Patent Publication Number: US-9839210-B2

Title: Method and system for eliminating pests

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/218,152 filed on Mar. 18, 2014 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,796 issued May 24, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/791,027, filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a system and method for eliminating pests and, more particularly, to a system and method for eliminating bed bugs from furniture. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The background description provided here is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. 
     Bed bugs often reside in furniture such as mattresses and beds of homes and hotels. While easily detected, bed bugs can live without eating for months. To eliminate the insects, insecticides or extreme heat can be used. To apply the heat, often gas powered heaters are used to heat a room to above about 123° C. Unfortunately, these techniques require the heating of a whole building which can be expensive. 
     SUMMARY 
     This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. 
     According to the present teachings, an apparatus for disinfecting furniture is presented. The apparatus which defines a chamber having an inner surface configured to be positioned about a piece of furniture is provided. The main member defines a plurality of apertures fluidly coupled to heat source. A UV-C light source is coupled to the interior surface of the chamber to apply UV-C radiation to the exterior surface of the furniture. 
     Further, according to the present teachings, an apparatus for disinfecting a piece of furniture is provided. The apparatus has a main member having an inner surface defining a chamber. The apparatus is coupled to a mobile platform such as a truck. The inner surface defines a plurality of apertures fluidly coupled to a heat-generating source. 
     Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims and the drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 1  represents a perspective view of a mobile platform including a disinfecting system according to the present teachings; 
         FIG. 2  represents a rear view of the system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  represents a trailer mounted disinfecting system according to the present teachings; 
         FIGS. 4 a -4 e    represent right perspective, side, top, end and left perspective views of a mattress carrier according to the present teachings; 
         FIGS. 5 a  and 5 b    represent inner perspective views of the furniture disinfector according the present teachings; 
         FIG. 6  represents a perspective view of a portable disinfecting unit; 
         FIGS. 7 a -7 c    represent views of the portable unit shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    represent perspective views of a mattress carrier dolly according to the present teachings; 
         FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    represent an end and perspective views of the mattress carriers and associated carrier dolly; 
         FIG. 10  represents a furniture disinfecting systems according to the preset teachings; and 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  represent a carpet disinfecting structure according to the present teachings. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.  FIG. 1  represents a perspective sectional view of the disinfecting system mounted on a mobile platform according to the present teachings.  FIG. 2  represents a rear view of the system shown in  FIG. 1 . The apparatus for disinfecting furniture, has an openable enclosure or main member  20  including an inner surface  22  configured for receiving the furniture  24 . The main member  20  includes a plurality of apertures  26  disposed along the inner surface  22 . At least one temperature controller  28  or thermostat is provided for controlling  28  the temperature within a chamber  30  defined by the inner surface. The controller  28  is coupled to a furnace  32  supplying heated blow in air to the chamber  30 . The apertures  26  are in communication with the furnace  32  or air source. Optionally, UV light from a light source and air from the furnace air source can at least partially pass through the inner surface. 
     According to various exemplary illustrations described herein, the main member  20  is provided and includes an inner surface  22 . The openable enclosure provided by the main member  20  defines the cavity configured to accept a number of furniture pieces which may be infected with pests such a bed bugs. The openable enclosure can be associated with a mobile platform such as a truck or a trailer  23 ,  24  (see  FIGS. 1-3 ). The openable enclosure  20  is formed of a plurality of insulated walls  21  that are configured to efficiently allow maintain an elevated temperature within the enclosure. A see better below, the main member  20  can include at least one horizontally oriented channel  29  for creating an air-low space between the main member and the furniture, and to facilitate the coupling of transportation racks therein. It is envisioned that the chamber be elevated to a temperature of above 120 degrees F. for 3 hours or 135 degrees F. for 2 hours. Generally, it is envisioned that the temperature should be less than about 150 degrees F. to prevent damage to fabrics. Alternatively, the temperature of the chamber can be dropped to under 32 degrees for a period of 3 hours. While the furnace  32  is shown as a separate component, it is envisioned it can be incorporated into the mobile platform and can have various fuel sources. In this regard, the furnace may be a heat exchanger which scavenges heat from for instance the vehicle engine or the exhaust system. Additionally, the heat source can be electric, or fueled with gas such as propane. 
     It is envisioned that the enclosure can use several different mechanisms to effect disinfection, each having its own advantage or disadvantage. These include maintaining a plurality of apertures disposed along the inner surface. At least one light source  27  for emitting a UV and preferably UV-C light, and at least one air source for blowing air are also provided. The apertures located along the inner surface of the main member are in communication with at least the air source. UV-C light from the light source (such as an OLED, SLD) and air from the air source can at least partially pass though the inner surface. The main member is constructed from a material with a transparency that allows for UV-C light from the air source to at least partially pass through. Alternatively, the light source is at least one optical fiber, wherein at least one aperture of the main member receives an end of the optical fiber, where the end emits the UV-C light. Finally, the disinfector may also include a spray source for spraying a solution, where the spray source is in communication with the apertures of the main member. 
     Ultraviolet irradiation in the C bandwidth (UV-C) is used for disinfection purposes because the UV-C light kills microorganisms, mold and bacteria that are trapped outside the furniture. In one example, the ultraviolet light source  74  is a mercury-vapor lamp that emits UV-C light; however, it should be noted that any light source that emits UV-C rays may be used as well. In one illustration, the ultraviolet light source  74  also produces ozone (O 3 ); however, an ultraviolet light source  74  that does not produce ozone may be used as well. Ozone and UV-C light are combined with moisture that is trapped outside the furniture to remove odors. More specifically, the combination of ozone and UV-C light with moisture produces chemicals, such as hydroxyl radicals (—OH), which are purifying agents that neutralize unpleasant odors that are trapped outside the furniture. 
     In addition to modifying the temperature within the chamber  30 , it is envisioned that other atmospheric modification can take place. The apparatus described above can have spray sources for spraying a pesticide or disinfecting solution. The spray source in communication with the apertures defined by the chamber  30 . Nozzles (not shown) associated with the pesticide can fumigate the chamber, or can spray solution directly onto the furniture. Alternatively, nitrogen or ozone can be incorporated into the chamber to increase the effectiveness of heat in eliminating the pests. 
       FIGS. 4 a -4 e    represent right perspective, side, top, end, and left perspective views of a mattress frame or carrier  40  according to the present teachings. In this regard, the main member  20  may define a plurality of mattress holding frames  40  which can be wheeled to the openable chamber for disinfection. The frames  40  can have removable dolly wheels and can have a mechanism such as a tongue and groove coupling which will allow for the frames to be slid into channels  42  formed in the floor of the chamber  30 . The channels can create an air-flow space between the main member and the furniture. Additionally, the channels have a coupling mechanism that allows selective engagement of the rack to the interior surface. Alternatively, the frame  40  can have a soft cover to prevent the spread of infection. 
     As can be seen the carrier  40  can be collapsible to assist in moving the carrier into and out of rooms. In this regard, the collapsible carrier can have soft sides and can have an accordion structure. Additionally, the frames  40  can have pin-in-slot structures to facilitate collapse of the frames  40  to accommodate mattresses of various sizes. Additionally, the carrier can have deployable supports having wheels. It is envisioned the deployable supports can lower the center of gravity of the carrier to make transportation easier. 
     The air source  48  includes a heat source or furnace  32  for heating air emitted from the air source to maintain a temperature in the chamber  30  of above 120 degrees but below about 150 degrees C. The furnace  32  is controlled by the thermostat or controller  28  to maintain the temperature within the chamber to a proper elevation. Furnace  32  can be a separate unit or can be integrated into or directly attached to the main member. 
       FIGS. 5 a -5 b    represent a container flooring and wall structures according to the present teachings. Shown is a plurality of channels in the floor which facilitate the coupling of the furniture or frames  40  to the chamber. The slots, which are T-shaped, facilitate the flow of heated air through the floor and walls of the chamber  30 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the main member  20  as shown in several figures can have a plurality of wheels. In this regard, the main member may be a small chamber  30  wheeled into a room such as a hotel room or a house for disinfecting the furniture. Additionally, as described above, the main member  20  can be attached to a vehicle or truck. The main member  20  can be substantially shaped to receive a mattress or a plurality of mattresses therein. Alternatively, the chamber can have a plurality of disinfecting lamps which can be configured to move to project a random light onto the surface of the furniture. 
       FIGS. 7 a -7 c    represent alternate transportable members according to the present teachings. As described above, the portable system can have a base  50  having a plurality of wheels  52 . The base can have deployable members  52  which function to maintain stability of the overall unit. The base  50  can have couplings  56  which allow for the connection to the heat source on furnace  32 . Additionally, it is envisioned that the furnace  32  can be incorporated into the base  50 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7 b  and 7 c   , the vertical chamber portion can have a pair of walls that forms the chamber  30 . The walls can have a pair of vertical slot and pin arrangement  58  which allow for vertical displacement of a cover portion thus accommodating varying sized mattresses. Optionally, the mattress can be loaded into a vertical opening  64 . Additionally, one vertical surface  66  can be rotated down (like a murphy bed) about a pivot axis  65  horizontally to accept a mattress before being rotated vertically for disinfecting. 
       FIGS. 8 a  and 8 b    represent wheeled transport members  68  which can be used to transport mattresses to the chamber. The transport members  68  can have a locking feature  70  which is used to couple the transport frame  40 , (see  FIGS. 4 a -4 e   ) to the transport members  68 . The transport members  68  can have a pair of supporting parallel members  72  and define a t-shaped slot. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b   , once the frames  40  are coupled to the transport members  70  the frames  40  can be transferred to the chamber located in the truck or trailer shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . 
       FIG. 10  represents a chair disinfector according to the present teachings. It is envisioned that the main member  10  can be a flexible bag which can be placed over the furniture being disinfected. Heated air is supplied by a furnace  32  associated with the main member  20 . The furnace  32  can be directly coupled to the main member, or can be coupled to the chamber with a hose  52 . A thermal couple or sensor is placed within the chamber  30  to allow the controller  28  to regulate the temperature within the chamber  30 . As with each of the embodiments shown, once the temperature has reached a temperature above 120 degrees, the temperature is maintained for three hours to kill all insects and eggs therein. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  represent a carpet disinfecting structure according to the present teachings. As can be seen, matts  60  are provided which have heating components  62  disposed therein. The heating components  62  can be for instance a plurality of electric coils or wires whose temperature is controlled using a controller  28  or thermostat. Additionally, the matts  60  can be coupled to a source of forced heated air. It is envisioned the matts  60  can be flexible to conform to various surfaces. The matts can incorporate baffles for forced air or ozone a light pipes to transport disinfecting UV light. 
     In practice a potential location for an infestation is located. The matts  60  are placed over the infestation and heated to a temperature of above 120 degrees F., but less than 150 degrees F. The matts  60  are left in place for at least 3 hours to effectuate the killing of the pests. Disinfecting UV lights or ozone as described above can be used to facilitate the disinfection. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The foregoing description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. The broad teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent upon a study of the drawings, the specification, and the following claims. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. 
     In this application, including the definitions below, the term controller may be replaced with the term circuit. The term module may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog/digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system-on-chip. 
     The term code, as used above, may include software, firmware, and/or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and/or objects. The term shared processor encompasses a single processor that executes some or all code from multiple modules. The term group processor encompasses a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all code from one or more modules. The term shared memory encompasses a single memory that stores some or all code from multiple modules. The term group memory encompasses a memory that, in combination with additional memories, stores some or all code from one or more modules. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not encompass transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and may, therefore, be considered tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of a non-transitory tangible computer readable medium include nonvolatile memory, volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage. 
     The apparatuses and methods described in this application may be partially or fully implemented by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions that are stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer programs may also include and/or rely on stored data.