US4768306A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and system for killing fire ants
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1987-09-08
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Granted: 1988-09-06
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Expires: 2007-09-08
Abstract
Abstract A method and device for killing fire ants in a mound comprising a shroud which will fit over the mound and conform to the contour of the ground. The shroud is provided with a relief valve, a tube or hose for admitting an exhaust gas into the shroud and a handle for lifting the device. Exhaust gases directed into the mound and into cavities made by the fire ants will exterminate the ants.
Inventors
- 👤 Steve Hilbun
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:04
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01M; A01M1/00; A01M1/20; A01M1/2022; A01M1/2027; A01M1/2038; A01M17/00; A01M17/002; A01M2200/00; A01M2200/01; A01M2200/011
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of exterminating fire ants in a fire ant mound in the ground which comprises placing a covering over the fire ant mound with the covering surrounding and conforming to the shape of the area of the ground surrounding the fire ant mound and directing exhaust gases of a combustion engine into the area bound by the covering above the fire ant mound, and permitting any excess exhaust gases above a set pressure to escape from said covering to prevent engine failure.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
83 words
A method of exterminating fire ants in a fire ant mound in the ground which comprises placing a covering over the fire ant mound with the covering surrounding and conforming to the shape of the area of the ground surrounding the fire ant mound and directing exhaust gases of a combustion engine into the area bound by the covering above the fire ant mound, and permitting any excess exhaust gases above a set pressure to escape from said covering to prevent engine failure.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for exterminating fire ants in a fire ant mound in the ground surface which comprises a covering made of a pliable material and having an open bottom end of sufficient size to fit over the fire ant mound and which will conform along its bottom surface to a contour of the ground surface upon which the covering is placed, a hose connected to said covering, which hose is adapted to connect onto an exhaust pipe of a combustion engine, and a pressure relief valve which prevents back-up of exhaust gases above a set pressure to return to said engine to prevent engine failure.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
105 words
A device for exterminating fire ants in a fire ant mound in the ground surface which comprises a covering made of a pliable material and having an open bottom end of sufficient size to fit over the fire ant mound and which will conform along its bottom surface to a contour of the ground surface upon which the covering is placed, a hose connected to said covering, which hose is adapted to connect onto an exhaust pipe of a combustion engine, and a pressure relief valve which prevents back-up of exhaust gases above a set pressure to return to said engine to prevent engine failure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
A device as set forth in claim 2, wherein said covering of pliable material has a central upper portion of rigid material secured thereto to which said hose, said pressure relief valve and a lifting device are secured.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1991-09-06 | 1992-03-07 | 1992-09-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-09-06 | 1996-03-07 | 1996-09-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-09-06 | 2000-03-07 | 2000-09-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |