a pesticide, have a composition other than wood, or a combination of these features. In still other examples where pest control device 110 is directed to a type of pest other than termites, a correspondingly different composition of each bait member 132 is typically used.

[0041] Sensor subassembly 114 also includes sensor 150. Sensor 150 is depicted between bait members 132 in FIGS. 3 and 6; where FIG. 6 is a more fully assembled view of pest control device 110 than FIG. 3. Sensor 150 is generally elongated and has end portion 152a opposite end portion 152b as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. A middle portion of sensor 150 is represented by a pair of adjacent break lines separating portions 152a and 152b in FIG. 4, and bait members 132 are not shown in FIG. 4 to prevent obscuring the view of sensor 150.

[0042] Sensor 150 includes substrate 151. Substrate 151 carries conductor 153 that is arranged to provide sensing element 153a in the form of an electrically conductive loop or pathway 154 shown in the broken view of FIG. 4. Along the middle sensor portion represented by the break lines of FIG. 4, the four segments of pathway 154 continue along a generally straight, parallel route (not shown), and correspondingly join the four pathway segments of end portion 152a ending at one of the break lines with the four pathway segments of end portion 152b ending at another of the break lines. Pathway 154 terminates with a pair of electrical contact pads 156 adjacent substrate edge 155 of end portion 152a.

[0043] Substrate 151 and/or conductor 153 are/is comprised of one or more materials susceptible to consumption or displacement by the pests being monitored with pest monitoring assembly 112. These materials can be a food substance, a nonfood substance, or a combination of both for the one or more pest species of interest. Indeed, it has been found that materials composed of nonfood substances will be readily displaced during the consumption of adjacent edible materials, such as bait members 132. As substrate 151 or conductor 153 are consumed or displaced, pathway 154 is eventually altered. This alteration can be utilized to indicate the presence of pests by monitoring one or more corresponding electrical properties of pathway 154 as will be more fully described hereinafter. Alternatively, substrate 151 and/or conductor 153 can be oriented with respect to bait members 132 so that a certain degree of consumption or displacement of bait members 132 exerts a mechanical force sufficient to alter the electrical conductivity of pathway 154 in a detectable manner. For this alternative, substrate 151 and/or conductor 153 need not be directly consumed or displaced by the pest of interest.

[0044] Pest monitoring assembly 112 further includes circuit subassembly 116 coupled to sensor subassembly 114. Circuit subassembly 116 is arranged to detect and communicate pest activity as indicated by a change in one or more electrical properties of pathway 154 of sensor subassembly 114. Circuit subassembly 116 includes circuit enclosure 118 for housing communication circuitry 160 and a pair of connection members 140 for detachably coupling communication circuitry 160 to sensor 150 of sensor subassembly 114. Various operational aspects of this arrangement are described in connection with FIGS. 8-10 hereinafter. Enclosure 118 includes cover piece 120, o-ring 124, and base 130, that each have a generally circular outer perimeter about axis A. Enclosure 118 is shown more fully assembled in FIG. 4 relative to FIG. 3. Cover piece 120 defines cavity 122 bounded by inner lip 123. Base 130 defines channel 131 (shown in phantom) sized to receive o-ring 124 and also includes outer flange 133 configured to engage inner lip 123 when base 130 is assembled with cover piece 120 (see FIG. 4).

[0045] Communication circuitry 160 is positioned between cover piece 120 and base 130. Communication circuitry 160 includes coil antenna 162 and printed wiring board 164 carrying circuit components 166. Referring also to FIG. 5, a top view is shown of an assembly of base 130, connection members 140, and wireless communication circuitry 160. In FIG. 5, axis A is perpendicular to the view plane and is represented by like labeled cross-hairs. Base 130 includes posts 132 to engage mounting holes through printed wiring board 164. Base 130 also includes mounts 134 to engage coil antenna 162 and maintain it in fixed relation to base 130 and printed wiring board 164 when assembled together. Base 130 further includes four supports 136 each defining opening 137 therethrough as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Base 130 is shaped with a centrally located projection 138 between adjacent pairs of supports 136. Projection 138 defines recess 139 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3).

[0046] Referring generally to FIGS. 3-5, connection members 140 each include a pair of connection nubs 146. Each nub 146 has neck portion 147 and head portion 145 that extend from opposing end portions of the respective connection member 140. For each connection member 140, projection 148 is positioned between the corresponding pair of nubs 146. Projection 148 defines recess 149. Connection members 140 are formed from an electrically conductive, elastomeric material. In one embodiment, each connection member 140 is made from a carbon-containing silicone rubber, such as compound 862 available from TECKNIT, having a business address of 129 Dermody Street, Cranford, N.J. 07016. Nonetheless, in other embodiments, a different composition can be used.

[0047] To assemble each connection member 140 to base 130, the corresponding pair of nubs 146 are inserted through a respective pair of openings 137 of supports 136, with projection 148 extending into recess 139. Head portion 145 of each of nubs 146 is sized to be slightly larger than the respective opening 137 through which it is to pass. As a result, during insertion, head portions 145 are elastically deformed until fully passing through the respective opening 137. Once head portion 145 extends through opening 137, it returns to its original shape with neck 147 securely engaging the opening margin. By appropriate sizing and shaping of head portion 145 and neck portion 147 of nubs 146, openings 137 can be sealed to resist the passage of moisture and debris when base 130 and connection members 140 are assembled together. As shown in FIG. 5, printed wiring board 164 contacts one nub 146 of each connection member 140 after assembly.

[0048] After connection members 140 are assembled with base 130, enclosure 118 is assembled by inserting base 130 into cavity 122 with o-ring 124 carried in channel 131. During insertion, cover piece 120 and/or base 130 elastically deform so that flange 133 extends into cavity 122 beyond inner lip 123, such that cover piece 120 and base 130 engage each other with a “snap-fit” type of connection. The angled profile of the outer surface of base 130 facilitates this form of assembly. Once cover piece 120 and base 130 are connected in this manner, o-ring 124 provides a resilient seal to resist the intrusion of moisture and debris into cavity 122. The inner surface of cover piece 120 engaged by base 130 has a complimentary profile that can also assist with sealing.

[0049] After communication circuit subassembly 116 is assembled, sensor 150 is assembled to subassembly 116 by asserting end portion 152a into recess 149 of each connection member 140 carried by base 130. Connection members 140 are sized to be slightly elastically deformed by the insertion of end portion 152a into recess 149, such that a biasing force is applied by connection members 140 to end portion 152a to securely hold sensor 150 in contact therewith. Once end portion 152a is inserted into connection members 140, each pad 156 is electrically contacted by a different one of connection members 140. In turn, each nub 146 that contacts printed wiring board 164 electrically couples pathway 154 to printed wiring board 164.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, an exploded view of pest control device 110 and pest monitoring assembly 112 is depicted. In FIG. 6, sensor subassembly 114 and circuit subassembly 116 are shown assembled together and nested in carrying member 190 to maintain pest monitoring assembly 112 as a unit. Carrying member 190 is in the form of a frame that includes base 192 attached to opposing side members 194. Only one of side members 194 is fully visible in FIG. 6, with the other extending from base 192 along the hidden side of pest monitoring assembly 112 in a like manner. Side members 194 are joined together by bridge 196 opposite base 192. Bridge 196 is arranged to define a space 198 contoured to receive the assembled enclosure 118 of circuit subassembly 116.

[0051] Pest control device 110 includes housing 170 with removable cap 180 arranged for placement in the ground as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Housing 170 defines chamber 172 intersecting opening 178. Pest monitoring assembly 112 and carrying member 190 are sized for insertion into chamber 172 through opening 178. Housing 170 has end portion 171a opposite end portion 171b. End portion 171b includes tapered end 175 to assist with placement of pest control 110 in the ground as illustrated in FIG. 2. End 175 terminates in an aperture (not shown). In communication with chamber 172 are a number of slots 174 defined by housing 170. Slots 174 are particularly well-suited for the ingress and egress of termites from chamber 172. Housing 170 has a number of protruding flanges a few of which are designated by reference numerals 176a, 176b, 176c, 176d, and 176e in FIG. 6 to assist with positioning of pest control device 110 in the ground.

[0052] Once inside chamber 172, pest monitoring assembly 112 can be secured in housing 170 with cap 180. Cap 180 includes downward prongs 184 arranged to engage channels 179 of housing 170. After cap 180 is fully seated on housing 170, it can be rotated to engage prongs 184 in a latching position that resists disassembly. This latching mechanism can include a pawl and detent configuration. Slot 182 can be used to engage cap 180 with a tool, such as a flat-bladed screwdriver, to assist in rotating cap 180. It is preferred that carrying member 190, base 130, cover piece 120, housing 170, and cap 180 be made of a material resistant to deterioration by expected environmental exposure and resistant to alteration by the pests likely to be detected with pest control device 110. In one form, these components are made from a polymeric resin like polypropylene or CYCOLAC AR polymeric plastic material available from General Electric Plastics, having a business address of One Plastics Avenue Pittsfield, Mass. 01201.

[0053] Typically, pest monitoring assembly 112 is placed in chamber 172 after housing 170 is at least partially installed in the ground in the region to be monitored. Assembly 112 is configured to detect and report pest activity as will be more fully explained in connection with FIGS. 8-10. In one mode of operation, pest control device 110 is reconfigured to deliver a pesticide after pest activity is detected with pest monitoring assembly 112. FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly view of one example of such a reconfiguration. In FIG. 7, pest control device 110 utilizes pesticide delivery assembly 119 as a substitute for pest monitoring assembly 112 after pest activity has been detected. Substitution begins by rotating cap 180 in a direction opposite that required to latch it, and removing cap 180 from housing 170. Typically, the removal of cap 180 is performed with housing 170 remaining at least partially installed in the ground. Pest monitoring assembly 112 is then extracted from housing 170 by pulling carrying member 190. It has been found that application of pest control device 110 to pests such as termites can lead to the accumulation of a substantial amount of dirt and debris in chamber 172 before pest monitoring assembly 112 is removed. This accumulation can hamper the removal of pest monitoring assembly 112 from chamber 172. As a result, member 190 is preferably arranged to withstand at least 40 pounds (lbs.) of pulling force, and more preferably at least 80 lbs. of pulling force.

[0054] After pest monitoring assembly 112 is removed from chamber 172, pesticide delivery assembly 119 is placed in chamber 172 of housing 170 through opening 178. Pesticide delivery assembly 119 includes pesticide bait tube 1170 defining chamber 1172. Chamber 1172 contains pesticide bearing matrix member 1173. Tube 1170 has a threaded end 1174 arranged for engagement by cap 1176, which has complimentary inner threading (not shown). Cap 1176 defines aperture 1178. Circuit subassembly 116 is detached from sensor 150 before, during, or after removal of pest monitoring assembly 112 from housing 170. Aperture 1178 is accordingly sized and shaped to securely receive circuit subassembly 116 after disassembly from pest monitoring assembly 112. After pesticide delivery assembly 119 is configured with circuit subassembly 116, it is placed in chamber 172, and cap 180 can re-engage housing 170 in the manner previously described.

[0055]
FIG. 8 schematically depicts circuitry of interrogator 30 and pest monitoring assembly 112 for a representative pest control device 110 of system 20 shown in FIG. 1. Monitoring circuitry 169 of FIG. 8 collectively represents communication circuitry 160 connected to conductor 153 of sensor 150 by connection members 140. In FIG. 8, pathway 154 of monitoring circuitry 169 is represented with a single-pole, single-throw switch corresponding to the capability of sensor 150 to provide a closed or open electrical pathway in accordance with pest activity. Further, communication circuitry 160 includes sensor state detector 163 to provide a two-state status signal when energized; where one state represents an open or high resistance pathway 154 and the other state represents an electrically closed or continuous pathway 154. Communication circuit 160 also includes identification code 167 to generate a corresponding identification signal for device 110. Identification code 167 may be in the form of a predetermined multibit binary code or such other form as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0056] Communication circuitry 160 is configured as a passive RF transponder that is energized by an external stimulation or excitation signal from interrogator 30 received via coil antenna 162. Likewise, detector 163 and code 167 of circuitry 160 are powered by this stimulation signal. In response to being energized by a stimulation signal, communication circuitry 160 transmits information to interrogator 30 with coil antenna 162 in a modulated RF format. This wireless transmission corresponds to the bait status determined with detector 163 and a unique device identifier provided by identification code 167.

[0057] Referring additionally to FIG. 9, further details of communication circuitry 160 and monitoring circuitry 169 are depicted. In FIG. 9, a broken line box represents printed wiring board 164, circumscribing components 166 that it carries. Circuit components 166 include capacitor C, integrated circuit IC, resistor R, and PNP transistor Q1. In the depicted embodiment, integrated circuit IC is a passive, Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) model no. MCRF202 provided by Microchip Technologies, Inc of 2355 West Chandler Blvd., Chandler, Ariz. 85224-6199. Integrated circuit IC includes code 167 and detector 163.

[0058] IC also includes two (2) antenna connections VA and VB, that are connected to a parallel network of coil antenna 162 and capacitor C. Capacitor C has a capacitance of about 390 picoFarads (pF), and coil antenna 162 has an inductance of about 4.16 milliHenries (mH) for the depicted embodiment. IC is configured to supply a regulated D.C. electric potential via contacts VCC and VSS, with VCC being at a higher potential. This electric potential is derived from the stimulus RF input received with coil antenna 162 via connections VA and VB. The VCC connection of IC is electrically coupled to the emitter of transistor Q1 and one of the electrical contact pads 156 of sensor 150. The base of transistor Q1 is electrically coupled to the other of electrical contact pads 156. Resistor R is electrically connected between the VSS connection of IC and the base of transistor Q1. The collector of transistor Q1 is coupled to the SENSOR input of IC. When intact, the serially connected electrically conductive pathway 154 and connection members 140 present a relatively low resistance compared to the depicted value of 330 Kilo-ohms for resistor R. Accordingly, the voltage presented at the base of transistor Q1 by the voltage divider formed by R, connection members 140, and electrically conductive pathway 154 is not sufficient to turn on transistor Q1—instead shunting current through R. As a result, the input SENSOR to IC is maintained at a logic low level relative to VSS via a pull-down resistor internal to IC (not shown). When the resistance of electrically conductive path 154 increases to indicate an open circuit condition, the potential difference between the emitter and base of transistor Q1 changes to turn-on transistor Q1. In correspondence, the voltage potential provided to the SENSOR input of IC is at a logic level high relative to VSS. The transistor Q1 and resistor R circuit arrangement has the effect of reversing the logic level input to SENSOR of IC compared to placing electrically conductive pathway 154 directly across VCC and the SENSOR input.

[0059] In other embodiments, different arrangements of one or more components may be utilized to collectively or separately provide communication circuitry 160. In one alternative configuration, communication circuit 160 may transmit only a bait status signal or an identification signal, but not both. In a further embodiment, different variable information about device 110 may be transmitted with or without bait status or device identification information. In another alternative, communication circuit 160 may be selectively or permanently “active” in nature, having its own internal power source. For such an alternative, power need not be derived from an external stimulus signal. Indeed, device 110 could initiate communication instead. In yet another alternative embodiment, device 110 may include both active and passive circuits.

[0060]
FIG. 8 also illustrates communication circuitry 31 of interrogator 30. Interrogator 30 includes RF excitation circuit 32 to generate RF stimulation signals and RF receiver (RXR) circuit 34 to receive an RF input. Circuits 32 and 34 are each operatively coupled to controller 36. While interrogator 30 is shown with separate coils for circuits 32 and 34, the same coil may be used for both in other embodiments. Controller 36 is operatively coupled to Input/Output (I/O) port 37 and memory 38 of interrogator 30. Interrogator 30 has its own power source (not shown) to energize circuitry 31 that is typically in the form of an electrochemical cell, or battery of such cells (not shown). Controller 36 may be comprised of one or more components. In one example controller 36 is a programmable microprocessor-based type that executes instructions loaded in memory 38. In other examples, controller 36 may be defined by analog computing circuits, hardwired state machine logic, or other device types as an alternative or addition to programmable digital circuitry. Memory 38 may include one or more solid-state semiconductor components of the volatile or nonvolatile variety. Alternatively or additionally, memory 38 may include one or more electromagnetic or optical storage devices such as a floppy or hard disk drive or a CD-ROM. In one example, controller 36, I/O port 37, and memory 38 are integrally provided on the same integrated circuit chip.

[0061] I/O port 37 is configured to send data from interrogator 30 to data collection unit 40 as shown in FIG. 1. Referring back to FIG. 1, further aspects of data collection unit 40 are described. Interface 41 of unit 40 is configured for communicating with interrogator 30 via I/O port 37. Unit 40 also includes processor 42 and memory 44 to store and process information obtained from interrogator 30 about devices 110. Processor 42 and memory 44 may be variously configured in an analogous manner to that described for controller 36 and memory 38, respectively. Further, interface 41, processor 42, and memory 44 may be integrally provided on the same integrated circuit chip.

[0062] Accordingly, for the depicted embodiment communication circuitry 160 transmits bait status and identifier information to interrogator 30 when interrogator 30 transmits a stimulation signal to device 110 within range. RF receiver circuit 34 of interrogator 30 receives the information from device 110 and provides appropriate signal conditioning and formatting for manipulation and storage in memory 38 by controller 36. Data received from device 110 may be transmitted to data collection unit 40 by operatively coupling I/O port 37 to interface 41.

[0063] Unit 40 can be provided in the form of a laptop personal computer, hand-held or palm type computer, or other dedicated or general purpose variety of computing device that is adapted to interface with interrogator 30 and programmed to receive and store data from interrogator 30. In another embodiment, unit 40 may be remotely located relative to interrogator 30. For this embodiment, one or more interrogators 30 communicate with unit 40 over an established communication medium like the telephone system or a computer network like the internet. In yet another embodiment, interrogator 30 is absent and unit 40 is configured to communicate directly with communication circuitry 160. Interrogator 30 and/or unit 40 is arranged to communicate with one or more pest control devices through a hardwired interface. In still other embodiments, different interface and communication techniques may be used with interrogator 30, data collection unit 40, and devices 110 as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment directed to subterranean termites, substrate 151 is preferably formed from a nonfood material that is resistant to changes in dimension when exposed to moisture levels expected in an in-ground environment. It has been found that such a dimensionally stable substrate is less likely to cause inadvertent alterations to the electrically conductive pathway 154. One preferred example of a more dimensionally stable substrate 151 includes a paper coated with a polymeric material, such as polyethylene. Nonetheless, in other embodiments, substrate 151 may be composed of other materials or compounds including those that may change in dimension with exposure to moisture and that may alternatively or additionally include one or more types of material favored as a food by targeted pests.

[0065] It has been found that in some applications, certain metal-based electrical conductors, such as a silver-containing conductor, tend to readily ionize in aqueous solutions common to the environment in which pest control devices are typically used. This situation can lead to electrical shorting or bridging of the pest control device conductive pathway by the resulting electrolytic solution, possibly resulting in improper device performance. It has also been surprisingly discovered that a carbon-based conductor has a substantially reduced likelihood of electrical shorting or bridging. Accordingly, for such embodiments, pathway 154 is preferably formed from a nonmetallic, carbon-containing ink compound. One source of such ink is the Acheson Colloids Company with a business address of 600 Washington Ave., Port Huron, Mich. Carbon-containing conductive ink comprising conductor 153 can be deposited on substrate 151 using a silk screening, pad printing, or ink jet dispensing technique; or such other technique as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0066] Compared to commonly selected metallic conductors, a carbon-based conductor can have a higher electrical resistivity. Preferably, the volume resistivity of the carbon-containing ink compound is greater than or equal to about 0.001 ohm-cm (ohm-centimeter). In a more preferred embodiment, the volume resistivity of conductor 153 comprised of a carbon-containing material is greater than or equal to 0.1 ohm-cm. In a still more preferred embodiment, the volume resistivity of conductor 153 comprised of a carbon-containing material is greater than or equal to about 10 ohms-cm. In yet other embodiments, conductor 153 can have a different composition or volume resistivity as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0067] In further embodiments, other electrically conductive elements and/or compounds are contemplated for pest control device conductors that are not substantially subject to ionization in aqueous solutions expected in pest control device environments. In still further embodiments of the present invention, metal-based conductors are utilized notwithstanding the risk of electrical bridging or shorting.

[0068] Referring generally to FIGS. 1-9, certain operational aspects of system 20 are further described. Typically, interrogator 30 is arranged to cause excitation circuit 32 to generate an RF signal suitable to energize circuitry 169 of device 110 when device 110 is within a predetermined distance range of interrogator 30. In one embodiment, controller 36 is arranged to automatically prompt generation of this stimulation signal on a periodic basis. In another embodiment, the stimulation signal may be prompted by an operator through an operator control coupled to interrogator 30 (not shown). Such operator prompting may be either as an alternative to automatic prompting or as an additional prompting mode. Interrogator 30 may include a visual or audible indicator of a conventional type (not shown) to provide interrogation status to the operator as needed.

[0069] Referring further to the flowchart of FIG. 10, termite control process 220 of a further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. In stage 222 of process 220, a number of pest control devices 110 are installed in a spaced apart relationship relative to an area to be protected. By way of nonlimiting example, FIG. 1 provides a diagram of one possible distribution of a number of devices 110 arranged about building 22 to be protected. One or more of these devices can be at least partially placed below ground as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0070] For process 220, devices 110 are initially each installed with a pest monitoring assembly 112 each including a pair of bait members 132 of a monitoring variety that are favored as a food by subterranean termites and do not include a pesticide. It has been found that once a colony of termites establish a pathway to a food source, they will tend to return to this food source. Consequently, devices 110 are initially placed in a monitoring configuration to establish such pathways with any termites that might be in the vicinity of the area or structures desired to be protected, such as building 22.

[0071] Once in place, a map of devices 110 is generated in stage 224. This map includes indicia corresponding to the coded identifiers for installed devices 110. In one example, the identifiers are unique to each device 110. Pest monitoring loop 230 of process 220 is next encountered with stage 226. In stage 226, installed devices 110 are periodically located and data is loaded from each device 110 by interrogation of the respective wireless communication circuit 160 with interrogator 30. This data corresponds to bait status and identification information. In this manner, pest activity in a given device 110 may readily be detected without the need to extract or open each device 110 for visual inspection. Further, such wireless communication techniques permit the establishment and building of an electronic database that may be downloaded into data collection device 40 for long term storage.

[0072] It should also be appreciated that over time, subterranean pest monitoring devices 110 may become difficult to locate as they have a tendency to migrate, sometimes being pushed further underground. Moreover, in-ground monitoring devices 110 may become hidden by the growth of surrounding plants. In one embodiment, interrogator 30 and multiple devices 110 are arranged so that interrogator 30 only communicates with the closest device 110. This technique may be implemented by appropriate selection of the communication range between interrogator 30 and each of devices 110, and the position of devices 110 relative to each other. Accordingly, interrogator 30 may be used to scan or sweep a path along the ground to consecutively communicate with each individual device 110. For such embodiments, the wireless communication subsystem 120 provided by interrogator 30 with each of devices 110 provides a procedure and means to more reliably locate a given device 110 after installation as opposed to more limited visual or metal detection approaches. Indeed, this localization procedure may be utilized in conjunction with the unique identifier of each device and/or the map generated in stage 224 to more rapidly service a site in stage 226. In a further embodiment, the locating operation may be further enhanced by providing an operator-controlled communication range adjustment feature for interrogator 30 (not shown) to assist in refining the location of a given device. Nonetheless, in other embodiments, devices 110 may be checked by a wireless communication technique that does not include the transmission of identification signals or a coordinating map. Further, in alternative embodiments, localization of devices 110 with interrogator 30 may not be desired.

[0073] Process 220 next encounters conditional 228. Conditional 228 tests whether any of the status signals, corresponding to a broken pathway 154, indicate termite activity. If the test of conditional 228 is negative, then monitoring loop 230 returns to stage 226 to again monitor devices 110 with interrogator 30. Loop 230 may be repeated a number of times in this fashion. Typically, the rate of repetition of loop 230 is on the order of a few days or weeks and may vary. If the test of conditional 228 is affirmative, then process 220 continues with stage 240. In stage 240, the pest control service provider places a pesticide laden bait in the vicinity of the detected pests. In one example, pesticide placement includes the removal of cap 180 by the service provider and extraction of pest activity monitoring assembly 130 from housing 170. Next, for this example, pest control device 110 is reconfigured, exchanging pest monitoring assembly 112 with pesticide delivery assembly 119 as previously described in connection with FIG. 7.

[0074] In other embodiments, the replacement device may include a different configuration of communication circuit or lack a communication circuit entirely. In one alternative, the pesticide is added to the existing pest sensing device by replacing one or more of the bait members 132, and optionally, sensor 150. In still another embodiment, pesticide bait or other material is added with or without the removal of pest monitoring assembly 112. In yet a further embodiment, pesticide is provided in a different device that is installed adjacent to the installed device 110 with pest activity. During the pesticide placement operation of stage 240, it is desirable to return or maintain as many of the termites as possible in the vicinity of the device 110 where the pest activity was detected so that the established pathway to the nest may serve as a ready avenue to deliver the pesticide to the other colony members.

[0075] After stage 240, monitoring loop 250 is encountered with stage 242. In stage 242, devices 110 continue to be periodically checked. In one embodiment, the inspection of devices 110 corresponding to pesticide bait is performed visually by the pest control service provider while the inspection of other devices 110 in the monitoring mode ordinarily continues to be performed with interrogator 30. In other embodiments, visual inspection may be supplemented or replaced by electronic monitoring using the pest activity monitoring assembly 130 configured with poisoned bait matrix, or a combination of approaches may be performed. In one alternative, pathway 154 is altered to monitor pesticide baits such that it is typically not broken to provide an open circuit reading until a more substantial amount of bait consumption has taken place relative to the pathway configuration for the monitoring mode. In still other alternatives, the pesticide bait may not ordinarily be inspected—instead being left alone to reduce the risk of disturbing the termites as they consume the pesticide.

[0076] After stage 242, conditional 244 is encountered that tests whether process 220 should continue. If the test of conditional 244 is affirmative—that is process 220 is to continue—then conditional 246 is encountered. In conditional 246, it is determined if more pesticide bait needs to be installed. More bait may be needed to replenish consumed bait for devices where pest activity has already been detected, or pesticide bait may need to be installed in correspondence with newly discovered pest activity for devices 110 that remained in the monitoring mode. If the conditional 246 test is affirmative, then loop 252 returns to stage 240 to install additional pesticide bait. If no additional bait is needed as determined via conditional 246, then loop 250 returns to repeat stage 242. Loops 250, 252 are repeated in this manner unless the test for conditional 244 is negative. The repetition rate of loops 250, 252 and correspondingly the interval between consecutive performances of stage 242, is on the order of a few days or weeks and may vary. If the test of conditional 244 is negative, then devices 110 are located and removed in stage 260 and process 220 terminates.

[0077] Data collected with interrogator 30 during performance of process 220 can be downloaded into unit 40 from time to time. However, in other embodiments, unit 40 may be optional or absent. In still another alternate process, monitoring for additional pest activity in stage 242 may not be desirable. Instead, the monitoring units may be removed. In a further alternative, one or more devices 110 configured for monitoring may be redistributed, increased in number, or decreased in number as part of the performance of the process. In yet other embodiments, a data collection unit is utilized to interface with one or more pest control devices in lieu of interrogator 30. Additionally or alternatively, interfacing with interrogator 30 and/or unit 40 may be through a hardwired communication connection.

[0078]
FIG. 11 illustrates pest control system 300 of another embodiment of the present invention where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. Pest control system 300 includes pest control device 310 and data collection unit 390. Pest control device 310 includes circuitry 320 removably coupled to sensor 350 by connection members 140.

[0079] Referring additionally to the partial assembly view of FIG. 12, sensor 350 includes substrate 351 that carries electrically resistive network 353. Network 353 includes a number of sensing elements 353a in the form of electrically resistive branches or pathways 354 spaced apart from one another along substrate 351. Resistive pathways 354 are each schematically represented by a different resistor R1-R13 in FIG. 11. Network 353 extends from contact pads 356 at edge 355 to substrate end portion 357. When coupled together, network 353 and circuitry 320 comprise monitoring circuit 369.

[0080] With further reference to the end view of FIG. 13, a fully assembled and implemented form of sensor 350 is shown. Sensor 350 is configured to be rolled, folded, bent, or wrapped about assembly axis A1 as shown in FIG. 13 to provide a number of adjacent layers 360, only a few of which are designated by reference numerals. It should be understood that axis A1 in FIG. 13 is perpendicular to the FIG. 13 view plane and is correspondingly represented by like-labeled cross-hairs. Referring back to FIGS. 11 and 12, circuitry 320 is contained in circuit enclosure 318. Enclosure 318 can be configured in a manner like enclosure 118 of pest monitoring subassembly 114 for pest control device 110. Indeed, enclosure 318 is arranged to receive a pair of connection members 140 to electrically couple pads 356 of sensor 350 to circuitry 320 in the same manner that pads 156 of sensor 150 are coupled to circuitry 160. Circuitry 320 includes a reference resistor RR connected in series with network 353 when circuitry 320 and sensor 350 are coupled together to form monitoring circuit 369. A voltage reference VR is also coupled across network 353 and reference resistor RR. The voltage across reference resistor RR, designated Vi, is selectively digitized by Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter 324 using standard techniques. The digital output from A/D converter 324 is provided to processor 326. Processor 326 is operatively coupled to communication circuit 328.

[0081] Processor 326 can be comprised of one or more components. In one example, processor 326 is a programmable digital microprocessor arrangement that executes instructions stored in an associated memory (not shown). In other examples, processor 326 can be defined by analog computing circuits, hardwired state machine logic, or other device types as an alternative or an addition to programmable digital circuitry. Memory is also preferably included in communication circuitry 320 to store digitized values determined with A/D converter 324 (not shown). This memory can be integral to A/D converter 324 or processor 326, separate from either, or a combination of these.

[0082] Communication circuit 328 is of a wireless type, such as the active and passive wireless communication circuit embodiments previously described in connection with system 20. Communication circuit 328 is arranged to communicate with processor 326. Alternatively or additionally, communication circuit 328 can include one or more input/output (I/O) ports for hardwired communication.

[0083] One or more of voltage reference VR, A/D converter 324, processor 326 or communication circuit 328 can be combined in an integrated circuit chip or unit. Further, circuitry 320, and correspondingly monitoring circuit 369, can be of a passive type powered by an external source; active with its own power source; or a combination of these.

[0084] Data collection unit 390 includes an active wireless transmitter/receiver (TXR/RXR) 392 configured to communicate with communication circuit 328 of device 310, processor 394 coupled to TXR/RXR 392, interface 396, and memory 398. Processor 394 and memory 398 can be the same as processor 42 and memory 44 of data collection unit 40, respectively, or be of a different arrangement as would occur to those skilled in the art. Interface 396 provides for the option of a hardwired interface to device 310 and/or other computing devices (not shown). Data collection unit 390 is configured to receive and process information from one or more pest control devices as will be more fully described hereinafter.

[0085] Referring generally to FIGS. 11-13, it should be understood that network 353 can be represented by an equivalent resistance RS; where RS is a function of R1-R13 (RS=f(R1-R13)). When R1-R13 are known, RS can be determined by applying standard electrical circuit analysis techniques for series and parallel resistances. Furthermore, it should be understood that RR and RS can be modeled as a voltage divider with respect to the reference voltage VR such that the input voltage Vi to A/D converter 324 can be expressed by the following equation: Vi=VR*(RR/(RR+RS)).

[0086] Substrate 351 and/or network 353 are provided from one or more materials that are subject to consumption or displacement by one or more pests of interest. As sensor 350 is consumed or displaced by such pests, resistive pathways 354 comprising branches of network 353 are disrupted, becoming electrically open. As one or more resistive pathways 354 become open, the value of RS changes. Accordingly, with the proper selection of resistance values for resistive pathways 354 relative to each other, RR, and VR; a number of different values of RS can be provided in correspondence with the opening of different resistive pathways 354 and/or different combinations of open pathways 354.

[0087] Unlike FIG. 12, FIG. 13 depicts sensor 350 after one or more pests have begun consumption or displacement of substrate 351 and/or network 353. In FIG. 13, pest T is illustrated in connection with pest-created opening 370 that was caused by pest consumption or displacement. The location of pest-created opening 370 relative to network 353 corresponds to phantom overlay 380 shown in FIG. 12. Pest-created opening 370 partially penetrates several layers 360 of sensor 350 from outer sensor margin 372 towards the middle of sensor 350 in the vicinity of axis A1. The pest-created opening 370 corresponds to separation or displacement of one or more portions of sensor 350 relative to another portion that could result in opening one or more of resistive pathways 354, depending on relative location. Such separation or displacement can result from the removal of one or more pieces from sensor 350 due to pest activity. Even if a piece of sensor 350 is not removed by pests, separation or displacement of sensor 350 can still occur due to pest activity that separates or displaces a first portion relative to a second portion in one sensor region, but leaves the first and second portions connected together in another sensor region. For example, in FIG. 13 sensor portion 374 is separated or displaced relative to sensor portion 376 by the formation of opening 370; however, sensor portions 374 and 376 remain connected by sensor portion 378.

[0088] It should be further understood that by spatially arranging the resistive pathways 354 in a predetermined manner, sensor 350 can be configured to generally indicate a progressively greater degree of consumption and displacement as the value of RS, and accordingly Vi, change. For instance, the arrangement of substrate 351 shown in FIG. 13 can be used to place resistive pathways 354 closer to substrate end portion 357 near the outer sensor margin 372, such as those resistive pathways 354 corresponding to R8 and R9. Because these resistive pathways 354 are closer to the outer margin 372, they are more likely to be encountered by pests before other of the resistive pathways 354. In contrast, resistive pathways 354 nearer to the middle of the rolled substrate 351 (axis A1), such as those corresponding to R1, R5 and R10, are most likely to be encountered last by the pests as they consume and displace sensor 350. Thus, as RS changes with the progressive consumption and displacement of pests from the outer sensor margin 372 towards the middle, the corresponding input voltage Vi can be used to represent a number of different nonzero degrees of consumption or displacement of sensor 350.

[0089] Processor 326 can be used to evaluate one or more values corresponding to V1 digitized with A/D converter 324 to determine if a change in pest consumption or displacement has occurred. This analysis could include various statistical techniques to reduce the adverse impact of noise or other anomalies. Furthermore, the analysis could be used to determine the rate of consumption or displacement as well as any changes in that rate with respect to time. These results can be provided by processor 326 via communication circuit 328 based on certain predefined triggering thresholds, on a periodic basis, in response to an external query with data unit 390, or through a different arrangement as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0090] It should be understood that like pest control devices 110 of system 20, several devices 310 can be used in a spaced apart relationship in a multiple device pest control system. Devices 310 can be arranged for placement inground, on-ground, or above-ground. Furthermore, devices 310 can be used with an interrogator to assist in locating them as described in connection with system 20. Also, it should be understood that a number of different resistive network arrangements could be utilized at the same time in device 310 to facilitate the detection of differing degrees of pest consumption or displacement. In another alternative embodiment, a multilayer configuration is provided by stacking together a number of separate layers and electrically interconnecting the layers as required to provide a desired sensing network. In yet another alternative, sensor 350 is utilized in an unrolled, single layer configuration rather than being arranged as shown in FIG. 13. Still other embodiments include a different resistive sensing network configurations as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 14-16, a further pest control system embodiment 400 utilizing a resistive network to determine different degrees of pest activity is illustrated; where like reference numerals refer to like features as previously described. System 400 includes data collection unit 390 as described in connection with system 300 and pest control device 410. Pest control device 410 includes circuitry 420 coupled to sensor 450. Circuitry 420 includes reference resistor RR, voltage reference VR, A/D converter 324, and communication circuit 328 as previously described. Circuitry 420 also includes processor 426 that can be physically the same arrangement as processor 326, but is configured to accommodate any processing differences between sensors 350 and 450 as further explained hereinafter.

[0092] Sensor 450 includes substrate 451 with surface 451a opposite surface 451b. Substrate 451 defines a number of regularly spaced passages 456 from surface 451a to surface 451b. Resistive network 453 is comprised of a number of sensing elements 453a in the form of electrically resistive members 455. Each resistive member 455 extends through a different passage 456. Resistive members 455 are electrically coupled in parallel to one another by electrically conductive layers 454a and 454b that are in contact with substrate surfaces 451a and 451b, respectively. For this configuration, substrate 451 is comprised of an electrically insulative material relative to resistive members 455 and conductive layers 454a and 454b.

[0093] Collectively, circuitry 420 and network 453 comprise monitoring circuit 469. Referring specifically to FIG. 14, the parallel resistive members 455 of network 453 are each schematically represented by one of resistors RP1, RP2, RP3 . . . RPN-2, RPN-1, and RPN; where “N” is the total number of resistive members 454. Accordingly, the equivalent resistance RN of network 453 can be determined from the parallel resistance law: RN=(1/RP1+1/RP2 . . . +1/RPN)−1. The equivalent resistance RN of network 453 forms a voltage divider with reference resistor RR relative to reference voltage VR. The voltage across reference resistor RR, Vi, is input to A/D converter 324.

[0094] Substrate 451, layers 454a and 454b, and/or members 455 are provided from a material that is consumed or displaced by pests of interest. Further, sensor 450 is arranged so that pest consumption or displacement results in opening the electrical connections of the resistive members 455 to network 453 through separation or displacement of one or more portions of sensor 450 relative to other portions of sensor 450 as explained in connection with FIG. 13. FIG. 16 depicts region 470 where material has been separated or displaced from sensor 450, resulting in open electrical connections. In FIG. 16, the phantom outline 472 indicates the form factor of sensor 450 prior to pest activity. As more resistive members 455 are electrically opened, the equivalent resistance RN of network 453 increases, causing a corresponding change in Vi that is monitored with circuitry 420 to determine different relative levels of pest consumption or displacement activity.

[0095] In one embodiment, resistive members 455 each generally have the same resistance, such that: RP1=RP2= . . . =RPN within expected tolerances. In other embodiments, the resistive members 455 can have substantially different resistances relative to one another. Processor 426 is configured to analyze changes in consumption and displacement as indicated by variation in Vi and transmit corresponding data to data collection unit 390 as discussed in connection with system 300. Conductive layers 454a and 454b can be coupled to circuitry 420 using an elastomeric connector adapted to engage these surfaces or another arrangement as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0096] Besides resistance, other electrical characteristics of a sensing element that change with pest consumption or displacement can be monitored to gather pest activity data. Referring to FIGS. 17-19, pest control system 500 of another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated; where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. Pest control system 500 includes data collection unit 390 and pest control device 510. Pest control device 510 is comprised of circuitry 520 and sensor 550.

[0097] Referring specifically to FIG. 17, circuitry 520 includes voltage reference VR, A/D converter 324, and communication circuit 328 as previously described. Circuitry 520 also includes processor 526 coupled between A/D converter 324 and communication circuit 328. Processor 526 can be of the same physical type as processor 326 of system 300, but is configured to accommodate aspects of system 500 that differ from system 300. For example, processor 526 is operably coupled to a number of switches 530a, 530b, and 530c by signal control pathways 531a, 531b and 531c, respectively. Processor 526 is arranged to selectively open and close switches 530a-530c by sending corresponding signals along the respective pathways 531a-531c. Switches 530a-530c are each schematically illustrated as being of the single-pole, single-throw operational configuration. Switches 530a-530c can be of a semiconductor type, such as an Insulated Gate Field Effect Transistor (IGFET) arrangement, an electromechanical variety, a combination of these, or such other types as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0098] Circuitry 520 also includes reference capacitor CR that is coupled in parallel to switch 530c, and voltage amplifier (AMP.) 523. Voltage amplifier 523 amplifies input voltage VQ and provides and amplified output voltage Vi to A/D converter 324 to be selectively digitized.

[0099] In FIG. 17, sensor 550 includes sensing element 553a that is schematically depicted in the form of a capacitor with electrode 554. Collectively, circuitry 520 and sensor 550 define monitoring circuit 569. Within monitoring circuit 569, voltage reference VR, switches 530a-530c, reference capacitor CR, and sensor 550 provide sensing network 553. In sensing network 553, voltage reference VR forms a branch that is electrically coupled to ground and one terminal of switch 530a. The other terminal of switch 530a is electrically coupled to electrode 554 and a terminal of switch 530b. The other terminal of switch 530b is coupled to the input of voltage amplifier 523, to reference capacitor CR, and to a terminal of switch 530c by a common electrical node. Switch 530c is coupled in parallel to reference capacitor CR, both of which also have a terminal that is grounded.

[0100] Referring also to FIGS. 18-19, sensor 550 has end portion 555 opposite end portion 557, and is comprised of multiple layers 560 including dielectric 551 and electrode 554. Dielectric 551 defines surface 551a opposite surface 551b. Electrode 554 includes surface 554a in contact with surface 551 a. As depicted, surfaces 551a and 554a are generally coextensive.

[0101] Sensor 550 is depicted in FIG. 17 as a capacitor in an “open electrode” configuration; where the electrical connection to ground is by way of dielectric 551, and possibly other substances such as an air gap between dielectric 551 and the ground. In other words, sensor 550 does not include a predefined pathway to ground—instead allowing for the possibility that the ground coupling will vary. This dielectric coupling is symbolized by a dashed line representation 556 for sensor 550 in FIG. 17.

[0102] Dielectric 551 and/or electrode 554 is comprised of one or more materials consumed or displaced by a pest of interest. As pests consume or displace these materials, one portion of dielectric 551 and/or electrode 554 is removed or separated relative to another. FIG. 19 illustrates region 570 that has been consumed or displaced by pests. Region 570 corresponds to the phantom overlay 580 shown in FIG. 18. This type of mechanical alteration of sensor 550 tends to change the ability of electrode 554 to hold charge Q and correspondingly changes capacitance CS of sensor 550. For example, as the area of electrode surface 554a decreases, the relative charge-holding capacity or capacitance of electrode 554 decreases. In another example, as the dielectric dimensions are altered or the dielectric composition changes, capacitance typically varies. In a further example, a change in distance between electrode 554 and the ground as caused by separation or displacement of one or more portions of sensor 550 can impact the ability to hold charge.

[0103] Referring generally to FIGS. 17-19, one mode of operating circuitry 520 is next described. For each measurement taken with this mode, a switching sequence is executed by processor 526 as follows: (1) switch 530a is closed while holding switch 530b open to place voltage reference VR across sensor 550, causing a charge Q to build on electrode 554; (2) after this charging period, switch 530a is opened; (3) switch 530b is then closed to transfer at least a portion of charge Q to reference capacitor CR as switch 530c is held open; and (4) after this transfer, switch 530b is reopened. The voltage VQ corresponding to the charge TQ transferred to reference capacitor CR is amplified with amplifier 523 and presented as an input voltage Vi to A/D converter 324. The digitized input to A/D converter 324 is provided to processor 526 and/or stored in memory (not shown). After the voltage is measured, reference capacitor CR can be reset by closing and opening switch 530c with processor 526. The sequence is then complete. For a sensor capacitance CS that is much smaller than the reference capacitance CR (CS<<CR), capacitance CS can be modeled by the equation: CS=CR*(VQ/VR) for this arrangement.

[0104] Processor 526 can be arranged to repeat this switching sequence from time to time to monitor for changes in Q and correspondingly CS. This data can be analyzed with processor 526 and reported through communication circuit 328 using the techniques described in connection with system 300. These repetitions can be periodic or nonperiodic; by demand through another device such as communication circuit 328; or through different means as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0105] In an alternative embodiment, a burst mode of charge/capacitance monitoring can be used. For the burst mode, processor 526 is configured to repeat the sequence of: (1) closing switch 530a while switch 530b is held open to charge electrode 554 and isolate reference capacitor CR, (2) opening switch 530a, and then (3) closing switch 530b to transfer charge to reference capacitor CR. Switch 530c remains open throughout these repetitions for this mode. As a result, reference capacitor CR is not reset as the repetitions are executed. Once a desired number of the repetitions are completed (a “burst”), A/D converter 324 digitizes input voltage Vi. By executing the repetitions rapidly enough, the amount of charge Q transferred from electrode 554 to reference capacitor CR increases. This increased charge transfer provides a relative increase in gain. Accordingly, gain can be controlled by the number of repetitions executed per burst. Also, reference capacitor CR operates as an integrator to provide a degree of signal averaging.

[0106] In other alternative embodiments, network 560 can be operated to continuously repeat the burst mode sequence with a resistor in place of switch 530c to facilitate concurrent monitoring. For this arrangement the resistor used for switch 530c and reference capacitor CR define a single pole, low pass filter. This continuous mode has a “charge gain” (expressed in electric potential per unit capacitance) determined as a function of the replacing resistor, the reference voltage VR, and the frequency at which the repetitions are performed. In still other alternatives, network 560 is modified to use an operational amplifier (opamp) integrator or unipolar equivalent as described in Charge Transfer Sensing by Hal Phillip (dated 1997), which is hereby incorporated by reference. In still other embodiments, a different circuit arrangement to measure charge Q, voltage V0, CS, or another value corresponding to CS can be used as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0107] Electrode 554 can be electrically connected to circuitry 520 with an elastomeric connector or a different type of connector as would occur to those skilled in the art. In an alternative embodiment, sensor 550 can be arranged to include a defined pathway to ground rather than an open electrode configuration, or a combination of both approaches. Still other embodiments include a stacked, wrapped, folded, bent, or rolled arrangement of alternating electrode layers and dielectric layers with one or more of the layers being of a material consumed or displaced by pests of interest. Alternatively or additionally, a sensor can include two or more separate electrodes or sensing capacitors arranged in a network in series, in parallel, or a combination of these.

[0108] In other embodiments, electrode 554 of sensor 550 can be applied to sense one or more properties besides pest consumption or displacement. In one example, sensor 550 is arranged to detect wear, abrasion, or erosion. For this arrangement, sensor 550 is formed from one or more materials disposed to wear away in response to a particular mechanical activity that correspondingly changes the charge holding capacity of electrode 554. For example, the area of surface 554a of electrode 554 could be reduced as one or more portions are removed due to this activity. Circuitry 520 can be used to monitor this change and report when it exceeds a threshold value indicative of a need to replace or service a device being monitored with the sensor, discontinue use of such device, or take another action as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0109] In another example, sensor 550 is formed from one or more materials selected to separate or otherwise decrease charge holding capacity in response to a change in an environmental condition to which the one or more materials are exposed, a chemical reaction with the one or more materials, or through a different mechanism as would occur to those skilled in the art. For these nonpest embodiments, operation of processor 526 can correspondingly differ. Also, a hardwired connection, an indicator, and/or other device may be utilized as an addition or alternative to communication circuit 328.

[0110] Referring to systems 300, 400, and 500 generally, one or more conductive elements, resistive elements, or capacitive elements of sensors 350, 450, 550 can be comprised of a carbon-containing ink as described in connection with pest control device 110. Indeed, different resistance values for various sensing elements, such as elements 353a and 453a, can be defined by using inks with different volume resistivities. Alternatively or additionally, different resistance values can be defined by varying dimensions of the material through which electricity is conducted and/or employing different interconnected components for these elements. Furthermore, substrates 351, 451, and/or 551 can be formed from a paper coated with a polymeric compound, such as polyethylene, to reduce dimensional changes due to moisture as described in connection with pest control device 110.

[0111]
FIG. 20 illustrates a fifth type of pest control system 620 that includes pest control devices 310, 410, 510, and 610, where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. System 620 includes building 622 that houses data collection unit 390. System 620 also includes a central data collection site 626 that is connected by communication pathway 624 to data collection unit 390. Communication pathway 624 can be a hardwired connection through a computer network such as the internet, a dedicated telephone interconnection, a wireless link, a combination of these, or such other variety as would occur to those skilled in the art.

[0112] For system 620, pest control devices 310 are depicted in-ground for use as discussed in connection with system 20. Pest control devices 410 and 510 of system 620 are located within building 622, and are shown at or above ground level. Pest control devices 310, 410, 510 are arranged to communicate with data collection unit 390 through wireless means, hardwired means, through another device like a handheld interrogator 30, or a combination of these.

[0113] Pest control device 610 is comprised of circuitry 420 previously described and sensor 650. Sensor 650 includes network 453 comprised of sensing elements 453a. For sensor 650, network 453 is directly coupled to member 628 of building 622. Member 628 is comprised of one or more materials subject to destruction by one or species of pests. For example, member 628 can be formed of wood when termites are the targeted type of pest. As a result, pest activity relative to member 628 of building 622 is directly monitored with pest control device 610. Like pest control devices 310, 410, and 510, pest control device 610 communicates with data collection unit 390 through wireless means, hardwired means, through another device like a hand-held interrogator 30, or a combination of these.

[0114] Central data collection site 626 can be connected to a number of data collection units 390 arranged to monitor different buildings or areas each having one or more of pest control devices 110, 310, 410, 510, and/or 610.

[0115]
FIG. 21 illustrates pest control device system 720 of still another embodiment of the present invention; where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. System 720 includes interrogator 730 and pest control device 710. Pest control device 710 includes pest monitoring member 732 arranged to be consumed and/or displaced by pests. In one example, member 732 is configured as a bait that includes pest-edible material 734, such as wood in the case of termites, and magnetic material 736 in the form of a coating on material 734. Magnetic material 736 may be a magnetic ink or paint applied to a wood core serving as material 734. In other examples, material 734 may be formed from a substance other than a food source that is typically removed or displaced by the targeted pests—such as a closed cell foam in the case of subterranean termites. In yet other examples, material 734 may be comprised of food and non-food components.

[0116] Device 710 further includes wireless communication circuit 780 electrically coupled to magnetic signature sensor 790. Sensor 790 comprises a series of magnetoresistors 794 fixed in a predetermined orientation relative to member 732 to detect a change in resistance resulting from an alteration in the magnetic field produced by magnetic material 736. Accordingly, material 736 and magnetoresistors 794 are alternatively designated sensing elements 753a. Alterations in the monitored magnetic field can occur, for instance, as member 732 is consumed, displaced, or otherwise removed from member 732 by pests. Sensor 790 provides a means to characterize a magnetic signature of member 732. In alternative embodiments, sensor 790 may be based on a single magnetoresistor, or an alternative type of magnetic field sensing device such as a Hall effect device or reluctance-based sensing unit.

[0117] The magnetic field information from sensor 790 may be transmitted as variable data with communication circuit 780. Circuit 780 may further transmit a unique device identifier and/or discrete bait status information as described for communication circuit 160. Circuit 780, sensor 790, or both may be passive or active in nature.

[0118] Interrogator 730 includes communication circuit 735 operable to perform wireless communication with circuit 780 of device 710. In one embodiment, circuits 780 and 790 are of a passive type with circuit 780 being in the form of an RF tag like circuitry 160. For this embodiment, communication circuit 735 is configured comparable to circuits 32 and 34 of interrogator 30 to perform wireless communications with device 710. In other embodiments, device 710 may be adapted to alternatively or additionally include an active wireless communication circuit and/or hardwired communication interface. For these alternatives, interrogator 730 is correspondingly adapted, a data collection unit may be used in lieu of interrogator 730, or a combination of both approaches may be utilized.

[0119] Interrogator 730 includes controller 731, I/O port 737, and memory 738 that are the same as controller 36, I/O port 37, and memory 38 of interrogator 30, except they are configured to receive, manipulate and store magnetic signature information in addition or as an alternative to discrete bait status and identification information. It should be appreciated that like the resistance characteristics of devices 310, 410, and 610 or the capacitance characteristics of device 510; magnetic signature information may be evaluated to characterize pest consumption behavior. This behavior may be used to establish predictions concerning bait replenishment needs and pest feeding patterns.

[0120]
FIG. 22 depicts system 820 of still another embodiment of the present invention. System 820 includes pest control device 810 and data collector 830. Device 810 includes monitoring member 832 arranged to be consumed and/or displaced by the pests of interest. Member 832 includes matrix 834 with a magnetic material 836 dispersed throughout. Material 836 is schematically represented as a number of particles in matrix 834. Matrix 834 may have a food composition, non-food composition, or a combination of these.

[0121] Device 810 also includes communication circuit 880 and sensor circuit 890 electrically coupled thereto. Circuit 890 includes a series of magnetoresistors 894 fixed in relation to member 832 to detect change in a magnetic field produced by material 836 as it is consumed, displaced, or otherwise removed from member 832.

[0122] Circuit 890 further includes a number of environmental (ENV.) sensors 894a, 894b, 894c configured to detect temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure, respectively. Material 836 and sensor 894, 894a, 894b, and 894c are alternatively designated sensing elements 853a. Sensors 894, 894a, 894b, 894c are coupled to substrate 838, and may provide a signal in either a digital or analog format compatible with associated equipment. Correspondingly, circuit 890 is configured to condition and format signals from sensors 894a, 894b, 894c. Also, circuit 890 conditions and formats signals corresponding to the magnetic signature detected with magnetoresistors 894. The sensed information provided by circuit 890 is transmitted by communication circuit 880 to data collector 830. Communication circuit 880 may include discrete bait status information, a device identifier, or both as described in connection with devices 110. Circuit 880 and circuit 890 may each be passive, active, or a combination of both with data collector 830 being correspondingly adapted to communicate in accordance with the selected approach.

[0123] For a passive embodiment of circuit 880 based on RF tag technology, data collector 830 is configured the same as interrogator 30 with the exception that its controller is arranged to manipulate and store the different forms of sensed information provided by circuit 890. In another embodiment, data collector 830 may be in the form of a standard active transmitter/receiver to communicate with an active transmitter/receiver form of circuit 880. In still other embodiments, data collector 830 and device 810 are coupled by a hardwired interface to facilitate data exchange.

[0124] Referring generally to systems 300, 400, 500, 620, 720, and 820; in other embodiments pest control devices 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, or 810 can include one or more bait members 132 as described in connection with system 20. Furthermore, any of pest control devices 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, and 810 can be configured for in-ground placement, on-ground placement, or above-ground placement. According to another embodiment, a pest control device is adapted to combine the sensing techniques of two or more of pest control devices 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, or 810.

[0125] Alternatively or additionally, pest control devices 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, or 810 can be arranged to be completely or partially replaced by a pesticide delivery device. This replacement can include removing a wireless communication module circuit from a pest monitoring arrangement for incorporation into a pesticide delivery arrangement as described in connection with system 20. In one arrangement, any of pest control devices 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, or 810 can be configured to simultaneously monitor pest activity and deliver pesticides. Alternatively or additionally, these pest control devices are configured to deliver pesticide once a given degree of pest consumption or displacement is detected. For this arrangement, delivery can be triggered automatically by the respective processor in accordance with processor evaluation of monitoring data and/or by an external command received via a communication circuit.

[0126] The flowchart of FIG. 23 depicts procedure 920 of yet another embodiment of the present invention. In stage 922 of process 920, data is collected from one or more devices 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, and/or 810. In stage 924, gathered data is analyzed relative to environmental conditions and/or location. Next, pest behavior is predicted from this analysis in stage 926. In accordance with the predictions of stage 926, action is taken in stage 928 that may include installation of one or more additional devices.

[0127] Next, loop 930 is entered with stage 932. In stage 932, data collection from devices continues and pest behavior predictions are refined in stage 934. Control then flows to conditional 936 that tests whether to continue procedure 920. If procedure 920 is to continue, loop 930 returns to stage 932. If procedure 920 is to terminate in accordance with the test of conditional 936, it then halts.

[0128] Examples of other actions that may be additionally or alternatively performed in association with stage 928 include the application of pest behavior patterns to better determine the direction pests may be spreading in a given region. Accordingly, warnings based on this prediction may be provided. Also, advertising and marketing of pest control systems can target sites that, based on procedure 920, are more likely to benefit. Further, this information may be evaluated to determine if the demand for pest control servicing in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention seasonally fluctuates. Allocation of pest control resources, such as equipment or personnel, may be adjusted accordingly. Further, the placement efficiency of pest control devices may be enhanced.

[0129] In other alternative embodiments, devices 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, and 810, and corresponding interrogators, data collection units and data collectors may be used in various other system combinations as would occur to one skilled in the art. While Interrogator 30 is shown in a hand-held form, in other embodiments, an interrogator can be in a different form, carried by a vehicle, or installed in a generally permanent location. Indeed, a data collection unit can be utilized to directly interrogate/receive information from a pest control device. Also, while bait for devices 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, and 810 may be provided in an edible form suitable for termites, a bait variety selected to control a different type of pest, insect or non-insect, may be selected and the device housing and other characteristics adjusted to suit monitoring and extermination of the different type of pest. Moreover, bait for devices 110, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, and 810 may be of a material selected to attract the targeted species of pest that is not substantially consumed by the pest. In one alternative, one or more pest control devices include non-food material that is displaced or altered by targeted pests. By way of nonlimiting example, this type of material may be used to form a non-consumable sensing member substrate with or without consumable bait members. In a further alternative, one or more pest control devices according to the present invention lack a housing, such as housing 170 (and correspondingly cap 180). Instead, for this embodiment the housing contents may be placed directly in the ground, on a member of a building to be monitored, or arranged in a different configuration as would occur to those skilled in the art. Also, any of the pest control devices of the present invention may be alternatively arranged so that bait consumption or displacement of a sensing member causes movement of a conductor to close an electrical pathway instead of causing an open circuit.

[0130] Pest control devices based on wireless communication techniques may alternatively or additionally include hardwired communication connections to interrogators, data collection units, data collectors, or such other devices as would occur to those skilled in the art. Hardwired communication may be used as an alternative to wireless communication for diagnostic purposes, when wireless communication is hampered by local conditions, or when a hardwired connection is otherwise desired. Moreover processes 220 and procedure 920 may be performed with various stages, operations, and conditionals being resequenced, altered, rearranged, substituted, deleted, duplicated, combined, or added to other processes as would occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0131] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor arranged to be at least partially consumed or displaced by one or more pests and a circuit responsive to consumption or displacement of the sensor to provide a first signal representing a first nonzero degree of the consumption or displacement and a second signal representing a second nonzero degree of the consumption or displacement. In one form, this consumption or displacement of the sensor is detected by the circuit in response to an electrical and/or magnetic characteristic that correspondingly changes. In another form, consumption or displacement is detected by the circuit with other than a pest sensing or monitoring member including a magnetic material to provide a magnetic field that changes in response to removal of the magnetic material from the member by the one or more pests. This form could be based on detection of corresponding changes in an electrical characteristic of the sensor as it is consumed or displaced.

[0132] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a pest control device includes a circuit comprising a number of electrically coupled sensing elements arranged to be consumed or displaced by one or more pests. The sensing elements each correspond to a different one of a number of electrically resistive pathways. The circuit is responsive to alteration of one or more of the sensing elements to provide information representative of a degree of pest consumption or displacement.

[0133] In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, a sensing device includes a member operable to be consumed or displaced by one or more pests in a circuit including an electrode disposed relative to the member. Electrical capacitance of the electrode is altered during consumption or displacement of the member and the circuit is responsive to this alteration to provide an output representative of a degree of pest consumption or displacement of the member.

[0134] Yet another embodiment includes: operating a pest control device including a circuit with a sensor arranged to be at least partially consumed or displaced by one or more pests; establishing a first nonzero degree of consumption or displacement with the circuit in response to separation of a first portion of the sensor; and determining a second nonzero degree of consumption or displacement with the circuit in response to separation of a second portion of the sensor after separation of the first portion.

[0135] A further embodiment of the present invention includes a pest control device that has a pest-edible bait member with a magnetic material component. This component provides a magnetic field. The field changes in response to consumption of the pest-edible bait member. The device further includes a monitoring circuit operable to generate a monitoring signal corresponding to the magnetic field as it changes.

[0136] In yet a further embodiment, a pest control device includes a pest bait packaged with an environmental sensor and a circuit operable to communicate information corresponding to an environmental characteristic detected with the sensor and status of the bait.

[0137] A further embodiment includes a member operable to be consumed or displaced by one or more pests and a circuit including an element carried with the member. The circuit applies an electric potential to the element and the element is operably changed by a degree of consumption or displacement of the member. The element is comprised of an electrically conductive, nonmetallic material.

[0138] In another embodiment, a pest control device includes a member to be consumed or displaced by one or more pests and a circuit including an element carried with the member. The circuit defines an electrical pathway through the element and the element is changed by a degree of consumption or displacement of the member. The element is composed of a material having a volume resistivity of at least 0.001 ohm-cm.

[0139] A system of another embodiment includes a number of pest control devices. These devices each include a circuit with at least one element comprised of a material defining an electrical current carrying pathway through the respective element. This material includes carbon.

[0140] Still another embodiment of the present invention includes: installing a pest control device including a wireless communication circuit electrically connected to a sensor; detecting the presence of one or more pests with the pest control device; and reconfiguring the pest control device in response to this detection. This reconfiguration includes introducing a pesticide bait member into the pest control device with the wireless communication circuit and adjusting position of the wireless communication circuit.

[0141] In yet another embodiment, a pest control system includes a housing, a monitoring bait member, a sensor, a wireless communication circuit, and a pesticide bait member. The monitoring bait member, the sensor, and the wireless communication can be arranged in a first assembly to be positioned in the housing to detect one or more pests. Alternatively, the pesticide bait member and the wireless communication circuit can be arranged in a second assembly different from the first assembly, where the second assembly is positioned in the housing in place of the first assembly after detection of pests with the first assembly.

[0142] In a further embodiment, a device includes a housing, an electrical circuit associated with the housing, and a sensing member. The sensing member engages the housing and includes an electrical conductor comprised of a carbon-containing ink. A connection member can also be included to couple the sensing member to the circuit. This connection member can be comprised of an electrically conductive elastomeric material. Alternatively, the monitoring bait member and/or the pesticide bait member may be part of the same assembly.

[0143] In another embodiment, a pest control device includes circuitry coupled to one or more sensing elements with one or more elastomeric connection members. The one or more elastomeric connection members can be comprised of a carbon-containing synthetic compound, such as silicon rubber.

[0144] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein unless otherwise expressly indicated. Further, any theory, proposed mechanism of operation, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to in any way limit the present invention to such theory, proposed mechanism of operation, or finding. While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the selected embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention defined by following claims are desired to be protected.

	Number	Date	Country
Parent	PCT/US00/26373	Sep 2000	US
Child	10177607	Jun 2002	US

Sensing devices, systems, and methods particularly for pest control

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

US Classifications

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Continuations (1)