NL2010663C2

NL2010663C2 - Device and method for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs.

Info

Publication number: NL2010663C2
Application number: NL2010663A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Jacob Zoer
Original assignee: Jacob Zoer
Priority date: 2013-04-18
Filing date: 2013-04-18
Publication date: 2014-10-21
Also published as: WO2014098606A2; WO2014098606A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and method for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs. The device comprises: - a laser for generating a beam of laser light for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs; - an additional light source for projecting a light pattern onto a surface, the light source being arranged such that the light pattern indicates the location of the laser beam, thereby assisting aiming the device.

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR KILLING OR INJURING FLIES, OTHER INSECTS, SPIDERS AND/OR OTHER BUGS

The invention relates to a device for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs. Insects, spiders and other bugs, and in particular flies, form a nuisance to people. For example, flies make a buzzing sound which can deprive people from sleep. Moreover, flies can even be harmful to people. For example, some fly species such as the mosquito can spread disease such as malaria.

It is known in the art to kill flies using flyswatters. A disadvantage of using a flyswatter is that the user has to move close to the fly in order to kill it. Moreover, the fly may fly away when it notices a person moving towards it.

A goal of the invention is to overcome the above problem and to provide a device for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs, which enables remotely killing or injuries the target.

This goal is achieved by the device according to the invention, comprising: - a laser for generating a beam of laser light for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs; - an additional light source for projecting a light pattern onto a surface, the light source being arranged such that the light pattern indicates the location of the laser beam, thereby assisting aiming the device.

Preferably, the laser is able to kill or injure a fly, such as a mosquito. For example, it injures the fly by burning away the wings of the fly. The device may also be used for killing or injuring other insects, spiders or other bugs. Other examples of animals which can be killed or injured by the device according to the invention include ants, silverfish, soldier beetle, cockroach or grasshopper. In the following, reference will be made mainly to killing or injuring flies. However, it is noted that the device can also be used against other insects or bugs as described above .

Preferably, the device is a handheld device.

The light pattern may have any suitable shape and colour. For example, the shape of the light pattern resembles the shape of a conventional reticle pattern as known from sighting devices, such as a crosshair pattern. In another example the shape of the light pattern is a cross, wherein the centre of the cross substantially coincides with the centre of the laser light beam.

For example, if the shape of the light pattern is a closed circle with its centre substantially aligned with the laser beam, the light pattern will cross the target as it is moved across a surface for aiming at the target. Preferably, the shape of the light pattern is such that it can be moved across a surface to aim the device at the target without the light pattern having to cross the target. For example, the light pattern comprises a U-shape or is composed of a number of spaced apart dots. This enables aiming the device at the fly, without the fly noticing the light pattern.

In an exemplary embodiment, the light pattern is formed by a mask provided in front of the additional light source. For example, the additional light source is placed behind a mask having a cross-shaped opening to generate a cross-shaped light pattern. For example, a transparent cover, such as a glass cover, is placed in front of the additional light source, wherein the transparent cover comprises at least one opaque section which acts as a mask.

The device according to the invention enables remotely killing or injuring the target, such as a fly, by means of the laser, wherein the laser can be aimed with assistance of the light pattern projected by the additional light source.

Preferably, the device is a hand-held device. For example, the device is battery operated.

The additional light source is for example a laser, such as a small power laser as known from laser pens, or a led.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the laser light has a wavelength outside the visible region of the spectrum.

Light absorption by the targeted fly is strongest in the non-visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The visible region of the spectrum extends from about 400 nm to 700 nm. Light having a wavelength in the region below 400 nm down to approximately 100 nm is called ultraviolet. Light having a wavelength in the region above 700 nm up to approximately 3 micrometers is called infrared. Preferably, the laser light has a wavelength in the ultraviolet or infrared region.

Due to the high absorption outside the visible region of the spectrum, the laser light of the device according to the invention is strongly absorbed by the fly at which it is directed. Therefore, a large proportion of the emitted energy is absorbed by the fly, thereby burning the fly. Therefore, using a laser light outside the visible region of the spectrum is also energy efficient, as less emitted power is required to achieve the same results. In this respect it is noted that insects, such as flies, have a water content of up to 80% of their weight, and absorption of light by water is up to 9 orders of magnitude stronger in the ultraviolet and infrared region than in the visible region.

It is noted that the combination of an additional light source for projecting a light pattern onto a surface as described above and a laser light having a wavelength outside the visible region of the spectrum is in particular advantageous. As the laser light is outside of the visible region, a user has no indication where the laser light is directed. The user can therefore not aim the laser at the fly. The additional light source allows the user to aim the laser beam even though it is not visible to the user.

In a currently preferred embodiment according to the invention the laser light comprises infrared and/or near infrared.

Experiments have shown that this wavelength is in particular suitable for killing or injuring flies.

In a further preferred embodiment the device comprises a third light source for projecting a beam or visible light in substantially the same direction as the laser beam, for inducing a blink reflex.

A danger of using a non-visible laser light source is that it may be harmful to eyes of humans. If a visible laser is directed to the eye of a person, the natural reflex of the human body is to blink, thereby minimizing the risk of burning of the eyes. With non-visible light however, this reflex is not induced. By providing a third light source which is directed in the same direction as the laser beam, this blink reflex is also induced when using non-visible laser light.

It is noted that the third light source and the additional light source may be integrated, i.e. the additional light source both provides a light pattern for aiming the device and a beam of visible light directed in the same direction as the laser beam for inducing a blink reflex. For example, the light pattern produced by the additional light source has the shape of a cross, wherein the centre of the cross substantially coincides with the centre of the laser light beam.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the light pattern of the additional light source comprises red light.

The vision of insects such as flies is less sensitive to the red part of the light spectrum. As the light pattern comprises red light, this light will not disturb the flies, such that the device can be aimed without the fly escaping when it notices the light pattern.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the device comprises at least one further light source for creating a light beam such that the device has a flashlight functionality.

The at least one further light source is used to illuminate the surroundings, such that the device can be used for killing or injuring flies in the dark. Furthermore, a multipurpose device is created, providing both a flashlight functionality and a fly killing/injuring functionality.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the at least one further light source comprises a number of light sources arranged around the laser.

This provides for a compact design of the device. Preferably, the number of light sources are leds. Due to their small size they can be easily arranged around the laser.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the device comprises a control means connected to the laser and the additional light source, wherein the control means is configured to activate the laser a predetermined time after activation of the additional light source .

For example, the laser is activated 10-1 seconds after the additional light source has been activated, preferably 5-1 seconds, for example 4, 3 or 2 seconds. For example, a single knob or button activates the additional light source first, followed by the laser after the predetermined time.

In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a sound generator. For example, the sound generator is adapted to indicate the time to the activation of the laser. For example, the sound generator generates a sound each second between activation of the additional light source and activation of the laser. In another example, the sound generator is adapted to generate a sound during activation of the laser, e.g. a gun sound.

In a preferred embodiment the additional light source is activated by a control means, such as a knob or button, after which the laser is activated after a predetermined time. Therefore, only one control means has to be activated for both generating the light pattern for aiming and firing the laser. This has the advantage that the user can hold the device more stable than when a separate knob or button has to be pressed to activate the laser.

In an alternative embodiment the additional light source is activated by a first operating means and the laser is activated by a second operating means. Preferably, the operating means for activating the laser is arranged on the device near the centre of mass of the device to ensure that the user can stably hold the device when using the operating means .

A preferred embodiment of the device comprises a laser control means connected to the laser, the laser control means being configured to deactivate the laser a predetermined time after activation of the laser.

For example, the laser control means is arranged to deactivate the laser 1-10 s, preferably 1-5 s, more preferably 1-4 seconds, most preferably 1-3 s after activation of the laser, e.g. activation by a button or knob or by a control means as described above.

Automatic deactivation of the laser after a predetermined time has the advantage that the safety of the device is increased. Furthermore, the predetermined activation time ensures a predictable energy consumption. In case the device is battery operated, quickly draining the battery is avoided, since the laser can not be activated longer than the predetermined time.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the device comprises a light pattern control system connected to the additional light source and arranged to control the light pattern of the additional light source such that the light pattern changes in time.

In other words, the light pattern control system enables an animated light pattern. Preferably, the light pattern changes upon activating operating means, such as a knob. For example, the animated light pattern corresponds to the automatic activation of the laser after a predetermined time. For example, the light pattern shows subsequently different circles with a decreasing radius. In another example, the light pattern blinks, i.e. switches on and off. For example, the frequency of blinking of the pattern increases .

In an exemplary embodiment, the device comprises a locking means for locking activation of the laser, unlocking means for enabling activation of the laser.

For example, the locking means comprises a control means such as buttons, knobs or a touch screen, for entering a numeric code or password to unlock the device. The laser can only be activated if the locking means have been unlocked. Preferably, in case the device comprises a flashlight functionality, the flashlight can be operated both when the laser is locked and when the laser is unlocked.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the laser is connected to a power control system for setting the power level of the laser.

Adjusting the power level enables adapting the device to different targets. This may be different type of flies or different type of insects. Experiments have shown that for killing a spider more energy is required than for killing flies. For example, the power control system can be set by operating a slider on the device.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the laser is arranged to generate a pulsed beam.

In other words, the laser is operating in a pulsed mode. The laser emits a short laser pulse after which for a predetermined time no laser pulse is generated, etcetera. By using a pulsed laser, the total power emitted by the laser in a given period of time can be reduced. When the pulsed laser is used in combination with a power control system, the energy of the pulses can be set.

In a preferred embodiment the device is a handheld device and comprises a stabilizer for stabilizing the movement by the user.

For example, the stabilizer comprises a camera stabilizer, i.e. a stabilizer conventionally used for stabilizing cameras.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the device comprises operating means for operating the laser which are arranged such that more than one user operation is required for operating the laser.

The operating means may comprise knobs, sliders or buttons. By requiring that more than one user operation has to be performed on the operating means, the child safety of the device is improved. For example, two knobs have to be operated simultaneously to active the laser. In another example a button has to be turned and subsequently pushed.

In an exemplary embodiment, the operating means for operating the laser comprises two operating elements which are separated by a distance of at least 5 cm, preferably at least 7 cm, more preferably at least 10 cm and most preferably at least 15 cm. A child can not operate such a device with one hand, as its hands are too small to operated both operating elements at the same time.

The invention further relates to a method for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs, comprising providing the device as described above. For the method the same effects and advantages apply as described above for the device according to the invention.

For example, the method comprises operating the additional light source for projecting a light button onto a surface such that the location of the laser beam is indicated and operating the laser to kill or injure a fly.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying figures.

- Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device for killing or injuring flies according to the invention; - Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the device of figure 1; - Figure 3 shows a front view of the device of figure 1; - Figures 4A-5B illustrate a method for killing a fly using the device of figure 1; - Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the device according to the invention; and - Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the device according to the invention.

Device 2 (figure 1) comprises a first housing part 4a and a second housing part 4b. Second housing part 4b is provided with knobs 6, 8.

Second housing part 4b houses a reflector element 10 (figure 2) and a led assembly 12 comprising a number of leds 14. Device 2 further comprises a holder 16 for holding laser pens 18, 20 and infrared laser 22. In use, laser pens 18, 20 provide a light pattern for aiming, as will be explained below with reference to figures 4-5B. Device 2 further comprises battery modules 24, 26 which comprises batteries 28. Battery modules 24, 26 are placed in housing part 4a.

When assembled, the leds 14 are positioned around the laser 22. The laser pens 18, 20 are for producing a light pattern to assist aiming the device. They are arranged at substantially 90 degrees with respect to each other. The reflector 10 is provided with opening to enable light from the laser 22, laser pens 18, 20 and leds 14 to pass. The reflector is arranged to reflect light emitted by the leds 14 to increase the led light output.

The front side of device 2 as shown in figure 3 is optionally provided with a transparent cover (not shown in the figures), such as a glass or polycarbonate cover. Such a cover closes housing part 4b to prevent dust from entering.

For killing a fly 30 (figure 4A) in the dark, the user first switches on the leds 14 by operating button 6. When the user has located fly 30, he presses button 8 which activates laser pens 18, 20 which project a cross pattern 32 (figure 4B). Cross pattern 32 comprises two line shaped bundles of light which are projected onto the wall on which the fly is sitting (the wall is not shown in the figures).

The laser pens 18, 20 are arranged to blink with a frequency of 2 Hz, such that the cross switches on and off 2 times per second. When button 8 was pressed, device 2 also activated a timer (not shown). The timer is actively connected to the laser pens 18, 20, such that the frequency of the blinking increases over time. After 4 seconds, the light pattern 32 blinks very rapidly, e.g. with a frequency of 10 Hz. After 5 seconds, laser 22 is automatically activated by the timer to kill fly 32. The laser 22 is aimed at the centre of the cross shape 32.

Laser 22 emits a pulsed laser beam 34 (figure 5A) . Optionally, a slider is provided to adjust the power of the laser, i.e. the energy contained in each laser pulse. Preferably, device 2 is arranged such that laser 22 is activated for a predetermined time, e.g. 1-5 seconds, for example 2, 3 or 4 seconds. Part of the energy of the infrared laser light beam 34 is absorbed by the fly 34, such that it burns (figure 5B) and is killed off.

In another embodiment, the light source for aiming is activated by a first button and the laser is activated by a second button. Alternatively, a button is provided which is slightly pressed to activate the light source for aiming and the button is further depressed to activate the laser.

In another embodiment, the light source for aiming is activated by a switch. When the aiming light has been switched on, the laser can be activated by pressing a button. If the aiming light has not been switched on, the laser cannot be activated.

Preferably, the aiming light switches off automatically after activation of the laser.

In an alternative embodiment, the device 2 is provided with a handle 36 (figure 6). In this embodiment, device 2 is provided with a speaker 40 for generating a sound. For example, speaker 40 generates a sound to indicate the time to activation of the laser, e.g. a beeping sound. Furthermore, the speaker can be arranged to generate a sound when the laser is activated, for example the sound of a gun or an explosion. In another example, the device may have the shape of a gun, pistol, rifle or other weapon.

In a third embodiment (figure 7), the device 2 is provided with a turning knob 38. The knob 38 comprises a spring (not shown) and a predetermined force is required to turn the knob 38 against the force of the spring. In this embodiment, the knob 8 for activating laser 22 can only be activated when the knob 38 is held in a position wherein it has been turned against the force of the spring. This provides a safe operation of the device, as the operation of the device is such that children cannot activate the laser.

In the above embodiments, laser 22 is automatically activated after a predetermined time. It is also possible according to the invention to activate laser 22 directly by pressing a button or using a different operating means. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention to provide a different operating means for activation of the laser pens 18, 20 than for activating the laser 22 .

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, a different light source than a laser pen can be used for producing the light pattern for assisting aiming the device.

Clauses 1. Device for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs, comprising: - a laser for generating a beam of laser light for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs; - an additional light source for projecting a light pattern onto a surface, the light source being arranged such that the light pattern indicates the location of the laser beam, thereby assisting aiming the device.

2. Device according to clause 1, wherein the laser light has a wavelength outside the visible region of the spectrum.

3. Device according to clause 2, wherein the laser light comprises infrared and/or near infrared.

4. Device according to clause 2 or 3, comprising a third light source for projecting a beam of visible light in substantially the same direction as the laser beam, for inducing a blink reflex.

5. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the light pattern of the additional light source comprises red light.

6. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising at least one further light source for creating a light beam such that the device has a flashlight functionality.

7. Device according to clause 6, wherein the at least one further light source comprises a number of light sources arranged around the laser.

8. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a control means connected to the laser and the additional light source, the control means being configured to activate the laser a predetermined time after activation of the additional light source.

9. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a sound generator.

10. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a laser control means connected to the laser, the laser control means being configured to deactivate the laser a predetermined time after activation of the laser.

11. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a light pattern control system connected to the additional light source and arranged to control the light pattern of the additional light source such that the light pattern changes in time.

12. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the laser is connected to a power control system for setting the power level of the laser.

13. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the laser is arranged to generate a pulsed beam.

14. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the device is a handheld device and comprises a stabilizer for stabilizing the device from movements by the user .

15. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising operating means for operating the laser, the operating means being arranged such that more than one user operation is required for operating the laser.

16. Method for killing or injuring flies, other insects, spiders and/or other bugs, comprising providing the device according to any of the preceding clauses.

Claims

Device for killing or injuring flies / mosquitoes, other insects, spiders and / or other small animals, comprising: - a laser for generating a beam of laser light for killing or injuring flies / mosquitoes, other insects, spiders and / or other small animals; - an additional light source for projecting a light pattern onto a surface, in which the light source is arranged such that the light pattern indicates the location of the laser beam, with which the alignment of the device is supported.

The device of claim 1, wherein the laser light has a wavelength outside the visible range of the spectrum.

Device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the laser light comprises infrared and / or near infrared.

Device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, comprising a third light source for projecting a beam of visible light in substantially the same direction as the laser beam, for generating a flashing reflex.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the light pattern of the additional light source comprises red light.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising at least one further light source for creating a light beam such that the device has a flashlight functionality.

Device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one further light source comprises a number of light sources arranged around the laser.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a control means connected to the laser and the additional light source, wherein the control means is configured to activate the laser a predetermined time after activation of the additional light source.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a sound source.

Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a laser control means connected to the laser, wherein the laser control means is configured to deactivate the laser a predetermined time after activation of the laser.

Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a light pattern control system connected to the additional light source and adapted to control the light pattern of the additional light source such that the light pattern changes over time.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the laser is connected to a power control system for adjusting the power of the laser.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the laser is adapted to generate a pulsed beam.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the device is a portable device and comprises a stabilizer for stabilizing movements of the user.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising an operating means for operating the laser, wherein the operating means is oriented such that more than one user operation is required for operating the laser.

A method of killing or injuring flies / mosquitoes, other insects, spiders and / or other small bugs, comprises providing a device according to any of the preceding claims.