Sensing devices, systems, and methods particularly for pest control
US6914529B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01M1/026
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pest control system (20) includes pest control devices (110) installed about an area or building (22). These devices (110) each include a bait member and a communication circuit. The communication circuit may be in the form of a passive RF tag that transmits information indicative of bait status and an identifier unique to each pest control device (110). A hand held interrogator (30) is provided to locate and communicate with the pest control devices (110) via the communication circuit. A data collection unit (40) to accumulate data gathered from the pest control devices (110) may alternatively or additionally be utilized. The device (110) includes a sensor that has an electrically conductive pathway comprised of a nonmetallic material. Other pest control devices to detect varying nonzero levels of pest activity are also disclosed. Still another device includes one or more environmental sensors to further evaluate and predict pest behavior.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.