Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/970,778 filed on Oct. 21, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,167 and Ser. No. 11/228,889 filed on Sep. 15, 2005 now abandoned as to all subject matter contained in this application that was previously disclosed in these parent applications. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     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 significant insect activity that typically occur around dusk and dawn. An insect attractant, either alone or in combination with a pesticide, can also be dispensed using the subject device. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     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. People have long appreciated the dangers associated with mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and equine encephalitis. More recently, publicity associated with the West Nile virus in has heightened public awareness of dangers that can be associated with mosquito bites. 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. 
     Various chemical sprays and devices have previously been used to control flying and crawling insects, spiders, and other such pests. Chemical sprays containing environmentally acceptable concentrations of insecticides or pesticides have historically been applied using hand-held sprayers, fogging machines, and the like. Such sprays are sometimes applied by governmental agencies in parks, residential neighborhoods and other high-risk urban areas, but are most often applied by individuals using hand-held sprayers in and around their own homes and yards. In more rural settings, sprayer systems have previously been used to spray insecticides or pesticides in and around barns, livestock holding areas, and the like. Other devices that have previously been used to control insects and other pests have incorporated a lure or an attractant, such as food baits, light, pheromones, or carbon dioxide, to draw the insects or pests to a trap, electrically energized grid, or poison. 
     Some chemical sprays that are used to control flying and crawling insects and other pests have been contained in hand-held aerosol cans. Oftentimes the aerosol cans are used directly by the user to dispense the chemical sprays when desired. However, a number of devices exist that can be used to automatically discharge material from an aerosol container. They range from mechanical devices that simply actuate the aerosol can&#39;s internal valve to dispense the spray through the aerosol can&#39;s nozzle to more extensive devices that contain their own valves and nozzles. These devises are often controlled by timers to dispense the contents of the aerosol can at particular times or at predefined intervals. 
     Many of the prior art systems and devices for controlling insects and pests are operated directly by the user. Others are controlled by timers that are preset to initiate their function at a particular time and for a particular interval. In some cases, the electrical energy required to operate the devices, particularly those disposed in remote or rural areas where electricity is not readily available, is obtained from batteries or solar cells. U.S. Pat. No. 6,192,621, for example, discloses a pest control device for outdoor use comprising a solar-powered fan that enhances the circulation of odorous repellent to the external ambient environment. U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,873 discloses an agricultural implement for spraying herbicides on weeds that utilizes a photo-detector circuit to avoid spraying the herbicide on bare soil. The photo-detector circuit is not affected by changes in ambient lighting conditions. 
     In the related parent application, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, a system is disclosed that preferably comprises an alternating current power source, 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, reservoir or other source of treating fluid at a desired concentration; a pump that is activated at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; at least one sprayer head and, preferably, an array of spaced-apart sprayer heads, each having a nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the pump is operating; flexible tubing or other conduits providing fluid communication between the fluid source and the sprayer heads; and a timer that turns off the pump after a preset interval to terminate the spraying cycle. The electronic control unit disclosed in the parent application comprises a light level discrimination module, a pump control module, a power supply module, a remote receiver module, and optionally, a remote transmitter for activating the pump control module. 
     Various solar-powered devices have previously been disclosed that utilize solar-powered batteries to store electrical energy during daylight hours for use in operating electric timers capable of turning one or more outdoor lights on and off daily and, in some cases, for powering those lights. The use of photocells for activating or deactivating a mechanical device upon receipt of light is also well known. Photocells are most often triggered by the impingement or interruption of a directed light beam and not by ambient light. U.S. Pat. No. 6,756,758 discloses receiver circuits for detecting a target light source that effectively remove “noise,” including ambient daylight, during the operation of such devices. Other devices have been disclosed that turn one or more lights on or off in response to predetermined levels of ambient light. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,015,366 discloses a highly automated agricultural production system comprising a weather sensor package used to measure weather conditions, including the sunlight energy spectrum, the intensity of which is measured using a plant growth photometer said to be available from International Light, Inc. 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. 
     Mosquitoes, flies and other insects are most easily controlled when they are most active, often during the time around sunrise and sunset. 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. 
     Notwithstanding the systems and devices previously disclosed, a mist sprayer system is needed that is portable and does not require an AC power source, that will activate automatically at dusk or dawn and spray for a preset interval, that can optionally be activated manually or by using a remote transmitter, and that will be effective for eradicating or repelling flying and crawling insects, spiders and the like from outdoor areas in which the system is deployed. A portable mist sprayer system is also needed that can be easily inserted into any of a variety of desired carrier devices, such as, for example, a simulated lamp, lantern or decorative torch. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a portable, self-contained, mist sprayer system that preferably comprises a 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; an aerosol container of treating fluid at a desired concentration; an actuator that opens the aerosol container&#39;s internal valve for a predetermined period at the appropriate time as determined by the sensed light condition; and at least one sprayer nozzle that will dispense a mist containing the treating fluid whenever the aerosol can&#39;s valve is opened. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic control unit comprises a light level discrimination module, an actuator control module, and optionally, a remote transmitter for activating the actuator. 
     One preferred application for the system is for spraying a mist comprising a treating fluid useful for eradicating or repelling flying or crawling insects such as mosquitoes, wasps, bees, spiders, and the like, that may be injurious to humans or livestock. Examples of outdoor areas that can be serviced by the systems of the invention include, for example, residential or commercial yard and patio areas, swimming pools, outdoor restaurants, horse and livestock barns, garbage dumpsters and compactors, food processing plants, parks and picnic areas, boat houses, dog kennels, zoos, amusement parks, industrial sites, and the like. Systems of the invention can similarly be used for controlling insects and the diseases they carry in vineyards, vegetable fields, orchards, greenhouses, nurseries and such, or for repelling dogs and wild animals such as foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and the like, that can become pests in gardens or other restricted areas. The portable mist sprayer system of the invention can desirably be installed and used in a variety of different carrier devices such as, for example, a torch, lamp or lantern. 
     The system of the invention can be easily, effectively and reliably used to dispense a variety of treating fluids, most preferably liquids, but optionally, gases or liquids containing dissolved, entrained or suspended gaseous or powdered solid components. The treating fluids are preferably dispensed as a mist, and are preferably selected from known, commercially available insecticides, pesticides, insect or pest repellents, fungicides, biocides, and the like, and can optionally include an attractant component as a lure. It will also be appreciated upon reading the disclosure that the subject system can likewise be used for dispensing other treating fluids “on demand” including, for example, liquid fertilizers, air fresheners, cooling water, and the like, and at times other than dusk and dawn. 
     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 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The apparatus of the invention is further described and explained in relation to the following drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of a simulated torch having a preferred embodiment of the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention installed in it; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged front elevation view of the upper portion of the portable light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention as installed in the simulated torch carrier device, with the portable mist sprayer system also being depicted in dashed outline as it would appear if removed from the torch carrier device; 
         FIG. 3 . is an enlarged front elevation view, partially in cross-section and partially broken away, of the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system of  FIG. 2 , with the door opened; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional front elevation view, partially broken away, taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified front elevation view of an alternative (round) lantern carrier device with the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention installed in it; 
         FIG. 8  is a simplified front elevation view of an alternative (hurricane) lantern carrier device with the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention installed in it; 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified flowchart illustrating diagrammatically the various components and logic implemented in a preferred electronic control unit suitable for use in the light-activated mist sprayer system of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a side elevation cross sectional view of another embodiment of the light-activated mist sprayer system involving the use of an aerosol container; 
         FIG. 11  is a front elevation cross sectional view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 10 , showing the gear mechanism; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of the clutch gear used in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of the outer portion of the clutch gear depicted in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the inner portion of the clutch gear depicted in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of a remote control for the light activated misting system; and 
         FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of the remote control depicted in  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a simulated tiki torch  10  is depicted that further comprises an upright shaft portion  12  inserted into ground  14  and having attached to its top a basket portion  18  supporting a portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  16  of the invention. Simulated tiki torch  10  is one of many different types of carrier portable devices that can be used as a stand to support portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  16 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  16  is again depicted in solid outline as installed in the top of basket  18  over shaft portion  12 , and is also depicted in dashed outline as it would appear if removed from basket  18 . Alternatively simulated tiki torch  10  can be composed of just the top basket portion  18  and have a screw adapter to allow a separate shaft portion  12  to be attached to basket portion  18 . 
       FIGS. 3-6  depict in greater detail the construction and internal and external elements of a preferred portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  16  of the invention. Mist sprayer system  16  has an upper portion comprising a mist sprayer assembly and a lower portion comprising bottle  20  that preferably threads into engagement with the underside of frame  24  of the sprayer assembly. Referring to  FIG. 3 , the mist sprayer assembly further comprises as principal elements frame  24 , ring  32 , collar  40 , rotatable dome  62 , printed circuit board  76 , batteries  46 , pump  48 , motor  50 , pump inlet line  52 , pump outlet  54  and outlet line  56 , spray nozzle  58 , switch  70 , RF receiver  72  and light sensor  74 . Bail  44  is attached to collar  40  for use in lifting and handling portable mist sprayer system  16 . 
     Printed circuit board  76 , pump  48  and motor  50  are all preferably mounted on frame  24 . Ring  32  is desirably threaded onto the bottom of frame  24  and tightened using downwardly projecting, circumferentially spaced twist grips  34 . Batteries  46 , preferably four 1.5 volt cells, are disposed in recesses at opposite sides of ring  32 , and are contained in that position by the interior walls of collar  40 , which is threaded into engagement with the upwardly extending portion of ring  32 . Sealing rings  36 ,  38  are provided in annular grooves on the outside of the lower portion of frame  24  and on the outwardly facing surface of ring  32 , respectively. Motor  50  is preferably a 6-volt DC motor with a gear box driving pump  48 . Batteries  46 , RF receiver  72  (for use with an associated remote transmitter, not shown), switch  70  and light sensor  74  (preferably a cadmium sulfide sensor) are each connected to printed circuit board  76 , although the wires and electrical connections are not all depicted in order to simplify the drawings. Dome  62  is preferably rotatably mounted above pump  48  and motor  50  by means of a retainer flange  68  disposed beneath inclined dome base  64 . Because dome  62  is rotatably mounted on inclined dome base  64 , both the radial spray direction and the vertical spray angle of spray nozzle  58  can be adjusted by rotating either dome  62  or the entire mist sprayer system  16 . An alternate position for spray nozzle  58  when it and dome  62  are rotated relative to dome base  64  is shown in dashed outline in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, more than one spray nozzle can be provided in mist sprayer system  16  provided that a suitable manifold or connector is provided at pump outlet  54 . A rubber washer  66  is desirably provided between dome  62  and dome base  64  to provide some frictional holding force between the underside of dome  62  and the top of dome base  64  as dome  62  is rotated relative to dome base  64 . Rubber washer  66  resists any rotational motion that might otherwise be imparted to dome  62  as pressurized spray is discharged through nozzle  58 . 
     Container  20  is preferably a plastic or metal bottle, most preferably made of high density polyethylene (“HDPE”), that desirably contains a replaceable liner bag  22  in which treatment fluid  30  is prepackaged. Bag  22  is preferably flexible, and is most preferably made of metallized plastic. Treatment fluid  30  is preferably a liquid capable of being pumped through at least one spray nozzle  58  and into the surrounding air. Treatment fluid  30  can comprise a pesticide, insecticide, or other liquid material that can be dispensed from mist sprayer system  16  to achieve a beneficial purpose. Although a liquid, which can be atomized by spray nozzle  58 , is preferred for use as treatment fluid  30 , treatment fluid  30  can also be selected from gases, suspensions, and mixtures thereof. Where gas is used as treatment fluid  30 , container  20  can be pressurized and pump  48  and motor  50  can be replaced, for example, by a suitable gas dispensing mechanism. 
     Pick-up tube  28  is preferably made of HDPE and desirably extends downwardly to a point near the internal bottom of replaceable bag  22  inside container  20  to facilitate substantially complete utilization of treatment fluid  30 . Nipple  26  is threaded onto or otherwise attached to a similarly threaded neck at the top of bag  22 . The top of pick-up tube  28  is desirably in fluid communication through nipple  26  with flexible tubing  52 , which is attached to the inlet of pump  48 , as is more easily seen in  FIG. 6 . The neck of bottle  20  is likewise provided with external threads or another similarly effective attachment device to permit bottle  20  to be releasably connected to the underside of frame  24 . 
       FIG. 9  is a simplified flowchart illustrating diagrammatically the various components and logic implemented in a preferred electronic control unit installed on printed circuit board  76  and suitable for use in the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  16  of the invention, although it will be appreciated that other similarly effective circuitry and components can likewise be used in implementing the operational objectives of the system. Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 9 , in light level discrimination section  100  of portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  16 , an electrical signal received from light sensor  74  ( FIG. 1 ), a conventional, commercially available device, is received into an optical coupler. The signal is then split and fed through two parallel hysteresis detectors to insure that pump  48  is not activated by transient signals attributable to stimuli other than a gradual darkening or lightening of ambient light to a predetermined “trigger” level. So-called “dusk” and “dawn” discriminators then compare the signal being received from light sensor  74  to predetermined signal values consistent with “dusk” and “dawn” ambient light conditions. 
     Parallel nand gates receive the signals from the discriminators, and assuming that the pump start criteria have been met, signal pump controller module  102  to start motor  50  and pump  48 . Pump controller module  102  preferably comprises a misting duration selector, a misting duration timer, and a DC pump controller. Three-way switch  70  is provided for use in turning battery power to light sensor  74  and RF receiver  72  of spray mister system  16  on or off. The third switch position activates a test circuit that operates mist sprayer system  16  for a preset interval such as about five seconds. When system  16  is powered up, motor  50  and pump  48  can be activated either by light sensor  74  or by an RF signal received from an optional remote transmitter, not shown. Ambient light sensor  74  is desirably positioned so that it is not blocked from receiving the prevailing ambient light by trees, overhangs, screening structures, or the like, although it is not necessary that it be positioned to receive direct light from the sun or another light source. When positioning portable mist sprayer system  16  and light sensor  74 , care should also be given to avoiding locations where flood lights, car lights, or the like, are likely to impinge directly on the sensor, thereby impeding the ability of the sensor to monitor the prevailing ambient light conditions. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a simulated lantern  82  comprising portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  84  as described above installed inside a carrier device comprising round globe  86  supported by base  88 .  FIG. 8  similarly depicts a simulated hurricane lantern  90  comprising portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  92  as described above installed inside a carrier device comprising protected cylindrical globe  94  supported by base  96 , or alternatively, suspended from extended bail  98 . It should be appreciated, however, that the simulated torch, lantern and hurricane lantern are simply two of many different types of portable carrier devices into which the self-contained mist sprayer system as disclosed herein can be inserted. 
       FIGS. 10-12  depict an alternate embodiment of the simulated lantern depicted in  FIG. 8 , wherein the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  104  is configured to be used with an aerosol can  106 . Light-activated mist sprayer system  104  is generally composed of housing  108 , motor  110 , printed circuit board  112 , actuator  114 , light sensor  116 , and nozzle  118 . Housing  108  is depicted in  FIG. 10  in the form of a hanging lantern, however, as discussed above, it can take on any desired form that is capable of holding aerosol can  106  and the other components of the mist sprayer system  104 , such as the torch depicted in  FIGS. 1-2  and the lantern depicted in  FIG. 7  as well as alternative designs. 
     Light-activated mist sprayer system  104  is configured to be used to dispense the contents of aerosol can  106 . Aerosol can  106  is preferably a standard aerosol can that contains a treatment fluid  30 . Treatment fluid  30  is preferably a liquid capable of being dispensed through at least one spray nozzle  118  and into the surrounding air. Treatment fluid  30  can comprise a pesticide, insecticide, or other liquid material that can be dispensed from mist sprayer system  104  to achieve a beneficial purpose. Although a liquid, which can be atomized by spray nozzle  118 , is preferred for use as treatment fluid  30 , treatment fluid  30  can also be selected from gases, suspensions, and mixtures thereof. Aerosol can  106  has an internal valve  120  shown in  FIG. 11 ) that allows the contents of the can to be released. Pressing down on valve stem  122  serves to activate internal valve  120  allowing the pressurized contents of aerosol can  106  to be released up through valve stem  122 . Aerosol cans generally have a cap (not shown) that is used to allow a user to apply downward pressure to valve stem  122  to activate the internal valve and simultaneously direct the exiting contents of aerosol can  106  out through a nozzle that is built into the cap. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , internal valve  120  can be a metered valve, where pressing down on valve stem  122  allows only a predetermined amount of the contents to exit aerosol can  106  regardless of how long valve stem  122  remains depressed, or it can be an unmetered valve, where the contents of aerosol can  106  continue to exit as long as valve stem  122  remains depressed. While light-activated mist sprayer  104  can be used with aerosol cans  106  that have either metered or unmetered valves, it is preferred that aerosol can  106  has an unmetered valve so that the light activated mist sprayer  104  controls the duration and therefore the amount of treatment fluid  30  that is dispensed. 
     Aerosol can  106  is located inside housing  108 . The top portion of housing  108  is formed by base  124  and dome  134  and can be selectively removed from the remainder of housing  108  to allow aerosol can  106  to be placed within housing  108 . Guide  126  is located on the bottom of base  124  to properly position and hold aerosol can  106  within housing  108 . Aerosol can  106  is positioned within housing such that ram  128  is seated over valve stem  122 . Ram  128  serves the same function as a standard aerosol can cap, namely when downward pressure is applied to ram  128 , it pushes down on valve stem  122  to open the internal valve in aerosol can  106 . Ram  128  has a channel  130  running through it to allow the contents of aerosol can  106  to pass through ram  128  and into tubing  132  when the internal valve in aerosol can  106  is open. Spring loaded holders  127  can be used to secure the aerosol can  106  in place against base  124  so that the end of valve stem  122  is located in the opening of channel  130 . Guide  126  and spring loaded holders  127  are desirably adjustable to accommodate aerosol cans  106  that differ in size. The bottom of housing  108  can further be adjustable in height or one or more separate spacers can be included such that different size aerosol cans  106  are supported from the bottom by housing  108 . 
     The top portion of housing  108  formed by dome  132  and base  134  encloses the mist sprayer assembly portion of light-activated mist sprayer  104 . This includes motor  110 , printed circuit board  112 , and actuator  114 , which is further composed of gear  138 , clutch gear  139 , and translation gear  140 . Gears  138 ,  139 , and  140  are all secured to frame  144  within dome  134 . Battery compartment  146  is also located within dome  132  and places the batteries in electrical contact with printed circuit board  112 . Similarly, light sensor  116  (preferably a cadmium sulfide sensor), three-way switch  152 , and LED  150  are also connected to printed circuit board  112 , although the wires and electrical connections are not all depicted in order to simplify the drawings. 
     Light sensor  116  is located adjacent to dome  134 . Lens  148  provides a translucent opening in dome  134  to allow ambient light to reach light sensor  116 . LED  150  is located adjacent to light sensor  116  below lens  148 . LED  150  is controlled by printed circuit board  112  to flash as a warning prior to the activation of motor  110  so that individuals are not unintentionally sprayed with treatment fluid  30 . Preferably LED  150  starts flashing a few seconds prior to the activation of motor  110  with the flashing speeding up until LED  150  remains constantly on at which point motor  110  is activated to dispense treatment fluid  30 . 
     Ram  128  is secured over an opening in base  124  while allowing ram  128  to move up and down. Spring  136  is located below ram  128  and above base  124  to bias ram  128  upward away from aerosol can  106 . This prevents ram  128  from applying downward pressure to valve stem  122  and opening the internal valve of aerosol can  106  when ram  128  is not being pushed down by translation gear  140 . Tubing  132  is secured to the open end of channel  130  at one end and nozzle  118  at the other end to provide a fluid path from the aerosol can  106  to the spray nozzle  118 . 
     When activated by circuit board  112 , motor  110  rotates gear  138  which in turn rotates clutch gear  139 . Gear  139  rotates translation gear  140 , which has a shoulder  156 . As translation gear  140  rotates, shoulder  156  presses down on ram  128  to dispense treatment fluid  30  from aerosol can  106 . Gear  139  further contains a clutch system  158  depicted in  FIGS. 12-14 .  FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of gear  139 ,  FIG. 13  is a plan view of the outer portion of gear  139 , and  FIG. 14  is a plan view of the inner gear  162  that is seated inside chamber  160  inside gear  139 . Clutch system  158  is composed of a chamber  160  in gear  139  and an inner gear  162  that has two resilient fingers  164  that is seated in chamber  160 . Resilient fingers  164  are biased to seat in notches  168  along the outer periphery of chamber  160 . 
     Clutch system  158  prevents motor  110  from applying too much torque to translation gear  140 . Applying too much torque to gear  140  could result in gear  140  rotating so far that its teeth no longer mesh with gear  139  or result in damaging motor  110  from trying to rotate gears when shoulder  156  is pressed against ram  128  and translation gear  140  cannot rotate any further. In clutch system  158 , gear  138  meshes with teeth on the exterior of gear  139  so that it is rotated by motor  110 . In contrast, gear  140  meshes with teeth on inner gear  162 . When the torque levels get too high, such as when shoulder  156  cannot further depress ram  128 , fingers  164  of inner gear  162  are pushed inwards and out of notches  168  and skip in to the next notch  168 . This allows the outer portion of gear  139  to rotate without rotating inner gear  162  and thus without further rotating gear  140 . Fingers  164  then engage the next notch  168  so that inner gear  162  once again rotates in connection with the outer portion of gear  139 . Fingers  164  sequentially engage and skip out of notches  164  to limit the torque applied by gear  139  to gear  140 . 
     At the end of the dispensing cycle, current is cut off to motor  110 . Without current being applied to motor  110 , gears  138 ,  139 , and  140  are allowed to freely rotate. Since shoulder  156  is no longer pushing down on ram  128 , the force of spring  136  is able to return ram  128  back to its starting position. Raising ram  128  removes the downward force on valve stem  122 , allowing the internal valve in aerosol can  106  to close and stop additional treatment fluid  30  from exiting aerosol can  106  and being dispersed by nozzle  118 . 
     The simplified flowchart of  FIG. 9  also illustrates diagrammatically the various components and logic implemented in a preferred electronic control unit installed on printed circuit board  112  and suitable for use in the portable, light-activated mist sprayer system  104  that is depicted in  FIGS. 10-12 , with the exception that  102  is the motor control module instead of the pump control module as in the earlier described embodiments. It will also be appreciated that other similarly effective circuitry and components can likewise be used in implementing the operational objectives of the system. As shown in  FIG. 9 , printed circuit board  112  is made up of a light level discrimination section  100  and a motor control module  102 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , an electrical signal received from light sensor  116 , a conventional, commercially available device, is received into an optical coupler. The signal is then split and fed through two parallel hysteresis detectors to insure that motor  110  is not activated by transient signals attributable to stimuli other than a gradual darkening or lightening of ambient light to a predetermined “trigger” level. So-called “dusk” and “dawn” discriminators then compare the signal being received from light sensor  116  to predetermined signal values consistent with “dusk” and “dawn” ambient light conditions. 
     Parallel nand gates receive the signals from the discriminators, and assuming that the motor start criteria have been met, signal motor controller module to start motor  110 . Three-way switch  152  can be provided for use in turning battery power to light sensor  116  as well as an RF receiver  154  if present on or off or activate a test circuit. When system  104  is powered up, motor  110  can be activated either by light sensor  116  or by an RF signal received by RF receiver  154  from an optional remote transmitter  174 , shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Remote transmitter  174  contains button  178  used to send an RF signal to RF receiver  154  and cover  176  that can be slid over button  174  to prevent the accidental activation of system  104 . 
     Circuit board  112  can also be programmable if desired. For example, light level discrimination section  100  can be programmed to increase or decrease the sensitivity to accommodate individual preferences, local lighting conditions, and minor variations in local insect population activity. Circuit board  112  can also be programmed to include a timer to trigger the dispensing of treatment fluid at set times or at set intervals in addition to light sensor  116  or as an alternative option that may be selected using switch  152 . 
     Ambient light sensor  116  is desirably positioned so that it is not blocked from receiving the prevailing ambient light by trees, overhangs, screening structures, or the like, although it is not necessary that it be positioned to receive direct light from the sun or another light source. When positioning portable mist sprayer system  104  and light sensor  116 , care should also be given to avoiding locations where flood lights, car lights, or the like, are likely to impinge directly on the sensor, thereby impeding the ability of the sensor to monitor the prevailing ambient light conditions. 
     Although the use of batteries is disclosed herein as the electrical energy source for the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that solar cells or other sources of power can also be use to power such portable, light-activated mist sprayer systems if desired. 
     The disclosed light activated mist sprayer systems can further contain numerous additional features. For example, a motion sensor can be used to prevent or delay the release of treatment fluid  30  when individuals or pets are moving in close proximity to the spray nozzles  58  or  118 . Similarly, a rain or wind sensor can be used to delay or prevent the release of treatment fluid  30  during conditions where rain or wind will significantly lessen its effectiveness or flying insects are less likely to be active. While a number of the disclosed light activated mist sprayer systems are in the form of simulated lanterns or torches, another alternative is to include a light in the base of the fixture disclosed in  FIG. 7 ,  8 , or  10  such that the device can also operate as a lantern. 
     A number of alternative warning systems can be used to prevent accidental contact of individuals with treatment fluid  30 . While  FIGS. 10-11  depict the use of LED  150  in close proximity with light sensor  116 , alternate locations are also contemplated. For example, if the light activated mist sprayer is to be hung where LED  150  would not be easily visible through lens  148 , it would be advantageous to position LED  150  lower. One possible way of doing this is use LED  150  to light up a translucent ring around a portion of the light activated mist sprayer, so that the warning light is visible from any angle. Another alternative is to use a buzzer with or as an alternative to LED  150  to provide an audible warning prior to releasing treatment fluid  30 . 
     Spray nozzle  58  and  118  are generically disclosed. It is expressly contemplated that nozzles  58  and  118  can be flexible nozzles that can be manually redirected. Alternatively, they can have multiple ports to form a multi-angled nozzle or multiple nozzle heads can be used to dispense treatment fluid  30  over a broader area. Nozzles  58  and  118  can also be rotatably mounted, such as disclosed in  FIG. 3  to allow either manual or motorized rotation of the nozzles. Nozzles  58  and  118  can be repositioned to provide the optimal directional dispersion of treatment fluid  30  or motorized rotation can be used to dispense treatment fluid  30  over a greater area. 
     While the disclosed light activated misting systems can be used individually, a group of units can be used to provide protection for a larger area. When multiple units are used a single remote  170  can optimally be used to simultaneously manually activate a number of light activated mist systems. In addition or as an alternative to remote  170 , the light activated misting system can be voice or sound activated by using a microphone coupled with a sound interpretive circuit to prevent unintentional activation. 
     The light activated misting system has been discussed in connection with the use of a treatment fluid  30  to repel or kill flying insects, such as mosquitoes. However, the disclosed system is also useful for disposing of other treatment fluids  30 . For example, various types of repellants can be used to repel birds or squirrels especially when used in connection with a motion sensor to manually dispense treatment fluid  30 . Treatment fluid  30  may also be various types of disinfectants, sanitizers, deodorizers, or fragrances. The light activated misting system can also be used as a remote lubricator for things like garage doors and chains, where regular dispensing of lubricants is desired. Similarly, the light activated mist sprayer can be used to dispense an anti-static treatment fluid to prevent static build up on computer and other electronic equipment. The light activated mist sprayer can also be used to regularly dispense treatment fluid  30  for the treatment of a septic tank. Other uses for the light activated mist sprayer will become apparent to those of skill in the art through routine development. 
     Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification in view of the accompanying drawings, and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventors are legally entitled.

Technology Category: 7