# US 9,775,334 B2 · Insect trap with reflective interior walls > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,775,334 B2 - Document ID: US9775334B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/529,584 - Filed: 2014-10-31 - Published: 2015-06-04 - Granted: 2017-10-03 - Earliest claimed: 2002-02-11 - Assignees: Technology SG, L.P. - Applicants: Technology S.G., LP - Inventors: Thomas M. Dykstra - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9775334B2 ## CPC - A01M 1/145: {Attracting and catching insects using combined illumination or colours and adhesive surfaces} - A01M 1/02: with devices {or substances, e.g. food, pheronones} attracting the insects - A01M 1/023: {Attracting insects by the simulation of a living being, i.e. emission of carbon dioxide, heat, sound waves or vibrations} - A01M 1/10: {Catching insects by using} Traps {(using suction effect A01M1/06)} - A01M 1/14: Catching by adhesive surfaces - A01M 1/226: {by using waves, fields or rays, e.g. sound waves, microwaves, electric waves, magnetic fields, light rays} - A01M: CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS (appliances for catching swarms or drone-catching A01K57/00; fishing A01K69/00 - {A01K99/00}; biocides, pest repellants or attractants A01N); APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS ## Abstract A system and method are provided to control the amplification of natural frequencies emanating from molecules, specifically insect sex pheromones. The pheromone molecules are deposited in a resonant cavity that allows the generation of coherent and/or semi-coherent radiation. The molecular emissions are amplified in the resonant cavity and allowed to escape through a small circular opening on top of the resonant cavity. The molecules and/or their emissions dissipate into the surroundings to attract insects towards the cavity. When the insect enters the resonant cavity, a trap door prevents the insect from exiting. The molecular emissions are produced by passive diffusion and passive amplification because no pumping radiation source is required. However pumping radiation can be integrated to assist the passive amplification or serve as a second attractant. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An insect trap, comprising: a container including solid walls defining a closed space and devoid of any light source contained therein, wherein said container has an aperture, wherein at least two of said walls are at least partially covered with a mirror on the inside of said container, and a semiochemical attractant or repellant; and a permeable barrier that spans across said aperture, and wherein said permeable barrier is configured to permit at least one pest to enter said container; whereby said semiochemical attractant or repellant is dispersed via said aperture and said permeable barrier. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said at least two of said walls are parallel to one another. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said semiochemical attractant or repellant is deposited onto a substrate. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said semiochemical attractant or repellant is deposited onto said mirror. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said permeable barrier includes a resilient flap or a springing mechanism configured to return the permeable barrier to its original position after entry of the pest. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said permeable barrier is configured to prevent the pest from exiting said container upon entering said container. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said container comprises at least one of wood, plastic, cardboard, granite, metal, or glass. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said container has a rectangular shape. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said aperture is a circle with a one-quarter inch diameter. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said permeable barrier includes a plurality of flexible bristles, each of said flexible bristles being formed in or attached to said container and spanning across said aperture. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The trap of claim 10, wherein both ends of said plurality of flexible bristles are permanently attached. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said mirror completely covers the inside of said container. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, further comprising a light source situated external to said container. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said container further includes at least one sticky surface placed on the outer surface of said container. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said container further includes at least one sticky surface situated inside of said container. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The trap of claim 15, wherein the sticky surface is the color red. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, further comprising a device that can produce an electrical field within the container. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, further comprising a device that can produce sound waves at a specified frequency. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The trap of claim 1, wherein said permeable barrier is attached to said container. ### Claim 20 An insect trap, comprising: a container including solid walls defining a closed space and devoid of any light source contained therein, wherein said container has an aperture, wherein at least two of said walls are at least partially covered with a mirror on the inside of said container; a permeable barrier that spans across said aperture, and wherein said permeable barrier is configured to permit at least one pest to enter said container; and a unit external to said container, wherein said unit and said container are connected via a vent formed in said container, wherein a semiochemical attractant or repellant is situated in said unit, whereby said semiochemical attractant or repellant is dispersed via said aperture and said permeable barrier.