Automatic light-activated portable mist sprayer device

Abstract

A portable, light-activated, mist sprayer system comprising direct current power supply, an ambient light sensor, electronic circuitry that evaluates an electrical signal received from the light sensor to determine whether a “dusk” or “dawn” light condition exists; a container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a motor and pump that are activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; and a timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the spraying cycle. A preferred utility for the system of the invention is spraying dilute solutions of insecticide or insect repellent during the periods of significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. An RF receiving unit is also disclosed for optional activation using a remote transmitter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 970,778 as to all subject matter contained in this application that was previously disclosed in said parent application.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to a portable device useful for spraying a fluid mist through a sprayer head to treat the atmosphere in a desired location proximal to the device, and more particularly, to a self-contained, light-activated, pump-driven mist sprayer that initiates a flow of treating fluid in response to a sensed ambient light condition of desired intensity and duration. Once initiated, the flow of fluid mist through the sprayer desirably continues for an adjustable time interval. A preferred use of the system is for eradicating or repelling flying or crawling insects in locations remote from AC power outlets during the periods of significa...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] The system of the invention replaces standard timers or programmed controllers previously used in automated dispensing systems, and, because the dispensing cycles are triggered by prevailing ambient light levels, will typically operate only during the times when flying and crawling insects and pests are most active. By automatically initiating chemical treating for defined intervals during the periods of greatest insect activity, the user is able to reduce the amount of treating fluid required, and to thereby achieve better results at lower cost. The system is automatically responsive to use in various time zones and topographies, and will automatically adapt to the lengthening and shortening daylight hours that are normally associated with seasonal changes. In addition to having an automatic light-activated capability unlike that of other known portable sprayer systems and devices, the mist sprayer system of the invention can also be activated manually or by using a wireless remote transmitter if desired.

Problems solved by technology

Problems associated with the presence of mosquitoes and other flying insects are well known, particularly during summer months when people typically engage in many outdoor activities.

Additionally, people are generally aware of the pain, discomfort and potentially dangerous allergic reactions that can accompany the bites of various flying and crawling insects encountered outdoors in either urban or rural areas.

The system is said to optionally include a fluid delivery system useful in controlling insects and diseases, but is complex and not desirable for home use.

The use of timers alone to activate spraying or misting systems is often inadequate for initiating spraying at the onset of the relatively short periods when such pests are most active.

Timers alone are not responsive to variations in daylight hours, weather conditions and topography that can all affect ambient light levels and insect activity at a particular time of day in a particular location.

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