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US 7,841,131 B2Granted
Light trap for insects
AssigneeEcolab Inc.
InventorThomas D. Nelson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Several embodiments of an insect trap using attractant light displayed on a projection surface are disclosed. The insect trap can be mounted on a vertical surface such as a wall or on a horizontal surface such as a ceiling. The trap has a light source configured to direct substantially all light from the source to the projection surface. Insects attracted by the light pattern on the projection surface are immobilized on an adhesive surface. A method of trapping insects is also disclosed.
Claims27
A trap for insect pests comprising:
- (a) a bottom wall and a housing, wherein the housing comprises a front wall and side walls, and wherein the front wall and the side walls define an upwardly directed opening when the trap is mounted on a vertical surface;
- (b) a light source provided below an upper edge of the housing and enclosed within the housing, wherein the light source provides insect attractant light, and the light source including a light source surface;
- (c) a light source covering that covers at least a portion of the light source surface such that a portion of the light source surface is uncovered, the insect attractant light is directed through the upwardly directed opening to a projection surface outside the trap and above the trap when the trap is mounted on a vertical surface, and there is not an effective insect attracting emission of light from any portion of the trap except the upwardly facing opening;
- (d) an insect immobilization surface within the trap, wherein the insect immobilization surface comprises a removable adhesive sheet;
- and
- (e) wherein the insect pests enter the trap only through the upwardly directed opening.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.